Savages-Husbands

I've discovered many, many bands in 2012, with the newest one I've checked out being Savages. Savages remind me a little of Funeral Party, with more thrash. The track Husbands is released this week, and front woman Jehnny Beth whispers through this track with the odd screech from her. Savages are the first all girl rock band that I can think of, who have made a great breakthrough. Husbands is a decent song, but it is missing something. For one, it is so repetitive that at some points in the song I wish I could drown the noise out with Nicki Minaj (yes I said it) and secondly it is messy at parts. I feel that Savages definitely have a great future, I just think they will forget about this song when they look to the future.

Rating: 5/10

Listen to "Savages-Husbands" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtHiMJMn2Dg

Feeder-Idaho

Never really listened to Feeder, despite their reputation and the years they have appeared in British rock music. I've got to say I've missed out a bit. Their new track Idaho is just like Feeder's old music, just typical rock, simple beat, simple lyrics and a good song overall. Although I might be stating the obvious with the title, Idaho is a fantastic driving song if you were on the highway in America. Anyway, back to the song itself, I really like the feel that the song has and it is unfortunate that Feeder haven't charted any higher than 5th in the UK charts (with their song "Buck Rodgers") because I feel they are better than that. Not bad song, I could definitely put up with it and a great introduction to Feeder.

Rating: 6/10

Listen to "Feeder-Idaho" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Pum1KFgdqU

The Maccabees-Ayla

Love this from The Maccabees. Ayla really is a beautiful song with great lyrics and a great voice behind it. After hearing it for the first time on the radio I liked this song. The one trouble with The Maccabees is hearing the lyrics. As much as the song is hypnotising in itself, you cannot sing along to this unless you know the lyrics. Nonetheless, I shouldn't be rambling on about lyrics, this song is great and as I've said before such a very beautiful.

Rating: 8/10

Listen to "The Maccabees-Ayla" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5KE_-NsjAQ

Little Mix-Wings

Frankly, only a couple of X Factor contestants have actually got a lot of talent, like Olly Murs, but I really didn't expect it from Little Mix. Before hearing their new single Wings I just seen the band as some beautiful eye candy who were great at harmonies. Wings reminds me of a proper funky cowboy rodeo song. Why? I do not know it just does, and somehow it has managed to be accepted quite well. The chorus is where the addiction comes from, with such a catchy beat and decent lyrics. The bridge is poor and the verses could be a little better, but Little Mix could be my guilty pleasure. Watch out Girls Aloud...

Rating: 7/10

Listen to "Little Mix-Wings" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOQDsmEqVt8

Bastille-Bad Blood

I usually compare new bands to greater bands who are among the best in the world, but not Bastille. They are completely fresh with their electric beat, which really enthralls the listener. Their new track Bad Blood is their best one. Frontman Dan Smith has some of the best vocals I've heard in a while, and this song is like Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto album, except it is better. On hearing Coldplay's latest album, I really disliked it as it was light years away from the previous albums, but Bastille have been very original and managed to avoid most critics (not me) of being labelled "The next generic Coldplay". Anyway, Bastille are ones definitely to look out for, and Bad Blood is top of the pile.

Rating: 9/10

Listen to "Bastille-Bad Blood" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoNYlV07Cf8

Maximo Park-The Undercurrents

Well, I don't know what I think about this song. Maximo Park were one of my favourites as an early teen, with hits like Our Velocity and The Untouchable. Now, they are fading into the background of generic rock music, struggling to make a decent record. I don't get what is appealing about their single The Undercurrent. It's just boring and just like many bands, they "are not like they used to be". Forever wishing that Maximo Park go back to the way they used to.

Rating: 3/10

Listen to "Maximo Park-The Undercurrents" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTzCIZKgRMo

Muse-Madness

Muse gone dubstep, as crazy as it seems isn't too bad. Whether you love them or you hate them, they always turn heads with the strange directions they take. To be honest, I quite like Muse and although their new track Madness is no where near the class of their earlier songs, this is certainly not too bad either. It gives them a different look, unique material and more people talking about them. The new upcoming album, The 2nd Law, will cause a lot of controversy with the band's new path, but it can work.

Rating: 7/10

Listen to "Muse-Madness" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq9zhpBweDk

Linkin Park-Lost In the Echo

I really can't this song seriously. Right, WHY are Linkin Park doing a Transformer song? When I say Transformer song, I mean that in three and a half minutes, they somehow changed to a completely different genre of music. Lost In the Echo starts off like a cheap DJ's rave song and finishes like some deep, heavy rock song which really doesn't have much feeling behind it. I'm afraid Linkin Park can no longer get away with their usual formula for their songs: Rap, rock, scream down the microphone. It has failed them here and their most recent album has not lived up to the standards of their greatest album Hybrid Theory. Bad luck guys.

Rating: 3/10

Listen to "Linkin Park-Lost In the Echo" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNv5g_9EliQ

Hadouken!-Bad Signal

Ah i've not heard from Hadouken! in a while. Love these guys and their proper grime-electro underground music which they have continued, but their single Bad Signal is sounding more like Nero or Chase and Status. Now that's a good thing and a bad thing. Bad thing is you can only listen to so much of Nero before going insane, and Hadouken! thrive off individualism and being one of a kind. However, the good thing is music like this is not selling out, and to be compared to the likes of Chase and Status shows they have great material once again. James Smith keeps up his traditional rapping which works so well with the music, the only poor thing about this track is that it is not a stand out song. It's a good song, but not Hadouken!'s best.

Rating: 7/10

Listen to "Hadouken!-Bad Signal" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1-QW20ge98

Devlin featuring Ed Sheeran-Watchtower

I'm not a fan of covers which are then written off as an artist's "own song", and I'm pissed off with Devlin and his stupid rapping ruining a classic. Originally Bob Dylan's track which was then covered by the late Jimi Hendrix, has now taken bits of both versions and made its own. I mean, I love the guitar riff used in the background and I love the way Sheeran sings the chorus, but Devlin himself single-handedly ruined this potential hit with rap. Rap rarely works with rock (especially old rock) and I liked this until he opened his mouth. Some things should be left to the greats.

Rating: 5/10

Listen to "Devlin-Watchtower" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfAIgkd8Yjo

Simple Plan featuring Sean Paul - Summer Paradise

I thought Chiddy Bang and You Me At Six was a weird combination, MGMT and Elton John, a tuxedo with crocs, but really? Simple Plan and Sean Paul? At first I thought Simple Plan had sold out by using a chart name, but it has really shown everyone how good Simple Plan are, if they don't already know. Their song is called Summer Paradise and is a breath of fresh air from the band who have been associated with genres such as punk before, but have found a fitting song for this time of year. Instead of the usual heavy use of guitar, they have made this track all about the vocals, with the chorus the only time when instruments are really used that much. Good song, really enjoyable and cannot get it out of my head.

Rating: 8/10

Listen to "Simple Plan featuring Sean Paul-Summer Paradise" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwZ_bmNbdAw

ALBUM: Spector-Enjoy It While It Lasts

A year ago they were nothing. Relatively unknown. But just by the end of 2011, NME discovered the pop rock band, and from there they have made some great steps. Their eagerly-anticipated album, Enjoy It While It Lasts has been released this week and it is full of energetic pop music, varying from slow songs like Grey Shirt and Tie to slamming, rock beats like Chevy Thunder. For a typical indie kid, this is an album for you. Full of explosive sound and just a cool edge to it, it has to be one of the best debut albums of the year. They've already proven how great their material is with the anthem (according to Zane Lowe) that is Celestine. As well as expanding their fanbase with other releases such as What You Wanted and Never Fade Away. I'm forever hoping there is not second album syndrome with the London boys. Fantastic album anyway.

Rating: 9/10

Track By Track

True Love (For Now) 8/10

Sounds like The Killers, good opener for the album. Very powerful.

Chevy Thunder 9/10

A proper driving song. Spector showing that their best music comes from their energetic pop. Very addictive tune.

Grey Shirt and Tie 7/10

Slow song. Has an electro kind of sound to the music. Very different from the rest of the music.#

Twenty Nothing 9/10

Not as explosive as other tracks on this album, but reminds me of The Vaccines-If You Wanna. Hopefully it will be a single. Huge potential.

Friday Night, Don't Ever Let It End 7/10

Anthem of every indie teenager's weekend. There is something beautiful about this track.

Lay Low 7/10

I kind of have a hatred for ballads or what sound quite like ballads. This track is borderline ballad, but I somehow love it at the same time. We have a Love/Hate relationship.

Upset Boulevard 7/10

The chorus makes this song worthy of being listed on this album. Yet again, very like The Killers here.

No Adventure 6/10

One of the slower and weaker songs on the album. Still acceptable on this album, but I can't really get into this track.

What You Wanted 8/10

Special to me as it was the first Spector song I had heard just before New Year. A great 80s kind of sound to it, however, towards the end the track starts to lose it's touch.

Celestine 10/10

Usually some unknown track from the album is viewed as the "Track of the Album" but Celestine is an obvious choice. Good use of rock here which you can't help but sing along to.

Grim Reefer 7/10

Punch me, call me names, whatever. But the boys sound similar to Lana Del Rey here. At least for the first 2 minutes. It isn't a bad thing, showing the diversity of Spector's album.

Never Fade Away 9/10

One of my favourites. Such a great track which is why it was released on single.

We Are Augustines-Book of James

I'm going to be honest I had hardly heard of We Are Augustines prior to this review so I checked out the band and their new single Book of James, and it was a very written song. If you want a genuine song that pours it's heart into it, this is the one for you. The track is dedicated to James McCarthy, the brother of front man of the band, Billy McCarthy. Being schizophrenic, James was held in solitary confinement for four years before he hanged himself to death. Billy seeing it as his duty to look after his little brother mourns over his death as well as reminisces about their nostalgic childhood days. The Brooklyn trio have a similarity to The Killers, but fill their songs with a lot of emotion, and even though Book of James starts off sounding quite happy, it soon turns to what is a sad song and makes it hard to listen to. I thought my favourite bands were genuine enough, but We Are Augustines top them here.

Rating: 7/10

Listen to "We Are Augustines-Book of James" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsw4Xp8Fl3A

Lemar-Invicible

My only memories of Lemar was being like 8 years old and seeing him on kids' TV programmes singing on a Saturday morning, but now I can take him more serious. He has got rid of his dreadlocks, replaced with a new afro and a new look. He has a new single out called Invincible and it's not looking much better for him. I was a fan back in the day, but now, he has lost his touch. He sounds like he has tried too hard now and there is just nothing there anymore, the spark has gone, and frankly, Lemar is far from "Invincible" now.

Rating: 4/10

Listen to "Lemar-Invincible" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJz5vuaBb14

Red Hot Chili Peppers-Strange Man

This is my second Red Hot Chili Peppers song that I've reviewed.  Their track "Strange Man" is very mellow, with such a hypnotising sound to it, yet the chorus then jumps into a funky beat with a sweet guitar riff. This has old school rock written all over it and it shows that RHCP have matured with their age, yet still write competent songs which are just as good as the oldies. One of the only bands who can consistently over the years still produce class song after class song. Shame it's not as good as some of the other songs on their album I'm With You but it is still another hit from the rock band.

Rating: 6/10

Listen to "Red Hot Chili Peppers-Strange Man" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmPPONFRla4

Theme Park-Jamaica

First time I have listened to Theme Park, but they give me good vibes. They have a sound quite similar to Bombay Bicycle Club and some of the slower Vampire Weekend material. I really like the sound of their track "Jamaica" almost putting you on a beach with this brilliant funk rock beat. I mean, it's not going to set the world alight, but vocals from twins Marcus and Miles Haughton are very different from the rest, with such a soothing tone in their voices. They are currently getting ready to travel with Bloc Party and support them on their UK tour. I've got a feeling they could be doing the same thing in a couple of years.

Rating:7/10

Listen to "Theme Park-Jamaica" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjoCAu8HPMw

Jake Bugg-Taste It

Everyone is getting excited about newcomer Jake Bugg. Influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan, Bugg is one to watch out for in 2013. He has the sound of Miles Kane and his hero Bob Dylan, and makes it sound unique. His new single "Taste It" is a burst of fresh air to the indie world, bringing another talent into the long list of great artists to come from an indie background. Taste It is a fast, guitar-based track which avoids the "dull" area with great back-up music and an original voice. You can see Jake Bugg is not a wannabe, he is the real deal, and I'm pretty sure he will be an idol for many future artists in 10 years time. Well done lad.

Rating: 9/10

Listen to "Jake Bugg-Taste It" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHLN6K640gQ

Far East Movement featuring Cover Drive-Turn Up the Love

Most people know Far East Movement for their annoyingly addictive song "Like a G6" but their new track "Turn Up the Love" is a cracker. Already a summer hit in party resorts like Ibiza and Mallorca, Turn Up the Love is one of the best dance tunes of the year. This track also includes Barbados band Cover Drive who have became a mega hit world wide in the past year. This would definitely be on my playlist for parties and it is a song I would automatically dance to, so well done Far East Movement, you've won me over.

Rating:9/10

Listen to "Far East Movement ft. Cover Drive-Turn Up the Love" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqXVgAmqBOs

Spector-Never Fade Away

Spector are my favourite new breakthrough band/artist of 2012, and I can't get enough of them especially with banging pop rock songs like Celestine and Chevy Thunder, so the release of their debut album "Enjoy It While It Lasts" this week is well fitted. Even better though, Spector have decided to release their single Never Fade Away this week to add to the album. Never Fade Away is similar to their track What You Wanted being quite slow and what some call "dull" but I think I would call it quality music. Easy to hear lyrics and just a great sound overall really shows the class of this song

Rating: 8/10

Listen to "Spector-Never Fade Away" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFCS2ah2xFg

Rita Ora-How We Do

I'm not one for pop songs and I'm not the biggest fan of R&B, but Rita Ora is just sensational. Over the past 12 months the Albanian Brit has burst onto the scene and I can somehow put up with her. She's fresh, she's hot and she always pulls a proper hit out of the bag. Her previous songs and collaborations were good, but I really love her single "How We Do" which will be released this week. It's a shame that the summer is ending when this song is released in the UK because this could have been a great summer tune. Damn you bad timing. How We Do is better than half the generic pop music in the charts and I have a feeling this will sneak in at number 1.

Rating: 9/10

Listen to "Rita Ora-How We Do" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOOxlVUC08Q

Mumford and Sons-I Will Wait

I think it is really difficult to dislike Mumford and Sons, and their track "I Will Wait" emulates how great their folk music is. Although the music hasn't changed much from their debut album "Sigh No More", I Will Wait is a very different song as it starts very calm, but erupts into a great chorus with the band using just about every instrument that they could get their hands on. This track has got me really excited for their new album "Babel" which I'm sure will be just as good as Sigh No More. Good start to the new album.

Rating: 8/10

Listen to "Mumford and Sons-I Will Wait" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDOoCUKCDJg

Scouting For Girls-Summertime In the City

Scouting For Girls eponymous first album was a delight, and to be frank the second one was crap, but they have a new track which is sounding better and not like the second album "Everybody Wants To Be On TV". It's called "Summertime In the City". It's quite a basic, straightforward pop song but it is definitely a summer song - if I'm not already stating the obvious from the title - and I actually enjoy listening to this song which surprises me because I thought Scouting For Girls were going to get worse and worse. They also show what real pop is, (unlike One Direction and Justin Bieber who are only popular because teenage girls want to do unthinkable things to them) with a calm piano in the back and a catchy chorus. It's not grade A for Scouting, but it's a good tune nontheless.

Rating: 6/10

Listen to "Scouting For Girls-Summertime In the City" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haGtWXElfhw

Ted

Seth McFarlane's silly blue collar comedy makes him such a genius, and he's managed to get away with sick jokes and the same type of comedy in a film as well, and luckily it has become a success. McFarlane's debut film "Ted" is the best comedy film of the year.The film is based on John (Mark Wahlberg) who stills lives with his best friend, his teddy bear (Seth McFarlane) which started talking when he wished that his new best friend could talk. but here's the problem, John is now 35 and Ted has went from celebrity to Z list over the past 27 years, becoming a weed loving bear and John's long-term girlfriend, Lori (Mila Kunis) has had enough of Ted's vulgar shenanigans, wanting him to leave. Now this film is supposed to be magical and hilarious, but it is often very dark for at film with a cute, cuddly bear in it. Some parts of the film were similar to what you would see in a chiller film with a lot of darkness near the end of the film, yet McFarlane manages to keep the idea that this is a comedy by cleverly using Ted's humour to keep the laughs coming even at the darkest of periods in the film. Somehow, this film gets away with a lot of 9/11 jokes that will have patriots complaining about, but to be honest, it makes the film funnier. Although it's not inside my Top 3 of the year, it's certainly close enough.

Rating: 8/10

Madonna-Turn Up the Radio

To be honest, I've never bought any of Madge's albums or singles and I'm not planning on doing so anytime soon due to her predictable new single "Turn Up the Radio". These days artists are relying on a dance hook to create a great song, when really, 90% of the time it just turns into a shitty pile of rubbish which wouldn't be on the shop's shelves if it didn't have a big name on the front of the single. I mean Madge is still fit for being in her 50s, but her music is deterring quicker than her youth.

Rating: 3/10

Listen to "Madonna-Turn Up the Radio" here>  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkYyqxHdwNg

Biffy Clyro-Stingin' Belle

Biffy Clyro haven't really shown their faces since 2010 when their last album "Only Revolutions" made them one of the most well-known bands in the UK, as well as unfortunately being known as the band "who sung that Matt Cardle song". Since that album they've been relatively quiet, but now their new rock song "Stingin' Belle" is soon to be released and it sounds just like the last album - which is a good thing due to the success of the last album. The guitar riffs are amazing as are the drums, with Simon Neil singing what is sure to be another hit. Can't get this out of my head to be honest, so yeah, Mon The Biff.

Rating:9/10


Listen to "Biffy Clyro-Stingin' Belle" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buF9fmMGiwM

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds-Everybody's On the Run

Since the split of Oasis, the band members have went their separate ways - Noel Gallagher has up-taken a solo career which has formed the band "Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds" who have overshadowed the rest of Oasis who play under the band name "Beady Eye". Noel's already became a popular choice over the last year and a half with hits like "AKA...What a Life!" and "Dream On" and the track "Everybody's On the Run" provides great continuity to Noel's great singles so far. It hasn't got anything on Dream On, but is still a worthy single and is a must have on your iPod. if the song itself doesn't win you over, the video surely will with actress Mischa Barton starring in just her bra and pants. Nonetheless, this single is easy to get hooked on.

Rating: 7/10


Listen to "Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds-Everybody's On the Run" here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpqQJfdLO14

M83-Ok Pal

The French electro band M83 have had a massive breakthrough this year with their track "Midnight City" which had a jazzy beat, yet stayed in the chart as a  popular song. This time around they have a new single called "Ok Pal" which reminds me of the 1980s and now I can't get the image of Rick Astley out of my head. Damn you M83...Anyway, back to the song. They are masters on the keyboard and bring some nostalgia to many mums and dads who grew up listening to funky music like this. Unfortunately, sometimes their instruments drown out their vocals and it ruins the track a little.

Rating: 7/10


Listen to "M83-Ok Pal" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAFlBd7SNcE

Calvin Harris feat. Example - We'll Be Coming Back

Ok, I have never been Example's biggest fan. In fact I have called his music shit so many times I think I may have tourettes, but I like this song - and his vocals in this late-summer anthem. The God of the decks Calvin Harris makes this song amazing, but yet again he could do a collaboration with Cheryl Cole and make it a decent song. However, I prefer Example's soothing voice to his "rap" which rarely works for me. He made the chorus work (even if it had a hint of Aerosmith-I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing in it) and it is one of his best songs. Calvin Harris though, has created the catchiest of catchy beats to support Example through the song. Kudos to both artists. they fucking owned this.

Rating: 8/10


Listen to "Calvin Harris feat. Example-We'll Be Coming Back" here> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPC_evpbwDM