Random Album

Why The Long Face?

2009-07-21T10:32:00.005+01:00

A horse walks into a bar, he sits down and the bartender asks him, "What'll it be?"

[See, reality isn't fun.]

Here's a song that's featured in this Toyota ad here in the UK and it's rapidly convincing me that I should buy a car. But this is obviously not the ad in question. Au contraire! This is a homemade video of a cat called Daphne. Just think about the joke and bear with me. Reality is a tad more fun with twirling cats. Just admit it.

[Plus, it's all about the song.]

It's The Free Design and Love You:

Two Vid Monday

2009-07-20T14:58:00.007+01:00

[Just add red wine]

I'm cold. It's summer and yet somehow I'm freezing my tits and toes off, sitting here in my room writing. Two songs needed to make magic happen. First one is Lisztomania by Phoenix

Second song is Stillness Is the Move by Dirty Projectors.

Nothing more to add. My mind is a combination of frozen thoughts and weekend residue. Red wine mostly.

I'm leaving this post now, enjoy the songs.

Nothing But Joy And Happiness

2009-07-13T19:55:00.004+01:00

Déjà vu.

I always seem to get my new-tune-jollies from my favorite bands on grey skied Mondays, accompanied by lighting storms, heavy rain and thunder.

And, alas!, As today is such a day I have new material playing in my ears, from my much loved band The Clientele. It's many kinds of happy. Not rainbows and unicorns happy. More like yesterday-I-felt-crap-today-will-be-better sort of happy. Reality Bites happy.

Oh, just trust me already and listen:

I Wonder Who We Are

Doorroorooroo.

I've been a fan since my friend Tink gave me a copy of The Violet Hour, before I left for New York in the summer of '04.

Check'em.

Burgh Love

2009-07-10T19:39:00.007+01:00

Film still#1 - The Mound

For the past three years I have resided in Scotland (you know, kilts, bagpipes and haggis), arriving in Edinburgh in mid-September 2006 with my cousin as back-up. Both of us students we got an apartment by the beautiful Meadows, close to our respectable universities. Many beers would be knocked back and new people made acquaintances of during the next couple of years.

Now three years on, degrees under our belts and more than a handful of dear friends made, it's time to pack up and go "home" to old faithful Iceland.

My cousin already left, she's back home now enjoying the fine Icelandic summer and summer nights and I leave in the fall, ready to enjoy... the dark winter, bust economy and lack of cheap pubs.

Only I know the answer to the question. Why?

Film still#2 - The Meadows

Two days ago my camera said adieu and farewell to this world and left me without a tool of documenting my couple of months here in the Burgh. My computer has been acting up lately as well and soon I'll be a notepad scribbling Amish woman.

As a tribute to my time of technology and time spent in Edinburgh I gathered random shots and mini clips that I found scattered on my computer and decided to pay homage to a time well spent, by making a little video.

These are low quality shots, taken on my humble Canon using the standard video setting, but the fun was high quality.

It's amateur hour ladies and gentlemen and you are invited:

The song featured is Seaweed Song by Passion Pit

Passionate Passion Pit

Crumbs

2009-07-06T19:43:00.007+01:00

Michael Jackson died and Jens Lekman contracted swine flu. The world as we know it, is crumbling.

Right now, sitting at my desk, I can hear the church bells chime and the faint yowling of a bagpiper practicing; semi-drowned by the hubbub of traffic and gulls bellowing bird profanities (I imagine).

My nails are dirty and the red nail polish that's meant to hide the dirt, is chipped. I can't take a shower, after a draining day at work, as the damn thing is a hazard. Water and electricity can kill you see, or so says Mr. Fix It the handyman.

I have coffee and music to get me through this dirt. I have Golden Silvers and instant brew. Is all good.

How great is this eh?

Makes me want True Romance.

Jack Peñate on the other hand makes me want to dance.

Tonight's Tonight transmits my thoughts home, to Icelandic summer nights out, when the sun never sets and going to bed isn't an option, so you might as well just stay up until the body crumbles.

Church bells in the early hours take the role of a makeshift alarm - you cover the windows with dark sheets to sleep.

Tomorrow is my day off and I'm getting tired thinking about sleeping in.

Repeaterbeater

2009-06-30T10:18:00.004+01:00

[My bedroom "prison view" of the Castle.]

Edinburgh woke me up this morning with a cold n' misty kick to my muddled head, on a grey and murky Monday morning.

Weekend remnants; flat full of drunk people, dancing to Jacko's best-of hits, getting my hair cut listening to 50's tunes, a horror film with manatees, pints and honey-vodka, walking in the cemetery past midnight and cracking puzzles. Following my rule book of diversity. Not bad, not bad at all.

But I have more Mew to chew. It's short, old Frenger-style, which I'm beaming about.

I don't know if you're digging on Mew at all, they're not everybody's cup of brew, but I never regret listening. Maybe it's my weird against-the-odds-genes. Click Repeaterbeater.

[+ I can't help but love the title. Rhymes are so hot right now.]

---

p.s. The piñata didn't survive the weekend. I was lucky to make it out alive.

Coconuts, Plenty of Junk Food

2009-06-16T20:52:00.009+01:00

Yeep yeep - Really want to get my greedy claws on CocoRosie's new self-released EP, Coconuts, Plenty of Junk Food, which is currently doing the rounds and promises a forthcoming LP worthy of many fine adjectives. At present they're only selling it at concerts n' gigs, but the internet has been kind to me and I'll wait patiently.

love love to CocoRosie. Merci.

Listen: [Happy Eyez]

There's something spooky lurking in the song that reminds me of Jamie T's Calm Down Dearest

CocoRosie waits for the Milkman

Where are my lemons?

2009-06-15T20:58:00.008+01:00

I'm having a hard time filling this empty page.

Haven't listened to anything new of late, just been scrolling through some of my old music, taking photographs and writing a sentence here, in a notebook there, word and a word, time from time.

Today 15/06/09

Been having dreams of saving ducks {Setting them free in swimming pools}, snorting cocaine {and worrying about my nose collapsing} and writing music.

{In my dreams I sing my melodies with a voice I don't recognize. It's pretty neat.}

When I wake, I moan, not remembering how those sure-to-be-hits went. Pulling my hair.

I sometimes wish I could download my brain and dreams onto my computer, and in the mornings just: Press Print.

My legacy. In Landscape format, Helvetica Font, on nice 120 g paper. A lemon-y colour.

---

Here's summer in a song for you - Leona Ness:

Leave Your Boyfriends Behind

Keep in touch over the summer.

New Mew chk chk chk ! ! !

2009-05-30T11:41:00.006+01:00

I'd be lying if I said I haven't been waiting for this day for a long time now. And here we are. A new Mew single has arrived.

It's goes from a messy Mewish start to a familiar Frengerism. What can I say, they can do nothing wrong in my books. I can't be helped, save yourselves.

Mew - Introducing Palace Players

The album titled:

No more stories
Are told today
I'm sorry
They washed away

No more stories
The world is grey
I'm tired
Let's wash away

will be released late August this year.

According to lead singer Jonas Bjerre, the new album will be more upbeat and merry, in contrast to And The Glass Handed Kites, although the longish poetic title doesn't seem to inspire much happiness in me. But then again, whatever Jonas Bjerre says, I'll abide to.

He's the voice!

And with that I'm off to the park to roast my shanks until they're good enough to eat.

5/26 Veckatimest

2009-05-25T12:13:00.003+01:00

If something were to save me from this gruesome Monday, lacked of funds and fine weather, it's Grizzly Bear's newest single Two Weeks and the eye spasmic video that accompanies its eerie echoes.

Forget not, Veckatimest is out tomorrow!

I tilt my head in appreciation and nod, nod, nod. Yes, yes, yes ! ! !

Two Weeks

Try not to explode.

Oh, Calvin

2009-05-18T23:46:00.002+01:00

Instigator?

Finally! A new single from Scotsman Calvin Harris: I'm Not Alone

[It never felt this good NOT to be alone]

The video was filmed in Oslo, Norway last February as Calvin's Twitter fans already know. However, the video, directed by Christian Holm-Glad, has fired up a rather surprising controversy concerning knife crime.

Calvin:
"My video's getting banned because I'm holding an antique knife in one of the scenes, therefore encouraging knife crime."
He added: "The only ever time I was in a fight I fell down instantly and I believe they had only verbally challenged me to one at that stage. I fight like a girl."

The song makes me want to NOT stab somebody. So, hat off to the Dumfries born lad for pointing out to us that knife crime is so last season that it's basically antique.

Hail the future Prime Minister!

The John Diaries - Ken Regan

2009-05-14T08:16:00.004+01:00

Photo by Ken Regan

My good friend John recently had the good fortune of interviewing photographer Ken Regan as part of his oh so glamorous job at entertainment.ie

The interview is a fun and insightful read, giving a candid look at the life of a well connected photojournalist. From Sports Illustrated, to the Munich Olympics, some shady CNN threats and most famously thirty years of capturing the changing times of one Bob Dylan, Regan has witnessed and captured a big slice of history and is more than willing to share his war stories:

Read the interview here.

For fun - A random Dylan clip: Here's Bob having a chat in the carpark, courtesy of the BBC. I love how he manages to look timeless, compared to some of these casualties of 80s fashion.

That said, I never really was a big Dylan fan. Somewhere in Iceland my mother scratches her head and wonders where she went wrong.

Olof Arnalds - Vinur Minn (Rough Mix)

2009-05-11T20:26:00.005+01:00

Listen: Vinur Minn (Rough Mix)- Yup, that's Icelandic for My Friend.

How blissful it is.

Metric - Satellite Mind

2009-05-11T10:35:00.005+01:00

"I'm not suicidal
i just can't get out of bed
i drift into a deep fog lost where i forgot to
hold it
i can feel you most when i'm alone
i can feel your ghost when i'm alone

coming home 'cause i want to
hang out with the starlet
stare up at the ceiling
hiding and revealing
flashback of a feeling
sixth sense of a call and
heard you fuck through the wall
i heard you fuck
when i'm bored"

Fantasies was released on 7/April.

Metric on MySpace.

FUN

2009-05-06T19:57:00.006+01:00

A sweaty pit of passion sounds like a trembling good time and so does the new single from Passion Pit - The Reeling:

Album time! - Manners is out on May/19 - Oh, oh! How I'm tempted to fly my big behind over to Dub Dub Dublin for the Pit's Nov/3rd concert at Dublin Academy.

Only, I haven't got a cluedo where in the world I'll be by then and planning is for losers right? Or maybe my views on preparing, scheduling and formulating are moth-eaten.

OK. I will do a bit of living on the edge and dot the date down in my "diary".

Done!

Sweet sweaty Passion Pit - I'm Coming!

Serenity Now

2009-05-04T11:18:00.003+01:00

After being tossed from bed to couch for the past 20 days or so, a comfortable ending draws nigh, as I have scored a room in this fine west-end establishment. A fine room at that, sizely, and fitted with a God like view of Edinburghian rooftops. A few spritzes of antibac and it should be safe for me to nustle my soft pillow in my soon to be new bed. I do wonder about the tales the bed could make known to me, but I will bury those thoughts deep within, as I change the covers and make it ready for new adventures.

Mainly, me, my computer or notebook, a packet of crisps or biscuits, watching tv shows or listening to Q or NME Radio. The bed can breathe a sigh of relief. And even though going back to paying rent, council tax and bills doesn't seem enjoyable at all, it will be nice to be sharing a flat with my gorgeous Stella Girl instead of sharing a bed with her, where I've suppsedly been talking in my sleep of late, causing laughter and ridicule at my own expense. From now on I will talk to the night in peace, away from an audience.

Today is yet another day off from detailed retail. Had my bagle and coffee. Have a couple of birthday cards to fill out with my unique word vomit. Then shower and a town outing with errands to run. What a day, what a life.

My Monday song this week is Kasabian's Fire:

Kasabian - Fire from Kasabian on Vimeo.

Been a while since I dug their stuff.

So much I've been meaning to lather my music taste buds with, but the lack of computer time and this somewhat campus living, with regularly scheduled pillow fights, has limited my musically investigatory time. Per se.

Feeling excited about the new stuff from The Horrors and been meaning to check out Golden Silvers.

Gimme time. Gimme shelter.

XOXO Ededededed

वे अरे थे पीपुल

2009-04-27T13:35:00.008+01:00

I sit cross-legged on a dirty couch somewhere in the Edinburgh West-End. I look out the window, over the rooftops of the old tenement houses that govern my current Scottish world of existence. Their comical chimney orgies provide heating and seating for noise polluting seagulls and nonchalant pigeons. It makes me smile mid-yawn. I drink my bitter black coffee. This spot is mine right now, and there's an ass-print on the couch to prove it. It's bigger than I'd like but hey! I got back. Sweet.

It's spring. I'm 29. I'm far from home, but then again I've come to realise that home is located in a blur. It doesn't seem tangible anymore.

So sad. Ish.

29. Living like a bum on people's couches, with four months to set it all straight. Get sorted. Turning 30 will provide all the answers, won't it?

Still not writing, still just hiding.

That semi-rhymed.

Currently I'm listening to Andy's techno. It's doing my head in. My camera's charged - might as well go out, it being my day off. Although. Writers shouldn't have days off.

Music me this: Empire Of The Sun - We Are The People

Makes everything OK!

2009-04-09T09:26:00.001+01:00

Miss It So Much - Röyksopp feat. Lykke Li

2009-03-22T13:19:00.009Z

Junior is out 23/3. That's tomorrow folks!

Sweeter than sweet sizzling melancholy, it's the first single of the album and Random Album digs. Just in time for light nights, blossom trees and the smog of spring.

Lykke Li makes friends easily.

Cheerleader - Grizzly Bear

2009-03-20T09:04:00.007Z

I just peed my pants a wee bit listening to the new Grizzly Bear single Cheerleader, from forthcoming album Vectatimest.

In stead of judging my light adult incontinence, open your ears Cheerleader for a hearty listen.

What Should You Be Listening To?

2009-03-14T15:32:00.006Z

To answer my own question...

Right now you should be listening to Rules, the new album from The Whitest Boy Alive.

Who? / The Whitest Boy Alive is fronted by Erlend Øye, who is also a member of Kings of Convenience, which should be considered as adequate testimonial of listenable reasoning. When I mean business I use my weapon of choice, big words and confusing sentencing.

Where? They are currently based in Berlin. This should prove their coolness.

Debut? In 2006 the band released their first album Dreams, featuring the song Don't Give Up, which can be heard repeatedly at my current job/rent paying gig/hell hole. This has not succeeded in me revolting against The Whitest Boy Alive. Again this is evidence of their superiority.

For dancing...

[Note/ High On The Heels sounds like a camouflaged tribute to the early 90's song Pump Up the Jam by Technotronic. Just a thought.]

As for my favorite song of the album it's one more for pondering and less for dancing to, although people may prove me wrong. They have before. Seldom, but sometimes.

It's Gravity, and the lyrics are, well, plain/simple praise worthy. Just beautiful really.

An example:

"She's the gravity my life circles around"

Oh.

[For a more thorough and recommended listen, go here.]

All in all. Rules is a most solid listen.

Mr. Lucky - You Know Who You Are

2009-03-10T19:44:00.009Z

Chris Isaak always looks blue and animated.

Cheater's Town - Chris Isaak

I'm a sucker for crooning Chris Isaak; his voice, his hair, his bittersweet take on life and mostly LOVE. It's like sending your heart on vacation down south, dancing in the desert with armadillos, spurs and cowboy hats in place, backed up by three amigos, who lovingly play their trumpets as a love declaration to the universe and it's people.

And you cry the sand away like a modern Moses.

Be still my heart.

Isaak's new album Mr. Lucky is out now.

Here he talks about his new album and about being lucky:

Oh Chris, so down to earth.

You Don't Cry Like I Do - Chri...

[Cheater's Town and You Don't Cry Like I Do are both featured on Mr. Lucky]

Look At You!

2009-03-05T20:13:00.009Z

Just waiting

It feels like this long, dark and cold winter might be leaving us. Be gone!

I've been working too much lately and every day feels like a part of me has been rinsed away. Man, it's tiring. My spirit seems see-through. Empty employment kills ya'll.

Change is coming. I'm moving to a new place next month, for 6 months tops, and then this Edinburgh adventure of mine might be coming to an end. Still not sure where I'm going after Scotland though; Berlin, London, Reykjavik?

All I know at this moment in time is that I like this song here below and let that be it for now.

It's Atmosphere and You:

Ededededed out.

New Bat For Lashes - Daniel

2009-03-02T21:32:00.004Z

Two Suns is out April/6th

Eau de Day

2009-02-23T15:46:00.015Z

White Lies blurred in Iceland. [Click on link for Guardian article]

Today was a truly good-looking day. Warmish, bright and it just felt really nice to breathe it in through the nasal cavity. Eau de Day. Spring is closing in.

As I walked all the way down to Morningside, heading for the Post Office to pick up a mystery parcel that the postman had failed to deliver on St. Valentine's Day; White Lies's E.S.T. began entertaining me through my ear trumpet (ipod) and my stroll en route to my puzzling parcel became even more exciting.

[Would 2009 be the year I'd receive sappy 'n' mushy mystery love from a secret admirer?]

Well, no. At the Post Office the mystery parcel turned out to be for my cousin; Some heavy ass architecture book that I now needed to haul uphill all the way back to the flat. Oh the joy of sharing a last name.

Again, St. Valentine had disappointed me.

Eau de Day. Oh what a day.

The rest of the day got spent in front my Mac, crossing things off my To Do list, blatantly trying not to seem pissed off.

Tomorrow I'm going outside to play and I'm staying there. My camera battery is charged and my sweet Dolly awaits me in her rotating glass cage. She never let's me down, although the poor girl did prove cloning to be a short lived experience.

[Live fast die young never felt more fitting.]

Dolly 1 - St. Valentine 0

Veckatimest

2009-02-15T20:37:00.009Z

A jolly good reason to be hopeful about summer 2009 is Veckatimest, the imminently new Grizzly Bear album, [named after Veckatimest Island in Massachusetts]. But of course.

My summer fling

It's out on May 26th and features one of my most cherished songs, While You Wait For The Others. Oh how I LOVE it. Yes LOVE. Bleeding.

Plus the cover art is right up my alley. I dig it.

Winter go away. Summer come my way. Yay.

Eco-friendly Bullshit

2009-02-12T00:24:00.006Z

Best Rock Album at The Grammy's goes to Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends by Coldplay.

WTF. What is the meaning of this lunacy? Do they really have everybody fooled wearing those tatty Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band tribute outfits? I guess so.

AND. Beating Kings of Leon and The Raconteurs.

Blasphemy!!!

1. Let us compare rock notes:

What a night for a dance
You know I'm a dancing machine
With the fire in my bones
And the sweet taste of kerosene
I get lost in the night
So high don't wanna come down
To face the loss
Of the good thing that I have found

Woo hoo hoooo
Woo hoo hoooo

-Revelry, Kings of Leon

VS.

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king! (THE KING OF LEON)

- Viva La Vida, Coldplay

No contest.

No contest when it comes to style, tone, lust, body hair, sweatiness, eco-friendliness?...

Hold the phone!

No contest!

[No more coffee.]

A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke

2009-02-11T09:02:00.001Z

A Change Is Gonna Come

I was born by the river in a little tent
And just like the river, I've been running ever since
It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come

It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die
I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come

I go to the movie, and I go downtown
Somebody keep telling me "Don't hang around"
It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come

Then I go to my brother and I say, "Brother, help me please"
But he winds up knocking me back down on my knees

There've been times that I've thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come

Prick & Pineapple

2009-02-09T16:44:00.000Z

Glass - Bat For Lashes

2009-02-06T00:43:00.009Z

Exciting news. Read all about it.

Bat For Lashes aka Natasha Khan has a new song! Yup. Hot from the stove and still crackling.

Eloquently titled Glass, Khan teased the crowds with this looming ditty as she toured last summer with rah-rah Radiohead:

Unbreakable Glass I do believe

Two Suns is out next April.

[For a listen to the whole tune, simply press here and scroll down.]

Just... Can't ..... Stop .. R_E_P_E_A_T

2009-02-04T00:36:00.006Z

Stay with me on this one - and prepare for derailing - mmmm - ness

AC

For those who are unaware ___

Animal Collective is: Avey Tare (David Portner), Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Geologist (Brian Weitz) & Deakin (Josh Dibb).

Birthtown: Baltimore, Maryland.

[Met in school, formed a band, got too cool for school, made best album ever]

WHAT?:
Wild guess: Noise Freak Pop Melting Cerebral Functioning Purrrrrrr

It works wonders.

"""

Album: Merriweather Post Pavilion (their 9th)

Yeah, it's moving

Song: My Girls

R_E_P_E_A_T

Yeah. Derailed. It's 1 AM. One more time... just... once.

"shut the fuck up boy"

2009-01-26T09:14:00.007Z

Fact:
There is so much more to Peter Bjorn and John than Young Folks.

Cue:

"Hey, shut the fuck up boy,
you are starting to piss me off"

PB & J's forthcoming album, titled Living Thing is released on March 30th, 3/30, and alas! Pleasurableness - as we now have the first track up for grabs; gents & ladies it's Lay It Down:

I happen to think the tune is a work of pure artistry and here we have yet another album I'm drooling over in shivering anticipation.

Ward Watch pt. 2

2009-01-24T12:27:00.002Z

After getting a wee glimpse of Ward's new album Hold Time with a sober little teaser tune, portrayed in B&W in a sombre little video, we now get a full on SINGLE, featuring ZOOEY DESCHANEL.

Feels like the first little taster was a humble joke on Ward's part. But now, folks, he means business.

CLICK for a listen to NEVER HAD NOBODY LIKE YOU.

It's a more modern She & Him with more electric guitar action and oomph!

Ward Watch

2009-01-20T13:39:00.010Z

All signs point to M. Ward this week.

[In all my innocence - yet ignorance - I had stopped listening.]

Until...

1. The boy commented on my disappearing acts, referring to M. Ward's song Magic Trick, featured on Ward's 2006 album Post-War.

"People come, people go
Sometimes without goodbye, sometimes without hello

She's got one magic trick
Just one and that's it
Ooh... She disappears

It's like, now you see her, now you don't
You think you're gonna get to know her now, well you won't

She's got one magic trick
Just one and that's it
Ooh... Ooh... She disappears

Aah... Aah...

It's like, easy come, easy go
Sometimes without goodbye, sometimes without hello

She's got one magic trick
Just one and that's it
Ooh... She disappears
Ooh... And that's it"

Also covered by She & Him.

Which brings me too...

2. The girl told me about The Go Getter, a 2007 film starring none other than queen Zooey Deschanel and a soundtrack featuring none other than M. Ward.

Check out When I Get To The Border with then future duo She & Him, featured in this under-the-radar film that I now feel ever so urged to see.

This is where the magic started people.

Zooey Go Getter!

3. The new M. Ward album is released on Feb. 17th., titled Hold Time and here below is a subtle little video for the title track...

I need Hold Time. I need good times.

Empire of the Sun - Am I Bothered?

2009-01-16T16:03:00.008Z

Newsflash! Empire of the Sun is no longer just a book by J. G. Ballard or a film adaptation by Stephen Spielberg. Now Empire of the Sun is also the name of an Australian duo, made up of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore. Blasphemy!

To be honest I never read the book, boo! on me, but the film still remains one of my favorite films to date, ever since my mom made me watch it. Yes she had to twist my arm (I was 13 and didn't feel like watching some lame ass film based on historical events). That was me then.

[Years passing...]

Therefore, The Batman will always be a twelve year old kid to me, eating flies for protein, selling soap for survival and making friends with Chinese army officers, war stricken doctors and fallen socialites. All leading up to THAT ending.

The Batman shares his vision with Spielberg.

Then today I see BBC's 'Sound of 2009' list, where Empire of the Sun comes in 4th, and I frown, thinking, this shit better be good. There is no place for mistakes here, these guys gotta deliver with THAT name.

The dudes of Empire of the Sun and no, that's not Val Kilmer.

Here they are with a colourful video shot in Shanghai, China, titled Walking on a Dream:

This electro pop does not provide any colonized hard hitting message, but I just happen not to care. This is the SHIT. Plus, Van She does a remix of the song on the CD single. So, no hard feelings. I'm blasé.

MID-WEEK BLUES

2009-01-14T22:42:00.006Z

Bluesy boys.

The weekend is almost here folks, I can feel it in my bluesy blood. Pumping, pumping; like the noise my techno-loving neighbour makes. Thump!

For now though, it's still only Wednesday, still cold, still just still and I feel like humming the blues, humming until my brainwaves are pumping; pumping star clouds into my system, pumping like it's Friday.

I shall hold my breath all night and wake up with some air to spare.

Humming the blues, dreaming the blues... waking up to techno.

"Oh, oh life... o-oh l-i-i-fe, oh life."

Thin Post - (My Hands Are Freezing)

2009-01-13T22:50:00.010Z

Nom anyone?

I Nom This:

The Bird and the Bee - Love Letter To Japan:

"Boy oh boy I miss the blossom trees".

New album...

Yes, the new album is indeed titled Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future. No explanation needed there.

Pang, you are dead?

[Unfortunately, yes, as it won't be all fun and games in the future. Damn!]

I was so into this band early last year, and now I am pleased to hear they have a new album coming out on Jan. 27th, as I am utterly bored with the old one. So good times ahead for all The Bird and the Bee fans.

[p.s. Happy birthday mum.]

Sincerely,

e.

My Early January Belongs To...

2009-01-07T22:24:00.008Z

Indie Kitty Keeping Warm

...and

Norman Palm's Rent A Cat:

Song and book by Palm. [Cats are involved].

Also to be found on Norman's website par excellence is this little Christmas gem:

Le Corps Mince de Françoise feat. Norman Palm - Ray Ban Glasses (Winter Mix)

Norman's webpage is a fun scroller; leafing through his BOOK PROJECT and TOUR PHOTOGRAPHY is
especially neat.

Girl Reading Palm by Norman Rockwell

[The future is a diamond sir, ready to be worn.]

Mmm... Norman. I'll be watching you.

Fear and Driving in the Land of Frozen Economy

2009-01-05T20:09:00.015Z

!!!

Starting the New Year with- *SLAP* !! Ladyhawke's My Delirium.
This song is my New Year's resolution, [still haven't decided what that entails].

Get it. Insert into the system and fine tune yourself for 2009!

Ladyhawke makes my heart go thump... THUMP!

[Lovely lad David photographed Ladyhawke for the Skinny magazine late last year and blogged about it here. Interesting insight into the mind of an up and coming photographer extraordinaire.]

Ladyhawke and the feline reason I chose this Googled pic over others.

----

Today is Monday and I have returned to Edinburgh after two weeks in the homeland; eating animals, driving, visiting, unwrapping presents and all the stuff that accompanies this time of year.

And now I'm back to a chilly overdraft and cheap potato meals.

Drive by shooting.

I am alive, despite having been a passenger in my mother's wagon. So many times I nearly died in my mind speeding through blackened country roads, with oncoming traffic, blurred by the weather and blinding headlights, shaking as a result of my mother's erratic driving. I am alive and thankful, and guiltily proud of my mother's stubborn uniqueness on the road.

Another ride, another day.

My friend Tinna's car provided a more peaceful drive, plus it's equipped with a much used CD player. On the way back from Akranes to Reykjavik Tinna handed me a handful of discs to choose from. She had recently downloaded a single song by Lee Marvin and burnt it onto a disc. That was the one I chose and it made the darkness less so.

Driving with Lee Marvin: I Was Born Under A Wandering Star, from Paint Your Wagon.

A diverting way to drive. A diversion from the fear of driving.

Whilst back home I still found time to scour the gaping interweb and stumbled upon a new tune with reluctant heartthrob Ryan Gosling's band, Dead Man's Bones.

Although quite obviously influenced by such delights as Joy Division and Nick Cave, Gosling and co. do it right. A nice choice of influence. [I never even saw The Notebook, so I'm completely unbiassed].

In The Room Where You Sleep

He's come a long way since the Mickey Mouse Club.

The year starts well musically, let's hope the economy follows suit.

Better Than The Rest 2008

2008-12-31T15:34:00.004Z

Jumping for good tunes!

Is as follows:

The Black Keys - Attack & Release
M83- Saturdays = Youth
Laura Marling - Alas, I Cannot Swim
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of the Understatement
Lykke Li - Youth Novel

Happy new year people! Keep listening to the beat.

x

The Last Time

2008-12-19T14:01:00.009Z

Yuletide Kitty Likes To Dress Up

A bit of sentiment.

I'm leaving the Burgh tomorrow to spend the holidays with my family in Iceland. Didn't do it last Christmas as I was poor and in love. Fuck Iceland I thought. I'll have a cosy one right here in not so snowy Scotland, I'll buy turkey and make gravy like my uncle's wife does it and there will be presents, wine and warmth.

It turned out okay. Sure, there were presents. Some wine. I made gravy and it was prime stuff.

But even though I had company, I felt lonely. Looking back it wasn't the best Christmas or far from the worst I ever celebrated. But heck! It was different. Even weird and yes, slightly sad.

This year I'll be returning to tradition. I haven't been back home in over a year, and frankly, I can't wait.

I have my ticket, my passport and Christmas pudding. But I feel too tired to charge my ipod and I might just leave it here to rest. Instead I'll rummage through my mothers album collection when I get home. Listen to some Dylan. Make my mother sit down for 10 seconds to listen to Dylan. Tell my workaholic mother to take a few minutes once in a while to put her feet up and listen to some tunes. Her Makeba, Dylan and Cohen.

With the hum of the washing machine, the pull of my unpacked bags and the weight of my eyelids I wish you a happy holiday.

Safe traveling, wherever you're going.

Judy Garland-Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Gleðileg jól.

Something To Set The Mood

2008-12-18T23:01:00.005Z

Bear with me...

But seriously folks, what I meant to say is:

You should absolutely check out Koko Kaina's YouTube Channel and listen to No Christmas For Me

Very hummable.

Malaysian songbird Koko Kaina sets the mood for Christmas.

I'm definitely in the mood.

I'll bet a box of trinkets that this young lady will have a signed contract before the end of next year. I'll spit in the palm of my hand and shake on it. Koko Kaina will be rolling is some serious moolah sooner than later. Trust me.

If not.

Fools.

A Faerie Man Comes To Town...

2008-12-17T12:46:00.006Z

...and brings gold in the form of a CD with him.

The man

-He also drinks a lot of spirits, eats many a pizza, smokes many a cigarette and walks, spits and dances.

And the music he brings is wonderful.

Listen he said and listen I say to lovely lovely Lisa Hannigan:

Ocean and a Rock from Miss Lisa's new album Sea Sew.

The moment I withdrew my gaze the faerie man was gone. But he left his gold, and for some mythical reason, also his socks.

An chéad uair eile!

Too Soon?

2008-12-08T13:03:00.005Z

Yes is always the answer.

There are only 16 days until Stuff you face and get fat day! Well for me anyway, cause in Iceland we celebrate on Christmas Eve, not Day. Makes more sense to celebrate the whole thing wearing your finest attire instead of your pyjamas.

Well too soon or not for Christmas music, this is Come on Santa with The Raveonettes.

Sune and Sharin

Better than any Boney M Christmas frightfulness.

huh!

Enjoy your week.

Sincerely yours.

Bad Santa.

Something for Friday

2008-12-05T00:02:00.009Z

I have been called a chipmunk.

Ok, cliff notes.

My current rent paying gig (retail, smetail) and newfounded company (yay!) have been taking up all my blog time, so here at Random Album, there have been some lame times. Cobwebs in the corners and mold on the cheese.

Not so moldy however, Chicago band Catfish Haven. I love these guys, and if you happen to have a thing for The Black Keys you just might dig these dudes.

Catfish Haven

Set In Stone is forevermore wiggle worthy, as I have mentioned before. Plus, now I have a whole album to twist my legs to. Until hell freezes over! So there's plenty of time to dance.

Titled Devastator, I give the album both my thumbs up, and that really is as elaborate as I get. I'm done with stars. Thumbs it is.

Not sure about the album cover. Pink? I would have liked to see some more beard, sweat and rock'n roll.

Win some, lose some.

Bad picture quality, good sound quality. It's Set In Stone:

More to come, soon. Ish.

Rest in Peace Miriam Makeba

2008-11-11T21:08:00.003Z

She was really something else.

Crystallized Moment

2008-11-09T16:27:00.011Z

The Crystals (of Da Doo Ron Ron fame) - He's A Rebel

Sweet stuff. Indeed.

Just look at these lovely ladies.

Oh.. but then there was their controversial flop He Hit Me (It Felt Like A Kiss), written by Carole King and produced by Phil Spector.

Story of the song...

Songstress Little Eva (of Loco-motion fame) had told King, whom she had been babysitting for, about her relationship with an abusive boyfriend, who beat her almost on a regular basis. When asked why she tolerated the abuse, she answered that it symbolized how much he loved her.

Awwww. Sweet stuff.

I don't think so.

Due to the subject matter and lyrics, the song (recorded by The Crystals) was an utter failure. The public disliked it and radio stations refused to put it on the air. The Crystals even hated the song. Why señor Phil Spector convinced the dames to record it and then tried to release it as a single still remains a mystery.

I'm guessing because he identified with the whole situation. With the boyfriend that is, but that's just hearsay. The rest of course is history. Big haired kook!

The lyrics go something like this:

He hit me and it felt like a kiss
He hit me but it didn't hurt me
He couldn't stand to hear me say
That I'd been with someone new
And when I told him I had been untrue

He hit me (da-da-da-ah) and it felt like a kiss (felt like a kiss)
He hit me (da-da-da-ah) and I knew he loved me
If he didn't care for me,
I could have never made him mad
But he hit me (da-da-da-ah) and I was glad

(Da-da-da-ah)
(Da-da-da-ah)

Yes, he hit me (da-da-da-ah) and it felt like a kiss (felt like a kiss)
He hit me (da-da-da-ah) and I knew I loved him
And then, he took me in his arms
With all the tenderness there is
And when he kissed me (da-da-da-ah), he made me his
(Da-da-da)

I'm leaning more towards the Grizzly Bear version. Naturally, those sweet natured lads can do nothing wrong.

Grizzly Bear live at UCLA.

On the subject of hitting and hits:

The Sugarcubes - Hit

Be kind to each other, life is short.

The Shuffle Post

2008-10-15T11:43:00.015+01:00

So, I'm sitting here in my new kitchen sipping on some coffee that's cold by now. Just did the dishes and that always makes me feel good. A clean and empty kitchen sink, what more can a girl ask for.

I have a well deserved day off, but unfortunately I'm spending it (or waisting it more like it) waiting for the phone repair dude to show his face and connect me to the outside world.

My ipod is on shuffle-mode way out in the living room, but my cousin's ipod speaker thingy sends the music dancing into the kitchen, where I'm sitting with my feet up, occasionally looking out over to the window where the loveliest of bright orange pumpkins stares back at me. Halloween's coming and we are preparing.

So far my ipod has been sending me some Jens Lekman, Duffy, Last Shadow Puppets, Dengue Fever and Neon Neon (man, Stainless Style kicks ass!) This reminds me that I really need to update my 1 GB Nano. Jens Lekman is soooo last season.

The most recent thing to grace its presence on my sparkling ipod is the lovely Icelandic Emiliana Torrini, as recommended to me by the lovely Icelandic Stella-Girl, who is so lucky to be where I was last year, at Iceland Airwaves. Man, my heart bleeds with jealousy.

Emiliana Torrini, creator of Gollum's Song no less.

Torrini's new album is worthy of some sweet sweet appraisal, plus it's my new favorite walking-to-work album.

Me and Armini

*Now playing on Sparky the ipod is: Rilo Kiley. Just trying to keep you up to date with what's going on in realtime, although Rilo Kiley is also sooo last year's news. Damn you Sparky!

Back to Emiliana.

Check out Stella-Girl's favorite track on Me and Armini, track 10 - GUN:

Super cool.

Jungle Drum is my favorite.

*Now playing on Sparky the ipod: M83.

Well must let the phone dude in*.

Later my darlings. X

*Phone dude isn't really here, just thought it looked better to end it on that note. I'm a superficial liar.

3 Songs and Sleeping With Fishes

2008-10-08T18:01:00.009+01:00

Chairlift - Bruises

Lisa Mitchell - Neopolitan Dreams

Bishi - Never Seen Your Face

Also. Dreamz.

I had a very vivid one about fish last night. Something about draining a pond and putting the fish (there were 4 but one didn't make it, so 3 in total) in one of those kiddie plastic pools, which I then decided to keep on my bed for all the obvious reasons.

This is what the internet has to say about those kind of splashy dreams:

FISH

* To dream that you see fish in clear-water streams, denotes that you will be favored by the rich and powerful.
* Dead fish, signifies the loss of wealth and power through some dire calamity.
* For a young woman to dream of seeing fish, portends that she will have a handsome and talented lover. Woohoo!
* To dream of catching a catfish, denotes that you will be embarrassed by evil designs of enemies, but your luck and presence of mind will tide you safely over the trouble.
* To wade in water, catching fish, denotes that you will possess wealth acquired by your own ability and enterprise.
* To dream of fishing, denotes energy and economy; but if you do not succeed in catching any, your efforts to obtain honors and wealth will be futile.
* Eating fish, denotes warm and lasting attachments.

Fishy dreaming, eh. One other thing. The fish really really scared me.

Interpret, please!

I Will Haz!

2008-09-30T08:14:00.002+01:00

This one better be underneath my Christmas tree this year or someone will feel my wrath.

Blurgh. Might as well just buy it myself. Wrath is too much of a hassle.

Happy Tuesday anywayz.

The Big Excuse Post

2008-09-25T22:04:00.009+01:00

Yo! Long time no see. How you been?

Ugh, my Powerbook is dying. It's hardware. Sadness. On the bright side though, I'm moving to the loveliest of flats in the lovliest of neighbourhoods in the lovely Edinburgh with my lovely cousin.

On the downside, I have a new boss from hell. Seriously. It's no laughing matter. Well kind of. What else can you do but laugh when staff training (every Tuesday) includes the repeated chant of "Retail is detail people! Retail is detail!"

I like to pretend that I'm the star of a sitcom that takes place in a downtown giftshop. Dorororooo... that's the theme tune. It's what gets me through the day. Plus some very nice co-workers. Hooray for nice co-workers!

Listening? Well. Not much. My iPod ran out of batteries a while ago and my computer hates me, so I've been falling behind on what's cool in the world of pop 'n' rock.

Sleeping it off. Missing out.

The last three things I got my hands on though were the following:

Sharleen Spiteri's Melody. Not bad actually. I'm liking All the Times I Cried:

Also.

Duffy's Rockferry. I'm liking Warwick Avenue:

And. Weirdly enough.

Pink Floyd's Division Bell. I'm liking High Hopes:

Toodles.

TV Dinner

2008-09-07T11:46:00.001+01:00

Random Album will be right back after these messages:

The Village

2008-08-26T21:51:00.008+01:00

Oh no! Has it really been almost a week since my last post? How utterly pathetic of my blogger self. Uhm... well tomorrow is the last day of my super cool festival job, where I've been manning the book signing tent at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. After that, I have a few days off to enjoy myself, relax, drink beer, listen to tunes, read my new books and celebrate my birthday with friends, eat sushi and stay out late, wayyyy past my bedtime. I'm really looking forward to that.

But oh, did I mention that I saw Sean Connery yesterday? No? Wello jello, the old fox had a Q&A event at the book festival, bringing with him wet winds that rustled through our little book village, creating a drafty atmosphere within our normally peaceful settlement.

Maybe this town doesn't care for its prodigal son. Just pondering.

Sir Connery

Today there has been a lot of whistling, people singing show-tunes and Queen. Free ice cream, doughnuts and cake, a book grab and a breeze of contentment making its way throughout the village.

Fun, fun.

Anyway, John sent me this and it made me happy:

The smashingly suave dancer reminds me of David Byrne and his Big Suit.

I should listen to The Frames more. I know I keep saying that but this time I really mean it.

Day Off!

2008-08-20T21:34:00.006+01:00

I have a much deserved day off tomorrow. Feeling pooped. Festival has been great, been working my behind off but I do feel very accomplished and come September I thankfully have work lined up. It's part-time, meaning that I'll be able to do some writing as well. Really looking forward to that. Lots of ideas stirring.

OK so the music of the moment in my twirl of a world has mostly been my own humming, rattling in my skull. For some reason I've been whistling Boy George & Culture Club, Do You Really Want To Hurt Me. I think it comes from the fact that my workplace has these signs up for book loving folk that say: Do You Really Need A Bag? (We're on the planet saving band wagon)

That's how my mind works.

How to get off cocaine.

Speaking of Mr. Boy George, have a press-play-look at the below clip from a 1984, Boy George look-a-like competition in Sydney. The newscastor at the end cracks me up:

I'm going to enjoy my day off. I might go to a museum and be itellectual. Browse around for cool things. Or just eat cake and listen to the rain.

We shall see. We shall see indeed.

Wucan and Elizabeth

2008-08-17T01:18:00.003+01:00

Like I said. Might be tempted to post some new-ish vids. So here's Wucan by Black Mountain. It's good. I like. Enjoy:

Plus

Mystery Jets. Oh my. I LOVE the ending! Who is Elizabeth? Find out:

Half In Love With Elizabeth

Misses'n'kisses.

Random Dog Pic To Distract From My Absence

2008-08-09T18:52:00.006+01:00

Please excuse my recent extended absence. Work is extremely hectic at the moment so Random Album will be turning the volume down for the next couple of weeks or so, although I might be tempted to post some new videos during that time.

Currently I'm still listening to Noah and the Whale and Fleet Foxes, so be sure to check them out.

Noah and the Whale with Laura Marling - 5 Years Time:

"So what the heck,
Cuz’ I’ll be laughing at all your silly little jokes,
And we’ll be laughing about how we used to smoke.
All those stupid little cigarettes and drink stupid wine,
Cuz’ it was what we needed to have a good time."

Stay tuned.

Crippling Queen

2008-08-02T16:31:00.000+01:00

Stuff I'm Tasting

2008-07-31T16:30:00.016+01:00

Tasty overload!

Lets start with Noah and the Whale with wonderful Laura Marling doing backing vocals.

Shape of My Heart:

"And when I look to the shape of the sky,
I give thanks for this hollow chest of mine,
that I no longer feel, the great weight of ordeals,
that can make this life so unkind

If there's any love in me, don't let it show,
oh and if there's any love in me, don't let it grow"

Noah and the Whale minus Laura

...

The Delano Orchestra - Check out Kill Me Twice.

Get Well Soon - If This Hat Is Missing I've Gone Hunting:

Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal

Make sure you scoot on over to their MySpace page and download this little gem of a song for FREE.

"I was following the pack
all swallowed in their coats
with scarves of red tied ’round their throats
to keep their little heads
from fallin’ in the snow
And I turned ’round and there you go
And, Michael, you would fall
and turn the white snow red as strawberries
in the summertime"

...

Crystal Stilts - Listen to Crippled Croon

Catfish Haven - Listen to Set in Stone. That voice. That beat. I wiggle like a jellyfish.

Catfish Haven

Young Rival - Listen to: Your Island. Short but powerful.

The dudes of Young Rival

Jasmina Maschina - Listen to Asleep (Minit Variation). This tune is so tender and reminds me of the main score for the extraordinary "Tell No One".

Almost manages to make me cry.

Again.

Almost.

Jasmina

And finally some more Swedish meatballs...

Melpo Mene

I Adore You:

This song is irresistible.

(mp3 via Stereogum)

Well, my taste buds can't handle any more. Gonna swallow and digest.

x

This Just In

2008-07-30T16:00:00.004+01:00

I just got my hands (finger on touchpad) on the new M83 video for Kim & Jessie and I absolutely 100% love it.

You'll find me practising that routine at the nearest gymnasium.

Some Serious Research

2008-07-29T14:01:00.018+01:00

I'm not sure if I ever introduced myself properly.

Mental image: Standing at the podium, slightly nervous but always charming: "My name is Edda and I'm an Icelandic screenwriter based in fair Edinburgh and this web log is my procrastinating tool of choice. Nice to meet you".

To fill you in on my latest endeavours, I have been working a crappy job this summer to support my craft but now I only have two more days of that. Hooray! Next weekend I'll be shooting material for a documentary I'm doing with my pals Laura and Andrew and after that I'll be working at the Edinburgh International Festival. Come September, I'll be screwed job wise, but lets not dwell on that.

Lately I've been working on a pilot for a supernatural drama series, which I'm really excited about, and yesterday I decided to do some informal research and watch a few pilots. Ack! That plan didn't really work as I had planned, as I halfheartedly watched the pilot for Gossip Girl out of pure curiosity. It was a tad too fluffy for my taste and had nothing to do with my project.

Bored by now I decided to see what was new on the market and opted for "Fringe", completely in the dark about the story line. So, nicely tucked under the covers ready for some late night TV to lull me to sleep while doing a bit of relaxed pilot research, casually noting down in my head how they introduce characters and all that hullabaloo, I began watching.

Well lull me it did not! "Fringe" quickly started off with a spine-chilling airplane scene that almost made my pupils disappear for good. Hmm, flesh eating virus? What was happening. Oooh.

I was really enjoying this, aside from maybe "Pacey Witter" trying to be suave saying "sweetheart" à la Humprey Bogart to Australian actress Anna Torv, who by the way looks just like Cate Blanchett, and has heaps more acting abilities than poor Witter (Joshua Jackson). I'm pretty sure Jackson is meant to be the token comic-relief character, against all the X-files themed icky slimy drama. Yikes!

The cast of "Fringe".

The show also features a cow and a mad scientist. First rate Sci-Fi.

OK, so The X-Files it will never be, although it does try, but any comparison to that pot of chemistry is also unjust. I'll take "Fringe" for what it is. Good entertainment.

Some unrelated rivia:
(My sources tell me that Pamela Anderson was approached for the role of Dana Scully when The X-Files were still in the early stages of development. What a frightening notion. Just add the Hoff and it would have been Baywatch Nights.)

Well enough is enough, here watch the trailer for "Fringe":

Oh did I not mention? The show is a J.J. Abrams production, which explains the blatant use of "Lost's" suspense sound effects. Plus it has that little cute, but bad, robot at the very end.

So I'll be watching. Probably when I should be writing. Oh, shush.

Who's Gonna Save My Soul?

2008-07-28T10:06:00.003+01:00

New video from Gnarls Barkley, directed by Chris Milk:

You know. I know. We all know.

Sun + Body = After Sun

2008-07-27T19:40:00.010+01:00

Another weekend came and went. Highlights: A pizza/beer picnic at the park with some lovelies and a sunny day at the beach with Andrew. Everything there in between is somewhat of a blur so let me just skip over that part.

Mental image: I keep forgetting to SPF (not wanting to be wasteful of the sun you see), which in turn has left me looking a little like burnt toast. Before I know it I'll have become one of those creepy leather people you see at the beach, or worse, an Oompa Loompa.

*Shudder*

The Oompa Loompa song (I'm the one on the right)

Now only four more days of hell job so let the countdown begin, 4, 3, 2, 1, and while you're at it have a listen to some Bodies of Water:

The song is called Gold, Tan, Peach and Grey.

And when I say listen, I mean listen to the whole song all the way through. Please, no cheating.

Bodies of Water - The nicest kind of after sun.

The Random Happy Clip

2008-07-24T20:51:00.004+01:00

The Mighty Boosh - "Tundra Rap":

"Never take the tundra lightly, it'll drive a man insane..."

Always makes me smile. Every single time. Seriously.

Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding = The Mighty Boosh

Listen Up!

2008-07-24T10:23:00.005+01:00

A Jerboan hearing aid

Seriously folks, what is with all the quality tunes coming out of Sweden?

The Knife, Kent, The Cardigans, Loney, Dear*, Jens Lekman, Peter Bjorn and John, Dungen, Pelle Carlberg...

and now... LYKKE LI

Lykke Li
(born Li Lykke Timotej Zachrisson in 1986)

If you do just one thing today, let it be to download her wonderful song titled Tonight, FREE from her website. Find it under the Secret Chapter section.

If you can't be bothered to do that, at least see it live:

This song is like a nice hug. Firm, but not too tight.

Also, this bit of a dancer has been on my iPod replay list lately:

Lykke Li - I'm Good, I'm Gone

(Click here for the Black Kids remix)

...and, one more, just because I can...

Lykke Li - Little Bit

In other news:

Fair Edinburgh has been blessed with some excellent weather in the past few days. It's been sunny and warm with a gentle breeze sweeping through auld Reekie, which has been real nice break from the usual grey murkiness we're so used to complain about.

So lying in the lovely green grass, listening to Lykke Li whilst pretending to read one of my many screenwriting handbooks, I doze off. Half awake I look up at the sun, as it seemingly "steps down" towards me. "Kneeling", it asks for my hand in marriage. Not sure if I'm feeling confused by the heat, but I mumble a yes (although listening to Lykke, I would have said yes to just about anything).

So now my hand sparkles with a smoldering beam, signifying my commitment to the bright sphere above.

This may very well have been a dream but none the less, a warm summer day will always be my one true love.

Next on my horizon is to get my delicate doll hands on some Bodies of Water. I'll get back to you on that.

* be sure to check out their website, if only to see the beautiful photograph of the tree!

In Search Of A Midnight Kiss

2008-07-23T20:35:00.005+01:00

From the film's official website:

"In Search of a Midnight Kiss is a rollicking comic ride and tender journey though love, sex, and modern romance in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve. Wilson (Scoot McNairy), a twenty-nine-year old guy who has just had the worst year of his life, is new to Los Angeles, has no date, no concrete plans and every intention of locking the doors and forgetting the last year ever happened. That is until his best friend, Jacob (Brian McGuire), browbeats him into posting a personal ad on Craig’s List.

When Vivian (Sara Simmonds), a strong-willed woman hell bent on being with the right guy at the stroke of midnight responds, a chaotic, sometimes hilarious, sometimes touching journey through the black and white streets of L.A. begins. In the waning hours of the year, emotional vulnerability and bitterly honest humor seem to be waiting around every corner."

In Search Of A Midnight Kiss trailer:

I'm getting overly excited about this flick.

Plus, the soundtrack looks really good, featuring amongst others the lovely Okkervil River and Shearwater, who I've been meaning to check out for a while now.

Shearwater

The film is written and directed by Alex Holdridge and stars Scoot McNairy and Sara Simmonds. Oh, and I've just missed the last screening of it at the Filmhouse. Shoot.

Devendra Banhart

2008-07-23T20:33:00.001+01:00

Look and listen.

It's DB's new Bollywood inspired music video, Carmensita, featuring actress (and Banhart's girlfriend) Natalie Portman:

Catchy Carmensita can be found on Banhart's most recent album, Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon.

I really need to listen to this album more.

Jóhannes Kjarval by Björk

2008-07-20T15:06:00.010+01:00

Björk

In 1977 Björk Guðmundsdóttir released her first solo album at the tender age of eleven. Simply titled Björk it featured ten songs, most of them cover songs but also an instrumental tune titled Jóhannes Kjarval, written and performed by Björk as a tribute to the skillful Icelandic painter.

Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval - Artist extraordinaire

As someone who knows, "taps finger on nose", I must say that for an eleven year old she really captured the old eccentric in her tribute. The song could easily have been Kjarval's personal theme tune, accompanied by the cold northern winds that moved through his scruffy hair as he stood painting in the mossy moonlike landscape of Iceland, looking much like the mythical creatures he captured on the canvas. I bet if he had lived to hear the song, he would have shyly grinned at the gesture.

Jóhannes Kjarval by Björk Guðmundsdóttir:

And if you're interested in hearing Björk's version of The Beatles's Fool on the Hill, click here. It's quite endearing and near the end you can hear where she's heading with her voice.

Crappy New Camera Phone

2008-07-17T22:45:00.005+01:00

Gingerbread men, mussels, lunch with Andrew, Cork, late night walks, joy...

Now playing: nothing.

Now listening: to the faint sound of traffic, rain and my humming computer.

...

Sometimes it's alright to switch off and zone out.

Waking Up in Cork

2008-07-15T20:02:00.018+01:00

After a fun evening out in fair Edinburgh I wake up in the Republic of Ireland, in the wee city of Cork.

I blame this solely on the vodka, but that might be a lie.

Cork - My secret getaway (reminds me of Reykjavík - home - in this pic).

Forgetting to bring my iPod (plus a whole lot of other things), I was at the mercy of others for music. Always a risk, but this was already a risky end to what was meant to be a quiet weekend so I'm thinking, when in Rome and all that.... And do you know who's the best artist to listen to while driving through Cork?

Apparently, this man:

Paul Weller

Worked for me. Actually the whole trip worked for me, but all good things must come to an end.

On the way back, after some delay (causing my usual fear of flying to build up), I was in my seat, 16D, 85 minutes away from Edinburgh and listening to Take That, courtesy of "DJ Pilot". They always play the cheesiest tunes while you wait to crash and die. Well, this boy band ballad summed up my whole trip and also brought me back to a state of TT loving nostalgia. I felt good. Schmaltzy, but good.

The song in question, titled Rule the World, also appropriately is featured in the film Stardust, that's based on one of my favorite Neil Gaiman books. See, it's all good.

Recommended read

Stardust trailer:

Now back to this.

And they say I'm as cold as ice, when really I'm utterly butter.

Catch of the Day

2008-07-10T19:43:00.006+01:00

No, not the misfits...

...

..yes, Grizzly Bear and their hair raising* song While You Wait For The Others:

(They take a while to get started, so just skip ahead to the 23rd second if you're terribly impatient)

(This song twirls my body in a tornado of goosebumps. Blissed be.)

A grizzly bear hitches a ride with unsuspecting festival goers.

How very Gary Larson of me.

*à vous faire dresser les cheveux sur la tête.

More Mates of State and back to the 80's

2008-07-10T15:19:00.010+01:00

Mates of State - Get Better

"Everything is gonna get lighter even if it never gets better".

Reminds me of the always entertaining Bat For Lashes video for What's a Girl To Do?:

"And my bat lightning heart, wants to fly away".

Both videos have that 80's Donnie Darko style that I just so happen to like. How can I best describe said style?

Well, it's something like this.

Of course it all boils down to some old fashioned nostalgia.

Donnie ponders the future, the past? Who knows, who cares?

Of course the music from Donnie Darko never fails to impress.

Echo & The Bunnymen - The Killing Moon

Tears for Fears - Head over Heels (genius).

Duran Duran - Notorious

Duran Duran - looking fierce

Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart

The Church - Under the Milky Way

Gary Jules - Mad World

Oingo Bongo - Stay

INXS - Never Tear Us Apart

Who could forget?

p.s. Also worth checking out: Prescilla by Bat for Lashes.

Late afternoon stroll in the wild

2008-07-08T21:03:00.008+01:00

"Now playing: Bon Iver"

///====///

Listened to Dengue Fever during a refreshing hike/stroll today. The Cambodian semi rap and guitar riff of Sni Bong meshed well with the Scottish landscape, bunnies, crows, the above snail (boombox added after) and the very characteristic plant/flower, the thistle.

National pride.

Some day I might fly out to Cambodia and listen to some bagpipe music. Or just some Belle and Sebastian or Frightened Rabbit.

Speaking of rabbits. Here's one I met during my travels today.

Gimme! Stooopid human.

It's totally eyeing my iPod, just look at those veiny ears, they're yearning for some Khmer pop.

Dengue Fever - Sni Bong

Again DF's videos cheapen their tunes somewhat in my opinion. Just close your eyes and listen. Although, the bearded guy is kinda cool, reminds me of a mountain goat.

Trailing off...

The Random Album Song You SHOULD Like Post

2008-07-07T20:05:00.007+01:00

Peter Sarstedt - Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)

Lyrics as Story:

You talk like Marlene Dietrich
And you dance like Zizi Jeanmaire
Your clothes are all made by Balmain
And there's diamonds and pearls in your hair

You live in a fancy appartement
Of the Boulevard of St. Michel
Where you keep your Rolling Stones records
And a friend of Sacha Distel

But where do you go to my lovely
When you're alone in your bed
Tell me the thoughts that surround you
I want to look inside your head

I've seen all your qualifications
You got from the Sorbonne
And the painting you stole from Picasso
Your loveliness goes on and on, yes it does

When you go on your summer vacation
You go to Juan-les-Pines
With your carefully designed topless swimsuit
You get an even suntan, on your back and on your legs

When the snow falls you're found in St. Moritz
With the others of the jet-set
And you sip your Napoleon Brandy
But you never get your lips wet

But where do you go to my lovely
When you're alone in your bed
Tell me the thoughts that surround you
I want to look inside your head, yes I do

Your name is heard in high places
You know the Aga Khan
He sent you a racehorse for chistmas
And you keep it just for fun, for a laugh haha

They say that when you get married
It'll be to a millionaire
But they don't realize where you came from
And I wonder if they really care, they give a damn

But where do you go to my lovely
When you're alone in your bed
Tell me the thoughts that surround you
I want to look inside your head

I remember the back streets of Naples
Two children begging in rags
Both touched with a burning ambition
To shake off their lowly brown tags, yes they try

So look into my face Marie-Claire
And remember just who you are
Then go and forget me forever
'Cause I know you still bear
the scar, deep inside, yes you do

I know where you go to my lovely
When you're alone in your bed
I know the thoughts that surround you
'Cause I can look inside your head

Peter Sarstedt

In 2007, the song was used in Wes Anderson's short film Hotel Chevalier, a prologue to his movie The Darjeeling Limited, in which the song also appears.

The Darjeeling Limited - Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody & Jason Schwartzman

Start liking!

Lyrics as Poetry

2008-07-06T15:50:00.015+01:00

The Arctic Monkeys - Only Ones Who Know

And I hope you're holding hands by new years eve,
They made it far too easy to believe,
That true romance cant be acheived these days,

And even if somebody could have shown you the place you wanted,
Well I sure you could have made it that bit better on your own,
You are the only ones who know

The Arctic Monkeys eat crisps in bed (like me).

I do have a fondness for this song and the lyrics (like Alex Turner has done with The Last Shadow Puppets) feel youthful and yet pondering. Smells like freshly cut grass on an early August morning, filling you with comfort, courage and candy hearts before stepping onto the train for Adultville, where lyrics look back instead of ahead to the unwritten future. Turner brings hope, love and a will for life.

AND from that to the lovely:

Plants and Animals - Faerie Dance

...then fell asleep under a tree
got woken up by birds and bees
they're hard at work, but they're hardly workin'
there might be rain, but not for certain

followed the trail to the wild flowers
I cut as many as I could handle
I was workin' hard, but hardly workin'
I heard the train, but not for certain

oh, we're living in the wild life
we're living in the wild life...

Plants and Animals - Faerie Dance live in Montreal:

Damn good version.

It would be nice to live in the wild life*, totally roughing it, shooting through life without a material worry. And this song has that sort of longing for a simpler existence. What else can you expect from a band who call themselves Plants and Animals eh?

Speaking of the wild life.

Wings!

I love Wings and I need my Wings fix. Now!

*Lie

[Ed. rant]: Yup I guess. If a couple can make it to new year's, still holding hands, happily ready to take on another year together, they're golden. If it feels weird, sad and awkward however, well then maybe it's time to find a different pair of hands to hold on to. Ponder.

Ghastly !

2008-07-03T21:51:00.008+01:00

He hates his job too.

Lately I've been singing on the job (!), my substandard chant echoing the empty halls, only overheard by the dancing ghosts that live in my wing of the castle. And I reckon the song I'm singing is apt for the circumstance. It's Separate And Ever Deadly by The Last Shadow Puppets, and basically I've been looping the same line over and over...

...I'm the ghost in the wrong coat
Biting butter and crumbs

Casper and his huge head, happy together.

I guess my job has made me into a ghost; waking up as the city sleeps, putting on my "coat" (tacky uniform) so I can pay rent and well, bite on bread crumbs. Yes, these are tough times indeed. The Great Depression has returned and I feel its clutch on my designer stuff.

The chorus goes:

Won't let go
Won't let go
Won't let go

Thankfully I have let go and given notice. Off to better things and happy as can be. I'd be honored if the ghosts came along to my next destination, where the pen is mightier than the broom.

I have Dengue Fever

2008-07-01T17:28:00.010+01:00

Cambodia - Preăh Réachéanachâkr Kâmpŭchea

Motto: "Nation, Religion, King"

Official language: Khmer

Population: 13,995,904

Dengue Fever: Cambodian pop vs. psychedelic rock:

Dengue Fever - Seeing Hands

OK so this is not the worlds greatest music video, but the music speaks for itself.

At least it speaks to me, transports me across oceans, to some snug as a bug Cambodian lounge bar where I'm smoking lady cigars and sipping on rum with legs crossed and my top leg air dancing.

Dengue Fever with Cambodian lead singer Chhom Nimol

Very colourful indeed. Try it. It most definitely is unlike anything you're listening to at the mo'. I make that assumption without a hint of hesitation.

p.s. my deepest sympathies to those with actual dengue fever. Try some Chhom Nimil & co. It will ease the pain. I recommend Sleepwalking Through the Mekong (also a film now).

XO

Lyrics as Poetry

2008-06-27T16:55:00.015+01:00

I often suffer great frustration when an amazing song is lacking in the lyrics department. Like when a colourful lollipop is without flavour or has that disgusting plastic taste and it feels as if you're licking sticky cardboard. That's just lolliPOOP. As a lollipop consumer I want colour AND yumminess. Just as a song and its lyrics should work together in perfect harmony, hand in hand. When they're not in sync I always think with a hint of sadness, "Ah, so close" and then drag said artist into the Desktop Trash and Empty the bin forever.

So, I wanna see if some of the lyrics by some of my best-loved artists can hold up on their own. I'm testing my taste.

Detour: (Like with M. Night Shyamalan, whose films I decided early on I couldn't endure with their poorly written dialogue and not to mention Mr. Night's appearance in every single one of them. He's all about exquisite imagery, perfect framing and then dialogue that doesn't hold an ounce of water. Again, frustrating and "So close".)

Quick U-Turn.

...and back to some tunes and starting off with:

Santogold - Lights Out

Lights out
Shoot up the station
TV's dead where's there to run
Watch everybody come undone
Lights out
We'll make it easy
We'll make it fun
Won't let them see now, how they had won
Still I wait another round

AND

Goldfrapp - Cologne Cerrone Houdini

Sunlight in your eyes

Driving over stateside
Left the smoke behind glass

Could we be together
In another world

I’m not your kind
I’m not your girl
See I’m in your car
But not your life

Allison Goldfrapp

Santi White (Santogold) definitely has more grime going on, opposed to Allison Goldfrapps sort of "I'm sitting in the meadow, pondering my last love affair, scribbling in my diary that has yellow flowers on it, just like the ones in my hair" approach. Yeah, sweet.

It's clear who'd win in a fight right? Unless it was a "killing with kindness" kind of fracas, then it's everybody's game. But, diversity rules!

I'm just saying.

Verdict! Both artists can proudly hold their head up high for all I care. I'd take either lyric and read'em out loud at some shady pub's open mic and call'em my own. Fer sho!

The Jape post (as promised)

2008-06-27T12:29:00.005+01:00

Jape comes from Middle English, probably from Old French japer, "to yap, to chatter".

Jape is also and more so Richie Egan, Irishman and musician, creator of ultra cool song I Was A Man, and is currently being hailed as Ireland's freshest new talent.

His Floating video has the wow AND "ouch factor":

Jape - Floating

I say let's Jape and Jape some more.

The Last Shadow Puppets

2008-06-26T16:15:00.012+01:00

These are The Last Shadow Puppets

And they're damn good. Their album The Age of the Understatement has been playing continuously these last few days in my flat and has been added to my summer list of obsession, along with the boom shaking Santogold. Two very different albums, two very different artist, but two damn good ones.

If you're not familiar with the Shadow Puppets, they are Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys and Miles Kane of The Rascals and their side project spawn, The Age of the Understatement, got released last April, instantly garnering them positive reviews.

I think it's a thoroughly enjoyable album and despite its creators being of a somewhat young age (Turner was born in 1986), they show immense maturity with their debut and their lyrics are a great proof of just that.

Meeting Place:

"The colder the night gets,
The further she strays.
And he doesn't like it,
Being this way.
And she tried so hard to steer away from the meeting place,
But her heart had led her there.
She clings to his consciousness,
Wherever he lays.
He struggles to sleep at night and during the day.
He's worried she's waiting in his dreams to drag him back to the meeting place.
His love had left him there.
Where her voice still echoes,
I'm sorry I met you darling,
I'm sorry I met you.
As she turned into the night, all he has was the words,
I'm sorry I met you darling,
I'm sorry I left you.
For weeks they had strolled around,
Playing the fools.
They knew the time would come and time would be cruel
Because it is cruel to everyone
He's crying out from the meeting place
He's stranded himself there."

I'm well impressed.

The duo has already made some music videos for their singles and they have a sort of Cold War, The Beatles vs. Bond feel and look about them. I know, a weird mix. Have a gander and judge for yourselves:

The Last Shadow Puppets: The Age Of The Understatement

The Last Shadow Puppets: Standing Next to Me (this song makes my heart beat a little faster).

My favorite (and I don't really do favorites) song from the album has to be My Mistakes Were Made For You, but of yet it has no video. Here's the live version:

The Last Shadow Puppets - My Mistakes Were Made For You (the title feel like an emotional kick in the butt).

Also, another favorite, very Bond if I may say so (I damn well can, this is my blog), is In My Room (yes like The Beach Boys, but nothing like them at all):

The Last Shadow Puppets - In My Room (wicked violins. Lovely).

Also, also, also, so many alsos, Calm Like You, is a brilliant song. The perfect sing-a-long song.

I have a feeling there's more goodness to come from the Puppets, and they just announced that they'll start working on new material in 2009. So clink, cheers, here's to 2009.

Finally, shadow puppets that make me happy!

Lykke Li and Kitty Cat - Dance Dance Dance

2008-06-20T14:53:00.004+01:00

"Kitty Cat Dance" has to be one of my all time favorite online videos. If you haven't already: Seeing is believing. And now Swedish hipster Lykke Li has made a wee song titled Dance Dance Dance, which features on her new album Youth Novel and, in my not so humble opinion, is very reminiscent of my fave little dancing kitty. Foul play! Nah, but I recommend a collaboration between the two.

Here's Kitty:

Here's Lykke:

So far Dance Dance Dance is the only song I REALLY like of Li's new album, but I'm hard to please. Also, I tend to take my time taking things into acceptance, unless they SHINE, like recent favorites Santogold, Little Ones, M83 and Laura Marling.

Actually I'm listening to Youth Novel as I write this and I'm not hating it. La la la.

TGIF.

1 Year at Random Album

2008-06-18T19:44:00.006+01:00

Time sure is a flyin'.

This pooch sure felt the punch the day after.

I just realized that I have been blogging here for a year now. It totally doesn't feel that long, but I'm happy I made it this far. My rant has definitely changed over the last few months and lately has become more personal, and thus more interesting I hope.

As long as I'm having fun with it I'll carry on and make it work. So, thanks for reading.

To commemorate this event I'm posting a video for the song that has the highest play count on my iTunes playlist:

Doves - Black and White Town. Just doesn't seem to get old.

Then, on the other end of the stick insect; something new I've just started listening to and LIKE LIKE LIKE!!! :

It's Santogold - Her album, also titled Santogold as tradition calls for in a debut album, is one excellent exclamation mark! Tis dope!

Here she is live at this years Coachella:

She's sooooo gonna be my summer obsession!

Here's looking at you kiddos. Happy summer x DOPE!

Music Meme Mourning of Spring

2008-06-15T13:21:00.008+01:00

I've been duped into this by Miss Read (although I won't pretend that I'm not having fun with it).

"List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now, shaping your spring. Post these instructions in your blog along with your 7 songs. Then tag 7 other people to see what they’re listening to."

Shaped my spring...

1. The Black Keys - Strange Times

There was strangeness. A lot of strangeness. The Black Keys came out with an awesome new album and I'm planning to see them play in November. Let the strange begin.

The Black Keys do laser tag - Strange Times

2. The Honeydrips - (Lack Of) Love Will Tear Us Apart

There was love, but lack of respect. Love without respect is like an Oreo cookie without the filling. Dry and hard to swallow.

The Honeydrips - (Lack Of) Love...

3. Laura Marling - Tap At My Window

The rain came and went, tapping at my window. I went outside but my shoes got wet. So I stayed inside, doodling with my mouse pal.

Laura Marling live

4. M83 - Kim & Jessie

The 80's entered my heart, but with a twist I wasn't anticipating. M83 saved my spring.

M83

5. Cut Copy - Feel the Love

Then came the 90's and I danced till I dropped. Dance is Love. Love is Great.

Cut Copy

6. Plants and Animals - Good Friend

A good friend is like winning the lottery and I consider myself to be rich, although my wealth is scattered around the world.

Plants and Animals - Good Friend

7. Arctic Monkeys - Only Ones Who Know

Knowledge is power. I know everything. I rule the world.

Arctic Monkeys live. Charming.

I'm not gonna tag anyone, but if you are reading this consider yourself served. What shaped you spring?

The La La List du Jour

2008-06-10T14:53:00.009+01:00

The weather is strange. 18 degrees, supposedly, and gusty, which in turn puffs the heat away and makes all the tiny fluttering leaves and any loose granular substances twirling the streets seem to want to fly straight into my eyes - dare I venture outside. "Oh look" they say, "an eye! Let's go there and cause discomfort".

So I'm staying in, away from pickpockets (boring story) and unfiltered winds. I just don't carry the red eye look very well. So vanity prevails.

Here is some nice inside music I dig, (today at least):

Broken Social Scene Presents Brendan Canning. The whole album, Something For All Of Us, is great for playing Tetris on the computer, alone, shielded from the mean winds.

Brendan Canning

...

Mates of State. Well pretty much just the one song, titled My Only Offer (Album: Re-Arrange Us). Nice bedroom dancing.

Mates of State - Kori Gardner & Jason Hammel

...

Song: An Animal In Your Care, by Wolf Parade. New Album: At Mount Zoomer. the song is OK, the title is GREAT. The singer, Spencer Krug, sounds like David Bowie. Also, check out, Call It a Ritual (At Mount Zoomer). Tis good.

The creepiest tea party I ever Googled

And if you wanna throw a nice little tea party for your stuffed animals, put on some Morning Tide, á la The Little Ones and rock the tea leaves. I can't stop listening to this album. It's been on repeat. Granted, not for a tea party, but for walking with ipod-ness and bopping head between surfing the net and staring out the window, when it's windy. If it's sunny, The Little Ones provide some lovely sunshine music.

Not so little.

I recommend The Little Ones. I do, I do, I do. Listen, and tell me if you DON'T like them.

If you DON'T like them, then I won't like YOU*.

*I'm kidding. You're lovely.

It doesn't end well for the Mouse... or does it?

2008-06-02T15:10:00.012+01:00

So it goes.

In a state of utter frustration and lack of knowledge of mouse infestations, I shook my bed until I could no longer hear the resident Mouse shuffle about inside. Maybe I knocked it unconscious or maybe I'll be smelling Death himself in a few days.

I sincerely hope that the Mouse found its way out and that it now roams the streets and meadows in a gang of equally jilted mice, searching for a place of belonging.

Gangsta MouZ on the trail of Big Foot

If you ever wondered what the perfect "Mouse-posse" tune was, here it is:

Hollow Hollered by Subtle, from their brand spanking new album, Exiting Arm. So gangsta.

Exiting Arm - Subtle

x x x

I dedicate this song to MouZ. Godspeed you Furry Emperor.

The Mouse & I

2008-05-28T19:44:00.007+01:00

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!

2008-05-26T10:27:00.005+01:00

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

2008-05-23T19:49:00.005+01:00

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

2008-05-19T12:04:00.015+01:00

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

2008-05-11T23:05:00.012+01:00

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

2008-05-05T00:50:00.004+01:00

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.

Writing About Music to Write To

2008-04-30T20:46:00.004+01:00

We all have our musical rituals and habits whether we're aware of it or not.

Whether it's coming home after an exhausting day and turning on the radio for comfort, listening to Bob Dylan while driving, falling asleep with your iPod safely by your side, being energized by regular live gigs or shuffling for artistic inspiration.

I'm a screenwriter. I make up stories about made up people and situations. It can be a struggle and sometimes I need silence to get things done, other times I'll seek out the perfect tune to get the creative juices flowing. Of course this depends on what I'm writing, but there are some artist that have helped me more than others and have become part of my inspirational ritual to date.

Looking back at my writing histoire The Shins play an important role as they really helped me through the feature script crisis of 2004 in New York City. Summer was peaking and I remember pushing myself to go upstairs to my room and write in the heat. With the air conditioner on and a cool drink in hand I would play Caring is Creepy over and over as I hammered through my first feature. I had no idea how to do this, but I figured it out sooner or later.

The Shins

I also listened to The Clientele a lot that summer and was even so lucky as to see them live at The Knitting Factory. They're the perfect writing partner, the ideal music for those inspired sessions, as they have never disrupted my creative flow. I guess I could call it background music but that's selling The Clientele short. They're amazing.

The Clientele

Here's Bookshop Casanova from The Clientele's most recent album, God Save the Clientele:

And I did end up finishing my first draft, although to this day it still remains just that. A draft. Maybe I need the heat and humidity again to finish it.

The Shins and The Clientele still pop up during my creative sessions, but now I've swapped Caring is Creepy for some of their more recent stuff. And as their creative inspirations and expressions grow, so does mine and now I finally know how to write a screenplay. Or so I keep telling myself.

I give thanks to The Shins for being there for me during the heat wave. It was tough on this Icelandic chick.

Silencing the Bird

2008-04-25T00:34:00.001+01:00

Fact: I'm an animal lover, no one will dispute this, and I have a special fondness for birds. You know, they can fly = freedom, and all that.

Lately however I've been wondering what would be the most effective music/noise to blast out my window in an attempt to get rid of the teeny tiny feathered birdie that lives in the backyard tree outside my bedroom. This guy doesn't chirp like any ordinary nightingale, but sounds more like an 80's digital alarm clock. So when Birdie wakes up at 3 o'clock in the morning, so do I.

I know. I've heard of earplugs. I just don't like them. Call me weird but I want to be able hear it when the neighborhood burglar enters my room with a hacksaw. Heads up is nice.

Therefore I've been pondering (for the last 5 minutes or so) the worst music I can think of, anything I could play for Birdie and subsequently drive him out of the hood. There just isn't enough room for the both of us in this area code I'm afraid.

What I have so far is this:

Kenny G, Scooter, Vonda Shepard (the annoying piano lady from that annoying TV show Ally McBeal), Mariah Carey, anything American Idol, 70's disco music, bad country (there is good country), Styx, Michael Bolton, R Kelly, Enigma (Birdie probably likes Enigma though), Celine Dion...

Enigma - Return to Innocence 90's shudder. What's with all the frickin' oooh ayeee oaa?

It's risky. Birdie might have extraordinary bad taste in music and my selection would provide him with a buffet of bad ass moves on the dance-branch.

Earplugs it is. They're just so bloody itchy. Maybe I'll try earmuffs like Kenny G.

Birdie 1 - Me 0

To Be Continued...

The Black Keys

2008-04-23T12:51:00.007+01:00

The Black Keys are here to give us a killer good time, but at the same time they're here to remind us that we're all late bloomers. For the longest time I figured these guys with all their beards, old soul voices and style were in their late 30's, early 40's. With five albums out and talent beyond heaven and hell, I must admit I did some gaping when I realized that The Black Keys, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, are younger than me and most of us. These guys are our age dog-gon-IT!

Praise and honor.

Being the late bloomer I truly am, it did take me a while to decide that I liked blues-based Black Keys. My friend kept praising them and sending me Black Keys recommendations, he even thought he'd scored a cool point when he told me that he'd met half the band at one of their gigs. This meant nothing to me and I shrugged at this in my habitual stubborn and horrid manner.

So now, finally I get all the hoopla and what can I say, it's genius. But I guess we all go through this from time to time, the need to discover things on our own. Now I look at my friends photo of him and drummer Carney with a hint of girlish jealousy, cause well, if rockers are sexy then The Black Keys win the prize.

Oh and their music is pretty awesome too. Check out the new album Attack & Release definitely, produced by Danger Mouse, but don't leave out Rubber Factory or Magic Potion, their earlier releases. I must admit I haven't listened to their first two albums at all, so I still have something to look forward to.

Here they are performing Girl Is On My Mind (Rubber Factory) at some gig I wished I'd been at:

I love this song.

The whole making of process for the Just Got to Be music video, makes it all seem so awkward, but the end result is what it's all about.

So pull your finger out and get listening.

There Can Be Only One

2008-04-22T18:22:00.013+01:00

For some reason I never saw Highlander during my formative years or any of its supposedly horrid sequels. So I jumped at the chance to finally see the cult film this past weekend. And with pizza in our bellies, it was far from being a disappointing experience. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time and sort of felt happy that I hadn't seen the film as a kid as my expectations of its greatness might have been shattered somewhat.

Starring the hunky Neanderthal Christopher Lambert as clansman Connor MacLeod, said to be born in Scotland in 1518 but who for some reason speaks with a French accent. Let the laughing begin. Apparently Lambert hardly spoke any English at the time and was most likely picked for the role due to his raw and animalistic good looks, but that's beside the point. Well, the film follows MacLeod, an immortal Highlander on a quest for the ultimate prize century by century. This includes regular flashbacks to his time in early Scotland, being beaten by his clansmen and then kicked out of his clan. He is then trained by a Spanish pirate type called Ramirez, played by Sean Connery, who for some reason speaks with a strong Scottish accent.

MacLeod must deal with a monstrous opponent, The Kurgan, all while falling in love with some squealing chick with a red perm. Then there's the curious flasher jacket and some bad-ass car park back flips. It's all very delightful.

Have a look at the trailer for Highlander:

The music that accompanies the film is equally as delightful. It features an excellent soundtrack by Queen, which includes some of their biggest hits, such as the lovely Who Wants to Live Forever and the supercool A Kind of Magic. Subsequently their 1986 album, also titled A Kind of Magic, was based on the work they did for the film. Excellent trivia.

And here's the hotness, Princes Of The Universe from the Highlander soundtrack:

Oh Freddy.

I'll end this wee post with two memorable Kurgan quotes from Highlander:

"It's better to burn out than to fade away"

and of course,

"There can be only one!"

And there can be only one Highlander film I'll ever see as the tagline for Highlander II: The Quickening reads like this:

In the future, Highlander Connor MacLeod must prevent the destruction of Earth under an anti-ozone shield...

I just don't think I can.

Jumping for Joy

2008-04-16T18:58:00.020+01:00

Now here's a video that's bound to make you feel out of breath.

It's directed by Dougal Wilson for Goldfrapp's latest single Happiness:

The new album, Seventh Tree, hasn't been getting the best reviews lately and I must admit that Happiness is the only song I've heard so far of the album. It's an alright song, so so, and I might give the album a full listen, but the video is a winner. Think It's Oh So Quiet, but instead of Björk add a jumping man in a white suit.

M83 - Saturdays = Youth

2008-04-15T20:58:00.007+01:00

I have fallen in love...

with an album.

M83 has captured my heart.

I haven't been this excited about an album in a long time and I don't even really know this band. It was love at first listen.

The album, Saturdays = Youth, is Mew meets Fleetwood Mac. Mid-Romantic 80's meets late-Shoegaze 00's. It has those elements I like about bands like MGMT, Van She and Chromeo. That return to old skool electronics mashed with post-rock/pop and the ability to have fun. It makes romance seem cool.

Track 2: Kim & Jessie sounds very Mew-ish, something to do with those lingering and haunting choir-boy vocals, the repetitive drum style and lyrics that go: "somebody lurks in the shadows, somebody whispers..." So sombre.

Track 3: Skin of the Night has those echoing drums that can be found in the old but gold Simple Minds song for The Breakfast Club, Don't You Forget About Me.

It really brings you back:

And then have a look at the video for Graveyard Girl, track 4 on Saturdays = Youth

Yeah. Exactly.

Track 5: Couleurs - sounds just like those classic 80s movie montage songs. The "I won't give" up montage or the mandatory "preparing for greatness" montage.

Much like this training montage in Rocky IV:

Did he win? I forget. He must have though.

Track 7: Up! really goes for the Donna Summer (I Feel Love) comparison, but instead of Donna, Kate Bush seems to be singing the lead vocals.

My point:

Saturdays = Youth could be the soundtrack to any 80s teenage romantic comedy and it's perfect for anyone sick of the actual 80s, but who still has a nostalgic longing for those simple days of harmonious pastels. So let's move on and away from the 80s and be influenced by them instead.

This album has and will continue to be on REPEAT for the unforeseen future.

10 FREE tunes

2008-04-15T14:01:00.006+01:00

Just click n' load:

Hang Them All - Tapes n' Tapes

Paper Gown - Midlake

Revolution - Nina Simone

Phantom Limb - The Shins

In A Cave - Tokyo Police Club

Woman King - Iron and Wine

Druganaut - Black Mountain

Baby We'll Be Fine (The National) - Mobius Band

Are You the One? - The Presets

Aly, Walk With Me - The Ravonettes

No more "ennui".

Video Alert - Hot Chip

2008-04-14T08:30:00.013+01:00

Down below you'll find the brand spanking new video for Hot Chip's latest single, taken from their highly acclaimed album, Made in the Dark. The song is called One Pure Thought and, if nothing else, it should provide you with some rather slick new moves for those Friday night dance sessions.

...and Play

The One I Keep Coming Back To

2008-04-12T15:28:00.021+01:00

I've never been a fan of questions that have to do with my favorite this and my favorite that. Favorite film, colour, animal, book, season, song, actor etc. Perhaps it has something to do with my general non ability to make definite choices and my fear of being put on the spot, causing me to stutter out some lame ass answer.

When I was a kid, my cousin and I used to competitively draw great pieces of crayon art; trees with disproportionally large apples, flowers with happy faces, cats that looked like dogs and a smiling sun that always shone from one corner of the paper like cobweb. Then when finished we would ask my mother, which drawing she preferred. Which one was her favorite? An artist herself she was bound to understand the true aesthetic pleasures our creations ignited. But to our constant disappointment she always had the same answer. "Oh, I can't choose, they are so different".

We never really understood this evasiveness. For us there were no compromises. Of course, looking back, she didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but at the time it just seemed like one of those weird grown up responses. Very irritating.

The moral of that tiny tale being that it's very difficult choosing between contrasting things and therefore I never feel I have good enough answers for those: What's your favorite... questions. So in recent years I've grown accustomed to having pre-picked answers on hand if and when anyone dares ask me what my favorite film, colour or actor is... Chinatown, yellow and Johnny Depp. Not really a lie, but still. But seriously, how do I choose between Chinatown and Anchorman? I guess maybe I've got numerous favorites. Is that even allowed? What is the protocol here? Meh.

Favorites or not, there are certain things that you keep coming back to, mostly because they never seem to let you down. Things that stir up something good within you. Whether it's Chinatown, the colour yellow, a curled up cat, a book by some obscure Russian author, the smell of spring, a song that reminds you of a loved one or that unknown something about Johnny Depp that never seems to get old. On the other hand, as lovely as the colour yellow is purple is pretty cool too and I'd find it hard to choose between the silence of a snow heavy winter and the sweet smell of spring.

All this brings me to my main point, to the album I keep coming back to. It's not my favorite album, but I do cherish it. Behind it lies pure talent that seeps through every song. It's truly beautiful and it brings out the sap in me as is evident.

I am talking about Ella & Louis.

This album is absolutely perfect and that album cover is so delightful. Just look at it. The chemistry between those two is amazing and you can't help but be drawn into the album's timeless joy as it leaves a silly smile on your face and feelgoodness in your belly. Yup some big words being typed here and I totally mean it. No sarcasm this time.

Ella's smooth charming voice matched together with Louis Armstrong's raspy vocals is genius. Add the subtle backdrop of the album's low key instrumentals and Louis's, or Satchmo's, exquisite trumpet playing: Great!

"Take it Ella, swing it" - Cheek to Cheek.

Listen:

And here is Ella doing some scat singing:

Now who can argue with that?

Satchmo

If you like jazz you've probably heard this album before, if not, go for it. You have my blessing and more. And if you loathe jazz, I know there are some of you out there, well... you know what rhymes with jazz.

x

Snippets, shreds, fragments

2008-04-08T16:41:00.020+01:00

With days of too much alcohol, unemployment, body scribbling, losing at pool and jabbering about getting tattoos behind me, I feel like lying down on my heavily carpeted floor and letting the following songs lull me into a state of yawn and rational behavior:

1. Psychotic Girl - The Black Keys

"just a physcotic girl and I won't get lost in your world"

2. Old Enough - The Raconteurs

"And how have you gotten by so far/Without having a visible scar?/No one knows who you really are/They can’t see"

The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

3. Real Emotional Trash - Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks

4. I Lust U - Neon Neon

"I love you, I lust you, I curse you... if the price is right."

Neon Neon - I Lust U

5. Tell Me - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

"I'll take you where you want to go"

Sharon Jones

6. Kelly - Van She

New tune, yet it takes me back to a time when my hair had self-made wings.

Van She - Kelly

7. Hang Them All - Tapes n' Tapes

8. On & On - Film School

Meh. I dunno. Just like this song. Maybe cause it hammers on and on and on and on... with a hint of teenage angst.

9. Right Away - Pattern is Movement

Nice travel speed, although the highs are better than the lows. Sorta weird, but the "good weird" kind. You know what I mean. Non? Piano, drums, chanting, cello... Stir it all together.

10. Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - She & Him

She & Him - Zooey Deschanel & M.Ward

Like em separately, like em together. Like em like sweet pudding with cream and sprinkles.

(11. Ashley - The Dodos)

Download for FREE on MySpace:

Take it Back - She & Him
The Severe - Pattern is Movement
Trades and Traffic - The Dodos
100 Days 100 Nights - Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings

and FADE OUT.