Author: Yourcupatea

Sorry Mum.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

Love

Dearest Mum, I’m writing to apologize for being sick on mother’s day. Spending all day in bed is what you should be doing while I bring you tea and cook you meals but no it’s the reverse. I truly hope the gift made up for it.

I guess this shows what a dedicated and thoughtful mum you are and I’m sorry I cannot repay you for kindness on a day like today. I acknowledge the favors that you have done for the whole of my life and I thank you for the time you have spent in raising me.

The countless times you went searching for my favorite teddy and cared for me when I was sick. All those occasions when you brought me hot soup and lemon and honey and took the time to make sure I was ok I will never forget. The countless birthday cakes you have created depending on my interests at the time and our walks to school when I was little will always be stuck in my memory.

I know that family has been your priority since you were 23 and I appreciate the time you have put in to raise me and Bex. I’m sorry that I don’t always show it but I do care and respect you a lot. I love how we have great things in common including our sense of humor, love for Vampire Diaries and sweet tooth, but I do often feel sorry for Dad because of our stubbornness and argumentative sides.

Although it seems strange the best thing is when we argue because we both come up with the stupidest comebacks. Seeing your face as and you try desperately not to laugh paired with mine in the same position makes my day. Arguing is fun with you.

So the message in this blog is thank you. I love you and I’m sorry I’m too sick to look after you on your day, I guess I should really make it a regular habit, being nicer that is.

I love you.

Angus & Julia Stone

YourcupateaLeave a comment

Angus & Julia Stone

Although the sun has currently disappeared in South California the summer sun will once again return in the next couple of weeks, we hope.  The grey days may sadden many but this doesn’t mean it’s time to put on some heavy metal; instead we should listen to those summer songs that make us feel happy once again.

The music of Angus & Julia Stone is the definition of great summer music. Their rustic tones and acoustic sounds paired with simple lyrics such as and rhythms make for music that is truly great.A brother and sister combo from New Port, Australia the pair have astonished many with their paired talent and unique sounds.

Growing up with a strong love for music the siblings decided to give the profession a go releasing their first EP “Chocolates and Cigarettes” in 2006. This followed on to the release of a second EP in 2007 titled “Heart Full of Wine” and the later album “A Book Like This.” Their first album went platinum in their home country following on to its release across the world.

At the beginning of last year the group released the album “Down the Way,” which reaped much success. Featuring songs like “Big Jet Plane” and “Hold On” the album won numerous awards with many of the group’s song featuring on TV shows across the globe.

The pair create great music which is simple but great, proving that often simplicity is often the key. If you need to get in the mood for summer blast out some Angus & Julia Stone and I assure you it will make you feel better.

http://youtu.be/yFTvbcNhEgc

The Kooks.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

The Kooks

As the sun and heat have returned to California, us residents often celebrate by going to the beach. For me this means I get to wack out some of my all time favorite tunes and listen to the sweet acoustic sounds of great bands.  Such artists include my ultimate favorites, The Kooks.

Listening to both albums just fills me with warmth. The Kooks music is full of merriment in the form of unique guitar rhythms, rusty tones and quirky lyrics, each song setting the scene for the perfect picnic at the beach or breezy bike ride through the hills of the countryside.

An indie pop band from the seaside resort of Brighton, a place I also associate with home, the group started off very successfully, getting signed 3 months after forming by Virgin records. In 2006 they released their first album “Inside In/Inside Out” and followed with”Konk” in 2008. Both albums were extremely successful and we can only hope that they will release some new material soon.

So as the sun is shining I would recommend that you get into the summer spirit and get listening to The Kooks !

Arctic Monkeys.

Yourcupatea1 Comment

Arctic Monkeys

The Arctic Monkeys are a four-piece all male band, formed from the suburbs of Sheffield. Specializing in Indie Rock the band boomed in 2005 receiving much praise from the BBC radio stations and the tabloids. Due to release their third album in June, people all over the glob are excited to see what this new album will entail.

Releasing their first album “Whatever People Say I am, That’s What I’m Not,” in January 2006 the band reeked much success. With hits such as “I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor” and “When The Sun Goes Down” hitting the charts and clubs people of ages would dance to the catchy songs knowing the words word for word. Their northern tones and quirky lyrics captured the nation.

A year later in April 2007, the band released their second album “Favourite Worst Nightmare.” Although sounding similar to the first album it included more heavy tones, which didn’t appeal as much too many. A couple of songs will always be remembered because of their release into the charts but the rest many would not know.  In my opinion you can’t beat the originality of the first album but the second is still superb.

In 2009 “Humbug” was realized. With a less rocky and more melancholic sound the album was less successful. Although the songs included great lyrics and rhythms, the new sound of Arctic Monkeys just wasn’t for the public.

This June the group’s fourth album “Suck It And See” will be released. I guess we can only hope that they bring fourth their originality f]and create an album which is outstanding.

Razorlight.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

Razorlight!

Razorlight are an indie rock band from England. Famed for the track “America,” the group formed in 2002. Lead by quirky lead singer Johnny Borell, the 4-piece band has both character and charm. Some even compare the group to The Who.

Setting out by practicing in a decaying factory, the four-piece band has gone on to achieve great things. The group’s first album, “Up all night” debuted in 2004, wreaking much success and coming 3rd in the UK album charts.

After a two-year break, in 2006, the band released their second album, “Razorlight.” The second album was much improved and the songs were catchy, different and alternate, consequently leading it to achieve #1 in the charts.

As the band moved up higher in the charts their music progressed greatly, sounding better and better. Their popularity grew as they gained more recognition and in 2007 the band were nominated for two BRIT Awards. These included Best British band and Best Song for their single, “America“.

In 2008 the band released their next album “Slipway fires.” The album was more soulful and heartfelt compared to the previous albums but it still contained the passion that had led to their success.

Razorlight are a great band, their music is unique and fun, and  with a character like Johnny Borell  as the front man the band can really do no harm.

Give them a listen!

Foals.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

Foals
Foals are an indie rock band from Oxford, England. Debuting in 2008 with their first album “Antidotes“, the band went on to releasing their second album, ”Total life forever” which was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize.

Their first album gained much success coming third in the UK album charts. Full of drumbeats and fast tempos the songs put the listener in a happy mood. Aimed at the indie scene the album emits the sense of summer frivolity and fun. With strong lyrics and pulsing melodies, the album makes a stand against the typical music one would classify as indie. Incorporating a range of instruments, the music stands out with its guitar rifts and use of the occasional synth.

“Red Sock Pugie,” the third track from the first album, “Antidotes“.

In comparison “Total life forever” is a mellower album focusing more on the vocals than on fast rhythms and tempos. Soothing, relaxing and calming the album allows the listener to unwind through the 25 tracks. Although still including the famous drumbeats the songs have a more peaceful nature, perfect for a car journey through the countryside.

The contrast of albums shows how over the years the band has developed. Unlike many bands that focus on the same “fail safe” sound they experiment using different tones, instruments and vocals.

Foals are a great band that, I’d recommend anyone to listen to.

“Blue Blood,” the opening track from the second album, “Total life Forever“.

Misfits.

Yourcupatea1 Comment

Misfits. Misfits is a television series based on a group of young offenders who gain superpowers after a freak storm. Coming together each day to work off their community service the group faces a series of challenging obstacles as a result of  their new found powers.

Now creating a third series the comedy drama has been a roaring success among viewers. In 2010 the show won a BAFTA Television Award for the Best Drama Series, an award they definitely deserved.

In the show we witness the characters struggle to come to terms with their powers. We also see how although the characters may look like a group of useless teens, they ultimately come together and solve livesaving challenges. The show explores strange but great themes through conundrums the group face.

Although at many times serious, the show is guaranteed to cheer you up. With characters who are both comical and entertaining paired with story lines that are absorbing and dramatic, the two combine to make the perfect recipe for a TV show.

Misfits is full of great plots that will make you laugh, cry and smile.  With witty characters and entertaining scenarios, it is definitely a series to get watching. I must warn you though, it is rather addictive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODl-kAhVsXY

Driving: I can drive.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

Thumbs Up

So far I have gradually been progressing through the processes of learning to drive. Ok I may have been a bit slow but I really am starting to get there and accomplish something.

The last few times I haven’t even stalled, and using the clutch has become second nature to me. Don’t get me wrong I still make mistakes but that’s only natural, I mean my Mum is 43 and she still makes mistakes on a weekly basis.

Seeing my improvement my dad gave me the task of driving to LAX to greet my Sister and Nan at the airport. Little did he know what he had let himself in for.

No I was not a dreadful driver, in fact I did pretty well. Apart from stalling twice at the end of my road I successfully completed the journey in one piece.

Ok I must admit that I did struggle with staying in a straight line a couple of times, but thankfully under the watchful gaze of my father I managed to master the steering.

After completing the journey to LAX successfully, I now believe I am entitled to say, I can drive.

Warpaint.

YourcupateaLeave a comment

Warpaint.

Warpaint is a 4-piece girl band from Los Angeles. I’m guessing that when you hear the word girl band you automatically think: poppy, fake, materialized rubbish. This is definitely not the case with Warpaint.

Warpaint are an experimental art, rock group who formed in 2004. Although primarily indie, the girls describe their genre as Ghettotech, Melodramatic Popular Song and Psychedelic.

The girls came together to create a different type of music and sound, they succeeded.

With melodic and peaceful symphonies mixed with rock and guitar leads, Warpaint have conquered a combination that works wonders. Their haunting sounds relax and entice, whilst contrasting beats adding flavor to the  melodic tones and harmonies.

Releasing their first album “The Fool” in October 2010, as well their debut single “Undertow” the band captured the attention of many music lovers.

The group is scheduled to play at several large festivals over the summer months including Coachella and Glastonbury.

Warpaint are an extremely unique band that I admire greatly. I hope they keep producing and playing great music!

Tommy Reilly.

Yourcupatea1 Comment

Tommy Reilly!

Tommy Reilly is a singer, songwriter from Scotland. In 2009 Channel 4 hosted the show Orange Unsigned Act, Tommy was one of many contestants competing to win a recording contract.

The viewers, of the show, took a strong liking to Tommy’s individuality along with the judges. The emotional connection he held with a song often reduced him and his viewers to tears. He was unique because he was true to his heart and sang for his pleasure rather than to impress. With much support Tommy ultimately won the show.

After his triumph his first single “Gimme a call” was instantly released into the U.K charts. The song reached 14 in the single charts but unfortunately for him, his success didn’t last long.
Read More »