This post is mainly about a gig I've been to this week, but it's also to do with the appreciation of older music within our generation. I'm sure many of us can remember the music that we grew up listening to and, I'm sure that we all agree, mostly this is directly influenced by our parents choices. Many of us probably try to forget the cheesy 60's classic pop our mum's listened to, try to look the other way when they're the first ones up dancing at weddings when that's all the DJ's (oddly continue to) play. I have to admit, I was quite lucky, with my dad being a DJ in his early teenage years, growing up he introduced me to a really varied music taste. I would grab any chance at all that I could to raid his record collection and play them based almost entirely on which album/single artwork caught my eye first.

I'm pleased to say, despite my embarrassment that it happened at all, that the days of my singing along to Britney Spears, The Spice Girls and Westlife as a kid are long since over, and I will never be able to thank my Dad enough for introducing me to such influential bands so early in my life. In my teenage years my music taste grew and expanded and I quickly found a real passion for Punk and Ska. My parents were never really fans of the likes of The Ramones and The Sex Pistols, although my dad would play the odd track by The Who or bands such as Madness and the Selector, a sound I really came to adore. I later moved onto other genres of music and the days of playing my Dad's vinyls soon faded out. However, recently, a friend of mine - obsessed with the 60's Mod fashion and culture - picked up two tickets to see The Specials at the Manchester Apollo and so we dropped in to see them this week. Although I have to admit I wasn't overly familiar with their music, as I began listening it seemed unthinkable that I'd missed out on such an iconic band of the late 70's/early 80's. I seemed to wait for months for the concert to roll around but it was worth it as I have to say now that this is one of the best concerts that I have ever been to, here's why.

Arriving at the Apollo we were dressed in our usual "going out attire", heavily consisted of chelsea boots and loafers, "vintage" skinny jeans, patterned shirts and leather jackets. It was pretty unusual for a Mod style concert and I was slightly worried that the older generations would make us feel slightly out of place. As we were thirsty but unwilling to remortgage our houses to grab a beer so early on in the venue, we shuffled through the overcrowded pub around the corner (clearly everyone has the same idea). To my surprise, there was a real range of ages, and we didn't feel even slightly out of place - a few times we were even complimented for the way we were dressed, and it was widely commented that it was so nice to see younger generations embracing such classic music. A lot more relaxed, we settled in for what we now thought was sure to be a good night.

As soon as we entered the Apollo (having entirely missed the support acts) we managed to struggle to the middle of the crowd and barely minutes lately we were greeted by The Specials who opened up with "Ghost Town". I know it usually goes without saying, but I'm serious when I say that listening to these guys on CD, MP3 or even Vinyl does them no sort of justice compared to listening life. I've often found reformed or reunited bands a little disappointing in the past as they often struggle to live up to their potential. I do appreciate I wasn't born when this particular band was at it's peak and so my judgement should be taken slightly tongue in cheek, but comparing their recorded material as well as live footage from the 1980's, I believe they've done a really good job at recreating the whole experience. Every song was lively, and infallible from start to finish. Being in the crowd was intense, atmospheric and emotional and you could tell that for some of the older generation listening to the band and revisiting their younger years meant a lot. I, meanwhile, didn't stop dancing - although the crowd got a little more "rough" towards the last few songs - and the experience of "Skanking" (a dance influenced by Ska music) with other people around us was the highlight of the night. Standout tracks for me included "Rat Race", "Too Much, Too Young" and "Monkey Man". They aptly ended with the track "You're wondering now" with the cleverly placed closing lyrics,"You're wondering now, what to do - Now you know this is the end." A perfect end to an amazing night.

So it goes to show that music of our parents generation is just as enjoyable as today's offerings. It's important that we recognise where the music that we listen to now is influenced from, and it was an honour to witness one of - if not the most - influential acts throughout the Ska genre and, as cheesy as it sounds, it was definitely a night I won't forget.

Do Nothing - Relax Your Mind

This post is inspired by two videos I've seen lately whilst thoughtfully rifling through the internet later at night. The first is a TED Talk entitled "10 Mindful Minutes" by Andy Puddicombe, writer and meditation expert. The second some of you may have come across buried in your news feeds lately and is a poem/video about the effects social media has on society by poet Gary Turk called, "Look Up". Stumbling upon the two videos has lead me to ask an important question about myself and our society; with so many distractions so readily available in our daily lives, how are we expected - and indeed how important is it - to allow time for ourselves to relax our minds? 

Now, I realise the irony that I'm posting this on the internet - but the more I reflect upon the videos I've watched lately, the more I come to realise that our inability to take time out to spend time with our own thoughts and just do nothing has escalated into a fairly big problem in society, and I'm no exception. Most of us, I'm sure, can relate to how overwhelming expectations and pressure from parents, teachers and the government to study hard, achieve good results and find a good job can be as we grow older. Add in the pressure of our personal lives; relationships, family situations, financial issues - and you finally result in a society under a tremendous amount of stress. Many of us deal with the pressure in different ways, some suffocate themselves in work, some turn to alcohol, some turn to self harm or lustful relationships - but how many of us can honestly say that to deal with pressure, we just take a minute to be alone, close our eyes and relax? The technique suggested by Puddicombe can work for anyone, and it's simple; switch off the phone and the television and just be alone, he suggests a mere 10 minutes a day practicing such a technique will allow for a better, clearer thought process. 

Growing up I had a relatively good childhood, however being a middle child I was always competing with my brother and sister and, to some extent, my personality attributes and some of the lifestyle choices I made could be the result of that - but it wasn't until my teens that this really started taking effect. I don't believe my life has been all that bad, and in many ways I've been lucky, but naturally I've made some choice that others have been very judgmental of, not that I can say that I blame them. If you asked anyone who knew me six years ago whether I was likely to pass my A-Levels and go on to graduate from University, they would have laughed in your face - but in the end I've managed to, and furthermore I've managed to do it well. Nevertheless, reflecting back upon my younger years, I strongly believe that I spent years attempting to impress my parents and, as such, achieving for them rather than for myself - never allowing myself to make make decision solely for me, or to figure out what I wanted in life. Until quite recently I suppose you could argue my relationships have been similar, I've always settled for less, put others first and - all too often -  made myself unhappy. I have quite recently, however (if we disregard my job and parts of my social life) started to find direction in my life.

Whatever situation you may find yourself in, it's important that we all allow ourselves time to do literally nothing. The people around me, both friends and family, will be the first to tell you that I think a lot - and so for me to sit there and attempt to clear my head of any thoughts and worry is challenging. I'm no expert of the mind, but I have found by clearing my thoughts, it allows space to think more rationally about the big things like future plans and issues we may be facing at any given time. I'm slowly but surely finding myself again through this process, allowing myself to realise the people and things that matter and have a huge significance in my life. I only hope that more people find success in adopting a similar idea. 

"You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind"

- Joyce Meyer

Craig

Top 3 Favourite Albums Right Now

So, I though I'd write a list of the top 3 albums that I'm currently listening to and love. Some of the albums are a little older than others, and some a little more of an acquired taste, however here was are (in no particular order):

1. London Grammar - If You Wait

Release in September 2013, this is not only one of my favourite albums but one of those bands that I simply cant get enough of. I've been a musician since the age of six and, having come from a rock music background, I wasn't really into EDM before Uni. Having said that, the course that I studies introduced me to a wide range of it, and it's now a lot easier to see the talent that it requires. What I love about London Grammar is the combination of minimalist trip hop drum beats and downtempo bass lines with slow, delicate guitar licks and soulful, emotive vocal melodies. Everything from the writing of this album to the production is outstanding, and it's impossible not to wonder how much effort went into this album, both by the band and the producers, to make it so flawless.

Favourite Tracks:  Wasting My Younger Years, 

Strong & Hey Now.

                                                      2. Ed Sheeran - X

I've been a fan of Ed since I stumbled across his video for "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" (shot and recorder by Warner Music in "The Live Room") back when the views had barely reached ten thousand. I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about his most recent album, after hearing "Sing" I was worried it might sound a little "overproduced", but I couldn't have been more wrong. Ed has done so well to craft this album, selecting songs that seemingly run smoothly from beginning to end. Ed Sheeran's song writing has immensely grown since his first album and having loved '+', I believe there a lot more maturity offered in 'Multiply' (although that could be the sight and influence of famous producer Rick Rubin's beard, who knows!)

Favourite Tracks: I'm A Mess, Don't &

 Thinking Out Loud

                               Lowercase Noises - Seafront

I doubt many people reading this will be familiar with Lowercase Noises as an artist, or be particularly impressed for that matter. Having said that, for those of you who are pretty open minded in the music stakes and could enjoy relaxing to a purely instrumental album for approximately 45 minutes, this is an album worth listening to. With me being a guitarist, I find this such a joy to listen to, I love the sounds Andy Othling achieves with a guitar and a few effects pedals and how he creates such otherworldly, tranquil pieces of music. Ambient guitar isn't easy to replicate, but Andy Othling makes it appear second nature. The melodies in this album are enough to transform the worst mood into an uplifting one. Listeners familiar with Lowercase Noises may argue that this is one of the best albums, and I would agree. Released in 2009, this is one of Andy's first albums, but I'm in love with the raw intricacies alongside the "not-so-perfect" production quality. To me, it's a masterpiece.

Favourite Tracks: Certain Remembrances, 

A Haunt Of Jackels, Evening Wolves

This is a small sample of the many albums that i listen to, although they have definitely had an impact on my life at the moment.

What are some of your favourite albums you're listening to at the moment?

Craig

Back On Track

So here I am, facing a blank screen on my Macbook and it's become almost like a staring contest where I feel like I'm the loser every time I try to find the words to type. The first post is always the one I find most difficult, but here it goes.

I'm Craig, and one of the main reasons that I started this blog in to help unearth some creativity within me that seems to have gotten lost over the last few years. I'm hoping that creating this blog will allow me a little bit more expression for my loves and passions, in the hope of maybe becoming involved in something new.

I've recently graduated from The University Of Chester with a degree in Commercial Music Production with Digital Photography, and I now face the same dilemma as my fellow graduates: struggling to find any kind of job relating to my chosen subject. Currently, I work two separate jobs in Tesco, one I'm not so fond of in Stock Control, and a more satisfying one in the Phoneshop. Although not the most glamorous of jobs, I'm treating them as a steeping stone towards reaching the next phase of my life.

Since I started learning the drums at the age of six, when my Grandad would literally have me play for hours at a time (which I'm truly grateful for now, even if I wasn't then!), my passion for music has been a huge part of my life. Since then, I've been a part of many bands through my teenage years, I've taught myself to play guitar and have developed my passion for songwriting. Photography is something I didn't know much about until starting my degree, but I've always been a fanatic when it comes to anything creative or artistic, and it's opened a whole new set of doors for me, both creatively and potentially as part of a future career.

So before this turns into my autobiography, I'll tell you a few personal things. I'm often quite impatient, I'm nearly always trying to tell myself to accept and be happy with what I already have in life, I have a huge phobia of spiders. I drink and smoke far more than I should, I always put other people first which has (too often) been a huge downfall of mine in the past, I have a vast taste in music, I can appear critical but not opinionated, I quite enjoy my own company and I think far, far too much. There's way more to me than just random, short snippets, but we can leave that for another day.

I look forward to watching how this blog pans out and to talking to new people within the blogging community.

Craig

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