Things Not To Miss In 2016

Do Not Miss These Next Year

Callum Thornhill

                                          The Return of The Last Shadow Puppets

Since Miles Kane and Alex Turner released their first collaborative album in 2008 there has been endless speculation whether or not there would be a follow up. Earlier this year the rumours became reality when a video appeared on their website, giving the biggest hint yet that 2016 will see the return of the band. The only details known as far is that "Spring 2016" is when something will happen. If a new album is announced, a tour will be likely. Maybe even festival performances. Hopefully this band treats the fans that have been playing the album for the past 8 years.
Watch the video and find out more here:
The Last Shadow Puppets Comeback

Catfish and the Bottlemen's Second Album

When Catfish and the Bottlemen brought out their debut album The Balcony halfway through 2014 their long graft was rewarded by thousands of new fans. The follow up to that album should be ready in 2016 after front-man Van McCann has repeatedly hinted that they were in the studio for the majority of the time they weren't touring. The band sold out Castlefield Bowl in SIX minutes a few weeks back and a post on their Facebook page said the gig would showcase new material alongside classics from The Balcony. As soon as the new album is announced I expect a tour to be announced - maybe the last time you see them in Academy size venues before they rip apart arenas.
Get tickets to Catfish and the Bottlemen at Castlefield Bowl here:
Catfish and the Bottlemen Tickets

Red Hot Chilli Peppers at Reading and Leeds Festival

2016 will see Red Hot Chilli Peppers play in the UK for the first time since their 2014 Isle Of Wight Festival headline slot. What makes their Reading and Leeds headline slot even better is that it is a UK festival exclusive. Expect classics such as Under the Bridge and Zephyr Song as well as possible new material. The band have not released material since 2011 so playing live dates could be a hint that new releases are to be given to the fans soon. Alongside Red Hot Chilli Peppers at the festival will be Courteeners, Rat Boy, The 1975, Boy Better Know, Twenty One Pilots, DJ EZ, Hinds, Slaves and Crossfaith. Expect the line up to be filled up with the best talent from around the world in the upcoming months. Get tickets for Reading here and Leeds here.

The Stone Roses Four Nights at Manchester's Etihad Stadium

Comeback band of 2016 will be The Stone Roses for sure. When news broke of their Etihad Stadium dates in November the internet went into meltdown, and when the tickets actually went on sale, ticket websites took a severe battering. Originally there was only a Friday and Saturday announced, however when these instantly sold out a Sunday and Wednesday were put on sale. Other than the Manchester dates, the band will play T In The Park and Dublin's Marlay Park. More dates could be announced soon and more festivals might get the band on board. Here's hoping! Support acts for the Etihad Stadium dates have not yet been announced but expect some excellence on the undercard.
Tickets are available from secondary sites here:
The Stone Roses Tickets

Top Albums Of 2015

LOOSE CARDIGAN OF IDEAS - ALBUM OF THE YEAR

CALLUM THORNHILL

It is that time of year where albums are judged and put into all sorts of weird and wonderful charts. Here though I have simply chose a few of my favourites (only the top three are in order of my favourites) and wrote what made them so special for me.

I hope you enjoy reading the list - remember: this is purely personal and not down to sales figures.

Tame Impala - Currents

Australian rockers Tame Impala shifted their psychedelic roots to a synth laced inter-galactictic dream in Currents. Tracks such as The Less I Know The Better and Let It Happen make Currents my number one album of 2015. Since Innerspeaker was released, Tame Impala have gradually shifted their sound, the journey from Innerspeaker to Currents via Lonerism flows elegantly. The ideas coming from Kevin Parker's mind have came to life are the latest album could soundtrack a lifetime of dreams. Currents has allowed Tame Impala the opportunity to headline London's Alexandra Palace and Manchester's Arena next year - gigs that will inevitably be the pinnacle of their UK career.

JME - Integrity

2015 was the year that grime surfaced from the underground to the mainstream and JME heavily influenced the rise. When this album was released he offered fans a vinyl copy in exchange for their Charizard Pokemon cards. I was first 'introduced' to JME when I discovered his track Radio (with Ed Sheeran) in 2011 and kept close tabs on him since, when Integrity was finally released it was very much 'overlooked' per say, yet still reached number 12 in the UK charts. If you haven't heard tracks such as Man Don't Care and Don't @ Me you have probably spent the majority of 2015 under a rock.

Foals - What Went Down

Foals are unique within their musical ability. Starting off as math rock rookies with Antidotes, the Oxford-based band have gradually developed into one that could tear arenas to pieces. What Went Down cemented their place as one of the best bands in the UK and the fourth album by Foals definitely confirms that they have outgrown Academy venues. A surprise set at Reading and Leeds festival the weekend that the album came out allowed them to showcase Mountain At My Gates and What Went Down. Honestly they are as good live as recorded and a 2016 arena tour will give Foals the exposure they have deserved since Total Life Forever.

Wolf Alice - My Love Is Cool

I'll be honest - when I first discovered this band I was far from impressed. However, it seemed that Wolf Alice were Twitter's most talked about band of 2015. Their cult following heavily backed the release of My Love Is Cool so I decided to give them another go. Ellie Rowsell's almost effortless vocals are of the ghostly kind but have the ability to turn into a aggressive, yet still beautiful, growl. The tracks are ordered perfectly, something that is rare to find nowadays. You're A Germ demonstrates this blend of blissful to anger brilliantly.

Swim Deep - Mothers

Drenched in psychedelia, Mothers is a million miles from B-town band Swim Deep's debut Where The Heaven Are We. Is it that different? Definitely. Is it better? Probably. Does the live performance of tracks like To My Brother do the album justice? Absolutely. Austin Williams and co. can be proud of this release. Like Wolf Alice, I did not get the Swim Deep hype at first, but decided to give them a second chance when Mothers was released and I am so glad that I did. Luckily I managed to catch them live in November where they showcased a lot of the album. One Great Song And I Could Change The World - more like One Great Album And We Could Change Your Mind.

The Front Bottoms - Back On Top

Brian Sella's storytelling method of singing is still on point throughout the New Jersey's third studio album. Following on from two massive albums it was always going to be a difficult task, however, tracks such as Laugh Till I Cry bring high spirits to the album. With fun lyrics like: "the DJ just threw up on the dance-floor," it is clear the The Front Bottoms have not lost their wit. Back On Top opens with a chorus effect, sort of symbolising a new start and rebirth for the band, however the magic of The Front Bottoms is definitely still present when you listen to the album in full.

Bring Me The Horizon - That's The Spirit

Bring Me The Horizon are without a doubt one of the biggest bands in the world right now. When you think of a Sheffield band you automatically associate the city with Arctic Monkeys, Milburn etc. but it is Bring Me The Horizon that have 'put Sheffield on the map this year. That's The Spirit was ambitious and Happy Song, despite the misleading name, shows the band are still full of rage and anger. Frontman Oli Sykes said the band could headline Reading and Leeds next year, there is no doubting this after a blistering sub-headline performance and the festival this year.

The Cribs - For All My Sisters

Pink Snow live was one of the highlights of Leeds Festival this year. For All My Sisters is the sixth studio album from the Wakefield indie rockers and the quality has been preserved. With the constant shifting in the music scene The Cribs have done well to keep themselves relevant and fresh. It would have been easy for the band to relax and take their foot off the accelerator, however, their performances at Reading and Leeds and a full UK tour had them smashing guitars on stage. Teenage angst is very much still in the Wakefield band and it is quite a spectacle to see on stage and in their recorded material.

The Libertines - Anthems For Doomed Youth

When The Libertines announced a comeback I was buzzing. When they announced a new album I was sceptical. There was always a risk that they may have lost the ability they had ten years ago. Gunga Din was the first to be released and just by this one track I knew that Pete, Carl, Gary and John had nothing to worry about. Headlining both Reading and Leeds and T in the Park as well as a surprise performance at Glastonbury the Libertines were a blast from the past that needed no settling in period in 2015's music scene. You're My Waterloo and Anthem For Doomed Youth are some of the most beautiful and delicately written pieces of the year.

Peace - Happy People

B-town's favourite children Peace came back in 2015 with the follow up of In Love. Happy People is certainly a more fun filled album and the Koisser brothers, Boyce and Castle giddily toured this album constantly throughout the whole year. The bass solo in World Pleasure is now an essential at Peace gigs and even though the band are still causing massive waves in the indie scene, the band are still as modest as ever. The highlight for me is the heartfelt Someday - Harry Koisser stripped back reminiscing over an acoustic ballad. Brilliant.

Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly

Released halfway through March of this year, Kendrick Lamar's third studio album received endless praise. Highlight of this album is King Kunta - a track that is influenced by funk, jazz as well as the obvious rap. The whole of To Pimp A Butterfly sticks close to this vibe and during a sub-headline Reading and Leeds slot Lamar played material from said album. Lamar's voice is easily distinguishable and after this album his sound will be known by the masses. Both rap and non-rap fans must agree that the interweaving funk is enough to rank To Pimp A Butterfly up there with the best of 2015.

Jamie XX - In Colour

Possibly the most critically acclaimed album of the past year. Possibly the most recognisable artwork of the past year. Possibly the boldest sound of the last year. From when In Colour opens with Gosh to when it finishes with Girl, Jamie Smith's electronica takes you on a mystical journey. Gliding through the mellow vibes of Sleep Sound to the urban essential I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times) Smith has created an album that is more upbeat and less atmospheric than anything The XX ever have. If you listen to one album before the end of the year, please choose In Colour - you will not be disappointed.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - Chasing Yesterday

Noel Gallagher's outspoken personality has came under fire over the past year with many people claiming he is no longer relevant. Wrong. The second album from the Manchester legend shows that Gallagher is still as relevant as he was 20 years ago when Definitely Maybe was first released. The comeback single In The Heat Of The Moment was of typical Noel Gallagher form. Like the Adele he slates so much, you know what you're getting with Noel Gallagher - this certainly is not a bad thing, the fans love it and he has made an amazing career out of doing it.

Circa Waves - Young Chasers

Circa Waves have undoubtedly been one of the biggest breakthrough bands of 2015. A spring tour just before the release of debut album Young Chasers allowed the Liverpool band to gain much deserved exposure. The tracks are all indie-feelgood that could soundtrack the summer. Well, possibly their biggest hit T-Shirt Weather was played so much and featured on several soundtracks, making Circa Waves one of the most watched bands at different festivals around the UK. It will be interesting to see how they do in 2016.

My 5 Favourite Gigs Of 2015

Top 5 Gigs Of The Year

Callum Thornhill

2015 has been a fantastic year for gigs. From my local pub to Shepherds Bush Empire, I have been all over this year to see some of the best live bands about. I have narrowed down thirty-odd gigs to five and gave a brief description on why they were so good.

I already have bands such as The Stone Roses and The Front Bottoms booked in for 2016 - a year that can only get better for gigs.

1.

Catfish and the Bottlemen | Shepherds Bush Empire, London | 1/4

The second of two nights that I saw Catfish and the Bottlemen on the March/April tour at Shepherds Bush's beautiful empire tops the list as gig of the year.

The set list included everything from The Balcony and when tickets for this gig sold out, they became gold dust for fans that wanted to see what the hype was about.

When their autumn tour almost instantly sold out, it prompted discussion that this band could soon be selling out arenas - just last week they sold out Castlefield Bowl in SIX minutes!

This was the seventh time I had seen Catfish and the Bottlemen and by far the best. From social clubs to packed festival appearances, this topped the lot.

Read the full review here:

Catfish and the Bottlemen - London Review

2.

The 1975 | O2 Academy, Newcastle | 15/11

Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I used to hate the 1975. However, when their EPs came out on record for Record Store Day this year I gave them another go and fell back in love with them.

Tickets went on sale for the tour and I wasn't bothered about getting tickets, but the more I listened to the band, the more I knew I had to go. The gig was the day after my birthday and I spent my birthday on a (very cold) Stagecoach bus doing a two hour round trip to pick up tickets for what was my second favourite gig of the year.

Matty Healy and co. can be proud of the performance - both the audio and visual aspects.

Support came from Rat Boy who was as fabulous as always.

Read the full review here:

The 1975 - Newcastle Review

3.

Tame Impala | Olympia, Liverpool | 9/9

After waiting to see Tame Impala for as long as I can remember, I finally got to see the Aussie psych rockers in Liverpool - a 300 mile round trip.

Playing warm up shows at Liverpool and Glasgow before a festival performance, I simply could NOT miss out on seeing the band that contributed the massively catchy Elephant to endless adverts over the past few years.

When their latest album Currents came out I became even more excited to see Tame Impala in the flesh and the setlist (included my personal favourite Nothing That Has Happened...) did not disappoint.

Was the six(ish) hour journey worth it? Definitely! I look forward to seeing them again in Manchester  next year and hopefully they will play 2016's Reading and Leeds Festival.

Read the full review here:

Tame Impala - Liverpool Review

4.

Courteeners | Heaton Park, Manchester | 5/6

My favourite band selling 25,000 tickets to sell out Manchester's Heaton Park was a special moment for every Courteeners fan around the country. When I got tickets I was absolutely buzzing, when support was announced as Peace, Blossoms and Bipolar Sunshine the buzz got bigger.

I had already seen them at a warm-up show at Leeds O2 Academy three days before so I knew that Liam Fray and co. would blow the park away.

Flares and smoke bombs lit up the Manchester sky for the full night and the 25,000 strong crowd belted the lyrics back at the stage that Courteeners have learned to fill so well.

Hopefully this gig will be released on DVD just like Castlefield Bowl was - if not I can just watch and rewatch the Small Bones video for three minutes of reminiscing.

I did not review Heaton Park, but read the review from Leeds Academy here:

Courteeners  - Leeds Review

5.

Foals | O2 Academy, Newcastle | 11/11

Like Tame Impala, Foals were a band that I had never seen until this year. But the Newcastle gig wasn't the first time I saw them - they played a secret set at Leeds Festival.

Oxford-based Foals have a massive sound, one that will surely rip arenas apart next year when they tour some of the biggest and best venues in the UK with Everything Everything.

The setlist couldn't have been complained at - merging tracks from Antidotes, Total Life Forever, Holy Fire and latest album What Went Down. Yannis Philippakis surfed the crowd, necked shots on the back bar and gave his soul to the Newcastle crowd.

Foals are undeniably one of the greatest bands that the UK have ever produced. If you ever get a chance to see them live I beg that you do.

Read the full review here:

Foals - Newcastle Review

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Best of the rest: Circa Waves, Jaws, Palma Violets, Blaenavon and many more here.

Jaws Live Review

Jaws - Think Tank?, Newcastle (27/11/2015)

Callum Thornhill

When Jaws last played at the venue their debut album Be Slowly had just been released.

Last night they played a set consisting mainly of tracks from said album. Several fans packed into the tiny Think Tank? Venue in Newcastle. Even though the venue is hardly three metres tall there was crowd surfing and most pits galore.

The Birmingham four-piece opened with latest single What We Haven't Got Yet much to the delight of the wild crowd. Front-man Connor Schofield was appreciative throughout the set.

At the Think Tank? gig last September Schofield wore a Newcastle United football shirt, last night it was French side Paris Saint Germain whose shirt he donned. Earlier Tweeting it was for the tragedies, a real touch of class.

As well as Be Slowly, Jaws' other release is Milkshake EP. Tracks from this EP such as BreeZe and Friend Like You were performed last night.

The first single released after Be Slowly was the grunge influenced Bad Company. This sound was an unexpected one from Jaws and I was unsure of it at first. However, when I heard it live I realised just how much of an anthem it is.

As the night came to a close Connor said: "This is the part of the show where we would usually go off for a bit." Instead of doing so they continued playing the dreamy Surround You.

The final song was Be Slowly hit Gold. The crowd went wild for one final time and shouted the words back at the band to show their appreciation for such a wonderful evening.

By the time Jaws next tour their new album will hopefully be out. If the new songs showcased last night are anything to go by it is certain to be a belter.

Support came from Hartlepool alt-rock band Plaza and Birmingham band Chartreuse.

The Courteeners Live Review

Radio X Road Trip With The Courteeners - O2 Academy, Leeds (23/11/2015)

Callum Thornhill

As part of Radio X's rebranding from their previous XFM title they announced gigs around the UK. Last night (23rd November) it was Manchester band the Courteeners at Leeds O2 Academy that played on their tour.

DJ Chris Moyles introduced the band and had several pints thrown at him as he graced the stage. Taking it light heartedly he joked: "You must be rich!"

The Courteeners last played at the venue in June just before their sold-out appearance at Manchester's Heaton Park. This show is just before they embark on another sold out UK tour.

With a lack of support band, The Courteeners came on stage at around 945pm. Opening with their usual Are You In Love With A Notion they ripped the Academy apart from start to finish.

Due to the gig not being a part of their actual UK tour I, and many other fans, was hoping that Liam Fray and co. would play rarities and B-sides. St Jude classic Kings Of The New Road was a rare addition to the setlist, much to the delight of the sold out Leeds crowd.

Latest single - their answer to a Christmas song - Winter Wonderland had adoring fans getting into the festive mood singing back at the stage.

What I love most about a Courteeners gig is the raw passion that is generated in the packed crowds. Unlike many bands nowadays, the demographic of the Courteeners' fans are twenty-something year old lager drinkers.

Missing usual bassist Mark Cupello, the rest of the band left the stage towards the end of the set for Fray to play a mid-gig acoustic set. Something that is a familiar happening at these gigs.

Personal favourite No You Didn't, No You Don't was performed during this section.

Front-man Liam Fray announced indie anthem Not Nineteen Forever as: "We wrote this song about ten years ago" and the 'veterans' of the crowd could relate to the moment they were introduced to the Courteeners.

Through this track a flare was lit in the middle of the O2 Academy, despite several warnings from security that they are illegal and anyone found with pyrotechnics will be barred for life and reported to the police.

The power was cut until the pyrotechnic was extinguished but both the crowd and the band continued playing. A venue full of hearts being sung out was wonderful to witness.

As always, fans favourite What Took You So Long closed the Radio X Road Trip for The Courteeners. Liam Fray jumped from the stage to the barrier to shake hands with everyone that had endured being battered throughout the gig by manic fans.

Before leaving the stage, they promised that the next time they play Leeds O2 Academy the Courteeners will have a new album out.
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Order new album: Concrete Love - Extra Love here. It features new single Winter Wonderland as well as acoustic versions of various previously released tracks.

The 1975 Live Review

The 1975 - O2 Academy, Newcastle (15/11/2015)

Callum Thornhill

 An aesthetically wonderful display joined the 1975 on stage at Newcastle's O2 Academy.

Front man Matty Healy (son of Geordie legend Tim Healy and former Loose Woman Denise Welch) generously exclaimed to the sold out Newcastle crowd: "Gigs like this are intimate for us now so we're going to play loads of songs for you!"

Also gaining Brownie points with the Geordie crowd he announced: "I've signed a contract to say that this band will never play Sunderland's Stadium of Light."

As the lights went down, the fans lit the venue back up with endless mobile phone cameras pointing at the stage - eagerly capturing a memento of the 1975's visit to the north east.

They came on stage just after 9pm and opened with latest single Love Me, a song that sounds million miles away from the vibe of their debut album.

The 1975 disappeared from both the earth and the internet earlier this year before rebranding their edgy black image with a vivid pastel pink. Love Me's artwork was the same and the new album (I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It) is available to pre-order on heavyweight pink vinyl.

New songs were experimented with throughout the set, however the tracks from the EPs that came before the self-titled debut album that stole the show.

You from the Sex EP was a personal highlight as the mellow sound reflected into the crowd who swayed arm in arm singing the words back at the band.

Dressed in baggy dungarees Matty Healy swigged wine on stage throughout the gig, constantly passing it backstage whenever the glass was empty to be refilled. The wine must have went to Healy's head as he danced on every inch of the stage, including the speakers behind him causing a vibrant silhouette against the bright backdrop.

Album track Girls closed the set for the 1975 before they left the stage for a brief period. Chants of: "We want more!" echoed around the venue. Naturally the band returned to play a three song encore.

The 1975 returned to the stage to firstly play Medicine (which has recently been repressed on amber vinyl). No gig by the 1975 is complete without arguably their two biggest tracks.

Matty Healy teasingly shouted: "We have two songs left for you. I bet you can guess what they are!" Chocolate was the penultimate track that had the 2000 strong crowd signing their hearts out. Finishing this song had fans chanting: "We want sex!" at the band.

Ask and you shall receive. Sex closed an amazing gig and it will be a pleasurable surprise if the 1975 return to Newcastle in the near future. Support came from the talented youngster Rat Boy. Similar to Jamie T and the Streets he is destined for big things having already supported Circa Waves, the 1975 and has already played Reading and Leeds Festival.

The 1975 have announced a Spring tour to coincide with the release of I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It. Tickets are available here.

Foals Live Review

Yannis of Foals at Newcastle Academy. Photo by Ellie Cartlidge.

Foals - Academy, Newcastle (11/11/15)

Callum Thornhill

Since Oxford-based Foals released debut album Antidotes in 2008 they've broken boundaries and rules aplenty. Last night it was no different as they played Newcastle's O2 Academy.

All over the venue are signs stating not to crowd surf as it will get you thrown out. Front-man Yannis Philippakis defied these rules and spent more time in the crowd than on stage during the three song encore. At one point he was at the back bar downing a shot through their closing song Two Steps Twice.

Throughout the gig Philippakis came up to the front barrier as the rest of the band ripped through a 14 hit set list playing tracks from all four of their studio albums.

Foals certainly lived up to their reputation as being on of the UK's most exciting live bands. They opened with Snake Oil and from the moment that the first note was struck, the band were greeted with adoration from a sell out crowd.

The party really started though when one of the better known tracks, Holy Fire's indie classic My Number, was played. There were fans on shoulders and stray arms cutting shapes in the tightly packed crowd.

It is no surprise that Foals instantly sold out Newcastle's O2 Academy. Foals have 'outgrown' their academy status with the latest album What Went Down.

Mountain At My Gates is atmospheric enough to fill arenas and this was demonstrated earlier in the year when they played a surprise set at Reading and Leeds Festival.

The highlight of the evening came when Total Life Forever mellow masterpiece Spanish Sahara gave fans a brief moment of relaxation before breaking into an alt-rock second half. Newcastle's audience clapped along beautifully to the beat of Jack Bevan's drums.

Foals left the stage after playing my personal favourite Inhaler. This is another track that would tear arenas apart, they are playing a string of arena dates in February of 2016.

When the band returned to play Hummer, What Went Down and Two Steps, Twice fans were treated to a face full of Yannis Philippakis. After seeing videos of him crowd-surfing to Two Steps, Twice at recent gigs it was a surprise when he entered briefly during What Went Down.

There was worry that this would be the end for Foals' set before the distinctive, alt-rock, Antidotes belter of Two Steps, Twice left the Academy rocking.

Support came from Real Lies. A band that the crowd didn't really get in to and left the stage to the relief of many who had endured their set.

 

Foals arena tour dates are on sale now. Get them at Ticketmaster.

Jackals Rose - All For You

Jackals Rose - All For You

Callum Thornhill

New band Jackals Rose have released a video for debut single All For You.

The band consists of brothers Jake (vocals) and Max (rhythm guitar) James. Alongside these are friends they grew up with in the form of Darren Griffiths (lead guitar), Zak Simmons (bass) and Grant Masters (drums).

Jackals Rose have already been the main support for Domino Records' The Bohicas. As well as this they have played packed out venues around their Essex home town and London throughout 2015.

The single is bulging with raw passion, mind-bending visuals and instrumentation that will struggle to escape your mind. It is a great first release.

All For You is produced by Placebo's Nick Gavrilovic it last just over two minutes. What it lacks in quantity, it thrives in quality.
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All For You is available to stream and download from 30/10/2015.

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Jackals Rose are playing:

The Forum - Turnbridge Wells 22/10/2015
Proud, Camden 07/11/2015
Zigfrid Von Underbelly, Hoxton - 18/11/2015

Keep up with Jackals Rose on:

www.jackalsrose.com

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Twitter

My Three Favourite Albums (Ever/At The Moment)

My Three Favourite Albums

Callum Thornhill

In no particular order:

I like the idea of someone knowing the tunes I’m into; I don’t like the idea of only being able to choose three. As with any ‘favourites’ it is likely that as soon as I submit this I’ll have changed my mind.

The first of my three choices is Catfish and the Bottlemen’s debut The Balcony. I was lucky enough to get massively into this band before they hit the big time so when I was seeing them it was in really intimate gigs, as well as when they supported Little Comets.

They were always playing around with different songs that made the final track list. When it finally dropped last year there were only three songs; Hourglass, Business and 26 that I didn’t recognise – funnily enough Hourglass is one of my favourites they’ve ever released.

Hearing these new tracks interweaved with the tracks that were so familiar to my ears was a satisfying feeling. I’d pre-ordered ages before release and refused to listen to the leak days before it was officially out. There is always something special about the first spinning of a record not knowing how it is going to turn out.

I think it is the whole production of the album that makes it one of my favourites. The way that they’ve organised the tracks, especially on the vinyl edition, is wonderful. Hearing re-recordings of the tracks that made me fall in love with the band in the early days (Homesick, Rango, Sidewinder and Tyrants) is something else that has made me choose The Balcony for this top three.

When NME gave the album a mere 4/10 I was shocked and appalled, especially now that NME are getting massively into Catfish and the Bottlemen. For a band with only this album out to have sold out multiple UK tours and to take the US by storm it is quite an achievement. The Balcony is easily one of the strongest debut albums to ever be released.

People always says you’ll regret tattoos that you get at this age (19), but I got the very ‘graphic’ album cover of The Balcony and I don’t think I’ll feel that way in years to come...

 

Album number two from my favourites is The Stone Roses’ 1989 self titled release. Like Catfish and the Bottlemen, this record is their debut and I honestly believe that this album is an essential part of anyone’s record collection.

I can clearly remember buying it on vinyl. I saw it on the wall in Stockton’s Sound It Out Records for £30 and knew I had to have it. The crisp sound of the bass in I Wanna Be Adored opening the album is enough to make any music fan go weak at the knees.

The thing with The Stone Roses is that it isn’t just the music that makes the album great. The iconic paint splattered sleeve is one of the most recognisable album covers of all time. Pulling the 12 inch record out and putting the needle down for the first time is an experience you’ll struggle to forget.

Every song on the album is marvellous and the sounds it produces gives you an all year round summer feel. I think with This Is England 90 recently being on television has reignited my love for the Stone Roses. The music. The Fashion. The way they can combine the two and create a ‘cult’ following is unbelievable.

Personal favourites from this album include This Is The One, Shoot You Down and Waterfall. Although jamming to I Am The Resurrection throughout the eight wonderful minutes that it lasts is always a pleasure. Saying this, though, the full album flows beautifully and other that the unwinding Elizabeth My Dear the full album is a giddy ray of acid soaked happiness.

The closest I’ll get to seeing the Stone Roses nowadays is going to be tribute act after tribute act. One day I hope to hear this 1989 work of art in the entirety.

Choosing a third and final album for this list is somewhat impossible. However I have chosen The Streets’ A Grand Don’t Come For Free. Mike Skinner and co. have a mindblowing album at their finger tips.

The soundtrack to many nights on the town, but also an album that I could have on in the background. An essential CD for every car in my opinion, I’ve always liked the idea of driving down the motorway hearing Skinner’s quick wit and lyrical flow.

I was first introduced to The Streets when Fit But You Know It was on the Fifa 2005 soundtrack. Since then I’ve had ten great years listening to the band and heavily listening to their albums. Sadly, like the Stone Roses, I’ve never seen The Streets, nor have I been to see Mike Skinner do a solo gig.

My most vivid memory of A Grand Don’t Come For Free is playing the CD for the first time and Could Well Be In coming on. I think it is the story telling style of singing that Skinner does so well that first gripped me with the song. It is almost effortless, yet the tales he speaks of combine humour, memories and musical brilliance.

The cliché Streets favourite of Dry Your Eyes could soundtrack a million break ups. It is kind of heart touching hearing the lyrics and being like: “yeah you’re right, Mike.” Picking yourself up, dusting yourself down and getting on with life. Almost something that would fit perfectly in a film.

Other stand-out favourites from A Grand Don’t Come For Free are Blinded By The Lights and Such A Twat.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this personal insight to my favourite albums, but like I explained earlier, by the time you’ve read this I’ll have changed my mind.