Music

My Top 10 Favourite Albums (Plus A Few More Because I Couldn’t Narrow It Down)

/ Catherine / 8 Comments

Hey, hey, hey!

I almost instantly regret saying that.

Anyway, how are you all doing? Have you had a good week? I’m writing this the weekend before it goes live. I just came back from a bike ride and it was really good fun. Cold – but sunny. It’s really got me into the wintery mood (I am also drinking from a Christmas mug as I write this… the festive vibes are high). Today is one of the only ‘nice’ days we’ve had this week. It’s been really rainy and I thought the bike ride would have to be cancelled, but the odds were in my favour!

I wanted to switch things up with this post and share my top 10 favourite albums. When I’m getting to know someone it’s one of the first questions I ask them. Through learning what styles of music I like, it might help you get to know me better! It was a really struggle cutting this down to 10 so there are in fact 12. But for the sake of the title, here are my top 10 favourite albums. 

1) Midnight Memories – One Direction 

Had to include some 1D in here, and the album that really speaks to me is Midnight Memories. It’s quite good lyrically, very catchy, and definitely leaning towards pop/rock. 

2) Harry Styles – Harry Styles

Harry Styles is one of the artists in recent history we will never forget. Only a week ago we found out he will be the first male cover of Vogue! He experiments with gender expression and uses his platform for good. Harry comes more into his own with the Fine Line era, but the music I most prefer is on his self-titled album. My favourites being Only Angel, Kiwi and Two Ghosts. 

3) Flicker – Niall Horan 

Yes – I am that girl. Completely and utterly obsessed with 1D. I don’t think I can’t ever move past my ‘phase’. Niall is the most talented of the 1D boys musically. His voice his like an angel. I love this album in particular because it has a country sound to it? Whereas his recent album is really pop-y. I know I love 1D but pop these days is so over-saturated and there’s not much talent shining through. This is an exception, but I think was released 3 years ago?

4) Folklore – Taylor Swift

Folklore is so true to its name. Most of the songs have a country music echo. She concentrated on story-telling and the album constructs a series of novels, almost. My favourite is ‘betty’. 

5) Help! – The Beatles

Here’s my attempt at defining this album: every track is like a single. Every track is a ‘headline’ as if the album should be named after it. It’s so precious. Probably my favourite album EVER?!?!? If you take any recommendations from this post, listen to ‘Help!’

6) Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles

Sgt Pepper’s is the backbone to my childhood. It’s always been there and the nostalgia makes me cry sometimes. The album is not sad though, not at all. My top picks from this album are ‘When I’m 64’, ‘Lovely Rita’ and ‘Getting Better’.

7) Favourite Worst Nightmare – Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys. There’s nothing more to say, but I will say more to encourage you to listen to them! I absolutely love this album for the drums! The songs are still quite focused in the melody but the drums. Wow. This album is a brilliant mood-lifter. I sing the lyrics so aggressively but it puts me in the best mood. But if you’ve never listened to Arctic Monkeys, I’d recommend AM as your ‘first’ album. It’s a little less… full on? 

8) Tell Me I’m Pretty – Cage The Elephant

After my friend recommended I listen to Cage The Elephant, I’ve been obsessed. This is the only album I’ve really listened to but it’s beautiful. The album ties together really well, but the band itself has a very different sound to any indie band I’ve listened to before.

9) The Ride – Catfish And The Bottlemen

Even if you’re not a fan of indie stuff, Catfish & The Bottlemen mix themes that are popular in pop music and add this acoustic twist? It’s really hard to explain but I love this band.

10) English Graffiti – The Vaccines

This album reminds me of being in Year 5 and making Musicallys. But it’s not ‘Musically’ sort of music! Similar vibes to Favourite Worst Nightmare. Inherently British and very, very good. The Vaccines are incredibly underrated these days.

11) Doctor Who: Series 5 – Murray Gold

Time for some cLaSsiCaL music. This is the soundtrack to series 5 of Doctor Who which was released in 2010. It was this ‘era’ of Doctor Who that I was old enough to get what was going on and I loved it. I still love it. Film/TV music has such an impact and this composing is one of a kind. I wish Murray Gold still did Doctor Who because I could swear down this soundtrack is the best soundtrack to Doctor Who there has ever been! 

12) Chaos And The Calm – James Bay

Now THIS is pop music I enjoy. James Bay’s voice is so unique, although sort of like George Ezra? I have no clue what genre this album is but, as I said earlier with Help!, every song is like a single. This throws me back to 2015. I can guarantee you’ve heard ‘Hold Back The River’ but ‘Best Fake Smile’ is my personal favourite. 

I could talk about music for days, and I feel guilty for leaving so many of my favourites out on this list! 

What’s your favourite album? 

And if you can’t choose one, just spill your entire Spotify playlist below.

Catherine x

Find me elsewhere on the Internet:

Instagram: @cathjaneblog

Goodreads: @cathjaneblog

Pinterest: @cathjaneblog

Email me! cathjaneblog@gmail.com

5 Songs To Learn On Cello & Keyboard

/ Catherine / 2 Comments

I play the cello and keyboard but I’ve only ever learnt out of a book that my teacher has given to me. Though I don’t mind the pieces assigned to me, it would be nice to learn songs that I recognise. So today’s post is going to be a list of those songs I would like to learn. On cello I’m only Grade 1 so I may not be able to play these pieces until I’ve progressed with my skills. But still, we can dream! I’m much more likely to practise when it’s a piece I know. So this might encourage me!

Hedwig’s Theme – John Williams

I’ve already learnt a little bit of this on keyboard and cello but I’d like to learn the full thing – with chords. Hedwig’s Theme is a Grade 2 piece for cello so that will definitely help me to learn more! My music teacher has already written a simplified piece for keyboard so I can practise that first and then move on to the bigger picture.

Money, Money, Money – ABBA

Due to my mum’s obsession I do already have a music book full of ABBA songs but I hardly pick it up unless I have loads of time in the summer. Though I’ve already set my new year’s goals maybe I could be ambitious and set myself another one?

Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles

One of my absolute favourites! I do know the notes to this one on cello and keyboard but I’m not very fluent with them.

Pink Panther

It sounds so great on cello; it’s the perfect timbre. I’m not so great at pizzicato but with a piece I know the rhythm to it will be easier to learn.

Let It Be – The Beatles

This is quite a popular piece to learn on cello so hopefully there’ll be either free sheet music or a YouTube video to watch!

Do you play any musical instruments? Are there any songs you’d like to learn?

erin x

Instagram

Goodreads

My Ideal Nighttime Routine | Journaling, Hygge & Cosiness

/ Catherine / 8 Comments

Having good routines is essential if you want to make the most out of your day. It can be really hard to maintain a certain sleep pattern if you don’t have a good nighttime routine. In this post I’m sharing with you my ideal nighttime routine. I won’t be able to achieve this exact routine every night but I aim to do it about 5-6 times a week. If there are things you want to incorporate into your daily routine, the best place to but them at the start or the end! Because in the daylight hours we’re all rushing around getting boring things done…

  • Change into pyjamas 

I don’t feel very relaxed until I’ve change into comfy pyjamas! 

  • Have a wash

Taking off the day’s makeup and washing my face is a small luxury. There’s something very satisfying about cleaning (whether it’s my room or my face). Some days take longer than others, but the base of my skincare routine is the same. If you are interested I’ll consider making it into a post.

  • Tidy room

By doing a little bit of tidying every day it means that no mess piles up. I can’t properly concentrate on anything else if my room isn’t clean! 

  • Get clothes ready for the next day

Getting my clothes together the night before means that there’s less stress the following morning. I quite enjoying putting outfits together but if I’m in a rush I usually come out of my room looking a mess. 

  • Set alarm

Too many times have I forgotten to do this… 

  • Make a cup of tea

Though a cup of tea is how I start my day, I don’t think the caffeine in it is enough to keep me awake at the end of the day! The hygge lifestyle you see all over social-media is the sort of thing I do at the end of my day. Making a cup of tea is just the essence of it!

  • Put on some music

I don’t much chance to listen to music at any other point in the day. My usual journalling tunes are some Beatles instrumentals or lo-fi tunes. 

  •   Journal for as long as I need to

Sometimes I only need to write a paragraph or two, it just depends how much has gone on that day emotionally. I try to not journal for too long though – because of course I need to get to bed!

  • Fall asleep

Reading wasn’t included in this routine. My prime reading time is in the mornings and I often don’t have the energy to read after a long day! If you did enjoy this post then I will write my morning routine for you as well. 

Do you have an ideal nighttime routine? Are you are an early bird or night owl?

c58dd560-f6ae-446e-a559-7d5161125f09

Instagram

Goodreads

Another 10 Songs For Your Christmas Playlist | Ft. Yoga Girl

/ Catherine / 11 Comments
Another ten songs for your Christmas playlist, brought to you by the lovely Yoga Girl! Yoga Girl and I know each other outside of blogging so it’s been fun to work with someone in person instead of over email. She plays a few instruments, including her beautiful voice, so you can trust that this playlist has been put together with musical expertise 🙂 After reading this post it would be great if you could check out her blog which is centred around her hobbies of yoga, books and poetry. If you would like to listen to this playlist I have made a Spotify playlist for you: https://open.spotify.com/
Hello it’s Yoga Girl!
It’s nearly Christmas so I thought it just about time to get those Christmas tunes on. I am Christmas lover and if you are too then I hope that this post will get you in the Christmassy mood 🎅

1) It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas – Michael Bublé

What’s Christmas without a bit of Michael Bublé?

2) Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid

This is one of the few songs I know in BSL (British Sign Language)

3) Silent Night – Celtic Women

This song really reminds me of going to church and church is a huge part of Christmas for me!

4) Rocking Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

This song could get me in the Christmas mood at any time in the year.

5) I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas – Frank Sinatra

Such a classic Christmas number. This old style really brings me back in time.

6) Jingle Bells – Bing Crosby

7) Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande

Not usually one for modern songs but this one is fun and makes me smile.

8) Let It Snow – Dean Martin

I wish it would snow in England 😂

9) 12 Days Of Christmas – Straight No Chaser

Love this song to bits and miming it can be a great laugh!😂

10) Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms

All I can say is – Mean Girls!
02789330-3f02-4fcb-991e-9a8eb8341127
Thank you so much for reading today’s post. It’s such a shame that there’s only three weeks leading up to Christmas because I have so many content ideas for you!

Do you have a Christmas playlist? Are any of these songs on there?

ef1eb8c3-4310-4f3a-a4cc-36f8a949c222

Instagram

Goodreads

Top 10 Songs For Your Christmas Playlist | Collaboration With Emma Blether

/ Catherine / 4 Comments

Today’s post is written in collaboration with Emma from emmablether.com. We have worked together for a few weeks to get our first Christmas post of the season written for you! We have compiled a very festive playlist that you can be listening to throughout the month. It’s been really difficult to only choose five favourite Christmas songs each but I am pretty confident in my final decisions! Let us know in the comments what would be at the top of your Christmas playlist. I hope you enjoy our collaboration and make sure to check out Emma’s blog and really pretty Instagram!

Erin’s Top Five

Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Feed The World) – Band Aid 

What can I say? This song features in the Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special. It will always have a special place in my heart – not only because it features in my favourite sitcom but because it has such a lovely message. I sing my heart out at the ‘feed the world’ part! It’s a good song to put on your party playlist.

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

Something about this song reminds me of my earlier Christmasses. When I was 8 or 9 my old school teacher used to play it in the classroom. It was a great time. 

Last Christmas – Wham!

This song is the anthem for Christmas! As soon as it comes around to December I’m immediately playing this on my CD player. Does anyone else own one or is it just me? I feel quite old-fashioned, even though I got mine only a few years ago!

Processed with VSCO with m5 preset

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day – Wizzard

I don’t know about you, but in my primary school we had a Christmas ‘party day’ on the last day before we broke up. This song used to be played in assembly (oh sweet memories) and the reason I have it on the playlist is because of the nostalgia I attach to it. The years that I believed in Santa (which were in primary school) were the best Christmasses of my life! I would love to have that same old magic reignited.

Step Into Christmas – Elton John

Christmas playlists in the supermarket are always the best! This song is often included on that playlist. I love Elton John’s voice but also the lyrics signal the start of the Christmas season for me. The fast tempo makes me want to get up and dance – so I would also add this to your party playlist. You might even get your grandparents up on their feet!

Emma’s Top Five

Jingle Bell Rock – Crooners & Divas

Okay, so Jingle Bell Rock is one of my favourite Christmas songs because it gives me serious Mean Girl vibes. If you haven’t seen Mean Girls then you should definitely watch it! Though it isn’t a Christmas film, you could 100% watch it this holiday.

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas – Michael Buble

I love this song! It’s a slower Christmas song but I find it so calming and it reminds me of many happy Christmas memories.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Jimmy Boyd

This song reminds me of when I was younger and we would listen to so many Christmas songs on a CD while putting the Christmas tree up! (it’s become a bit of traditon now!)

Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens

It’s such a classic Christmas song! A really good one to get up and dance to.

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard

Both Erin and I agree that this a hit Christmas song. For both of us it’s a song with childhood memories. I remember belting this out with my friends at a primary school Christmas party! (primary school parties were the best haha)
Thank you so much for reading our collaboration! It’s the first in many of this month from me. It’s been a real pleasure to work with Emma so I’d like to thank her so much, for fitting me in among all of her really important GCSE revision! Please wish her the best of luck for her mocks this month 😊
I hope that you have a really great December (especially now that you have an awesome playlist for it 😉)

Instagram

Goodreads