I <3 DENIM

Denim Jackets are massively under-rated, fact. I mean yeah, they are usually associated nowadays with public hate figures such as Kid Rock. But, remember cool people like The Strokes who made 'em proper fashionable in the '90s. Therefore, I am more than confident that this classic garment can make a successful re-appearance!

In other news... a massive contributing factor is that not only do they look wicked when paired with a baggy t-shirt or a hoody underneath, they are also dirt cheap! This fantastic spectacle cost a mere £6.49. I mean that's cheaper than a small bottle of Smirnoff Vodka or summit... anyway, literally credit-crunch busting prices. Fuck I hate bankers! Get one, and copy me, or not! 

Who knew?

For starters I need to blog more often. Anyway... Jack White has only bloody gone and got in another band! Is that 7 now, I lose count?! But who better than with Alison Mosshart (The Kills). The Dead Weather, according to my sources played their first gig in the offices of White's label Third Man Records in Nashville last night (March 11). I am bemused at how their emergence has come as a total surprise to... well, me. 

The band also features Jack Lawrence of The Raconteurs and Dean Fertita of Queens Of The Stone Age - quite a 'supergroup'. But unlike previous bad attempts *cough* The Raconteurs this new effort seem to be much more effective. 

The collective are set to release an album, 'Horehound' in June. But for now their lead single 'Hang You From The Heavens' is out now through itunes, and features a worthy B-side of Gary Numan's 'Are Friends Electric?'.

They have a simple, quite grungy and gritty sound. Basic drums, powerful vocals - mainly from Mosshart with subtle backing from White. Although somehow in the middle of the track a cockatoo pops up! Overall though its an interesting and surprising formulation - I am personally glad Mosshart has sacked of Jamie Hince for a bit. 

It's certainly more Kills than Stripes. 

The Dead Weather 

Richard Serra

The 'man of steal'. I first encountered his encapsulating work in the fish gallery, Guggenheim Bilbao (2006). His steals are truly incredible. You stand there between slabs of raw tonnage in awe of the science behind his art, whilst appreciating the work for its creative merit.

His most recent London showing at the Gagosian gallery offered a minimal, yet stunning collection of current work. Sculptures including Open Ended (2007-8) offered the chance for interaction, as you could freely walk between the jet-black oxidized steal. 

The feelings of entrapment shock and lend to a truly surreal experience. I think the unique beauty of Serra's work is that as he suggests 'each viewer creates the sculpture for themselves by being within it'. 

Now 70 and hailed by some as the world's 'greatest living sculptor', he remains a combative figure in the art world. You can only expect more from one of America's most controversial artists...

On your Cassette player.

The innocence of these guys is ridiculous, but I can't help but like 'em. Who cares 'if there gunna be big' or not, I just think that the two pop-tastic demo songs they have done so far really freshen things up! Lyrically there sound too. Innocent, witty and satirical. There on bill for this years Great Escape festival [Brighton] - so if your going then check 'em out! 

Josh's description: 

'yh there so gentle, it's like the sound of politeness'

www.myspace.com/cassieandthecassettes

Top win!!!

Check out my amazing/fabulous/super ebay win! 100% lambswool. It does not get much warmer [or better] than this... and at a bargain price too! I'll admit that it would not look out of place on a golf course, but at least its not as loud as the rubbish that Henry Holland puts out!?

What is...

Bodhisattva?

In Tibetan Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is anyone who is motivated by compassion and seeks enlightenment not only for him/himself but also for everyone...

Retro slick pics

For anyone who wants to take well exposed retro snaps. Sharp pictures, but can manage with a fixed focus lense. Then grab a second hand Olympus Trip 35mm. 

Not only do they look super fly, but with a multi-coated Zuiko lens [promoted so successfully by David Bailey in the 70's] you will be sure to take some crazy exposure. 

This is a camera capable of producing pictures indistinguishable from those taken with a tip-top professional 35mm camera. 

Don't take yourself too seriously... be sure to pick up a Olympus PS200 flash - so that taking don't stop when the sun goes down!