Avenue61 is a leading indie music site that specialises in album and gig reviews, breaking new bands, publicising events, and exclusive interviews with the leading cutting edge acts in the alternative music scene. Avenue61 covers a wide range of artists – some you would have heard of, some you won’t. Artists the site has reviewed recently include the Fleet Foxes, MGMT, Noisettes and Ladyhawke. The site is updated regularly so come back to catch up the latest news and reviews from the bleeding edge of the alternative music scene.

Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>

Usually, it’s the songs composed of fast-moving drumbeats, loud and quickened vocals, and punchy accents that become the ones we find ourselves singing as we walk along streets and tapping our foot to on trains. Anna Meldrum is indeed one of those artists who you find sticking to the back part of your brain for days on end, but it’s more out of admiration and the warmth you feel for her music rather than the obvious trademarks mentioned previously.

She started as a solo artist – just her and her guitar – and did extremely well in creating songs to lift spirits and spread infectious smiles. She’s played gigs around Scotland – and one in England supporting Duke Special - as a solo artist, but now she’s gathered up a band to compliment her songs with a bit more emphasis. Anna now comes armed with a double bass and drums.

Her noticeable accent gives her vocals a very sincere vibe; they are incredibly honest and heartfelt, and for lack of a better word – pretty. On stage, she comes across as one of the friendliest people you could meet too. Her bubbly side gives her a profound connection with the eager listeners in the crowd and invites many to compliment her set at the end.

Her tune Catalytic Converter is a simple yet intriguing number with a soothing upbeat tune on the guitar coupled with Anna’s matching vocals. The different sections keep the intrigue and give a perfect level of balance to what could’ve been a mundane tune. But with crescendos in volume, differing pitches of vocals, and a varying strumming pattern, Converter is one her most well-known and appreciated songs.

Other ones to watch out for are Fuzzy Felt – another upbeat one which has had a good reception proven by many Myspace comments – and Soldier Song, which is a less bouncy tune with quieter and more fragile guitaring. Her blogging antics on her Myspace page are well worth a read too, detailing her adventures and current likes/dislikes in the world. Anna plays in Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh over the next couple of months. Well worth a listen, even as background entertainment whilst one checks ones email/Facebook. You won’t be disappointed.