A Wetter Fish - Lemonade

Introducing Brooklyn based trio Lemonade. Their ethereal feel mixes dub-step, grime, dance and electro. Their experimental nature goes beyond the usual synths, walks into the kitchen and reaches for the closest kitchen utensil and or food group.

"Pitchfork has a lot of power. It’s crazy how people who will have never heard of you, will really like you once you’re on Pitchfork"

See the rest of the interview at This is Fake DIY

Jump My Suit

Wow.

I want that unitard & those boobies.

Is it true that a massive personality distracts attention away from a small-chest? 

Apparently boys like that. Personality, I mean.

I've definitely got a 'massive' personality and people always tell me I'm distracting.

Wow those melons are more complication than they're worth.

Perhaps I'll just stick with my wall & dress it in the tropical 'tard.

Vitalic Talks Gaga

He's a veteran in his field, he's played a big hand in inspiring many dance-floor contemporaries and his finely-tuned, synthesised beats have been highly-lauded by everyone from BBC, Vice to NME. Today I was off to West London to quiz the electronic visionary. So for once, rising before 9am to make the journey to West Kensington, did not inspire notions of hurling myself infront of the on-coming train. Quite the opposite.

[As an East Londoner, I have often threatened to disown any friend who has toyed with the idea of moving to the other side of town. I'm no good at long distance relationships.]

Upon my arrival, I was greeted by Leanne Mizo, founder and director of Bang On PR, who promptly led me to my destination. The K West Hotel and Spa, a favourite haunt of artists and musicians alike, was to be our meeting place. Pascal Arbez aka Vitalic was timid, self-effacing and cordial. Quite the opposite of what you'd expect from an internationally acclaimed electronic aficionado. He was tall and slim and his inconspicuous attire aptly complimented his humble nature. First off, we assessed the language barrier. As a Dijon-based producer of Italian decent, the artist's English was laced with eastern-French inflexions. Naturally, I leaned in closer, decreased the tempo of my voice and we began chatting.

Fuck You Very Much - You Were Thinking It

Currently, the state of newspapers, magazines and practically any form of print is in peril. With the Internet's offer of 'instant gratification' its tactile counter-part has been struggling to keep up. And this was before the whole recession reared its ugly little head!

Apparently, moving from Australia to London was one of the most inane things an aspiring journo, such as myself, could have done. In fact, there were only a few who were willing to spare some supportive words, in preparation for my departure. (Never fear this is definitely not a story about me).

Lucky, I'm as stubborn as they come...yea lucky..

But what is reassuring is when I stumble across sites such as My Fucking Redundancy (http://www.myfuckingredundancy.com), a blog which really does tell all the big wigs where to stick it.

Working Hard or Hardly Working?

Text message:
10am

Hey you. Sorry about yesterday. I ended up getting a puncture in my tyre and didn't even make it to the hairdresser! How was your evening? Laurent.

Typical.

Working Hard or Hardly Working?

11:06am
From Jasmine
So what happened?

11:15am
From Laurent:
Sorry Jasmine I wrote your number down wrong! How are you?

11:18am
From Jasmine:
Ok then.. I'm cold! Maybe I should have stayed in Australia.

11:30am
From Laurent: 
Well London isn't exactly the best place to get warm. You're from Australia?



1:00pm
From Laurent:
So can I have your number again?

 1:10pm
From Jasmine
Only if you promise to write it down correctly and call me ; )

1:14pm
From Laurent
Yes, I will grumpy pants : )

1:34pm
From Jasmine
Did you want to catch up tonight?

1:40pm
From Laurent
I'd love to but I have to sort my hair out! Got to find a hairdresser!

1:45pm
From Jasmine 
Buy me some scissors and I'll cut it for you. Don't be a girl. Your hair's fine. Come and meet me.

1:51pm
From Laurent
I'm not being a girl. But seriously my hair's out of control.

It Rained So Hard it Felt Like Snow

Was lucky enough to catch Swedish trio, Miike Snow, for a free gig at London's Cargo Bar. And after listening to what they had to 'say', I would have happily re-wound the clock and dug out my penny purse. They appeared on stage wearing white masks, which once taken off, further confirmed that these talented musos were indeed from the land of the genetically blessed...The lead singer and his moustache were looking mighty fine.

Their self-titled album is out now. Go catch them before everyone else does.

http://www.myspace.com/miikesnow

Moustaches Like Riding Bikes Too

We'll excuse the American spelling.

http://www.marcjohns.com/

American Apparel CEO - A Young Dov Charney

Pure Gold.

A nefarious male version of Curly Sue. Once a hustler..

Stars in Our Eyes

Celebrities, we follow them around like love-sick puppies; emulating their fashion, hair and mannerisms. We thrive off their frivolity; as we flip through the pages of our tabloid magazines we’re faced with photos of the rich and their famous friends, at their fancy parties, on their shiny yachts and in their many conspicuous mansions. Their lives allow us to escape our own 9-5 route for something a little more scenic. We escape reality by jumping ship, to join P. Diddy and co. as they eat their caviar and sip back flutes of Cristal champagne. Their ridiculous wealth makes their on-screen fictitious stories seem as banal as our own lives.

Angelique Houtkamp - Till Death Do Us Part

Angelique Houtkamp is a Dutch tattoo artist turned painter who is renowned for, but definitely not limited to, her sultry 40sesque pin-ups and dark raven haired beauties.

The self-proclaimed lover of 'dirty colours' has toured all over the world and in Melbourne she calls Outré Gallery on Elizabeth street; her home away from home. Since 2006 her work has been a regular on the avant-garde circuit.

Currently she draws a lot of inspiration from 1920s and 1930s illustration and defines her style as 'old-school tattoo' using 'bold lines', 'heavy shadows' and a small selection of colours. Her favourite colours are black, red and green.

Interview with Angelique Houtkamp: The Extra Finger.

In 2007, Melbourne's Outré Gallery published her first book titled 'Tattoo Darling', and in October 2009 she'll be returning for the launch of her second book 'Tattoo Mystique'.

The Russian born painter Erté (his piece pictured third) and the Enoch Bolles girls, especially the later ones, played a great role in shaping Houtkamp's signature style.

The artist admits to having quite an affliction with Enoch's late works; the girls with the 'weird & sometimes satanic expressions'.

Enoch's 1942 'Film Fun' cover (left) seems to have provided a stencil for Houtkamp's 'Cornelia'.


Her most recent work was displayed in May 2009 at Rome's Mondo Bizzarro Gallery, alongside fellow female tattooists Sunny Buik and Morg.

If you happen to be in Amsterdam, check her out at Rob Admiraals Studio - if you're lucky she might just put you on the waiting list.

Her official site: Salon Serpent

And her range of cards can be found at: Dearest Darling



Quotes sourced from: The Extra Finger

Melt! Festival 2009

On the weekend of July 17, I made my way to Germany’s Melt!, a festival located in the city of Ferropolis, one otherwise known as ‘the city of iron’. However, there was a slight problem - it seemed I was spoiled for choice - Melt! was to be taking place on the same weekend as UK music festivals, Latitude (16-19) and Lovebox (18-19). With such a smorgasbord of options, how was I to choose?
What enticed me to leave Ye Ol’ London Town, cross the North Atlantic and travel to the Ferropolis Peninsula; a location situated almost 3 hours from Berlin?

The stellar line-up was definitely a plus; fusing 80 live indie, electro and rock acts ranging from the Gossip, Buraka Som Sistema, Digitalism, Bloc Party, Röyksopp and Oasis; spread across 6 floors - over 3 glorious days. The setting was simple: a giant open-air museum of 20th century industrial machines coupled with the surrounding Gremmin Lake; proving to be a magnificent backdrop for the German outdoor music festival. Since its inception in 1997, the festival has grown from 2,000 to 20,000 attendees.

Despite the cold, wet and windy weather, day-early attendees were treated to one of heat-induced fun, in which soaking up the rays and frolicking in the lake proved much needed relief. Convinced? But, wait there’s more. The niche spectacle owes much of its credibility and appeal not only to the incredible line-up and its unique setting, but most importantly to the people. Together the festival dwellers create a passionate, euphoric yet exhilarating ambiance sans the aggressive, rowdy behaviour that is synonymous with ‘some’ English festivals (ahem.. see Reading festival and tent burning).

Upon sharing my thoughts with Whitest Boy Alive bassist Marcin Öz (right) he was quick to agree, revealing that the Berlin-based electronic outfit prefer a continental-European audience, rather than an English audience and as a result they always ‘refuse offers to participate in English festivals’!

The 12th Melt! Festival was a musical melting-pot that proves an amalgamation of individuals surging with an unbridled zeal, does not have to result in testosterone fueled hedonism; behaviour which merely detracts from the harmonious unity. Melt! Festival sees a unity by those with an unerring feel for music; whose hands reach as high as the five enormous coal mining diggers, which crowd the German skyline.

“Thanks for the best German show ever.” Booka Shade

Check out the article on London-ers.com

Karen O Is 'Where The Wild Things Are'

She Shoots, She Scores

Although the inter-breeding of the music industry and the film industry is nothing new, it seems musicians are looking for new ways to channel their artistic spirit, while simultaneously making a penny or two. The film score for Spike Jonze's adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's book, Where the Wild Things Are, - try saying that 10 times- has been almost entirely written by Yeah Yeah Yeah's front-woman, Karen O. In an age of pirate downloads, this not only introduces a new money-making sphere for musicians but also generates a greater and varied film viewership.

Bat For Lashes

Bat For Lashes is British singer and visual artist, Natasha Khan. She is due to release the follow up album, to Fur and Gold, titled Two Suns, on 06 April 09.

Check out the first single Daniel. It is pure heaven.



Many would liken her melodramatic style to that of Bjork. Maybe just not as kooky. And a tad prettier. Well, Natasha has revealed that she has begun working on a fantasy film based on her debut album Fur and Gold.

“If it happens it’ll be amazing but we don’t know yet if we can afford it,” she added. “It’s always money I suppose, but who knows, it’s in the pipeline.” [Gigwise]



The film clip for What's A Girl To Do, like many others, gives you a good indication of what to expect.

Indie Dayze Radio Show May 11

Indie Dayze May 11 [click to play]

Playlist:

1. Ladytron
2. On The Other Side - The Strokes
3. Our Swords - Band Of Horse
4. Cable TV - Fol Chen
   
5. I Believe - Simian Mobile Disco
6. Wildcat - Ratatat
7. Zero- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
8. Tricky Tricky - Royksopp
9. On Board - Friendly Fires
10. Stay On The Outside - Whitey
11. Just The Past - PBJ
12. Bonjour Jeune Fille - The Blow
13. Couleurs - M83
14. Ladies Of The World- Flight Of The Conchords
    

A Dying Breed - The Day He Lost His Boogie

Celebrities, pop-stars (pop-tarts), superstars, they have always seemed like such an invincible breed. Capable of anything while freed from the associated ramifications. The ramifications of life, of jumping off a cliff, of having way to much collagen pumped, of a non-existent food-intake.. and the list goes on. Of course our warped perception and voyeuristic attitude toward these super-humans have as much to do with the movies they produce as it does with the 'news' the glossies (print, TV and broadcast) decide to feed us.

We mere mortals can not help but become slaves to the news-feeds that evade our aural space; infiltrating our thoughts and ideas. These so-called 'celebrities' wave to us through the television, laugh and blow us raspberries from the red carpet and are 'ever' so grateful for our love and support.

Oh no wait, how does it go? 'I'd like to thank god and all of my fans, because without you, none of this would be possible'. Oh yea, so there is god too, but mostly it's us.

We (secretly) look up to them: We adore the way they dress and in-turn create copy-cat versions (see the 1001 fashion copy adoration sites - oh Kate you're such an inspiration; unwashed hair, mini-shorts and gumboots, now why didn't I think of that!)

We print off their photos or rip them out of magazines, only to whip them out at the hairdresser. Make me look like Jennifer Aniston! We frequently save them to our computer desktop, oh Giselle why can't my girlfriend be as sexy as you?

[Buy her some tan-in-a-can and pay for a 'small' breast augmentation and you're half way there!]

And then.. as we wait, with baited breathe, for their next unpredictable move; new hair-cut, new beau, new career (see Joaquin Phoenix), they go and die on us...

They die and with their withering bodies, their incredibly built-up persona comes crashing down. What about the new haircut? I thought after that it was a shoe-in! She seemed so happy with her fourth husband; things were definitely looking up for her! At least that's what E! News told me. Was it all a lie? Oh Ryan Seacrest are you capable of such follies?

Recently,it seems they're dropping like flies. These inspirational muses who we try to replicate, personify, perhaps even clone(?) Calling Top Shop. On Thursday morning, Charlie's Angel Farrah Fawcett passed away and so too did Michael Jackson. After suffering from a a drug over-dose the 'king of pop'- had no more left to give, leaving behind three children, a musical legacy and a few thousand ticket holders.

The gates that did their best to hide the life of a tierd superstar.

M.J had 50 summer concerts planned in London through August at the O2 Arena, a hugely anticipated series that was expected to resurrect the star’s career and earn him an estimated 50 million U.S dollars. The shows were to begin July 13 2009 but the majority of them were pushed back to March 2010. The Jackson camp cited 'the challenges presented by such a large and technically complex concert' as the reason and insisted that the star was in good health. Fans were skeptical and if there were ever a time to say 'I told you so,' now would be it. Instead Facebook and Twitter walls are crowded with messages of praise and admiration.

All the ridicule that once clouded the news articles, has now been replaced with those presenting Jackson as a juggernaut amongst his contemporaries and congratulating 'the king of pop' on his successful career. Ironically death seems to bring out the best in people.. and although I do not want to humanise the media, I will say that there are times, such as this when even the media respond in a respectful manner. Nevertheless, this too shall pass and in a day or so articles will surface questioning the fate of the children M.J left behind and that lingering debt.. The debt that could have quite possibly been erased with the 450 million U.S dollars the singer was to make from his 'This is it' global tour.

Unfortunately for the little brother of the Jackson 5, this really was it.

R.I.P

The Blind See Better

In 1886, Coca-Cola was invented by Doctor John Pemberton a pharmacist from Atlanta, Georgia. The post-WW11 period welcomed a boom of consumerism, a time in which advertising was unregulated and consumers were exploited. Unverified and often absurd pseudoscience became the norm and Coca-Cola which contained "the valuable tonic and nerve stimulant properties of the coca plant and cola nuts," was marketed as a medicinal elixir. However, after substituting wine with sugar Permerton claimed the syrup could double as a 'fun food' and the syrup that was once sold to drugstores by Pemberton Chemical Co. is today, the world's most popular soft-drink.

It also doubles as a cleaning agent when 'bloody (road) accidents' need to be erased.

Facebook leaves Myspace lagging behind.

In May 2008, Facebook’s total number of unique visitors surpassed that of MySpace and social media organisations the world over were silenced. Facebook had surfaced with a total of 123.9 million unique visitors. What had become of the social network that had a three year head-start? What had it done wrong?

Launched in August 2003, Myspace was the pioneer of social-networking sites, offering a free platform with no obligations. It encouraged users to customise their profile pages by entering HTML and musicians went a-wall when given the opportunity to share 6 MP3 songs. Currently over 8 million artists have been discovered on Myspace and there are those select few such as Lily (granted she does have a famous dad) and M.I.A who managed to propel themselves from Myspace haven to the global music domain.

Facebook had its inception in 2007 and offered many of the same features as Myspace including: banner ads, creating customized profiles and the ability to increase or decrease the level of visitor restrictions. However, it also features the Wall, Pokes, Photos, News Feed, Facebook Notes, Chat and Gifts and an ever-expanding number of applications. Eventually Myspace caught on to the photo tagging frenzy and were quick to add the option.

The most significant difference between the two websites is the level of customisation. Facebook presents a rather simple and easy to use interface which only allows plain text as opposed to HTML and CSS. Its ‘dummy-proof’ approach was a big winner with those less technologically inclined, who assumed Brazilian band CSS had collaborated with Myspace. It is especially popular with the adults.

In April 2009, it was found that a greater percentage of visitors aged between 25 and 34 and 35 and 49 were logging onto Facebook. In contrast, the highest indexing demographics on Myspace.com were people aged 18 to 24 and 12-17.

According to web information company Alexa, Facebook's ranking among all websites went from 60th to 7th from September 2006 to September 2007. In Indonesia it holds 1^st place, in the United Kingdom it is at 2^nd place and both the United States and Australia rank it at number 3.

The social influx from Myspace to Facebook is evidence that every social networking site is disposable and unless you stay relevant you will only get left behind.

Watch your back Twitter.

Models.com - Picture Me - A Movie

Picture Me Trailer


Androgyny + Stepford Wives + Valley of the Dolls = Picture Me

Picture Me the new documentary by filmmaker Ole Schell. Schell joins his ex-girlfriend on her wild, narcissistic, boarding school-esque journey as she paves her career as a runway model.

Mr Squiggle Vs A. Wang

Hoping that Topshop will have 'properly' ripped this Alexander Wang dress off, in time for my impending arrival.

Ashton Kutcher- An Over-Used Car Salesman

He brought us Punk'd, Beauty and the Geek and showed us that it was ok to marry someone twice your age. And now he brings us Coolpix Nikon.



Ashton, didn't anyone every tell you that over-saturation drowns the masses?

Field Day 2009 - London

On the morning of Sat 1 August, London’s weather forecast was disappointing, yet nothing short of predictable. At this point, the prospect of a meteorological blunder was the only ‘ray’ of hope on offer for London’s Field Day punters. Unfortunately, BBC weather was spot on: cloudy patches then light rain at 4pm, promptly proceeded by heavy showers, three hours later. The only solace was the stellar line-up that was awaiting our heavy hearts; situated in E8’s Victoria Park. As the distance between us and the gated-musical haven decreased the demographic changed accordingly; mothers with prams were swapped for festival clans; adorned in ponchos, sunnies and boots. These like-minded revelers and their uninhibited enthusiasm helped keep the rain at bay.

By 4 o’clock Aussies, The Temper Trap were playing on an open-air stage, their sound was well and truly polished since their earlier gigs in 2008; however, the poplicious, soft rock numbers from their 2009 debut ‘Sweet Disposition’, seemed to leave less of a sweet and more of a sour taste for the indie listeners. However, credit should be given to the boys for holding their own, as the heavens let loose on the Field Day fun.

As the rain persisted, festival dwellers hid by packing into one of the many striped circus-like tents. In the Bugged Out! tent individuals waiting for Little Boots as they blurred into a sea of moving bodies, enticed by the deep minimal sounds of the Bugged Out! DJ.



Finally the British singer, Little Boots, tottered on stage like an 80's drag queen, whose glitter-doused Christian Louboutins; instantly recognizable by their fiery red soles, boosted the electro-pop princess’ minute stature. She got the crowd swaying with party favourites ‘Meddle’ and ‘Remedy’ and managed to croon her way through her debut album 'Hands', before saving the best for last, in the form of 'Stuck On Repeat' . Once off stage she quickly swapped her ‘sky-high persona’ for a one tad more festival appropriate; a pair of ‘little boots’.

By seven o’clock it was time for Santigold on the outdoor Eat Your Own Ears stage; situated at the farthest point of the festival. The smell of weed and rain intersected our nostrils as Santigold, dressed in green, belted out ‘Brooklyn We Go Hard’; substituting Brooklyn with London, exciting the crowd with ‘Say Aha’ and ‘Unstoppable’, while her air lassos seemed to ward off the rain. The hip-hop songstress surprised the crowd with a decidedly good cover of the Cure’s ‘Killing An Arab’ before bringing four fans on stage to join her in full body shakes et al. before closing the energetic and invigorating show with ‘Creator’. Although the skies had opened, there is no doubt that ‘rain-drenched’ music lovers were more than willing to forgo any attempt at ‘wringing out’ in order to witness this zeal-fueled spectacle, by the artist formerly known as Santogold.



After such a banging hour and a half, Scottish post-rock headliners Mogwai seemed the perfect antidote. The quiet-loud instrumental band were mournful and plaintive as they performed tunes off their 2008 ‘The Hawk Is Howling’ to their earlier ‘Rock Action’, while creating more than adequate grandeur with the consistent melodic subtlety of their songs. While some veterans complained of a slight regression by the band, their progressively genuine sound was enough to win over many new recruits. Although the band said very little, they did dedicate a tune to Errors’ drummer, Bobby Robson, for his assistance.



Mogwai are one band that can tame a British crowd without a single utterance. There was of course that one over-zealous fan, whose crass statement ‘I wanna f**k you’, only further highlighted the effect these quiet legends have on their listeners. However, it was not only the crowd that was under the band’s spell; mesmerised by the music, security were slow to stop a shadowy figure who made his way on stage. As the bass trembled and the ground vibrated beneath us, Mogwai were the perfect headliners; allowing attendees to gain festival closure in the form of an almost tranquil state. ‘Helicon 1’ and ‘Satan’ are something to behold live. For Field Day 2009, as the day turned into night; the rain may have fell and the night may have - eventually- beckoned, but the music, the music kept on playing.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape.

Here ye, here ye this be the congregation for grape pickers anonymous.

Hi my name is Jasmine and I was a grape-picker.. While supermarket shopping I was never one to skip the fruit section; however, as innocent as this claim may sound, there be malice hidden beneath these under-layers. Upon my arrival, I'd make a beeline straight for the bounty of grapes awaiting my greasy mitts and indulge in a little taste test. Each -shameful- time I'd quietly reassure myself, that said exercise was vital to ensure the ripeness of that particular fruit.

Now years later, I am strong enough to admit to myself that I had a penchant for grapes (particularly green ones) and was not afraid to help myself. Because I now understand that the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.

( However, in my naive days I did often wonder how people could go hungry when there was food readily available for the picking... )

I was also one of those people who could waste hours at a time scanning the the card isle in my local news agency. I'd pluck a card from the shelf, read the front, read the inside, have a little giggle and so-forth. When I found a real 'pearl' I make a concerted effort to remember the witty words, in order to relay it to anyone 'willing' to listen.

Unlike my grape-picking days (oh those halcyon days) I still love to indulge in a good greeting card, especially those that can share in my (sometimes) twisted yet harmless sense of humour.

Drum roll please.

E CARDS

First up is online card site Some eCards - for when you care enough to hit 'send'.

These relevant cards parody almost any situation and have the balls to say what Hallmark didn't.











ORDER OF ST. NICK

Sick of Santa and those damn reindeers?

Try Order of St. Nick. These guys understand that Christmas is a repetitive process which can be as monotonous as carving that turkey, year after year. So they've decided to go back to basics, when man was well.. a monkey.


Simple yet effective. Take that Santa!

BALD GUY GREETINGS

And sometimes you wonder if you've crossed the line...




'Congratulations on the baby.

I'm so glad you decided to keep it'

What? It's the truth.

Click to take a gander.

Womack and Womack

This song has been covered over and over again.

Each foot that has reached its way to that d-floor has been swept away and replaced with another foot step and so the cycle continues.

-In 1993, Elton John and K.D Lang covered the song for John's album Duets-

But the original always tastes the sweetest.

This is 80's band Womack and Womack's 'Teardrops'.

When too much denim was never enough.

'Footsteps on the dance floor remind them of you... and the music never feels like it did when they felt it with you'

Gotta love those shades.

Check out The XX cover: The XX - Teardrops (Cover Womack and Womack)

Down the Rabbit Hole

Alice remixed by Pogo.
This kid is from Western Australia.
He's managed to put a whole new spin on Alice and her Wonderland.
Pure ecstasy.

http://www.myspace.com/pogotracks

.

A facade of legitimate journalism.

Jesse Rose

Let's jive.

Crystal Castles

So there's been a lot of hype going around town about this troublesome duo but for once, it is well deserved. Their self-titled debut album was released only a couple of months ago and the two have been smashing it up on a global scheme.

Last night they played a chaotic set for the Topman NME Noise Tour, and my expectations were very VERY high. First up was Team Waterpolo, a band I had never heard of before said night; nevertheless I am pleased to say that these guys are actually very good, then Friendly Fires jumped on stage with their bounty of maracas and cow bells. The Rapture was written all over their shit. But there was the occasional whiff of talent and the lead singer's sporadic epileptic spells totally made my pre-crystal castle night. That's talent at its best. He was like a bendy Gumby doll, shakin' any extended limb to the rhythm. Priceless video pending...

Then FINALLY, after much anticipation, nervous twitching and rearranging of my high -waisted shorts.. Alice walked on stage.

I should mention that the two had arrived much earlier than their set time, and the 8-bit game card kids did indeed walk past us. Alice was donning the usual grubby white converse sneakers and even grubbier set of knobbly knees and her older side-kick looked like he’d just left the photo shoot for their album cover. I swear he was wearing the same purple hoodie and leather jacket.

The temptation to reach out and express my love for the two, especially Miss Glass was more than great, however, the fear that her reply would be something along the lines of ‘fuck off’ totally over-rode any psycho-fan urge. Strangely enough, the fear the 'bean pole with the choppy crop' evokes within me, makes me respect her even more...

So they kicked it off. And it was good. But it wasn't that good. And I was disappointed. Very disappointed. But I had great hope and as I pointed my camera and frantically clicked away, struggling with the timing between ultra strobe light brightness to cave-man darkness, I slowly became disheartened. But the photos are unbelievable.

Yes, Alice is an amazing performer whose seeming apathy for herself and her bodily safety drips off her sweaty palms. [Props to her considering, it was less than 3 months ago that she was involved in a car crash that resulted in a broken rib-cage].

I thoroughly enjoyed her leap-frog jumping from stage to crowd, crowd to stage, then lying on the floor - as if she were recovering from a VERY heavy session of body slamming and exorcist behaviour. At the same time I would have forgone being witness to her Spiderman abilities if it meant a greater performance vocally and musically.

The Astoria 2 is not a massive place, which is why I was surprised that the sound, once it left whatever musical peripheral it came out of, seemed almost empty and fizzled the second it escaped from its respective device.

Overall, there was something missing.. granted I was not part of the swaying, jumping, thumping crowd whose need for personal space was nil, instead I was watching from above and maybe, for the 8-bit game kids sake, this was the reason for their 'seemingly' disappointing performance.

Rating: Disappointing

Currently listening to: Crystal Castles debut album

*Note:

These guys were gracing boom-boxes world wide, centuries before the tactile plastic CD compilation was released, but it's nice to finally have it all in one place.

Freemium - Getting More Than We Deserve

Free media begins with: Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Bebo, Google, Blogger, Youtube, Myspace and every news and information website, yet it certainly does not end there.

The big question is: Do we take these gratuitous services for granted?

Do we still respect what is on offer, when the cost is nil?

The majority of people can afford to buy a newspaper yet decidedly choose not to. But then again, why would you when you can get the same thing for free, in digitalised format? Yet, although this media comes at no price, consumers still expect to receive top quality services. Therefore, in this day and age where these said media services are financed by endless advertising, the new transaction is time.

We are now basing our decision on whether a product is worth our 'time'. Time is the new form of currency that we consumers are safeguarding and sharing with those who manage to impress us, with those whom expect no financial benefits.

Time has become a pretty important factor, one of which many different companies are vying for.

So who is worthy of your time? Or more to the point, who is not?


Check out Harriet Denny's article on free media and the public's expectations at Media Week.

Picture also from Media week

M.I.A's still got it.

"Everyone's a winner, we're making our fame. Bonafide hustler making my name." M.I.A

It's Not Black and White

How unfortunate that I completely disagree with this idealistic poster. Instead I readily embrace shades of grey.

A Weapon Of Mass Consumption

German advertising company, Scholz & Friends, bring us this great visual, highlighting the over-saturation of product choice and the plethora of methods used to gain our attention.

Interchangeable products = Information overload.