Ed + the Fightback!

I recently bought Ed Sheeran's album '+' and after all the hype of an artist that's challenging the music industry but doing what he likes - all off of his own back - with no one pulling his strings, it was a lot to live up to. He now has the support and push of Atlantic records, but it doesn't change the fact that he got to where he did with virtually just himself, some great songs, a guitar and lots of gigging! The above is proof to his ability with a crowd!

With the record though I'm not blown away (maybe that's unfair), but there are some special moments and his ability with melody and story can often be captivating. In some ways he is new, fresh and different but in so many other ways (and like all of us) is a product of his influences and that's clear throughout the record. Not a bad thing, just a fact.

Was he presented as a totally unique sound and unlike anything ever before? Perhaps a little too much but in that sense it got me thinking: is anyone ever really able to 'take on' the music industry? What even is the music industry?

Check this review out:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/sep/08/ed-sheeran-plus-review

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