♥ June in retrospective ♥

 Hello!

 I am well aware that it is nearly the end of June and I haven't blogged since May. I apologise for this, although in my defence I must say that I have been very busy.

 Since blogging last, I have finished college; had my college Leaver's Do, which was lovely; done all of my summer exams; done a lot of work on some important writing projects I have had going; got a Saturday job; and have completed my course in Mandarin Chinese, through which I have met some lovely people and have learnt a lot.

 I've also been to several really enjoyable pub quizzes, and I have done a lot of zumba. Zumba, as well as being really good fun, is also for me a chance to discover some great new music, and maybe rediscover some songs that I had forgotten. 

 So, I have been busy! But I have still found the time to listen to some music. One song which came out quite recently which I really love, and which my mum also likes, is Picking Up the Pieces by Paloma Faith.

 I used to have mixed views on Paloma Faith; some of her previous songs I admired musically but I didn't really connect with emotionally. However, this song I feel is just beautiful; I love the tune, the lyrics, the emotion behind it, and of course her voice is amazing as always. And she is very beautiful. Overall, I really love this song and am looking forward to more music from Paloma in the future.

 Another recent song (or, rather, a song that has been recently rereleased) that I quite like is We Are Young by Fun.

 This was a song that grew on me; I wasn't a massive fan to begin with, because it sounded very generic. I still think it's generic, but I've come to like it anyway, just because it's a nice song to listen to, and easy to sing along to, and the tune sticks in your head!

 There can be no doubt that it sounds like many other songs (Sailing by Rod Stewart, Puisque Tu Pars by Jean-Jacques Goldman), so it gets no prizes from me for originality, but for musicality, smoothness and polish it deserves a high accolade.

 Tomorrow I intend to do one final June blog highlighting some other songs I have been listening to and enjoying during this last busy month. It will also be a bit of a celebration of June and all that I have achieved, and the good times I have had, because this has really been a special month for me personally. 

 I hope you have had a nice June as well ♥

 Yours musically

 Liz x

Songs: Picking Up the Pieces - Paloma Faith - 2012

We Are Young - Fun - 2011

Roxette and others

 Hi!

 I am back at college after the long summer, and I am enjoying it.

 Recently I have been listening to a lot of music by Deacon Blue, as well as by Céline Dion.

 I also like some of the music that is in the charts at the moment, my favourite songs in the current Top 40 being Set Fire To the Rain by Adele, and The Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga.

 I have started to appreciate the sad but quite beautiful The A Team by Ed Sheeran; I didn't think a lot of it at first, but the I went to a party where I heard it a lot. I'm not complaining; I have really come to like this song.

 And, of course, there is always Roxette. They are probably my favourite band, and I will never grow weary of hearing their amazing songs such as Almost Unreal, Dangerous, It Must Have Been Love, How Do You Do, Neverending Love and Soul Deep.

 There are also the forgotten album tracks that I think are amazing and often better than their big hits.

 These include: Turn To Me, From One Heart To Another and Secrets That She Keeps from their first album Pearls of Passion and Dance Away and Half a Woman, Half a Shadow from their second album (and arguably their breakthrough album) Look Sharp!.

 There is also Small Talk and Perfect Day from Joyride and Bringing Me Down To My Knees from their 2001 album Room Service.

 Here is Turn To Me; probably my favourite Roxette song of all time. It is so chirpy and hopeful, and Marie Fredriksson's voice is stunning, as always.

 It's strange to think that this song was left off the original album of 1986, and was only included as a bonus track when Pearls of Passion was re-released in 1997. 

 I personally believe that Turn To Me is the best song on the album - a strong accolade from me, as I believe this whole album is a true gem, forgotten for too long. 

 It mixes the classic synth sounds and strong beats of the 80s with the unique Roxette sound, and in my opinion it may well be Roxette's finest album.

 That's not to say I don't love the others! Roxette went from strength to strength, and are still doing so to this day. Here is one of their recent songs, wheich I love, especially the official video.

 As you can see, I love Roxette, and I will probably tell their whole story on this blog sometime. For the time being, though, I'll sign off.

 Back to work!

 Adios.

 Thanks for reading.

 Liz 

 Songs: Turn To Me - Roxette (1986)

            Way Out - Roxette (2011)