Ceremonials

Words cannot describe how in love I am with the new Florence and the Machine album, Ceremonials. I listened to the first single, What the Water Gave Me, months ago on the way to Biology camp. It was an icy, early morning that only promised more work as the day went on; but my Florence, Piano Man and Boss infused playlist got me through. Stay with me, there is a point here. Ever since hearing that first single, I awaited the arrival of the full album and I am happy to say it did not disappoint.

The album opens with the gorgeous Only If For a Night, which has become a favourite. I am always a fan of Florence's layered voice on studio versions of songs, but I also love the strong drum beats heard in this song; similar to Drumming Song, or I'm Not Calling You a Liar. Shake it Out is another great song from this album that sounds amazing with more great drums and an upbeat sound. Breaking Down kind of makes me imagine looking out a frosty cafe window in Queen Street, looking at the rain. Florence truly has an amazing voice and her singing adds beautiful depth to this song. If I'm not mistaken, I hear some strings that make this song the perfect mix of indie and folk.

I'm loving the creepy, Halloween-sounding Seven Devils that has this gorgeous, dark sound to it. There is harmonious vocal layering in the chorus and a bass drum mixed with some windy, creepy sounds à la Bewtween Two Lungs. It's genius. All This and Heaven Too belongs in an indie love film like (500) Days of Summer, and it sounds a bit like a hybrid of Cosmic Love and Between Two Lungs. The album Between Two Lungs brought us the live at Hammersmith rendition of the quirky, chemistry infused song Strangeness and Charm, that I immediately fell in love with. The studio version is here! I love it just as much, and actually understand the lyrics more. It is as described, strange and charming; and has that distinctive drum beat that I love in Florence songs. What the Water Gave Me also makes an appearance, but it appears to be a slightly different version than the single release but I still love it. I hope you too are enjoying the much needed new Florence goodies. Enjoy and comment if you've got a favorite yet!

Dannielle

They Said the Mets Could Play, One More Game At Shea

It's finally here! The much anticipated release of Billy Joel: Live At Shea Stadium has finally come! The best part? You can enjoy it in Blu-ray. And may I say: it is spectacular. Oh, the clarity! The sweat on Billy's forehead can be seen in individual beads. Enough about the clarity (it speaks for itself) this review is about the music! The amazing music. This concert at the iconic Shea Stadium in New York City, built in 1964 and home to the New York Mets, is packed with brilliant songs and more guest artists than you can poke a baseball bat at. The location has hosted some of the world's greatest acts including the Beatles, The Who, The Clash and the Boss himself Bruce Springsteen.

The packed stadium shows you that Joel is simply an icon. The Piano Man is still as popular as ever. Billy opens with his classic "Angry Young Man" and "My Life" combo. I am always inspired and amazed by Joel's amazing skills in "Angry Young Man". The whole crew is there too; Crystal, Mark, Tommy and Carl, the Trumpenator. Joel plays to his NY crowd with an amazing rendition of "Summer Highland Falls" (Turnstiles), then proceeds into the usual "Everybody Loves You Now" (Cold Spring Harbour). I love that this concert is not about the hits; it's about the brilliant, often understated songs that separate the true, die-hard Billy fans from the rest. One word; "Zanzibar". It is amazing, in particular Carl's (The Trumpenator) brilliant, skillful trumpet solo.

Next, you're in for a treat. "New York State of Mind" with Tony Bennett! The duet is brilliant, with Tony's great voice and icon status. Even Mark is starstruck, mouthing to the band after his beautiful Saxophone solo: it's Tony Bennett! The crowd then enjoys amazing live renditions of Allentown (The Nylon Curtain) and The Ballad of Billy the Kid (with a full string ensemble, absolutely brilliant!).

During "She's Always A Woman" (The Stranger), a lucky woman in the audience is proposed to and Billy remarks, "Are you gonna marry him? Get a pre-nup!", then requests she show us the ring after the song. A brilliant, moving and beautiful rendition of Goodnight Saigon follows, which includes serving marines to sing with Billy. Miami 2017 follows, where Billy substitutes a line for "They Said the Mets Could Play, One More Game at Shea" for the crowd. Two more guest stars leave the crowd cheering for more. Country star, Garth Brooks performs a great version of "Shameless" and the amazing John Mayer plays guitar in "This is the Time". A favourite of mine, "Keeping the Faith" follows in true Billy style.

The next rendition of a song that was in no way a hit, has changed my view of it forever. I always listened to "Captain Jack" (Piano Man) in passing, but never gave it much thought. But the epic performance, live is just amazing. The energy in the chorus has the audience putting their whole body into their dancing and had me utterly captivated. My words do not do it justice, you have to see it, hear it!

Live versions always give something more than their studio counterparts and this is true for the live versions of some classic Billy. "Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)" and "The River of Dreams/ Hard Day's Night" (The addition of Hard Day's Night is inspired! It just makes it lively and iconic!), "We Didn't Start the Fire" (Storm Front; my favourite! Includes "Then they built Shea" in the list of events) and "You May Be Right" (Glass Houses). Then he plays two of my favourites from The Stranger, "Only the Good Die Young" and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant". I love these classics, the sound, the fact that the crowd knows every word; it's just brilliant. The skill that Joel has taken a lifetime to master is evident in both songs and never fails to blow me away (what else do I have to say!).

The final guest star is announced, and it's a winner. PAUL McCARTNEY!!! He performs the lively and catchy "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Let It Be" as the finale. He is iconic, brilliant and Billy's influence for his music. The crowd cheers at their luck. Before the finale, the classic Piano Man is played (always amazing) with a bit of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and the crowd, like true New Yorkers, know every word.

The concert is a true pleasure to watch and made me wish that I was there, cheering with the rest of the die-hard Billy fans. For all you Billy fans, you will not be disappointed by this absolutely brilliant concert that reignites some of Billy Joel's best songs! Enjoy.

Dannielle xoxo

Lungs

Florence and the Machine is my new favourite thing. While I express an undying love of the classic musicians, I love me a bit of new music. What makes Lungs, the debut album of Florence and the Machine, so good? So many things. The fact that Florence Welch has a beautiful voice that doesn't sound like just another Top 40 pop tart; the catchy and well written songs that have taken the music scene by storm and maybe it's the awesome album cover which demonstrates that even in this era of iTunes that musicians can still make seriously crazy artwork.

"You've Got the Love" is one of the most popular tracks which shows off the gorgeous voice of Florence Welch. The remix version "You've Got the Dirtee Love" (which is a collaboration with Dizzee Rascal) is also available.
My personal favourite is "Dog Days are Over" which has become popular as a soundtrack song for shows such as Gossip Girl and was covered by the Glee Cast (a true marker of success). The song sounds different but distinctive and has great depth. The song is vocalised with passion, as is evident in many of Florence and the Machine's songs.
"Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)" is another great addition to the album. It's sound would not be out of place in an Alice in Wonderland movie. The chorus has beautiful harmony which gives the song a gorgeous, sugar sweet sound.

I can't wait for the next release from Florence and the Machine, as their songs are beautiful, distinctive and become hits among lovers of all kinds of music. I urge you to listen to this album, you will not be disappointed if you're looking for something different.
Dannielle :)