Honestly, I don’t care any more that these are no longer going to be read – not with the intention they were read with originally. I still enjoy to write, and I still enjoy blasting my thoughts somewhere. Whether they are read or not is of little interest to me – I’ll keep posting.

I thought of something that surprised me. It sounds like I’m not easily surprised; I don’t know if that is the case. I do scream when bad things happen or I’m got from behind. In fact, today I cried because a character on a TV programme I was watching died – and I didn’t expect it. Anyway, from my blog title, you can assume this is not related to what I’m going to talk about.

Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived.
Let’s have a show of hands of people who have not read those books. None? Good. One or two hands? Shame on you and go to your local book shop, like now.
If you are reading this, think about it. When have they not been suggested to you? When have they not been the book of choice in a bookstore?
Our generation is now, by me, going to be dubbed the Harry Potter Generation. The children forever changed by a longing to go to Hogwarts. Hand on my heart, I will admit that I was waiting for my letter to Hogwarts. I’m accepting that it is lost in the mail – or the owl was shot down. I’ve read the books enough times that the spines have fallen apart; I can recite the sorting hat song from the first book (because I had to learn it, not because I have too much time on my hands); I’ve seen the films more times than is quite necessary – and I’m more excited than a pre-17 year old (7 days, 7 days) should be about seeing movie number six.
But when the films are over, when the books have been read by us, who says that it will survive? JK Rowling is made for life. She never need get out of bed ever again and lift a finger. She has millio-, no, it’s nearer billions which she can always fall back on (who is bankrupted after having a billion dollars?) and her children and their children and their children’s children are pretty much set for a quick bit of cash from ole Great Gran’s supply.

However, can it be said that the books are outdated? Will they die or will they survive and make it to being considered a classic? I fully intend that my children will have the complete collection (new, of course; I plan to keep my own on my bookshelf) by the time they can toddle a few steps across the floor. But I am of the age that I grew up reading them, I grew up with the anticipation for the next one. I was 7 when I was given a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and… let’s be honest. It was a bad book. I was outraged my mum thought it was a good thing to buy. I was 8 or 9 before I finished it and really appreciated the brilliance and escapism that book provided me. Will it be the same forever? Is Harry Potter destined to die with us?

I don’t want to sit here and analyse the book alongside the greats such as Pride and Prejudice or Crime and Punishment or even War and Peace. The latter two are novels I don’t intend to pick up outside of a University Course but they are books ‘we have to read before we die’ – something you have probably gathered, that I will not be doing. Harry Potter? Is that a classic? It doesn’t have a message, it doesn’t leave us with eternal romantic heroes, it doesn’t conjure up anything symbolic in our minds. It’s a bunch of kids meddling in magic.

However, it does create a world no other book can. I want to go to Hogwarts, I want to go to Diagon Alley and collect my wand. I want everything I can’t have – and that’s why the books remain special to me. They are escapism like no other. Of course, Lord of the Rings and CS Lewis’ Narnia are books similar. They are unbelievable worlds that children would love to be in. I don’t think I want to be with Frodo though… everyone just seems to die. Narnia only hit me when I was older. Harry Potter captured my mind and it will always hold on. I remember everything. All the silly little details. I love the characters and the drama created around them.  I love the simplicity of their complicated lives. There’s no alcohol, no drugs and no asbo’s befalling a wizard world. Only reality. It’s all too perfect and it’s everything a book should be and more. There’s nothing too confusing to understand, just expelliermus and avada kadava. It’s the perfect world which is completely unreal.

Harry Potter should survive, purely for that reason. It’s kid-like view of reality. A place a teenager or an adult can be a 7 year old again without feeling like a total idiot.

Laura x

I think I’ve already explained my football history to you, but now, I have to re-iterate how important NUFC are to me. I’ve been a supporter since I was about 6 years old; you couldn’t go to my primary school and not be a NUFC-er. It was a bit of a crime to be honest, how quickly children were indoctrinated into supporting NUFC, by each other.

Anyway, I wrote a blog about the importance of Alan Shearer coming to Newcastle given that he is a Geordie lad himself, and he was the greatest player when he was there. Of course, he’d never been a manager before and this weakness became apparent. I haven’t stopped believing in him (the eight year old addict comes out in me, occasionally) and I think if he keeps working at NUFC, he’ll be a great man for them.

However, they shot themselves in the foot in that final match, and I’m finding it hard not to blame them. It would have been great if they’d managed to draw, and trust me, it wouldn’t have been hard… if Damien Duff hadn’t scored a blasted own goal. Talk about an embarrassing way to leave the premier league. I would love to have watched them fight to survive.. 2-1, 3-2 against them, fabulous way to prove their fight. No, an own goal signed their relegation. Congratulations, Lads, you did us proud. Not. Over the past 38 games, they did not display the brilliance some fans are used to (Bobby Robson; the golden man of Newcastle’s memory) and they just deserved everything that came their way.

Joey Barton, the misunderstood soul, managed to get a long term suspension, which just signalled the downfall of NUFC’s fortunes. Hopefully this season out in the Championship will help them reassemble their management – which has been blamed by many for this season’s horrendous display. Also, it might give them some time away from the big leagues to work out what Newcastle have to do to be a fantastic team like they can be. The only problem with this temporary leave is many of the players will need to leave because NUFC can’t pay them as large salaries as they once did. Damien Duff has pledged his alliance to NUFC but then again, he can be blamed for our relegation.

Rest In Peace, NUFC’s 16 year run of Premier League glory. Damn, we can do it again.

Laura x

BEWARE: This blog is LONG but it’s a pretty freaking AWESOME story, so I think it’s worth the read; how arrogant does that sound? Very? Oh dear.

I have to admit that when I hear “Snow Patrol”, I automatically think of Chasing Cars and Grey’s Anatomy which is disrespectful for the band to be honest. So when I was invited to go and see Snow Patrol in concert in Germany, I was apprehensive given my awful knowledge of them. Of course, when I re-listened to Run, I felt less like a cheat. I’d loved the song when it had first been released in February 2004. Off topic, it’s bizarre to think that I originally loved Snow Patrol and McFly at the same time but only one really survived in my memory. Terrible.

Anyway, when I got on the train yesterday (May 30th), it was surreal. I was apart from my parents, going to a concert in a foreign country. That doesn’t happen – ever. Little did I know the day was going to get worse. We arrived on the underground and there on the metro station was a Snow Patrol poster. Daisy and I took pretty lame photographs advertising our excitement before we wandered over to the Philipshalle. We were about 7th in line, which was pretty impressive. Yet, when these German guards came over and tried to make everyone move, but due to our terrible German, we had no idea what to do and ended up first in line. That was a much more exciting prospect.

We finally managed to enter having been taunted for ages, and we ran a 150m sprint to the front row, centre position. Truly, I knew people were going to be jealous. This doesn’t happen to me ever so I knew how to be jealous. The support act came out, and we couldn’t hear a single word. Sweethead may have been marvellous but I didn’t hear much so, to me, they weren’t that great. I thought having a female front(wo)man was brave, and that did capture my attention. The next support act, Sometree, were truly nothing special. They were slightly acoustic, which was better, but then they brought out synthesisers and I lost interest. I hate bands who do that and ruin a good sound.

All the time, we had a very odd security guard, who I will refer to from now on as Klaus (no idea if that is his name, but he damn looked like a Klaus), in front, who kept laughing at us when our balloons popped. However, we got the last laugh because an official photographer took a picture of us with the balloons. When Snow Patrol came out, the excitement hit me. I could see everything and I mean everything. The sound was amazing, the light show was possibly the greatest thing I have ever seen and, my god, I was hooked forever onwards. They were brilliant.

Now, this friend of Daisy’s from the Snow Patrol forum was stood behind us, and we knew she’d made a banner saying PLAY OLIVE GROVE, a song SP hasn’t played since… 2007 (I think). Daisy had told me she wanted to hear that song, so the four of us held this banner up. After the song, we shoved the banner up in the air and Gary Lightbody, Snow Patrol’s lead singer read the sign aloud. He then said that if he could even remember the song he’d play it for us. Then they launched into the next song, and we shrugged it off. We’d been noticed at least.

After the song, Gary began to tune his guitar and announced he was going to play Olive Grove and he dedicated it to the four of us. I was pretty sure that was going to be the highlight of my night. He then moved into Run which is one of my all time favourite songs and it was magical. The rest of the concert carried on, and it was fantabulous, the light show, the banter with the crowd, the songs – jesus, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to explain just how amazing the whole atmosphere was from the front.

When the concert ended, we hung around to try and get some “souvenirs”. A plectrum from the bassist, Pablo (his real name is Paul Wilson but I’ll just say Pablo) was in front of the barrier so we asked Klaus to pass it to us. Daisy got it and I was very happy for her. Another one was at Klaus’ feet so she asked him to pass it to me. He put it near me then gave it to someone else. I would have killed him. I should have. But anyway, it got better anyway.

We went to the exit and we saw tour buses so we decided, considering we were “independent”, we would stay and wait for them to come. We stayed for a while, and then we saw Gary Lightbody signing tickets. We went over and had our picture taken with him and Daisy and I had a very interesting discussion about why they couldn’t come to Amsterdam – he apologised to us because they weren’t performing nearer to where we lived.

The others came out one after each other and I had a strange talk about honesty, being a stalker and flags. I’m not quite sure when I died and went to heaven to be honest. It was amazing. They are all so genuine and really nice people and being shorter than everyone else has benefits!

Then, the boyfriend of the forum friend asked if I wanted a plectrum because Nathan had given him a second one. I was pretty excited to say yes, and I got an orange plectrum with the Snow Patrol flake on it – it doesn’t get much better.

The night was amazing and I can’t believe it happened. For proof, here are the pictures of the meetings and the rest are on facebook! :) (first picture = Gary Lightbody, second picture = Nathan Connelly (guitarist), third picture = Tom Simpson (keyboardist), fourth picture = Pablo (bass guitarist), final picture = Jonny Quinn (drummer))

Just another concert – oh yes, cos I’m that brilliant. Lily Allen, May 7th 2009, Melkweg in Amsterdam.

I went with reservations. She’s notorious for not turning up or being sick on stage – that happened in Glasgow. Yet, you know, as I’ve said before – concerts are totally worth it.

I decided that I wasn’t going to rough it with the mosh hippies this time and decided to take my place up on the balcony overlooking the stage – which was a fantastic view I must confess. Also, I was with my parents and I knew my mother – she would despise the long wait standing up “in the pit”
We arrived well after doors had opened, and given there was no support act, we didn’t have trouble standing very close to the stage. However, in true Lily fashion, she was late. A whole 45 minutes late which was beginning to piss everyone off. Me included even though I enjoyed the atmosphere of being in the room.

Yet, when she did come out, the drama still didn’t stop. The setup was fantastic, but then, when Lily decided to double over and lean on the drum stand, you knew we were in for something. She had an asthma attack there on stage, and to sooth her lungs, she decided to smoke – in a non smoking hall. Fabulous.

Anyway, given she is a musician, I will move onto the music side of the night. She was better than I expected and had a pretty awesome singing voice on stage. I felt bad for her because no one really knew the lyrics. Then again, they are extremely fast paced, literally fast and in English. No wonder we were some of the one people singing. She played some of the classics such as Smile and LDN, yet no Alfie due her damn brother’s ban of the song. :( She also played some of her new stuff, which I do like, even when it’s a little graphic: “I’m feeling damn hard done by, I’ve spent ages giving head”.

However, she ended on Womanizer, covering the classic (as it is now) Britney Spears song. Risky? Maybe given that it isn’t her song. Yet it got the crowd buzzing for the first time since F**K You, which only caused excitement in the chorus. That’s not good though, given that her songs failed to spark a fire – except in my mum and I.

Do you go and see Lily Allen? Depends on the venue. Intimate like the Melkweg? Very much worth it. Anywhere else, it’s possibly going to be be worse, the larger it gets.

Laura x (Picture by me)

Dougie: “We are engaged.”
Tom: “& expecting a baby.”
Dougie: “Congratulations for us.”

So, zomg I went to yet another McFly concert and the third concert of 2009 so far for me, and they do just keep getting better. I thought it was a myth, but no – this one was truly the best of three and I will tell you why because I’m like that. *grins*
When I first heard that the Fly were going to invade the Dam, I’ll admit, I was in shock. I’d been waiting four years for this fantabulous news but I’d finally given up – explaining why I’d gone to England TWICE to see them. But, I had to have a ticket to their first show in Amsterdam, a show which sold out in about an hour, or less – and when I got there, I could see why.

I went with Eline, as always considering she’s my McFly buddy, and completely understands the total addiction. We decided to turn up at 15.00 because we didn’t expect what we saw. A long, LONG queue, 3 hours before the doors opened. We were bummed but considering the long, hot day we had ahead, we didn’t care for too long. In fact, by about 16.30, we’d stopped caring that it was McFly we were seeing. We were just irritated by the heat, burnt, thirsty and dying, literally.

I ended up standing for about 8 hours on Saturday, it was madness. Anyway, back to the line. The fans were more insane than the English ones and to be honest, I was ashamed to be such a teenie fan. It actually hurt to see all this desperation around me. But, I was still pretty pissed that I was waiting in line with people who screamed EVERYTIME a car passed the building.

When I finally got inside, I was close, not fantastically close – but it was still closer than EVER before. Which made me joyously happy! I did think I knew what to expect though, but then again, the Paradiso is about HALF the size of the Arena in Newcastle – so I maybe shouldn’t have gone inside with expectations. The fans around me were even more insane, screaming every time the music went off. I wouldn’t be surprised if McFly weren’t terrified and overwhelmed when they came out, having Wuppies and tulips dropped on their heads.

They were as amazing as usual, more energy however then Newcastle – I’ve never seen Tom jump in crazy little circles before, it was his classic jump plus a bunny hop plus I don’t know what, Danny too – and much more bass. That’s probably because they were in a much smaller space. They covered most of the songs I’ve seen before, but I didn’t care because I was just happy to be that close. They are really worth seeing live once because it changes  your opinion of them, forever.

”So Don’t Pretend You Hate Us And Then You Sing Along.”
They got it right with their own lyric – they are silently addictive. Also, the lyrics are just so catchy you can’t help but be caught along by the amazingness. The crowd is constantly involved in their singing, and it’s easy given the repetitiveness. In a way, it’s alright though. It makes their show different from any other. They keep the audience part of the show, like they are singing for you and you are singing for them. They don’t detach themselves from the people who made them. That’s why I love them.

The picture by the way, is of Tom Fletcher (left) and Danny Jones (right). They were being all sweet and I finally got a good picture of them! I was so happy, it’s insane. If this wasn't enough, Eline and I waved at the drummer, Harry Judd and he grinned and waved back, really enthusiastically! *girlish giggle*
McFly, thank you for being you and coming to Amsterdam – it was an amazing, amazing show.
x Laura

I don’t know what possessed me to be honest, I don’t normally watch telly of such high calibre – sarcasm, did you hear it? – but I had this feeling that it was worth my time; but I did begin at series 1.

“Skins” revolves around a group of friends all living in Bristol, UK; they are in the Sixth form, and are by all appearances very, very bored of life before university. They party and do all the things that join it – in large quantities. However, it seems to be way too stereotypical considering each one has a “problem” at home – although I wouldn’t call them problems because that is cruel.

It is contrived because some of the things that go on are taken to extremes; understandably so, otherwise it isn’t entertaining – for example, teachers who swear more than the regular student. It is worth watching for wasting time because it does waste a good hour. However, there is something in the programme that I think does do the show justice.

The cinematography and soundtrack.
ZOMG, along with the way the footage fits the music is something of brilliance. An example from season 2 is Tony’s first night out since his big accident. Basically, he was hit by a truck in the season 1 finale, so he has problems functioning since then – his mates persuade him to come out, but when he ends up in this busy, dark room with flashing beams of light, he is overwhelmed. The camera angle changes and the music becomes more and more frantic. The scene is really amazing to watch; another one is when Cassie is attempting to commit suicide in season 1 and she’s spinning around and the angles and the light hit her in a certain way while the music flows with her.

Also, some of the scenes fit well because of the music itself, the angle is irrelevant – In season 2, Maxxie is dancing on the rooftop and the music represents the situation in most of his friend’s life – basically, Tony. It happens quite often over the seasons and it’s very good for it – considering music is such an important part of teenager’s lives.

I know, I wanted to slit my wrists after a whole season but finally, I’m rather used to it. But, if you want a show with amazing cinematography, I think Skins is for you – the programme itself is pretty lame with awful language, but with all the camera angles, the lighting and the music, it works on so many terrible levels.

Laura x

I feel I should open this by telling you that a) it is nothing to do with my theme, b) I hate playing football and c) I don’t really watch football but I do understand it. I’m writing this blog because I have to bask in the beauty of today – April 1st 2009, renamed for the Toon, Shearer Day; well for me really.

I was born in Middlesbourgh but raised up north around Newcastle – if I’m talking football teams. This does make me some what of a Northerner but where football is concerned, I’m a Toon fer life – they are my team no matter how much they suck – they always do. I remember in 2003, when we were under the management of the brilliant Bobby Robson (who is sadly dying, so all my thoughts are with him because he is the GREATEST manager in Newcastle history – in my opinion) and we won stuff.

It’s been a while since that happened, and when Robson was sacked for losing a match or two, and when Shearer left in 2006, the whole world crashed. Newcastle then tried valiantly to get Shearer to return as manager but he wouldn’t. Well today, TODAY, Alan Shearer who I have been a fan of since I was 8 years old, is FINALLY coming back to Toon Army and I couldn’t be happier.

Not only is he returning but the former QPR boss Iain Dowie is going to be on the coaching team – and he is equally wonderful. I THINK, and I’m not sure, that Iain Dowie is the cousin of my uncle – but I could be mistaken. Anyway, for Newcastle, today is brilliant. Shearer is going to be the manager for 8 games – the first against Chelsea – and he has a lot to be prove.

However, judging what he was like on the pitch, he should have no problems. At the beginning of his career, he was a genius – and at one point, he was the only thing keeping Newcastle going. He does have a HUGE job on his hands though. Like I said – lots to prove, remember? Newcastle have slipped into the third from the bottom, aka the relegation zone. We can’t go out, it would be soul destroying. Considering, we peaked at bottom top table this year – number 13. What happened? Managers having operations, instability in the team – oh lord, I hope Shearer can solve the problems because being behind Hull City is frankly, embarrassing.

Good luck the magpies, black and white till we die.

Laura x

EDIT; so we lost to Chelsea - duh? I don't think Newcastle has beaten Chelsea in like 40 years, so that was a stupid assumption that we would. And Shearer has been there all of 3 days - he can't make a change yet. He will though; Newcastle - Stoke City next week. Come on, Toon Army.

This is again, off topic, however, I will be reviewing the movie and mentioning the soundtrack because music is important, it is a musical on the stage and – basically, this movie is awesome. All this can be considered part of my theme.

When I was about 10 years old, my mum was working in a young offenders prison in Acklington, Northumberland. Her boss was this guy called Malcolm who by all accounts was a pretty great man. However, before he worked at the HM prison, he was an actor. For those of you who lived in England, he used to be the headmaster on Byker Grove, and was in the movie Billy Elliot – as the piano player, Mr Braithwaite.

This gave my mum the excuse to let us watch the movie – I was joyous, I’d wanted to see it but it was a 15 so I was never allowed. However, when we found out that my mum’s boss was in it, it made it more personal so then, I stayed up and watched a movie that changed my life, in abnormal ways.

Billy Elliot is the tale of an 11 year old boy living during the miners strikes of the 80’s. Both his father and his brother go down the mine, while he is left at home to look after Nana, because his mother died previous to the film. He has been forced into boxing because it was the past time of his father and his grandfather – and it makes a man of you. However, he spends his time in the ring jumping around and trying to get his position right – more like a ballet dancer.

He is forced to remain behind in the gentlemen’s club to practice before he has to give the key to Mrs Wilkinson, the ballet instructor. Billy then is practically forced into a pair of ballet shoes, because realising he actually enjoys it more than expected. The movie then follows Billy through the ballet, something he is actually very talented at.

This movie is practically flawless. It has adult themes and handles them well, using music to great aplomb. For example, when Billy’s brother Tony is being chased by the police during a strike, the song London’s Calling by the Clash is playing, the beat successfully following Tony on his run. Billy’s showcase dance, where he finally shows his dad and brother what he enjoys doing – even though it seems to be dreamlike – is a Town called Malice by the Jam. The lyrics work well, given that the song is about working class boys and their appalling standards for the future, “You better stop dreaming of the quiet life because it’s one we’ll never know.”

Of course, the top song and scene for me, is We Love To Boogie by T-Rex; the dance of emotion with Billy and Ms Wilkinson. The song is something lively and happy, truly something Billy’s life is lacking. This scene also is rather fun to watch, which is unlike the whole film. The song however, titles that Billy is admitting that he does enjoy dancing; something we hadn’t seen before, given that he hides all signs of his dancing.

One of the most soulcrushing scenes of the film is when the piano belonging to Billy’s mother, and that he had been playing earlier in the movie, is destroyed. The clanging of the strings is done in slow motion to emphasis the pain the instrument is in. Billy, in time with the axe, swings the toilet door back and forth. It works well, this musical timing, showing the distress all the characters involved are going through. Billy’s father, Jackie, smashes slowly, almost allowing his heart time to break. Billy can’t bear to watch it, swinging the door shut each time the piano stings make a dying note.

This film is truly genius, and it is made better by those beautiful Northern accents.
I hope you all sit back and watch it, it is wonderful and keep your eyes peeled for Mr Braithwaite.

Laura x

I’ve been quite into ‘How Far We’ve Come’ by Matchbox Twenty for a while now – the song is just way too addictive, and true. So, when I went to Utrecht and found the album ‘Exile on Mainstream’ cheap (relative to the price I was willing to pay in Amsterdam), I did buy it right away.

I tried the CD on the scanning machine at the Media Markt – nearly killed by Jan Smit addicts; he was signing that day. – Just kidding by the way; no one tried to kill me. In fact, the queue was empty – no pre-line. Quite depressing to be honest. I was impressed by the sample I heard. I also tried Britney Spears (Circus), Katy Perry (One of the Boys) & FOB (Folie a Deux) - all of which were quite intriguing.

I took the CD home and played it as soon as I could. I have to admit, I was very very happy with the results. I did only know one song, but 17 tracks, all relatively promising was a very good, if brave, punt. “I’ll Believe You When” and “Push” stood out straight away. They have very light tinky sounds which almost instantly put you in a good mood. You couldn’t be angry listening to this – System of a Down on the other hand…

“3 AM” was another promising track with a clearly upbeat sound. The lyrics are pretty clever for each song – “How Far We’ve Come” is a prime example of this – the world going to pot and we think we are doing well. Even if it’s not about global warming, it sure sounds like it should be. “Bent” has a great opening sound – a little unlike the rest of the album; more gritty in the sound and the voice. “If I fall along the way, pick me up and dust me off.”

“All Your Reasons” has a good crowd opener - “banananananan” leading into pretty sad romantic moments.

That’s the only problem with bands like this – We the Kings and All Time Low also fall a cropper to this. The songs do sound quite similar – all romantic lyrics about how the girl left; and you are just too damn strange you can’t throw the memories away. I like that; in moderation. If I listen in one straight go, I’ll admit – it doesn’t thrill me. It thrills me more with a bit of a break between the songs.

If you like songs a la We The Kings, Fall Out Boy, All Time Low and similar – this is a good band for you; I think they are well worth it.

Laura x

While trying to come to an idea about what to write for my TOK journal, I thought about music. Let's be honest, it is all I ever think about, but then relating it to TOK was easy - emotions.

I know people who cry when they listen to certain pieces of music. Flying without Wings by Westlife will always remind me of my first dog. When she was put down, I couldn’t cry. I’d reached the point of catatonic shock. She wasn’t gone. Gone wasn’t something that I linked to her not being there – she was coming back. However when I came upstairs, that song came on – and I blubbed. I’m not afraid to admit I was lost to the world – as she now was to me. She wasn’t going to be that irritating white puppy she’d always been to me. Even writing this, I’m getting teary eyed.

Some songs make me happy more than I could ever say. Obviously from McFly is a good example because it was the first piece of music that opened my eyes. Before this point in my life, I listened to the obvious girly stuff – S Club 7, Steps, B*Witched and of course, THE SPICE GIRLS. Then McFly started getting airtime and I was lost into the world of music. They really started my music obsession – I don’t know if that’s a curse or a blessing to be honest.

Whenever I hear Bing Crosby and the like – the true Rat Pack – my greatgrandad comes to mind, and I haven’t even met him.

What I’m truly asking is why? Why does emotion, memory and feeling affect music? Gemma has ruined Westlife for me – I don’t mind because it means she is never far from my mind, but that’s Westlife permanently attached with a stigmatism. Why would anyone willingly torture themselves by crying to music for pleasure rather than just not listening to them? I can’t escape England in my thoughts when I listen to McFly, Spice Girls and so on – because I was younger and lived there when I listened to that cheesy girl pop – as well as my big love. :)

Music is a trigger to human emotion. Something in us, different depending on the person, is flicked on by certain 4-4 beats. You hear a bass line and you are a blubbing wreck. You hear the opening riff to a dance track and automatically you smile. Why, no one really knows – how can we? We are such subjective beings, I don’t think we can help it.

But if you honestly think about music, you’ll notice that some songs get to you worse than others. Some just make you angry, make you cry, make you get up and dance, make you happy, make you remember.

Music is such a powerful manipulative tool because of this, but hey, so is water – Chinese Water Torture anyone? xD

Laura x

I suppose the Irish-ness in me, is declaring that I write a blog today. How can I not? I mean, it is St Patrick’s Day after all. Some part of me, my big toe possibly, is Irish. My great-grandfather came over from Ireland, being Catholic, and in need of money and settled in England. However, since then, only one person in my family has been to Ireland – and my brother is going in two weeks but that’s it.

I am 1/8th Irish which is actually quite a lot – and very close to this generation. But today, I didn’t wear green. Not even a little bit. I forgot it was the day. I always do. I don’t think there has been a single St Patrick’s Day where I have upheld tradition. I possibly don’t get why today is a holiday. All I know is that I’m going to hell and I will carried there by leprechauns with shamrocks in their hats. What a way to go down!

But what says I’m Irish? I’ve never been to Ireland, I don’t support Eire in anything – rugby, football, nothing. Not once have I ever felt connected to my Irish-ness. My mum was born a Hickey, and all my male family on my mum’s side are still called Hickey. However, is that it? The surname? Is that all that remains of Great-grandpa’s Irish-ness? Ironically, he was named Paddy – short for Patrick. How do we feel our nationality? It’s the same for being English. I don’t feel it anymore – I just know that I am ENGLISH and nothing else.

I have a dire need to go to Ireland and re-discover my inner Green. Did anyone else celebrate St Patrick’s Day by wearing way too much green?

HAPPY ST PADDY’S DAY.

Laura x

I went to Amsterdam in the February holidays because, my mum’s brother with his family, came to visit. They’d never been to the Netherlands before, so, to be true tourists, we took them to the main centre – Amsterdam.

Then, and I don’t know why considering they had just come to England, we went shopping to the American book store – I needed a copy of Frankenstein, I think that was the problem. That was where I found my new bible.



Nylon Magazine: A true magazine of beauty.

I don’t normally read magazines about fashion because, fashion doesn’t often interest me, and magazines with fashion just make me think of Vogue - £7 of pure advertisement for stores I can’t shop in. But Nylon, Nylon was different. It had a bright cover (not the one that had Kristen Stewart on it, that’s this month’s. I have one with Lily Allen on from December), it had music, it had culture – it is HOLY.

It is the first magazine I’ve really enjoyed for teenagers because it has everything in it that you would want. Music, culture, fashion, interviews with slightly indie superstars – Camilla Belle, Zooey Deschenal, Kristen Stewart – who find success in movies that aren’t meant to go mainstream, but they totally do.

Nylon stands for New York and London, connecting both the States and Europe. Of course, this means that the articles aren’t focused in one place; the fashion is, but that is because it is published in America so everything comes from American stores and is priced in dollars. However, the musicians, the actors, the travel articles – they are multicultural.

The last issue I read, Jamie Bell was featured. He is an English actor who was born like 10 minutes away from where I was born. He was in Billy Elliot and has a very strong Northern accent – however, he was in this magazine. I was pretty pumped. The issue before had Nicholas Boult from Skins and About a Boy – again, English. They also had an article with an indie, underground Manchurian band which was pretty awesome. (:

I can’t wait for get the March issue. Girls, it’s totally worth a look see. For free, you can sample the back issues online at http://www.nylonmag.com.

Enjoy (:

Laura x

I know this is deviating from my theme, but it’s something that was nagging me yesterday and was a nice way to procrastinate from going to sleep.

My name is Laura – as you well know, and I was named it because it is not the name of my mother’s grandma’s dog or my father’s auntie’s left toe. I was named Laura because it was something original. On my mum’s side, Stephanie is the name given to the eldest daughter, and Peter to the son. I don’t get why – it’s some Northern thing or maybe it’s Irish, I don’t know. Basically, we are meant to be named after people who came before. Also, we are supposed to be named after saints – on my mum’s side only, it’s Catholic.

I know though that my parents failed in this and I’m actually ‘named’ after my grandmother on my dad’s side. She is Daphne, which is the Greek version of Laura. They both mean exactly the same thing – Laurel. You can see why Laura is therefore Latin – the same stem word.

Also, my name is the name of Spanish saint from the 9th century, so I also have a Catholic name.
Well done, parents, well done.

But, I was talking to Charlotte about her name, because on various websites it said so many different things. Charlotte means either, “little and womanly”, “freedom” or “free man.” The last was amusing because it was such an utter contradiction.

The meanings of our names don’t make us; Charlotte isn’t a free man, and I’m no Laurel – considering that is a tree.

However, if I was named something else (like Sophie or Olivia, which is what my parents were going to call me), would I be the same? Laura is who I am and I’m pretty sure it makes up who I am. The name isn’t dainty, and I certainly am not – I fall over my own feet when I get the opportunity. I’m named – indirectly – after my grandma, who I am actually sort of like.

Does our name make us, or do we make the name? Would I have turned out different if I’d been a Sophie? Did being Laura make the way I am? Or did I make Laura into a name for the klutzes? That, I don’t know, considering I know Laura’s (Law-ra) that don’t fall over. I know Laura’s (L-ow-ra) who don’t fall over. Their name made them totally different too.

Maybe we just have names to avoid being numbers. Hey, and anyway, we need a name that fits with our surname. Sophie Chandler doesn’t have any form of ring to it.

Laura x

Ok, so I’ve been to quite a few concerts now, finally – and I feel it is time to comprise a list of things you must do at a rock concert, just so you:

a) don’t look like an idiot, being the only one not doing it.
b) blend in.
c) avoid detection.

1. Jump around like a lunatic and bang into people

Yes, more commonly known as a mosh pit. They are fun, and make you look like a grinning idiot. Of course, if you are outside, they are even more entertaining because the people in it just look very very dumb.

2. Scream the lyrics really loud – only when you know them!

If you don’t know the lyrics, you look like a fool because if you are still singing but the song is in some epic guitar moment… it just spells disaster. Of course, if the singer is making the audience scream along with him, it is alright.

3. Lose yourself in the music

At the Rasmus, the bassist admitted that he liked watching people’s reaction to their songs. Some of his favourites were crazy head-bangers, people who close their eyes, people who jump and hand-bang AT THE SAME TIME (talk about multi-tasking). If you want to stand out, you really need to have a very specific way of losing yourself to the music. Crazy screaming is not included.

4.Wear too much black than is strictly necessary

In fact, to be on the safe side, if you are wearing any other colour, you should go and change now or just not go. Wear jewellery too. Big plastic bracelets, and fingerless gloves. If you are going to try and be stared at by the performers, wear tight tank tops, girls, with writing just about everywhere.

5.JUMP!

Jump in TIME with everyone else by the way. This is very important, otherwise you are up when they are down and vice-versa. I know how odd this sounds but it happened to my dad at Simple Plan. Also, when asked to involve yourself in an all crowd clap, keep in time and watch how everyone else claps. I’ve been out of time before, and boy, does it sound funny.

If you have achieved these five points, you can officially “rock out” at any known concert ANYWHERE.

Enjoy (:

Laura x

Alright, it took me one whole year to discover why people thought this song was so fantastic; I just thought it was stupid. Then I listened to it. BUT OH MY GOD – IT IS BRILLIANT.

The winner of the Best Song 2009, just because I want to give it an award for sheer genius is Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon ♥

2008 was a brilliant year for music, let’s just be honest. We had I Kissed a Girl, Viva la Vida who no one can deny was fantastic, Mercy, So What?, Britney Spears’ comeback with Womanizer, Disturbia, 4 Minutes with the scantily clad Madonna and the winner of this award, Sex on Fire.

I begin with how could the song not win on lyrics alone? It’s called Sex on Fire – slightly kinky and risqué. For me then to read the lyrics where it just gets worse. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a song so out there, so lyrically absurd and truly thought it was amazing. Normally, songs of this calibre are slightly cheesy and a teensy bit dodgy. But oh no, not Sex on Fire. They get away with lyrics like: “Hot as a fever, rattling bones. I could just taste it,” and “Soft lips are open, knuckles are pale. Feels like you're dying,”.

I mean, for gods sake, they don’t have to come out with it, but when you start listening to a song called Sex on Fire, you know you are letting yourself in for something special. Something that is, for use of a better word, total smut. I’m in love.

The fact that the melody is actually quite empty and repetitive in the stanza, for the sound to break out in the chorus before returning to subdued heaven just adds to the true catchy-ness of the song. You can’t help but nod along. It may not grab you straight away but trust me, after a while you’ll be addicted.

Kings of Leon are actually a relatively old band, but it took them ages to have a commercial, amazing song that captured audiences in their MILLIONS. They sold out when they came to perform in Amsterdam last month. With a song like Sex on Fire, I don’t doubt why.

Sincerely, Laura Chandler, president of the Chandler Music Awards association.

This is a comedy sketch about the video; it's from Michael McIntyre - if you want a laugh about the genius title, WATCH THIS.


This is the real song; Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon

 

Ah, concert number two of the new year; The Finnish band, the Rasmus in the Melkweg. I have to say, I went only knowing 4 songs – my brother is a big fan, so I went because he asked me. It was well worth it, I discovered.
If you ask most people if they know the tune “I’VE BEEN WATCHING, I’VE BEEN WAAAAITING, IN THE SHADOWSSS (of my lifee).”, they do actually know the song. They don’t know that it is the Rasmus of course. That would be too hopeful.
In their native Finland, they are a huge deal, and the lead singer has been deemed one of the greatest Finnish songwriters ever. Considering I’ve never heard of any other Finnish songwriters, of course he is – to me.
This is truly the first concert where I went with no expectation at all but, it truly pays to go to any concert you can get tickets too. Totally worth it.
We went to Amsterdam by car, which was very stupid on reflection because we ended up in MASSIVE traffic and the carpark was full (which was a blatant lie, but whatever). However, we’d found out earlier in the week that the proposed support act, Pioneers of Love, had had to cancel (due to technical problems) so we didn’t know any more what time to get there.
But hey, we were there nearly 1 hour and a half early. I don’t think I’ve ever stood up that long – my calves are killing me, hours later.
My brother was really excited and getting more and more frustrated the more they played music over the PA.
Finally, they came out (at like 9pm) and started with Living in a World Without You which is a really amazing song. On the album, all their songs are more subdued and slightly ballad-y type rock. On stage they seem to let rip with the bass and the drums. The effect is amazing – I was blown away, in all honesty. My new favourite song is Ten Black Roses which is also amazing on the studio version. They have very emotional lyrics, but with amazing riffs attached. I was impressed also because they are Finnish but their English was perfect. :)
They are worth a listen if you like good lyrics with a rocky tune. They have some techno influences on the albums, and you can hear the computer manipulation; that was stripped away on stage and replaced by rock and very ballad-y type, whiny guitar sounds. I can’t say I was unhappy!
Having done some research afterwards, the band have been around nearly 13 years – and they are huge in their home country of Finland. They do get better with age – the later stuff is better than some of the earlier stuff. Also, the guitarist who is my new idol has the most amazing guitar I think I’ve ever seen. :)
They have a good stage presence too. The lead singer seems to love being on the stage, they had a guy come up and perform with them, they did an on-the-spot encore because the crowd were going insane, they had the right balance of loud, screamy, head-bang-y songs with ballads which required the acoustic guitar. On the whole, it was brilliant!

They were well worth the money and I hope I can see them again, now I know a bit more about them!
Laura x [Next concert blog, unless things change, should be MCFLY!]
The video I’ve put is my personal favourite, Ten Black Roses. Enjoy!

Music is inundated with newcomers every year, expanding our listening choice. If people didn’t decide to dedicate their lives to music, us faithful listeners would be a bit troubled for true choice. This award is going to someone who took the music world by storm in 2008 and looks set to continue to soar.

Of course, I’m talking about Katy Perry, that homely preacher’s daughter who ‘kissed a girl’, got ‘hot and cold’' before admitting she was ‘one of the boys’. Yes, I used titles of her songs and album to make up that amazing introduction.

Katy Perry’s slightly jokey lyrics with their catchy tunes made her one of the best selling artists of 2008; even though the titles “I Kissed a Girl” and “Ur So Gay” are slightly controversial considering her background.

Also, those photographs of her posing with a knife weren’t accepted without criticism – apparently it was to give her a “sexy, harder edge”. But then again, neither was Miley Cyrus, aged 15, posing half naked – saying it was “art”. Neither of them were really believed but whatever, right girls?

Perry’s dress sense also helped her achieve where she is today; winning the newcomer award, obviously. The egg costume, the watermelon, diving headfirst into a cake at the MTV Mexico Latin Awards, and those 50’s style trousers are unforgettable. Almost as memorable as the lyrics of her songs.
“Someone call the doctor, got a case of love bipolar.” from Hot ‘n’ Cold or “I kissed a girl and I liked it. The taste of her cherry chapstick.” from the obvious I Kissed a Girl.

Something tells me we haven’t seen the last of Katy Perry; a one trick pony she is not.

Sincerely, Laura Chandler, president of the Chandler Music Awards association.

"Ssh Girl, Shut Your Lips – Do The Helen Keller & Talk With Your Hips.” 
Don’t Trust Me – 30H!3 

Oh yes, first concert of the year would have to be a band I’ve been in love with for quite a while. Kaiser Chiefs, named after the South African football team, hail from Leeds, England. They have already released three albums, the most recent; Off With Their Heads; came out around October last year. This signalled NEW TOUR time.

I’ve been angling after a ticket for about two years, and the last two tries, the tickets were sold out by the time I had permission. This time, even though I was very late getting one, I did get a ticket to see the Kaiser Chiefs – with two support acts.

I wasn’t going to get caught out, and practiced the songs from the new album – the sound is very different, and as I hadn’t listened to it properly, I was taken aback. Actually, it is much jollier than the previous outings of ‘Employment’ and ‘Yours Truly, Angry Mob’; both of which I love, but for a different reasons. Music’s golden boy, Mark Ronson helped KC with their new album, probably explaining the slightly disco backing track.

Also, I went and looked into the support acts this time – I had low expectations because, stupidly, I listened to Dananananaykroyd first, and they were awful – even on YouTube. I was not expecting great things. I didn’t even try Rigby, which was my second mistake.

The Heineken is a really nice arena for music; it’s small and quite intimate, good view from anywhere (there were no screens for the Kaiser Chiefs which was a let down; I don’t remember about Kelly Clarkson but I think also not then either.), and they pump cold air when the arena is full to avoid heat problems. For a large arena, it is very small actually, because the Metro Arena in Newcastle is one of the smaller ones in Britain and it’s almost double the size of the Heineken.

But – MUSIC.

Rigby are a Dutch band who won the 3FM competition Serious Talent twice and you can see why. They were very Coldplay-ish, but a bit more McFly than that, considering Coldplay is quite wistful, while McFly is more pop-rock like. I liked them enough to look properly on YouTube when I got home. Pass Me By & Parade are the only songs you can find online, but they are worth listening to. They have the potential to be quite mainstream as their sound is universally good so I hope we see great things from then.
Fun fact; The lead singer of Rigby stood next to my dad to watch the Kaiser Chiefs perform, and he was singing the songs!

Dananananaykroyd were are terrible as expected. It was some bizarre Scottish screamo band who tried to make the Dutch crowd perform a wall of Death. Truly one of the worst acts I have ever had the pleasure of watching – it was ear-cringingly awful. I wanted to sit down and just sleep through it. Very bad. They didn’t make the words clear, and just shrieked a lot.

The Kaiser Chiefs were worth the two year wait. They played all the classics (Ruby, I Predict A Riot, Everyday I Love You Less and Less etc.) and the new songs I still didn’t know the lyrics too. I didn’t see a great deal being stood in Tall Person central and being way too short, but they were an amazing sound in the arena. Their songs have a very anthem-y feel which makes everyone want to sing along, even if you don’t know the lyrics. My dad sung to Oh My God – even though he didn’t know the words; just made them up (something about a boat).

I was however stood next to 30 year old (maybe 35 year old) mosh pitters. It was awful. People over the age of about 18 should just stop jumping about and pushing people. It’s boarding on obscene.

Laura x
Video = Like It Too Much - Kaiser Chiefs


 

Many apologies that the poll is on a totally new entry. I just could NOT make it function on the original. They go together - understandably, so read blog one first, and then blog two.
Thank you, the Chandler Music Awards association

NOTE: Only vote once otherwise it defeats the point of this. Comment me, or make a sign that you have voted so I can note if you have or not. :)

Poll #1345296 Voting for Best Album 2009
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 3

The Best Album of 2009 is...

Yes, the disappearing CD - shame really considering once they were such a staple in our lives, but now, the iPod or the computer has taken over. It doesn't mean however that singers have stopped releasing CDs or great classic songs - we've just decided instead that downloading them in a slightly better prospect. In fact, 2008 was a pretty fantastic year for music, we had Metallica back on the scene, a whole wave of “Amy Winehouse”- esqe voices and we were delivered on a silver platter, ‘Viva la Vida’ from the ever present Coldplay; so, after long deliberation, here are the nominees (oh yes, you get a chance to vote) for Best Album of 2009.

Lil Wayne – Tha Carter III (considering I know nothing about Lil Wayne, if you would prefer a different song here, that's fine - I just kinda like this one!)

Coldplay – Viva La Vida

Duffy – Rockferry

The Ting Tings – We Started Nothing

Adele – 19

Kaiser Chiefs – Never Miss a Beat

Gabriella Climi – Lessons to be Learned

Considering this is very subjective – I’d pick the Kaiser Chiefs all the way, their third album is definitely the best – I’m going to try and be as objective as possible. By letting you all take a vote. Of course, I doubt I can make everyone happy and I think I can maybe predict who will win. However, I’m giving this a chance. Each album has a music video attached with a song that possibly isn’t the most famous – or even the title track – trying to highlight why various times over, these albums have been nominated. (I used different sources; Q, Rolling Stone etc.)

Good luck to all of them, and happy voting,
Sincerely, Laura Chandler, president of the Chandler Music Awards association