Tunes along time.

2011 has seen an explosion of new music on the scene. I say new, i mean old music that has transformed from kids with the knack of flicking fringes and writing pop-punk hooks, to mature musicians who treat each track with depth. Thought it would be fun to have a nose at a few of the bands that have blossomed in my life time, and decide whether it was for the better.

I have this dirty secret that i am often looked down upon for... I think the Red Hot Chilli Peppers are a bit over-rated...i'd go as far as to say i dislike them. When musicians become famous for a certain style, they usually take the opportunity to flex their musical muscles and experiment with something new. Rather dissapointingly, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers seem to have not done that, but rather stuck to their old ways. They swear by the template of jazzy bass intro, drum beat, funky focals and catchy chorus. I bought "I'm With You" last weekend, and every track is so similar it's boring. Yes, i'll admit that "The adventures of raindance maggie" is catchy, but it's only as good as their old stuff, nothing gob-smacking like "By The Way" Also, without Flea (who is, by the way, a god) RHCP would be more like slightly-limp-green-capsican peppers- nice enough, but nothing to really look forward to.
The "hey now" bit could easily slip into "Californication" or other soft whiny verses. If you're a fan of this band's previous albums, then chances are, you'll lap this album up. I on the other hand, like a bit of variation in my music, and i'm afraid that the peppers aren't that hot this time around.

A band that i feel lately have been pressured to pump out the songs is Arctic Monkeys. Previously, i thought this band could do no wrong. I loved everything they wrote, from their very first album "Whatever people say i am, that's what i'm not" they have a flare, an aching coolness that the world hadn't seen since The Libertines. The album name itself implies that this is a bunch of misunderstood, cynical, and therefore appealing individuals.  "Crying lightening" hit all the right buttons to please the "Indie-Cindy" inside me. I was still getting to know "Humbug" when out of nowhere came "Suck it and see." An album that I feel was over-laiden with tracks which were, in short,  somewhat alien. 'Brick by Brick' never really kicks in, despite the opening line being ''I wanna build you up.' (ironic) and 'Black Treacle' is a song that has no hook, but just hums on somewhat soporifically.  It says alot when your favourite song on the new album sounds like it belongs on their first or second one. (See Library pictures, and tell me it wouldn't better fit ''Favourite Worst Nightmare.) I get the feeling they just can't bebothered anymore, even the minimalistic look on the album cover looks as though they just couldn't be bothered anymore.

My Chemical Romance. Oh how i adored you. You were the bane of my mother's life, what with the sound of music bleeding through the walls, and the blue-tack pulling the paint off because i have so many posters up. I loved how each album showed another side of MCR, Three cheers was better produced and planned than "Bullets". (Although it was the rawness of bullets that we all fell for) Then they breathed an element of maturity into "Black Parade." They weren't just talking about drugs and parties and girls anymore, this alum was about the afterlife, world wars and terminal illness... Once you have made such heart-throbbingly amazing music, do you regress a decade and act like children in your new album? Most of the songs aren't that great on "Killjoys", not to mention the tights and plastic guns, They are 5 men with wives and children for Christ's sake. This is what a mid-life crisis looks like if you have the music industry at your beck and call.

Let's end on a high. 2011 hasn't been all rushed re-inventions of bands that were perfectly good before.
The Kooks were introduced to me by my boyfriend 4 years ago. I started the transition by listening to Konk; It's slightly more rocky than "inside in inside out" and really lodged itself in my ears. There are so many songs on the album that make you think "why isn't this released as a single? It has merit enough!" So when "Junk of the heart" came out, it was a pleasant collection of songs that, although different enough to be refreshing, retained enough of the Kooks' essence to stay familiar and not altogether foreign to my ears. "I wanna make you happy!" In a world that sings of death and heartbreak, this is a nice little breath of air. Full on characteristic sing-along anthems and uplifting tracks, this album gets played everytime I'm in the car. Whilst i adore track number 10 for it's ballady beauty, the song "Is it me?" oozes vintage chic aswell as musical brilliance. Luke Pritchard's voice is second only to the amazing playing of Hugh Harris. Every member knows their instrument inside out and produce music that is time after time, intricate, and methodical and flawless.


My eyes are starting to blur and my head hurts. Might have something to do with the fact that England decides to have a bloody stupid heat wave right as i look forward to new autumn outfits. I can't take this weather anomaly and am therefore going to bed. So come back later in the week for  the next installation.
-T'rrah!

My mixtape, for you lovely people.

My work experience with Kerrang!Radio has reached it's mid-way "Hump" As KateLawler would say; I'm half way through and loving every second of it. 

One thing that the old 105.2 regularly asks of their Kerrang!utan fans is their favourite "tune of the year" I like this enough to take it a step further and collate a mixtape of, well, whatever the hell i wanted really.

This blog is all about sharing music, so here is a couple of tracks, both new and old, not always my favourite, just what i fancied today...so come and gettem' whilst they're hot off my iPod. 

 

(In no order)

Regina Spektor- Fidelity

I say no order, but there is a good reason this is top. It's not necessarily my favourite, nor is it  the best technically. It's not the best seller, and it's not the most famous. However, it's at the top of the list because i remember the second i heard this song-she was on some silly talk show- i fell in love, not just with the track but with the singer. You know how you look at someone's eyes-nothing else- and Bam you're in love? This song was the gateway into a love affair with every song she has ever written. Spektor breaks conventions whilst still creating music that is fantastic, quirky and brilliant.

Iggy Pop- I wanna be your dog
Iggy is Legend. Fact. This was one of the first songs i ever learned to play on my bass guitar when i was in my dad's cover band aged 13. Very much like my dad, Iggy point blank refuses to acknowledge he is no longer a teenager, and is therefore growing old disgracefully. I doubt this man even knows that there is in fact alternative trouser-wear out there, not just skinny drainpipes. (Thankfully, my dad does) Although he looks slightly like a melted candle, Iggy is going strong, and it's songs that stretch as far back as the 60s like this one does, that means he can act like a kid even if he is grandad age.
Vocal howls, tambourines, dirty dirty dirty guitars; this song is what is means to lose control and rock without a care in the world. Funnily enough, it started ife as a ballad about his girlfriend stroking his hair like a pet dog, but Iggy doesn't do soppy. No, that's not his style, this is as close to a love song as he gets. And my hat goes off to this guy for teaching us a valuable life lesson; Grow old with as little dignity and with as much noise as possible.

Rise against-Give it all

I went to see these guys at the little Civic in Wolvo, and they Blew. Me. Away. Listening to this track takes me back to that moment of pure energy when everyone was dancing and singing along in unison.  Screw redbull, Rise Against give you wings; they make your toes tingle with energy that pulsates through your earphones. 

Just don't play this song on the train, you can't help but headbang, and there's a very real risk you'll end up flicking the ticket man the middle finger just 'cause you're wound up.

Patrick wolf- childcatcher

Another strange one for you. This is music that sounds like it's crawled out of a child's storybook... but at midnight, and all the characters have pointy teeth.  "Gonna be your right of passage" This is the point at which the irony of using a childhood villain from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang  hits you; it's disturbing, it's uneasy listening... but it's morbidly brilliant. Then the rave-like bass and drum kicks in, and you don't know if you're still in the realms of metaphor, or a nightclub. The lyrics "I think you  enjoyed it" are contrasted with the chilling childish pipe-playing, and it's this that Wolf ends the track with, leaving you with goosepimples, but unable to resist listening to it again.

Muse- Unintended

Aaaand we're back in the realms of the soppy and ballady. I don't care, it's my mixtape. Plus this one's a korker.

The guitar is hauntingly soft, and it's Bellamy's voice that shoulders the weight of this song and carries it. "I'll be there as soon as i can." How HOW HOW can a man's voice be so delicate and damn beautiful as that?! "You could be my unintended choice" -Matt knows the genius of addressing the listener accordingly, you end up breaking your heart over a voice, thinking "what me? He's talking to me?"

It's not Muse's loudest or most technical song. I could rave about New Born, Plug In Baby, Showbiz, Hysteria, or Time is running out (which i'm sure i will in due course) but this is one of the under-rated gems that i think deserves a look-in.

And for the record, feel free to download those muse tracks above mentioned. Legally of course, don't be a t*t.

Damien Rice- Cannonball 

This song is 5.08 minutes of Escapists' paradise, sinking into Damien's typical breathy voice and signature folk guitar. 

My Chemical Romance- House Of Wolves

Okay, let's liven things up.

The intro is bold, ballsy and foot-stampingly catchy. The lyrics fit perfectly into the conceptual album "The Black Parade." And boy, isn't that just a brilliant album? Seriously, i'm a Huge fan. It's like their music matured enough to appeal across the board, but kept the dark rocky edge that their fans fell in love with years before. 

Shame they regressed about 20 years and released a dissappointingly awful fourth album.

Three Days Grace- I Hate Everything About You

The intro is dark, cool, edgy. You instantly feel yourself becoming more cynical about life with each passing second. It's not exactly uplifting, but it's got a brilliant chorus, and i guess it's good for letting off steam when you've had a bad day. Not to mention the booming, driving surge of the bass guitar thumping along to the drums, this song definitley deserves a spot in my mix tape.

Mumford&Sons-The Cave

 M&S get alot of stick from the music industry for being handed fame on a plate because they are 'wealthy'. Shame on you, Music industry, you would applaud a poor musician for breaking stereotypes, so why not these guys too? Is their music not infectious, inspiring and altogether brilliant?! I watched them on the telly at Glastonbury last year, and they took my breath away. They really know how to make folk-music commercial, but without making it overly-twee. Huzzah for Mumford and all his sons that there may be.

Dresden Dolls-Girl Anachronism

You are either going to love or hate this song, but being as it's my mixtape i'm hoping you're going to love it. It's about a girl with schizophrenia; the word 'anachronism' is defined as a "chronological misplacing of letters in spelling." this is reflected in the piano; practically bashed at a dizzying pace, combined with Amanda's squeals and shouts as she adopts different characters;

"It's just the way the medication makes her." "The attention just encourages her." 

"I might join your century but only on the rare occasion." 

In short, it's crazy, but it's intentionally so, as that's the story it's telling. As always, Dresen Dolls' Lyrics are razor sharp and delivered with edge and Amanda's characteristic caberet showiness.

Tracy Chapman -Revolution

This woman is legend. She's a Black, Gay, American Female Musician living through the pre 80s. Heavens, Chapman should be given awards just for making it through alive! The title of this song indicates her entire approach to life: The album is a plethora of political and social debate. Again, i've picked this song, not just for it's individual merit, but because it represents everything that Tracy is. She's not just inspiring, but taken at face value, her songs are catchy and fresh- enjoying plays on modern music stations today.

In fact, i paused this blog for 15 minutes so i could put this song on repeat for a while.

Arctic Monkeys- Brianstorm.
Alex Turner has a tongue like a knife. His lyrics aren't just good, they tell an entire story with wit and with more than a pinch of cheek. He oozes a coolness that rubs off onto his music; The Arctic Monkeys walk that fine line between the genres of uplifting indie and rock. They're respected as a rock band, but retain the melodic catchiness attributed to other indie bands such as the Kooks. They're my favourite band, and i think this song encapsulates the oomph they inject into all their albums.
Give them a listen, if -yanno- you're cool enough.

E.P Review; The Sinful Digital

I did see this band at Pulse fest, but unfortunately i had to leave half way through their set-not by choice mind- so thought it unfair to do a review based on one song. Since then, they got in contact asking me  check out their facebook and to listen their E.P.

The aptly named "Kung-fu Stereo" begins with the tranquil, melancholy song of the Chinese violin, You begin to think 'what the hell? -Some kind of classic/rock mash up?' ... Until you realise its all a joke and you've just fallen for it. It will make you laugh. "You think you are ready? You are not ready!" (got to say guys, this bit sounds more Russian than Chinese) It's like the narrative from some weird xbox game, but once the gimmick is over they actually start with the music. Not sure i appreciate what this beginning bit is all about, but at least it makes it quirky...

The vocals come in and they ooze with angst, energy and passion. "Kicking on back with a Kungfu- stereo" "his voice reminds me of "Caged Elephant" ...but on speed. And the rest...
Although heavy rock is at the heart of this track -(the pulse that is the crashing drums, trying it's best to smash though your speakers)-the lyrics are audible and it's still extremely catchy. They don't make the mistake of just playing as hard as possible; they remember that its the makeup of the song that counts; and it works! By the second chorus you're singing along, and by the time you've listened to it a few times (as you do when writing a review) you're singing it in the shower word-perfect, even that stupid dialogue from the beginning. (damn)
 At the beginning i said that  didn't quite "get" the starting dialogue, but now i see that it's because it's stupid and a bit of a mess around that makes it brilliant; In a word it's fun- you can hear how much of a laugh these guys must have had in the that they play so enthusiastically. 
And what is music if you don't enjoy playing it?

The Kindling-(From out of the wreckage) 10/10

At first, it's tempting to turn up the volume to make sure you've got the song playing properly. You hear a rattle-"are my speakers working?"- Then the drum beat makes you jump out of your skin. But that's a good insight;
As the first song, the whole of ''Dancers'' has a creepy, jump-out-of-your-skin texture to it.
I really love this song. Like, really love it. It's dark and slow paced, but the jagged ice-like "rewind" effect punctures the velvet smoothness. Yet it still stirs that feeling in your gut that an uptempo song does, a trait that is definitely due to Leon's driving drumbeat and the reoccuring and infectious melody of Ben's echoing bass. It's the kind of song that gazes into your eyes over coffee and makes you fall slightly in love. You know when something is so strange and beautiful that it kind of hurts a little? That's this track.

The soft guitar, stringy banjo and deep bass lines of ''Runaway shoes'' transport you to a past time, you can practically hear the sepia tints in this antiqity-kissed track. It has just a flavoring of country, like Jeff Buckley, Nick drake and Mumford and sons got ground up and spiced the edges. To put it bluntly, this is my favourite.Although a good dose of melancholia is indeed injected into the veins of this song, it stays on the right side of solemn; beautiful without being at all boring. Guy Wier's vocals whisper intimatley in your ear, the occasional lyric is inaudible for the breathy sound, but this just makes the feel of the song more intense and sensual. "Take me back home take me back home" -with a voice like that i'm sure many would love to.

''Acrobats''; Someone is speaking to you, directly to you-almost as though they are on the phone. "Was i drowning?" (with a cymbal roll coming in at precisely the perfect time.) It's a little disturbing, as though this person is not quite balanced; like an old war hero who has seen one thing too many. (This is the judgement i made from the character anyway, i invite and encourage you to make your own...) As he reflects, he half sings the odd line, creating yet another layer of intregue for this mystery man. The rguitar builds suspense, relieved by the melodic voice of the chorus. Trumpets. Yes, perfect. why didn't i think of it. the seemingly random addition of this instrument seems, after consideration, perfect. The whole song after all is nostalgic; a trait that the mournful song of this instrument adds to. It may seem that 5 minutes is a little long for a track, but not so-once you come down from the trip that is this song, you'll wish it lasted longer.

I haven't decided whether "Throw it on the fire" is a track that makes me feel uplifted, or a little low.  ...But then there's the lyrics, oh those heart-wrenching lyrics. "I know that it's over. I know that i am through. I'm just so tired of playing these riddiculuous games with you.' His voice flickers, as though at any time he may fade out... "Throw it on the fire..." Could there be a flicker of hope simmering beneath the weight of such a song? This song reaches into your chest cavity and gives your heart a good squeeze. They capture both hope and despair, serenely mixing radiating guitars and yearning vocals in this all-enveloping taste of beauty. This is however probably my least favourite song on the album, as I don't feel it has the same catchy rhythm, or experimentation, but i suppose that's like saying it's the worst of the best-and still pretty damn good.
(Author'sNote: I came back to this track 4 month's after this post was written, it's now January 2012 and ThrowItOnTheFire is now my favourite track. Goes to show what a quality album these guys have."

Have i mentioned Jeff Buckley yet? I can't help but draw the comparison. Listen to "you and I" or "Last goodbye" and tell me the soulful tone to his voice isn't somewhat familiar. However that's not to say that The Kindling sound much like anyone, they are a taste of something totaly new.
"From out the wreckage" can boast genius, individuality, and experimentation. There's a sence of real passion and individuality that raises this band from the status of "just another good band" to "a really amazing band like i haven't heard for a long time"
I wasn't going to do this, but what the hell, I think that Guy is the next Matt Bellamy. He's played seven parts on this EP; Banjo, Glockenspiel, Mellotron, tape effects, Lap steel, and of course guitar as well as singing! Jesus effing christ, in my eyes he is a genius. Let's not let this man overshadow his accompanying band mates, all of whom are exceptionally talented and were born to come together in this band.

I've listened to this band all weekend literally on repeat, and i'm still gob-smacked by them.  I'm proud that i've been asked to review such an extraordinary album, so get listening!

http://www.thekindling.info/the_kindling/Music.html

Mini review

I've been really busy this week, and will be this weekend also, so I haven't had chance to go to any gigs. Here's a "reviewlet" to keep you going until next Thursday

I was asked by TYPE40 to write just a few lines about what i thought of their EP

This was my response.

 The first notes of "fun in summer'' fall on the ears with a torrade of guitar and catchy lyrics. A brilliant opening that hooks you in, toys with you, and then blasts you back with walls of sound. It's good, but there's another that's my favourite...
With a title like "wounded man" one would expect the typical ballad of slow pace and somewhat tedius pining. What you don't expect is to be greeted by the crunchy opening riff that is somewhat reminiscent of metalica, acdc and green day. That's one mix of music, but what the hell-it works. Yeah it's a ballad, but instead of wallowing, it gets up and flicks a middle finger at the world.
Rock and roll is dead? I guess Type 40 never got that memo...

PULSE FESTIVAL

You could say that the Metal-graced theme of this festival would have worked against it- but you would be wrong. Pulse festival proved to be extremely dynamic and varied. The open setting- a large field (at one end a stage and at the other a marquee) meant that there was music blaring from all ends of the spectrum to suit any palette.
Even at 9.30am (the time at which i arrived) there were tents set up and band members lurking around, distinguishable by their accompanying instruments carried around like badges of honour.
Organisers in their luminescent green high-vis jackets ran around tying up any loose ends before the festival began.
In truth, it was hard to say at which point the festival actually did begin. Delayed because of the pouring rain, there was a lot of standing around waiting... Had i been a few inches shorter, i would have been able to enjoy the benefits of my lovely accomplice's umbrella. A bag, notepad, pen and phone in hand, i felt a brolly one instrument too many. This is why, when the heavens opened, i got soaked to the bone. People were reluctant to leave the shelter of their tents, however those that did brave the downpour were rewarded by the first band to grace the main stage "Elessar"
Those that were amongst the drenched audience assured me that "these guys are heavy man, totaly mental!" Nevertheless, Elessar did not let the rain dampen the atmosphere.
The repetitive bang of a single drum whilst soundchecking gave an insight into what was to come; The way that one snare could pulsate through my ribcage and make it rattle promised volume and density at least- This band broke 20 noise regulations just by tuning up. We were not let down.
The stage exploded into juddering drum beats and squeeling guitar. The vocals alternated between beast-like grunting of the main vocalist, to the melodic harmonies of the guitarist-a trait that reminded me of "A Day To Remember" but with more blood lust. To sum up, whilst retaining melody, this band were fierce, vicious and frantic. But yanno, in that good way that makes you want to kiss someone and them punch them straight afterwards.
You know music has energy when people in the crowd communicate by sign because their eardrums have been blown in...

 

( i think the rain is so heavy here it's actually visable...)

That was the main stage, but at the other end of the large field stood two ajoined marquee tents harboring music equipment and gatherings of people. This is where i uncovered "The Unknown" -a young group of band mates Courtney, Dave, Josh and Dylan.
Managing to grab a few moment of front woman Courtney's time revealed to us that past the converse heels and rockstar strut, hid a modest and sweet young girl. She told us that she was a little apprehensive about singing covers by men, and hoped that she did them justice. And boy, did she deliver! Any worries Courtney had about living up to the covers were unfounded-from this petite girl sprung a voice that completely knocked me back. Her strong, and perfectly in tune voice belted out and her feminine touch breathed a softness into classics such as Stone Sour's "Looking at you through the glass"
The Unknown chose well-known covers such as Green Day and Guns and Roses. Whilst the animation of the crowd proved this to be a huge advantage, when Paramore appeared in their set, the comparison was naturally drawn with Hayley Williams- a voice that professionals would have difficulty immitating. Any small mistake was instantly picked up because the songs were so well-known, but Courtney gave it her all and i commend her immensley for that.
Lead did what lead is meant to do- deliver note-perfect solos, piercing and awe-inspiring. This is what punk-pop-rock is all about. As the set went on, the band became more relaxed and the nerves that were so visable at the begining were melting into enjoyment. The drummer really gave it his all whilst the bassist kept perfectly in time. 15 years old is still relativley young- a fact that perhaps manifested in their occasional timing mistakes. However i put this down to inexperience and is something that i'm sure they will work on.
( My advise would be that Courtney in particular should loosen up and believe in the beautiful talent that she has.)

This side of the field was a world away from the long-haired head-bangers of the opposite field. At this hour, the marquee was graced by girls with daisy headbands and flowery chinos. The laid-back air of tranquility was adorned by accoustic 2-piece The K.Cs If Adele and Damien-rice had a love-child, so would spring the K.Cs.
The accoustic guitar was played at  perfect volume so as to add melody and acompaniment to the singer, rather than drown it out (as other bands seemed to be doing today.) Compared to the Main stage, there was a more "gently gently" approach to enthrall and entice the listeners. Both Jake and Gabby's performances were heart-breakingly beautiful, giving the festival a taste of pure talent.
My instant reaction was "WHY aren't these guys world-renowned?!"
then came the proverbial "cherry on top"
"Sometimes i feel like throwing my hands up in the air"
You could physically see the ears prick up at the familiar line sang so perfectly and accuratley whilst retaining a certain personal twist that i can't quite put my finger on. Perhaps it was the breathy velvet voice of Gabby's. Perhaps it was the light guitar that laced the song. Whatever it was, the overall delicate response to this song was amazing and i, for one, preferred it to the origional!
Get famous already.

Before heading back over to the main stage, i manged to grab a few words with Gerogia Stanway, a blue-eyed blonde-haired boho babe who owns up to being a KT Tunstall fan, and describes her music as "pop-accoustic." Although i had unfortunately missed her set, it is always interesting to talk to a fellow music lover, especially someone as genuinley lovely as this. Her wide-eyed expression and toothy smile made her totaly approachable, and her responses suggested that this girl had as much brain as beauty. "I think women tend to lean towards accoustic music because it requires a softer touch, wheras rock music can tend to be quite angry and masculine. Perhaps that is why it is dominated by male figures." 
"Music has always been a big part of my life, and I wanted to be able to give something back."
She holds her guitar with such confidence and ease that it seems to be a part of her, like her indie influenced fashion or her well-spoken dialect.
And it seems that Georgina has had some well-deserved attention and has been signed by "Assorted records" record label, but it hasn't stopped her keeping her feet on the ground;  "Anybody wanting to get into live music should just go for it. Put yourself out there."
She is currently recording her E.P, which is out  next month.





The rain had subsided enough to allow me to wander the trecharously muddy field back to the main stage.
As I had already introduced myself as the Festival reviewer earlier today, the guys from Killing the Tyrant felt they were on "telling-us-off-for-leaving-earlier" basis with my friend Louise and I. The Northeners also spared a second tell off the "C****s" for using "their footall" -this all whilst on stage. These guys were real characters-having a cheeky laugh with the crowd inbetween songs, and the guitarist falling to his back mid-solo. Light-hearted antics merged to serious passion- The singer menacingly perching his foot on the monitor, as though threatening to leap from the stage and maul the closest being to him. However, this should come as a given. KTT are no strangers to crowds- Showmanship being the main symptom contracted from a U.K tour. (In fact, they had travelled through the night to be here, as last night they were playing in Lowestoft!)
Today played host to a band that is tight. Fierce. Energetic. (Brootal, even, as a bloke in front of me commented.) Also, they were genuine decent and cool lads that were easy to talk to and a laugh to hang out with. All the best to Killing The Tyrant on their tour. And for God's sake get some sleep. (,:

All this and these are just the highlights. I would have loved to stay for the Saturday and Sunday, but i was on holiday for the weekend, or else i'd have totally camped out.
HUGE thanks to Chloe Avon and DreamStreet Management for organising the whole thing-fabulous job guys :) Look forward to working with you all soon!

Louise and I in the pub at Pulse.

Gig of the month

Somethings in life shouldn't go together, but just do. Ham and pineapple. Fries and strawberry milkshake. Rap and rock... but who says they shouldn't?

This is the question i asked myself as i sat perched, Archers&lemon in hand, on a stool in Woody's Bar- Hednesford. I love this place, it's THE place to be on a Thursday evening for the music night. This is the kind of scene where instruments are left leaning on the bar, graffiti of Oasis and Stone roses grace the walls, and the custom are interlinked by an intricate network of who-plays-what-with-who-in-which-band. Therefore you can understand the surprise with which i watched as visiting American Rap artist "AJ" climbed onto a stage filled with amps and drums; it seemed we were witnessing the proverbial "fish out of water." You could feel the apprehension of the audience- "who is this guy, where is his guitar, and why can't he say "Cannock" properly?" The fact that he had brought with him his own backing track and payed female dancer seemed a little staged and over done. I rolled my eyes at my boyfriend, expecting an awkward set of ill-chosen rap songs delivered by an over-confident "outsider". I did feel a pang of pity for him, perhaps his bravado would have worked for a different crowd. This however, was  clearly not his scene. I braced myself for the worst.

 Oddly enough however, the quiet trepidation that met the rapper upon first glance melted into bopping of heads and tapping of feet. In an indie muso bar such as Woody's, this is the pinnacle of acceptance. Each song was received by a cheering audience (unlike earlier performers, who were so bad that people seemed suddenly clenched by in-depth conversations to escape the off-notes.)

I do not believe that it was due to AJ's confession of love for our little town of Cannock ("Kay-Nok") or even his confidence and stage presence, but rather that he was a good musician. His raps were well delivered, his melodies catchy and rhythmic. Although the majority of the audience consisted of indie rock listeners, anyone who loves music can recognise talent, even if it is not of your preferred genre.  No matter where you come from or what genre you like, it is the core love of music that binds people across the board. So what if you wear drainpipes, or or oversized gangster hoodies? Linkin Park have taken rap and rock and ran with it- From what i hear they're hardly short of a fan or two.

We owe alot to 'AJ' of Texas; Perhaps it is time we all started dipping our fries in milkshake.