Music Monday: Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out

I know Florence + The Machine are much like people's views on marmite. Some love, others don't. I have always been in the "love" category. I keep catching up with the latest music and then I swing again far behind. I've now got the new album and I love it.

A little bit of variety never hurt no one

My music taste is pretty varied. I think it always has been though. Working in a music store for several years only made my music taste even more varied and unfortunately it did mean I was pretty up to date with even the latest "big thing" on the music scene. This wasn't necessarily a good thing.

I hardly listen to commercial radio any more and I tend to stick to the music I know best and have followed for a long time. I rely on friends, twitter, facebook etc to find out about the new music I should have a listen to.

Florence + The Machine Album Review

The eagerly awaited debut album from Florence + The Machine was finally released this week and it does not disappoint.

Florence Welch and her Machine (her backing band) have received critical acclaim already for their work. The BBC featured them on BBC Introducing, they played a successful slot at Glastonbury (on the John Peel Stage) and will later this year play at the Leeds and Reading festivals. They also won the Critic's Choice award at this year's Brit Awards, Adele won the award in 2008 who then went on to sell 1.2 million copies of her debut album. There is a rumour that they will win the Mercury Music Prize in September.

The first time I heard one of their songs was last Summer at a Indie club that my friend used to run, the song was "Kiss With A Fist" and immediately I was captured by her voice. The second single "Dog Days Are Over" did not disappoint, but I was more intrigued by the B- side "You've Got The Love". I have always been a fan of the original Source featuring Candi Staton version "You Got The Love", but this version gives new light into the song (and not just with the slight title change). I wasn't the only one to think this was a great song and deserved its own release and the following month after fans campaigned it was released. The latest single "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)" is probably the best song to highlight her distinctive voice beautifully intertwined with strings, harps and drums.

The next single soon to be released is "Drumming", it's one of my favourites off the album, its beautifully written about what it feels like to be in love and again she uses full use of The Machine.

Florence + The Machines take you on a journey through this album, somewhere I'm not sure you'd want to come back from.

Sarah
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