Red Review: The Darkness Permission To Land

Image: Pitchfork.com

Ah The Darkness, one of the most formative bands of my teenage years. Permission to Land was their debut album, and is beloved by many, considering how hardcore their fans are over a decade later. 

Permission to Land has a very special place in my heart because when I was 14 it was the first rock n roll album I ever bought. I remember being so wary when I brought it home that it would be taken off me for the cover and the explicit lyrics. When I heard the opening riff to Black Shuck, I was hooked, this band were an addiction. It's just the whole thing, Justin singing, Dans solos, Frankies understated bass, and Ed's drums. The combination should be classified as a Class A drug. 

I found this record in Tower Records above Easons in Dublin, and there was no hesitation between unearthing it and the sprint to the checkout - a limited run picture vinyl of the first album I ever bought? There was no question in my mind, it had to be mine. But then again, that's how I feel about all albums by The Darkness - "I must have it!!". 

I put it on my player as soon as I got home and just straight up looked at it for about ten minutes. Then I put the needle down and got rockin!! 

  Black Shuck is the punchy, gutsy, high octane opener to this magnificent work of glam rock perfection, The track explores the lore of the Black Shuck, a mythical creature that was said to haunt the church of a neighboring town to Lowestoft, from which the band hail. From there we plough into Get Your Hands Off My Woman which at least here in Ireland was heavily censored when the single was released in late 03, if memory serves. I remember being pretty pissed about that, but I was starting the rebellious stage and I'm nothing if not committed to my rock and roll being kept pure and untainted. Then we have Growing On Me, a nice melodic interlude from the shredding riffs and ballsy lyrics. 


Step right up, the song which made this band famous!! I Believe in A Thing Called Love is possibly the most famous song in this bands whole back catalogue, but I'm sad to say I don't think it's the best. It's fucking brilliant, don't take me up wrong but it's definitely not the best this record has to offer. I would be more of an advocate of Love Is Only A Feeling, a song which still, thirteen years later, manages to give me chills. And yes, I do know every word. In fact, I can identify it over a PA system within seconds of hearing the opening chord. If you haven't seen the video by the way, maybe check that shit out on YouTube! Ah-mazebeans!!! 

Two tracks later, after Givin' Up and Stuck In A Rut, we have my favorite track on this whole record, Friday Night. I couldn't tell you why I love this song so much, it's just love in its purest form. I can't explain to you what this song makes me feel, but nostalgia and joy would be close to an explanation. Maybe this track, which harks back to school days just reminds me of what it's like to be young and wild and free, "dancing on a Friday Night" after all the mundane tasks of the week have been done. I've linked the song for you to have a listen, wrap your ears around this little ditty. 

Closing it strong we have Love On The Rocks (With No Ice), and Holding My Own. Two great lead out tracks to close off what I can only describe as one of the great musical loves of my life. This album is so entwined in my youth and closely interwoven with good memories that I can't fault this record - I never could. It's easy to see why this record was a UK Number 1 and an Irish Number 2 chart hit. It slaps you across the face and then French kisses you. Mmmmph! 

So there you have it, a little lyrical waxing from yours truly about one of the best records of all time (in my estimation). I've been lucky enough to get to see them live, and they're just one of my generations greatest musical offerings. 

XO

A

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Music Lover TAG

Photo: Me! Took this in Dundalk last March! 

1. Which bands/artist do you have the most albums by?

HIM, my Love Metal obsession is strong and has been for close to a decade. 

2. What was the last song you listened to?

Sorry by Justin Bieber. It's so catchy I'm not even sorry!! 

3. What was the last concert you attended?

I flew to Nottingham to see HIM just after Christmas with my lovely friend and fellow blogger Aoife, and my fabulous boyfriend. 

4. What's the most musically involved you've ever been?

Cant play anything, cant really sing, generally speaking I just appreciate the music. 

5. Who is one band/artist you've never seen live but always wanted to?

Off the top of my head, Hozier. That man reaches the depths of my soul and makes my heart happy. 

6. What is your favorite band shirt?

I'm going to do everyones head in but my your shirt and hoody from the HIM gig are my pride and joy, I would have bought three of each if I had the room in my bag!! 

7. What musician would you like to hang out with for a day?

Justin Hawkins. That man is a pure, 100% grade A rockstar. Saw him live last year and he was everything I thought he would be and so much more. He's also a complete gentleman and completely made my birthday. 

8. Who is one musician or group you wish would make a comeback?

Does anyone remember A1? They were the epitome of cheesy 90's boyband pop and 10 year old me was straight up obsessed with Ben Adams - I've always had a thing for the frontman!!

Ville Valo Credit: google image search

9. Name four or more flawless albums.

"Venus Doom" - HIM

Wilder Mind" - Mumford and Sons

Hozier - Hozier

"Night Visions" -Imagine Dragons

"Last of our Kind" The Darkness 

10. How many music related videos/DVDs do you own?
Quite a few, actually, I like to have a well rounded collection! 

11. What is your favorite music soundtrack?
My favorite OST of all is Gatstby. That record is pure gold. I adore it. 

12. What was your last musical phase before you wisened up?
Emo. It stuck to a certain degree, but it also helped to widen my tastes all across the board. 

13. What's you're "guilty pleasure" that you hate to admit to liking?

Don't laugh, everyone, but Gospel music and Country. I just adore it so. 

So theres one of quite a few TAG posts that I'll be doing this week while I'm stuck in bed with a respiratory infection... I tag whomever would like to do this, it's a silly bit of fun!

Ax

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Red Review - Last Of Our Kind

I've been getting majorly into vinyl in the last three months, and I've collected a few records, both recent releases and vintage.

One of my first purchases was The Darkness new record, Last Of Our Kind. Today I'm gonna run you through what I thought of it. Bear in mind I am incredibly biased, they're one of my favorite bands!

Firstly, can we take a moment to appreciate the cover art? It's a baby driving a spaceship!!! I just think that's so quirky and cool, though I don't expect anything less than quirky from the band whose first record had a naked air traffic controller on it!! I love it, their whole aesthetic is tongue in cheek, has an air of humor. The Darkness are a band that know how to have fun! Trust me, I've been to a show, they are insane in the best way!

The content of this record is the Viking invasion of East Anglia, referencing Ragnar, archery, Edmund The Martyr, and so on. Probably not for everyone, but I love that kind of thing. The first single to be released from this is the first track, Barbarian, and it's basically a musical history lesson gussied up a bit, and put to epic riffs. I reckon this would be a great song to blare and belt in the car with all the windows down!

The whole album is just perfect. I know there has been much criticism about Hot Cakes, their last release, but I thought that was a great album... Up there with Permission to Land, for sure! This though, it's completely and utterly brilliant. I find myself flipping the record over and over, listening to it twice or three times through, every time it's on my player. Of the 4 albums The Darkness has released, I would rank this as my favorite so far.

My favorite track on this record is the title track, Last Of Our Kind. Maybe I have an affinity for the archery imagery, maybe it's the insanely catchy opening and beltable chorus - who knows?! I'm toying with getting a line from this song tattooed, actually. It's that good!

Honestly, I've nothing bad to say about this album, nothing at all. It's incredible. The vinyl itself is green, the slip case is decorated with the lyrics and doodles and the cover is incredibly fun. The record itself harks back to the older, more flamboyant early days - all in all, a truly brilliant offering, and possibly my favorite record in my collection so far!

I'm giving this record 5 stars *****

Have you any recommendations? 

If you have, let me know! 

If you want me to do a record collection, just shout!

Keep your eye out for my next review!

Loooooooove you! 

Amy 

xx

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The Darkness FOTN + Photos

Last Friday night, the 6th of March, and 3 days after my 23rd birthday, I had the incredible pleasure and joy of seeing The Darkness live in The Spirit Store, Dundalk. It was an experience that I will never forget! Ugh, even just typing about it makes me feel giddy!! 

Anyways, I knew for the occasion that I would have to look the part. I mean, I was a rocker type in school, with black hair, and black clothes, but nowadays I look a bit less like the typical rock-chick! 

I started with my base routine, which you can read about HERE. I contoured lightly with the contour shade from the Sleek Contour Kit, applied the blush from my Look Beauty Cheeky Trio and highlighted with the highlight shade from it too. 

For my eyes, I used the Naked 2. First I took Half Baked over the inner half, and Snakebite on the outer half. Through the crease, I chose to run Busted through, brought out to the outer V. to deepen it even further, I very lightly took Blackout through the outer V also. On my lower lash-line, I took Half Baked and Busted through it and blended into the outer V for a seamless look. 

For liner I drew a little baby wing with Catrice Liquid Liner and then applied some Essence Frame 4 Fame falsies to finish the whole look. 

To do my brows, I took my usual Rimmel Brow Gel in Medium through them. 

On my lips I went vampy with Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Shame. Nothing says glam rock like a glam look! 

 What do you think of my look?? 

xo, 

Amy

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