This week's song of the week is SOULJACKER PART 1 by The Eels.
I'm late to the party with this song, having only heard it for the first time earlier this year. But it didn't take me long to love it. This song is a pure rock n' roll riot. It starts off slow, with the regular pluck of guitar strings letting the listener know that something's about to explode. And then the chorus comes around.
The thing I love about this song is the fact that it's just a tale of utter rebellion. Rebellion against work, against school, against society as a whole and nothing in particular. It's just about wanting to scream and shout and make the world notice how unsatisfied you are, something everyone can relate to sometimes.
However, the song isn't entirely serious. There's an element of fun to the explosive 'Aw yeah' that precedes every chorus. In that sense, the band rebels even against its own song's message by taking it with their tongue firmly planted in their cheek.
Best lyric: 'Sally don't like her daddy/ Sally don't like her friends/ Sally and Johnny watchin' t.v./ Waiting for it to end'
Monday 30 September 2013
Book of the Week
This week's book of the week is THE CUCKOO'S CALLING by Robert Galbraith.
One of the best things about this novel is the back story. Secretly authored by J.K. Rowling under a pseudonym, upon its release earlier this year the critics absolutely loved this gripping detective drama. Once it became clear that Rowling was the true author, no one could go back on their word and critics finally had to admit that J.K. Rowling is in fact a brilliant story teller.
But the story of its fruition does not overshadow the quality of this novel's own story. Without giving away spoilers, a famous young model is found dead on the street beneath her penthouse apartment; seemingly due to suicide. However, her brother is not convinced and goes to Detective Strike for answers on who could have done the deed.
Not only is the mystery itself extremely well thought out (I wasn't even close to guessing whodunnit!) but the characters of this novel really shine through. The blending of humour and emotion really brings these figures to life, so that by the end of the novel you truly care about them, as well as about solving the mystery. I would love to see more of this detective, and luckily Rowling's already confirmed that it will be the first in a new series!
One of the best things about this novel is the back story. Secretly authored by J.K. Rowling under a pseudonym, upon its release earlier this year the critics absolutely loved this gripping detective drama. Once it became clear that Rowling was the true author, no one could go back on their word and critics finally had to admit that J.K. Rowling is in fact a brilliant story teller.
But the story of its fruition does not overshadow the quality of this novel's own story. Without giving away spoilers, a famous young model is found dead on the street beneath her penthouse apartment; seemingly due to suicide. However, her brother is not convinced and goes to Detective Strike for answers on who could have done the deed.
Not only is the mystery itself extremely well thought out (I wasn't even close to guessing whodunnit!) but the characters of this novel really shine through. The blending of humour and emotion really brings these figures to life, so that by the end of the novel you truly care about them, as well as about solving the mystery. I would love to see more of this detective, and luckily Rowling's already confirmed that it will be the first in a new series!
Saturday 21 September 2013
Arthur
He sits alone. Another night. The opposite side of the dining room table is pristine as he gathers his grubby plate. Slowly, and with effort, he stands.
"Oh, Edna. You'll never guess what happened today. I was at the butcher's and that man, the one you always said was thick as mince, he got to talking to me." Arthur stands by the sink, smiling. "Apparently he's doing a Masters in biochemistry, whatever that is. I suppose you can't tell these days, they'll let anyone in!"
He laughs hoarsely, stretching his elbows until they crack. A spot of gravy from the plate falls onto his hand, blending in with the cluster of liver spots. Edna's 'when I was young' speech echoes around his mind.
"It's always changing, in't it?" he says to the drawn yellow curtains. His smile fades. "Everything always changes."
Arthur leaves the kitchen, and his body creaks as he enters the dim lounge. The walls are piled high with books. Edna's photo smiles at him lovingly from the mantelpiece. He lowers himself into his half of the two-seater sofa, flicking the remote and allowing noise to fill the room.
Over the laughter of the telly, Arthur strokes the indent in the leather beside him. He ignores the screen, focusing solely on the returning gaze of his wife, smiling at him from the photograph above.
"Oh, Edna. You'll never guess what happened today. I was at the butcher's and that man, the one you always said was thick as mince, he got to talking to me." Arthur stands by the sink, smiling. "Apparently he's doing a Masters in biochemistry, whatever that is. I suppose you can't tell these days, they'll let anyone in!"
He laughs hoarsely, stretching his elbows until they crack. A spot of gravy from the plate falls onto his hand, blending in with the cluster of liver spots. Edna's 'when I was young' speech echoes around his mind.
"It's always changing, in't it?" he says to the drawn yellow curtains. His smile fades. "Everything always changes."
Arthur leaves the kitchen, and his body creaks as he enters the dim lounge. The walls are piled high with books. Edna's photo smiles at him lovingly from the mantelpiece. He lowers himself into his half of the two-seater sofa, flicking the remote and allowing noise to fill the room.
Over the laughter of the telly, Arthur strokes the indent in the leather beside him. He ignores the screen, focusing solely on the returning gaze of his wife, smiling at him from the photograph above.
Friday 20 September 2013
Perfect
Where's my award from the academy,
For the scene that just played out?
It flowed so well. Perfect characterization,
All good up to this point.
Yours is the type who cries and cries
While mine lights up another joint.
And the director of the scene says,
Perfect. You're perfect for this role.
The perfect chemistry of sex, desire and misery,
I couldn't see the real you at all.
Where's my rousing standing ovation,
For the man I claimed to be?
Long dramatic pause. Fantastic expression,
All so good up to here.
In this scene it says you keep on trying
While I get consumed by the fear.
And the director of the scene says,
Perfect. You're perfect for this role.
The perfect chemistry of sex, desire and misery,
I couldn't see the real you at all.
For the scene that just played out?
It flowed so well. Perfect characterization,
All good up to this point.
Yours is the type who cries and cries
While mine lights up another joint.
And the director of the scene says,
Perfect. You're perfect for this role.
The perfect chemistry of sex, desire and misery,
I couldn't see the real you at all.
Where's my rousing standing ovation,
For the man I claimed to be?
Long dramatic pause. Fantastic expression,
All so good up to here.
In this scene it says you keep on trying
While I get consumed by the fear.
And the director of the scene says,
Perfect. You're perfect for this role.
The perfect chemistry of sex, desire and misery,
I couldn't see the real you at all.
Song of the Week
Taking a more upbeat stride away from the emotional and slightly depressing choices I've made so far, this week's Song of the Week is a true party starter. It's WORK BITCH by Britney Spears.
So, summer is over, the sun hides away for another 6-10 months (as is always the case in good old Britain!) and so it's time to get back to work. Luckily, Miss Spears has provided us with the perfect motivational anthem: if you want success, you've got to work damn hard for it.
The song begins eerily with vacant beats, before it picks up into what can only be described as sheer, brilliant madness. It's produced by Will.i.am, and it's no exaggeration to say that this is by far his best work. It does his usual trick of meshing and mixing and letting the end result speak for itself, but despite the craziness the song flows with a hypnotic consistency.
Arguably, the beat and production are the most prominent aspects of the song. However, it is Spears's voice which rings through loud and clear. She masters the line between robotic and alive as only she can, flicking between tones, moods and even accents so smoothly that you only realize ten seconds later. She somehow amalgamates everything that has built her up as an icon: sex appeal, manufacture, fun, and the flicker of a mysterious human being behind a veil of a cocky, confident and (surprisingly) English character, and lets it blend magically into four minutes.
This is not a song to be taken seriously. It's all tongue and cheek. Britney acknowledges her huge status in the business, stating that despite the criticism she HAS worked to get where she is, and will continue to have fun with it. And that's the main thing to take away from the song: Britney has fun, and encourages the listener to do the same. After all, what's work without the play?
Best lyric: 'Tell somebody in your town/ Spread the word, spread the word/ Go call the po-lice/ Go call the governer'
So, summer is over, the sun hides away for another 6-10 months (as is always the case in good old Britain!) and so it's time to get back to work. Luckily, Miss Spears has provided us with the perfect motivational anthem: if you want success, you've got to work damn hard for it.
The song begins eerily with vacant beats, before it picks up into what can only be described as sheer, brilliant madness. It's produced by Will.i.am, and it's no exaggeration to say that this is by far his best work. It does his usual trick of meshing and mixing and letting the end result speak for itself, but despite the craziness the song flows with a hypnotic consistency.
Arguably, the beat and production are the most prominent aspects of the song. However, it is Spears's voice which rings through loud and clear. She masters the line between robotic and alive as only she can, flicking between tones, moods and even accents so smoothly that you only realize ten seconds later. She somehow amalgamates everything that has built her up as an icon: sex appeal, manufacture, fun, and the flicker of a mysterious human being behind a veil of a cocky, confident and (surprisingly) English character, and lets it blend magically into four minutes.
This is not a song to be taken seriously. It's all tongue and cheek. Britney acknowledges her huge status in the business, stating that despite the criticism she HAS worked to get where she is, and will continue to have fun with it. And that's the main thing to take away from the song: Britney has fun, and encourages the listener to do the same. After all, what's work without the play?
Best lyric: 'Tell somebody in your town/ Spread the word, spread the word/ Go call the po-lice/ Go call the governer'
Book of the Week
My book of the week this week is THE SONG OF ACHILLES by Madeline Miller.
I found this book to be not only a great emotional story but also just really really clever. The way Miller uses well known myths and Gods from Ancient Greek legends and brings them to life in an original and convincing setting makes this book a must-read for anyone whose niche is fantasy writing.
The novel is set leading up to and during the Trojan war. It tells the story of young Patroclus, a banished and disgraced prince with little self-confidence and little to be confident about, who is sent to live in a far off kingdom in which a young, strong and beautiful prince rules under his father. This prince is Achilles. Achilles, the son of a king and a goddess, gives Patroclus an insight into his luxurious world and the two soon form a strong friendship, which develops into something more. And the rest is ancient history.
This is a tragic, heart-wrenching story. It's educational not only in its academic prowess, but also in its depiction of pure undiluted passion. The barriers these two lovers face has the reader crying for tolerance. The final scene in particular is such a fantastic and poetic depiction of grief and love, and how much the two bleed together in times of sorrow.
A fantastic read which stays with you long after the final page has been turned.
I found this book to be not only a great emotional story but also just really really clever. The way Miller uses well known myths and Gods from Ancient Greek legends and brings them to life in an original and convincing setting makes this book a must-read for anyone whose niche is fantasy writing.
The novel is set leading up to and during the Trojan war. It tells the story of young Patroclus, a banished and disgraced prince with little self-confidence and little to be confident about, who is sent to live in a far off kingdom in which a young, strong and beautiful prince rules under his father. This prince is Achilles. Achilles, the son of a king and a goddess, gives Patroclus an insight into his luxurious world and the two soon form a strong friendship, which develops into something more. And the rest is ancient history.
This is a tragic, heart-wrenching story. It's educational not only in its academic prowess, but also in its depiction of pure undiluted passion. The barriers these two lovers face has the reader crying for tolerance. The final scene in particular is such a fantastic and poetic depiction of grief and love, and how much the two bleed together in times of sorrow.
A fantastic read which stays with you long after the final page has been turned.
Thursday 12 September 2013
Song of the Week
Like Book of the Week, this is another feature I plan on running.
This week, to mark the end of summer and the return to order, responsibilities and (of course) rain, the song I have chosen is sad. In fact, it's possibly the saddest and most emotional song I've heard. It's LILAC WINE by Jeff Buckley.
Most people praise Buckley for his cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah'. However, whilst this is a beautiful and emotional rendition, his own original track is the one which stands out most for me on his album 'Grace'.
'Lilac Wine' shows Buckley mourning the loss of a lover and turning to the release that wine provides. By numbing the pain in his head and heart, and retiring his mind to a sense of murky illusion, Buckley attempts to make it through the sorrow that comes with the end of a relationship. In the song he sings: 'I think much more than I ought to think/ Do things I never should do/ I drink much more than I ought to drink/ Because it brings me back you.'
It's not just the lyrics which make this song so full of feeling, but the instrumental and the way Buckley uses his voice. He doesn't keep his voice clear and strong, but instead deliberately falls into a cracked and defeated tone which by the end sounds close to tears. The simple instrumental draws focus to this and makes his isolation all the more potent. This is a glorious but devastating song, made all the more tragic by Buckley's shocking death at such a young age.
Best Lyric: 'Lilac wine, I feel unsteady. Where is my love?'
This week, to mark the end of summer and the return to order, responsibilities and (of course) rain, the song I have chosen is sad. In fact, it's possibly the saddest and most emotional song I've heard. It's LILAC WINE by Jeff Buckley.
Most people praise Buckley for his cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah'. However, whilst this is a beautiful and emotional rendition, his own original track is the one which stands out most for me on his album 'Grace'.
'Lilac Wine' shows Buckley mourning the loss of a lover and turning to the release that wine provides. By numbing the pain in his head and heart, and retiring his mind to a sense of murky illusion, Buckley attempts to make it through the sorrow that comes with the end of a relationship. In the song he sings: 'I think much more than I ought to think/ Do things I never should do/ I drink much more than I ought to drink/ Because it brings me back you.'
It's not just the lyrics which make this song so full of feeling, but the instrumental and the way Buckley uses his voice. He doesn't keep his voice clear and strong, but instead deliberately falls into a cracked and defeated tone which by the end sounds close to tears. The simple instrumental draws focus to this and makes his isolation all the more potent. This is a glorious but devastating song, made all the more tragic by Buckley's shocking death at such a young age.
Best Lyric: 'Lilac wine, I feel unsteady. Where is my love?'
Book of the Week
Hi everyone! I've decided to start a new little weekly feature on here, where I'll say a little bit about a book I've read recently and really enjoyed. I think I may do this with songs as well, to cover different mediums!
This week's book is a golden oldie, and one I'm ashamed to say I only read two weeks ago. It's LORD OF THE FLIES by William Golding.
If you don't already know, the book depicts the aftermath of a plane crash which finds a group of school boys trapped on a remote island. The thing that I really liked about the opening was that it begins AFTER the crash, which is given no direct narrative but just referred to. I think this is a really good way of building up mystery and allowing the reader to work out what's happened for themselves. It also makes the narrative believably from the perspective of children, as they don't necessarily understand everything that's happening.
But above all else, the main thing I love about this novel is how well Golding builds the tension throughout, as the boys slowly start to lose their sense of humanity and morality and revert to a primal state of hunting and killing, even each other. One death in particularly had me completely on edge, though I won't reveal any spoilers! But the vulnerability of the character in question makes the scene all the more tragic.
All in all, this a fantastic novel. The careful balance of children as hunters and children as victims really makes one question their own moral stance and their reliance of a system of laws and rules. It's harrowing, gripping but really enjoyable. I can see why it's a classic!
This week's book is a golden oldie, and one I'm ashamed to say I only read two weeks ago. It's LORD OF THE FLIES by William Golding.
If you don't already know, the book depicts the aftermath of a plane crash which finds a group of school boys trapped on a remote island. The thing that I really liked about the opening was that it begins AFTER the crash, which is given no direct narrative but just referred to. I think this is a really good way of building up mystery and allowing the reader to work out what's happened for themselves. It also makes the narrative believably from the perspective of children, as they don't necessarily understand everything that's happening.
But above all else, the main thing I love about this novel is how well Golding builds the tension throughout, as the boys slowly start to lose their sense of humanity and morality and revert to a primal state of hunting and killing, even each other. One death in particularly had me completely on edge, though I won't reveal any spoilers! But the vulnerability of the character in question makes the scene all the more tragic.
All in all, this a fantastic novel. The careful balance of children as hunters and children as victims really makes one question their own moral stance and their reliance of a system of laws and rules. It's harrowing, gripping but really enjoyable. I can see why it's a classic!
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