My American Country Music Awards 2015

Last night was the big 50th Annual American Country Music Awards! That's right it was the big 5-0. The Kings and Queens of country put on their sunday best and hot footed it to the AT&T Stadium in Texas. It was a night of amazing performances, shocking guests and award after award after award. Speaking of awards I of course have an opinion, some people should have won and some were just damn right snubbed. So I have picked my winners, and if any of the losers see this and have won in this list - well done, you freaking deserved it.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
- Jason Aldean
- Garth Brooks
- Luke Bryan
- Miranda Lambert
- Florida Georgia

Luke Bryan won on the night, and I totally understand as he does entertain the masses. He is country's darling right now and can't seem to do much wrong. However I feel Miranda Lambert was robbed. Her album (Platinum) is perfect, she always puts on a show and when it comes to entertaining I know who I would prefer to see live.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Jason Aldean
- Dierks Bentley
- Luke Bryan
- Eric Church
- Brad Paisley
- Blake Shelton

Jason Aldean took away the award last night and huge congrats to him. I thought Blake Shelton might have won this award, he has much more mass appeal thanks in large parts to The Voice. I also think Hunter Hayes was snubbed, I absolutely loved his song 'Invisible', it was a refreshing change to hear a male country artist to song from the view of teenagers who are struggling.

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR
- Kenny Chesney - American Kids
- Miranda Lambert - Automatic
- Florida Georgia Line - Dirt
- Dierks Bentley - Drunk On A Plane
- Lee Brice - I Don't Dance

Lee Brice won and I understand, it is a beautiful heartfelt song - some argue that it isn't country but I don't think that country has the same guidelines as it used to, and it is starting to have more influence from other genres and I applaud that. From this category I was championing Miranda, it is a lovely song and probably the only one I would listen to on repeat from this list. However there was major snubs for this category, Little Big Town 'Girl Crush', The Band Perry 'Gentle on my Mind' and Carrie Underwood 'Something in the Water' to name a few.

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Brandy Clark
- Miranda Lambert
- Martina McBride
- Kacey Musgrave
- Carrie Underwood

Miranda won this one and I completely agree, she is the reigning Queen after all. Her album exploded and she never falters. I would have liked Carrie to have won aswell as she has the vocal chops that not many have ever had. I would have liked a few more women get a nod this year like Jennifer Nettles, Kira Isabella and Ashley Monroe.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Jason Aldean - Old Boots, New Dirt
- Little Big Town - Pain Killer
- Miranda Lambert - Platinum
- Dierks Bentley - Riser
- Eric Church - The Outsiders

Miranda won again and rightly so, this album is (I've said it before and I will say it again) country perfection. I probably am not the one to judge this category as I haven't even heard the other albums on the list, but that might speak volumes in itself - because I don't intend to either, nothing is pulling me to them. Except one. I really need to hear Little Big Town's latest record, really loving what they have done in the last couple of years.

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Lady Antebellum
- Little Big Town
- Rascal Flatts
- The Band Perry
- Zac Brown Band

Little Big Town won this one and I was happy with that. I actually wish this could have been broken and thrown to a few people Cady Heron style. Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry also could have deservedly won this award. I guess their Grammy's will just have to keep them company instead.

SONG OF THE YEAR
- Kenny Chesney - American Kids
- Miranda Lambert - Automatic
- Luke Bryan - Drink A Beer
- Kacey Musgraves - Follow Your Arrow
- Eric Church - Give Me Back My Hometown
- Dierks Bentley - I Hold On

Once again I do not 100% understand the difference between song of the year and single record of the year, and even more confusingly they had different winners. This time Miranda took the prize. Yay. She is exactly who I would have picked from the list, but I would have easily been as happy if Kacey took the prize. Again there was a lot of snubs but I understand they had to whittle it down to this six.

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Florida Georgia Line
- Maddie & Tae
- The Swon Brothers

Florida Georgia Line won this one. I would have liked Maddie and Tae to win. They made a bold choice this year and released a song that kind of attacks the sexism in country music so for them to win would have been a great big statement from the academy.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
- Kenny Chesney - American Kids
- Keith Urban - Cop Car
- Dierks Bentley - Drunk On A Plane
- Glen Campbell - I'm Not Gonna Miss You
- Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood - Somethin' Bad

Dierks Bentley took home the gold last night, its a cute video but I didn't feel like it was award worthy. For me there was two other worthy winners and for very different reasons. Glen Campbell's video never fails to choke me up. It's basically clips of Glen's life as he suffers with alzheimer's. Miranda and Carrie's video was this high budget, balls to the wall video showing them as two criminals stealing from the bank and back alley poker tournaments, before looking damn good walking on to their private plane. They never looked better.

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
- Lonely Tonight - Blake Shelton featuring Ashley Monroe
- Meanwhile Back At Mama's - Tim McGraw featuring Faith Hill
- Somethin' Bad - Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood
- The South - The Cadillac Three featuring Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, & Mike Eli
- This Is How We Roll - Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan

Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan took the prize this year. Carrie and Miranda were extremely snubbed. They tear the roof off the place whenever they perform this song, it has much more mass appeal and everyone loves a foot stomping good time. The idea behind this song was an event all on its own, get two of the biggest voices in country music together, make a flawless video and a perfect song - genius.

So those were my choices and I may have seem a tad biased, but I am not going to apologise - Miranda Lambert is God's gift to country music. Her performance on the night cemented that fact. Other highlights for me were Christina Aguilera (yep, she was there), Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift's Mum and Taylor probably receiving her final ever country award. My ultimate highlight was Little Big Town's performance. It was a simple performance, no bells or whistles. I was so happy they decided to play this song and another one of their hits. They sang 'Girl Crush' and if you know much about country music than you know the controversy around this song. It has been banned by a country radio station for "promoting the gay agenda." First of all this is ridiculous, if they even listened to the song once they would know it was about been jealous of a woman because she has the man she wants! Secondly, I am a gay man -  WE HAVE NO AGENDA!

My Grammy Predictions (and wants)

It is that time of year again, it is time for my 3rd favourite awards show! I love the Grammys because I love music and I want to see all these amazing artists and creators get celebrated for all their hard work the last 12 months. There has of course been a few snubs and a few surprises. What I am going to do is pick who I want to win the categories I will be watching out for as well as pick who I think will win (unfortunately they rarely match).

RECORD OF THE YEAR - Nominees

Fancy
Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX

Chandelier
Sia

Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)
Sam Smith

Shake It Off
Taylor Swift

All About That Bass
Meghan Trainor

Who I want to win - Sia
Who I think will win - Sam Smith

Don't get me wrong I will always support the fellow Brit at these award shows but for me the wonder from down under just had the best song of the year. She allowed art to become a focus of her music and I will always admire that. The video had everyone talking and the song is one that we all have tried to scream out loud whilst bouncing around our bedroom in our nude onesie, or maybe that was just me.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR - Nominees

Morning Phase
Beck

Beyoncé
Beyoncé

X
Ed Sheeran

In The Lonely Hour
Sam Smith

Girl
Pharrell Williams

Who I want to win - Beyonce
Who I think will win - Ed

Once again my British pride had to take a step back. As much as I enjoyed Ed's and Sam's albums, I couldn't turn my back on Queen Bey. Her album was a huge step forward from her previous work, she experimented and to me it seemed like she has finally done what she wants to do, without input from anyone - so kudos to her. Also one of my favourite songs of the year came from this album (Heaven).

SONG OF THE YEAR - Nominees

All About That Bass
Kevin Kadish & Meghan Trainor, songwriters (Meghan Trainor)

Chandelier
Sia Furler & Jesse Shatkin, songwriters (Sia)

Shake It Off
Max Martin, Shellback & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)

Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)
James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith, songwriters (Sam Smith)

Take Me To Church
Andrew Hozier-Byrne, songwriter (Hozier)

Who I want to win - Hozier
Who I think will win - Meghan Trainor

I am still not sure how this category differs from 'Record of the Year' but I digress. For me Hozier knocked it out of the park with this song, it is dark and haunting with way too many catchy lyrics than any song should have. It is also one of the few songs I haven't gotten bored of yet. I do however think Meghan will win, the song was a huge success, it created a new catchphrase and it empowered a lot of people; and the melody is just too darn catchy.

BEST NEW ARTIST - Nominees

Iggy Azalea

Bastille

Brandy Clark

Haim

Sam Smith

Who I want to win - Haim
Who I think will win - Sam Smith

This category was a tough one to call because it crosses quite a few genres. Brandy Clark definitely has the country vote and there is no denying she could follow in the footsteps of Kacey Musgraves. Bastille created one of my favourite songs (Pompeii) and Sam Smith just exploded on to the scene this year. However I want Haim to win so bad, I saw them live this year and they were incredible, they are only going to get bigger with the 1989 Tour with Taylor. We have waited a while for a second album from them so hopefully this gives them the push to get it out.

BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE - Nominees

All Of Me (Live)
John Legend

Chandelier
Sia

Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)
Sam Smith

Shake It Off
Taylor Swift

Happy (Live)
Pharrell Williams

Who I want to win - Sia
Who I think will win - Sia or John Legend

Sia has to win this one, her vocals are insane and on every live performance you can hear her straining her voice to reach the perfect note. I fell in love with song after the first listen purely because I am a sucker for an amazing powerful  strong vocal. I think John could be a contender because of the pure emotion that seeps out with every word. It is a love song sang by a man in love, there's no sweeter sound.

BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE -  Nominees

Fancy
Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX

A Sky Full Of Stars
Coldplay

Say Something
A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera

Bang Bang
Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj

Dark Horse
Katy Perry Featuring Juicy J

Who I want to win - A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera
Who I think will win - A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera

This song is just simply stunning. It is sung with such an effortless that emotes every feeling the singers have when singing this song. It makes little children cry for God's sake. Christina doesn't Christina all over it because it didn't need it. Its a simple song with a depressing message - magic. It would be nice for Jessie J to win though, she deserves some recognition and celebration.

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM - Nominees

Ghost Stories
Coldplay

Bangerz
Miley Cyrus

My Everything
Ariana Grande

Prism
Katy Perry

X
Ed Sheeran

In The Lonely Hour
Sam Smith

Who I want to win - Miley Cyrus
Who I think will win - Ed or Sam

I don't think it's an unfair statement to say that the British Boys ruled the music charts this year the world round. So it would be a fair assumption one of them will win this category. However I really want Miley to win, I don't know if it is because I was a Disney kid in my youth or the fact that I actually liked this album. It was a good mix of pop and hip hop and 90's nostalgia. She experimented and definitely set her own tone.

BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE - Nominees

Give Me Back My Hometown
Eric Church

Invisible
Hunter Hayes

Automatic
Miranda Lambert

Something In The Water
Carrie Underwood

Cop Car
Keith Urban

Who I want to win - Carrie Underwood
Who I think will win - Miranda Lambert

I will feel like a winner either way because I love both these broads. I will never get over Miranda's albums, they are my go to choices. I just think Carrie may have beaten her to the punch with this song. Carrie's vocals are flawless. She nails every note and it seriously knocks me out. I do this weird thing where if a song hits me, or a note is perfect I will raise my arms in the air as if I am reaching for Jesus - I held my arms up for 4 minutes straight for 'Something in the Water'.

BEST COUNTRY DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE - Nominees

Gentle On My Mind
The Band Perry

Somethin' Bad
Miranda Lambert With Carrie Underwood

Day Drinking
Little Big Town

Tim McGraw Featuring Faith Hill
Track from: Sundown Heaven Town

Raise 'Em Up
Keith Urban Featuring Eric Church

Who I want to win - Miranda and Carrie
Who I think will win - Little Big Town

I have mad love for all the nominees in this category but I have to give it to Miranda and Carrie. This song is a foot stomping, table slapping good time. It's country, it's rock, it is just balls to the wall fun. I do think Little Big Town will win this though, they got a lot of love from country award shows around America for it and it is such a good song, real chill and laid back.

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM -  Nominees

Riser
Dierks Bentley

The Outsiders
Eric Church

12 Stories
Brandy Clark

Platinum
Miranda Lambert

The Way I'm Livin'
Lee Ann Womack

Who I want to win - Miranda
Who I think will win -Miranda

There is no competition for me, she is the best country has to offer right now. The album is country perfection. Her story telling is unrivalled. Her voice is indisputable. Her skills are unmatched. Give her all the awards. Jeez I love Miranda.

Here are some others that I hope win

BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA - 

Guardians Of The Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1

BEST URBAN CONTEMPORARY ALBUM - 

Beyonce - Beyonce

BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION - 

Eminem Feat. Rihanna

BEST COUNTRY SONG - 

Miranda Lambert - Automatic

BEST SCORE SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA - 

The Grand Budapest Hotel

BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR VISUAL MEDIA - 

Let It Go -Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, songwriters (Idina Menzel)

BEST MUSIC VIDEO - 

Sia - Chandelier

There are 82 categories this year so hopefully I will be happy with some of them. Phew that was a big post, thanks for sticking around if you did. My main predictions will be that it will be a good night for Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, however Taylor Swift and Iggy Azaelia won't be taking any gold wear away with them unfortunately. But every one will have fun and isn't that what its all about?!

My Own Personal Top 10

What I am about to do is highly personal, some may say too personal. It is going to reveal a part of me that us, as a society, often don't want to show of ourselves. It is 'My Top 10 Most Played Songs'. You may be pulling a face that reads 'who cares', but let me ask you this, are you willing to share the songs that you and only you listen to over and over again? The music that you blast through those two little ear buds, secure in the knowledge no one else can hear and in the comfort of knowing that your own personal soundtrack is following you through life. We all have those guilty pleasures that we don't feel the need to tell people, but today I am taking a stand and breaking the boundaries that we have put ourselves behind. I am revealing my Top 10.

1. The Veronicas - You Ruin Me (Played 213 times)
This is the brand spanking new song from the aussie twins. I love it and when I love something I love it hard - playing it over 200 times in a matter of weeks. It is a heartbreaking song about been betrayed  by the one you love. I melt for a depressing song.

2. Carrie Underwood - Something in the Water (Played 190 times)
Country? Check. Gospel? Check. A choir? Check. Carrie's flawless vocals? Double check. I don't expect anything less than perfection from this county bumpkin. This song could quite possibly be my new miming-like-I-can-belt-a-song-out song. A song about finding God, not usually a topic for my music but this song hit me. Praise Jesus.

3. Glee Cast - How Will I Know (Played 154 times)
Yes, judge away - I like the music of Glee. This one is special as it was sung completely acapella in a tribute episode to the late, great Whitney Houston. Amazingly showcased the vocals of the four stars of the show. It is one of those special songs that I just really enjoy hearing.

4. Pistol Annies - Unhappily Married (Played 150 times)
I do enjoy a depressing song, but maybe just maybe I think I love an angry song even more. There is something about hearing bitterness and insults through music that just gets to me. This songs talks from the viewpoint of an unsatisfied wife, it is funny, witty and serious all in one.

5. Jessica Bassett - Lydia (Played 146 times)
I was shocked myself when I saw how many times I had played this song. I first heard it on an American Idol audition - I don't even watch the show! For some reason I clicked on this audition. At first I thought it was just the music they play over the auditionee when they are talking - turned out it was the audition. Her voice is so soothing and the song is a beautiful letter to her best friend.

6. Pistol Annies - I Feel a Sin coming on (Played 145 times)
These country cuties made the list again. This is the first song off their second album. Miranda Lambert opens the song with her flawless voice. Its a slow tempo song, mainly just finger clicking for the music. I can't tell you why I love it because I don't know. I just do goddamnit.

7. Colbie Caillat - Breakeven (Played 140 times)
This is the beautiful Colbie doing a cover of The Script's 'Breakeven'. And I am sorry to the Irish lads but I love this version so much more! A song about heartbreak after a break up. She mixes it with 'Fast Car' by Tracey Chapman just to knock the nail on the head. If I had to audition for a talent show (and could sing) this would be my choice.

8. Glee Cast - Season's Of Love (Played 139 times)
Another Glee song. I don't care. This was the opening song on the episode where we discovered Finn had died. Cried like a baby from the first second. Taken from the musical Rent and given the Glee treatment, with Amber Riley's perfect vocals it just sent shivers down my spine. It's so beautifully sad, made even worse by the fact that this cast was saying goodbye to an actual cast mate.

9. Beyonce - Heaven (Played 136 times)
Quite possibly one of the saddest songs in existence. I don't think we have ever had a confirmed explanation for this song - but I don't think we need one. That's the magic of music, we make our own stories to fit the songs. This a truly heartbreaking song about loss. I like sad music, so this is one of my go-to songs.

10. OneRepublic - Preacher (Played 132 times)
Another choir! God, I love them. I have a theory that I may have expressed before - every song sounds better with a choir. I fell in love with this song the second I heard it, so I never stopped listening to it. The whole album is amazing, but this is the jewel in the crown for me.

So this list was quite revealing in a couple of ways. It definitely revealed me as lover of depressing and angsty songs. I don't know what the pull is there but I truly enjoy them more than any other type of song. Also the numbers were quite a lot higher than I imagined they would be, I may need to venture out in to new music, getting stuck in my ways. I am willing to take suggestions.

New Obsessions

My life seems to be one obsession after another, I quickly get bored and move on. New things come into my life and I suck them dry for all their worth. I am pretty sure by the end of this post I will have a new obsession I move on that quick. However for now (May 26th) I will talk about some things that are rocking my world.

The Office US

I have mentioned this show in a previous post, I am in love with it. In the space of discovering it a few months ago I have watched every episode at least 3 times. I never thought I would love a show as much as I love this again. My favourite characters are Jim and Pam for reasons I have previously mentioned, but with such an eclectic group of characters I am constantly entertained.

RuPaul's Drag Race - Season 6

I am in love with this show, it basically encapsulates everything I love in a reality show. This season did not disappoint, it may have even upped the stakes a touch. Never before have I struggled with picking a favourite, normally there is a stand out who I support all the way. With this season out of the final three I didn't mind who won. I was so happy for Bianca and I know we will see a lot more from Adore and Courtney. I do have a bit of a crush on Adore so I will be keeping an eye out for her.

Veep
Julia Louis-Dreyfus never disappoints, she can't do any wrong in my eyes; in real life as with her character choices. This show doesn't sound like something I would normally like - its about American politics. I barely know what is happening with British politics (shamefully). However I decided to watch this because of Julia and boy am I glad I did. It is absolutely hilarious, Julia plays Vice President Selina Meyers. Selina never wanted to be Veep and has her eyes firmly set on the Presidents chair. With her not giving a shit attitude and amazing supporting cast I am hooked.

Frasier
It was a slow afternoon one day so I went to my bestie (Netflix) and looked for something to do and their it was; Frasier. I remember this show from my youth and always had a chuckle so I thought why not watch it from the beginning again. Beyond happy I did, its like a whole new sitcom has been released for me. I don't remember anything really from the first time round so its all new jokes and scenarios. I am in love with Frasier and Nile's eccentricities, Daphne's naivety and Roz's quick wit. I feel all grown up watching this show now, I think I am finally appreciating adult comedy.

Big Brother Canada 2
I can't begin to tell you how much better this setup is better than the British equivalent. Yes we have the amazing and beautiful Emma Willis to present ours, but thats the only part we are winning in (not to put down the Canadian presenter, its just I have a big love for Emma). The housemates were all great, love them or hate them. With their setup its 100% more of a game, its all strategy. You will hear '... for my game' endlessly, and you have to respect it - it is a literal competition. When it came to winning I wanted Neda to win, but she got bested by her partner in crime - but John was a very deserving winner.

Music
Sia - Chandelier
Sam Smith - Leave Your Lover
Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood - Something Bad
Lady Antebellum - Bartender
The Fault in Our Stars Soundtrack
Lily Allen - Sheezus

What am I doing?

My blog is called 'What Craig Did', and yet I rarely mention what I am doing right now. Probably because I don't have a whole lot going on. Sadly I don't do much at all. I have become that person I never wanted to be - I have a full time job! And even worse I have become one of those people that automatically wakes up at 6am on the weekend because I am used to it in the week (don't get me wrong - I quickly roll over and go back to sleep when I realise). This blog post is going to be all about me - my favourite subject. As always I have made a list of things so lets get underway.

Job

I am currently working as a Visual Merchandiser for a major British department store chain. Basically the job requires me to make the store look pretty. I dress the mannequins, create the displays, hang the wall posters, set up all advertising and all general upkeep. I am liking the job, it is definitely a lot more physical than I am used to, fingers crossed for some upper arm muscles out of this. Having religiously never lifted anything heavier than 5lbs in my entire life it has been a struggle. 

Home Life

Home life is good. I may be a bit behind my peers. I moved back home a couple of years ago now, it just made sense. Whilst I get on my feet and find my path I don't want to have to worry about bills and been alone all the time. My parents and sister are amazing, it feels like more like roommates than the house having any type of hierarchy. It works for us as we are four very individual, opinionated people. I will be looking to move on within the next year or so but I am happy where I am right now.

Friends

I have an amazing group of friends. As time goes by some friendships diminish and some grow. I am lucky as I always have someone I can go to. I do wish I could hang out with some of them more than what I do, but I understand that sometimes life doesn't allow for that. I won't name a certain friend but I want to thank them individually - they allow me to say whatever drivel pops in to my head, they talk to me all the time, I feel like they get me on a bigger level than most and I never feel judgement from them - so thank you.

Love Life

Not applicable. Nothing new to write. Seems singledom is a way of life for me. 

Plans

I don't have a lot of plans as of now, I just got my first full time job so that is taking a lot of time up in my life. However I am going to do something soon, quite scary for someone like me - I am going to go to another country alone. I haven't decided which one yet, I have limited it down to Europe. France seems to be the front runner right now. It won't be for long, maybe even just for a week, but it has been something I have been thinking about for a while now and I am in a good enough place where I can do it, Mainly I want to see how I cope, I am very used to my own company so that won't be an issue and another major reason is that I don't know if anybody will be free or willing to go with me.

Emotions

I have been a mix of emotions lately. My life has completely changed in the last few months. I have always been in education and now it suddenly stopped. I feel more responsible for my life than I have ever before. Every choice from here on out means something. I have my down times sometimes, frustration with myself, disappointment with myself - always feel like I should be doing more than what I am doing. However, with the down times I do get happy times aswell, I am forever grateful for what I do have. Mostly I am scared if I am completely honest, I don't know whats happening a lot of the time.

Interests

Nothing really new to report here, if there is one thing I do talk about a lot on here it is my interests. TV shows I am currently watching are The Big Bang Theory, Parks and Recreation, Inkmaster, Scandal, Veep and I have become obsessed with Big Brother Canada. My days Big Brother Canada and US have a completely different set up than we do over in Blighty - and it is insanely better, research it and you will see what I mean.

Music I am currently listening to a lot is a mix as always. I am re-listening to Miranda Lambert's 'Four The Record' a lot and starting to love the songs I never gave a chance to before. Favourite song right now is probably 'Look at Miss Ohio'. Also really liking Iggy Azalea's new album, Christina Perri's new album and American Author's new album. I try to listen to a lot of new music, mainly recommended to me by my friend who always has a list of new stuff I might like.

When it comes to movies I keep finding myself trying to seek out slasher horror's I haven't seen yet. Watching a lot of badly made sequels, and some good ones sometimes. Really want to dedicate more time and money to my DVD collection.

So I think that is us all caught up now. I will be honest I am struggling to come up with ideas for this blog. I have posted 118 times and it is hard to keep my ideas fresh, so any thoughts or links would be amazing. Peace.

My Go-To Albums

I am one of those people that get incredibly bored with music very quickly, I can love a song one day and instantly turn it over when it comes on the music channels the next day. However, there are some that break this rule. These are my go to albums right now, when I'm on the train or walking places and I can't choose anything to listen to, I will go to my old faith-fulls.

Little Mix - Salute

Quite a new addition to my go-to albums. When I first heard it I was a bit erm about it. I can flick past one or two songs but some really stuck with me. 'Boy' is my absolute favourite on the album, think old school Destiny's Child with a bit of Dream's "He Loves You Not' and Jesy's amazing vocal intro and you have a great track. Also with the album you will notice you start to walk in a different way, you march! They have perfected the art of marching music - if you don't agree listen to 'A Different Beat', 'Move' and 'Salute'. This type of music just makes my head bop and there ain't nothing wrong with that.

Natalia Kills - Trouble

I will always be thankful for Spotify for this treat to the ears. Its an amazing album. It has attitude filled songs, mixed with some beautiful ballads and some throw back tunes that are reminiscent of the 90's. Particular favourites include 'Devil Don't Fly' and 'Saturday Night' - I am a huge sucker for a ballad. If you need a song to help you stomp the street like a boss ass bitch then you got 'Problem' for that - this album has something for everyone.

Taylor Swift - Red 
If you know me then you know my love for Taylor is deep and its real. She is an amazing writer and every song she gifts us with seems like we are having a peek in to her world. I have to say my favourite album of hers will always be 'Fearless' (it was perfect), but the reason this album is on my go-to list is because it is so varied. No two songs sound similar, no two songs cover the same topic and lets face it her voice is like a fine wine - its only getting better with age. Favourite songs include 'Red', 'The Lucky One' and 'Holy Ground' - but for me its like picking my favourite food, its all good.

Miranda Lambert - Four The Record
This album is country perfection, she has the twang down and there is no shortage of guitars and banjos. This is the epitome of country for me, every song is a story whether happy or sad. It takes a lot for a song to make me cry just by listening and not having a video for it - 'Over You' had me bawling, ugly snotty kind of crying. This album is perfect for journeys, you can just look out the window and the scenery fits the songs and you can create your own music videos (just be aware of fellow passengers judging you as you place your hand against the rain splattered window and mime). This album does also have its great up tempo songs aswell. Favourite tracks include 'All Kinds Of Kinds', 'Look At Miss Ohio' and 'Mama's Broken Heart'.

Demi Lovato - Demi 
If I could have any one's singing voice it would be heres, her range is awesome and she can hold a note like nobodies business. Each album of hers gets better and better. This one definitely shows a growth and maturity. She has now got a clubby vibe to her sound on some songs and I'm not mad about it, her ballads are what you expect - perfect, and she still hasn't forgotten her pop routes. If you ever want to mime and feel like a diva (which we all do at some point of the day) then pop this on. Some favourites include 'Neon Lights', 'Warrior' and of course 'Heart attack'. I also very much recommend her last album - 'Unbroken'.

The Band Perry - Pioneer 
I fell in love with this band the second after I heard 'If I Die Young' - it was depressing, country perfection, which is what I ask from my music a lot. When they released this second album I was afraid they wouldn't live upto the high bar I set them. Then they released 'Better Dig Two', yes another death related song, but my god its so good. The whole album is great - they haven't stepped away from their country roots, but why should they, you don't fix something that isn't broken. I am also listening to them on replay a lot lately because I am going to see them on Sunday and I am balls to wall excited.

Just a Country Boy

I love country music. There I said it. I am not ashamed. In England the country fan is hard to find, well at least one that is willing to admit it. Unfortunately country music is not considered 'cool'. I do not know why. When I tell people that I like country its as if I told them I like knitting little wool friends. 

The beauty I find in country music is that every song is like a story. There is an emotion that is pushed through that connects you to the song. Okay that might have been a bit deep for a description of a music genre, but I don't know how to describe it. I am a huge fan of depressing music and country is all over it like white on rice. There is a certain twang that country singers have and I love it and often try to copy, pretty sure I'm close to nailing it. 

Some of my favourite country songs are :

Miranda Lambert - Over You

Pistol Annies - Hell On Heels

Hunter Hayes - I Want Crazy

Lady Antebellum - Wanted You More

Carrie Underwood - Too many to mention (2 Black Cadillacs, Temporary Home, Before He Cheats)

Sugarland - Stay

Kellie Pickler - I Wonder

Kacey Musgraves - Blowing Smoke

The Band Perry - Better Dig Two

Dixie Chicks - Not Ready To Make Nice

Taylor Swift - Any song she has ever sang

Martina McBride - Concrete Angel (Prepare to sob)

Rascall Flatts - Stand, What Hurts the Most

Gretchen Wilson - Redneck Woman

Dolly Parton - 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colours

Fleetwood Mac - Songbird, Landslide

Give them a listen, I'm not saying its the definitive list but they are some of my favourites and some of the more current ones. If you are unfortunate to have the stereotype of country music listeners in your mind, I'll just let you know now - I don't own any cowboy boots.