Oh oh oh honey I need you round, I know, I know

Top ten songs about love. Not about the happiness of being smitten, or finding the perfect mate. But what happens afterwards; the ongoing arguments with yourself you have to deal with about making the wrong decision, when there was no way you could change his mind, and when they found love with someone else.

1. With or Without You - U2

The simple problem of ending up hating someone from being in a relationship with them, yet not being able to visualise a life without them. Just deal with it, will you Bono? It'll be fine once you forget the routines.

http://youtu.be/XmSdTa9kaiQ

2. Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

I can imagine just singing (screaming) this to a boy as he's walking out the door. Proper psycho/heartbreakingly sad style. Apparently poor Karen O would cry as she sang it on stage, years after writing it. "Wait; they don't love you like I love you"

http://youtu.be/oIIxlgcuQRU

3. Dancing On My Own - Robyn

Ah yes. Split up with him but now not wanting to face the fact he is over you. This also featured in one of the most emotional 'Lip Syncs' from RuPaul's Drag Race (Raven vs Jujubee), another reason to find it so sad. I like to cry to the Radio One's Live Lounge version.

 http://youtu.be/J294A-R1Cjk

4. Fuck the Pain Away - Peaches

A little bit more fun, definitely easier to dance to. The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else, and that's that.

http://youtu.be/GmFp0I8AZqw

5. The Scientist - Coldplay

A song about things coming to an end, and desperately trying to change them back to the way things were. I am certainly one who looks back endearingly, but once that water has gone under that bridge, it is flowing only one way.

http://youtu.be/RB-RcX5DS5A

6. Silver Springs - Fleetwood Mac

I've tried to holdback on listing Fleetwood Mac a lot. I could do a top ten of heartbreaking songs from them alone (definitely a post for another time) but I've decided to put Silver Springs into this one. "You'll never get away from the sound of a woman that loves you". Haunting, yet also true.

http://youtu.be/cwnnpKcP0Gw

7. Do What You Do - Noah and the Whale

Leaving someone, sometimes, is really not what you want to do, but is what is needed. A really sad break up. Just because it didn't work out with someone you really thought it would, doesn't mean it won't happen again. It will be all worth it, one day.

"When loves comes a-calling, don't forget the tune, and when love comes a-calling, don't forget the tune

And just do what you do"

http://youtu.be/CT_m1Vs1cAo

8. Teardrops - Womack and Womack

Had to feature a little disco. Perhaps looking back on a fun relationship? Cheating on them? Wishing that you hadn't? The love and fun was right there. I don't relate to this one at all, just love it a lot. "And the music don't feel like it did when I felt it with you. Nothing that I do or feel ever feels like I felt it with you"

http://youtu.be/R8AOAap6_k4

9. Magic - Coldplay

Coldplay strikes again. Oh God. Definitely the saddest. Listening to the album in it's entirity really made my drive nothing less than depressing. All of Magic though, is a perfect construction of lyrics about a life with someone ending, and one of the pair really not wanting it to, but still holding that unrequited hope that, one day, it might just come together again.

"And if you were to ask me, after all that we've been through, do I still believe in magic? Yes I do. Yes I do. Yes I do.

Of course I do"

http://youtu.be/Qtb11P1FWnc

10. Tender - Blur

And finally, the inspiration for this entire post. 'Tender' initially starting as a metaphor for the perfect aspects of the relationship, then verse after verse its meaning deteoriates, like the relationship, and ends up representing the pain. Heartbreaking injections of the chorus, pleading with both himself and his now estranged counterpart, makes it a song relatable to all; just wanting the pain to end.

This is the song that finally got me over the hurdle of my last heartbreak, I thought, if Albarn can get through it, so can Jess Sturt.

"I'm waiting for that feeling, I'm waiting for that feeling. Waiting for that feeling to come"

http://youtu.be/P_OK_H8F2g0

So er...enjoy your day.

Under a sky no one sees

Simply just five songs, played at random, and what they mean to me. A Jess Sturt classic.



Still Life by The Horrors



First heard it in the summer of 2012 I believe. I was in a relationship with a guy with the coolest music taste;



On one of our walks home after a night out, we lived around two miles away from the town centre, we were discussing the rubbish choice of music that had been playing in the only local 'club'; the reasoning for our premature departure. Chaz was angry that Mr Brightside was played; he had been a huge fan of The Killers and he hated how the majority of their other brilliant songs were completely disregarded to make way for this hugely commercially successful one. He just probably really enjoyed Andy You're A Star (hey, it's one of my favourites). I continued our debate by announcing how I felt the exact same about Sex on Fire by the Kings of Leon.



So, this was constantly played on Radio 1 during my twenty minute drive from Bude to Bradworthy, really made the journey. Chaz did like to remind me however, that The Horrors had been around for a long old time, and I had turned into one of the people I hated; only aware of the hits. So I told him I would use the appreciation in a way that I did with most musical interests, and back track to hear everything they had ever done.



Two years later, I am in New York, with no other entries from The Horrors (sorrysorrysorry) on my iTunes. It is my last day and I have finally understood how to walk around the city. Walking one block to realise that I had gone the wrong way was yesterday's news. So here I was, headphones in, and navigating my little self from the MET to 34th Street completely unaided. I got to Madison Square Gardens and sat down with my journal and wrote about my perfect week break with Still Life playing. I laughed to myself at the thought of being the most pretentious little asshole. I had had a good time though.



The Girls by Calvin Harris



Just reminds of when I first turned 18 and went out drinking and dancing officially for the first time. I had the dance routine down to a tee. I knew exactly when to point to myself (white girls, Italian girls, short girls, blonde girls, carrying a little bit of weight girls).



Completely threw me when I dyed my hair red though.



Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens



Downloaded after I discovered how much I love Ricky Gervais and Extras. Turned out to be a song I used to test how much I would get on with the next potential boyfriend; he knew exactly where it was from, I knew we were going to have a good time.



Sao Paulo by The Guillemots



I had bought Through The Windowpane during my second year at college after hearing a live version of Trains to Brazil on an early Channel 4 music programme and it had blew my little mind. The album was very much out of my comfort zone, what with all the cellos and pianos and other crazy instruments. This eleven minuter is an absolute masterpiece, need to listen to it within it's entirety to fully appreciate it though, but I persevered. Sometimes I could cry for miles.



My most favourite ever, ever ending to a song ever. Keep aware of the time up to around the 6 minute mark where perfection kicks in.



Have you ever been thrown across the water

Till there's no skin left on your bones


Thrown across water 

Thrown across water 

Thrown across water

Like a stone


Get me a doctor

Who will get rid of my bones
Get me a lover

Who will leave my head alone
Get me a soldier

Who will fight me in this war
Get me an exit

I need an exit

I need a window or door


Get me a lawyer

Who will sue the world for me
Get me a person

Who isn't me
Cuz I'm getting tired

I'm getting tired

Of my stupid little face
I don't belong here

I don't belong here

Don't belong in this horse race

Yeah...and when I showed my boyfriend it, he was not impressed at all. So to remind me that he may still be good even though he prefers Ice Cube to guitars, he did a really silly dance to the instruments at the end to which I would clutch onto my gut with laughter as I admired. Amazing lyrics though. CHILL OUT JESS.

Ok, final song is...

A Certain Romance by Arctic Monkeys

That summer where we smoked loads of 'gear' at Goodwill and Air got really good on the guitar. I told him the songs I wanted him to learn, I printed off the lyrics and then we saw what we could do. Nailed this on Summerleaze beach. Pretty sure I have a recording of us doing the Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash somewhere...those were the days.

Can't wait for the day when I reminisce on Jess Glynne's Hold My Hand and remember how great Manchester has been for me this year. Having an absolute ball, but really wasting my days off.

Lets get together before we get much older

Here is a list of my favourite 15 songs to listen to in the sun. Particularly when in my little red motor; whether it’s off to start the summer day en route to see my best friend who lives an hour and a half away, or even when I find myself driving past the turning to my house just to have an extra 20 minutes in the car with the stereo to accompany my viewing of the gorgeous Cornish sunsets.

Dance Yrself Clean – LCD Soundsystem

There could not be a better suited opening track; to both the final album that was made by the fabulous James Murphy and co, and for a start of a sunny day. It begins slow as usual with LCD, but the wonderful suspense of the genius seven minute duration up to the inevitable bass explosion gets you from A to B with a hand punching the air and a shuffle in your seat. Listen to it loud.

Don’t Look Back Into The Sun – The Libertines

Possibly my favourite introduction to a song ever. Just a loud drum and a simple guitar tune to be joined by the wonderful combination of Doherty and Barat. Fabulous to walk with the rays falling on your shoulders.

How Do I Know – Here We Go Magic

Just a really laid back song, all components coming together to make a beauty of a track you just want to sway to under a sunset, eventually leading up to a more energetic thrusting. It will have you singing along with woooo-hooo-oooo.

Walking On A Dream – Empire of The Sun

So dream-like, definitely a good one for the progression of gears; I like it to start when I’m in a 30 zone approaching an A road. Another swayer, can’t quite sing along because the lyrics are unclear. One which is not, is “Never looking down, I’m just in awe of what’s in front of me”. Feel that sun, look at that road. Sometimes I skip it back to the beginning simply because it’s so seasonally delicious.

Keep The Car Running – The Arcade Fire

A nice little guitar to introduce all the other wonderful instruments used by the talented Canadian group. This is one I thrust my body forwards with, whilst tapping the steering wheel, and screaming along. The combination of sounds are perfect for that summer vibe.

Sticks ‘n’ Stones – Jamie T

Oh wow, so many elements. A poetic start to get you in the mood, similar to Walking On a Dream, I like to make the build up of speed to correlate with the build up of the song. Such great verses, such a great bridge, and when we finally get to the chorus, it does not fail to impress. RUNNING WITH BELIEVERS. I could dance to it all day every day, shouting out the window; you’re still my friend it’s impossible to hate you.

Green Garden – Laura Mvula

The lyrics just paints the picture of where you want to be, and the music takes you there, strutting along the way, until you have got to the garden, and you are dancing there like you used to. I go wherever you go, wherever you take me I go.

Ray of Light – Madonna

An absolute classic accompaniment to a beaming sun and motorway driving. Turn that indicator on and over take whilst you wiggle in your seat and you proclaim how you feel like you’ve just got home, because it’s true. Nothing better.

Plage – Crystal Fighters

Now, I think the majority of Crystal Fighter songs are fantastic for the desired season. They have nailed the whole ‘song completely embodying a summer feeling’. Another great build up of tapping growing into a full blown arm flinging affair. “Come over here with your heart, and I will love your heart with mine”. We’re probably in Barcelona, probably skinny dipping in the sea completely intoxicated, probably listening to this song. Take me there, I’ll do it.

Smile Upon Me –  Passion Pit

Another one that takes a dream like stance. I like listening to it when I’m going fast, and it’s going loud. Passion Pit’s lyrics really are my favourite; there’s a place in this world where people like me are fond of people like you.  Just got the tempo and vibe you need when the sun is shining. It makes you appreciative of your friends, and appreciative of the weather. Especially if you live in Britain.

Feel The Love – Rudimental

Great dance song and lovely little voice. Not really little, just an adjective I use to show affection. Booming track which was a great soundtrack to the summer of 2013. No one can deny it, you feel the love too.

Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root

Aw. Now this is one you clap and march to, maybe even skip round a pool table if you’re really feeling lucky. Indecipherable lyrics; but with that flute or whatever it is, you are in the country in the sun. Or maybe even in a toilet in a bar in New York, excited, and no one else caring. Turn it up and bloody dance around.

We Want – Skindred

College summers, driving with friends who have just passed their driving test. After the rap like introduction, you are bouncing. Bo bo.

Outside – Summer Camp

Haven’t had the pleasure of driving along to this yet, I have, however, chose it as my buddy as I walk to work on the most glorious afternoon. Nothing makes you want to take a detour more than this, lets go outside today. A simple melody with the upbeat tempo makes you just want to be where you should be. Outside.

Baba O’ Riley – The Who

My oldest favourite. Nothing says summer like The Who, being out there in the field.  Is it a piano at the beginning? Who cares. Listen to the piano after it. Listen to Daltrey. Is the sun shining? Yes it is. Listen to that drum roll, this is what life is all about. Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, out comes the violin solo, leading to the most perfect stomp. The perfect summer soundtrack. Thanks Papa, for introducing me to the teenage wasteland. That sounds like he helped me get fucked up on drugs, he merely just said one day “listen to this”

I feel chirpy just writing this. I await leaving the house tomorrow with great haste; put out the fire and don’t look past my shoulder.