Cause they do know, and so do I. The high road is hard to find



Broken Bells

HMV got a very early visit from me this morning as I was eager to sit and listen to the full thing in its entity rather than youtubing with all those horrid adverts or getting "John from Spotify" telling me to buy the Mumford and Sons album (I've got it pal!) So here I am, new headphones in (and partially out as my new ear peircing also named "the mistake" is making it pushing the head phone out, argh). I've mentioned many a time before that I play music to fit my mood, so after a crazy week and an exciting weekend in London with friends I have opted for the more chilled genre....

I've only just come across this band/album/all of their songs at the weekend. After spending my Friday night drinking pimms, catching up with good friends and listening to some wicked music this was just one of the new and exciting albums I came across. Chilled, alternative and addictive it stands as one of the nicest easy listening albums now in my collection. I LOVE LOVE LOVE being introduced to new music, so for this post I must thank my Essex boy Brandon; he has an ear for good music as does his girlfriend (my Emily!) I have to say I was skeptical as the first song played. Electronic sounds to begin an easy listening cd, surely not? But as James begins to sing you know its going to be good..............

James is also the lead singer for The Shins, which says its all. I love The Shins and plan to write about one song in particular in the very near future - but for Broken Bells, our American born duo we can be thankful for some great composition and thoughtful lyrics. Brian Burton (you might know him better as Danger Mouse?) and James Mercer are interesting to watch and in their edgy video for The High Road; are a the sorts you can't take your eyes off. And they have that skill we all want............ keeping the straight face in weird and wonderful situations. TEACH ME. If its one thing I've learnt in my weekend trip, its that keeping a straight face is mysterious and cool. Therefore I am quickly erased from that category is a smiley Northern Girl. When your boss writes in capitals "NEVER STOPS SMILING" on your appraisal at first you are happy that you look happy...................but then I did pause and think, if I NEVER stop smiling, surely I must look like a nutter?!!? Oh Christ, lets move on.

So for the music. "The High Road" is completely wickedawesomeyehhh. I'm addicted, not the best thing when you've got a script to write - but I'm definitely feeling the lyrics to this song. The beat. His voice. His beautiful face, those eyes...............wow. Of course its all about the music, but the lovely James is quite the Sting lookey likey! His voice is beautiful on the ears, and I look forward to taking this CD round to the boyfriends to sit and chill to with a glass of wine. NO, I'm not 50+. But I do enjoy staying in with a glass or 4 of wine, thats after I've been raving and downing bucas  OBVIOUSLY.

Next song. "The Ghost Inside". Nice change in the tone, it brings up the beat of the album and gives us a build up to one of the nicest sounds on the album. Lets get technological ---> 2 minutes 18 seconds in you will know what I mean.

The two describe their material as "melodic, but experimental, too". I would agree, this sound is like nothing I have heard before, their beautiful song "Sailing Nowhere" has a quick drum beat in places you wouln't think they would fit. Without all the experimental stuff I think the album would be lovely anyway, but this gives it an edge and brings us into the present. "Vaporize" another favourite - oh you get the jist. I like every song!

I hope everyone had a wicked Royal Wedding weekend, I for one no want to be a Princess and can happily say me and my friend Sky Plus'd it and watch the kiss at least 8 times. Please give this album a listen and get a feel for the music with the following 2 songs :)

FiftysAtHeart xx