I wrote about this band quite a while ago as a new discovery here. Since then, I've recently heard their latest single and have been listening to it pretty much every single day since. Such a catchy song and a good choice for a single...

THE BONGO CLUB - The Hush Hush Song

Just over a week into July and already we're closer to next year than we are to last. There have been so many good albums to come from 2014 and if this carries on, it might even be harder than it was last year to choose my 7 best albums of the year! Either way, here are some new albums to have a listen to from this month...

ONES WE'VE MISSED...



TREY SONGZ - TRIGGA
The reason for one f the most overplayed party songs of the decade "Na Na", is finally here! I seriously doubt that the rest of the album will get half as much airtime as this song did but it doesn't have to. I just hope that there are some songs on it that either produce the same level of catchiness or at least vocal ability. Out on the 1st of July - should be a good listen.



ROBIN THICKE - PAULA
To be honest, I can't really even think of this as an album where it is obviously an overly blatant and pretty embarrassing plea for his ex-Wife's forgiveness pt to music. Laden with cringey cliches and a load of skip-worthy songs is Robin Thicke's latest endeavour. Also out on the 1st of July - my advice would be that if you are just satisfying curiousity about this record, do not pay money for it.




SIA - 1000 FORMS OF FEAR
Now, an album that I can get behind 100%! I've been in love with Sia's voice since 2004 "Breathe Me" days and many people know her as the voice behind "Titanium" and "She Wolf". In my opinion, she's one of the most important songwriters we have around at the minute and so when I heard "Chandelier" from this record recently, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Out since the 7th of July - do yourself a favour.





AUTOBAHN - ULCER EP
Since seeing Autobahn live here I've kept an eye out for them and their music to see if there was anything more that they could do to cement me as a fan. Well, since then, here it is - an EP for me to hopefully get into. Will have to have a listen as it's been out since the 7th of July, and it'll potentially lead on to me purchasing their next album... who knows?!






MANIC STREET PREACHERS - FUTUROLOGY
Since their release last year Rewind The Film I haven't really heard anything from them, but if the last album is anything to go by then I'm excited for this one. Although I didn't get to see them perform at Glastonbury this year, I have no doubts that they'd be a sight to see live! Get your hands on this one - out on the 7th of July.




ONES TO LOOK FORWARD TO...


JUNGLE - JUNGLE
2014 has most definitely been Jungle's year - they've become huge over the past few months, NME even naming them as a band that they could see headlining festivals next year. To be honest, if 2015 goes as well for them as 2014 has, then I don't see why not! Since first listening to "Platoon" and now hearing their latest single "Time", I can tell that this debut album will be a stoke of genius. Roll on the 14th of July.






MORRISSEY - WORLD PEACE IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS
Already hearing talks of this being one of Morrissey's best works of late. Only one way to find out really. The album hits the shelves on the 14th of July. Knowing the indie icon, this'll be a great listen both musically and especially lyrically. I. AM. READY.





LA ROUX - TROUBLE IN PARADISE
I honestly thought that La Roux would just stay a one hit wonder after her record with "Bulletproof" and "In For The Kill" but it turns out that five years later she's making a comeback. So far I've only heard a couple of songs from it and I'm not too interested but I must admit that "Uptight Downtown" is a bit of a tune. Will definitely be having a listen of the full album on the 21st of July.







THE FAMILY RAIN - HUNGER SAUCE EP
The three brothers are back with an EP to follow their album Under The Volcano and although I feel like the band are moving more slowly than I'd expected them too, this isn't necessarily bad because at least they're being consistent. I look forward to hearing what their hard work sounds like on the 28th of July.

It's insane to think that a festival like Glastonbury could all be over in just three days! I almost feel bad for sleeping because there was so much to see and do in just 72 hours. Either way, it was the most incredible few days that I could've asked for an all I can say now is, roll on 2015!!

THE PREATURES
Still sad that I missed Darlia's performance before this but nonetheless, I'd never heard of this band before I was standing at the barrier for their set, so I really didn't know what to expect. Despite their lead singer seeming a bit try-hard at times throughout the set, they had some really really good songs and great band chemistry. An enjoyable set overall and I will definitely be keeping an ear out for these Aussies.

LONELY THE BRAVE
A name that I'd been hearing quite a bit recently but had not yet checked out, so I was intrigued to see what they could do as a live band. A huge contrast to the more laid-back Preatures but this wasn't necessarily a bad thing. I did find myself looking at my watch towards the end of the set but the majority of the set was alright. Not sure if I'll keep up with them much but I definitely don't dislike them.

GEORGE EZRA
Probably one of the biggest shocks of the weekend. First of all the name George Ezra did sound familiar but nothing sprung to mind when I heard it. When the young Bristolian stepped on stage looking a little sheepish, I was very taken aback by the beautiful, deep voice that came from him. His set was quality and actually fun - the tent was absolutely packed. I look forward to listening to his debut album released last week!

THE KOOKS
The "surprise" set of the day. I hadn't heard much of their music post-"Naive" days and I hadn't really heard anything good about it thus far. When they opened up with some of their new R&B-influenced material, I have to say I wasn't impressed. The "diggity"'s threw me off a little bit. However, when they played their latest single "Around Town" I changed my mind - really good song. The rest of the set followed suit and overall it was a great set.

DOLLY PARTON
Although many people questioned her name on the bill, Dolly managed to pull in the largest crowd of the entire weekend and played a genuinely beautiful set on the Pyramid Stage. Her interesting, endearing and quite hilarious country anecdotes really made the set feel more intimate.She played through some old favourites and some new songs finally ending with a cover of "I Will Always Love You", which I'm sure brought some to tears. Definite standout set from the weekend.

ED SHEERAN 
If you've read my blog before, you probably already know that I don't care too much for Ed Sheeran or his music. I didn't even want to be at this set because Bombay Bicycle Club were on at the same time. However, in order to get a good spot for The Black Keys I made a compromise. Thankfully he is better live than on record. Despite him only having his acoustic guitar and no band on main stage, he still managed to entertain the crowd and the riff to "Sing" was in my head for a good while afterwards.

THE BLACK KEYS
Even though I've seen them before, this time was better than the last. The songs from their latest album sounded good but none of their songs hit me as hard as the ones from El Camino - definitely my favourite album of theirs. "Little Black Submarines" was a huge highlight. A band full of geniuses and an afternoon full of glorious music.

CHANCE THE RAPPER 
My friend had been raving about Chance for at least the last five months and stupidly I didn't make time to give him a listen but I'm so glad that I made it to his set because it opened my eyes more than Spotify could have. Backed by an amazing band (kudos to his Musical Director) and his contagious charisma he put on an awesome show and made everyone feel the love. I'll need to listen to my friend more often.

DISCLOSURE
I know, I know! I must be insane to miss Kasabian's closing headline set but there was reasoning behind it I promise! Since I saw Kasabian headline Reading a couple of years ago and hadn't seen Disclosure yet, I opted for the latter and I'd do it again. Beautiful way to end the weekend - Disclosure bringing out almost all of their album feature artists and ending with Sam Smith singing the beautiful "Latch". The lights were magnificent - flares were lit and shapes were cut - electric set!

With Saturday being the slowest day in terms of music it actually provided some of the best shows. With over 1000 acts playing over the weekend it's impossible to not have a day filled with talent. Here's what Saturday had to offer... 

JAKE ISAAC
I woke up to this beautiful voice serenading me from the Other Stage. After listening for a while I decided that I'd have to have a peak at the face behind the voice. The crowd wasn't huge, but the set that he put on most certainly was. Great talent.

CIRCA WAVES
Since interviewing them here, I've been completely on the band wagon. Even without a debut album, simply from their singles I can tell that their music would be perfect for festivals. With the sun just coming out, their summer indie hits were the perfect way to start anyone's day.

ANGEL HAZE
Having never really listened to much of Angel Haze's solo stuff I wasn't really sure what to expect, but she absolutely slayed it. Spending the last two of her songs in the crowd with the fans and just creating a really intimate feel with over 10,000 people watching - yes. She is definitely one to watch.

KELIS
Kelis was a must see for me. Even though she clashed with both Fat White Family and Royal Blood, I was not going to leave Glastonbury without seeing her. I certainly made the right choice. Her band alone were amazing but she was just flawless. Looking gorgeous in her flowing pink dress she played through new hits, a medley of old favourites and of course her classics. Perfect set.
 
LANA DEL REY
Probably the most emotional set of the entire weekend. Lana brought so much intensity to the day and I really don't think any of us were ready for it. My friends were brought to tears before the set even ended! She had a good mixture of songs from both her debut and sophomore albums and the quality stayed constant throughout. Easily a weekend highlight.

CLEAN BANDIT
Another set that I hadn't expected to be what it was. As we walked up to the stage, the crowd was spilling out of the already overly packed tent, and we had to shove just to get into a reasonable viewing position. It was worth it though, Clean Bandit played all of my favourites from the debut album New Eyes and even covered some other great songs. When they ended with the inevitable and ridiculously contagious song "Rather Be" the crowd feeling was indescribable. Brilliant set.

JACK WHITE
And the talent didn't waver. If anyone was going to live up to my expectations, it'd be Jack. But he didn't just live up to them, he fully surpassed them (with a lot of help from his amazing drummer). Probably one of my favourite moments of the entire festival was when the crowd started chanting the iconic bassline to "Seven Nation Army" and then Jack and the band came on and performed it during the encore - absolutely magnificent.  

TWIN ATLANTIC 
I have never really been a fan of Twin Atlantic, and to be honest the only reason we walked up to the stage they were on is because we thought that Chromeo would be performing there. Nonetheless, they did sound better live and it was actually quite nice to hear the couple of songs of theirs that I enjoy first hand. Not sure that it was enough to make me a huge fan but it did give them a boost in my eyes.

METALLICA 
The most controversial headliner in years and the only official headliner that I watched all weekend. Before I'd even arrived at Glastonbury, I said that I would had to and watch Metallica's set - more out of intrigue than anything. From beginning to end they just continued to impress me. Although I only knew maybe 4 or 5 of the songs that they played - they put on a show, without being in our faces and I loved every minute of it. What a group of badasses! 

Jack White on Pyramid Stage

So it's come and gone... the weekend most famous for its' mud, music and magnitude and it was some of the best days of my life. Hugely unforgettable and completely breathtaking. There's no review, live recording or mid-show phone call that can give you even a snippet of what it's like actually being there. But I'll try my best to sum-up my feelings of each artist day-by-day.

METRONOMY
I have to start with Metronomy's (not so) secret set on Thursday night. As we shoved our way towards the front through the hugely packed tent, cheers were deafening as assumptions were confirmed and Metronomy stepped on stage. They played almost every hit imaginable their newer songs like "Upsetter", "Love Letters" and "Reservoir", resonating just as much as old favourites like "Heartbreaker", "Corinne" and "The Look". Immense start to the weekend of music to follow.

KAISER CHIEFS
Continuing on the thread of "secret shows", Kaiser Chiefs graced the Other Stage as Friday's TBA act. Jumping straight in to a set packed with anthems - "I Predict A Riot", "Ruby", "Oh My God" and "Angry Mob" among them. Glad I got to catch this set because they absolutely smashed it.

BLONDIE 
I'll start by saying - Happy 69th Birthday Debbie! Here's another band that smashed it on the Other Stage. Debbie Harry is so ridiculously badass I just had to smile. She definitely hasn't lost her youth and with this set, Blondie taught some of the younger bands this weekend a thing or two - brilliant set. Hearing the whole crowd sing out "Heart Of Glass" as the sun fell over us that morning - absolutely priceless.

THE STEPKIDS
Only caught a few songs of their set but it was enough to impress me. Definitely one of the many bands that I'll be checking out because of Glastonbury. Cool set on West Holts Stage.

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA
I'm not sure if it's actually psychically possible to do the things that these guys were doing with their guitars with just ten fingers. They played with such skill and rhythm, I found myself dancing with random people throughout the crowd to music I'd not actually heard before just because it was so contagious. Fantastically skilled set.

DE LA SOUL
One of the sets that I was really looking forward to over the weekend and my oh my did it deliver. The sun came out after a short down-pour and it was perfect. De La Soul make music to be listened to in the sun, with some friends, drinking a cold beverage and feeling good vibes - and that is exactly what happened. To top it off, they performed "Feel Good Inc." and the atmosphere was indescribable. When I think about this set all I can say is, yes.

CRYSTAL FIGHTERS
After listening to You And I last year I remember thinking that they'd be a really good band to see live but didn't really think much of it or even of the album afterwards. So finally having the chance to see them live, I think it's time I listened to them again. Such an electric set and their energy as a band was great. Definitely a band that you have to see live at least once and their use of blocks of wood as percussion - yes. Killer set.

WILD BEASTS
There were a few shows over the weekend that I couldn't believe that I was actually seeing with my own eyes. This was one of them. Such an emotional set and particularly "Wanderlust" - that song hits hard both on record and live. Hayden and Tom's voices complimented each other so well throughout and really gave one of the most emphatic shows of the weekend.

PAOLO NUTUNI 
I'd obviously heard of Paolo before the festival but hadn't heard any of his songs before that, well none that I knew of at least. His voice was amazing though, and his set was far more extravagant and eye-catching than I'd expected. Backed by the beautiful fireworks from Arcade Fire's set on the Pyramid Stage as I left to walk to watch M.I.A...

M.I.A.
I missed Arcade Fire's headline set for M.I.A. and I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever. Arcade Fire's latest album was relatively boring in my opinion and I figured they'd have many more shows on in the future should I ever want to see them. M.I.A. on the other hand put on a show so great that you could only understand by being there and even though the BBC refused to broadcast it because she had dancers wearing "Stop Tamil Deportation" t-shirts on stage, the broadcast wouldn't even have been able to do it justice. The staging was breathtaking and her performance was second to none. I haven't danced that hard in a while.

SKRILLEX
An unexpected set, as we walked back to our tent Skrillex was still performing on the Other Stage and we couldn't help but get caught up in it all. His mix of dubstep and dance music had me dancing as much as I just had for M.I.A.'s set. He was absolutely smashing it - and his staging was also very awesome. Surprisingly good set, and a good end to the first day of live music.

M.I.A.'s breathtaking staging at West Holts

It's no secret that Queens Of The Stone Age are one of my favourite bands (especially seeing as I wrote about them here just yesterday), but I was listening through their albums again a few days ago, and rediscovered this banger...

QOTSA - First It Giveth

After months and months of waiting and what seemed like months and months of waiting to get on the correct page to buy a ticket I finally know who I'll be seeing come June 27th...