S E R V E D

James Blake

2011-02-13T13:42:00.017Z

The self-titled nature of this album is typical. After the releases of both the Klavierwerke EP and CMYK EP, this LP follows suit, as it has surfaced in a similar low, understated fashion. By this, I don't mean that it is an album that has gone unnoticed, not at all! This much awaited debut has been inbuilt with anticipation. Yet, countering the hype, in bisection, it's the subtlety in each track, the tenderness of delivery, and hollowness of each dubby throb that makes James Blake work.

Evidently, this album is very personal (in name and content), as I Never Learnt To Share and Why Don't You Call Me exude this trait. In listening, it's evident you're meant to be alone. It's an album suited for isolation and reflection. There is nothing obvious or glaring about it, which is to its success - especially when considering the bright lights that have surrounded it's release. It is contemplative brilliance that has continued to embody the frosty, ghostly sound of Blake's initial releases!!

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

2011-02-13T12:33:00.007Z

This film is, pretty much, as old as I am. Yet, even 20-odd years on it is truly hilarious, poignant (when it needs to be), and wholly, an all-round, eccentric, feel-good movie. Ferris, played by Matthew Broderick, from the very start, is over the top, cheeky, and utterly flamboyant. Basically, he plays a chief prankster who has the sharpness of mind to faultlessly (with some fortune) master his 'Day Off'. Pretending he is death's door sick (evidently a regular trick) Ferris, in his final year of High School, has his peers and faculty wrapped around his finger. A true cult classic!!

Enrolling the help of his (introverted, pessimistic and slightly weird) chum Cameron, whom initially you discover is actually off sick, between them, they manage to sneak Ferris' girlfriend, Sloane, out of School to join! The group spend the day in Chicago, at leisure, as one of their last flings before they head off to different colleges. Meanwhile, the rest of the school and many residents learn of Ferris' exaggerated illness and offer donations to help "Save Ferris". But, the school's Dean of Students, Ed Rooney, is having none of it, and heads in pursuit of the carefree Bueller...

Universal Works

2011-02-10T21:31:00.008Z

Universal Works is an exciting new British label headed by David Keyte, a kindred spirit, with over 20 years experience in the industry. David spent 10 years at Paul Smith, starting off in retail but moving into product development and production. Since then, he spent 5 years as head at Marharishi, and has worked closely with both Margaret Howell & Albam.

At a certain point, David realised he was "less interested in fashion and more in the function, fit and cut of garments". Wanting to explore this further, he decided the best way was to set up a label of his own. Universal Works has been set up with the aim of producing good honest menswear - well made, well considered, and easy to wear.

The Fell Jacket makes no exception. This is a truly stunning, lightweight waxed cotton parka, which is perfect rainy weather-wear. 100% cotton, and with buttons and drawstrings in all the right places, this garments vivid colour and contrast makes it aesthetically timeless. And, for £230 it is high quality, yet attainable.

Philip Jones

2011-02-10T18:46:00.014Z

Until today, I had no knowledge that Norfolk possessed it's very own landscape abstract expressionist, Philip Jones (1933-2008). Currently, he has a show at the Fermoy Gallery, King's Lynn Arts Centre. A retrospective of sorts. The paintings on display encapsulate the fields and horizons that surrounded him in Nelson's County, as well as depictions of the land from his travels abroad.

Evidently talented, I do however feel an air of borrowing within Jones' work, from the St. Ives school in particular. Peter Lanyon's height and perspective, Alfred Wallis' sense of scale and proportion, coupled with Ben Nicolson's geometric lines and circles resonate, ghosting the pictures somewhat. But, despite the comparison, I left feeling chuffed that the East has such a gem in Jones!

Tennis - Cape Dory

2011-01-14T00:18:00.011Z

Listening to Tennis is literally like a delightful holiday. It's the music you want to make after floating around on the sea. What's more, this band have lived just that, which is inherently why this has come together so damn well!! Basically, husband and wife duo Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley had a simple plan. They bought a boat, and went sailing. After a 7-month excursion along the Atlantic coast they took their experiences on the open sea and put them into song, creating this truly fantastic debut full length, “Cape Dory” (named after their sailboat).

Reminiscent of Vampire Weekend, Best Coast or Dum Dum Girls, the songs are 60’s retro, nautical and nostalgic for a more innocent time. Moore’s breezy & candy sweet vocals float above Riley’s jangly guitar and lo-fi production. The melodies are catchy and the lyrics are wistful: “We’ve been gone for so very long that we’ve forgotten where we are from.” There is a sincerity and charm in the simplicity of their concept. “Cape Dory” is a buoyant and carefree journey; and lucky for us, we’re invited.

Go Get Yourself Loved

2011-01-13T23:32:00.021Z

So, this film looks like 2011's first effort in continuation of indie/alternative movies that only 'cool people' go see at independent cinemas. Ironically, I instantly get the feeling that this film is still not able to fully break from the shackles of having massive mainstream appeal, yet it seems wanting, as it strives hard to achieve 'cult' filmic martyrdom, much along the lines of '500 Days Of Summer'.

With that said, from the trailer, Josh Radnor (director) has created something really endearing and sweet, whilst exposing the frailties people genuinely (and often) feel and struggle with, yet rarely allow to surface. The tag, 'adulthood is not about waiting for the right answers to get the life you want, but simply stumbling ahead and figuring them out in the process' - a statement that I kinda can relate too.

Ultimately, a film about confused people who in turn present their confusing relationships, troubles, and how they try to overcome them... I want to go see it.

Out this March - Happy Thank You More Please

Surf's Up!!

2010-12-26T11:18:00.012Z

Dirty Gold - California Sunrise from Panaframe ▲ on Vimeo.

For the famed Cali-shooter, Leroy Grannis, this utterly beautiful video is as close to surf-porn as it gets!! Sitting here, Boxing Day, with last nights Morgan's spiced rum marinating my liver, I just took these three-odd minutes and used them well. I have never felt so close to 'doing' the West Coast, USA. What a treat! Although, in reality, it's probably mutated from this zen, trendy, surf/skate Mecca, to more like a gross, obvious, over-commercialized, hell-pit, much like Great Yarmouth. C'est la vie!!

Ben Lamb

2010-12-15T18:00:00.004Z

I saw these about a week ago, and instantly fell in love. Oi Polloi, them trendy bastards, have only gone and commissioned a super-talented illustrator, Ben Lamb, to design a series of über-cool cards. The range starts with three standout American heroes in the shape of Hunter S Thompson alias The Good Doctor, Jack Nicholson as George Hanson in Easy Rider, and of course the King of Cool himself - Steve McQueen. What's more, even eco-warriors will be pleased to know the cards are printed on 100% recycled paper, using soya based inks. Buy them all! Quick!!

FREE VOINA!!

2010-12-14T16:06:00.014Z

Voina (Воина) have got to be up there as one of the World's most controversial performance art groups!! Hailing from Russia, their works are extremely provocative and politically charged, which is why at present it has members behind bars! The group was founded in 2007 by philosophy students at Lomonosov Moscow State University and is led by Petr Verzilov and Oleg Vorotnikov who conceive works that act/work as 'protest political street action art'.

Voina came to widespread public attention with their 2008 work Fuck for the heir Teddy Bear!, when they staged a "mass fuck" (массовая ебля) the day before the election of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, whose last name is derived from the word medved, "bear" in Russian. Five couples involved with Voina, including one pregnant woman four days from giving birth, had public sex in Moscow's Timirayzev State Museum of Biology.

The groups reasons for Fuck for the heir are as follows, "We do not have a goal to necessarily be radical provocateurs. We have a goal to be honest artists and tell what we think. We think that the government fucks the people, and the people like this. This is why the action 'Fuck for the heir Puppy Bear' was born". They continued to say that, "This is a portrait of pre-election Russia: everybody fucks each other, and the puppy bear looks at that with an unconcealed scorn".

Currently, Oleg Vorotnikov along with Leonid Nikolayev have been detained by the Moscow police in connection with an anti-corruption protest, and possibly face a seven year prison sentence. In response to their detention, controversial street-graffiti artist/enigma Banksy decided to raise money for the 2 artists by donating all the proceeds of a recent online print sale, raising £80,000 for Voina's cause.

Taken from The Moscow News, Banksy approached the group at the weekend. “[He] asked his journalist friends to find us and personally offer us help. On Dec. 11 at midnight in London and 3.00 am in Moscow his journalist friends found us and discussed everything. We thanked him for his help and brought his attention to the problem of the extermination of human rights in Russia,” Alexei Plutser-Sarno, Voina’s chief ideologist, told gzt.ru.

Voina has directed many of its actions at state officials and politicians, saying they are part of a war waged for the “destruction of outdated repressive-patriarchal socio-political symbols and ideologies,” the Guardian reported. Go Voina! BE FREE!!

Gold Panda

2010-12-14T14:48:00.017Z

2010 is swiftly closing for business, if you hadn't noticed! It's time to take a look back on some stuff that has been fresh and engaging musically. First for me, left-field producer and remixer, Derwin, or Gold Panda, who has been dreamy. The great thing about him really is the processes of his creation. I seem to be on this theme quite a bit at present! Seriously though, how can you not love the idea of Mr. Panda scouring charity shops for old records and VHS tapes, which he then turns into distorted samples, wrapping them in minimal, warm beats. 'Snow & Taxis' & 'Peaky Caps' are 2 tracks that are essential in a summation of anything aural this year!!

His work

2010-12-10T14:26:00.005Z

Michael Craig-Martin's work has always been vibrant and compelling. I stumbled across this article the other day discussing his work processes, and more widely, his career development. For me, the idea of 'digitalism' is enthralling, as Craig-Martin, as a man of an older disposition, has fully embraced the uses of technology within the process of his work. But, he makes the rules between himself and machine. Seemingly relieved, he said "I could scan all the separate images that I wanted to assemble on to the computer, which was unbelievably liberating for me. My work process was tediously slow in the past, and the implications of making even the smallest change were immense, but now I can make 1,000 changes and think nothing of doing 100 drawings" Insightful. A lovely look at ideas and views, that'd otherwise usually be contained within the inner-sanctum of four studio walls.

Berlin, Tempelhof

2010-12-10T13:33:00.011Z

Situated in the south-central borough of Tempelhof-Schöneberg, this airport is haunting. Creepy, to the point that I want to go to the city just to make a ethereal 6-minute long silent film on Super8 - being wheeled around on a baggage trolley, shooting from ground level, of this now derelict shell. A film that contemplates not just the greatness of the space, the beauty in it's pre-war structure, but also its tormented Nazi past. Albert Speer, chief architect for the Third Reich, was in charge of designing all the Nazis building projects, the more grandiose, the better. Tempelhof was one of Europe's most iconic pre-WWII airports, which in its history has boasted having the world's smallest duty-free shop. However, in the 1930s, like most of Berlin, it took on the Nazis, lost, and got all expanded and redeveloped!!

The old terminal was replaced with a new terminal building in 1934. The airport halls and the adjoining buildings, intended to become the gateway to Europe and a symbol of Hitler's "World capital" Germania, are still known as one of the largest built entities worldwide, and have been described by British architect Sir Norman Foster as "the mother of all airports". With its façades of shell limestone, the terminal building, built between 1936 and 1941, forms a 1.2 kilometre long quadrant. Arriving passengers would have walked through customs controls to the reception hall. Interestingly, and less controversially, this is the birthplace of the German national airline, Lufthansa, which was founded in Tempelhof on 6 January 1926.

Parquetry

2010-11-24T11:51:00.012Z

Yesterday I decided to make some, well, pictures(?!) around the topic of parquetry. Simply, parquet is a geometric mosaic of wood pieces used for decorative effect. The two main uses of parquetry are as veneer patterns on furniture and block patterns for flooring. The past states, floors were highly valued and earned attention at all times, apparently. In Europe by the 17th century, masters had achieved perfection in producing art parquet - patterns that are entirely geometrical and angular - squares, triangles, lozenges etc. Art parquet developed in Russia very fast with the most popular parquet installation technique - herringbone.

Henrik Potter, other than being a real decent bloke, has done some work around flooring. Not specifically because of an burning infatuation with parquet and its techniques, craft, grandeur, and aesthetic, like in my case. His flooring solutions were made out of wanting to cover 'ugly spaces'. His floors are more substantial than my masking tape/card efforts, as Potter uses 8'x4' 12mm plywood, tape of various sorts and not just one, but yes! Two varnishes. You really can tell, can't you!(?!?!)

RE: Coleman

2010-11-24T11:35:00.009Z

Man! Totally forgot how much I love shooting medium format! After seeing that lads photo's the other day, got me trawling through my efforts. I stumbled across these! Taken on a family trip to Cornwall, they are of the rough seas and torn coastline looking westerly from Tintagel (castle) - known for its association with the legend surrounding King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. I feel that these images share a mysteriousness, like Coleman's. I also find that they have a fatalistic feel to them. Especially the third image down, a real land/sea-defined effort.

Joe Coleman

2010-11-22T11:59:00.010Z

I have never felt overly awed by Australia. I have family there, have never been, and am not too bothered about going, well, just yet anyway. Stumbling onto these photographs though has definitely given me some food for thought. It's not all sprawling beaches of vast (boring?!) golden sand! Joe Coleman captures the ruggedness that Oz has to offer in a collage-y, over-exposed and vivid manner.

He seems to lead a pretty bohemian existence, with life, unsurprisingly, centering around the coast. He shoots off basic gear, which adds to the aesthetic of his work - using, for the moment, mainly a Yashica FX-3, Contax t2 and Smena 8m. Other work from Coleman is more subject driven, but it's his ethereal, geological, surfy-fused pictures that drew me in. Check out his pictures and words here!

Creating something iconic

2010-11-16T22:01:00.008Z

I can't stop listening to The Strokes seminal debut work Is This It. I can't stop listening to it so much that I have even, rashly, just bought the US Import version of the same CD for a whole £4.99 (it's all about the different cover artwork, and the omission of the track New York City Cops for When It Started - a decision taken in light of the 9/11 terror just as the record was going to press/being released in 2001)

The album is just brilliant. Basically, it was the birth of late 90s/early noughties Garage Rock Revival, or as it has become more widely know as... all-out Indie music. Moving away from the mire of grunge was more than welcome, by myself, if not by anyone else. Although, for those who don't know, this record made The Strokes HUGE, so I think the sentiment was shared!! It's such an optimistic set of tracks, fast-paced, romantic, modern, and joyous. What's more, the album has a beautiful 'stuck-in-time-ness' about it. It encapsulates the time it came from so perfectly, carefree. It basically involved getting drunk, having fun, no pretension, and not giving a fuck! Summed up in Someday.

Anyway, I have got totally sidetracked. I wanted to get into Roman Coppola, the director for all the bands videos off Is This It. They are real simple, jokey and enjoyable affairs, which resonates and sympathise with the tone of the record. For instance, Last Night shows the band simply set up in a studio, drinking and playing, basic. This was a tried-and-tested method that the Arctic Monkeys re-used (ahem!) out-right copied when it was realised that they were going to be the biggest thing since, well... The Strokes!! Someday, shows the band indulging in fun. They appear in a (forced) Family Fortunes style panel show, and their being playful. Yet, an intimacy is shared on camera, as shots from the game-show are cut with time spent with friends, chilling in downtown bar in New York.

Hard To Explain has to be the most memorable and intriguing vids, out of them all, as it questions what you see, and questions life at large. Coppola's direction is clever, he introduces the band subtly, and plays his part in being controversial by including sexual content, images of bombs, etc. whilst keeping the image of the band... very, innocent-looking! Dropped after the video for for sci-fi effort on 12:51, that seems to be the end of their love affair! But what a great and iconic one it was!!

Best

2010-10-30T18:17:00.013+01:00

I've been listening to a bit of Best Coast lately, and on further internet-based research, they definitely win for the best photo's, found images, discography, general interesting shit, etc. How befitting as their music is dreamy. Above shows a range of lovely associated images - drenched in everything L.A. They encapsulate all my thoughts on what the sunny West Coast of America is like... I will go, one day!

Chasing Legends

2010-10-18T12:02:00.007+01:00

Short Synopsis
There is no greater sporting event in all of cycling than the Tour de France. Chasing Legends touches on the rich history, passion and true grit of The Tour as seen through the eyes of Team HTC Columbia along with commentary from Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen, Eddy Merckx, Lance Armstrong and some of the sports most prolific hero's. With a stunning array of HD cameras, poignant and touching interviews, "Chasing Legends" will take viewers deeper into the pro peloton than ever on a roller coaster ride of action, story and emotion. I can't wait to see this film on Thursday!!

It's gonna be Freize-ing...

2010-10-14T15:38:00.004+01:00

This weekend will be the second time that I visit Freize Art Fair, however, it probably won't be cold. I must say that I think £25 is pretty steep for entry, but it is the UKs most important 'pop-up' Art emporium for the four days of the 14-17 October. With somewhere in the region of 170 galleries from around the world, showing, Freize provides a unique opportunity to see and buy work by leading artists, more of just the 'seeing' will be done I reckon...

A redeeming highlight I'm sure though, will be (one of the main justifications for said ticket price) the artist talks that Freize, being an art-world heavyweight, can draw in for questioning! Last year it was Baldessari, this year, no other than Wolfgang Tillmans and 60s Op-Art pioneer, Bridget Riley. Both are cracking minds that will no doubt be tapped! Hopefully, I will get in early enough to get a ticket to see Riley revealing all! Freize - a good crack if you've never been!

Less for murder...

2010-10-12T22:25:00.004+01:00

This month, sometime(?!), my dear mother and father will be celebrating their Silver wedding anniversary. I can't really afford anything silver, mainly because I buy too many clothes - of which, probably a good half are soon regretful purchases or, sold on eBay, for a loss. Anyway, my irrational spending habits are not important now.

What to get them, y'know, as a gift?? Hmm. I have a past of buying them weird presents. I mean, for instance, last Christmas I bought my mum a designer wash-board, the sort that you put clean dishes on to dry. My dad, a corkscrew. Therefore, this beautiful wine carafe from Sagaform seems to fit the criterium of not silver, affordable, looks-more-expensive-than-it-is, good quality, and bloody nice looking!

"Sagaform stands for joyful, innovative gifts for the kitchen and the set table. Indoors and outdoors. Joyful gifts for friends or family, or to spoil yourself with. Sagaform wants its brand and product range to be the obvious gift choice..." The gambit from their website. I seem to have made a inspired choice - a perfect gift to mark the occasion I feel! Just need to hope that my brother and sisters don't look at my blog to steal my idea, and that John Lewis deliver it in one piece!

Friday.

2010-09-28T23:50:00.008+01:00

Yes, Friday. It means payday, which means I can finally get me a copy of Netsky's debut album, titled his namesake. I have not heard any decent D&B probably since Chase & Status. Descending from lowly Belgium, Netsky will soon be a household name by the end of November!He has a string of UK dates throughout October. I guarantee these nights will be huge, and the deserved limelight will be shone all over his live shows and their forthcoming escapades. Pirate Bay is a thumping track that doesn't get tiresome (a problem common with a lot of drum and bass), as for the rest of the album, I will have to report back when I get my mitts on it! I'm excited!!

Tame Impala can mean anything...

2010-09-28T23:09:00.010+01:00

In this instance, they are a band. It's funny, as I look for some pictures of these grungy Aussie's, all I can find are images that look like they have come out of a Tame Impala biopic. Of course such thing doesn't exist, not in the slightest, but they have a good photographer. Or maybe it's more that they know how to find real enjoyment in what they do, and so when it's captured it's authentic and genuine.

I thought I would do this post, as last night I saw Noel Fielding tweeting about how he had an adoration for what these self-proclaimed 'psychedelic hypno-groove melodic rockers' are doing. His Twitteratti is way more far-reaching than my loyal following, and everyone knows, really, what Fielding says, goes...

So yeah, I was on to this one though, a week ago at least! But I'm not going to say anything... I don't need to, as Tame Impala say it best themselves, 'it's bombastic but it's swirling, think of the shoulder bones of a giant striding feline creature through some kind of tunnel. If Tame Impala's music reminds you of what you'd want to put on when you next visit your mind's engine room then they're happy. If not, whatever, it's just music. Put it on when the sun next shines. Basically it's all about the feeling'.

They are a much better Kula Shaker. They mix up a lot of influence from past psychedelic bands from the 60s and 70s, such as The Castaways, The Electric Prunes and The Amboy Dukes. With less than a handful of dates playing the UK at the back end of October, be sure not to miss them. Skeleton Tiger and Desire Be, Desire Go are standout tracks... while Solitude Is Bliss is a biggy too!!

A sore loser...

2010-09-24T19:51:00.015+01:00

So, naturally, I am not an overly emotional person. But today was a sad day. My love affair with the 1.0 litre VW purple Polo has ended. I feel as though I have had my man-hood severed from me, in one brutal blow. As I asked my Mum to take a picture of the car and I, my little sister laughed and rolled her eyes. "Why do you need a picture", she said. Well, she has little understanding of what it is like to have a car, as she has only had a handful of lessons. But for me, this car has been a massive part of my life. My first car, and it's been this way since before I had even learnt to drive.

I remember when we first took the similar model, navy, 5-door hatchback out for a test-drive a good fourteen years ago. We went up to Hunstanton for a picnic on the beach, a sunny day. We were being sold 'the dream' at that point. I remember the salesman twisting my Dad's arm, as he suggested 'think of all the freedom you and your wife can have'. Little did the salesman at the time know that this same car would be used to teach not just myself, but my older sister, and younger brother how to drive. The same non-power assisted steering, the same unresponsive brakes, the same dodgy heating system, bad window wipers, lack of air-bag's...

The runs it has made. The memories that have been shared. Catherine crashed it. I have had some scrapes in it. James most probably thrashed it about?! We all had our fun, and were granted independence! What a joy. That's why it is sad to see it go! I myself crammed it full of possessions, a drum kit, my new bike, 6 friends at once, let someone else drive it, the list goes on... It did day trips, break-ups, booze runs, hospital dashes, long distance treks, shared exam success, sporting failure, literally everything. It truly was a great car, and it will always have a soft spot in my heart.

Bye!

J'aime le Cyclisme

2010-09-22T12:01:00.004+01:00

I was whoring around some blogs the other day, mainly bike ones, looking for ideas for a potential new fixed-wheel purchase, when I came across this. The Periodic Table of Professional Cycling. Covering all the key races, classifications, countries, durations, and all in an elemental style, this is excellent. It's kind of like a takeaway menu for cycling - something to feast on!

Grachvogel: Summer 2011

2010-09-22T09:28:00.012+01:00

My knowledge of any Fashion Week related stuff is very, very limited. Bowie's song is playing in my mind, as I try and form some words that are remotely relevant to women's clothing. Probably not the best start-point?? Or maybe it is...

I have paid no particular attention to London Fashion Week. Period. I know it's relevance to the world of trends, looks, make-up, hair etc. How big chains like your Topshop's and H&M's basically reproduce imitation copies of catwalk gems. Whilst, apparently, London has become trendy again, as it's fashion week had been shunned by the big name critics from Vogue et al. over the past year or two, but has now fallen back into favour this September...

My personal interaction with this years Fashion Week came from an unlikely source... a tabloid newspaper. I don't know if Maria Grachvogel would be particularly jubilant for this kind of exposure. I am sensing her clientele is probably a bit more high-brow, but hey, any exposure is good exposure, right?!

According to LFW, Grachvogel is reported to be "a well loved label of all aficionados of fine design. Established in 1994 and shown for the first time at London Fashion Week in 1995, the Maria Grachvogel label is a secret of many of the world’s most stylish women including Angelina Jolie, Marie Helvin and Yasmin Le Bon".

For me, I really loved her show for Summer 2011. Half of it mixes an array of bland creams, soft browns, pale greys, and lemon yellows, in very clean-cut floaty dresses, skirts, high-waisted trousers, and loose-fitting tops.

The elements of block-brightness in her collection do shout Summer! A crazy statement I know, so I will apologise in advance, but I can envisage a lot of upper class French women, lunching, smoking, and drinking white wine on a vista in Monte-Carlo in these lovely garments. Real class and luxury.

The second part of her show presents a lovely abstract contrast. Again, long, floaty dresses are at the focal point, with clean silhouettes being the product of such styling. More thankfully too, it's not a distasteful kind of abstract.

Swirls and slanted verticals of dark navy, petrol blues, greens, yellows, and orange, all sound garish when mixed, but I would love to see a woman strolling through Madrid, high-Summer, big shades, simple make-up, straight hair, strappy Roman sandals, and one of these beautiful Grachvogel numbers!

Femininity is the winner here. Although some items might appear a little baggy (sack-like), this collection is very celebratory of the female form. The designers garments sit unobtrusively, draped comfortably whilst being very slinky, sexy, and thus highlighting the beauty of natural curvature. A lovely, Summery collection.

Mercurial in awarding

2010-09-14T10:42:00.009+01:00

The Mercury Awards 2010. Yes, been and gone now, and rightly, The XX were deserved winners. Personally, I only believe that Foals and the aforementioned champs were the only allowable choices, if these awards are in fact, designed to celebrate musical prowess from the past 12 months. So, I was quite happy with the overall outcome, and therefore should have no reals gripes or moans... But, I do.

The Mercury's and legitimacy. What is it that makes these awards noteworthy compared to other similar events? For instance, the accolade and subsequent prize money is modest, and the acclaimed 'after-fame' is always quite realistic, with regards to enhanced record sale figures. I mean, I fully understand that this event promotes talent from home shores, but this alone is no real selling point, as most inventive, pioneering, modern acts/bands hail from/or filter through these embracingly, percolating shores, somewhat naturally. We, the public, openly lead ground-swells of support and adoration, which propel young careers along dandily.

I just get the impression that the Mercury's are merely staged to grant the BBC with a platform to annually puff out it's chest, giving egos, such as Nihal, the claim (and that claim only) that they know what they are talking about re: new, expansive, and exciting music, with both conviction and authority. I'm sorry, but this does not add up. Where are the likes of trusty Zane Lowe, who would provide total affirmation to the point of these awards. A man that only knows how to champion and encourage new music, likewise Annie Mac? And, if this was an all encompassing stage, then where are dance, electro, techno, or even... dupstep acts?? Having a token jazz or obvious rap act doesn't cover all bases. A more wholly look a music needs to be approached.

At least with NME Awards you know it will be light-hearted affair, or with Q Magazine that it is generally more respected and credible to be given the nod, as their awards shows have flourished into what they are. The BBC have opted to take this high-brow approach, but without any real evidence for their convictions! British Broadcasting does do a considerable amount to nurture new music on a global scale, which is great! Although, I think they need to take a look at how they try and reward such achievements, develop their platform, and come back stronger.

Outlook + Offset

2010-08-31T23:48:00.010+01:00

Due to the shitness of life, it looks as though I will not be attending either of these tasty music mash-ups, as either finance, distance, time, or work dictates, as usual. What a shame, as both look stella!! Both festivals are set to boast huge talent; a saturated plethora of the most exciting new bands for the next 12 months!

Outlook (top). This one is big, mainly as my mates from the Get Low cartel have bagged themselves a spot DJ-ing their best dub-step fare! You wouldn't have thought the Croats would be heavily into there dirty notes, fast bpm, or heavy reverb, but Outlook has grown year on year, and for £89 for a 4-day ticket, well... Roots Manuva, Mary- Anne Hobbs, Skream, Joker, and Plastician are among the big names hitting this abandoned fort location!! Alas, it ain't happenin'

The other. Offset (bottom). Hainualt Forest, London. Man, I can't believe I didn't sort this out! Tickets are a saintly £65 for weekend camping. A more straight up festival vibe, i.e. no forts, more fields. The line-up is decent, with Caribou, Egyptian Hip-Hop, These New Puritans, Mount Kimbie, Ali Love, Rolo Tomassi, Telepathe, and Kap Bambino the cream of the crop (for me anyway!!) On the face of it, Offset seems more along the lines of the 24-hour Vice: Tales of the Jackalope events, and is most probably better organised (not hard to surpass!)

So, not going to either, but would love to go to both! I will probs just end up spending the weekend listening to Joy Orbison and Everything Everything.

Mark Tansey

2010-08-22T20:21:00.006+01:00

I have just discovered Mark Tansey. From his work, instantly, I thought that there was more to him than first meets the eye. It's not just about intricacy in a monochromatic colour-scheme. With Tansey, his work is wonderfully intriguing, and hidden. Born in San Jose, California in 1949, his American/postmodern style is known not only for his bold uses of single colour, but also the elaboration and detail shown in his work, which subtly incorporates text, other images and symbols.

Tansey's paintings normally depict everyday or historical occurrences, though they reveal certain oddities under closer scrutinization. He says that his work is about "how different realities interact with each other." The implication is that he as an artist is searching for a "drive" to incorporate in his subjects, that would engage the viewer intellectually, while avoiding simple visual methods and opting for a more subtle and, consequently, more sophisticated and effective approach.

Most of his paintings can readily be used as examples of that approach, where at first glance nothing is out of ordinary, but then it becomes apparent that certain elements are out of context, while remaining coherent visually, thus creating the conflict. Furthermore, there are certainly instances where his work appears quite humorous and satirical, especially in these canvas'.

Jump Rope (US)

2010-08-13T20:35:00.021+01:00

So, this video is being an utter bitch. I was always no good at understanding the writing of code to make my MySpace profile look cool, and this shows here, with a stupidly oversized video thingy!! Well, this video deserves to be included anywhere, regardless, as it's up there with Gondry's Fell In Love With A Girl video for The White Stripes, as a visual accompaniment to such a thumping track! (For further listening, check the Gold Dust, dub-pumped, Flux Pavillion remix too!)

Meanwhile, ever since first view of this excitable video, I've been rummaging all over YouTube for more crazy skipping experts, and my does it get mental! There are competitions that take place all over America, Europe, and the Rest of the World, that just look truly mad! The routines, the timing, the precision!! It's a travesty that this is something that hasn't come to prominence in Britain. Shame, as it makes a cracking spectical!! The double act towards the end of Fresh's vid are just mesmerizing!!

Let's go surfing now, everybody's learning how...

2010-08-13T18:38:00.012+01:00

Luckily, I get to go on holiday tomorrow! Yay! Twice in a Summer isn't too shabby (especially with Offset Festival potentially looming to top off this holidaying season?!) For now, or should I say tomorrow, ma famille and I are heading off down to Newlyn, Cornwall. Among other things, this is the exact town of my mothers birth, so... nostalgic! And, whilst down, an activity of note includes coupling up with our cousins to tackle/meet our 92-year old G.D. (Great Grandad to you!) A double World War pilot/survivor! He's doing well for an old-timer, considering!

So, other than the mentioned 'necessary' activity, I'm sure more enthralling things will take prominence when discussing the holiday in retrospect. And, by this, I already know that having some proper surfing lessons will be a strong highlight!! These pictures (above) by World-renowned Surfer & Surf photographer, LeRoy Grannis encapsulate all that is majestic and cool RE: Surfing!! I've done all the body-board thing, and that's fun and all, but everyone wants to be able to surf! I can't wait! I can see a repeat trip if all goes well, as Sennen Surfing Centre looks the ideal place to learn the trade! Then, Bondi Beach, or Cali maybe?!

Kate Moss by Mario Testino

2010-07-30T12:34:00.017+01:00

Just when you thought Kate Moss couldn't become any more iconic...

Well, she surpasses herself, again! It seems that she has this uncanny ability to maintain prominence within the socialite ether/public eye, even when she is trying to live a bit more of a low-key, normal(?!) existence!

Here, fashion snapper Mario Testino has recaptured the 'sexy' that ultimately led to the explosive birth of Kate Moss! There's a glamour about these new shots that calls-home with when she was first noticed as a model!

These images carry a phenomenal allure; a consequence of an extraordinary 20 year friendship between Testino and Moss. The intimacy established from the trust and familiarity between the pair is on show for all to see, giving an honest insight into the lives and minds of two of the world’s definitive style leaders!

Taschen have lovingly produced Kate Moss by Mario Testino, and unsurprisingly so! The German publishers have always taken a risk on content, The Sunday Times Style Magazine uncovered how, 'for 30 years now, this prolific company has been publishing what it darned well wants to.'

Having finished being shown (and sold in limited editions of two) at Phillips de Pury & Co’s South West London showroom, the super-size shots will be on view for a longer stint at The Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. Definitely worth a look!

A Field. A Day.

2010-07-28T23:11:00.018+01:00

I had been looking forward to this for too long! But, as usual I have managed to cock it all up, and have made myself unable to attend this years Field Day festival, Victoria Park (31.07.10). Just great! Seriously, I'm so hacked off. Pulling a sicky is so tantalizing, but Beni, although being ridiculous, burnt a bit of a hole in my pocket!

Basically, the main reason for being so bummed out is that all the bands that I have been championing, more or less, are playing on various stages throughout the day! Whether it's Atlas Sound, Toro Y Moi, Caribou, Silver Apples, Mount Kimbie, Moderat, Fake Blood, These New Puritans, No Age, and Egyptian Hip Hop, to mention a few...

To quote... "East London’s finest festival is back for it’s 4th year with yet another spectacular line up. Field Day has firmly cemented it’s place in the UK festival calendar with a plethora of aural delights and rustic merrymaking... whilst off-the-wall Village Green area, 'Village Mentality', will supply plenty of rural fayre".

All I would say is... Just GO! Tickets are still available for around £30. I know how much I am missing out already! Plus, I was going to go with a mate I hadn't seen in a while! Please, if anyone wants to A) stump up some cash to finance the day B) cover my shift at work - well, then, that'd be lovely! However, reality bites. Next year?!

Boy & Bear

2010-07-27T12:41:00.008+01:00

A band from Australia. Boy & Bear were introduced to me through a girl I met in Barcelona. When she said, "My boyfriend is in a band", I just hope my eyes didn't roll too obviously... Especially as, since being back, I found Boy & Bear were not the poor man's Wolfmother (not that I have a problem with Wolfmother) that I was expecting! Very far from it! Folk-revival, or Nu-Folk seems to be all the rage currently, and with an essence of Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver, this Sydney five-piece are staking their claim!

Oz has offered up something far more tentative and caring than it's traditional rock and dance stereotypes. Surprisingly, soft and melodic sounds drench The Storm, which has a real organic and hearty feel about it. Whilst a mix of harmony and perky guitar deliver Mexican Mavis! After a successful Spring-time UK Tour with Laura Marling now behind them, and a string of sold out home shows with Mumford & Sons approaching, Boy & Bear seem to have things right where they want them!

Check out their recently released debut EP - With Emperor Antarctica

Festival Internacional de Benicàssim

2010-07-23T13:59:00.022+01:00

Well... I survived! FIB Heineken 2010 was resoundingly awesome! A quality experience. Sure, I had a bunch of UK festivals behind me, but on departure to Spain, I was a bit unsure about what to expect of this much hailed Summer event - viewed as one of the gems in the festival crown! Time for some Euro-style...

Nothing to worry about! After recovering from a couple of heavy nights in Barcelona (due to meeting two fun Aussie girls, and the small matter of a victorious World Cup final for Spain) Beni had a great deal to offer. The scrum for a spot to set up a homestead in BeniCamp on the Monday was interesting, as the Spanish stewards (trying to be hardline) eventually succumbed to the British willingness to wait!

After acquainting ourselves with the neighbours, and the shopping in the nearby Lidl (yes, Lidl) was done (Rachmaninoff voddy at €4!!! And, equally cheap rum!) the party began to commence! A solid 4 days of excessive drinking, occasional smoking, extreme partying, beach-towel sunning, new meeting, aqua-parking, paella eating, etc. This, all before the festival had even opened its doors!

Thursday night. The music starts! It was so weird being at a festival were everything literally goes on all night, and well on into the next day, well... the recovery anyway!

Big acts enthralled the crowds! Indie and alternative acts headlined the 9/10/11/12 PM slots, bowing out to let the dance/electro/d'n'b/teckno posse's to aggressively take over! Magnetic Man, Scratch Perverts, DJ Shadow, Scream, Funkagenda, Benga, and Boys Noize smashed the early hours to pieces! (The amount of people on Class A's it was unsurprising that the crowds swelled as each night went on!)

The Specials, Kasabian, Cut Copy, Midnight Juggernauts, The Prodigy, Vampire Weekend, Gorrilaz, Ellie Goulding, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Foals, Klaxons, among many others all took to one of the three stages, and subsequently tore them apart! The whole musical acts/surroundings seemed to fit quite poetically, and created a really calm and chilled festival vibe! Dancing was high on the agenda!!

The campsite, daily, kicked up new surprises, such as rats, snakes chucked in the shower, vom in places, loutish Scousers, swim-short theft, shit-sprayed toilet cubicles, angry Macunians, topped by the general mess of heavy boozing and littering proved testing. It seemed to become a non-issue though as each day went! I ended sleeping on a abandoned tennis court, gazing at the stars. Nice!

All in all, as I sit here, clean, I miss it. It was the best festival I have been to by far! The atmosphere, angry people aside, was spot on! People just seemed to want to chat with anyone, have fun, make friends, and be merry! 2011, hurry up!!

To the finish.

2010-06-25T20:26:00.020+01:00

Team Sky are perhaps the most exciting sporting package to be unleashed this Summer! After a £30 million cash pledge from Rupert Murdoch, this British pro cycling outfit, spearheaded by the infamous 'modfather of pedaling', Bradley Wiggins, are looking to dominate the sport over the coming years - hopeful of taking the sports most recognized title, Le Tour de France this July. What more could you want... England win the World Cup and Wiggins, GB's maiden yellow jersey??!

Dave Brailsford (the guy who masterminded all the cycling golds at the Beijing Olympics) is the visionary behind this operation, and it has to be said he is doing an extremely thorough job! Team Sky is ran like a F1 team. The prep is exceptional (daily briefings, diet & nutrition, massages etc.), the tech on the bikes is exceptional, and the gear is second to none (Pinerello Dogma bikes and Adidas apparel), whilst the riders are some of the best in the World! A strong British ethos is at Sky's heart!

The mission statement of Team Sky is to 'Ride The Line', hence why a turquoise stripe goes down the middle, on the back of each jersey, as well as the bike itself! It means more than colour co-ordinating paint-job though! It's sentiment is based on getting on top of all the marginal gains that will ultimately win or lose you a race, title, or championship, which was what the Brits heavily focused on at the '08 Olympics! History shows that this belief should hopefully bring deserved success!

I got money on'ma mind...

2010-06-24T19:57:00.007+01:00

How can an object that has been so basically crafted from an Earthly material warrant so much money?! Amedeo Modigliani was an Italian artist who worked in France. His modernist style was characterized by influences from mask-like faces and the elongation of these forms. He lived a modest life, and ended up struggling with poverty, overwork, and an addiction to alcohol and narcotics. All this, little recognition. Just surviving must've been a struggle...

How surprising then that this sculpture, created between 1910 - 1912, fetched a whopping 43.2 million euros (£35.8 m) at Christie's auction house in Paris this month! It brings up all regular questions associated with art; Why is it worth so much? Why are artists only recognized/rewarded once dead? How is Damien Hirst able to make so much cash alive, when arguably more talented artists can't make any money from their work - barely enough to get by on whilst living??

Plus, I thought we were supposed to be stuck in the worst global recession since the war years?! (Although, it was probably somewhere like a private bank that paid out) I wonder what has drawn such attention from the 'art buying World'? You'd expect works by Picasso, Matisse, etc. to get the interest they receive, by why Modigliani?! Why now? It was Giacometti not so long ago?

Ronson

2010-06-11T14:24:00.022+01:00

Haha!! Well, isn't this awkward. Daisy Lowe and Mark Ronson, next to one another, on a blog... After seeing that video I hope he has been reminded about just how gutted he should be feeling! I dunno, I'm sure it was an amicable split! Sorry Mr. Ronson, it is just an unfortunate posting situation... Non-intentional, as I think your a decent fella! At least you have your guitar, decks, and mixing desk for now!

With so many fingers in so many pies, you'd think his guard would drop! Yet still Ronson has delivered some clean and fresh listening material, whilst brushing shoulders (again!) with some defined collaborators! As part of The Creators Project from Vice and Intel, he chats about general things, y'know, Hip-Hop, Lily Allen, and Winehouse etc. There is more important new stuff though, as light is shed on time in the studio, recording for third LP Record Collection with The Business Intl.

Early on, I am very keen for this 60s vibe, sounded out in "Bang, Bang, Bang", to run riot on this Record Collection. The use of old eBay synths is great, alongside fiddly and delicate drumming, topped by Q-Tip and MNDR's springy vocals, together, make a big track! Parallel to this, the Zelda-inspired video for "Circuit Breaker" is genius! I'm longing that Nintendo stumble onto this! Sign him up to redo the Tetris tune!!

Give me the Lowe-down!

2010-06-09T22:36:00.028+01:00

Meow!! This week Miss. Daisy Lowe has really hit the limelight/low-light in a big way! This dark and seductively provocative video is utterly ridiculous! And, is probably why the press have gone to town on it! I mean on first view, my initial reaction was literally... WT-ACTUAL-F!! Certainly a way to make a statement!!

Shot as part of the cover shoot for this months UK Esquire mag, which sees her playfully dancing around in very skimpy, yet vastly indiscreet lingerie. Basically, she looks gorgeous and stupidly innocent, whilst bopping about to what can only be described as a cheeky, beat-ridden, bumpin' track called "Tiger" by Maximum Balloon feat. Aku (a decent-sounding TV On The Radio side project)

The track by itself would seem fairly tame, but coupled with this vid, it seems purpose-made. Lowe appears to have taken it personally when told, "Let your Tiger out!!" Simply, it's one of those vids that you get sent a link to at work, which after the first 20 secs you hope you don't have to get up from the desk sharply...

Daisy Lowe for UK esquire HD from Greg Williams on Vimeo.

Soon to be.

2010-05-25T22:50:00.012+01:00

I bought a pair of Air Max recently to find that they don't suit my feet, and just look a bit stupid and naff. And yeah, I suppose these could look equally foolish, but this offering from Asics that I have now fallen for are great, and unlike their meshy Air Max cousins, as my Mum rightly said, "at least their made all of leather." Wise. Durability is an issue!

I found these on a web-rummage when I recalled a good trainer shop in Norwich, Main Source. They have a real good range of rare and trendy stock. Asics is obviously an unconventional choice in the 'leisure trainer' category, but these have the desired aesthetic. Featuring clean lines, complementary colouring, and a techy gel-sole thingy - all a bit more cheaply than their rivals, whilst providing better quality.

What's more, it seems to be the 60th Anniversary of Asics this year, so why not celebrate with a pair of comfy Gel-Lyte Speed. This Japanese brand has worked extremely hard since 1949(ish) to grow on a global scale. Plus, true to it's country of birth, Asics has flourished in a serene, tranquil, and appropriate way, unlike Adidas and Nike who have always been more boisterous and brutish in the market. For me, the former seem to be the wholly better option! Happy Birthday!!

Brooklyn offers

2010-05-25T21:21:00.008+01:00

Small Black. I was put on to these guys by a friend, whom I have decided has very good taste in music. That aside, currently I have a sympathetic ear for anything melancholic. That is not to say that Small Black are dreary, but this Summer has started in such a (expectantly) awkward manor. Cherishing the fits and starts of good weather that only a true British holidaying season can provide leaves a pining for warmer climes. This is were Small Black offer salutation, as like Caribou (who possess a very Euro-chill vibe) this band want you to be having careless fun, on Long Island beach with friends, and a bonfire.

On the back of releasing their self-titled EP they are currently touring around the usual cities of England, y'know, London, Leeds, Brighton. If you want to feel happy for an hour or so then definitely go and be swept away. Bad Lover is grungy and muffled, with a simple drum machine pattern, much-like my choice track Pleasant Experience. It just stenches of surf-enthused riffs and delicately handled production. The tenderness of the backing harmonies make this a very pretty song. Lo-Fi is seemingly the only way to make music now, as anything else, mainstream stuff, just seems too over-polished and glossy. It makes it tacky. Home-made authenticity is really desirable.

These New Yorkers seem to be good chums with fellow compatriots Washed Out, who have 80's-a-fied Despicable Dogs. The re-worked version has a heavier, dance-ish beat backing it up, with more reverb and echo on the vocals. That is not to say that the original is weak, much the opposite - it's great. Untouched D-Dogs keeps the upbeat tone that the rest of this EP releases.

Small Black: Despicable Dogs from Yoonha Park on Vimeo.

My thoughts entirely...

2010-05-25T18:47:00.013+01:00

I am not a big fan of quotes, carrying quotes, drudging up quotes, etc. It's all a bit clichéd. "O, you know when Mr. X said blah about blah blah..." That sort of thing. However, that is not to say that they are unhelpful or meaningless. The value of a good statement can really focus and expand your mind, as a reaction/interpretation to what sort of image a sentence can conjure is very subjective. Such quotes also give an amazing individuality, as it is uncommon that any two people would read into them in the same way. Just a thought.

Anyway, the point of this post is that I came across a decent example, that was full of relation. I was invigilating a Year 11 Spanish exam (my latest post-graduating venture) in a Latin room, and picked up a book titled Monuments of Civilisation: The Middle East, a real wodge of a book (just one part of big, hardback series). I opened it to find that the foreward was written by no other than Henry Moore, a man whose early works especially were vastly influenced by foreign objects of date, tradition, craft, religion, and varying material.

It was his thoughts on history, as an overview, that stand very true in my opinion:

"It is my profound conviction that the testimony of the past must not be ignored. A knowledge of our history can be of great use in our life; all human activity is conditioned by this past, without which man would have to start all over again from the beginning."

Lost in...

2010-05-08T10:05:00.022+01:00

Well. I dunno. I don't really watch films, at all. But the other night I was flicking through the TV channels, highly uninspired, then found Film 4. I have always wanted to get into Film 4, as it always tends to be showing some cult picture-house movie that I really should see! Drawn in by nothing else, I backtracked, and broke my self-imposed movie embargo - catching a good 40 minutes of 'Lost in Translation'. At the very least I could just fall asleep to it, as so often is the verdict!

The freeview blurb bought to my attention it's award winning credentials, which I felt it was more than decent for! The gist of what had gone on for the hour before came to me quite quickly, leaving what time was left to absorb the tenderness and fragility that both Murray and Johansson delicately dance with, playfully and cutely. What was most touching was that feeling of familiarity. You meet someone for only a short time, but they can be in your life for an short, but intense period, then flit off.

Intended or not, my understanding was such, that Sofia Coppola wanted to show how people can come together, briefly, yet form a bond that makes them question everything in their life. It can bring a shattering end to what has always felt like the 'right thing', i.e. job, family, lifestyle etc. It takes these real lonely moments for this reassessment. The confiding that Murray and Johansson show seems beautifully genuine, which makes the heartache at the end a real tearjerker - although myself I did not pass a tear, honest!!

Caribou

2010-05-07T12:30:00.012+01:00

Caribou - Swim has rightfully been adorably-critiqued into the ground over the past month. Here is my turn. This album is bloody Summery. The drums are understated, with percussion adding the most intrusive punches on tracks like Kaili. An ambient/trance-like haziness prevails throughout your... Urr... Swim - a nice one! Like having a dip here!

Each track exudes a different euphoric experience. Sun is surprisingly dark, with a flat beat, and earrings of the tones of minimal-house guru, Claude VonStroke. This, the third effort from Dan Snaith, is certainly his most triumphant 'stab at it'. The mixture of sounds sourced and experimental layering on tracks like Found Out, featuring prominent plinky-plonky guitar tweaks help keep the music vivid.

The champion track has to be Odessa. It's ethereal welching complemented by shallow dub and harmonious vocals make it a song for festivals, at dusk, with the intoxication of your choice! End of.

The poker of politics.

2010-05-07T11:53:00.005+01:00

Well, isn't this perfectly hilarious. The build up to this vastly hyped, and fiercely fought election battle has concluded in a truly English whimpering style - probably like our exit from the World Cup in the coming months! MPs, bless them, are now sleeping, and now, after exercising our democratic right, surprise, we are no further ahead! Ironically, we are now in a state of 'poker politics' with Clegg seeming to be honourable and gracious in defeat, Brown scrabbling around whining for support from the Liberals, whilst Cameron is remaining coy for the time being at least!

It seems that the three main parties are all putting the shades on. However, the real failure here, an obvious point I know, is that of the disproportionate British electoral system! The Tories should, hands down, be allowed to form a majority government after achieving a bigger wing than Thatcher achieved. The reason Labour hold such strong support in built up areas around Manchester, Glasgow etc. is because they have re-drawn so many constituency boundaries as to widen their grasp over a dedicated/deluded?! electorate! Nice.

Recent pictures.

2010-04-17T14:11:00.005+01:00

From Philip Larkin.

2010-04-06T11:49:00.011+01:00

Days

What are days for?
Days are where we live.
They come, they wake us
Time and time over.
They are to be happy in:
Where can we live but days?

Ah, solving that question
Brings the priest and the doctor
In their long coats
Running over the fields.

- Philip Larkin

About time...

2010-03-30T22:09:00.003+01:00

A bit old hat I know, as Swatch's (still fairly new) color codes range has had a good couple of months to sell out of every variety by now, since being heavily plastered across the ad pages of Dazed & Confused... However, somewhat luckily I managed to track down a stockist, and subsequently have taken possession of my second one today, a lovely cherry berry, and I stand by just how essential these watches at the moment! They are a decent price, pretty well made, tell the time (shock horror!), and... they just seem to offer something a bit different!

Swatch needed to re-ignite their hallmarked quality with something... From this it's clear that they decided some adrenaline and jelly babies should do the job - an injection of youthful spontaneity! Finding their playful side, the (boring!?) Swiss have reacted, and successfully so! With this range, the choice is yours. Whether you go for a shiny, gleaming time piece, or one of the more subtle matt options available, one thing is sure, it's good to keep with the times!

Forever.

2010-03-11T11:53:00.010Z

It seems sad that the selfishness of Brian - all bedded up - left his (more hardy/rugged, but at the same time very vulnerable) younger brother Dennis to flounder about. He led a life of ups and downs, which was ultimately later dictated by the the overuse of substances. 5 broken marriages later, and a realisation that there was no money left - it's teary that such a character had little choice but drink himself into a coma each day - with not even his closest friends being able to straighten him out?! A tragic loss, but at least this song written and sung by Dennis affirms some of the beauty that is in life... Just a thought!

Los Angeles

2010-02-27T21:23:00.008Z

Last night I caught a documentary looking at the music and mythology of a golden era in Californian culture. It told the story of how Los Angeles changed from a kooky backwater in the early 1960s to become the artistic and industrial hub of the American music industry by the end of the 1970s. It was very knowledgeable and engaging to watch. This song has been with me since, and I just think that it is a perfect way to end the month! Movements are the future!

A plush fabric(?!)

2010-02-26T23:48:00.009Z

Yes. Velour may well be a plush, knitted fabric. However, in this case, it's a collective who make clothes of a darn good quality and style! After taking over an inherited rummage store in 1997, Velour grew, and by 2002, the team (based in Göteborg, SE) took to the challenge of designing clothes; and from this position their first collection was launched in 2005.

Now, 2010. Velour can be found in more than 100 selected retail shops, mainly situated in the Scandinavian countries Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. The popularity of this young brand is ever-growing at present! If their latest Spring/Summer collection is anything to go by, it's due to their simple detail, pastel scheme, alongside comfortable fabrics with a clean/basic, yet trendy styling. Velour maintains functionality, but with a certain je ne sais quoi...

The overall design concept of Velour springs out of a classic preppy look with traditional garments redesigned in a new stylish, yet effortless, way. They say, "We call this Feelgood Preppy". This style appears to have strong Swedish west coast influences and addresses curious individuals who have an interest in trends but, unlike the fashion slave, are reflective and make their own interpretation. I can't wait to get a couple more pieces in time for Summer!

So... Jeff Wall

2010-02-25T23:30:00.023Z

Despite my personal affection for taking photos dying somewhat recently, I have taken more of a focus on/around the ideas of practicing photography, as well as the mediums notable characters. Bailey and Duffy are two of the most prolific. They changed the theory around taking pictures. In the late 50s/early 60s the science behind capturing an image was not defined. Styles were constantly evolving, whilst content went beyond the idea of Birthday Parties and Holiday Snaps?! Photography became fun, expressive, and a first... an art form.

This birth provided freedom leading both men to set their own boundaries. They targeted the rich and famous, went to the coolest parties, and came up with the craziest ideas for staging images. I think one of my favourite collections from this era is Duffy's Pirelli calender, 1973 - a stunning work (controversially collaborated on).

Anyway, this brings me to now - taking the ideas of photography as an art form, and the staging/production of an image - this bought me to no-one other than... Jeff Wall. He is renowned for large-format photographs with subject matter that ranges from mundane corners of the urban environment to elaborate tableaux that take on the scale and complexity of nineteenth-century history paintings. Sure, his images don't have the same energy of that of Bailey and Duffy, but they replace a glossy sexiness with richly intriguing value, due to Wall's staging, which draws a viewer to really contemplate what his images say?!

Wall's work advances an argument for the necessity of pictorial art. Some of Wall's photographs are complicated productions involving cast, sets, crews and digital postproduction. They have been characterized as one-frame cinematic productions, which leaves their validity questionable. Wall's photos are enigmatic and provocative. On receiving a copy of Jeff Wall: The Complete Edition - a lovely definitive monograph from Phaidon, here his work is finely examined.

Since the 60s, the study and advancement in photography has perhaps led to a 'sucking-out' of some of the more playful aspects in picture-taking, but which in turn has led to a new, complex, and a more intellectual level of creation to take over! A new fun - for thinkers...

Damn funny.

2010-02-19T08:16:00.004Z

I don't usually champion comedy from, or linked to Mr. Gervais, but here is an chortle-filled exception. Ricky edited the script (probably adding more zip to the dialogue) and cast the show well, but I think writer of Phone Shop, Phil Bowker, has got this absolutely spot on!

The pilot, follows 'New Man' Christopher (Tom Bennett) who has got a trial shift at the shop. He spends the day simply getting rinsed by experienced sellers Ashley and Jerwayne. It's decent that C4 have commissioned a series! It's too true that phone salesmen are generally dogged, cocksure weirdos!?

It was on again last night, after first airing pre-Christmas, and on the second watch it is even funnier - catching the jokes missed before! The speed of the verbal attack in this sketch is hilarious, and just totally believable. I'm unsure when its out, but watch it. Laugh!

Today: Meth Teeth

2010-02-18T12:49:00.009Z

"Meth Teeth reside in Portland, OR. and in some ways embody the rainy day big country vibe of the city with its youth culture dreamers, old druggies, and rustic history." True. (Although hard to concur honestly having never been to America... Yet?!)

But, as band names go, this truly is a pretty horrific one. When searching for their myspace, typing in Meth Teeth, the google search conjured a rather vast array of pictures showing destroyed meth users mouths!? I remember watching the charmingly enigmatic Louis Theroux exhibit the destructive nature of the substance - particularly seen in its 'hometown', Fresno, CA.

Well, Meth Teeth seem to keep their haziness in their music. They have a hugely grungy/hugely distortion vibe going on. Lyrics are barely recognizable through a general muffle of noise. These references all sound a bit negative, but really I don't mean to be! I think they are great! The way these noises all genuinely clash together, positively, are then freshened by punchy guitar riffs making for a juicy and eclectic sound.

It seems like a pretty basic idea that they have going on. Crucially though, it seems to fit with the rush of inventive bands coming out of America at the minute. Vivian Girls and Male Bonding are two other shining examples! Sic Alps seem to have also led the way into a vibrant garage/home-made genre.

I like that Meth Teeth's song titles come with an equal level of despondency, protracted through their sound. 'Unemployment Forever' and 'Failures Selected By God' encapsulate wholly this, whilst 'This Is Not My Home' has a slightly more upbeat-ness to it! I like them.

Norse Projects

2010-02-17T19:13:00.003Z

Norse Projects is sweet-ass Scandinavian brand, with a shop of the same name. Their collections are inspired by the rough and rugged weather that constantly batters the likes of Sweden and Norway. The natural surroundings drive the tailoring and fashion of their garments. It's basic and functional with a few Scandi/workwear twists.

All the product is made in Europe, apart from the hats which are US made, in one of America's oldest hat factories. Knits are Italian made and the rest is produced in Portugal... lovely stuff! Pricey garms, but you get real quality! For such a young brand (formed in Copenhagen in 2004) Norse Projects are certainly making the A-grade!

Everybody Loves Raymond...

2010-02-16T00:14:00.005Z

Yeah, they do. I do. Who doesn't?! Well, anyway... This is kind of how I feel about The White Stripes. However, firstly, I hate all Jack White's side projects. All of 'em! And, I also really dislike Icky Thump! A lot! It was terrible! But I see these as small career blips, which I have pushed to the back of my mind! Jack and Meg have been at the centre of a truly sweet band that have pushed boundaries since forming in Detroit, 1997. Fact! I mean seeing the video for Fell In Love With A Girl, even now, makes me uncontrollably (and perhaps uncomfortably) excited!

Therefore, it is with this harnessed giddiness that I am eagerly awaiting the forthcoming release of their first documentary Under Great White Northern Lights. This is going to be sweet! In the summer of 2007, The White Stripes embarked on a intimate cross-country Canadian tour to accomplish their goal of performing in every province and territory across the expansive northern nation. This film documents their journey, culminating with their 10th Anniversary show in Nova Scotia!

Directed by Emmett Malloy, the film shows Jack and Meg playing on a Winnipeg bus, in a bowling alley, and for tribal elders people, as well as just a single note at one show?! They have always done it their way, and I have total respect for that! It's why The White Stripes have maintained such longevity! I can't wait for the chance to see the film when it finally comes out as part of an extravagant (and seriously awesome-sounding) box set March 16.

Faith in numbers...

2010-02-10T15:00:00.009Z

My Nan would be less than impressed me mentioning this. I have just taken her to the foot doctors, as she has some leg trouble thats discomforting her! I pulled up, let her out, she was going to be an hour to an hour and a half! Man... I was wishing I hadn't agreed to this now. I only get 2 days off a week! I should use my time as fully as possible!

I was kind of left in a state of limbo. Shall I pop in to town, or go home? Nope. Instead I went to the supermarket! Brilliant! It's not as though I don't spend enough time in 'em already?!

Browsing the CD section, I was left stunned. They actually had the new Hot Chip album. Awesome. I still had a wedge of clubcard vouchers to get through, so physical CDs have become a part of my spending again! I got to the checkout. I bought some wax crayons, the new David Nicholls novel, and said music. All fairly avoidable purchases... Aha! The Euromillions ticket I bought last week! I better get it checked! (I must admit at the time I was not very optimistic of winning anything, as I never have previously?!)

My lottery rules. I only ever buy tickets when I am feeling lucky, which is not that often. And, I only ever buy 'lucky dip', as to not make purchasing these tickets a regular event! So... I rocked up to the customer service desk. The ticket was put through the machine. I had already anticipated, "Sorry, you're not a winner".

However, to my surprise, I was a winner! Excitement took over, the value credited didn't even matter! Just the fact that I had won was enough! I thought 'lucky dip' was rigged, and that you always lost. This suspicion has now been dispelled! £24.60

I was happy. Enough of an amount! I went back to pick up my Nan. I shared my success with her. She replied, "You jammy sod!"

The Art Of... Cycling.

2010-01-27T12:30:00.003Z

Funny really. I remember the days, when I was growing up, in the back garden/down the park on my little Raleigh Domino (with stabilizers) trying to learn how to cycle! Then there was the day when I was unleashed from the shackles of the balance aids... Accidents, wobbles, and crashes happened. Then, the day came when I had learnt. I was free! Free to pedal to the shop to buy sweets. I would go one-handed, then confidently no-handed! Sweet!

I reckon I am back here now! (Except this time without the painful-crash-learning-stage) Recently I bought a new bike. The assembly of it was like us bonding, making friends. However, it sat in my dining room, miserable. For a good few weeks we would stare at each other! This torture was endured because of the adverse weather, which from past experience does not lend kindly to any sort of pedaling activities!

So... The snow finally clears! The sun pops out briefly, and I even get a day of work! What a fine (chilled) day to head out on my shiny new cycle! After taking an age to work out the Campagnolo gearing system (confusing for a road-bike first timer!) I was away! All was good, except on such a bike you really notice how shit British road surfaces are...

Anyway, a good couple of miles in to my ride around the Queens estate and its immediate villages, I felt some great discomfort! I just felt like vomiting up my lungs! This is not because I am unhealthy. I lead a pretty nutritious and balanced lifestyle. I eat my veg! I quickly deduced that it was the hunched riding position that was causing this pain! Oww... I need to do a shit load of sit ups to make this feel normal! Painful indeed, but its all worth it when your racing downs hills at a good 30mph. Dangerously exciting!

Weinberg From Above...

2010-01-22T22:54:00.007Z

I totally forgot how bloody brilliant this was! I don't know where Weinberg turns up from, but I remember seeing this, for the first time, and darn well enjoying it! A lot!

It all made perfect sense soon after, as to my ignorance, it wasn't just an old random dude who had jumped out of the crowd or anything... Weinberg is an American drummer and television personality, most widely known as the longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen, but also as the bandleader for Conan O'Brien on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Arrr right! Death From Above 1979... Come back! Please!

A list. A year.

2010-01-18T00:40:00.008Z

Maybe I will try and stick to some of this stuff. The results, if stuck too, might be surprising?! I wrote this "manifesto" at the start of the year, and have only just posted it now! (so perhaps my productivity in 2010 might remain falteringly low, and inconsistent at best!) One objective that is not present was to find more music, which funnily seems to be all that I am doing at the moment! See Maribel - Flesh & Blood...

Oh. Liberia looks crazy!!

2010-01-15T12:33:00.007Z

Who needs natural disasters to torment a country when you have this many mental cases bouncing around a lawless state in Africa...

The Republic of Liberia, is a country on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Atlantic Ocean. The nation is home to 3,476,608 people and covers 111,369 square kilometres. Liberia's capital is Monrovia. Liberia has a hot equatorial climate with most rainfall arriving in summer with harsh harmattan winds in the dry season. Its populated Pepper Coast is composed of mostly mangrove forests while the sparsely populated inland is forested.

I was going to put Imperial greed at root-cause of the current volatilities, as well as the disrepair seen in Liberia at present. The Imperial past is so often at the centre of leadership problems in Africa. However, in this case the country was founded and colonized by freed American slaves with the help of a private organization called the American Colonization Society (1821-22). It was created on the premise American slaves would have greater freedom and equality there.

The plans seemed nice, as all the colonists formed an elite group in Liberian society, and, in 1847, they founded the Republic of Liberia, establishing a government modeled on that of the United States, naming Monrovia, their capital city, after James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States and a prominent supporter of the colonization.

But, a military-led coup in 1980 overthrew then-president William R. Tolbert, which marked the beginning of a period of instability that eventually led to a civil war that left hundreds of thousands of people dead and devastated the country's economy. Today, Liberia is recovering from the lingering effects of the civil war and related economic dislocation.

VICE founder Shane Smith and Editor Andy Capper, visited Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, to meet three men who participated in the 14 years of civil war. One of the men giving us a guided tour is Joshua Blahyi, aka General Butt Naked, an ex-war lord famed for forcing his soldiers to fight wearing nothing but shoes. Blahyi admits to killing more than 20,000 people and drinking the blood of children, but now spends his time preaching about his quest for forgiveness...

Not a place for the faint of heart...

2010-01-15T11:47:00.008Z

This is apparently the Grimsby branch of B&Q. I don't really have any need to go into places of such industrious scale that often. Not being a home owner means that I do not need a new bath, or any plaster board for that matter. However, my brother (in the construction trade) does. He has recently acquired a white van from his company, bringing home all the connotations with it, and he needed some more stuff to fill it!

I was bored so went with him. Everything is on such a vast scale, from the car parks to the size if the trolleys. We headed for the tools section (covering a good 3 miles sq.) and christ there is a selection. All the knives, saws, screw drivers, and axes you could ever need. This bought me to think... If you were going to chuck a mental, or a hold up, B&Q and the like would be ideal!

After browsing this vast selection, and also walking past a million unconnected toilet units to find that their was actually no customer toilet (humorously ironic), we approached the self-service checkout, which I thought were only in supermarkets?! Anyway, we put through the crow bar, stanley knife, and WD40. I thought as much, the supervisor came over.

She asked, "Have you got any I.D?"

I thought as much. For the crow bar right?

"Nah, for the knife..."

James wasn't old enough to buy the knife. You have to be 21 apparently. Despite this, we still walked out of B&Q 2 minutes later with the knife anyway. She didn't care! What's more surprising is that going back to my thoughts on raiding B&Q etc. You can buy a crow bar no problems, all you need is the £10.99 to pay for the baton of metal. Whoa. I know were I am heading if I need a domestic incident solving...

Jay Reatard

2010-01-14T22:27:00.010Z

Waiting For Something - a short documentary about Jay Reatard

Jay Reatard | MySpace Music Videos

I seem to be coming late to the party these days. I mean I have only just been getting into Mika Miko to find that they have recently disbanded. Now, Jay Reatard. Not only have I enjoyed his heavy garage punk, but also as a member of The Reatards and Lost Sounds he simply tore it up! It's sad that such a genuine man has fallen short, especially as his energy created such vibrant music!

This documentary, directed by Alex Hammond and Ian Markiewicz, offers a decent insight into Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jrs. life - showing plainly how he was an just an awesome guy! Plus, I love that he rips those French pricks to pieces!

R.I.P. Jay. Memphis' King is dead. May 1, 1980 – January 13, 2010

They 'av taken liberties...

2010-01-12T14:38:00.014Z

I suppose that this came about when I was playing a football game on a console. Talking to my opponent, the game became heated (in a friendly way) but the idea of football violence arose to me! I mean I am a devote Norwich City fan, but this is a club renowned for its 'family values'. This was apparent when I went to a match in October and my brother and I were shouted at by our own fellow Canaries to pipe down! This sparked me to shout 'Go sit in the away end!' Whoops! Anyway we went on to win 4-0 so all was good in the end.

What I am getting at though is football violence. Like I said, the most violence you will see at Norwich is an angered stare if Delia's half-time pie is not hot enough. But, this 'mean-streak' thinking was definitely more apparent in the 70s and 80s - showing from the video above! Cockneys having it out with planks of wood down Old Kent Rd! Sure. In light of all this, the other day I was watching TV and a 'Oi! I'm Danny Dyer' special was on about football gangs in Russia.

There Danny was prancing around Russia, being all hard, meeting football gangs and necking litres of vodka... Then came the Spartak Moscow Vs. Zenit St. Petersburg match that he was pumped to go and see. Hilarious. He started shitting himself before he had even got in the ground, and by half-time he had got his production team to get him out of the crowd. Flares were being fired, violent chanting. Stuff Mr. Dyer should be able to take in his stride... Coz he is aaard right?!

Turned out that a bunch of Zenit fans had spotted him in the crowd (Moscow end), and gestured a slitted throat. Well, there was always hope... Ha. But I suppose you can't begrudge the lad though for trotting off, especially when you take a look at this...

Is it just me...

2010-01-09T21:20:00.016Z

Right. Well, I am not going to lie, but when my sister got my family and I tickets (for Chritsmas) to go to see "We Will Rock You", I was a bit of an ungrateful sod, and did not wholly appreciate this gift at the time. However, when it came round to 'family-trip-spend-some-time-together-day' (today in fact), it actually turned out to be a pretty good crack. The sibling train banter alone was hilarious?! Whilst the performance was pretty inspiring too!

Right, putting the fact that Queen are rock greats aside, and that the loss of Freddie is a tragedy... The musical (written by Ben Elton?!) is what I wanted to mention. I mean I haven't been to the theatre in a while, a couple of years ago or something, so I had lost a grasp on how these things go...

The lights dimmed, curtain up, we were soon into the first act(?!) - if that is what it is called? And, to my surprise, scantily glad 'Gaga Girls' it would appear. I was surprised mainly because I was totally unfamiliar with the whole WWRY story-thing?! Anyway, these (pretty erotic) dancers were interspersed by the token homosexual male dancers, obviously. As I watched these ladies there was that light bulb moment. I am sure it was the same one that I had (probably) when at Grease, aged 11, and all the other plays I have seen up until now. Women! Not wearing much! (Plus, everyone has a thing for bird who can sing!)

I had locked on 'the one'. You know, the one that you find most good-looking, the best body, nice face. From that point on, in your red comfy seat, in a room full of strangers, binoculars... you lock on! Always looking for the same girl in each scene. For me this time, it was a tasty brunette in the chorus. You monitor her every move, costume change, flash of flesh etc. What's more hilarious is that all the time you are further convincing yourself that they are sharing this same mental relationship with you... ?! Mental I know.

They are not! Never! By the end, it feels like you have had mental sex with them, studying their every twist and turn, curve, and imperfection. This is why at the end of the show, as they wave their farewell, you always feel a bit empty. Well I do anyway. The curtain comes down for the final time. They disappear. Whisked out of your life, as quickly as they had come into it! Bam, they have gone! So... despite thoroughly enjoying the show, I walked out of the stalls (good seats this time) feeling confused, and slightly cheated?!

Luckily it was a matinée showing, there is always the evening... Alas, I didn't make the evening show. Instead I spent the train journey home scanning the programme frantically (which I had bought on the way out), trying to judge which poorly taken, sepia mug-shot is the bird out the chorus. My crush, my love, my everything... Fuck.

The End.

2009-12-31T20:28:00.020Z

The year has finished. I have penned my thoughts. Now what...

After a few days of 2010 I have decided not to continue as a diarist. Sad I know, especially after dedicating myself so committedly over the past 12 months to my '09 effort. However, this doesn't mean that I haven't learnt a great deal, or that I will stop writing. Instead, I think this choice will drive me to write more. To further indulge in certain topics, controversies, feelings, and emotions...

I doubt anyone will ever see what was written about them, good or bad. Or what I have done, perhaps shockingly(?!) I don't know. Primarily, my diary was set as a challenge to myself. I thought I would fail to complete it, but it became important, integral. A secret place to confide in. I have a newfound respect for people who annually dedicate time on these daily write-ups...

But for now my book will sit as a point of reference. '09 was a fun and interesting year for me. Thanks to everyone who made it pretty cool...

Show me your money...

2009-12-24T10:50:00.024Z

So... The Yuletide holiday's bring people together(?!), everyone gets merry, and generally we all over-indulge heavily right... (This year, chill out on the sherry Nan, please!) O, plus debauchery of some sort usually takes place too! God love Christmas!

Back to debauchery...

The meaning: 1 a : extreme indulgence in sensuality b plural : orgies 2 archaic : seduction from virtue or duty.

I met up with some mates the other day. We took some time out of the pre-Xmas craziness to enjoy some un-festive pints, and discuss what has been going on in our lives... (As none of us ever stay in touch throughout the year - leaving me at times wondering if any of us actually like one-another...)

Well, anyway, everyone has a 'lad' mate, and ours did not disappoint... I mean I knew he had gone to Spain this summer, like Ibiza or somewhere, but the story he had created for himself was quite genius!

We all know the agenda when visiting these Spanish 'Party-Isles' - sun, getting shit-faced, and most importantly sex, check. After infilling with details from some of the more 'mediocre' nights, my mate decided, that on his next conquest he would refrain from any gawdy-looking British birds (the sort with the crispy-fried bikini lines) and instead, take on the might of a Spanish whore-house...

He said, that week he had been eyeing the place up (prices were competitive at between €80—€100) Suitably gassed up, he went stumbling towards the noted district and ventured in... It was grimey, dark, and seedy... Two old blokes sitting in the corner getting dances!

The conversation:

"Oow much?" my mate asked.

"€80..." replied the whore-secretary...

"Deeal" came the reply.

He was taken to a little side-room, lowly lit, crimson walls... (so all the clichés are true...) He had half and hour to have his way...

He had lined up a Hispanic-Latino, and claims he 'strapped up' - but became a tad sheepish when asked this question?! When she turned round, apparently she was startled by the size of his rager (I am skeptical of his cock-sureness, as he is only a small guy...) He reckoned she rarely got any young and feisty lads, just the usual old spunkers... Eurgh!

Once there though, he said any thought of coming-quick left his mind. To quote, "I drilled the shit out of her, she was loving it!" - her head smacking against the headboard, screaming! But, in spite of his determination to see-out his 30-minute filling, he failed! 12 minutes! Poor...

Hats off to the boy though! I mean sitting in a local pub, at Christmas, surrounded but fellow punters, but also some families trying to have a nice Crimbo (I hate this expression) meal, and we're louting about roaring at each detail from his adventure, tearing some bird to pieces... So lads, Magaluf in the summer...

Cigarettes & Sofas

2009-12-16T00:36:00.007Z

Whoa, this image is nuts. I really can't explain how the hell I did this... I think it must be something to do with shutter speed?! It literally looks like a painting! Well, pretty glad I ran out of Ash's flat to grab my camera... Luckers.

Bruv... Chek ma bare rude kicks!

2009-12-13T00:38:00.025Z

We have all been there... You walk past the garish Soccer World sign, the shit type of sports shop that you only ever find in bad Malls, which incidentally always sell rogue Rubin Kazan footy shirts from 1992, and store footballs in big football bins! Basically, they are terrible, yet you always seem to find yourself going in... brilliant!

I am there, in front of the wall of trainers, Chavs either side of me eyeing up the Air Max. Sore thumb doesn't even cut it! Anyway, I look down the wall of Reeboks mentally selecting the ones I would and wouldn't wear... I turn around, there they are, a classic pair of black Fila trainers! Boom. I am literally thinking "too good to be true".

The sneaks in question have everything. A comfy inner-sole, a thick enduring heel. They are the type of shoe you find stacked up in boxes with one demo-shoe on top. All this for the small sum of £10. Crazy. They even had my size too. So, I suppose what I am getting at is that although Soccer World's look, and genuinely are bloody terrible, you can unearth a retro bargain!

On a side note, you always get some heavily made-up Chav-bird cashier. You know, the type of girl that wears gold doll necklaces, and have terrible chat. Always a laugh. On a serious note though, I do think Chavs have the right idea. Their aesthetic, all about comfort and warmth. They are no mugs. Joggers, hoodies, beanie hats, shock absorbing trainers. These are guys that like to take care of oneself!

Sir Patrick Moore would think...

2009-12-10T11:06:00.020Z

As I stare out my window (with my ears), into the shoegaze-y sky (keep with me here...), I become distracted and infected by a certain constellation - a musical one, known as Washed Out. Or more specifically/scientifically, it shall be named The Ernest Greene constellation, whose lo-fi chillwave (yes, it is being touted as that!) has proved thoroughly engaging.

My reason for drawing spatial euphemism’s in this post is necessary. The vast topic of space and the universe has a sort of synonymous link to this genuine, homemade, 80s-sounding dreaminess. Floaty synth repetition in track "Belong" bought me to two things, being lost in the thought of space in the early hours, coupled with being whisked away to a desert, standing in front of a mirage thinking why the fuck is my vision all blurred?!

This is why I like it. Greene's tracks provide an escapism, confusion, and have a general incomprehensibility about them. It is probably best to just sit back and let "Feel It All Around" and "Good Luck" take you.

Drift away...

Washed Out

Really...

2009-11-27T10:19:00.006Z

Florian’s jewellery aims to ‘set its wearer free from the bonds of banality, to explore new dimensions of fantasy, imagination and physicality.’ Ok, well I am a young, fashion-conscious, modern man, yet I am really struggling here... Ropes? As a fashion accessory? Jewellery... Seriously?

Born in 1967 in Austria, designer Florian Lastaetter graduated in Advanced Metal Design from the University of the Applied Arts in Vienna and also achieved a Degree in Philosophy at the University of Munich. His work represents a combination of his cerebral and material interests, evident in this collection, and has won him great international acclaim.

This range of rope-wear is truly engaging, mainly because what are you going to be thinking when you see a guy wearing one of these glamourised dog-leads? They possess the qualities of a piece of abstract sculpture, which admittedly is cool! But, that said, I just can't see such fashion catching on, especially not for £150+ a pop?!

Although, that said, the subtle colour contrasts used make the pieces desirable and appealing, whilst the malleability and creative, playful nature of the ropes add an element of fun, a mischievous sexualness.

Florian. Beautifully outrageous, but not for me!

A disgusting sport.

2009-11-19T11:37:00.019Z

In a court of law, if evidence is found that could change the outcome of a verdict it is generally listened to, adjudged, and then a suitable conclusion is made accordingly. Right, so with this basic grasp of judicial practice in mind, why are such processes, vital to decision making, not replicated more so in everyday life? In this instance, it would appear that football is the culprit of a crime...

I am not a obsessive football fan, nor am I any percent Irish, but I was disgusted and appalled at how the Republic of Ireland were left helpless last night, to crash out from their opportunity (a rare one at that for Ireland) to participate in the World Cup finals next June.

The story. 1-0 down from the first leg, Ireland at least needed a goal to stay in the tie away from home at the Stade de France, Paris. This was always going to be difficult. However, Robbie Keane got said needed goal after about half and hour. Ireland looked dominant within themselves on the pitch, and agonizingly pushed for a second goal during normal time, whilst France (with there abundance of megastars i.e. Benzema on the bench) offered up nothing creative.

So, with 90 minutes up, the tie headed for extra-time, with a somewhat expected conclusion to be drawn from the penalty spot 30 minutes later. Not if Thierry Henry had anything to say about it. I mean this is a player who has been about the game influentially for a good decade, always in my mind, as a prolific and honest striker. His skill alone has tormented defenders and goalkeepers alike, and has meant that he has played for important teams in both England and Spain. You could say he is an ideal ambassador for the game...

Well, this reputation, for me, has been left in tatters (which I no Mr. Henry will not give any sort of a dam about). He worked within his gamesmanship means to help blatantly cheat France to the World Cup by handling the ball, keeping it in play, from which he cut back to Gallas to head into an empty net! Outrage! I hear you cry...

Yes, it truly was outrageous. You could say Ireland should've done more, but they were robbed. With no consultation of the linesman, the referee asserted the legitimacy of the goal, which ultimately condemned Ireland to a highly undeserved loss. Two post match comments read like this:

Dunne (Irish defender) said: "Henry admitted afterwards he handled it, but it doesn't make me feel any better. We were cheated."

Henry: "I will be honest it was a handball, but I'm not the referee."

From a personal point of view I am thinking this:

1) If Thierry Henry has made this admission straight after the game, then why did he do it in the first place?

2) Seriously, why are there not replays offered if there is a suspicion that something has been allowed to take place illegally?

3) Why were Shay Given and Damien Duff penalised when protesting their point that they had blatantly been cheated?

4) What sort of an example does this set to anyone who looks up to Henry as a honest professional player?

5) And ultimately, why is the result allowed to stand?

Unsurprisingly, the Irish manager, Trapattoni, maintained that it was sickening to not qualify for the World Cup in such a bizarre and unjust manner: "We are angry. It is a bitter evening for me".

But, for me, I think that the wider disappointment of the manor in which the winning goal was scored infects fairness. "I am upset for fair play. We talk many times about fair play, I go to schools and talk to young children about the importance of fair play, and this happens" said Trapattoni. Truly baffling and simply unfair!

Enjoy.

Ronnie Wood.

2009-11-10T11:27:00.001Z

Anything but a boring bassist!

Me. Ha. Humor.

2009-11-09T10:07:00.008Z

^ Gorm right! Ha. I suppose what I am saying is, matching the Winter theme in my previous post, big woolly hats are definitely not a fashion faux pas! Warm heads are far more important!

Humor Clothing have the best bobbles around in my opinion! Humor’s philosophy is to create a style which through materials, designs, and colours creates an overall look that is both new and long overdue but mainly wearable and warm, which is the most important detail right!

I would tell you where to get these beauties from, but...

I already have both colours. Sorry.

Not Philippe Petit. Better.

2009-11-09T09:27:00.020Z

I woke up at 8:00 AM this morning. It was misty and uninspiring outside, but intriguing all the same as I lay there looking out of my window. Whilst being entertained by the charisma of Kelsey Grammer, my main thought was that it certainly feels Wintery now. I mean any weekend that entails one of the key Autumnal definers, the garden-gracing bonfire, kind of indicates that we are now Christmas-bound!

Reflection aside. I picked up the Culture magazine, a regular Sunday supplement that I divulge in, and headed to the music section for some inspiration... Maybe this could kick-start my day! The only warming salutation I received was seeing that the latest Robbie Williams (drug-fuelled?!) effort scored a lowly 2 stars, which at least reassures me that The Times critics are still on the ball. The other reviewed albums featured were all equally as unimpressive. Take That! Ha.

Thinking "Oh, once again Culture magazine how you have failed me". Alas, turning to the start page of the music section I was saved from another weeks audio drought! If (devoted readership) you're unfamiliar, there are usually four short summations of potentially enchanting new singles. For me, one stood out! Faith restored.

The band in question are called The High Wire and hail from the British capital. Yep, they be Londoners and... they be bloody brilliant. Not being able to find them on iTunes, I then discovered that they haven't yet released the single in question 'Odds & Evens', which is due out at the end of this month. Shame really. It is a proper trip to the psych-pop. A chilled out track perfectly suited to Summer lazing!

In essence, the track reminds me of hanging out in a park with a pretty girl. Well hmm... At November now, I suppose at least I have a few months to try and find one! A girl that is, not a park.

Soul searchers...

2009-11-03T09:51:00.005Z

Wimple Winch - one of the finest British Freakbeat/Psych combos ever!

Lily Allen.

2009-11-03T01:33:00.006Z