Walking along the beach in the rain

There's something beautiful about walking along the beach in the rain, especially as
 it goes dark. Yesterday evening, I went to Summerleaze Beach in Bude, Cornwall
with my sister, one of our cousins, and a couple of his friends. My cousin, Charlie,
is lucky enough to live in Bude, so the beach is a short five-minute walk from his house.

The cloudy skies in Bude

Paddling

For a boy from the Midlands, no matter how old, the beach is always novelty.
For someone with a lust for melancholia and sadness, the combination of that with rain
is dreamy. Like a scene from Richard Ayoade's Submarine, we splashed around and
played on the somber, lonely shore.

Georgia, my sister, gooning around.
Adam (our friend) in the background.

Andrew (Adam's brother) and Charlie, the locals

 In my favourite pair of black skinny jeans (Primark, £10) and a navy blue Harrington
purchased from a store on eBay (£12), I strolled across the seafront, with only my
companions also on the beach.

Seeing an area usually so full of life, in it's solitary emptiness is rather sad, however,
 the sense of freedom that consumes you, as you stare out at the vast emptiness of the
ocean, with nothing in front of you and nothing behind you, is an unparalleled emotion.

The Stone Roses: What This Record Means to Me

The 1989 self-titled debut release of Manchester pop-group The Stone Roses will forever be regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. Ian Brown's dreamy, whispered vocals over John Squire's jangling guitars, backed with Reni's immense drumming ability and Mani's impeccable driving basslines makes the record a classic. Due to managerial problems and a turbulent relationship between members of the band, The Stone Roses never seriously reached the heights of their debut LP ever again, however, the incredible tracks on that album have stood the test of time in Britain's indie scene, and will always continue to do so.

Ian Brown c.1989

The opening track, I Wanna Be Adored, speaks out to any lonely soul, not unlike myself, and is relatable to almost anybody. The fact that the lyrics to the song are contained in three repeated lines, although maybe unintentional, emphasise every word in it's simplicity.

The album continues into the dark yet dreamy world of the late '80s Manchester indie scene, She Bangs The Drums providing a sing-a-long for any fan and Waterfall emulating the jingle-jangle guitars of the 1960s. Waterfall flows into it's reverse, a trippy number called Don't Stop.

Track 8 is where, for me, the album becomes relevant. Made of Stone's harrowing chorus, 'Sometimes I fantasise, when the streets are cold and lonely,' embodies the spirit of the band, four dreamers hoping to leave the dingy streets of 1980s Manchester forever. The song connects with me. Living in suburban Worcestershire, the crime rates may not be as high as 1980s Manchester, and the living conditions are most certainly better. However, there is nothing here, which is where the comparison is drawn. I'd love nothing more than to leave this place. For a sixteen year old, Bromsgrove is a prison, where the offenders revel in gossip, God-awful dance music, and the ambition to move on to a bigger, better life.

This Is The One tells the, slightly beautiful and slightly strange, story of a girl's first orgasm. Through cryptic lyrics and the dark, atmospheric silences, one could never guess, apart from, 'A girl consumed by fire, we all know her desire... This is the one she's waited for.'

The Stone Roses c.1989

The record rounds off with I Am The Resurrection; the embodiment of high self-esteem and blasphemy. Whilst jibing at Christianity and promoting self-empowerment, the whole band reveal themselves as true musical geniuses. Brown's anthemic chorus vocals are just as good as John Squire's stunning lead guitar. And Mani's instantly recognisable,  and beautifully composed bassline is just as good as Reni's backing vocals and expert drum fills. The whole band are as good as one another, and the standard is so incredibly high. When the song breaks down for it's final, four minute jam-session and then comes to a sudden halt, you realise that you've spent forty-five minutes in the company of legends.

The album and the band go hand-in-hand as a message of escape, escaping whatever dull life you lead and dreaming of something better. The record will live on forever as it really is a masterpiece.

Myself, holding the Stone Roses LP

A Little Song Review #1

This is a new segment of my blog that I'm to call 'A Little Song Review'. Here I'll be reviewing a random song with each installment. The song can be a new release, an old gem, an unreleased B-side or anything at all! I will also link a YouTube video of the song each time.

The first ever Little Song Review will go to Damon Albarn's Mr Tembo. Mr Tembo is a song written for a friend's newly acquired pet elephant. 'Tembo' means elephant in Swahili. Albarn never dreamed of recording the song however, co-producer Richard Russell decided that he'd like to hear the track recorded. It was released as the fourth single of Albarn's 2014 record, Everyday Robots and differs from the melancholia that surrounds the rest of the album.

The song opens with a ukulele, the percussion section and Albarn on vocals, introducing us to Mr Tembo. This leads smoothly into the chorus, where backing 'ah's and a piano bulk out the sound. As the song develops, The Leytonstone Mission Choir join Albarn on vocals, giving the song a truly African-gospel flavour. Embellished with a spoken rap, the track concludes with a huge choral sing-a-long into the outro.

Mr Tembo is an upbeat, tropical party song that adds much contrast to the rest of Everyday Robots. Albarn pushes the popular musical boundaries and forays into world music, something to be admired. He truly pulls it off and the track is to be thoroughly enjoyed!

M x

The M-List #2

So I've made another M-List! This time it's 'Soul for Mods'. Including artists such as Eddie Floyd, Frank Wilson and Otis Redding, the playlist compiles songs from the 'Mod' era of the mid 1960s. The songs would have been played in the likes of Wigan Casino and Manchester's Twisted Wheel, and the more mainstream of those may have been played in general clubs and dance halls across the UK.

Compiling Motown and Atlantic/Stax records' finest artists, the second M-List is bound to get you on your feet, or at least get your toes tapping!

http://8tracks.com/insidetheodyssey/soul-for-mods

M x

Where on earth are YOUR heroes?

Pop sensation Harry Styles

In light of recent events in the Middle East, and now Missouri, one has to wonder the whereabouts of the spearheads of today's culture. Surely, does Harry Styles not have the perfect platform to reach millions? Can Drake not speak up and reach an audience?

It really bugs me that 60s musicians get a lot of flack from the majority of youth today given, not only their immense talent, but their ability to make a change. Okay, your Grandad might listen to John Lennon, and therefore you may not find him 'cool.' However, John Lennon spoke up for a generation of Americans in a time of crisis, he wasn't even American! He used his huge popularity gained by his work in The Beatles to speak out and reach people.

Bob Dylan did the same. Using his brand of topical songwriting, and supported by other folk musicians of the day, including Peter, Paul & Mary, Donovan and Tom Paxton, Dylan's writing spoke to many about the state of warfare and how the Vietnam War was wrong. He used his power over the youth, as a singer, to help create a movement, a revolution.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono
promoting 'Bed Peace'

Of course, there were other people involved in the 1960s America anti-war revolution, to name a few were Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King and Country Joe McDonald, among hundreds of others. I also understand that many young people in fact adore Bob Dylan, John Lennon and their peers. I just have to wonder if the musicians of today really do match up to their predecessors?

Pop star and icon Katy Perry

In a society where millions and millions of people can idolise a single band, whom may not even write their own songs, one must wonder whether these 'artists' really understand their own power. Could a cavalier speech from Katy Perry spark a fire of anti-racism from millions of teenagers? Would a song by One Direction not save millions of lives by promoting the peace movement in Gaza?  Sadly, given the state of the music industry today, we may never know.

M x

Why I Love James Bagshaw.

James Bagshaw is the epitome of cool. His adrogynous choice of clothing coupled with his immensely talented mastery of creating psychedelia makes him my idol. I was lucky enough to meet James before Temples' gig at The Institute in Birmingham on March 4th of this year. He was incredibly friendly and gave me some tips on advancing in the music world. James is my idol. Having released just one album, Temples are now my favourite band, and I'd love nothing more than to see them rise to the unequivocal heights of Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, and other indie Gods before them.

Bagshaw wearing a 60s inspired shirt.

With his hair making him a dead-ringer for 70s glam-icon Marc Bolan, and his clothes a cross between Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix and a 1965 Mod, James is not afraid to associate himself with the vintage and retro look. His music reflects this. Drawing heavily from the works of Joe Meek (The Tornadoes), their sonic sounds and riff-based psych splits your mind between outer-space and 1967, while your feet stay firmly on the ground in 2014, as the recording is far from basic. With band-mates Adam Smith, Thomas Warmsley and Samuel Toms also emulating the retro look, somewhat of a revival of 60s clothing and music has occurred.

Bagshaw's trademark white shoes and supersonic pedal board.

Along with his music and clothing, James' personality is second to none. As I mentioned before, he was glad to give advice to myself as an upcoming musician. He pondered for a few seconds with, 'Ooh that's a tough one!' before replying with, 'Never put anything out that's not unbelievable. Don't settle for a s***ty demo.' And when I asked him for his feelings on Noel Gallagher's comment, 'The future of the galaxy depends on the Temples record,' he grinned and replied with 'Ah, what does he know?'. Meeting James was a truly pleasant experience.

James with girlfriend Lauren Park.

One can only imagine that it was the combination of everything above that attracted his beautiful girlfriend, Lauren Park. The fashion writer, as pictured left, owns the blog 'Novella Afterglow' and frequently posts her own clothing tips and occasionally her adventures with James. The couple are possibly the two most photogenic people I have ever laid eyes on and I could not be happier for the two of them together.

So there you have it. His sensational musical talent, his incredible vintage look and his friendly, down-to-earth personality is why I love James Bagshaw. I can't wait to hear the next release from Temples, and I believe that the only way is up for the awe-inspiring psychedelic outfit.

The M-List #1

Okay, so I've decided that I am going to be uploading links to playlists that I have curated on 8tracks. I will aim to post one playlist per week under the moniker 'The M-List'. This week's M-List is based on music from Manchester.

I've always felt a strong connection to Manchester as I am a big fan of Manchester United and the first band to turn me on to guitar music was Oasis. Having discovered Oasis, by my Dad, I delved into their influences and peers to discover The Stone Roses, The Happy Mondays, The Beatles and more. It opened up a spiders web of indie bands and rock bands and I've never looked back!

I owe a lot of my current lifestyle to Oasis' music. They may not be the most technically gifted band in the world, but they will always have a little spot in my heart.

Here is the playlist, full of bands from the beautiful city of Manchester: http://8tracks.com/insidetheodyssey/manchester-la-la-la


P.S. If you look closely, you'll notice that one of the bands might not quite be from Manchester at all!

Enjoy!

M x

A Good Day Shopping

On Saturday I went shopping in Birmingham town. As much as I dislike where I live (the West Midlands), I never fail to come back from my travels to the Bull Ring empty handed, or disappointed.

With sixth form just ahead, I needed some new, smart clothes. I decided as the required look is 'suited and booted', I'd be best to express myself by buying 'Mod'-looking clothes. I already have a navy suit with a blue, paisley tie so it was variables I was shopping for.

Although it may seem like a fashionista's nightmare, I found myself wondering into TK Maxx, a shop that I never use. I'm not sure why but curiosity got the best of me. I was lucky enough to stumble upon a midnight blue shirt covered in small white dots. Made by London's Saville Row Company, the RRP of the shirt was £70 however, at a reduced price of £20, I found the shirt irresistible.

I then moved onto Primark, once more, a shop  avoided by most interested in clothing. I was lucky enough to find a rugged white shirt with more of a casual look to the Burton's smart one I already owned. It was a steal at just £9.

Then, I found my favourite buy of the day: the shoes above. I've been watching these shoes for a long time in Primark, umming and ahing every time I go in. Finally, I decided, I'd had enough.The adrogony of the shoe (I knew a girl who had an almost identical pair), with it's heel and it's smooth suede surface was calling to me. It is probably my favourite pair of shoes that I own, overtaking my tan brogues that I wore to my prom. 

With two ties from River Island to follow, I found myself inside HMV. Anywhere where there is vinyl is insatiably dangerous for my bank account. Led Zeppelin and The Stone Roses cost £15 a piece along with Kasabian's 48:13 at £18. The most puzzling thing in my mind is why Kasabian decided on their release being two 9" EPs rather than one 12" LP. It's rather confusing.

So that was my trip to Birmingham! I get paid monthly so similar adventures will probably entail at the same rate!

I hope this blog isn't rubbish.

M x

Welcome

Hello there,

Obviously, at this point, nobody is following me, and I am therefore writing to myself. I've never ran a real blog before so I suppose this might be a little bit rubbish. However, it might not! I suppose I should tell you about what this blog will include.

I'm going to post about everything and anything that interests me in my life. I'm not quite a mod and I'm not a hippie however paisley, 60s music and desert boots are among my best interests. I wouldn't say that I'm a 'dedicated follower of fashion' however I care about my look and I like to express myself with my clothing. That said, I'm not rich enough or devoted enough to spend a lot of money on clothes, however I do firmly believe that one can look presentable, and stylish, on a budget.

Musically, I play guitar and write songs. I have to simultaneous projects running that are still in their formative stages. My folk music is practical as it only involves one (miserable) man, his guitar and his lyrics. My psychedelic work (in the footsteps of bands such as Temples, Tame Impala and Melody's Echo Chamber) is much more difficult to curate as I am currently without a band. However, my guitar, amplifier and pedal allows me to begin writing songs.

I'm 16 years old so my most adventurous years are on their way incredibly shortly! I feel like I'm at a good point in my life to begin a blog; I almost feel like I'm beginning my life. So, here it goes. Hope you enjoy.

Yours Faithfully,
Mark x