A song for NYE

My lovely friend Georgie, of Georgie Talks Nails, introduced me to this song- and I really, really love it. But sadly, as much as I would love to be out dancing to this song with my friends this New Years Eve... I shall be working... aka pouring drinks for inebriated pensioners. I'm sure your heart bleeds.

A song for a Friday morning

Sam York - The Script



This morning was a good morning. After an incredibly stressful day of exam preparations yesterday (my first Journalism exams are next week!), a lazy morning with my boyfriend was definitely necessary. Anyway, today I also discovered this song: and I think It's really beautiful. In my opinion, It's a little reminiscent of a Ben Howard/Matthew West/Jack Williams combo... if that's even possible.

'It must have happened as I lay in your arms, and I listened to the beat of your heart'

Lily & Madeleine - Come To Me

Thank goodness for Rookie magazine, and their Sunday Videos, or else I would have never stumbled across this musical duo. With beautiful folky melodies, paired with ethereally haunting vocals, Lily & Madeleine produce wonderful, wonderful music. They remind me a little of Swedish Folk duo, First Aid Kit? Well worth a listen.

What I've Been Listening To

Oh God, I just want to be the 4th Haim sister, okay?!? I can just be the ever-so-slightly less elegant, cool, edgy and beautiful one that shovels grated cheese into her mouth at the back of the stage, while the other 3 harmonise and swing their glossy tresses in a serene and stylish manner.

Regardless of that strange mental image... the song is wonderful.

5 Books

Firstly, I apologise for the blog neglect. But prior to writing this, I spent the first half of the summer in a miasma of blind panic as A'Level results day grew ever nearer... and the latter half will now be spent in a similar state, as in two weeks I leave for University. Therefore in preparation for my impending last step of education (19 days) not that i'm counting or anything, I thought a post that was somewhat more academic might be in order. So here are 5 books- not necessarily my top 5 favourite books- but books which have not only changed my perspective on literature, but in some rare cases, life in general.

1. Tess of the d'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy

Okay, I lied slightly during my introduction... because this is my favourite book in the entire world. So much so, I decided to write my A'Level English coursework on it! The controversial nature of this novel (originally published in 1891) was the feature that initially enraptured me as a reader. The manner in which it challenged sexual morality and the social taboo's of the Victorian era resulted in strong criticisms- possibly gaining Tess the title as one of the most important novels within English literature. Set in impoverished Wessex, the novel follows the life of Tess Durbeyfield, most notably her cruel transformation from a naive young girl, to an experienced mother and woman, and the callous seduction, ending in rape and pregnancy, at the hands of Alec d'Urberville. But what really gets me is the catalytic nature of this novel. Furthered by Hardy's brutal and often judgemental narration, the reader is encouraged to see that Tess's situation could have been altered by her own choices- therefore posing the dreadful irony that perhaps she deserved her tragic misfortune and untimely demise.

"A strong woman who recklessly throws away her strength, she is worse than a weak woman who has never any strength to throw away" 

2. An Education - Lynn Barber

You may be familiar with the 2009 film adaptation of these memoirs starring Carey Mulligan? If so, you are in the same situation I was: having seen and loved the film and desperate to know whether this wonderfully relatable story had any resonance with real events. You're in luck. Similarly to the film, the book begins with Barber's schoolgirl love-affair with Jewish, and deliciously cultured, conman Simon Goldman; with the story casually following her endeavours into city life, affluence and sexual inexperience. But as the film ends, the memoir continues into her Oxford education, career as a female journalist, marriage, maternity, and the eventual death of her husband. Since reading An Education Lynn Barber has somewhat become one of my female icons, and if I am ever half the journalist she is, it will be a job well done.

"She's a suburban girl who's frightened that she's going to get cut out of everything good that happens in the city. That, to me, is a big story in popular culture. It's the story of pretty much every rock 'n' roll band." - Nick Hornby

3. Wide Sargasso Sea - Jean Rhys

Now, just to throw it out there, i'm really not a massive fan of Jane Eyre. Honestly, I just wish Jane would stop dithering, passing out and would pull herself together- but what can you do? However, this 1966 postcolonial parallel novel by contemporary writer, Jean Rhys is a whole other kettle of fish. Acting as a prequel to Jane Eyre, Wide Sargasso Sea follows the life of Antoinette Cosway (later known as Bertha Mason) through her semi-orphaned Caribbean youth, unhappy marriage to Mr Rochester, and eventual relocation to England. It's a story full of duality, not only Antoinette's cultural ambiguity where she neither belongs to the black Jamaican's nor the white European's, but the duality in her declining mental state and her role as a Creole woman in a heavily patriarchal society. To read this novel, it's probably also worth reading Jane Eyre (sorry!), but it really does add a whole new level of sympathy and understanding to Antoinette/Betha's character. And, arguably, debates whether her mental decline was inevitable or induced by Rochester's cruelty.

"There are always two deaths, the real one and the one people know about"

4. Lady Chatterley's Lover - D.H Lawrence

I know, there had to be a saucy book, didn't there? But I really, really love this novel. First published in 1928, Lady Chatterley's Lover was subsequently banned for it's vivid descriptions of sex between a working-class man and an upper-class woman, and for including words which were then unprintable (even the notion!). The novel's protagonist is Constance, a young married woman whose husband has been left paralysed from the waist down due to a war injury. Alongside his physical injury, his emotional neglect of Connie leads to marital distance. Her frustration leads to an affair with Oliver Mellors, the gamekeeper of their grounds. The prose is absolutely beautifully written, creating developing themes of injustice within society- where intellectuals dominate over the working-class, and the impossibility of living without physical intimacy and with the mind alone.

"We've got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen" 


5. The Conquest - Elizabeth Chadwick

This was a difficult one, as I have in fact read almost every book by this author and loved them all. Set just after the battle of Hastings in 1066 (all of her books are set within the Medieval period) it follows two different time periods. Starting with Ailith, a spirited mother who loses her husband during the battle of Hastings, later to be saved from suicide by the handsome and womanising Norman invader, Rolf De Brize. And finishing with her daughter, Julitta- and her impoverished childhood leading into a loveless, arranged marriage. Chadwick's historical accuracy and vivid descriptions really add colour and personality to a historical period which I previously knew little about. Other good reads are 'The Greatest Knight', 'The Wild Hunt', 'The Marsh Kings Daughter', 'The Champion' and 'The Falcons of Montabard'.

"Handfasted, like a bride and groom, they entered the keep"

Do you have any book recommendations? 

Books that have made you change your outlook on things? 

'The World's End' (2013, Edgar Wright) Review

It's true, to say the least, that Edgar Wright's third instalment of the renowned 'Cornetto' trilogy packs a
real punch. Differing from the satirical horror of 'Shaun of the Dead' and the mock action-thriller that is 'Hot Fuzz', 'The World's End' is a witty and humorous payment of sci-fi hilarity and male mid-life discontentment.

Similarly to the last two films, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost adopt the roles of the increasingly unsure protagonists: middle-aged and immature, they stagger through the scene of lack-lustre suburbia attempting to complete the celestial 'Golden Mile'... well, at least that is the goal of one character. Pegg plays 'Gary King'. Now living alone in his 40's, he represents the epitome of a man whom clearly peaked as a teenager. With his dyed black hair; cheap jewellery designed to pay homage to whichever heavy metal band was around in the early 80's and dodgy long, Belstaff coat; he appears to still live, behave and speak as his once 'cool' teenage self.  

The story follows as expected: after reuniting his, somewhat reluctant, teenage posse of Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Eddie Marsan and Paddy Considine (all now wonderfully middle-class and successful, obviously) the 5 attempt to complete a mile of pints in their old home town- which they previously failed to complete in a drunken stupor aged 18. However- set as a possible nod to bureaucratic identicality of the modern high-street- everything appears to be somewhat... robotic? Each pub is a carbon copy of another, each sporting the same mundane selection of cheap larger and a barmen who fails to recognise his 5, previously most valued, customers. Suspicious to everyone but Gary, who continues to down his drinks with youthful vitality, they continue on their quest to inebriated glory until a blue-blooded brawl in a bathroom seals their fate. 

The film is cleaver, enjoyable and funny; as it skilfully provides a plausible explanation to the ever impending apocalypse. Complete with robot chavs, dynamically awakening 'modern art' and an omniscient alien leader (voiced by Bill Nighy), this movie possesses enough to live up to the acclaim of its satirically mocking forefathers. I give it 4 stars. 

Picture 1: http://www.sfx.co.uk/2013/05/22/the-worlds-end-new trailer

Picture 2: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/news/a478980/edgar-wrights-the-worlds-end-debuts-new-pegg-frost-poster.html

Kal Lavelle - Sing

The first time I heard this song was cramped in a tiny, sweaty underground club in the centre of Bath, anxiously waiting for Ed Sheeran at, believe it or not, my first ever proper gig. Since then, Kal Lavelle has become one of my favourite musicians in her own right- with this song being a wonderfully feel-good number (which is doubly amazing live!). With a video thats playful and original, please: watch, listen and sing along.

And I believe in positivity, it's the religion that I go by...

Follow Kal on twitter @KalLavelle

Passenger & Ed Sheeran - Hearts on Fire

I've been lucky enough to meet both of these guys, and not only are they musically astounding- but both really nice, humble people. Their voices just sound really, really beautiful together in this.

Oh darling, my hearts on fire

Angus & Julia Stone - Yellow Brick Road

I think it's only fair that I share this absolute musical perfection with you.

Angus & Julia Stone + Ben Howard = Sublime happiness.

Took a train to the river 
Where I dove right in
That skinny dippin' girl
Make the blue bird sing 

Spend-a-holic

It's official, exams are making me lose my mind to the extent that I no longer have any rational monetary awareness. Luckily, because of this, I thought I would do a tiny 'haul' blog post (inspired by Tanya Burr, Esteé and alike).

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Amy Ladies Watch, £165.00

I've been eyeing up this Marc Jacobs watch for such a long time- and finally today I plucked up the courage to buy it. The strap is black leather, with little gold circlet detailing on the holes- and the actual face itself is really thick and shiny, with a lovely weight to it. Alas, it wasn't cheap, but I have exam season lying on my conscience to justify it.

2. Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup, Foundation shade 2 'Alabaster', £21.00

I'm always a little bit scared about approaching 'high-end' makeup counters, especially because I don't know an awful lot about the stuff I slap on my face. This embarrassment is only then furthered by despite trying every cream, gel, wash, tablet on the market, I still have incredibly oily skin- which I often feel isn't catered for in makeup. However, I feel like i'm on to a winner with this Clinique number- as the lady on the counter assured me that it 'controls oil breakthrough and keeps skin shine-free'. And, of course, I had to get the shade one up from albino (sorry, it doesn't look amazing on the swatch picture!). 

Oh, she also said it was ideal to wear to the gym...

to which I responded, 'Oh yes, I do hate it when I'm shiny on the rowing machine'. 

Pah, as if I go to the gym!

Have you bought anything nice recently?
Or have exams made you go a bit spend-crazy?

p.s I also bought my Year 13 prom dress today... but you will have to wait to see that!

Laura Mvula - Green Garden

Such a wonderful, and beautifully original, summery and feel-good song! The video is also delightfully innocent and positively shot. I can't wait to hear more from young soul/jazz musicians like Laura Mvula!

'Dance in my garden like we used to'

A-Level Dance - Nederlands Dans Theatre, Jiri Kylian

'Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world' - Voltaire

'Bella Figura' - Jiri Kylian, 1995

'Sleepless' - Jiri Kylian, 2005

'Sleepless' - Jiri Kylian, 2005

As I am nearing the end of my secondary education, and exams are looming- I thought I might do a short post about one half of my A-level dance course- (please suppress your yawns!). Alongside choreographing a 2-3 minute group piece, it's natural to study a contemporary dance practitioner, a list of which are provided by the exam board. 

I am studying Czech-Dutch choreographer Jiri Kylian, whom is known for his modernist, avant-garde approach to movement exploration and use of theme. Now, not only is his work astoundingly technically challenging- but the dancers he chooses have limbs like giraffes and flexibility to rival a pipe-cleaner: daunting to say the least, when you have to perform a solo that reflects his choreographic style. 

As is standard, I have chosen two of his works to inspire my solo: 'Bella Figura' (1995), which is an exploration of the human mind and the subconscious 'performance' to which human nature conforms, and 'Sleepless' (2005), which focuses upon the state between being awake and asleep. From these, and with the help of my teachers, I have created 'Somnus'- a 3 minute solo dealing with the concept of consciousness. 

 

Here is my solo!

 I know, my technique isn't flawless, nor do I have the NDT 'beanpole' physique; but this was only a rehearsal, and I am still pretty proud of this piece.

Oh, and sorry about the poor video quality- it was filmed on my crappy phone!

Traffic Jam with Animals

In my opinion, the Easter school holidays should equal the beginning of spring: i.e the tentative disposal of knitwear and coats from my wardrobe, balmy mid-day sunshine, and perhaps not having to wear thermal long-johns out in public. WRONG. It's sodding cold, and even the animals at Longleat Safari Park thought so. 

Yes, I know that I am 18- and perhaps I should act more like the legal adult that I really am. But honestly, what is wrong with a group of adult women attending a children's safari park for the day? Correct, nothing. Sometimes amid the stress of exams, UCAS applications, relationship-anxiety and maintaining a healthy work/social dynamic, some general idiocy is required. 

So today, donned in our thickest socks, myself and 3 other like-minded half-wits clambered into my tiny car and obediently listened to Sheila the sat-nav as she guided us toward what was, effectively, a trip to the zoo. AND IT WAS FUN, OKAY? We looked at Lord Bath's phallic art work, saw the real ghost of Lady Louisa, held a large spider, rode a tiny train, complained at the stench of ferrets, lost each other in two consecutive mazes and I didn't run-over an antelope in the safari: success. 

Alt-J (∆) - Taro

I just wanted to share this song with you all. Based upon the life of 1940/50's war photojournalist Gera Taro, who died in her line of field due to a tank collision, Alt-J have crafted a simply magnificent fusion of styles. The song is soothing, melancholy and beautiful; with a poignantly touching video; reflective of the sheer wonder of cultural diversity.

Right now, I just want to jump on a plane somewhere.

Indochina, Capa jumps Jeep, two feet creep up the road
To photo, to record meat lumps and war
They advance as does his chance, very yellow white flash
A violent wrench grips mass, rips light, tears limbs like rags

Burst so high finally Capa lands
Mine is a watery pit Painless with immense distance
From medic from colleague, friend, enemy, foe
Him five yards from his leg, from you, Taro

Do not spray into eyes, I have sprayed you into my eyes
3:10 pm, Capa pends death, quivers, last rattles, last chokes
All colors and cares glaze to gray, shriveled and stricken to dots
Left hand grasps what the body grasps not, le photographe est mort

31415, alive no longer my amour, faded for home May of '54
Doors open like arms my love, painless with a great closeness
To Capa, to Capa, Capa dark after nothing, re-united with his leg
And with you, Taro

Do not spray into eyes, I have sprayed you into my eyes
Hey Taro

Antonio Lulic - The City of Austin, Texas

When listening to Antonio Lulic, it's tricky to articulate the feature that is most captivating about his voice.

His vocal tone possesses an alluring sense of course richness; which paired with highly evocative lyrics, can be quite a heady mix.With a range suited to both strength and subtlety, his performance style is one of stark contrasts- spanning from songs of intense melancholy, like Now it's Cold, to ones of infectious vibrancy, such as Boozehound. 

Having toured relentlessly over the last year with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Ryan Keen, Nova's Basement and Kal Lavelle  his freshly honed folk-rock style has wowed audiences alike. 

See him live @ Komedia, Bath on 4th March 2013. With performances also from Joshua Porter, Joshua Luke Smith, Dani Miche and Dominik Sky. 

My 3 Wonders of the World

It's fair to say, I've been about a bit... and not in the licentious sense, (cheeky!), in the globe-hopping, aeroplane sense. This makes me incredibly lucky. Not only has traveling broadened my outlook of the earth we inhabit, it has also made me genuinely appreciative of other cultures, foreign cuisine, history and sheer natural beauty.

Thats the gushing stuff over with.

So, here are 3 places which I have visited, photographed and loved. It's quite simple really, enjoy!

p.s All pictures are un-edited and have been taken by me, on my trusted Olympus Pen.

1. Yosemite National Park, North America 

In the summer of 2012, my family and I embarked on our biggest adventure of all: a 3 week road-trip across California. Not only did we have to get to grips with driving, and parking, a 32ft R.V- the challenges of Bear Lockers (seriously, to stop bears breaking in and stealing your cake), sewage pipes and falling pine-cones proved somewhat of a struggle. However, after abandoning Gladys (our trusted motor-home) in a rickety and dusty campsite we were rewarded with Yosemite. Nothing can prepare you for the sheer natural sublimity of this place. With a scale beyond imagination; tumbling waterfalls, dense forestry and softly domed mountains greet you upon entry. Few places have reduced me to a similar state of awe. 

2. Pompeii, Italy

School trips, for me, have scarcely stretched beyond the mundane. Usually involving cramped coach journeys, travel sickness, feigned illness and mashed potato, they are hardly my fondest memories. But clearly A'Level Geography has it's perks, as this cheeky jaunt to Sorrento has got to be one of the highlights. Pompeii is eerily quiet. With twilight encroaching as we wandered the crumbling, dusty streets, you feel not only stunned by the absolute quality of that which remains, but an overwhelming sense of sadness for a society which lost everything. Preserved in ash, entire corpses, mosaics and buildings remain. Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all? ... Sorry, couldn't resist a Bastille quote.

3. Hua Hin, Thailand

Hua Hin, a beach town, south of Bangkok has long been a destination for my family. Embarking on my 11th trip there this summer, it's safe to say my experiences of this extraordinary country have helped to mould my cultural outlook. A first trip to Thailand is a little like an assault on the senses; immediately you are stuck by the pungent, aromatic odours; resplendent colourings and the invasion of a thriving community in full, noisy cry. Embrace it, and you will certainly be hungry for more. 

Roo Panes - 'Indigo Home'

I love discovering new music. This guy has an exceptionally moving voice; sombre yet affectionately charming. With folky, acoustic melodies and gritty, yet warm, vocals it's that sort of song to listen to on long, winding car journeys. Keep your eye on this one.

Bella Figura by Jiří Kylián

Bella Figura by Jiří Kylián

Netherlands Dans Theatre

Have you ever been on public transport, and you accidentally catch the eye of someone sat opposite? You both squirm with discomfort- yet can’t quite look away, because you are somewhat intrigued? … Yes, I’m afraid I did just compare Jiri Kylian’s immense collaboration of modern dance and classical ballet to being checked-out by some leering pervert on the Tube, but the analogy works, since there is something fascinating about the off-kilter quality to Kylian’s choreography.

An NDT dancer is a curious being: maintaining an extraordinary level of strength and movement dexterity, yet sustaining the ability to contort, twist and contract like a pipe-cleaner. Kylian’s forte appears to be one of innovation; the physical exploration of the human body in Bella Figura will surely have the geriatrics in the front row choking on that gentle, full-bodied Shiraz they ordered during the interval… for the gender of the dancers is almost undefinable. Through the use of billowing russet skirts, nudity and an interesting pair of beige knickers; both men and women are stripped down to the barest level of vulnerability; adopting regressional and distressing foetal contortions.

But I feel I should warn you: if twee country-side sets and smiling bourrées, that clatter in a perfect resonance with a sweet, orchestral score, float your boat… Bella Figura ain’t for you. The stage is sparse- with an industrial, exposed lighting-rig and unoccupied wings- creating a stage of an enthralling, infinite size. The dancers begin, vacant and unstructured, simply marking-through movement; a nod to the ‘performance’ that Kylian attempts to subvert. Then the music: a rich, luxurious drone which sways the piece away from the former unrehearsed nonchalance to an altogether more melancholy tone- with a constant, frugal wash of light standing as a contrast to the wealth and detail of Kylian’s movement vocabulary.

Burgh Island EP - Ben Howard

'Every Kingdom' was a masterpiece, reminiscent of a British summer and romanticised friendships; gaining Ben Howard the publicity he deserved as an acoustic, folk-inspired musician. But don't become complacent, because this Devon-lad has so much more to offer. Released on the 10th December 2012, 'Burgh Island' takes on a darker, more gritty, tone. The eclectic mix of lethargic, layered vocals and coarse, electrified instruments has resulted in a record with verisimilitude levels of realism. Fuelled by a gruelling tour schedule, the 4 tracks take on a rather more brooding outlook; speaking of heartbreak and abandonment. 'Esmerelda', 'Oats in the Water', 'To Be Alone' and 'Burgh Island' are a long, long way from the blissful, acoustic tenderness which Howard has dominated radio stations and venues alike with over the last 12 months. With equal levels of beauty and maturity, 'Burgh Island' is definitely worth a listen.