Songs For The Broken

What Separates Me From You


The release of 2009's ground-breaking Homesick saw Florida five piece A Day To Remember thrust to new heights, leaving them teetering on the edge of breaking into the mainstream. Yes, this album certainly got the band noticed and achieved greater success than they themselves had possibly ever imagined. Now, with an ever expanding fanbase, can the pop-punkers deliver the follow-up album we've all been so eagerly anticipating? The answer quite simply, is yes.
    The new album, What Separates Me From You, has been greeted with amazing success, selling 135,000 copies in the US alone. The first single, All I Want, reached number 19 on the US Billboard Rock chart, whilst the accompanying music video featured cameos from numerous highly credited bands, including appearances from Bring Me The Horizon, Pete Wentz and Silverstein. ADTR are quite clearly a band on their way up.
     As a pop-punk band infused with a hard metal edge, they have a unique and distinct sound, allowing them to appeal to fans of both genres. For the hardcore metal fans, favourable tracks are likely to be Sticks & Bricks, 2nd Sucks, and You Be Tails and I'll Be Sonic, in which the band engage with their heavy, screamo side, creating songs that are reminiscent 2009's Homesick. In contrast, tracks Its Complicated, If I Leave and smash hit single All I Want, incorporate distinctly more poppy, catchy beats, showing the bands softer side, appealing to those who perhaps don't want to have their ears blown off! But what ties this album together is the deeply infectious, anthemic, pop-punk lyrics, which melt through every single track. The unique blend of pop-punk meets metal is something new and different, making this band exciting to listen to. 
    The album, although somewhat more 'poppy' than previous efforts, is certainly more of a personal record, depicting confessions of band struggles, coping with loss and adjusting to new found superstardom. Frontman, Jeremy McKinnon, has poured his heart into this record. His lyrics undoubtedly come from the heart, as he blazes through tracks, stating "I love to keep things honest," and "lets leave no words unspoken" - this is indeed a band that doesn't hold back. It is this undeniable honesty within the lyrics that fans seem to love the most. McKinnon gives something for fans to connect with and reach out to, so it is unsurprising that people come to find a lot of positives in the music. Through expressing their own personal battles, ADTR provide a source of comfort and support for others dealing with their own battles - it could be argued that it is for this very reason that they have gained such a devoted following. 
    So, with the band set to head out on the road with their biggest selling tour to date - including headline shows across the UK - it looks as if 2011 is set to be their year. This is a band on the rise and it seems only a matter of time before they explode into the mainstream for good. In the words of McKinnon, they've got the whole world in front of them.


Favourite Tracks: All I Want, It's Complicated, All Signs Point To Lauderdale

Desert Island Discs

Music You Can't Live Without

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island until the end of time, and were allowed the luxury of just eight discs to keep you company, what would you pick? Check out my list below to see what I came up with.

1. Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day

Everytime this song is played I simply cannot turn it off. The lyrics to this track are extremely honest and easy to relate to, as it explores emotions that I’m sure everyone has experienced at some point in their life. It is certainly a perfect song to listen to if you're ever feeling alone, as it explore feelings of loneliness and isolation; ‘sometimes I wish someone up there will find me, till then I walk alone.’ But I find that it’s truly uplifting, and a great ‘pick-me-up’ for whenever you're feeling a bit down - I feel this is a song that really speaks to people. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams is one of the first Green Day songs I ever heard, and it is still one of my all-time favourites – LOVE IT!

2.Please Please - McFly

I’m not ashamed to admit that this has been one of my favourite songs for a very long time, and it is still a ‘chart topper’ on my iPod play count. This song is a great pop-rock infusion, with an extremely catchy beat and infectious lyrics that will have you singing and dancing around like an idiot (or at least that’s what happens to me!). This has to be my favourite McFly song ever, as it reminds me of the first time I saw them performing a live show – granted it was on their DVD, but it still made a lasting impression! This is a band that I have grown up with and still adore, (although I must admit I am more of a fan of the ‘old McFly!’ but I love them nevertheless!). A fun, energetic song, that still makes me giddy when I hear it – a must have!

3. Planetary (Go!) – My Chemical Romance

Ever since getting my hands on My Chemical Romance’s new album, Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys, I have become rather addicted to this song. Having heard it for the first time at their live show in Manchester, the melody stuck in my head until the release of the album a while later. I love the lyrics, as they’re very direct and full of attitude, whilst the beat will have you dancing and bounding around, just like the lyrics say – ‘I can’t stop now because I’m dancing!’ This is a great foot stomping, uplifting song that makes you feel good.

4. Closer To The Edge – 30 Seconds To Mars

This was the first song by 30 Seconds To Mars that I ever listened to and it is the one that made me come to love this band. The chorus, along with the many chants of ‘NO NO NO!’ really make you feel like a part of an ‘army’ so to speak, and it really is quite invigorating when you sing along with the crowd! This song makes you feel like you are a part of something – a feeling you might be searching for when stranded alone on a desert island!

5. 21st Century Breakdown – Green Day

As the first song on the hugely anticipated follow up to American Idiot, and the first song I ever saw the band play live in concert, 21st Century Breakdown simply had to be on this list. Everytime I hear it, it brings back memories of seeing my favourite band perform one of the greatest shows I have ever been lucky enough to see. If there’s a song that reminds you of some amazing moments – keep it!

6. @!#?@1 – Motion City Soundtrack

Well first of all, yes that is an actual song title! And secondly, for me, this song is hilarious! The lyrics are packed full of attitude and defiance, yet are sung in such a carefree, cheery manner, that I can’t help but crack up when it’s played. This is an ace song for releasing frustrations about anyone who is irritating or annoying you. I cannot count the amount of times I have wanted to belt out the chorus lines, 'you all need to go away!' to those dictator type teachers who stood at the front through my college years, preaching negative comments about the students, but never recognising their own failings, blaming everyone other than themselves - why can't they just 'leave us sensitive home-boys alone?!' This is a chirpy, jolly song that always manages to put me in a better mood. ‘Word!’

7. Another Song About The Weekend – A Day To Remember

I chose this song above some of my all-time favourites simply because it brings back good memories, and always manages to lift my spirits. This track reminds me of travelling across to San Diego, as it was during the ridiculously long flight that I first gave this song a listen. After that, it became the soundtrack to my holiday and that memory has always stayed with me. Although this song is ‘heavy’ in places, giving it more of a metal edge, the catchy pop-punk lyrics are definitely still in there, which I love. A Day To Remember are fast becoming one of my favourite bands, so I think it’s only fair they get represented in this list. (Plus, you need a bit of variation if you’re stuck on an island!)

8. Ignorance – Paramore

I find Ignorance to be an amazing stress relief song! The lyrics allow you to belt out all your frustrations about someone or something that’s bothering you, leaving you feeling a whole lot better afterwards! This is a great fist-pumping, foot-stomping kind of song that really gets you moving, and it has attitude by the bucket load!

Favourite Track: Boulevard Of Broken Dreams

Whilst I could have quite easily filled up my 8 discs with Green Day tracks, I think sometimes a bit of variation is needed to keep you on your toes! It’s nice to have a song in there for different moods, whilst holding onto those with special memories. And whilst it’s hard to dismiss some of your absolute favourites, I guess in the end it’s about enjoying what you do have and not dwelling on what you don’t. So what would your choices be?

Check out the original BBC Desert Island Discs show, first created in 1942, at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnmr

She's A Rebel, She's A Saint

The blurb:


St Trinian's, the infamous school for 'young ladies,' is facing a financial crisis. A new Education Minister (Colin Firth) is an old flame of the headmistress (Rupert Everett) but is determined to bring discipline and order to the anarchic school. A motley crew of teachers, and ruthless pupils join forces to steal the famous painting "Girl With A Pearl Earring" from the National Gallery. But can their combined cunning, girlish wiles and total lack of shame win the day before the authorities close them down for good?


My thoughts:


I must admit that I was really looking forward to watching this movie, as the plot seemed highly entertaining and I felt sure that it would be full of laughs. But sadly, as the movie came to a close, it has to be said that it fell a bit flat, and I was left feeling rather disappointed. I'm not saying this is a bad movie, but if you're looking for a gripping (and believable) storyline, then St Trinian's probably isn't the best pick of the crop!
    For me, the plot never really seemed to take off, and when things eventually did get going, the sequences of events did appear a little far fetched and ridiculous. I also found that the voice of the headmistress (Everett)was very difficult to understand in places - although this is most likely due to the fact that the role was being played by a man mimicking a woman's voice. On the positive though, this choice of casting did make the relationship between the headmistress and the Minister (Firth) all the more entertaining to watch.
    The greatest thing about this movie for me was the comical showcasing of various stereotypical school cliques, including the nerds, the emo's and the 'posh totties,' to name a few. This school is all about rebellion and outcasts, so it was great to see these groups come together in a bid to save their dysfunctional school from ruin. St Trinian's is the one place where everyone is accepted and has a place - a home for the outsiders - and I thought it was great that the 'minorities' were finally recognised. Although, the appearance of Girls Aloud did put a downer on the ending for me personally, as I feel they represent the complete opposite of what this school is all about - that being originality and uniqueness!
    All in all, if you want a movie with a good humoured, fun and slightly outrageous storyline, St Trinian's is probably right up your street. But if you're hoping for something that's gripping, engaging and has a plot that involves a little more brain power to follow, this movie is most likely not your cup of tea!


Star rating: 3/5

The Bounty Hunter

The Blurb:

TAKING YOUR EX-WIFE TO JAIL. BEST JOB EVER.

Milo Boyd, a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, gets his dream job when he is assigned to track down his bail-jumping ex-wife, reporter Nicole Hurley. Milo expects an easy payday, but nothing’s ever easy with him and Nicole. The exes continually one-up each other – until they find themselves on the run for their lives.

My thoughts:

Well, I’ll be honest in saying that from reading the blurb, this film didn’t really sound like it had much to it. I was expecting a very predictable storyline, little action and few laughs, but after watching, I’m pleased to say that I was pleasantly surprised. The plot of the movie was original and exciting, full of twists and turns, that had me hooked from beginning to end.  Despite the plot taking a while to get going, the story became fast paced, and packed full of adrenalin and action, as reporter Nicole desperately tries to hunt down a killer, whilst trying to escape the grip of her ex-husband, Milo, at the same time. The duo find themselves in a series of hilarious scrapes along their journey, including high speed car chases, shoot outs, and a slight mishap with a golf buggy and a pond!

 The constant rivalry between Aniston and Butler is hugely entertaining and comical to watch, as they embark on a series of hilariously disastrous gags that will keep you laughing throughout.  As the couples bond begins to strengthen over the course of the movie, they evolve into an unlikely double act that no one expects to end up on the cutting edge of solving a huge case. It was also great to see Aniston front the lead role as the ‘detective,’ making this movie stand out from the ‘traditional’ action film, in which the male typically portrays the strong and heroic character.

 So if you’re looking for a fast-paced, adrenalin fuelled movie, with a touch of comedy and romance on the side, then this may just be the movie for you. It was fun, exciting and entertaining as hell – a must see!

 Star rating: 4/5

Need A Little Help To Get Me Through It

As an English language student, I thought I would share a book with you that I have found particularly useful in my studies. The book, titled ‘My grammar and I (or should that be 'me'?)' by Caroline Taggart and J.A. Wines, is a great little study guide that takes you through the basics of grammar, covering parts of speech, as well as spelling and punctuation. The information is kept as basic and simplistic as possible, making the tricky topic of grammar actually make sense – which was something of a revelation for me! The book is broken down into sections, therefore reading isn’t too taxing, and the information is easier to digest. Poems, limericks and rhymes are included throughout, helping remembering material much easier, whilst making the reading and the topics more enjoyable.

This little book is great if you’re trying to get your head around the building blocks of language and the way we write, or if like me, you need something a bit more straight forward to help with the draining revision process...happy reading!