Author: Yourcupatea

jj

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jj

jj is an alternative indie group from Sweden who has been producing music since 2009. Consisting of duo Elin Kastlander and Joakim Benon the band released their debut album jj n ° 2 in early 2009 along with their first single jj n° 1.

jj

Now signed to American label Secretly Canadian the pair released jj n° 3 in Sweden and the U.S in March 2010. Their alternative sound consists of indie pop, electronic and hip-hop among other genres, mixing them together to create great songs.The mix of sounds accompanied  with the rusty voice of female, lead singer Elin Kastlanger and powerful lyrics, the work of jj is really something you have never heard before.

Although they have released many of their own songs they are also famous for their covers of current songs, many of which appear on their mix tape Kills. Their renditions range from all sorts of genres including The XX,The Game and Akon. They really are one of a kind.

So if you feel like giving something different a listen check out jj.

Theophilus London.

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Theophilus

Music is constantly changing and progressing, following new rhythms and presenting new sounds. It is constantly advancing but normally it takes it’s time until it hits the ears of many listeners. Of course there are exceptions and many artists slip under the radar appearing on blogs etc. Theophilus London did just this.

Born in Brooklyn NY, Theophilus has been a producing artist since 2008. An undercover artist and sensation on many music blogs he is now starting to gain a lot more recognition with his new EP Lovers Holiday.

A unique rapper and MC, London’s music combines a wide range of sounds that come together to make something that’s completely different from the norm. Drawing sounds from electro, new wave and RnB amongst other genres his work brings forward catchy sounds that are easy to dance and sing along to.

So if you’re thinking that music is getting dull these days it’s not, you’re just not looking in the right places. So check out the blogosphere to see some new faces and some alternative beats.

A taste of India.

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Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, one of the seven great wonders of the world, one of the glories of India. A tourist trap, but also a sacred site for many its white exterior shimmers serenely under fluorescent spotlights. Standing tall, superior and spectacular in the light of the Taj Cafe, the pure exquisiteness of this wall hanging capturing my attention and transporting me to the bustling streets of India.

This sanctuary displays a snippet of a different culture from across the globe. Acting as a place or spot where one can be transported to another land without actually travelling very far. The Taj Cafe, Ventura is the perfect place to do just this.

The traditional food, exquisitely furnished room and the unique sounds of the traditional song come together to give one a small taste of India. The ambience of the restaurant represents this eastern culture perfectly in the streets of California.

If you want an eastern experience from the comfort of your own city why not take a trip to your local Indian restaurant. Take the opportunity to inhale the aromatic scents of the spiritual motherland and experience a unique journey of your own.

A near miss.

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GOD

Ok so I have nearly been driving for one month. Yes I know you can’t believe it, trust me I can’t either. After reading my previous driving blogs I’m sure many believed that I one: wouldn’t survive my lessons on the road and two: definitely wouldn’t make it through the test. I guess the gods had mercy and looked upon my small Ford Fiesta with pity and smiled at the Santa Paula DMV on September the 1st. Whatever the case, I miraculously past and now I have been unleashed on the roads of Ventura county. Watch Out.

Oxnard has already witnessed some of my skilled driving as I visited the local fish and chip shop and a supermarket known as Vons. Vons is a great supermarket but it’s car parks are a nightmare. Now I’m guessing you’re thinking “oh no what did she do?” No I did not run over anyone, or an animal or scratch a car. In fact a rather large red Chevy truck nearly hit me.

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Junk of the Heart.

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Waiting for an album from your favorite band to be released is always exciting. What sort of sound will they present? Will it be a disappointed? How can they possibly beat some of their old tracks? These are all questions we ask ourselves when purchasing that long-awaited album.

These are all questions that filled my head on Monday the 12th of September. As I carefully placed my headphones into my ears, scrolled down the music library, selected albums and finally sought out the chosen album I waited in anticipation as I carefully hit the play button on my iPod. Playing Junk Of The Heart (Happy) by The Kooks.

Yes, Indie band The Kooks are finally back. After a two-year break the Brighton band have finally returned with a new album, Junk of the Heart. A sequel to the hit album Konk, released in 2008, the new album has been highly anticipated by many adoring fans. Yet, it’s a little disappointing.

Ok, so I’ve only listened to it a couple of times but there are only really a few songs I like. The rusty voice of lead singer Luke Pritchard still remains but the music hasn’t got the acoustic rhythms and “Kookyness” of the past albums. Don’t get me wrong it’s a good album and I admire them for their efforts to develop their style and go outside the box but in my eyes it just doesn’t suit them.

Still, there are a few songs that the bands unique sound shines through and I’m sure as I continue to listen my opinion will change, and I will grow to love it. Despite my first opinion, one thing will always remain, I still love The Kooks.

Thao & Mirah.

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Thao & Mirah
Sometimes I find myself searching for music that is both relaxing and fun. These two words rarely are put together to describe music, but in the new album, Thao & Mirah, these words describe the sounds perfectly.

Created by San Francisco-based solo artist Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn and alternative, rock singer and star of Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, Thao Nguyen, the album is truly unique. Using an array of sounds and tastes every song explores a different sound ranging from classic folk, to indie rock.

Released in April 2011, the collaboration of the two individual talents works perfectly. Full of great guitar and acoustic melodies mixed with delicate and rough vocals the album is perfect album to relax to but also sing along and dance to. I would recommend it to any one.

I’m an adult: this means I’m better than you.

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respect
As an adolescent I find myself continually being treated like a ‘kid.’ I’m 17, I can drive, make my own decisions, and yes I can dress myself. Yet to some adults they still feel that they are entitled to belittle and undermine me, all because of my age.

I’m independently applying for college and planning my life, an important future decision, yet according to some this is just not enough. I’m beginning to wonder when I will be respected as an adult.

In my eyes I reached my adulthood and gained my independence many years ago, but this is not the case in California. In England, at the age of 16 you are seen as an adult being charged higher fares. I guess age means different things in different countries and cultures. It seems that  in America you reach adulthood at the age of 18.

Some people still believe that with age comes great wisdom, but in my eyes I’m pretty wise already. I guess I will only find out these things with age, but for now I shall just enjoy being a teenager and hope for a little more respect.

 

The Wombats.

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The wombats
We all need some good songs to sing and dance along to, on occasion, and The Wombats provide just this.

Formed in Liverpool, England in 2003 the Indie Pop band provides music that is quirky and brilliant. With lyrics that are strong and fun the band really can do no wrong. Each song is easy to relate to as they use everyday things to describe their feelings and emotions.

With lyrics such as, “Carrots help us see much better in the dark. Don’t talk to girls; they’ll break your heart,” there is no way a band like this can go wrong.

Releasing the first album “The Wombats Proudly Present: A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation,” globally in 2007 the album was a great success coming 11th in the UK album charts. The album was full of great songs that individually did very well in the charts.

In 2010 the band were back releasing new singles such as “Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves).” Then in 2011 the group followed on with the album “The Wombats Proudly Present…This Modern Glitch.” The new album has a more grown up sounds in comparison to the first album, involving different sounds. In no way does this make it worse, in fact many argue that it was better coming 3rd in the UK album chart.

So if you feel like you have energy to burn and want to listen to some fun, individual music you should definitely listen to The Wombats.

The XX.

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The XX

The XX are a musical group from London specializing in indie pop/rock. Formed in 2005, the group came together to create simple, but effective, music. Living up to the indie genre, the music they create is definitely individual, standing out in the music industry.

Releasing their first album “XX” in 2009 the group received much praise for their individuality and great music. In the same year they won the Mercury Music Prize and were ranked as “one of the best of year” in the Rolling Stone.

The XX’s sound works well because of the dual voices used. The males soothing deep tones compliment that of the females and accompanied by simple acoustics the music molds together perfectly.

The band’s music is simple but catchy with their warming tones creating the perfect ambience for a night by an open fire or a time of relaxation. Due to release an album this year, fans are excited see if the new material can triumph over that of the legendary “XX.” Lets just hope they don’t disappoint.

Friendly Fires.

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Friendly Fires.
Ever need some dance but good quality music for the summer months? Well Friendly Fires offer the perfect solution for this problem. The group’s alternative beats and sounds, described as dance punk, along with their fast and spontaneous lyrics combine together to make the perfect summer BBQ music.

Forming at the age of 14 in school, the St Albans group came together to produce great music. As the group progressed through the different stages of education so did their music and in 2009 they released their first album “Friendly Fires.” Including hits such as “Jump In the Pool” and “Paris” the album was announced as one of the shortlisted bands for the Mercury Music Prize.Now, two years later, the English band is set to release their second album “Pala.”

Expected to be released on the 16th of May in the U.K and the 24th in the U.S, the first song off the album “Live Those Days Tonight” has already been previewed.  With similar but more grown up sounds in comparison to the first album, “Pala” is deemed to be a great success in the coming months.