It was a fantastic journey because I saw and learned so much along the way. Lots of Museums, Cathedrals, renowned rivers, famous streets, delicious restaurants and more. Travelling with friends and loved ones is the best way to go - and doing so with a great soundtrack makes it that much better.
Now I'm a proud Canadian and truly do love the music coming out of this country - but there's something different in the way it's a part of life in the UK. The DJs I listen to make everything sound so exciting and once again I felt that energy while travelling.
Here are a few songs that remind me of my trip and why...
Bob Marley & The Wailers - 'Simmer Down'. I watched the documentary 'Marley' on the plane and went through every possible emotion in the process. This is one of the best stories of a man's life journey ever. His life was unreal and his outlook even better. Please check this one out if you have a chance. Bob moved to London and lived in Chelsea shortly after he had been shot in Jamaica. He played soccer in Battersea Park on a weekly basis.
Bat For Lashes - 'All Your Gold'. This album has just come out and so London is wrapped in subway ads for this one. We stayed off the high street in Kensington for a few nights and walked past EMI's offices each day to get to the tube. The album cover is also displayed in their front window. I for one am excited and can't wait to get my hands on this album. Both the track and video are amazing.
The Stone Roses - 'I Wanna Be Adored'. Flying on British Airways has its perks including someone awesome programming their 'Essential Music Collection' on the in-flight entertainment. The Stone Roses self-titled album was one of 10 'Essential Listens' and I couldn't agree more.
Pink Floyd - 'Pigs'. Last Saturday morning I joined my girlfriend on a long run through London town as she's in the midst of training for The New York City Marathon. Luckily it was one of her shorter long runs and she even cut it a bit shorter for me. On this run along the Thames we passed numerous landmarks including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace and London Eye to name a few. The highlight for me was running past the old Battersea power-plant near Chelsea as it was such an iconic image from the 1977 Pink Floyd Album 'Animals'.
Jake Bugg - 'Seen It All'. One of my colleagues told me this kid ages ago and I wasn't sold on the first single 'Lightening Bolt'. His voice was too twangy for my liking. I saw his poster all over both London and Paris so decided to give it another chance. This track is amazing and it excites me to all ends knowing that a young artist has this much soul + depth. It doesn't hurt that he's currently on a Canadian tour with Noel Gallagher and Snow Patrol at this time.
Peter Bjorn & John - 'Young Folks'. The main reason for this trip was to attend a wedding just outside London. The wedding itself was beautiful and packed with some amazing people looking to have a blast. The bride and groom are crazed music fans and so the wedding was chalk full of magical music moments. From a violin & cello performance of Foo Fighters - 'Everlong' to a live band playing hits from all eras and a great DJ set to keep the dance floor packed. This track was amongst some beauties that night.
I love the UK as there's something electric in the air. They live and breathe music and you hear it at every turn when you're there. A small dose of Britain always goes along way reminding me how important music is in our lives.
Thanks for reading/listening,
Gregg
