Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: The Manchester Derby

Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: The Manchester Derby: Man City 1 - 0 Man United The first Manchester derby for LVG in his role as Man United manager.  It was a derby that had no real clear cut f...

The Manchester Derby

Man City 1 - 0 Man United

The first Manchester derby for LVG in his role as Man United manager. 

It was a derby that had no real clear cut favourite to win. Manchester City on the back of back to back defeats against other United's in West Ham and Newcastle (who knocked them out of the Carling Cup) and looking very nervous and not really having that killer instinct that made them champions the season before, and a Manchester United squad that had a good result against a strong Chelsea team, building in confidence, but have yet to win away this season, still struggling with key injuries (especially in defence) and their worst start to a season since 1990. If you had to pick though, the majority of answers would be a result for the blues. 

The game was an interesting spectacle and started well. United were controlling the possession and were passing the ball well. The return of Rooney who had been placed in the middle of the park was causing a few issues for the likes of Toure and Fernando as the absence of Silva was evident. He and Fellani was able to fire intricate passing around the middle of the park. What was noticeable as that the defence of United were looking comfortable in dealing with any attack that came their way. Yes City had a few chances that caused De Gea to make saves but that was all. His opposite number Hart was mere a spectator. 

In big games such as these they usually take a turn with either a stroke of genius or stupidity. This game was the latter. Chris Smalling had picked up an early yellow card by standing in front of Hart as he tried to kick the ball from his hands to release a counter attack. This, in today's games is a yellow card and stupid one to pick up. He now had to be careful in his decision making when making a challenge. This though wasn't the case. 30 minutes into the game he mistimed a lunge which gave the ref no hesitation in giving Smalling his marching orders. 

This was not what LVG had in mind as prior to today's game he had said that they must not go to 10 men as they had a plan, unfortunately that plan was ruined. 

United fans must now be worried that they were now in for another thumping. With the sending off a tactical change saw the return of Carrick. Maybe a wise head would settle the nerves that were rapidly increasing. 

City had 3 good penalty shouts turned away. The ref may have been unsighted but they all were penalties. The one way traffic continued from the blue have of the city and the goal came from the inform Aguero who netted his 10th of the season. Given the chance he will score. 

To be fair to United they didn't back down or cave in. In fact they had more glorious chances themselves to score but a good save from Hart, and mis-timed header ensured that Manchester City kept their lead. There was more injury concerns for United as Rojo, who has been showing improvement in each of his games slid into a tackle and his body position as he slid resulted in him dislocating his shoulder. He required urgent treatment and looked to be in pain was rolled onto the stretcher and was given oxygen and received an ovation from both sets of fans.  The last 20 minutes of the game were a nervous 20 minutes for City. They looked rushed, panicked in their passing, and the Reds were trying to get that equaliser. It never came and City take the 3 points off their neighbours. 

A result was that wasn't as straight forward as it suggested. Manchester City having a man advantage, couldn't break United down. They panicked in the closing parts of the game and showed a vulnerability that when pushed can allow teams in through on goal. They may not have been so lucky in another occasion. United, again showed that they are building in confidence and put in a performance that their fans would be happy with considering that they were a man light, had more injuries and an inexperienced defence. If they had a full strength squad and 11 men than this result may have been completely different. 

LVG has had a torrid start to his Manchester United career, but you can see what he is trying to install. With Blind and Di Maria settling in very quickly and the improving signs of Rojo he must be impressed and is sure to know that the result will start coming. One thing is for sure he is trying to work out how to stop his players from picking up injuries in training. 

Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: Trick or Treat?

Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: Trick or Treat?: It's that time of year when the ghosts come out to play. When a Dracula stalks the street with a zombie cheerleader.  It's Halloween...

Trick or Treat?

It's that time of year when the ghosts come out to play. When a Dracula stalks the street with a zombie cheerleader. 

It's Halloween!! 

Now Halloween and trick or treating is not as big as in the US but it is starting to grow in appeal in the UK.  More families are getting involved, decorating their house and taking their children trick or treating who have dressed up in fancy dress. And there are great costumes out there. 

Trick or treat is a term used by children dressed up when they call round to houses in order to receive treats, which is usually sweets/candy. If not, then they would act in mischief on the home owner. This is normally an empty threat but there those who do trick the occupies either by egging the house or throwing toilet roll over bushes and trees but this is only in a minority. 

Those that want to or don't mind the participation of trick or treaters decorate their houses, and there are some great accessories. Tomb stones, skeletons, cobwebs. And they are starting to get bigger and better. This gives those the 'ok' that they have treats. There are also people who give as good as they get as the play practice jokes on the children, trying to scare them as much as possible. And to be honest. It's good fun. 

A part of Halloween that is growing in popularity is pumpkins or Jack o' lanterns. Usually faces, pictures or images are carved into pumpkins or vegetables and there are many different folk laws that explain why pumpkins are used. A good one is that they are used to protect your home from the undead and to identify vampires walking amongst us. 

There are many great costume on show during Halloween. Both children and adults dress up, and even some of the pets get dressed up. There are lots monsters, zombies, ghosts, vampires too many too name but maximum effort is put in. Again it was suggested that the reason was to ward off and poke fun at satan. 

The adults also join in the fun by hosting fancy dress parties. More gruesome costumes and decorations too see, and the food and drinks have been decorated to add a little twist. Blood punch, brain cup cakes. All in good fun. 

Whatever you are doing this evening. Have fun, be safe and enjoy the spooks. 

Manchester United vs Chelsea

Man United 1-1 Chelsea. 

The first 'real' test for Man Utd this season as they face Chelsea, who are still undefeated in the league. Chelsea have been playing some great football and are looking more the likely to be the premier league winners (and it's only October). Man Utd have had the easier of the games so far this season but unfortunately the issues that were so evident last season appeal to have carried over to this season. If they can get a win at Old Trafford them that surely is the boost they would need to go on to better results. 

Louis Van Gaal still has defence concerns as there was another new defence partnership in this crunch game. Smalling with Rojo. Another inexperienced pairing, were they able to keep out a formidable strike force in Drogba, Hazard and Oscar? Yes Chelsea didn't have Costa, but the strength and experience of Drogba is as good as any replacement for the in form Brazilian. Rojo has played every game since his arrival and there are signs of an improving player. With more games he surely will cement his place in the Utd defence. Smalling is a player that produces inconsistent performances and the Utd faithful are praying that he has what it takes. 

There were also more injury concerns for Man Utd as Phil Jones and Falcao both picked up injuries in training and a suspended Rooney, with Chelsea without Costa and Remy meant that tonights game may not have been as explosive as one would expect. 

The first half started in a predictable fashion. Chelsea applied pressure from the off and they ended up with domination number of corners. And from these corners straight away it was clear to see that there was a mismatch in who Man Utd were going to mark. Chelsea have a towering team and this cause problems in the Utd box. One incident questioned the officials in the game as both John Terry and Ivanovic were bundled to the ground in some fashion but no decision was given. Shawcross who plays for Stoke surely would have had something to say as he was penalised for a similar offence. Utd though started to control the half and they even could have take the lead a couple of time but for the new Chelsea number 1 Courtois keeping the score level. 

Second half was the opposite with good chances following mainly for Chelsea. What's seems to be happening this season at Old Trafford, and at away games in that Man Utd seem to retract into their shell and allow the pressure on themselves. The blue wave continued to push and they would have got their lead but for a superb save from De Gea which thwarted Hazard, however, from resulting corner the poor marking that was clearly easy to to see let Drogba head in a powerful header in at the near post. From there Chelsea's tactics changed and they then looked to see the game out. 

It's was looking as Mourinho had his tactics carried out the way he wanted but an unfortunate red card for Ivanovic in 93rd minute cost them the win. It was unfortunate in the sense that it may have not been malicious but in today's game, when an attacker has the advantage and cuts I corny of the defender, and form of contact will result in a card. In Ivanovic's card it was his second yellow.  From the free kick, another good save from Courtois fell kindly to Robin Van Persie who smashed in the equaliser. He celebrated in the fashion of player and team that were desperate in the the results to fall their way by taking his shirt off, only to be deemed stupid by Van Gaal. 

It was a game that United needed, to test the philosophy the LVG is trying to implement and against a good Chelsea squad this was definitely the  result they needed. 

Chelsea under Mourinho are dangerous, tactics are spot on, but sometimes pushing too hard has cost them games. Chelsea have been to Manchester twice and only managed a draw on both times.   

Burnley - Everton

Burnley - Everton

From a neutrals perspective this was actually difficult to choose who would win this game. 

On one hand Burnley have yet to win in the Premier League and that has to end sooner or later, and against a jet-lagged Everton who got through a tough European away game that could be during this game. 

But on the other, a strong Everton squad that are playing well in Europe, growing in confidence and again are due to start stringing results together and challenging for that champions league spot. 

The match was very entertaining, for home and away fans and also the neutrals. Burnley having being promoted this year and who are wanting to survive a season got off the the worst possible start. Eto'o headed a fine move within the first 5 minutes. Against a young inexperienced team, the knowledge he has gained throughout the years clearly puts him in a class of his own. Not what Burnley fans were wanting. 

Burnley though didn't cave in and they got their rewards by getting the equaliser through the fully fit again  Ings who had rounded Howard to score. Albeit with a little help from a mis placed pass from Lukaku. However the Belgium made amends by scoring Everton's 2nd of the game on 29minutes. He is now is starting to pay back the transfer fee that was paid for him. 

Everton's dominance continued in the second half and they managed possession well. Martinez is clearly showing his credentials as a top flight manager and the way he structures his team deserves all the credit that comes his way. 

The inevitable 3rd goal came late on and it was again the veteran striker Eto'o showing the viewings public he still can score world class goal. From the edge of the box he used the Burnley defence to shield the view of the keeper and he guided his shot around into the far corner. Very slick and very tidy. 

The problems are growing for Burnley as they lose again and for that, if it's not stopped quickly then they are in serious danger of getting the worst points collected by a premier league team. They have one of the worst tackling stats in the league and this is not helping the amount of goals they are conceding. 

A comfortable win for the toffee's taking a 3-1 win from Turf Moor. 

El Classico

El Classico

The first El Classico of the season and the first competitive game for Barcelona's new signing, Suarez. The focus of the game usually lies on the history or Ronaldo vs Messi. It did have that but there was a feeling that with his return looming it didn't distract the emphasis away from the game, merely, let us know that this was in the background. 

Suarez was charged with biting an opponent in the World Cup and was banned for 10. Many had said that he should have been banned full stop, or a much harsher penalty. He will always divide opinions, but one thing is for sure is that he is a gifted player. As it had been such a long time since his last competitive, he was always going to be 'rusty', not fully match fit. But nevertheless, all eyes wanted to see the new number 9. 

It was an action packed game right from the get go. If you didn't take your seats early you would probably have missed the first goal. Neymar opened up the scoring with the first goal for Barcelona. A cross field ball from Suarez found the Brazilian who cut back across to guide to ball into the corner. This electric start set the tone for the game. 

As expected, the Bernabau was alive. The vicious roar from the crowd was deafening. They were the wind in Reals sails. 

Every challenge was welcomed by appeals from the Galacticos fans. If this was in a Roman arena, they would be calling for blood. 

A penalty appeal was awarded and That man Ronaldo took he chance to equal the score and to turn the tide in Reals favour. Very very entertaining and if there were new viewers to the biggest derby in Spain  are being treated to a great spectacle. 

The entertainment continued in the second half and both teams battled. One thing is for sure. Real Madrid are DANGEROUS on the counter attack. Whenever Barcelona lost the ball real surged forward with menace. A real treat to watch. The dominance showed and they were rewarded for their efforts as Pepe scored his first goal in an El Classico game. The dangerous counter attack again work in Reals favour yet again and they increased their lead with a Benzema goal. 

Towards the end Barcelona had given up. There was no conviction, drive or desire to get back into the games and because of this they were leaving themselves susceptible to more and more attacks from Real. In the end. A comfortable win for the Galaticos.    

The night was not only about the history of the El Classico, or that Suarez was returning. It was also Ronaldo vs Messi. Arguably the best 2 players in the world at the moment. And it was Ronaldo who came out on top. He had the fire burning deep, a desire which was visible to see. Every ball that was passed he wanted to be on the end of it. He wanted to be in the game at all costs. He lived every moment in the game, whereas Messi, vacant. Gave up to easily. 

Though Ronaldo still struggles to win people over, one thing is for sure. He is world class. 

Rocktober the 21st

Motion City Soundtrack - Last Night I Fell In Love Without You (acoustic)

This version is an alternate release to the album version released in 2008 and off the Gossip Girl Soundtrack. The original version if off the 2007 album 'Even if it kills me'.  

The album version is the opening track and is played in a completely different way. It is played much faster and also includes a key change whereas the acoustic version is much slower, accompanied with piano and string instruments. It is a striped down which gives the song a new dimension. 

The music video is set with the band playing the song on a beach which looks to be in with a beach party.  It also features a young couple who make their way to the beach where the band are playing. As the song progresses the night falls and the couple watch a firework display. 

Song Rating: 8/10

Video Rating: 7/10

A great example of how a song can sound when it is played in a completely different manner. 

Still more problems?

After the full time whistle it was clear to see that all is still not well at Manchester United. And the thing is, everyone is able to see where the problems lie. 

Another change in defence, another new partnership. Jones alongside Rojo. Is Van Gaal still unsure of who the best partnership is as since the new season started his has used 5 central defenders. Now I know injuries really have caused an issue but considering how active The Reds have been over the summer, is was somewhat a surprise that no new defenders were signed. Yes Shaw is a defender that was brought in this summer but that was before Van Gaal took charge. Was he seeing something that we don't know? 

From the statistics from the West Brom game, Man Utd completely dominated. Possession, corners, shots but the score line confirmed the ongoing issues. For both of the goals conceded, defenders were out of place, they were trying to close down the opposition, but with that was their undoing. Quick intricate passing enables the Baggies to swiftly counter and punish their opposing team. And also to be fair, both goals were very well taken. 

It is clear to see that from midfield, Blind onwards, there is no issues whatsoever. Man Utd have a very dangerous attack. Scoring goals? No problems. I have no hesitation is saying that Falcao will achieve 15+ goals this season. 

In January new arrivals will again be talked about. It's a sure thing. Will they, however, be able to secure that marquee player to provide that stability, even if it's to help the inexperienced settle down. Become more comfortable in their surroundings? There are already rumours of Pique, Hummels, Alvez, buts that's what they are, rumours. 

One thing is for sure though is that Van Gall has to sort the defence out, and he will, but he has to install the fear back into the team so that when teams come up against his side, they panic, crumble, buckle under the pressure when they stand opposite the Devils. Old Trafford will be a fortress again. 

 

Rocktober the 19th

Bloc Party - Real Talk

Off the bands fourth album 'Four', Real Talk is track number 4. The album was released in 2012 and was the much anticipated album for the band as they had come back from a temporary hiatus (of 4 years).

The album has a feeling of their first album which is much more striped down and more instrument orientated and was a great move from the band. 

The song really does strip it down back to basics. A simple beat with a broken up off beat guitar and bass strumming pattern. The verse is again just as simple with Kele singing the words on each beat. The chorus follows the pattern of the verse with an added guitar part thrown in. The songs does have a Red Hot Chilli Pepper style about it and of anyone was the listen to the song part way through they could possible think they were listening to the RHCP's. 

There is no music video with this song as is wasn't released as a single. 

Song Rating: 8/10

Video Rating: n/a

A song reminiscent of the band we first heard and proof that they are still very talented songwriters. 

QPR 2:3 Liverpool

Super Sunday is back again and this early afternoon game saw QPR take on Liverpool. From the statistics we were presuming that this would be a one way game and the result predictable. Fortunately we were left watching a very entertaining game. 

The opening 10 minutes were completely dominated by QPR and they were unlucky not to take the lead through Austin. He powered his way through Johnson and Skrtel but couldn't get his shot away in time. 

QPR were intent on and succeeding in stopping Liverpool having any possession, but also stopping the fast, high pressured approach that they have been adopting under Rodgers. You may be forgiven for questioning QPR's position in the league as they were playing with intent and confidence. Can they get that goal that is so precious for them?

The crossbar was rattled and QPR again, should have taken the lead. Another quick passing exchange led the ball being played square across the box only for Fer to strike the ball against the bar. It seems that Fer was playing the crossbar challenge as again, the ball hits the bar. This time it falls in front of goal, a goal mouth scrabble and Liverpool were able to clear away. 

Liverpool must have been wanting half time to arrive a lot quick then QPR did, but they nearly snatched a cheeky goal against the run of play. Gerrard had found himself in the box, and placing a shot just wide of the goal. And another quick break from the reds resulted a poor effort from Balotelli receiving some stern words from his team mates who had joined him on the attack. 

Brendan Rodgers had identified that QPR were causing lots of issues through the centre with balls directed to Zamora, and he moved Gerrard back into a more defensive role to try and snuff out future danger. This did have an effect on the way the QPR played, but it also enabled Liverpool to build on their poor first half. It nearly paid off but that man Balotelli missed a glorious chance when a saved shot fell kindly to him only for him to blaze the ball high over the top. 

The first goal of the game is one that is never going to be remembered as the goal of the season. Sterling won a free kick close to the corner flag, and as the players for QPR protested, he and Johnson took a quick free kick where Johnson played the ball across the goal for Dunn to deflect into his own goal. Very harsh, and some say undeserved, but they all count. 

The equaliser came late late on. And from another set piece. A floated ball from the half way line into the Liverpool box was not fully cleared and as the ball was played back into the box, it was headed back across goal for Vargas to pounce and score a goal that QPR have deserved all game. 

A great ending to the game and a great counter attack from Liverpool gave them their lead back. A quick turn and break from Sterling resulted in Coutinho to bury to ball into the bottom corner. However, that wasn't the end of the entertainment as straight from kick off QPR got a corner and super sub Vargos ghosted across Henderson to head in. What a great 10 minutes of football. 

We did see a winner, and another own goal. From a QPR free kick Liverpool again showed how dangerous they are on the counter attack. Sterling again showing his pace (must have had a good rest over the international break) to get onto a through ball, and as he passed the ball across the goal, Caulker couldn't sort his feet out and unfortunately deflected into his goal. 

QPR were unlucky not to get anything from the game as they did play very well, and the admittance from Gerrard proved that. Credit Liverpool for not giving up and they showed that you must always press up to the last whistle and you may get something in return. 

Rocktober the 17th

Eels - Last Stop This Town

Last stop this town was a 1998 single released from the Eels second studio album 'Electro-Shock Blues'. 

The song begins with a 3 bar intro before E starts with the verse. The drums follow to give the song more body. The bass then joins in on the second verse and the song is well under way. The chorus has what sounds to be a sample being mixed over a distorted effect. The interlude is a breakdown of the effects and sample before going back the the main melody. The song has a nice twinkle, Christmassy end to it. 

The music video has E from the Eels singing directly to the camera. At his side is a carrot being supported on a stand. A strand on hair is taken from E and injected into the carrot. As the video progresses the carrot transforms into E. They both sing parts of the song and it finishes with the carrot being placed into a toy robot. A different points of the video there is also shots of the band stood on rotating platforms. 

Song Rating: 7/10

Video Rating: 8/10

Rocktober the 16th

Cornershop - Sleep on the left side

Sleep on the left side was the follow up single to the successful song 'Brimful of Asha' in 1998. Cornershop had made a name for themselves when Norman Cook remixed the song. So when 'Sleep on the left side' was released it did well in the UK charts reaching 23. 

Cornershop were formed in 1991 by Tjinder Singh and their style of music mixes different types of genres including rock, pop punk, dance and Indian music. The name of the band was taken from the stereotypical label given to Indians who own corner shops. 

The song starts with an accordion intro followed the by drum beat which is echoing a hip-hop style rhythm. The melody of the song has a sample of a style of keyboard which is played backwards. This melody remains constant throughout the song where the verse and chorus fall. 

The video is another example of low budget filming and that of a band starting off in the public eye. The video itself is full of colour with silhouettes of dancers and of the band. The film also has a 70's feel about which is also taken with the possible meaning of the song. No fancy shots, no fancy effects. Just good old plain simplicity. 

 

Song Rating : 7/10

Video : 6/10

Rocktober the 15th

Pete Townshend - Save It For Later

The original song was released by the UK ska band 'The Beat' in 1982. It was a popular song in the US but it was Pete Townshend who was able to change the structure of the song and give it a fresh feel. 

It was just as The Who broke up and Townshend went solo that he took this song on a few years later. What he had done was strip the song down to a skeleton form and simplicity format. 

Pete regularly performed this song on tours, but he did struggle with the tuning. He had to contact Dave Wakeling of The Beat to get the correct tuning, which turned out as D A D A A D instead of D A D G A D which he originally presumed. He also played on the words and suggested that there was as another meaning behind the song but it was a tongue in cheek comment. 

Pete Townshend released a version of Save It For Later on his 2006 re-issued album White City : A Novel as a bonus track, the album was originally released in 1985.

The main structure of the song is a basic structure where the verse and chorus are song to the same repetitive melody of the song. 

A great song that is great to play along to as well as creating your own style. 

Song Rating : 8/10

Video : n/a

Rocktober the 13th

The Wedding Present - Kennedy

Kennedy was the only single of The Wedding Presents second album 'Bizzaro'. It was released in 1990 and was a top 40 song. 

From the very beginning you automatically get a sense of how the song will go. A fast strumming intro by Gedge is quickly followed by the rest of the band. The verse if repetitive which is repeated throughout the song. As the song progresses the song becomes instrumental and the pace continues up to the last note. 

The music video isn't one for those who suffer from motion sickness as there are lots of shots that spin around all the band members. The whole video is of the band playing so in other words. A very low budget video. 

Song Rating : 7/10

Video : 5/10

Rocktober the 12th

The Smiths - What Difference Does It Make?

Released in 1984, the song is found on their self titled first album. It was also one of their best positioning songs which reached number 12. 

From the very beginning, the song highlights the talent that this band have, and more importantly, how influential they will become. Johnny Marr opens the song in his unique sounding way. Morrissey, a talent himself starts the verse off. The band make the easy transition between verses and chorus and capture the 1980's Manchester musical ball that is sweeping the nation. Morrissey also gives us another glimpse of his versatility by going falsetto at the end. 

There was no music video released along with the song but there is a live performance used as a music video at a later date. 

Song Rating : 7/10

Video : n/a

Rocktober the 10th

Queens Of The Stone Age - Little Sister

QOTSA Released 'Little Sister' in 2004. It is taken from their fourth album 'Lullabies to Paralyze'. The song was originally started a few years previously but it never transpired. 

The song has a clock like beat as throughout the song and there is a constant and repetitive beat created on the 'cowbell'. The riff is also simple and is started off by Josh Homme who is then joined by the rest of the band (now without Nick Oliveri who was sacked from the band earlier that year). The chorus is catchy and again simple in its construction. Towards the end of the song Homme blasts a unique sounding solo which he carries to the end. 

The music video is also just as simple as the song itself. The band are stood within a square which is lit up, and the rest of the room is dark with dark red and blue lighting. They are playing to a large screen which is showing images of dancing women. Quick shots flick between the members of the band and this style of video goes well with the song. 

Song Rating : 8/10

Video : 7/10

Rocktober the 8th

Fleetwood Mac - Oh Well (part 1)

Released in 1969 and was composed in 2 parts. Part 1 is a more up tempo song and Part 2 being a more instrumental classical song.  When the band performed live only Part 1 was played. 

The song starts with a fast blues style solo. The next layers of guitar and bass link in giving the song more back bone. Peter Green comes in with the verse which is just him singing with no instrument support. Then all the band erupt back into the intro. As the song progresses the song follows suit of the intro/verse. As the song comes to another silence break, a more slower Spanish style guitar plays which is followed by piano and cello. 

There is no music video for the song. 

Oh Well was also deemed as the song that crossed the paths of heavy blues and metal and also was followed by other bands such as Led Zeppelin. 

Song Rating : 9/10

Video : n/a

Rocktober the 7th

Chuck Berry - Johnny B Goode

One of the most iconic and recognised guitar songs of all time. This song has many claiming to be the creation of rock and roll and to be honest. I think I agree. The song was released in 1958 and no doubt will stand the test of time.  

The opening riff is easily recognisable as Chuck Berry's solo instantly sets the mood of the song. It's going to be up-beat, happy, something to dance to. A boy does it deliver. The lyrics are also simple as Chuck sings about Johnny keeping to story of the song easy to follow. 

The song has been covered many times and has featured in numerous films and TV shows. It's also a song for the guitarists out there who want to emulate their rock and roll idols. 

Song Rating : 9/10

Video : n/a

Rocktober the 6th

Band of Skulls - The Devil Takes Care Of His Own

Released in 2011 off the second album 'Sweet Sour', The devil takes care of his own was the first single that continued to showcase the talent of the Southampton rock trio. 

The song starts with Russell Marsden on the guitar with a nice crunch distortion setting. He is then joined by Emma and Richard of the band. The verse has Russell and Emma confirming their vocal talents to harmonise well, and with a simple but striking song structure, the song develops into a crunchy collection of rock layers. 

The music video is shot in a Japanese television studio. The band are performing in front of an audience and all is being watching by the production/director of the studio. As the song progresses the director becomes more and more aggravated and starts to turn on his team. The fighting continues through the studio and those involved in the fighting using a form of Kung-Fu.  

Song rating - 6/10

Video rating - 7/10

Simplicity is sometimes best

Rocktober the 5th

Reuben - Moving To Blackwater

The second single for Reuben and taken off the first album 'racecar is racecar backwards'.  In comparison to their first single 'Freddy Kruger' this is a little more softer, lighter. But it also showed the diversity of a very talented young band. 

A light intro starts the song with a simple descending riff. The verse keeps the simplicity flowing with just the drums and bass being used. Jamie Lenman then joins in with guitar. The chorus builds but not going over the top with the distortion. The song progresses well with a section of strings added more character to the song. 

The video is a low budget video, but what do you expect from a new band? Set in Brighton the video starts with a male character running in his pants. The the band meet up and spend the day hanging out with the male character and his partner. The couple are getting progressively more passionate and end up at their house. They following morning the man picks up the phone and talks to a women which on camera looks like the girl he was with the following day/night, had he been with her twin? 

Song rating - 8/10

Video rating - 7/10

Great diversity from a band with lots of potential. 

Rocktober the 4th

Led Zeppelin - Over The Hills and Far Away

Over The Hills and Far Away is the third track off Led Zeppelins fifth studio album 'Houses of the Holy' released in 1973

Jimmy Page starts the song with a quick guitar riff which he repeats. Then a 12 string joins him with playing in unison. Robert Plant starts the vocals by entering in the repetition. As the song progresses the song builds and then the song bursts into a fierce rhythm. Page adds beautifully fitting solo and is able to keep the theme of the song flowing. 

Even though an official video was not released, a promo video was released, archived footage from 1977 and 1979 was used in this video. 

Song rating - 8/10

Video rating - 6/10