Hello! Sitting watching the world go by and thinking Time's a weird thing... This summer has absolutely flown by, but when I think back to the end of June, I was actually worried that I wouldn't be able to fill 10 weeks of holiday. Though here I am, pretty much into my ninth week and feeling like I've accomplished things. It's honestly been one of the best summers for a long long time, if not ever; I've turned 18, experienced nightlife, read 3 books (seen as I couldn't concentrate enough for years to do this - it's pretty big news) , laughed/cried and pondered with friends, met some lovely people, started my TO training, started a blog, been to Italy for the first time... The list is endless. I've loved pretty much every second. I don't think it's always about being chock-a-block busy, just chilling with people you love is suffice. The best plans are the impromptu ones, after all. Sorry to bore people with the self indulged talking, it's just sometimes you don't actually realise how much you've done until you put pen to paper, or rather 'fingers to keypad'.
The song I've decided on today, is to mark the 57th birthday of the one and only Michael Jackson, so it seems fitting to upload a song in honour. During his lifetime, his actions were (putting it lightly) controversial, but I don't write this blog to make a judgement on his personal life, moreover, his musical talent. Despite not being a 'die hard' fan of his music generally, I can appreciate how good a performer, singer and choreographer he was. His music was brilliant and he did change the boundaries other artists had failed to push before him. For this, we must be grateful.
"Man in the mirror' is my favourite song out of all of his work by far and I feel everyone can relate to the lyrics. There is truth in them. Someone once told me "When everything is going wrong, look to yourself, it's the one factor that everything has in common". Sorry for quickly getting deep, I have a habit of doing that... Have a lovely day, Molly x
Decided to start writing this a few days ago but being the easily distracted person that I am, I haven't got round to finishing it. So hopefully I shall today!
Written on 26/8/2015
You know when you're really busy one day and then chilled the next and it leaves you feeling super bored? Well today is that day... Not complaining, college starts back soon and I'll be counting down the days 'till the holidays again, c'est le vie and all that.
Yesterday was lovely though, ended up meeting a friend that I actually met through being a penfriend via a charity a couple of years ago. We hadn't seen each other in a while and it was great to catch up in Derby.
Being a Staffordshire girl through and through, I'm used to the shopping limitations that the potteries shopping centre provides and enjoyed the excitement of the likes of H&M, Zara and Ark.
Window shopping is all that I could afford but still, if I got any more clothes my mum would scream.
Continued 27/8/2015
(Thought I'd put the dates in case people were like "wait a minute I swear she was on FB for most of yesterday. The liar" which is sadly true.)
But anyway, like many thousands of others, I was overwhelmed by how amazing Callum Scott's voice was, when he auditioned for 'Britains Got Talent' earlier this year.
He covered a song originally sung by Robyn called "Dancing on my own". I'd never heard it prior to his audition, but the lyrics and the way he performed them actually made me cry. It's so beautifully sad.
By the way, if you're unfamiliar with the clip, the girl in the wings is his sister Jade - who auditioned before Calum. Unfortunately despite being able to sing, she didn't get through, but as you can tell from all the glances they're so supportive of each other, it's lovely.
He has now released a proper single of his version the song, but I've put the actual audition on here as I it shows how genuinely down-to-earth he is.
Through following him on Facebook, I know that he's just released a version of Ella Henderson's track "Yours" and I think he's done a good job. It's definitely worth a listen if you get chance.
"Flowers in the window" by Travis is a song I can distinctly remember from growing up, but I completely forgot about for a while. It was only when I was walking down the street one day and a busker was singing it that I remembered what a brilliant song it is.
The video threw me a little as the theme is primarily pregnancy, but trying to put my analysis head on, I think it represents growth and change. Like growing up and the loved ones around you witnessing it. Although this is just my interpretation, it could be about something different for all I know, so I wouldn't pay too much attention...
We actually have got flowers in the window and I'm surprised at how much watching something grow cheers me up.
I was curious last year and decided to plant an apple pip from inside the apple I'd just eaten. Don't ask me why, think I was bored and actually wondered what would happen. To my amazement it actually grew and now I have little seedlings that I don't know what to do with...
Anyone want an apple tree? I'm your gal.
I'm glad to find that's it's not just me who loves this song, when released in 2002 it reached 18th place in the UK singles charts. From my research I'm interested to find that Paul McCartney helped to finish the ending, after hearing it and liking it.
Anyway, uploading all this music got me thinking about how much songs, actually (like physically) impact my life. So here's the typical scenario;
I walk into a shop that looks pretty interesting from the outside... Don't actually know why as I'm pretty much always skint... Still I walk in...Think "woah it's too expensive and/or what am I doing in here? Pretty sure I don't need cooking utensils?"... Go to leave but realise a good song's just come on...Think "yeah. I can hover".
For once I actually don't feel like putting music on here, but I really want to put a poem on.
I would love to say that I first heard of it whilst in the midst of serious academic study, but that'd be a lie. It was whilst watching the very moving film 'The Blindside'.
It was then that I first saw how deeply sad but beautiful this poem is. Kathy Bates reads it in the film, whilst playing a tutor and even though I can only put it on here to be read, it really has more impact when said out loud. (It is very long but you won't be disappointed if you read it all).
1.
Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.
"Forward, the Light Brigade!
"Charge for the guns!" he said:
Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.
2.
"Forward, the Light Brigade!"
Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldier knew Someone had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die:
Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.
3.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell Rode the six hundred.
4.
Flash'd all their sabres bare,
Flash'd as they turn'd in air,
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army, while All the world wonder'd:
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right thro' the line they broke;
Cossack and Russian
Reel'd from the sabre stroke Shatter'd and sunder'd.
Then they rode back, but not Not the six hundred.
5.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro' the jaws of Death
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them, Left of six hundred.
6.
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made! All the world wondered.
Honor the charge they made,
Honor the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred.
I know It's a poem many people are already quite familiar with, as it's so incredibly famous. It was written in 1854 about the battle of the Balaclava in the Crimean War and is considered to be a classic. I even once read somewhere that it was on the top ten list of poems people learn off by heart at school. I can only ask HOW?!
It's so long!
But hats off to you, it's brilliant.
In case you're unfamiliar with the story, it's all about the army (of '600') following the orders of their Commander/Sergant General. It's said that the disaster that left many dead in the 'charge', was due to a bad decision strategically speaking. The army, although realising this, still obeyed the order out of respect and loyalty to their commander.
When I read Tennyson's words I can feel the mix of fear and absolute loyalty, that I'm sure he would've wanted to portray.
Enjoying the unexpected warm weather?
I found myself going for a walk on the big grassland where I live yesterday, affectionately known as 'The Plot'. It was brilliant, until British summertime kicked in and decided to chuck it down. Bad at the best of times, but not least when you've just decided to walk up the tallest bank you could find...
To be honest it didn't get too bad, until my walk to the cinema involved a full blown storm. It got to the point where I thought: "If lightning hit, would the electricity travel down my umbrella?"
Anyway I survived.
I'm currently chilling and have decided to watch 'Top of the Pops'. I forgot how much I love this show, occasionally still repeated from the 70s/80s/90s on BBC 4. My dad grew up watching "every week" and never fails to tell me how big of an occasion watching it was. We always laugh at the story of how jealous he was when my uncle managed to get tickets to be part of the audience.
Aside from the great music, I love seeing how much style has changed.
To me, most of the style is so mundane (for the period anyway), the singers look like they could easily be your neighbour Kevin. As if they just stumbled into the studio and got a guitar thrust upon them :D. Either that or their style is so wacky it makes Lady GAGA seem boring.
It's great, why can't it still be like that?
So I thought I'd pick a couple of tracks from this particular episode.
Squeeze - 'Up the junction' (1979)
Elvis Costello and The Attractions - Oliver's Army (1978)
This is the first time I've decided to write a blog using my phone and to be honest, being one of the few teens now still wrestling with their Nokia instead of the wonders of apple technology, I have little faith that this wont crash and burn.
I think I'm turning nocturnal. For the past week, I'm tired when I go to bed, but unable to sleep :( Not good for a irritable person, like myself, who screams SHUT UP to anyone vaguely probing in the morning. My idea of "vaguely probing" being "would you like tea or coffee?"
I've chosen this song from a cool group of musicians known as "Simple Minds". This song comes straight out of the 80's - I know, I'm abit of an 80's throwback born into the 21st century - and is the soundtrack to my favourite film of all time.
The breakfast club.
If you haven't had the privilege to see it yet, you know you're going to be in good hands when you hear it was directed by John Hughes. A director otherwise known for other wonderful 80's films like 'Pretty In Pink' and 'Ferris Bueller's day off'.
The breakfast club tells the story of five individuals, each representing classes/types in society, finding themselves understanding each other (and themselves) whilst in detention. It sounds like a really complex story but it really isn't. It's just a group of teenagers struggling with angst, whilst trying to have fun and make their mark on the world. Sound familiar?
It's interesting to see that despite backgrounds or experiences, we are all fundamentally the same. Somewhere we all crave love and acceptance and this is shown through the culmination of their full day trapped in high school. I cannot recommend watching "The breakfast club" highly enough.
"(Don't you) forget about me" opens the film with this poignant quote from David Bowie:
"...And these children
that you spit on
as they try to change their worlds
are immune to your consultations,
they're quite aware
Of what they're going through..."
It's all about acceptance and I don't think acceptance is ever craved more than at school. Unless you're confident enough in yourself to think "Yes this is me, I am what I am, nice to meet you".
Once again I never fail to find human phycology interesting.
Ah it's been a busy day... You travel to Nottingham to see a friend and find yourself in IKEA. To be honest I don't know what it is about that shop, but it makes me so happy. It's like "oooo...that bedding is so nice I should just get some more to happily sit in my cupboard". Mmm... Middle aged much?
My song choice today is such a great tune, it had to be uploaded sometime.
The Stereophonics version is my favourite, but there's actually quite a lot of history behind this song and it's been covered various times.
According to my research* 'Handbags and Gladrags' was originally written in 1967 by a man called Mike D'abo. When questioned on his inspiration behind it, he explained that it was "Saying to a teenage girl that the key to happiness is not through being trendy. There are deeper values."
Some of the main covers of particular note, are as follows (although I've not mentioned them all);
Chris Farlow was the first person to release a version of the song in 1967.
Then later, in 1969, Rod Stewart recorded a version for his album "An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down". But it was only when released as a single in 1972, that it managed to chart on the 'Billboard's top 100'. A year before that Bill Chase, with his band 'Chase', recorded their version of this popular song.
But It was only in 2001, when the Welsh band Stereophonics released a version of it as a single, that it peaked to number 3 in Ireland. The story goes that the band actually only recorded the song "for a laugh", but when the record company heard it, they saw the potential and commissioned a single.
Of course, many of you might recognise it as being the instrumental for the opening credits of the immensely popular British sit-com "The Office". It's "immensely popular" in my book anyway.
It's such a chilled song, with such beautiful lyrics, that I don't know how anyone could not like it really.
I was actually thinking about putting something else I love on here. Something that can captivate me as much as music does and that's poetry.
I know what you’re thinking...
“Perhaps this isn’t the blog post for me, maybe I should log back into Facebook” but hold on. I want to banish the dusty and immensely ignorant stereotype that poetry is boring.
If you think about it, how is poetry really any different from your favourite song?
Apart from the accompanying instruments, fundamentally, all lyrics start off as poetry. All that is different asides from the melody is how you approach it.
So I thought I’d post the best poem I feel I’ve read so far. That being:
“They Did Not Expect This” By Vernon Scannell
"They did not expect this. Being neither wise nor brave And wearing only the beauty of youth's season They took the first turning quite unquestioningly And walked quickly without looking back even once. It was of course the wrong turning. First they were nagged By a small wind that tugged at their clothing like a dog; Then the rain began and there was no shelter anywhere, Only the street and the rows of houses stern as soldiers. Though the blood chilled, the endearing word burnt the tongue. There were no parks or gardens or public houses: Midnight settled and the rain paused leaving the city Enormous and still like a great sleeping seal. At last they found accommodation in a cold Furnished room where they quickly learnt to believe in ghosts; They had their hope stuffed and put on the mantelpiece But found, after a while, that they did not notice it. While she spends many hours looking in the bottoms of teacups He reads much about association football And waits for the marvellous envelope to fall: Their eyes are strangers and they rarely speak.They did not expect this.
I can’t say why it captivates me as much as it does. I actually first read it whilst studying GCSE English literature and was fortunate enough to have an amazing tutor to help me appreciate how brilliant writing can be. On first inspection, I remember not really understanding much of the deeper aspects to it. All that I could see was a basic story of a young, but foolish couple, that fall in love early on the grounds of hope for better. When this hope cannot be found, the love dies. Even then on the most basic level it’s still an interesting story. I mean, I know it’s not the most heart- warming stuff, but it's the beautiful way it's told that draws me in. My favourite line is actually at the start; "Being neither wise nor brave and wearing only the beauty of youth's season”. I just think it says so much about the decisions we all make, that are not always based on solid thinking. It seems we’re all rushing to the next thing without contemplating the present. This also reminds me of a quote I once heard on TV. “I am beginning to see, that the only reason anyone ever does anything is either love or fear” Ah... I think that's my profound thinking done for the day. And so to the 'good stuff'... 'A Town Called Malice’ By The Jam
If I’m honest, this is a song I actually only first heard through watching the film version of ‘Billy Elliot’, but if I had to pick one band who’s whole sound/vibe I completely get,then 'The Jam’ would be that band. I really can’t say why. Some people might think it sounds like some talented but angry musicians, but this is what I like. I like the rebellion and edginess of it all. This track from 1982 is one of my favourites along with "Going underground" and "Eton rifles" or rather ETON RIFLES! Although I don't think I'm alone in having these as my favourites. I love the broad Surrey accent that comes through on all their songs and adds so much to their punk/rock style. I should really spend time telling you about the wonders of their music, as they are incredible, but I’ve gone on enough. However, they are definitely worth researching so I’ve added the link from their BBC music page - http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/23228f18-01d5-493e-94ce-cfcde82a8db2
As I find myself now awake, un-characteristically early, I thought I may as well do something productive. As a girl who likes her sleep as much as chocolate (an awful lot), one may ask; Well why Molly? Why on earth are you up at the unGodly hour of 6.35am?
And the answer; BECAUSE THE RADIO WOKE ME WITH BLASTS OF "GOOD MORNING" that's why.
'good morning' - "Is it though? Is it really?!"
To be honest if I get this annoyed, maybe I've picked the wrong career ahead...
"After all the love I give to the radio, this is how you repay me?!"
And then I remembered to stop my rant as it is morning and I do need to get up sometime and "Carpe Diem".
Alas, I am here and feeling better after a cereal bar and coffee. Infact I'm quite chirpy.
I had to put this song on today, as for the past week I've been singing it badly all through the house over the groans of "shut up". I even contemplated doing that really annoying/out dated thing of posting the lyrics onto Facebook, like I'd reached some epiphany or something? Luckily I had sense and snapped out of it.
So without further ado;
Despite being released on 10 September 2014 "Shut up and dance" is now the tenth track on the latest 'Now' album. This being, Now 91. Thought I better put the album number for those like me who have completely lost count. After doing my research* I can confirm that the track was released as the lead single from the band's second album 'Talking is hard' and was written by Ben Berger and Ryan McMahon.
It's become the biggest hit to date for this alternative rock band, despite having released an their third album earlier this year entitled "Different colours". (I'm yet to listen to this, but I've now put it on my 'To do' list).
I only heard "Shut up and dance" for the first time around 3 weeks ago and completely adored it. At first I quite honestly thought it was some edgy 80's track that I'd missed and was so pleased to find that people are still managing to release music in this 80's pop anthem style today.
Enjoy!
Molly x
P.S - Thought I'd better add that if you do happen to see music lyrics on your Newsfeed - curtesy of me anytime soon, please spare me the hypocrisy thoughts. Sometimes the urge to look like an idiot is evidently too hard to resist.
Firstly, I love this track written by Paul Simon (of Simon and Garfunkel fame) and so had to put it on here. I even strangely love the video too, but think it's got something to do with it being so stereotypically 80's.
I mean, who doesn't love a bubblegum pink background?
This song was the first track to be released on Simon's album 'Graceland'. It's a very cool song. Enough said.
But I want to talk about something that I was pondering over yesterday.
After a pretty boring day of Netflix and Facebook, I was really looking forward to going to see an oasis tribute band locally, called 'Definitely Might be'. (Also a massive fan of oasis, so no doubt a bit of Gallagher will be on here shortly) . However unfortunately due to various events, the lovely friend I was going to go with, couldn't go. It really wasn't her fault and these things happen but it meant I had two tickets and no one to go with - you can't very well go to a gig on your own can you? That'd look very cool...
This proved quite a conundrum as at such short notice everyone had plans/was on holiday and or ill. Selfish people ;). I completely understood, but still sat there in my dress, with make up on I thought was vaguely on point (as 'on point' someone like me can get), hair curled, looking like a muffin.
It was only after a quick message from one friend who said she was going out for the night and I'd be welcome to come, that I stopped preparing myself for a long night in ahead crying into hot chocolate.
In the end I had such a good night, that by Revolution (the name of one of the establishments I danced happily in) I thought "mm, yeah...better stick to water".
If you've had the perseverance to get through that paragraph of pity to joy, I promise I do have a point to make. I thought "Was I meant to do this all along? Was I never really meant to go to the gig?". I am aware that it's all a little deep and might of been due to the strawberry daiquiri, but I can't help thinking sometimes, is there such thing as choices or is it just fate? Is it a case of if you're not meant to be somewhere, you're not or is that just something we tell ourselves to make the missed opportunities not seem as bad or as much our fault?
It's just interesting and I don't think there'll ever be an answer but still. .. if you can't put your weird thoughts on a blog where can you put them eh?
Hope that got you thinking and also hope I'm not the only one who clearly overthinks.
All I know is I would definitely do last night again if I could, and I'm so grateful to all the people who tried to help me out when I rang/messaged them. Big love to you busy lot.
I’m absolutely hating the weather today and you know they days when you feel you need to open the Ben and Jerry’s and gorge-eat cookie dough, it’s that depressing. It is exactly like the old argument though. Every shop you walk into in England in a heatwave, throbs a chorus of “It’s just TOO hot...There isn’t any air...I CAN’T BREATHE...I’ve even taken to opening my windows at night” and, I think, thanks for letting me in on that. But again once it rains everybody wants to start playing Mr Blue Sky (everyone loves a bit of ELO), setting up the barbie and slapping on suncream.
However I need to stop myself moaning as, like my mum wisely states “It makes the flowers grow” after all.
Anyway, my song choice for today is from another of my most loved artists.
P!nk.
I don’t just love her music, with sassy and cutting lyrics, but also her attitude she seems to have towards life and of course her amazing hair. I dip-dyed the ends of my hair purple last year but I freely admit it was a bit of a disaster. Some things you have to accept only goddesses like P!nk pull off I guess.
It was really hard to pick a song as I quite honestly love 90% of her music, but I’ve settled on ‘Raise Your Glass’ from 2010.
I can remember I was in the car when I first heard it and instantly loved it right from the intro. It never fails to make me dance and I love the lyrics. “So raise your glass if you are wrong in all the right ways”.
The meaning speaks for itself but I find it so empowering. That’s what I find most fascinating about people, how different we all are and yet it’s the quirks that decipher our admiration/love for them.
As promised, here’s a review of the first 'Teenage Market’ to hit my city in May. Please note that because it was written a few months ago, my tender age of ‘seventeen’ noted, might confuse people and I'm now of course eighteen (I’m not really that embarrassed of giving my age away yet - I swear!).
Review of my local
Teenage Market
(Saturday 16th
May 2015)
Being an inquisitive
seventeen year old, currently obsessed with anything remotely ‘hipster-esque’
the lour of a ‘Teenage’ Market to hit my area was too good to resist. This is
the craze currently sweeping the country, where-by traders and performers at
these events are all between the ages of 12-25.
The idea of bringing
young enterprise into a community is always a good one to my mind and can only
be beneficial. It not only allows budding entrepreneurs to gain experience, but
also feeds more money into the town as a whole.Over all helping to regenerate our somewhat tired city.
After a short walk
from the bus station we found ourselves (A couple of like-minded friends and I)
in Albion Square, complete with around fifteen marquees stretching through the
centre. It definitely seemed interesting, but in all honesty was slightly
disappointing in view of its scale.
I had seen the market
both advertised in the local paper and on billboards for a while and I suppose
I expected more businesses’ to take advantage. After all the sunny, dry weather
was on the stallholder’s side.
However perhaps this
initial judgement was a little harsh, as a cheery stallholder soon told me that
this was in fact the first teenage
market in our city, and of course we were ‘testing the water’ so to speak. I
was intrigued to hear that events like this have been taking place up and down
the country as a way of bringing opportunity to youth. All done in a modern,
laid back way that a market in the 21st century boasts.
Stalls ranged from fresh
homemade cakes (which I of course had to sample) to vintage and retro clothes
and a wide selection of jewellery. One stand sold quirky crocheted crop tops
and accessories, whilst another allowed an array of feathers to be put
semi-permanently into hair. Alongside stallholders performances from singers
could also be heard and added to the ambience nicely.
Overall, my first
experience of a teenage market was a pleasant one. My only wish would be for
more people my age to take up this opportunity if (and hopefully when) it next
arises, but as yet I am unaware when an event like this is due to happen again,
locally any time soon… I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!
My song choice today is slightly more contemporary than of late.
I’m a massive fan of Hozier and his latest album is the most recent album I’ve brought (also entitled with the same name). I absolutely adore the modern blues tone he has in his voice and literally sit listening to his tracks for hours. Even the album cover is cool Dali style abstract. What’s not to love really?
Jackie and Wilson is track 3 and has to be one of my absolute favourites. It’s classed in the genre of ‘rock’ and I always think it seems slightly more classic than the release date suggests. I certainly haven’t heard anything similar in modern music, but can’t really describe what it reminds me of or what I could compare it to. As far as I’m aware it’s only reached number 18 in the charts, but I feel it hasn’t had the recognition it deserves! It was actually one of my close friends that first introduced me to the wonders of this song and I have been hooked ever since.
So without further ado...
And as I’m feeling a little random and haven’t got much inspiration on what to write about today, I thought I’d share a review I did of the first teenage market to come to my city in May (which I’ll post shortly). I had a really cool time and if you're bored have a gander.
One love - Bob Marley
"One love, one heart. Lets get together and feel all right”
It felt right for this to be my chosen song today, it’s just one of the most chilled and positive songs out there and as I’m in the same mood, I thought why not?
If I’m honest I haven’t listened to much reggae other than this song yet and I think I should. I’m always finding music I love in genres I wasn’t expecting to, it’s probably all about having an open mind.
Anyway, I haven’t got that much to say today other than contemplating the wonders of coffee in the morning. I swear I don’t think I could function without it anymore and the one we’ve got is pretty cool too.
A few months ago I was at a craft market whilst away and after wondering through the very tempting cakes and this one amazing paper craft stand, a lady was selling coffee. My mother and I, being the coffee lovers that we are, started up a conversation and found that this coffee was being sold in attempt to raise money for a wonderful charity called “The peace and hope Trust”.
The packet states “The peace and hope trust is a UK based charity and has been working in Nicaragua since 1996... This roasted coffee comes directly from our own farm in the beautiful region of Matagalpa at an elevation of 3,600 feet.”
“The farm provides employment for local families and profits from the sale of this coffee support our work among poor and marginalised people in Nicaragua”
On their website ( http://www.peaceandhope.org.uk/welcome.htm ), it states that their missions include Medical care, volunteer teams to construct schools, clinics, hurricane shelters and other infrastructure, sourcing greatly needed equipment and supplies for the people of Nicaragua and providing education scholarships to ‘promising Nicaraguans’. That’s only some of what they do!
Wonderful isn’t it?
It’s also incredible to think that by me just buying coffee, it would go to help such amazing work hundreds of miles away. So in fact, this coffee isn’t a boring thing to write about at all and proves my belief that everything has a story behind it.
I remember being really interested when the lovely lady who sold me the coffee, explained that I could join the charity and volunteer to go out on one of their missions. Unfortunately because of current education/work commitments I couldn’t at the moment but it is definitely something I want to do in the future. I think it’s such an amazing opportunity, I’d love to help, even if just a little.
I hope this post has introduced you too a charity you might not have heard of and hopefully raised more awareness of the good work that often goes unnoticed.
I have to say I think I’m still half asleep this morning so bare with me!
I said yesterday about Starting my ‘TO’ Training at my local Hospital Radio Station. This basically means that I can broadcast alone (once fully trained), as well as just co-present on air. But as hospital radio isn’t very well known, I thought I’d explain exactly what Hospital Radio is. As well as; what it’s used for, what my role is and how I’ve come to be a part of such an amazing team.
My Experience
I first started looking at joining after knowing for a while that I wanted to go into Broadcast Journalism - Particularly radio and TV broadcasting. Some time in January, I think it was originally my Mum’s idea along the lines of “Have you ever thought about doing hospital radio?”
She knew that there was such a thing, but asides from that we weren’t sure what it would involve, other than knowing it must offer great experience.
From there I filled out an online application form and got a phone call for a short interview within the week. My first impressions were amazing... A little cottage on the edge of the hospital sight awaited me and at first I thought, “It can’t be here, surely?” but it was!
Everyone was so friendly and constructively told me what the job would involve, letting me decide whether I could hold to the commitment. Which of course I said I could!
Then I got shown around the largest records library I’d ever seen. Complete with CD’s, LP’s, Singles and Minidiscs, many of which kindly donated. Being the music lover that I am, I was in heaven! Then I got shown the two studios in which we broadcast from. This is where I thought for about the tenth time “Yes. This is where I want to be”.
The one point that was made clearest to me is that IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PATIENTS. It all may be very well and good to enjoy the presenting, learning, communicating etc... And you should, but we are a Charity organisation and primarily we work for the comfort of the patients. I completely agreed and thought it was a wonderful organisation. Having had a long-term health condition my self, I know how isolating being in doors with very little or no human contact can be. I know how much music helps, it seems to transport the listener anywhere, just for a few minutes and to be honest I think that’s quite magical.
After many necessary checks (DBS, occupational health etc...) I started in the April of this year.
For a few hours every Saturday and Monday, I now collect requests then go back and source the records, compile the order in which they are played and co-present a show. At times it could be seen as hard work as you don’t seem to stop, but I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I love it. I’ve made so many amazing and inspiring people already and I would definitely recommend doing voluntary work of any description. Provided you can stick to the commitment, of course.
What is Hospital Radio and when did it start? *
It is a form of broadcasting for the sole use of in-patients in hospital. The earliest Hospital Radio station started in Washington, America in May 1919. The first in the UK was in York County Hospital, England in 1925. These original broadcasts’ consisted many of church services and sports commentaries.
I hope if anything, this has taught you a little more than you knew before about Hospital Radio and perhaps even inspired you to do something out of your comfort zone?
Anyway, as in the usual fashion, I will now proceed in picking today’s song :D...
Rod Stewart Maggie May
I love Rod Stewart’s voice. It’s just so deep and husky that you can’t help focus all your attention on it when his music’s playing. Once again picked purely on the basis of my love for the song. Although it does always remind me of summer, the kind of baking hot days when all the windows are down in the car, just driving and singing (with other weirdos obviously! :D ). My parent’s were actually fortunate enough to see him live a couple of years ago and plainly stated that he was amazing.
Now, everybody who knows me, knows I love The Beatles. So much so though that I think I need to distance myself from their originality, for fear of it becoming Un-original!
Have you ever done that?
Loved something so much that you listen or watch it repeatedly, until eventually the brilliance wears off? When Adele released her album 21 and the comic genius of Gavin and Stacey are good examples of this.
So I’m not actually that bothered about posting a Beatles track on here even though they indeed are the ‘Fab Four’,but I’ve found one of the very few diary entries I’ve ever written in my lifetime and it happens to be about the first time I ventured to Liverpool. Of course you can’t write a music themed blog, mention Liverpool and not mention the Beatles - so what can you do?
I thought I’d just put the parts that are possibly going to be of the most interest.
Headed : “Written on 13-08-2014 About 12-08-2014”
“Yesterday I had the best day I’ve had in a long time, if not ever. It was the day me and my mum went to Liverpool...I wanted to go to this historic city after reading the book called “Please Miss” (I shall attach more details if you want to read at the bottom)...”
I then go on to moan, how, like usual “Mum famed for her lateness, caused a rush and despite me setting off early, caused us to run for the 9.36am train”
(Thought I’d add that - everybody likes to hear no body’s perfect don’t they?)
My description of Liverpool Lyme Street Station states it being a “Beautiful grand station encased by ginormous windows, shedding light and warmth to the whole area”. I go on to mention feeling “welcome” in “completely unfamiliar surroundings” with on all sides the sights of “museums, galleries and theatres; all such mesmerising Georgian looking buildings”
I start explaining all the wonderful places I saw on the top deck of a sightseeing bus.
“From the largest shopping centre in Europe - Which you can zip-wire through at 40 Mph - to the Canadian Boulevard”, gazing at the “equally beautiful but extremely different, Anglican and Catholic Cathedrals, The bombed out church from the 1941 Blitz...The famous red and white bricked ‘Bacon’ building” adding that it was once owned by “The White Star Line”. I follow with “China town and all it’s vibrant colours” and of course “The Liver Building”.
If you’ve managed to get to this point you can probably tell by now that I love describing, even in my own diary!
I do of course go onto describe the main excitement of the trip for me, that was, “The Beatles Story Museum”. (I would definitely recommend going!)
My love of the Beatles started around 6 months before this trip and although I’d always grown up with the huskiness of John Lennon’s voice in the background thanks to my father, some things can’t be appreciated until you’ve grown. But what I love most about their music, asides from making me think of typical nostalgia of the 60’s (beehives, cat-flick eyes, coffee bars), is really the simplicity of their music. I’m not technical enough on the music front to tell you the harmonies, accompaniments, levels etc... except for the fact I hear everything even if I can’t describe it. I don’t think I’ll be the only one there. Although I do know from the explanations of broadcasters, at a Radio Station that I volunteer at, that their music does have very different level changes in it, than the music of the 50’s prior or the late 70’s after. (at least in they're early stuff). Asides from turning Skiffle into Rock and Roll for perhaps the first time, revolutionising music, I love that they were just four ordinary Liverpool Lads.
One thing I do remember from that first trip to Liverpool, is how friendly everyone was. Always happy to help and making jokes in that dry sarcasm that I just love!
Other sites of interest were; Pier head, The ‘Echo arena’ and of course Albert Dock, where ’The Beatles Story Muesum’ is situated.
So yes, it was an amazing day and i’m actually really glad that I bothered to write it all down as I’m astounded by how much I’d forgotten! So you may ask... did she go again as she swore to her mother she would that day? Well, the answer is Yes!
I was actually lucky enough to celebrate my 18th earlier this year by staying over with three of my friends. Although my experiences were very different (nightlife etc...) they were good in many other ways and I couldn’t have asked for a better night. We watched an amazing Beatles tribute, front row at the Cavern and stayed in the proper Beatles themed Hotel on the edge of the Cavern Quarter! (As epic as it sounds!).
So seen as this whole blog surrounds the Beatles I feel I need to post a song or two... As well as choosing my all time favourite (very tricky), I’ve also chosen one I only heard for the first time the other day from one of they're early albums ‘A hard days night’ - Released 1964. Both of which never reached number 1 in the UK, unlike so many of their others and so I hope you might not be as familiar with them.
‘If I fell’ - From ‘Hard Days Night’
’There’s a Place’ - First release on their debut LP ‘Please Please Me’ (my personal favourite)
Enjoy!
Seen as you might not know, I’m really hoping to pursue a career in Journalism, particularly in Broadcast Journalism and I start my tech training to man the Radio on my own today. This is at a charity radio station that I volunteer at. I will explain at little more about what this position means tomorrow as it’s become such a big part of my life and I love it. Anyway VERY excited to get my training started!! Wish me luck!
Molly x
Today's song, doesn't hold any particular memories for me, other than it's one of my favourite songs of all time. (Any music lover will know the infinite amount of literally amazing artists/sounds out there, compels me never to make a final judgement on my hands down favourite song). However I just find this song amazing. One of those where you're in the car and you have to abruptly end the convo with the person sitting next to you because IRIS HAS COME ON. The introduction for a start has got to be one of my absolute favourites (although Guns and Roses - Sweet Child 'o' Mine would win many awards on the intro front, in fact it probably has).
Doing my research on this* (Thanks Wikipedia), it was originally written to be the soundtrack of a 1998 film called "The city of angels" and as we all know comes from the bands 6th album called "Dizzy up the girl". This album also has one of my favourite covers, it's sort of grungy/mod/pop art - yes you can probably tell I'm in love with everything about this song. Unfortunately, due to not wanting to upset anyone on the copyright terms I can't get a copy of the cover on here, but look it up!
Now please don't anyone be offended that my first song choice is in fact a cover.
I do of course love Billy Bragg's original 'New England', but there is something about the husky innocence (sorry for sounding so pretentious, but just trying to describe it!) of Kirsty MacColl's voice that really works well with the Lyrics. Which by the way are beautiful.
I think this had to be the first song I put on here, as pretty much everyday I have a song that sticks with me and just keeps repeatedly playing in my head, (at times to the point of annoyance-__-), and this happens to be today's tune.
I think I do have some memories of childhood attached as I always remember a compilation of Kirsty's being one of my mum's few favourites.
If I was half as beautiful and had the voice too, I'd be very happy! But I think the reason I like her, and her music so much, is that she seemed really normal and down to earth. She was born in Croydon but I always relate her music as being of Irish origin - but maybe that has something to do with the Pogues?
And because the song is so beautiful I think the original should be up here too.
I don't know who I'm meant to be talking to here, if anyone, but I suppose that's the point of blogging isn't it?
I thought it only seems natural to make my first post about why I've chosen to write a blog. The answer to this, takes a few forms. Firstly and for-mostly, I love to write. I have all these thoughts, opinions, stories and ponderings and rather than boring and over sharing on Facebook, I'd rather blog. So that leads me on to my other reason; chatty ness (if that's a word?) with all of these thoughts, opinions, stories and ponderings, I feel I need to document some. To make space in my head to be quite honest, not so much for others to see (although they can!) but just to get everything down - sort of like a diary but without it being too personal, embarrassing and weird.
My friend was telling me how she might like to eventually go into writing as a career, so she blogs as it's a good place to start. I think she's right. It'll be funny for me to see if I have the resources, what I'll come out with :D.
The only hitch is... I don't think my life is that interesting. Aside from the occasional trip/night out/ eventful gathering. So I thought mainly I should write about what I love. That is music.
So alongside the odd "look where I've been today" post, I thought I'd document my thoughts through music. Sharing different artists, genres, themes to maybe make sense of daily life. Seems good enough to me.
Half a league onward,