Larkin Around

I have been reading a lot of poetry lately, one poem that really has caught my eye is Philip Larkin's 'This Be The Verse', those who know me will realise the sentiment of the message. Others who do not will probably guess rightly anyway.

They fuck you up, your mum and dad.

They may not mean to, but they do.

They fill you with the faults they had.

And add some extra, just for you.

But they were fucked up in their turn.

By fools in old-style hats and coats,

Who half the time were soppy-stern,

And half at one another's throats.

Man hands on misery to man.

It deepens like a coastal shelf.

Get out as early as you can,

And don't have any kids yourself.

Whacking The Bishop

Folksy vibes a-plenty with this marvellous little band from Massachusetts called Bishop Allen. Soft, flowing guitars and foot-tapping, poppy (in a good way) tunes that gently caress your ears and make you feel like throwing all your troubles away. I know that was probably the most soppy, overly happy sentence I have ever written but it is true. Sounding similar but different at the same time, as Los Campesinos and Okkervil River, if you have heard of those bands, if not what is wrong with you! :P Right I have an essay to get on with (Art History WOOOOOOO! (not my degree, I hastily add)) So I will leave you with a tune sounding like it should be selling some form of Apple products. Enjoy!

Click, Click, Click, Click

Fuck Today, Fuck San Francisco, Fuck California

Of course I don't believe the title, I have never been to either San Fran or California, but welcome to the band that have made the best song of 2009 so far. This foursome from New Hampshire, Wild Light as they like to be called, have really brightened up my day...it's raining in bonnie Scotland! There is something seemingly effortlessly charming about their music and their seemingly occasional dreary lyrics is contrasted with some uplifting and feel-good tunes. The drums roll like Sunday Bloody Sunday on the track New Hampshire and some of their stuff I have heard reminds me of early Death Cab For Cutie. Their music seems to have caught the ears of two brilliant bands; The Killers and Arcade Fire, whom the band have both supported on tour. Without further ado, here is the best song of 2009!

California On My Mind