Blogtober16 - Alltime Favourite Music

Today marks my birthday, so that's why this post went live at midnight. I hope to keep up my usual birthday traditions - lovely continential breakfast, something fun (visiting the Owl & Monkey Haven on the island) and presents. I can't wait! I will probably post all about it and the importance of birthday and their traditions after blogtober is over.

Today is also the 26th day of blogtober, and asks what are my 10 all-time favourite songs? Unfortunately I think this is too difficult, and feel that it changes upon every year. Instead I thought it would be more fun to include my all-time favourite bands/singers, so here goes (they come in particular order).

This is music that I could listen to time and time again! It is music that I love time and time again, even when time passes.

1. Fall Out Boy

I've loved FOB, since I first listened to them as a teenager. So many favourites from them, and I love them all the more from seeing them live last year.

2. Biffy Clyro

I listen to their albums repeatedly on long travels, during good times and bad. I've listened to their songs countless times. Favourites include Opposites, Pause It And Turn It Up, Glitter & Trauma, Eyelids... I could really go on!

3. Nirvana

Who couldn't include this 90s favourite?  I love their music so much, and it's a damned shame they weren't around longer to create more great songs. There could be much more than Come as you are and Smells like teen spirit. I love 90s music too and often listen to many songs that make me think of growing up such as songs from All Saints, Wheatus and I can't even think of others just now...

4. Foo Fighters

One of my favourites live and have an obvious passion for their art. I love their music so much! Even the old stuff is good to me.

5. Pink

I could listen to her over and over. When I'm cleaning the bathroom or doing anything that requires concentration I listen to her songs. I love songs like Family Portrait, Stupid Girls, U + Ur Hand, Just like a pill, get the party started (that's where my love for her began).

6. Sia

A new favourite, but long may it continue. Sia has been a long unspoken songwriter as well as showcasing some beautiful songs. Her songs are known for their controversial music videos and her inability to show her face on page; it's what make her all the intriguing. She is truly talented!

7. Twenty One Pilots

This is a fairly recent one, but as my recent review of the Blurryface album indicates a lot of their songs mean something to me. To read this review, click here.

8. Eminem

Perhaps the only rap music I've ever truly liked. My name is, Lose Yourself, Stan, Love the way you lie, Berzerk and many other favourites have put a smile to my face or got me humming.

9. Bullet For My Valentine

This is my angry music. I listen to it when I'm in a mood and just need time to think things through. I love the fast music. Favourites include: Tears Don't Fall, 10 Years Today, Cries In Vain, All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me) and Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow (What Can I Do).

10. Gwen Stefani/ No Doubt

I love her cheery voice to her solo songs and wish she'd come out with more music. She evolved from it's my life and many other amazing songs from No Doubt to create Sweet Escape, What You Waiting For? and Cool.

Hope you like my list, some are a bit lame but they make me happy. What is your all-time favourite music? I'd love to hear it! I'm always looking for new things to listen to.

Blogtober16 - Favourite Concert

I've seen quite a few concerts/gigs (not as many as I wish I had), but not sure I could eliminate my favourite.

My first gig was Girls Aloud. It was in Manchester and think one of the first of their tours. They were a good first concert because there was glamour, dancing and singing. It was also noted as the last tour before they split. Cheryl then went solo and many of the girls had their own individual successes. I must admit that I went off them due to the performance. While some were good, Sarah Harding screamed. It was like hearing a cat. It's no wonder she didn't go solo! That gig was rumoured to be the time that Cheryl got stage fright hence them getting on stage after 9pm.

From there, my favourites to see have been Wheatus, Foo Fighters, Fall Out Boy, Beyonce, Friendly Fires, Biffy Clyro... It's important to note that from every gig or festival I aim to collect programmes (if not I get a T-shirt) and keep the tickets and/or wristband. I'm a big souvenir hunter or collector, which ever term suits.

Fair enough I saw both Foo Fighters and Beyonce at T in the Park, but they were both incredible. I'd always been a fan of both. However while my love for Foo Fighters intensified, my love for Beyonce faded. She was amazing, and couldn't be faulted for her performance but somehow I've gone off her style of music. I'd still dance to all her songs with Beyonce booty shaking style if her song came on while I was drunk, but I'd no longer describe myself as a fan as such. Foo Fighters loved being there and had amazing stage presence. I think Dave Grohl actually outstayed his arranged slot. He played all my favourites and I just loved it! It was a great end to the weekend.

Also while at T in the Park, I saw Friendly Fires but was probably too drunk/hungover to remember it. However I saw them live a few months later. It was the first time I went to Glasgow too! I love them so much, I even have their song lyrics on my back.See yesterday's post to see the tattoo I got.

It sounds really bad, but I spent more time getting annoyed with the crowd jamming situation than enjoying the gig of Biffy Clyro. It was the time when I believe I went with the most set of friends - my friend, Lisa (and about 4/5 of her friends), Stacey (and a whole heap of her friends), Hannah and Suzanne. Somehow it ended up being me, Hannah and Suzanne as we lost everyone else and we had the most annoying girls around us. I remember Biffy Clyro being great, but would do anything to see them again. This time I would actually hope to remember it properly!

About this time last year, I saw my favourite band as a teenager, Fall Out Boy. I even got the T-shirt. Every song sounded like when it had been recorded. They were just how I imagined. They played all my favourite songs which is almost every one they've released! I didn't sense much excitement from them, but I believe it was the first gig in the UK and they could have been a bit jetlagged. Pete Wentz got very deep on stage.

The same weekend I saw FOB, I saw my nostalgic favourite, Wheatus. They were a big surprise to me. I didn't expect them to be quite so good. I went almost as a joke and couldn't believe how cheap the tickets were. How often do you get gig tickets for well-known bands for under £20? I only went to hear Teenage Dirtbag, but realised I heard more of their songs than I knew. I loved them! Best of all, they seemed happy to be there. They still loved their music and said how lucky they were to still being doing what they enjoy. I would definitely want to see Wheatus again and recommend to anyone!

I'm not one to take pictures at concerts, so don't have anything to accompany this post, so I apologise.

So in conclusion, there is no "one favourite". I've been lucky to see some amazing acts, and aim that next year I will see at least 3 gigs live instead of the pitiful one of this year!

Anyway, what has been your favourite gig? I'd love to hear!