I started writing this review on Saturday, the day after the albums release, and it is only today (Monday) that I feel I can actually write something meaningful and in depth. Music is inevitably created as an art form that makes you feel, and this album definitely does make you feel. Since listening, I have felt incredibly attached, and I have felt emotion beyond believe. I don't really know whether this is because of the love I have for Nick and the personal connection this album creates or because of the cavernous nature of the album. All I really know is that I have had an incredibly tough time finding the words to write this post, to the point were tears have been falling on my keyboard.


I honestly thought that no Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds album could ever top 'A Boatman's Call' but since the release of 'Skeleton Tree' on September 9th my mind is in a different world entirely. I couldn't quite pin point what it is about this album that brings so much life especially in light of such grievance, but then I realised that through the darkness, the mourning and the despair, Nick is still living; he is living in his family, and in his band. His whole word has changed, his music has changed, and I can't help but think that this album will catch us changing with him.

Sometimes, an albums personal meaning can be so intense that it throws the listeners field of vision right out of sync - Skeleton Tree is that album. The Bad Seed’s 16^th studio album comes shortly after the death of Nick’s son, who tragically died last summer, and is simply a masterpiece of love and destruction. Powerful, energetic, emotional, harrowing yet beautifully steady, each track is so fragile and sombre that they continue to remain extremely difficult to listen to, but even harder to turn off. 


"Let us go now, my darling companion/ set out for the distant sky's/ see the sun, see it rising/ see it rising, rising in your eyes" - Distant Sky

Unsurprisingly, we are introduced to a very dark album which allows us to delve into Cave's feelings, and connect with him personally through his journey into a new world, a world of loss and never forgetting. And for those who were lucky enough to watch the albums feature film 'One More Time With Feeling', it is evident that this is the connection Cave wants to develop with his audience as he documents his bereavement.

Carrying on from my last post, in second place, but not really because this is a fucking massive favourite too... its The Clash!

2/3: Stay Free, The Clash - Give Em' Enough Rope

I think this track speaks a lot for itself. Taking it even further back, all the way to 1978, I am starting to actually believe that I am definitely born in the wrong era, but at least I'm 23 and have fucking good music taste, right?

So for me, The Clash are that band that begun it all. I know we had The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, but The Clash introduced something much more special; they were part of the original wave of punk. They were the beginning of a musical serge that influenced a flock of young kids to pick up their guitars and start making music. One of those bands were the Manic Street Preachers.


The 70's was a time of economic austerity, global capitalism and political incorrectness, with the nation lacking in ambition and no interests in the political state. To many, it was noted that the anger wasn't there, as the nation continued to watch their lives reluctantly being controlled by the higher authority. This was until the punk movement, the movement that reconciled everybody regardless of gender, skin colour or age.

When the band signed to CBS to create their 2nd album in 78, with a much better production team behind them, it was obvious the band were going places; especially given that the ever famous London Calling album was to be released the year after. Give Em' Enough Rope jolted the nation in many of ways, with some fans actually complaining that the audio was too clean cut and although the record doesn't quite imitate the same intense energy as The Clash's third album London Calling, it does have a big forceful sound that is nearly as powerful.


Stay Free, track 8, dominates the second half of the LP and it blows me away every time I hear the intro. Written by Mick Jones, it gives a very different perspective to The Clash with its poignant lyrics and Jones' very affecting lead vocals which make you feel happy despite what the lyrics say. And not forgetting those clash guitar moments either.

I will never forget the first time I heard the lyrics 'Go Easy, Step Lightly, Stay Free', those simple lyrics that have somewhat become my life motto.

I've been rummaging around a lot of other music bloggers websites recently trying to find inspiration and well I felt this was one of them mandatory things you should do for your blog readers; except I've started to actually think about it and it is really fucking hard to decide. I knew however that they would obviously come from my 3 favourite bands; Manic Street Preachers, The Clash and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

If you haven't heard about this already, prepare to get jealous. I know I would be if i was you, and believe me stood in the queue that night I thought I would be getting sent home the jealous one; but I only fucking went and witnessed The Libertines absolutely blow The Boogaloo pub apart. 

The Boogaloo pub - High Gate

With Glastonbury riding in on us without much notice, today I wanted to give all you like minded mud lovers my take on the festival. I first attend Glastonbury in 2008, and at the young age of 15, I instantly knew this was my favourite place in the world.


Unable to get tickets this year, I am secretly hoping NME send me to get some cracking stories behind the scenes (a girl can dream). But I have to somehow come to terms with the fact that this post isn't for me, it's for you, and if this is the first time you're visiting Glastonbury, believe me, it's the best discovery you'll find! Whether it be the magical comfort of Strummerville that ticks it for you, or the surreal, secretive and very rude rabbit hole, there is something for everyone and actually, you'll be surprised by how much your opinions of different area's changes throughout the week/end.

I have made a list of my top 3 areas of Glastonbury, that's if you can have a top 3, I mean this was very difficult for me to make a decision on because even I love the huge unicorn playground in the kidzfield...but here it goes. My top 3.


1. Strummerville

Nestled into some beautiful Greenland overlooking the whole site, The Joe Strummer Foundation have set up camp (literally) in the most idyllic area of Glastonbury. Perfect for those summer days lounging around, drinking beer, listening to some ace music and remembering Joe, of course!

A charity that is extremely close to my heart, I visit Strummerville every single day of the festival. Whether that be to relax after partying too hard or to just get the party started. Sometimes I just go up there purely for the view, which is breath-taking. So if you get the chance, in fact, no, please make this your priority to go check out this year - there is nothing not to like.



(You can find out more about The Joe Strummer Foundation here)


2. Shangri-la

This area is born out of originality, creativity, truth, and lies. A magical and mystical other-world pops up every year and summons in all the campers that are fascinated by alternative ideologies. Never been before? well, get ready for the new movement!


An empowerment through art, music and unity, we are being educated in the understand that people have lost their voice amongst the deceit and distractions of the mainstream media. People want the revolution, people want freedom and in Shangri-La the people's voices are being heard louder than ever before.

I've decided to purposely not write much about Shangri-La's best kept secrets because those secrets are best witnessed live.

3. Pyramid Stage

I think this area is pretty self-explanatory. You could say this is the most famous stage in the world having homed huge artists from David Bowie to Beyonce. Going in 2016? Get ready to watch Adele, Coldplay, and Muse amongst many other artists take to the pyramid. And don't forget to get there early for the Sunday Legends slot.



 4. The Rabbit Hole


Oops, I accidently added a fourth area, purely because the rabbit hole is the most amazing find. Every festival should have a rabbit hole, a secret dreamscape where you can let your imaginations run wild. Make it your must to find the psychedelic tunnel that welcomes you to live music and Dj's. Grab a delicious tipple from the bar and be prepared because from here there's no going back... who know's you might even bump into Alice in wonderland on the way.



*All photos were taken by Stevie. 

Willingly every year thousands of people buy their tickets for the world renowned festival without even knowing one single artist who is performing, some would say we are mad, I say in these cases it is about so much more than the music.

But we would all love a decent headliner wouldn't we?

The anticipation is enough to make anyone crack and after several months of waiting patiently I feel like its a Kanye West disaster all over again. I was there 2015, Kanye West headlining the Pyramid stage. I didn't want to be there really it all came down to two things for me - I was there when I saw Kanye West headline Glastonbury and it was the most amazing experience ever OR I was there when I saw Kanye West get bottled off stage at Glastonbury... either way I was winning however neither happened. Kanye was pants and the audience was ace! I mean seriously Kanye what was you thinking with the 10 minute black out to get on a fucking cherry picker, the black out made everyone leave.

I begun the set stood near the back because it was so full and 30 minutes in I walked right down towards the stage, people clearly realised that there were better things going on like getting trashed in Shangri La or dancing the night away at Arcadia. Those who wanted comfort and peaceful music took themselves up to Strummerville (where you would find me no doubt).

So how are we feeling about the Adele announcement?

I am guessing for some this is fantastic news I mean she is huge right now... for others bleurgh, watching twitter explode was like watching the whole world collectively moan! Here's my take on this years headliners....


1. Coldplay

This band where do I begin. Announced as the first headlining act playing the pyramid on Sunday Coldplay in my judgement shouldn't have took this spot which is so worthy to many other great artists. Now I understand they have a new album out and it's all about what people are into in 2016 because that's what draws the crowds right? Yep, but along with Muse this will be the 2nd time Coldplay have headlined. This makes you wonder if there are any headliners left at all?

Coldplay, formed in 1996 and described as a very British rock band have a very large following but why? Their music seems so mundane and every song sounds the same. Their colourful, confetti endorsed tours auto tune and lack of lyrical content just introduces to me a very boring band.

Their new music relationship with Beyoncé is one that should have never happened. And again the fireworks, colourful paint and confetti is one that should have never happened. "Feeling drunk and high" ... I think you must have been high when you wrote this one Chris. Hymn For The Weekend doesn't feel very rock band and that's why it's a no from me.


2. Muse

Now Muse I don't mind as much. Although again I feel it is a little inappropriate that they should headline again having done so in 2010. My step sister introduced me to Muse when I was younger and I became instantly attached. She dragged me along to Sheffield Arena to see them in 2006 and at that age I literally thought they were my muse, my god damn religion. What did I know? I was 13.

Now hear me out, whilst I say I wouldn't mind Muse I think it is mainly due to me loving Matt Bellamy's voice. If they came on to the Pyramid stage and absolutely smashed Origin of Symmetry, Absolution or even better Black Holes and Revelations I would be in my element. However, I trust they will be offering their newest album Drones... which is absolutely pants!

So, after much consideration, Muse, unless you shred Supermassive Black hole I'm not bothered thank you.



3. Adele

I think this one is probably well deserved in all honesty. While Adele isn't my cup of tea she isn't the worst in the industry and the way she took over the charts this year shows she is killing it. I believe the majority of Glastonbury goers will love this, whilst the rest may sit and question it.

Thinking about an Adele concert, I just wonder what you do? Sing along yes but watching her live seems very boring to me. All of her songs are very slow and relate to those who have gone through heart break... is that what you want at a festival? I cant help but think this will dampen the spirit of a Saturday night headliner.

Hello, from the other side .... of Glastonbury springs to mind.