Tuesday 30 October 2012

Addicted to Bass Winter 2012 Review

                                                                  From i1.sndcdn.com
Ministry of Sound's 'Addicted to Bass' range are the only compilations I can't get enough of. They are always packed full of tunes to get obsessed about, and the recent winter 2012 addition does not disappoint. 
The three discs consist of 66 bass-filled ear candy that provide the warm up for anyone going on a night out. Lovers of dubstep and even classic house will enjoy several aspects of this collection and with many artists combining funk,dance,dub and bassline, it seems they have all areas covered!
Artists on the compilation include famous names like Example, DJ Fresh, SubFocus and Hadouken, but breakout arists new to the bass scene are also present.The likes of Netsky, Knife Party, the newly popular Skrillex and Rudimental almost outdo the well known names. Here is a selection of some of my favourite songs on the album: 
Example: Say Nothing (TC Remix)
I wasn't too impressed with this single when he released it,but this remix is amazing. It is only the second track on the first disc,and is perfect for any dub lovers out there. It has a brilliant build up, a thumping bass and is definitely an improvement from the released single. 
Subfocus: Out the Blue
I mentioned this tune in my winter songs post, but it deserves to be spoken about again because I just love how Subfocus can deliver time and time again! This is drum and bass heavy, with the angelic voice of Alice Gold contrasting all the heavy bass. This will get you in the mood for going out!
Porter Robinson: Language
Many of you may recognise this song, as it has been on the radio a lot recently. It is a brilliant tune in terms of progression, its electronic sounds and fade-in usage makes it one of the most addictive songs on this album, and is for sure the most accessible to anyone who loves a combination of dance and bass. A true feel-good track that will warm your cockles. 
Rustie: After Light
This is for people who love a bit of intense bass. This tune literally pounds your eardrums,however it is in a way a chill-out song in comparison to the others. Its electronic foundations are almost calming,and it is a perfect background song. 
Sander Van Doorn and Mayaeni: Nothing Inside (Adam F Remix)
This song has some serious D'n'B and dubstep going on, with a thumping beat that will definitely warm you up this winter. The best part of this tune is its beginning- Mayaeni's voice is reminiscent of Delilah's in Chase and Status' 'Time'. The build up to chaos is brilliant, and is one of the best in the compilation. 
Mike Delinquent Project feat Lady Leshurr: Step In the Dance
Garage fans will adore this tune. Lady Leshurr could surely rival Nicki Minaj on the rap front. Step in the dance is a feel good song that possesses a combination of bass and dance that makes for a refreshing break from all that dubstep! The sudden augmentation of speed in the song and Leshurr's almost satirical impression of Emelie Sande at the end of tune makes it even better. 
Bingo Players: Rattle
I think this song is one that is fitting to end on. With a thunderous bass, intertwined with sirens, an obsessive electronic tune and a build up beyond belief, saying this is party banger is an understatement. You literally won't be able to sit still while listening to this, therefore pressing play in a public place is not advised. 
Listen to the rest of the album on Soundcloud

Wednesday 17 October 2012

My Top 5 Songs of the moment

With the release of so many amazing songs in the last few months, here are a few I can't stop listening to: 

1.  Avicii- Last Dance
After the success of 'levels', I thought nothing could top Avicii's hit. But 'Last Dance' delivers in so many aspects. It is addictive from the first few seconds and has a thrilling build up that rewards the listener with thumping bass, elements of classic dance and some pretty contagious whistling. Definately a fist-pumper. 
 
2. The Other Tribe- Skirts
If any band could encapsulate the word 'festival' its these. They are a brand new Indie band from Bristol that have sounds reminiscent of MGMT. Their combination of a dance beat with an infectious xyolophone makes you want to put feathers in your hair, paint streaks across your face and don those short shorts. Its a tune that makes you wish it was summer again. 
3. Owl City feat Carly Rae Jepson- Good Time
This is the perfect feel-good song! I love what Carly Rae Jepson has delivered so far and this song will have you jumping off your seat. Its a pop hit full of pretty, smiling faces- I love its innocence and Owl City's computer-enhanced voice. 

4. Redlight- Lost in your love
For anyone wanting some classic dance music in their life, Redlight have hit the nail on the head. 'Lost in your love' has a build-up ready to burst, and the thumping beat makes it a club banger to say the least. The video is exciting, with the flashes of amazing colour and Redlight really encapsulate what 90's dance was all about.
5. Calvin Harris- Sweet Nothing feat Florence Welch
Despite my hatred for Florence Welch, this song is too good not to mention. Calvin Harris is a genius, and he uses Welch's voice to contrast the pulsing beat and truly infectious dance elements to the song. Also worth noting is the well acted video that goes along with the single- it is just a pity the subject of the video isn't as cheery as the song itself!

Monday 8 October 2012

Cheryl Cole Reveals All In New Book

Since leaving the hugely popular ‘Girls Aloud’, it seems Cheryl Cole is never far from the headlines. This week she has been causing a stir in the run-up to the release of her new book ‘My Story’, which talks of her adulterous ex-husband Ashley Cole, her battle with malaria and her relationship with fellow X-Factor judge Simon Cowell.

The book, which will be released on 11th October is currently being serialised in The Sun newspaper, and one of the most anticipated subjects of the book is her marriage to footballer Ashley Cole. Back in 2008 when the sports star was revealed to have cheated, she confessed she acted” like a lunatic” and in her anger began “shaking him, kicking and scratching his face”. She also admitted that she turned to medicine in order to help her cope.
From farm5.staticflickr.comThe star said that she took tranquilisers and vitamin injections, both of which were ineffective and despite band members Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Robert taking her to Thailand, she said she preferred to sit in on her own. She also revealed that she worried for her own health after Cole’s infidelity and to put her mind at rest she went to a clinic to have an STD test. She then forgave her husband only to hear of more allegations a year later- the pair then split permanently.

The reasoning for Cole leaving the X-Factor back in 2011 has always been shrouded in mystery… up until now. The media were informed that the 29-year-old was sent home after being hired for the American X-Factor because her Geordie accent was difficult to understand. Yet according to her, this was not the case-After just the first day of filming in the US, she was asked if she wanted to return to the UK.
She criticised Cowell, saying he did not warn her about the sacking and that he denigrated her hair and clothing and spoke to contestants in a rude and condescending manner. Three weeks later Cole was told she had been axed from the show, yet still had a place on the UK show if she wanted- replacing ‘Take That’s Gary Barlow; she later refused. She admitted sending him an insulting text message and exclaiming “I hate you”. The television mogul is known to be ruthless and Cole rightly stated in her book that he seemed to value business far more than their friendship.

In her latest instalment for The Sun, she talked about her battle with Malaria when she caught it while visiting Tanzania in June 2010. The singer went on safari and only noticed bites on her body while in the process of returning home and was afterwards diagnosed with falciparum, the worst strain of the illness. She revealed that she thought the doctors were trying to kill her and that she asked her mother to help her write her will.

The candid autobiography does not seem to disappoint in its revelations and is a must-have for any Cheryl fan. 
Picture: Daniel Suarez (Flickr)