Archive for the 'Music' Category:

When I first saw the TV advert for this album’s release, I was shocked when the voice-over guy said “their first studio album in 3 years“.

Has it really been 3 years since By The Way???

But looking back, Uni has flown quickly. I remember purchasing the album in our first year at Lincoln - and I was a little disappointed with it initially, compared to Californication. But after a month or two of on/off listening, it finally sunk in. People complained with By The Way, saying that the ‘Peppers had lost their touch, their funk, their funkiness - as most of the songs on it were slow, almost ballad-like.

However, By The Way is another classic and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ latest album, Stadium Arcadium is fantastic.

You should have heard Dani California by now - probably track from both CDs, which is a shame. But the rest of the double CD album is great, with each song flowing into the next, almost as if it is one great Chilis mix.

I purchased the CD myself from HMV - a rare thing for me, seeing as most music I’ve ‘aquired’ in the past has been from the Internet. But I thought, seeing as I bought their previous two albums, I may as well purchase this one too.

Download it, legally or illegally; beg, borrow or steal it; purchase it, or whatever… though it is worth adding to any music collection.

EDIT: If you choose to buy it legally, then I’d recommend amazon.

Yesterday I was asked to source a music track for a Drama play they’re doing at work…

Instead of the *usual* Bit-torrent method, I decided to go the legal route. And what better way to purchase music online than the iTunes store?

I regularly update iTunes, to the point that I’ve got about 30 versions archived from about 3.0 onwards. But yesterday was the first time I decided to open it up and actually use it to purchase music online.

With the latest version (6.0.4.2) it’s just a case of clicking on Music Store down the left-hand window pane, then either signing in (if you’re a current member), or registering (which takes all of 2 minutes).

Then you can either purchase songs via a 1-click method, or a shopping-cart. I opted for the latter, as I wanted to continue browsing once I’d found the track, to ensure it was the right choice.

Then with one last button click, iTunes proceeds to transfer funds, then download the track to your computer.

Simple. In fact, a goldfish could do it. I’m so impressed with the store that I’m going to be using it in the future more often - well, I need the Gnarls Barkley track for a start.

Just thought I’d write some praise for Fall Out Boy…

I started hearing their single Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down on Radio 1 just after Christmas, and initially I almost turned it off. But after listening to it through a second time I was hooked.

To me they seem to be a cross between AFI, Green Day and Blink 182. A weird mix, but it works well.

Thanks to Simon recommending a new BT client, I now have 3 of their albums too…

Although I’ve had the Roll Deep album - in at the deep end - for a few months now, it’s still regularly played in my kenwood headunit on the way to and from work. There’s something about it that makes each listen different.

If you’ve not heard of them, then they’re the crew Dizzee Rascal used to belong to. Grime at its best. Their first single - the avenue - introduced me to their tunes, and I’ve been a fan ever since Colin and Edith bigged them up on Radio 1.

Now all I need to do is learn to skank…