Do They Know It's Christmas?

I wasn't going to talk about Band Aid 30's 2014 charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" but it's number four on the iTunes charts so maybe I should.

Recorded earlier this week in Notting Hill, London, the purpose of the track is to help in battling the Ebola virus.  The song was originally written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1984 (hence why the current name is Band Aid 30 because it has been 30 years) to aid the famine in Ethiopia.

Several artists came together to record the song, including One Direction, Ellie Goulding, Paloma Faith, Ed Sheeran, Olly Murs, Bono, Sam Smith, Rita Ora, Chris Martin, and Emeli Sande.

You can purchase the song on iTunes and all of the proceeds go to helping battle the virus.

Buy the song.  Stop the virus.

[Source:  YouTube]

Andy, Ryan, Joel, and Adam

Andy Brown (acoustic guitar and lead vocals), Ryan Fletcher (bass guitar and backing vocals), Joel Peat (lead guitar and backing vocals), and Adam Pitts (drums) are the four men making up the British pop band Lawson.  They are currently based in London and released their debut album, Chapman Square, in October 2012.  

I first found out about this band the same way I find out about a lot of music - Instagram.  Their sound is similar to that of The Wanted, in case you were wondering but are too lazy to look them up yourself which in understandable.  I am like that, too.

They have had five singles released over the past year and a half in the UK and IRL:

1. When She Was Mine (2012)
2. Taking Over Me (2012)
3. Standing In The Dark
4. Learn To Love Again (2012)
5. Brokenhearted (feat. B.o.B) (2013)

The only song available as of right now in the US on iTunes is "Learn To Love Again", all of their songs are available on the UK/IRL iTunes, but I am unsure about other countries.

Let It Bleed

One of the greatest albums of all time.  The Rolling Stones did wonders with this album.  Several world famous hits came from this album. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and "Gimme Shelter" are my personal favorites from the 1969 release.

The record, to me, plays an important role in where I am today with my respect for music.  Music today is so different from what it used to be. I wasn't around for the best era of music, but I know a lot about a little.  The Rolling Stones is such an iconic band that wrote about things that actually made sense.  That may be why I love this album so much.  

Annie Mac Presents 2012

I have an intense love for London.  I will admit that I am obsessed with British singers/bands, movies, and TV shows.  One Direction, Cher Lloyd, Little Mix, and Nick Grimshaw all hold places in my life.  BBC Radio 1 DJ, Annie Mac, is the most recent person added to my list.  Annie Mac is an Irish DJ who hosts a radio show on BBC Radio 1 in the UK every Friday and Sunday evening.  Every year since 2008, Annie Mac has released an album including all of her favorite tracks from that year.  The release contains two CDs which include club hits and radio hits with artists like Steve Aoki, Knife Party, Florence and the Machine, Drake, and Frank Ocean.  Although I haven't had a chance to purchase the album quite yet, (I absolutely plan to) I have listened to some of the songs on YouTube and I think these CDs were very well put together.  If you would like to purchase this album - it is available worldwide - you can go to anniemacpresents.com.

It's Only Rock 'N' Roll

(photo: vanityfair.tumblr.com)

The Rolling Stones are back!  They announced earlier today that they would be performing four concerts in the UK and US for their 50th anniversary.  The first two concerts will be November 25 and 29 at the O2 in London and December 13 and 15 at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.  They have reunited to perform live for the first time in five years.  Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts will all be there to perform.  If you really love the Rolling Stones and don't live anywhere near New Jersey or London, the Dec. 15 concert will later be available on pay per view.

Stand Behind the Music

I am in love with British singer/songwriter Cher Lloyd.  She was on season 7 of the X Factor and placed fourth on the show.  She soon after was signed by Simon Cowell because of her talent.  I got her album the first week it came out, the beginning of this month, and I love every song.  Most of her songs involve her rapping, but the raps are not at all offensive in any way.  My current favorite song is "Behind the Music", hence the picture above.  I highly recommend buying her album!!