Music: My Top 10 songs of 2012

(I’ve made the titles click through so you can listen to them on youtube :))

1. New Ceremony - Dry the River 

The first song I heard from the band, and it made me fall in love with them. It still gives me shivers and fuzzy feelings after hundreds of plays. It reminds me of driving over Yorkshire moors in the summer rain with the windows open.

2. You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are - Keaton Henson

I found this song when I was sad and I realised I’ll never find a song sadder ever again.

3. Rebel Girl - Bikini Kill

2012 has been a big year for discovering more about feminism and educating myself. This song has soundtracked that and made me feel like a badass bitch.

4. Double Dare - Bauhaus

This year I discovered Bauhaus. This song broke my headphones and made me wear a lot of black. I covered this at the first gig as frontwoman of our reformed post-punk/noise pop inspired band and I’ve never had so much fun on stage ever before, prowling around in head to toe black with a glass of rosé.

5. A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours - The Smiths

Never have I ever consumed so much caffeine. Ever. “There’s too much caffeine in your bloodstream, and a lack of real spice in your life”.

6. My Backwards Walk - Frightened Rabbit

I was walking back from college one day after consuming aforementioned ludicrous amounts of caffeine and Autumn was turning to Winter and the sky was clear and cold. I turned a corner and was hit with such a beautiful sunset as I wallowed in self pity in this song and I had to stop walking.

7. Le Temps de L’amour - Francoise Hardy

I spent a large portion of the year pretending I was in the sixties and dancing in my underwear a la Moonrise Kingdom. No song is more appropriate.

8. Shiver - Lucy Rose

I watched Lucy play at a little venue in my hometown of Leicester on her summer tour and it was such a lovely night. We met her afterwards and I bought some tea from her. It is really, really good tea. This song reminds me of boys.

9. Radio - Lana Del Rey

Lana is a babe from the Land of Babes. This year I got my first radio play (twice!). Lots and lots of victory singing of this song.

10. Walk - Foo Fighters

Watching Foo Fighters at Leeds was one of the best nights of my life. Screaming along to this song was more than incredible. Hearing it makes me feel elated.

Music: Shallow Bed (Acoustic) - Dry the River

Shallow Bed (Acoustic) - Dry the River

by Courtney Askey

I've been looking forward to this ever since it was announced that Shallow Bed, one of my favourite albums of 2012, would be re-released acoustically. And my word, it definitely does not disappoint. It's a whole different album- and equally as excellent.

With the same track listing of the previous album, the translation from one to the other is superb. Beginning with a haunting a capella version of Animal Skins, you're gently thrown into a Wintery world of flawless harmonies. New Ceremony, on the other hand, reminds me of Summer. It's incredibly gentle, and it's wonderfully beautiful. Will Harvey's violin accompanies the delicate (whilst at the same time powerful) voice of Peter Liddle and the backing from other band members Scott Miller, Matt Taylor and Jon Warren with grace. Shield Your Eyes is a little punchier with its percussion. My favourite from the album so far is History Book. It's been stripped down considerably from the original version. The first thirty seconds or so with vocals from Peter with the piano accompaniment really highlights the duality of the band. 'Shallow Bed' is all raging crescendos and epic 'folk rock' build ups. 'Shallow Bed (Acoustic)', on the other hand, allows us to focus on the vocal talent. The harmonies are heart-wrenchingly good. The Chambers & The Valves is slowed down and less bouncy than before, and now it seems a whole other level of sentimental. Next is another of my favourites: Demons. This song is probably my favourite from 'Shallow Bed', and from the two live performances I've seen of the boys. The original conjures emotions in me that I didn't know existed. The strings, booming drums and the crescendo of the electric version really are a thing to behold. And on this acoustic offering, this song is something a bit more intimate. It seems sadder. I like sad. Bible Belt translates beautiful acoustically. I've always loved the acoustic versions of Bible Belt that I've discovered on the internet after finding the Watch Listen Tell session. No Rest is another of my favourite from the original album. I've found myself many a time screaming along in a most unruly fashion. I must say, this acoustic version is missing something a little with the lack of drums, but that doesn't mean it's not something really rather wonderful. The power of Peter's vocals really shine through in this song. Shaker Hymns  is beautiful. It's folk at its best. Now, Weights & Measures. This song does things to me- especially this version. I remember when I first heard this song I had it on repeat for an hour in the darkness of my bedroom. It was devastating. I probably cried a bit, too. I'd like to say I've hardened after a good few hundred plays but that isn't the case. I think this is just one of those songs. Ending on previously rowdy and shouty (in the best way possible) (did you get that) Lion's Den, this is a great closing number. It leaves you wanting more. 

This is a really great album. I can't wait to listen to this more. It's a perfect soundtrack to the movie moments of life. You know, the sunsets, the long car journeys, the heartbreak... Buy it. Just buy it now. 

Available on iTunes from 17th December.

Music: Songs From My Ribcage

My band and I have just released our new EP 'Songs From My Ribcage'. You can listen to the three tracks and download here.

I'm so happy to bring this out! I've been working on this for so long. If you don't  fancy buying the EP but like what you hear, we also have a free download of Secret Song here!

http://soundcloud.com/courtneyaskeyandthegents

http://www.facebook.com/courtneyandthegents

http://courtneyaskeyandthegentlemen.bandcamp.com/album/songs-from-my-ribcage

What I've been doing...

Hello, I'm sorry I've not been posting, I've been absolutely rushed off my feet doing everything in the world! October has been the busiest month for me. Lots of things are coming to a close and getting all exciting.

Music

The other day I travelled to Cambridge with two of my best friends to see my current favourite band, Dry the River. It was an unbelievably perfect night. The set was absolutely fantastic, there was a great atmosphere in the crowd and everybody was emotionally wailing along, and we met Scott Miller (bass), Peter Liddle (vocals and guitar) and Will Harvey (violin)! They were so lovely and nice to talk to. 

Scott

Pete

I've also been doing a lot of work on my own music. I'm doing some proper recording with my boys on Tuesday for my brand new EP 'Songs From My Ribcage'. I finished the artwork last night:

It's going to be released sometime very soon, I'll post about that when I know for certain. 

Music video also coming soon!

Film

My film is finally coming to a close! Our final shoot begins at 5pm today, how exciting. We're shooting the dramatic end sequence today, our biggest shoot yet.

I've just finished some work on a short documentary as a part of research for my EPQ project at college. It's about an exhibition by a group of artists in Leiester called 'The Collective'.

The Collective - A Short Film

Music: I Feel Better by Frightened Rabbit

I Feel Better by Frightened Rabbit

I’ll stow away my greys, in a padlocked case and in a padlocked room. 

Only to be released when I sing all the songs I wrote about you. 

This is the last one that I’ll do.

Music: Not That You'd Even Notice by Keaton Henson

Not That You'd Even Notice by Keaton Henson

and I won't see light 'til you come back to me
and I won't feel a breeze 'til I hear your house key
and I won't hear a sound 'til you fall to my knees
sayin' "please don't leave me"

Music: The Snake by Al Wilson

What a great bit of Northern Soul.

The Snake by Al Wilson 

Music: Grinderman 2 RMX

Grinderman 2 RMX

Grinderman. Are they cool? Very. Are they back? Probably not, but here’s hoping.  

Their first album, the self-titled, Grinderman released in 2007 introduced us to a classic Cave poetic style of alternative rock. Three years later we saw the release of Grinderman 2, which was suitably and fantastically as weird and wonderful. 

I keep hanging around your kitchenette
And I’m gonna get a pot to cook you in
I stick my fingers in your biscuit jar
And crush all your gingerbread men

- Kitchenette, Grinderman

Now, two years after Grinderman 2, and one year after the band’s onstage announcement that they were ‘over’, Grinderman 2 RMX appears. 

I wouldn’t usually find a remix album something to be that excited about, as I usually stay as far from possible from remixes of songs that I like as possible, but this is different. The remixes by outfits such as A Place to Bury Strangers and UNKLE really are truly fantastic, bringing a new angle to the songs of Grinderman 2, but still keeping it Cave.

It’s good. Very good.

Listen to the album on Spotify here.

Grinderman/U.N.K.L.E - Hyper Worm Tamer on Youtube.

Film: My work

Hello Blogger!

I thought I'd share some of my own work tonight. It is my ambition to work in the film industry in the future (at a point when I'm feeling adequately grown up and sensible and before all of my imagination disappears). I have been veering towards creating music videos as of recent, but I still have such a love for film. I am currently in the process of setting up a Vimeo account, so once I've made that all pretty and professional I'll share the link to that.

I am also currently making a film entitled 'Three Weeks'. I wrote the story two years ago, completed the screenplay last Summer and we've been working on it since December 2011. Filming commences in the next few days!

Dry the River - Thou Art Loosed music video

The Winter of Mixed Drinks - short

Music: Thou Art Loosed - Dry the River

Thou Art Loosed - Dry the River

This B-side from the EP 'Weights and Measures' by my favourite folk rockers is on repeat on my Spotify/record player all of the time right now. It is so enchanting. Laden with beautiful harmonies and minimal music, this song pulls you in right from the first 'don't cry for me, babe, I'll learn to live without you'. 

A perfect 2 minutes and 33 seconds every time. Give it a listen. You wont regret it.

Art: The Marvellous Adventures of Morricat

Music: Badass Females

My favourite of my Spotify playlists right now is 'badass females'. I'm a big fan of fabulous female musicians and had to build a collection of my favourites and their most badass songs.

You can listen and subscribe to the Spotify playlist here.

Azealia Banks – 212
Lana Del Rey – Radio
Lana Del Rey – Carmen
Lana Del Rey – Lolita
Lana Del Rey – Off To The Races
Marina and The Diamonds – Bubblegum Bitch
Marina and The Diamonds – Homewrecker
Marina and The Diamonds – Sex Yeah
Marina and The Diamonds – Girls
Marina and The Diamonds – I Am Not A Robot
Azealia Banks – Liquorice
Azealia Banks – 1991
Beyoncé – Sweet Dreams
Beyoncé – Why Don't You Love Me
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – I Wanna Be Your Dog
The Runaways – Cherry Bomb
The Runaways – You Drive Me Wild
Suzi Quatro – The Wild One - 7'' Single Version
Blondie – One Way or Another
Blondie – Hanging On The Telephone
Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out
Florence + The Machine – Never Let Me Go
Lykke Li – Complaint Department
Lykke Li – I'm Good, I'm Gone
Bikini Kill – Rebel Girl
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Date With The Night
Best Coast – Bratty B
Kimya Dawson – So Nice So Smart
Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean – Hips Don't Lie (featuring Wyclef Jean)
Destiny's Child – Survivor
Destiny's Child – Bootylicious
Liza Minnelli – Mein Herr
Edith Piaf – Non, je ne regrette rien
Etta James – At Last - Single Version
Nancy Sinatra – These Boots Are Made For Walkin'
Ida Maria – Queen Of The World

Music: RTTV

RTTV is an independent filming company who's mission is to provide the public with the best acoustic sessions from artists. Their videos are beautifully shot against a whole array of backdrops in and around Leicester. RTTV have featured a collection of local musicians from Leicester, and have recently shot sessions with singer/songwriter Lucy Rose and singer Ross Wilson of folk band Blue Rose Code. The videos are beautifully shot and thoughtfully put together. Lots of love for RTTV sessions.

Take an acoustic-filled journey through the RTTV YouTube channel.

Like their Facebook page.

Machines by Leo Stannard

This I Pray by Martin Luke Brown

Water by High House

Earlier this Summer I shot a music video with RTTV for my song 'Secret Song' which will hit the internet when the track has been recorded. You can find my sessions with RTTV here and here.

Music: Keaton Henson

Keaton Henson

Well, I am blown away. 

Upon the suggestion that I should listen to his music, I discovered something quite beautiful. It's crestfallen, it's intimate, it's magical. His words weave in and out of guitar strummings and pickings in an incredibly poetic manner. His debut album 'Dear' is easily one of the most personal, yet completely relatable albums I have ever heard. Each song lies somewhere between a poem, a story and a confession.
I listened to a few randomly selected songs at first, each one was as striking as the next. I listened to the album from start to beginning. I listened to EPs and B-sides. I downloaded 'Dear' this morning. I think it's safe to say that I am besotted. His music has taken me to a place that I wasn't aware existed, and it's a place in which sadness, happiness and a delicate dream-like imagination has blurred into one.
On further reading into Keaton, I found out much to my dismay that he suffers from crippling stage fright and is unlikely to do any live performances in the near future.
He also writes poems and makes art.

I think he's fascinating.

Have an explore;
 for videos and songs
 for his site

This is my current favourite;