HAIM GIG & ALBUM REVIEW

It feels like I've been waiting FOREVER (no pun intended) for the vinyl to drop, but finally, after a good month of just being able to listen on Spotify, I have my hands on it!

I already know pretty much all the songs on the album, but listening to it on my old vinyl player, sounds like I'm hearing it again for the first time. The only thing missing is you don't get to see Este's facial expressions!

It's been a crazy four years for the LA trio since their debut album 'Days Are Gone.' They've collaborated with the likes of Calvin Harris, Major Lazer and Bastille, as well supporting Rihanna and Taylor Swift on tour. A Grammy nomination even followed for Best New Artist, all off the back of their first album!

When I drafted this blog post a few weeks ago I'd written: "I've never been lucky enough to see Haim play live," this however changed last Friday night, when I watched the girls perform live, front of stage, at Leeds Festival. It was bloody awesome! I've never seen any band that close, Alana actually jumped into the crowd and I was holding her up! I'd been wanting to see Haim for five years and this gig certainly made the wait worth it! Here are some of the photographs I snapped at the gig on Friday.

The gig was everything and more. I'm still on that Haim high, even now, days after I saw them perform! My plan was to get close, but I never imagined I'd be on the front barrier. It really was a gig I'll always remember. Haim played all their classic songs from the first album, including some of my favourites, The Wire, Song 5, Falling & Let Me Go to name a few. As well as mixing it up with a handful of tracks from their new album too, which received an equal reaction as the classics!

Looking good on stage is also a main priority for these uber cool sisters, at Leeds Festival this was no exception. Leather, PVC, silk and glitter all featured in the band's rocker wardrobes. Sadly they didn't have any merch at the festival which was devastating, as I really wanted their 'Go Home Or Go Haim T-shirt'!

They wrapped up the gig by playing 'Right now' which morphed into a killer drum beat with Alana, Danielle & Este surrounding the drum kit with the crowd going wild as confetti filled the air. Performances like the one I'd just witnessed, plus their performance at Glasto earlier on this year, just shows that even after their long break writing the new record, Haim are back with a bang! I hope a U.K tour will be next on their list!

Another song I couldn't fail to mention in this post is their live rendition of Shania Twain's 'That Don't Impress Me Much' on Australian radio station Triple J. If you've still not heard this killer cover song on YouTube, I'll leave a link to it at the bottom of this post. (Why did that song not make the album?)

My stand out songs from the album are 'Found It In Silence' & 'Ready For You' these two songs are instantly recognisable as Haim classics. The lead single and first track on the new album 'Want You Back' also has to be up there, with a music video to match! The 'Want You Back' music video was filmed in Sherman Oaks, the hometown neighbourhood of the Californian sisters. The video is packed full of air drumming and shimmying, which you have to re-enact while listening along!

'Nothings Wrong' also has that total Haim vibe with a catchy chorus, even stopping completely half way through to build back up again. Last but not least, the song 'Right Now', which starts off as a slow burner with a simple beat and synth that gradually changes pace into one of the biggest tunes on the album. Love it!

I was worried this album wouldn't measure up to the debut, second albums are always hard to get right, but I think the girls once again have knocked it out the park! Danielle, Alana & Este have stuck to their roots and their sound which makes the band so unique.

Thankfully I can tell you that the synth, guitar riffs and drum beats all still remain the main focus of the new album, not forgetting those instantly recognisable voices. Over all 'Something To Tell You' is another classic album by Haim.

Click here to hear their cover of Shania Twain's 'That Don't Impress Me Much'. I bought the vinyl from HMV which cost £24.99. 

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FRIDAY AT LEEDS FESTIVAL

Well, I wasn't expecting that! Buying tickets to Leeds fest has been on my mind ever since I heard the line-up. Especially when hearing that two of my favourites Haim & Halsey were playing! Weirdly the last two pieces of vinyl I bought were Halsey's 'HFK' & Haim's 'Something To Tell You'. After listening to both killer albums and finding out they were both playing the same stage, one after another, I knew then, I had to get tickets! After all, last minute plans are the best kind, Agreed?

Believe it or not, Leeds was my first EVER U.K festival! After buying tickets on Thursday (very last minute) my sister and I drove down to Leeds Friday lunch time. We parked in the city centre and caught a bus to the festival. After getting inside, our first port of call was obviously the bar. I was driving, so couldn't go all out, but had to squeeze a couple of pints in. It would have been rude not too!

Leeds felt much smaller than I thought it was going to be, everything was super close. I suppose I'm used to the vast American festival sites, so walking around Leeds was a pleasant surprise. I dressed pretty casually to my normal festival get up as I got told that a lot more pints (of beer & bodily fluid) get thrown around during U.K festivals.

With that in mind, I rooted for my old trusty All Saints leather (easy to wipe clean) black scoop neck tee and some old skinny jeans. So if things got muddy or wet, it wasn't the end of the world. I did, however, wear a jazzy zebra print shirt for that rocker festival look, but sadly the sun didn't come out too loose the jacket.

Our first 'gig' of the day wasn't actually a musical one, it was the stand up comic Katherine Ryan. I've never been to a festival where comedians perform alongside music acts, so this was an awesome surprise. I'm a massive fan of Katherine, so getting to see her at the festival was an added bonus. Sadly we couldn't get into the tent as it was super full, but we did manage to stand on the edge catching all Katherine's very funny material, it was more like listening to an audio book in a field, but hey-ho.

The first major artist I was looking forward to seeing was, of course, Mr Gallagher. Sauntering onto the stage dressed in a trademark parka just as the sun was disappearing below the tree line, I knew we were in for something special. Liam opened with 'Rock 'N' Roll Star' mixing a medley of old Oasis classics with his new solo tracks throughout his performance.

His single 'Wall Of Glass' got one of the warmest responses from the crowd, but sadly he didn't play the one song I really wanted to hear, Chinatown. After Liam, we hit the Radio One NME tent to secure a killer position right in the centre of the crowd for Halsey.

I've seen Halsey perform once before, she was one of my standout performances at Coachella 2016, as soon as I heard her voice live, I knew I'd be hooked. I returned home and instantly bought her album. Her first album 'Badlands' is epic, it has huge cinematic sound coupled with deep bass lines and instrumentals. It really is an album you have to hear, as is her new release 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom'!

She has a haunting, very distinctive voice making her instantly recognisable on any record. She's had hits in the U.K with 'Closer' when collaborating with the Chainsmokers and a top 10 single with 'New Americana'. I think Halsey deserves to be a lot bigger than she currently is in the U.K.

If you've not given Halsey a listen, I strongly recommend that you do. 'Castle', 'Eyes Closed' & 'Ghost' are a handful of my favourite songs. She's one amazing artist to see live, as she ALWAYS puts on a huge show. What makes her even more impressive, is that she's only twenty- two years old! After Halsey's KILLER performance we edged our way forward and reached THE BARRIER, something I've never managed to do at any gig! Meaning we were in the DREAM position to see Haim!

The main and single reason I bought a ticket to Leeds was to see Halsey again and to see Haim for the very first time. After seeing Halsey smash her performance right in the centre of the crowd and getting super close, it was now time for the band I'd been waiting to see for five whole years! I still couldn't believe I was bang in the middle, on the front barrier, this gig was going to be one to remember!

Haim were the last band we saw Friday night and wrapped the festival up perfectly. I've got so much to say about their performance and new album I thought I'd make another post all about it. Album & gig review to follow Wednesday.

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HAPPY 39TH BIRTHDAY!

Today is my car's birthday! It was first registered on the road 23rd August, all the way back in 1978! My car is the best thing I've bought in my life, so far. I love my car, every time I get in and start the engine, it puts a smile on my face. I've always wanted a vintage car, it's something a little different to what you see on the roads, day to day. I suppose even my choice in a car was a style over substance decision. I was always told to "get something practical" & "get a car you can use every day." I hate conforming to a safe and secure means of living, so that's why I ignored all and bought myself a classic two seater soft top.

I'd still not change it for the world, yes it's broken down more times than I can remember. Yes, I've spent a lot of money fixing various problems, but when everything is working, when I'm driving on that perfect road, with the breeze in my hair and the sun on my face, it's THE BEST feeling in the world!

I bought my car from a guy who had a private car garage. He owned Ferrari's, TVR'S and Lamborghini's, all displayed on his front drive. Tucked away in the corner, under a tree was my little MG. As soon as I saw 'him' (I'll tell you later) I knew it was the car for me. A little rough around the edges and a MOT list down to the floor. That, however, didn't put me off, no matter what, I was driving this car home.

I still remember how different it was driving my car for the first time, how strange everything was, not to mention how small the car actually felt! I drove the car home with completely bald tyres, not realising this until turning into my first roundabout. I had to drive the car around fifty miles back home, the longest journey the car had made for a long time, as it was dry garaged for seven years previous to me buying it.

Eventually, I got home. I couldn't believe I'd bought this car, how cool it looked on the driveway, it was a really exciting time until I realised the locks didn't work. My car that night and every night since then has spent its nights tucked away in the garage, which I'm very thankful for. You can't really leave a vintage car out in the British weather, it just wouldn't last!

The next day I started the project that is still ongoing to this day. Fixing, replacing, cleaning every part of the car, replacing or spending time on making the car look better and function the way it should (locks first.) Seven years on, and I've got my car pretty much how I want it. I've had my ups and downs like every classic car owner when things don't go my way.

However, the main thing is that I've chosen to save a car from history, instead of letting the car fall into disrepair, I've chosen to do something about it. My car's milometer is coming up to hundred-thousand miles, which is quite an achievement for a car, hopefully, it will hit this bench mark over the next year. Ever since I spotted my car all those years ago I've become very attached him, so much, that yes, I have named it. Oliver.

I didn't want to write the countless stories I have about my car on my blog, it would be way too long! However, if you do want to hear them, plus see me driving my car, head across to my YouTube channel. Plus there are some tips to remember if you're ever going to buy a classic car of your own!

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JAMES BAY X TOPMAN

Topman has once again aced another celebrity endorsed range. I've been very excited to see this collection, ever since I found out James was collaborating with the high street brand. The last collaboration that caught my eye was back in 2015 with Nick Grimshaw. This exciting collaboration, with one of my favourite artists, is right up my street! I've always thought James was one cool guy, with equally killer style, not to mention his music!

I've been lucky enough to see James play live, two years ago at Coachella. He performed in the late afternoon at one of the indoor stages at the festival. I always remember how hot it was, it must have been in the high 30's, yet James still didn't take off his signature hat! Always abiding by the strict rule, style over substance!

I've done my background research and found out Bay didn't just put his name to the collection, James himself has had a profound input into the sketches and ideas behind the collection. Many pieces being designed by the main man himself, whilst working alongside Topman's Creative Director.

James commented in an interview: "I've taken a lot of inspiration from performing live and the way I dress on tour." I personally think James is one cool character and I love his sense of style, I knew this collection would be killer, and it certainly didn't disappoint! James also mentioned that many of the details he focused on are based on his original drawings and sketches. It's good to know he's actually played a big part in the designing stage. 

His collection features a few classic rockstar staples. I know James is a massive fan of the Rolling Stones and this sequined bomber jacket below reminds me of a similar piece I saw Mick Jagger wearing. I definitely think their style has been an inspiration of his. Other pieces in the collection include a slim black evening suit, a range of simple logo T-shirts with James' illustrations on, and not forgetting, two pairs of classic black skinny jeans.

As you can see I just had to buy something from his collection. I was patiently waiting on Wednesday, at midnight to be one of the first to order. Annoyingly it didn't go live until 3am! I thankfully woke up at 4am, and just managed to bag my favourite piece of the capsule- this suede brown Harrington. They only had four left in stock at that time, so I count myself VERY lucky!

The jacket was the piece James himself wore to the launch party, and personally, I think it's the best piece in the thirteen item collection. I absolutely love it! The jacket 100% leather and is designed to have a classic fit with visible stitching upon the soft suede fabric. It has a black zip fastening, with two angular chest pockets either side, all with popper buttons.

Sadly this jacket is no longer online after selling out in only a few hours after the collection went live on the 17th of August. Still there's a lot more awesome pieces to check out online. To shop the capsule at Topman click here. Head across to my YouTube channel to see the short video about my jacket. Search: The Unidentified Rocker.

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