Lily Allen - Alright, Still

Can I write this without mentioning her myspace and blog driven rise to fame? Apparently not. But lets just say she has almost as many friends as Tom. Lily Allen is a bittersweet musician, sure to divide opinions across the board. It’s weird how your previous musical interests seem to have no bearing on how you receive her music. She brings together people of vastly different tastes and splits those who think alike. She has even divided my own opinion in a number of ways. One day I love the sound of her layered vocals, next day they’re getting on my nerves. Listening to her lyrics, you could easily be forgiven for thinking she grew up in a trailer park. Her chronicles of breaking up and going to the pub make her seem like little more than white trash. But look at any picture of her and her smile will have you thinking the complete opposite. Her music is a blend of pop and hip-hop, which surprisingly works for me. What makes it special is that this pop music is her own, not some factory produced rubbish. It’s fast, it’s catchy and it’s genuine. Only problem is that in high doses, it can get a bit much, both in terms of repetition and obscenity. Excuses aside, I’m not ashamed to say I like her music. She seems to be having so much fun and it really is contagious. How I’ll feel in a couple months time when the rest of the world finally cottons on is another matter. For now I’ll just enjoy.

Everything’s Just Wonderful – Picking a song here was really difficult. In fact I changed my choice after writing that first sentence. This song would not have won a week ago, but with repeat listens it has risen to the top. It builds up a nice momentum as the cynicism rolls smoothly of her tongue.

Alfie – I simply could not resist using this. It is the textbook definition of a novelty song, but that’s why it’s so great. It provides a poor representation of the album, but that is irrelevant, it is simply too hilarious for it not to be heard by all.