For those that are familiar with my taste in music it will likely come as a big surprise that I’ve been entrusted with writing a music column for Block17. Let me re-assure you all now that this is not going to be my opportunity to regale you all with the wonders of Charlotte Church, Alphabeat and High School Musical (not 2 though as its rubbish)
Music is arguably the most subjective thing in the world, that and the present interpretation of the offside rule of course, so its not going to be my intention to tell you what I think is great and what’s not. Mainly because most people would pay no attention to me anyway but more so the fact that I’ve never been a fan of Music papers such us the NME bestowing their high and mighty opinions on to us. I’ve always been one who prefers to form his own ideas and thoughts on whether a band/artist float my boat or not.
So what will this column be for in that case? Well I hope it will be a number of things. First and foremost to promote the Teesside music industry and hard working musicians that ply their trade in the clubs and pubs, trying to make a name for themselves. I also want to make people aware of what great venue’s we have on Teesside as I feel we have some of the best places to watch gigs in the land and I’ve visited enough flea pits all round the country to know this.
The users of this site will also be a focus. We have a good few members who love music as much as I do and who hopefully, will be willing to share their own knowledge of their favourite musical artiste’s and genre’s. With that in mind I’ll give you a little run down of why Music is one of my two main passions in life. My Dad was probably the biggest influence on what I listen to today and what I will listen to for years to come in the future. I was lucky enough to be brought up being regularly exposed to some amazing performers, some well known, some less so. The Beatles were a big part of my life as I was growing up given that Father Relf was a huge fan. He also adored Soul and Motown with Sunday afternoons in our house being spent listening to such Motown greats as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves and Jimmy Ruffin. He was also a big fan of 10CC too and these influences have guided my taste for the rest of my life. I love simply constructed music, music with great melodies and hooks, 2, 3 and 4 part harmonies and of course, vocalists with real soul.
This explains why I have such an affinity for Pop music as it fits into pretty much all of these categories. But Pop isn’t the only genre that sets my heart racing and brings me out in goosebumps. I also find Rock, Indie, Northern Soul and Dance music in all its many variations, irresistible. My three favourite bands of all time are The Prodigy, R.E.M. and Oasis. 3 bands that could never be placed into the same pigeon hole, I’m sure you’ll agree.
I’ve always loved attending gigs and have travelled the length and breadth of the UK to watch my favourite musicians. I’m a massive fan of Glastonbury too and with a bit of luck I should be attending the greatest music festival on earth for the fifth time this year. If I don’t get a ticket I may just a hide in a big black hole for the last weekend in June as watching it on the Beeb just wouldn’t be the same.
In the weeks to come I hope to bring you some Teesside Music Venue reviews, stories of gigs I’ve attended, bring to your attention some of the local artists looking to make it big, interviews with some of Block 17’s biggest muso’s and introduce you to my favourite music website Last.FM.
If anyone out there fancies contributing to the Block 17 music pages then feel free to get in touch with me or any other of the Mods and I’m sure we will be able to sort something out and put your musings up here on the t’internet.
Until then keep on rocking, raving, shoe gazing or whatever else it is that makes your heart beat flutter when the mp3’s start to play.
Relfyoftheboro