music

Spotlight!: Vanessa Forero

/ James Fenney

VanessaForero3

British/Colombian singer-songwriter Vanessa Forero, as well as being a successful composer and bestselling author, has her own unique folk style. The subtle Latin twist breathes new life into her music, with the two different styles blending together magnificently. ‘Raven’ mixes gentle fingerpicking guitar with a bewitching beat, ‘Same Boat’ shows Vanessa at her lyrical peak and is a refreshing hit single in the making, whilst ‘Heaven Knows’ starts with a hint of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Going to California’ before the foot stomping rhythm kicks in. The ethereal ‘Anhela’ is where she most connects with her Colombian roots. Sung entirely in Spanish you don’t need to understand the words to be moved by their breathtaking delivery. Her music is something new that somehow feels like home, but at the same time takes you on a fabulous journey.

Her self produced debut EP ‘From The Uproar’ is out 28th March

Adele to headline Glastonbury

/ James Fenney

adele1

The British songstress has been announced as the Saturday headliner for this year’s Glastonbury festival, joining Muse and Coldplay on Friday and Sunday respectively. Following the success of her globally successful album 25, this will be her first festival performance. She announced her involvement during a concert at London’s O2 arena, although she has previously stated her reluctance to play at Glastonbury due to the large crowds. There has been some criticism around whether her music fits in with a festival format, but you can’t deny that she will be a unique headliner.

Sainsbury’s to sell records

/ James Fenney

sainsbury_sLast year Tesco became the first UK supermarket to reintroduce vinyl records into their stores with a limited run of Iron Maiden’s ‘The Book of Souls’. Sainsbury’s have decided to go one better and will begin selling a select range of vinyl from March 21st. The LPs they plan to stock mostly consist of classic albums from the likes of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie, as well as some more recent bestsellers such as Adele and Amy Winehouse. With the vinyl due to be sold in 171 locations, Sainsbury’s will soon have more record outlets than any other UK retailer.

Must Own Albums: St. Patrick’s Day

/ James Fenney

the-joshua-tree-u2U2 – The Joshua Tree

This is the album that made U2 one of the most famous and commercially successful bands of all time. The album’s big hits ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’, ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ and ‘With or Without You’ came to define their sound and was one of the best opening trios of songs on an album.

thin_lizzy1Thin Lizzy – Live and Dangerous

The greatest Irish rock band were always destined to produce one of the world’s best live albums. Charismatic frontman Phil Lynott, and the duelling guitars of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, go on a whirlwind our of some the band’s biggest hits including ‘Jailbreak’, ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ and ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’. One of the most underrated bands at their peak.

astral-weeksVan Morrison – Astral Weeks

“Van The Man” took a radical step away from the big hits such as ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ for his second album. His tender yet powerful vocals, his hypnotic stream of consciousness style lyrics and his blend of folk, rock, soul and jazz made it one of the most daring and enchanting albums ever made. Although often overlooked, he has deeply influenced so many incredible artists in a way that few other artists have.

Rum_sodomy_and_the_lashThe Pogues – Rum, Sodomy & the Lash

Shane MacGowan and the gang have always been unique, blending punk, traditional Irish folk music and a “fuck it” attitude. Equal parts brash and romantic, this was the bands finest hour. Featuring the hits ‘Dirty Old Town’ and ‘A Pair Of Brown Eyes’ it is an album from a band that remain quite unlike anything else, and yet are quintessentially Irish.

 

Keith Emerson passes away

/ James Fenney

Photo of EMERSON LAKE & PALMER

There has been yet another tragic loss to the world of music as prog legend Keith Emerson has sadly passed away aged 71. Rising to fame through Emerson, Lake & Palmer he was one of the most talented and innovative keyboardists in music history. Known for his flamboyant performances and wide array of equipment, he pioneered the use of synthesizers and was the first ever artist to tour with a Moog as part of his setup. He made a lasting impact on music history and our thoughts are with his family and friends.

George Martin passes away

/ James Fenney

george martin

Legendary producer Sir George Martin has passed away aged 90. Commonly referred to as the “fifth Beatle”, he signed the fab four to Parlophone after other labels had turned them down. He produced all but one of their albums, played piano on a number of tracks and constantly pushed them to be as innovative as possible on albums such as Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The most famous and most successful music producer in history, he has also worked with Cilla Black, Elton John and Jeff Beck and has produced two Bond themes. Few people have ever contributed so much to our culture and yet not be in the limelight. His work will live on as the lasting legacy of a great man.