A Whole Load Of Summer Songs To Make You Forget The Weather

Many of my friends are off on holiday this week so I thought it was appropriate to create a nice, relaxing summer playlist. If you are off on holiday, these songs are perfect for lounging by the pool, bronzing on the beach or chilling at the bar. If you're not on holiday this week then this is perfect for taking your mind off the awful weather and escaping to wherever your mind wants to go. So sit back, relax and enjoy some soothing summer songs...

At The River by Groove Armada

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM7WPPzQ_ZI 

It's one of those pieces of music that you've probably heard over and over again but had no idea who it was by. I was like that for years until I stumbled upon The Best of Groove Armada and realised I'd heard most of their songs before but had no idea who they were by. I decided to put the full length song up rather than the single because you miss the beautiful intro in the shorter version.

Pictures by Benjamin Francis Leftwich

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6N3jUDKzq0

I was introduced to Benjamin Francis Leftwich when he supported Fleet Foxes and I have loved him ever since. His voice makes you drift off and, as such, he is perfect for falling asleep by the pool or on the beach.

Jump In The Pool by Friendly Fires

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofRCldHb7X0

This is pretty self explanatory. It's a song about jumping in a pool. It's a great summer song in general and, like many Friendly Fires songs do, it just has a sunny vibe to it.


Spanish Sahara by Foals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaVE4WVlsDQ

I could have chosen a number of Foals songs but this is my absolute favourite. A beautiful track that, whilst not being the most upbeat song, still gives a sense of relaxation whilst you are lying in the heat of the sun.

All I Need by Air

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw8i28bNoYY

I really love Air and think they're extremely under-rated. The video is slightly frustrating with all the talking but I would encourage anyone to download this track. In fact, I'd encourage anyone to download Moon Safari, it's a brilliant album.

Let Forever Be by The Chemical Brothers feat Noel Gallagher

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5FyfQDO5g0

Something a lot more upbeat now and, if you're like me and you leave all your cares at home when you go on holiday, then this is the song for you. It's basically Que Sera, Sera for the electronic generation.

Sunchyme by Dario G

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY2OFztWiuY

No holiday playlist is complete without some kind of catchy euro-pop summer anthem. I had to include this as it has summer written all over it. Yes, it may be old and yes, it may be cheesey but I love it.

Albatross by Fleetwood Mac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAefTj7GXwQ

Probably most well known these days for helping M&S sell food, this was actually a huge hit in the late 60s for Fleetwood Mac. It's lazy, drifting guitar gives a sense of ultimate relaxation.

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing by Jack Johnson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffgsf3pqaD8

Jack Johnson makes me happy. So do holidays. Therefore this makes a perfect holiday song. It probably helps that he spends most of his time on the beaches of the Caribbean but this only adds to his ability to make a great summer song.

Happy Up Here by Royksopp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJvVHAh_INM

A very upbeat and positive song from Norweigan Electro group Royksopp, another very under-rated duo. This is quite a surprise as Norway isn't known for it's blistering temperatures, however their happy demeanour creates a great summer tune.

Sun Hits The Sky by Supergrass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ8TYNpJdLg

Another band that I could have chosen any number of songs from, Supergrass have always been known for their energy and for their cheerfulness. This song in particular would be great for listening to in the sun whilst having a few drinks.

Run by Vampire Weekend

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptQ8nb-PhuI

Vampire Weekend are a great summer band and are always good to listen to in the sun. I went travelling round the south of France a couple of years ago and they were on non-stop. Both albums are wonderful to listen to whilst lounging in the sunshine.



Many songs have been written specifically for holidays. There are in fact many songs simply called "Holiday", I'm thinking of Dizzee Rascal and Madonna to name but two. Hopefully, however, this will provide you with some kind of alternative to the usual holiday songs whilst your jetting off to find some sun. It's only just stopped raining where I am, hopefully the weather will be better wherever you're off to this summer.

Another Blog About A Festival I Couldn't Afford To Go To Because I Am A Poor Student

Describing the line-up for T In The Park as "diverse" does the festival an injustice. When you use words like that all you're trying to do is make excuses for the terrible acts that don't belong at a festival. Sorry all you fans of Nicki Minaj, David Guetta, Jessie J and especially Dappy, you will not be getting a mention in this blog. However, there were some brilliant bands taking to the various stages across the three days, culminating in an epic main stage performance by Kasabian on the final night.

You may have seen some of these bands on BBC Three over the weekend however some of them may have slipped under their radar. Whilst these bands all played at T In The Park, I can't obtain footage of them performing for copyright reasons etc but, what I will say to you is, if you listen to any of these bands and you like them, go out and see them if you get the chance. So, if you did go to see Nicki Minaj, David Guetta, Jessie J or Dappy here is what you could have seen instead.

Let's begin with Friday...

High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive by Pulled Apart By Horses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlGYwXdgpY8

To this day I have no idea what this song is about, but if you want energy this band has lots of it. Just off the back of their incredible second record, Pulled Apart By Horses are finally getting the recognition they deserve, sharing the Transmissions Stage with The Blackout and The Jezabels. A definite highlight on the Friday.

Our Bovine Public by The Cribs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLKL6iUFSQQ

It was an odd line up in King Tut's on the Friday. Dot Rotten, Cher Lloyd and Labrinth began a day that ended in a headline set by New Order. Somewhere in the middle of them however, were The Cribs. This particular song is rumoured to be written about The Pigeon Detectives. I know, I remember them too. The boys from Wakefield have now incredibly released their fifth album proving that not only are they one of the hardest working bands around, but also one of the best live acts too.

We shall now move swiftly on to Saturday and one band in particular that stood out for me...

Chasing Rainbows by Shed Seven


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaK6Ytri26s

That's right it's not The Stone Roses, it's Shed Seven. Reunited and as good as ever. People are quick to forget how successful Shed Seven were in the 90s. They were huge! 15 consecutive top 40 singles. All that and they don't even get pissy about broadcasting their set.

I Am The Resurrection by The Stone Roses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyrrTK_xzj4

Ok, ok, I had to include them. Although they did annoy me by preventing the BBC from broadcasting their set. It's far too diva for four lads from Manchester. Yes, The Stone Roses headlined the main stage on Saturday and, although I didn't see it. I bet it was fantastic. There were so many songs I could choose to put in here but this is my personal favourite.

Hold On by Alabama Shakes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le-3MIBxQTw

I think after all that 90s stuff it's time for something brand new. So here it is. Lead singer Brittany Howard has one of the most powerful voices in modern music and their debut album is a real gem. They've had a superb year up to this point and you should expect to see a lot more of them in years to come.

WOR by Django Django

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBzET3tBkmU

I don't know how to describe this band but even my dad likes them. It's just something you have to listen to. They've brought out one of the most critically acclaimed albums so far this year and they played the Transmissions Stage on Saturday. Well worth checking out if you get the time.

Quiet Little Voices by We Were Promised Jetpacks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73Onygnmltg

I know what you're thinking. "Hahaha. They have a funny name!" Yes, yes they do. It's brilliant. But so are they. They're second album is almost twelve months old now so you can expect another album soon and if it's anywhere near the standard of their first two, it's well worth looking out for.

Something Good Can Work by Two Door Cinema Club

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PorW3y5n1w

I had to put these in. I love this band and I love this album. I caught some of their set on the BBC over the weekend and it looked phenomenal, the crowd really seemed to be getting in to it and why wouldn't they? Their album, Tourist History, has been around for some time now and with the second album on the way it couldn't be a more exciting time to go and see them.

Let's make our merry way over to see what happened on Sunday...

Still Life by The Horrors

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJQk0jDZx8o

There have been so many great things said about The Horrors in the last few years. All of them are true. There is no other band around like them, the imagery and the serenity of this song make it an instant classic.

New York Girls by Bellowhead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn0Ff83spQw

And now for something completely different. Some Irish folk to be precise. I love the joy in a Bellowhead performance, there's something about it that just makes you smile. I appreciate that Irish folk isn't everyone's cup of tea but I would still encourage anyone to give this a listen.

Chime by Orbital

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXYvIBuwxDQ

Time for some pioneering 90s dance music now. I'll be honest, I didn't know Orbital were making music again after their split in 2004 but they headlined the Slam Tent on Sunday. This track is from 1990 and was their first single to reach the top 20. Its very easy to see the influence they had on many charting acts today.

Reasons Not To Be An Idiot by Frank Turner

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T5NUB1vyu4

I was implored by many people for ages to get in to Frank Turner and it took me a long time. This song was the turning point for me and I get it now. He's brilliant. Now I'm on the bandwagon I can safely say that the albums Love Ire & Song and England Keep My Bones are both wonderful and everyone should go out and buy them.

I.D. by Kasabian

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfGP2hCB754

I couldn't end without including the headliners from Sunday, Kasabian. I watched their set in it's entirety on BBC Three on Sunday and I thought it was brilliant. Their consistency over the years has been astounding. Its hard to think that next year it will be the 10th anniversary of their first single. They've not done too badly for five guys from Countesthorpe. Three number one albums, three platinum selling albums, twelve top 40 singles. In my opinion the best live band in the country at the minute. It was a great way to end the festival.



So what else happened this week? Oh yeah. Andy Murray lost Wimbledon. Ah well, at least the Scots had fun at T In The Park.

Yet Another Muddy Festival Has Come And Gone

OK, The Isle of Wight festival was a bit of a wash out this year but that doesn't mean it was a failure. After all, it was on the same weekend as Glastonbury normally is and that is always a mudfest! The line up for Isle of Wight this year was the best it's been for ages, in my opinion. So instead of remembering the terrible traffic, murky mud and wet wellies, let's remember it for the great music that was on offer over the weekend.

If you went and you're looking to relive some of the artists on show then this is your chance. If you didn't go this year then here are a few of the artists you missed out on.

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers - American Girl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNgt7U9QrFQ

Tom Petty is a musical legend and thoroughly warranted his headline spot on the Friday. I stumbled across this live version of American Girl on the Old Grey Whistle Test. According to the show, The Strokes stole the riff for their song Last Nite.

Pearl Jam - World Wide Suicide


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq-pA4R_EMM

Another legendary head-liner, this time on the main stage on Saturday. Pearl Jam have been making great record after great record for years. This is a lesser known single but it just shows the depth they have and how much they've changed over their 22 year career.

Best Coast - The Only Place

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoPoRuNTo9U

They played The Garden Stage on Friday and are completely at home in the festival scene. Their feel good indie folk is adorably catchy and suits a drunken sing-a-long. Something about this song makes me think they love living in California.

Primal Scream - Loaded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O9sLkn3nz0

Why they weren't on the main stage is slightly baffling but they still never disappoint. Once voted Scotland's greatest ever band (yes, they beat The Proclaimers) it is easy to see why.

Miles Kane - First of my Kind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5qz8TGH7yA

The one in Last Shadow Puppets that isn't Alex Turner is creating a great name for himself on his own. After leaving The Rascals, Miles Kane is now solo. He was on The Garden Stage on Saturday performing tracks from his debut solo album, Colour of the Trap.

Dry The River - No Rest

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iUHfAChgBA

Yes, it seems folk is popular again, with a sudden influx of bands such as Mumford and Sons, Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver. Dry The River are the latest to try their hand at the genre but with an indie twist. They were on just before Best Coast, their American counterparts. It's easy to tell the difference in moods from the citizens of California to the citizens of London.

So there we have several highlights from The Isle of Wight this year. Yes, I know I've missed a lot of great artists, but I don't have all day. We all know how good Bruce Springsteen is and Biffy Clyro and Noel Gallagher and Elbow and you get the picture. There was lots more going on besides this. To sum up, here's to a great festival season and to a sunny one next year.

I Have Been Working On A Script.

I'm quite proud of a television pilot I've been working on and I thought I would give you a little peak in to what it's all about.

In short, it's a mockumentary about an acting group from Milton Keynes who are putting on a musical about the reunion of the 90s pop band, Steps.

Obviously I can't put the whole script up but, to give you a taster, here are the first couple of pages. Due to formatting, it's easier by picture...

So there you go, that's all you're getting.

As for other things, I was sad to hear the news of Brian Hibbard passing away this week so in honour of him I feel I should put up an A ccapella song or six. A few of these were featured on Lauren Laverne's 6music show so thank you to her for playing them. A true musical legend, may he rest in peace. Enjoy...

The Futureheads - Beeswing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUghLcfXUGg

The King's Singers - I'm Yours
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PdABx0Xats&feature=related

Hans Zimmer - Spider Pig
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R828rFd2aI

Anchorman - Afternoon Delight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-YZqH0vX_o

The Flying Pickets - Under The Bridge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXI_IkDO4C0

The Flying Pickets - Only You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgDKtLPp46s

Some Cover Songs That I Like And Are Also Really Good...

There are a lot of songs around these days that sample older songs, blatantly ripping them off and tarnishing artists reputation (some prime examples being Stronger by Kanye West using Daft Punk, Professor Green using INXS - Need You Tonight, there are many more). However thankfully there are some brilliant covers out there by bands and artists that make the song their own without ruining the original.

So how do you do this? The best way is to take a song and completely change the way people look at it. Change the style of music, slow it down, speed it up but most importantly add your style to it. Why cover a song and make it sound exactly the same? It's pointless and it's boring. If you are a punk band and you want to cover Beyoncé, go for it, but make it punk. Don't change your style to match hers.

Also, don't sample a song. It's an easy way out. It means you've written a song but you need to borrow a hook or a chorus or a bass line of another artist. Easy. Anyway here are a few cover songs that take the original and completely change the way you look at it. Some of them make you forget the original and you might not even know that some of them were covers. Enjoy...

The Futureheads - Hounds of Love (Originally by Kate Bush)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcMAM9B7yAA

Originally a Kate Bush song, this propelled The Futureheads in to the charts. Taken from their first album this turns the wailing banshee's classic in to some melodic Geordie punk.

The White Stripes - I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself (Originally by Dusty Springfield)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp6A1KeXDC0

A brilliant blues rock cover of a Dusty Springfield classic that Jack White completely makes his own. What could be more perfect? Oh yes, Kate Moss pole dancing in the video. I forgot about that.

Cancer Bats - Sabotage (Originally by The Beastie Boys)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrlPuveLAAw

I love The Beastie Boys and I must admit to a sense of trepidation when Cancer Bats came out with this cover but it is fantastic. Yes, it's heavy, but it achieves everything The Beastie Boys did back in the day. They wanted to annoy people, they wanted to create chaos and they did back then. This is chaos for today's generation.

José González - Heartbeats (Originally by The Knife)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4_4abCWw-w

Yes, this song is a cover. Originally done by a Swedish electro pop band called The Knife. The difference between the two versions is monumental and the original is well worth a listen just for a comparison.

Jónsi - Time To Pretend (Originally by MGMT)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdBYv4e5XlU

Anything he sings is unique. This is a beautiful cover of an MGMT song performed in the live lounge on Radio 1.

Jamie Cullum - High and Dry (Originally by Radiohead)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otvsMONDksA

Jamie Cullum has done quite a few covers in his time but this one has always stood out for me. Turning an indie classic in to a piano driven jazz piece.

Queens of the Stone Age - Everybody's Gonna Be Happy (Originally by The Kinks)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z68SxtmSzP4

Ray Davies is a genius. One of the greatest song writers of all time has one of his greatest works transformed in to an american punk gem.

Little Roy - Come As You Are (Originally by Nirvana)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1aEo4SkOWg

Who knew you could turn a Nirvana song in to a Reggae jam? Well, Little Roy did obviously. He made a whole album of Nirvana covers called Battle For Seattle. You should also check out Lithium and Heart-Shaped Box if you liked this.

So there we go folks, proof that not all cover versions ruin the original. It can be done. There are loads more and these are just a select few, feel free to add your own and hopefully one day people will stop sampling others and go back to the good old cover version. If you're going to do something, do it properly.

I Downloaded 2006.

Yesterday I decided that I was bored with the 4000+ songs on my iTunes so I started to download songs that I hadn't heard in a while. It began with Have Love, Will Travel by The Black Keys, a song that was ruined for me by the stupid LV adverts, however I felt the need to revisit it yesterday. Then, as youtube tends to do, it offered me suggestions about where to go next. I ended up revisiting my 16 year old self and thoroughly enjoyed it. Most of these songs were on NME compilations back in the day so if you were like me and listened to these bands about 5 years ago or you're looking for some new music, here are links to a few songs you may have never heard or you had forgotten all about...

First we have Elle Milano - Laughing All The Way To The Plank
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_3oUp2NMXc

Secondly we have Milburn - Let Me Go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95wwjSEJ8Zs

Next is Boy Kill Boy - Civil Sin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXY7uTKciDE

Next is Bedouin Soundclash - When The Night Feels My Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlsBPH8O7q8

Also I downloaded Dirty Pretty Things - Bang Bang You're Dead
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2Fb4cEVyLU

If you enjoyed any of these songs you are my friend. Congratulations.

A Film That I Made With Other People

This is a film I made with 5 other people for university project. We got a great grade and some excellent feedback from people that have seen it. If you have a free five minutes and fancy a laugh then this is definitely for you...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgNPgsVOHJg