Author: Yourcupatea

Mumford and Sons.

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Mumford and Sons

Mumford and Sons are a folk rock band from London. They are a four-piece band with one common cause- to make great music.

Formed in 2007, the band emerged from West London’s Country Scene. When the group first  came together they shared one thing in common, passion. They’re  love for music, specifically in the folk scene, made it easy for them to write and create great songs  that emitted their enthusiasm.

After writing their first bundle of songs the band hit the road, drawing in the masses with their unique style and quirky songs.

By October 2009 Mumford and Sons released their first album “Sigh No More.” This debut proved a success both in their home nation, coming second in the UK Album Chart, and in the U.S where it peaked on the Billboard 200.  Mumford and Sons had not just triumphed their hometown but also a super power.

After the release of their first album the group have only gone up in people’s opinions. With melodies full of warming tones and lyrics that tell of great tales, the group really can do no wrong.

Driving: Never put your foot on the accelerator during a U-turn.

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u turn
After paying a quick visit to the Pacific View Mall it was time to head towards Trader Joes. I successfully reversed out of the car park and got myself in the prime position to continue. Then my far too trusting dad threw me an ultimatum.

“Shall we practice a U-turn or go around and across the traffic lights.”

There is a term “tempting fate” and that is exactly what my Dad did by posing this question to me.

As you can guess I attempted the U-turn. Waiting at the traffic lights I prepared myself by looking at the threats posed by the road and the pavement next to me. In my opinion as long as I didn’t stall it would all turn out good, little did I know.

The lights turned green and I was ready to go, maybe a little too ready. First I put my foot down on the accelerator and got some revs. Next I gradually inched my foot off of the clutch.Somehow as I left I also forgot to decrease the pressure of my foot on the accelerator.

So as you probably predicted I go off speeding around the corner. I was having the time of my life.  Next to me my dad was yelling at the top of his lungs whilst gripping the seat.

I think he must have had an adrenaline rush, probably sparked by the realization that he was in a life death situation because next thing I know the steering wheel is out of my grip and he has turned the car.

“TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”

“I thought I was doing fine.”

“GEORGIE YOU NEARLY TIPPED THE CAR!”

It is clear my driving escapades have in no way improved. Although, after much reflection my Dad did say after that he’s beginning to feel safer in the car.

IS HE CRAZY?

Driving:An update.

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Jesus

Although it may seem to some that I remain a disastrous driver I beg to differ.

Yesterday I drove a circle route to Ventura and back hitting two main freeways, the  101 and 126, and I survived.

How, you wonder? If I’m honest I do not know the answer to this question. I mean I have considered the fact that maybe god is favoring me but I think the simple solution is maybe, just maybe, I’m improving at driving.

Don’t get me wrong I did make a few mistakes. These were mainly getting too carried away and breaking speed limits and occasionally thinking I was in England and nearly turning into the wrong lane, but otherwise it was all good and I made it home in one piece.

My next aim is to drive to LAX in order to surprise my Nan and sister at the airport. I have 3 weeks to get practicing, lets hope I make it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsDyejLG0c4

A new concept.

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Music
I have always admired and loved music. From birth my parents would play artists such as Simply Red and Blur around the house. My parents always encouraged me as a child to listen to music and Friday night became the highlight of my week when I became introduced to the music show, Top of the Pops.

Throughout my life I have heard music from bands such as Oasis, U2 and Coldplay which has consequently lead me to have a great love for music of all types. Although I love music I never really made the effort to learn to play a musical instrument.

Two years ago my Dad started learning the acoustic guitar. He greatly regretted never learning and encouraging me and my sister to learn so he attempted to inspire us later on in life.

Throughout my life I have excelled at different hobbies but never seem to follow them through due to fear of failure. From the age of 3 I did ballet, carrying on until I was 11. But after a move in location, out of fear, I never restarted. My teacher recommended I go to proper dance school but I just never had the faith that I’d be good enough. Now I look back at these moments with much regret but I acknowledge that maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.

I now have no real talent or hobbies so I thought it was about time I found something. Last week after discovering a music shop in Ventura called Pulse Drumming, which  advertised Ukulele lessons, I began to learn how to play the Ukulele.  It’s a small start but after going to buy my first Ukulele today I have become truly inspired.

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Driving.

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Pothole

So fortunately for my Dad I have now successfully began to drive like a legal driver. Yes you did hear me correctly I can drive and  I have even passed the stalling stage.

Don’t get me wrong I still have my problems and I lack a bit of control, but otherwise it is going good. I have days when I do brilliantly but there are others when I just have to ruin the clean record and do something wrong.

On Saturday I had an early start for my SAT. I woke up got changed quickly and thought it may have been a good idea to drive to school, half asleep. The consequences of this bad decision were that I nearly reversed into a tree, I pulled off the road into some pot holes and I drove a bit too fast around some sharp corners. The main thing is I survived and so did my car. But for my pride’s sake lets just blame all these mistakes on the early morning and my lack of knowledge on how to demist my car. This experience may sound slightly dreadful but we have to look at the positives in the situation, I stalled once.

Those who have read my driving blogs in the past probably will not be assured that I can now drive but i’m sure you can all say that I have progressed significantly. Ok, granted I have only been practicing in the back roads of Ojai but still I haven’t crashed nor stalled nearly as many times as before. So it’s out to the main roads of Ojai this week. All I can say is watch out Ojai Avenue.

Spring.

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Daffodils
I am happy to say it is nearly Spring. The flowers are getting ready to bloom, Shrove Tuesday has passed and lambs are in abundance. It is a season for new life, new starts and ultimately a preparation for the summer months to follow.

To me Spring also means a new iPod playlist. I am on a mission to find new artists and songs to take me through the coming months and gradually take me into the Summer.

Although I cannot drive I do like to listen to music in the passenger seat.  To me a ride in the morning with the windows rolled down and idyllic acoustic music is perfect for these months.  In the past albums by The Kooks and Razorlight have been great but I feel I need some more theme tunes for 2011.

I feel it is time to get exploring for some new anthems.

Here’s a song from last year that I enjoyed over the Spring months.

Lykke Li.

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Female artists always inspire me and Lykke Li is no exception.Li’s music is classified as indie.

Originating from the small european country of Sweden the female artists music has now progressed world widely. Through her songs we see influences of her european heritage and swedish roots.

Lykke Li’s music is excellently varied. She has slow songs such as “Tonight” for those who need to relax and quirky up beat songs like “Get Some” for those who prefer the busier melody. Thousands across the world enjoy her music with it’s soothing tones and quirky  attitude.

Her became known after her song “little bit” in 2007. The release of the song followed on to numerous remixes which included a  debut by the well-known hip-hop artist Drake.

Although Lykke Li has had many of her own songs she has also collaborated with many other artists such as Primal Scream, Kleerup and Royksopp.

Releasing her new album “Wounded Rhymes” on the 25th of February 2011, her latest single  “I follow rivers” is proving to be a hit among indie lovers, appearing on popular blogs and sites.

In my opinion Lykee Li is different from artists and that is what I love about her. She’s unique and doesn’t try to impress or conform to the stereotypes, releasing great songs that are easy to listen to and put one in a great mood.
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Yosemite: a revolution.

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yosemite

In the past 5 days I have seen some of the most magnificent sights I have ever seen. India, Africa, Egypt and Europe have all hosted idyllic spots for my eyes yet none of these places compare to Yosemite.

After a cross country skiing trip into the beautiful peaks of the Sierra’s I can now express my happiness to be living in California.

The looming granite structures dusted with snow and blanketed in pines have made me realize the expansiveness of the state and the beauty that exists in our world.

My trip to Yosemite has opened my eyes to the life that my parents have chosen for me and although I miss the old times, I can safely say that I am happy to be here.

As much as I do not like to admit it, I can now say that I am pleased to be an inhabitant of America.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TViBKtij5o

Bloc Party.

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Bloc Party

Although I’ve done lots of music blogs I’ve realized I haven’t done one about an all time favorite bands of mine. Bloc Party.

Bloc Party are described as British alternative rock. Although classified as this, in my opinion the band’s music is not one specific genre. The group’s music explores different melodies and styles adding to their unique sound and on going success.

Forming in 1999 they made their break into the industry in 2003. They got their voice by throwing a demo onto the stage of Scottish band Franz Ferdinand who backed their music along with BBC Radio DJ Steve Lamacq.

In 2005 they released their first album Silent Alarm. Since then the band have progressed and grown to become a world renowned act.

After seeing them live in October 2009 the band sadly decided to take an extended break. Luckily for me I managed to see them on their sell out tour at the Brighton Centre, Brighton, witnessing an otherworldly performance.

Although the venue was full of moshing teenagers and Indie kids the concert was still amazing and these features just added to the atmosphere. Kele (lead singer) was an amazing stage presence awing the crowds with his voice and attitude.

Since taking a break Kele Okereke continued his success releasing solo album “ The Boxer” in 2010.  Other members took the opportunity to explore doing their own projects, enjoying life and having fun.

I can’t help but hope that they will once again reunite in the near future, creating more great music and filling my iPod with more of their songs.

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The Old Times.

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Love
I miss the old times, I miss my friends and most importantly I miss the life I used to lead. Don’t get me wrong. After reluctantly immigrating to the United States I have become a better person. But I still can’t fight the yearning feeling that greets me everyday to return home.

At first I refused to move to the U.S but after realizing the only option was to live with my restrictive grandparents I decided to move to California on a trial basis. I wanted my friends, I wanted my family but I also wanted a life.

“Do you know your making my life hell, why do you want to ruin everything?” These were accusations I threw at my parents on a daily basis after they told me I had to join them in the move. Believing I needed parental figures and boundaries they refused to leave me thinking that I would “spiral out of control,” consequently getting no where with my life. The concept was unbearable to me, why did everything have to change?

Repeatedly my parents would say “we’re doing what we think is best for you” but to me that was no consolation. I was leaving school, I could now decide what college I wanted to go to, and what subjects I wanted to do,  yet there was one thing I couldn’t change. Moving to America.

I can’t even begin to describe my last summer with my friends. Our time spent together was some of the best moments in my life and will always be ingrained in my memory.

Listening to the radio this morning I heard Two Door Cinema “What you know” an anthem me and my best friend shared.  I couldn’t help but wonder where I’d be now if I had stayed and who I’d be.