To die by your side well, the pleasure, the privilege is mine

So I was going to dedicate two posts to music however, upon trying to create the 'music peeps I think will be big in 2010 and so forth' I realised that I cannot possibly predict such a thing.

I mean, there could be musical prodigies in the making who have not yet realised that they are in fact musical prodigies and, for the most part are currently concerned with, homework and hitting puberty and getting bullied and having their first kiss all so that they can write deeply soul-searching songs that will no doubt influence the decade of 2010.

So, for now, I'll let them get on with it and instead I give you one post of music which influenced the 00's and that which I believe has the ability to continue to influence the 10's.

2000

Bloc Party

Quality music which I personally, believe has staying power. Unfortunately, their record company didn't and it would seem Bloc Party will be no more. (For the forseeable future anyway)

Coldplay

Personally, not a fan. Whiny and pretentious in my opinion and yet, I can't deny that they played their part in defining the 00's musically. Hate them nonetheless.

The Killers

Started the decade in an amazing fashion. Mr Brightside a tune of timeless quality. Unfortunately, their success began to deteriorate towards the end. A revival could be on the cards for this decade, I wouldn't put money on that though.

Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Big in the early 90's, even bigger in the early 00's. Pure magic and then they disappeared. Come back! (That's directed at you Frusciante)

The White Stripes

Elephant was a decent album but, with the absence of Meg I think the band will remain in the 00's. Hopefully, Jack and either The Raconteurs or Dead Weather can keep the music alive. (God, that is a terribly cheesy sentence)

Damien Rice

Where'd you go? Soulful, acoustic, beautiful. Stop letting Lisa Hannigan fill the void and release another album before it's too late Damo.

Ok, those bands are pretty much left behind in the 00's. Well, maybe not Coldplay but, we live in hope.

2010

Arctic Monkeys

Everyone loved them, Alex let his hair grow out and then everything changed, the music remained at it's unparalleled standard of brilliance. The lyrics man, the freakin' lyrics.

Mumford and Sons

Personal favourite. Only came into focus towards the end of 09 and hopefully they are a herald of great music set to grace Ear Candy lists into 2010.

Bon Iver

Formed in 06. Album is called For Emma, naturally this curries certain favour when compiling this post. I like things with my name on.

Florence and the Machine

Much internal deliberating over whether or not to include Ms Welch. I fear that there is the potential to go in the same vein as The Killers, and start off with phenomenal success only to fail to live up. However, love conquers all and thus, she made the cut.

Editors

Big in 00's and with a new album in the process of development I can only imagine they will continue in their success. Remind me of a modern day Smiths, which is quite an accomplishment. Although, I'm sure many would disagree with me on such a comparison.

The XX

Going to absolutely take off in the next while, so soon that it has already started. Amazing band.

Two Door Cinema Club

You may have not heard of them yet, but u shall. Incredible.

There are a million more but, hope you find something new anyway!

Enjoy!

The killing of the Killers.

It must be said, the Killers are dead. See Brandon even my ability to rhyme succeeds yours. Harsh words but true nonetheless.

While having a general scobe around t'internet I came across a reference to Believe me Natalie, and subsequently had an urge to listen to the entire Hot Fuss album. It is my firm belief that the Killers, ironically killed the magic of Hot Fuss (excuse the pun). It is a fantastic record in that you can listen to it back to back with out skipping a single track. (Note the rhyme again Brandon,it's not exceedingly difficult!) In my humble opinion, it was all downhill from there. Sam's town was ok; I had wanted for a better word than ok but realised that it's all too fitting because it was just 'ok'. When you were young had the same magic of Hot Fuss and Bones wasn't too damaging to the ears but other than that, a shift in musical vision had taken place and it was not good, the moustache on a usually adorable lead singer did not help matters. And then came Day&Age filled with half-arsed attempts at philosophy in Human and just general ear-ache in Spaceman. At least Brandon was looking pretty again which helped mask the disaster of the music he was fronting. Credit where it's due The world that we live in, is quite catchy and their cover of Romeo and Juliet from the Sawdust compilation is nothing short of beautiful, then again the original was musical perfection so they were almost spoon-fed quality.

All the above said, I still allow myself to subconsciously support the Killers in their musical efforts. Hot Fuss indeed captured a wide fan base, I do not know of anyone who didn't love that album and I can comprehend the bands brainwave in trying to be 'artistic' and 'edgy' or whatever since then but, they didn't begin indie like Kings of Leon, they began globally, thrust into pop super-stardom from the roots. Most of my friends hate the music I listen to but with the Killers in the beginning we found a common ground. They were rock enough to be cool for the likes of myself but pop enough to be recognised and admired by those who embrace whatever the radio throws at them. Bands like Kings of Leon and Oasis began with a struggle of being underground and producing albums which did not lend themselves well to chart recognition before eventually making it big. But with the Killers it was instant and in a way they seem to be going backwards along the route to success instead of full speed ahead.

This is my reason for the consistant references to rhyme. They became a pop phonomonem from the outset and instead of shunning the great success they had been honoured with they should embrace it and give us some good pop tunes to bop around to. Something catchy with a good beat. Keep the indie/rock element by all means but pop it up from time to time. You won't lose any respect, you said goodbye to all that a few years ago with that hair on your upper lip.

Thats my thoughts for today anyway on a different note go see the current installment of Harry Potter, I promise you, you won't feel it a wasted trip. It's appropriately humourous, dramatic, terrifying and heart-wrenching. Sheer brilliance. Although if you're anything like me bring some kleenex, it's emotional.
Until next time!

Ear Candy - 13.7.09

I aim to make Ear Candy a weekly post. Hopefully inspiring some listening for all you guys and maybe introduce your ears to something new. Oxegen-mania has spread like wildfire throughout the country. Financial implications have prevented my attendance but, after hearing reviews from my friends who were fortunate enough to be there, and watching all clips available I've compiled my Oxegen themed playlist. Enjoy!

1. Hysteric - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2. Howl - Florence and the Machine
3. Skeleton Boy - Friendly Fires
4. Buy it, Sell it - The Blizzards
5. Paris is Burning - Ladyhawke
6. Coffee and TV - Blur
7. We're Coming Up - Dirty Epics
8. Riverboat Song - Ocean Colour Scene
9. Sometime Around Midnight - The Airborne Toxic Event
10. Teen Lovers - The Virgins

And 11. All these things that I've done - The Killers. Just for the purposes of tradition!