Redemption Song - Bob Marley

Bob Marley was a Jamaican singer song-writer who often sang about social issues.   This song is from the last album he released before he died - 'Uprising.'  He wrote this song in 1979 knowing that he was dying and it is thought to be about him coming to terms with his mortality.

Sometimes - James

James were formed in Manchester in 1982 but most of their success came in the 1990's.  James often combined catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics, often singing about subjects that other bands avoided.  This song is from their 1993 album 'Laid.'

Crimson and Clover - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Crimson and Clover is currently being used on an advert on Spanish TV.  The song was originally by Tommy James and the Shondells in 1968.  It was covered by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in 1982 and is probably the best known version.

Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve

This is Bittersweet Symphony from the alternative rock band The Verve.  The song is taken from their third album 'Urban Hymns' and was released in 1997.  The video features the lead singer, Richard Ashcroft, stubbornly walking down a busy London street oblivious to what is going on around him and refusing to change the speed or direction he walks in.



Common People - Pulp

The blog has now had over 2000 visitors and to celebrate we have Common People by Pulp.  Pulp are an alternative rock band from Sheffield and are well known for their eccentric style, particularly their lead singer Jarvis Cocker.  This song is taken from their fantastic 1995 album 'Different Class.'

Vicious - Lou Reed

OMG there is a request for Lou Reed.  I love Lou Reed.  In the 1960's he was in a band called The Velvet Underground that made some fantastic songs and went on to influence generations of musicians.  He has continued to make great music.  Below are two of my favourite Lou Reed tracks including Sweet Jane by The Velvet Underground and Halloween Parade from his album 'New York.'

If It's The Beaches - Avett Brothers

If it's the Beaches by the Avett Brothers.  The Avett Brothers are a folk rock band from Concord, North Carolina who started in 2000.  The song is from their EP Gleam.  I love this song, I think it's very beautiful and will definitely try and find more of their music.  It was by suggested by someone from T7.

Summer Season - Daylight

This is Summer Season by Daylight from their album 2 Cool for School.  They started in 2004 and have recently done a European tour aswell as playing some dates in China too.  I really like this song as it has a lot of energy to it.  This song was suggested by David in T6.

Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - Slow Moving Millie

This was an advert for a shop called 'John Lewis' in Christmas 2011.  They used The Smiths Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want but covered by another artist - Slow Moving Millie.  Below is the original video by Slow Moving Millie.

Fairytale of New York - The Pogues ft Kirsty MacColl

This is the United Kingdom's favourite Christmas song and was released in 1987. The song is an Irish folk style ballad and is a duet between the Pogues lead singer, Shane MacGowan, and Kirty MacColl.  The song is about a couple remembering their past and arguing on Christmas eve.

Manchester United and Manchester City

Funny video about the rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City.  Similar to the rivalry between Sevilla and Betis.

Video killed the Radio Star - The Buggles

This original video for this song was the first video they ever showed on MTV at 12.01am 1 August 1981.  However, I think this lego version is probably of a higher quality.  The song is great though.

Feel - Robbie Williams

Free by Robbie Williams was released in 2002.  Robbie was originally in the boy band Take That but left after arguments with the management and other band members.   Robbie was once, very unkindly, called the 'fat dancer from Take That' by Noel Gallagher from the band Oasis.  However, my friend Michelle knew Robbie when she lived in Stoke On Trent and she says he was very friendly and down to earth.  This song was suggested by Sandra in A4.

I Want To Break Free - Queen

I Want to Break Free by Queen was released in 1984 and was taken from their album called 'The Works.'  Queen were famous for their energetic live shows, particularly from their lead singer Freddie Mercury.  Queen were never afraid to be different and this video is a good example of that as the band are all dressed as women.  This song was suggested by Raul in T7.

Watching The Wheels - John Lennon

John Lennon died 32 years ago yesterday.  He was killed by a fan as he walked into his apartment block in New York.  Watching the Wheels was from his last album and this is a demo.  I think this version shows how beautiful the song is. This song is for the mother who cried yesterday. We all miss John Lennon.

How Soon is Now - The Smiths

How Soon is Now is my favourite Smith's song.  Great lyrics and fantastic music.

I Know It's Over - The Smiths

I Know It's over by The Smiths is a song about the end of a relationship and is from their excellent album 'The Queen is Dead.'

Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths

OMG!  I Love The Smiths and Inés in T6 has requested two songs.  The Smiths were an alternative rock band from Manchester and were active for 5 years in the 1980's.  The Smiths combined beautiful melodies with clever and thoughtful lyrics.  They were particularly popular with students and teenagers who could identify with the message of the songs.  For Morrissey, the lead singer,  being a teenager wasn't a happy experience.  

It's My Life - Bon Jovi

It's My Life by Bon Jovi.  Bon Jovi started in 1983 and have sold more than 130 million records world wide.  However, before they were famous the lead singer worked part time in a women's shoe shop.  This song was suggested by Juan Carlos in T6.

Man Running and Man on the Phone

Two funny videos from an English TV programme called Trigger Happy TV.  Enjoy.

Santa Games

Christmas is here and Santa will soon be visiting.  Have you been good?  He particularly wants to know if any naughty girls and boys have not been doing their homework or talking too much Spanish in class.

Here is a website for these cold winter nights to keep you amused with games, stories and things to make:

Santagames

And, there is also an advent calender:

Advent Calender

Neutron Star Collision - Muse

Neutron Star Collision is a track by Muse and is on the soundtrack for the third Twilight film 'Eclipse.' Muse are a British band from Teignmouth in Devon which is in the south west of the country.  Muse are well known for their energetic live performances.  This song was suggested by Miguel Ángel in A4 whose daughter loves this song.

This Song Saved My Life - Simple Plan

This song is from their album ' Get Your Heart On' and this video is a protest against the use of child labour to make cheap clothes for large multi national companies.  This song was suggested by Jesus in T6.

Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles

Today is the 11th anniversary of George Harrison's death and this is one of his most famous songs.  He wrote it because he thought winters in England go on forever. Below is another song by George Harrison from his first album after The Beatles split up - All Things Must Pass.  This song is called The Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp and is about a previous owner of Friar Park, George's gothic mansion in Henley on Thames .

New Age - Marlon Roudette

This song is New Age by Marlon Roudette a British/Vincentian musician.  The song was number one in Germany but only reached number ninety in the UK.

Sergio Ramos hits Felix Baumgartner

This was shown to me by Jesus in T6 and had me laughing all evening.  Thanks Jesus.

Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen

Call Me Maybe is a song recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen and  appears on her first album, called 'Kiss.' The song was written by Jepsen and Tavish Crowe as a folksong, but it was changed into a pop song.  This song was suggested by Reyes in T7.

ELI Plus Online

You can now go to ELI Plus Online from this blog which means you can listen to your favourite music when you do ELI Plus.  Click on the link below to open ELI Plus in a new window.

ELI Plus Online

What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction

What Makes You Beautiful was the first single from One Direction.  The song won a BRIT award for the best single of 2012.  The video was filmed on a beach in Malibu, California.  This song was suggested by Ana in T3.

Cristallo - Alicia

Below is a link to a song composed and performed by Alicia who was in T5 last year.  I think this is a very beautiful song Alicia, and you are obviously very talented : )

Cristallo by Alicia

Summer Paradise - Simple Plan

Summer Plan were formed in 1993 and are French Canadian rock band.  The band have claimed that their name comes from the 'simple plan ' to avoid working in a fast food restaurant although it is believed the name comes from the film and novel 'A Simple Plan.'  Below is the song with lyrics.  This song was suggested by Jesus in T6 and yes Jesus, I do like it : )

Diamonds - Rihanna

Rihanna was born in Barbados in 1988 and moved to the USA when she was sixteen to pursue a music career.  The song 'Diamonds' is from her new album 'Unapologetic.' The video below has the lyrics.  This song was suggested by Rocio and Ricardo in T6.

Let it Be - The Beatles

This song is for Alicia who was in T5 last year and is 15 today. It's a bit of a sad song but I remember you saying you liked it.  Happy birthday Alicia! : )

One Thing - One Direction

'One Thing' is a song by One Direction and is from their first album.  In the video the band perform on top of a bus!  Crazy pop stars!  The song was suggested by Lucy in T3.

We Are Young - Fun

Fun are an American Indie band and 'We Are Young' is their best known hit single taken from their album 'Some Nights.'   Below is the song with Spanish and English subtitles.  The song was suggested by Juan Carlos in T6.

Laughing Baby

Eli Macarena Music Cafe has had over 1000 hits and to celebrate we have a laughing baby.

Somewhere Only We know - Keane

Somewhere Only We Know by Keane.  Keane are a band from East Sussex in England.  They are known as the band with no guitars because of their heavy use of pianos.  Since the start of their career, the band have sold over 10 million albums worldwide.

Daydream Believer - The Monkees

Daydream Believer is a song by the Monkees.  The Monkees were America's answer to The Beatles.  They were popular in the 1960's and even had their own TV show.

If I had a gun - Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

Noel Gallagher found fame in the band Oasis with his brother Liam.  Unfortunately, Noel and Liam used to fight a lot and after many arguments, including several physical fights, Noel left Oasis.  Noel has gone on to make new records including this one.  If I had a gun was suggested by Andrea in T7.

Nothing Else Matters - Metallica

Nothing else Matters by Metallica was released in 1992.  It was written by Metallica's singer and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield while he was on the phone with his then girlfriend.  There is also an acoustic version of this song.  This song was suggested by Nieves in T6.

British Council - Kids Games

British Council Kids Games. Have fun playing games and learning English at the same time! There are  lots of free online vocabulary games for young school children to play.

British Council - Kids

Learn English Kids is the British Council's website for children around the world who are learning English as a second or foreign language.  It's a fun way to learn English.

A Day in the Life - The Beatles

In my opinion,  A Day in the Life  is probably The Beatles best song. It was the last song on the Sergeant Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band album.  It was originally banned by the BBC because they thought it had drug references (it didn't) and for the line - "I'd love to turn you on."  There is no video to the song because it was never released as a single.

Duquesne Whistle - Bob Dylan

Duquesne Whistle by Bob Dylan is hist latest song.  Bob Dylan has been making records since 1963 and he's still going strong.  I love Dylan!  The video is great for practising the narrative tenses.

Lyrics Training

Lyrics training is an easy and fun method to learn and improve your English (and other languages)  through the music videos and lyrics of your favourite songs.

Everything Counts by Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode are an electronic music band and were formed in the 1980's.  This song is about corporate greed and corruption.  Depeche mode continue to be popular even today and even have their own theme bar in Estonia.  Check out the 1980's clothes and hairstyles in the video.  This song is for Miguel in A4.

99 Red Balloons by Nena

Originally called "99 Luftballons" this was a protest song by the German band Nena and was sung in German.  It was later re-recorded in English and was a number one in England in 1984.  Interestingly, it was the German version that was more popular in America.  This song was suggested by Raul in T7 who seems to be obsessed with anything that flies at the moment  : )

Live While We're Young by One Direction

One Direction came third in the seventh series of British television music competition The X Factor.  They are a boy band that formed in London 2010.  This song was suggested by Luisa in T7.

Your Song - Ellie Goulding

Your Song by Ellie Goulding was used in a Christmas advert on UK television.  The song was originally recorded in 1970 and was written and performed by Elton John.  Apparently, Elton wrote the music to the song in ten minutes!!!!!!

The Passenger by Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop was the first performer to do a stage dive and is well known for his crazy behaviour on stage. The Passenger by Iggy Pop, apart from being a good song, is good for listening to third person singular.

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)

Somebody I used to know by Gotye and featuring Kimbra. Gotye was born in Belgium but he emigrated to Australia when he was two years old.  He speaks both Dutch and English.  This song was suggested by Reyes in T7.

A little time - The Beautiful South

A little time by the Beautiful South.  The band formed in 1988 and split up in 2007 citing 'musical similarities' as the reason!  This song is particularly good for seeing how question tags work and was recommended by Ian at ELI Bormujos.

Mansión del Inglés

Mansión del Inglés is a website designed for Spanish speakers learning English.  On this website you will find help with Grammar, listening and vocabulary as well as information on the First Certificate.

Payphone by Maroon 5 Featuring Wiz Khalifa suggested by Jesus in T6.

Flo-joe

Flo-joe is an online service for teachers and students preparing for FCE, CAE and PET.  There are excellent resources including practice tests.

elllo listening

elllo is an excellent website to listen to English where you can choose the level or topic.

Rock 'n' Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

This is Rock 'n' Roll Ain't Noise Pollution by AC/DC a band originally from Australia.  This song was suggested by the mysterious "Miss Young."  Angus Young, the group's lead guitarist, likes to dress up as a school boy when playing concerts.  Crazy guy, crazy band!

21 Guns by Green Day

This is 21 Guns by Green Day which was suggested by Rocío.  Green Day started in 1987 and were originally called Sweet Children.  Starting in September they are going to release three new albums called ¡Uno!, ¡Dos!, and ¡Tré!

God save the Queen - Sex Pistols

As you probably know it's Elizabeth II's, the Queen of England, diamond jubilee.  So, at the moment people up and down the country are celebrating........in the rain.   This song was released in the Queen's silver jubilee in 1977 but a lot of radio stations, including the BBC, refused to play it despite the song's popularity.  On the 7th of June 1977 the band attempted to play the song on a boat on the river Thames.  So, that's where she got the idea for today's pageant from.........

Shiver by Coldplay

This is Shiver by Coldplay and was suggested by  José Manuel T5.  One critic summed Coldplay up with two words 'wilted spinach.'  What do you think?

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/andy-gill-why-i-hate-coldplay-844190.html

Eurovision 2012 UK entry

This is 'Love will set you free' by  Engelbert Humperdinck and was England's entry in this years Eurovision song contest.  The contest is seen as bit of a joke by people in England and even the television presenters often make fun of the contest.  England came second to last this year.

Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

Patricia T5 suggested Stronger (What doesn't kill you) by Kelly Clarkson.  The song is about getting over a bad relationship.  The title comes from a saying 'What doesn't kill you can only make you stronger.'

I'm a banana

This song was suggested by Dharma in T3.  This has to be the craziest song ever!  Are you a banana?

Stereo Hearts

This is a song suggested by Jesus J. in T5.  I think the song has a great melody.  Athough, as with most rap songs, the lyrics can be hard to understand. Their unusual name comes from where they decided to form a band - in a gym class!

How Sweet to be an Idiot

This is 'How Sweet to be an Idiot.' Do you prefer this song? Do you think it sounds like 'Whatever'?

Whatever by Oasis

This song is currently being played on an advert on Spanish TV. The original is by a Manchester band called Oasis. I like this song because it has a great melody and reminds me of sitting on Brighton beach with my friends. 

Unfortunately, Oasis were successfully sued by Neil Innes, another song writer, because he believed it sounded like a song he had already written.  The song, from the early 1970's, was called 'How sweet to be an Idiot'.