Just a little somethin somethin…
(edit: The pic actually makes a pretty decent desktop, hoorah for the unexpected. Hit the pic for the full res)
Lykke Li
There haven’t been many great acts to come out of Sweden, unless you’re an ABBA fan.
But now boys and girls, all that is about to change.
Meet Lykke Li.
She recently played a sold out show earlier this month at the Oxford Art Factory, but unfortunately I missed out on scoring a ticket. So instead of me reviewing her show (because obviously I can’t), I thought I’d just tell you a little bit about her and then you can decide for yourself if you want to check out her sound. J
Li Lykke Timotej Zachrission (born 18 March, 1986 in Stcokholm, Sweden), better known by her stage name Lykke Li, is Sweden’s newest indie pop star.
Lykke Li has been described as an icier Lily Allen mixed with that charismatic but awkward charm of Feist. Her music has been described as a mix of sugary bubblegum pop with a dirty realism of infatuation and some added bits and pieces of soul and electro.
Check out the quirky twenty-one year old performing my favourite track, Dance Dance Dance, with Bon Iver:
Also, she’s been known to do a few covers, recently doing a hip hop cover of Rick Ross’ Hustlin’. Check out this cute cover… Who knew that vulgarity could sound so sweet?
Janelle Monae is cool
When I time it correctly enough RAGE gifts me with gems that I probably wouldn’t have stumbled across.
PS: Peep the Sesame Street reference AND the Haitian is in it
Merry Xmas from the 13 itches!
Just wishing you all a Merry Xmas! Eat up, drink up, wait a bit, do it again… Have fun!
The Wrestler
Premiering in Australia on January 15 2009, Darren Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler” is yet another reason to get excited about the impending “Perfect Storm” of films expected to hit our shores early next year.
This tantalising trailer makes it clear that there is a lot to expect from this film; first and foremost it won the highly coveted “Golden Lion” at this year’s Venice film festival, which is no easy feat. Then there is Aronofsky himself, who shot to prominence in the year 2000 with his 2nd (and best) studio feature “Requiem for a Dream”, a devastatingly tragic look at addiction in contemporary America, ultimately concluding that addiction, is a symptom of the failure of the American dream.
“The Wrestler” also has a particularly “en vogue” support cast, including multi award winning youngster Evan Rachel Wood, and a rejuvenated Marissa Tomei, who follows up on her critically acclaimed performance alongside Phillip Seymour Hoffman in Sidney Lumet’s “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead”, with a Golden Globe nomination for her performance here.
All these things though, are sure to be defiantly eclipsed by one man, in the red, white and blue corner, casting a formidable shadow over the film, stands Mickey Rourke; Hollywood’s favourite prodigal son, who by all accounts, utterly embodies Randy “The Ram” Robinson, in a career defining role that seems to have been tailor made for the resilient 52 year old New Yorker. A former professional boxer, Rourke has had at best a “tumultuous” acting career, but he proved to be a fan favourite in Robert Rodriguez’s “Sin City” and his long journey back to the top seems to have reached its zenith, with critics promising that we are about to witness “The Resurrection of Mickey Rourke…”
The song, by the way, is an original, written for the film by Bruce Springsteen (and nominated for a Golden Globe).
Okley Run by M.I.A
Not for the faint hearted. M.I.A has released a line-up of designs ranging from geometric printed tees to African patterned bomber jackets. If you like this range don’t wear it all at once -the loud, bold colours could give you a headache.
Never-the-less I love wacky stuff like this, the prices range from US $75 - US $210.
Check it out at:
http://shop.miauk.com/category/category-13409-okley-run
OR
http://www.karmaloop.com/vendor.aspx?VendorCode=MIA&bysex=2
N.E.R.D - Sooner or Later
Heres the latest video clip from N.E.R.D’s album Seeing Sounds. The clip is pretty much a commentary on the state of the economy and is directed by the Malloy brothers. The single is probably my favorite from the new album which in my opinion is no way near the standard of their debut In Search Of… Pharrell is still lame but I must say they with the help of Chad Hugo they know how to create some of the most catchiest songs… N.E.R.D are on tour in Australia next year in March.. and I assure you that it will be the mecca of aussie hypebeasts.. the 13 itches will be there to represent.. how lame.. LOL!
Che
Check out the trailer for the highly anticipated Steven Soderbergh film “Che”; the film stars Benicio Del Toro as the iconic Argentinean revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara and has received rave reviews from critics thus far. The film will be released in two parts starting with part 1 “The Argentine” early next year. Del Toro won best actor at the Cannes film festival this year for the role and Soderbergh is a peerless innovator from the directors chair (he won the “Palme d’Or” at Cannes in 1989 for his debut feature “Sex, Lies and Videotape” and the Best Director Oscar in 2000 for “Traffic”) so I firmly believe this will be a must see. The films subject matter is also divisively controversial, with Che Guevara being loved and loathed in equal measure around the world for his revolutionary activities in Guatemala, Cuba and Bolivia. Che was last played by Gael Garcia Bernal in “The Motorcycle Diaries”, which focused on his pre-revolutionary explorations of South and Central America as a young doctor; that was a brilliant film which helped establish the young Che’s motivations, this film however promises to deal with all the controversies and contradictions of the man behind the icon.
Also Soderbergh fans should check out his 2001 remake of the rat pack classic “Ocean’s 11” 8.30 tonight on 9. This film, needless to say did not trouble the Cannes jury as much as some of Soderbergh’s other work, but as a piece of escapism I have always found it to be a trifecta: perfect casting, outstanding direction and an untouchably good screenplay by the talented writer Ted Griffin.
Top Ten
So I entered my first Industrial Design competition a few weeks back, the Reece Bathroom Innovation Award, and the results were published today… Top Ten, heck yeah! Of course everybody wants to win, and with a 10k student first prize there was every reason to go for it. Alas, it was not my time… But I can’t argue with a Top Ten first time round.
10 Deep Mixtape: THE NEW DEAL (mixed by DJ Benzi)
Streetwear aside, 10 Deep can really come up with pretty dope mixtapes. Recently released, DJ Benzi’s “The New Deal Mixtape” features some of the brand’s favorite artists and collaborators. The line up consists of Kid Cudi, Wale, Kidz in the Hall, Kanye, Blaqstarr, Common, Jay-Z, South Rukkas Crew, Santogold, Amanda Blank, Hollywood Holt and much much more. You’ve also got Mark Ronson, 9th Wonder, Diplo on board as producers. To listen, hit it up here. If you’re smart, download it.
Song of choice. Pot of Gold - Wale feat. Daniel Merriweather (Prod. by Mark Ronson).
photo taken from http://10deep.com.
FreshBump
I’m definitely a huge fan of Formatmag.. just because they’ve got great content on their blog. From artist interviews, graffiti, culture&design features, wallpaper to fashion highlights. From what I’ve observed over the years, they just keep uppin’ their game.
Just out of their creative hats, they’ve released a new project called FreshBump.com. In terms of the viewer’s experience, the fresh format is dope. For example, each square grid houses one feature that u can access or “bump”. Click on the link so you know what I mean. A little to the left of their usual content, the site features anything from Advertising to Architecture, Graphic to Industrial Design, Photography, Illustration and the works.
The power of collaboration in effect. Whats the next big thing?
Check it.
photos taken from www.formatmag.com
The Drones live @ the Metro Theatre
The Drones [From left to right: Gareth Liddiard - vocals & guitar; Michael Noga - drums, Fiona Kitschin - bass, Dan Luscombe - guitar] are an Aussie rock band, formed between 1998 - 2000, that have over the past decade gained a strong local and European fan base. Musically the band’s material can be slotted in somewhere between conventional rock and loud, gritty blues. In September, 2008 The Drones released their fourth studio album, Havilah, in Australia, with a worldwide release planned for early 2009. The band at the moment are undertaking a national tour to promote the album, are performing at the upcoming Falls Festival and are scheduled to tour Australia in February, 2009 as part of the St Jerome’s Laneway Festival. On the 24th of October a dear friend of the 13itches, Mitch, and myself were lucky enough to catch The Drones rock The Metro Theatre here in Sydney. The entire show can be seen at moshcam.com but to paint you a little picture of the evening Mitch has been kind enough to lend us these words.
Words: Mitch Crowle. Illustration: Ann Do and Michael Collins. Enjoy.
Walking up the familiar steps of the Metro and heading straight to the bar, ready for the pre-set drink despite our late entrance, the first licks of the Drones new album starter “Nail it down” trickled out the double doors and into the service area. I have heard the Drones being named everything from swamp-rock to apocalyptic nihilists, though this glimpse into the offerings of their new album hints at an optimism not readily available on their previous LPs.
Continue reading ‘The Drones live @ the Metro Theatre’
GHD HQ
A girl’s best friend is no longer a diamond on her finger.
It’s her GHD*.
Well good news girls – the GHD Headquarters in Leeds is now complete! 
Described as more spaceship than corporate (an intentional feature), the futuristic 15,600 sq ft space was designed by careyjones interiors and provides a central location for all lovers of the market-leading styling iron.
The key (and the most talked about) aspect of the stylish and unique space is the creation of a gorgeous reception area with a catwalk.
The project for the Headquarters took two years to plan and develop and this is the end result:
*GHD = makers of the must-have hair straightening iron
NO COMPLY SYDNEY POSTPONED
A bunch of us Itches were looking forward to No Comply tomorrow night but if you have not yet heard…
“The bad news is that the No Comply Sydney show has been postponed until mid January.
The reason behind pushing the show back can pretty much be put down to dust and nearby construction which has rendered the gallery space unusable. It really sucks and trust me we did everything we could to pretend it wasn’t a problem and hoped it would go away. After setting up for 2 days even then with the show 90% completed it was a stretch of the imagination to convince ourselves that it would be fine.
The good news is that the extra time means that we’re getting more new artists on board and pretty much supersizing the show and layout. It’s a small consolation that doesn’t make up for the disappointment but it’s a light at the end of the tunnel. We’re really sorry about the screwup. I’ll have more news after the weekend when we’re worked out exactly how we’re going to play the January show out. Spread the word.”
- Alex Mitchell.
Win Tickets to Days Like This!
Hankering for a festival unlike anything else on the summer calendar?
Then feast your eyes on the line-up for the inaugural Days Like This! Festival, proudly presented by Niche Productions & Waterfall Entertainment Spread across four stages in the first weekend of 2009, Days Like This! will span hip hop, reggae, soul, house and techno.
Heading up the hip hop camp are trail-blazing veterans Public Enemy, flanked by the likes of Atmosphere featuring Brother Ali and Platinum Pied Pipers. It’s an embarrassment of riches for fans of soul, dub and reggae too. With a shared reputation for rousing live shows, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings headline alongside trip-hop originals Morcheeba.
On the DJ side of things, tastemaker extraordinaire Gilles Peterson will grace the decks with MC Earl Zinger on the mic, while Detroit legend Carl Craig leads the deep techno charge and Ninja Tune’s DJ Vadim buddies up with Yarah Bravo. Rounding out the stellar bill areThe DoDos, Eli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves, Yo Majesty, South Rakkas Crew, Katalyst, Flying Lotus, Recloose, Ladi 6, Waajeed, Mark Pritchard & Steve Spacek, Watussi, Spikey Tee & Ritual and Budspells. Plus there’s plenty more still to be announced…
I have the opportunity to do some promo work with Freshin/Days Like This and we have 2 single pass tickets to giveaway - email days@freshin.com before 24/12/08 to win
check out more about the festival at:
http://www.dayslikethis.com.au/
A Fine Frenzy
It seems these days music is cool until everybody “discovers” them.
When that happens, they’ve either “sold out” or become too “hipster”.
I’ve been listening to the music of 22-year-old Allison Sudol. To most, that name won’t ring a bell. But to some, the pseudonym she uses, A Fine Frenzy, just might.
Listing her inspirations and influences from a wide range of artists such as Radiohead, Aqualung, Coldplay, Bjork, Sigur Ros and the like, her sound has been described as ‘hypnotic piano arrangements under classic American melodies’.
Although she sings about the saddest things in life, her melodic voice sends me off to another world, daydreaming of all the beautiful things.
Hailing from Seattle, Sudol is a self-taught pianist and definitely one of the better singer-songwriters to look out for.
Check out Almost Lover - it’s on high rotation on my ipod 
The Woodsman
SBS has a great tradition of broadcasting interesting and important films on free to air TV (especially in comparison to the commercial networks), the trend continues this Saturday night with the TV premiere of Nicole Kassell’s controversial 2004 film “The Woodsman”.
The film’s controversy is derived from the fact that its central protagonist is a convicted paedophile, returning to his life after 12 years in jail, only to find that whilst he is physically free, his mind is still incarcerated in a personal prison of social rejection and self-loathing.
“The Woodsman” dives boldly into the murky depths of the human mind and the film asks a lot of its daring cast (which includes Kevin Bacon, Mos Def, Kyra Sedgwick and Benjamin Bratt) all of whom shine in a controversial film that offers the audience insights into a cold reality, but wisely steers clear of trying to provide excuses for its protagonists behaviour. At the very least this film will provoke discussion and SBS should be commended for showing it; tune in 10pm Saturday night and make up your own minds about this 2004 Sundance Film Festival “Grand jury Prize” nominee.
Yet again David beats Goliath….
This ain’t for the faint-hearted…..
On December 6, 2008 at MGM Grand Garden Arena occurred arguably one of the most memorable upsets in recent boxing history. The fight hailed as the “Dream Match”, was convincingly won by the underrated Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao against the legendary pretty boy Oscar “Golden Boy” De la Hoya.
Continue reading ‘Yet again David beats Goliath….’
Lover
Lover has been slowly institutionalising itself into the wardrobes of Sydney fashionistas over the last 7 years. Creative couple Susien Chong and Nic Briand never fail to produce pieces that are far ahead of the crowd.
Lover’s collections have a vintage and romantic feel. The Spring/Summer 2009 “Love Bomb” is very modern day “little house on the prairie” with billowy smock style dresses; sheer frilly blouses and high waisted shorts in denim and of course, leather!
I love their tweed men’s style blazer which I think every girl should have as a staple in their wardrobe. Absolutely every piece in this collection can be mixed and matched….which I guess is the charm of Lover.
After eyeing pieces from Lover for a couple of years, I finally bought myself some high waisted shorts. Although they did cost a pretty penny, it was worth every cent. Susien Chong has a way with designing for females. The shorts are cut perfectly and are proportioned nicely. At first, the denim was a little stiff but they stretch quickly to mould to your body shape. I own quite a few high waisted items and the lover shorts are by far the most comfortable. Lover’s pieces aren’t the most affordable but having said that, they are classic, well made and just damn right cool! I know I’ll be adding many more pieces to my Lover collection.
For more information on Lover check out www.loverthelabel.com, the site includes a stocklist and also an online store.
Quantam Solace Review
The new James Bond film exploded into cinemas last week accompanied by an overwhelming smokescreen of media hype and hysteria; the end result however is at best, underwhelming. The first ever direct referencing sequel in the almost 50 year history of the franchise, Quantum of Solace was filmed in six different countries (a record for a bond movie) with the principle shooting, as always, being undertaken in the legendary Pinewood Studios in England; despite all this though, Quantum of Solace is most definitely a Hollywood movie.
This film was produced and released at breakneck speed in order to capitalise on the commercial success of Casino Royal, and it shows. Purists are complaining that whilst Quantum of Solace attempts to make several allusions to the classic, early bond movies (Ms Fields lying face down on the bed, covered in oil is a clear reference to the iconic scene from “Goldfinger”, in which Shirley Eaton is left for dead in Bond’s Hotel room after being covered in gold), it also flies in the face of many Bond “traditions”; the film does not feature Miss Moneypenny or Q, Daniel Craig never introduces himself as “Bond, James Bond” and there are no irreverent Bond witticisms uttered in the face of death. The film’s director Marc Foster has confessed to not being a Bond fan at all, and the second unit director Dan Bradley was hired directly because of his work on the “Bourne” films; consequently, Quantum of Solace has a “gritty” realism that makes it feel more like a fourth Jason Bourne movie than the twenty second Bond film.
Continue reading ‘Quantam Solace Review’