Autumn Night Playlist

No reviews or commentary just a quick post, with the nights getting longer and colder, here is my essentials playlist for these autumn nights.

1) Counting Crows - Recovering Satellites

2) Jeff Buckley - Lilac Wine

3) Paolo Nutini - These Streets

4)Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers - It'll All Work Out

5)The Stone Roses - Breaking Into Heaven

6) The Smiths - Asleep

7)  The Rolling Stones - Mother's Little Helper

8) Jamie T - Love is only a heartbeat away

9) Arctic Monkeys- Only One's Who Knows

10) First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar

I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do.
@jesskateborden

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds "In The Heat Of The Moment"

 The first taste of  Noel Gallagher's album "Chasing Yesterday" has finally been released with a music video since it was first announced.
   "In The Heat Of The Moment" is a classic rock and roll song from Gallagher that built Oasis to such fame, it's anthemic feel is an instant fan pleaser. The combination of guitar melody and the chantable lyrics, with the ever improving voice of Noel Gallagher, this song is the perfect return to the music scene and announcement of his second album under his own name. Whether you're a fan of Gallagher or not this is a must listen.
                                                             
 
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - "Chasing Yesterday" is out on the 2nd March 2015!
Enjoy!

Top 5 Film Soundtracks

   Music is most commonly referred to as the soundtrack to people’s lives and so here is my list of film soundtracks that are essential to creating a life resembling the movies.

Walk The Line

   A film with stellar performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, continued it’s impressive production into the soundtrack with performances from all of the actors in creating the soundtrack and doing the likes of Johnny Cash, June Carter, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis proud in this taste of the film. This is the perfect homage towards some of the greats of music.

Elizabeth Town

   Elizabeth Town, a film that is not loved by many but the soundtrack is arguable one of the best around. From Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers to Elton John to The Hollies and Ryan Adams, this soundtrack encompasses the feeling of loss and coming to terms with life throughout it’s selection and balance of music. The contrast of Let It Out by Los Hombres and Hard Times by Eastmountainsouth creates a beautiful juxtaposition in the album whilst moments like Come Pick Me Up by Ryan Adams and Where To Begin by My Morning Jacket is the perfect compliment to each other of longing. An album that fits all weather.

Midnight In Paris.

    With a soundtrack that creates the epitome of the issue discussed in the film, Golden Age Thinking is strengthened whilst listening to this soundtrack you are transported to Paris in the 20’s and wish to be wandering through the streets in the rain. From Je Suis Seul Ce Soir by Swing 41 to Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love) by Conal Fowkes and Le Parc De Plaisir by François Parisi this album is unforgettable and with only occasional lyrics allows you to appreciate the beauty of the music and the era.

Searching For Sugar Man

    Sixto Rodriguez, a man who’s love of music and talent, makes this one of the best Soundtracks as what could also be seen as best of. From the iconic ‘Sugar Man’ to the heartbreaking ‘I Think of You’ and the rabble rousing ‘This In Not A Song, It's An Outburst (The establishment Blues).’ Rodriquez is an Idol for many and throughout this soundtrack to the documentary, it is seen why he is beloved by so many people.

The Royal Tenenbaums

    As a huge fan of Wes Anderson’s films, any use of music to allow me to pretend that I live in a world created by him is good by me. The Royal Tenenbaums soundtrack will always be a favourite, from it being the first Anderson production I laid my eyes and ears on to the beauty of the soundtrack. From tracks like These Days by Nico, Needle in the Hay by Elliott Smith, Judy is a Punk by Ramones to Police & Thieves by The Clash. The entire Soundtrack transports you to the world of the characters and creates the perfect combination of escapism and conscious.

These five soundtracks all from very different films, yet all create the perfect balance of film merchandise and the fantastic art of compilations.

Jamie T - Carry On The Grudge

   After being missing from the music scene for 5 years,  Yesterday marked the return of Jamie T. Carry On The Grudge has been released after much anticipation and has not disappointed the fans and critics that have been waiting with bated breathe. The three songs that were released to give a sample of the album where; Zombie, Don’t You Find and Turn On The Light, all giving a different insight to this album.

  The first song to be released was ‘Don’t You Find’, a slower and a track that brooded with much more anger and feelings of loss rather than the past of taking a Sex Pistols approach and taking the aggression out in short, loud bursts of energy. ‘Don’t You Find’ see’s a new turn around for Treay's, but he holds onto the thing that made him so loved to begin with, his lyrics. From the chorus “Don't you find, some of the time, there is always someone on your mind, That shouldn't be at all,In any place or any kind” to the verses of “And I lose as I win, And I'll know where I go,It's got nothing more for me no more.” The darker undertones of this song allow to reintroduce Jamie T to the world of music and show how he isn't resting on his laurels.

   Zombie, the second song to be released, is reminiscent of Jamie T’s earlier work with the energy and vibe of the song in the rhythm of the lyrics and beat, showing he hasn't turned his back on his earlier music styles and nor the energy that got him so noticed in the first place. With the slower opening of just vocal and the strum of a guitar, with a sense of disappointment in either another person or themselves in the lyrics and tone, we are then hit with the energy Treay's is famous for. With the lyrics “I got blood shot eyes, and there's blood in my teeth I got a ripped up jacket and a friend who's a thief” with an air of sticks and stones mentality and rounding off the song with the plea to stay “You make me alive enough to love again” and a repeat of the chorus, allowing the song to follow a traditional-esque style of song structure whilst containing the flare of Jamie T.

   Turn On The Light is the third song that was released before the album, creating a middle ground between the well known energy of ‘Zombie’ and the darker building aggression and sadness of ‘Don’t You Find’. With more of a focus on the lyrics than the music, not to say the music doesn't deserve attention, The stripped down effect is perfect for this song with lyrics such as “It’s so dark in here, inside a life, And I know what it’s like,To feel loved and to not like yourself” repeated in the chorus throughout the song allows a true sense of sadness and yet hope to be shown. And with the final verse involving lyrics “Take me far from this sweet city stench, Where friends all betray each other, And I'm just another lover to a friend” showing the hope and desperation for better in the surroundings; area and people entwined in an image.

   From these three songs Carry On The Grudge is already set to be a huge album and Jamie T will reclaim his place in music as the voice for so many people.

Carry On The Grudge By Jamie T – Out Now 

Top 5 B-sides

Top 5 B-sides with honorable mentions because narrowing it down to 5 became far too difficult.

1) The Cure- Pillbox Tales – Boys Don’t Cry

   A perfect counter part to Boys Don’t Cry. Taken from the 1986 re-released version of Boys Don’t Cry, the speed and urgency of delivery of the lyrics creates an angst around this song which contrasts with Boys Don’t Cry incredibly. The mix on this song creates a sound of sirens throughout the background heightening the impact of the song delivery.

2) The Courteeners - Trying Too Hard To Score – Not Nineteen Forever

   High in energy to match or even rival Not Nineteen Forever, an anthem to many Courteeners fans, the melody supporting and building the tension which is elevated by Frays’ vocals. This song appears as a burst of aggression and warning with the repeated lyric “you’d best be on your best behaviour.”

3) The Smiths- Cemetery Gates – Ask

    The Smiths, known for their amazing b-sides from Jeane to Suffer Little Children, Cemetery Gates a witty response to the questions of borrowing from great writers “Wilde is on mine.” The lighter melody allows for the lyrics to come across calmly in the manner of which everyone wishes to deliver a response in an argument but very few manage.

4) Arctic Monkeys – You and I - Black Treacle

     You and I with the vocals of Richard Hawley and music of Arctic Monkeys this combination was bound to be impressive but the result creates and effortless record which needs to be played loud whilst driving. A song with the strength of Richard Hawley’s vocals combined with the musical talent of the Arctic Monkeys to create an alliance known as The Death Ramps was bound to make great things.

5) The Stone Roses – Mersey Paradise – she bangs the drums

    Mersey Paradise, the perfect addition and accompaniment to She Bangs The Drums  in sound but complete antithesis in meaning from the idea of things coming together in a perfect singular moment in She Bangs The Drums to the idea of things falling apart in Mersey Paradise. Both songs revolving around one moment. Mersey Paradise is a perfect b-side hidden gem of a song for the impeccable writing to the melody which carries the song to a whole new level.   

Honourable mentions:

 The Libertines – The Delaney –Up the bracket B-side

The Death Ramps – Little Illusion Machine (Wirral Riddler)-Hellcat spangled Shalalala B-Side

The La's - Over -Timeless melody B-side

The Rolling Stones - Play With Fire- The Last Time B-Side

So what are your favorite B-sides?

@Jesskateborden

Summer Playlist: Coconut Records

   Summer Playlist will be a series of posts focusing on bands which epitomize summer for me.

   The first Band on this list will be Coconut Records. A project by Jason Schwartzman, ex drummer of Phantom Planet (California) and Actor in such films such as Rushmore and I Heart Huckabees. Coconut Records is a combination of Indie rock with a 60’s California vibe, creating the perfect summer sound throughout the music. From the two albums, Nighttiming and Davy, here are a selection of tracks to add to any summer playlist.

1) Any Fun – Album: Davy

     With the piano staple in the foreground of the music and the catchy repetitive lyrics combined with the vocals of Schwartzman make the perfect summer song.

  

2) Mama- Album: Nighttiming

     The simple melody and lyrics with the country vibe of this song with the combined vocals of Jason Schwartzman and Jennifer Furches makes for a song essential for summer.

 3) West Coast- Album: Nighttiming

     The vibe of the song of longing and wishful thinking is portrayed incredibly throughout this song from the lyrics to the tune to the vocals and backing singers.

 4) Drummer- Album : Davy

     Upbeat melody with the repetitive chorus makes for an immediate addition to the summer playlist with it’s easy to listen and calming atmosphere.

 5) The Summer – Album: Davy

     The imagery of an endless summer makes for a perfect song on this playlist, catchy and heartfelt.

 6) Easy Girl – Album: Nighttiming

      With hazy vocals, upbeat melody and charming lyrics, it makes for a simple yet sweet combination all in one song.

Thanks for reading!

@JesskateBorden

Mutineers New Single Review: Love, It's A Killer

    Mutineers, a Manchester based band with a cult following from Twitter and Facebook, doing sell out Manchester show and single mini tours are set to release their new single "Love, It's A Killer" out on the 17th March 2014 is definitely one to watch out for.

    With the upbeat tempo and unique vocals which feels quite reminiscent of Robert Smith (The Cure) And Jim Reid (The Jesus and Mary Chain). The catchy well written lyrics paired with these makes for an impressive single with an anthem style feel around chorus, which stands well against as any single modern or classic.  

   This is definitely a band to keep track of and this single is a must have for any music lover!

Band Twitter: @Mutineers__

Band Facebook:  www.facebook.com/mutineers

Check out the song here first: www.soundcloud.com/mutineersofficial     

 @Jesskateborden

Top 5 Songs By The Beatles

    As one of the most iconic bands of music, The Beatles top 5 best songs is a greatly debated subject. So here are my Top 5 favourite songs by The Beatles.

Number One: Saw Her Standing There (Album: Please, Please Me)

   Written by Lennon/McCartney this song epitomizes the early Beatles for me, from the 60's vibe and live sound combined with timeless lyrics and a classic voice, this song from hearing it as a baby is still one of my personal favourites and manages to make any mood ten times better.

Number Two: Blackbird (Album: The White Album)

   Taken from The White Album, which is one of the most highly regarded albums by The Beatles. Blackbird’s soothing lyrics and melody make this to be a good representation of a different side to The Beatles, taking them in a new direction. The use of the bird call at the end is something unusual compared to their work before this song and the entire song shows a change from the style of “Saw Her Standing There”

Number Three: I’ve Just Seen a Face (Album: Help!)

    The opening of the song with just the guitar playing and then goes into this song so strong in the vibe of The Beatles most famous songs. The fast pace of the guitar is mixed perfectly with the vocals and lyrics. Another timeless 60’s song

Number Four: Revolution-Single Version (Album: Hey Jude – B side)

    Three versions of this song have been released, Revolution (single version), Revolution 1 –a much slower version of the song- and Revolution 9 being a very experimental recording. Revolution as a single combines passion and anger at violent revolutions whilst being a highly accessible song and being perfect for the era it was made in and all eras since. A truly timeless classic.

Number Five: With A Little Help From My Friends (Album: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band)
     A classic in The Beatles back catalogue and for very good reason. This song showed the group a united front and has been covered by many different artists but none meet the love from this song when listening to The Beatles.

Jess Borden

@Jesskateborden

Recent Vinyl Purchase

   Recently when looking through 'Back To Mono', an amazing record shop in the city center of Lincoln,UK, I found "Ten Story Love Song" by The Stone Roses.
   As one of my favorite songs by The Stone Roses, I had to buy it and it did not disappoint with the A side being in my opinion a classic from the bands back catalogue and an Epic in the realms of love songs, but flip over to the B side and two previously unreleased tracks "Moses" and "Ride on".
    Moses being the instrumental track on this record, feels like a much looser vibe across the board with an experimental edge lending itself to sound quite typically like The Stone Roses, whilst also being quite a timeless track.
    Ride on the final track on the record, creates a dark atmosphere and an almost foreshadowing of the bands fate. From Ian Brown's vocals to the entire accompaniment of the music. The repetitive beat of drums during the verse allows to set the choruses apart and keep a steady rhythm to the guitars which take a lead in this track, making it a hint towards where The Stone Roses would of took their music.

Song Review: Conor Oberst - Hundreds of Ways

   Conor Oberst, famed as the frontman for 'Bright Eyes', has released the first song from his new solo project 'Upside Down Mountain' (released on the 20th May).
 
    The new song "Hundreds of Ways" has a strong country influence and within the first few seconds of the Johnny Cash influence is apparent and then as Oberst's distincitve vocals kick in the song is clearly not just an imitation of the great Cash's work. A song with intelligent and brilliant lyrics about disappointment and just making it through it all without sounding like a cry for help but rather a rational reasoning of life, with lines such as "Don't get so upset, the world was never fair" and "all my heroes, they're all talk" fitted perfectly with the 'country' inspired music and the back up vocals of First Aid Kit, which lifted the entire song to a whole new level.

 This song will hopefully be the sign of even better things to come from Oberst in his new album, and if 20th May 2014 is too long for you to wait, an EP will be released for record store day on the 7th April 2014!

@jesskateborden

Song of the Night

   Now just for a quick post, My song of the night. It comes as no surprise that this song is by The Stone Roses, as this time of night is seemingly my favourite time to listen to them. “Made of Stone” an obvious favourite for many Stone Roses fans, but right now it is seemingly so that the stars have aligned and made this the perfect moment to be listening to this song. Ian Brown’s vocals seem to create a sense of calm for me whilst the music I could listen to for hours on end meaning this song creates the perfect ambiance for tonight.

Enjoy!

@jesskateborden
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Top 5 Covers

   Covers are an essential part of music, being able to relate so closely to the words someone else has written or adapting the music to fit the message you can hear. The cover can go from wanting to give a tribute to an artist you love or to show a different message from a song. So without further introduction here are my Top 5 covers

1) Noel Gallagher – To Be Someone (original by The Jam)

      This is my all time favourite cover, from the emotion in Noels’ voice to the guitar accompaniment. This cover takes a classic song by The Jam and makes it his own and contrasts the original so greatly in sound. Personally I find when listening to The Jams version, the sadness and confusion I can hear in Noel Gallagher’s version is completely lost. The last lines “Did I have a nice time? I can’t remember if I had a nice time” is like a punch to the gut in how lost he sounds.

2) The Courteeners ft Miles Kane – There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (Original by The Smiths)

     This cover clearly is to pay homage to The Smiths, and comes across as them just being happy to be able to perform this song to their fans. From the iconic chorus to the mix up of lines to Liam Fray adding “Manchester” into the lyrics, this song shows how important The Smiths are to so many people and allows fans to play for fans and show who inspires them.

3) Arctic Monkeys- Come Together (Original by The Beatles)

      Performed at the Opening ceremony for the London Olympics in 2012. Arctic Monkeys did The Beatles proud with a stunning tribute which held everyone’s attention captive at this huge ceremony. It allowed for them to show their appreciation for an amazing band whilst showing how good they truly are.

4) Biffy Clyro – Killing In The Name (Original by Rage Against The Machine)

       As an acoustic cover, at first I was unsure as whether this would match up to the high standards of the original. However It really did, this song without the aggression of the loud electric guitars and drums begins to sound much more like pleading with someone rather than yelling. This cover takes the classic protest song to a whole different level.

  5) Kings of Leon – Dancing On My Own (Original by Robyn)

        This cover from the Radio One Live Lounge, rather than the anger and despair that can be heard in the original version of the song. Here it comes across much more as a song about giving up. From the use of the guitars to Caleb Followill’s powerful voice which takes this song to a whole other level. I can listen to this song on repeat without actually getting bored and fed up at all. 

Thanks for reading!

@JessKateBorden
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The Jesus and Mary Chain

      A band that began in 1983, broke up in 1999 and later reformed in 2007, The Jesus and Mary Chain were recently introduced to me by many users of Tumblr and one of my closest friends during one of the many times of just search through her Ipod for more music. Their music from the use of guitars to lead vocals of Jim Reid forms a perfect harmony which can either break your heart or give you hope. Their image in the early days does remind me very strongly of The Cure and even the distinctive lead vocals (not the same as each other but both allow it to be the forefront of the music).

These are the Top 5 songs by The Jesus and Mary Chain, which I have been listening to on repeat and I highly recommend you check out as soon as you possibly can.

  

To start off April skies, with the distinctive voice and guitar starting straight away together this song grabs the attention instantly and the lyrics like in all of their songs work so beautifully with the music in creating the perfect combination.

Darklands, a much slower song than April Skies, seems to create an atmosphere which can truly be appreciated either lying on a bed staring out of a window or dancing around with it at full volume to immerse yourself it the song whole heartedly.

 Just Like Honey from their debut album, is seemingly a classic throughout the discography of The Jesus And Mary Chain and rightly so. With the soothing lyrics and the music which constantly feels like it is building to a point but never gives anything away. A must listen.

Psychocandy, is addictive to listen to, from the drum beat and guitar in the background to the once again addictive quality to Jim Reid’s voice. This song can be played over and over without ever becoming old or boring. It holds a hypnotic power over the listener which seems to send an air of calm around the room it’s being played in.

Snake Driver, a song which I feel I need to listen to at full volume with my headphones in. This song steps away from the creating the perfect image as in Darklands however the combination of the lyrics and music work amazingly to create a harsh much more rock based song.

Any more song recommendations from Jesus and The Mary Chain are always welcome! 

@Jesskateborden
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My Top 5 Albums of 2013

This is a new series I am starting here at Those Three Minute Records, Each week I will do a count down of My Top 5, either songs, Albums, Bands and Gigs, (And Yes this is taking inspiration from the classic film High Fidelity and Jack Black with his Top Five cassette). So today we start with …. My Top 5 Albums of 2013.

Number one:

   To kick off this series and this list it seems only fair to start with an album that was highly anticipated and in high demand, Arctic Monkey’s AM. From start to finish, this album had me hooked from the leading single “R U Mine?” to the smooth melodies of “Mad Sounds”, This album stepped away from what the fans and critics alike expected of Arctic Monkeys and threw at them a whole new sound with Matt Helders Falsetto taking on a whole new level in their songs. This album may have been a huge step away from what everyone expected, but it made sense for the band and worked in a way no one could of imagined. Not to forget Alex Turners’ Lyrics still managing to create imagery in the most poetic way possible.

Number two:

   The Courteeners third, eagerly awaited album Anna, was released in February. With a very strong following of fans, The Courteeners have made a name for themselves with upholding the name of an “Indie Rock Band” this band lived up to their previous albums and more so. Having hit singles such as “Van Der Graaff” and most recently “Are You In Love With A Notion” gave a good overall feel of the album whilst still allowing the mystery of amazing songs such as “When You Want Something You Can’t Have” and “Money” to be maintained. The Lyrics and music worked in a harmony that can be found in their previous albums and is not uncommon for this Manchester bred band. Also if the chance occurs a must see live.

Number three:
   Now number three holds a special place in my heart, as during 2013 my favourite band from when I was 14 reformed…Fall Out Boy. This news came as a surprise and inflicted all of their old albums on my then flatmates. Save Rock and Roll, having collaborations with people from Courtney Love to Elton John, showed the true versatility of Fall Out Boy. This album acts as a whole new dose of nostalgia for me and makes me once again feel like the 14 year old girl dancing round her room. As a personal favourites “Young Volcanoes” and “Where did the Party Go” for holding on to the traditional vibe of Fall Out Boy that I knew and loved whilst also clearly growing up and developing their sound from the side projects since the hiatus in 2009.

Number four:

   The 1975 both artist and album title, attracted critical acclaim from all over during 2013 from their EP to the release of their album, this band held to their style of music and backed this up with their lyrics. From their singles “Chocolate” and “Girls” to “Falling For You” this band seems to be able to hold your attention to each syllable spoken and each note played. I am eagerly awaiting to hear what else this band has in store for us and hopefully get to see how they are live in the near future.

Number five:

   Last but definitely not least, Opposites by Biffy Clyro. The double album from the Scottish triple act, was not a disappointment. As a concept album, showing the complete opposite on each disc, seeing the positive and seeing the negative. This album truly showed the ability of Biffy Clyro to showcase the big ideas. The first song shown from this album “Stingin Belle” gave the fans exactly what they wanted after a long wait and then with the release of their first single “Black Chandelier” showed exactly what they had been doing with their time. This album shows outlooks on life and has become a must have album for me, personally. If at any point in the future there is a chance for you to see them live it is definitely highly recommended.


@jesskateborden
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My 2013 in Gigs

With Reflection being a necessary part of our culture at the beginning of each New Year, here
goes my reflection on 2013 in Gigs
To begin with my year in gigs included:
Biffy Clyro,
Bruce Springsteen,
The Courteeners
Liam Fray
Paramore
Johnny Marr
Beady Eye
Miles Kane

   These are the eight gigs that I managed to get to this year, sadly not many more. However these where some of the most amazing nights of the year from hearing Machines by Biffy Clyro to The River and Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen. The atmosphere was nothing short of cinematic. As I had never really listened to The Courteeners before this summer (I know, how I had missed them for this long is ridiculous) Seeing them in Liverpool did truly cement them as one of my favourite bands, the atmosphere and control they held over the audience was incredible, This kind of stage presence was then continued by Liam Fray in September at his acoustic show where he played the B-sides with just the accompaniment of his guitars and a piano. Paramore, once again engaged with the crowd and showed many critics that they were still a band, ignoring all of the rumors and gossip, performing a range of old hits and new records, it gave all ranges of the Paramore fan base, exactly what they where there for.

   Johnny Marr and Beady Eye, both holding a special place in the heart of Manchester, both did not disappoint from the unbelievable performance and combination of Marrs’ most recent record “The Messenger” and  his classics from The Smiths with a cover of I fought the Law made his homecoming show an immense occasion and showed why he truly is hailed as one of the greatest guitarists and musicians of his generation.  Then came  Beady Eye, A performance that showed that Liam Gallagher is still an amazing front man, with a power to control the crowd without even moving. This night was taken to a whole other level with the appearance of Bonehead and the performance of Live Forever, and then with the Beady Eye performance of Cigarettes & Alcohol, Oasis fans could also deem this night a complete success. And then for the final song, a cover of Gimme Shelter. An incredible cover and perfect end to the show.

   To Finish this incredible year of Gigs, Miles Kane in Eric’s. This homecoming show could easily be counted as one of the best gigs I have been to so far. The small venue and the ever growing and improving stage presence of Miles Kane, along with the pure excitement in the atmosphere of the crowd, saw all songs sang along with as loudly as possible. With songs such as Rearrange, Darkness In Our Hearts and Come Closer already classics in his collection, the cover of Sympathy For The Devil was the perfect mix of music for the closing show of his homecoming stint in Eric’s. Three gigs in 24 hours, showed the fans exactly how important this was to him and ended a brilliant year of gigs.