Taylor Swift: This Is Our Song

If you are a Swiftie then rejoice- this is the book for you! After ten years of global superstardom, Taylor Swift's fans have teamed up with Simon & Schuster to create a special book dedicated to why TS is such an icon.

A tribute to Swift, fans across the US collaborated to create a unique scrapbook containing everything you would want to know- and revisit about the star. Featuring a mix of interviews from publications such as Vogue, The New Yorker and Rolling Stone, the publication also spotlights the commitment of the fans and shares why they are such big admirers of Swift and her music.

There's no doubt that Swift is a mega star, and this book reinforces her place in both music and cultural history. Some of the most touching passages are how Swift helped fans through her music, whether it be providing them the strength to end an abusive relationship, or gain the confidence to think big and follow their dreams.

Even though I am a fan of Swift's music, I don't listen as regularly as her superfans! I particularly enjoyed reading the stories behind the lyrics - and the infamous 'is Taylor Swift in New Zealand?' story.

A perfect gift for any Taylor or music fan, this is a great book that you won't want to shake off! :)

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of This Is Our Song to review. 

In Review: Still Waiting by Sadie and the Hotheads

Earlier this month, Sadie and the Hotheads released their eagerly anticipated third album. 'Still Waiting' marks the start of a 27 date national tour, and an exciting new chapter for the band.

The first single from the album called 'Everybody's Got A Song' is upbeat and makes you feel immediately cheery, and the distinctive fusion of blues, folk, big band, country and jazz is apparent throughout the thirteen track album.

Highlights on the album include All My Sins, I'm Doing Fine, Wild Horses and Mother Mary. Indeed, Mother Mary has a special story as it is written by the band for one of their most dedicated of fans.

The band broke with the 'normal' method of releasing music for their new album, with funding obtained through PledgeMusic, a model that allows fans and supporters alike to pledge money to help get the music released. The model has also allowed the band to maintain complete artistic control.

The band is already on its tour across the UK, and will be in Chatham tonight, and Bolton, Wirral and Warrington the rest of the week. For a full tour schedule and to see if tickets are still available click here.

The band, fronted by Elizabeth McGovern has received great acclaim, with critics describing McGovern as "holding the centre stage with a warm, mischievous smile." The Hotheads consist of veteran musicians including Simon Nelson (electric and acoustic guitar, dobro,) Steve Nelson (acoustic guitar, bouzouki, banjo,) Terl Bryant (drums, percussion,) Ron Knights (bass,) Nick Lacey (piano, keyboards, penny whistle,) and Danica Chapman (backing vocals.)

Check out the band's website here and purchase the album!

Sadie & the Hotheads, St Georges Bristol

Sunday night I was fortunate to see the fabulous Sadie & the Hotheads at St Georges in Bristol.

Touring their album, How Not To Lose Things across the UK, this was the final date of the first leg of the tour.

A mix of blues, country, folk, acoustic, rock n roll and everything in between, Sadie & the Hotheads is fronted by actress Elizabeth McGovern, who many of you may recognise from Downton Abbey.

McGovern sings lead vocals and plays acoustic guitar, with Simon Nelson (guitar/vocals,) Steve Nelson (bouzouki/vocals,) Ron Knights (bass,) Nick Lacey (piano,) Terl Bryant (drums,) and Philly Lopez (backing vocals.)

The band opened with One Thing Leads to Another (watch a live performance here,) and performed tracks from the HNTLT album which was released in October 2012.

Highlights for me were the Cow Song and Small Tasks, two of my favourites off the album. The sound was immense in an intimate venue, and it was fantastic to see such a great band perform live. It was also great to hear the background story to some of the songs, as well as Elizabeth's simple message- be happy.

If you're quick you can purchase tickets for the two remaining gigs- Sunday 17th February at Union Chapel, London and Monday 18th February at The Stables, Milton Keynes. For more information on these shows and to purchase tickets click here.  Check out the Cow Song and Small Tasks below!

Sadie and the Hotheads Twitter