Blogaroo: 33 days: Florence + the Machine

Florence + the Machine released their debut album, Lungs, on July 6, 2009, which rose to the UK Album’s No. 2 spot within its first five weeks in the Top Five. The album reached No. 1 by Jan. 17, 2010 and stayed in that position for 28 consecutive weeks, making it one of Britian’s best-selling albums in both 2009 and 2010.

Why do I care? Well, my amazing fiancé is completely obsessed with Flo and just bought us tickets for Bonnaroo 2011, which we’ll be attending in June.

In celebration of the occasion, in the next few weeks I’ll be posting bios of the bands I’m most excited to see at the event. As Addam and I will (finally) see Florence + the Machine, and as I’m almost sold on picking a Flo song for my first dance, I thought the band would be fitting for my first featured artist.

Now I know what you’re probably thinking. Out of all the fabulous acts playing Bonnaroo this year, why does this one stand out? Why should anyone care about making it out to this show when there will surely be many other talented artists playing at the same time?

While there are many reasons, the main would be Florence Welsh’s voice. The 24-year-old brit got her start after singing for Queens of Noize front-woman Mairead Nash in a bathroom at the Soho Revue Bar in central London. While conversing in the lavatory, Welsh spontaneously delivered her rendition of the Etta James 1961 hit Something’s Got A Hold On Me. Nash enjoyed the show so much, she asked Welsh to perform at her annual Christmas party, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Florence + the Machine remains one of the most celebrated bands currently hitting British airways. Welsh’s incredible range and bluesy influences is quickly gaining her respect across the globe, making her one of the most anticipated acts of the summer.

Still don’t believe me? Sit back and hear for yourself. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed:

For more from where that came from, check out the links I’ve posted below. While she’s amazing on first listen, I’ve found that the more you hear Welsh, the more she grows on you.

Discography:

Lungs, 2009
Second Album To Be Announced, 2011

Sounds Like:

Songs to Listen For:

Times at Roo: 0

Times I’ve Seen the Band: 0

“Happiness hit her like a train on a track. Coming toward her, stuck, still no turning back. She hid around the corners and she hid under beds. She killed it with kisses and from it she fled. With every bubble she sank with her drink. And washed it away down the kitchen sink.” — Florence + the Machine, Dog Days Are Over (2009).

Doc Hop

Dr. A.R. Hopkins