Apologies for the late delivery on another Tune Tape - I'm afraid I've been a bit predisposed this week. Y'see, this will be the final Tune Tape being broadcast from Manchester - the city of music that has been my home for the last three years *tear*. This Sunday will mark the start of the next chapter of my life, familiar to most graduates from university. That's right: I'm moving back in with my parents. Hopefully this will a) be temporary, and b) not affect the quality of the Tune Tapes - but no guarantee on either of these statements. In light of this, I've put together the BIGGEST TUNE TAPE YET; 29 brand-spanking new tracks to say my goodbye to my life as a student, and hello to my life as an unemployed adult. Pass the whiskey, it's going to be emotional.
This week I thought I'd bring your attention to an amazing band I've just discovered: Imaginary Friend. They've just brought out a new album, and it's fantastic. If you like the sound of their track, The Thick and The Thin (which I've pitched at Number One), then preview - and buy - the whole thing on iTunes here. It's truly beautiful. Similarly enchanting is Simple Kids by Story Books, whose beautiful lyrics and uplifting guitar riffs will cast a spell over you. For a more classic, happy-clappy, Indie sound, play Celeste by Les Enfants - guarantee to make you smile. Making the rounds on music blogs this week is Marika Hackman's Bath is Black, whose beautiful vocals are juxtaposed with an early electronic organ-sounding accompaniment. Sounds odd, but give it a go, I think you'll like it. I know I put a lot of remixes on these Tapes but I don't often give you the originals - this week marks a change. First up is Milky Chance with Down the River. The original actually sounds like it's already been remixed, but don't be fooled by the heavy bass beat. FlicFlac takes this, extends it, and adds some breaks and snares - not a total overhaul, but I think it's an interesting interpretation. Next is Bipolar Sunshine and their similarly-named track, Rivers - an example of 'new Indie', which has taken influence from Drum and Bass, amongst other things. ToyBoy & Robin have built on these influences and transformed it into a pretty solid House track. Big Fish, Little Fish, anyone? By now, you should be aware that I've got big love for covers. This week, I've found two which merit a place on the Tune Tape. First is a track which I think exemplifies a great cover: Put A Ring On It, covered by Settling. He manages to turn what is an RnB anthem (I mean, who hasn't seen that video) into a beautiful Indie ditty. Seriously unrecognisable. Amazing job. Ellie Goulding has been trying her hand at a few covers lately, most recently Tessellate, originally by Alt-J (∆). Like Settling, I really love covers that switch the vocals' gender - i.e. if the original is by a woman, let a man cover it. Not only does it bring a totally new pitch and tone to the table, it also reverses the meaning, and makes you think about the song in a different way. Whilst I have to say I prefer the original in this case, I think Ellie does a great job on switching up the vocals. Speaking of timeless originals, stick on Viceroy "Jet Life" remix of Mark Morrison's classic 90's track, Return of the Mack (featured in that T-Mobile advert - you know the one), and have a bloody great time. Viceroy brings the track up to date by injecting some Summery synth and slightly increasing the tempo so it's perfect body-swerving speed. The next two tracks may not be to everybody's taste at first listen, but give them time, they're growers. They're also very in fashion, as anyone who's anyone spells their name in CAPITALS now. First up is HYDRABADD with Sanctuary, who describe their style as *begin airquotes* a sonic picture that is Diamond Spectrum *end airquotes*. However pretentious their Facebook 'about' section might be, their music is interesting and original, and I'd go as far to say that they're going places. FMLYBAND (who I believe are pronounced 'FamilyBand', not Fuck My Life YBAND, as I originally thought) is a similarly experimental sound - possibly more 'nuovo-Indie' than anything else, but I think it's unfair to pigeonhole them. Electricity is possibly more mainstream than the previous track, but I think you'd agree it's a similar "sonic picture". On a different note (pun totally intended), this week's soul is provided by Wale feat. Sam Dew with Love Hate Thing. I have to say, the soulful chorus - provided by Sam Dew - really makes this track for me. The rap really isn't anything special, but it does the job in contrasting nicely from the smooth melodies laid down by Mr. Dew. If you're looking for some decent rapping, stick on Miguel Campbell's remix of TOKiMONSTA (another capitalised name, he's trendy) feat. Kool Keith with The Force. Taking it back to the 90's fo'real, yo. Fred Falke is back in business, recently remixing a track by NERVO (what is with the capitals, seriously), Hold On. Which definitely has an early-00's House vibe about it (think Liberty X with Just a Little - getting it?). There's been a lot of 'groovy House' going around lately - soulful 70's classics reworked for modern ears - with quite a lot of success, actually. This week I'm featuring two tracks that slot into this genre: Moods's remix of Boz Scaggs' Low Down, and an extended House tribute to Bring Me Joy, originally by The Layabouts but reworked by Director's Cut. See if you can work out what they're saying at the beginning - my guess is 'Gerard Butler'. Flight Facilities have been a regular feature on TTT, and this week they're back with their feel-good track I Didn't Believe - perhaps not one of their greatest, but worth a mention nonetheless. Finally, we have two songs that I'm really excited about. First up is //Fractures with Twisted, which I have a feeling is going to be HUGE in underground circles. Does that make sense? I don't know. I think it's amazing. Next up is Tongue by Maribou State feat Holly Walker. If you can check out the video for this, do, because it's fantastic. It's another grower, so stick with it - it will reward you. Alright - the rest is down to you to discover. Happy listening folks, and over-and-out from me in Manchester. We've had some great times.
Love,
Belle x
Thursday
Monday
Wish List Mondays #29 - Parks & Recreation Special
Good afternoon Wish Listers and a very happy Bank Holiday to you all. How have you been spending it? This weekend, I've been in Leeds. For those of you overseas who don't know where that is, here's a map...
As Bank Holidays in the UK go, I've spent my one pretty typically; in the park, and eating barbecues. Here's a few pictures of what I got up to:
As Bank Holidays in the UK go, I've spent my one pretty typically; in the park, and eating barbecues. Here's a few pictures of what I got up to:
Inspired by this, and my unrelenting optimism that the weather will stay sunny for Summer, I thought I'd put together a 'Parks & Recreation' Wish List. So, with no further ado, here's what to lay your hands on before the good weather runs out - hurry, this is England.
1. Bandana Print Shirt, Topshop, £26. Bandanarama, here.
2. Tailored Strappy Playsuit, Topshop, £46. Strap on, here.
3. Leopard-Intarsia Cotton-Blend Sweater by Kenzo, Net-a-Porter, £245. How the leopard got his spots, here.
4. Maxi Tribal Woven Straw Handbag by Sensi Studio, Matches, £205. Draw the short straw, here.
6. Jawbone JamBox Wireless Portable Speakers, Amazon, £118. Make yourself heard, here.
7. Moto White High Waisted Hotpants, Topshop, £28. Waist-ing away, here.
8. Gold & Green Aviator Sunglasses by Ray-Ban, ASOS, £120. Top Gun, here.
9. Nike Air Max in Fuchsia, Office, £95. Max out, here.
11. Black Lock Shoulder Bag, H&M, £15. Cold shoulder, here.
12. 'Make a Wish' 18k-Gold-Plated Charm Bracelet, Kristin Ash Jewellery, £89. Charmed, I'm sure, here.
13. Neon-Green Bejewelled Sandals, H&M, £15. The grass is always greener, here.
Until next time - enjoy the sunshine!
Love,
Belle x
Tuesday
Tune Tape Tuesdays #28
Last Thursday two pretty awesome things happened: I finished University, and The Great Gatsby was released in cinemas across the UK...to a almost unanimous panning by critics. Unfortunately, although Baz Lurhman is undeniably talented as a director, he doesn't fail to divide his audiences - usually into those who have actually read the original texts (in the cases of GG and Romeo + Juliet), or are a fan of the period (Moulin Rouge), and those who haven't, or aren't. I nearly always fall into the latter category, not because I'm illiterate or have an allergy to history, but because I'm more of a lover of film as an art form (please feel free to hurl stones at the pretentiousness of that sentence). You wouldn't judge a Monet on how closely it relates to a photograph of the same scene, would you? (Say no) So why would you critique a director's personal interpretation of a novel as "not authentic" to the original? Isn't that a bit, I dunno, boring? For anyone that's a fan of Vice Magazine, you might have caught the actor James Franco's review of The Great Gatsby on its website last week. If not, I shall copy and paste for your enjoyment, as I think it's got a lot of good points to make:
Love,
Belle x
The old saying is that a good book makes a bad film, while a paperback potboiler like The Godfather makes a great film. But this wisdom is derived from the idea that a good book is made by the writing, and if it’s adapted into whatever, its magic is lost. As just about every (film) critique has already noted – and they’re right, if repetitive – most of what makes The Great Gatsby great is Fitzgerald’s prose. We allow the classics to get away with so much because we love the characters. But when older stories are revived for film, the issue of the past and present must be rectified. But that lack was not a function of anything missing in the actors or the general direction as much as it is a result of the passage of time, the encasing of a book in the precious container of "classic" status.
When adapting Gatsby to the big screen, the main questions Baz Luhrmann faced were: What will work? And, like Romeo and Juliet before, How do I make this older material live in a new medium for a modern audience? And somehow Luhrmann managed to be loyal to both the original text and to his contemporary audience. The jazz music of the 20s was raw and dangerous, but if Luhrmann had used that music today, it would have been a museum piece – irrelevant to mainstream and high culture alike, because they would’ve already known what’s coming.
Luhrmann’s film is his reading and adaptation of a text – his critique, if you will. Would anyone object to a production of Hamlet in outer space? Not as much as they object to the Gatsby adaptation, apparently. Maybe that’s because Gatsby is so much about a time and a place, while Shakespeare, in my mind, is more about universal ideas, ideals and feelings. Luhrmann needed to breathe life into the ephemera and aura of the 20s and that’s just what he succeeded at.
Alright, so what does this have to do with Tune Tape Tuesdays, I hear you ask. Well, the answer to that is, the MUSIC. The Great Gatsby, along with Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge have some of the most epic soundtracks in cinematic/musical history. I know I've been including tracks here and there, but I thought I'd stream the whole OST on here so y'all can recreate Gatsby in your own homes.
Alright, let's move on from The Great Gatsby for a moment or two, and bring you some unrelated music. First up is, somewhat unusually, a Dubstep track. Usually these don't feature until much further down the Tune Tape, but Leave Me by Kailo & Moralo caught my attention from the word go by using a sample from Ain't Too Proud to Beg. Classic. I have to say, they've treated the original with a lot of respect, placing embracing wobbles around the incredible vocals of The Temptations - who may not be too proud to beg, but definitely too proud to be messed with. Sorry, bad joke. All in all, they've created a pretty restrained, but powerful Dubstep track that leaves you begging for more (pun intended). Continuing on the 'reinterpretation' theme, this week Daughter released a cover of Daft Punk's huge track, Get Lucky. I heard it on its own, and have to say I didn't think much of it. Daughter have been releasing quite a few covers of late - some good, some not-so-good - and this fell in the latter category. But after a poorly-titled listing on HypeM I had a play of Pretty Pink's Edit of their cover, and really liked it - especially the inclusion of on-beat piano chords. Have a listen, and see what you think. Next up is Hiatus, with We Can Be Ghosts Now, a stripped-down Chillwave song that includes beautiful vocals from Shura (similar to the lead singer of Daughter, now I think about it). If you like a bit more Wave to your Chill, check out Tropics's new track, Courage. With soulful vocals and a sexy, swinging bassline, it's perfect for days spent lazing about in the sunshine. Increasing the tempo another notch, we have the new single Everything from Maya Jane Coles, one of my favourite artists at the moment. What I like about MJC is that they're as good live, or played in a club as they are at home or on your headphones. Very few artists are so transferable - it's a rare thing. Savour the beauty, y'feel me? Another artist of a similar style is Mount Kimbie, who this week released a collaboration with another TTT favourite, King Krule, on their track You Took Your Time. Mount Kimbie lays down a fantastic backing beat that both stands up to and masterfully accompanies the unique vocals of King Krule. This is what 'collabs' are all about. It seems like every week I'm featuring another Lana Del Rey song, but hey, she's amazing so live with it. This week she's brought out Queen of Disaster, which whilst probably not a classic like Video Games or Ride, is nevertheless daymn catchy. Enjoy that in your head for the rest of the week. You're welcome. For those that weren't content with the first serving of Dubstep this week, press play on 12th Planet & Mayhem's track, Whoops, which combines pop-style lyrics and vocals with filthy drops and wobbles. It might be one for the teenyboppers, but I reckon it's still worth a listen. See what you think. The antidote to this is next; a beautiful folk song by Badlands called Sleeping Beauty, whose vocals drift around your head and through your ears until you're completely calm, relaxed, and happy. Try it. Finally, everyone's favourite band The Weeknd have put out a few new tracks this week, including this one - Kiss Land. For me, it's a bit of a track of two halves. The first half, I really like, but then I have to sit through the second half and I begin to lose the will to live. Still, worth a mention. Until next week, y'all - and GOOD LUCK to those of you still slogging away at exams!
Love,
Belle x
Monday
Wish List Mondays #28 - Festival Special
Let's be honest, Britain is not a country made for Summer. Our beaches are pebbly and unfriendly; our barbecues a damp, undercooked embarrassment; and the less said about the temperature the better. But despite this, we trump every other country in one Summer essential: Festivals. Yep, the British sure do know how to organise a piss-up in a field. Living in the UK, it's easy to forget that we're hugely respected world-leaders in both music and fashion. Perhaps that's why we've managed to nail the essence of music festivals - by understanding that the two pretty much go hand in hand. Whilst I wouldn't say I'm a festival veteran, I've been to enough to know that there tend to be three general types of styles that ladies emulate when attending these events: the Hippie, the Rock Chick, and the 90's. So let's get on with it, shall we?
LOOK 1:
HIPPIE CHIC
ORIGINS: WOODSTOCK, 1969 - PEACE & LOVE.
CELEBRITY FANS: VANESSA HUDGENS
GET THE LOOK:
1. Boho Embroidered Dress, Mango, £35. Buy it here.
2. Hand-Embroidered Waistcoat, H&M, £100. Buy it here.
3. Limited Edition Silk Maxi Dress, Topshop, £180. Buy it here.
4. Chain Cuff, Warehouse, £10. Buy it here.
5. Rose & Spike Alice Band by Jonny Loves Rosie, ASOS, £18. Buy it here.
6. Cowboy Leather Ankle Boots, Mango, £100. Buy them here.
7. Jacquard Sash Belt with Embroidery, Zara, £30. Buy it here.
LOOK 2:
ROCK N ROLL QUEEN
ORIGINS: FEMALE SINGERS/GROUPIES 1960s-1980s.
CELEBRITY FANS: KATE MOSS
GET THE LOOK:
1. Straw Hat, H&M, £8. Buy it here.
2. Black Eyelid Pattern Denim Cross-Body Bag, Milanoo, £17. Buy it here.
3. Black Biker Blouse, Warehouse, £50. Buy it here.
4. 'Longer Than Life' Long-Wear Eyeliner by NARS, Selfridges, £19. Buy it here.
5. Leather Skull Belt by Zadig & Voltaire, ASOS, £165. Buy it here.
6. Mid-Heel Chelsea Boots, Topshop, £75. Buy them here.
7. White Micro Shorts, Uniqlo, £15. Buy them here.
LOOK 3:
THE 90's
ORIGINS: THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR/90'S HIPHOP.
CELEBRITY FANS: ELIZA DOOLITTLE
GET THE LOOK:
1. Fluoro Embroidered Organza Crop Top, Topshop, £30. Buy it here.
2. Chain Sunglasses, H&M, £7. Buy them here.
3. Tiger Embroidered Sweatshirt, H&M, £30. Buy it here.
4. 'Lizzy' Tie Die Shorts by The Ragged Priest, Topshop, £40. Buy them here.
5. 'Milbank' Festival Wellington Trainer-Boot, Hunter, £89. Buy them here.
6. Bruins Snapback Cap by Zephyr, ASOS, £25. Buy it here.
Love,
Belle x
Tuesday
Tune Tape Tuesdays #27
Judging by the amount of you on Facebook posting YouTube clips and exasperated statuses, I'd say it was exam time. We all know at this crucial time of our lives, we need a cracking set of tunes to get us through the dark days spent in a depressing library to drown out the anguished weeps of our fellow students as they try and get through a years worth of notes in a few weeks. Or days, in my case. Think of me as your musical guardian angel, winging you the newest music across the vast space of the interweb. No need to thank me, just credit me in your graduation speech.
Lately, I've been really getting into progressive house. The best thing about this genre is that the songs are long, with slow, gratifying crescendoes, which you can stick on, work, and not change for at least a few pages of notes. In light of this, my top tune this week is a remix by Robin Schultz of MÖWE's track, Blauer Tag, which, if my stunted German is correct, translates as 'Blue Day'. Although we haven't physically had many of these lately, this song streams into your eardrums like a little ray of sunshine with it's feel-good beat and happy saxophone riff. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a skip in your step whether you're walking to an exam, or celebrating your last. Next up is a slightly more introspective Prog House track, Tusindfryd by Morten Granau. With its hypnotic bassline and Moroccan-like chanting, it will hopefully get y'all concentrating on the task in hand - ie. (whisper it) your exam. If you enjoyed (who didn't) Disclosure's huge track, White Noise (featured on LBeLB before it was cool...just sayin'), then check out MNEK's take on it, which replaces AlunaGeorge's vocals with a male soul-singer's. It might divide some opinions, but it's an interesting interpretation nonetheless. Imogen Heap - probably most famous for her work on the OC Soundtrack c.2005 - is back, with Headlock, reworked by Him_Self_Her into a mesmerizing House track, perfect for sticking on and getting in the zone. If you want some motivation to get your head down and get out of that exam, play Bronx Night Dub's remix of Viceroy & French Horn Rebellion's Friday Night, a super little Electonic track guaranteed to get you psyched. Bring on the afterparty. Next up is some guilty-pleasure pop served up by Empire of the Sun and OneRepublic, respectively. Walking on a Dream is a hard act to follow, but I think they've got pretty close with Alive - stick it on and get in touch with your inner teenybopper. OneRepublic has been one of my favourite chart-regulars ever since they teamed up with Timbaland on Apologize (remember that corker?). They've recently released If I Lose Myself. Embrace the cheese. Embrace. It. If you want to feel a little less guilty about listening to them, have a play of Culture Code's Dubstep remix of the same song, which injects the track with a touch more respectability. Although the same remix is probably going to be on your 16-year old sister's iPod. If you can live with that, then so can I. From Dubstep to Trap, Team Bayside High have released a remix of Wild Belle's (wahey, namesake) Keep You, which basically rapes the original with some obese wobbles and masochistic breaks. Get your bassface on. Although I'm not a huge fan of Moombahton, I couldn't help but include Koshen's track, Gal A Bubble, in which he doubles up with Major Lazer (pron. May-Jah Lay-Zah), Bro Safari and ETC!ETC! (actual band name, not just me being too lazy to name the rest). As Flo Rida would say, "Get Low". For something that sounds less like an assault on your eardrums, stick on Nova Scotia by Magic Man, an ethereal synth-pop track that will have you dreaming of long summer nights and ice-cold beers. Tom Odell's got to be one of my favourite solo artists at the moment, and this week, his song, Another Love gets treated by Felix Jahen, getting turned into a snappy Prog House track. Felix has worked really well with the original rhythm of the song, making the transformation pretty seamless. Nice work. For some happy Chillwave, have a listen to Rudi Zygadlo's remix of Electric Guest's This Head I Hold (the original featured a few weeks back). Like a piece of Cubist art (who's been revising...) Rudi breaks up the original, twists it around, and puts it back together in a totally fresh way. If you like that, check out Giraffage's new track, Music Sounds Better With You, in which he gives Stardust's classic tune a similar reboot. Indie lovers, I haven't forgotten you. Get your fix with Jim Guthrie's The Rest Is Yet To Come, and Freddie Dickson's The End. They're both showcases of the new Indie sound, which I think is pretty 'Creme Fraiche'. Enjoy - and GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!
Annoyingly, there's no Widget for Freddie Dickson's song. Click HERE to get redirected to the Soundcloud page.
Love,
Belle x
Lately, I've been really getting into progressive house. The best thing about this genre is that the songs are long, with slow, gratifying crescendoes, which you can stick on, work, and not change for at least a few pages of notes. In light of this, my top tune this week is a remix by Robin Schultz of MÖWE's track, Blauer Tag, which, if my stunted German is correct, translates as 'Blue Day'. Although we haven't physically had many of these lately, this song streams into your eardrums like a little ray of sunshine with it's feel-good beat and happy saxophone riff. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a skip in your step whether you're walking to an exam, or celebrating your last. Next up is a slightly more introspective Prog House track, Tusindfryd by Morten Granau. With its hypnotic bassline and Moroccan-like chanting, it will hopefully get y'all concentrating on the task in hand - ie. (whisper it) your exam. If you enjoyed (who didn't) Disclosure's huge track, White Noise (featured on LBeLB before it was cool...just sayin'), then check out MNEK's take on it, which replaces AlunaGeorge's vocals with a male soul-singer's. It might divide some opinions, but it's an interesting interpretation nonetheless. Imogen Heap - probably most famous for her work on the OC Soundtrack c.2005 - is back, with Headlock, reworked by Him_Self_Her into a mesmerizing House track, perfect for sticking on and getting in the zone. If you want some motivation to get your head down and get out of that exam, play Bronx Night Dub's remix of Viceroy & French Horn Rebellion's Friday Night, a super little Electonic track guaranteed to get you psyched. Bring on the afterparty. Next up is some guilty-pleasure pop served up by Empire of the Sun and OneRepublic, respectively. Walking on a Dream is a hard act to follow, but I think they've got pretty close with Alive - stick it on and get in touch with your inner teenybopper. OneRepublic has been one of my favourite chart-regulars ever since they teamed up with Timbaland on Apologize (remember that corker?). They've recently released If I Lose Myself. Embrace the cheese. Embrace. It. If you want to feel a little less guilty about listening to them, have a play of Culture Code's Dubstep remix of the same song, which injects the track with a touch more respectability. Although the same remix is probably going to be on your 16-year old sister's iPod. If you can live with that, then so can I. From Dubstep to Trap, Team Bayside High have released a remix of Wild Belle's (wahey, namesake) Keep You, which basically rapes the original with some obese wobbles and masochistic breaks. Get your bassface on. Although I'm not a huge fan of Moombahton, I couldn't help but include Koshen's track, Gal A Bubble, in which he doubles up with Major Lazer (pron. May-Jah Lay-Zah), Bro Safari and ETC!ETC! (actual band name, not just me being too lazy to name the rest). As Flo Rida would say, "Get Low". For something that sounds less like an assault on your eardrums, stick on Nova Scotia by Magic Man, an ethereal synth-pop track that will have you dreaming of long summer nights and ice-cold beers. Tom Odell's got to be one of my favourite solo artists at the moment, and this week, his song, Another Love gets treated by Felix Jahen, getting turned into a snappy Prog House track. Felix has worked really well with the original rhythm of the song, making the transformation pretty seamless. Nice work. For some happy Chillwave, have a listen to Rudi Zygadlo's remix of Electric Guest's This Head I Hold (the original featured a few weeks back). Like a piece of Cubist art (who's been revising...) Rudi breaks up the original, twists it around, and puts it back together in a totally fresh way. If you like that, check out Giraffage's new track, Music Sounds Better With You, in which he gives Stardust's classic tune a similar reboot. Indie lovers, I haven't forgotten you. Get your fix with Jim Guthrie's The Rest Is Yet To Come, and Freddie Dickson's The End. They're both showcases of the new Indie sound, which I think is pretty 'Creme Fraiche'. Enjoy - and GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!
Annoyingly, there's no Widget for Freddie Dickson's song. Click HERE to get redirected to the Soundcloud page.
Love,
Belle x
Monday
Wish List Mondays #27 - 'Prints for a Day'
You know it's exam period when the number of people listed on Facebook chat passes the 100+ mark. It seems that the one time of year we are supposed to have our heads deeply immersed in a stack of books, we turn to stalking our exes, posting hilarious YouTube links, and sharing as many competition pictures as humanly possible. Funny that. One positive thing to come out of this (apart from an invaluable YouTube history) is the fact that none of us are spending our cash on going out. This means, once exams are over and you've recovered from your post-exam celebration hangovers, there should be just enough money to splash out on a whole new wardrobe for Summer. This is where I come in. Perhaps it's the artworks I've been revising for my last ever exam, perhaps its the promise of good weather, Corona, and barbecues, but I'm devoting an entire Wish List to the delectable prints that are gracing the catwalks and the high street alike - allowing you to transform yourself into a living artwork. Mix and match, clash and couple, there's no rules to this trend. In the mean time, keep your chin up, your head down, and GOOD LUCK!
1. Daisy Print Shell Top, Topshop, £30. Fresh as a daisy, here.
2. Animal Ladder Back Dress, Topshop, £36. Animal magnetism, here.
3. African Floral-Print Silk Shirt by Stella McCartney, Net-a-Porter, £525. Prints charming, here.
4. Stripe Leaf Printed Shorts, Topshop, £30. The White Stripes, here.
5. Embroidered Ethnic Clutch, Zara, £30. Clutch-ing at straws, here.
6. Floral-Print Organza Princess Skirt by Christopher Kane, Matches, £745. Be a Print-cess, here.
7. 'Danielle' Chain Necklace, Kurt Geiger, £70. Chain gang, here.
8. Bangle Stack, Anna Lou of London, £35 each. London Calling, here.
9. Flora Rose, Iris & Blossom Scented Candle by Fornasetti, Net-a-Porter, £99. Scents and Sensibility, here.
10. Leopard-Print Acetate Sunglasses by Stella McCartney, Net-a-Porter, £125. How the leopard got its spots, here.
11. 'Leo' Lace Up, Kurt Geiger, £65. Leo the Lion, here.
12. 'Henrietta' Printed Pump, French Sole, £130. Sole Food, here.
Love,
Belle x
Wednesday
The Happiness of Feeling Sad
Hi. My name is Belle, and I'm a self-sadist.
For those of you that didn't get the memo, self-sadocism is a term I just invented. No, I haven't yet approached the OED about it, but I'm predicting it's only a matter of time until it gets in there. I like making myself sad. Not 'sad' in the Alan Partridge meaning of the word (i.e. a loser - although, there are some that would argue that), I mean 'sad' in the literal sense. To put it in context, I've just got out of a bubble bath, complete with scented candle, in which I drank a glass of wine and read some fucking depressing poetry. Cliché much? Yes. But I feel great about it. Let me elaborate.
I believe the greatest art in the world - be that poetry, music, or actual painting, sculpture, etc - has been made by those who are feeling sad or depressed. It turns out that's not just my opinion. I read an article last year about how creativity is closely intertwined with an individual's depression, whether that be manic or clinical, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or even substance abuse (1-0 to drug addicts.). Case studies in this article included Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland, renowned for his heavy use of opiates (well, I mean, how else would you come up with a narcotic caterpillar who speaks in rhyme). Virginia Wolf was as famous for her depression as she was for her novels. And it's not just novelists: Winston Churchill, Vincent Van Gogh, and Einstein are other notable individuals who suffered from different kinds of depression throughout their lives. So why, exactly, does sadness and depression inspire such an outpouring of creativity - and why do we value the results?
This post is going in the Relationships/Rants section of my blog. If you read any of those, it might be fairly clear that they are generally written at times when I've been ruminating over an event that's made me angry, hurt, sad, or depressed (yes, there is a difference between the last two). Wish List Mondays and Tune Tape Tuesdays are all very nice and I enjoy doing them, but in my opinion, my best writing is done when I actually feel something. And that something is usually sadness, in its many shapes and forms. I only really started writing last summer. I had split up from a guy I believed was the love of my life, and, to be honest, I was a complete mess; a breakup cliché. I didn't leave the house for days. I couldn't sleep, but when I did, I slept for 14 hours straight. I 'Hemingway-ed' it to the max: sitting in darkened rooms, drinking far more than my "recommended daily allowance", and chainsmoking my way through the best part of 20 a day. Thankfully, I had the clearheadedness to realise that this couldn't become my actual lifestyle forever, or, if it did, I should at least have something to show for it. So I opened up a Word Document, and I started writing. I wrote everything that I was thinking; everything that I couldn't bring myself to say to him, all of the memories I had of our relationship, and all of my dashed hopes of a future together. 20,000 words and a Summer later, I was better, and looking back on it now is strangely life-affirming:
4th July, 2012
When we broke up, I used to say that my soul felt like it had been pushed down a flight of stairs. It was the only way I could think of to describe the pain I felt inside. Although its bruises have healed, the scars remain, and it still limps a little. Do you remember when I asked you that time in Brixton if you had been unhappy? You shook your head and said “no, it just wasn’t perfect.”
I'm not saying my Summer ramblings were the stuff of artistic genius. But what I am saying is that I know that my personal best is made when I can't contain what I'm feeling. I guess that when REAL geniuses 'forge their metals', we can instinctively click into their troubled psyches. Which, in my books, is as pretty close to real magic as you can get without waving a wand and going to Hogwarts. Some people believe that embracing the outpourings of depressive individuals 'romanticises' the disorder. I don't personally see the bad in that. As a society, I think we're too quick to ostracise those who struggle to control, maintain, and manage their emotions; those whose membranes are so fragile that the world osmoses through them far quicker than others. Coming from an all-girls boarding school, admitting that you had clinical depression was basically announcing you were bat-shit crazy and were going to go rock back and forth in your room and stab a voodoo doll. For those with a penchant for statistics, one in four of us will experience depression at some points in our lives, and in my opinion, it's a fucking shame that a very high proportion of those that do are too scared to seek help because of what other people think. Personally, I think 'romanticising' depression is the least of your worries; I mean, at least it's getting some recognition. I can also vouch for creative outpourings - whatever medium they come out in - being far better for you than taking some meds and shutting up shop.
Just like people suggest men 'get in touch with their feminine side' once in a while, I think that we all need to get in touch with our inner-depressive. Which is why I like making myself feel sad once in a blue moon (colour-appropriate). Give me Leonard Cohen, a large glass of wine, and some poetry by Pablo Neruda, and you'll make me a very happy sad person.
Who else is a self-sadist?
Love,
Belle x
Tuesday
Wish List Mondays & Tune Tape Tuesdays #26 - MASHUP
Hands up who had a good Bank Holiday Weekend. Me. I had a good Bank Holiday Weekend. In light of the fact that I'll no longer be a student in 10 days, I decided that this Bank Holiday I would practice not doing any work - for, y'know, when I actually get a job. Technically, being a student, I should have a lot of practice at not doing anything, but this is my shady excuse for not producing a Wish List yesterday and I'm sticking to it. Miraculously, we had no rain this weekend, so I was able to go out and stroll around the city in - wait for it - bare legs. Yep, it looks like Summer is well and truly here. So, to celebrate this (and to kill two birds with one stone), I thought I'd produce a MashUp post of Monday and Tuesday regulars. Imagine, if you will, that Fashion and Music had a beautiful, but sadly illegitimate, lovechild - and you might get something close to the post I've lined up for you.
Cast your mind way back to the days of dial-up internet, landlines and VHS, when an an iPad was a cushion for your eye, and Kindles were something you put on a fire. In those days, I liked to spend my weekends fingering (don't be vulgar) the records in the record shop (think Empire Records as your cultural reference). Although vinyls had already been extradited to the basement, I still have fond memories of the hours I used to spend leafing through CDs - umming and ahhing over which one to buy. Like flat-caps and high-tops, vinyls are having something of a hipster resurgence. This weekend, I headed to Manchester's Northern Quarter, which is about as close you can get to a time warp without stepping through a tardis (or killing a human rabbit, for fans of Donnie Darko). Here, the record store is alive and well, and before I ran off to see A Place Beyond the Pines (which is super, by the way) I recaptured some childish joy by looking through the vinyls in Piccadilly Records. Glancing around at the trendy customers browsing the shelves, I realised that Fashion and Music do, on a whole, go pretty well together. I was thinking of doing a Music Genre-Based Fashion Overlook, but I am too tired/lazy. Until I muster the energy/courage for a post of that size, I thought I'd start off slow - contrasting the general fashion of those who attend Gigs (that is, instrument-based live music), with what my parents call "Raves" (i.e. live DJs). So, without any further ado, here is the first LBeLB MASHUP SPECIAL.
Love,
Belle x
PS.
How Cool Is This Gold Lasonic Boombox:-
Lush.
Cast your mind way back to the days of dial-up internet, landlines and VHS, when an an iPad was a cushion for your eye, and Kindles were something you put on a fire. In those days, I liked to spend my weekends fingering (don't be vulgar) the records in the record shop (think Empire Records as your cultural reference). Although vinyls had already been extradited to the basement, I still have fond memories of the hours I used to spend leafing through CDs - umming and ahhing over which one to buy. Like flat-caps and high-tops, vinyls are having something of a hipster resurgence. This weekend, I headed to Manchester's Northern Quarter, which is about as close you can get to a time warp without stepping through a tardis (or killing a human rabbit, for fans of Donnie Darko). Here, the record store is alive and well, and before I ran off to see A Place Beyond the Pines (which is super, by the way) I recaptured some childish joy by looking through the vinyls in Piccadilly Records. Glancing around at the trendy customers browsing the shelves, I realised that Fashion and Music do, on a whole, go pretty well together. I was thinking of doing a Music Genre-Based Fashion Overlook, but I am too tired/lazy. Until I muster the energy/courage for a post of that size, I thought I'd start off slow - contrasting the general fashion of those who attend Gigs (that is, instrument-based live music), with what my parents call "Raves" (i.e. live DJs). So, without any further ado, here is the first LBeLB MASHUP SPECIAL.
FASHION
"Come On Dahling, Let's Go Rahving"
1. 'Moonbeam' Crewneck Sweater by Billionaire Boys Club, EndClothing, £125. Beam me up Scotty, here.
2. Bright Leopard iPhone Shell, Topshop, £8. Deaf Leopard, here.
3. Zig-Zag Aztec Tunic, Topshop, £26. Az-Tech, here.
4. 'Tommy' Shorts by The Ragged Priest, Topshop, £55. Tie-Die For, here.
5. Crazy Animal HighShine Leggings, Topshop, £28. Get animalistic, here.
6. Giant Creole Triangle Hoop Earrings, ASOS, £10. Hula Hoop, here.
7. Red Bucci Hat with Yellow Ink, Brian Lichtenberg, $48. Bucci Mamma, here.
8. Metal Arm Flatbrow Sunglasses, Topshop, £16. Heavy Metal, here.
9. Air Force 1 Mid White High-Tops by Nike, Office, £72. Get high, here.
10. Mix Tape USB Stick, GettingPersonal, £20. Mix it up, here.
Gig-antic
1. Floral Print Blouse, Zara, £26. Print it out, here.
2. Canvas & PU Leather Jacket, H&M, £30. Hell for leather, here.
3. Black Pinafore Mini Dress, River Island, £20. Pin-teresting, here.
4. Cream Skinny Jeans, Topshop, £40. Cream your jeans, here.
5. Rouge Volupté Lipstick in No.17 Red Muse by Yves Saint Laurent, Selfridges, £25. Red or Dead, here.
6. Major 50 FX Headphones, Marshall, £140. See Major, here.
7. Leopard Head Top, H&M, £13. Take a walk on the wild side, here.
8. Gold Plated Red Rosebud & Bird Ring, Kirsten Ash Jewellery, £59. Roses are red, here.
9. Wooden Retro 3 Speed Turntable, Amazon, £100. Turning Tables, here.
10. Cross Over Leopard Print Wedges, Topshop, £45. Drive a wedge, here.
MUSIC
Before I start off with my little commentary, I'd like to mention some big news that had slipped both my mind and my attention for some time: The Strokes have a new album out. It's called 'Comedown Machine', and it's really bloody good. This week, I'm featuring one of my favourite tracks off the album: Chances. If you're digging their vibe but want to try before you buy, you can play the entire album on Grooveshark here. The top spot this week is filled by two tracks whose titles are remarkably similar: You and I by Allosaurus and You Got Me by Generationals. The similarities don't just end there, either - both have a bouncy Summer vibe and feature a large scoop of ice-cold synth for you to sit back and soak up. Next up is yet another track that's been released from the upcoming Great Gatsby OST: Beyoncé feat. Andre 3000's cover of Amy Winehouse's Back to Black. With the big name of Beyoncé upping interest, the actual track is, I have to say, a little bit of a rip off. It really should be Andre 3000 feat. Beyonce, as the ex-Outkaster does most of the legwork here. Despite the minimal input of 'Queen Bey', the track is - like most of the Soundtrack - pretty damn strong. Only a week to go before The Great Gatsby is officially in cinemas, folks! Isaac Tichaeur's progressive House track was put up on FRENCH EXPRESS's Soundcloud channel this week and has already received nearly 40,000 plays. It's not hard to see why - this track is like musical liquid butter being poured in your ear. FRENCH EXPRESS also put up the next track Chris Malinchak's So Good to Me, which is also like melted chocolate for your ears. Mmmm. Sexual. Next up is a MashUp (appropriate) of Wolf + Lamb and PillowTalk, entitled Real Love. MashUps can be a bit hit and miss, but this one is executed to perfection. Stick it on and chill the fuck out. Carrying on with the PillowTalk theme, they've also done an edit of Mayer Hawthorne's The Makings of a Lover, which puts a Funky House spin on the soul classic. If you like The Drums, check out Bedroom's track, In My Head. The guitar riff could have been lifted from their first album - although the vocals put an ethereal Chillwave spin on the proceedings. Definitely worth a play or twelve. For a bit of funk with an Indie spin, play Jean Tonique's remix of Jabberwocky's Photomaton; the perfect mix of sexy vocals and toe-tapping downbeat. Last week, I featured Lana Del Rey's offering on The Great Gatsby Sountrack, Young and Beautiful. In the time since its release, it's already been pray to a number of remixes, but GOOFY N/Me's interpretation is by far the best I've heard. See if you agree. If there weren't enough remixes already, I've also decided to throw in The Chainsmokers' take on one of Phoenix's tracks: Trying to be Cool, off their new album, 'Bankrupt!'. It's a fairly commercial Electro sound, but don't let that stop you from doing twirls to the bus stop. That's all from me this week - now it's over to you. Enjoy!
Love,
Belle x
PS.
How Cool Is This Gold Lasonic Boombox:-
Lush.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
