Pat: 2012 Music Retrospection

Last year, we decided to make a 2011 Music Retrospection - check here - which reflects our personal view of that year's music highlights.

I revealed that it was pretty hard for me to do it because it really makes doing a deep introspection from everything I've listened and watched since January.

Yet, I am making a 2012 Music Retrospection this year - because I found very interesting to see the big differences from the artists I was listening to and the songs I discovered during the last twelve months.

Deaths like Whitney Houston, Donna Summers, Etta James, Adam "MCA" Yauch or even the Portuguese Bernardo Sassetti really marked this year.

Since we started this project, our FYMS, I've been discovering a lot of new music and re-discovering old bands.

Albums released this year:

- International Records

• Lana Del Rey - Born To Die

Lana is one of the artist that I revealed in 2011 and that I was eager to discover more about. Seems like she is a lot bigger than I expected back then. Her debut record is strong and really shows-off her talent, brightness and capacity of surprising people. Songs like Summer Sadness, The National Anthem and the already hit singles Blue Jeans and Video Games are some of the songs that you should listen.

She was one of the hot topics of 2012 - for all the good and bad reasons - but for me she is a real talent and she really has a bright future.

• Jack White - Blunderbuss

Probably, this is on my number #1 of favourite albums - alongside with another. I've been a longtime fan of Jack White and all his projects but I was waiting for his most dangerous project... When he announced his solo album more than anxious I was curious to see how Jack White - one of my idols, one of the most genius musicians of the last decades -, was going to be like.

I can say that I was overwhelmed by his work. There ain't a song that I don't love. Deep from the blues, mixing his own way of expression and great talent, this is a must-have album for everyone who loves music.

Thank you Jack White!

• Keane - Strangeland

For most of you, this is an obvious choice. This Keane's record shares with Jack White the number #1 place of my favourite records of 2012.

Strangeland has the best of Keane - the melancholic, the life and softness that I love from the first album and the raw, dark and bittersweet sound of the second. This is Keane!

The way they celebrate life at the same time they show how hard it gets is just amazingly beautiful. I can't get enough of this record.

Sovereigh Light Café, Disconnected or Day Will Come are some of the songs that I suggest people to listen to.

Keane are back more than ever!

• Mumford & Sons - Babel

One of this year's revelation. I like Mumford & Sons since their debut record. The softness, kindness and joy that so well reflects the band's spirit is really explicit in Babel.

Babel is a on-going discover. Each time I dare to listen the record I discover new feelings, new sensations, new emotions. It's a lifetime album for music lovers and especially for Mumford & Sons fans. 

I Will Wait and Lover Of The Light are great songs that aren't able to describe the entire album.

Listen Babel and you will understand what I mean.

• Muse - The 2nd Law

Another art piece by one of the greatest UK bands. I love conceptual albums, I can't deny it. And all the mystic inspiration based on life and inner rebellion really attracted me. 

I start writing about this album more than three times, then I realised is one of those albums that you will never be fully capable of talking about for all it's mystery and hidden details. 

I won't quit about trying to write about The 2nd Law.

But for now, I honestly suggest everyone to take a time and discover their electronic-rock-fulfilling sound. 

Madness, Follow Me or Save Me are great examples of Muse's talent and The 2nd Law's greatness.

It's never too much to talk about talent when the topic is Muse!

• (Honored mention) The Killers - Battle Born

One of my biggest expectations of this year was, alongside with Keane, The Killers' new record. 

As I expected, they are quite good in what they do so the waiting was really worth it.

Their exquisite taste is remarkable and that reflects in whatever they do.

Miss Atomic Bomb, Runaways or Run With Me are so different between them and yet so full of The Killers' talent. What a great evolution.

This is usually the hardest list of all. I had a on-going list for this section. I would include so many different artists on this list. But the chosen above are probably, among all my listened albums, the most listened ones.

- Portuguese records

I don't usually like to divide music like this, but exceptionally I'm going to make it.

It has been a great music to the Portuguese music - where we are from - and I found so many great artists that isn't impossible to make a small list of them!

• Salto - Salto
• Walter Benjamin - The Imaginary Life of Rosemary and Me
• Wraygunn - L'Art Brut
• Supernada - Supernada
• Minta & The Brook Trouts - Olympia
• (Honored mentions) TV Rural - A Balada do Coiote and David Fonseca - Seasons: Rising and Falling

Songs released this year:

There are a lot of songs that really enjoyed this year like: Bruno Mars - Locked Out Of Heaven, Salto - Deixar Cair, Keane - Sovereigh Light Café, Rihanna - Diamonds, The Hypers - Never Too Old and a lot of many others.

Probably my most favourite comes from a collaboration between Deadmau5 and My Chemical Romance's singer Gerard Way with the song Professional Griefers.

There's something really mysterious about this song, that way it joins electronic music to a strong punk/rock voice is just amazing. It's one of those unexpected songs that got stuck in my mind for months!

Gigs I went and loved:

You Can't Win, Charlie Brown - Lisboa: Cinema São Jorge

Festival MUSA - Carcavelos

Manu Chao - Cascais: Cascais Music Festival

Salto - Lisboa: FNAC Chiado

Festival Sudoeste TMN - Zambujeira do Mar: Herdade da Casa Branca

Jack White - Lisboa: Coliseu dos Recreios

Keane - Lisboa: Campo Pequeno (+ previous gigs in TMN Ao Vivo - May - and Cascais Music Festival - July -)

The Gift - Lisboa: Coliseu dos Recreios
The Hypers + Unwanted Heroes - Cascais: Rock & Shots

Musical Discovery:

Homeless (that I met as Unwanted Heroes) are my musical discovery of this year.
They are young fresh band whose talent is tremendously huge and having quite a bright future in front of them.
I can't wait to see them become bigger and successful because they do deserve it. They are, for sure, my last music passion of this year!
I could mention so many others but Homeless are young and new - they deserve a shot!


2013 Expectations:
I only expect another great year like this one in terms of shows, albums and artists. I would love to be able to see Mumford & Sons and Muse.
I am working on to see The XX's festival, Willy Moon and David Fonseca. Optimus Alive! is once again on my list but the other festivals are inviting very intriguing artists aswell.
For 2013, I only hope to be greater!


Note: I would like to highlight that I had the need to leave outside, of the mentioned above, artists that mean a lot to me, otherwise the lists would go on and on and I wouldn't be quite a reflection, wouldn't it?
Yet, I did my best to include all of the artists and their work that influenced in a way or another - trying to include them in the most various ways.

Let us know which were on your top! 

Review: Keane weekend in Portugal

This review was co-written with Keane Portugal.

This review is particularly special because it's based on personal and genuine experiences from the last two Keane gigs in Portugal, a few weeks a go and as explained above was co-written with the Portuguese fan club - Keane Portugal.

[For pictures, check here]

• October 20th, 2012 - Campo Pequeno, Lisbon

"A few days ago, Keane returned to Portugal for the third time this year - after the showcase in May and the gig in Cascais Music Festival.

At 9pm, the crowd welcomed the opening band Zulu Winter. The British band was created a year ago and opened the night on Campo Pequeno. In half-hour they presented their debut album Language, including songs like Silver Tongue and We Should Be Swimming, besides new songs.
After all, the band left Portugal with a few more fans.

At exactly 10pm, Keane were welcomed by their anxious fans, leaded by the singer/frontman Tom Chaplin and followed by Tim Rice-Oxley - songwriter and keyboardist, Richard Hughes - drummer and Jesse Quin - bass guitarist."

For the rest of this reviews content, follow the link and for Portuguese version - plus more pictures - of the Lisbon's concert click here.

• October 21th, 2012 - Coliseu do Porto

"Porto’s Coliseum sold out to see Keane. Finally, after three years away from the city – the last show was in Festival Marés Vivas, they return and what a return! 

Since very early in the morning and during the entire day, fans were arriving to the Coliseum’s door and not even the rain was enough to break them down. Around 8pm, the street was full of very anxious and loving people eager to come in and begin the party. 

Around the place it was possible to read several posters with puns like “I’m keen on Keane”. On the front row it was possible to read “Always On The Road With Keane”, and we believe because we’ve seen this poster on other Keane shows. Also there was someone who hold a welcoming message “Welcome back to Porto”. Yes, their fans missed them a lot."

For the rest of this reviews content, follow the link and for Portuguese version - plus more pictures - of the Porto's show here. 

Zulu Winter, We Should Be Swimming

Zulu Winter are a fresh new band formed in 2011, consisted by Will Daunt (vocals and guitar), Iain Lock (bass guitar), Dom Millard (keyboards), Henry Walton (guitars) and Guy Henderson (drums).

This indie rock band from London has released their debut record Language on May 14th 2012 being incredibly well received on the UK and US.

Even though they are just starting as a band, they have a very promising future.
We Should Be Swimming is the ultimate definition of what Indie music should be: fresh, unique and full of imagination. Zulu Winter not only incorporated electronic beats but didn't forget the rock essence becoming this constant surprise.

Their other singles are Silver Tongue, Key To My Heart and Let's Move Back To Front.

Nowadays they are scheduled to be the opening band for Keane on their European tour for Strangeland after doing the same previously on the first UK shows at the beginning of this tour.

"Hold your breath
Float down to this seabed
Then we'll see how long we can sleep"

Stay tuned with Zulu Winter by checking their Website and Facebook.

Review: Keane in Cascais Music Festival

On an extremely warm night, with the temperatures being around 30º degrees, a stage, a very friendly ambience and according to Tim Rice-Oxley’s own words it was a perfect night for a Keane’s gig. Thirty minutes after the predicted hour, Keane start another amazing show full of love, joy and a lot of music, connected with the good vibration of the Portuguese crowd that made everything to make them feel welcome.

Keane

Starting with the energetic You Are Young, the second show that happened in Portugal this year started perfectly with an invitation to the audience to give their best to another big night.

Playing very appealing songs, the band played Bend And Break and Day Will Come. Here it’s possible to see how warm the Portuguese crowd is, showing to know all the lyrics by heart, including the most recent Strangeland.

Returning to the classics with Nothing In My Way, the band pulls out big screams from the public that instantly recognises the song taken directly from Hopes & Fears, one of the most acclaimed Keane albums, surprising the people with the beginning of an ‘a capella’ song included on the Deluxe version of the last record, the amazing Strangeland as an introduction of the brilliant On The Road - like they did a few years ago, with the b-side Fly To Me and Leaving So Soon?.

For the entire night, the smiles were a constant on every member of Keane. The expression of the singer Tom Chaplin was the reflection of the band. It was clear on Keane a very humble feeling, a genuine happiness and without any doubt a huge surprise with the crowd’s reception, they didn’t shape yet with how much Portugal loves them and still get surprised, this time with bows from the members totally surrendered with the people in front of them.

Tom Chaplin

On a calmer moment, Keane flew until the first album with We Might As Well Be Strangers and after, a quick trip to their third record, represented by the same-titled Perfect Symmetry, with an emotional performance by Tom Chaplin, like always.

Silenced By The Night was received with euforia, certainly one of the most expected songs by the crowd followed by their huge hit Everybody’s Changing where the fans entered the action and sang the chorus, even after the end, leaving the band speechless and totally amazed with what they were witnessing.

The Starting Line touched the most sensitive with an almost surreal presentation from the band, Tom Chaplin’s voice echoed and the lights made all the present people feel like they were on some other dimension. Returning with the jumps with Leaving So Soon? and one of the most acclaimed songs from Strangeland, Disconnected, sang with one voice and synchronization between audience and band that once again were overwhelmed, leaving big compliments to Portugal.

Returning to Under The Iron Sea, Keane touched on the fans’ hearts playing the powerful A Bad Dream, where there was time for some piano “duets”, placed in front of each other, where Tom and Tim shared an intimate moment, showing why they are more than just a band; after, the crowd was presented with the hits This Is The Last Time and Somewhere Only We Know.

During 'A Bad Dream'

And as there are gestures that never change, Tim Rice-Oxley introduces Is It Any Wonder? on the best way.

And now that Jesse Quin is getting more and more comfortable with the Portuguese fans, we got an endless energetic performance.

Jesse Quin

The show seemed to end with the melancolic Bedshaped, but it was just a brief farewell that sounded like something more.

With all the support from fans, that sang the chorus very enthusiasticly, Keane returned excited and somehow overjoyed with the crowd in front of them, for an encore that lasted until the end of the show.

Before the second song of the encore, Tom decided to delight his fans when he accepts to take a picture, asked on a very showy yellow card, and with all his humility and sympathy, comes down near the front row and takes the picture.

On the same path as Bedshaped, they played Sea Fog - one of the most beautiful moments of the night, where everything fit perfectly with the atmosphere connected with nature and a very positive energy allied with an incredible spirit.

After, Sea Fog there’s the friendship anthem, the amazing Sovereigh Light Café.

To highlight Tim Rice-Oxley’s amount of happiness, that was always enjoying himself and truly smiley during the show, probably incredibly proud to see so many people singing his songs on a very harmonious way.

Tim Rice-Oxley

Crystal Ball was the promised final song, to end up brightly a huge night fulfilled with emotions that these four members got us used to, being followed by an extraordinary audience that soon followed all the frontman’s wishes.

Before they left, there was time for a quick visit to the front row, from Richard Hughes and Jesse Quin, to accomplish some fans requests.

Richard Hughes

After an enthusiastic and exhaustive calling, there’s time for na unexpected encore with My Shadow, a song from their Night Train EP. It was absolutely a magical way to end this show in Cascais, with a promise of return “somewhere in October or November” - promised confirmed on the next day.

note: co-written with Keane Portugal
Special thanks to Paulinha Minhava for the pictures.

News // Radiohead stage collapse victimizes band's drum tech

Last Saturday, June 16th, Scott Johnson was the victim of Radiohead's stage collapse. 

The band was going to perform in Toronto in Canada when only a hour before the door opening the stage collapsed - killing a man and leaving two other injured. 
Several people have already send their condolences to Scott's family, friends and people who directly worked with them.
Phil Selway left a message on Radiohead's website in name of the band: 

We have all been shattered by the loss of Scott Johnson, our friend and colleague. He was a lovely man, always positive, supportive and funny; a highly skilled and valued member of our great road crew. We will miss him very much. Our thoughts and love are with Scott's family and all those close to him.

Also several artists like Ronnie Vannucci from The Killers and Big Talk and Jack Lawrence-Brown from White Lies left their message on different social networks and Flaming Lips payed him a tribute on their live performance that night.

The band Keane - who previously worked with Scott - also left a message on their website

We lost our great friend Scott Johnson on Saturday. Scott has been part of our touring family since 2004, working as drum tech, stage manager, and studio tech, but he gave us so much more - he saw the good in everything. He was the cheerful, dependable guy you could always turn to, who lifted the spirits of everyone around him. We can't believe he's gone. Our thoughts are with his family and friends; Radiohead and their crew. We love you Scotty, we'll miss you.

All our thoughts go to his family, friends and people who were close to him.

For further information, check this Telegraph's news.  

Keane, Sovereigh Light Café

Keane are a English band created in 1997 but only releasing their debut record - Hopes And Fears in 2004.

Composed by Tom Chaplin (vocals and occasional guitar), Tim Rice-Oxley (keyboards and backing vocals), Richard Hughes (drums and percussion) and recently, in 2009, also counting with Jesse Quin (bass guitar, guitars, backing vocals and occasional keyboards), they've successfully released 4 albums - Hopes and Fears (2004), Under The Iron Sea (2006), Perfect Symmetry (2008) and Strangeland (2012) and one EP Night Train (2010) - all reaching the number #1 on several charts.

Discover more about Keane here.

Their recent Strangeland, released on May 7th, 2012 is already a successful record. The album's themes are related with life, hopes, teenage dreams and unexpected paths.
Keane's sound has returned to their beginning, becoming a mix of their first two records.

According to Tim Rice-Oxley, keyboardist and main composer of the band, Strangeland "it's a very emotional album. The title track is about setting off in a certain path in life and thinking it's going to go one way, but finding out life's taken a detour. Pretty much every song on the album is about that. (But) it's a more hopeful record than it might sound!"

Sovereigh Light Café is going to be the third single taken from Strangeland, set to be released on July 16th.
Inspired by some holidays with Richard Hughes where they visited Bexhill-On-Sea and went to a café names Sovereigh Light Café.
This song is a reflection of the last fifteen years, talking about the band members longtime friendship, the places they lived while growing up, their teenage dreams and adult accomplishments... The unexpected turns of life.

Tim also explained this was the first song written for the record, taking form in São Paulo.

A very personal and touching song that shows why Keane are Keane because they talk about love, life and turning points and without any shame.

"I'm begging you for some sign,

But you've still got nothing to say

Don't turn your back on me, don't walk away

I'm a better man now than I was that day."

Review: Keane in Lisbon, TMN Ao Vivo [Showcase]

The British band Keane came last Wednesday to Portugal to make a small, exclusive showcase on TMN Ao Vivo presenting their newest album - Strangeland.

Set to start at 9.30pm, the band came to stage a little after.
With some fans outside since midday, they kept an incredible energy, full of Latin spirit - according to the singer - through the entire performance.
The audience was able to stay very very close the stage, turning this showcase into something really special.

On an acoustic shorter performance, the setlist started with half the band on stage - Tom Chaplin (singer) and Tim Rice-Oxley (keyboardist and main songwriter) playing the "old" classic This Is The Last Time.

Tom Chaplin

Tim Rice-Oxle

I must state how incredible the audience was, full of energy and according with the singer with an amazing "latin spirit" - commenting about the seriousness of the French people - where they performed the day before this showcase - that Tom described as "very chique and more calm" complementing the beautiful city that they love to return to and complementing the fans.

After a very loud and strong version, Richard Hughes (drums/percussion) and Jesse Quin (acoustic guitar/keyboards) joined the half of the group on stage.

Richard Hughes

Jesse Quin

The small but composed audience proved to know all the words not only from the old hits but also from the new and fresh Disconnected.

The Portuguese fans didn't disappoint at all, singing with the band another classic - Everybody's Changing, welcoming Keane, once again, with pride and joy.

It was clear along the night that Keane were really happy to return to this country, with the fans showing how loved and respected they are.
It was a showcase where they gave their everything (although Tim Rice-Oxley was a bit sick).

Revealing to be one of Tom's favorites, Sovereigh Light Café is a song about the band's longtime friendship and their hopes and dreams for the future, when they were teenagers.
Another song that people proved to know!

After, there was time to recover an Under The Iron Sea hit - Is It Any Wonder?, where Keane showed how a rock band can be incredible on an intimate gig.

Tom Chaplin asked the audience about their favorite songs from their Strangeland - after several answers, he was expecting people to guess that the next song on the setlist was the beautiful The Starting Line.

Surprising the fans, Tom brought to stage a book given by the Portuguese fan club where he, successfully read some quotes proposed on that same book. One of them was the classic "Leave your problems outside and sing with your soul".

Back to Hopes And Fears, Keane performed a beautiful acoustic version of the energetic Bend And Break. The first single from Strangeland is Silenced By The Night, a song with a powerful message that became one of the many highlights of the night.

Richard Hughes surprisingly left the stage with his camera and joined the audience, taking pictures of his band mates and talking with fans around him.
As soon as Sea Fog started, everything and everyone came quiet enjoying this master piece written by Tim Rice-Oxley, one of the best songwriters of his generation.

Returning to stage, Richard (re-) joined the band to play the last song of the night - Bedshaped - ending an amazing night where Keane proved that when someone is talented enough it doesn't matter how or where they show it, also proving that you don't need to have a regular show, with the regular instruments on the regular places to give their everything on stage.
And those people who were lucky enough to see the showcase really had a full night.

Tom Chaplin also confirmed another date in October - besides the already known gig in Cascais Music Festival on July 16.

All fans really appreciate it.


Rating: 5/5


Special thanks to Paulinha Minhava and Jessica Ribeiro for the pictures and Keane Portugal for the videos.

themed week // Marillion, Bedshaped (Keane)

Marillion are a British rock band created in 1979. The current band's line-up is formed by Steve Hogarth (or also known as h) - vocals, Steve Rothery - electric and acoustic guitars, Pete Trewavas - bass guitar and backing vocals, Mark Kelly - keyboards and Ian Mosley - drums and percussion.

Along the years, Marillion have released 16 studio albums, 12 live albums and 12 compilation albums.
They are known for songs like Kayleigh, Lavender or Beautiful.

Bedshaped is a song from the British Keane taken from their debut album Hopes And Fears and released as single in August 2004.
According to Keane's keyboardist and main songwriter Tim Rice-Oxley, Bedshaped is about "is about feeling that you've been "left behind" by an old friend or lover, and about hoping that you'll be reunited one day so that you can live out the end of your lives together the way you started them (...) a hope that they'll eventually want to get away from the bright lights and come back home. it's a sad and angry song, but also full of hope. I think I'm right in saying that in hospital when someone is ill and has to spend a lot of time in bed they can become 'bedshaped'. It sounds a bit depressing (...) but in the context of the song I wanted to suggest old age and frailty(...)"

Marillion have covered this song on several live shows and included on their 2007 live album Friends, including covers from artists like Britney Spears and R.E.M.

Check the original here.

themed week // Keane, She Sells Sanctuary (The Cults)

Today is the first post of April's Themed Week related with COVERS.
You can always send me over your favorite covers on the comment section below, on our Facebook Page, Twitter or e-mail mentioning "Covers" on the subject.

Keane are a British pop/rock created in 1997.
From the first line-up only stays Tom Chaplin (lead vocals, guitars), Tim Rice-Oxley (keyboards, backing vocals) and Richard Hughes (drums, backing vocals). Since 2007, the band included Jesse Quin on live performances but only confirmed him as an official member in February 2011 playing bass guitar.

She Sells Sanctuary written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy, is an original song by The Cult released on their 1985 album Love.
Has a single, the song achieved the #15 on the UK Singles Charts.

Keane covered this song including on the sixth and final single A Bad Dream of their second album Under The Iron Sea.
The same single also includes another cover from Depeche Mode's Enjoy The Silence.

Artists like Dandy Warhols or Manic Street Preachers also covered the song.
She Sells Sanctuary appeared on several video games like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Gran Turismo or Guitar Hero and movies like Singles or Buffy The Vampire Slyer.

Check the original here.

News // Keane's new album: Strangeland

The English band Keane announced today on their Official site the release of their new album.

After the 2008's album Perfect Symmetry and the 2010's EP Night Train, Strangeland is the title for Keane's forth studio album that is going to be released next May 7 worldwide.

About Strangeland Tim Rice-Oxley, keyboardist and songwriter, says it "feels like an adventure that brings with it different things for different people, and like any adventure is full of uncertainty, and the potential for mishap, as well as the possibility of amazing things and glorious discoveries. I love the idea of the journey through 'Strangeland' being a journey of redemption."

The album was produced by Dan Grech-Marguerat who have worked with The Vaccines, Radiohead and the new revelation Lana Del Rey.

The tracklist was revealed on the same post that include a short video including songs like Sovereigh Light Café or Silenced By The Night.

1. You Are Young
2. Silenced By The Night
3. Disconnected
4. Watch How You Go
5. Sovereign Light Café
6. On The Road
7. The Starting Line
8. Black Rain
9. Neon River
10. Day Will Come
11. In Your Own Time
12. Sea Fog

The CD will have two edition, read the post here for more details.

Along the new album, Keane are also having a UK tour and confirmed their presence on festivals like SXSW, in US and V Festival, UK.

1 per week - Keane live @ Metropolis, Montreal (2009)

Today's choice is a video that Pats showed to me this week. It's from her favourite band and one of mine too. They are Keane and they have Sir Tom Chaplin and his not common but so characteristic voice has the lead singer.

Here they are singing Sovereign Light Cafe, a new song performed on the September of 2009. The song hasn't been yet featured in any album.

Following is the link of the cafe that this song talks about: http://www.discoverbexhill.com/restaurants/reviews.php?rid=24

According to Oceanrose the song is about enjoying the simple things of our life and  "it was inspired by Tim & Richard's bike rides up to Bexhill/the seaside when they were young".

I'm going back to the time when we owned this town

Down Powder Mill Lane, in the battlegrounds

We were friends and lovers and clueless clowns

I didn't know I'd be finding out now I was torn from you

When we thought about things we were gonna do

We were wide eyed dreamers and wiser too

News - Michael Kiwanuka wins the Sound of 2012!

Sound of.. is an annual BBC pool of music critics to find the most promising new music talent.
The first edition was in 2003. Since then artists such as Keane (2004), Corinne Bailey Rae (2006), Mika (2997), Adele (2008) and Jessie J last year were distinguished.

But there were other artists that are now very famous that didn't won: Florance and The Machine stayed in third place 3 years ago. In that same year Lady Gaga deserved the 6th. Last year James Blake was placed in second.

This year the winner is Michael Kiwanuka.

He is a soul musician of Ugandan heritage who was born in England.
He supported Adele on her Adele Live 2011 tour and her iTunes Festival gig also in 2011.

His debut EP Tell Me A Tale was released last year, in June. His first album will be released this year at the end of March and will be titled as Home Again.

His music is very calm, very "soul". Let's hope to see more of him. He has now the lights pointed at him.

Here is his single Home Again:

Ana'lex - 2011: Music Retrospection

Before reading this post you must know that I haven’t even heard 10% of the music released this year - I'm aware of this fact - but even knowing that I think I've discovered several albums and songs that are worth to give a little time and talk about them. But time is short and I will stick to the most important and the ones in some way influenced my state of mind or way of seeing things.

Following is my TOP of 2011 according to several topics.

Albums released this year:


Within Temptation - The Unforgiving: Besides the excellent vocals and instrumental part that I'm already use to hear form this band what surprised me the most in the album was the concept: it was released simultaneously a comic book written by Steven O'Connell and illustrated by Romano Molenaar (X-Men). The characters and stories are thus portrayed in three ways: by the artists in the comic book, by the band in the music (album), and by the actors in the films.


The story is about people who have done bad things. Not because they are bad, but because they made bad decisions. - Sharon den Adel

Florence and The Machine - Ceremonials: Florence released an album with no much surprises comparing to the last album, I think she stuck to it which is not a bad thing because it was very good. I’m looking forward to see them live next year.

James Blake – James Blake: he made a piece of art. His sound is something I wasn’t used to hear at all. He seems a little boy but in fact he is a great man that did an awesome album!

Adele - 21: she became one of my favourite artists with ‘21’. The melody, the voice, the lyrics it all made a spectacular album from an amazing singer. Unfortunately, the end of the year wasn’t as good as we expected but she is now recovering and in one year she will with no doubts back!

Pj Harvey - Let England Shake: she is a veteran but her 2011 album was the one I’ve ever heard mainly because she was at the top of many magazines and website as the best album of this year. It’s a great album indeed, I recommend it.

Luísa Sobral - The Cherry On My Cake - and Márcia – Dá -, gained this year recognition and some time in the Portuguese radio stations. Their albums are absolutely great. Very calm melodies and simple lyrics. They are definitely artists to follow.

Mafalda Veiga – Zoom: she released this album as a result of the remaking of new and old songs. She also released a new song called “Largar Mais” – it basically speaks about (no) letting that “someone” go.

The Eleanors - Back to lies and tv shows: I’ve told you that they are going to work with the producer of Coldplay’s albums. Their album is very good, unfortunately I wouldn’t ever say it’s a Portuguese band because it’s not every day that we have the opportunity to hear this quality from a Portuguese Band.

The Gift - Explode: has it was reviewed in this blog their album released this year, is nothing but fantastic. Although they are reckoned all over the world they are slowly starting their international career. I like them since their AM-FM album and they are just getting better and better.


Songs released this year:


Besides the music referred above there are some songs released this year that I think are very good. I'm not good at this, I may be forgetting a lot of songs.

Paramore – In the morning: it’s one of 4 songs released by this band this year. It has a sweety melody.

Lady Gaga – The Edge of Glory: “There ain’t no reason” to not like this song. My favorite from her new album – Born this way. There is no particular reason but I think it’s one of those songs where you can see the potential of Gaga.

Train - Hey Soul Sister: I couldn't relate more with this song. And that's enough.

David Guetta ft Usher – Without you: I would give emphasis to this song due to one simple reason: I don’t like Guetta’s and Usher’s type of music. So what do I like about this song? When I don’t like the artist and I like the music it’s very often the same reason: The lyrics. I think they are very good, the team that wrote it were inspired that day. But other reason is the moment I heard it. I was at the disco and I would never think of hearing a music at a club with such inspiring lyrics, well done guys!

Gigs I went and loved:

Skunk Anansie (Coliseu dos Recreios) – Skin’s energy is unforgettable. I TOUCHED HER HAND! :D (at 1:00)

Bon Jovi (Bela Vista) – Well it is Jon and Richie. And it’s all I needed for Bon Jovi’s concert to become one of the best..ever. See you guys next tour!

Paramore (Optimus Alive) – Hayley live is as good as she is on studio. Despite that the band – even if it was just half of it – was really connected and full of energy. I loved it and hope for a soon comeback.

Within Temptation (Coliseu dos Recreios) - Well it's all said here: http://fuckyeahmusicstories.blogspot.com/2011/10/review-within-temptation-in-lisbon.html

Musical Discovery:

Feist: while hearing this song it’s just that feeling you get when you go with the flow. It’s different and great. If the money was enough for everything I would go to their concert next year, in Portugal. But we will see.

Kings of Convenience: the voice of these two guys feet so well together and their lyrics seem a bit intellectual but are at the same time very cool.

Albums That I’m waiting to be released:


Adam Lambert -Trespassing: I’ve known him since he participated on American Idol but his first album didn’t attracted me despite two songs: Aftermath and What ya want from me. I expect this album to see if can see not the pop and commercial Adam Lambert from his first album, but the sentimental, deep and different Adam I discovered on that contest. One thing I know he has a great voice!

Missy Higgins’s: I know her album The Sound Of White very well and I expect another album so easy to hear but at the same time with feelings described that I can relate and think about.

Keane's: there is only one album of them that I don’t like. Their sound may be considered a bit commercial – because it’s so easy to hear the majority of their songs - but they are very good in what they do. Tom’s voice is different from what we are used to heard in this type of bands.

Paramore's: they released 4 songs (Singles Club) this year and in my opinion they are all a bit different from each other. Due to this and because they are one of my favorite bands, I’m expecting their album with relative optimism.

The Gift's: I just read (http://www.facebook.com/The.Gift.Official) that they are going to release a new album next month and I'm really happy to know that. I hope next year I have the opportunity to see them live.

Finally, hopefully, a P!nk’s album for ALL the obvious reasons.

Artists that start to get international recognition in 2011 and I’m waiting to see more in 2012:

Beside the obvious choices such as Adele, James Blake, Márcia, Luísa Sobral and The Eleanors, I want to follow Jessie J. She has an incredible voice. Her first album – Who You are – is very good but according to her live performances I think we can expect much more of her in the next years.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Pat: 2011 Music Retrospection

This was a very strong year in terms of music for me.

Musically, we were desolated by Amy Winehouse’s death or Adele’s illness but still good music was done and thankfully this was a very special year for me, mainly because we started this project Fuck Yeah Music Stories and consequently made me see Music with very different eyes – more objective, attentive and with way more pleasure than I had before.

This is my TOP of favorites of this year.

I’ve (re)discovered a lot this entire year and this was a very introspective and hard list to make.

Albums released this year:

• Owl City, All Things Bright and Beautiful: There’s something about this artist that I truly loved. Besides everything this album is beautiful and honest. We can get thousand of interpretations of each song. Musically it’s absolutely interesting and we discover a new thing at each play. Kamikaze, Dreams Don’t Turn To Dust or Galaxies are very different songs that compose this record.

• The Gift, Explode: This year was their consummation. They are an extremely talented band and Explode shares a way colorful interpretation of themselves. It’s a discovery, a funny ride through songs like RGB, The Singles or Primavera. I absolutely recommend this record to everyone who honestly loves music. There’s something magical about Explode and The Gift, maybe they just breathe music and that’s what we get.

• My Chemical Romance, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys: This new record is intense but it sounds a lot like My Chemical Romance. Songs like Sing or Planetary (Go!) are young but also spread their talent and rock/punk way of seeing the world. Their themes are so interesting to discover, and when you do, you change all your thoughts about them! Let’s make a revolution and fight for our ideas.

• Foster The People, Torches: Foster The People are this young band with grown up ideas. This record is solid, strong and with meaning. Torches is absolutely one of the best records of 2011 for me with songs like Pumped Up Kicks or Call It What You Want made this music world way more interesting. They made me believe in contemporary music.

• Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto: Coldplay are Coldplay and this album is the ultimate confirmation of their talent. Paradise or Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall are part of this incredible and strong album. After hearing the album we can’t really find words to describe it. They exceeded themselves once again and I’m not shocked because they know their value and how good they are and this record shows exactly that.

• Luisa Sobral, The Cherry On My Cake: Luisa Sobral is an absolutely amazing artists and this is a brutal album. That jazzy-pop mixed style with a very characteristic voice, makes her one of the Portuguese revelations of 2011 and this album is the consummation of her talent, leaving the certain she also has much more talent and creativity to share.

•   Márcia, Dá: I really love Márcia and her album. Dá is a simple word which is translated as “Give” and she gives so much to music, her simple words followed by beautiful melodies and a stunning voice makes this a must-have album for everyone! Every record should follow a simple guide line – beautiful vocals, stunning instrumental and amazing lyrics. There’s nothing wrong about this album. It’s so personal but at the same time to freaking weird for being so simple. I always say “Simplicity Wins!” and it does!

• Beirut, The Rip Tide: Beirut are my secret passion of this year. Everything they do, they do with pleasure and this album influenced by European music and old-fashioned American Pop is an inspiration. Since the first time I got the album I can’t get tired of it! It’s a constant discovery, a constant travel. This must be a travel soundtrack, if it isn’t I will travel just do it myself. It’s really an inspiration, so calm, full of beauty and reminding me so much of ending days watching sunsets on beaches.

• You Can't Win Charlie Brown, Chromatic: They are part of the revelation bands/artists in the Portuguese scenario. They are incredible, with songs like Over The Sun/Under The Water makes them so curious and interesting to discover. You Can’t Win, Charlie Brown are one of those absolutely worth it bands because after listening their songs we have the feeling they still have so much to give! I suggest their songs to music lovers!

• James Blake, James Blake: James Blake is amazing! He is absolutely talented and his songs are the reflection of the good musician he is. His extraordinary taste in music makes him one of the best artists of 2011! As I said once, he is not easy to like but once you do, he turns to one of your favorite for sure.

• Kaiser Chiefs, The Future Is Medieval: Kaiser Chiefs are crazy and talented. Their innovation on this album was huge, influenced by their hiatus. They made a strong album, similar but also so different from their previous records. They are a reflection of these times and so is this record. They make Indie so proud!

•  The Vaccines, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?: The Vaccines were discovered by accident but thankfully I did. The band is so interesting, so fresh. A mix of a beautiful indie and funky pop, I’m absolutely curious to follow their work and discover their next albums.

•  Michael Bublé, Christmas: Michael Bublé is one of my favorite singers. Sounding a lot like Mr. Sinatra, he made a special album related with Christmas and covered known songs like White Christmas or Jingle Bells very beautifully with his unique taste. I usually don’t like Christmas songs, but these jazzy versions are absolutely amazing. I totally suggest them!

•  Adele, 21: She is Adele. I shouldn't have much more to say. The album is amazing, full of strong vocals and followed by very well played instruments. 21 is something really special, there’s no one who can’t name a song from Adele. She is a growing artist who sold out Royal Albert Hall and that must mean something. I’ll be waiting for her return and new albums!

• The Doups, Small Town Gossip: The Doups were suggested to me. Their album is something we can’t usually see in Portugal, they are a very nice sound, a cute style and they are a promising band. They have this surely uncommon style and somehow alternative way of doing music. The Doups are different and that’s not something bad, actually they do take advantage of that so gracefully. I’m proud they are Portuguese!

Songs released this year:

There are loads of songs that I honestly loved this year like Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger, My Chemical Romance - Planetary (Go!), Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans, James Blake - Limit To Your Love, Owl City - Kamikaze or even Márcia - Cabra-Cega or Luisa Sobral - Xico. Choosing an unique song is hard, specially when I found amazing Portuguese and international artists this year but I would chose as my favorite song Called Out In The Dark by Snow Patrol, there's some special aura around this song, sounds so positive, so "keep going" especially when he says "This is your life, this is your time"!

Gigs I went and loved:

Roger Waters (The Wall 25^th Anniversary Tour) – Lisboa: Pavilhão Atlântico
Festival Optimus Alive 2011 – Algés: Passeio Marítimo
The Gift – Cascais: Marina
Owl City (All Things Bright And Beautiful Tour) – Lisboa: Campo Pequeno

Musical Discovery:

I mentioned earlier this was a very rich year for me, musically speaking.

There’s a long list I could continue with but if I had to chose only one it would probably be Owl City. His work is amazing and his way of seeing the world is so simple, kind and beautiful.
His music reflects his believing in the purest feelings like true love or nature.

Albums That I’m waiting to be released:

Probably Keane and The Killers are the artists I’m most eager to listen to. They didn’t release anything this year and I’m absolutely curious to know their next work, to see how the sound of their next album is going to be. They make part of my favorite bands and not hearing from them – in terms of releasing music – for an entire year is somehow wired for me. I’m just curious! I’ve been following the news related with Keane’s new album and their sound is turning out so awesome and curious. I can’t wait!

I’m also waiting for Lana Del Rey’s predicted to be released next January and Willy Moon’s which is unknown. They are new talents that I’ve been following and I’m just anxious to discover more of their work.

Artists that began career in 2011 and I’m waiting to see more in 2012:

This is easy.  As I said above, Lana Del Rey and Willy Moon are two of the artists I’m waiting to know more about. They are new artists and I’m amazed by their talent and freshness. Their music is so different and new, so absolutely stunning and full of talent. I’m so curious to hear their albums and new works!


And what about you?
Don't forget to share your opinions with us - specially if they are missing! We want to know your own tops!

I remind you on my list are missing a lot of artists, I tried to resumed and focus on the principal ones and the one I really wanted people to know about.


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