The Commuters Playlist.

So I’m going back to uni tomorrow after a very lengthy 6 months off (I’m not too sure if I can actually remember how to read and write) and this year instead of living in London I’ll be commuting. So before I started on the endless amounts of books which I have to read in preparation; I thought it was vital that I had a playlist prepared for the journey….NO IT WAS NOT JUST PROCRASTINATION!

So here’s a few of my favourite tracks which will get my very early and long day off to the right start.

Jake Bugg- Saffron

Well thanks to Mr Bugg himself this song is actually available to download for FREE on his site and urge you to do so. I still can’t over how you young and how talented this guy is- his music is country and folk at its finest and I can’t wait for his album release in October. I love watching videos of him on YouTube as his style of playing is reminiscent to that of The Beetles; and I can’t help but hear a resemblance to the likes of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan when listening to him. But that being said, it doesn’t mean that this fella doesn’t stand out of the mould as a complete separate and original entity. He plays the guitar in a way that literally melts my heart and his lyrics are utterly breath-taking. It‘s almost as if he’s just telling you a story about his day, but he does so so majestically he’s able to create a sense of place and atmosphere that instantly captures the imagination- I always end up making up a little film in my head.http://jakebugg.com/

Chasing Mary-Sydney

Now I’d like to think that I don’t have a bias here (have a listen and let me know) seen  as the singer, songwriter, producer etc  etc is all done by a bredrin of mine- but I’d like to  think I know good music when I hear it. And this isn’t just good music is feckin fantastic.  I can probably best describe the sound by saying it’s as if someone has taken all the finest elements of an eclectic taste in music (electronic, blues, rock) and created something truly wonderful. The lyrics are full of soul and passion that will resonate within anyone who listens. It’s strange how words can be so hard to say, but a song can strip someone bare; creating something wonderfully emotive. The music and lyrics are all tied together with a melodic vocal tone similar to that of The Smiths or Talking Heads. I think it’s a true talent when a musician can physically create a feeling within you, be it happiness, sadness or even anger-something Chasing Mary seems to achieve effortlessly. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Mary/106878969345388?ref=ts

Alt-J- Breezeblocks

I 1^st heard of this band on Zane Lowes festive festival, and just short of a year on they’ve only gone a got themselves nominated for a chuffin Mercury Music Prize. This is a group of lads who undoubtedly deserve every single moment of their success. Their music is like nothing I have ever heard of before- maybe folky synth is the closest thing I can think of. It’s an odd thing to say when talking about music; but I admire how they’re not afraid to play with silence. It’s within these moments that your mind and body is able to register the magnitude of the song. The effect is chilling, and makes for a magnificent listening experience. Joe Newman’s (the lead singer) vocals literally gives me chills, and the bands vocal harmonies are nothing but impeccable. http://altjband.com/

Bill Downs- Wayfairing Stranger

You gotta rep a local lad! But it’s not just because this guy comes the beautiful flatlands of Norfolk that he’s on my playlist, he is an exceptional talent with a voice that can only be described as faultless. I was actually lucky enough to see him sing live at a charity event that my sister  and  classmates organised in Norwich- yes I was that lame that I asked to have my picture taken with him (but when he’s big and famous I’ll be making a lot of people jealous with that picture).. He plays the guitar so naturally it might as well be another limb; and he puts every single ounce his energy into his performance you can’t help but become mesmerised. When I saw him, he sang his version of Wayfairing Stranger acapella; and something has to me said for a guy who is able to silence a room.  I really hope he gets the recognition he deserves.https://www.facebook.com/BillDownsMusic?ref=ts

So I’ll be commuting for the rest of the academic year- so any suggestions to add to my playlist is always appreciated :)

My Life In Books

I LOVE Elle magazines 'my life in books'- it's a great way of discovering new Novels to get stuck into and also it's nice when a book that you adore pops up. There’s something strangely comforting about knowing that someone loves a piece of writing as much as you do- whilst you were sitting reading something and becoming entirely captivated; in another time/ place/ moment someone was experiencing the same thing. How great is that! So Elle has inspired me to think about my own life in books...

Jenny's Bear

This was my 1st 'proper' book I guess- no longer was I reading 'cat' 'mop' 'zebra', but full on sentences (goooo me). It’s a bout a girl, her teddy bears, tea parties and the wonderful thing that is a child's imagination. I think the reason I loved it SO much was because me and Jenny were two sides of the same coin. In my bed there was more room for teddy bears than there was myself; and you could leave me in a room with nothing but some string and I'd be able to entertain myself. I still adore this book and its one that I will keep forever, passing it down to my own children. However even though back then 'pretend tea was the best kind there is', nowadays I'd much rather have propa cuppa!!

 

Dr Seuss: Collection

I couldn't possibly pick out just one! I grew up reading these stories and even now I'm 20 I find myself going back to them time and time again. Always being a daydreamer, I use to love getting lost in a world of Buffer-baum birds, North going Zax and South going Zax, circusfish, ham-ikka-schim-ikka-schnam-ikka-schnapp and of course Whoville. And to be honest, I still do. Dr Seuss inspires my mind to wonder and his words captivate my imagination- adding a silver lining to any grey cloud.

 

 

In Cold Blood

I read this just before I started my GCSE's (lucky me it turned out to be one of the Novels we had to study in year 11) and was completely engrossed from start to finish. The fact that it was true makes the story that more chilling. You can tell the amount of time Capote put into researching the event and you can really feel his close connection to the narrative and characters; in particular Perry Smith.
You get a fascinating insight into the complex psyche of the murderers who brutally massacred a family of 4. It’s strange but you actually become so intertwined with the lives of Smith and Hicock you find yourself listening to the reasoning of these two monsters. And with Perry, who seems to be stricken with grief and torment, I find myself actually sympathizing with him. It's this effect which is why I find the Novel so enticing; challenging me in a way that I don’t think any other book has been able to do.
Its like no other crime Novel. Within the 1st chapter the Clutter family is murdered and you know who the criminals are. So what’s the point of the other hundred odd pages?? Well, Capote beautifully portrays the after effect of such an event. Showing the impact the murders has not just on close family and friends, but the town as whole, the police investigating the case and although not explicitly laid out, the effect it had on Capote himself. The man is a true pioneer to the genre.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven

It’s not often that you read a book and it changes your perspective on what you think about life. But I read five people about a year ago on holiday and it made me laugh, cry, reminisce and truly warmed my heart. It’s a simple story of one man and the significance of his existence. Its makes you feels as if all the things your do day to day (not matter how minute) can leave a grand impression. And that even though you may only cross paths with another for the slightest of moments; those moments can help shape your life, who you are and how you think for ever. Something about this Novel really resonated within me, leaving me with and immense feeling of self worth. If you feel like everything maybe going up shit creek, read this book and everything just feels that little bit better.

Trainspotting

Now I have to be honest, when I first read this book it wasn't out of choice. It was actually part of my English Literature at uni- something which I am very grateful for. I think I watched the film YEARS ago (long before I probably should have been allowed) and even though the film is utterly fantastic; the book is on a whole other level (not a better one mind, just a different one). The two can’t be compared- they are two separate entities evoking entirely different thoughts and emotions.
Unlike the film where the characters and charming, comedic and to an extent likeable; the book portrays a group (who in all forms) are grotesque. Yet this is what makes the Novel so intriguing. Forcing you to listen to a voice that you would otherwise ignore, and take notice of a world that is often overlooked. It doesn’t glamorize drugs and the characters destructive lifestyle, but it doesn't demonize them either. It's just and open and frank portrayal of a subculture, which by the rest of society are dismissed.
This Novel is enticing, captivating and enriching. Welsh brilliantly creates a reality effect with the use of actual place, time, culture, music, and of course the dialogue, which although is hard to get your head round to begin with and first, the story and its effect wouldn’t be the same without it! 

Slacker

Okay so I've been REALLY bad at writing on her recently. I could come up with a thousand excuses of job, uni reading, holiday blah blah blah, but they are all very poor excuses. Its strange when I think about it, because I started this blog for the purpose of a creative outlet, in which i can practice my writing skills and discovering what it is I truly love to write about, what I'm good at writing about, and what people enjoy me writing about (so feedback is very much welcome!) But between work and other day to day 'necessities' it can become so  easy to just do sweet f.f and sit in my pants. But when I go off to bedfordshire all I can think is 'what a wasted day, and all I have to show for it is and ever expanding bum print in my bed!'
I love to be busy, having things to do, and going to bed utterly exhausted but with a Cheshire like grin on my face- so it makes no sense that when i have time to do, i just don't. I do find that my mind is constantly buzzing, unable to switch off. I guess sometimes i just get a bit stuck- having all these thoughts but know way of organising them and no clue where to start. My mind ends up getting a bit swamped and its ten times easier to just whack out the pants that it is to actually do anything about it.
But I'm going back to uni next week and it's as if I've blinked and missed summer- I had 6 months off but where the chuff did it all go?!? I wouldn't go as far to say I had some sort of grand epiphany, more of a slight realisation and a kick up the backside- If this year slipped through my fingers like water, then before I know it I'll be old and grey with multiple pairs of pants but not much else. I'm not saying i'd rather my life be like stone because then nothing would happen, but just making everything more tangible i guess, like a type of goo...but then I want it to be enjoyable so maybe more of a really hard tub of ice cream.
I know this sounds so cliche (i am actually rolling my eyes at , myself whilst writing this) but you do only live once, no one does remember the nights they had plenty of sleep, and right now is the oldest you've ever been and the youngest you'll ever been again. So if i roll in to uni absolutely shagged, then the reassurance of telling myself 'daym that was a good night out' is far better that just going through the motions. And its not just about countless night of debauchery, but the simple things like taking time to write on here, having a meal with the family, and visiting and spending time with friends who I miss and have probably neglected.
So, I started this blog mostly for fashion, but I think it may be nice to expand- style, culture, events, well life really. This way I'll have much more to blab on about and it will really give me a chance to explore my writing and find my niche.

Sorry for all this spiel (bit heavy for half 11 in the morning!) I do promise I am not trying to be a philosophizer and my posts wont turn into me ranting about the world and being all preachy; just thought this would be a good kickstart to get me into gear.

So yeah feedback, comments, questions, ideas are all welcome.


Bye bye pants- Today is my fooookin mountain yeah.