Christmas is overrated and New Year is a let down when you've got 4000 words to write on what names are and whether John McCain exists in a far off galaxy and actually got elected in 2008. Yes this is my degree. Happy 2010.

Rage for number 1

Fans of one of my favourite bands ever, Rage Against the Machine have created a facebook group in an attempt to get the band's 1992 hit "Killing in the Name" to Christmas Number 1. Over 800,000 people have joined the group which is predominately a backlash against Simon Cowell and the X Factor parade which has dominated the Christmas Chart for the last few years. Although they're signed franchises of the same record label, it's a inspirational statement of anarchy by over three quarters of a million people, who do not wish to see a brand control the music industry. Although singles do not hold the same credible chart status that they once did, the fact that the chart has developed into more of a wiped up, glossed over karaoke competition is shameful. Britain has the most decorated and established music scene and produced more world-famous bands than any other nation in the world, and when this age old tradition becomes tarred with reality shows, rather than unique, cutting edge and experimental musicians breaking onto the scene, action had to be taken. Rage themselves have backed the bid and appeared on morning radio performing the song, which you can listen to here http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/audio/2009/dec/17/rage-against-the-machine-bbc-5live

Ok, so it's not friendly listening, but since when was music supposed to be? Music is about a cause and emotion, not hand-picked models on glorified talent shows singing a song written by a Disney icon, which is why this Christmas it will be a refreshing change to have musicians who write and play their own music at the top of the charts, so download Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name" and give music it's voice back.

The Last 10 Years.

Well, we're drawing close to the end of the noughties. In terms of music, there's a lot of debate as to defining tracks and artists of the decade, The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, Kings of Leon, Muse, Razorlight...actually scrap the last one. Ten years ago I was 10 years old, had just started high school, I thought letting myself in to my house after school was a big deal, England were about to be knocked out of Euro 2000 by Portugal (again) and some huge bug was about to eat all our computers. Now, I'm half way through a degree, living away from home, England are probably due to be knocked out of the World Cup by Portugal later next year, at least some things never change. I can't believe how quickly the last ten years have gone to be honest. A LOT has happened, and I pretty much couldn't have asked for any more. Seven years of high school, various jobs, a Gap Year, starting Uni, making some friends for life, seeing more live bands than I care to mention, four Leeds Festivals (one Wakestock) GCSE's, A Levels, The Commonwealth Games in 2002, a ridiculous amount of alcohol consumed.

In ten years time, I hope I'm able to look back on the 10's with such fond memories.