There are so many young aspiring artists out there but not many of them actually have that so called X factor. Music has become so robotic and I think the UK is screaming out for a rapper like this young man. His life story so far is worthy of an autobiography, he has the looks but his talent really does speak for itself.

He has performed at famous venues such as Clapham Grand and the very trendy 93 Feet East. Many underground industry folk have said he has star quality that could match the late Tupac Shakur. He is just about to release his debut Mix tape entitled “Positive State of Mind” The compilation consists of some very intricate lyrical artistry and ear bashing freestyles, this is his first offering and it sounds like he was just born to do it.

9.COUNTING CROWS.  Their first album came out 15 years ago and it will probably always be their best work.  But Adam Duritz remains a songwriter and singer of tremendous depth and talent.  A great American voice.  And their newest release Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings is their best in years.

8.NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS.  At the age of 51, Nick Cave has been around forever, but continues to make music that is energized, passionate, and vital.  He doesn't get a lot of love in this country, but he should.  He is one of the very best songwriters of the modern era, clearly influenced by people like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, and he can go places lyrically where few other songwriters would dare to tread. 

7.ARCTIC MONKEYS.  These young Brits are on the list solely due to the shocking brilliance of their debut, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.  Honestly it's one of the best albums of the last ten years.  Easily.  It is a potent expression of youth, anger, poverty, horniness, loneliness, longing, frustration, and even the joy of emotional release through music.  And it's also catchy as hell.  Too bad their second album isn't nearly so inspired.

6.MUSE.  Hard to believe they've been around almost ten years now.  With each album they get bigger and better.  Their lead singer, Matthew Bellamy, is so talented it's scary.  When you see them play live you realize he's some sort of musical prodigy, the strange ease with which he plays incredibly complicated things both on guitar and on piano.  Their music is always exciting, inventive, and grand.

5.RYAN ADAMS & THE CARDINALS.  First time I heard him I assumed he was an older guy, maybe around fiftyish.  Turned out he was about twenty years younger than that!  There's just something timeless and classic about his music, his songwriting, his voice.  You can hear in that voice so much experience and emotion, and the music, which is a sort of fusion of country and rock reminiscent of Neil Young, is the perfect complement. 

4.BLOC PARTY.  This is a band at the peak of their powers right now, having just released Intimacy, their third and best album.  Their sound is hard to describe, maybe a combination of melodic pop, punk, techno, rock, whatever.  What I think is most important about them is that their songs and their sound really seem to encapsulate this particular moment we're living in.  Plus they make you wanna dance.

3.KINGS OF LEON.  They have become seriously huge now, and it happened gradually, as their music has gotten bigger and bigger and better and better over the years.  They have that southern classic rock thing going on, which I'm normally opposed to, but their music is so good and so irresistible that I don't even try to fight it.  And they have that old school rock and roll swagger, which I have to admit feels really good blasting out of the speakers in the car.

2.U2.  I get a little sad when I realize these guys have been making music almost 30 years!  What an amazing accomplishment, though.  I think we all know how important U2 is to the world of rock and roll and pop music.  Achtung Baby and The Joshua Tree were revolutionary when they came out, and influenced a whole generation of bands as well as music fans.  Without Bono and The Edge, we would be living in a different world now.  And U2 still matters!  They are still writing amazing songs and selling out huge stadiums around the world.  And I think they've still got a few surprises up their sleeves...

1.RADIOHEAD.  What can I say?  They're the best.  Fearless, innovative, brilliant, powerful, uniquely talented, uncompromising, hugely successful despite all efforts not to be.  A case could be made that every album they've ever made is a masterpiece.  I won't do that, but the truth is not that far off.  They make incredible, often beautiful music.  They follow their own path, seemingly oblivious to all the pressures and temptations other bands complain about.  Like U2, one of their heroes, they often experiment with their sound and try new things and yet somehow there is something constant and distinctive throughout it all.  Their newest album, In Rainbows, may even be their best.  C'mon, admit it.  You know I'm right.

 

 

10. Slash Of Guns N' Roses

9. Kerry King of Slayer

8. Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society

7. Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield of Metallica

6. Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin

5. Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen

4. "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott of Pantera

3. Randy Rhoads of Ozzy

2. Angus and Malcolm Young of AC/DC

1. Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath

That's it.  Tell me what you think of this list and if you agree with it or not

Move Your Feet – Junior Senior

This song…I hesitate to even mention it for fear it will be stuck in MY head for months on end. It’s one of those songs you really don’t want to like. And then it becomes one of those songs you won’t ever admit that you like.

Mickey- Toni Basil

The Macerena hit the airwaves in 1996 with a bang. And if it wasn’t bad enough that the beat to the song seemed to follow you everywhere you went...so did the dance that went with it!

I’m Too Sexy – Right Said Fred

Obviously, we have a misinterpretation of what really happened in Moscow in 2007. Apparently, according to the newscasts, Right Said Fred star was assaulted at a gay pride parade, but in reality, as we all know, the Russians were still suffering from the inability to get that damn song out of their heads.

Karma Chameleon – Culture Club

A similar issue for Boy George is his getting banned from the United States. The courts claim that he was kicked out because of drugs. But insiders state that the Judge was humming Karma Chameleon throughout the trial.

This is one of those songs you either love or you hate and there is no in-between…nor is there any escape from it once you hear it.

The Macerena – Los Del Rio

So what does this all this mean? Well, if your family is like mine, it could only mean one thing. Christmas is coming and it's time to party!

Having a fun holiday party is pretty easy. Great food, hot drinks and tons of friends and family. But what makes a holiday party rock? Yep...you guessed it. Music!

I've compiled a list of ten Christmas songs that would be perfect for any holiday party. Appealing to all ages, these Christmas Classics are all you need to make your party the best one of the season. And, as a small bonus, I've included my number one pick for the fire-lit, romantic, parties of two. So, grab some cocoa, eat a cookie and settle in for some great Christmas tunes.

1. Jingle Bell Rock - Randy Travis

2. Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives

3. The Chipmunk Song - The Chipmunks

4. Sleigh Ride - Air Supply

5. Santa Claus Comes Tonight - Mickie Mouse, Goofy and the rest of Disney Channel Stars

6. All I Want For Christmas is You - Mariah Carey

7. Frosty the Snowman - Jimmy Durante

8. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry

9. Marshmallow World - Frank Sanata and Dean Martin

10. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

Party for Two Bonus

Your guests are gone and the children are in bed. It's the perfect time to grab your loved one and take them for a romantic spin around the dance floor. Enjoy the first slow dance of the holiday season with this beautiful Christmas classic.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland

Rap/Hip-Hop hit its peak during the mid and late 1990’s. Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. were releasing emotions through songs that people could relate to. It wasn’t a battle of the west and east coast but rather a raw expression of emotion that touched the lives of millions. 1990’s rap wasn’t about thuging and clubbing but rather about live and struggles and people over coming hardships.

The transition from upbeat rap to gansta thugin rap was made only a couple of years ago. The transition was not made in dramatic fashion, but rather a slow and continuing process. Listen to the music of rappers Lil Wayne, Fabolous, and Kanye West. You used to be able to relate to their music and sing along with it. Into You by Fabolous was as true as it gets, and Jesus Walks by Kanye was played in churches. But now how am I going to relate to having diamonds on my damn chain and throwing money in the air. It seems the last true genre of rap that we can count on his Midwest hip hop. The sing songy lyrics produced by Nelly, Murphy Lee, Chingy, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.

Listen to music today. I think you will agree that today’s rap has dramatically taken a change for the worst. No longer and never again will you be able to sing along with your favorite rappers.

Scott Thomson is a typical 23 year old from South Africa, full of life and ambition. In May, Scott was in an accident that would cause his spinal cord to be damaged, changing the course of his life forever. He undertook numerous operations, continuing in rehab to this day. With no NHS equivalent medical system in place in South Africa, his family pays for all medical costs.

Scott’s cousin, Eva, and husband Kian Chanter (more on him later), of West Drayton, organized a night of music and entertainment in order to raise money for his cause. And so, with fine aplomb, acoustic singer-songwriter Leyton Cole, played a trio of songs to get the night started. Drawing on true events for inspiration, he is the perfect opener of proceedings.

Four Hours are a band with a fine reputation for live performance. Regulars on the London circuit for several years, the Ruislip-based three-piece have honed their craft splendidly. Sporadic time signatures and strong vocals are pumped with grooves and funked up jams seemingly thrown in at their whim. The usual on-stage camaraderie is present - songs such as “Love Bus” and “Who Knows” ensure the crowd’s full attention. Keep your eyes peeled for these guys, they’re time is surely coming.

The 13 have been playing gigs for long enough to know how to work a crowd, but with songs like theirs, it’s hardly necessary. Not afraid of effects, but still sounding like a traditional rock group, they are everything you need from a show; with the chat between the band and some good friends in the audience bringing laughs and cheers to a wholesome set.

The Frantix, on the other hand, are here for one thing and one thing only. To get everyone singing. And they manage this effortlessly by showcasing exquisite, if not a little raspy, renditions of modern (and classic) indie favourites. With singer Kian suffering from the “most awful man-flu all week”, you might expect reservation to be apparent. But with one eye on the cause, he battles through to the end and gives the crowd a set to hum all the way home. They give a passionate display of rock posturing and pound through hits such as Oasis’ “Rock and Roll Star”, and the Undertones punk benchmark “Teenage Kicks”.

The staff of Ruff Rockers, a popular rehearsal space in Cowley, oversees the sound levels, enabling the night to run as smoothly as it deserved. But of course, all this would be is just another gig – were it not for the reason that everyone is in attendance. Kian takes to the stage again to deliver the news.

Over £1500 was raised for Scott Thomson, which is just under 25,000 African Rand. The family of Scott Thomson are grateful to all those that attended in what was a very worthwhile, and very entertaining night.

Whether you caught them the first time round, or were too young to know, the news that Bad Manners were playing a handful of gigs in our fair borough came as a wonderful surprise for anyone interested in the ska and punk genres.

So off we went to one of their old haunts, the Kings Arms, Hayes, to catch them in action.  Suitably packed out with obvious fans, this was always going to be an immense occasion. The pub even seemed to have spruced itself up for the event, having recently been re-furbished. But for the punters tonight was only ever about one thing…

“For anybody that doesn’t know…”shouts Buster, to which the crowd roared back: “This is Ska!!” and with that ‘Manners were quite literally thrown out of the window.

 Having not seen such fervent enthusiasm for a band in his pub for a while, bar manager Ricky Alsop was beaming from ear to ear, saying “This is just what Buster does – he gets them all going, and gets them all involved. Absolutely brilliant.”

            In classic ska style, original tunes were not necessarily the core of the set. Cabaret classics gave rise to crowd participation, and the performance was all the better for it, proving easy to relate to if you are of a younger generation.

But, of course, the songs everyone came to hear had to be played, and backing band “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly” made them their own. “Skaville UK” sounded like it could be a current underground anthem, and the excellent bass line to “Lorraine” hits just as hard as ever. The songs have such huge sing-a-long potential; it’s not hard to see why Bad Manners were legends of their time.

Buster Bloodvessel looked leaner than anyone has probably ever seen him, but the showman has not mellowed with the years. “Special Brew” bites you, his charisma effortlessly winning you over (if you weren’t already).

With the band storming through at a relentless pace, a moment was taken to see the joy on the crowds’ faces, at the spectacle of the night.  It was truly like being a kid again for some of them, and who would take that away from anyone?

With the set drawing to a close, an encore was inevitable. Cue “Lip Up (Fatty)” and the true spirit of tonight really hits home. It’s just good clean ska. It’s a reminder of the history of this area for good music - and long may it continue.

As the sun sets on another Halloween, there’s something sinister going down at the Carpenter’s Arms, Hayes. Daniel Rider investigates…

            With the majority of the crowd dressed as ghosts and ghouls, this event was always going to be special. Three local bands showed just what they’re made of (along with some fantastic dress-up) in order to secure the Carpenter’s Arms as the latest venue for live music in our fair borough.

            Opening up for the spooky crowd were Neon Sky, and they got off to a flying start. This band is coming on leaps and bounds, with their uniquely infectious songs sounding ever more polished and professional. Clearly motivated by modern rock, there are dashes of diverse influences to liven up the bands simple but powerful riffs.

            As the set progresses, “Useless Hoarding” stands out as an astoundingly captivating tune, sticking in your head like the toughest glue. Lead singer Alex has a lot to say, and is carried perfectly by his rhythm section. With lead guitarist Gareth dressed outrageously, this band warms your heart, and set the bar for the evening.

            Next up are Four Hours. Regulars on the London circuit for a couple of years, they are a Ruislip-based three-piece who have honed their craft splendidly. An amazing effort with their wardrobe is matched only by their ambitious output. Sporadic time signatures and strong vocals are backed up with grooves and funked up jams seemingly thrown in at their whim.

            After some over-zealous jumping nearly causes a power cut, front man Adam exclaims, “How rock and roll is that?” and we are inclined to agree, with the stage presence complimenting their ever-evolving sound. Leading with some new songs, the set soon makes way for their older songs; towards the close, a version of The Police’s “Roxanne” secures this bands position as true crowd-pleasers. Watch them carefully over the next few years - their time is surely coming.

            The backing vocals for "Roxanne" being provided by none other than Ciao Buddha, the sound engineers, really does encapsulate the vibe of the Hillingdon music scene. It’s a real family affair, with many of the acts, engineers and affiliated personnel being good friends.

            Speaking of family, could there be a more unified band in dress and mantra than Scarlet City? The five-piece are filled to the brim with confidence and their sound is equally ballsy. There was no fancy dress for these guys - but that doesn’t mean they aren’t serious about what they do.

Going with the theme for the night, they knocked out perfect renditions of some power metal classics, ensuring crowd participation. As the tempo (and temperature) rose to boiling point, the stature of this band shone through. The gang vocals peppering their own high-intensity songs are a joy to see. These guys are a force to be reckoned with.

Not of this world and scary indeed… Scarily entertaining stuff.