A few weeks ago my good friend Tom Travis invited me on to his weekly radio show. It's UCL's student radio programme and I was impressed that we were allowed to play any music and swear on air, although I somehow managed to refrain! The music Tom picked was amazing, as it is every week. Considering we hadn't seen eachother in over a year, I think it went smoothly and it is something I would absolutely love to do again. Thank you Tom for having me!!
I accidentally went to see Salem the other day. My friends at Family Ltd raved about them, although had warned me that they were somewhat 'dark'. I thought I had a song by Salem on my lost iPod (R.I.P.) but after the first song I realised it was not the same band.
A droning synth begins and the band play a fairly harmless instrumental. However the mood changes by the second song, when a tall, blond man starts rapping at a little over 20 bmp. My initial inclination that he was a surfer dude was soon to be dispelled. Despite the slow pace, the only words I'm able to decipher from his drawl are something about '666' and 'bitches bleeding'. Now I love me a little offensive Lil' Wayne, but added to the beats it was definitely more sinister. By song four I realised that the free drinks weren't enough to keep me watching as I was alone and with each and every note change and new rap I was genuinely overcome with anxiety, so I went home.
However, just like so many things that initially freak me out, I couldn't stop thinking about them and decided to try and learn a bit more about the band. Could they really be this dark, or was it another Vice style gimmick? Well, here's what I learned. The band consists of two hot guys and the most miserable girl in the entire world all between 21 and 26. The sound is slightly more difficult to sum up. After researching the threesome a little more, I have seen it described as 'witch house', 'goth drag' and more worryingly 'rape gaze' amongst hundreds of other descriptions. To answer my queary as to whether or not they are really as tortured as their sound makes out; the overwhelming response from the few interviews they've given is yes. The two hot guys are gay, one from a middle class background turned to hard drugs and eventually gay prositution to fund his habbit. The others, social outcasts who all found solace in eachother and the probably the outlet to channel their feelings through the music.
After finding all this out, their music becomes slightly more therapeutic and even hopeful, as opposed to the panic-attack inducing band I'd seen days before. Although it took me hours of studying to reach this point (and I am never one to usually be swayed by a back story) for whatever reason I would actually see them again.
This video of Spoon covering the late, great Jay Reatard is cool. I hope people continue to remember him. And now Spoon can remembered as something other than the band from The O.C. ost. JUST KIDDING, I love Spoon.
Not that I don't appreciate the invites that people keep sending me for London Fashion Week, but it's not really my thing. However I will say that I'd fucking go nuts for this. I want so bad. Can someone lend me $900 for this? Calvin Klein are remaking THE dress from 'Clueless'. In the new Nylon South Korea fashion book which comes out later this year, I did a small interview about my fashion inspiration. 90% of which is ironically, the 90s. Brit-pop, grunge, and amazing teen comedies. Cher's dress is a classic piece of this era, along with Clarissa's floral Doc Marten's and Tia and Tamera's woven bucket hats. Take me back.
I never listen to the radio, but yesterday I was in the car with no CDs so had to put it on. I started with XFM, but was quickly disturbed by an advert claiming that their listeners had voted The Killer's 'Mr. Brightside' as the 'best song of all time.' XFM will be the only reason that Ash are never forgotten.
So I switched over the Radio 1. As a person I don't mind Fearne Cotton. She's nice and not a total dick in real life. Yet somehow as a presenter she is annoying and patronising and it almost makes me miss Jo Wiley.
Anyway, she started raving about this new song by Duck Sauce who is made up of Armand Van Helden and A-Trak. It's called 'Barbra Streisand' and it is the exact same song as Dizzee Rascal's 'Bonkers'. Unshockingly, Armand Van Helden also produced 'Bonkers'. In a blog a while back I mentioned how Scouting For Girls had managed to release the same song 3 times and get away with it, and I think Armand has jumped on that bandwagon. C'mon guys formulae is for maths not music! See what I mean...
I got the Local Natives album because of the hype. I didn't really listen to it. Shame on me. Caught them at Reading Festival and man do they kill it live. Absolutely blown away. Between the new Wavves record and Arcade Fire record I am finding hard to listen to anything else.
Blogspot keeps getting me to try and change my layout. NO THANKS.
Anyway, I'm falling really behind with updating everything I want to update about. Still haven't spoken about Barcelona or Glastonbury, and now I've just come back from Reading Festival. I'll get round to telling you how I cried my way through Blink 182's set soon enough.
For now, I simply must post the new video from Wavves for Post Acid. It's the best song on their King of the Beach record, but actually the entire album is pretty damn good. Video rules too, directed by Patrick O'Dell of Epicly Later'd fame. Rumour has it the alien in the video is actually skateboarding babe Spanky. You heard right by the way, the video contains aliens and skateboarding, and looks supsiciously like a reoccuring dream I used to have.
I bought the album with the new Arcade Fire album and got that hyper excited new music feeling that I haven't had in a long time, you know, where you look forward to journeys so you can just listen to your iPod. Perfect end to summer. Check it.
I can't believe I haven't posted this yet! One of my favourite people ever, Callum Read has just put out a video for his song 'Don't Be Gone For Long' which as you will see is super fun and somewhat dreamy, much like the Bournemouth born singer-songwriter himself! The theme was Forest Gump (which has now been translated into his live shows) and was filmed all over the countryside and throughout London. The video was also directed by a friend....gosh my pals sure are talented.
Callum has been playing for ages, mostly acoustic stuff, but recently has been joined by some buddies to form a full band. And they're incredible. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before big things happen for them. Not only do they write massively catchy songs, but they're also the best guys. If you want to know anything else about them definitely check them out live for Callum's bashful Q and A sessions which he regularly invites the audience to participate in. Check out the new video of the new single, which will be on the new E.P., come to a show, ask some questions and buy the merch because it is easily the best around!
And while you're here, why not check out the old video for another great song, 'Queen Of Hearts' which may or may not feature a cameo by yours truly. (It does).
My good friend recently directed my ears towards Matias Aguayo, incidentally the same friend who told me about daggering; perhaps they should be writing a blog instead of me? Anyway, he's so great. I think he's South America's answer to Har Mar Superstar, with slightly more talent. His first London show next Tuesday looks like it's not to be missed!! Catchy poppy electro music; expect to hear Matias in some sort of car or liquor advert soon.
I'm writing this while watching the match. Literally cannot stop, and now Wimbledon has started. I'm going to be at a loose end at Glastonbury with no constant sports broadcast! I guess the live music will have to suffice.
Top of my list of bands to see, (aside from Joe Worricker from below, and LCD Soundsystem) I have to see We Are Scientists. If you know me, you will know that I should probably have some sort of restraining order against them. I seem to find them everywhere. The only band I would go to an instore for, and I have...more times then I'd like to admit I've found myself standing in 'Rock and Pop row F-I' nicely positioned next to The Goo Goo Doll's back catalogue. Anyway, somehow We Are Scientists' short sitcom for MTV slipped under the radar of many, but it is hilarious. It gets funnier each time I watch. Here is the first of seven parts, which continue at the source. And if you like that, I recommend searching 'We Are Scientists NME' into Youtube. Comedy GOLD.
I've recently been attempting to become a real human being whilst simultaneously trying to control my growing obsession with the world cup. I've seen almost every match...alone...in my room.
But I couldn't go another day without posting the new video from Turbo Fruits. Not only one of the most underrated bands going, also some of the best dudes ever. However, I can say hand on heart, even if I didn't know them, they'd be my favourite band. I don't understand why they aren't huge. They recently had a cameo on Drew Barrymore's directorial debut 'Whip It' which I also highly recommend. Check out the new video which is pretty trippy and very cool, killing of members (as and when they had to go home and pack for tour, I have it on good authority). Buy the freakin' record guys.
I have to post about one of my favourite people ever. That's the point of having a blog. Talking about yourself more than would be acceptable face to face, and bragging about your friends. Self indulgence.
So let me use this opportunity to post a video of my good friend Joe Worricker. Not only one of the most hilarious and genuine people I'm lucky enough to know, but also undoubtedly one of the most talented. I can assure you Britain has not produced anything like this ever. He's playing Glastonbury this year, which I can already foresee as my highlight. More jazzy but fans of all music will appreciate how incredible he is. His E.P. is available on iTunes as of Monday! Go on Joe!
Since being recently graduated (as of 5 days ago) my beautiful roomie and I have been discussing our ambitions, goals and fears. We decided that we do not want to be pathetic girls, instead we want to be power bitches, 100% inspired by Kelly Cutrone.
We started watching her reality TV show 'Kell on Earth' and amongst the inspirational speeches and ruthless firing, we came across this moment of comedy gold.
It gets funnier each time I watch it. 'I THOUGHT IT WAS A PILL?!' Next time anyone hands me anything unexplained, I'm just going to swallow it.
A couple of months ago I got really into Best Coast. I assumed they would be the soundtrack to summer. But then last month I went to see them and I felt so sick for the entire show. I kept telling Chris that I thought my head was going to fall off, but I don't think he realised I was actually ill. The next day I got mumps and it was really shit for a week. I looked like the Eddie Murphy/Nutty Professor version of myself.
Anyway, since then I hadn't been able to listen to Best Coast as it reminded me of feeling sick. I haven't even been able to sit in the same room in the library I'd been in earlier that day. I feel sweaty and faint just thinking about it.
But I'm recovered now and I decided to give Best Coast another go, and they sound as good as they did pre-mumps. This makes me want to drive in a convertible, or at least get my driving licence.
After being championed by my friends over at Transparent & Family Ltd I was excited to check out Myles Cooper. Weeks later and this song is still constantly in my head. Slightly embarrassing for a single lady to be singing around the library, oh well. Words to live by Myles, words to live by.
I am in bed, absolutely exhausted from another library haul. What's worse is that I can hear Major Lazer coming through my window as they are playing about 30 foot from my flat, and I am not there.
Speaking of which, I'd never seen the video for 'Pon De Floor' until my old housemates encouraged me to view it. It involves what is known as 'daggering'. This is essentially a new dance, where a pair simulate aggressive sex. I spent most of my Saturday night 'daggering', in my own prudish way.
I love her, I want to be her bff, her mentor or just her groupie. I am not even this cool now, let alone when I was a lanky frizzy haired 10 year old. She gives me hope for the future generation of girls.
Friday, 2 April 2010
My bff Chris introduced me to Darwin Deez yesterday. Since then I've listened to nothing else. I woke up after 5 hours sleep because I wanted to listen to him more. My tip (courtesy of Chris) for the summer. I love him. If we had children they would be weirdly skinny, have uncontrollable curls and amazing dance moves. Without promoting any sort of eugenics, it's something which I think should be arranged.
There's something about boy best friends which makes me swoon.
I feel a bit strange about best friends that are a girl and a boy. Yeah I know it can happen but there is surely some sort of barrier. The dude will NEVER understand the mood swings, no matter how hard they try, just like the chick will NEVER know what it's like to be kicked in the balls. The tension cannot be overcome. I love my dude friends but it's different.
Any dudes out there, now is the time to tell you best friend just how rad he is and how you hope to be friends for life.
I just went to the dentist at 2:30. Ironic huh? Cause it sounds like tooth-hurty. My teeth are fine.
I'm not sure how I feel about this, a movie due out called Machotaildrop. I think I'll love it most probably. Looks like a skater version of The Imagination of Dr. Parnassus, which on paper sounds nice. I'm not a massive fan of fantastical movies, but I sure do love Steve Olson.
Cool. In other news, here is an interview with me by my favourite blogger around. Check it. All the grammar/spelling errors are my own. Damn it.
Aside from the obvious, there are two things in life which I can't help but have a real penchant for. One is awkward interviews (think Meg Ryan on Parkinson or David Blaine on GMTV). The other is scruffy, arty skater boys. Imagine my delight when both these things are combined.
Gummo is fucking weird, and I guess Harmony is fucking weird...but his giggle and the uncanny resemblance to the guy from Grizzly Bear? MARRY ME.
Any dudes out there, now is the time to tell you best friend just how rad he is and how you hope to be friends for life. 
