Why would a 7 piece ska band devote 2 months of their time to tour across the United States, crammed in a 1958 charter bus with a monki-punk band from South Africa, then jump from country to country in Europe, meeting incredible people and seeing incredible places all the while going through 4 different drummers? The answer lies within this 5-episode series. one.too packed a bag, grabbed a video camera, a music player with headphones, and a skateboard and went on this 2 month extravaganza ~ documenting along the way.
Archive for the ‘One World’ Category
Regatta 69 Extravaganza – Episode 05 – Part I
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010The Alternative Fashion Show 2009
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Back from the first day of the Alternative Fashion Show at Spitalfields Market, London. This is the place where young new designers can show their collections and hope to be discovered.
The audience was eclectic and lively; the designs ranged from entertaining to dreamy; the models were not stick thin; the surrounding market stalls were teeming with clothes and accessories to buy and there were plenty of places to eat. All in all, a great day out.
What was showing on the catwalk?:
Shuttlecocks to be the next hair accessory??? Well I hear pompoms are to be a hit as this autumn/winter trend so why not shuttlecocks? These were featured in City & Islington College’s collection who took their inspiration from the ”Fashion Vs Sports” exhibition at the V&A. White lace tights, white lace skirts / blouses, pink t shirts and white lycra shorts – all teamed up with the pink and white shuttle cocks giving a cute fun girlie feel.
Victorian Goth made an appearance in Gemma Garnham’s collection. Lots of black lace, black leather, long white cotton shirts all worn with macho flat boots. The leather kept the look sultry, the lace feminine and the boots edgy. Loved the exaggerated puff on the sleeves.
Spooky black or white masks were worn by both male and female models in Manjit Sangha’s debut collection called unprecious & unruly, the backstabbers of couture. White t-shirts sported designs and large American football style shoulders; leggings or cycle shorts were mostly black wet look; and the jewellery was large square or triangular plain cardboard boxes worn as bangles.
Rubberwear caused a stir in Robert Miller’s Pretty Pervy collection. Styles included a peplum jacket and pencil skirt, Wild West saloon style dress and body con dresses. The models were plus sizes, oozed sexual confidence and looked like they were having a good time.
After all that hot rubber, Laura Booty’s collection was a cool romantic breeze of loosely flowing dresses embellished with discarded nick-knacks and unwanted rubbish as an alternative to gems. Recycling at its most glamorous.
Men were not forgotten – Aaron Ray Dowie went for “Lord of the Estate” country elegance. Colours were brown and neutrals – fit for a Duke.
Punk rock meets prima ballerina was brought by Cassie Kogler from New York. Not so sure about the gold metal embellished leggings – you have to have very skinny legs to pull them off.
Knitwear never looked so sexy. Amelia Palmer’s collection certainly did with its intricate pleats and folds. Loved the cardigans.
Amazonian rainforest hues were the colours for Chantal Gibbs-Jones evening dresses. Her designs exaggerated and enhanced the female silhouette. You’d definitely be the Belle of the Ball in one of these creations.
I had my favourites, but the question is who will be the fashion industry’s favourite?
Karen Grace – Personal Shopper & Image Consultant for frumpy to funky.
Call for consultations on 07787 800 390
More details through the website: www.frumpytofunky.com
frumpy to funky was established by Karen Grace, an affiliate member of the Federation of Image Consultants.
Karen has studied Personal Styling at the London College of Fashion and received her professional training in one of the London’s leading Image Consultancy training centre.
More details can be seen on www.frumpytofunky.com
MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE ”Never Wanted To Dance” w/ Lyrics (Combichrist Electrohurtz Remix)
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010+ MSI + Never Wanted To Dance (Combichrist Electrohurtz Remix) + Never Wanted To Dance – The Remixes (ORIGINAL VERSION APPEARS ON ”IF”) ======================================= MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE (commonly referred to as MSI) is an American punk rock band, formed in New York City in 1997. Their music has a mixed style including electronica, punk and industrial metal. Their name comes from the CD ”Mindless Self-Indulgence”, a solo album by Jimmy Urine recorded in the mid 1990s. + For More Need For Speed UNDERCOVER Songs Subscribe To My Playlists ======================================= + More Stuff On: www.mindlessselfindulgence.com www.combichrist.com www.amazon.com + All credit goes to EA and MSI =======================================
TILT – WAR ROOM – PUNK ROCK LEGEND
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010Cinder Block, born Cindy Morgan, is an American punk rock vocalist and visual artist. Cinder sang for Fat Wreck band, Tilt from 1992 to 2001. E neste período revolucionou meu conceito sobre música
From the Chippy to the Catwalk – Agyness Deyne
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Born Agnes Hollins in the North of England, Agyness Deyne worked in a chip shop before becoming one of Britainâs hottest models. Fashion designer Henry Holland grew up with her and remains her best friend, âI used to buy my chips from her every Friday,â he admits, âWhen we were about 14 she was a bit of a scally, but she always got loads of attention.â
A Distinctive Beauty
Tall and androgynous with a shock of platinum blonde hair, Deyneâs distinctive look is reminiscent of Edie Sedgwick. Her position as one the UKâs most exciting models was confirmed by an appearance on the cover of Italian Vogue in November 2006, followed by American Vogue in May 2007 and British Vogue in June 2007.
Britainâs biggest Fashion hope?
Deyne has appeared in high profile advertising campaigns for the likes of Armani, Burberry, Cacharel and Mulberry, appearing as the face of the latter alongside the legendary Karen Elson. She is also the face of Henry Hollandâs renowned House of Holland label.
A naturally photogenic girl, she has been photographed by some impressive talent, including Bruce Weber and Mario Testino. Lively and dramatic, she is particularly fond of the more theatrical shows and shoots. The results of which can be seen in her wonderfully outlandish work for both John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood.
Deyneâs striking looks have also proven to be a hit on the catwalk. While Giles Deacon cites her as his favourite model, she also walked most of the major Spring/Summer 2007 catwalks, including those by Luella Bartley, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, Michael Kors and more.
Life off the Catwalk
Effortlessly cool, Deyneâs personal style will also have every fashionista drooling. Playfully punk, she thinks nothing of teaming masculine brogues with a delicate dress and colourful tights. Sheâs also a fan of leggings, bold prints and eye-catching make up, all of which will be winging their way onto the high street as Deyne cements her reputation as a style icon.
Her boyfriend, Josh Hubbard, plays in Indie band The Paddingtons and Deyne admits that she too would have liked to pursue a career in music. She cites her favourite bands as the Moldy Peaches, X Ray Spex, Jeffrey Lewis and of course, The Paddingtons.
The next Kate Moss?
An ardent tea drinker, she is tipped to be the next Kate Moss and she is certainly becoming the brightest star in British fashion. Christopher Kane, a London-based fashion designer, is just one of the fashion industry insiders who believe Agyness could be the next big thing. He said: âEvery decade, there is a girl of the moment and, right now, that moment belongs to Agyness.”
Biography
Tania Machowska is a former model with experience of catwalk and catalogue modelling. She loved being a model escort in Paris, with trips as an escort in Cannes for a Nice escort agency.
Star Fucking Hipsters Kingston 4
Monday, March 8th, 2010Star Fucking Hipsters filmed at Kingston Fighting Cocks, July 31 2009 part 4 of 5 Two Cups of Tea The Path is Paved more to come… oh, and it’s Kingston in the UK, not Kingston JA, just in case anyone is confused… Star Fucking Hipsters are currently on tour in the UK up til August 7 – check their myspace for dates www.myspace.com/starfuckinghipsters
Musical Artists that Died Young Pt. 2
Monday, March 8th, 2010
Hank Williams, 29 years old
Evidence that the old timers lived hard too, Hank Williams, arguably one of the greatest songwriters ever, was pronounced dead on January 1, 1953 after he was found to be dead in the back seat of his Cadillac due to heart failure reportedly from mixing alcohol and barbiturates. To make the matter even more sad, Williamsâ daughter was born only five days after his death, and the final single he released was titled âIâll Never Get Out of This World Alive.â Despite his often clean cut country image, Williams led a rough life, with numerous marriages and serious addictions to alcohol, morphine and painkillers. One canât deny the influence Williams has had not only on country music, but on music in general. His song structures and love ballads are still seen as the blueprint for popular music today, and without him music could very well be in a very different place. He will be missed, but thankfully he was extremely prolific during his short life, recording hundreds of songs for new and old fans alike to listen to and learn from.
Robert Johnson, 27
A strange, mythic figure, Robert Johnson was said to have possessed skills at playing Delta blues far advanced than any other living person. Consistently ranked as one of the best guitar players ever, Robert Johnson lived in a time before the internet, before you could find out everything you ever wanted, and didnât want, to know about you favorite artist. As director Martin Scorsese said about the man: “The thing about Robert Johnson was that he only existed on his records. He was pure legend.” And the music that Johnson did make was brilliant, dark, morbid, strange and often downright depressing. The blues is inherently a depressing genre, but Johnson seemed haunted by something deeperâwhich only fuelled the rumors that Johnson had met the devil at a crossroads in Mississippi who offered Johnson incomparable blues skills for his soul. In the distance a train horn sounded and Johnson’s skills manifested. Johnsonâs death further added to his mythic status, as he was reportedly poisoned by the owner of a juke joint which Johnson was frequenting, and where he reportedly flirted with the ownerâs wife. The next morning Johnson was bedridden and his condition steadily worsened and he was pronounced dead after three days. Did the devil come back to claim what was his?
Ian Curtis, 23
Itâs hard to imagine that Ian Curtis was only 23 when he watched Werner Herzogâs film âStroszek,â listened to Iggy Popâs âThe Idiotâ and then hung humself in the kitchen of his England house. Itâs hard to imagine that he was only 23 because the music and art that Curis put out in his short life was full of such mature and intelligent feelings on relationships, depression and the state of the world. With the two albums Curtis recorded with Joy Division he made a legacy as the leader of a new crop of âpost-punkâ artists who created a doomy atmosphere in their music that often reflected the abandoned warehouses and darkness of their British surroundings. Curtis not only put his city of Manchester on the map (it would have its musical heyday during the height of the Hacienda nightclub in the late 80s) but influenced innumerable singers and songwriters who dealt with dark issues backed by somber lyrics. Curtisâ life is still shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding, but at least we have the word he left behind to remember him by.
Alan McGee is a freelance writer from MN.
The making of Green Day: American Idiot [1/2]
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
Panda Transport Releases Plush Mechanique, Including “Transmission” As Heard On Grey’s Anatomy
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
Panda Transport is set to make a big splash in the US this fall, releasing “Plush Mechanique”, their latest LP with a new distribution deal with IODA. With the single “Transmission” already featured on Grey’s Anatomy, it’s just a matter of time before Panda Transport rises to prominence. After seeing success in Europe with multiple hit songs, glowing reviews and prominent placements on television, Panda Transport is pushing into the American market with “Plush Mechanique” and a new EP, “Monorail”, to be released this fall.
“Wondrous music!!!!!! They were so good, so sweet, so darn good! I’m still smiling…really.” -NME
“Plush Mechanique” defines the Panda Transport sound – a melange of electronic and natural instrumentation utilizing vocal harmonies, theremin, flute, vocoder, wooden and wired guitars, handmade percussion, synths and a trolley full of toys and light! A bit more natural sunlight than well- placed studio lighting; it is human music for human people.
Panda Transport was conceived in September of 2006 by Kathy Compton and Thierry Holweck. After meeting and becoming friends via the Information Super Highway, pen pal style, they began work in earnest to record material for the debut album, “Plush Mechanique”.
Kathy wanted to be a pussycat, a witch, or an astronaut; Thierry, alone in a boat or a shepherd in the Alps. She became a chanteuse and writer of jazz and pop; he, a punk electro-experimental musician and virtual faders master. They are polar opposites drawn together by their shared desire to explore the unknown. Their meeting was a twist of fate; their musical creation is a twist of cultures, experiences, influences and personalities.
A by-product of the global village, Panda Transport creates music where jazz phrasing, coupled with engaging melodies is set within a soundscape of harmony and fleeting sounds; astral lounge. Their passion for Voyaging remains central to their bi-continental lifestyle, most compositions being created on the road in Europe or The States, in yurts and ancient silk factories, utilizing a dilapidated laptop with its organs busting out.
Be on the lookout for Panda Transport’s new EP “Monorail” this fall, as well as upcoming tour dates in the US!
To learn more about Panda Transport visit them at:
http://www.myspace.com/pandatransport or
http://www.pandatransport.com
MusicDish LLC is a veteran internet company that is composed of several divisions designed to help both indie artists and business professionals expand their reach in the digital world.
Worst Albums of the Year 2009
Saturday, March 6th, 2010
Chris Brown – Graffiti
If the entire assault and battery charges against his then girlfriend, Rihanna hadn’t happened, this album probably wouldn’t have been given such terrible reviews. It’s not a very good album but it’s not a terrible album either. The fact is that it is just another boring R&B album talking about money, clothes and Mercedes parts that fails to address the situation that Chris Brown finds himself in. Rihanna on the other hand took to the issue head on with her dark, experimental and introspective new record that was released on the same day as Brown’s Graffiti. Too bad Brown didn’t use the negative publicity of the incident to put out a unique record that wasn’t full of faceless and largely obnoxious R&B.
Kris Allen – Kris Allen
The American Idol runner-up is going to have a hard time breaking out of this boring and likable pretty-boy image that his people have boxed him into. There is nothing unique or special about his debut record, and its biggest fault is that Allen doesn’t have much of a personality. The 13 soft rock tracks on the record fail to do anything to excite or innovate the genre and fine Allen floating along a little too comfortably. At least Adam Lampert has the guts to throw in some glam and 70s hard rock influences into his record. Allen could have a good record in him if he broke free of his boring, everyman image and actually wrote some clever tunes.
Tokio Hotel – Humanoid
I’m still waiting for this band to fall off the face of the earth, and hopefully, with the critical hate pounded on this record, it is sooner rather than later. This ugly German band rode high on the teen-pop moment of Disney’s Highschool Musical stars and the Jonas Brothers, banking on their emo hair styles and piercings to set them apart and endure them to the slightly more edgy teenagers. Their music is a shiny mix of pop-punk and soaring wannabe emotional theatrics that come off as cloying and robotic, but maybe that is the point. There are catchy melodies but these guys are going to have a tough time reconciling their image when they age a few years.
Alan McGee is a freelance writer from MN.
