February Media-based Favourites

Hello, Hello.

Well, hasn't February flown by, honestly it feels like it was only yesterday that I was rounding up my January favourites and moaning about how rubbish the month was. This month however was a lot more promising, and I have quite a lot of favourites this month so lets get into it.

LISTENING

As always, the playlist for the month is linked in the sidebar so you can all have a little groove. So for me, the biggest musical irateness that has graced our ears has to be the Black Panther Soundtrack, produced by the King himself, Kendrick Lamar. (Side note, did anyone watch the Brit's? I screamed with happiness when he won Best International Male, and then got well annoyed when all of his performance was muted due to bad language). I still haven't managed to get to go see the film, which is a massive regret on my part - I really need to man up and just start going on my own to the cinema. My most listened too tracks are Pray for Me (The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar), Big Shot (Travis Scott & Kendrick Lamar), and King's Dead (Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future & James Blake). The soundtrack is the definition of  the flame emoji, and I've heard the same for the film. 

Keeping in a similar wavelength I have been really enjoying grime this month (as always if you know me well). After watching Stormzy absolutely own The Brits and his beyond incredible performance I have listening to it none stop. However one track that has stood out too me, which is by an artist I've never really listened too - but I will do now. The track is by J.D. Reid, Bossman, Birdie & Ghetts and it's called Different. It is a literal fire in the booth and made it onto my monthly playlist without question. I have J.D. Reid on my radar now and I am looking forward too listening too more of his music. Oh, and speaking of Stormzy, the Sy FX remix of Let Me Down with Jorja Smith has been another hit for me this month.

I have a few more absolutely incredible tracks which I also cannot go without mentioning this month, still in the realm of rap this track, Diddy Bop (feat Cam O'bi & Raury) by Noname is beautiful chilled out and soulful, right up my street. It's a very cool track that I can just imagine relaxing too in summer with an ice cold beer. Now for something completely different, Bitter Winter by ALASKALASKA. Similar in the fact that it is soulful, but in a more electronic jazz way. It's really fresh and fun, but also reminiscent to the 80s. I totally fell in love with this track and the hypnotic melody. The last track I'm going to talk about (even though I could happily talk about why every track on the playlist is amazing) is Crash by EDEN. This song is beautifully honest, and in that slightly broken. You can feel it in his voice, and through the lyrics. I just love the beautiful simplicity of this track, which works perfectly with his heart felt words. This is one of those tracks which are really hard to describe, but that I feel like everyone needs to listen too. It also has some very quotable lyrics, and is perfect for anyone going through heartbreak. I think I would happily say this is my song of the month.

WATCHING

To my surprise this month I haven't watched any films, because I have been too busy binge watching series instead (oops my bad). But my aim for March is to watch more films, so let's hope I stick too it. 

Okay so firstly I have to start off with the return of the cult CLASSIC The X Files. I know this show is probably a bit like Marmite, but I freaking love it. I mean if Maulder and Scully aren't your OTP are you even a true fan? Whenever I hear the theme music I get all excited like a little kid, it is not as good as the original (obviously), but it fills me with nostalgia and I'm just glad that it is still going strong. However it has made me want to rewatch the originals, but they are no longer on netflix and I don't know where I can access it (if anyone knows, can they let me know in the comments please?). 

So the biggest success for me this month, and for Netflix I assume, is the series Altered Carbon. Everyone and their mother has been going on about this show, and for right reasons - it's incredible. Controversy and interest was sparked before the show even aired with the marketing stunt that they put on at a scientific convention in Las Vegas (to find out more about this click here). This Sci-Fi film set in the future is an absolute beauty to behold, the cinematography is rich and stunning. The actors are incredible, especially Joel Kinnaman. I see definite nods too Blade Runner, which I am totally here for, but one of the most incredible things is the abundance of strong female leads. Without giving too much away, this show is revolutionary for the role of women within Sci-Fi, and is something I feel very passionately about. If you haven't had a chance to watch it, I would highly highly recommend it, I mean Netflix Originals rarely disappoint do they? They sure know how to make a brilliant binge-worthy show. But I mean we would all be shocked if they couldn't, right? You can watch the trailer here.

Another show which I have been obsessing over is Wynonna Earp. Based off a IDW Comic it is a based around the great granddaughter of Wyatt Earp, who has to fight supernatural beings and demons that her great grandfather killed in the past. It is a great light hearted fantasy show, there is only one season on Netflix though, so you have been pre-warned (there are 3 seasons in totally). This show is OK, it's not amazing but if you are fans of the genre you'll enjoy this, also the lead character Wynonna is a sassy badass, and I love her attitude.

I have recently just started watching a Spanish Drama on Netflix called Morocco: Love in Times of War, but we're now in March so my final thoughts and opinions will have too wait till next months favourites.

SO that's it for last months favourites, sorry it's late but my excuse is that February had only 28 days - so this isn't too late, right? Also if you follow me on instagram or twitter (which you should! I'm @emmacarline on instagram and @emmalouiseloves on twitter) you will know that my old laptop's screen has broken so I have had to wait until today for my new laptop to arrive.  Anyway, I will try and have more diversity in the watching section next month, I need to get back into sitting down and watching a good movie. But until then, that's it for now.

XOXO, EMMA 

January Film & Music Favourites

Hello, hello!

Isn't January such a weird month, readjusting after Christmas and the blues that come along with it. For once though, I have actually had a pretty good month! But I am also glad to see the back of it, I feel like my year is only properly coming together now. However, I have managed to come across some amazing music and film discoveries this month (especially with all the time off I've been having), so I thought with it being the end of the month I would do a roundup of my favourites. I know that my film and music posts aren't as popular, so keeping them together in one post makes it more accessible for those who want to read, and easy for those who want to skip past it. So, let's start with music.

MUSIC

To start with if you look on my sidebar to the right,  you will see I have linked my Spotify playlist for this month, so while reading this post (or after) you can have a listen if you're interested, all of the songs I talk about (and the rest of my favourites from the month) are all in that playlist.

There seems to be a heavy focus on soulful moody female focals with songs such as Eliza -Wasn't Looking,  ZURI - Beg For It, and Courage & RAY BLK - 2 AM. These songs are stand outs which I have loved.

But there is also a focus on chilled more stripped back dance /electronic tracks, these sort of tracks always seem to clear my mind and help me relax, which is exactly what everyone needs to cure the January Blues. My top discoveries this month would be Crooked Colours - Flow, The Kite String Tangle - Selfish and Sense & Eleven - All Mine. 

Finally I can not forget the most exciting music release of of this month (well for me anyway), is the return of The Vaccines! There are one of my favourite current bands so I was super pumped about their return, and I can happily say that I am not disappointed. The two tracks released Nightclub & I can't Quit are instant hits.

FILMS

Films wise, this is where it gets more niche (hence why I put music first), with having a film degree I have certain tastes and certain themes / genres which I gravitate towards - especially independent cinema.This may not be to everyones cup of tea, but I want to discuss them anyway as they are incredible films which seem pretty underrated and deserve some more lovin'.

Davyveon (2017), Dir. Amman Abbasi 

70% on Rotten Tomatoes

Independent Social Eealist coming of age film following the life of a poor disadvantaged black youth after his brother was shot dead. Beautifully shot with discreet unnoticeable camera work, i.e. body shots, hand held and lush smooth tracking. I loved how the film did not glorify gang culture, and kept it gritty. It isn't a remarkable film, it isn't full of big blockbuster moments or anything really shocking, but that adds to the beauty of it. It just demonstrates the mundane reality of what his (and the other kids) life is like, and how little the opportunities they get offered are. It isn't Moonlight, but it is a beautiful film none the less. Oh, it's also available to stream on Netflix. Click here to watch the trailer.

Blame, (2018), Dir. Quinn Shepard

80% on Rotten Tomatoes

Written, Directed, Produced and starring Quinn Shepard this teenage coming of age drama follows the contrasting lives of Abigail and Melissa who are both struggling with something in their lives that they cannot control, but in very different ways. The film deals with basic high school issues such as bullying, sexuality and consent, but it also dives deeper into discussing mental illness,  abuse and teacher/student relationships. I think this is important in keeping coming of age dramas realistic, and is more relatable for teenagers going through similar situations. To me this is what makes the best of this genre, and these films are super important to me as I think there is a need to there to be more teenage films openly discussing mental illness and psychical abuse in the mainstream. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, there is a lot of depth to it and is a film you can watch the second time and notice so much more than you did the first. This would be my highest recommendation of the month. Click here to watch the trailer. 

Call Me By Your Name (2018), Dir. Luca Guadagnino

96% (Certified Fresh) on Rotten Tomatoes

This is the most stunning critically acclaimed romantic gay drama I have yet to watch. It is a beauty to behold, an absolute masterpiece. Depicting the blooming summer romance between Elio and Oliver, the development and attention to detail between these two characters is stunning. There is unbreakable chemistry between these two, and it speaks a million through their body language on film. If you are into your LGBTQ movies then this is for you, it's also for you if you like an epic love tale. I can't rave enough about this film, it has really stolen my heart. I feel this one is going to win a lot of awards this year, and is most definitely going to be a worldwide success. Click here to watch the trailer.

So those were my music and film favourites for January, these all kept me positive and happy within the longest / most dark month of the year!. Let me know in the comments what your favourites were! I'd love to know! 

XOXO, EMMA 

My favourite albums of 2017

My oh my what a year 2017 has been, not going to lie it's been one of the hardest most challenging years of my life. I've achieved a lot, but suffered a lot also. But the bad times have slightly weighed over the good. However it is not all bad, and if there is one thing I can always count on every year is my love for music. There have been a lot of stand out releases this year, and even though I have had a year of travelling into the past or just uncovering new artists that only have the odd singles, I do have a few picks that have knocked it out the park. There may only be three albums on this list, but I only wanted to include albums that I have been obsessive over and listened to on repeat - and these are the only ones that make the cut.

1. TYLER THE CREATOR, SCUM FUCK FLOWER BOY.

Top songs: 911/Mr Lonely, Where the Flower blooms & I ain't got time!

If you know me personally you will know that this new release by the ever controversial Tyler the creator has stolen my heart. This album is such a masterpiece, the overall vibe of the album is so consistent even with the mix between hyped and slow songs. The lyrics are genius and very clever, always serving a commentary on the fuckery of society and playing on stereotypes and normalities that he is known for. I know I've picked out a whole bunch of favourite songs but 911/ Mr Lonely has been my anthem of 2017. He has been my number one inspiration this year, his vibe - and his style. Just 'errything about this guy this year is number one. This list isn't in any particular order other than this pick, this is my number one of the year.

2. KENDRICK LAMAR, DAMN.

Top Songs: DUCKWORTH & LUSH

Another one that won't surprise people is K. latest album. He is my favourite modern day rap artist, every album is absolute fire and his storytelling through his music is second to none. I will say, this album is one of my least favourites by him but it is still good enough to make this list, especially for the songs LUST & DUCKWORTH. Those two tracks are top dawg, probably due to the story that they tell within them (and the heartbeat throughout LUST gets me everytime I literally loose it over that beat).

3. ALT J, RELAXER.

Top songs: Adeline, 3WW & Deadcrush.

A massive contrast to the other two picks, and probably very surprising  but 2017 has been the year that I uncovered my love for ALT J, through the release of this album. Obviously I always knew and loved the classics (breezeblocks, etc.), but I had never listened to an album by them until this year. They create the most interesting unique music that combines so many styles and genre, which makes there music definitely in its own lane. This collection of songs when listened to from start to finish transports you to another plane of existence, it honestly blows my mind. I know they are like marmite (similarly to Tyler I suppose) but if you are open minded towards music this album is one that will leave you speechless if you let it.
So they are my top albums of 2017, however there are so many other artists and albums that I have been obsessed with this year, so i might post another list in conjunction with this one all about my new discoveries and obsessions of the year ( that weren't released this year) Fingers crossed I have time! But for now, these top three will have to do.

XOXO, EMMA