First up, I'm not going crazy - I have realised that the weekend is over and today is, in fact, Tuesday. Unfortunately my day yesterday was spent travelling from one side of the country to another, then one end to the other. Anyone who is intimate with the British Rail system knows that Wifi on trains is an expensive nightmare, and because I'm a stingy student, I didn't get round to getting a post up. So...apologies. Consequently, Wish List Mondays this week is now on a Tuesday, and Tune Tape Tuesdays will now be on Wednesday. Confused? Great. Let's start. This weekend I spent with some guy friends. Staying in a house full of men has its downsides; mainly the lack of conditioner in the shower, and the inability to borrow makeup when you've forgotten it (which I did, and paid the price of looking like an extra from Night of the Living Dead for the entire weekend). But it's also got its upsides, particularly when said gentlemen happen to be, well, rather inspiringly trendy, actually. It got me thinking that Wish List Mondays has been a bit sexist and selfish of late, concentrating on fashion for women and emulating the 'It-Girls' of the moment. In light of this, I felt that I owe the male readers of this blog a Wish List. But not just any Wish List, oh no. I thought I might be so bold as to point some of you guys/lads/comrades in the right direction in terms of what looks good in the Summer. Because - and I'm only being honest - this season seems to bring out the worst fashion failures. I know that "for now these hot days the mad blood is stirring", but that is no excuse for some of these regular atrocities made when the temperature starts to soar:
Walking topless anywhere other than a pool or beach. You're not going to get a tan standing inside Primark.
Shorts below the knee. If you're going to show some leg, you need to fully commit.
Side note: socks are not acceptable with shorts unless you want to look like a German tourist c.1985.
Flip Flops. Espadrilles all the way.
Low-Cut Tshirts. Offensive, in all senses of the word.
Finally, please refrain from wearing anything which has a logo like this:
While some of you guys out there may find it a little bit patronising that some chick is telling them what not to wear, let's face it, you're not gonna get any 'Summer Luvin' looking like the above. Trust me. So sit back, relax, and let me show you What Women Want.
Summer in the City
1. Bandana Detail T-Shirt by Ragged Priest, Topman, £28. Buy it here. 2. Rascals College Logo Sweatshirt, Urban Outfitters, £79. Buy it here. 3. Two-Tone Denim Shirt by Native Youth, Coggles, £45. Buy it here. 4. Chino Shorts by Adidas, EndClothing, £45. Buy them here. 5. Adidas Match Play Trainers in Bliss & White Vapour, EndClothing, £65. Buy them here. 6. Skinny Jeans by Bellfield Koyote, Topman, £35. Buy them here. 7. Foldable Aviator Sunglasses by Carrera, ASOS, £110. Buy them here. 8. Summer Flannel Long-Sleeved Shirt in Red/Grey, Scotch & Soda, €99. Buy it here. 9. Straw Hat, Scotch & Soda, €45. Buy it here. 10. Espadrilles in Classical Blue Tropical by Toms, Office, £42. Buy them here. 11. Bendable Bracelet by Chamula, EndClothing, £55. Buy it here. 12. 'Ask the Missus' Brogue, Office, £70. Buy them here.
Weekend Away
1. Multicoloured Polo by Maison Kitsuné, EndClothing, £135. Buy it here.
2. Slim-Fit Cotton Blazer by Maison Martin Margiela, Mr Porter, £735. Buy it here.
3. Slim-Fit Chino, Scotch & Soda, €109. Buy them here.
4. Bonded Hooded Parka by Junya Matanabe MAN, EndClothing, £1,010. Buy it here.
5. Lenox Sunglasses by Illesteva, EndClothing, £229. Buy them here.
6. Navy Suede Shoes by Paul Smith, Coggles, £155. Buy them here.
7. Canvas Travel Bag by Comme des Garçons, EndClothing, £245. Buy it here.
Good Evening, Tune Tapers! Before we get started, I just want to draw your attention to something that I'm really proud of. Back in February, my friend Iona guest edited La Belle et La Bête on the very first Guest List Monday. Writing all the way from Austria, she was going round Snow Parks and filming for various companies and competitions. I'd like to think that my Tune Tapes enriched her time there, as a few weeks ago she released her entry to the Nine Queens Video Contest 2013, featuring a song I included on Tune Tape Tuesday #16: Green Garden (Monsieur Adi Remix) by Laura Mvula. Not only am I honoured that she chose a song I'd introduced her to, but I'm also in awe of her talent in Videography. So here is her amazing entry, which won 2nd Place in the competition. Enjoy!
Alright, let's get down to some new music news. First up is an artist that I've discovered today, through the help of the The Hype Machine. He's an Israeli singer-songwriter called Asaf Avidan, and two remixes of his songs are featured on this week's Tune Tape: Maybe You Are (Stefan Biniak Private Edit) and One Day (Wankelmut Remix). Both tracks have that perfect 'Summer Beat', that makes you smile maniacally and clip your heels together. Or maybe that's just me. Whatever you want to do, there's no denying that they're damn catchy. Check out his Soundcloud page here, and show him some love on Facebook here. Next up are The Lumineers, who you'll probably know from their huge hit, Ho Hey, that featured on a number of TV adverts earlier in the year. Hailed as the new Mumford & Sons, this week I fell in love with their track, Stubborn Love, off their self-titled album (worth a download, BTW). Compared to Ho Hey, this is much more dark and complex - both lyrically and compositionally. I mean, just take a look at the opening lyrics:
She'll lie and steal, and cheat, and beg you from her knees
Make you think she means it this time
She'll tear a hole in you, the one you can't repair
But I still love her, I don't really care.
That's some deep shit. Lightening the mood, I'm proud to announce the return of Lana Del Rey. She's released TWO new songs this week; Young and Beautiful features on the soundtrack to the highly anticipated Great Gatsby, and Summer Wine is a Nancy Sinatra cover (whom Lana has previously named as her style-spiration). The former single isn't as catchy as we're used to from LDR, but she sultrily sways over the notes in a way that isn't by any means unpleasant. Put it this way, I'm not sure it'll be one of her greatest hits, but it's worthy of inclusion. Summer Wine is also a bit of a departure from Lana's previous work; seeing her team up with her current boyfriend, Barrie-James O'Neill, in a cute music video that looks like it was made using Instagram. Check it out here. The next track I'm not quite sure why I'm featuring, as it's been so splashed over Facebook that all of you would have already seen it. Nevertheless, any new song from Daft Punk deserves some recognition, especially if they've teamed up with Pharell (what? I thought he'd died? Yeah, me too). Tom Odell's track, Hold Me, is the kind of track you listen to late at night when you're missing your boyfriend. If, like me, your love life resembles the Sahara Desert, just pretend. No one will judge you. Well, not much. London Grammar is a band that I've had my eye on for a while now. Wasting My Young Years is, in my opinion, their best release to date. With powerfully controlled, Florence-esque vocals, and an accompaniment that slowly grows to a delicious crescendo, it's impossible not to be impressed. I suspect it's only a matter of time before these guys hit the big time. Junip's another artist I've discovered in the last few days, courtesy of HypeM. I accidentally listened to it twice, which I'm really glad I did. I probably would have overlooked it otherwise. Your Life, Your Call is what we in the 'music business' call "A Grower". Give it a chance, I guarantee it'll be top of your 'On-The-Go' in no time. Another band with a new release this week is Disclosure. This time, they've teamed up with Eliza Doolittle on You & Me. It's by no means as big as White Noise, but it will be featuring on sound systems across the country's dingiest clubs, so you should probably get familiar with it. TORCHES's track, If The People Stare is also worth a mention as a curiously pleasant hybrid of Chillwave and Indie. With more guitar than synth, but a beat that wouldn't be out of placed on a Washed Out album, it shows beautiful restraint and is an example to the old 'less is more' approach. Just when we couldn't stand another car driving past blasting Thrift Shop, Macklemore has come out with another anthem: Can't Hold Us, featuring the smooth RnB tones of Ray Dalton. Now whenever you hear the former, you can roll your eyes and say "that song is SO old...". You're welcome. I try to feature at least one Trap tune every week. This week's track comes courtesy of Djemba Djemba's remix of BANKS's Fall Over for you to perfect your TrapStep to. Finally, get your Drum'n'Bass fix from Flyte One, who have expertly remixed Laura Aquilina's Fools. If you've got a minute, the original's pretty decent too. That's enough from me now - time to leave you in peace. Over and out!
Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Cara Delevingne are the current juggernauts of the fashion world. It's virtually impossible to open a magazine and not see Rosie draped over a designer bag, or read a newspaper without Cara's exploits of the night before being splashed all over the 'society' pages. You're not even safe walking through town, as giant billboard of the style icons watch your every move. Both mascots of Burberry, no British models have managed to eclipse their greatness since the days of Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss back in the mid-90's. Yet the two girls' styles couldn't be more different. Rosie stands for sex-injected femininity; the girl every woman wants to emulate on the first date. Cara represents the 'wild child': fun, vibrant, and young, her style copied by thousands of teenagers up and down the country. The two girls stand at opposite ends of the spectrum of British fashion. This week's Wishlist pits these two Titans against one another, in a fashion face-off. It's up to you to decide who comes out the victor in the style stakes. First up, let's remind ourselves what we're up against...
Rosie Huntington-Whitely
Cara Delevingne
We should probably stop there before anyone works themselves up into a jealous frenzy. Instead, have a look at this week's Wish List. Armed with this, you can go out and copy the girls' look from head to toe!
ROSIE
1. Bright Green Shirt, Topshop, £38. Go green, here.
2. Burberry Body Rose Gold Eau de Parfum, Selfridges & Co., £55. Kiss from a Rose, here.
In case you're wondering what kind of saddo is at home on a Friday night, punching away at her keyboard, look no further. It's the saddo who handed in their university dissertation early. Now, while this was cause for applause (that rhymed) earlier today, I'm now regretting the decision, as anyone that I would be celebrating with is actually finishing their dissertation to give in on the CORRECT day. By which time, I'll be pretty over the whole 'I've just handed over 25% of my entire degree' thing. Timing, apparently, is not my forté. Nevertheless, I refuse to have nothing to show for my Friday night - hence, after a long hiatus, I have decided to bring back Film Fest Fridays! In case you've forgotten/weren't aware of its existence in the first place, Film Fest Fridays was born out of a challenge I set myself: to watch every single film in IMDB's Top 100 List. Now, while I did pretty well, I didn't quite finish it before the deadline of Christmas, so I created FFF in a bid to not only finish what I'd started, but also review any new films I thought were noteworthy. This week, I'm doing something a bit different. I want to give back. So, I've gone through IMDB's Top 100 again, and noted down any films that I think really deserve a place up there. To make it fair, I haven't included any Disney films (they've got a whole post to themselves), otherwise we'd be here all day. Instead of putting screenshots, I've chosen to include the trailers instead, incase any of you haven't seen them. Ok. Let's start.
DRUGS AND BAD BEHAVIOUR
Don't judge me for it, but in general, these are my favourite types of movies. Gritty documentaries of life at its very bleakest. These films are like watching a car crash in slow motion - you know the outcome's gonna be bad, but you just can't help watching . None of us are angels, but these guys take it to a whole new level. Which makes for fascinating, memorable viewing.
1. Trainspotting (1996)
This film starts with probably the best monologue in cinematic history. In case any of you haven't seen in (you should be ashamed), it's basically the best anti-heroin ad you'll ever see. It's about a group of Scottish lads who steal, shoot up, have sex, shoot up, go cold turkey, shoot up, get into tricky situations, and shoot up again. Probably best known for its 'crawling baby' scene, which is as close to a bad trip as you're ever going to get from eating a bag of salted popcorn sober. Four words: choose life, choose Trainspotting.
2. The Basketball Diaries (1995)
Shot one year prior to Trainspotting, this is pretty much the American equivalent. Centering around a group of Catholic school boys, led by a young, pre-Rom+Ju Leonardo di Caprio, they get swept along into the dark underworld of drugs and crime. It's based on the true story of Jim Carroll (played by di Caprio), who wrote the book of the same name - largely a collection of diary entries which started around the time he was playing basketball for his school (hence the title). In this film, there's no big heist, no amusing run ins with drug dealers, or liaisons with schoolgirls - it's real, unfiltered, inglorious life. And it's amazing. In case you need any more reason to watch it - it features Marky Mark Wahlberg in one of his first screen performances, which he absolutely nails.
3. Thirteen (2003)
I first watched this film when I was thirteen myself, and I remember it making a massive impression on me. It was a time when girls at my school were getting into this kind of stuff - staying out late, having sex, wearing inappropriate clothes - basically trying desperately not to be 13. This film takes it to another level, but the mental attitude was still the same. We didn't want to be kids, but to all intensive purposes, and to everybody else, we were. The film centres around Tracy, a previously family-orientated 'Momma's girl', who sees the glamorous popular girls in school seemingly having such a great time, that when she gets her 'in' with one of them, she clings onto that social ledge with such tenacity that her life spirals out of control. The story is based on the actress and co-star Nikki Reed's experiences, who co-wrote the script for the film. You can really tell that these episodes really happened, because you just can't make up stuff like this. It makes for intense viewing, but is a stark warning of the dangers that can befall kids who grow up too fast.
4. Girl, Interrupted (1999)
Along with One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, this is one of the best films ever made about mental illness. Set in 1969 against a backdrop of social change and shifting attitudes towards what is 'normal' in relation to the human psyche, Girl, Interrupted is a film which documents what life is like inside a woman's mental institution. Winona Ryder, who plays Susanna, a girl unsure of herself and her future, is sent here by her parents - a couple who belong staunchly to the pre-1960's school of 'Stepford wife' attitudes. She's a thoroughly relatable character, placed in an environment that tests and shapes her view on 'real life' in a new world. With a cast that includes Angelina Jolie, Vanessa Redgrave, and the late Brittany Murphy, it's an amazing insight into the ideals that would eventually result in the feminist movement.
CULT CLASSICS
These two films are, in the most honest and non-cheesy way possible, timeless. They're what so many films have emulated but been unable to touch. Everyone knows and worships James Dean and Rita Hayworth for their look that encapsulates a by-gone age, but not everyone knows the reasons why they enjoyed such status in the first place. I hope these films can explain - they deserve to be appreciated as much as their famous cast members.
5. Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
If any film can capture the baffling world of a teenager, it's Rebel Without A Cause. James Dean plays Jim Stark, a young man who is misunderstood by both his parents and his classmates. He gets into trouble, says weird stuff, and is generally just a bit 'off the wall'. The film spans one day in the life of Jim - one of those days that changes a person's life forever. Set in Los Angeles, it's got everything that a film needs: fast cars, pretty girls, hot guys, an amazing script, and a memorable ending that is guaranteed to engrain itself into your psyche forever. The trailer might be cheesy as hell, but the film is anything but.
6. Gilda (1946)
In my first year at university, I did a module on Film Noir. I'd never been much of a fan of black and white movies; I thought them dull, trite and cheesy. Until Gilda. Gilda is pretty much the sexiest, most bad-ass woman to ever grace the silver screen. She's a proper femme-fatale - none of this 'Stepford Wife' bullshit; she's a proper firecracker, and knows how to work it. In summary, Gilda is a film about the lengths a woman will go to to get revenge on a lover who scorned her in the past. I mean, what girl can't relate to that - and what man doesn't fear it. I wish I had her balls, is all I can say. Girls: watch and take note. Guys: just watch Gilda. She hot.
BEST SCRIPTS
Just as I love good lyrics in a song, I love good scripts in a film. The script is what lives on between two friends who watch a film together - I mean, how many personal jokes between you and your mates are taken from great lines in films or TV series'? Pretty much all of them. Well these films, if you haven't seen them, are guaranteed to provide many more...
7. Withnail & I (1987)
A small geeky admission: I pretty much know this whole film by heart. That's how many times I've watched it. I cannot think of a film with more one liners that you can use with your friends, or simply on your own with strangers for your own amusement. For those that haven't seen it, this film basically follows a pair of weird aspiring actors who escape the confines of London's Camden Town for a weekend in the country. The result is hilarious. Richard E Grant plays Withnail, a privileged 'lost boy' with an appetite for drugs and anti-freeze; whose sidekick is the reluctant 'I' (whose real name you never find out). It's a film about the loveable eccentricities of the upper classes - think Boris Johnson with less sleep and more hallucinogens.
8. Annie Hall (1977)
In my opnion, Annie Hall is Woody Allen's best film. Forget Manhattan, or Vicky Christina Barcelona, this one is his finest. It follows the dysfunctional love life of the neurotic Alvy (Allen), largely focusing on his relationship with the beautiful and sweet Annie Hall. Alvy has a severe case of 'foot-in-mouth' disease, which has hilariously disastrous consequences in every social situation he encounters. I think it's his best film because it's the one which doesn't try too hard. It doesn't try to be something it's not, or overcomplicate the plot to get your attention. It's funny, but it's charmingly relatable: we've all got a little Alvy in us, and we've all had a relationship similar to his and Annie Hall's. If for no other reason, watch it for the line: "Don't knock masturbation - it's sex with a person you love." Genius.
9. Before Sunrise (1995)
Anyone who's travelled, or wants to travel, needs to see this film. It plays out the situation that every traveller-at-heart dreams of happening: you meet your dream girl/guy on a train, take a leap of faith, and spend a day with them. But only a day; the next morning, you go your separate ways, never knowing what might have happened if you'd stayed. Jesse, played by Ethan Hawke, gets talking to a girl on the train to Vienna. He's got one night there, before he catches a plane back to the US. He invites her to explore the city with him. This movie might not have a script full of sharp one-liners, but it is an example of pure poetry in motion - a film that explores the philosophies of young dreamers, full of hopes, fears, and naive ideologies that encapsulates what it's like to be on the foothills of adulthood. Apart from being a brilliant advertisement for not only Vienna but the virtues of travel, it's one of those films that has an open-ending. In other words, it's life. Full of the unknown, the 'to-be-continued', the 'what-ifs'. Just make sure you have enough money in the bank to book an inter-railing ticket afterwards.
10. Blue Valentine (2010)
I thought I'd end 'Part One' on both a high and a low. Blue Valentine is one of the most incredible films I've ever seen. It's about as close as you'll get to a 'real' relationship without actually going through it yourself. Through flashbacks, it documents a pair's relationship from its infancy - the highs of the honeymoon period, the obstacles that they face and continue to face, and the strain of unrealised dreams and shattered expectations that plagues nearly every serious relationship. Starring Ryan Gosling (hel-looo) and Michelle Williams, and with a stellar soundtrack from the incredible Grizzly Bear, it's one of those films that, when it finishes, you'll want to rewind it right back to the beginning and watch it again. It's painfully addictive viewing, and one of those films that stays with you long after it's finished. I highly recommend.
Well, that's it for Part One - depending on people's reactions, and whether next Friday I'll still be at home drinking wine in the bath - watch this space for the next installment...
So today I realised I have exactly one month until my university experience officially ends. Yes folks, on May 16th, I will no longer be an active student. Which is a pretty scary thought. I might do a separate post on 'The End of Life as I Know It' another day, but for now I just want to explain that for the next 4 weeks I am using deadlines, revision and exams as an excuse for late-night posts and music of a chilled variety. Of which this week is your first instalment - yay for you! Unfortunately, I haven't put all the tunes in a downloadable folder for you - mainly because I'm becoming a little concerned about copyright laws - but I'm pretty sure most of you have your own ways of obtaining tunes, you don't need me to baby you... First up is a tune I heard on the soundtrack for one of the episodes of Catfish: The TV Show, which, if you haven't watched it, is a spin-off of the documentary about the dangers of online friendships. Basically those who start disturbing romances with guys/girls who, contrasting to their appealing profile pix, turn out to be fat, balding men. It's addictive viewing. The Line by The Eastern Sea is exactly the type of indie music I love; paired-down drums and acoustic guitar with well thought-out, beautiful lyrics. This track's also got some excellently placed horn playing, which, let's face it, everyone appreciates. If you're ever hungover on a Sunday morning, I'm sure you're familiar with the Channel 4 show, Sunday Brunch. Not only do they make you wish you didn't feel sick by cooking delicious grub, they also put on a playlist of really good new music. You can check out the full selection from last week's show here, but I've included Kid Astray's The Mess on this week's Tune Tape as my favourite track. Revision doesn't have to be all doom and gloom - psyche yourself up with The Shoes's remix of The Bait and let the exam take care of itself. I've recently been indulging in a bit of exercise (a new experience for me), and it's particularly good for running/power-walking/weightlifting (delete as appropriate). As soon as I heard the opening sample of TWRK's Living Room, I knew it had to be included on this week's Tune Tape. Any artist that incorporates E.V.E. feat. Gwen Stefani's Blow Your Mind is a genius, and must be acknowledged as so. Get yo bump'n'grind on. Wet leaves you wanting more with her track, U Da Best. At just under 3 minutes long, it's a short but sweet dose of Chillwave with just the right amount of mellow, romantic undertones. A respectable song to have a right old bawl to. Chet Faker is one of my favourite artists of the last year. He hasn't released much lately, but Akouo have released this rework of his Terms and Conditions. It'll keep your Chet flame alive until he comes out with some new material (which, obviously, will be on here...duh). This week I'm really excited about Josef Salvat, who has released a truly original track, Hustler. Like a cross between James Blake and Bon Iver, his lyrics are utterly mesmerising; standing out next to the minimal Chillwave accompaniment. I can't wait to see where this goes. Teen Daze are also getting bigger with the passing months. I'm pretty sure I've featured them on here before, but more exposure never hurt anyone - so here they are again, this time with Eagles Above, a dreamy, Chillwave track perfect for those longer days we're finally experiencing! It's the perfect track to listen to after a barbecue, just when the sun is setting, and to watch a sky lantern drift off into the sunset. Obviously that's a pretty specific scenario, but listen to it and you'll see what I'm getting at. Finally, a mention definitely needs to go out to Airhead with Autumn. Described as 'post-dubstep', it's a track that refuses to be categorised - but is more beautiful because of it. If any of you have trouble sleeping, stick this on, and sweet dreams to you. Well that's all, folks - keep tuning in and giving your feedback; it's always great to hear from you.
HOLY SMOKES, BATMAN!La Belle et La Bête has reached 10,000 hits in just over 6 months! When I started this, on a rainy Sunday night, I never thought anybody would read it, let alone TEN THOUSAND bodies. So, before I start on this week's Wish List, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone for their support and views; it's really made my year. Today I made the trip back up North after an extended Easter break in Surrey. Falling out of the train very ungracefully, I had a strange experience: it was...hot. And sunny. In Manchester. Bearing in mind that Manchester is about as close in weatherly attributes to Narnia as you can get without going through a wardrobe, I was understandably surprised and overjoyed in equal measure. It also got me thinking about...say it quietly so not to jinx it...Summer! When I plan my holiday wardrobe, I have a few timeless looks I turn to for inspiration...
1. Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday Think cinched waists, gladiator sandals, and open-necked shirts. Perfect for those cultural Summer city breaks, strolling around the cobblestones, gelato in hand.
2. Gwyneth Paltrow in The Talented Mr Ripley If you want inspiration on how to update Aud's 1950's look, or how to transfer it to the beach, take a leaf out of Gwyn's book in The Talented Mr Ripley. Invest in high-waisted bikinis, bold prints, and suntan lotion. Lads - Jude Law is always a good look.
3. Brooke Shields in Blue Lagoon For those who haven't seen this, rent or buy it immediately as it will change your life. Or simply change you into a lesbian. A young Brooke Shields is possibly the most beautiful thing you will ever lay eyes upon. The look here is 'castaway' - crochet and lace, long hair and tanned limbs. Lush. So this week, I've scoured the internet and put together a Wish List that I hope manages to blend together all these styles in a way that you'll be proud to showcase on a city/beach/seaside resort near you...
1. Loose Fit Satin Blouse, H&M, £15. Buy it here. 2. Brushed-Chambray Playsuit by Thakoon Addition, Net-a-Porter, £332. Buy it here. 3. 'In Bloom' Crochet Dress, French Connection, £150. Buy it here. 4. Yellow Floral Pleat Skirt Dress, Topshop, £48. Buy it here. 5. White Pineapple Bikini, Topshop, £32. Buy it here. 6. Sicilana-Print Canvas Tote by Dolce & Gabanna, Matches, £1,115. Buy it here. 7. Stripe Canvas Mouse Espadrille by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Matches, £205. Buy them here. 8. Cat Eye Sunglasses with Contrast Highbrow, ASOS, £12. Buy them here. 9. 'Contra' Wedge, Kurt Geiger, £140. Buy them here. Finally, here are my personal best Summer styles I've worn over the years ...
As a student, I am forever finding new ways to distract myself from doing any work. Stumbleupon, YouTube, Facebook, you name it, I'm probably on it, wasting time. One of the best ways I've found of using up the hours in what would have otherwise been a productive day, is to watch an entire series. Which is what I did a couple of weeks ago (before I went into a full-blown panic upon discovering all my deadlines were in the same week). I got hooked on Season Two of New Girl.
For those who are over the age of 30, or have made a conscientious decision to boycott TV (why?!), New Girl is, essentially, the 2010's equivalent of Friends: a group of twenty-somethings living together, and the problems - and laughs - that this creates. As I said, I went through the entire second series (that's eighteen episodes) in a day or two last month. But even after a few weeks respite, something that one of the characters said has stuck with me, and I've found myself asking myself this question:
"If you met your friends today, would you still be friends with them?"
I'm an only child. So is my Dad. And my cousins on my mum's side all live in on the other side of the world. Consequently, our family unit is about as small as it could be. Over the years, I've built up a group of friends who have pretty much substituted as siblings for me. They're the ones who I phone if I've got a problem, want a gossip, or swap clothes with. Recently, I've pretty much burnt bridges with half of them. A couple were exes, and I got let down by them - I wanted to be friends, but they, or their girlfriends, had other ideas, which I can understand. That's ok. Time's a healer. Others I've realised that their relationship with me might not be the same as mine with them; they don't call to hang out, gossip, or chat. At first, I put it down to most of them being third years at university - not all of us can be History of Art students with a 5 hour weekly timetable! This is where Facebook's a killer: when your friends don't ask you out, and you see the photos of them getting drunk and going out, you automatically ask yourself - "why wasn't I invited? Is there something wrong with me? Have I done something bad?" It reminded me of a line in a movie that was on TV recently, He's Just Not That Into You. In it, Drew Barrymore's character reminisces about 'the good old days', when people only had one landline, and one answering machine - which either had a message on it, or it didn't. Nowadays, with Facebook, Twitter, Email, Cellphone, and a hundred other mediums of communication, we're rejected on a host of different medias every day - and it's exhausting. So, I guess another question is: what do you do if your friends 'just aren't that into you'? Well, you could try reaching out to them. But, as I've learned, to be rebuffed and then see photographic evidence of a night out you weren't invited to, is pretty much self-confidence suicide. You could try and make yourself less dependable on your friends, but come on, who wants to be a Norman no-mates, alone every Friday night while all the Facebook statuses roll in about pre-drinks, club nights, and hook-ups? Not me, no thank you. You might think about taking yourself off Facebook, and just saving yourself the hassle and some humility - but then that's just another way of cutting yourself off from civilisation, and one further step to becoming the hermit cat lady who dresses in bin bags. Maybe you need to take a step back, and ask yourself the tough question: are these people really your friends? Friendship, for me, a lot of the time is about habit. You were friends at school, when you were all shoved together and forced to chose people you got along with to make your time more bearable. Or in university halls, and ditto. They're the people that, when you meet up for a drink, you can say "remember when..." and they do. They know who you were, who you are now, and all the bits in-between, and that's nice. But sometimes, friendship with those people is habitual. People change. They fall in love, they make new friends, they're influenced by existential circumstances you have no power or control over, or can even relate to. Ironically, those I would call my 'best friends' are often people that I didn't have any contact with for years. Even though I haven't been kept up to date on every minuscule happening in their lives, we still never shut up when we finally have a chat. They're like a bookmark in your life: you pick up where you left off. If we continue with this metaphor, other friends are like the wind: they come and fuck up where you were, and you can't remember what happened. Over the last few weeks, I've discarded quite a few 'windy' friends. A lot, I think, has to do with the fact that I'm planning on moving back to Australia; that I'm off to start a new life, on the other side of the world, and don't need to take any extra baggage with me (in a metaphorical sense. I'll probably have loads of extra baggage.). I guess I've felt like I have nothing to lose by being honest. I've told a few that I'm disappointed with them (that old 'Mum word'), that I've been hurt by them, or I've simply not said anything, and come to terms with the fact that it might not be the end of the world. To make sure I wasn't going insane with the 'immense pressure' of my final year, I asked a mate if she had ever felt the same. She replied that she has, and does, regularly. It's the wound that is inflicted when you put yourself out there for someone, and they don't reciprocate in the same way, if at all. I suppose sometimes, you have to think of your friends a bit like a boyfriend: if they're not there for you when you need them, if they let you down and make you feel belittled and self-doubting, then there's no point in letting them continue to make you feel like that. Sacrifice in any relationship is good; self-martyrdom is not. Remember, the only person who will be there 'til the very end is you - you might as well make it a pleasant journey. What are your thoughts? Love, Belle x
In between finishing my dissertation and booking my trip to Paris, I'm surprised I've managed to find time to get any new music... But I have. Coz I'm amazing. Rather than spew small chat about the weather, I thought this week I'd just launch right on into it. So, HERE is the folder for the tunes, I hope you enjoy.
I'm an absolute sucker for great lyrics. Which is why I just couldn't decide between the first four songs which was going to take top place. So let's just say it's an equal split. First up is the brilliant Phosphorescent with Song for Zula. It's a heart-wrenching Indie ballad which will probably make you cry. Do it. Embrace it. At least you're not crying to Mariah Carey. If you prefer to have a healthy weep to a female vocalist, check out Chloe Howl and I Wish I Could Tell You. Far from cheesy, with undertones of synth and a delicious crescendo. If you want a song to reach out and give you a much-needed hug, look no further than David Ramirez and the beautiful Paper Thin. Let it restore your faith that honest gentlemen still exist. But great lyrics aren't confined to slow ballads, just have a listen to The Tallest Man On Earth's single, 1904. You'd be forgiven in thinking it was a long-lost Dylan single from the 60's - it's as well formed and written. Stick it on and twist n shout. If you're a fan of The Jezabels, check out Foxeswith Youth. It's a bit of a slow burner, but guaranteed you'll be in love by the time it gets half-way. If you're in the mood for some uplifting liquid DnB, then check out Everything's Just Wonderful by nExow. You'll believe it after listening to it. Your chillwave supplement this week comes courtesy of Ghost Loft with So High. It's heady, sexy, and has just enough of a retro 80's vibe to make it musically legit. For those of you that are digging Trap right now, check out Midas Touch by Muramasa. It's pure gold (pardon the cheap joke). If prefer just bouncing around on your nights out (like me), stick on the TCTS remix of Syron's Here. If you're not having a good time to this song, there is something fundamentally wrong with you. Valentina serves up some serious Fleetwood Mac style vocals on her track, Ladders. Also vaguely reminiscent of The Jezabels, it's one for those who love a 'femme fatale' vocalist. Girl power. For a bit of 'Soul Food', have a listen to White Lies by Max Frost - who I've decided is basically a thin Cee-Lo Green. Which can never be a bad thing. Finally, have a listen to something a bit off the wall: Major Lazer feat. Chronixx with Where I Come From, which puts a reggae spin on May-jah Lay-zah's earlier single, Get Free (featured a couple months back, don't cha know). Personally I love it, but what's your take on it? Alright, enough of my yapping - I've spent way too much time punching away at my keyboard this week. Pretty sure I've incurred a repetitive stress injury.
