Well done iTunes

I've managed to make a another foray into the world of music that I don't already know of thanks to the canny slyness of iTunes. Generally speaking I don't really go in for this download lark and I still haven't so iTunes haven't actually succeeded in getting any financial gain out of me as when I did make my purchase I went and bought one of those discs that come in a shiny plastic box from Zavvi, whose financial plight makes the shop in Chester a sad sight to see- with a big brand store that has half the shelves gathering dust, but at the same time does provide us with incredibly cheap stuff to get!!

I digress, anyway - I do like downloading some stuff - on the condition that it's FREE! I started enjoying this possibility when Feeder released a free track from their new album Silent Cry and not long after Coldplay let us download Violet Hill for a brief period before their new album's release. Not long after I found that you can get the "Single of the Week" for free from iTunes, giving you a brand new song for nothing every week...naturally!

The tracks aren't from massive chart topping bands, but they are from proper signed acts that do have CDs out and that you might hear on the radio and stuff. It's a good way to get a feel for the diversity of the current music out there and I've enjoyed sampling lots of different tracks, from instrumental Jazz group The Neil Cowley Trio to singer/songwriter Jessica Hoop. Some I've liked some I got bored of quickly, but one has stuck with me and caught my interest until it was actually the favourite song on my playlist. It got so good I just had to find out more.











The song was The '59 Sound by "The Gaslight Anthem" from the album of the same name. I'd had it sitting on my playlist for weeks but every now and again it's come up and I'd play it again until I realised that I really liked it. I hunted for the band's website to listen to some more stuff and like that as well and made a decision - I was going to use some money and buy the album.

And I haven't regretted a penny - well I slightly regret not using student discount, but I honestly felt so sorry for them I couldn't do it!! The band have a great set of songs that are very catchy but also have thought behind them. I found the album in the metal section, but I'd hardly describe them as such, though they are perhaps a little bit heavier than you average Indie band. What I like about them is their songs are kinda sad ('59 sound is about death) but they have a context (it poses the question of what song we might hear, with reference to an incident of someone dying at the same time they were playing or somesuch) but they aren't depressing or Emo and are actually quite uplifting.

I've listened to the album over and over and it still delights - I'm very grateful to iTunes as I'd probably not have come across this fantastic group, and certainly not bought a brilliant album.

Word of the post: Aplomb - noun

1.	imperturbable self-possession, poise, or assurance.

2.	the perpendicular, or vertical, position.