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Ed Sheeran - Loose Change
by lyndsey1989
I am a big fan of Ed Sheerans most recent album named +. I recently wrote a review on it on here and another member, Daisy told me that she actually preferred his older stuff. I thought well if his older stuffs half as good as + then I'm onto a winner so I decided to look into some of his older material.
==Who is Ed ... Sheeran?==
Ed Sheeran is commonly referred to as the flame haired singer/songwriter, beatboxer and guitarist. He was born in 1991 which actually makes me feel quite old as I was born 2 years earlier... But considering his age he's achieved a lot so far and he has an extremely wonderful talent, both being able to sing effortlessly and also to piece together these wonderful songs of his.
==Loose Change==
Loose Change was released in 2010. There seems to be two different editions of this EP which is what it is formally known as but I think it can be called an album because it is longer than most EP's. There is the 2010 album with another being released in 2011 with a different song replacing A Team as the first track. The album is a relatively short album with only 8 songs but I think as an introduction to Ed or simply to top up your Ed needs its perfect! I am reviewing the version of this with Let It Out as the first track rather than A Team but I am going to give a quick opinion on A Team now so that both editions are covered.
A Team - This is the song that really got Ed noticed. It was released in 2011 and was quite different to other music around at the time as it had a soulful vibe yet Ed is accompanied by various instruments making it a ballad yet a little more upbeat. The song refers to a girl who used to be very successful and popular now going downhill rapidly. It's a fabulous song which is very catchy and I guarantee everyone has heard it even if they aren't sure who Ed is.
Favourite Lyric: "The worst things in life come free to us" 10/10
Now I am going to review the version that I have.
Let It Out - The album begins with guitar strings which are shortly accompanied by Ed's wonderful voice. As soon as I heard Ed's first few lines I thought to myself, yes this is going to be great! More instruments are included into the song but the chorus is just Ed's voice with the guitar which I think sounds absolutely fantastic because I love his voice and think it really hits home when his voice can be heard so clearly. The lyrics refer to Ed missing a girl that he has been seeing which initially was supposed to just be about the physical side of the relationship. I think that this song is a brilliant opener for the album, it puts across exactly what Ed is about and gives a brilliant idea about what is to follow.
Favourite Lyric: "It seemed perfect, the concept, free from any regret" 10/10
Homeless - This is probably my favourite song on the album because I love both the lyrics and the rhythm and it's got a great beat that I just can't help but nod my head along to! I also think that the lyrics are really clever with a play on words when he speaks about being homeless. This song could have easily been on + and fitted right in. Its brilliant! The song refers to Ed always being out and about and rushed off his feet, but he would really like to find someone to share his life with. I've got a couple of favourite lyrics...
Favourite Lyrics: "It's not a homeless life for me, it's just that I'm home less than I'd like to be"
"Gonna live past 22, done everything I need to, except get a 2: 1" 10/10
Little Bird - This song begins with Ed and a girl finding an injured bird and them taking it inside to care for it and one thing leading to another. In the song Ed is reminding himself not to jump in too deep and he's saying that the bird is responsible for all this and how thankful he is. I thought this was a nice little song and quite cute. I liked the rhythm of the song as it was quite upbeat and had a sort of folk vibe to it.
Favourite Lyric: "And it's not complete yet, mustn't get our feet wet, cause that leads to regret, diving in too soon." 9/10
Sofa - Another one of my favourites. This song has a really laid back feel to it and the opening lyrics brought a smile to my face making me pay more attention. I love this song as it has quite a happy feel to it and it does make my mood improve because its got a good beat and tune. The song refers to how much he could do and where he could take his girlfriend across the globe... but he'd rather stay on the sofa.
Favourite Lyric: "She's reinventing loving me, When we're resembling cutlery on the sofa" 10/10
One Night - Another brilliant song. The lyrics refer to Ed telling a girl how he really feels and how fond he is of her. Initially I thought he was just telling her what she wanted to hear but I'm actually really unsure! I love the song and the lyrics are fabulous and fit in with the music so so well. It is a really catchy song and I think this could be on par with Homeless for my favourite song on the album.
Favourite Lyric: "Tell me you have a toothbrush, you don't mind sharing" 10/10
Firefly - This is a slightly more mellow song and is a bit more like a ballad than a lot of the album. Ed's voice is accompanied by guitar and it's a relaxing song which is great for helping me chill out, especially as I don't feel the need to nod my head to this one quite so much! The lyrics tell us how Ed finds someone completing him and how he thinks that their lives fit together perfectly.
Favourite Lyric: "Heart to heart, melt me down" 8/10
The City (Live) - This song is on + so I had heard it before and I have to admit, its not one of my favourites however I do really really like all of Ed's music. This live version is fab and Ed's voice sounds absolutely perfect, I didn't actually realise this was live the first few times I heard it because its so strong. It is slightly different than the version on + as it includes a rap. I absolutely adore the addition of this rap and think that its great! I wish this was included in the + version. The lyrics are about how Ed fits in with the city.
Favourite Lyric: "What I do isnt up to you and if the city never sleeps then that makes two" 9/10
Firefly (Bravado Dubstep Remix) - This is a remix of Firefly and it definitely ups the beat and tempo and it sounds like a completely different song to be honest so it doesn't matter too much that there is only one song in between the two on the album. The verses are still laid back and relaxing but underlying bass tones are introduced into the bridge and chorus which makes the song sound really good as its sort of like a dubstep ballad - two words that wouldn't ordinarily go together!
Favourite Lyric: "Heart to heart, melt me down" 9/10
==My opinion of the album==
As you can probably tell I was really impressed by this previous album from Ed Sheeran. I'm so pleased his earlier stuff was recommended as its very strong and its an album that I know will become as popular in my collection as + (I've had + for about 8 or 9 months and its never left my CD multichanger!)
I find Ed Sheeran's music really different to anything else out there at the moment because he tackles real issues but he also plays his own instruments and isn't afraid to showcase his wonderful vocal skills. I haven't actually come across anyone who says they don't like Ed Sheerans music so it really does please most people.
This album did not disappoint me in the slightest and I'm a bit annoyed that I didn't come across it earlier. It is a typical showcase of Ed's talents and although there are only 8 songs on the album, I think it is as good as +. I knew I loved it on first listen which is unusual for me as it usually takes a good few listens for me to really like an album.
The lyrics are clever, witty and relevant which allows me as a listener to really identify with Ed and understand his situations. I also like the fact that he does talk about things that people are genuinely going through - I know a lot of artists do but Ed tackles different issues such as financial hardship etc which tend to go unrecognised.
Another quick point to add is that I love the albums artwork. The cover is made up of what looks like a felt tip pen drawing of all different coloured shapes linked together a bit like a tetris game. You then have coins drawn onto the page with 2p pieces spelling out Ed Sheeran, a 20p chucked in for a space and Loose Change written on 50p's. I love the cover as I think its really fun and its certainly different to most album artworks around at the moment.
==Summary==
This EP is absolutely fantastic. There are 8 songs on this and 8 out of 8 I would listen to time and time again. The songs are consistently strong, fun, thought provoking and clever. Definitely worth a listen if you like Ed Sheeran or even if you don't know if you do, fabulous EP which really helps showcase his talents - singing, songwriting, beatboxing and playing guitar!
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Eye To The Telescope - KT Tunstall
by joey92
KT Tunstall's songs are folk-rock with pop influences. One of my favourite things about this artist is that each of her songs is meaningful, there are no empty lyrics which is a pet hate of mine!
You can buy this album for around £6 from the usual online outlets nowadays as it has been out for a good number of years. I borrowed it ... from the library having heard of KT and she did not disappoint!
1. Other Side of the World
A poignant, nostalgic sounding song, which can be interpreted in a few ways. Is it about long distance love? Or is it a metaphor for someone being close feeling faraway? If anyone is interested, there is an absolutely beautiful live rendition over on Youtube from a T in the Park festival.
2. Another Place to Fall
I quite like this album to listen to in the car, and Another Place to Fall is surprisingly catchy. It wasn't one I listened to at first when I got the album, but it captures the range of her voice and I really like this track. I think this song is about overcoming difficulties and sorting yourself out without relying on other people.
3. Under The Weather
A wonderfully relaxing song, listen to this calming track if you are going to download one track! It's a metaphor of weather and unhappiness.
4. Black Horse & the Cherry Tree
This song is filled with attitude and KT rocks the guitar well in this one. This song was recently done on the Voice too I think! KT does attitude well and I love this rendition of the song. Rich vocals and catchy melody and beat make this song a good one.
5. Miniature Disasters
This song is an off beat song, with notes of Amy Winehouse in the vocals I always think! It is about small things which go wrong as the title suggests.
6. Silent Sea
This song opens with an eerie start, and continues with gentle guitar chords and soft vocals. I really like listening to this one, as it is so thoughtfully put together.
7. Universe & U
Another slowed paced song, this song seems to be about someone special. It also has reference to long distance love. Quite a nice track, with slow, melodic guitar.
8. False Alarm
I really like this one, it begins with a note of resignation and weariness and continues with an edge of nostalgia and sadness. It sounds a little like waking up in sadness.
9. Suddenly I See
Probably the best known KT Tunstall song, this song was played on the radio a lot round it's time of release. I love this song, it makes me feel uplifted in some way, though I don't think I liked it as much when I first heard it! It is quite a motivating track.
10. Stoppin the love
An optimistic track, complete with echoes and guitar effects.
11. Heal Over
I can't confess to having listened to the tracks toward the end of the album much. Another beautiful track for KT's vocals.
12. Through The Dark
A soft track to finish the album with gorgeous piano and a steady beat to accompany her voice. This song, like many of them on the album, is about moving forward past difficulty, which is where the telescope reference comes in I would guess, looking into the future or trying to predict what will happen next!
--Summary--
Get this album! I don't think there is a weak track on the album, they are all listenable. KT has a stunning voice and plays the guitar really well.
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Outside There's A Curse - Ben Marwood
by ladyofcampfires
Ben Marwood is a singer/songwriter from Reading, England. Outside There's A Curse, released through Xtra Mile Recordings in January 2011, is his first full length album which follows one solo and two collaboration EP's. The album is made up of ten tracks:
1. I Will Breathe You In
2. Singalong
3. Toil
4. A Shower ... of B*stards
5. They Will Float Your Body Out To Sea
6. It's Harder Now To Break Your Stupid Heart
7. Oh My Days
8. JJ Abrams
9. Tell Avril Lavigne I Never Wanted To Be Her Stupid Boyfriend Anyway
10. The District Sleeps Alone Tonight
The majority of this album was recorded in Marwood's bedroom which is evident through the stripped back, one take, raw feel it has about it. Most of the songs featured on this album are composed of Marwood's acoustic guitar and voice. Tracks such as 'Singalong', 'They Will Float Your Body Out To Sea' and 'JJ Abrams' introduce a few more instruments such as drums, pianos and organs but as a whole, the song structures to all of these tracks are pretty simple and provide some easy listening. Marwood's voice, however, somewhat contrasts with the calming melodies of these songs. While he does posses a soothing voice it is also somewhat rough around the edges and he isn't gifted with the greatest of vocal ranges. Having said that his typically English accent comes through his vocals strongly which adds extra charm and character to his voice. It's also nice to hear vocals which haven't obviously been auto tuned!
The lyrics of these songs do not follow any particular theme and every song seems tackle a different subject. The songs are fairly personal to Marwood and it can often be quite difficult to relate to them. However none of the tracks are particularly serious, a lot of the lyrics are clever, witty and quite funny - it's clear Marwood has no problem with laughing at himself. The song 'Singalong', as the title suggests, is a song you can sing along to very easily with it's catchy chorus and simple lyrics, the main line being 'I tried to write a singalong but we all forgot the words'. In this song Marwood explores the idea of needing to grow a beard to continue playing in English Folk clubs and expresses that fact he knows he'll never be featured in NME due to this 'stupid hair and wonky teeth'. As far as light hearted, catchy songs go this one is definitely one of my favourites.
'Tell Avril Lavigne I Never Wanted To Be Her Stupid Boyfriend Anyway' is a lot darker, written in minor chords this song is purely a guitar and a voice and describes feelings of longing for a girl he can never have. It's probably the most serious song on the album although still doesn't tug at your heart strings or anything. It's a soft track that tends to have me singing along from time to time though. The album ends with an acoustic cover of The Postal Service's 'District Sleeps Alone Tonight' which I personally feel he did a very good job of covering. It's a fair bit different from the original which I always like to hear (who wants to listen to an exact copy of a song)? The slow, gentle beat of this track brings the album to a relaxing and calm close which doesn't leave me feeling disappointed.
I wouldn't say this is an album I feel like playing through again once it's finished and, unless you're paying close attention, there are times where the songs can run into one another and sound pretty similar. Regardless, I still enjoy this album and can't wait to see what else Ben Marwood has in store for the future.
The album can be bought from Amazon, hard copies costing £4.99 and digital downloads costing £7.90. Also available from Itunes for £6.99. Xtra Mile Recordings website (www.xtramilesrecordings.com) also sell hard copies of this album for £8.99 and digital downloads for £6.99.
Warning - The album features explicit content.
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