Lets hear it for the boys!

I may have expressed my love for the female singing voice one or two thousand times on this teeny blog; but I can't help it, they dominate my Spotify and iTunes playlists. However, always the hypocrite, there is quite a few of the old male variety that consume a small percentage of my music. I do have the same criteria for these as I do the girls - 1st their voices have to be special, 2nd the songs have to hit me and resonate with me and 3rd I need to be able to sing along, for what I lack in ability I sure make up for in passion. So as a lover of lists I have chosen 10 male music acts that I happen to love - lets go:

1. Ed Sheeran

His voice is beautiful, his songs are beautiful and that red mane is beautiful. His songs stick with me because they are so deep and meaningful. He tells stories in a unique way, there is no-one like him in the industry. I need to see him live, I can only imagine it will be one thing - beautiful.

2. Yellowcard

I discovered these about 10 years ago when 'Ocean Avenue' was released. There first album is great but their second album was amazing. It has some of my favourite songs of all time on it 'Holly Wood Died' and 'Two weeks from Twenty' are particularly special. 'Way Away' is probably my favourite song they recorded - it is an amazing shout-it-when-your-frustrated type of songs.

3. Fall Out Boy

I think everyone has a special place in their hearts for this band. They are just fun, the songs are amazing. There is a club where I live called The Sugarmill, and in the back room they will play 'Dance Dance' or 'Sugar, We're going down' - this is where you will find me throwing some serious shapes.

4. OneRepublic

Ryan Tedder is a music writing genius, he has probably written some of your favourite songs and you didn't even know. He truly shines though when he is fronting this great band. 'Counting Stars' was by far one of my favourite songs of 2013. Also Ryan is quite pretty and there ain't nothing wrong with that.

5. Imagine Dragons

This band is quite new to my musical loves. They sang some songs that I didn't even know was them. So one day I decided to look at the Discover page on Spotify and there they were, so I though why the hell not. My days the album is so so so good. Full of emotion fuelled songs, mixed with fun songs and some great modern rock songs. 'Demons' is probably my favourite and the last 30 seconds of the video has me in buckets.

6. The Killers

I have being a silent fan of these for 10 years now. I have loved all of their stuff but I never made a big deal about it. Brandon is everything - beautiful, talented and a great showman. I have had the honour to see this band twice live and it is such a good atmosphere, it is electric when the intro for 'Mr Brightside' starts. Chills.

7. One Direction

Once again I show no shame in my love for the boys. I have probably mentioned too many times just how much I love them. They aren't your typical boy band, their songs have a more rockier edge to them which I respond to very well - but honestly they could sing the phone book and I would be happy, as long as they are looking at me whilst they do so.

8. Hunter Hayes

My love for country music rarely goes past the female voices but this little scamp creeped up on me from nowhere. 'Wanted' was a major hit for him and I even saw it on a British Music Channel. His next single was even better in my eyes 'I Want Crazy'. His country twang, great lyrics, blond hair and cheeky grin make up one great country star.

9. Ron Pope

I'll put my hand up now, I don't know much of his music - however he made the list because he sang and wrote one of my favourite songs of all time. 'A Drop in the Ocean' is beyond a beautiful song, I think I heard it when I had a lot of the same emotions so it stuck with me. Even to this day I listen to it and it reminds of certain things. I love it love it love it. Also his voice is top notch.

10. Bastille

I first heard this band when they did this amazing mash-up of 'No Scrubs' by TLC and quotes from 'Psycho' - it was genius. Worked so amazingly well, so I downloaded the mixtape and there was even more to love. So happy for them now that they are getting international success. His voice is so special and the songs are unlike anything you have heard before.

Honourable Mentions

Kanye West

Justin Timberlake

Bruno Mars

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

Pharrell Williams

Fun.

Michael Buble

Calvin Harris

The 1975

Jake Bugg

Arctic Monkeys

John Legend

Kings of Leon

You don't know you're beautiful? Listen to these.

There is a type of song that I absolutely love, and that type of song would be the girl power song. I know I know I am one of those penis carriers. I shouldn't even listen to these songs as they aren't for my kind - the men. However they clutter my iTunes. There is something so beautiful about them, these music icons are putting aside their own dramas and lives to write and sing songs that let their young female fans know that they aren't alone out there. For every insecurity they have and every issue they are currently dealing with they are letting their fans know they aren't alone. These fans can bond over this and maybe just maybe listen to these songs and find the courage to face their demons and live. So, as I do I have written a short list of some of my favourite acts that sing some kick ass girl power songs:

1. Destiny's Child - Story Of Beauty/Independent Women Part 1/Survivor

This band can be described as a true champion of women. They have written a few songs for woman to chant, fist bump and scream too. My favourite girl power song would be 'Story Of Beauty'. It tells a story of a young girl who doesn't know her worth after she has had a troubled life.

Favourite lyric - 'I hope one day she realise and sees the beauty in her eyes. All she needs is prayer and strength because she is beautiful'

2. TLC - Unpretty

This has to be an anthem for a generation of girls who never felt pretty enough. Instead of being condescending they sing about feeling the same way. TLC have always been about girl power, mainly about how girls are not be messed with and they are just as strong as men - so it must have been comforting for the female fans to know that Left Eye, T-Boz and Chilli also have their insecurities.

Favourite Lyric - 'Why do I look to all these things, To keep you happy. Maybe get rid of you and then I'll get back to me'

3. Little Mix - Little Me/Change Your Life/Wings

Instead of singing about boys and love, these girls came running out the gate singing about girl power. First song 'Wings' was a marching anthem for all girls to know they can fly and do what they want. For young girls these girls are great, as we have watched them from the audition stages we know they are four average lasses who achieved the impossible. Favourite girl power song of theirs would be 'Little Me' - it sings about being who you are and not being afraid, the catch is the song is actually written to their younger selves.

Favourite Lyric - 'You gotta speak up, you gotta shout out, And know that right here, right now, You can be beautiful, wonderful, Anything you wanna be'

4. Christina Aguilera - Beautiful/Fighter/Can't Hold Us Down

Everyone knows 'Beautiful' and most will know the words. Its an amazing song about feeling beautiful in ugly situations. Fun fact about this song is that the released version is the first demo she did, the writer liked the rawness and organic feeling it had, she didn't want another version. This is definitely a song that young girls need to hear and take in.

Favourite Lyric - 'We are beautiful in every single way. Yes, words can't bring us down, oh, no. So don't you bring me down today'

5. Jessie J - Who You Are

If its not her killer vocals that slay you then its the message of this song. It tells about the struggle to just be you. Its hard to express one's self sometimes, Jessie captures the thoughts of so many of us in the song. It is one my favourite songs of all time (and also one of my favourite songs to scream along to when home alone, or when I want to piss off the twin). For the past 4 acts I have picked favourite lyrics, but basically every word is perfect - but to keep the flow I have chosen one.

Favourite Lyric - 'Its okay not to be okay'

6. Selena Gomez - Who Says

This is one of those songs that we would love to shout at our bullies. She is basically calling out her tormentors and asks them why, whilst also talking to her fans about how they are entitled to feel beautiful even if others pull you down. I love the message of this song, I mean it is so right. Who says we can't be what we want to be? No one has that control.

Favourite Lyric - 'I’m sure you got some things. You’d like to change about yourself. But when it comes to me I wouldn’t want to be anybody else.'

7. P!nk - Fuckin' Perfect

If theres one thing that I love about P!nk its her brutal honesty. She sings about what she wants and does what she wants. This song didn't come as a shock because she has always been a champion of the underdog. This song is just fucking perfect. The video made me weep like a hungry child. This is one of those songs that you know helped a lot of people.

Favourite Lyric - 'Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me'

8. Lady Gaga - Born This Way

This song isn't just about girl power, its about humans. It is written for all of us. It is a song we can raise a fist too and scream at the top of our longs if we ever feel like we can't be us. Don't apologise for not been like someone else. We are who we are. She does a lot for her fans with making them feel special and I feel like she encapsulates in this song. If she was to leave this earth tomorrow that would be her legacy.

Favourite Lyric - 'No matter gay, straight, or bi, Lesbian, transgendered life, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to survive. No matter black, white or beige Chola or orient made, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to be brave.'

9. Demi Lovato - Skyscraper

She recorded this song after a very dark period of her life. This song was her coming out song if you like, she didn't let her illness bring her down. It is a beautiful song with even more beautiful vocals behind it. It sends a message that if your truly believe in yourself you can do whatever you want.

Favourite Lyric - 'Go on and try to tear me down, I will be rising from the ground, Like a skyscraper'

10. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger/People Like Us/Mr Know It All/Miss Independent/Dark Side

Our Kelly sure knows how to belt a powerful song out. Her voice is flawless and really can make you stop in your tracks sometimes. My favourite songs of hers are always her positive anthems. The power of her voice really reflects the power of the message she tries to tell. My favourite is probably 'People Like Us', this song came and went rather unnoticed which was unfortunate as it says a lot that people should hear.

Favourite Lyric - 'People like us, we've gotta stick together. Keep your head up nothing lasts forever. Here's to the damned, to the lost and forgotten. It's hard to get high when you're living on the bottom'

Honourable Mentions

Beyonce - Pretty Hurts

One Direction - That's what makes you beautiful

Ke$ha - We Are Who We Are

Alicia Keys - Girl On Fire

Nicki Minaj - Fly

Katy Perry - Firework

Glee Cast - Loser Like Me

30 Seconds To Mars - The Edge

Kellie Pickler - Don't You Know You're Beautiful

Aretha Franklin - Respect

Des'ree - Gotta Be

Keri Hilson - Pretty Girl Rock

100

Hello dear Readers 

This is my 100th post! Yay I did it. This may not be such a big deal to about 99.9% of the population but for me it is a big deal. Right now I can hear millions of bloggers rolling their eyes, saying 'pish posh' as they drink their earl grey tea and type up their 19384 blog post (I don't know a lot of bloggers, this is clearly an assumption). It is a big deal to me because I have serious commitment issues, I rarely finish anything or stick with anything. I have started to learn many instruments, taken many extra-curricular activities and joined a hand full of clubs - never finished any of them. I blame my parents, they gave me too much freedom and choice in life - I often imagine how different (and probably miserable) my life would be with strict parents, but I don't have strict parents and I am thank full everyday for that. I have always believed the best thing a parent can give to child is their own choices in life, don't sway them in any way.

Anyway we are getting away from the point. 100! I never thought I would see double figures never mind triple. This blog has been a bit of a life line for me, I suppose in real life I don't share a lot. My sister often tells me that no one really knows the real me. This is by choice I guess, I am very choosey with who I tell stuff to (unless I am drunk, then it is a free for all). 

I have written about a lot of things on this website so it has been hard to categorise what type of writer I am, but just like in life I have a lot of interests and a lot to say. This has been a great place to vent and also share my likes and dislikes. My favourite ones to write must be my more preachy ones where I give an opinion on something that bothers me like depression, appearances and gay rights. I like the fact I have given myself a little platform that reaches some people. 

Here's to the next 100! I hope to grow a little on this website, maybe write some more cultural posts, maybe have some more fun and maybe even share a little bit more about me.

100! I can't quite believe I wrote that much. I am expecting my telegram from the Queen any day now. Thanks for reading.

Love Craig x

Craig's Movie Club - The Sequel

So, no surprise here but I have been watching a few more films. Once again some were a bit lame but some were a bit fantastic. I saw some amazing acting, awesome locations and some inspirational moments - so lets go.

Carrie (2013)
We all know the old adage "Don't fuck with the original". Most of the time I agree. You can't recreate something that was perfect, for example when you make the most amazing meal and you want it again and again - it never tastes the same. Some films should remain untouched. 'Psycho' was one of these - why Vince Vaughn decided to sign on for the remake I will never know. However, 'Carrie' needed retelling. I don't want to insult anybody and diminish anyone's work but the original sucked. It was boring and was too reliant on people becoming invested in the title character. Lets all thank Jesus that someone decided to give it another shot. This movie was great. If you don't know the story I will try and quickly sum it up. Basically Carrie is a 17 year old girl, she is cruelly bullied for no reason, her mother believes Carrie is some sort of descendant of the devil and must be punished and to top it all off she develops telekinesis (the power to move things with her mind).
The ending of the film is beyond perfect, I was in awe throughout it. Carrie goes bat shit crazy when her tormentor drops a bucket of pig blood on her as she is crowned Prom Queen. The effects are top notch. Chloe Grace Moretz plays the title character and she was perfectly cast for the role. Julianne Moore plays her mother and for someone that is so naturally beautiful she plays this haggard role extremely well. This was a great retelling of a Stephen King classic, even though I have a slight moral problem with siding with someone who is basically a mass-murderer.

The Spectacular Now (2013)
When the words 'From the creators of (500) Days Of Summer' is written across a movie poster you know I will be seeing it. Unfortunately for Britain this film came and went without so much as a whisper. I could ask everyone I know about this film and I know only 1 other person would know what I was talking about. The story of the film is mainly based around an 18 year old called Sutter (nope, never heard that name before either), to cut it short he is basically an alcoholic with a lot of issues - he has no father in his life, he is failing some of his classes and his girlfriend just dumped him after a misunderstanding. Then Aimee, the beautiful Shailene Woodley, finds him passed out whilst on her paper route. It sparks up a beautiful little romance.
I have some pro's and con's for this film. It is a beautiful film and the acting is top notch. The relationship between the two main characters in incredibly believable. Some of the shots are stunning and I love all the location choices. The story is a great one and you really pull for Sutter and Aimee. Well now you have had your sugar it is time to take your medication - the ending! What was that? I get so frustrated when there is no closure as I get extremely attached to characters. She is just about to say something and BAM the credits, I even had to message a friend about my frustration. Another thing that kind of irked me was Aimee's character, don't get me wrong she is a great character with some amazing qualities, but she seems to lose some of herself when she gets in to the relationship and she becomes so all about Sutter - she breaks her arm for god sakes and apologises. Anyway regardless of this I thought it was great little film and I will definitely be watching it again.

Elf (2003)
This was my choice for the film to watch on Christmas morning with the fam. It is a great film, but let me get real on your ass for a couple of minutes - I used to hate it. I couldn't watch it, I thought it was stupid, I didn't like Will Ferrell and the story didn't interest me. I don't know what happened, maybe my heart grew 3 sizes Grinch style, but now I love it. It is such a funny film, literally laughing out loud through out, Will is amazing as Buddy and my beautiful Zooey is there. This movie is about a man called Buddy who is raised by elves and Santa Claus. As he is now in adulthood they tell him the truth and Buddy sets out to New York to find his father.
Hilarity ensues as he gets accustomed to life outside of the North Pole. His excitement of seeing Santa in a department store, his introduction to escalators and his many naive moments are what make this film so great. There is one moment that always makes me laugh and I don't think many others notice; he is walking his half-brother home and simply says 'So good news, I saw a dog today'. I think this one line just sums up everything I love about Buddy. So, I want to apologise to everyone connected to this film, I slagged it off to high heaven - but we all make mistakes.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
I had my reservations about this film, and I don't want to sound mean but I just haven't enjoyed much Ben Stiller has done since his one episode stint on 'Friends'. I think he is great at what he does, he makes millions of people laugh but I just don't. However I still went to see it, and thank the lord I did. It was so beautiful. If you are a fan of amazing landscapes and images of places you haven't seen before then this is the film for you.
The story centres around Walter Mitty (surprise), he works for a magazine, the magazine is publishing its last issue but the image for the cover is missing - so Walter goes on this great adventure to track down the photographer and get the photo. That is basically the skeleton of the story, there is so much to it. Walter is an avid day dreamer and imagines himself in amazing situations, but then it often comes crashing down on him as the realisation of his real life dawns on him. So this adventure is exactly what he needs and with it comes a lot of ups and downs. I won't ruin too much for you because you should discover this film for yourself. It was shot with such care for the locations it shows, you see some amazing sights. It is great film and I will definitely watch it again because I am sure I will discover more that I love about it. I am also a sucker for a great quote and this film is literally filled with them.

One Direction: This Is Us (2013)
I will put my hand up with no shame at all - I am a fan of One Direction. I don't understand why I should be ashamed at all. They are harmless, sing great pop songs and lets face it there is nothing wrong with 5 good looking boys looking back at you. When my friend told me she had a copy of the film I had no hesitation with setting a date for when we would watch it together. So, there I was, vodka-lemonade-lime in hand and I was ready to embrace One Direction. What I didn't expect was the film to be so good. I knew I was going to enjoy it but not to the extent that I did.
The cinematography was so good, the shots they chose were great and I really felt that I knew One Direction on such a deeper level then I did before I watched the film. We got to meet the real them, nothing felt staged and I believed everything they said. The film was obviously littered with performances, but I wasn't mad because they sang some of my favourite songs. Will I watch it again? I am not sure as I felt I got everything I could from the film, but I am so glad I watched it.

Whatever happened to the mixed gender pop group?

In the nineties to early noughties these groups ruled. They were at the top of the charts, selling out arena tours and on every television program. They were incredibly child friendly, whilst also singing about adult themes of love and sex. However, all of a sudden they disappeared. The noughties brought indie bands and a lot of sexually charged same sex pop groups. We lost the magic of cheesy pop music with both male and female voices.

Yes we do still have mixed groups in recent years, N-Dubz, No Doubt, Paramore and Black Eyed Peas spring to mind. These are not the same though. Where are the dance moves that we can learn? Where are the fun colour co-ordinated outfits? And where are the open mouthed manic poses on the front of music magazines? Music has gotten to serious. I absolutely hate when someone will describe a band as 'real music' - what is that? What does that mean? Are there rules?

I don't think I stand alone when I say I miss them and that I loved them. I bet my life that we all own at least one CD or tape that one of the above bands have made. They were innocent fun. They are still some of our karaoke favourites - and you know why? It's because they are easy, they are easy to sing along to and easy to mimic. So any record company that reads this blog (and I know you all do) please put a band together! All we need is some older teens or young twenty-somethings, good looking, good singers and some good dancers. We are easily pleased when it comes to cheesy pop.

Below I will write a list of songs to remind you just how great some mixed groups were.

• Steps - Deeper Shade Of Blue
• Steps - It's The Way You Make Me Feel
• S Club 7 - Bring It All Back
• S Club 7 - You
• Hear'say - Pure And Simple
• Hear'say - The Way To Your Love
• Liberty X - Song 4 Lovers
• Liberty X - Holding On For You
• Big Brovaz - My Favourite Things
• S Club 8 - Automatic High
• Allstars - Bump In The Night
• A*Teens - Upside Down

I may not be appearing the most 'coolest' person right now, but at least I am being honest. Be honest with yourself - we loved these groups. I went to see Steps on their reunion tour and they were amazing, we need some more cheesy pop about friendships and love in our lives - we take our music tastes way too seriously. There is no shame in liking these songs, theres only shame in pretending that you don't. We all loved them at one point; Steps sold 20 million records, S Club 7 sold 10 million records and Abba sold nearly 300 million records!

Why we should all be a little more Jennifer Lawrence

If you haven't been charmed by the beautiful Jennifer Lawrence then you must simply be heartless. She is a warm, intelligent, talented, beautiful and charismatic actress. Every role I have seen her in she just shines. And normally I am quite bitter when it comes to people younger than me been successful, but with her it doesn't seem to bother me (as much).

 There are quite a few things that we can learn from this young woman and here are 5 quotes that would benefit us greatly if we took them to heart.

1. Jennifer on her 'weight'

'I don't really diet or anything. I'm miserable when I'm dieting and I like the way I look. I'm really sick of all these actresses looking like birds... I'd rather look a little chubby on camera and look like a person in real life, than look great on screen and look like a scarecrow in real life.' 

We always hear stars saying that they live these healthy lifestyles, how refreshing is it to hear one of the world's most famous actresses actually say what we want to hear.

2. Jennifer on mental health

'It's just so bizarre in this world; if you have asthma, you take asthma medicine. If you have diabetes, you take diabetes medicine, but as soon as you have to take medication for your mind it's...there's such a stigma behind it.'

When she speaks, she only speaks the truth. The lack of filter on her mouth truly makes her brilliant. I can't imagine how many people this helped - to be acknowledged and supported by someone like her.

3. Jennifer on acting
“Not to sound rude, but [acting] is stupid. Everybody’s like, ‘How can you remain with a level head?’ And I’m like, ‘Why would I ever get cocky? I’m not saving anybody’s life. There are doctors who save lives and firemen who run into burning buildings. I’m making movies. It’s stupid.’”
One thing we all love about her is is her honesty. It's so great to see someone in the business who actually is aware.

4. Jennifer on money
“I like the financial security because I know how hard it is for so many people who struggle to earn a living. I’m grateful I don’t have to worry about money and I can live very freely and do something I love and get paid very well to do it. I tell my friends to slap me if they ever think I’m getting full of myself.”
She is so aware of everything, she fully understands how great some parts of her life are and yet when she says it we don't actually hate her for it.

5. Jennifer on being starstruck
“Once I’m obsessed with somebody, I’m terrified of them instantly. I’m not scared of them — I’m scared of me and how I will react. Like, for instance, one time someone was introducing me to Bill Maher, and I saw Meryl Streep walk into the room, and I literally put my hand right in Bill Maher’s face and said, ‘Not now, Bill!’ and I just stared at Meryl Streep. [...] I just creepily stared at her.”
Okay, hands up ... isn't this exactly what you would do if you saw Meryl Streep!

This is quite a short list about how and why I love Miss Lawrence! She is honest to the point that sometimes you don't know if she is saying something for effect; but really with her we know she isn't. She is hilarious, all you have to do is watch an interview with her. She is crazy talented and if you don't agree she has 67 awards for acting you can argue with. She is only going to get better and bigger. I see more Oscar's for her and more inspiring roles for her to take over.

Jennifer I bow down to you, please stay you amazing self, don't let the bastards get you down and keep on shining.

Do it for the Vine!

Vine is a blessing for someone like me. I have the attention span of a gnat. Vine is a great app where people create 6 second videos. My favourite type is definitely comedy, I have subscribed to pretty much most of the funniest Viners that are out there. This is a bit of a pain because all the people I have subscribed to are always on the 'Most Popular' page so it is definitely getting tougher to find new stuff - 1st world problems eh?

If you have not downloaded this app then you are surely missing out. First of all it is free so what the hell you might aswell. Secondly its an amazing time killer. And also these people are becoming quite famous, so you will know them before other people - and who doesn't like being ahead of the curve?

Also as the ever helpful person that I am, I have compiled a list of people you should consider following.

1. DRose - comedy, mixed with real life and her daughter
2. Brandon Calvillo - comedy, pokes fun at everyday stupidity.
3. Brittany Furlan - comedy, Queen of Vine. Not afraid to look stupid.
4. Simone Shepard - comedy, makes fun of ratchetness.
5. Alx James - comedy, social commentary of stupid things that anger him.
6. Sunny Mabrey - comedy, does a lot of hilarious skits.
7. Robby Ayala - comedy, big looking tough guy who is actually hilarious and sweet.
8 That's So Raven - comedy, 6 second clips of one of the best TV shows of all time.

Here is a quick compilation of some videos I found on YouTube. They are worth checking out. Some of these videos are amazing - and just remember they only have 6 seconds to impress you and most of them have little to no technology to use except from their phone.