Just Me - July Favorites

Hello everyone!

As July is about to end, I thought that I would share my favorite things from this mouth. So enjoy!

1. Grace & Frankie

So, I discovered Grace & Frankie while going though Netflix trying to find something to watch. Do you ever do this when your trying to find something desperately good to watch? Me too, but I normally just give up and find a movie that I have seen a billion and one times.

Anyway, after I watched the first episode of Grace & Frankie I was hooked! I watched it all in 2 days. The series is extremely funny, It's unique as well. No story like it has been in other shows. I cannot wait for series 2! 

If you want to know what Grace & Frankie is about, here is a summary that I'd stolen borrowed from Google: "For as long as they can recall, Grace and Frankie have been rivals. Their one-upmanship comes crashing to a halt, however, when they learn that their husbands have fallen in love with each other and want to get married. As everything around the ladies is coming apart, the only thing they can really rely on is each other. "

And because I'm really nice, here is the trailer!

2. Slushies 

So, as you are properly well aware if you live in the UK that there was a heatwave in the UK. And July has been really hot everyday. A local shop near to me started selling slushies and it has been a lifesaver. 

They taste really nice and they are a good treat to cool yourself down with!









3. Samsung slim external DVD drive

As you know if you read my blog post from a couple of days ago my DVD drive in my laptop broke. I order this of Amazon, for something like £16.99 and I works perfectly! Thank god for Amazon right?






4. Spooks 
This is another Netflix find! I never watched the series before, but I remember playing a really good online spooks game when I first got Internet back in 2006. Sadly I don't think the game is there anymore.

Anyway Spooks is about people who work for MI5. Trying to save the country from all kinds of threats. This is basically a British rip-of of 24. Expect that Spooks started development before 24. 

Here is another borrowed summary from Google: "A team of agents in the British security intelligence service work to protect the UK from terrorists and other threats to national security. Harry Pearce, head of MI-5's counterterrorism section based in the highly secure suite of offices called The Grid, oversees them and deals with the often dirty politics of the spy game."





So there was my favorites for this mouth. I hope you enjoyed it!

I shall see you tomorrow in August.

Byeee!

Music Reviews - Like A Virgin (1984)

Please note, this is all my OPINION! Everybody is entitled to have OPINIONS. Please bare this in mind. :)
After my review of Madonna's first album, "Madonna" (which you can read hear) I have decided that I want to review more of her albums, hell maybe all of time. If I decide to do this, It will  be a once a mouth thing, as putting together a review is a lot of work.
Anyway, today I wanted to review "Like A Virgin". This is Madonna's second album, which was relisted on  November 12 1984. It was Certified 3× Platinum in the UK, Diamond in the US and overall, the album sold 25,000,000 copy's worldwide!

In my last review, I talked about how this album has some of her famous early songs. Overall this album really made Madonna an music legend, a fashion icon and also a brilliant performer. 

This album produced 4 singles, Like A Virgin, Material Girl, Angel and Dress You Up. As well as songs from movies she was in. Into The Groove from the Desperately Seeking Susan soundtrack. Gambler and Crazy For You, from the Vision Quest soundtrack. 

Like I just said, this album and the Like A Virgin era really cemented Madonna as an fashion icon.



This dress from the Material Girl video, inspired by Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blonds. ICONIC. 

The wedding dress from the Like A Virgin video. ICONIC.

Lace, finger-less gloves, oversize head bows,lots of necklaces and wristbands,Crucifix earrings, shaggy hair and thick eyebrows. ICONIC.

Lots of people coped these looks during this period as well. There was even a section of Macy's in New York filled with  tour merchandise like the crucifix earrings and finger less gloves. Because of this the term"Madonna-Wannabe"was created

Madonna performing "Dress You Up" in
"The Virgn Tour"

To promote the album, The Virgin Tour, Madonna's first tour was introduced, This tour was completely live, which a full band and dancers. The tour also had trademark Madonna outfits, as well as big video screens (very impressive at the time!) This tour shows Madonna's beginnings as a performer on stage. Every tour after this has been more and more ambitious.

Madonna in "Vision Quest"

Additionally, during this period, Madonna had her first staring movie roll, in Desperately Seeking Susan a movie about a bored suburban housewife, seeking adventure to her life, accidentally gets hit on the head, wakes up with amnesia, and is mistaken for a free-spirited New York City drifter named Susan, played by Madonna. She also had a cameo in Vision Quest, as a nightclub singer, These movie role was the making of Madonna being known for being a actress as well. 



Like my last review  I'll will be reviewing the songs on theses two points.

• Has the song stood the test of time, or is it dated? 
• My opinion on in.

I will also give a brief overview of the song, and also rate it out of 5.

So without further ado, here is my review of "Like A Virgin"

NOTE: I will be including Into The Groove, Gambler and Crazy For You in this review, even though they are not on this album, they are from this era. They will be reviewed at the end. 

1. Material Girl

Overview

Material Girl is about a woman who craves the finer things in life and will manipulate men to get them. This is quite self explanatory. In the music video, Madonna plays a actress, who's director is trying to date her. She is given things like diamonds, which she doesn't like and they are material processions. Madonna recreates a scene from Gentlemen Prefer Blonds, staring Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn Monroe was a big influence on Madonna, fashion wise. 

Has the song stood the test of time?

Yes. This song is one of Madonna's biggest hits, and this song still gets radio airplay on some radio stations. 

My opinion

I really like this song, it's one of the best early songs that Madonna has done. I don't listen to this song all the time, but I do like it.

I give this song 4 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ 

2. Angel



Overview

Angel is about a lover, who is almost like an angel, as when they are around they get rid of your sadness and anger. The "Angel" really loves Madonna, as the lyrics say "And I can't hear the traffic rushing by/ Just the pounding of my heart and that's why/ You're an angel"

Has The song stood the test of time?

Not really. I think that this song suffers from 80's synth.

My opinion

I don't really listen to this song. It's an okay song, that I just don't listen to all the time. The song is a very sweet love song.

I give this song 3 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ 

3. Like A Virgin



Overview

Like A Virgin is about, well this song has two interpretations. Some people think that this song is about fucking and losing your virginity, to be honest I see where there coming from, "Touched for the very first time." And lets not forget the performance of this song in the Blond Ambition Tour. 

 I think that this song is about love, finding someone and fulling in love, with a person who makes you feel the very best you can, and fighting through the "wilderness" of bad men. Finding this person makes Madonna feel like a new women, hence the name "Like A Virgin"

Has it stood the test of time?

Yes! This is the biggest hit Madonna has ever had, it's up there with Vogue and Like A Prayer. It's A timeless song, which still gets radio airplay.

My opinion

I like the song, however I like the Moroccan style version from the Blond Ambition Tour.

 Nether the lest, this is a great song, that I listen to a lot.

I give this song 5 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

4. Over And Over



Overview

Over And Over is about, basically getting constantly criticized by somebody, who always makes you feel down about yourself, but you keep on getting up, and not caring.

Has it stood the test of time?

No way, just listen to the opening and you'll see why.

My opinion

I don't listen to this song a lot, I'm not keen on it, to me it just sounds really dated. I do like the message of the song, I just don't like the instruments used.

I give this song 2 stars out of 5 ★ ★ 

5. Love Don't Live Here Anymore



Overview

Love Don't Live Here Anymore is about a lover who has left somebody. The song talks about the emptiness in the persons live, as her lover has gone away. It's also talking about the heartbreak of a relationship breaking up and the loneliness from it.

Has it stood the test of time?

No, sadly. If you get rid of the synth, or tone it down a bit, It would have stood the test of time.

My opinion

In the past, I never listened to this song. But recently I have been listening to this song a lot more, and have been liking it more. I think maybe because I find it relatable to events that have happened in my life (</3). This is a fantastic love song, a lot better then Angel. This has to be one of the most vocally strong Madonna songs that I have ever heard. 

I give this song 4 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ 

6. Dress You Up



Overview

Dress You Up is about an fashionable young man, who has lots of luxurious items in life, The man, however wants Madonna in the song, as she is a luxury that he wants.

Has it stood the test of time?

No, but it is a really good 80's song.

My opinion

I like this song, ever since I seen on The Virgin Tour recording I fell in love with it.

This song is one of really good, feel-good songs. It's one of those songs that you just want to dance to - a great party song. I listen to this song a lot as well.

I give this song 4 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ 

7. Shoo-Bee-Doo



Overview

Shoo-Bee-Doo is about, well to be honest. I don't know. I have (shamefully) never listened to this song. I think it's about fulling in love with someone?

Has it stood the test of time?

No. The whole "Shoo Bee Doo" thing makes it sound dated.

My opinion

I never listened to this. I thought it would be crap because It has a stupid name. And I was right.

I give this song 2 stars out of 5 ★ ★ 

8. Pretender



Overview

Pretender is about a guy who pretends to be in love with you. But in reality, he is just wants a one night stand with you.

Has it stood the test of time?

No. It's horribly dated.

My opinion

While I like the lyrics and the message of the song. the instruments used ruins the song for me.

I give this song 3 stars out of 5 ★★★ 

9. Stay



Overview

Stay is about a lover who makes your life so much better, Madonna wants the person to stay in her life.

Has it stood the test of time?

Not really, the synth is okay in this song, it's the drums that date it for me.

My opinion

It's a okay song. That's all I have to say about it to be honest. It's okay

3 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ 

Now onto the songs from the Desperately Seeking Susan Soundtrack and the Vision Quest Soundtrack.
Note: DDS Soundtrack and VQ Soundtrack is not on Spotify, So I will be using the Celebration versions. Additionally Gambler isn't on Spotify, so I will be using a YouTube Video.

10. Into The Groove


Overview

Into The Groove is about getting into the groove and dancing. Very self-explanatory.

Has it stood the test of time?

This song was another really big hit for Madonna, yes!

My opinion

I love this song, it really fits into the movie as well, this is a song I listen to alot

I give this 5 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

11. Crazy For You



Overview

Crazy For You is about being so crazily in love with someone. Self explanatory.

Has it stood the test of time?

Another big hit = Yes.

My opinion

This is one of my all time favorite Madonna songs, I love this song so much, shame that it hasn't been performed live since the Re-Invention Tour

I give this 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

12. Gambler

Overview

Gambler is about being a Gambler? I don't even know.

Has it stood the test of time?

No, the drums and synth and just too much.

My Opinion 

I'm not really keen on this song, I like The Virgin Tour version of it through

I give this 3 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ 

Overall rating

My overall rating of this album is 4 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ 

The sound and style of Like A Virgin is a lot better then Madonna's first album. And this album really made Madonna into the star she is today, this album did a lot for her

• She became a fashion icon
• She became a noteworthy singer and performer
• She also had a career in acting wide open for her.

With her next album True Blue, it's just going to get a lot better for her success wise. With hits such as True Blue, Open Your Heart and Papa Don't Preach



Wow, This is a longggg review. I have been writing this since I posted that update. It's now 9:44PM. Just wow. Anyway I hope you enjoyed!

Byeeee!

A Quick Update!

Just a quick little update, there will be a new blog post coming after this.

I've added some new features to the blog! There is now a mailing list. Which will basically send you a email every time I add a new blog post, so you never miss anything.

There is now a follower section, this is the old version, which I will be keeping. As I don't want to use Google+. If this version ever gets shut down, I'll switch to Google +. I may switch to Google+ if I find that the old version isn't good for my needs.

That's all for now, new post coming today!

Bye!

Just Me - Technical Difficulties!

Hello everyone!

Don't you just hate it when everything goes tits up?

Basically the DVD drive in my laptop is dead/dying. This is a rather minor thing to go wrong, but I do use it a lot, to play and create my own DVD's. I think that it is a problem with the laser. As it will no longer burn or play discs (it trys!) I have been trying to fix it, so that is why I haven't posted since Monday? or Tuesday?

My plan is to buy a external DVD drive, when I have the money.

Anyway. enough about that.

Nothing really else has happened, and its 10:19PM right now, so I really have no energy to write a really good blog post (I'm Sorry!)

The only real other thing that has happened is that the B-Roll footage of Vogue has leaked! Some of you probably don't care, but for me and other Madonna fans, its a really big deal, as we had clips and snippets of this. So it's like all of my birthdays and Christmases all rolled into one.

So yeah, that's it. I'm sorry that it's not a lot, better content will come tomorrow!

Bye for now!

Just Me - Brain Dump #1

Hello everyone!

So today, I really don't have anything good to post, like at all.

Literally, my brain is an empty space right now.

So I throught that it (may) be a fun idea to do something called a "Brain dump". Which is basically where I tell you all everything that I'm thinking of right now, and tell you what I have been up to today.

So, here is my "Brain dump"!

• Basically right now, there this whole bitchyness going on between a friend of mine. To made a rather long story small here is just the basics. My friend is bitching to me about one of her friends (who I can't stand, for the record). and then the next day, my friend and her friend are all over each over. Don't you just hate that?

• I've had a hair cut! So now my hair is really short and It feels really odd!
• I watched Ghost yesterday. You know, the film with Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. I love that film. If you have never seen it, see it! The film has a fantastic score as well!

• The only real other thing that I have been doing today has been listening to music. If you want to see what I have been listening to vist my last.fm profile!
• I had to get up early today, as there was like builder coming to my house to do something? I don't really know what he did, as I when't back to sleep, lol!
• I go myself a copy of the MDNA Tour on DVD today. I found it on ebay for only £4.80. Really cheap!

So that's it really! I hope you have enjoyed this "Brain dump". If you want more of these, please tell me, as I think this might be a good post to make every now and then.

Bye!

Dealing with negativity and balls*it

Just a quick blog post today!

So I thought that it would be a nice idea to create (another) list today. I think that of late I have like this odd obsession with lists. I promise I will stop!

Anyway I thought that it would be a good idea to create a list of how to deal with negative ballshit

1. Tell then to go fuck themselves. This almost always works.

2. Pretend like you don't even care. (Even if you do)

3. Get backup from your best friends, to normaly works too

4. If your in school. Tell a teacher or something. I know it's will feel like your making it worse, but you won't. Trust me.

Told you it will be a quick post!

Byeeee!

Just Me - Bingewatching

Hello everyone!

So, I'm pretty sure that everyone is well aware of bingewatching. For those who don't know what it is, it's when you watch multiple episodes/series in one sitting. Hell, there's even TV programs that have been created to binge on, like Grace & Frankie and Orange Is The New Black. To me when I really get into a tv series, I'M. ADDICTED. TO. IT. Like a couple of days ago, I got into Grace & Frankie on Netflix. I finished it the next day.

See what I mean about addicted.

Isn't it odd. Thinking that getting into TV shows, and watching a lot of them is bad.

One day I can see there being a TV Addicts Anonymous group.

"Hi everyone, I'm Sam and I'm addicted to TV."

"Hello Sam."

"It's been a week since my last bingewatch. I fell of the wagon when Season 7 of Orange Is The New Black came out."

Like yesterday for example. I watched 7 episode of Grey's Anatomy in a row, simply because the end of Season 5 is so fucking good! (That cliffhanger though)

As I'm writing this, Im watching Grey's Anatomy. The lives of fictional people are better then my own life I think.

I've always bingewatched stuff, It's just how I am. And like since Netflix's came around. Oh god, Netflix and me is a story for another day.

So what have you bingewatched? Here is my, shamefully long list of mine.

• Grey's Anatomy
• Buffy
• Desperate Housewives 
• Friends
• Downton Abbey
• Miranda
• Sex And The City
• Bad Girls (UK TV series about a women's prison.)
• Footballer's Wives
• Absolutely Fabulous
• ER

So yeah, I don't know where I'm going with this, again. 

Byeeeeee !

Just Me - The Anti-Bucket list

Hello everyone!

So while thinking of blog ideas. I hit a brick-wall. I just had no idea. So I goggled "Blog post Ideas" and I stumbled across a blog named Fat Mum Slim. There was an fantastic blog post about blog post ideas. One of the ideas was to write your anti-bucket list. Which is a list of things you hope you never have to do before you die.

I thought that this would be a fun idea to do, I could also maybe share my bucket list on another day. Well maybe, but it is rather personal, so I don't know. Maybe one day I will share this. So without further adieu here is my anti-bucket list.

My Anti-Bucket List

1. Get divorced.

Although 42% of marriages end in divorce (Source), I really don't want this to happen. It's so sad to think that if you get divorced, you have seriously and completely misjudged your soul mate, somebody who you thought that you would spend your whole life together, If that ever happened to me, I would feel like jumping off a bridge. 

2. Getting a prison sentence.

In my opinion, people who are in prison are lowlifes. They have broken the laws set into place to protect and safeguard us. Somebody breaking these, to threatening our well-being to me makes them lowlifes. Getting sent to prison is the lowest of the low.

3. Painful/lonely death

To me, the idea of ding alone, or painfully makes me feel kind of depressed. I mean imagine, being in so much pain, feeling like a million sharp knifes stabbing you all over, until you take your last breath. Or being completely alone on this lonely planet, with nobody caring or thinking about you, or even being with you when you die.
Imagine that being your last moment on this earth.

4. Being stuck in a dead end job

It must really suck being stuck in a job, which you don't enjoy and is at an complete dead end. Hell, your only still doing it because you get paid at the end of the mouth (probably not enough). If it was me, I would probably slam my head against my desk until i could be sent home sick, maybe if you do it like all the time you could get fired. That's a plus, right!

So I hope you enjoyed my Anti-Bucket list, I'll see you again tomorrow!

Bye!

10 Tips For Handing Summer

Hello everyone!

So from my post yesterday you could properly tell that I couldn't handle the heat. As it is still hot today (and I have nothing to post) I will give you 10 tips to handling summer. A lot of these are obvious, but I really don't care.

1. Wear loose fitting clothes, like shorts and a t-shirt.

2. Drink a lot of water to cool you down.

3. Use some sun screen to protect yourself from getting burnt in the sun.

4. If you house becomes hot, get a fan to cool your house down.

5. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.

6. Wear a hat, to keep you cool.

7. Never use ice to cool down your private area (you will regret it, trust me!)

8. You will be sweating most likely, so wear black and white shirts to hide it!

9. Don't stay in the sun for too long, you will get burnt.

10. Don't take cold showers, you will most likely regret it.

So there you are! I hope you enjoyed my 10 tips for summer, tips that are so fucking obvious.

I promise that better content will come tomorrow.

Bye!!

Just Me - Heatwave!

Just a quick blog post today!

Right now in the UK there is an extreme heatwave going on. If your not from the UK, let me just tell you. ITS NEVER HOT! All year around we moan and complain that it's too cold and that we can't wait for summer.

When summer comes around, we all lose are shit. We go into meltdown. We get boiling hot and we sweat everywhere. British people and summer don't mix well.

So yeah, I don't really know where I'm going with this. The heat has fucked with my brain. Very random.

Byeeeeeeee!

Music Reviews - Madonna (1983)

Please note, this is all my OPINION! Everybody is entitled to have OPINIONS. Please bare this in mind. :)


Madonna. What a legend. Over the past 31 years (and 11 mouths - to be precise) Madonna has changed and revolutionized the music industry, and has also revolutionized music all together. Madonna is prominent singer and celebrity. You could ask a 84 year old man and a 6 year old child, and they will be able to hum or sing a part of a Madonna song.

Today, I will be reviewing Madonna's debut album, "Madonna", which was released on July 27th 1983. It was certificated 5x platinum in the USA, platinum in the UK and much more around the world.

As an Madonna fan , I will be trying to review this with no biased. I'll will be reviewing the songs on theses two points.

• Has the song stood the test of time, or is it dated? 
• My opinion on in.

I will also give a brief overview of the song, and also rate it out of 5.

So, without further ado, here is my review of "Madonna". 

1. Lucky Star

Overview

Lucky Star was Madonna's 4th single, which when to number one around the world. Lucky Star is about (in my option) about a boyfriend of Madonna's, who is her "Lucky Star", who also makes everything around her light and bright. Because of her boyfriend who is her "Lucky Star", she also sings about how she is the luckiest one of all.

Has the song stood the test of time? 

No, the heavy use of a synth keyboard just makes this song reek of the 80's to be completely honest.

My opinion

I quite enjoy this song, it showcases Madonna's earlier materiel very well, however this is not my favorite Madonna song, I do listen to this song every now and then, simply because it's a classic.

I give this song three stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ 



2. Borderline

Overview 

Borderline to me is about a love that is never quite fulfilled and a relationship that is troubled and has lost the all passion. The song also shows themes for rebellion against male chauvinism, when it says "Something in way you love me won't let me be/I don't want to be your prisoner so baby won't you set me free" 

Has the song stood the test of time?

Kinda. However this song also has a lot of trademark 80's synth. To me, however this is one of them songs that are timeless, but that's just my opinion. 

My opinion 

This is one of my favorite early Madonna songs. It has a unique charm to the song, that I feel that no other artist could ever pull off. I love the use of the instruments and they all blend nicely to together.

I give this song 4 stars out of five ★ ★ ★ ★ 

3. Burning Up



Overview

Burning Up, is a more rock and roll number compared to the other tracks on this album. Burning Up is about an passion relationship that to me seems to be full of sex and burning passion.

Has it stood the test of time

Nope. The use of the electric guitar being the lead instrument makes the song sound very dated.

My Opinion

I'm not a fan of this song at all, even through it's nice to see a different type of song, it really doesn't fit onto the album at all, and personally I rarely listen to this song as i don't really like it.

I give this song 1 star out of 5 ★ 

4. I Know It



Overview 

I Know It is about a lover leaving your life, while you deeply in love with the person, however the way that they are acting, has changed your opinion of this person.

Has it stood the test of time?

Nope. Too much synth.

My Opinion

I not a huge fan of this song, but I don't hate it. It's an okay song and one of my favorite songs of this album, but I think that this song should have been a ballad, it would have sounded much better

I give this song 2 stars out of 5 ★ ★ 

5. Holiday



Overview 

This is pretty self explanatory, the song is about needing a time out of your life, going on a holiday and celebrating life.

Has it stood the test of time?

Yes! This like Borderline, is timeless.

My Opinion

I love this song! It's such a feel good, party tune. Everybody knows this song, it is one of Madonna's most famous songs, along with others such as "Vogue" and "Like A Prayer". I listen to this song A LOT. I just love it!

I give this 5 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

6. Think Of Me



Overview

Think Of Me another rock number, this one is a lot softer, which is good in my opinion. This song is about waiting around for somebody to love you and to think of you

Has it stood the test of time?

No, it's dated for the same reasons as Burning up.

My Opinion

I don't like this song a lot, it's just not a good song. Simple as.

I give this song 2 stars out of 5 ★ ★ 

7. Physical Attraction 



Overview

Physical Attraction is about being physically attracted to somebody? I don't really get what this song is about tbh.

Has it stood the test of time?

Nope. 80's synth

My Opinion

I like this song, the beats and synth in this track is great, this is one of the great tracks on the album, but it's not one of my real favorites, as I don't listen to this song a lot.

I give this song 3 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ 

8. Everybody 



Overview 

This is the song that started it all, as Everybody was Madonna's first single. Everybody is about getting everybody to dance and sing, as well as to enjoy themselves and enjoy the music.

Has it stood the test of time?

Sadly, no this track sufferers from the 80's synth.

My Opinion

I really enjoy this track, this is one of my favorite early Madonna songs, as this is the song that started everything for Madonna. And I just really like it

I give this song 4 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Overall rating

3 stars out of 5 ★ ★ ★ 

This is a solid first album of Madonna, it features a lot of great songs from this time period, as well as some of her early hits It's not until her next album Like A Virgin, which has some of her most famous early songs. Overall this is a great first album, which started it all for Madonna.