My Uni Life in Film, TV and Music

Time for a change of pace. I don't often write anything about myself personally on this blog, and prefer to keep things strictly about the films or TV shows I'm talking about at that time.

That said, at the present moment I want to write something different, for today at least. This is because my life is moving from one phase to the next, and I wanted to put into words some reflections on the phase I'm currently leaving behind.

Over the weekend, I graduated from uni, officially ending life as an undergrad. Degree in hand, the working world is the next challenge to face, with coursework and lectures a thing of the past.

Before writing this post, I asked myself one question - what media to I associate with my time at uni? Which film, show or album clicks in my brain and transports me to those long days in the library or late nights on campus. Essentially, I wanted to reminisce in a way that encapsulates the past three years through media.

So, to tie this back in with the theme of my blog (film and pop culture), let's talk about some defining pieces that meant something from during my time at uni.

My 2013 Spotify Playlist

2013 has been a great year for music - there have been some really great tunes put together this year. I'm currently looking back over the year and writing my Top 5 Albums of 2013 post, and in the process I decided to put together a quick Spotify playlist of some of the songs I feel have made up my soundtrack to the year.

It's a pretty eclectic list, with everything from Queens of the Stone Age, Jagwar Ma and Noah and the Whale to Kanye West, The Strokes and Daft Punk.

You can read up on my Top 5 Albums of 2013 by clicking here; alternatively, you can head on over to my the playlist by follow this link: 2013 Spotify Playlist. Enjoy!

My Top Albums of 2013

2013 has seen some big records released, from worldwide megastars like Daft Punk to young hipster upstarts like Lorde. Here's my Top 5 list of the best and brightest albums to have pricked my ears in the last 12 months. 

Arctic Monkeys - AM

Arctic Monkeys aren't a band that sit still and rest on their laurels. 

After the astronomical success of their début record, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, broke records around the world, they could have very easily sat back, taken a long holiday and decided to rinse and repeat the same material. 

Three records later and the reality couldn't be anything more different. With each new record comes a new angle, a defining sound that encapsulates exactly where the band is.

2007's Fluorescent Adolescent saw them erupt with energy and hormones, their sound decidedly loud and brash. Record number three was 2009's divisive (and brilliant) desert-rock inspired Humbug before 2011's more melodic and ballad-driven Suck it and See steered them towards a softer, romantic sound.

So, where does AM sit amongst this spectrum? And more importantly, is it any good?

Miles Kane - Don't Forget Who You Are

You've only got to listen to the opening minute of the title track to Miles Kane's second solo album to discover a new found sense of confidence and swagger for the former Rascal/Last Shadow Puppet. 

After releasing The Colour of the Trap in 2011, Kane has developed and honed his sound to something a lot more defined and striking on this second record.

Remember 'Rearrange' and 'Come Closer'? Well, meet 'Taking Over', their dirtier, grungier and fuzzier cousin. The clackity-clack of drum sticks, the gentle stroking of Kane's vocals and then, wham, in kicks the drums. "I think I'm brewing up a storm" croons Kane; why yes, yes you are. It might not be the best track on the record, but it does set the scene well.

My Top 20 Songs of the Last 20 Years

In order to celebrate 20 years of the Hottest 100, Australian radio station triple j is currently running a feature on the Hottest 100 Songs of the Last 20 Years. In essence, anyone around the world is given the opportunity to vote for their favourite 20 songs since January 1st 1993 (they can be anything and everything, from the Lion King soundtrack to Eminem) and then from there, a list of the Top 100 is compiled.

"So what!" I hear you cry? Well so this, that's what. I figured that I wanted to get people's thoughts on their personal favourite songs and how they would vote in the poll. I was curious to see what my readers thought and so, here is your chance to get thinking and let me know in the comments section below!

 In order to get everyone started, here's the top 20 songs that I personally picked (and voted for)...

My Top 5 Albums of 2011

2011 was a stellar year for music. Big names returning and new ones emerging, 2011 saw some brilliant records released by some incredible talents. Here is my pick of the best.