I have a band, they play music.

For four two hour sessions, I've been playing music with four other really talented musicians. And I mean really talented. The singer in the band is a 16 year old girl, and honestly, her voice is amazing. The drummer is my mate from work, he's eccentric, just like any really good drummer is, and the bassist is a new mate of mine who has pretty much the same taste in music as me. The lead guitarist, though. Holy shit. He can fairly fucking play. Tabs? He don't need them. "Ah, stick the song on, and I'll work it out." Three minutes later and we're jamming away to "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones. I'm rhythm guitarist, and because the others in the band are so good, it means I really have to step up my game. It's good. It keeps me healthy.

Unfortunately, we don't have any of our own songs written yet, but I'm working on it. Also, we don't have a name. Oh, well. That can be the last thing we think of.

Anyway, this wasn't really keeping in tone with my other posts which were very light hearted. So, I think I'll take this serious note and write about my favourite bands.

The Gaslight Anthem

You know when you listen to a song, and you go "Wow! That's fucking cool, who's that band?" Well, watching Glastonbury 2009 (well, it was on in the background while I read Aberdeen Mad or something), I heard a Johnny Cash-meets-the Clash type song. A toe-tapping rhythm that made me watch the TV with intent. Seeing a guy with tattoos up to his neck, all down his arm, and on his knuckles, soulfully sing his way through a punk-meets-country beat was almost alien to me. I later found this song was called "Casanova, Baby" from the second album ("The '59 Sound") by a New Jersey band called "The Gaslight Anthem." Needless to say, this album hit me like a ton of bricks. The obvious influence from Motown, Punk-Rock and many others was right up my alley and, after catching the rest of their 20-Minute Glastonbury set, I quickly set about gathering the whole back catalogue. This opened me to a whole other host of bands that I normally wouldn't listen to, and for that I will forever be grateful to Brian Fallon, Alex R, Alex L and Benny.

Top 3 Songs:
1. Blue Jeans and White T-Shirts
2. Casanova, Baby
3. 1930

Against Me!

The DIY ethics of early Against Me! will forever be stuck with me. The simplicity, yet passion and Impact that are in the songs of "The Acoustic EP," "Reinventing Axl Rose," and "...As the Eternal Cowboy," will Always be stuck with me. The thought that a song can be as complicated as you like, but will not be truly great unless the lyrics mean something, the passion is pure and the attitude of doing what makes you feel happy is the most important aspect. I also love the fact that this band have explored new directions, and almost evolved their sound. People can call this "selling-out" or whatever bullshit they like, but to me, this band will always be so important to me, as they basically made me get off my ass and do something with my music.

Top 3 Songs:
1. We Laugh At Danger (And Break All The Rules)
2. Walking Is Still Honest
3. Joy

Deez Nuts

Rap/Hardcore Punk mix of the finest. JJ Peters is so fucking talented, doing all the tracks himself (with special guests). Formerly the drummer in I Killed The Prom Queen, he took to the mic and the result is just awesome. His "Fuck what you think" attitude and love for his friends will always be close to my heart, and I've tried to live by some of his morals, as they are actually very genuine. A close group of friends is vital.

Top 3 Songs:
1. Stay True
2. Sex Sells
3. I Hustle Everyday

These three bands are my favourites, but special mentions to AC/DC (made me fall in love with guitar and rock music), Bruce Springsteen (his story-telling and song-writing are second to none), Iron Maiden (made me fall in love with proper Heavy Metal), N.W.A (thanks to them, I love rap music) and Gallows (Punk. Proper British Punk).

I love MUSIC!