5 Fashions: Kooky Stocking Fillers

Just when it seemed that I might have to abandon '5 Fashions' (because, let's face it, we'll all be hiberating in trackies and wooly jumpers for the next month or so)- I had a brainwave. I'll use 5 Fashions as an otulet for my surplus amount of quirky gift suggestions! Because, really, there's nothing more a la mode than being generous at Christmas time.

1. The Indie Rock Colouring Book, Yellow Bird Project, $10 Ever wondered how colouring books could be made any more awesome? By allowing you too 'Wiggle yourself through the intricate Broken Social Scene maze, color Bon Iver's enchanted water supply, or slide down the psychedelic playground of MGMT', of course! Yes- it's a colouring book with activities inspired by indie-rock musicians. And yes, it's freakin' awesome. My particular favorite feature is 'Draw Rilo Kiley's current hairstyles!'- endless hours of fun right there.
MP3: Rilo Kiley- Portions for Foxes

2. Bacon Bandages, Perpetual Kid, $3.99 I have a little saying- 'everything's better with bacon'- and now, even your minor cuts and grazes can bask in the glory of my favorite pork-related food product! As mouthwatering as they are sterile, each tin contains 15 plasters.

3. Lego Wallet, Color By Numbers, £20.00 It seems you can get everything lego-fied these days; and wallets are no exception. Each hand-made wallet features white, yellow, black, lime, brown, oprnage, blue, green and red bricks.

4. Origami Sticky Notes, Perpetual Kid, $3.99 I'd love to know who comes up with the product ideas featured on perpetualkid.com. How do we plasters more exciting? Make them look like bacon. How do we sex up post-it notes? Have printed instructions on them, so you can transform them into beautiful origami creations once they've served their purpose. Whoever comes up with these knick-knacks is quite clearly a genius, and it's probably of great benefit to mankind that they're fighting for good and not evil.

5. Stacked Paperback Wallpaper, Anthropologie, £127.59Ok, so this would only be considered a 'stocking filler' by people who heat their house by burning hundred pound notes, but it's simply too awesome to ignore. If having endless amounts of bookcases isn't enough to prove your bookishness, then Tracey Kendall has the answer- this handy wallpaper, featuring a print of stacks of books. Inspired!

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Playlist 6: Day and Night, Pt. II- Night

So, when we decided on the theme for our first group playlist, we came up with 'Day and Night'- seems oddly appropriate with the clocks going back last month, afterall. But what we found when we actually came to choosing our songs was that we simply had to many songs to choose from. So, we've split our playlist into two- you can listen to the first half here. So, may I present to you:

Playlist 6.5: NightThe shadowy underbelly of this month's playlist

Tri's Picks:
1. ARCADE FIRE- Wake Up
2. THE POSTAL SERVICE- The District Sleeps Alone Tonight
3. PASSION PIT- Sleepyhead
4. IMOGEN HEAP- Goodnight and Go
5. TEGAN AND SARA- Night Watch

Eileen's Picks:
6. GRAMMATICS- Shadow Committee
7. TILLY AND THE WALL- Rainbows in the Dark
8. PEARL JAM- All Night
9. DOLLY MIXTURE- Whistling in the Dark
10. MUSE- Darkshines
11. THE PUPPINI SISTERS- Soho Nights
12. KAY HANLEY- Cellars by Starlight
13. YEAH YEAH YEAHS- Date With the Night

Chloe's Picks:
14. LAURA MARLING- Night Terror
15. THE DYKEENIES- Feels Like Sleep
16. BAT FOR LASHES- Moon and Moon
17. TURIN BRAKES- Dark on Fire

Charles's Picks:
18. 65DAYSOFSTATIC- Drove Through Ghosts to Get Here
19. BJORK- All is Love
20. MEANWHILE, BACK IN COMMUNIST RUSSIA...- Anatomies
21. SIGUR ROS- Hún Jörð
22. MONO- The Battle to Heaven

You can now listen to the whole playlist on the nifty little i-Pod below. Enjoy!

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Playlist 6: Day and Night, Pt. I- Day

So, when we decided on the theme for our first group playlist, we came up with 'Day and Night'- seems oddly appropriate with the clocks going back a couple of days ago, afterall. But what we found when we actually came to choosing our songs was that we simply had to many songs to choose from. So, we've split our playlist into two- you'll get the second half around halfway through the month. So, may I present to you:

Playlist 6: Day
The sunnier, more carefree half of this month's playlist

Eileen's Picks:
1. FLORENCE + THE MACHINE- Dog Days Are Over
2. NEKO CASE- Magpie to the Morning
3. THE KINKS- Sunny Afternoon
4. THE HUSH SOUND- Crawling Towards the Sun
5. DREDG- Long Days and Vague Clues
6. THE BEATLES- Daytripper
7. VELVET UNDERGROUND- Sunday Morning
8. THE APPLES IN STEREO- The Afternoon

Chloe's Picks:
9. RUMBLE STRIPS- Alarm Clock
10. HEARTSREVOLUTION- Dance Til Dawn
11. LITTLE ONES- Morning Tide
12. OASIS- Morning Glory
13. ZERO 7- Morning Song

Tri's Picks:
14. ADELE- Daydreamer
15. BLOC PARTY- Sunday
16. ANNA NALICK- Wreck of the Day
17. ATHLETE- Yesterday Threw Everything At Me
18. STRAYS DON'T SLEEP- For Blue Skies

Charles's Picks:
19. JONI MITCHELL- Morning Morgantown
20. POMEGRANATES- Everybody, Come Outside!
21. BELLE AND SEBASTIAN- Another Sunny Day
22. CAMERA OBSCURA- Honey in the Sun
23. ELBOW- One Day Like This

You can now listen to the whole playlist on the nifty little i-Pod below. Enjoy!

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3 Degrees of Separation: Bobby Pickett to Of Montreal

Happy Halloween, kids! Hope you're all dressing up like demented monsters at some point today.

Now, since I've already done a Halloween playlist (in June, because I'm strange like that), I thought I'd bring you the 4th installment of 3 Degrees!

3 Degrees (noun): A series of posts in which I link three bands by cover versions. Sounds easy, but when you throw in a Halloween theme, things get a little trickier...

1. BOBBY 'BORIS' PICKETT AND THE CRYPTKICKERSThe Monster Mash (Click for MP3)- I'm sorry, but there's no way you can mention Halloween and not slip in a Monster Mash reference. Even Elvis slated the song, calling it 'the dumbest thing I've ever heard'. But for many, this is Halloween. Well, this or 'Thriller', but aren't we all a little Jackson-ed out of late?
Also: Bobby Pickett died in 2007. Did you know this? I didn't- I'm actually quite upset now. Moving on...

2. MISFITS The Monster Mash- Not sick of the Monster Mash yet? Then you should check out this cover by Misfits. The Misfits are quite easily my favorite horror-rock band of all time (a pretty lucrative market, but there you go)- and although this isn't exactly their best work, it's still damn fun.

Where Eagles Dare- FUN FACT TIME! The Misfit's primary source of inspiration are movies- 'Where Eagles Dare', for instance, is based upon a 1968 film of the same title, starring Clint Eastwood. I'm just a fountain of knowledge, me.

3. OF MONTREALWhere Eagles Dare- Of Montreal have taken a thrashing punk song, screaming of rebellion, and turned it into a tiny slice of electronic, catchy joy. Also, if you like what you hear, this blog has 80+ Of Montreal covers, and is generally a top-notch read.

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Remix Wednesday: Heads Will Roll

It's that time of the week again, kids- time to shake of those mid-week blues with a little slice of remixed goodness, with love from me to you.
This week's song comes courtesy of A-Trak and Yeah Yeah Yeahs (a band I've previously expressed alot of love for). The song in question, 'Head Will Roll', was pretty upbeat and dance-y number before A-Trak got his mits on it, but it is impossible to resist the beat of this song- as soon as it gets going, you'll be dancing around your room like a crazy person before you know it.
Check it out:
MP3: 'Heads Will Roll' (A-Trak Remix)- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

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Bomb In A Birdcage: Song By Song

I have, for a few months now, been utterly entranced by the dreamy lyrics and milky tones of Alison Sudol aka ‘A Fine Frenzy’. So when I discovered she had a new album out, ‘A Bomb in a Birdcage’ (a title taken from the song ‘What I Wouldn’t Do’), I was downloading it quicker then said bomb could blow that birdcage to smithereens- and I was not disappointed. The age old cliché that a second album is never good as the first here is completely thrown up in the air. It has been described by critics as “closer to mainstream pop, with less of the singer-songwriter feel and more synthy sounds and bouncier beats. A Fine Frenzy's second album isn't a huge change of direction but more an evolution of sound”. But here’s it broken down, song by song:

1. What I Wouldn’t Do – Whilst not being my favorite song on the album, ‘What I Wouldn’t Do’ is a happy, refreshing way to start an album. It kicks off with a cheerful guitar sequence with the occasional tinkling of the ivories before slipping effortlessly and beautifully into the sweet vocals of Alison Sudol with splashings of pretty harmonies. A nice start.

2. New Heights – This song is closer to her old stuff that we saw in ‘One Cell in the Sea’. This song appears to be care-free, but if you slip past the smooth vocals and happy-go-lucky piano score, you can hear Sudol’s lyrical genius. Beautiful.

3. Electric Twist – Officially one of those songs that tattoos itself on your mind, and before you go comparing it to the likes of Black Lace’s Agadoo or some of the awfully repetitive corporate stuff you get nowadays, give it a listen. ‘Electric Twist’ is some of those songs that make you smile or, in my case anyway, actually get off you chair and do some electric twisting- and I thought only Bill Haley and the Comets could do that!

4. Happier – Perhaps my favorite song on the album. Sudol’s vocals are hauntingly beautiful, the lyrics filled with the stark realism of any break up when although neither person wants to part, you know it’s for the best. Definitely, definitely, definitely worth a listen.

5. Swan Song – A soulful tune with beautiful lyrics. Not my favorite; the one song on the album that I skip on shuffle, but if you’re into melancholy ballads, this is the one for you.

6. Elements – this song starts with a slow, almost military-like drum beat before slowly layering on the synthy sounds, before kicking into the actual song. I really like this song, it feels like it has many layers – an onion, if you will – that need to be broken down. Magnificent.

7. The World Without – This has a very pop-y feel about it; sweet, happy listening for when you're feeling down.

8. Bird of Summer – Here Sudol retracts into the singer-songwriter aura that we saw in her first album, with a truly beautiful piano score. However, that's not what I love about this song; it’s the happy chirps of wind instruments in the introduction, a fun way of reacting to the calls of birds without following down the route of other artists and layering on some sound clips. Plus, it’s always good, because it means I don’t glance out of my window wondering where all the birds are (Your Only Doll – Laura Marling: I just never learn!)

9. Stood Up – Definitely one of my favorites, ‘Stood Up’ has a more powerful, independent feel then the rest of the album. Rather then the sweet dulcet tones we hear on the rest of the album, here Sudol’s voice is synthy and interesting.

10. The Beacon – Actual pure lyrical genius! With the repetitive, monotonous words of mainstream chart-toppers today it’s refreshing to actually hear a metaphor. ‘The Beacon’ is absolutely bittersweet and beautiful, a song for the soul.

Somehow I have a feeling that me and ‘A Fine Frenzy’ will be carrying on this love affair for many years to come...

Source for review: http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858794824/

Chloe x

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Autumn At the Sinema

It's Autumn- the season for trampling through fallen leaves, starting to wrap up warm, and potentially considering starting the dreaded Christmas shopping. But in my world, it means a few different things:

1. I Will Unaccountably Start Listening to Every AvenueI can't help it- as soon as the leaves start falling, my favorite wemo-pop band start calling. I actually went as far as deleting them off my iPod last spring, but I caved and put 'em straight back on about a week ago. There's something so autumnal about it. Have a listen, and see for yourselves:


2. Fingerless GlovesEvery fashionable person seems to hate them, but I just can't get enough. Particularly those fingerless gloves that have detachable mittens- I have three pairs. Plus, they keep my hands snuggly too.

3. Chai TeaOoh, I love a good cuppa, and Chai is no exception. However, please don't buy your Chai from Starbucks- want you're after is a subtle blend of spices, and what you get from Starbucks is a mouthful of cinnamon. My favorite is Drink Me Chai, which you can get here.

4. Long, Hot BathsNothing warms up after a long day in the freezing cold better than a nice, long bath. I'm also very partial to Body Shop bath stuff- it always leaves my skin feeling soft, and smelling lovely. I also love Lush Bath Bombs (above), but some of them do smell a little peculiar.

5. Graphic NovelsNot graphic in the way you're thinking, sicko. But seriously- graphic novels are my ultimate autumnal weakness. Next three on my reading list: Blankets by Craig Thompson, Palomar: The Heartbreak Soup Stories by Gilbert Hernandez and Wonton Soup by James Stokoe.

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September: A Memoir

I understand my updates have been a wee bit infrequent this month, but here's what's been going on in the wonderful world of Eileen (that's me) this September:

Film of the Month- 500 Days of SummerWhen it comes to the rom-com film industry, the rules of the game are changing. Everything's getting a little more 'indie'- the tick list back in the days was a cute guy, a cute girl, a 'cute meet' and a predictable ending. These days, it's all about geek-chic guys n' gals striking up funny and witty conversations and going on a string of unconventional dates, to a backdrop of whatever music is 'in' (think Feist and Vampire Weekend).

But what seems to have stayed the same is the predictable ending- unless, of course, you're watching 500 Days of Summer.
You've got all of the usual features of a geek-chic rom-com, but with a few commitment-phobes, wise-cracking younger sisters and gratuitous karaoke scenes thrown in- as well as a bittersweet ending you probably won't see coming.
500 Days of Summer won't break any boundaries- it's still cutesie and indie to the core. It's just taking a familiar genre, giving a few extra perks, and trying to gently nudge it in a different direction.

Album of the Month- 'The Resistance' by MuseWith a band like Muse, I really don't want to say anything overly critical, for fear of having abuse hurled at me by their fans.
Lucky I don't have a critical word to say, really.
'The Resistance' is everything we've come to expect from Muse- dramatic, ambitious, experimental- and oh so much more. They appear to got a giant music blender, shoved in a massive dollop of futuristic electronica, a largely unnecessary amount of anthemic riffs, a sprinkling of Orwell references, a spoonful of recycled riffs (mostly from 'Origin of Symmetry', my favorite Muse album), a fair quantity of Queen, and a little bit of Bellamy magic, to taste.
What we have here is bags of ambition, a more modern sound, but a record that in places tries to hard to achieve those big hitters Muse has so often composed before. Not their best work ever, but definitely signs of musical progression there.

Fashion Designer of the Month- Roksanda Ilincic

Tall, sweeping frocks in soft colours, but with a distinctly structured look- what more could you want? From fashion school to fashion star in a few short years, Roksanda combines a punk-rock feel with the classic lines for a collection that's unique and mindblowing.
I would also like to point out how awesome the scruffy-ponytails Dior were rockin' for Spring/Summer 2010 were:
Posts of the Month:
10 Film Love Interests Who Aren't Utterly Loathsome: Tired of vapid, two-dimensional love interests in films? Want to see some legitimate characters, as well as some romance? Well, look no further- I have a list of 10 Romantic Supporting Actors who might tickle your fancy.

10 Songs of the Week- The Cure, The Beatles, Neko Case, Alexisonfire- my ten songs on heavy rotation during September. Bit of a mixed bag, so hopefully something for everyone.

Missed Connections- Gosh, I'm in an amorous mood this month! The Autumn does strange things to me. Art to celebrate the amorous glances and missed chances we all experience.

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10 Film Love Interests Who Aren't Utterly Loathsome

So, I was watching 'I Love You, Man', and I was shocked. Not so much by the film itself (it's as awesome as people say it is, by the way), but because of the fact that Paul Rudd's betrothed, Rashida Jones, was actually watchable. A love interest that isn't vapid and painful to watch, you shriek in horror? I know!
Everytime I watch a film these days, particularly a comedy, the girl is just a pretty face with absolutely nothing behind the smile. All I'm asking for is a little personality, for chrissakes!
So, I got to thinking, there has to be other love interests in films who aren't completely vile, right? Well, it just so happens I've found a list of ten of them- and it wasn't easy kids. So, in no particular order:

1. Rashida Jones as Zooey Rice, 'I Love You, Man'
The character of Zooey pretty rad- she owns her own shop, has crazy friends, and is totally cool with her fiancee spending times chillin' with the guys. At the same time, she seems to have some genuine personality, which a lot of love interests lack.

2. Missi Pyle as Fran, 'Dodgeball'
This minx who can kill a man with a dodgeball captures the heart of Owen, from rival dodgeball team, Average Joe's. Thus begins a tragic love story, in the style 'Romeo and Juliet', with our conflicted, star-crossed lovers trying to contend with their emotions. A true love story for our time, kids.

3. Amy Smart as Tracy Faucet, 'Rat Race'
You can never say Tracy Faucet doesn't have personality- mainly because she might kill you if you did. She does nearly kill her ex-boyfriend by chasing him with a helicopter afterall.

4. Rupert Everett as Camilla Fritton, 'St Trinian's'
Headmistress of an anarchic school for girls, Camilla Fritton is an English Rose who knows what she wants- and what she wants is Geoffrey Thwaites, as played by Colin Firth. Miaow.

5. Rachel Blanchard and Christina Moore as Flower and Butterfly, 'Without a Paddle'
Because, really, who wouldn't want these crazy, hairy, hippy chicks who live in a tree and pelt bad guys with faeces?

6. Julia Stiles as Becky, 'A Guy Thing'
A carefree spirit who can't hold down a job or a man, with a crazy ex-boyfriend who assaults any guy who comes near her, and who accidentally ends up in bed with her cousin's fiancee (but not in the way you're thinking of)- you don't get much more awesome than Becky. Julia Stiles as Katarina in '10 Things I Hate About You' was also a consideration, but, of course, she's not the love interest- Heath Ledger is.

7. Jennifer Morrison as Jamie, 'Grind'
Nearly every other girl in this film is a skater groupie played by a Playboy Bunny, so Jennifer Morrison is a breath of fresh air. She's not in this film as a random lay, oh no- her character can actually skate! I also quite like the girl who steals their van- good looks and criminal genius is a pretty good combination.

8. Tia Carrere as Cassandra, 'Wayne's World'
She doesn't just fall for the first guy who walks her way- indeed, Wayne actually had to learn Cantonese to woo her. Plus, she can really wail.

9. Aubrey Plaza as Daisy, 'Funny People'
She's a chick comedian, legitimately funny and she has an awesome fringe (or 'bangs', if you're American). Need I say anymore?

10. Julianne Moore as Maude, 'The Big Lebowski'
My favorite straight-talking alternative artist. I don't know whether or not 'love interest' is quite the right word for Maude, but she sleeps with the main character, so what the Hell.
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August: A Memoir

Sorry I've been so inactive for the past few weeks- it seems like its been one thing after another. As soon as I get back home and am ready to do some blogging, the bloody computer gets a virus! And a mean one, as well-so, my computer's pretty much out-of-bounds, so I've been forced to use my brothers laptop. However, all of the stuff I wanted to share with you guys is still on my computer, so I'm a little restricted as to what I can do.

Enough about me, anyway- lets talk about August. It's flown by, hasn't it? It seems like only yesterday everyone was celebrating 6 weeks of holiday, and now we're all headed back to school/college/wherever. So, lets look back at the good times with August: a memoir.

Movie of the Month: Funny PeopleYou know I haven't frequented a cinema all that often this month when 'Funny People' is my movie pick. It's the only film I've gone and seen this month- and only because it was on a date. With films such as 'The Time Traveller's Wife' and 'My Sister's Keeper' topping the bill, I've been feeling a little uninspired.
Still, this movie has divided critics straight through the middle- some see it as a sprawling and ambitious look into how peoples' live are altered by terminal disease, others see it as 146 minutes of nothing. I must say, I'm with the former- I was initially sceptical about an Adam Sandler movie. He has his moments (Little Nicky), but alot of his films are throwaway and unmemorable. Yet, in this comedy-drama, in which he plays a comedian facing death, he genuinely put in a solid performance. Although I agree with the critics that say not alot happens in this film, I think it is important to show that just because your life may be drawing to a close, you may not necessarily get that blockbuster ending that people in Hollywood films often receive. I also liked the different parts of the film- the comedian roommates dynamic, the family that Sandler's character basically sets out to destroy, the unlikely friendship that arises between Sandler and his assistant, Seth Rogen. If obvious laughs, ridiculously perfect endings and non-stop action, this film isn't for you. But if you're content with a slower pace, I seriously suggest you check this film out.

Album of the Month: 'Humbug' by Arctic MonkeysNow, anyone who comes to this blog for the first time and gets a face full of Arctic Monkeys is going to assume one thing- I'm an indie nerk. Well, I'm not- and I'm not a massive Arctic Monkeys fan either. But just hear me out- this is not your average indie album. It's a got a dark, gothic, psych-rock edge and is practically oozing with kinky S&M sexual undertones. Yeh, seriously. You should check this baby out. Still not convinced? Read my song-by-song commentary here.

Playlist of the Month: MapsSince this month's playlist is saved on my broken computer (Gah!), you might as well savour this one, since I don't know how long it'll be until I can get the next one on t'internet. This playlist is all about holiday locations- from Paris to Beijing, London to California. Listen to it in the right sidebar now, or click here for the full track list.

My Favorite Posts of This MonthHere is the line-up of my favorite goings on during August here at the Sinema:
Top 10 Sexiest Celebrities With Glasses- Because everyone loves a good bespectacled beauty. If people with glasses don't tickle your pickle, there's also a bunch of music as well.
Bytes From Cyberspace: The Superhero Edition- Finally, I share a little snippet of my comic-book dorkiness with you. Featuring all the latest trends in superhero-related literature, music and fashion.
5 Songs From Soundtracks- Like movies? Like music? Well, I've combined the two together in some sort of crazy hybrid. Check it out.

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What We Will Miss Out on At... FunFunFunFest

I thought, festival-season wise, that once V Festival was done I'd be through the worst. I was wrong. They've just announced the line-up for FFFFest, and it's fairly immense.
Taking place in Austin Texas on the 7-8 November, FFFFest is welcoming some formidable acts for it's fourth year, including:

Atlas Sound
Cool Kids
Crystal Castles
Destroyer
Health
Of Montreal
This Will Destroy You

Pretty sweet, no? Also, for the first fortnight of sale, you buy a weekend pass for the meagre sum of $67.50- it's a steal! If flying to America didn't cost a bomb, I would so be there.

However, there is some good new on the horizon: I'm going to a festival!!!
Ok, so it's not like a proper festival, but Norbury Fest looks like it's going to be awesome. If you haven't heard of it, it's because it's based in the English countryside and is happening in my friends garden. It's legit, though. If you have any idea where Norbury is (it's in Shropshire- what do you mean you don't know where Shropshire is?), you should come check it on the 6th September. It's going to be a hoot!

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Song of the Day: Two by Antlers

It's been quite a while since I've an a 'Song of the Day' (mainly because I've been posting more than one song a day), so I thought I'd quickly share with you this little audio gem. The captivating sound of The Antlers has been slowing creeping on the music scene for a while, and have recently been gaining wide recognition for songs such as Two (below). Their album 'Hospice' released in March of this year tells the tale of a man watching a loved one die of cancer. Cheery stuff.
If you like what you hear, they're on tour with Passion Pit as we speak. Check it out:

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Top 10 Sexiest Musicians With Facial Hair

I've wanted to do this post for quite some time- although redheads and glasses might be attractive, there has always been a special place in my heart for beardy gentlemen. I remember one of my first crushes being Jonathan Frakes (who plays Commander William T. Riker in Star Trek). You may think I'm a complete wierdo (I am, admittedly), but there are some fine-lookin' guys out there sporting some sort of facial hair- whether it be a full-on beard, moustache, extreme sideburns or even just stubble. To prove this to you, here is my list of beardy guys who you might fine quite nice-looking.

Note: I'm sorry to report this post features no chicks (how messed up would that be?), but there are some awesome songs to check out if hairy men don't do it for you.

Note 2: Certain parts of the text below are in no way sarcastic at all. Because I'm English, y'know, and we're not at all sarcastic. We don't even know what that word means.

Sergio Pizzorno (Kasabian)
Serg is a bit of a favorite between beard-lovers and beard-phobes alike. His look, which could only be described as 'What would happen if Jack Sparrow and Robin Hood had a lovechild in an indie band', has set hearts racing all around. His music's not too bad, either.
MP3: Kasabian- Ladies and Gentlemen (Roll the Dice)


Christopher Tomson (Vampire Weekend)
Vampire Weekend were the band on everyone's mind last year- their self-titled debut album rocketed up the charts and was a firm favorite with indie music lovers. However, what was on my mind was not just their charming, melodic music, but also Chris (the one brandishing a keyboard like a maniac in the picture above). Yummy.

Justin Vernon (Bon Iver, Volcano Choir)
Ooft, I cannot get enough of this man's voice- whether or not he's going acoustic and soulful (Bon Iver) or experimental (Volcano Choir), his versatile vocals never fail to satisfy. He's also rockin' that whole fair-haired thing, which I'm not a massive fan of, but for Justin, I'll make an exception.

Jesse F Keeler and Al-P (MSTRKRFT)
I know it's a wee bit of a cheat sandwiching two guys into one Top 10 entry, but this way you get more beardy goodness, which is always a good thing. Rather than bore you with another account of how much I love Death From Above 1979 (Jesse's other band), I thought I'd bring you a little slice of MSTRKRFT. Check out that facial hair- hot, no?
MP3: MSTRKRFT- Work On You



Cody Bonnette and Aaron Lunsford (As Cities Burn)
As Cities Burn are definitely one of my favorite Christian rock// post-hardcore bands, and their most recent album, 'Hell or High Water', is one of my favorites of this year. The picture of them in the wilderness is quite dashing, you must admit.

Andy Hull (Manchester Orchestra)
Another band who've produced one of my top albums of this year ('Mean Everything To Nothing), Manchester Orchestra have continually impressed with every musical offering they serve up. Andy Hull, their vocalist, is not only a musical genius, but also a creature of beardy magnificence. I hope you enjoy the saucy beach shot above.
MP3: Andy Hull, Kevin Devine and Jesse Lacey- Say It Ain't So Live (Weezer Cover)


Patrick Watson
Another dude who's made a seriously bitchin' album this year- I suppose for some, 'Wooden Arms' is an acquired taste, but to me, it's a delicious smorgasbord of sound. Speaking of delicious, check out his sex face above.

James Mercer (The Shins)
Everyone loves The Shins, so, by default, everyone loves James Mercer (Superman in the picture above). He's got that sort of 'older man' appeal to him.
MP3: Young Pilgrims


Alexisonfire (The Entire Band)
Alexisonfire are my ideal band, for the following reasons:
1. They make good music- always helps, I suppose.
2. They're Canadian. I love Canadians!
3. They're hairy. I love hairy men!
Need I say any more?

mewithoutYou (The Entire Band)
If you love your men beardy, rural, and looking like they've lived in the wilderness for at least a decade, you'll bloody love mewithoutYou. If you don't, you may still love their country, folksy music- I sure do.
MP3: The Fox, The Crow and the Cookie

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