Everywhere looks beautiful in the Sun - 50 Summer Songs
Did I miss any?
A Glorious Day - Embrace
A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
Are You Gonna Be My Girl - Jet
Beautiful Day - U2
Blame It On The Boogie - Jackson 5
Blue Skies - Jamiroquai
Curbside Prophet - Jason Mraz
Don't Look Back Into The Sun - The Libertines
Dove Grey Sands - Feeder
Good Day Sunshine - The Beatles
Hello - The Cat Empire
Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles
Hey Ya - Outkast
I Got Love - The King Blues
Jamming - Bob Marley
Lady Percy - King Charles
LDN - Lilly Allen
Lovely Day - Bill Withers
Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard - Paul Simon
Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra
Last Summer - Lost Prophets
Parklife - Blur
Put Your Records On - Corine Bailey Rae
Road Trippin' - The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Ring Of Fire - Johnny Cash
Seven Days In Sunny June - Jamiroquai
Sitting On The Dock Of A Bay - Otis Redding
Slow Train - Bob Dylan
Soul Limbo - Booker T and the MG's
St. Andrews - Bedoiun Soundclash
Staple It Together - Jack Johnson
Strawberry Swing - Coldplay
Summer Days - Phoenix
Summertime - DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
Sun Hits The Sky - Supergrass
Sunny Afternoon - The Kinks
Sunshine - Keane
Sunshine - Lupe Fiasco
Surfin' U.S.A - The Beach Boys
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
These Are The Days - Jamie Cullum
Tive Razao - Seu Jorge
Twisting By The Pool - Dire Straits
Walking In The Sun - Travis
Wavin' Flag - K'naan
When The Night Feels My Song - Bedouin Soundclash
You Got The Style - Athlete
5 Years Time - Noah And The Whale
19-2000 (Soulchild Remix) - Gorillaz
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Monday, 14 May 2012
My Premier League Team of The Season 2011/12
Team of the Season
Joe Hart - Records the most clean sheets for any keeper with 17 in arguably the toughest defence in the league. Also made 98 saves, although only 10th in the league in this department.
Leighton Baines - His numbers; 9 clean sheets, 4 goals (the third highest scoring defender) and 2 assists don't seem too impressive but averaging 2 key passes per game added to a fantastic delivery make him the only real candidate for the left back spot.
Vincent Kompany - The Man City captain has shown great leadership and was the key to Man City's excellent defence, oversaw 15 clean sheets and averages 4 tackles and 6 clearances interceptions per game.
Fabricio Coloccini - Another on the field leader, the Newcastle skipper marshals the defence positionally, and is comfortable on the ball playing over 35 passes per game at an 83% success rate.
Kyle Walker - Recently named PFA Young Player of the Year, the Spurs fullback has shown great potential both offensively and defensively with 14 clean sheets and a number of key passes and crosses per game.
Antonio Valenica - 13 assists and 4 goals in 27 appearances (5 of them off the bench), as well as over 44 passes, 2 crosses and 85% pass completion per game, the Ecuadorian also contributes defensively with 2.4 tackles and an interception.
Clint Dempsey - The focal point of almost every Fulham attacking move, the American has been directly involved in 47% (17 goals, 6 assists) in Fulham's 48 league goals this campaign. Will finish the campaign as the highest scoring midfielder in the league.
Scott Parker - Many have criticised Parker's offensive capabilities (no goals and 1 assist) but the defensive midfielder shields the defence allowing Modric and Van Der Vaart to create. Averages more tackles (3.7) and interceptions (3.1) than any defender and ranks 2nd and third in the league respectively in those departments, as well as a pass completion rate of 89%.
Gareth Bale - Was the talk of the league last year but has done even better this season with 3 more goals (10) and 11 more assists (14) than last campaign, is one of only 3 players along with van Persie and Adebayor to have double digits in goals and assists. Also 8th in the league in successful dribbles with 1.8 per game.
Robin van Perise - 30 goals and 11 assists, van Persie is the 5th most deadly striker in Europe this season with 0.78 goals per game, a deserved PFA Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner.
Sergio Aguero - 23 goals in his first season in the league, the Argentine is in ahead of Rooney by having 4 more assists and more dribbles, key passes and also takes less shots per goal. Also showed fantastic composure to fire home the goal that won City the title.
Bench
Michael Vorm - Brendan Rogers brought in the unknown keeper from Utrecht, and he played an instrumental part in Swansea's solid defence finishing the season with 138 saves, second only to Wayne Hennessey.
Tim Krul - In his first season as number 1, Tim Krul instantly won over the fans with some spectacular shot stopping, as Newcastle held the best defensive record in all four divisions until December.
Alexander Song – Established himself as Arsenal's chief creator, with some incredible defence splitting balls for van Persie to latch onto. 12 assists for the Cameroonian.
Laurent Koscienly - A candidate for most improved player, the turnaround in form the seemingly lost Frenchman contributed to Arsenals 13 clean sheets and a 3rd place finish.
Leon Britton - Finished the season with the 94% pass completion, the highest in Europe (ahead of any other Barcelona player) and so deserves a mention.
Ramires – No particular standout stats, but driving midfielder established himself as Chelsea’s key player with his all round defensive and offensive ability. Tireless running and constant running.
Stephane Sessegnon - Prolific under O'Neill as Sunderland put the woes of Steve Bruce behind them, finished with 7 goals and 12 assists.
Yaya Toure – 6 goals and 6 assists in 31 games, also a passing percentage of 90% and with nearly 2 tackles and third in dribbles for City only behind Silva and Aguero. A true box-to-box centre midfielder.
Pappiss Demba Cisse - Signing of the season? A near goal per game ratio (13/14) would suggest so, as well as a couple of goal of the year contenders.
Emmanuel Adebayor - Creator and goalscorer, the Togolese international took goalscoring responsibilities on his own shoulders and finished with 17 goals and 11 assists.
Wayne Rooney - 27 goals and 8 assists, has to be in the reckoning.
Manager of the Season
Roberto Martinez - Orchestrated another miraculous Wigan survival, but this time arguably with much less firepower. Stuck to his footballing principles utilised his team's strengths. Alan Pardew a close second.
Goal of the Season
5. Craig Gardner v Wigan - Incredible Freekick against Wigan in the wind, unbelievable swerve.
4. Peter Crouch v Man City - Touch and volley on the turn, straight from a goalkick.
3. Luis Suarez v Norwich - 50 yard lob over the keeper.
2. Pappis Cisse v Chelsea- Swerving half volley that sails straight over Petr Cech from the edge of the box.
1. Robin van Persie v Everton - Winner for technique and concentration alone, exquisite volley from a brilliant Alexander Song through ball.
Individual Leaders
Clean Sheets - Joe Hart - 17
Saves - Wayne Hennessey - 167
Clearances - Ryan Shawcross - 482
Tackles - Yohan Cabaye - 116
Passes - Luca Modric - 2534 (Average of 70 per game)
Interceptions - Stephen Warnock - 103
Successful Dribbles - Victor Moses - 95
Assists - David Silva - 15
Goals- Robin van Persie - 30
Own Goals - Chris Baird/Laurent Koscielny/Scott Dann - 2
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Real Madrid 1-2 Barcelona FT
Eric Adibal scored a late winner for Barcelona against bitter rivals Real Madrid who take a one goal lead into the second leg of the Copa Del Rey quarter final next week.
Ronaldo opened the scoring 15 minutes in with a left footed drive between the legs of Barcelona
And the game once more dissolved into a tempestuous affair before half-time and the theatrics of Madrid’s Pepe earned Gerard Pique a yellow card, while Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets lived up to reputation with a number of pathetic tumbles.
But with so much on the line, the match became a stop-start affair, Busquets and Pepe again showcased their gymnastic abilities, with a string of embarrassing dives, the Portuguese defender following up a poor display of sportsmanship with a blatant stamp on Messi.
But the Catalan side continued to dominate with the ball and exhibited a trademark passage of control and possession, infuriating the home crowd who were baying for blood.
And the winner came from an unlikely source as Barcelona took the lead on the 78th minute, Messi fashioning a chance out of nothing with a lobbed through ball over the top, and Abidal slotted the ball calmly past Casillas, giving Barcelona a slender aggregate lead going into the second leg at the Camp Nou next week.
Word Count - 276
Real Madrid v Barcelona HT
A Cristiano Ronaldo strike separated the two sides at half-time in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey quarter final at the Bernabeau.
Ronaldo opened the scoring 15 minutes in with a left footed drive between the legs of Barcelona
And the game once more dissolved into a tempestuous affair, the theatrics of Pepe earned Gerard Pique a yellow card, while Sergio Busquets lived up to reputation with a number of dives.
Word Count - 148
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Liverpool 1-0 Man City, FT report
Steven Gerrard converted from the penalty spot as Liverpool take a 1-0 lead the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Man City
Liverpool started brightly as Gerrard’s long range curler was tipped round the post by Joe Hart.Man City
The Liverpool talisman, starting his first game in the competition since 2007, fired past Joe Hart after Daniel Agger was brought down in the area early on.
And the City keeper was called into action once again as Stuart Downing’s goal-bound volley from a well worked corner was pushed to safety.
The breakthrough came on 13 minutes as Stefan Savic, in for the suspended Vincent Kompany lunged at Agger in the box, and referee Lee Mason showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot as Gerrard made no mistake from 12 yards .
Sergio Aguero failed to capitalise on a poor Martin Kelly back-pass at the start of the second half as City started to move forward but Pepe Reina did well to deny a point-blank Micah Richards header soon after.
The Blues dominated possession but were confined to shooting from distance with Alexander Kolarov, James Milner and Nasri all failing to test the Liverpool keeper.
And Reds boss Kenny Dalglish brought on the experienced Jamie Carragher asLiverpool saw out the remainder of the game with five at the back.
The result leaves Man City
Word Count - 273
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Top 15 songs of 2011
15. Graham Kendrick - Merciful - The songwriter returned in 2011 with his 30th studio album, Banquet, which is beautifully crafted with mellow instrumentals and moving lyrics. "I'll not use my words as weapons or the past to gain control/On my tongue no trace of venom only grace to comfort and make whole".
14. Jay-Z & Kanye West - No Church in the Wild - Much was expected of the collaboration between Hip-hop giants Jay-Z and Kanye West but Watch The Throne was received with mixed reviews, however No Church in the Wild is Jay-Z at his best, and the driving beat is complimented from a sharp Frank Ocean chorus: "We make it out alive, al right, all right, no church in the wild".
13. Hard-Fi - Stop - Not many people follow the bands progress these days and latest album ironically named 'Killer Sounds' didn't quite have the desired impact. However during Stop their abrasive yet slick song-writing style comes to the fore with a tuneful chorus and reverberating guitar riff that leaves you wondering just how good this band could have been.
12. Justice -Civilisation- The French electro duo released their second album earlier this year and lead single Civilisation's thundering lyrics "the beating of a million drums" provides the perfect up-tempo backing for Adidas' 2011 commercial 'All In'.
11. Lucy Rose - Middle of the Bed - Recently nominated as one to watch by various music magazines (including Clash Music) the singer songwriter from Warwickshire released her first single Middle of the Bed in the summer and already has nearly 400,000 views on Youtube, the song reveals her soft vocals and her album which will be out in early 2012 is widely anticipated. Remember the name.
10. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - The Death of You and Me - After waiting until the release of brother Liam's first solo effort with Beady Eye, Noel Gallagher reformed under the alias of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and released one of the records of the year. First single The Death of You and Me combines familiar Oasis style with a marching jazz band. To great effect.
9. Kasabian - Man of Simple Pleasures- While Velociraptor is by no means their best record to date, Man of Simple Pleasures is the stand out song, from the melodic chorus to the bridge and pulsating ending riff while the lyrics elude to the hope of an archaic lifestyle, guitarist Sergio Pizzorno comments, "the more you use (modern technology), the more your mind becomes mashed potato". Philosophical indeed.
8. Coldplay - Paradise - Chris Martin labelled this track as the 'backbone' of their 2011 release Mylo Xyloto, and from it's opening strings (with help from Italian collaborator Davide Rossi) to the heavy drumbeat and echoing refrain it doesn't disappoint, already featured on countless adverts, and TV shows. Strong contender for video of the year also.
7. Gungor - This is Not the End - The American band recently received a Grammy nomination for 'Best Contemporary Christian Music Album' and for good reason, although none of the usual criticism directed at Christian music (clichéd lyrics and overused chord progressions), apply here. The echoing vocals are powerful and soothing while the tambourines, piano and glockenspiel offer an almost Christmas-sy effect.
6. The King Blues - The Future's Not What it Used to Be - The King Blues rise to acclaim in the music industry has been a slow one, but they are starting to become recognised by critics, their latest album reached 31 in the UK Charts and their murky urbanised approach certainly is in a class of its own, The Future's Not What it Used to Be is a fusion of trumpets, ska and hip-hop and even a contains a drum & bass break.
5. The Strokes - Machu Pichu - The Strokes's 2011 effort 'Angel's' isn't their most well recieved album, but Machu Pichu leads the album with it's 80's styled guitar beat bouncing along until a classic Strokes chorus, tuneful yet gritty, well chosen by EA for the soundtrack of FIFA 12.
4. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Even You Brutus? - The Chilli's return after 5 years was greeted with enthusiasm from fans despite the loss of guitarist John Fruiscante, new album I'm With You unveils new sounds with piano's and trumpets making their first appearance. Even You Brutus? is the stand-out track, the combination of drum, piano and bass is perfectly suited to their stadium tour next year.
3.Laura Marling - Night After Night - With released her most though provoking and carefully crafted album yet, it's hard to pick a decisive track from A Creature I Don't Know but Night After Night showcases Marlin'g vocal and musical ability, the haunting guitar opening setting the tone for the dark lyrics "It's fate foretold, it is knowing, what you're told".
2. Lupe Fiasco - State Run Radio - A long running battle with Atlantic Atlantic
1. The Black Keys - Little Black Submarines - Coming from their most critically celebrated album to date (El Camino), Little Black Submarines starts off as an acoustic blues ballad before launching into a Led Zeppelin inspired anthem, rock and roll in it's purest form.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto -Track By Track Review
Mylo Xyloto – After the huge success of the instrumental Life In Technicolor to kick-start Viva La Vida, the band go for a much shorter intro this time round, the title track builds up to a crescendo.. 6/10Hurts Like Heaven – …before unleashing itself into one of the most disappointing recorded tracks in recent memory. All the vigour and energy of the live version is lost and Chris Martin’s vocals hide behind synthetic effects. 4/10
Recurring ‘Oooh’s draw similarities to the Viva chant, (only time will tell if it has the samesuccess), while you can’t help wondering if the repetitive chorus (Para-para-paradise) could have been more inventive. But then again maybe I’m being too harsh. 7/10
Charlie Brown – After receiving a pro-longed airing on Coldplay’s summer ventures, many fans touted it as the new Viva La Vida., Jonny Bucklands guitar is something to behold, and it’s sure to become a live favouriote. 6/10
Us Against the World – More stripped back, Martin’s vocals come to the fore with harmonies added superbly by Champion. Soft, melodic yet powerful, a lyrical highlight (“And if we could float away/Fly up to the surface and just start again//And lift off before trouble/Just erodes us in the rain”). 8/10
MMIX – Not sure this one-tone piece is deserving of its own title. 4/10
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall – How much can you do with two synthesised chords and a thumping bass drum? A reverberating Glastonbury
Major Minus – More distorted vocals (recurring theme) but a compelling chorus. The bridge seems to be above Martin’s vocal range but the echoing instrumental that follows will light up any stadium. 6/10
UFO – A beautifully crafted guitar serenade seems to end prematurely. Maybe because of the band’s unwillingness to produce an album over 45 minutes long? 6/10
Princess of China – Selling themselves out by including RnB heavyweight Rihanna or a brilliant pop duet, destined for global recognition? The latter. 8/10
Up in Flames – An electro drumbeat met with mellow piano chords, much like Paradise, repeating the title 4 times during the chorus makes you wonder if the song doesn't live up to its true potential. 5/10
A Hopeful Transmission – As the title suggests, it has the makings of something better but fades out almost before it’s even begun, and like the other two interludes on this album is just a glorified intro for the following song. 6/10
Don’t Let it Break Your Heart – An all-round vintage Coldplay record, Brian Eno works in a multitude of musical layers that give the song a completed finish. 6/10
Up With The Birds – Only 3 and a half minutes long but split into two, the first a floating ambient piece that does give the metaphorical feeling of floating away, reminiscent of Prospekt’s March/Poppyfields, the second part buoyant and soothing, ending the album perfectly. 7/10
Overall a fairly ambiguous effort, some would say Coldplay's new direction has taken them to new heights while the critics will bemoan the over production and chart conformity.
It seems that Chris Martin just wants to feel appreciated, and despite the fact that this record will go platinum in over 20 countries and result in a sold-out world tour, he's well aware of the accusations of blandness and often compares himself to other more youthful artists in a jealous but also overly self critical way, and maybe this can explain the shortcomings of the album, but it still harnesses Coldplay's unrivalled ability to produce stadium fillers.
6.5/10
Overall a fairly ambiguous effort, some would say Coldplay's new direction has taken them to new heights while the critics will bemoan the over production and chart conformity.
It seems that Chris Martin just wants to feel appreciated, and despite the fact that this record will go platinum in over 20 countries and result in a sold-out world tour, he's well aware of the accusations of blandness and often compares himself to other more youthful artists in a jealous but also overly self critical way, and maybe this can explain the shortcomings of the album, but it still harnesses Coldplay's unrivalled ability to produce stadium fillers.
6.5/10
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