The Mouse & I

I have company.

In my room there lives a twee wee mouse that tiptoes around when it thinks I'm not paying attention. It resides under my bed (undoubtedly chowing down on my leftover bread crumbs), making funny noises when I'm trying to sleep.


I don't want to kill it but... oh.

It probably overheard me telling my flatmate the other day that one day I'd like to own a pet rat and took it to heart, thinking that it would be safe in this messy girl's room. Oh in a perfect world maybe.

So me and the mouse are listening to music together now. I hope it likes my tunes and that I can give it some pleasure, before I have to chuck it out.

So, we have been playing a lot of Laura Marling's new album, Alas, I Cannot Swim. A lot and a lot. We really like Laura Marling, our favorite song being: Tap at My Window. We've also been listening to Mystery Jets into overdrive. To our delight song #2 on their new album, Twenty One, features none other than, yup, Laura Marling.


Mystery Jets: Young Love featuring Laura Marling

You really should be listening to Laura Marling. Laura Marling. Laura Marling. Oh, and Mystery Jets too.


Laura Marling

What else do we like... hmmm, well in no particular order: She & Him, Vetiver and Bon Iver (the mouse and I LOVE Bon Iver).


Super Bon Bon. Yum Yum.


Now to think of ways to boot that furry behind out.

Oh Sebastien!

So Eurovision came and went, Russia taking home the prize and along with Eastern-Europe leaving the West far far behind with less than enough allies to secure them a spot at the top. I think just for the sake of it, Iceland and Scandinavia should split their countries into smaller ones, each earning a spot in the contest... et voila! Victory is ours. Just a thought. Could be fun coming up with new names.

Old Iceland could become: Killwhalia, Eatpuffinland, Aluminum Island and Banana Republica. And that's as political as this blog gets.


Today's menu...



So. Sebastien Tellier. Bless him. He managed to get 19th place out of 25.

His first rehearsal looked something like this:


Artiste mais oui.

And although I liked his song and performance, I doubt the usual Eurovision glam clan appreciated it. So I did feel proud when Iceland gave France 8 points, the highest it received that night. Iceland is so hip, so with it. I dig.


Playing for the skull.

The one mistake Tellier did that night was missing the camera cues completely, meaning that half of the time the screen was sans Sebastien, empty, only showing the stage and part of the backup singer. This amused me tremendously.

Undoubtedly, Sebastien Tellier is off to do better things, Eurovision being nothing more than a bedtime story for his grandchildren in years to come.

La la au revoir, ma cheries. Kiss kiss, both cheeks. Tres fab!

Mad Mad Mad World

I must admit that I was a little baffled when I realized that Sebastien Tellier was participating in this year's Eurovision contest as I thought he'd be too cool for that sort of cultural low, having established himself as a serious artist, touring with the likes of Air and working with Sofia Coppola. I guess there's a Eurovision nerd inside Tellier as there is within myself and I applaud him for it.


I mean, look at him.

Here is the video for Divine, France's entry in this year's Eurovision song contest. Sebastien Tellier ladies and gents:


Very French electro chic.

Of course I'm rooting for Iceland this year as we finally made it through to the final hoopla, but I am looking forward to see Tellier strut his stuff in Belgrade.

So, embrace the kitsch-ness, put you feet up, open a bottle of beer and laugh your ass off. I will be watching. Giggling at Terry Wogan's sarcastic remarks. Hopefully some snacks will be provided.

And while you're at it, have a look at Iceland's first ever contribution to the Eurovision song contest, way back in 1986:



The six year old in me is cheering.

It's fun, just go with it... don't take yourself so fecking seriously.

I Heart Mixtaping

I have made my share of mixtapes during my time on this earth and have come to realize that a mixtape signifies something rather important. It's a momentous step in any relationship. Like a stamp of approval. For instance, I will only make a mixtape (I refer to it as tape, as I have a fondness for cassettes and will honor the part it has played in mixtaping history)... for those who I have come to like and respect. Yes, even love. In turn, receiving a mixtape is like getting the golden ticket. YOU have been chosen to be the receiver of someone's blood, sweat and tears. And, if it comes from a new crush, then pat yourself on the back cause it means you've left a positive impression on that certain someone.



I enjoy making a good mixtape and I will put all I've got into it. There is no middle ground. It's not about throwing some tunes you think someone might like together on tape. If that's your attitude, don't bother. It's about understanding the person you intend it for. What is the message you are trying to get across to them? Putting your favorite band on there, means you want this person to get to know you, your likes and dislikes. It's an invite. I like Mew, I think you might too. Let's like them together. Hint, hint.

This doesn't always have to be a romantic thing. I've made mixtapes for my best friends, carefully selecting what I think sums up their personalities. For analytical people like myself this is great fun. I often wish I could earn my keeps making mixtapes. Much like reading Tarot cards or getting paid to interpret someone's birth chart. I should totally set up shop. Get your personalized mixtape! Just give me your name, date of birth and hometown and for $5 I'll tell you who you REALLY are through music.

Could work. People always fall for stuff like that. And actually, it's not like they're being cheated, they do get some excellent tunes in return. Well unless you've been a bad boy, then you might get some Kenny G thrown your way.

I would be gentle though.

Of course mixtaping is not a completely selfless act. It always involves a tiny bit of suggestion, that you know a teensy-weensy more about some new hip artist than your receiver does. But I want to believe that the art of mixtaping is not about preaching, but rather that it's an act of good will and sweet sincerity from one person to another.


Make someone happy.


Have you ever made a mixtape? Who was it for?

I should go back to university and do my thesis on the subject.


Go mix! Make someone feel special. If you can't afford a cassette or a blank CD, go visit Muxtape.com (thanks Ewan). It might not have the same old-school feel of a tape but it gets the job done and gets your message across the universe, or over the sea, to that certain someone.



p.s. I could do a whole post about the overall look of the blessed mixtape. It's important. Of course, content beats cover, but still, you shouldn't cover gold with shit. Maybe I'll return later with a few tips on the subject.

Purrrrhaps.

In the meantime, start saving up for my birthday present.

Weather Music

I had the most wonderful weekend, which included lovely, lovely cherry pie and champagne, retro toy madness (Fraggle Rock, Super Mario...) and an excellent 90s playlist. What more can you ask for?

Also I got the rare chance to ride in a motor vehicle with some lovely lads - something that doesn't occur often here in the Burgh as I know absolutely nobody in this city who owns a car, unlike Reykjavik, where people own two or three cars, upgrade them every year or so and drive their Hummers down the teeny tiny streets of the city centre, frustrated about the lack of parking. Duh.

Madness.


Reykjavík

Speaking of madness, I've been mad about some tunes lately and like always I'd like to share them with you.

First I'd like to mention Cut Copy, as I've been snorting them like cheap coke on a toilet seat for the past week or so. It feels so good. Like M83's 80's infused tunes, Cut Copy are also totally retro in their music making. Sure, there's some 80's non symmetry involved but mostly, and this is what I like about them, there's a major early 90's dance feel to their music, especially on their new album, In Ghost Colours.


In Ghost Colours

It really takes me back to 1992. Black headband, hooded striped jumper, stonewashed jeans and a cool pair of LA Gear shoes (with a built-in pump), dancing to Rhythm is a Dancer and Pump Up the Jam.

For those who feel like taking a trip down early teen memory lane, I say: "Hey, you might like Cut Copy".

Man I wish I still had those shoes. They was too cool for school!



The rest of my playlist is a motley crew: No Age, Captain Beefheart, Mystery Jets, M83 (still listening) and Goldfrapp.

Yeah I've decided that I like the new Goldfrapp album despite its lack of positive reviews. Granted, I first really got into it during the past days when the sun went mad on this city, scorching its people and turning us all into BBQ-ed lobsters.

So sleeping in the warm grass, half naked, I guess any music would sound great. Oh well, Seventh Tree just really captured my sunshine mood.

And now with the present rain and fog, I'm holding hands with the Captain. He likes it foggy.


The Captain


So long. Adieu. Until next time.

I'm Glad for free

Peeps! You have until May 9th to go here and download the new Black Keys song, I'm Glad, for free. It's the shit so don't miss this.

The song sort of reminds me of How Can You Mend A Broken Heart? by Al Green. Maybe my head is playing tricks, but it feels like the Keys are going soul on us with this Captain Beefheart cover. We shall see.

Go, go get. Let's go! Tic toc.