The Beginning And The End Of Everything

A couple of weeks ago, Australian musician Josh Pyke released his newest album, titled 'The Beginning And The End of Everything'. His music is what I think's called 'Indie Folk', a bit similar to Lisa Mitchell and maybe Boy and Bear. I've had a major admiration for his music since I was about 10, and I both blame and thank my brothers for this. So, if you were hoping this was going to be critical or whatever, keep hoping - because the only fault with this album is that I want more.

I will seriously question anyone's sanity who thinks that any part of his music is only "okay", because while he might not have the catchy, up beat tunes of a Justin Bieber song, Josh Pyke definitely rivals Taylor Swift in the lyric department.

"Time is like the ocean, you can only hold a little in your hands". WHO THINKS LIKE THAT!?!?? A lyrical genius, that's who. I mean, get that he's saying we don't have a lot of time on our hands, but surely I'm not the only one who would phrase that more along the lines of "we don't have much time". Yes, okay, people write songs! But this guy has written so many amazing songs that always seem to hit the mark perfectly, and this new album has just done it again. I love all the songs on this record, but my favourites would have to be 'Haunt You Love' and 'Feet of Clay'.

So, I really suggest that anyone out there who hasn't already heard his music goes and finds it now, and I'll try and post a link to the clip for 'Leeward Side' for anyone that wants it!

O.

Leeward Side

The Great Gatsby

I'm actually taking my second swing at this book at the moment, and thought it would be a good idea to write this now rather than at the end, when it just becomes another books on my shelf.
I've tried reading 'The Great Gatsby' before, and always got side tracked or fed up with the language they use. Because it is a pretty old book, some of the terms are unfamiliar to me and I'm sure they would be to a lot of younger readers out there as well. But once you get past what seems like a language barrier, you can really understand why it's stood the test of time!
My best friend had to read the book for her English class at school, and absolutely hated it. Usually, we have pretty similar taste in things, especially when it comes to books... but if there's one topic we disagree on, it's classic books.
My mum always read me classics when I was little, and I basically grew up with the Bennet sisters (Pride and Prejudice) as my role models. And I think that's what makes the difference; I've always had a massive weakness for classics.
So, remembering that I'm supposed to tell any readers out there whether it's worth reading or not, it's kind of a mixed up situation. I really think it's impossible for me to tell anyone that a classic novel isn't worth reading, because it has to be.. or it wouldn't be a classic! But from one teenager to another, I think that a lot of you won't find 'The Great Gatsby' to be a massive page turner, because I know a lot of people who have hated it. BUT, if you are a die hard fan of Jane Austen, Charlotte and Emily Bronte, and CHARLES DICKENS you'll love it!
So my suggestion is that you figure out what your kind of book is. If you can stand anything that doesn't involve vampires or werewolves, then this isn't the thing for you. But, if you're a person who can understand why classics are classics, then I definitely recommend not only seeing the movie, but reading the actual book!
Hope I helped!
O.