As 2008 comes to a close, I thought it would be cool to look back at some of the albums that have really taken a beating on my iPod/iTunes over the last twelve months and share them with you! I just wanna start off by saying that I am not very good with words so I will not be reviewing these albums, just purely bringing them to your attention and which song’s you have to check out.

For someone who loves to discover new artists/albums, I hope some of the following artists have the same effect on you guys. The albums mentioned below cover a wide range of Genre’s so possibly something for everyone…

Artist: Secondhand Serenade
Album Title: A Twist In My Story
Genre: Acoustic
Favourite Songs: Your Call, Fall For You, Stay Close, Don’t Go
Listen: MySpace | purevolume
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Artist: The Cab
Album Title: Whisper War
Genre: Pop Punk / Powerpop
Favourite Songs: One Of THOSE Nights, I’ll Run, Risky Business
Listen: MySpace | purevolume
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Artist: The Courteeners
Album Title: St. Jude
Genre: Indie Rock
Favourite Songs: Bide Your Time, Please Don’t, Not Nineteen Forever
Listen: MySpace | Last.fm
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Artist: The Kooks
Album Title: Konk
Genre: Indie Rock
Favourite Songs: Sway, Gap, Mr Maker, Shine On
Listen: MySpace | Last.fm
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Artist: Marie Digby
Album Title: Unfold
Genre: Pop / Piano Pop
Favourite Songs: Say It Again, Beauty in Walking Away, Better Off Alone
Listen: MySpace | Last.fm
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Artist: Augustana
Album Title: Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt
Genre: Piano Rock
Favourite Songs: Sweet and Low, Twenty Years, Hey Now
Listen: MySpace | purevolume
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Artist: The Subways
Album Title: All or Nothing
Genre: Indie Rock
Favourite Songs: Alright, Shake! Shake!
Listen: MySpace | purevolume
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Artist: Boyce Avenue
Album Title: All Youre Meant To Be
Genre: Rock
Favourite Songs: On My Way, Dare to Beleive, All The While, Change Your Mind
Listen: MySpace | Last.fm
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Artist: Jack’s Mannequin
Album Title: The Glass Passenger
Genre: Alternative Rock
Favourite Songs: The Resolution, Spinning, American Love
Listen: MySpace | Last.fm
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Artist: The Script
Album Title: Self Titled
Genre: Pop Rock
Favourite Songs: Before The Worst, Breakeven, If You See Kay, We Cry
Listen: MySpace | Last.fm
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Artist: Kings of Leon
Album Title: Only by the Night
Genre: Rock
Favourite Songs: Use Somebody, Manhattan, Sex On Fire
Listen: MySpace | Last.fm
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Artist: Taio Cruz
Album Title: Departure
Genre: R&B
Favourite Songs: Like A Star, I Can Be, I Just Wanna Know
Listen: MySpace | Last.fm
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Artist: Sara Bareilles
Album Title: Little Voice
Genre: Pop
Favourite Songs: Love Song, Vegas, One Sweet Love
Listen: MySpace | Last.fm
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Artist: The Offspring
Album Title: Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace
Genre: Pop
Favourite Songs: Love Song, Vegas, One Sweet Love
Listen: MySpace | Last.fm
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Artist: Driving East
Album Title: The Future Of The Free World Is Riding On This One
Genre: Pop Punk
Favourite Songs: Hey, Come On Come On, Baby (Just A Little Bit), Backseat
Listen: MySpace | Purevolume
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You may be aware that Jack’s Mannequin released a pre album EP, titled ‘The Ghost Overground’ yesterday. The EP itself only contains four tracks, two of new material and two live track’s from there debut album ‘Everything in Transit’.

You may also be aware that it is now available on iTunes, to US only residents. grr. I was fortunate to get hold of the EP from a friend thankfully! Now I figured I would share it with any other die hard Jack/Something Corporate fans out there who are also unable to get a copy because of where they live.

I don’t know if anyone agrees with me but it is so frustrating that just because I live in the U.K, I am therefore unable to purchase certain music on iTunes. I am a huge fan of Andrew and I want to support his music by purchasing it, and I genuinly would do if I could, but there isn’t a way!

Anyways heres the Cover and track listing followed by a download link, but please if your a fan and are able to purchase the music then do so and support the band!

1. The Resolution
2. Bloodshot
3. Holiday From Real (Live)
4. Kill The Messenger (Live)

Download the EP from HERE

Thats right guys, for any fans of the awsome Motion City Soundtrack, well this ones for you! Especially Non-US fans who can’t actually purchase this over iTunes as its not available! This new collection of songs from the band was only released yesterday (6th of May) and you won’t even be able to find this in any store, only on iTunes! The EP itself is fully acoustic, consisting of 5 songs from there latest album ‘Even if it Kills Me’, check out the song listing and the download link below…

1. Fell In Love Without You
2. It Had To Be You
3. Broken Heart
4. Can’t Finish What You Started
5. Point of Extinction

You can download it from here… DOWNLOAD

With Leeds Festival 2007 having such a huge impact on last year for me, I mean it was the best weekend I have had in a long while, and the weather was soo hot each day we were really treated! I have high expectations for 2008’s festival and therefore I figured I’d start early with discussion about who’s likely line-ups, who will headline. Also, with me being a so called Festival ‘Virgin’ last year, I learnt a few things that I will bring with me this year and I will share these for anyone planning on going who’s never been either! Well so far for this years festival, talk is only just beginning to happen, as organizers will be keen to secure the services of there three Headline acts! 2007’s headliners were Smashing Pumpkins, Razorlight and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, I saw the later two as I am not a huge fan of the Pumpkins stuff. Razorlight rocked the show, there a band I am very into and they really put on a good show, playing mainly songs from there latest self titled album but still taking time to add in the classics such as Golden Touch.

The Chili’s were also great, although my experience was kinda overhauled by the crowd status, we got there early and saw the prior acts to ensure we had a good spot for them but when they came on stage, the crowd became unbearable and we found ourselves getting very crushed which wasn’t fun! Also may I add that the Chili’s never even played Scar Tissue!! one song that I would do anything to see be played live!

Another band that we saw and me and my mate are huge fans of is Fall Out Boy, they really put on a show and the crowd was there in numbers! In fact, we managed to get right to the front bar and get some awsum footage! check out this video I got, it uploaded on YouTube and can be seen here. Fall Out Boy are in fact my call to be a headliner for 08’s show, I think they have the status over here now, if not ‘08 then they will definitely be Headlining one year soon!

The only rumour I’ve heard so far is from Virtual Festivals, who claim that the three Headline Acts for 2008’s Leeds/Reading Festivals have been booked, and that they are all American acts. They claim that Rage Against the Machine, Green Day and the Foo Fighters are the three bands expected to be announced to play. Although not confirmed, Green Day who have a new album expected to be released this year could be the obvious choice, and Foo Fighters who have a new album already released would be another popular fans choice! Other bands I am guessing will make an appearance this year will be The Kooks, We Are Scientists, The Wombats, Scouting For Girls, Possibly Radiohead, The Subways, All American Rejects! all have new material either out at the moment or due later this year! I’m praying that with american bands, Jack’s Mannequin may make an appearance over the ocean for once! they have a much anticipated album due this year and haven’t travelled across here yet! That you really be a treat!

I will add further comments soon keep your ears to the ground and feel free to add any content using the form to the left…..

Finally, to any noobs out there who are thinking about heading to this years event, do it! seriously its the best gig you could ever go to! Four days of drink, music, bbq’s, girls and sun (hopefully). For me personally, the lineup wouldn’t of mattered to me, although pretty much 60%+ of the bands were bands I liked, this wouldn’t of stopped me 1) going, and 2) enjoying myself anyways! I have put together a little list of what I would call essentials, please take them as you will, it is purely from my own experience….

• Food that will last the whole weekend - snacky food like cereal bars, crisps, maybe fruit (apples, oranges), biscuits
• Beer - think how much you will need, and then take more, this is a good idea for several reasons 1) you won’t run out (der!) 2) you can always leave some in your car and its there as a backup 3) you can share! 4) you won’t have to buy there beer which costs about £30 a pack!
• Toilet roll - The toilets at the festival are something of an experience in itself,by the last day disgusting is the word! take plenty of toilet roll! or baby wipes are good to prevent any dryness due to lack of shower (disgusting but true)
• Lots of water - handy for curing dry mouth from large amounts of beer and also handy when brushing your teeth!
• Warm clothing - although the weather was amazing last year, it was still bloody cold at night and the fire can only keep you so warm! lots of hats and hoodies is good call!
• Chewing gum - lots of pretty girls around, don’t get caught out!
• A blow up airbed - ok sounds crazy and not essential, but we managed to get a cheap one and it was bloody amazing, took a bit getting the bugga up but man it was comfy!

Okay so I will get my thinking cap on and post some more when I remember lol! hope thats helped for now!!

*****UPDATE 7/3 - Tickets for Leeds/Reading Festival 2008 go on sale March 31st at 7pm*****