Lifestyle: What I’m listening to right now

I don't know why but music's not something that I find myself blogging about that often. Which is kind of strange because it's something that I love. Although this year, mostly because of a pretty packed travel itinerary, I skipped festival season, there's nothing I love more than the live music. Especially outdoors. Give me a field full of people, sunshine, cider and a little too much glitter and I'm all over it.

I wouldn't say I'm much of a music buff, or that I'm the first to find things. I usually try to stay up to date with Get To The Front to find out about new music. If you've not already heard of them, they're a great independent site run by music fans for music fans. And when they reached out, I thought it would be a great opportunity to share a little about what we're listening to right now, the latest vinyl we've added to our collection (some new stuff but mostly classics), and what gigs we really want to grab tickets for...

Kaleo - A/B

Kaleo are a new favourite - the Icelandic blues rock band formed in 2012 but somehow managed to escape hitting the stratosphere. I definitely can't take credit for Kaleo because it was Mihai who stumbled on Way Down We Go on Youtube and immediately ordered the vinyl for their first album. If you haven't already, you HAVE to listen to their live performance filmed inside a volcano. I swear I've not heard vocals like those in a long time. They're currently embarking on a world tour and we're desperately trying to figure out what tour dates don't clash with Mihai's shift pattern!

Francoise Hardy - Les Garçons et les Filles

I picked up this old vinyl on the banks of the Seine and after half an hour's unsuccessful bartering, failed to knock even a euro off the price. I guess the guy knew it was one of those see it and have to have it sort of finds and of course I couldn't face walking away without it. It's the perfect chilled album for a Sunday morning or to have on in the background while I'm trying to write.

Arctic Monkeys - Suck It and See

I think Suck It and See might well be my favourite Arctic Monkeys album. I mean I've pretty much loved them all... except Humbug, which was a bit meh.. But there's something about this one. So while we wait for the next release after the monumental AM, I've been revisiting a few old favourites like She's Thunderstorms and Suck It and See.

Dean Martin - Italian love songs

When I got back from Tuscany, fat from pasta and full of woe to have left the beautiful Italian sunshine behind, Mihai surprised me with this vinyl. It's super cheesy but really, it's a classic. And I have no shame at all belting out Volare or Mambo Italiano while I'm making dinner. An oldie but most definitely a goodie. One to be enjoyed with a big glass of red and food with lots of garlic.

Leon Bridges - Coming home

Again another Sunday morning special. When we first moved into the new house, we thought we'd treat ourselves to a new vinyl for the now combined collection. Coming home felt like an apt album and Leon Bridges was an easy choice because it's such easy listening. Bridges has the most incredibly soulful voice. If this album managed to pass you by, it's definitely worth a listen!