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10 Albums You Can't Skip!

It's hard to describe in a quick sentence what I'm going to be writing about in this blog post, but there's no doubt that everyone has their favourite album or favourite band. But it's when that album becomes so good that you listen to the whole thing without skipping one song because it's consistently good.

So I thought why not talk about 10 albums that you can't skip!

Tom Odell- Long Way Down

I feel like everyone needs to know who Tom Odell is- his voice is like no other and his album is just, perfection! He was on my list of people to see and luckily I managed to get a good view of him at 'Sziget Festival' and let me tell you, him performing live is not a disappointment. I was in complete awe when I saw him perform at how good his voice was and it is the best when you see an artist truly love what they do, and Tom Odell is a prime example of that.

Tracks to note:

'I Know' is one of my favourites along with 'Can't Pretend' purely for the rough side of it, the song writing is just wonderful throughout the album,

Catfish & the Bottlemen- 'The Balcony'

Probably one of the newest of the list, these guys were constantly on the radio (and still are!) and I really wanted to check them out. Their whole album feels like it should be a movie soundtrack. They reminded me a lot of 'Young the Giant' with a mix of 'Bombay Bicycle Club' They are definetely ones to watch, and considering they sold out their UK tour it proves they are becoming a lot of people's favourites.

Tracks to note:

  'Fallout' and 'Cocoon'

Arcade Fire- The Suburbs

Pretty much any Arcade Fire album could be on this list but 'The Suburbs' really hit one with me, every song fitted well in the album and it all moulded together into a little perfection. I would say that Arcade Fire were probably the band that made me get into that style of music a lot more, and I had this album of repeat for months and you probably will too.

Tracks to note:

 'The Suburbs' and then 'Ready to Start' straight after is total proof that carefully choosing what track goes where makes an album better.

Oh and take a look at the short film 'Scenes from the Suburbs' where the excerpts from the below music video came from, really interesting film.

Two Door Cinema Club- Tourist History/Beacon

I couldn't decide which album I liked the most, but they both came under the 'no skipping' list. Both albums are infectous and just lovely to listen to, I don't think any summer soundtrack could go without this band.

Tracks to note: From 'Tourist History' it's so tricky because I could list pretty much the entire album, but 'What you know' and 'Something good can work' would easily get you sucked into this band's awesomeness.

And from 'Beacon' I would say 'Sun' and 'Sleep Alone' are stand out tracks. I'm super excited to hear more from them soon!

Bastille- Bad Blood

Easily one of my favourite bands, and watching them live is truly amazing. I saw them last October in my hometown and I was pleasantly surprised at how GREAT they were. I always thought they were the type of band to sound amazing on the album, but would be weak live, but I was totally mistaken. I recently saw them at Sziget Festival in Budapest and they were one of my favourite acts of the week and to see thousands of people come out and see them, when a year ago they were performing to about 400 people in my hometown was truly overwhelming.

Tracks of note:

'Flaws' is easily my favourite on the album and honestly was the best part of each gig, they are the type of band to get really into performing and its so lovely to see.

Oh and an extra mention to their cover of No Scrubs with Ella Eyre with a element of the XX called 'No Angels' absolutely amazing, if that doesn't make you love them, I don't know what will.

The Weeknd- Trilogy

This album is so chill it's my go to album if I need to relax or act like I'm cooler than I actually am...ahem.

Tracks of note:

'Twenty Eight' 'Wicked Games' and 'The Birds pt.1' are my favourites. Definitely give this guy a listen, especially if you are more into chill R&B.

The Neighbourhood- I Love You.

Coming across this band on tumblr was a blessing, and when I found out that they would be supporting my faves the 1975 on tour in February I got very excited to see them live considering I had their album on non-stop. They're a mixture of the above The Weeknd and The 1975 and seeing them live is ace.

Tracks of note:

Let's just skip past the song that everyone has heard, but doesn't know the song title shall we? (It's Sweater Weather for everyone who wants to know)

'Afraid' is gritty and obsessive and one of those songs when you truly listen to the lyrics they hit you, they're scarily powerful and watching Jesse sing this live is beautifully overwhelming.

'Female Robbery' is one track that I got into more after seeing it live, the whole album has this grittiness and vulnerability to it, with this edgy leather jacket, black & white sex appeal - how they can get this all into an album I don't know, but they did.

Florence & the Machine - Ceremionals

Everytime I talk about Florence I instantly go 'MY QUEEN!' My favourite female artist for good reason, her voice is amazing, her style makes me envious of her. And her albums are top notch. So you can tell how sad I've been since she's been on  a break for years...years I tell you.

She has just been annouched at 'Sziget Festival' for August 2015 which I will be going to, which made me almost yell in excitement at the office at work, because it gives me a little hope that new music is on the way. (Please?)

Ceremionals is my favourite album of hers, its well put together, has a cinematic feel to it alongside her gorgeous voice throughout the whole album, if that album doesn't make you fall in love with her I don't know what will.

Tracks of note:

'Seven Devils' is something you'd expect on a film soundtrack, it's dark and wonderful.

'Heartlines' is a song that can get you obsessed with Florence because it shows everything she is, her voice, the music, the lyrics, it establishes what she is as an artist, in my opinion - a total queen.

Arctic Monkeys - AM

Now before anyone goes 'Ugh, have you heard their old stuff?! blah blah blah' Yes, I am a longtime fan of the arctics and I am in total favour of their new sound (But I'm not completely against the 'favourite worst nightmare' era) There's something about AM that I just loved and couldn't stop listening to.

Tracks of note:

'Kneesocks' why, I have no idea I just really like it, and 'Why Do You Only Call Me When You're High' is infectious, and the video is just A+

And also, Alex Turner is a babe, just saying.

The Vaccines- What Do You Expect From The Vaccines

The Vaccines are easily my favourite band and probably on the top of my list to see (along with the arctics and Florence) I think they were the band and the album that got me fully into that type of music, and I am forever grateful.

Tracks of Note:

Listening to 'Norgaard' and it going straight into my favourite 'Post Break-up Sex' is so satisfying, I'm honestly obsessed and always will be.

So that is my list, of course it's hard to narrow it down, and I'm sure there will be new albums that come and take over. Let me know what you think? What is your favourite album?

Sian

x

Are 'Jelly Shoes' a thing again?

I think whether you loved them or hated them as a child, everyone had a pair of jelly shoes.

Whether you were rocking them whilst watching 'Saved by the Bell' or 'The Wild Thornberrys' back to back or just running around and trying not to be in slight pain with them on (Was it just me?) it was a big thing back in the 90's.

And now it seems that people are dusting off 90's fashion and Jelly shoes are making a freaking comeback...

And to be honest I'm actually really happy about this.

The fact that they look really nice, and companies have re-styled them to look more like chunky, plastic sandals make these a must have for the summer.

(JuJu Jelly Shoes)

Of course, whilst looking for a pair I would definitely try them on for a bit first because some shops aren't exactly sticking to the 'jelly' part of the shoe, making them extremely uncomfortable to wear.

But you don't have to fork out loads of money for them as gods gift of a shop Primark are selling them for £4...in various colours...I'M IN LOVE.

(Boohoo.com's take on the jelly shoes)

What are your views on the jelly shoe comeback? Anyone else gonna be rocking them? 

Does anyone else remember 'The Wild Thornberrys' ?? ah nostalgia.

Sian 

x

8tracks

//Delicious-Peace//Let it Go-The Neighbourhood//Forrest Gump-Frank Ocean//Rather Be (Live Lounge)-The 1975//Female Robbery-The Neighbourhood//Diet Mountain Dew-Lana Del Rey//Howl-Florence & the Machine//Atlas-Coldplay//Strong-London Grammar//Wicked Games (Cover)-Coeur de Pirate//We Used to Wait-Arcade Fire//Love Love Love-Of Monsters and Men//Flaws-Bastille//The Mother We Share-CHVRCHES//Settle Down-The 1975//Drunk in Love (Cover)-The Weeknd//Feels Like We Only Go Backwards-Tame Impala//Late Night-Foals//Wetsuit-The Vaccines//No.1 Party Anthem-Arctic Monkeys//Lina Magic-3D Friends//Afterglow-Wilkinson//Heart Out-The 1975//Rather Be-Clean Bandit ft Jess Glynne//Lights Out,Words Gone-Bombay Bicycle Club//

(As you can see it is pretty clear that I'm a big fan of everything related to The 1975/The Neighbourhood/The Weeknd....Not even sorry)

I really love 8tracks, whatever type of music you like, or what mood you're in, you'll be able to find a playlist to suit you, and can even get you to find new artists to adore. 

So here is my latest playlist that I hope you will like, let me know what songs were your favourite below!

Goodbye Lovelies!

Sian 

x

I just can't wait till summer

It's been an awful long time since I've wrote on this blog. The final year of college has taken its toll on me and to be honest I can't wait for it to all be over- No more worrying over assignments or portfolios for a good couple of months.

It seems that its finally hitting me that some of the people I am surrounded by I may not ever see again, the possible facebook status update on how they love their uni (or hate) or a glance across the street. Its only just hit me that I won't stay in contact with many, I'd say I have my closest and dearest friend and some others who I don't have enough faith in to think they would make an effort in staying in contact with me; and as much as that sounds upsetting, I feel totally fine with it. 

This summer I had made it my mission to have a jam-packed summer so I can look back on it and go 'Wow, that was a great summer' but the likelihood of me actually getting my ass out of bed and off tumblr is highly unlikely, but already I have a lot planned.

-I've got a trip to London to chill out with my friend and check in on my sister- I feel that one of the things I want to do is to talk to her more often and become closer with my sister, ever since she moved out to London it feels weird to not have that older sister figure just a couple doors away from me and now is a 3 hour train journey away...oh, and the fact that I am going to see One Direction in London which is one of the big reasons I'm going (I'm so sorry...lies) 

- Last October I took a trip on my own to meet a friend in Amsterdam, to take a break from the stress of college and I pretty much had a huge trust breakdown, I felt like I didn't know anyone to trust, I felt that I was loosing who I was and so the trip was heavily needed. To have a friend in a different country who is going through the same things as you but at the same time doesn't fully know your situation and can't judge you is one of the best things, and I loved every second of that trip, Amsterdam is a beautiful city and I'm so excited to go back and visit my friend again, I think taking that step of going on a plane for the first time on my own and not having my friends or parents with me was a huge step in confidence and helped me know even more that I wanted to travel more throughout my life.

- The next trip planned as a group of friends which we're classing as a 'final summer together' or some sappy bullshit like that is going to Budapest for 'Sziget Festival' and I am freaking excited, the line up (which not even half of it has been announced) looks like perfection. With Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Bastille, Kodaline, London Grammar, Calvin Harris and Imagine Dragons fitting the bill on this 1 week island (with its own bloody beach!) festival, it seems like the perfect holiday to me. So whilst others go to a typical drinking holiday at a party island, I will be having the time of my life watching some of the bands I absolutely adore.

So to me, my summer seems pretty awesome already.

Hopefully I'll update this blog a little more now, hopefully I will post a music playlist a week (or maybe monthly) because I love to share music with everyone and if I can introduce a band to just one person, then I've done my job properly.

Yeaaah Buddy

Sian

x

Let's go to the beach, beach.

Hello all!

So now that the summer has well and truly started (and christ it's hot in England...well, for British people!) I've been busy going out and I've claimed back my love of taking pictures and I've made a pact in my head to take a lot more this summer! 

So I went on a little trip with my mum to the seaside town of Weymouth which is a seaside town that some may recognise as the 2012 Olympic Sailing area. What I would say about Weymouth is that it's super picturesque, if you take a little wonder away from the usually packed beach and into the town you will come to the really impressive harbours and adorable little squares to go eat and drink. 

Not only that, me and my 'Scared of heights' mother decided to go on the 'Sea life Tower' which gives you a 360' guide up high of the coast...or the Jurassic coast as my old GCSE Geography teacher would want me to say. It is a breathtaking sight and the guides are so upbeat and charming, I would recommend everyone to take a trip up there (I think it was about £9 for adults) even if you're scared of heights my mum really enjoyed it. 

So, if you are thinking of coming down to the South-West, Weymouth is a great place to go, I had so many memories from there as a kid (mostly wasting my pocket money and the arcade games) and its still a great place many years on. 

Keep checking back soon as I'll be putting up my GlossyBox June Box review up! 

Tumblr/Instagram
Sian x

Bake.Bake.Bake.

So the summer has finally arrived, and college is done with until September so I have a lot of free time on my hands, and since I'm very content with being on my own and enjoying my own company I thought I'd go back to one of my favourite hobbies. Baking.

And since it was my best friend's birthday coming up I thought it would be a great idea to bake some cupcakes for her (since a couple of years back I made her some 1D cake pops which she obsessed over) and I decided to create 3 different ones. Cookie Monster, rainbow and Nutella cupcakes. 

And here they are!

I was actually so surprised at how well they turned out! So I thought I'd give you some little info on how to make these!

I don't put anything special inside the actual cupcakes, because the amount of icing and extras I put on decorations is filling enough and sometimes inside stuff tends to not work well.

For the rainbow style cupcakes (although they just look pink from the picture) I made up 3 butter cream icing  in separate bowls and got some food colouring (or gel, both work well) I decided on pink, purple and orange. These came out quite light so the colours aren't that stand out so I'd recommend getting brighter colours to use or adding extra colouring until the icing turns a darker colour.

For the Nutella I followed a usual chocolate icing recipe but added about 80g of Nutella (depends on how many you're making) to the mixture, and added some cute decorations to the top.

And finally the Cookie Monster ones, which were by far the most fun to make. When I first saw these on tumblr I thought they were going to be super hard to make, but they are really simple. All you need is to make up some blue icing, have some cookies (cut them in half the create the mouth) and some marshmallows. I guess I'd recommend to practice your icing technique first, and luckily I have a good icing nozzle that comes out in a star-like pattern, I elongated them out to make them look like hairs so you get the fluffy look affect of the cookie monster.

Once you've done one layer I placed the half cookie at an angle (some people cut the cupcakes but there is no need to, or just leave them flat) and placed some icing underneath to hold it and on the top to give it the look that it's in the mouth. Then place two marshmallows at the top and I used a black icing pen to create the eyes. 

And that's it! Easy! 

And to make it look more 'Present Like' I got some cellophane and some ribbons to jazz it up a little, and this is the final look!

My friend seemed to really enjoy it despite the fact that some were ruined on the way driving to her  house to give them to her, but other than that I'm really impressed how well they came out!

Has anyone else had an really creative baking moments recently? Let me know in the comments!

Don't forget to follow my tumblr! harrystop-stagram.tumblr.com

Bye!