THE ACCIOMIXTAPE REVIEW: The 1975 // The 1975

For fans of: Bastille; The Neighbourhood; alt-J; Micheal Jackson; Prince

Shit, it's good.

'The 1975' is the long-awaited eponymous debut studio album from the British indie-pop-rock band. The four-piece hailing from Manchester and surrounding areas have a lot of hype to live up to: since early 2012 they have exploded onto the indie rock scene and created quite a buzz for themselves.

After previously releasing music under various different personas, they signed to Dirty Hit (alongside the likes of Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Little Comets) and released their debut EP 'Facedown' as part of The 1975. The lead track 'The City' is also featured as track 2 on the album; a percussion-mad, thrilling piece of electro-pop music.

Next came a string of EPs which showcased further talent and radio-ready hits like 'Sex' (I, personally, prefer the EP version) and 'Chocolate' which attracted even larger amounts of attention and UK chart positions. Before they even knew it, the lads of The 1975 (Matty, Adam, George, and Ross), who have been playing together since school, had garnered a huge following, all hungry for a taste of the debut album.

Each song is rife with slightly Alex Turner-ish lyrics about:

• teenage angst ('Talk!' - a rythmic and shouty yet smooth record about society talking too loud.)
• sex (quite obviously in the song of that name; where Matty Healey's vocals shine and the guitar hooks are indulgent and compelling. Listen to the band's captivating unplugged version or Matty Healey's solo acoustic which beautifully showcases his raw, natural talent.)
• drugs (the unbelievably catchy, runaway hit single 'Chocolate' is a clever synonym for spliffs and is a stand-alone highlight from the record. It too has a rather nice acoustic version performed by Matty.)
• crime (most noticable in the title and lyrics of 'Robbers' - a sound unlike we've heard from the rest of the album. It's steamy, dark, and painfully personal yet still has that unique touch of The 1975.)

It's clear from their dance-rock hooks, electronic grooves, R&B blend, and funk infused sound that their band name has spawned from the wrong decade - but to call themselves 'The 1985' would be way too cliche. Songs like 'M.O.N.E.Y.' (a diverse vocal style and delicious melody, similar to songs on their previous EPs) and 'Girls' (one of my favourites from this album; the opening resembles the current modern-motown style of Bruno Mars' Treasure and, of course, the riffs are oh-so Kiss. With some lyrics reminiscent of their hit 'Chocolate', it's incredibly excitable, uplifting, and anthemic.) are so Prince-fab, it hurts.

Their signature style is most distinguishable with the bopping synths, syrupy harmonies and not-so-sweet lyrics on 'Heart Out', even complete with a 80s fueled sax. The following track 'Settle Down' proceeds to flow well with it's addictive drums and popping guitar riffs, throwing you back to the 80s again and again.

Tracks such as 'She Way Out' demonstrate the band's versatility as it's a more modern indie-rock sound that you'd hear from the likes of The Neighbourhood and the vocals are slightly comparable to Kings Of Leon and other contemporary alt-rock bands of the moment. Whereas, 'Menswear' sways towards more of a light hip-hop or chill R&B style record. It's lyrics remind me of a song from their most recent EP 'IV' called 'So Far (It's Alright)'. The succeeding track 'Pressure' has a similar feel to 'Chocolate', partly due to it's twin guitar hook. That pesky 80s sax makes another appearance too, perhaps creating a more chilled-out feel.

The record ends unexpectedly with something completely unique; a slowed down, haunting piano ballad called 'Is There Somebody Who Can Watch You'. A vulnerability we've never heard from them before is revealed in this thoughtful and striking way to end one of the best debuts I've heard all year. Big things are to come for The 1975, but I think we knew that from the beginning.

THE 1975 // THE 1975 IS RELEASED MONDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 2013 THROUGH DIRTY HIT RECORDS

ITUNES

AMAZON

BANQUET

DIRTY HIT

back to school mixtape

22 school-themed songs and cinematic clips

no one, no one, wants to start school again this year (that's actually a little bit of a lie because i'm starting a new school and i am very excited, however i know that soon enough i will eventually want to die). nonetheless, this mixtape will hopefully make starting it a little bit better. complete with songs i chose literally because of the title, and a few cinematic clips to make you chuckle, i wish you all the best for the coming academic year. (ps this mixtape is really cheesy as always) take a listen on 8tracks!

1. Back To School Again - The Four Tops (from Grease 2) (x) (x)

a pretty self explanatory choice if you ask me.

2. Send Me Down - Haim (x) (x)

'send me down' is sometimes a phrase used before soldiers go into battle. which is kind of like us, being sent into the warzone that is school.

3. Cry - Is Tropical (x) (x)

the thought of going back to school makes me want to........ (was that cheesy enough for you i hope so)

4. I Don't Like Mondays - The Boomtown Rats (x) (x)

this song is about a school shooter who's reason for shooting her classmates was because she didn't like mondays. fair enough, i guess. (i'm joking, there's no reason to shoot people. peace n blessingz everyone.)

5. Don't Wake Me Up - Lianne La Havas (x) (x)

my first thought every single weekday morning sung beautifully by lianne la havas, who's debut album 'Is Your Love Big Enough?' was one of my favourite releases of last year.

6. 1+1 - Beyonce (x) (x)

a maths lesson from everyone's favourite maths teacher (sorry, jack black).

7. Math Song - from School of Rock (x)

another maths lesson from everyone's second favourite maths teacher.

8. What Makes You Beautiful (The Maths Song) - One Direction (x)

not just five very pretty faces - try to work out this maths problem sung to us in the tune of your favourite song (it is your favourite song, why are you lying?).

9. What I Go To School For - Busted (x) (x)

if busted weren't your childhood i really, really pity you??? but apparently, jonas brothers have a version of this? why are they even trying? hashtag busted massiiiivveee.

10. Teenage Dirtbag - Wheatus (x) (x)

simultaneously the best and worst song in the world, but of course, i love it. also, check out british singer-songwriter frank hamilton's cover. it's very nice.

11. Run Right Back - The Black Keys (x) (x)

i'm gonna run away before school starts bye.

12. School - Nirvana (x) (x)

obviously, i chose this song because of the title and repetitive lyrics but also because the drumming in this is just so bloomin' awesome.

13. Somebody Kill Me - from The Wedding Singer (x)

i really, really don't want to go back to school.

14. No Interest - Nina Nesbitt (x) (x)

okay i actually like learning but sometimes i genuinely have no interest at all. (get it? am i funny yet? no? okay.)

15. Get Home - Bastille (x) (x)

another example of a song i have taken too literally.

16. Waiting (Live) - Lewis Watson (x) (x)

i love love love lewis' cover of city and colour's song. plus we can all relate to these lyrics at some point during our school lives: "we're all just waiting / waiting to die" ha ha ha.

17. Reverse - Gabrielle Aplin (x)

this song can mean what you want it to mean; reverse back to summer or reverse back to easier times. either way, this song is simply splendid.

18. Fire Alarms - Ed Sheeran (x) (x)

at my last school there was a period of about two weeks when someone would pull the fire alarm everyday, so this song always reminds me of that time. also, the lyrics are absolutely perfect so congrats mr ed and miss amy.

19. Fifteen - Taylor Swift (x) (x)

one of my favourite songs of all time and also one to make me cry almost every time. it literally epitomises every girl's (and some guy's, i guess) school experience. it's songs like this that have established taylor as one of those songwriters who just gets it. this is particularly relatable to anyone starting a new school this year (me) and anyone falling in love (not me).

20. School Spirit - Kanye West (x) (x)

SCHOOL SPIRIT MOTHERFUCKKEEERRRRRRRR

21. ABC - The Jackson 5 (x) (x)

:-)

22. Another Brick In The Wall, Part Two - Pink Floyd (x) (x)

the legendary song from one of my favourite classic rock bands ends this playlist perfectly. in my opinion, anyway.

LISTEN TO THIS MIX ON 8TRACKS OR BELOW

21 Great Album Artworks of the 21st Century

NOTE: In no way are these album artworks the greatest (I am no expert or authority in deciding the greatest album artworks for I am just a mere blogger. Also I have not seen all of the album artworks released in the 20th century so there are probably some incredible ones that I have missed.), but this list was complied on the terms in which I personally found these album artworks to be particularly great. I hope you can forgive me.

+ - Ed Sheeran (2011)

Not a great album cover you say? Well, for a start, he's ginger and he's made his debut album orange, which is something in itself too fantastic for words. For another, this image is actually a chalk drawing of Ed and things like that actually amaze me.

Total Life Forever - Foals (2010)

Foals always pull it out of the bag in terms of artwork, but this from their critically acclaimed second release is my favourite. I think it really captures the essence of the album.

Neon Bible - Arcade Fire (2007)

Probably one of the more literal album covers (it is, in fact, a bible made from neon lights) but that doesn't make it any less great. Though, it is an actual photograph of a specially-crafted sign rather than a digitally edited image, which resulted in it being awarded the Juno award for CD/DVD Artwork Design of the Year.

Tourist History - Two Door Cinema Club (2010)

It's like the eyes of the cat hypnotise you into purchasing this album. Maybe they've hypontised me into including them in this post, who knows.

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not - Arctic Monkeys (2006)

One of British indie rock's most iconic album covers features Chris McClure, a friend of the band and lead singer of The Violet May. This artwork recieved criticism from the NHS and other such health organisations. Maybe the lads should've dedicated (my favourite track) 'Mardy Bum' to the backlash.

Contra - Vampire Weekend (2010)

No great artwork list would be complete without Ms Ann Kirsten Kennis. If you don't know the story, the band found a scan of this Polaroid from the 1980s of the then-model and were drawn to how striking it was. Later that year, Kennis sued the band and the label for using the photo without her permission. If I were on a Vampire Weekend album cover, I certainly wouldn't complain...

All Of Us, Together - Teen Daze (2012)

Simply breathtaking.

Count Your Blessings - Bring Me The Horizon (2006)

I'm not particularly a fan of their music (but that's kinda clear isn't it, apologies for the stereotype (but it's so true)) but I find everything about this album cover to be beautiful. The colours are stunning and it's stylistically impressive. Plus I love fish.

Once Upon A Time In The West - Hard-Fi (2007)

What I love about this cover is absolutely no one could ever do it again and it stands head and shoulders above the rest.

It's Blitz! - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

If this cover wouldn't catch your eye whilst browsing through a record store, I don't know what would. It's very appetising.

Era Vulgaris - Queens Of The Stone Age (2007)

While their other album artworks are much more plain, this one is much more interesting. It features two characters, Bulby and Stumpy, from the album's promo video which, according to lead vocalist Josh Homme, represent "what you perceive to be a great idea that really is not that great of an idea". (Yes I copied that from their Wikipedia page.) And also the tail of the Q is a sperm and I find that hilarious (!!!).

Hospice - The Antlers (2009)

The album itself is full of heart, based on frontman Peter Silberman's own emotional torment and feelings of intense isolation that went on to inspire the songs.. The story is of a hospice worker (believed to be Silberman) and a female cancer patient as they crumble together. And that's if the artwork wasn't touching enough.

American IV: The Man Comes Around - Johnny Cash (2002)

The Man's 87th (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and final album released before his death in the following year. This artwork is simple and remarkable and I cannot fault it in one way.

Olympia - Bryan Ferry (2010)

Yes, I chose this simply because I adore Kate Moss and to say she looks stunningly-breathtakingly-beautifully-fabulous would be the understatement of the century.

Teenage Dream - Katy Perry (2010)

Oh Katy, only you would have someone paint you naked on a pink cloud. Strangely, I really love this artwork even though she is butt naked and that makes me slightly uncomfortable. Plus, the booklet smells of candy floss. Did I mention the booklet smells of candy floss? (CANDY FLOSS!!!!!!!)

Wall Of Arms - The Maccabees (2009)

The band were literally painted over by artist Boo Ritson and they just look so cool.

Kill The Moonlight - Spoon (2002)

(no download available)

I love the typography I love the way the hands reach out I love the shape of her/his fingers I love the way this photo is taken I love the colour scheme I love this artwork

Kala - M.I.A. (2007)

With an album named after her mother, Sri Lanka born, South London raised singer/rapper M.I.A. channels some serious tribal vibes. Plus she went to my high school, ultimate claim 2 fame.

808s and Heartbreak - Kanye West (2008)

There are about a million version of this album cover, so I chose this one at random even though they're all practically the same. I love the deflated balloon heart, and apparently so does Justin Bieber who has evidently copied it for his latest single 'Heartbreaker'.

good kid, m.A.A.d. city - Kendrick Lamar (2012)

The artwork features an old picture from when Kendrick was a young child. It is unclear why his uncle and grandfather's eyes are censored but his eyes aren't because the album is told through his eyes of growing up in gang circles.

Reign Of Terror - Sleigh Bells (2012)

During a 2011 performance, guitarist Derek Miller accidentally hit vocalist Alexis Krauss over the head with his guitar whilst she was wearing these Keds. The blood shown on the shoes is a resultant of actual head injury that projected itself onto her footwear. According to Derek Miller, "Keds are a symbol of youth and purity, having them tainted can be seen as a loss of innocence." Pretty spooky that Alexis Krauss only wears white Keds (white is also a symbol of purity and innocence, weird). Their album 'Treats' also has really awesomely cool artwork.

Slam Dunk'n Hoes - Top Dog (2007)

(no download available) (are you really surprised though)

Save the best til last...

He is literally slam dunking a hoe. HE IS LITERALLY. SLAM DUNKING. A HOE.

What are your favourite artworks of the 21st century? Are there any I've missed? Comment below if you wish :-)

This post is dedicated to twitter user @eds_bed who thought she was insulting me by saying 'fuck you and your blog'. Thank you for giving me a new life motto, bed of Ed. (x)

listen and love: Smallpools

For fans of: Grouplove; Two Door Cinema Club; Passion Pit; Vampire Weekend; MGMT

Before my holiday, I made a purchase a week prior to my trip and downloaded their debut selftitled EP after reading about it and streaming it on the Nylon music blog (one of my favourites for new and freakin awesome music (maybe I shouldn't be promoting a better blog on my own but really, if you don't already read it then you should)).

Let the truth be told: I did not stop listening from the second I downloaded until the moment I hopped off the plane back in foggy London town.

Think summer. Think pool parties. Think sunshine-drenched happiness. That's all what Smallpools, Los Angeles based soon-to-be-supergroup, encompasses in their shiny songs that you'd imagine yourself jumping up and down to and screaming the lyrics at a festival or an open-air gig.

The New Jersey and Oregon natives are certainly making a splash on the music scene. Within seven months they have connected, formed as a group, been signed to major label RCA, their debut single 'Dreaming' becoming the #1 track on Hype Machine, and began work on their forthcoming debut album. In the meantime, they've delighted their growing fanbase with an EP release to tie over the wait.

Each track is flows well into the next, as they are all ripe with feel-good lyrics and 80's synthesisers sure to send you into a sugar enduced coma. Their shouty vocals, layered with handclaps, make the songs some of the summer's most enjoyable tracks. The EP artwork is pretty cute and kooky too, complete with a sweet well-wishing message.

DOWNLOAD SMALLPOOLS EP

And if you like what you read and just want to hear more, more, more (which I would confidently predict that you would) then have a listen below and fall truly, madly, deeply in love with your new summer soundtrack.