Tune Tuesday- "Along With You"

Hello all! Time for another Tune Tuesday & today's tune is a song I mentioned in my last Music Monday post. It's my favourite track on Dope Stars Inc.'s 'TeraPunk' album, which I was listening to earlier today.

'Along With You' by Dope Stars Inc.

I've thought this song is brilliant from the moment I heard it- the vocals, the tune, the lyrics- everything! I love the digital, cyberpunk feel it has, plus it reminds me of the 'laser-rhythm-a-con' instrument in The Sims 3: Into The Future.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

April- What I've Been Up To

Hey there my good readers! Here we are at the last Friday of the month & I thought to myself that I could do a new thing here on this blog. Well, new-ish as it is something I have done & others have done before. I have decided that the last Friday of the month shall be when I write up a personal post, sharing with you some of the things I've gotten up to for that month. So here we are for April's edition:

April has been a good month for me, had the chance to meet up with friends which is always nice! Been out for drinks or having coffee at home, but I have learned the valuable lesson of not having a massive, chocolate covered waffle with extra strawberries before drinking. Both myself & my friend felt ill & could only manage 1 drink, but still, was a good night!

This was a good idea at the time. Don't get me wrong, tasted great, just waaaay too sickly!

I also re-dyed my hair earlier this month. I tend to do so every 4 months or so, by which time it's faded quite a bit & my roots start to show. I also had it cut- the fringe needed putting back in place plus it needed a trim, only a little though as I am trying to grow it.

L-R- Before, taken the day before the cut, as you can see my hair is a faded red & the fringe is parting. Middle- dying in process, got an ASDA bag bandana on to protect my skin & was feeling like a pirate! Right- new cut & colour all done!

Art wise, Project 365 has been coming along nicely! Managed to get a photo every day, not all of them are great due to time contraints/lack of ideas, but I've stuck with it & that's the main thing- today will be day 55! To read more on my thoughts & feelings about it, take a read of my deviantArt journal, then why not take a look at what I've done so far by clicking this link here! I've also gotten round to posting some of my favourite bits I did whilst at Uni on there too- these can be found by going to my gallery.

In between doing all the above & working, I've also find time to return to my favourite game, The Sims. Was on there yesterday in fact & had a very good session! My story is progressing nicely although having free will & story progression on does cause some rather odd happenings, like my Sim & his Robot becoming romantically involved! Here's a shot of my Sim making a trait chip & being very pleased with himself:

Yep, am sad enough to capture my Sims in their finest moments.

There we have it, an insight into what I've been up to this month. Got my Grandad's birthday this weekend so will be celebrating that & then having a Michael J. Fox movie night with my Auntie.

What have you been up to readers? Feel free to share your misadventures in the comments below!

Thanks for reading! :D

2015- A Good Year For Music!

Hey there readers! Last week saw the end of my weekly music challenge, which has been the main theme of Music Mondays since the start of this blog. Now that it's over with, I can move onto talking about other things with regards to music.

In today's post I want to share with you why, for me, 2015 is a good year for music. I've been thinking to myself about this, as in the past month two artists I really like have released new material, plus I've heard of a few comebacks & a re-release.

Let's begin with what's already released & move on from there:

Jack Strify's 'ILLUSION' Re-Release

Towards end of last year, ex-Cinema Bizarre frontman Jack Strify set up an online crowdfund on Pledge Music in order to raise money to make his new album, 'ILLUSION'. Being a fan of his music- both in Cinema Bizarre & as a solo artist- I decided to pledge & received an original copy of the album last December. This copy was only given to those who pledged, & the full album's proper release is set for later this month- possibly in the next week! There isn't a lot of difference between the newer & older versions, apart from there's a new song called 'Face To Face' & the newer version includes Strify's own version of 'My Obsession', a song previously recorded & released with Cinema Bizarre. I'm excited to here these songs & fingers crossed he'll make his way to the UK on tour!

Dope Stars Inc.'s 'TeraPunk'

Released 13th February of this year, TeraPunk is Dope Stars Inc.'s latest release & it is brilliant! It continues with the more cyberpunk theme of 'Ultrawired' rather than the industrial sound of their work before & during '21st Century Slave'. The sound is just amazing & the album has a mix of tempos in the songs, but all of them have a high energy which is what kept me listening! My favourite tracks have to be 'Take It', 'Do It Yourself' & 'Along With You'. A fantastic album, definitely worth listening to, & another band I hope come to the UK!

All Time Low's 'Future Hearts'

These guys just keep getting better! Future Hearts was released earlier this month & it is incredible! I was hooked from the offset- the song 'Satellite' is just brilliant! This album, much like the albums I've previously mentioned, was on a bit of a repeat after it's release- it's just so good! You can definitely tell that All Time Low are getting more adventurous with this album- there's a mix of sounds in amongst their usual pop-punk style, which has matured even more on this album than it did with their last.

Breaking Benjamin's Return & Release of 'Dark Before Dawn'

Although the band have been reformed since last year, I was pleased to read a few weeks ago that they'd be releasing a new album entitled 'Dark Before Dawn'. Having not heard anything from them since 2010, I'm excited to hear their newer material, especially as the band line-up has changed since I last heard them! I've heard a clip from their new song 'Failure' & it sounds great! Fingers crossed this album will be easier to get hold of in the UK than their last! Will have to wait 'til June to find out!

The Return Of Blowsight?

Ever since seeing the band live in Sweden, I've been wondering what their future will be. I'd heard that the show would be the last time Mao, their bassist, would play with the band as he was moving on to work on his new band, Mindshift (which Fabz, the drummer, is also in). No announcements had been made on social media like they had when other band members had left, so I was left curious as to whether I had witnessed the last Blowsight gig. I had heard though that they were coming up with new material, which is why I didn't think the band had fully broken up.

Back in February, Nick posted a comment with regards to a new album, which was great to hear, although he wasn't sure when it would be ready, then in March he said the following in a status:

"New dudes. New band. I like. Get ready."

I'm guessing that means Blowsight will be back soon, hopefully at some point later this year! I'm sure they'll be amazing, as always, upon their return, & bring a whole new range of awesome songs! Looking forward to their return so much!

The Return Of Green Day?

Near the end of last year, Billie Jo Armstrong posted a photo on Instagram of letters & numbers in a hardware store, spelling out 'Green Day 15', with the caption "I'm in a hardware store in queens. and this is on my mind." This was good to hear, however, not a lot was mentioned since, until about a month ago I read they were jamming again, with bassist Mike Dirnt confirming that they're "gearing up to kick ass again". I know they've recently played a set in their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, so I'm hoping that we'll be seeing a new Green Day album (& tour) later this year or even early next! Gotta love Green Day!

That's why I think this year is great for music- especially if Blowsight & Green Day return, I mean, who wouldn't be ecstatic to see their favourite bands come back in the same year? Even more awesome if they ended up playing together. But let's not speculate on that too much!

What makes this year great for your music readers? Are you excited to hear a new album or have heard something amazing you'd like to share? Then why not comment below!

Thank you for reading! :)

Note: Images are not mine & I take no credit for them.

Pet Peeves- When I'm Driving

Hello all! Today's a bit of a special day for me as it marks the 6th month that I've been able to drive- half a year has flown by quite quickly!

Driving is great & having this new found skill & independence has been a great convenience in my life. It's nice being able to get myself from A to B without having to always rely on other people &/or public transport. It makes going out for the day a lot easier too, knowing I can just get in my car & go & not be waiting for busses etc- means I can have more spontaneous trips out if I wish! (Which I did do this Monday.)

However, along with this new sense of freedom comes a new set of annoyances & my personal pet peeves while driving are the topic of tonight's post. In no particular order, here they are:

Cyclists

Although I said "in no particular order", I will admit that cyclists are my top annoyance when I'm on the road. As a driver I find them a nuisance because they are too slow & can be a pain to overtake in certain situations (e.g- on bends & bridges). Personally, I do not think that cyclists should share a road with cars, I feel that in doing so they are a danger to themselves & motorists. A slight wobble could have them out on front of a car, which wouldn't be great for either party. Then you get the idiots who just cylce all over the place, not even sticking to the designated cycle lane- these are the worst!

I do feel that cyclists would be better suited to the pavements with pedestrians- the way I see it, their speeds are more matched in comparison to cars & bikes, however, I do see that cyclists would then become a nuisance to pedestrians. The best solution would be to have separate roads for bikes, which I believe they have in Sweden & Vancouver, ones that actually separate cyclists from actual roads, thus reducing danger & annoyance.

This sort of set up would make life easier for both car drivers & cyclists.

Lorries

Lorries- the cyclists of the motorway, as I put them. I say that as, like cyclists, they are slow & annoying. Driving on the motorway can be a pain enough without having to encounter lorries, but unfortunately they seem to always be on there, being slow, causing stopping distances to be reduced & thus reducing the speed of the car driver. Even more annoying is when they're in the middle lane- it's bad enough that I feel pressured to go quite fast in that lane anyway, even worse when there's a lorry causing you to drive slower to maintain a good stopping distance!

Much like cyclists, I think lorries should have their own roads. I do know that they are unable (due to their mass) to drive faster than 50mph, but I think separate motorways/lanes would be better for them than causing a nuisance to car drivers.

Top annoying lorry situation right there.

Oblivious Pedestrians

Urgh! These are a pain- plus they are notorious in one of my local towns! See, I'm a very cautious road crosser, I tend not to cross unless the road is pretty clear & even then I get across ASAP & am always checking for oncoming traffic. These oblivious types are the complete opposite- they just saunter across the road, not even bothering to check for oncoming traffic, sometimes even taking risks & crossing in stupid places! Really gets on my nerves- I don't think everyone should be as cautious as me, but we were all taught the "green cross code" as young children- would be nice if some of us could remember it in adulthood!

Prime example of an oblivious pedestrian.

Impatient Beepers

These people really need to recall their beginner days as a driver & the rule of "pull out of/cross a junction when you feel it's safe to do so". Note the key word "you", which is subjective to each of us. Some people (like myself) are a bit more cautious than others; learner drivers especially. People who beep impatiently are very off-putting, pressuring other drivers into making a decision that they don't feel comfortable with. Plus, this added pressure doesn't help the driver being beeped- it can make them feel pretty angst up &/or enraged, which aren't good states to drive in! And for the record, beeping won't get anyone anywhere faster- it just shows you up for the impatient twat that you are!

Think before you beep folks, don't cause stress to other road users.

Inconveniently Parked Vehicles

Admittedly, in certain areas, where parking spaces are few, this is a situation that can't be helped. That doesn't stop it being annoying & it's difficult to navigate a road where one half is taken up by parked cars! This is the case in a road near where I live, one which I encounter on pretty much every trip to & from work. Coming back is a pain as all the traffic is on the left-hand side of the road, which also blocks the turning into the road, meaning that giving way to oncoming traffic can also be an absolute pain.

Bends & bridges are also not great places to park. Turning into a road & then having to get round a parked car isn't ideal, & having to manoeuvre around cars parked downhill on a bridge is also a pain. Again, I can see why, in some cases, people do have to park inconveniently, but it isn't great for those of us actually on the road.

I feel sorry for anyone coming down roads like this that has to face oncoming traffic.

People Who Don't Indicate

This one annoyed me even before I became a driver! It's simple as pie- if you're going to turn, please use your signal so that those of us behind you & anyone wishing to cross the road knows where you're going! It also lets people know that you're changing lane & not just driving like a lunatic across the motorway. Granted, it can be something we forget, but it's something that shouldn't be completed forgotten. It's common courtesy, in my book, to let other road users know where you're going.

This stick is there for a reason, please use it.

And there we have it folks, my pet peeves as a driver. To my fellow drivers out there, what are your pet peeves? Do you share any opinions with myself? Feel free to leave a comment below!

Thank you for reading! :)

Note: I take no credit for images on this blog, all of them were found on Google & belong to their respectful owners.

Weekly Music Challenge Day #30- If My Life Was A Movie, What Would The Soundtrack Be?

Hello there readers! First of all, an apology for no posts last week- I was working long shifts from dawn-mid afternoon, with socialising & sleep in between! Now I'm back & after a nice afternoon of retail therapy, I bring you tonight's blog post!

I've come to the end of my music challenge & tonight's final post is the second of my substitutes. To end the challenge, I've decided to take part in a music meme. It's called 'If My Life Was A Movie, What Would The Soundtrack Be?' & here are the rules:

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)

2. Put it on shuffle

3. Press play

4. For every question below, type the song that’s playing

5. When you go to a new question, press the next button

6. Don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool …

I'll confess, I have altered this before I started & have a playlist of some of my most played songs to use as opposed to my whole iTunes library as there are some songs on there that I haven't really listened to, so I couldn't imagine how they'd sound if they'd come up. I think that's fair enough, right? Anyway, enough of that, let's get on with this soundtrack, with an added commentary from yours truly:

Opening Credits:

'Jackson' by Johnny Cash

Well this could be misleading- will the audience think I'm going to Jackson, or be wondering why I'm married before the film's even started? Bit of an odd starter, but good song!

First Day At School:

'For Baltimore' by All Time Low

Hmm, I don't think this fits the situation. Not at all.

Falling In Love:

'When The Lights Go Dim' by The Hitchers

Seeing as this song starts with a verse about shooting your friends, I really don't think this is fitting either. Although it could link to someone after the second verse? This person whose friends think they're a pest, but I fall in love with them? Could be interesting...

Breaking Up: 

'In Your Cage' by Cinema Bizarre

So someone's stuck in the comfort zone of their mind, could be me, could be them? Either way this could make for a good montage backing with sad clips. 

Prom:

'Dirty Rotten Bastards' by Green Day

Now this would be an amazing prom song- punk prom! If this had been out & played at my actual prom, this would have been epic! 

Mental Breakdown:

'Tears In Vegas' by Cinema Bizarre

I think this is the most fitting so far. I can imagine I've run to escape life in Vegas & then my breakdown happens accompanied by this. Would be very dramatic.

Flashbacks:

'Play Play Play...' by Blowsight

Could tie in nicely with the last one? Could show all the fun moments before going on a downward spiral in Vegas, then spliced in images of me getting my shit together. Pretty good montage right there!

Getting Back Together:

'Angel Blue' by Green Day

This works well. Looks like the punk(ish?) couple are back together. Am going to assume they're a punky type from the 'Falling In Love' song.

Wedding Scene:

'Fell For You' by Green Day

Quite fitting, even if it is singing more about imagining being with someone that actually marrying them. But it could be the aftermath of all that imagining. Aww!

Final Battle:

'This Pain' by Blowsight

Now this would make a great battle song. Have no idea what I'd be battling, but whatever it is, this song fits like a glove!

Death Scene:

'My Obsession' by Cinema Bizarre

Well this is a bit odd, although the slow tempo & pianos make it kind of fitting? Could be the love of my life singing it to my as I die, that's how I see this one working.

Funeral Song:

'La Generique Fin' by Cinema Bizarre
Seeing as it's a finale song anyway, it kind of works, a bit whimsical for a funeral though.

End Credits:

'Thought Of Bride' by Blowsight
I think this makes a good credits song, gives the audience a chance to rock out after the film. Based on the other songs, fits well!

Finale:

'Man In Black' by Johnny Cash
Oh what a tune! Could be explaining why I wear black a lot? Or not, my reasons aren't as deep as Mr Cash's!

And there we have it folks! The soundtrack of my life plus the end of the music challenge! But not to fear, Music Monday's will continue- I'll just have to find something else to blog about!

Readers, why don't you take this mini challenge? Follow the rules & post your life's soundtrack in the comments below!

Thanks for reading! :D