Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

It has been over two years since we have heard anything in the way of an album release from Swedish indie singer Lykke Li, but that doesn't mean that I don't still sway my life away to her delightful debut Youth Novels whenever I'm in need for a little bit of sweetness. Guest appearances, EP's and single's for motion picture soundtracks have been enough to tide me over, but with the winter season reaching its end, I'm starting to crave more of Lykke Li's spring time sugary sound.

According to her MySpace blog, Lykke Li has started writing songs for a new album, said to be released... indefinitely. In the meantime though, she put up a free MP3 download on her website, a cover of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.

Coming Home?

So, no one really knows this, but this time next year I have plans to study abroad. If it were to happen, I would chose Toronto - Canada to be my new home away from home. For a number of reasons... Of course, the University I would exchange with has a wonderful law school. But also, I would love to experience an autumnal Canada! Frolicking amongst maple leaves in boots and a scarf, hanging out in bars, and you know, occasionally doing some study... BUT, while I was poking around the websites of some adored artists today, I realised that I will be precisely a year too late! In two days time, Canada's favourite indie pop twins Tegan & Sara will be performing with fellow Canadian songwriter, Dallas Green. If that musical duo isn't enough to convince anyone to pack up and fly to Canada, then I don't know what is.

Feelings of interstate jealousy surface yet again, so I am creating a Dallas and Tegan & Sara playlist for the weekend as we speak!

It's True, I Crave You

Flight Facilities - Crave You.

Warning: It will get stuck in your head!

Treats!

Holly MacCauley from Frankie chats to Alexis from Sleigh Bells about their new album “Treats”.

Tell us why we should buy your record, Treats, how would you describe it in a couple of words?
 
Oh, that’s a tough question. Well, I think you should buy Treats because it is the type of record that you’re going to listen to and you’re going to feel something, it’s an experience, it’s something that will, hopefully, make you want to move and sing along and have fun. It’s a social record, it’s not the kind of record that you want to listen to by yourself in your room, it will make you want to go out and have fun and dance and forget about all the other crap that you normally worry about-or at least that is our goal, that’s what we want people to feel when they listen to Treats.
 
I have the album, and Alexis is right! It's almost impossible not to enjoy every track. The mix of unpredicatble beats and quirky lyrics pull me out of even the foulest of moods. It's certainly a treat.

Oh Sweet Politics

While the rest of the nation patiently await the results of a hung parliament in a state of uncertainty, there is one thing that remains completely certain... My election day cupcakes were incredibly delicious! In retrospect, I probably should have made a batch with expressions of confusion. And I possibly should have included a Bob Brown addition, to represent the seats won by The Greens. Either way though, they were devoured and enjoyed by many!

Dear Cold & Bored Melbourne Folk,

For your next Sunday outing, explore the mind of creative genius Tim Burton by taking a walk through an exhibition dedicated to him, on now (until October) at the Australian Centre for Moving Image. Curated in direct collaboration with Burton, the exhibition allows for a discovery of gothic fantasy and dark humour using original paintings, story boards, puppets, costumes and film. Beginning with his early pieces, and ending with his latest Alice in Wonderland, Burton’s magical work as a director, concept artist, illustrator and photographer should not be missed.

Yours Sincerely,

Sad in Sydney.

P.S. If anyone has already been to this, I would love to know how it was!

April Uprising

John Butler does amazing things for me. Thats all.

Sometimes When Two Things Meet The Most Wonderful Outcomes Arise...

In early 2010, two of my all time loves came together, Tim Burton and Alice in Wonderland.

For as long as I can remember, the story of Alice in Wonderland has captured the very best of my imagination and has taken me on my own weird and whimsical adventures. From the original words of Lewis Carroll to Walt Disney’s animated adaptation, Alice in Wonderland continues to stand as the best example of literary nonsense, which seemed to make complete sense… satisfying my peculiar curiosity. I think it was the abnormal group of anthropomorphic characters and their unanswerable riddles and nonsensical poetry that has resinated the most. The only way it could be better is when re-imagined by one of this centuries most visually arresting directors, Tim Burton. The first look photos released last June and the Mad Hatter’s teaser trailer were only a prelude to what he had to offer. And just as Carroll and Disney had done before him, Burton was able to take me on a magical 3D fantasy adventure down the rabbit hole.

But wait! There is more. Just as I thought my excitement for this dynamical duo had reached its peak, I caught wind of Burton’s post Alice intentions to remake another Disney classic, Sleeping Beauty, said to be entitled “Maleficent”. If what is said is true, Burton will become legend to me. I can only hope he continues to provide these effervescent and imaginative twists on some of my most beloved stories of all time.

Oh, and just quickly. Here is another of my two loves combined. Alice in Wonderland circa 1903 & silent film. Enjoy!

Self-produced & Un-signed

There is a set of three YouTube clips that I just cannot stop watching.

It’s Your Kid Sister, Maia Vidal. On the exterior, she is the epitome of cute. French, percussion, and an adorable hat showcasing her love for wolves and woodlands. But, shining through all this is an effervescent punk rock soul. You see, Your Kid Sister not only writes her own songs, but has a cover EP entitled Poison, where she combines pre-loved Rancid tracks with her alluring vocals, the accordion, a toy piano and endearing artsy type clips.

Check out the YOUR KID SISTER YouTube Channel Here! 

I Wish I Were At Woodstock!

Mary Had A Little Lamb

My new love Lambert!

Boy & Bear

Sydney formed band Boy & Bear were back home last Monday night, riding on the wave of folk artist, Laura Marling, at the Metro Theatre.

From the very opening song, Boy & Bear gave to us whimsical, multi-instrumental folk, complete with melodic vocals and rich harmonies. Each song from their latest EP With Emperor Antarctica was played, as well as some newer unreleased ones, composing an overall ethereal performance.

Rabbit Song was my favourite track of the night. The instrumental arrangement, coupled with Dave Hosking’s meandering vocal lines and completely honest lyrics, as well as the crowd pleasing sing-a-long “wooooohoohoohoooo” made it difficult for any self-respecting music lover to resist joining in.

Their blend of understated alternative country is nothing new, possibly symptomatic of their time spent with Mumford & Sons. But just to change it up, Boy & Bear played for us a new song they had written, “a country song”. Really, I think it was to provide us with an audio accomplice to Dave’s tea-towel shirt.

Dave commented on lack of crowd chatter. And kindly thanked us for listening. It is safe to say that these boys… or bears… are destined for a success beyond our national borders.

It's Only My Opinion

Last Monday night, Sydney’s Metro Theatre was home to one of London’s youngest folk artists, Laura Marling. With her hair scraped back into an effortless bun, Marling matched those of us in the crowd who had just ran and stood through rain and puddles, prior to the show.

I might be a part of this… ripple on water from a constant drip.

The crowd fell into an attentive silence, captivated by her alluring vocal style coupled with the propulsive mix of string instruments and sparring acoustic chords. Though each song was thematically and musically different, each seemed to evoke the same sense of intimacy within. For me, Marling’s poetic lyricism of earlier works revealed a childhood elegy of the most nostalgic type, while songs from I Speak Because I Can guided me through a consideration of many future politics of self. These “old soul” style tracks induced thoughts on more mature topics; of success and failure, of self-direction and self-destruction and of love lost, but also love found. And although incredibly melancholy, each song was delivered with a level of charm, allowing for just the right amount of austere humour and light. Several songs later, and a modest un-encore… I left sharing more than just my year of birth with Marling.

Empowering & Inspiring.

Whisper In My Ear

 
For the simple exchange of an email address, Universal Music & Washington have given us the new track "Swallows" for free download. Although the track does not appear on her eagerly awaited debut album I Believe You Liar, it features the same sweet melodies, narrative type songwriting and quirky nostalgia that we've come to expect of her.

Click HERE for Washington - Swallows

Southbound Sunset Falls...

One of the very first things I heard this morning was a very long and exciting list of artists set to hit our shores at the end of this year, and the beginning of next. Thats right folks, its the first announcement for Marion Bay & Lorne's Falls Festival, as well as Western Australia's Southbound Festival, and Brisbane's Sunset Sounds.

Amongst the headliners for each festival were the international acts; Interpool, Joan Jett, Klaxons, Public Enemy, Peaches, The National, Sleigh Bells, The Rapture & Vampire Weekend's Chris Biao.

Supported of couse by some killer local artists; Angus & Julia Stone, The Living End, Boy & Bear, Jinja Safari, The Beautiful Girls, Cloud Control, Washington & The Jezabels.

Particular feelings of interstate jealousy are surfacing... because of course I live in Sydney. But I think this lineup is the perfect reason for a summer road trip get-away!

Click the links posted below for the full lineup of each festival (I omitted some amazing artists) as well as info on ticketing. 

Southbound Festival   Sunset Sounds   Falls Festival

Songs From The 86 Tram

Beginning tomorrow, the 12th of August, Melbourne lyrical folk artist, The Bedroom Philosopher, kicks off his national tour. Most known for his musical comedy works, Justin Heazelwood is one who would be better seen and heard in person. So, if you’re in the mood for some postmodern, adept acting and fiercely clever comedy, I suggest you head along.

Click HERE for Tickets!

Cupcake Day for the RSPCA!

Starting next Monday the 16th, the RSPCA are hosting their annual cupcake party. Each year, thousands of cupcake cooks from around the nation have joined forces and baked delightful delectables to raise funds for the RSPCA in support of their vital services. You can get involved by hosting your own cupcake party with work and friends, or even by donating online for who you think is the most creative cupcake cook. Either way, Monday is set to be one of the sweetest events of the year.

RSPCA Cupcake Day Registration 

RSPCA Most Creative Cupcake Cook Entries

Imperial Bedrooms

Tonight, Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory was host to American cult novelist, Bret Easton Ellis.

Better known for his transgressive literary works such as Less Than Zero, The Rules of Attraction and American Psycho, Ellis is here in Sydney to present his latest novel, Imperial Bedrooms.

Anyone who is a fan of Ellis’ extreme expressions of opinion through self-destructive delusional youth made their way into town and made a night of it.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend. But from what I heard, there was live music, beer & book signings - a most unique music/literary occasion.

A New Home...

My tumblr page is flourishing as of late. My updates are the furthest from sporadic, and there is actually some real content in there. But, what I am lacking is the ability to find and follow some truly amazing blogs with words, instead of just the constant reblogging of pretty pictures on tumblr. So here I am. Ready and willing to start yet another online life. This will be a personal blog, so each and every post is a direct reflection of personal thoughts and feelings. I look forward to writing more!