N.B- Any MP3's hosted or linked to on this site are for promotional purposes only. If you like what you hear, please, respect the artist and buy the record. Thanks.
The song of the day today is the latest offering from Fucked Up's chinese zodiac. Basically, they aim to release a single for each year in the Chinese zodiac, and the results push even this most destructive of musical acts to their limits, allowing them to experiment far off the musical beaten track. And for me, this is their finest hour so far.
The thirteen-minute epic isn't out until September 28th, but you can stream it in full here. Alternatively, you can watch a live version they did for CBC Radio 3 below, complete with guest appearance from the crazy lady from Duchess Says.
TV SHOW OF THE MONTH: Lost Six years ago, JJ Abrams pitched an idea for a TV show to ABC. He said the show, whilst having an overall story arc, would be comprised of easy to follow story lines and allow viewers to dip in and out each episode with ease, not needing to know what came before it to understand what was happening. If you watched Lost, whether it was just one episode you found yourself not knowing what the hell was going on, or whether you were a devoted fan for the past six seasons, you would know that JJ Abrams lied. And I, like the millions of like-minded Lost fans around the world, am thankful for it. First Abrams, then Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof took us on an adventure of epic proportions, in the truest sense of the word. They made us laugh, cry, theorise for hours over what was in the hatch, who the Others were and whether Tom Friendly was gay. So, when it came to the finale, many of us were on edge over whether it would be a fitting finale. It was. They gave it full closure, but still left plenty open for interpretation, and whilst everyone had been fretting over the mythology and possible clashes of alternate realities, they made us realise one of the true reasons why Lost was as successful as it was: the characters. And it gave them just the send off they deserved.
-Charles
CELEBRITY SCANDAL OF THE MONTH: Hayley Williams Gets Naked! So, this feature died a few months ago, but I have decided to resurrect it, because it’s awful and fun. Tweens everywhere were having a Riot! as a topless snap of Paramore’s lead singer, Hayley Williams, emerged on Twitter. You could say we saw the previously wholesome and Christian Hayley with Brand New Eyes- ok, I’ll stop now. However, a few questions have been raised:
1. Hayley claims her Twitter account was ‘hacked’- that may be, but how did the alleged hacker get hold of the picture in the first place? Could it be a little bit of Paramore-produced salacious gossip to keep the wemo-train rolling after we all got fed up of ‘The Only Exception’? 2. Surely Hayley should know that lying on your back is the most unflattering tit pic pose ever, as said mammary glands have a tendency to roam to the sides? 3. Does this mean redheads are cool again, and I no longer have to live in fear of MIA exterminating me?
-Eileen
FILM OF THE MONTH: Prince of PersiaThis month saw the Disney video turned movie hit the scenes and man, was it awesome. In the movie, Dastan, played by the uber sexy Jake Gyl-something, is taken from the streets and turned into a prince. His country, Persia, are known for their miltary prowess and guerilla tactics attack the holy city of Alamut, overseen by Princess Tamina's, played by my favourite actress Gemma Aterton. Course, things are never simple and after the intinal celebration of Alamut's fall, things start to go terrible wrong. Cue a magical dagger, orstich races, poisoned cloaks and lots of sand. All the ingredients to a fantastic movie, I must say. The Prince of Persia, is a movie of hair breath fight scenes, amazing CGI, fantasticly interesting plot twists and a love affair that will made you swoon, not vomit. Oh and lots of sand.
-Chloe
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: High Violet
‘High Violet’; The National’s fifth album, was released on May 10th. Pitchfork reviewed it as "the sound of a band taking a mandate to be a meaningful rock band seriously," giving it a score of 8.7 out of 10, only 0.1 marks higher than their most well known album ‘Boxer.' To be honest, my expectations for this album were unreasonably high, due to a love for ‘Boxer,' leaving me slightly disappointed. However, in its own right ‘High Violet’ is an outstanding album from an outstanding artist, and almost certainly deserves a place in this year’s album charts.
-Tri
FASHION DESIGNER OF THE MONTH: WhitIf I (God forbid) end up having to put in my nine to five in some office somewhere, Whit would be my first choice for smart yet awesome attire. Whit is the debut line from Whitney Pozgay (Kate Spade’s niece), and is said to be influenced by Henry Darger, Nouvelle Vague and Birkin. Combining playful with timeless, polka dots with silk screen and classic cuts with kooky headwear, every piece in this collection is a show stopper. Grab it from July here.
-Eileen
DANCE OF THE MONTH: Diversity
This month’s best dance routine comes from the first semi final of this year’s ‘Britains Got Talent’. Last years winners; Diversity, graced our screens with yet another outstanding performance that shows their...well, their diversity. The things most notable about this routine, other their trademark imaginative choreography, are the way they combine shapes, are always in unison when dancing together, and the little kid with curly hair – so talented and so cute!
-Tri
POSTS OF THE MONTHZooey Deschanel- Charles shares his fool-proof plan to finally get close to the girl of his dreams. To follow this plan, you will need to buy fake sideburns and partake in a bit of good old-fashioned breaking and entering. Trust us, it’s as creepy as it sounds.
Random Thing I Want: One Sketch a Day Journal- So far, in her ‘RTIW’ series, Chloe has brought us edible facial hair, poultry, and launched a campaign to prevent cruelty to lobsters. This edition shares a common ATS love- notebooks.
5 Vintage E-Bay Sites- E-Bay isn’t just a domain for used lawn furniture and tat you couldn’t flog at a flea market. A select few sell exquisite vintage clothes, and Eileen has trawled through the used bathrobes and authentic Shatner toupees to bring you the best of the best.
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: SIX GALLERY- BREAKTHROUGHS IN MODERN ARTOk, so technically speaking, this album was released in March, not April, but it would actually be a crime not to share this with you. The few who were familiar with Six Gallery before ‘BIMA’ were acquainted with a supremely talented instrumental math-rock band, known for their ridiculously complex rhythmical structures and downright amazing guitar skills. What’s been added to the mix this time around, surprisingly, is a young vocalist by the name of Daniel Francis. It’s a decision that could’ve completely compromised the core sound of Six Gallery- fortunately, it’s allowed them to scale all new heights of genius. Francis’ voice acts as a soothing lullaby when accompanying the fleetingly soft percussion, and as a commanding roar as the guitars rage on in a cavalcade of perfect, delicious noise. It’s difficult to remember as you’re smacked in the face with their sheer musical prowess that this is a debut album- and it’s easily the best debut I’ve ever heard.
FILM OF THE MONTH: KICK-ASS It was one of my ‘Could-Go-Either-Way’ film picks, and it definitely went in the right direction. What I wasn’t expecting, though, was how dramatic this film was. When watching the trailer, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were about to watch a comedy film- well, you’re not. As well as feeding the more violent appetite in turns both bloody and brutal, it would take an audience with a heart of stone not to be touched (or slightly disturbed) by the father-daughter relationship between Big Daddy (Nicholas Cage) and Hit Girl (the talented Chloe Moretz). If you’re looking for something light-hearted, this potentially isn’t the film for you- but if you’re looking for violence, kick-ass stunts, laughs, sex, bazookas, and maybe a tear or two, you’re onto a winner.
TV SHOW OF THE MONTH: GLEE (MADONNA SPECIAL) I'm doing it a little different this month when it comes to TV- why? Because I can. Instead of a show as a whole, I'm zooming in on just one episode and I'm doing 'Glee' again. Why, you might ask once more? Because it was fucking AWESOME. Last week’s episode saw the cast turning to the pop goddess that is Madonna and I don't think anyone in the whole world cannot appreciate that pointy boobed, trend setting, leotard wearing, gyrating wizard of music. With amazing renditions of Marge's best loved hits including 'Like a Prayer', 'Express Yourself' and 'Like a Virgin', it was an almighty hour's TV to behold. I got very excited. However, the cherry on top of this momentous episode had to be Sue Sylvester's copy of the almighty 'Vogue' video. Watch it below- enjoy!
FASHION DESIGNER OF THE MONTH: LEWIS It’s pretty difficult not to fall in love with Lewis’ Spring/Summer collection just for the pictures- bright, gorgeous images that capture all the fun of the fair. But the collection itself is just as playful- by turns both delicate and bold, capturing the pastel shades of ice cream with clashing block colours straight from the big top. Not only that, but the collection taps into the floral trend, and the sudden vintage fetish that’s swept the high street. It does come at a price- each piece costs upwards of $200- but still, we can dream, can’t we?
POSTS OF THE MONTH Spotify Discoveries- Chloe shares some hidden musical treasures discovered through Spotify.
5 Male Artists I Have A Man Crush On- In this post, Charles finally puts rumours of his sexuality to bed. Expect naked pictures of Kevin Barnes, and footage of Ryan Dicks ‘Ridin’ tha Chillwave’. Whatever that means.
The Sex Playlist- Our most viewed post this month (wonder why) featured Eileen discussing the dirty and depraved depths of her musical tastes. Giggidy giggidy.
Welcome to another slice of 'Eileen's 'Could-Go-Either-Way' Upcoming Film Picks! Let me break it down for you: 'Could Go Either Way':(adjective):1. A term used to described an object, situation or idea with an indefinite outcome; that is to say, the reception and consequences of such an object, situation or idea, could be really awesome or remarkably shitty. In this instalment, it's the battle of the Twilight thespians- Kristen Stewart vs. Robert Pattinson. Not that it matters, because Twilight's for pussies, and it's likely that neither of them will outshine their co-star Anna Kendrick's performance in 'Up in the Air'. Anyways:
1. THE RUNAWAYS
What is it, and Why Should I Care?: 'The Runaways' is a biopic of the rock band by the same name, charting their rise and fall, and in particular the relationship between band members Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning)- which apparently, has been quite lesbo'd up for the film. Hell Yes: 1. Leather, lingerie, lesbianism. Need I say anymore? 2. The Runaways are a pretty decent band, a did a lot for women in music, and the soundtrack in general looks awesome. 3. I'm quite into my rise-and-fall films. You know the sort- band gets successful, fames goes to their heads, they nosedive into a pile of their own shame in some drug-and-debauchery related scandal. Think 'Lords of Dogtown'- create radical new ways of skating, get really famous, burn out, shave head and watch best friend die of cancer. Yeah, those films are great.
Hell No: 1. I've heard Dakota Fanning's version of 'Cherry Bomb'- let's just say she ain't no Cherie Currie. 2. It's a film about a 70's rock band, so we can expect sex-a-plenty. Whilst this in itself doesn't seem like a downside, I'd like to remind you all that Dakota Fanning is fifteen. Yes, fifteen. Thus, if the rumours about a scene in which she plays with her, umm, Fanning whilst clutching a picture of Farrah Fawcett are true, there is some truly illegal shit going down in this film. 3. A lot of rockstar biopics can be quite self-indulgent/ inaccurate/ godawful.
2. REMEMBER ME
What Is It, And Why Should I Care?: 'Remember Me' is a romantic drama in which a young ingenue helps a troubled, rebellious, generically handsome stranger heal the scars of his troubled/rebelled/generically handsome past. And, as for why you should care: well, you probably shouldn't. Hell Yes: 1. I like the stock 'ingenue' character, Emilie de Ravin. She's in Lost. 2. It was mildly satisfying to see 'R-Patz' get all roughed up in the trailer. 3. Ok, I've got nothing.
Hell No: 1. 'I'm Robert Pattinson- I'm deep and profound. Girls find me attractive, but I don't play up to that- I only took my top off and bared my weirdly purple nipples to the world in New Moon because that's what my character would've done. I spent two weeks in a forest to find my inner Cullen'- what a douche, really. 2. This entire film has been done a million times before. 3. Who even thought 'romantic dramas' were a viable concept for a film? All people do in these movies is cuddle and weep. And then cuddle. But then they just weep some more. The only romantic drama I can think of that didn't make me want to tear my eyes out was 'Hallam Foe', and that was because the 'troubled' lead was homeless, Scottish, and banged his stepmom.
I'm a dirty, dirty hypocrite. So sue me. I've jumped back on the Gaga bandwagon and daymmm, does it feel good!
The timeline of my love for Lady Gaga starts off with a peak. 'Just Dance' had me doing just that. 'Pokerface' was loved, 'Love Game' was awesome and 'Paparazzi' made me crave icecream (see figure 1, yes, I'm going all Geography GSCE on yo' ass) and then BAM! I met 'Bad Romance' and i was turned off. Perhaps it was the scary monster dancing or the nightmare inducing video but i was like a small child watching 'The Addams Family' for the first time again... absolutely fucking terrified. But Gaga has made me love her once more, after collaborating with Beyonce in her new song 'Telephone' and producing the MOST AWESOME VIDEO OF ALL TIME. True, she shows her vagina, true she prances around in underwear for about 3/4 of the video (all nine and a half minutes of it) and true, i do feel like I'm watching soft lesbian porn, but goddammit, i don't care. This video is completely degrading to women and the moral is basically "wear your only underwear, poison people and flash your vag-ga ga (see what I did there?) and the world will love you for it". But the outfits, cinematography, epic duologue and a brilliant pop song make up for it. OH AND SHE WEARS PEPSI CANS IN HER HAIR AND A PAIR OF GLASSES MADE OUT OF CIGARETTES AND SHE EVEN MAKES A SANDWICH. I have been converted to the house of Gaga.
As it was Valentine’s Day recently, this special edition of Tri’s Guide to Toe Tapping focuses on a specific routine performed by Hayley Newton and Drew McOnie, which depicts an argument between two lovers. Our posts this month have been about how a song or lyrics can encapsulate a relationship; why shouldn’t dance also have this ability?
Contemporary began to emerge in the early 20th century as a reaction to the rigid and specific techniques associated with Ballet (perhaps painful is a more fitting description!). Rather than following certain moves or rules like most other dance styles, contemporary focuses on natural shapes and movements, and can be performed to any type of music. For example this routine is to 'Speechless' by Lady Gaga.
I have chosen this specific clip as it really demonstrates how this style does not follow traditional rules, leaving dancers free to move in a way which suits the music or the storyline. I’m sure you will notice that the whole routine is performed around a bed, and how at the beginning Drew throws Hayley across the stage, only to be thrown in return at the end! If their aim was to illustrate the constant ups and downs of a relationship, the fighting and the making up, then I think they have succeeded with this routine. And yes, ok, it’s taken from ‘So You Think You Can Dance?’ which I’ll admit is only slightly cooler than ‘Strictly’, but apart from the annoying judges it was actually a pretty good show. (Unfortunately neither Hayley or Drew got to the finals.) But here is their routine:
Add to this mix The Secret Handshake- a man who claims to be 'really influenced by Family Matters and Step By Step and the Ninja Turtles and Len and Spacehog and awesome ‘90s radio music'. What you end up with is something a little cheesy, a little rad, and more than a little likely to put a smile on your face. Enjoy!
'Just me, myself and my biggest laughter Candle light dinner on Valentine`s Day.'
Ok, so as a single seventeen year old I might be slightly biased against this commercial holiday celebrating a baby with a pink bow and arrow (seriously health and safety, where are you when actually needed!), but I think this song is a celebration of the fact that actually, you don’t need a boyfriend, or girlfriend, to be happy – in fact Hello Saferide argues quite the opposite...
'Roses are red and violets are blue, sugar is sweet and I`m leaving you.'
As an apology for disappearing off the face of the planet for most of January, I thought I'd share with you the snippets of internet goodness that have had me dribbling over my keyboard lately. Trust me, they're good.
1. Karen O, As a Person, As an Idea, As an Entity(Via flickr.com) I’ve expressed alot of love for Miss O on the blog already, but I couldn’t help but share this stunning photograph of her with you all. The photographer (whose work can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/laughingmanimages/) seems to have clicked the shutter at the perfect moment- this expression pretty much sums up the crazy, playful, loveable eccentricity that she is known for. And I really want my own headdress made out of hands.
2. Tegan and Sara’s ‘Hell’ Music Video (via www.teganandsara.com) You can always rely on Tegan and Sara to provide the world with a crazy, random-ass music video that makes absolutely no sense. Well, I suppose there might be some hidden meaning to it all that only really smart, intuitive people get, but I most certainly don’t. Also, the crazy knitted person is liable to give me nightmares for some time to come.
3. This Girl’s Hairpiece(via lookbook.nu) I used to think lookbook.nu was a webaite for fashionable people to gloat about how fashionable they are. But now, I find it kind of beautiful and inspiring. Take this girl, for example; that awesome hairpiece? Yeh, she made it herself. Lovely.
4. Viet-My Bui(via www.ravenskar.deviantart.com) I absolutely love this girl’s artwork. Her use of colour- whether it be all-out Technicolor wonderfulness or a more moody and sultry palette- is incredible. Her style settles somewhere in between the idealised, simplified lines of cartoon work, and more serious, lifelike pieces. And she’s only 21. And she’s not even a professional artist- she’s a law student! What a travesty. You can also find out more about her (she’s also very fashionable, and generally rather cool), on her blog, here.
5. Quentin Veron’s A/W 2010 Collection(Via shinysquirrel.typepad.com) Oh, the opulence! The drama! The flashes of thigh and lashings of colour! With less of a price tag, and less fur (neither of which is likely to happen), this could be one of the best A/W collections I’ve seen.
To most people, the word ‘dance’ may conjure images of gay guys in tights bending in unnatural ways, or old couples reminiscing in their living rooms with scratched records, or even the scantily clad women in music videos getting friendly with a pole. Well kids, I’ve got news for you, dancing does not have to be gay, or wrinkly, or naked. It can be fun, and expressive, and a form of exercise that doesn’t involve excessive pain! Yes, they do exist, and my mission is to persuade you of this.
As it is nearly Valentine’s Day, I thought I should begin my monthly summaries with Rumba, the slowest and sexiest of the Latin American dances.
Originating in Cuba, Rumba has developed over the years into an intimate partner dance, which usually depicts a story of love and/or loss. Without being overly technical, it requires strength in the legs and movement in the hips – basically meaning dancers have to move fluidly along their whole body, in order to make the routine sensual and the storyline believable. As the music used for Rumba is often fairly slow, the dance also involves pauses in which the couple form shapes and sometimes lifts. Oh, and eye contact is also pretty important.
Just in case that made no sense to you, I’ve chosen video of Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe’s Rumba, mainly due to the choreography – look out for how their actions are mirrored then reversed, and how she leaves him at the end. And I know what you’re thinking; Strictly Come Dancing is so uncool that you can’t bear to watch this video, but seriously, who wouldn’t want to dance with him! Or her for that matter. So, here is a Rumba:
Just a short post to share something pretty damn awesome with you.
I know I promised I was done reminiscing over 2009, but well, I stumbled across this little gem, and simply couldn't resist. It is, in its essence,a 7-minute movie montage of 342 films released in 2009. It is, more widely, the product of hours of hard work, and a pretty good overview of the 2009 cinescape.
I also challenge you to name as many movies in this montage as you can- I can name 61, and I'm pretty happy with that.
Welcome, one and all, to At the Sinema's Best of 2009! In this post, we basically put the year under review, and aim to share with you our picks of 2009's music, movies, TV and general pop culture goodness.
Oh, by the way, if you're here for the music, be sure to check out Charles's, Chloe's, Eileen's and Tri's Top 10 Favorite Albums of 2009 lists- it still strikes me how different we are musically. quite like it.
Anyway, without further ado, let's get down to it, shall we?
FILM OF THE YEAR: Up
Children's films are getting more and more adventurous to the point that first showings of Spike Jonze's 'Where The Wild Things Are' managed to bore children to tears. With Pixar's 10th full length feature film, they have managed to perfect the balance, and in doing so create not only the best Pixar film yet, but a film that can truly be enjoyed on multiple levels - its surprisingly deep nature and tear-evoking moments perhaps add something for the older viewer, but not without losing track of its intention. Put simply - 'Up' was the most entertaining film of 2009.
-Chloe and Charles
BEST BLOG: No Good For Me
Within the vast blogosphere, with so many blogs to read and so little time to do it on my hands, I only really follow a handful of blogs even semi-regularly. However, when it comes to nogoodforme.com, I'm fairly sure I haven't missed a post this year. The team behind NGFM nourish your mind with all the good bits about modern pop culture, along with
personal essays and random pictures of the Beatles. You get what you get with every other blog- all the latest from the worlds of cinema, music, fashion and celebrity- but written better, more humourous, and interspersed with random crushes, phobias and cookie preferences. It has a certain personal touch that keeps me coming back time and time again, and I am totally hooked.
-Eileen
BEST TV MOMENT: Kanye West Steals Taylor Swifts LimelightThe moment that had us all jumping to the sunshiny, country singer's defence as Kayne jumped up on stage at the VMA and-- "Chloe, I’m really happy for you, and I’m gonna let you finish, but Eileen had one of the best blog posts of all time.”FOR FUCK'S SAKE KANYE!
-Chloe
BEST PERSON TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER: Taylor Swift
Have you ever sat back and thought to yourself, 'I wonder what foxy teen country music sensation Taylor Swift is thinking right now...' Well, I know! As I write this little paragraph, Twitter has told me Ms Swift has this to say : 'Sorry to @grantmickelson for, after having a dream where you were bitten by a shark, calling at 4am to make you swear to stay on land.' See, don't you feel enlightened by that knowledge?
Unlike most stars, Taylor doesn't use her Twitter to promote her latest album, or post yet another Tweet along the lines of 'Another country on tour, playing tonight, soooo tired'- she actually has mildly witty and interesting things to say. And I quite like that.
-Eileen
WORST PERSON TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER: Nico Muhly
So I paid (tweeted) tribute to the awe-inspiring show Grizzly Bear put on in London with the London Symphony Orchestra last year. In this particular tweet I said the band were so stunning they could have done without the orchestra. The arrangements were made by Nico Muhly, so this bitch called me annoying. How dare he! Also, his spelling is very questionable for someone who claims to have majored in English Literature. I went for years thinking he was Icelandic. Whatever.
-Charles
BEST NON-SERIOUS TV SHOW: Miranda
A semi-autobiographical BBC television series written by and starring Miranda Hart. She plays a 6 foot masculine joke shop owner, who lacks the ability for business and has absolutely no social skills when it comes to men. Patricia Hogde, who plays her mother, is constantly encouraging her to get married, so constantly disappointed as Miranda’s attempts to get her dream guy (Tom Ellis) fall flat every time. The show has been describes as and ‘old-fashioned’ sitcom, and filmed in front of a live audience who respond greatly to Miranda’s frequent glances and exchanges with them, which only increase the humour of the show. A second series has just been commissioned – yay!
-Tri
BEST SEMI-SERIOUS TV SHOW: The Mentalist
I'm taking 'semi-serious' to mean something along the lines of American crime dramas, because I'm a wee bit of an expert on them, and in many ways, they are semi-serious. I mean, the cadaver-count is way to high for them to be considered a com edy, but they don't require too much brainpower in general. And my favorite of the American crime drama heavyweights this year was easily 'The Mentalist'.
It has all the ingredients of a usual crime show- lots of bodies, and a cool office filled with sexy people who all want to have sex with each other (save in the case of Law and Order SVU, where non-sexy people investigate crimes involving people having warped sex with each other).
Yet what 'The Mentalist' adds to the mix is humour, in the form of fake-pyschic-turned-investigator and general wiseass, Detective Jane (Simon Baker)- his particular brand of witty, brash, and unforgiving humour always has me killing myself laughing- killing, get it?
-Eileen
BEST SERIOUS TV SHOW: V
So there were two shows meant to take over Lost. Flashforward and V. As previously discussed, Flashforward is a load of complete shite, but with V, ABC have managed to create the best TV series since, er...well, Lost, really. With Lost star Elizabeth Mitchell at the front of a cast who can act (again, we're looking at you Flashforward), this show is something to hang onto past the finale of season 6.
-Charles
BEST ALBUM COVER: Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavillion
The album cover for Merriweather Post Pavilion, most recent album of Animal Collective, is an optical illusion of seemingly undulating leaves designed by Akiyoshi Kitaoka a Japanese Psychologist. The image intends to attract the eye and confuse the brain into thinking the petals are moving, something which it succeeds in every time.
-Tri
WORST ALBUM COVER: Anni Rossi - Rockwell
I don't quite know what to say about this one. I mean, look at it. Just look at it! Maybe it's some ultra-cool hip statement about her music, but whatever, I'd rather just listen and not look at the cover for this violist's latest effort.
-Charles
BEST MUSIC VIDEO: Ready, Able - Grizzly Bear
It graced this blog for as the song of the day last year, but why not have a second helping? Ready, Able is a technicolour rainbow of plasticine taking you on a weird and wacky journey through someone awesome person imagination.
-Chloe
ONE TO WATCH- Ellie Goulding
Born in Hereford, Ellie Goulding played and wrote her own music from the age of 15. After only two years of studying drama at Kent University she left to work on her music, releasing her debut single ‘Under The Sheets’ in September last year and touring with Little Boots in October. Ellie’s debut album ‘Lights’ is due to be released through Polydor on 1st March this year.
Hello world! I hope you've all had a Merry Christmas- I have. I write to you from the keyboard of my new, sultry-blue laptop, which is one of the loveliest presents I've ever received. I'm also thrilled that the blog reached the 10,000 hits mark- thanks to everyone, that really made my day.
Anyway, I thought I'd write about one of my favourite cultural fads that I tried out in my younger years- that mystical enigma known as 'wemo':Ok, so I'm not technically a wemo, but I used to be. I had the fringe that covered 50% of my face, the badly died hair, the thick-rimmed glasses, the Converse with doodles all over them, the Nightmare Before Christmas- related accessories from Claire's, and the compulsion to include the word 'wickidsafe' in every sentence. And, to be perfectly honest, it was freakin' awesome. The best thing about being a wemo is the music. You don't believe me? Well, prepare to be convinced. Here's my list of why it's awesome to be a wemo.
Note: I am using the following definition of 'wemo': music that has alot akin with the more popular 'emo' (which, as i gather, tends to be largely about loud guitars and being upset about things). Wemo, in contrast, tends to cheerier, with more pop/dance influences, and is generally considered 'less hardcore'. Hell, I was a wemo, and even I don't fully understand it.
1. Wemo Music Never Takes Itself Too Seriously Question: When have you ever heard anyone say: 'I still like Cute Is What We Aim For, but 'Rotation' will never top 'Same Old Blood Rush With a Brand New Touch'?
Answer: Never! What you're more likely hear is 'OMG ROTATION! IT'S WICKIDSAFE! LIKE A FREAKIN' EARGASM! SHANT IS SO FUCKEN HAWT JKJK LOLOLOL! <3'>
And, ok, such dialogue is an insult to the English language, but don't you wish you could get so hyped up over music that could be described as 'mediocre at best'? The great thing about wemo music is that everyone knows it's shit, but it's catchy, so you just don't care! And rather than deconstructing every note, analysing each and every song, wemos simply kick back and listen. It doesn't matter if it's cool, or 'good'- you listen to the music because you like it, because it makes you feel happy. It's like Chloe and The Twang- other people may hate them, but she'll be damned if that stops her from enjoying it.
2. Wemo Love is Like Comic-Book Love, Which is the Best Kind of Love
(Above: Ramona Flowers and Scott Pilgrim, one of my favorite comic-book couples)
Comic-book love is so-called because it's the sort of romance that you find in the pages of many graphic novels: it starts with a chance meeting between a boy and girl- typically hot, in an alternative sort of way. The rest of the book is filled with the quest to find one another/win the other's heart, usually involving some hilarious hijinks and crazy minor characters. Nobody ever gets together until the very end, when we see a series of quirky dates, ending with true love, and a double-page spread of an exquisitely-drawn kiss. Wemo love draws on the same principles- they don't look at love from a Hollywood-ending angle, they work hard for a good romance. And it's these sort of cutesie romantic songs that I love.
3. Wemo Dudes Are Ridiculously Sexist, But Nobody Cares!
3OH!3 only ever refer to girls as 'ho's', and The Medic Droid demand that you 'Kick of your stilettos and fuck me in the backseat'. But, rather than getting all feminist and angsty, you're too busy pulling shapes with a fistful of glowsticks to care that gender equality is being compromised! Just roll with it, bitch!
4. Wemos Have the Best Crazy-Ass Music Videos
There's a very big difference between experimental-indie music videos that are nuts and wemo music videos that are nuts. Experimental-indie music videos have deep, allegorical meanings that us mere mortals are simply too dumb to understand. Wemo ones don't even pretend to make sense. Take The Hush Sound's 'Crawling Towards the Sun', below: the moral we can glean from this is 'People will like you more if you grow a moustache'. And Panic at the Disco's 'Nine in the Afternoon'? 'Anyone who wears onesies and animal masks will look like a prick'. Simple, random, fun.
IT'S CHRISTMAS! Well, not quite, but as we open the first doors on our advent calendars tonight, we know it's on its way. However, the future is not my concern at the moment- the past is. Here is our memoir to November, summing up some of the cultural gems you might have missed if you spent the last thirty days in sleep deprivation.
Film of the Month: New MoonC'mon- how could we not, really? Chloe 'tell-it-like-it-is' Trumper (yes, that is her real name) has already aired her thoughts on this film, but here's a quick summary of what you missed. For those of you who don't know, 'New Moon' is a novel by Stephenie Meyer, that I have alot of complaint with- the fact it sells sex to tweens, but then forces Mormon-esque morals down your throat ('So you want to have sex with a vampire, huh? Well, you'll have to marry him first...'), it advocates teen suicide, and perpetuates every archaic literary damsel-in-distress stereotype- right down to the big-eyed, waifish appearance of 'heroine' Bella Cullen (a stereotype started by de Fanu's 'Carmilla' and Stoker's 'Dracula'). So, as you can see, I have a few objections to this book. But, what nearly every critic has failed to do is evaluate the film, rather than the source material. Comparing the first book to second book, the first is infinitely better (but still dire), as the second is one a dreary, depressing, pathetic love letter to the long-gone vampire, and a wet account of Bella's several attempts to have near-death experiences so that she can hear his voice in her head. The second film, however, is vastly superior to the first film. It becomes apparent pretty early on that when at the drawing-board of this film, the writers decided to try and inject as much adrenaline into the limp source material as possible. Thus, the anaemic-looking vampires are shoved off within about twenty minutes, and replaced with gloriously-buff, perpetually semi-naked werewolves- yum. Then, rather than playing up Bella's suicidal depression, they focus more on her reckless stunts- and her lukewarm tryst with the delectable Jacob (Taylor Lautner). And, just to make sure we're still paying attention, they throw in an amazing soundtrack- oh, and some more man-nipples, courtesy of Robert Pattinson. The team on this film do have to be commended for doing their best with a lame concept- it might be a little more high-octane than anticipated, but well, it still sucks.
Album of the Month: John Mayer- Battle StudiesThis month I have had the dulcet tones of the gorgeous Mr Mayer perpetually plugged into my ears with his brand spanking new album ‘Battle Studies’. Like his others John serves up a smooth, easy listening sound laced with beautiful, meaningful lyrics. As the title of the suggests the whole of the album has the ongoing motif of warfare, comparing break up’s to the battlefield, whilst the most original metaphor for heartbreak it’s definitely the most malleable and John Mayer makes it his own; the lyrics are both beautiful and powerful. This motif is most evident in the songs ‘Heartbreak Warfare’ and ‘Assassin’, which also happen to be my favourite songs on the album. Whilst the album isn’t anything groundbreaking or brilliantly diverse from his previous albums, John Mayer has obviously found something that works and ran with it and I pose the question, does every album an artist releases have to go in a completely new direction? No, of course not, just look at Coldplay! So over all I give this album a double thumbs up, not only does it make relaxing, chill out music but if you want something with meaningful lyrics then John Mayer is your name.
Scandal of the Month- Adam Lambert, as an Entity
In 'Scandal of the Month', the Sinema writers take a rare look into the seedy underbelly of celebrity that we so often avoid. This month: Adam Lambert. For those of you who don't know, Adam Lambert is an American Idol cast-off, who kind of looks like the long-lost punk-rock Jonas Brother. Last week, Adam Lambert to the recent 'BSDM-sex-show' trend (as adopted by the likes of Rihanna and Lady Gaga) to whole new levels of crazy on a live, televised awards show. The performance involved him swinging women around by their naked thighs, dragging dancers around the stage by chokers, making out with men/women/who the fuck knows?, and ending by repeatedly thrusting the faces of several of his dancers into his crotch, in what has been described by The Guardian as 'oral simulation'.
Where do we stand on this? We freakin' loved it! It was absolutely (and hilariously) done in the worst possible taste, and, at the end of the day, it was entertainment. Plus, we think the fact that people are outraged by the man-on-man action is pretty damn stupid. Hardly anyone made a big deal about the threeway Britney/Christina/Madonna moment: surely, a lesbian three-way tongue sandwich between two teenage girls and someone a few years short of OAP-dom is alot more shocking than Lambert's tame stage kiss? Dry-humping that dancer's face might've been a step too far, mind...
Favorite Posts of the Month Here are some of the latest and greatest goings-on At the Sinema: Grizzly Bear and London Symphony Orchestra w/ St. Vincent- Charlie's rather magical concert review 5 Films to See This Winter- Got some free time on your hands this festiv season? Go to the cinema- you provide the popcorn, Chloe will pick the movie. Eileen's Could-Go-Either-Way Upcoming Film Pick- With the last 'ECGEWUFP', 'Jennifer's Body', doing pretty darn good at the box office, will 'Kick-Ass' have the same success? Eileen discusses the pros and cons of what's billed to be the next big superhero flick.
I know I haven't done a 'Song of the Day' for a very, very long time, but guess what? I'm bringing it back, baby! But, as a radical twist on a conventional concept, I've decided to combine today's slice of aural goodness with a wee bit of YouTube magic. Grizzly Bear are a band we've previously expressed a lot of love for, and their music videos are no exception- particularly their latest offering, 'Ready, Able'. It's kooky, beautiful and completely nonsensical- kind of like 'Wallace and Gromit' on acid. Check it out:
Have you ever wished you had an encyclopaedic knowledge of films? That you could quote or summarise the plotline of any movie, at any time? There is a pretty speedy way to top-up your film knowledge: Cheat. These days, there are a wealth of YouTube videos that will give you film spoilers, but if you want a short, educational film that capture the very essence of the movie, the 'One Minute, One Take' films are you. They don't just tell you the ending of the film, oh no- they tell you the entire plot. Not only that, but they're pretty darn funny. So, for your viewing pleasure, here's Kill Bill Parts 1 and 2 in One Minute, in One Take:
Welcome, one and all, to Eileen's could-go-either-way upcoming film picks! Before we begin, I should probably explain what I mean by could-go-either-way:
'Could Go Either Way':(adjective): 1. A term used to described an object, situation or idea with an indefinite outcome; that is to say, the reception and consequences of such an object, situation or idea, could be really awesome or remarkably shitty.
So basically, I pick two films that could either end up being an amazing film experience, or could just be a steaming pile of turd. It's really up to you to decide which one you think is going to be a success, and which one a failure- and I'd love to hear your thoughts. Ok, so for your viewing pleasure today:
1. Whip It!'Whip It!' is set to become next year's cutesie-indie pick, a la 'Juno' and 'Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist'. Directed by Drew Barrymore (interesting, you say), 'Whip It!' tells the tale of "indie-rock loving misfit" Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page, everyone's favorite cutesie-indie-postergirl), who finds acceptance in a group of punk-rock derby roller girls. It's billed to be the next touching, coming-of-age film about finding acceptance and love. Aaw.
Pros: 1. Drew Barrymore is fairly awesome, and could turn out to be a half-decent director. 2. The roller derby element does add something new to the mix- it's based on the book Derby Girl, by Shauna Cross- if you like books about derby girls (and who doesn't, really?), you should check out the awesome graphic novel: 'True Tales of Roller Derby: Doppelganger at the Hangar'. 3. Ellen Page has blue hair for a portion of this film, which rocks. 4. There is a very minuscule chance this could have a sort of 'Lords-of-Dogtown-for-chicks' kind of vibe. Obviously, it isn't going to be a powerful story about the conception of modern roller blading (as Lords of Dogtown was, only with skateboards), but it could possess the same sense of camaraderie and acceptance.
Cons: 1. It does look like the kind of overdone, unoriginal cutesie-indie film that has been plaguing our screens alot lately. 2. I think Ellen Page is in danger of becoming the new Michael Cera: good for a laugh, and in some pretty awesome films (Page: X-Men 3, Cera:Superbad), but ultimately they seem to play themselves in every film they're in. 3. The title's fucking atrocious. Note: if you want to find out more about this film, be sure to type 'Whip It! Movie' into Google- I dread to think what might come up if you just typed 'Whip It'.
2. Jennifer's BodyNow, for something completely different- 'Jennifer's Body', a teen slasher film. It stars Megan Fox as a man-eating cheerleader who likes to torture and kill boys in her spare time, and Amanda Seyfried as Fox's protegee who vows to end her killing spree.
Pros: Megan Fox AND Amanda Seyfried? Even being a straight girl, I can understand the appeal of that. Amanda Seyfried is a fairly decent actress- and I love her glasses in the trailer. Nobody's really expecting this to be amazing profound- as long as it delivers enough gory fun, I'll be happy. It's written by Diablo Cody- although I wasn't overly smitten with 'Juno', she is fairly cool, and I hope she brings something new to the scary teen movie format. The title is also a song by Hole, which is a good omen.
Cons: Megan Fox. I understand she's one sexy chica, and does try to act, but for me, show always seems a little vapid and soulless. I also fear this is just going be another case of Transformers 2: 2 hours of Megan Fox in very low-cut tops, sprawled over motorbikes, running in slow motion, and generally being more provocative than a hooker on a Friday night. High school setting? Check. Sexy as hell, man-eating cheerleaders with a dark secret? Check. Been done a million times before? Check. The soundtrack features alot of wemo-y bands that all sound quite similar: Panic! at the Disco, All Time Low, Cobra Starship...
Which one will be the victor in "Eileen's 'Could-Go-Either-Way' Upcoming Film Picks?" Only time will tell.
Every cloud, dear readers- every cloud. Although we may be stuck at home whilst festival-goers worldwide are partying, listening to awesome music and abandoning every scrap of hygiene, it could be worse... we could be at Benicassim. I'm not trying to insult the line-up with the remark above (although, really, could you get any more indie?), but apparently things haven't been going so well. Extreme wind has been causing all sorts of problems- headliners Kings of Leon even pulled out because of it. This, mixed with temperatures so hot that fires have started breaking out doesn't really make for an ideal festival experience. Take a look:
Ok, so I'm not technically a wemo, but I used to be. I had the fringe that covered 50% of my face, the badly died hair, the thick-rimmed glasses, the Converse with doodles all over them, the Nightmare Before Christmas- related accessories from Claire's, and the compulsion to include the word 'wickidsafe' in every sentence. And, to be perfectly honest, it was freakin' awesome.
