Out Near Charlottenburg

19 for 2011

2012-01-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

Because this is basically the only thing blog has become any good for anymore: The 19 albums from 2011 that iTunes tells me I listened to the most last year. I should point out that anything involving Alex Turner was the frontrunner, topshelf. So really, it was business as usual.

Ba-dum-pum-pum!

Cults - Go Outside

Laura Marling - Creature I Don't Know

The Sounds - Something To Die For

Metronomy - English Riviera

Friendly Fires - Pala

Miles Kane - The Colour of the Trap

The Strokes - Angles

Yelle - Safari Disco Club

Julieta Venegas - Otra Cosa

PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

Radiohead - King of Limbs

The Holidays - Post Paradise

Girl Talk - All Day

The Kills - Blood Pressures

The Horrors - Skying

Bombay Bicycle Club - A Different Kind of Fix

Alex Turner - Submarine (original soundtrack)

The Artctic Monkeys - Suck it and See

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

Je te plumerai la tête!

2011-02-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

I had heard from some random source somewhere at some point that the fabulousity of NYC's MNDR would be at SXSW this year. Well, random source, how you have deceived me! All evidence seems to point to the contrary. Sigh. I've been anticipating MNDR's debut album and the possibility of seeing her live since falling in love with her collaborative track with Mark Ronson last summer. This track was fairly prominent across the pond and subsequently on my ipod.

Give it a listen. I think you'll dig it.
(And ignore- if you can- the poofy, parachutey ridiculousness that is passing for pants in this video.)

Even Better Than The Real Thing

2011-02-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Just a lil' post on this lovely Friday where the snow is all melty-face in Boulder. I can't wait to see this:

I just watched Ben Barnes in the latest take of Dorian Gray last night with my roomies. It was very Burton-esque but kind of choppy. Nice watch overall. Now Ben Barnes just needs to be in a movie with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and I can die happy.

Good Friday and Happy weekend to you! xoxo!

Becuase all the other pretentious music elitists are doing it (part II)

2011-01-11T20:13:00.000-08:00

The only thing "cooler" than compiling a ridiculously long end-of the year music list is waiting an unnecessarily long amount of time between the two blog posts covering said topic. Preach it. Wurd.

18-35 below:

Janelle Monáe, Archandriod

Jónsi, Go

Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Laura Marling, I Speak Because I Can

Local Natives, Gorilla Manor

Les Savy Fav, Root For Ruin

Magnetic Fields, Realism

Mark Ronson and the Business INTL, Record Collection

The Middle East, Recordings of the Middle East

Miike Snow, Animal

Mumford & Sons, Sigh No More

Mystery Jets, Seratonin

The Naked and Famous, Passive Me, Aggressive You

The National, High Violet

Phantogram, Eyelid Movies

Ruby Suns, Fight Softly

Sleigh Bells, Treats

We Were Promised Jet Packs, These Four Walls

Becuase all the other pretentious music elitists are doing it (part I)

2011-01-03T16:58:00.000-08:00

...and because I genuinely enjoyed way too much music this year and feel I must share the love, I present to you the first 17 of my top 35 (yes, 35) albums for the year 2010. But first, allow me to explain how my list came to be so gratuitous - I was on a shitton of flights this year (about 28, to be exact) and put in 68,746,716,981,691,861 hours towards studying, both of which are endeavors made much more tolerable when paired with music. I must also acknowledge the particularly productive year I had at SXSW and with live music in general for this bloated list.Yay for Austin and Denver and their continuous splendor.
Anyway, 1-17 below, alphabetically sorted. Here goes:

Arcade Fire, Suburbs

Belle and Sebastian, Write about Love

Balmorhea, Constellations

Band of Horses, Infinite Arms

Black Keys, Brothers

Broken Bells, Broken Bells

Charlotte Gainsbourg, IRM

Casiokids, Topp Stemning På Lokal Bar

Crystal Castles, Crystal Castles II

Chromeo, Business Casual

Cocoon, Where The Oceans End

Dead Weather, Sea of Cowards

Efterklang, Magic Chairs

Foals, Total Life Forever

Frightened Rabbit, Winter of Mixed Drinks

Gorillaz, Plastic Beach

Grinderman, Grinderman 2

Women who love Women

2010-12-21T21:56:00.000-08:00

Goddam, I'm five shades of obsessed with Noomi Rapace's portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in the film adaptations of Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy. Perhaps because she glorifies the pure Gothic style that has been seemingly dormant in mainstream culture for many years now, yet was the pulse of my teenage dreams? Or maybe because she has the stylish gravitas that only a brilliant & scorned soul would possess and use to their advantage. Or maybe it's because Lisbeth just don't give a fuck, which is apparent in the lack of dull moments throughout the trilogy (particularly when she is being a complete badass and shooting people n' stuff).

And don't even get me started on the leather jacket she dons in about 75% of the series. Ohhhh gurl....

Calling for backup

2010-06-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

In case it wasn't already blatantly obvious, I'm on a semi-hiatus until I'm done with my travels.

Raise it up, amigos y amigas.

A life less ordinary

2010-06-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

Skins Generation 1 is being adapted into a movie. OMFG. Hell-to-the-effing-YEAH.

Les Savy Fav

2010-06-02T13:37:00.001-07:00

I love love this video and how the girl in it reminds me a lot of my friend Courtney.

Super precious all around.

T-Minus two

2010-06-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

Two weeks until I'm officially off to Europa.

Two weeks until I'm officially moved out of Austin.

Two weeks until my passport and international bank card become my best friends.

Two weeks until 'Hello, please, excuse me and thank you' will become the only words I exchange with people in their native language.

Two weeks to cram in as much quality time as possible with beloved friends/family.

Two weeks until endless exploration of new sights, sounds, thoughts, tastes, and folk.

Two weeks.

These two weeks will be rather overwhelming.

PS - amazing photo to revel at on this lovely Hump Day. Wowsa.

Mess up my heart and proceed to tempt me

2010-05-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

I saw two genuinely wonderful movies recently: Young Victoria and Nine. Both of them were visual banquets of amazing costumes and had great story lines that played out with just the right amount of theatricality. Also, the casts - OMG the amazingly attractive and talented roster of thespians. Between Marion Cotillard's classy moves and Penelope Cruz's sexy solos, I'm pretty sure I went gay for about 90 minutes.

Also, I'm totally that much more excited about trips to Italy and the UK now! I'm kind of easily excitable.

A little sidenote: My mother and I both swooned over Rupert Friend's turn as Prince Albert in "Young Victoria." Having previously seen him as Mr. Wikham in Pride and Prejudice, I've mainly only seem him in period costumes. I became curious about the guy who was able to nab Kiera Knightly in real life and become her long-term beau. So, I looked up a photo of Mr. Friend in plainclothes.
Ohhhh big mistake:

Dear Lord. Distant cousin of Gollum? Like, seriously those eyes will continue to terrify me for weeks. At least.

Critical thinking

2010-05-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

Oh, excuse me - have you SEEN the line-up for Rosklide Festival this year?? If not, take a look at the full line up here, which includes:

This guy.

Robyn

The National

Efterklang

Dirty Projectors

The Temper Trap

Pavement

Gorillaz

Miike Snow

Vampire Weekend

I have been plotting with my Danish friend about a visit to Copenhagen over the summer. As it turns out, the dates that I planned on going to CPH coincide directly with this four day Danish music festival. Fate much?

The question now is - should I shell out the $150 for a one-day pass??? It's far far more than what I am used to paying for live music, but who wouldn't love to make musical commune with Scandinavian folk, like in these photos from past Roskilde's?

Tough. Effing. Decision.

Music is our love's foundation

2010-05-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

Rememeber the other day when I posted about Damon Albarn/the AwesomeAmazingness that is Blur/Gorillaz/The Good, the Bad, the Queen? Wellll crap, I somehow missed this amazing amazing piece of photographic excellence. A reader (didn't even know I had those, lol) pointed out this pic of Damon et. al from what must have been the 90s, and I was in thoroughly agreement with her suggestion that it needed to go up stat.

Hilarious and highly wonderful. I'd go gay for Damon in this photo, oh absolutely I would.

And on this day of unearthing amazing photos, what else would happen other than me stumbling upon this mother-effing gem? Behold:

Sweet Lord in heaven, it's David Bowie & Brett Anderson!!! Together, looking profoundly stylish, British, contemplative and musical all at once!!!!!!!! Aaaaah it's like my 16-year old dream come true. Ok ok, it's still my dream come true. I wonder if this is from a fashion shoot, or if they did some work together or what? Wouldn't you just love to be a fly on the wall during a conversation between these two?

I'm so LOST without you

2010-05-24T21:13:00.003-07:00

Let's all just go ahead and admit that if Driveshaft were a real band, we would be their biggest stinkin' fans. Especially on this sad sad day, on which LOST is officially no more.

Also, I didn't realize that the band was based on Oasis. WIN.

I love my sisters on a Saturday night

2010-05-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

//via josevillablog, tumblr, sylvialikewhoa, pickleisatreat, gluttonyisabliss//

Some good girlfriends of mine and I had been thinking for a while now that it would be such a fabulous idea to have a garden party of sorts. We finally had the chance to do so last Sunday, with lovely results. We stuffed our faces with finger sandwiches, strawberry short cake, pastries, cupcakes and an assortment of other delicious treats, and washed it all down with mimosas & elderflower cocktails.

Some of us then played croquet out in the garden while others (like me, lol) lounged around and were spectators, for the most part. The Texas weather was uncharacteristically compliant, and just spending time with this wonderful group of amazing people was just what I needed after a harrowing week of finals.

We also just laughed at the silliest things that meant nothing at all. Aah, don't you just love moments like that?

There's no other way

2010-05-18T21:22:00.000-07:00

//via various//

My sound track for finals studying a week ago was a combination of several Blur albums and The Good, the Bad & the Queen. In that spirit, I wanted to give a nod to my Britpop roots, specifically to Damon Albarn and his ridiculous musical experimenting abilities. I'll still never know why he does what he does, and how he is able to do it so well. I mean, in addition to the two aforementioned amazing bands, the man is also the front man for the Gorillaz (whose latest album Plastic Beach is ohhhh so good for my soul!).

I'm thrilled that the band that originally made my 12-year old self fall madly, madly in love with Albarn - Blur - recently recorded a new song! They also performed a mini-tour last year. It's looking like Blur might maybe be the one band from my childhood that I get to see live. Maybe.

I have my fingers, eyes, legs and armed crossed. Hear my plea, oh Damon!

Won't allow my affections to be recanted

2010-05-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to be blonde again. I'm sporting a dip dye, which is admittedly sought-after and current, but I actually really love the bleached blonde look. I love it so much, in fact, that I don't even care that my South Asian, dark-toned skin might not be the most conducive to the look, nor is my very Indian nose.

S'okay though. I'm not into the natural blonde look anyway, and could care less for any "Gentleman prefer Blondes" proclamations. I'm into the edgy, processed dyed look that these lovely ladies are sporting, for example.

aw yeah Lily Loveless AKA Naomi Campbell from Skins, Gen II

//via myprettybones//

Call me crazy, but I'm looking forward to the point in mid-June when I'll be sitting in a beauty school in central Austin, bleach & toner burning into my scalp, yessssssss...

Bonafide Lovin'

2010-05-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

//via hello romantic, various//

For many years now, I have been enamored with the idea of getting a tattoo. I didn't consider it a feasible possibility until last year sometime (I like to call 2009 my "Year of Moral Decline" - I said, did and tried more new 'scandalous' things than ever before. Although, that doesn't say much; I've led a pretty tame existence thus far). Anyway, I'm in love with the simple, isolated tattoos that several of my friends have; they look classy and meaningful without appearing trendy. I also think back tattoos are IT - especially the ones with plain text? Were I to get one, I already know I'll take to calling it my "back-too" or something equally ridiculous.

By the way, it's my 101st post! I've been posting about non-Eurospirations lately, but I think that's OK. When I look back at this blog years from now, it will be interesting to just see these daily musings and how they evolved. Assuming this blog is still on the interweb years from now!

Finally, in the vein of another (kind of) non-Eurospiration post, don't you just love Chromeo? If not, you should; they are French (well, French Canadian anyway), sing about love + parties, and dress like it's 1983 - probably the stinkin' coolest and cheekiest dance band out there right now.

This video makes me want to sell everything and move to Brooklyn to marry a handsome city boy with a Jew-Fro and strong bookworm proclivites, end of story.

chronically unavailable

2010-05-11T16:23:00.000-07:00

//weheart it, skinny bitch//

Kaya Scodelario as Effy Stonem in Skins, Generation 2.

I'm sort of utterly and completely obsessed with Kaya Scodelario's style. I'm not a huge fan of her Skins character Effy, but daaaamn can the girl put together an awesome ensemble. Also, her British/Brazilian heritage makes her unrepentantly gorgeous. She's just starting to become known here in the States due more to her fashionista tendencies rather than her acting, but I'm very much OK with that (as I'm sure she is too).

black & white years

2010-05-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

//various//

It was a busy weekend, but somewhere in there I managed to see the lovely English film Somers Town - the story of a budding friendship between a ruffian runaway and a young Polish immigrant, and in turn how they both fall for the same girl. The black-and-white film was directed by Shane Meadows, who I now know can be relied upon for critically acclaimed pieces of cinema that really capture the essence of urban English youth culture circa the 1980s. I'm a huge fan of Meadows, having fallen absolutely in love with his 2006 semi-autobiographical film This is England.

Oh, definitely see this film if you get the chance. It's a bit weird at times, but its touching story and peculiarity will stay with you, even if only for a bit.

a single man

2010-05-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

//via le smoking//

Even though he was a whiny beeyatch in 500 Days of Summer, I just adore Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He's a great actor (particularly given his humble and ridiculous pedigree) and is quite unassumingly stylish. Also, he's a total Francophile, and I'll take exception to my Eurospiration rule for that.

Just a random musing on a the first of several days that will be filled with studying, eck.

never give up on the good times

2010-05-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

//lobster and swan//

It's Friday - Two finals down, a couple more to go! I am excited because I've booked my ticket to Europe, and cities where I'll be stopping so far include Lisbon, Hamburg, Berlin, Naples, Amalfi Coast, London, Newbury, Edinburgh, Copenhagen, and Stockholm. So yes, my excitement levels are quite high (even though the planning and coordinating has already gotten kind of tedious).

PS - We should bring back cutesy swimming caps, no? Not only do they look so sweet and old school, but they probably provide much-needed protection to the tresses of hair-dye junkies, such as myself. You know, just a thought ;)

hypnotique

2010-04-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

//via allmovie//

Last night, I got together with some great friends, made a Provençal French stew and watched Coco Before Chanel. Her character (which I'm assuming is based on her actual persona) wasn't entirely likable, but the movie was a feast of beautiful French scenery. And of course the costumes were nothing short of completely, utterly and ridiculously amazing. Either way, it was fascinating to see the origins of a fashion icon who was universally ahead of her time.

Flush before I wee!

2010-04-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

I love Ke$ha's "Tik Tok" (what can I say, it grew on me). But British band Midnight Beast's parody video might be even better; check it out! Apparently these guys are friends with Nic Hoult in real life (verrry interesting, I say), and the lyrics are completely hilarious. They even name check Sarah Palin, and the lo-fi vid looks like it was shot in someone's shitty East End London flat, hah.
Lovesit! Happy Almost weekend :)

Pirate Radio

2010-04-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

//via cinematropolis//

I watched a rather groovy film over the weekend - The Boat that Rocked. The film was about a vagabond radio station in the UK in the 60s that broadcast rock music 24-hours a day, but from a large, unmonitored ship. Apparently the BBC back then would only air 2 hours or so of music, so most people tuned in to this alternative station to get their 'round the clock rock fix.

I never knew this about Britain's social/cultural history, so I enjoyed this movie (even though it was a critical and commercial bomb). It was the sophomore effort of "Love Actually" director Richard Curtis, so of course it was a chock-full of relevant British thespians (Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Jack Davenport, and so many more). Also, the soundtrack is amazing - every plot turn and scene change was cued with the Stones, Beach Boys, Bowie, Dylan, The Kinks, The Box Tops, and loads of other wonderful 60s bands!

Bottom line - It's mostly worth the time if you have two hours to kill and absolutely nothing else to do.

Ain't Love the Sweetest Thing

2010-04-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

If I only knew your name I'd go from door to door

Searching all the crowded streets for the face that I once saw - Mystery Jets

Every little bird in the sky
Would sing a song of love - Cat Stevens

Even in the summer, even in the spring
You can never get too much of a wonderful thing -PJ Harvey

Treasure these few words 'til we're together,
Keep all my love forever,
P.S., I love you - The Beatles

And as I'm standing across this room,
I feel as if my whole life has been leading to this one moment.
And as I touch your shoulder tonight,

this room has become the center of the entire universe - Pulp

I’m always pretty happy when I’m just kicking back with you - Noah and the Whale

Tender is the night
Lying by your side
Tender is the touch
Of someone that you love too much - Blur

Between two lungs it was released
The breath that passed from you to me
That flew between us as we slept - Florence and the Machine

We got a love and it got no name
We kiss our love with lips like pain - Suede

You are the cover of my magazine,
You're my fashion tip, a living museum,
I'd pay to visit you on rainy Sundays,
And maybe tell you all about it, someday - Belle & Sebastian

It's no secret that the Brits (and Scotts, in the case of Belle & Sebastian) really know their love songs. Here are just a few of my favorites.

So go on then, think about love today. It's hump day, what else is there to think about? ;)

//all pics via skinnybitch//

Born to Folk

2010-04-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

//via lastfm//

I just got Laura Marling's new record, I Speak Because I Can, and continue to be enthralled by the beauty and talent of the young Laura. I've been a fan of her's all through the Noah and the Whale days, and loved her first record, Alas I cannot Swim. Also - talk about adorable overload! - but she is apparently dating Marcus Mumford of Mumford and Sons.

She is currently on tour in the US, and is stopping by Austin on May 22nd. It's going to be one hell of a show, so you'll probably see me there.

Currently listening to "Devil's Spoke."

A New Romantic

2010-04-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

I know it's not quite a Eurospiration, but I'm completely enamored by Mexican singer Julieta Venegas' new song "Bien y Mal." The vid has a whimsical vintage feel, and looks like it was filmed with a camera from the 70s. Also, Julieta's entourage of femmes is seven shades of adorable. Finally, I love all the floras in the video; it makes me sooooooo extremely excited for spring/summer! Even though the ladies in the video view the flowers as acceptable cuisine.

PS- Happy happy Friday! I for one am in good spirits, and hope you are too :)
Why I'm feeling good these days - I've decided on my grad school for next year (going out west to Boulder, Colorado), found a subleaser for my house earlier this week (which means I can finally purchase a ticket for European adventures this summer), and will receive a better-than-expected tax return. I'll celebrate all this and more over the next few glorious days.

Tale of a sale

2010-04-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I have gotten behind on posts this month! Can't complain though, it has been a great day with runs in the park, lunches with old friends, and a Skins: Series Four double feature. FTW.

Moving along; Danish designers Munthe plus Simonsen are having a huge sale on their Spring 2010 line. These are some pieces that I would have loved to add to my winter wear were I not broke *sigh*

But seriously though, these are some fierce harem pants; I'd get my casbah on with those like crazy.

The Original

2010-04-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

British Actress Rachel Weisz has been signed to play Jackie Onassis Kennedy in a new biopic scheduled to release later this year!! I think Weisz is a great actress and actually bears an interesting resemblance to the beloved original queen of fashion, so I'm actually on board with a big budget casting decision for once.

Also - to state the completely obvious - how amazing will the art design and fashion be?? I wonder who will be tapped to do the set and costume design? Hopefully the same folks who do Mad Men; afterall, they did more than a spectacular job in A Single Man.

OMG. Can't wait.

Maybe I'll go to Boulder...

2010-04-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

//via coupdegrace, flickr, csebastian,& flickr //

Getting into two doctorate programs should have been a good thing right? Well, it's putting me in all sorts of turmoil. I thought I had it all figured out and Boston would be my next destination. But I keep getting pulled toward the practicality of going to Boulder. Crossroads in real life are far less humorous and much more scary than they are in movies, right? I'm trying not to think too much about how monumental this decision will be for oh, how the rest of my life will play out.

I need to decide today, but I'd rather just lay in bed, listening to Iron & Wine and eating strawberries.

Save yourself for another story

2010-04-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

Why study neuroscience when I can eat sweet blackberries and watch these newly-released clips from Cemetery Junction, the upcoming dramedy from Ricky Gervais/Stephen Merchant? I got no reason!

I've been excited for this movie for soooo long now, and I'm thrilled to see these viral vids for it. Don't know exactly when this film is releasing in the US, but I'll be all over it when it does. Or maybe it will come out when I'm across the pond? Anyway, just the words that have been associated with this film - Mad Men style meets "Office" humor, Matthew Goode, Ralph Fiennes, isolated youth, yearning to leave a small town - are completely, utterly, and ridiculously up my alley.

This first clip has Matthew Goode, and I won't even pretend like I'm not silently rejoicing:

Sidenote - The quip that one guys makes about Women's Lib reminds me a lot of Mad Men.
Also, I'm lovin' on the 70s blue-collar Studio 64 feel of this clip:

Ah, to be young and full of dreams of escapism:

Seriously, I can't wait to see this, yes!!

To call for hands of above, to lean on

2010-04-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

//weheartit//

Hannah Murray as Cassie Ainsworth in Skins, Generation 1.

Sometimes I forget just how awesome Cassie Ainsworth (portrayed by Hannah Murray) and her style is. I mean, even when you google her, the subject of her style is the first keyword to pop up. She has that lovely British sensibility that isn't actually all that sensible - lace, chains, thigh high stockings, vintage dresses, mens' blazers & a splotchy blond dye job are her insignias. Also, she's a crazy, troubled depressive on the show, which makes her style that much more amusing.

And I don't even like Bollywood...

2010-04-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

Well, OK then...the post about Freida Pinto/Slumdog Patel made me think about the lovely British actress Katrina Kaif who like me, is of Indian descent. Interesting fact - she was quite humorously welcomed into the Bollywood film industry with open arms, despite not knowing a lick of Hindi/Urdu. Anyway, that was a few years ago and she has seemingly caught on to the language now. Although, if she hadn’t, it’s not like stranger things haven’t been acceptable in the crazy Bollywoodland.

Here are some cute pics of Kaif from some new movie of hers that is supposed to be set in New Jersey, I think. Just adborbs.

//weheartit//

A get together to tear it apart

2010-04-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Last night was pretty much perfect - chicken pasta, fresh fruit and Tom Hooper's Damned United were all wonderful choices for a Sunday wind-down with my brother and roomie. Now, it wasn't the most beautiful or scenic of films, but it absolutely lived up to the expectations of being a great football drama and character study.

//via aceshowbiz//

Also, I have been very enamoured with Welsh actor Michael Sheen ever since seeing Frost/Nixon last year. I mean, here is an actor who can portray the most intense roles with the depth and girth of the best thesps of his generation, and then - turn around and snatch himself a bite of the delicious cash cow that is "New Moon," without breakin a sweat about perceptions of his legitimacy as a serious actor.

And he guest-starred on 30 Rock, which is always always a win in my book.

Let's make this our tradition

2010-04-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

Confession time - I'm not sure how big of a fan I am of camping itself. The extraordinary amount of coordinating, the egregious amounts of gear needed for the most basic things, the bugs, prolonged exposure to smoke, and less than nutritious dietary selections aren't even the worst of it. They all somehow pale in comparison to the toilet situation (what can I say, I'm just not a woods-squatter).

HOWEVER - this weekend, I am going out to a magical place called Krause Springs with some of my favorite people and closest friends for gay boyfriend's birthday. I already know that there will be many fireside stories to share, s'mores to be had, and an overall wonderful time with friends- precious, precious friends who bring so much to my life. So of course, their company will make any kind of experience fantastic. With or without proper toilets ;)

These photos capture my excitement. Have a wonderful, wonderous weekend!

//flickr, various//

We be seen together

2010-04-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

//zimbio//

I think it's ridiculously cute how Frieda Pinto and Dev Patel seem to be going strong in their off-screen-based-on-an-on-screen-romance-from-a-hugely-successful-multiple-Oscar-winning-film romance, but isn't it also oddly hilarious how they were all PDA-ing it up next to Alexa Chung & Mary-Kate Olsen at the Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2010 Show during London Fashion Week last year? I mean, I'm sure Dev is pretty aware of who Lady Chung is and what she does for Brit fashion, but something tells me the significance of this might be a little bit lost good 'ol Pinto there. Just a theory based solely on my knowledge of the lack of knowledge Indians have on fashiony-hip-Anglophilic stuff. Though she isn't a typical Indian by any means, I stilllll have this hilarious scenario in my head in which Pinto says something like "You mean you really aren't Asian?" or "Girrrrl, I loved you in that 'Serendipity' film" or something like that.

PS Alexa's dye job in this photo is errily similar to the one I have right now. Except she looks fantastic as usual, and I look like I'm sporting a rat's nest. Oh, the little things.

I thought you'd never ask

2010-04-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

//we heart it//

Tony+Maxxie?

This photo pretty much encapsulates everything my gay boyfriend and I always dream of, in the paralell universe where we are both 12-year old girls. Slap in a mountain of cupcakes here & a Kleen Kanteen there, and I'll be set for life.

All was left were shattered windows

2010-04-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

//via allmoviephoto//

If I have some free time this weekend, I'd like to spend it learning about resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied Denmark. Flammen & Citronen has been on my movie radar for many many months, but getting my hands on a copy with English sub titles has proven to be a challenge. I'm thinking a full exploration of local video stores is in order this weekend. These stills and their historic elements have me in stiches with excitement about this film.

The thoughts you bring and the songs you sing are gonna keep me from the cold

2010-04-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

//we heart it & hugh stewart//

I always knew this day would come, though I was never quite certain exactly when or what the impetus would be: A relocation out to the East Coast is looking more and more likely for me. I'm looking forward to that New England charm that comes with an old-world romantic feeling that only cobblestone streets, cherry blossoms, and weathered historic domiciles can give.

I'm welcoming the possibilites.

Let's Go Away for a While

2010-04-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

It's lovely weather here in Austin, and I'm in my room with my windows open to our side yard, listening to the sweet sweet melodies of Cocoon. Days like this make Austin an unbelievably wonderful place to be. Anyway, this is my third or so post about this French duo, but I can't help but gush about their music and their cuteness. It's all actually overwhelming; I can't get enough of them.

//via lastfm//

So completely adorable. They really just need to strategically place like a baguette in a picture or something to achieve ridiculous new levels of French whimsicality.

Currently listening to their track "Owls." Happy Tuesday!

Animal Nitrate in Mind

2010-04-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

I saw this crazy tiger (panther?) dress on Norwegian songstress Annie when she debuted her Songs Remind Me of You video last year, and thought it was awwwwmazin'.

Well, I recently stumbled across this pic of the magnificent M.I.A. sporting the same crazy dress at the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival (also last year), and it got me thinking - who be the designer??

Also, what kind of animal would I want to sport in a similar dress-like fashion? (For the record, I'm thinking a kitteh. Or a horsie!)

Weekend Warrior

2010-04-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

//via sometime//

I leave you to your lovely Easter Weekend plans with this song from a new musical discovery of late - Reykjavik-based synth-pop band Sometime. Looking like a cracked-out posse of circus groupies is their schtick, their lyrics and in both English & Icelandic, and the lead singer's vocals are kind of weird - all for which I love love love them.

Their tune "Heart of Spades" aka my soundtrack for the day.

Go on then. Be a grand weekend warrior.

What breaks this heart the most is the ghost of some rock and roll fan

2010-04-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

//via last fm//

Sometimes a girl can get nostalgic about something she's never seen. That's definitely how I feel about the late 70s-early 80s New Romantic/Wave era of the UK. Annabella Lwin, lead vocalist of Bow Wow Wow, makes me especially wistful, because I have been ~~a little~~ hugely infatuated with the mohawk/shaved head look that she co-pioneered with many fellow early punks. Also, her skin & hair color are similar to mine, which makes me think it might not look completely offensive if I took the plunge. Can you believe she was only 14 when she was carrying around this insane amount of moxie?

Regarding my admiration for the band that brought us this overplayed cover tune - Sure Bow Wow Wow disbanded in 1983, presumably before I even exited the womb in August of that year, and their conception was sort-of based on the need to mass market Vivienne Westwood's clothing to alternative British youth, buuuut they did contribute to a sub culture that we still draw from heavily. Word.

Mad-Minded Miracle Worker

2010-04-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

//via Russian Fashion week//

Russian Fashion Week is finally here! It's always incredibly exciting to see the year's most innovative and relevant names in design in that part of the world, since Russia/the former Soviet States are still fairly elusive to many Americans.

Per usual, Egor Zaitsev stands and delivers with his geometric architecture, amazing cuts, color combinations, and overall ridiculous yet mad-genius vision. I'm actually quite surprised he's not more of a world wide entity in fashion, given his sense of the unusual. Lady Gaga needs to get on this, STAT (assuming of course she hasn't already).

I Came Here to Say, I'm Going Away

2010-04-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

//via cinemovies.fr//

Another movie I can't wait to see is Gainsbourg (Vie Héroïque), the biopic of French singer (and father of the incredibly fantastic Charlotte) Serge Gainsbourg. Not only does this film come with my twofer of preferences - period piece, European setting - but stills from the movie just seem to bring forth a strong promise of romance and heartbreak. Maybe that's because I already know how Gainsbourg's story ends, but you have to admit these are perfectly French and beautifully haunting.

She's a Killer Queen

2010-04-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

//via ign.com//

I have been wanting to see The Duchess for sometime now, but between my repeated viewings of Modern Family and general inability to clear my schedule for long enough to watch a movie, I have been unsuccessful so far. However, I recently got a hold of a copy, and plan on reveling in its beautiful sights of the English country side and Victorian costumes, maybe even this weekend? Also, Kiera Knightly really knows how it's done when it comes to period pieces; just look at all these shots of her rocking those romantic costumes. Oh, and the hats! Such exquisite headwear.

So, so lovely.

Stuffed my face & stuffed it good (Franco-German Edition)

2010-03-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

I recently blogged about the wonderful eats I indulged in during my time in München, Dublin & London. Now, let's move on the tastes of the Côte d'Azur and Berlin. Yum yummmm...

So first off, I should point out that Côte d'Azur (or French Riviera) is just a really pretentious way of referring to a series of several cities along the Mediterranean coastline in France. I had the chance to visit three of these cities last summer, and of course made it a priority of the highest order to gorge-out on pastries, baguettes, pasta, ice cream and oh so much more.

Did I mention I came back from Europe several pounds heavier? Here are some visual representation of the culprits:

Culprit # Une- The Original Tuna Niçoise at Le Magnan in Nice

This salad actually hails from Nice, thus the name. I hadn't had massive prawns like these in a while, and had forgotten how tasty (yet tedious) they are.

Also, isn't the way the food is assembled on the page just darling?

Culprit # Deux - Somekind of really delicious dish at Pasta Basta.

Nice is host to many wonderful Italian restaurants, due to its influx of Italians by way of its proximity to the Italian border. Pasta Basta is a more affordable (yet highly-sought after; we waited nearly 45 minutes for a table on a weekday evening) peddler of amazing Italian eats, such as this wonderful Spinach pasta and spicy sauce dish pictured below:

Culprit # Trios - Fennocio Ice Cream

Come around to Old Nice (pretentious alert! It's also called Place Masséna) during the summertime, and you'll find droves of locals and tourists flocking to this creamery, eating up their yummy scoops and crepes which are served until the wee hours of the AM. Fennoccio has nearly 100 flavors, most of which were pretty untraditional to this American, such as rosewater, sweet & salty cracker, and lychee. My pick, after much consternation, was a double-scooper of sweet basil below and gingerbread cake on top (second pic below). We came here every day, sometimes twice a day. Good thing we walked around* a lot?

*rode the bus and train

Culprit # quatre - Generic pâtisserie, everywhere, France

You see this? These were everywhere. I dare you walk in and not get seduced by the colors and smells of a place like this. They are everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE in the French Riviera, so keep your guard up. Or down, depending on how much fun you want to have ;)

After we left the French Riviera, we traveled to Berlin, a land full of history, friendly folks, breathtaking architecture and tasty schnitzels ;)

The first thing I ate in Berlin was a tasty (and halal! There is a lot of halal food in parts of Germany due to its influx of Turkish immigrants) Chicken Schnitzel. It was good, but I wasn't aware of the fact that Chicken Schnitzel is essentially just a breaded and fried chicken cutlet. I think it's the sauces that make it special though.

We were three countries and many many cities in by this point of the trip, so we decided to save some $$ by grabbing food from grocery stores and making picnics for our outings. Grocery stores in Germany are much much smaller than our massive corporate HEBs and whatnot, but they still have pretty much everything you'll need. The carb-aholic that I am, I would always make a B-line for the breads section.

Germans love their sausages & wursts & schnitzels, so of course their deli meat selections reflect this. I almost immediately became overwhelmed by their deli meats section, mostly because there were too many options, and partly because the ingredients were listed in German and I was worried that my non-pork eating self would pick something made of pork belly, cooked in lard, covered on porkloin juice and then wrapped in bacon.

Instead of meat, I opted for some cheese; it was in the cheese section where I decided I just had to take a picture of this. Because sometimes I have the humor of a Bro dude. Thus is the state of my life, hehe.

Whatever money I saved from making sammiches was put towards sweet treats, no doubt. ~~Unfortunately~~ Fortunately, Germany has just as many and just as wonderful bakeries and pastry shops. Here are some tasty views from one we went to whose name I can't remember, but I know it was in the city center.

I got me one of these luscious strawberry-tart things. Soooooo completely amazing.

Our last night in Berlin, we ended up in Kreuzberg, which is known as the birthplace of German punk rock. This wonderful neighborhood still retains many artistic/independant/hipster? characteristics from its halcyon days, so we thought it would be the perfect place to go on our last night in the city. During our walkabouts, we were told by a local to not leave Berlin without have some scoops from Eiscafé Berghem. So, we loosely followed his directions (told in broken-English) and somehow ended up in the right spot. The ice was very tasty, and quite worth the wild goose chase.

When I saw this poster in the ice cream shop, I instantly knew it was there for a reason - to have this aaadorable baby sum up my thoughts about leaving Berlin. I decided his lament goes something like this:

"Why did all go by so fast? I will be back, Berlin!"

I'll be your Robotic Disco Puma

2010-03-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Allsaints Spitalfields makes me feel - well, a bit spiteful! Here I am, trying trying soooo hard to hang on to my measly monies (even as Amazon is having a 2-for-1 special on Skins season 1 & 2; the horror of having to miss out on that!), but there they are - sitting all delicious, taunting me with their amazing, AMAZING leather wear. I mean seriously, I have had my eyes open for the 'just right' leather jacket and work boots for so long now. I finally come across them, but of course it's while I am in the midst of self-inflicted financial duress...trips are 'spensive, man oh man. As is the daily latte...and vegan muffin. Whaddya do?

Mohan Leather Jacket, $700.

(I could sell a kidney maybe? I don't need two, right?)

Lana Leather Jacket, $500 (left); Harris Leather Jacket, $800

Suede Damisi Boot, $270

(Not actually a bad price, given the badassery of these boots.)

Treat Boot, $230

The most taunting part of Allsaints' current line is their collaboration with NYC-based artist Laurie Lipton, whose designs are not only incredibly innovative, but translate insanely well onto T-shirts and tanks.

I want them all, I want them all! Anyone wanna buy a kidney?

I need to visit Poland ASAP

2010-03-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

I'm consistently amused when I see foreign posters for American film. This ad for "The Hangover" circulated around France last summer and would always inspire a chuckle or more from me, based on my perception of its absurdity.

Well, any ideas I had about the humor of these reinterpretations were put into place when I saw Cracked's list of outlandish international posters for American films; these gems run the full range from "haha those crazy foreigners!" to "Wow, are they even talking about the same movie??" Turns out, Eastern Europe, circa the 80s really had the craaaaaazy-ass interpretations thing goin' on. They have some real off-the rocker posters over in the region, but it seems Poland had a desperate need to claim the "WTF?" cake.

Some of my favorites - all of which are of course from Poland - below.

The Fly

Now with 50% more puking?

Weekend at Bernies

Isn't this supposed to be some wacky comedy about some screwball kids whose boss dies, which causes them to engage in a series of cover-up shenanigans? Or is it a movie about Soviet-era optical surgery as performed by stout fingers?? I'm confused.

Planet of the Apes 2

Wow. Just....wow.

Got it done and did it right

2010-03-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

While it's still kind of relevant - here are some pics and a run down of how the amazingly wonderful SXSW played out for me this year. Allow me to apologize in advance for my mediocre at best photography skills. Anyway, this was my fourth consecutive and fifth overall time to attend, and each time had held its own special charm. So off we go!

Thursday, March 18th:

Started the day off at The France Rocks Austin Day Party, where they had a line-up of the most promising acts brewing around in the French music scene at the moment. The main draw for me was seeing folk duo Cocoon live; their sweet and melodic performance was an excellent way to kick off the fest.

Also, one of my favorite parts, aside from the great music, was all the free noms. All sorts of drinks, vegan chocolates, beef/chicken tacos, and - this was my favorite - a cheese and crackers table! With goat cheese, brie, Laughing Cow and all sorts of other delights! Yum :)

//cheese and crackers table at France Rocks Austin Party//

And here is a cute promo pic of Cocoon, because I really couldn't get a good shot of them and because their band photos are ridiculously adorable anyway.

//via lastfm//

Next, we headed over to the Paste Magazine Day Party to have even more free drinks and watch a pristine performance by London's most amazing alt/folk band, Fanfarlo.

//Fanfarlo//

We had a little time to spare before The Middle East played, so we walked over to the line for Levi's Fader Fort. After a looooong wait, we secured our wrist bands and split up to see to catch the respective bands each of us wanted to see. I came back to the Paste Party and was able to catch the brief yet wonderful set by the Middle East. I think they are my favorite Aussie band at the moment.

Next step was heading over to the French Ligation an in effort to see the xx. We were able to see a set by the ever-lovely Holly Miranda, but then had to depart right as the xx were setting up shop. This was because my bff's BF, who works at The Paramount (aka and old swanky Austin theatre) had put us on the guest list for The Runaways premiere, which was a part of the SXSW Movie Festival festivities.

Some of the cast of the film was in attendance in the audience. I tried hard to bolster my awe/incredulousness at seeing these gals in the flesh, but celebrity sighting at SXSW is as typical as me stuffing my face with chocolate before bed every night. Very routine.

//L-R: Director Floria Sigismondi, Cheri Curie, Dakota Fanning, Kristin Stewart//

By the end of this night, I was overcome with exhaustion from the days events/the long journey back from NYC the day before, so I called it a night around 11 pm. Plus, there was so much to do the next day! Speaking of which...

Friday, March 19th:

This was my most musically-productive day. I started bright and early with a rousing performance by We Were Promised Jetpacks.

My friend who I attended the show with left soon after the performance was over, and I found myself hanging solo. Somehow this gave me the courage to go up to the boys and talk to them. Very nice fellas, who were highly amused by the word "ya'all."

Next, I ventured over to the Danish Day Party to see Efterklag. Theirs was a show I was probably the most eager to see, and although it was a short set, the performance was incredible.

Yet again, I somehow found the courage to chat a bit with lead vocalist Casper Clausen after the show finished. Clausen was incredibly gracious and joyful; even throughout the performance, a grin rarely left his face.

Also, I just want to throw this out there - its always great to roll with your peeps when attending shows, but give flying solo a whirl sometime. It's actually quite gratifying to be able to chat with randoms around you, move around the crowd without loosing people, and not worry about talking/being spoken to during a show. I wouldn't say it's an evergreen thing, but it has some charm on occasion.

My next musical conquest was the Norwegian electro-pop band Casiokids at the Vice 'Loose Control Party.' Having already seen them live earlier that week at the Littlefield in Brooklyn, I knew theirs was a live show that would be amazingly good. Upon arriving at the venue, I found out, much to my pleasant surprise, that Uffie was right ahead of them in the line-up.

Two birds, one stone, SAY WHUT, WHUT!

//Uffie//

//Casiokids//

The next two acts I saw were Philly-based Man Man and Yorkshire-based One Night Only. Good shows, but they paled in comparison to what I had seen earlier in the day, especially WWPJ and Casiokids.

Saturday, March 20th:

I took it a little easy Saturday morning. I made a good cup of coffee, answered emails and had a hearty breakfast, all while waiting for my other BFF to drive into town from Houston. Once she arrived, we Headed to the Brooklyn Vegan 'M for Montreal' day party where we munched on free vegan eats and popsicles, and waited around to catch a performance by Montreal outfit Duchess Says.

So, we were curious about this band because well, they supported the Yeah Yeah Yeah's on their tour recently, and one would think Karen O and gang would use the utmost discretion when picking their supporting act, right? Apparently not really. The lead singer of Duchess Says writhes around on the floor and makes grunting/sex(?) noises while performing and drags audience members down with her, leaving awkward pools of beer and sweat in her wake. The most humorous thing about this was that she does all this while wearing colorful attire that must have been put together by an Anthropologie associate, no kidding.

And while my photog skills failed me yet again, I was still able to find a photo of Duchess Says' ridiculousness via the wonderous web :

//via nailer//

Anyway, our next stop was seeing Boxer Rebellion, followed by the awwww-mazing Frightened Rabbit at the Filter Magazine Day Party. Between those guys and WWPJ, Scotland is really really doing it right this year, isn't it? I'm just really impressed.

//Fightened Rabbit//

So, here's where the painful bit starts: By the time the Frightened Rabbit show ended, it was getting close to the time I was meeting friends in line for the Perez Hilton Party. With its free entrance, swagg, drinks, food and ridiculous line-up including Snoop Dogg, Hole, Macy Gray and (eek!) Alphabeat, it was apparently THE party to get into. This became apparent when we arrived at the venue 2 hours ahead of time and the line had stretched around the building and over two blocks. After a long, ridiculous wait in line, a friend of mine ran to the front to scope out the situation, and promptly text me after to come join. I'll just say that friend pulled some super-slick moves, and within minutes, we had infiltrated the impenetrable Perez fortress. Victory!

Anyway, pics from Alphabeat's cute set:

//Alpabeat//

So, my closing thoughts:

Even if you live in a different city/state/country/continent, I STRONGLY recommend coming around for this festival one year; there are enough amazing free events that showcase bands (including headliners) that even those who spent their last dime on the flight over can have a wonderful time. Just allocate anywhere between a few days to ohhhh, a few weeks to let your body recover from the madness.

Trust me, between all the free crazy caloric consumption, live music, love, and excitement, you'll really need it :)

I guess I'm a lazy one

2010-03-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

Man, has it really been a week since I have posted on here? Nothing like a dated last blog entry to make my laziness apparent. Well, my modest excuses are that SXSW took a lot out of me, and this week has been crazy too - friends in town, big news about big moves, papers due and just trying to wind down in the midst of it - all causing me to be a bit lax in many areas of life.

So, until I get my shit together and download pics from SXSW, I'm going to share with you guys a great SXSW musical find. It's not a Eurospiration, but rather a two-piece band from Brooklyn called Sleighbells. Their song "Crown on the Ground" has been my soundtrack to the Mondays and Tuesdays and Humpdays.

Enjoy. And I WILL be back.

One for the City

2010-03-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

//via Water Secrets//

I'm leaving the Empire State today after having spent a lovely yet rainy & tiring five days in NYC/Brooklyn. I'll be in the midst of SXSW madness upon my return, so I may not have a chance to update this until next week.

In the meantime, a few musings about the Big Apple:

Eating in NYC is far cheaper than Dublin. Who would've thought?
Transportation here is such a bitch that people often opt to stay home rather than brave the 1-hour commute to visit their friend who lives 4 miles away. Not a fan.
New Yorkers get a bad rep for being unfriendly. As a perpetually confused Texan with extremely limited exposure to public transport, I frequently found myself at the mercy of very friendly NYC passersby to help get where I need to go. They may keep to themselves when compared to Texans, but once you approach them, they can be as warm and friendly as people from the heart of the South.
Finally, the biggest thing that stuck out about NYC is that most restaurants are gracious about letting non-customers use their restrooms. And by gracious I mean they leave them unlocked, which means non-patronizing miscreants such as myself can sneak in without having to splurge $3 for 8 oz. bottle of water or a 3rd king-size cookie for one day.

Dear France, are you listening? Specifically, Nice, Paris, Monaco, and Cannes?? My lovely memories of you are marred by the gratuitous expenditures I racked up just to use restrooms. Even your public restrooms required annoying fishing through my ginormous bag to find spare change to cover the cost of use. My bladder is a weaker beast because of the near-militant attitude of your shopkeepers.

Perhaps it's a cultural/economic thing but I'm still classifying it as a France FAIL. And plus one for NYC.

Have a good week/weekend!!

SXSW Preview - "Four Lions"

2010-03-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

With all the wonderful music-related shenanigans that go on during SXSW, its easy to forget about the equally significant film/interactive media portion of the festival. It's a real shame too, but not surprising, given that not many free events are offered for the latter part of the fest. However, all the tweeters & facebookers out there have kept non-attendee cinema enthusiasts such as myself sufficiently in the loop.

This year's closing selection for the movie portion of SXSW is a movie that coincidentally is on my watchlist for 2010. The British film, titled Four Lions, has been referred to as a 'jihadist comedy,' and attempts to explore the misgivings of fanaticism. Not surprisingly, it's also been hailed as a 'black, black comedy,' which is a genre that I am typically highly enthusiastic about. British director Chris Morris, known in the UK for his brand of satirist comedy, has already received accolades for the film from sources including Sundance and The Los Angeles Times.

//via twitchfilm//

I'll have to come clean and admit that part of my intrigue with this film stems from my own cultural/religious background. All the positive reviews seem to suggest the movie steers clear from portraying any particular religion in a bad light; but how does one show the lighter side of terrorism? How do you tap into the comedy of it? These are touchy, touchy subjects, but good ones to explore. Ergo, I'll still maintain my skepticism until I've seen it.

Clip from the film, which admittedly does look humorous:

SXSW Preview - Alphabeat

2010-03-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

An internal dialogue from the mind of Nishiquah, circa earlier today:

"Oh my GOD!! Is Alphabeat really coming to SXSW? Really? This is beyond amazing; need to post about it STAT!"

-big happy grin spreads across face-

"But wait; can I really admit to the world my secret love for a Danish band who my Danish friends themselves tear apart for being ridiculously corny and over-the-top poppy?? Sure, my Danish friends are so hip they eat NME mags for breakfast and cigarettes & irony for dinner, but this is still a band who cites Madonna and 90s dance music as their primary inspiration for their latest album. Yikes much?"

-furrows brow, indicating consternation-

"Surely I can. I mean, I regularly publicly admit to loving Abba and the Spice Girls. Doesn't Alphebeat's kitschy factor rank up their with the latter & former? Afterall, this Danish band has everything from synchronized hand-claps in their vids to highly ridiculous song titles such as 'Hole in my Heart' and 'Boyfriend.' Titles that could have easily belonged to the Spice or Abba. Yes, yes it's OK to publicly admit to ~~liking~~ loving them."

-breaths sigh of relief-

"Ooooh but the color-coordinated outfits. I forgot about those. I mean, they are pretty bad. Reaaaally bad, actually. The only thing that would make it worse - or better? - would be some matching burgundy ascots."

-curls lip in deep thought-

"OK, but a lot of bands are outfitted in a coordinated manner. I mean, legit bands like N'Sync and BSB cira 1998 wore matchy matchy stuff!! Also, Alphabeat has a male-female lead vocalist duo, which is so hip these days. Plus, the male is easy peasy, lemon-squeezy on the eyes. Surely that makes it more acceptable to like them?"

-quizzical realization hits, causing further reflection-

"Yes but then the lead female vocalist goes and mucks it all up with her dedication to truly awful headwear. Just look at this tin foily, antenna-emulating atrocity!"

//all pics via alphabeat myspace//

"Oh what the hell. I need coffee. Here, let's re-watch my favorite vid by them and ponder their spartan schedule."

Friday, March 19 at 12:45 AM La Zona Rosa
Saturday, March 20th at Perez Hilton Party, time TBD

"Can't change who I am or what I like, and apparently neither can Alphabeat. Bring on the easy cheesy."

-End monologue-

SXSW Preview - Casiokids

2010-03-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in NYC right now, in the midst of a week-long East Coast stint that commenced last Thursday in Boston. It's been a nice change, but I am definitely already hankering for all things familiar back in Austin. Perhaps because anytime I have even fleeing contact with social media outlets, all anyone has on their mind is SXSW. I can't wait to be back and be reunited with my most beloved friends (and my car! You can totally tell I'm a Texan at heart) and throw myself into the midst of the SXSW craziness. My toes are tingling just thinking about it!!

In the same spirit, let's continue with music previews for the fest, shall we?

This one comes from a SXSW send-off show case I attended yesterday at Brooklyn's LittleField Warehouse. The event was called DEATH BY AQUAVIT! A Scandinavian SxSW Send-Off, and it featured four Norwegian/Danish bands that are playing at SXSW later this week (and somewhat humorously, also featured a menu of Swedish meatballs, complimentary Swedish fish and a cocktail called 'Bloody Björk').

Anyway, the headliner of sorts was Norwegian band Casiokids. Their music features lots of vintage Casio synths (namesake?), falsetto vocals, home made hand-shakers, and my personal favorite - Norwegian lyrics! This excites me because not since Sigur Rós has there been a Scandinavian band who sings in their native language who is this enjoyable. I should stop the comparisons there though, because Casiokids are a purely fun and energetic band with a great live show that had all of us dancing along, rather ridiculously, until the end of their set.

//via casiokids myspace//

//via kyle dean reinford for Brooklyn Vegan//

They are playing a ton of shows at SXSW this years, so maybe I'll be able to catch them multiple times?

Mar 16 2010 10:45P SXSW / The Mohawk w/We Are Scientists
Mar 17 2010 4:00A SXSW / Shout it out out party @ Creekside lounge
Mar 17 2010 1:00P SXSW / A Celebration of sound @ Epoch Coffee
Mar 17 2010 6:00P SXSW / Giant Steps party @ Plush bar
Mar 18 2010 10:30A SXSW / Filter Party, Showdown @ Cedar Street
Mar 18 2010 12:00P SXSW / Moshi Moshi Party @ Red House Pizzeria
Mar 19 2010 5:00P SXSW / Lose control party @ Vice
Mar 20 2010 9:00P SXSW / Polyvinyl showcase @ Galaxy rooms

SXSW Preview - Cocoon

2010-03-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, two really talented, really really attractive French singer/songwriters got together to form the "folksy White Stripes" (although in my opinion they sound more like a - dare I say it? - more melodic version of Beach House. Don't hate). Cocoon as a band make me giddy; their music is very whimsical and voices just so sweet. They make me happy for flowers and honey & homies and you know, stuff like that.

//via Lost at E Minor//

Keep in mind though, these guys are the French band called Cocoon. As in, the one that will be showcased at SXSW. I say this because right around the same time French Cocoon was formed, a Rock/A'cappella/Ambient band by the same name was also formed. This one was based in Philly, and they decided their primary band image would involve sweaty backs with mild-at-best politcal discourse etched into them.

//via coccon myspace//

It's alright, brother. Don't arrest bicyclists. They are good for the Earth, we know.

Anyway, uber cute video for the sweet melody "Chupee" by the French band, followed by their SX sched:

• Wed. 17th @ Spill, 8:00 p.m.

• Thur. 18th @ Klub Krucial (Emo's East), 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.

• Fri. 19th @ Wave Rooftop, 10:00 p.m.

Inglorious, yet so glorious

2010-03-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

OK, I had to take a break from all the SXSW prep to give a shot out to the latest Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner, Austrian actor Christoph Waltz. In addition to being a seriously legit thesp (he gave me the creeeeepers in "Inglorious Basterds"), he makes fun of himself with such great panache this video that it makes his turn as a menacing Nazi general seem harmless and teddy bear-like:

We're all just humping. You know.

SXSW Preview - Uffie

2010-03-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

There are tons of wonderful acts coming in from France this year. Among them, Uffie really sparks my curiousity.

//via SXSW//

I don't know why, but she reminds me of Lilly Allen/Amy Winehouse in that "good enough musician but probably annoying as crap in real life and you can kind of tell" sort of way. I actually saw both Lilly Allen and Amy Winehouse at SXSW 2007, and their live performances were indeed all they were chalked up to be - lukewarm meditations of overblown egos. I can't seem to get myself to bother too much with either of the two lately (or since the last three years, for that matter). Maybe it will be the same case with Uffie?

I do keep hearing about her from many different European outlets, so I'm eager to experience her Euro Trash-tastic pop offerings either way.

Sched:

Wed 17th @ Emo's annex, 1 AM
Thur. 18th @ Klub Krucial (Emo’s East), 1:30 PM
Fri. 19th @ Mohawk Patio, 11:30 PM

SXSW Preview - We Were Promised Jetpacks

2010-03-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

//via the list//

Breaking away from Scandinavian music for a hot minute - how great are We Were Promised Jetpacks? Random band name aside, they remind me of the mid-90s Brit pop bands like Suede and Blur who fed my teeny pre teen rock'n'roll soul. Just like the aforementioned Brit popers, We Were Promised Jetpacks disregard the commonly used trend among international bands of sounding "American" while singing in favor of letting their native style shine though. Also, anytime I see the WWPJ acronym for this Scottish quartet's name, I like to come up with silly alternative names, such as:

What Would Pull Jesus?

Why Wear Pah-Jammies?

Wall Won't Put Jam

(Yes, I really am THIS awesome. Believe it.)

Anyway, check out one of their songs, "Quiet Little Voices"

Where Waldo Parks Jaguar's Schedule:

Mar 17 2010 3:45P SXSW - Fader Fort
Mar 17 2010 11:00P SXSW - Parish
Mar 18 2010 3:30P SXSW - Galaxy Room
Mar 18 2010 5:00P SXSW - Yard Dog Gallery
Mar 19 2010 1:00P SXSW - Mohawk
Mar 19 2010 5:00P SXSW - Emo’s East

SXSW Preview - Miss Li

2010-03-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

Oy! I'm continuing Scandinavia...um week? Anyway, Miss Li is another Swedish singer who caught my interest a while ago based on stuff I've been reading about her on NME and other sources. Disclaimer - she has nothing to do with Lykke Li other than country of origin (and some distinctly Scandinavian facial features, in my opinion).

I have a test tomorrow and don't know too much about Miss Li other than the fact that I really want to catch her live show, so I'll have to direct you to her Wiki page for more info. Just know that she has a fabulous voice that sounds like a less cracked-out AmyWinehouse and clever lyrics that make listening to her just plain enjoyable. Also, she has a great song called "Bourgeois Shangri-La," which might as well be about the bar in East Austin that my friends and I love to frequent.

//via borasstad.bloggagratis //

Her Schedule:

Mar 18 2010 3:00P Threadgills-Roky Ericksons Ice cream social Austin, Texas
Mar 18 2010 9:00P Mi Casa-EXMS Showcase Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2010 1:00P Do512 Compound – SXSW Day Party Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2010 9:00P Victorian Room, The Driskill Hotell –SXSW Showcase

SXSW Preview - Efterklang

2010-03-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

Well, apparently it's Scandinavia day today. Heck, everyday should be Scandinavia day; bring on the smørrebrød!

Anyway, Danish band Efterklang ranks highly on my "wanna see" list for SXSW this year. When I first heard about them through some Danish friends, I decided they sounded like Copenhagen personified and thus liked them right away. Efterklang (which means 'remembrance' in Danish) reminds me of the Fiery Furnaces ever so slightly, in that they share the same ethereal quality of music and dual vocalizations. Also, a good friend of mine tweeted some accolades regarding their performance in NYC recently, which only builds my anticipation to see them live.

Their latest album, Magic Chairs, came out just a few weeks ago, and I definitely advise checking it out. Especially if you are into Grizzly Bear, because these fellas represent 'da Grizz on their label, Rumraket.

//via c-sides.net//

Schedule:

Mar 18 2010 11:00P Buffalo Billiards - 4AD/Bella Union Showcase w/ Midlake & more
Mar 19 2010 2:00P The Music Gym - Danish Day Party @ the Music Gym
Mar 20 2010 5:00P End of an Ear (In-store)

SXSW Preview - Jonna Lee

2010-03-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

OK, I'll admit that last year I didn't listen to enough singer/songwriters, folk rock, alt rock, or really much of anything that didn't have a ridiculous chorus set to cheesy drum machines & synthy-baselines. But this year I have already been drawn more to minimalistic, bluesy stuff. Maybe my mind-grapes are all synthed out?

Anyway, I'm totally, totally in love with Swedish songstress Jonna Lee. She has an amazingly sweet yet powerful voice, and her music is very multi-dimensional. She belts it out with such heart that I can't help but stream her myspace over and over and over all day long. I think she is going to be my more mature, Swedish Laura Marling this year. Plus, look how cute she is!

//via Jonna Lee//

Lee's Sched, which I can't wait to jump on:

Mar 18, 2010 Rooftop at Little Fields Building Terrace
Mar 18, 2010 SXSW - live.create. lounge
Mar 19, 2010 SXSW Stephen F's Bar
Mar 20, 2010 SXSW EXMS/Chambers Showcase

SXSW Preview - The xx

2010-03-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

I'm really glad London-based The xx will be playing a few free SXSW shows on days that I'll be in Austin. I'm really digging their multi-vocal, breathy, synthy tunes. Theirs was a band that I almost got into last year but didn't get around to until this year because I somehow got them confused with this British band. Believe me when I say my confusion knew no bounds regarding all the hype around The xx until I figured out I had the wrong band. Oh, hilarity.

//via interview mag//

Here is their schedule so far:

Thursday, March 18 @ Babelgum Lawn Party at the French Legation at 6pm
Thursday, March 18th @ Mohawk Patio at 1 am
Friday, March 19 @ La Zona Rosa, some point between 12pm – 5pm
Saturday, Mar 20 @ Central Presbyterian Church at 12:30 am

SXSW Preview - Movits!

2010-03-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

Since SXSW is coming at us at what seems to be lightning speed, I thought it would be fun to mention some European bands that I'm really hoping catch live. (And by hoping to catch live, of course I mean take my broke ass to free shows. Blame it on the economy?)

Anyway, first up is Swedish band The Movits! Some basics to know about them: they hail from Northern Sweden, Stephen Colbert loves them, their music is bandstand rhythms meets hip hop-style lyrics, and they sing & swing in Swedish.

//via The Movits!//

Also, they are always impeccably dressed like "Mad Men" extras, which is a huge plus in my book. It sounds like theirs will be a fun, dance-filled show to attend.

Some of their vids:

Here is their SXSW schedule so far:

Mar 17 2010 1:00A The PureVolume House
Mar 18 2010 12:00P SXSW Showcase - Club 115
Mar 18 2010 8:15P Littlefields Building Rooftop terrace (Acoustic)
Mar 19 2010 5:00P MUSIC BY THE SLICE, Homeslice Pizza
Mar 20 2010 3:00P Antone’s

Stuffed my face & Stuffed it good (British-Bavarian Edition)

2010-03-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

So, in yesterday's post I used the word "hearty" as a adjective to describe the offerings of the Louisiana Modern Museum of Art in Denmark. Because I am a fairly ridiculous person, the word 'hearty' awakened an urge in me to write about hearty and memorable meals I had during my last trip to Europe. I'm breaking it up into several posts by region, and pairing up the regions arbitrarily. Mostly because too much organization would actually suggest an air of responsibility in my personality, which is soooo not the case.

Here we go.

I started off my gastronomic journey in Dublin with two tasty tasy Irish potato cakes with somekind of red sauce. We ate at a pub close by our hostel. I believe it was called T & H. Doolans.

Next step: London. So, it's no surprise that the city is eye-gougingly expensive, particularly for American tourists. To cutrail traveling costs, we mostly ate cheapie meals of kabobs and pizza, but went on two fancy meal forays. First up, we went to Lahore Kabob House for some of the Best Pakistani Cuisine London has to offer.

Mutton chops make for a delicious appetizer, mmmmm...

Nehari with Chicken

Karahi Fry Lamb.

Honestly, the Indo/Pakistani cuisine in London was acceptably delicious, but it didn't live up to all the hype I had heard for many many years. Granted I probably have a more discriminating palette than necessary when it comes to Indo/Pakistani cuisine, but I think the commercial offerings in Houston (specifically the Harwin/Bissonet area) are the best.

Moving along, we took a boat tour of the Thames River on one particularly lovely afternoon. Included in the tour was a traditional English breakfast, complete with Earl Grey tea, tea cakes, buttermilk scones, finger sandwiches, and my favorite - strawberries & cream.

Strawberries & Cream tastes even better than it looks.

I came to Munich having overheard many accolades regarding Bavarian cuisine. My my expectations were very high and reasonably clouded. Luckily though, München delivered on its reputation in a big and tasty way.

Of course the first thing I ate there was a savory chocolate truffle. I can't remember the name or location of this lovely truffle house. This is probably because any concerns I have about recording things, awareness of my surroundings or even the well being of my fellow travelers goes out the window when the acquisition of an amazingly novel sweet treat becomes a possibility.

I do however remember that it had somekind of nuts in it. And creamy nougat. Oh lord.

Then, upon the reccommendation of some friendly locals (which we soon found out was given - EVERYONE in Germany was just incredibly and ridiculously friendly), we ended up in a random alleyway, trying to find this tiny eatery called Zum Sedlmayer, which is loved by locals. It was there that I had the most amazing Beef Noodle soup that I still think about but will never attempt to re-create because I know I won't get it right.

Next, we chose to dine at a Biergarten in the Marien-Platz (or city centre area) for dinner that night. I had a bowl of Traditional Bavarian Goulash. It was Traditional Bavarian DELICIOUS, nom nom nom!

So, I'll save my tasty stories from Hamburg & Nice for the next time when I'm hit with the munchies.

Curious name for a curious place

2010-03-02T20:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's BAFTA post got me thinking about art and photography. Specifically, I started thinking about how during my last trip to Copenhagen, I was hoping and planning on visiting the Louisiana Modern Museum of Art, which is located 35 km away from the 'Hagen in Humlebæk, but never quite made it there.

Just a little background on the museum - the most visited art museum in Denmark, Louisiana houses a hearty permanent collection of modern and contemporary art, dating back to World War II era all the way to current day. It is also host to a comprehensive menu of special exhibitions, guest speakers, installations and a seaside sculpture garden. Top it all off with the fact that the museum grounds themselves are considered a milestone in modern Danish architecture, and you have a synthesized oasis of art, architecture and landscape. Another fun fact is that it's mentioned as one of the "1,000 Places to See Before You Die."

Since Copenhagen and Hamburg (where I plan on making my primary residence for the summer) are separated by a mere 4-hour train ride, I'm hoping it won't be too difficult to make it out to the museum this summer.

//via The Reference Library//

//via PB Galerie//

//via e-architect//

I'm especially excited that their special summer exhibition will feature the rarely-seen Warhol interpretations of classic paintings by iconic Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. I saw many of Munch's original works in the National Gallery of Norway a few years ago, so seeing Warhol's interpretations, in my opinion, is the next logically awesome step.

Warhol's take on Munch's most well known work, 'The Scream,' below:

//via Mount Street Galleries//

Now, I'm sure there is a good explanation for why the Museum is called the Louisiana Museum of Art, but rather than investigate like an astute blogger would, I'm just going to hypothesize that it's because of the Danes' overwhelming love for Britney Spears and a good seafood Gumbo. Yes, that MUST be it.

Dutch Uncle

2010-03-01T14:44:00.000-08:00

Reason # 365,143,816 why British cinema regularly outcools Hollywood - The badass artwork created by Travis Coburn for the BAFTA (aka British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards; the across-the-pond equivalent of the Oscars) ceremony programs. Coburn, who I think might actually be a California native, is a part of the edgy London-based Dutch Uncle design firm. His retro, Red Army/Soviet-style interpretations of the 'Best Picture' nominees have been causing some buzzzz. Full catalogue of prints below.

I wonder if attendees were able to choose their program covers? Personally, I would go for Carey Mulligan's adorable half-face next to an apparently hostile yet awesomely zexy retro car (below). But that's just me.

An Education

This one was obviously made for a movie nobody has ever heard of, so I won't bother mentioning it ;)

Hurt Locker

Precious

Up In The Air

//all pics via Dutch Uncle//

Metallic dreams

2010-03-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

Over the past few years, it seems like Stockholm has been quickly rising in the metalworks/jewelry ranks; with local designers such as Maria Nilsdotter, it's easy to see why.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't just go crazy when I saw her amazingly unique and ballsy accessories. Apparently they are all designed and made by Maria herself- how is it even possible to be house that much creativity and precision in one brain? I'm incredulous, and full of awe and admiration.

On my must-have list is her Octavia earpiece, below:

//all pics via maria nilsdotter//

Here are some more of her pieces that make my heart pound FAST:

Feather & claw ring, blackened silver with ruby, diamond & black diamond

rose neck piece/tiara

Charmer Necklace, blackened silver with emeralds and black pearls

Ring made from leftovers

Mike & Topsey Necklace, gold plated and blackened silver

She runs a fairly cozy operation for the time being, but with an exclusive line at Swedish retailer WhyRed and a feature in this month's Swedish Elle, she'll likely become a more prominent player in Scandinavian jewelry market soon.

This of course means two things:

- I must try and snatch one of her items if I make it to Stockholm this summer (assuming of course they don't already fetch the cost of an arm, leg & ear for me).

- If Stockholm is a no-go, I'll have to wait until she really blows up and I can maybe buy her pieces at Urban?

Ja, já, kyllä!

2010-02-26T12:24:00.000-08:00

Here's an exciting thing I heard about a while ago: the Austin Nordic Film Fest this weekend.

Included in the agenda are short films and full-length features, such as:

- The Icelandic short Gódir gestir (translation: Family Reunion)

- Flammen & Citronen, a Danish film noir-type drama that I have been very eager to see for some time now

- Maria Larssons eviga ögonblick (Translation: Everlasting Moments), another one on my 'To watch' list.

//via the larsen film review//

Some friends of mine are hosting a garden party tomorrow, but I'm hoping to make it out for at least one of the block showings. Or maybe just the after party? Either way, it makes me happy that Austin hosts events such as this.

Beautiful settings for beautiful days

2010-02-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

//via cabbages & roses//

Beautiful days inspire beautiful thoughts. It's the wonderful Friday after a harrowing Thursday on which I had two tests and very little sleep. I'm content and excited for the weekend, particularly since the weather in Austin looks promising. Maybe enough so to have a sweet picnic like the one in the photo above?

In the spirit of sharing all things beautiful, I present the whimsical, lovely English brand Cabbages & Roses. All of their products, housewares and clothing, are made in England. They seem to be a smaller, more English Anthropologie with more classic details. I fell so madly in love with their look book photos that as you can see, I had a hard time choosing just a few to post on here. So don't mind the extra eye candy!

I would love to nap on that garden bed, or have a meal at that majestic table, or lounge around in one of those adorable chairs. I've seen a lot of B&Bs in Europe with such furnishings, so maybe it's not too far off.

(Thanks to Crimzonite for the tip! Check out her awesome blog here.)

My heart won't let my feet do things that they should do

2010-02-25T15:43:00.000-08:00

I simultaneously love and hate my latest obsession with mid-size black boots:

-Love it because they look consistently amazing and add an edge to any ensemble; dress,oversized T-shirts, skinny jeans & tunics, these shoes have it all covered.

-Hate it because time time last year, I lusted for a pair of neon high top sneakers, and by the time I finally got them (and a decent amount of $$ later) I decided that I was over it. Being that I am a dresses & skirts kinda gal, I found them to be a hard footwear choice to sustain.

But these industrial-style boots have been embraced with gusto for a couple of seasons now, which puts to rest misgivings I have about whether or not I'll actually end up wearing them much.

Check out a great pair by Mulberry, below.

//via Lovemagazine//

//via altamiranyc//

I think my favorite donner of these boots is the ever-stylish Kaya Scodelario, who can be seen sporting them all over London, including on the tele while playing Effy Stonem. The dichotomy of her tiny frame and the klunky boots is just killer.

//via weheartit//

I think they'll also be a practical & ace footwear choice for the fast-approaching SXSW here in Austin. Holler!

PS- This pic of Kaya is reminding me that I should also invest in more eyeliner/dark eye shadow for spring/summer. And go back to blonde. Serious things to ponder, these are.

Listened to the Songbird Yesterday

2010-02-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

via Born Today

I concede that Christy Turlington is about as British as Kraft Velveeta, but I just fell in love with this old photo of her. Doesn't she look like she should be out frolicking about in Somerset, with some pretty lads and puppies trailing right behind her?

Anyway, this photo made me think of this lovely old folksy Oasis tune (yep, you read that right):

Today the way I play the game is not the same

2010-02-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

Let's call this Throwback Thursday. Why not?

So I was going crazy studying for two tests yesterday, and between all the diagrams, definitions & acronyms, couldn't even care to pick music from my sprawling iTunes library. Instead I opted for random, leaving to fate (or an elaborate Apple algorithm) the soundtrack to my studying woes.

Much to my surprise, a song that I had not heard in a good long while started to play: Freedom '90 by George Michael! Hidden within the depths of my "Random Retro" album on iTunes, this tune rocked my world when I first discovered it back in 1995. The models! The angst! The obvious absence of the artist himself! The models! I ate it all up.

I was only acutely aware of the cultural significance of this video with its chock full of super models of the 90s crammed into one space. Of course, the more I watched the video (back then, rewatching meant tedious rewinding of a VHS tape that I managed to copy the video onto...thank God for YouTube!) the more I realized that it was (and still is) an incredibly iconic vid. Even now, can't watch it only once.

Vid here, if you are into that sweet sassy 90s style.

(Well...in spite of all this, this is still my favorite George Michael. Sorry WHAM.

)

Scenes from the Neighborhood

2010-02-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

//Photos courtesy of my dear friend R. Raoof//

It's been a long day of classes, so I haven't had the chance to think much about a Euro-spirations today. Instead, I thought I would share some photos of my neighborhood, Hyde Park. Here in Austin, TX, we enjoyed a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon, with high-70s weather dominating the day.

Come Tuesday, we have snow. Spotty sheets of lovely snow. It's unusual for our city, yes. But it is indeed a wondrous sight to behold.

Off to the gym and then the store to grab ingredients for a meal with some great folks!