New music to listen to in 2013

2013 is expected to provide many quality albums, especially in the rock genre, as new Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age, Kings of Leon, Vampire Weekend and others are apparently releasing new albums. Dance and hip hop are still growing, with new, innovative artists making these two types of music even more popular in charts, for both customers and critics, and different mixes of genres are constantly surprising the audiences all over. Like it or not, you and me have to start listening to it, and more than that- I, for one, plan to give anyone (well, most of them) a shot, no matter the artist or genre.

Looking at the list of upcoming music albums, I would recommend, or better say, am willing to listen to the following:

*TBD- to be determined, release date unknown


Alunageorge- Body Music (June)
While compiling this list, I decided to finally give a listen to a band I've been hearing so much about, but never tried: Alunageorge. The duo's first single, released in 2011, You Know You Love It, is currently on repeat on my playlist and I am now eagerly anticipating their album in June. Their sound can be described as a mix of pop, with a little bit of R'n B, courtesy of the great vocals from Aluna, and some dance beats, made by George. Please give You Know You Love It a listen and decide for yourself if it's catchy or not and worth a listen in the future.

Arcade Fire- TBD
An indie favorite, Arcade Fire is apparently releasing a new album later this year and I can't wait for it. Previous favorites: Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) and The Suburbs

Arctic Monkeys- TBD
Considering they have already been announced to be headliners for at least two festivals this summer (Opener in Poland, and Benicassim in Spain), I think it's safe to say we can expect new material from them. Loved by many all around the world, but idolized in the UK, the band is sure to make their new album a no.1 and I am also eager to hear it. Never heard them and want to give it a try? Listen to "You look good on the dancefloor" and "R U mine?"

Bastille- Pompeii- 24th February
New on the UK indie market, this band is patiently ascending the charts, with their sensible and catchy tunes, a mix of dance and rock. Personal favorites: "Flaws", "Overjoyed", "Bad blood"

David Bowie- The Next Day (March)

The world exploded when mister Bowie announce, on his birthday in January, that he would be releasing new songs and an album soon. Most artists, as they grow old, they somehow loose their magic, so I am curious to hear his new record.  

Daughter- If you leave- 18th March
The British band is slowly conquering the music industry in UK with its haunting songs, and I am right there to support them. Give them a listen, they're quite interesting. 

HAIM- TBD (Spring)

A trio of sisters, playing 80s type of dance/alternative music with a trio of guitars. At first I thought they were too hipster for my taste, but I quite like them now. Try "Forever" and "Don't save me" before downloading the album

 

Kings of Leon- TBD
The "Sex on fire" band, just as Arctic Monkeys, is currently booked for several music festivals this summer, so new material is expected and I, the lover of "Use Somebody" and several others from the "Only by the night" album, will definitely give it a try. Will you?

Major Lazer- Free the universe- 19th of February
Ever since I heard their new single, Get Free, at the end of last year, I've been hooked on them. It's a cool mix of reggae, dance and something else, and their songs are quite different, not to mention the fact that it is a visual project, as well. Worth a listen, especially to Get Free, if you like soul, r'n b or reggae.

Noah & The whale- TBD (Spring)
I don't know much about this band, except a couple of songs, but it is catchy pop-indie, and I usually like to listen to stuff like this when I need a pick-me-up! I'll be checking out their new songs!

Tom Odell- Long way down- 15th April
Tom is pretty fresh out of the UK music scene, but he just won the Critics choice awards at the Brits and was nominated for the BBC sound of 2013, so I am expecting big things from him. The sweet and simple singer won my heart with "Another love" and for that song, I will definitely buy his album in April.

That's it from me for now!

What are you looking forward to listening to in 2013? Any favorites releasing an album? Let me know in the comments!

The Olympic Games and the Opening Ceremony

I always get excited because of the Olympic Games- I love the atmosphere, the tension, the joy and passion I have when I support my country (Romania) or the resounding triumphs of some athletes that shock the world with their strength, talent and dedication. I usually don't and can't watch all the competitions, but I do have a soft spot and always try to see on TV the Gymnastics, Swimming and Athletics events. This year will be no different, since I am cheering for Michael Phelps, Romanian Gymnastic team and Horia Tecau at tennis.

But this edition is a little bit different for me, since the Games just happened to take place in the town I currently reside in: London 2012- Summer Olympics- an important event that the city and the world has been waiting for a long time, and it's finally here!

Yesterday, the Opening Ceremony introduced people to a crazy, exciting and diverse sports world that will have people talking for months. I saw it last night, in my room, with some Doritos and a Coca Cola, and I loved almost everything about it- I was very impressed, so much that I felt the need to talk about it. Here are some of my thoughts on it and a brief recap of what happened:

Danny Boyle, the master and director of it, began with an unsatisfying montage of kids and the road of the river to London. Then, the magic started:

First, a reenactment of British History, from farms to the industrial movement (led by Kenneth Branagh) until the second world war.

What better way to move into present times than a fantastic skit of James Bond picking up and dropping off (by helicopter!!) the Queen of England (the actual queen). This was probably one of the best and most memorable moments of the night. I can't seem to embed it, so here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW5abat5NEU


Then, we move to children's literature, as giant beds, a scary Voldemort and tens or hundreds of Mary Poppins invade the stadium, with even a special appearance by JK Rowling; special mention for the glowing bed duvets, I want one, too.

Next comes, quite possibly, the funniest and adorable part of the night- Rowan Atkinson portraying the loveable Mister Bean- again, here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBDTCuJF7g8. It's genius and funny and showcases the great British culture and talent.

Things get moving when the music starts, and Danny Boyle transports the audience in an energetic world of dance, music and texting, which gets things moving and makes you sing the lyrics of some of the best acts that the country has ever given: Rolling Stones, Beatles, David Bowie, Queen, Prodigy.....oh, and Dizzie Rascal (?).

They slowed it down for the only part I dreaded, or better say, got bored at, the boy and the mystical dance. But it was ok, because after that, the real ceremony started: THE ATHLETES

Some observations about the walk in the stadium of the delegations:
- 204 nations
- learned about new countries I had no idea existed: Djibouti, Kiribati, Nauru and my favorite team, The Independent Athletes (they seemed to have the most fun)
- happy and proud of the Romanian delegation- the flag bearer was Horia Tecau, a famous tennis player who is competing for doubles (he was actually in the Wimbledon final this year, but lost); oh, and he is pretty hot, too :)
- Best Costumes award goes to Mexico, with New Zeeland close second for their very cool tshirts

After the Great Britain delegation marches in with a smug look on their faces (as they should, I guess, it's their party), we have a great Arctic Monkeys performance of I bet you look good on the dance floor and a cover of Come together (I always thought Alex Turner is kind of a douche bag, so I try not to like them, but that was a great show, got to admit it).

Boring speeches, then an absolutely hilarious official opening moment of the Olympics provided by the Queen (you know when you do something wrong and your mom makes you say you are sorry, and you do it, but with an obvious displeasure? that is exactly what she looked like). In the end, it was worth the wait, because we move on to the most anticipated moment of the night, the arrival of the Olympic flame (hello mister Beckham), and the beautiful process, as 6 legends literally passed the torch to 6 promising talents, who then lit the actual torch, offering us a breathtaking and symbolic moment to officially open the Summer Olympic Games.

The night ended with some fireworks and Paul McCartney singing Hey Jude.

What can I say? Danny Boyle, you genius, I loved the Opening Ceremony. You did a wonderful job in transforming it into a cinematic event, showcasing not only the British history and culture, but also inspiring people to accept and embrace diversity, equality and passion. The production was fantastic, from the sets and costumes, to the powerful score and direction. I would literally buy a DVD of it right now!

There's no other place I'd rather be than London right now...I have to get out on the streets and into the Olympic Stadium so I can feel the vibe of the Games.

I want to hear from you and I have a lot of questions: did you see the Ceremony last night? how was it? do you usually watch the Olympic Games? what's your favorite sport? which team are you rooting for? Let me know in the comments!