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 :)