Wednesday 28 December 2011

Press Play for 2012

As the new year is just around the corner, i thought i would let you all know of some stunning artists that appeared on many 'ones to watch' lists. Here are a few musical talents that you should listen to because i am predicting big things for them in 2012.

Conor Maynard
Although Conor is yet to release his first track, the millions of hits on Youtube are evidence as to why Conor will be big next year. His natural singing talent is clear and i personally love his version of Only Girl In The World and his beautiful take on Use Somebody. With every cover, he produces a new rendition of the song through duets, mash-ups and even sampling some original work and is currently working on his debut album. Gosh, his voice is so addictive.

Delilah
I first heard Delilah when she was featured on Chase and Status' track Time and i was instantly mesmerised by her pure yet very powerful voice. When her debut single was released i was similarly captivated by Delilah's voice and the unique trance beats that were rumbling underneath. Now that the equally brilliant track 'Love You So' has been released (accompanied by a great animalistic video, inspired by the tribalistic beats within the song) i cannot wait to see what Delilah's album has to offer.
Listen to: Love You So // Go

King Charles
Here is a prime example of why you don't judge a book by it's cover. Although the quite alternative writing style of this artist matches his kooky style, don't be decieved by his eccentric video as King Charles won the International Songwriting Competition in 2010. Oh yes. His debut single, Bam Bam, has a driving beat that is great for a feel good track to jump around to. It's definitely a song that will be stuck in your head all day. I love his wackiness.
Listen to: Bam Bam

Also, have a listen to Josh Osho's wonderful rendition of Jesus Walks here because it is just stunning.

mollie
images found via google

Tuesday 27 December 2011

Versatile Blogger Award
The Rules:
1. You must thank the person who awarded you the award including a shout-out with a link on your blog
2. Share seven random facts about yourself
3. Send the award on to fifteen other bloggers whose blogs you like and let them know about it.

Yay for my first blog award! Thankyou to Ellen (who everyone should go pay a visit to!) for choosing me as a blog she likes...even if we have a history of blogging so it was probably a bit biased ahaha. Anyway, this is a fun little post that i wanted to do so tadaaa...
facts about me:
·I can find something funny in absolutely anything.
·It baffles me how i am yet to find someone who shares the love i have for Travie McCoy.
·I'm working towards grade 8 on the flute and i taught myself to play the piano and guitar; although that doesn't mean i'm good at it.
·The term 'band geek' could be used to describe me due to the fact that i'm in a wind orchestra...yes, the American Pie band camp reference has been used many times.
·I used be part of a fashion blog created by myself and two of my friends, Ellen and Sian.
·I truly believe that Friends is the best tv programme on the planet and nothing will ever come close to how good it was / still is.
·Finally, i am a foodoholic - if it's edible it will be eaten.

Seen as i didn't want to go handing the award out willy-nilly (teehee...immature Mols) i didn't pass it on to the requested amount. However, i included a few blogs that aren't on 'blogger' that i also take inspiration from. Here are a few of my favourite blogs that i would like to pass this award on to:
Jane at deluminators
Melissa at retroloving
Sonia at dozendresses
Laura at lauraslw
Amy at amy-babyface
the world we live in
fashion fever
gillianzinser

mollie

P.s. i kind of 'adjusted' the image, well i thought it needed a bit of an update, to fit in better with my blog so sorry if that offends the creator of this award.

Saturday 24 December 2011

Twas The Night Before Christmas...

Christmas decorations · Taking walks surrounded by the snowy scenery · Christmas movies! · Delicious food

"It's the most wonderful time of the year -ding-dong-ding-dong-"
There's only one more night to go until Santa makes his way down everyone's chimney and now that school has finished i am finally in the Christmas mood! I personally love seeing all the decorations and pretty lights everywhere, it's so festive. Although there is yet to be any snow where i live, i love seeing the street coated with a white frosting, not to mention how fun sliding on the ice can be.

However, my all time favourite thing about this time of year has got to be the Christmas films.  Every Christmas Eve, without fail, my mother and i watch Elf and tonight is certainly no exception. I'm going to use my scnazzy new Wagamama cooking book to whip up some sort of noodle dish and watch Elf in delight as i have done  for the past seven years or so. Speaking of cooking, Christmas is the time that i embrace food to the maximum; with helpings of yorkshire puddings, pigs in blankets and a good old roasted parsnip to warm my tummy, i am in my absolute element. I'm making lemon meringue pie and helping with the Christmas dinner, yummy.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas filled with the people you love and heavenly food.

Merry Christmas!
mollie
images via weheartit

Wednesday 14 December 2011

James Vincent McMorrow

Amidst all of the arguments and life stories drifting through facebook, someone posts a song like this.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is James Vincent McMorrow (aka the king of falsetto).

Also, have a listen to his beautiful live rendition of Someone Like You. James Vincent McMorrow is so lovely to listen to.
♥mollie

Thursday 8 December 2011

Breaking Dawn Soundtrack

As i mentioned in my previous post, last week i went to see Breaking Dawn Part 1 and i have to admit that i've become a bit of a fanatic, sorry in advance for any extravagant proclaiming of my love for the film.
Firstly, i don't think anyone can deny that the soundtrack for each Twilight film so far has been exceedingly good and Breaking Dawn part 1 is no exception.  It's overflowing with beautiful melodies and gorgeous, dreamy voices with a mix of slow songs as well as upbeat tunes with an essence of rock-style guitar riffs.


The Joy Formidable  Endtapes
Angus & Julia Stone  Love Will Take You
Bruno Mars  It Will Rain
Sleeping At Last  Turning Page
The Features  From Now On
Christina Perri  A Thousand Years
Theophilus London  Neighbours
The Belle Brigade  I Didn't Mean It
Noisettes  Sister Rosetta (2011 Version)
Cider Sky  Northern Lights
Iron & Wine  Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Wedding Version)
Imperial Mammoth  Requiem On Water
Aqualung & Lucy Schwartz  Cold
Mia Maestro  Llovera
Carter Burwell  Love Death Birth


Sleeping At Last wrote a track exclusively for the film and it is such a beautiful love song for Bella and Edward with the lines "i've waited one hundred years but i'd wait a million more for you". The simplistic piano accompaniment allows the melody of the voice to shine through and i adore how the song gradually progresses through instruments and lyrics, resulting in a string build up with a gorgeously soft symbol crash for the lyrics "i surrender who i've been for who you are" to burst through. Just beautiful.
Another of my favourites on the soundtrack is Cold, a wonderfully melancholic song by Aqualung and Lucy Schwartz. Accompanied by quite a haunting slow trill on the piano, the lyrics reflect the film perfectly even referring to "the lion and lamb" at one point. As the song progresses, both the female and male voices drone over the piano and create a dreamy musical piece but yet it still has the tinge of sadness underneath.
In contrast to the previous ballads, there are a few upbeat rock-influenced songs for those wonderful action
 scenes when we can see Taylor with his top off (*celebratory wiggle*). Sister Rosetta kicks in with bass strumming and a sure-to-get-your-foot-tapping drum beat. The Noisettes are such a good band for those feel good songs that have such an English rocker feel to them.
Finally, the composition that people will instantly connect with Twilight, Carter Burwells Love Death Birth. Starting with a magical use of orchestral instruments, the percussion soon sets in to create a driven rhythm with bass notes pounding it along. After a string section solo this then transforms into a beautiful piano and guitar duet with the orchestra slowly starting to return as the paace quickens and the music changes into a much more sinister piece. On the back of a dip into a darker coloured sound, Bella's Lullaby resumes and the familiar piano solo is resonated and finishes off the wonderful piece with a pause as the listener drifts off with their imagination. Oh my, this would so immense to play with the wind orchestra i'm in.

Overall, the soundtrack reflects the film and the emotions that come with it perfectly. I can't wait till the last film comes out and i can buy the box set - yay!
mollie

Sunday 4 December 2011

Mollie's Musings: Birthday!

Well this week has been pretty busy so i thought i'd do a little summary:
My Millie's Cookies Cake! · Lovely cookbooks to get my hands on · Rihanna inspired outfit for my birthday party · Schnazzy new camera
Firstly, i went to see Breaking Dawn on Wednesday when school was off due to the public sector strike and i absolutely loved it...especially because the first scene showed Jacob / Taylor taking his top off in the rain. Kristen looked too beautiful in the wedding scene (new girl crush alert) and when Bella became painfully thin, it certainly had the desired uncomftable effect on the audience. The eagerly awaited love scene between Edward and Bella (although i would have much rather seen Taylor Lautner with his top off a bit more) was so beautifully done; the music accompanying it made the scene so lovely to watch and not in the slightest bit awkward which i had expected. The Twilight films always have the best soundtracks, definitely a post on that soon...

If you follow me on twitter then you might have known that it was my sixteenth birthday on Friday and i was only really excited about getting my Millie's Cookies Cake ahaha - it was delicious! I also recieved a very schnazzy new camera for my birthday and i can't wait to learn how to use it properly so i can play around with all the effects and what not as well as use my new cookbooks - Wagamama's is so good.
Today was a lazy day after my fancy dress party (never again, my house was a tip) and me and my mother went to my Grandma's house where she cooked up the most gorgeous Sunday Roast. I also went to see My Week With Marylin today and it was really interesting to see how complex of a character she truly was. I just love films that are set in a historical era, particularly the 50's and 30's, because i find seeing how different culture was and the style at that time so interesting.

I still don't feel old enough to be sixteen...cue sentimental quote,
"Don't regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many."

Now i shall watch 'A Night With Beyonce'and will most probably be staring at the television like i don't know what.
How has everyone else's week been? :)

mollie
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Tuesday 29 November 2011

Kay + Cole

No words. This piece of music and imagery is just too wonderful. Cole Mohr is my actual love and this video just solidifies that. The cutest version of 'Umbrella' is laced over this quirkily romantic montage and i love the imperfect quality to the video; as if to reflect the relationship between the two characters. With phone calls intertwined in the midst of a lovely piece of film, it really builds up emotions for the viewer to empathise. Have a listen for when Cole says
"Hey Juliet, it's Romeo. Umm, i love you. Bye."
because it actually melts my heart.

mollie

Sunday 27 November 2011

Emeli Sandé: Daddy

I absolutely adore this song and Emeli Sandé's voice. After hearing her acoustically perform 'Daddy' on the Xtra Factor (not to mention her insanely good A64 with sbtv), i immediately fell in love with the song. The verse which starts with slightly eerie churchbell sounds, as well as a wonderful melody for the lyrics, steadily builds into the incredibly catchy chorus. Having written hits for Tinie Tempah, Cheryl Cole and Leona Lewis, Emeli is slowly climbing her way up to being one of my favourite female artists at the moment. This single is out today...so go buy it! :)
If you're still not convinced then check out this immenseness :)

mollie

Thursday 24 November 2011

LOUD Tour

Event: Rihanna LOUD Tour 2011 ft. Calvin Harris
Date: 22nd November
Time: 7.30pm
The lights went down and the crowd roared as the arena was illuminated with patterns fueled by the techno beats of Calvin Harris. Making a strong entrance on a stage surrounded by visual delights, the bass pounded through the floor getting everyone bouncing. Starting with some of his own work, Calvin then went on to mix some of the biggest dance tunes of 2011, such as Save The World and Changed The Way You Kiss Me, with his signature electronic sounds and a hint of dubstep. The rhythmic beats got the whole arena clapping and this expertly planned warm-up set (believe me, i could've watched/danced/partied to him for many more hours) was topped off penultimately with Feels So Close but ended with We Found Love; everyone was most certainly now hyped for Rihanna.
After a small break for everyone to compose themselves which included a technician on the stage jeering the crowd to sing and myself getting told that my hair was hitting someone in the face, it was time for the main performance. As the lights dimmed, a video montage of Rihanna looking stunning yet sensual played on the screens which added suspense to the awaiting crowd. Once the musical interlude slowly faded away, the beat hit and Rihanna appeared as the we sang along to the familiar 'la-la-la-laa' of Only Girl In The World. Moving across the stage whilst dancing, singing and teasing the audience, Rihanna got everyone in the party mood. Wasting no time getting warmed up, we were soon thrusted into the strong synth beats of S&M as Rihanna changed into a little less attire and began grinding amongst her dancers. This was reciprocated on the spectators and certainly myself as we loosened our hips and danced with Rihanna as  if she was our best friend. I love her carefree attitude and how she can so easily make people move with her.
Slowing things down for a good old sing song, we watched in awe as she sang her more emotional songs Unfaithful, Hate That I Love You and California King Bed...i was convinced that i saw a tear form which makes me love Rihanna's performing ability even more. This powerful emotive atmosphere was soon shaken off when we were hauled into the old favourites of Pon De Replay, Shut Up And Drive and Please Don't Stop The Music.
On the heels of a wonderful performance of Love The Way You Lie in which Rihanna showed off her wonderful voice whilst sat on a piano high in the air, the show was closed with We Found Love. This song was such a great end to a wonderful night as everybody let their inhibitions run wild and embraced the lyrics 'yellow diamonds in the light and we're standing side by side'. Red, white and blue confetti streamed above our heads as we jumped to the last remnants of a wonderful night. Rihanna has certainly fulfilled my hopes and still maintains as one of my favourite female performers today.
I wore my Rihanna tee today to proclaim my love to the world...and to say 'i saw Rihanna last night and it rocked' ahaha. Who can say that your outfit is bad when you have Rihanna's face on it?
♥mollie

Monday 21 November 2011

La La Loving: SB.TV

So i'm guessing that many have heard of SB.TV, if not then where have you been? Originating from the London grime scene, SB.TV has now evolved into the UK's leading online youth broadcaster. Jamal Edwards and his team of passionate young adults explore the latest, most talented artists in the music industry and provide a new way to discover the latest talents.

Although i had previously heard of the music site before their 'From Bedroom To Boardroom' documentary show on T4; i'd never realised how versatile the featured music was. I thought that it was just grime and rap 'street-shots', which was the genre that Jamal started his website with, but since then SB.TV has expanded not only musically but has become an internet phenomenon. With music videos, interviews and the latest news, the youth have a fantastic way to keep updated with the music scene.

In my opinion, the best part is the A64 sessions, which are wonderful acoustic performances or covers:
I could listen to James' voice all day. It's so effortless and he has created a completely new rendition of Jessie J's song.
This is wonderful. I love this song, but acoustically Emilie Sande really comes into her own. Wonderful voice and wonderful song.

Yes, so it is completely necessary for everyone to delve themselves into the world of SB.TV as i am sure you will find at least one video or article that interests you. If not, i will personally walk outside with just my underwear on.

mollie

p.s. i am going to see Rihanna tomorrow and i cannot wait! waaaaah!

Friday 18 November 2011

puis je serai a toi

Ah, the French language has yet again proved to me why it is the most romantic in the world. I love speaking and learning French and when i listened to this song (via trixiave) i fell in love with the language on a whole new level. Corbeau, meaning Raven, by Coeur de Pirate, meaning Pirate Heart, is such a lovely song that even if you can't understand the language you can feel the wonderfully raw emotions within the lyrics. However, my French loving mind (...as well as google translator) helped me to understand the meaning behind this lovely gem.
      Corbeau // Coeur de Pirate
I love the repetition of 'deux par deux' and 'trois par trois' as well as these lyrics:
Et deux par deux, on avale nos mots
C'est dur d'oublier se qu l'on a connu qui a imprégné nos peaux
And two by two, we swallow our words
It's hard to forget what you know and what permeates our skin
This verse just gets to me. The thought of things happening to you that stay with you forever is wonderful, good or bad, as it makes you who you are.
I'm totally going to be listening to Coeur de Pirate for many a weeks to come, such a lovely way to begin to independently study a language. Here are some other French phrases that melted my heart this week :)
♥mollie
p.s.here is the English tranlastion for those interested
p.s.s two weeks until my birthday! woohoo! :)

Tuesday 15 November 2011

Sam and Eliza

This song is such perfection. Eliza Doolittle and Sam Mccarthy have wonderful voices that together create a beautiful duet. I love the underlying cello drone that adds a melancholy tone to the song underneath the slightly imperfect guitar strumming, which makes the music even more endeering. The imagery within the lyrics in the first verse paints a portrait of this bittersweet song that reminisces on past memories of a couple that will never be the same again. My heart absolutely melts when the two sing in a call and response format and Sam's 'character' wishes he'd done things differently, with Eliza saying that they'll never know how it could've been. Awh, the sense of romance and heartbreak intertwined is so beautiful. Just wonderful.


♥mollie

Sunday 13 November 2011

Mummy, I Want To Be A Princess

Well this week has been rather busy so i thought i would have a bit of a lazy Sunday diary post, possibly a regular feature? maybe.
"Mummy, i want to be a princess" I'm sure these words have escaped every girls lips at some point when their favourite Disney princess waltzed across the screen in a flowing gown with her prince by her side. I always joked about it with friends but in the back of my mind i seceretly wished it would come true. I'm currently in year 11 and that means i have to start thinking about my A Level options. I am generally known for being indecisive which really doesn't help the situation but i have whittled my options down to French, English Literature, Biology and Music...a nice random range of subjects but i'm still unsure as to what i plan to do in the future.
The careers that i have considered pursuing are creative yet intellectually challenging at the same time; i certainly don't want a job where i'm sat at a computer surrounded by four white walls everyday. Only a few months ago i was contemplating going into the fashion and textiles industry and becoming a costume designer for film and theatre but as i have been doing my GCSE Textiles course for over a year now, i have come to the conclusion that it isn't for me. I underestimated how much work goes behind putting together a garment and have become uninterested in the fabric knowledge needed. However, i would love to be a part of the music industry and i've thought numerous times about possibly exploring music journalism or working in the events and production side of creating a show, this would combine two of my chosen options perfectly. Alternatively, i am fascinated with the science behind the complexity of the human body and how we work so i wouldn't mind studying this further as i have also considered teaching science. Money-wise, obviously i would love a well paid job but i think that it's much more important to be doing  something you love rather than to be solely focused on the paycheck. If i had an average paid job but it allowed me to be constantly introduced to beautiful places, interesting people and amazing new experiences then i can honestly say that it wouldn't bother me.
Overall, a career that allows me to explore the wonderful world we live in and meet new people everyday whilst challenging myself to learn would be perfect.

Here's a lovely John Lennon quote to end this oddly helpful little post:
When I was five years old, my mother told me that happiness was the key to life.
When I went to school, they asked me what i wanted to be when i grew up. I wrote down 'happy'.
They told me i didn't understand the assignment and i told them they didn't understand life.
John Lennon
♥mollie
images via weheartit

Thursday 10 November 2011

We All Live Our Lives In The Confines Of Fear

Lay your ears upon this little gem of a song - The Fear // Ben Howard
During my journey back home, The Fear by Ben Howard came on the radio and i had one of those moments where you pretend you're in a movie and stare deeply out of the window; my scenario being that i had just realised my life was being shaped by people around me, telling me what to wear, what to do and what to be like therefore shaping me to become someone who i am not. Woah, deep words. Anyway, that is basically my interpretation of this song, which has b-e-a-utiful lyrics with an actual meaning - none of that 'swagger jagger' crap.
I also listened to some more of Ben's material and i am enchanted, such a great lyricist and i adore the folksy guitar elements that intertwine so perfectly with his unique voice. I recommend you have a listen to Old Pine (<absolutely love this intro!) and Keep Your Head Up, both with as stunningly beautiful videos as the music. Ah, new obssession.
♥mollie

Monday 7 November 2011

Video Games

Although it's a little bit of a delayed reaction in regards to a post on this, i still love this wonderful song by Lana Del Ray as much as i did the first time i heard it. There's something beautifully melancholy about her voice and i love this live rendition of Video Games. Enjoy.

Sunday 6 November 2011

Autumn

Autumn / Winter is my favourite time of the year (yes, i'm a December baby) and being in the midst of the lovely autumnal colours, dewy mornings and darker nights, i thought it would be appropriate for a little picture post showing all the great things about this season. Here's what i love:
Oversized Jumpers · Autumnal footwear · Getting home and snuggling up in a blanket with my laptop · After school comfort food · Walking / going on adventures in the woodlands · Using my cats as hot water bottles

Am i the only one who, after a long day at school, breaks into the biscuit tin, grabs a handful of calorific goodness, sits with the television on as background noise and chillaxes by reading about the happenings in other people's lives via facebook, blogspot and twitter? There's something about Autumn that makes this act of doing nothing productive perfectly acceptable. I personally think that there's nothing better than getting in from a rainy walk home, hanging your clothes on the radiator then snuggling up with your slipper socks on, comfort food in hand and unwinding whilst watching the latest offerings of reality tv. I just love Autumn and everything it brings, especially those sunny mornings that have a sharp coldness in the air so you can wrap up in your wooliest scarf; i got too excited the first time i brought mine out this year. I hope everyone is having a lovely Autumn so far...bring on Winter i suppose :)
What are your favourite Autumnal moments?

♥mollie
images via weheartit
p.s. i got the inspiration to do this post from Sofia's Journal, such a lovely blog.

Thursday 3 November 2011

La La Loving: Rizzle Kicks

YAY! YAY! YAY! I just got tickets to go and see RIZZLE KICKS in February and i cannot control myself right now. Deep breaths Mols, deep breaths. My friend Emily and i have been walking on clouds this week just thinking about the prospect of seeing our loves Jordan and Harley live. Sat listening to their album, Stereotypical, i am really not helping myself just before i go to bed by getting this amped up. WOOOH! Anywho, i thought this would be an appropriate time to do a little artist / album review: 

I have loved Rizzle Kicks for a while now. Having previously listened to raw mixtapes and live sets before their album dropped three days ago, i fell in love with their fresh sound; mixing hip-hop beats with brass elements and ska vibes. There's something very universal about the duo's music due to an element of every genre imaginable being incorporated into this incredible album. Without a sight nor sound of a depressinig love song, Rizzle Kicks have brought a refreshing change to the music scene, which these days is so full of pessemistic views on the world. Their fun, youthful outlook create engaging lyrics and this is reflected in the upbeat rhythms. With Jordan's rapping and Harley's singing side by side as well as their insane style, i don't understand how you couldn't love them.
My favourite tracks were...i can't even decide. I just highly recommend that everyone purchases (and not illegaly downloads!) Stereotypical. Wonderful.
♥mollie

p.s. imma be busting my 'Mama Do The Hump' dance all the doo da day

Tuesday 1 November 2011

Rewind: Bang Bang


Rewinding back to the sixties with a song covered by Nancy Sinatra. Such engagingly mysterious lyrics and a wonderful voice. I love old school music and i love this.

p.s. i totally had a jazz jam sesh in music today singing songs by the likes of George Gershwin and Nina Simone. In my absolute element.




Bang Bang
Nancy Sinatra

Sunday 30 October 2011

Halloween!

It's almost Halloween (cue spooky oohs) and i am just pondering as to how i am going to do my hair/make-up/nails for school and for my film-a-thon tomorrow.

Having declined an invite to a party last night, albeit mainly because i wanted to watch the X Factor Halloween special, i took it upon myself to organise a spooked up film fest to have with my two friends, Ellie and Simran. I thought it would be fun to wear our pyjamas and then do crazy hair and make-up to get into the Halloween spirit. My mum even bought me a little 'Trick or Treat' pyjama top seen as i couldn't get this amazingly cool skeleton onesie from Topshop.

Oh and there will be plenty of food; i'm concocting my homemade treat (if you will) of popcorn in melted chocolate...possibly with the added surprise of jelly beans. I love how much we celebrate food at festive occasions, particularly as most of it is created with cakes and biscuits. These cutesy pumpkins and bat biscuits are so adorable.

So for school tomorrow i shall paint my nails with a gooey effect or possibly attempt a cobweb and then tease my hair a little (as if it isn't big enough already) just for funsies. yay! If i was on twitter right now i would totally be hashtagging the word excited.

Any suggestions for films to watch? Although i'm ninety-nine percent sure we won't be watching scary films, there's plenty of room for a Twilight-a-thon or a Harry Potter-a-thon...although realistically we'll probably end up watching White Chicks or something not even remotely linked to Halloween.
I'd love to know what you're doing or dressing up as!

♥mollie
images via polyvore

Friday 28 October 2011

Cover: We Found Love

After hearing this song so many times due to my obsessive viewing of the video, i decided to do a more acoustic version seen as i haven't made a video in a while. I tried to improve on my previous covers by looking at the audience (well, my camera that was balanced precariously on a stool) as the delivery of a piece of music is just as important as the piece itself, in my opinion. Comments about ways to improve in performing would be greatly appreciated...although i have to warn you that my dancing skills go about as far as the macarena. Anyway, here is We Found Love:


Oh my gosh! Only three days until it's Halloween! waaah!
mollie xo

Friday 21 October 2011

We Found Love

"It's like you're screaming but no one can hear. You almost feel ashamed that someone could be that important, that without them, you feel like nothing. No one will ever understand how much it hurts. You feel hopeless, like nothing can save you. And when it's over and it's gone, you almost wish that you could have all that bad stuff back so you can have the good."
      We Found Love // Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris

It is not actually possible to love a video more than i love this one. I mean, i thought Only Girl In The World was amazing but Rihanna's latest video exceeds all expectations. The raw emotions portrayed in this film suit the lyrics perfectly; i adore the fast paced movement of the imagery which incorporates a range of issues such as drug abuse, sex and heartbreak. The old-school grunge styling and dark tone to the film complement each other and Rihanna embraces her look to the full, i now have an urge to rip my tights and pair them with an oversized denim shirt and a tattoo. She is the perfect badass...not to mention her co-star Dudley O'Shaughnessy is haaawwt. I shall leave this post revelling in the immense-ness of the creativity Rihanna and her team have yet again produced to the highest standard, enveloping the audience in a different world.

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Earthquake

Labrinth ft. Tinie Tempah // Earthquake

La-la-loving this song. Representing British music in it's best form, Labrinth and Tinie have created yet another tune to add to their ever-growing collection. I love the tetris reminiscent synth sounds, they're great to build upon, paired with the stripped down vocal chorus used in the bridge. The musical composition and layering of sound and voice is just pure perfection; from the 'musical onomatoepia' (oh yeah, new term) with the trumpets to accompany the lyric referring to Buckingham Palace as well as the all round mash up of just about every genre imaginable, from techno to rap to choir-like voices. Siiiiiick.
mollie xo 

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Cover: Nothing Else Matters

Wowsers! It's been over a month since my first and last video post...but i do havve a reason for this. Typically me, i managed to break my camera - although in my defence the lens got stuck when i turned it off so  it technically wasn't my fault - and i've had to resort to using my phone ( don't worry, it's HD ahaha). Anyway, enough waffling, i have loved this song ever since i got my hands on Erik Hassle's album Pieces so here's my rendition of his cover of Nothing Else Matters.

i don't know what's going on with the random black border but ah well.
thankyou for listening! :)

Mollie xo

Thursday 22 September 2011

Stereo Hearts


Stereo Hearts // Gym Class Heroes ft Adam Levine

Love the reference to the stereo and music features in general. Oh and Travie McCoy is hella hot.

Mollie xo

Thursday 15 September 2011

Friday 9 September 2011

When I Was A Youngster


When I Was A Youngster // Rizzle Kicks

Umm, loving the latest track from my favourite two hot tomales, Jordan and Harley of Rizzle Kicks. Great melody and relatable lyrics instead of the usual song about love and shiz, it actually has a proper meaning presented in a fun way. LOVE IT!
Mollie xo

Sunday 4 September 2011

Robyn

Recently i have become a bit obssessed with Robyn, particularly her acoustic performances. The Swedish singer is commonly known for her catchy pop songs which, admittedly, i used to think were quite cheesy and average. But if you strip away the pop beats and substitute it for a solo piano or guitar to accompany her gorgeous voice, your opinion may very well change. Hearing the lyrics acoustically definitely gives a whole new, romantic feel to the songs as opposed to cheesy pop ballads.
Here are a few of my favourites:


Seen as i couldn't find my absolute favourite acoustic performance by Robyn on SoundCloud, here is a link to her beautiful cover of Dancing On My Own, performed in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge.

Mollie xo

Saturday 27 August 2011

What The Water Gave Me

No words. Just listen, watch and become enchanted.

What The Water Gave Me
Florence and the Machine

Mollie xo

Thursday 25 August 2011

J'adore: Rizzle Kicks

Absolutely loving Rizzle Kicks at the moment. With a combination of Jordan (Rizzle)'s rapping and Harley (Sylvester)'s soulful voice, the duo incorporates old school hip hop beats with elements of pop and i personally cannot get enough. They have a fresh sound due to the mixture of a range of instruments, beats and rhythms used in their music.
Prophet (Better Watch It): As Rizzle Kicks debut single, this is a great example of their fresh sound which i love. With an orchestral movement in the background of the chorus underneath hip hop beats and retro drumming patterns, the visuals match the music perfectly. Love the video effects.


Miss Cigarette: I love the lyrics in this track as it personifies a cigarette as if it were a woman, which i find quite clever. Using lyrics such as 'In the hope she’d leave me alone because I’m better off her but I see that spark and I just accept the offer' Rizzle Kicks create an image of being better  off without the 'girl' but also being better off without a cigarette. Just great, well thought out lyrics.


Oh! and just yesterday their youtube page released a collaboration with Ed Sheeran on his song 'You Need Me' (which rocks anywho) in which Jordan and Harley put their spin on it - check it out here. Also (nearly finished, don't worry) i love checking out the boys favourite songs and happening on their blog, it's pretty neat.

Mollie xo

Monday 22 August 2011

Cover: Skyscraper

You, wonderful reader, are a part of history as i'm making my singing debut right here, right now. I'm a little nervous but also excited to hopefully keep track of future covers or possibly my own songs on musicandmollie. I understand this isn't the best cover in the world but any constructive criticism would be great as i'm always looking to improve. Oh, and yes i give you permission to laugh at my face when i start the bridge...i couldn't quite get the note haha.

Thankyou for listening! :)

Mollie xo

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Belle Amie

I basically spent an hour last night on Belle Amie's youtube account and have literally fallen in love with them. After listening to their acoustic covers, particualrly their rendition of On a Mission;  i adored the harmonies and Esther, Sophia and Rebecca have an edgy style which sets them apart from the classic 'girl band' image. Although i did think they were one of the best girl bands that X Factor had to offer when they competed in 2010, i never realised how much potential they had. Belle Amie's debut single is called Girls Up and, although a little more pop than what i usually listen to, it's a really catchy, girl-power tune accompanied by a great video:
With their single being released in precisely 11 days, i've become a 'belle' just in time to buy it.
Now i'm off to start my own girl band. Good luck with that Mols.

Mollie xo

Friday 12 August 2011

Sun Biz Sessions

Sun Biz Sessions have hosted many of my favourite acoustic performances from artists i can't get enough of. Acoustic covers being my preffered music choice, i just love the concept; the setting with subdued lighting along with no traces of electronic instruments allowing the music to do the talking and rightly so.
   
Ed Sheeran covers Skinny Love by Bon Iver
I love Ed Sheeran. This cover is just perfect. I love the timid yet expressive 'oh' to set the mood of the song and his imperfect endings of notes within verses really creates the most gorgeous atmosphere. However, crescndoing into the chorus, Ed really brings out his beautiful tone along with the strumming of the guitar. Bellisimo.
Ellie Goulding covers Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap
This has been on repeat for the last five days. Ellie Goulding has created a beautiful cover of Sweet Dispostion by the Temper Trap showing the gorgeous harmony and simplicity of a guitar and piano. I love the tone within Ellie's voice and the raw quality it brings when singing with expression.

I shall leave, revelling in the immenseness.
Mollie xo

Monday 8 August 2011

Mr Posner

So i'm guessing that by the end of 2010 everyone had heard Cooler Than Me by Mike Posner. I loved the track and certainly found it a refreshing change to have in the charts. Unfortunately i didn't listen to Mike's album or researh into his other songs and covers...or i would have discovered these two beautys:
 
Dang. I can't actually stop listening to the synth beats he has incorporated into his covers of these two, quite frankly, very hard to cover songs. Putting Mike's techno, light dubstep spin into each i just love his style. Mr Posner's soft voice (and hot accent, hello!) in Halo with the changing of the lyrics to give his version of the song a different message makes it original. Whereas with The Scientist cover i adore how the beat takes the main focus, so complex and intricate but the softness towards the beginning and end makes the music rather relaxing, in a slightly odd way. I also watched how he produced Halo on his Youtube channel here and i was completely fascinated by the creation...i gotta find me some equipment.
Mollie xo

Friday 5 August 2011

Erik Hassle

Okay so this post is way overdue but i abosolutely adore this Swedish singer. I first started listening to Erik Hassle at the beginning of last year when a friend introduced me to his single Hurtful. However, that wasn't one of my favourites so after a little bit of searching on Youtube i eventually discovered Erik's obvious talent and his soulful voice with a quirky but addictive tone that i could listen to for hours. I love his album, Pieces, mainly because of the range in genre's - crossing indie bass guitar rythms with piano ballads. His creative music style makes me swoon. gosh, i love this dude.
Not only are his original tracks great but Erik has the rare talent of turning any cover he does into his own, original style. I love his rendition of Someday aswell as Nothing Else Matters, also on the album. Speaking of, my favourite songs on the album are Don't Bring Flowers, Amelia and Whose Gonna Walk You Home - a duet with Malin Dahlstrom that gives me goosebumps everytime i lsten to it. So, the general gist of this post is to express my love for Erik Hassle...i love him.

Mollie xo

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Juno

As i sit here watching one of my favourite films of all time, i can't help but fall in love with the quirky, adorably written soundtrack of Juno. The soft voices and guitar plucking in the background of (my husband) Michael Cera and Ellen Page being effortlessly cool never fails to make me enter a dream land.
Barry Louis Polisar – All I Want Is You
Kimya Dawson – My Rollercoaster
The Kinks – A Well Respected Man
Buddy Holly – (Ummm, Oh Yeah) Dearest
Mateo Messina – Up The Spout
Kimya Dawson – Tire Swing
Belle & Sebastian – Piazza, New York Catcher
Kimya Dawson – Loose Lips
Sonic Youth – Superstar
Kimya Dawson – Sleep
Belle & Sebastian – Expectations
Mott the Hoople – All The Young Dudes
Kimya Dawson – So Nice So Smart
Cat Power – Sea of Love
Kimya Dawson and Antsy Pants – Tree Hugger
The Velvet Underground – I'm Sticking With You
The Moldy Peaches – Anyone Else But You
Antsy Pants – Vampire
Michael Cera and Ellen Page – Anyone Else But You
I love each song from the soundtrack however i do have my favourites:
Barry Louis Polisar | All I Want Is You
Harmonica plus the strong accent possessing the song equates to a feel good head bobbing melody. These lyrics are so lovely, with the repetition of 'all i want is you' throughout this could easily become an alternative love song for the unique characters within the film.
Belle and Sebastian | Piazza, New York Catcher
This is just beautiful, i love the chord progressions and the lyrics complement the soft guitar strumming perfectly. I particularly love the lines, 'Oh elope with me in private and well set something ablaze. A trail for the devil to erase' and 'I love you i've a drowning grip on your adoring face'...well, the song is bursting with swooning lines.
Cat Power | Sea of Love
The simplicity within this song gets me everytime. With the basic strumming it allows Cat's beautifully toned voice to create wonderful melody's, so free and effortless. This effortless beauty, as well as the shorter than most length of the music, lets the message of love within the song shine through.
Overall, this has to be the most adorably cute yet quirky soundtrack i know. In general, i just love the romantic lyrics paired with the strong theme of guitars...i really want a ukelele now. Also, i wouldn't mind having Juno on dvd to watch over and over and over and...yeah, i just wouldn't mind that.

Mollie xo

Monday 1 August 2011

dear musicandmollie

dear musicandmollie,
I created a blog to archive my journeys within music and to express my opinions on artists, composers and songs in general. As a musical person playing the flute to reach grade 7 (still going strong), taking it upon myself to learn piano on the keyboard when i was 12 and eventually the guitar two years ago, i just felt i could turn to blogging to write about my views and musical finds. I have a strong opinion on fame whores and 'artists' that lip-synch. They will not be making an appearance on my blog. I don't like to define myself as to what genre of music i listen to, i'm open to everything and if i like that particular piece of music then so be it. This ties in with my favourite quote: to define is to limit.
here are a few of my favourite artists...
I sing alot at home where nobody can hear me. I get very fearful of what others will think, it is a negative quality to have but i can't help but get nervous. I intend to use this blog to upload my covers/songs and keep a record of my progress in that respect also.
erm, so enjoy! :)
mollie xo