The battle of the unexpected remixes

Listening to: Radio 1

Most of you will hopefully be familiar with the first single from the forthcoming Foos' album, Rope. It took a while to grow on me, but I'm loving it now.

Some of you will also be familiar with the remix of this single done by a certain Mr Joel Zimmerman, a.k.a. deadmau5. An electro-house remix of a rock song? Surely that's not gonna work? On the contrary (in my opinion at least) - I think it works very well. Here, see for yourself:

Now if that wasn't enough, the amaaaaaaaazing Chase & Status were in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge today with Delilah, and guess what they covered? If you can't guess, go to the top of this post and start reading again :P. But yes, again...a dubstep remix of a rock song? With female vocals? Surely a no-no? Well have a listen:

So what do you think? Personally, I love all three. I think the remixes are faithful to the original without being carbon copies, and they're also faithful to the genres of their respective artists. And I love Delilah's voice.

Die hard Foo Fighters fans might be offended that someone has dared to touch the work of their darlings, but I think it should be taken as a compliment. Especially when the remixes are this good.

British rock, you say?

Listening to: Radio 1

Nothing much to blog about these days, so I'm just gonna share more new British music. Not quirky indie for a change...more 'rock' I guess.

Free - Twin Atlantic

The Waiting Room - We Are The Ocean

Higher and Higher - The Blackout

Interestingly, Twin Atlantic's first EP was produced by Romesh Dodangoda, who also produced The Blackout's first album/EP...and We Are The Ocean have apparently supported The Blackout on tour. Howzzat, fact fans?

Enjoy!

Remembering the remixes

Listening to: Radio 1

It's Sunday...and in my world, that means 'flashback'. A little known fact (or is it?) is that while growing up, my idol was the one and only Mariah Carey. Before she went bat shit anyway. I wanted to be as beautiful and as talented as her. Ah well, one can dream.

Aaanyway, instead of giving you the usual 'single' versions of some of my preferred Mariah tracks, I figured I'd give you the remixes...the ones you may not have heard before.

Dreamlover - Club Joint Mix (not sure if this is an official mix, but I ♥ it)

Fantasy - Bad Boy Remix ft. Ol' Dirty Bastard

Always Be My Baby - Mr. Dupri Mix ft. Da Brat and Xscape

Honey - So So Def Remix ft. Da Brat and Jermaine Dupri

The '90s were cool, yo. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

I wish I was this cool

Listening to: Radio 1

That's one of my tags on tumblr. I mean is it too much to ask to be effortlessly cool? I wanna be one of those people that rolls out of bed looking awesome. Haha wishful thinking indeed.

Aaanyway, here are a few songs that make me wish I was cool. It's been a while since a music post so...

Get Away - Yuck

I dunno why, but this reminds me of Smashing Pumpkins

Whirring - The Joy Formidable

Yay, yet another cool Welsh band!

Undertow - Warpaint

Random fact: This video was apparently directed by the girl who came in 40 Days and 40 Nights

If You Wanna - The Vaccines

"What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?" is such a cool album title!

Brick by Brick - Arctic Monkeys

Anyone else feel like they've been transported back to the '60s?

I'm really looking forward to the next Monkeys single. Is "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair" an amazing title or what?!

Hope you like this stuff. If you know of any similar music that I may not have come across, feel free to suggest!

Aural Ambrosia

Listening to: Radio 1

I've heard this a billion times, and it still gets me.

If that doesn't move you...I don't know what will.

Heather Morris is a goddess

Listening to: 'Me Against The Music' by Glee Cast [Glee: Season 2]

So I know I'm a bit late, but I just caught up on last week's episode of Glee - Britney/Brittany. As I said on twitter...OMLG* that was amazing. Heather Morris' body moves in mysterious ways (if you don't believe me, check out this low quality LSFW youtube vid of I'm a Slave 4 U from that episode). I mean I know she's a professional dancer and all, but I've got so used to her being 'Brittany' that I forget that she's got more in her box of tricks than just comedy.

My favourite performance of the episode was Brittany's duet with Santana, and luckily I managed to find a high quality video of it. Just look.at.her.move.

I think every house should have a Brittany. She can sing, she can dance...and when you're sad, she'll cheer you up with lines like -

"I was pretty sure Dr. Pepper was a dentist."
"Are you a cat?"
"Finn can fly?"

What more could you possibly want?


*What?! You don't say Oh My Lady Gaga? OMLG!

Merry Christmas

Listening to: nothing

I'm still in thesis hell, so apologies to anyone who's contacted me and not got a response. I appreciate all your good wishes and I promise I'll reply when I'm done.

As an apology, please accept this video from my future husband Plan B -

Merry Christmas everybody! Stay warm and stay safe, people.

Yet another filler post

Listening to: Radio 1

In the spirit of just posting random youtube videos until I submit my thesis, I randomly remembered this video today, and was surprised to find that I haven't shared it on here before.

Behold the king of cover versions that is Brett Domino.

It's December

Listening to: Radio 1

...which means it's officially OK to share the best Christmas song ever made.

Back when she was normal and awesome. Oh god how I loved her.

Chris Moyles played it on Radio 1 and I danced around my room like a right loony...15 minutes later, I'm still short of breath. And that's how it's done, boys and girls.

You are my medicine

Listening to: Radio 1

Quick mini post 'cos I'm in the middle of a productive day. I'll blog about the Gorillaz gig later, but for now, treat your ears to 3 minutes and 14 seconds of pure awesome.

When I'm down and I feel like giving up

Listening to: Radio 1

There are two songs that I can't get enough of right now. And as per usual, they're completely different.

Whip My Hair - Willow Smith

OK let's forget the artist for a minute, and focus on the song. It is a CHOON! The hook is catchy as hell...and if the beat doesn't get you bouncing, I dunno what will. I can't embed her music video, so here's her performance on Ellen.

Now let's go back to the artist. She's ten, and the daughter of Will Smith a.k.a. the nicest, coolest guy in the universe. Child stars like her worry me a bit...I'm concerned that she might turn into the next LiLo/Britney/Demi Lovato etc. etc...but her parents seem pretty grounded, so hopefully that'll work in her favour. *fingers crossed*

Your Song - Ellie Goulding

When I heard Fearne Cotton mention that there was a cover of Elton John's 'Your Song', I died a little inside. It's one of my favourite songs and a cover that didn't show due respect would be a disaster in my books. Thankfully, Ellie Goulding doesn't disappoint. Obviously it helps that the track was produced by one of the guys from Mumford & Sons, but I think Ellie's voice really shines here. Her album is good, but sometimes the electronic production eclipses her unique tone, which is a shame. In this track, however, it's laid bare for all to appreciate. John Lewis have struck gold by making this the soundtrack to their Christmas TV ad, and although I think the iTunes release is a bit premature, I'm hoping this'll be a contender for xmas #1.

In other news, I've had 3 1/2hrs' sleep, I'm currently in the lab, and I'm off to London in the evening to see Gorillaz at the O₂! Oh the rockstar life I lead.

Stressbuster!

Listening to: 'The Heart Never Lies' by McFly [McFly: Greatest Hits]

I've been so stressed lately. Like a sumo wrestler is sitting on my shoulders. I've been trying to find quick fix stress relievers, but I haven't had much luck...until this evening. I was walking back from the lab (I left my bike at home today 'cos it was so windy) and listening to some music, when the following song came on. I pretty much sang along out loud and skipped all the way home. And now I'm feeling all energised. Not necessarily motivated, but I'll take what I can get :D

Anyway, here it is:

"There's nothing on Earth that can save us, when I fell in love with Uranus" :D

And since seeing them on the Chris Moyles Show Access All Areas Tour (which I'll blog about in more detail soon) yesterday, I am properly in love with McFly. Specifically Harry.

L-R: Tom, Dougie, Danny, Harry

Ladies (and gents), if you'd like to see more *ahem* revealing pics from their Attitude shoot, click here (they're totally NSFW, in case it wasn't obvious from the above pic). You're welcome.

Happy tears

Listening to: Nothing

I dare you to watch this and not be smiling at the end (or crying, if you're as much of a stressed bunny as I am right now).

Guiltless pleasure

Listening to: 'Love You More' by JLS [BBC Children In Need]

In all honesty, if I could call anything a 'guilty pleasure', it'd be this song. I mean seriously, the lyrics are truly atrocious.

"...Day three was the same as day two..."

Really, Oritsé? Was that the best you could do? And I thought Craig David was bad *shakes head in disbelief*

But yeah, cheesy lines aside, JLS' newest offering is perfect. Soaring melody? Check. Beautiful vocals? Check. Marvin Humes a.k.a. Mr Sex-on-Legs? Mmm check. AAAND...it's the official single for this year's BBC Children In Need, so all proceeds are to charity! Everyone *awwww* in unison, please? Thank you.

Anyway, enough chatter from ol' sarcypants here. Here's the video. Don't you just love the return of the quintessential 90s boy band? The Wanted ain't got nothing on these guys.

And to all the haters, I shall give you a Cowell-esque reply:

Now excuse me while I return to my spot in front of the mirror. Clenched fists, outstretched arms and pointy fingers, here I come!

Sexy Rock/Pop/Punk

Listening to: Radio 1

OK so I may be a little late to the party, but I am LOVING this track by Sleigh Bells! As a group they're like a rougher Ting Tings, which isn't a bad thing by any means. As a song, I can hear elements of Cage the Elephant...also not a bad thing. I think what does it for me is the heavy beat. The beat is similar to the dubstep bass in that slow, pulsating way that makes your head bob up and down of its own accord.

Anyway here it is - 'Infinity Guitars' by Sleigh Bells. Enjoy!

FCKH8!!!

Listening to: Radio 1

I LOVE this. Spread the love, not the hate, yo.

Taken from the youtube channel of fckh8.com. The work-safe version is here.

Put your hands up in the air!

Listening to: Radio 1

Continuing with my Tinie Tempah obsession, and adding that to my love for repetitive beats...I give you Miami 2 Ibiza - I dare you to resist hitting the 'Replay' button (unless of course you don't like Electro House, in which case...*meh*)

Warning: NSFW

And I thought they couldn't beat One.

Post-PhD To-Do List

Listening to: 'Let The Sun Shine' by Labrinth [-]

Yes I've already begun. So far, I have...

• Buy the Glee: Season 1 DVD
• Get a TV (and a TV License)
• Watch Glee: Season 2 (it starts in the UK in Jan)
• Learn to drive
• Learn to play guitar

Oh and there's also that other one...

• Get a job

:-|

In the meantime, I shall get on with my thesis while listening to this awesome choon. Hate Simon Cowell all you want, but I for one am thankful that he signed Labrinth on as not just a producer.

Nuu moosiks!

Listening to: Radio 1

So I was in a right mood yesterday...I think I've underestimated how stressed I am, and my brain has just lost the ability to cope. Sigh. Anyway, I was wheeling my bike through town feeling properly awful, when I heard some buskers - a band called Arabella. Their music made me stop and rest my bike against a lamp post and listen...and I felt a wave of calm wash over me. Yeah I know that sounds clichéd, but it's true.

Anyway, I managed to find them online, and in particular, the song they were playing when I heard them. Being the lovely soul that I am *cough*, I've already bombarded all my twitter followers with the link, and I shall now do the same for you. Enjoy!



If you like this, there's more on their website.

Well, um, I wouldn't say no...Part er...

Listening to: 'Clair de Lune' by Philadelphia Orchestra [OST - Ocean's Eleven]

...three. Yes, I'm still going (here's one and two, in case you missed them).

"I bothered to listen at school; why didn’t the rest of you?"

David Mitchell is not my idea of good looking. Also, he's

David Mitchell (L) with his comedy partner
Robert Webb

snobbish, pedantic, and he whinges. A lot. But oh my, he's bloody hilarious. And I don't mean just on Peep Show, That Mitchell and Webb Look, or any of the other shows he's on. Even his interviews are hilarious (not sure if that's visible outside the UK - soz!). There's just something about him that makes me happy. Maybe it's that pathetic smile. Can I become a groupie? Do comedians even have groupies? I dunno. Anyway, yeah. ♥ David Mitchell. Maybe it's 'cos he's from Cambridge? Hmm.




"I came here to drink milk and kick ass…and I’ve just finished my milk."

Richard Ayoade. Well, specifically his character

L-R: Moss, Jen and Roy are The IT Crowd

Moss in The IT Crowd. How adorable is Moss?! I'm watching Series 4 at the moment (really really good so far) and I just grin like a jackass every time Moss is on screen. He's just so...so...awkward. And loveable. Aww. Maybe it's 'cos he's from Cambridge? Hmm.








"If we don't get served, I will be humiliated in front of the girl I've lusted after since she was eight."

Aww...sweet, pathetic Simon Cooper, off of

Simon in Series 1

The Inbetweeners, played by Joe Thomas. I ♥ Simon. So yes he's obsessed with that useless Carli, and yes he did puke all over her little brother, but he's so unbelievably nice to Will. Even when Will's being a complete 'briefcase wanker'. And he's so cute! In an 'I-have-way-too-much-gel-in-my-hair teenager' kinda way. He makes me laugh so much. Maybe it's 'cos he's from Cambridge? Hmm.


Actually, no. Cambridge has nothing to do with it (although I am very chuffed that I have some distant connection to these guys). It's just a coincidence that all three are alumni (the first two are past-presidents) of Cambridge Footlights, that well-known hit factory. If you think you don't know any other Footlights alumni...do the names Douglas Adams, Emma Thompson, Sacha Baron Cohen, Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry ring any bells?

Anyway, this wasn't supposed to be a totally Cambridge-related post. I've recently (as of a few days ago) developed an obsession with yet another TV character. You know how I said the BBC worked some kind of magic with Mr Darcy and Mr Knightley, and somehow turned decidedly average men into absolute sexpots? Yeah well they've done it again.

"Because you're an idiot. No no no don't be like that, practically everyone is."

No I don't think he's good looking. But in his role as Sherlock Holmes in the BBC's absolutely brilliant Sherlock, Benedict Cumberbatch is pushing a lot of my buttons. Here's the trailer.

He's just so interesting. The arrogance with patches of concern, the extreme intelligence, the voice, the way his shirt fits just perfectly...I can totally relate to Molly Hooper. *sigh*

I've seen him in other movies (most recently, the equally brilliant BBC adaptation of Small Island) and there was nothing. And I enjoyed Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes, but I didn't fancy Sherlock in that (despite how adorable RDJr is). So I dunno what it is. But who cares, I've got another two episodes (why only two?!) of this series, so I'm just gonna sit and enjoy him it.

Oh and is 'Benedict Cumberbatch' the most awesome name ever or what?!