Best of 2015: Albums

There have been so many fantastic albums this year, it’s genuinely been a good year for music. Here are my top 15 albums of 2015, along with a notable song from the album.

Some aligning in this post didn’t work, sorry!

       15. Anthems for Doomed Youth – The Libertines

I was rather nervous when I heard The Libertines would be returning, but, they pulled it off. The Libertines’ Anthems for Doomed Youth restores the band in Brit culture successfully.

14.   My Love Is Cool – Wolf Alice

Each song is unique and each song is produced with care. Wolf Alice’s debut album is refreshing and youthful, seeming intelligent and the band coming across as genuinely passionate about the music they release, with each track on the album being worthy of your time.

13.   Beauty Behind the Madness – The Weeknd

2015 was The Weeknd’s year (for the most part), right? While tracks like The Hills and In The Night stand out a lot, not only on the album but in the music industry for this year, the album felt underwhelming for me. Nevertheless, it is a fantastic album and well-deserving of it’s insane applaud. 

12. Our Own House – MisterWives

(Sorry if the video isn’t aligned, I spent ages in HTML and Compose mode trying to centre it but it just wouldn’t work with me) 

MisterWives’ fresh, dynamic sound appealed to me a lot in spring this year, I swiftly recommended their music to some friends after discovering Hurricane on Spotify. I then discovered their album which released a few months before, I was impressed by the indie pop sound and thoroughly enjoyed how energetic their music was.

    11. Unguarded – Rae Morris

Having been familiar with Rae Morris through her work with Bombay Bicycle Club, I decided to check out her own music. Rae Morris’ Unguarded capitalises on her smooth vocals in the best way possible, the songs are accomplished and the song-writing is immersive and creative which leads to a pleasant listening experience.

10. Pharmacy – Galantis

I first discovered Galantis’ hit Runaway (U & I) back in November whilst looking up music videos for college, I quickly discovered Peanut Butter Jelly and found I had a taste for Galantis’ music. Runaway, a few months later, became a hit worldwide, followed by Peanut Butter Jelly. Having looked into Galantis even more, I pre-ordered their album and enjoyed it thoroughly. It was a nice, albeit insanely entertaining, deviation from everything else that tops the charts nowadays.

9. Wishes – Rhodes

Rhodes is one of my favourite artists to have ’emerged’ in 2015, it’s refreshing to hear something so unique come from somebody so talented, with such a combination being lost so often in the production process. Wishes is a thought-provoking, creative debut album that is so, so appealing and pleasant to listen to. 

       8. Surrender – Hurts

While the album is a lot more energetic and euphoric than it’s predecessors, Hurts’ Surrender still manages to pay tribute to Hurts’ unique and known sound. Every sound is harmonic and every word is sung with passion, additionally adding some fun to Hurts’ often melodramatic sound. The album flows nicely and easily, meaning it’s easy to get lost in the sound.

7.   Get to Heaven – Everything Everything

Get to Heaven is fun, energetic and… slightly bizarre? The pacing of the album is particularly appealing, with tracks like No Reptiles and Distant Past exploring indie pop meeting pop in such an abstract, artistic way that can often become unrecognised when listening to the album. 

6.   Froot – Marina and The Diamonds

Marina and The Diamonds’ third album Froot is a complete deviation from her previous music that works in Froot’s favour, as we hear a much more personal album from Marina. Admittedly, my first impressions weren’t good, however after a few more listens the album grew on me. It’s worth noting that Marina took complete creative control over this album; she produced and wrote the album with as little ‘big-name’ help as possible which is absolutely admirable when you consider the quality of the songs, which progresses throughout the album. Froot is a naturally powerful album, the lyrics are thoughtful and the sound is unique in the current music industry. 

     5.   What Went Down – Foals

This album was one of my most highly anticipated, and it lived up to expectations. What Went Down is an outstanding, must-have album in which Foals embrace their sound and nurture it, becoming slightly more mature in the music they create while maintaining the sound we all know and love.

4.   Chaos and The Calm – James Bay

James Bay’s Chaos and The Calm feels genuine and tender, sounding gentle and compassionate. James Bay thrives on a sense of intimate familiarity in his confessional lyrics and emotionally honest vocals. Chaos and The Calm is poignant and intimate and thus worthy in being one of the best of 2015.

3.   25 – Adele

      

Adele’s long-awaited, surprise, return was huge; and, while perhaps slightly overhyped, was stupidly excellent. My particular favourites on the album are Water Under The Bridge, Remedy and When We Were Young. 25 is full of heart-wrenching, stylistically-different songs that perhaps show a lighter, reflective perspective from Adele that deviates from two previous albums full of sad songs crafted to make you want to cry.

2.   Communion – Years + Years

Years & Years’ Communion is a masterpiece, shining in the light of a new wave of popular music. The music feels authentic and personal, despite the dancefloor-filling sounds that accompanies it (which in this case, is a good thing). Going track-by-track, it’s difficult to find one that isn’t underwhelming, because each song is unique in it’s own way that it’s difficult to compare. 

Honourable mentions

Blue Neighbourhood – Troye Sivan, Caracal – Disclosure, The Way Back Up – Prides, True Colors – Zedd, A Head Full of Dreams – Coldplay, Wilder Mind – Mumford & Sons

1.   How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful – Florence + the Machine

Florence’s return to the music industry is the best thing that could have happened in 2015, I could not have been any more excited than I was for this album. Florence’s new rock/pop sound is intriguing and worthy of attention and praise. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful is a force to be reckoned with, the album flowing so easily. I’d recommend listening to this on vinyl, also, it’s even more stunning than you’d expect. The emotional depth and charismatic sound is worth noting, with Florence now being much less reliant on operatics to convey a powerful message that also makes you want to jump around and dance.

Best Of 2015: Songs

So many brilliant songs have been released this year, here’s my top 25 tracks, along with a Spotify playlist at the end so you can listen to them all!

25. I Wanna Get Lost With You – Stereophonics
24. Trip Switch – Nothing But Thieves
23. Emily – San Fermin
22. Magnets – Disclosure feat. Lorde
21. Beat Of My Drum – Powers
20. Gunga Din – The Libertines
19. Peanut Butter Jelly – Galantis
18. Hurt Me – Låpsley
17. Alive – Sia
16. Wings – Hurts
15. Adventure of A Lifetime – Coldplay
14. Let It All Go – Rhodes & Birdy
13. Believe – Mumford and Sons
12. Lean On – Major Lazer, MØ and DJ Snake
11. Let It Go – James Bay

10. Run Away With Me – Carly Rae Jepsen

This is the pop song of 2015, surprisingly to say the least. I must confess, I’m not a huge Carly Rae Jepsen fan, but I’ve been trying to ‘broaden my horizons’ in my music interests because limiting yourself to a specific genre to define your character is boring (but that’s a topic for another time, but I also briefly wrote about it here). ‘Run Away With Me’ excels in it’s nostalgic pop sound, relying on the ‘heat of the moment’ and a complete outburst of joy and love to formulate a fun, free-feeling song.

9. Weathered – Jack Garratt

Brit Awards’ 2016 Critics’ Choice winner Jack Garratt has had a brilliant year. I first heard Weathered on Clara Amfo’s show on BBC Radio One and fell in love. It’s unique sound and nostalgic feel is one I hadn’t heard a lot of lately, so this song really is special. Garratt’s unique creation process is also one to look into, it’s very interesting.

8. Regret – Everything Everything

Everything Everything have been one of my favourites for 2015, I love the feel of their music. True ‘vibes’ as all the cool people would say.  Admittedly, when I first came across Everything Everything’s music in 2014 I was more than confused, overwhelmed by their sound, but they grew on me and I quickly became infatuated with their sound.

7. The Hills – The Weeknd

How could I not have had The Weeknd on this? While I do struggle with the vocals at times (not that they’re bad, just perhaps a bit too screechy at times for my taste, hence the lack of Justin Bieber), The Hills is intense, sultry and confident in the best possible way. Besides, how bizarre is that hair?

6. Someone New – Hozier

Don’t be fooled by the sound of this song, the story is actually quite sad and honest. Hozier’s a genius, and his album is most definitely worth a glance, this song being a mere glimpse of the album’s musical integrity and strength. Someone New is easy to reflect on, even if, like myself, you struggle to relate to the message. It gives you something to think about, which music is all about.

5. Mountain At My Gates – Foals

Foals’ return was so so very exciting and the music was better than ever, slightly experimental and slightly more powerfully rhythmic than before in the best possible way known to man. The constant moving beat makes easily draws your attention and makes you listen to the song and the story behind it. Great song.

4. Blue – Marina and the Diamonds

‘Blue’ is jam-packed with fun, nostalgic, electro-pop sounds infused with the whole ‘I know we’ve broken up but I really miss you’ vibes going on in this song. Marina’s ‘Blue’ is charming and reminiscent of olden times in the best of ways. Marina’s an expert at contrasting sound with lyrics (which is a theme in this list) and she perfects it with this song. 

3. Hello – Adele

I know, I know, it’s kind of blasphemy to not have Adele at the top, and while I’m a huge fan of this song and her latest album ’25’, I feel that hype overwhelms quality with this track. Of course, it is a fantastic song, and her raw vocals and the lyrics are superb, hence why it’s ranked so highly, however I do feel as if the hype and excitement over Adele’s return was slightly overbearing at times. Nevertheless, this is a brilliant song. 

2. Ship To Wreck – Florence + the Machine

There’s a reason why this song is nominated for a Grammy, it’s because it’s just so darn good. Florence’s killer vocals shine in this upbeat and fluid song which entrances you from the first listen. The raw emotion heard can be tremendously moving if you’re not too busy shimmying away to the track, indicating a slight sophistication which is refreshing and unique to the ear.

1. King – Years & Years

When deciding on my best song of 2015, I took some time to think about the song that had the biggest impact on my life. I remember discovering Years & Years’ ‘King’ while browsing Buzzfeed in Sixth Form, I came across an article about the music video so I decided to take a watch. I became obsessed. I specifically remember walking home from town one day in January and I had Years & Years playing on repeat for the entire walk. I’m still as obsessed as I was when this came out, and actually, this song has perhaps formed a few friendships for me which is why it’s special. The song itself is superbly produced, the chorus is catchy as hell and the verses flow easily to connect the entire song. This will remain one of my favourite songs for a long, long time. 

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That’s all for now. Tomorrow will be ‘Best of 2015: Films’ so be sure to check back for that!

Bye!

MY DREAM MUSICAL COLLABORATIONS

We’ve experienced many collaborations in musical past and present, from the likes of Charli XCX/Marina and the Diamonds’ Just Desserts to Florence + the Machine/Dizzee Rascal’s You’ve Got The Dirtee Love, as well as Elton John/Kiki Dee’s Don’t Go Breaking My Heart and Diana Ross/Lionel Richie’s Endless Love. 

Yet, there are some collaborations we still don’t have, and well, these next 5 hypothetical collaborations are what I’d like to see, no matter how likely or unlikely they are. 

1. Marina and the Diamonds/Florence + the Machine 

Florence and Marina are two hard-hitting musicians, and despite their slight difference in genre despite mostly maintaining an ‘indie’ vibe, I feel their collaboration would lead to great things. Heck, I’d even want a full album from the two together. If you have a quick browse on YouTube, there are many great fan-made ‘mashups’ of their songs. This is one I’ve been obsessed with for a while, however it’s since been moved onto soundcloud, it works really well and their voices truly compliment each other. 

2. James Bay/Ed Sheeran

Just imagine all the soul and sheer emotion coming from a James Bay and Ed Sheeran collab. Oh THE FEELS I CAN’T EVEN. Sorry for going all tumblr fangirl on you, I truly am sorry. Anyway, James’ album is probably one of my favourite albums of 2015, Ed Sheeran manages to release a hit after hit. This collaboration would do wonders. 

3. Taylor Swift/HAIM

Apparently they’re friends? I don’t know, they’re never seen together at all (sarcasm intended). Imagine a song combining the likes of Taylor Swift’s Bad Blood and HAIM’s My Song 5, some hardcore rant-pop right there. Heck, I wouldn’t mind if they collaborated, with either an intense track like Bad Blood/My Song 5 or perhaps an explosion of pop and disco with Shake It Off/If I Could Change Your Mind, ooh I can see myself dancing already. 

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4. CHVRCHES/Years & Years

Imagine all that electro pop gold sparkling down onto your ears and BAMN instant fun and instant dancing (what did I just say). Here I imagine a track combining CHVRCHES’ The Mother We Share with Years & Years’ Shine. Oh how satisfying to imagine. Please, please, please let this happen. Now. I demand it. Give it to me. NOW. But seriously, I could see perhaps a ‘VS’ collaboration, similar to Bastille VS HAIM’s Bite Down. The best of CHVRCHES VS the best of Years & Years. I’m already dancing thinking about it. 

5. Foxes/Bastille

Two of my favourites, Foxes, a singer, and Bastille, a band (Dan Smith, the lead singer pictured above), create these songs that are not only fun (for the most part, check out Count The Saints by Foxes and Oblivion by Bastille for some serious stuff) but also genuinely GOOD. It’s not often we get music that is both nice to listen to and fun to dance to. Here, I would perhaps imagine a line between Foxes’ Glorious and Bastille’s Laura Palmer, to make a song that has a huge impact on young people and kind of have those ‘hipster’ vibes. Foxes also supported Bastille on tour, so you know, it could almost definitely happen. 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/7sFtb1oXVYs?feature=player_embedded

Anyway. That’s all for now. Perhaps another time I will post another set of dream collaborations. Be sure to follow me on BlogLovin’, Twitter, like my Facebook page or even subscribe to get email notifications every time I post a new blog post. A new blog post will be going up later in the week, be sure to check it out when it arrives!

TotallyCulture

GIG WISH LIST

HELLO

How are you all? Good? Fab, that’s great news. Bad? Oh, that’s unfortunate, I’m sure everything will get better soon 🙂

Anyway, I’m here to talk about my ‘Gig Wish List’. 10 artists/bands that I’m relatively desperate to see live, plus some honourable mentions afterwards (who I’m also kind of desperate to see live). Let’s get straight into it:

1. Years & Years 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/nRLZFmTcOkY?feature=player_embedded

One of my new favourite bands, Years & Years have become huge this past year. Mainly hitting with their number 1 single King, they’re set to release their debut album Communion in the next two weeks. I love the ‘vibe’ of Years & Years’ music, as I would perhaps explain, they’re very ‘tumblr’. I love their new single Shine, and I think seeing them live would be a fantastic experience, with everyone singing and dancing along, as well as Olly’s notable sassy dance moves. The stripped down version of Eyes Shut is fantastic, I simply cannot get enough of this group.

2. Florence + The Machine

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZDXkD4l0ZBE?feature=player_embedded

Florence’s new album is out and it’s better than ever, a more ‘rock’ feel to it than Lungs and Ceremonials, I’d love to see songs from How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful performed live, especially Delilah and Ship To Wreck. I’m a huge fan of Florence, and her headlining Glastonbury set replacing The Foo Fighters was one of the best I’ve seen, the same can’t be said for Kanye’s headline set (greatest living rock star I think not, although I’d love to have that confidence in myself). Florence really gets into the music, and creates a fantastic show where she really becomes one with the ‘sound’ and interacts with the audience in such a way that makes them feel as if they themselves are part of the show.

3. Galantis

https://www.youtube.com/embed/-mF5LBKKdD8?feature=player_embedded

Desperate to see Galantis live, so desperate. They create songs that are simply entertaining and make you want to get up and dance, now imagine that with a few other peoplle (hundreds/thousands) and you have a Galantis concert. Imagine the atmosphere when the drop hits, everyone jumping around and just having a good time. Besides, judging from that clip, they look like they’re having the time of their lives as well.

4. Tove Styrke

 https://www.youtube.com/embed/oA2MiXNzpdw?feature=player_embedded

I’m relatively new to Tove Styrke’s music, but I’ve instantly fallen in love. I discovered Borderline first, and just went further into her music and started to watch some live footage. Tove comes from Sweden, a country with some really fantastic artists emerging into the mainstream, and I predict big things for Tove Styrke, with her debut album reaching no. 10 in the charts, and her second, and most recent, hitting no. 14. Live footage show an intimate concert experience, one that I’d very much love to be a part of.

5. Jessie Ware

https://www.youtube.com/embed/2nyLmAwlqU8?feature=player_embedded

Jessie Ware’s voice is soulful and personal, and her performance style is unique. I imagine her concerts are a really fulfilling experience, because you really get what you ask for. I’m astonished by Jessie’s fantastic songs, and her success is so well-deserved, at the time of writing this, I’m watching Jessie Ware’s Glastonbury 2015 set, and it’s simply brilliant. A real credit to the music industry right now, in what seems to be a rather generic time of artistry.

6. Clean Bandit

https://www.youtube.com/embed/eR9y6Ok88UE?feature=player_embedded

Clean Bandit are one of my favourite groups, I love Extraordinary, and I also have a love for Stronger. Watching their set at Coachella was brilliant, and then bamn. Marina came on and performed their collaboration Disconnect, which I’m SUPER pumped for. Clean Bandit bring something unique to the pop scene, combining classical and mainstream to create a really fresh sound. I find myself watching clips of their live shows in awe of their stage presence and supreme talent.

7. James Bay

https://www.youtube.com/embed/vXSylbkvmSQ?feature=player_embedded

James Bay is a fantastic artist, ridiculously talented and it’s admirable just how well he’s taken all this sudden success. His live performances are perfectly intimate and entertaining, and his songs are so wonderfully flowing that you feel like you’ve known them all of your life, and you feel like you can just sing along because of this. His album is one of, perhaps is, one of my favourite albums of 2015 so far. I feel like James Bay is going to be one of my favourite artists of all time, and in the future I will most definitely remember him and his music, because it’s had such a positive, and reflective, impact on my life so far. James is the type of artist that sounds amazing in studio versions of songs, but just as good, perhaps even better, live. James creates emotional music, which is something we really need in our society where music can be seen as just an emotionless sound.

8. The Wombats

https://www.youtube.com/embed/bU8yNdxZzlM?feature=player_embedded

I love The Wombats, ever since their first album I’ve been a huge fan. I have a few friends that have seen The Wombats live, and they’ve absolutely loved it. Myself, watching clips of The Wombats live, like the one above, the whole ‘gig’ experience really comes to life with The Wombats. The lighting, set, and general feel-good music across all of The Wombat’s music with songs such as Techno Fan, Give Me A Try and more, all lend to a fun and energetic experience, one that I would love to experience. The Wombats have long been part of my music taste, and I predict they will be for many years to come, especially with the release of their brilliant new album Glitterbug.

9. Lorde

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q0uhsHkIBOQ?feature=player_embedded

If you’ve come across my blog before, you may have read an appreciation post I did for Lorde. Lorde’s debut album is fantastic, and I could really connect with it. Myself and Lorde are about the same age, and probably would have been in the same class together at school if, you know, my life were that exciting. Lorde’s stage presence is one that I truly admire, and her live performances really emulate her passion for music, and the ‘show’ itself appears to be highly entertaining and perhaps intense, in a good way. Thus, Lorde simply HAS to appear on my gig wish list.

10. HAIM

https://www.youtube.com/embed/osDvqKxgTiw?feature=player_embedded

HAIM are my faves. They are cool. Just cool. Not swag cool, ultimate cool. V. cool. Their live sets are filled with energy and atmosphere, and I’m particularly fond of their performances of Let Me Go, because of that ending (see above). Such drums, much intense, many fun. Anyway, as you can probably tell, I’m a huge fan of HAIM, Danielle, Este, and Alana are my heroes. Their music is fun and energetic, but they can also tell a story in a soulful and delicate way. HAIM’s debut album is my favourite from 2013, and I really am looking forward to what Danielle, Este, Alana and Dash create in the future. 

Honorable mentions

Marina & the Diamonds

Foxes

Fall Out Boy

Panic at the Disco

Hozier

Amber Run

Bastille

KYKO

Circa Waves

Anyway…

That’s all for now.

See you soon!

TotallyCulture

Curtis  

 

LEAD UP TO SUMMER PLAYLIST

It’s that time of year, April, when everybody starts to prepare for summer. It’s getting warmer outside, and everybody’s making the awkward transition from jeans and jumpers to shorts and t-shirts. The lead up to summer is great, and summer itself is even better. One thing I love about the lead up to summer is the transition from relatively mellow (yet still brilliant) music to upbeat and lively music. Here are 10 songs to get you in the mood for summer, which are also great songs to listen to in summer. If you liked this blog post feel free to follow me on Twitter, like my Facebook page, follow me on Google+, or follow me on bloglovin’, it’d be really helpful. 

 I’ll post a Summer Playlist after I finish my exams and leave sixth form in June, be sure to come back and check it out!

1. Radioactive – Marina and the Diamonds

2. Not Alone – Kid Arkade feat. Josh Franceschi

3. We Got The World – Icona Pop

4. The Days – Avicii

5. Hold My Hand – Jess Glynne

6. The Best Of Us – Kid Astray

7. I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like) – Michael Franti & Spearhead

8. Desire – Years & Years

9. Runaway – Galantis

10. Lifted Up (1985) – Passion Pit

(Warning: This video may cause viewers with photo sensitive epilepsy to potentially experience seizures)

That’s all

Bye for now

Geek Culture and Me

Curtis

“but we’re just living life and we never stop, we got the world”

My March Soundtrack

Hello! It’s that time again, yes, it’s time to list 10 songs I’ve been listening to in March. Not all songs were necessarily released in March, but more or less they’ve become relatively prominent in my playlists over the past month. 

(I found myself obsessing over this photo, I don’t even know why, it was just the photo for me in March)

So much has happened in March, goodness. I mean, Maisie Williams in Doctor Who?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! WJATTTTTTTGLMFDVFBBDGBb yes I’m excited. Marina and the Diamonds released her third album, while James Bay released his insanely beautiful debut album which I’ve listened to every day since purchasing it. Once Upon A Time came to Netflix UK and I screamed, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was brilliant and I need more. Way too much Marvel/DC stuff to even hint at, oh my gosh. A live action Mulan movie, Zane Lowe left Radio 1, I watched FRIENDS on Comedy Central (as always), Deadpool, Jennifer Lawrence announced she’s to quit X-Men, so did Hugh Jackman, Angel was announced for X-Men, Spectre trailer was released, and of course, Spider-man. But, what I’m here to talk about is the 10 songs I loved last month. 

1. Higher Love – Prides 

2. Hold My Hand – Jess Glynne

3. Running – James Bay

4. T-Shirt Weather – Circa Waves

5. Emily – San Fermin

6. Worship – Years & Years

7. Believe – Mumford & Sons

8. The Days – Avicii

9. Heartbeat – Satellite Stories

10. Never Ends – Joel Ansett

Honorary Mentions

Set A Fire – Will Reagan 

Wanted – Dara Maclean

Weeds – Marina and The Diamonds

St. Jude – Florence and The Machine

C O O L – Le Youth

That’s all

Bye for now

Geek Culture and Me

Curtis

“When our picture fades in the sun, and all the colours blur into one, I’ll keep running to the place where I belong”

My February Soundtrack

It’s February, and it’s time to do another monthly post on 10 songs I’ve been listening to this month (and a few other mentions). Some of these songs weren’t released in February, but I found myself listening to them a lot. Let’s get started!

1. Passion Pit – Lifted Up (1985)

2. MisterWives – Hurricane

3. Avicii – The Nights

4. DJ Fresh feat. Ella Eyre – Gravity

5. Cash+David – Bones

6. Years & Years – King

7. Marina and the Diamonds – I’m A Ruin

8. Ella Henderson – Empire

9. Flor – Get Behind This

10. Circa Waves – Fossils

Honorary Mentions

Florence + the Machine – What Kind Of Man

Icona Pop – Get Lost

Ruth B – Lost Boy

The Magician feat. Years & Years – Sunlight

The Cinematic Orchestra – To Build A Home

RY X – Berlin

That’s all.

Bye for now.

Geek Culture and Me

Curtis

“1985 was a good year, the sky broke apart then you appeared out from the heavens, they called me a dreamer”

WHO SHOULD HAVE WON AT THE BRITS?

Obviously, all the artists that won did so deservedly apart from One Direction, sorry. However, I can’t help but feel as if some musicians that weren’t nominated should have won, or those that were nominated but lost should have won. If I haven’t mentioned a category it’s because I agree with the outcome. Here’s my verdict:

1. International Group

Winner: Foo Fighters

Should have won: First Aid Kit

Should have been nominated: Galantis, Imagine Dragons

I love First Aid Kit, I love Foo Fighters, but it would have been great if First Aid Kit won. They’re so talented and atmospheric. Galantis are a little less well-known, but their song Runaway is one that I always play at a party, or even when I’m out and about because it just makes me feel upbeat. Imagine Dragons? I mean, do I really need to explain? 

2. British Video

This category seemed to be more about getting publicity for the Brits through social media than anything else, with the general public being made to vote through Twitter with a good old hashtag. The videos nominated were simple and uncreative. I’m sure they were chosen on the basis of popularity and the size of their fanbase, which thus leads to awareness of The Brits. 😦

Winner: One Direction – You And I

Should have won: Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud

Should have been nominated: Foxes – Holding Onto Heaven, Ella Eyre – Comeback, Years & Years – Take Shelter

3. British Single

Winner: Mark Ronson Ft. Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk

Should have won: George Ezra – Budapest

Should have been nominated: Ella Eyre – Comeback, Twin Atlantic – Heart and Soul

4. British Breakthrough Act

Winner: Sam Smith

Should have won: CHVRCHES/George Ezra

Should have been nominated: Foxes

Yes, technically Foxes would have been nominated for the 2014 awards, but she did so well in 2014 and really became a chart topping artist so suddenly. She was even in Doctor Who. I mean come on. DOCTOR WHO. CHVRCHES were also nominated and they’ve been around for ages, but they really achieved success in 2014. 

5. International Male Solo Artist

Winner: Pharrell Williams 😦 😦

Should have won: Hozier

Should have been nominated: Tiësto, David Guetta, Phillip Phillips

Predictions for next years nominees and winners:

Marina and the Diamonds

Florence and the Machine

Kodaline

Blur

Palma Violets

CHVRCHES

HAIM

Adele

Ellie Goulding

Kanye West

That’s all.

Bye for now.

Geek Culture and Me

Curtis