For You

G'day, hi, how are you? Channelling Julia Gillard, right there. Anyway! What's been happening this week? Not much. I've been listening to heaps of music, watching a few movies. I started back at uni on Monday, got hit it the head by a bird, and ate a lot of chocolate. But that's beside the point. I'm going to try a sort of new format where I can recommend a lot of different things to you in one post. Like, film, music, writing, photography, etc etc.

BLUE VALENTINE

Not long ago, I watched a really lovely film called Blue Valentine, which stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. Both are very brilliant actors, and play their characters here excellently. What I loved most about this movie was its dialogue. It felt like such an honest portrayal of a story such as this, and its outcome was just so realistic that it's hard to fault. As well as this, the style in which it's filmed is just lovely, and the cinematography is, in my opinion, wonderful. It's a rather serious film, and at times, very intense, but there are some moments which are very light-hearted and funny. Overall, I'd say it was a great film, and definitely one I would recommend.

WHITE FANG - THE CALL OF THE WILD

This book, The Call of The Wild, written by Jack London, is a pretty great story. And, while it's not exactly a page-turner and it took me an age to finish reading, the concept is really cool. It follows the story of a wolf cub, named White Fang, and it's told through his point of view. Really interesting stuff. Give it a read if that kind of thing is your kind of thing.

Port O'Brien - I Woke Up Today

See, the thing I love about this song, is that the band just looks like they're having an absolute blast. I discovered them quite a while ago, but there's a commercial that's airing on TV right now that a little part of this song features in, so you might recognise it from that. Either way, give it a listen. I guarantee you'll wish you owned a shark suit afterwards.

Ida Maria - Oh My God

A song from the lovely Norwedgian lady who brought us 'I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked', this song's clip is funky and heaps of fun. You'll find youself bopping your head along, I promise.

8TRACKS

Lastly, I've found a new website to be addicted to that's called 8tracks, where you can listen to handcrafted playlists, and even make your own. Just search genres or artists or things, and there'll be plenty of playlists for you to listen to. I have an account which you can visit here. Enjoy!

Musical Recommendation: Week 16

Jeez, Sweden! What’s up with you and making awesome folksy music?! Honestly, if I come across just one more great Swedish band, I’m going to have to pack up and move there.



Let me introduce you to Johanna and Klara Söderberg, sisters from Stockholm, who together, form the lovely band known as First Aid Kit. I’ve chosen three songs of theirs today, the first being ‘Tangerine’, which was the first demo they sent away to a radio station a few days ago. It’s a live SXSW recording, and it’s pretty good. The next is another live recording of Fever Ray’s song ‘When I Grow Up’, which the sisters covered for a Triple J Like A Version performance. The last song is titled ‘Hard Believer’ and has a great film clip. So I hope you enjoy these lovely folk ladies, and have a grand day!

Musical Recommendation: The Swinging 60's

Since I've been unbelievably slack with my posting these last couple weeks, I've prepared something a little special to make up for it. After speaking to my grandparents about the music they listened to when they were younger, I discovered that we had more in common musically than I had once thought. While these songs I have for you today aren't all the one's that they told me about, they come from the musical era that they liked best; the 60's.

The Kinks - All Day and All of The Night

The Animals - Gotta Get Out of This Place

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Purple Haze

The Beatles - Helter Skelter

Voyage: Sweden

Sweden, I adore you.

Peter Bjorn And John - Norrlands Riviera

The Swedish language makes me feel so at peace. Listening to this track makes me instantly relax. It's as though it transports me to a tiny coffee shop, down a poky street, somewhere in Sweden. It's freezing cold and I sip hot drinks all day long. These fellows Peter Bjorn and John are kind of like the essential listening of the Swedish music world, and so I couldn't bear to leave them out.

Vera Vinter – Drömde Om Dig

This is a lovely song by a relatively unknown artist, a lady named Vera Vinter. She comes from a tiny town in Northern Sweden, and this song features some beautiful guitar and wonderful vocals. However, keep in mind that this is an amateur recorded, live clip, and so quality of sound is not excellent.

The Tallest Man On Earth – Where Do My Bluebird Fly

A beautiful live recording of singer-songwriter Kristian Mattson performing live for a Seattle radio station. Becoming more well-known on an international level, The Tallest Man On Earth has released two studio albums and two EP’s over the last four or five years. Mattson has been an opening act for UK band Mumford & Sons, and shares a similar sound. He has also been compared to Bob Dylan, and is a skilled multi-instrumentalist.

 

Fever Ray – When I Grow Up

I love this song’s film clip, and its sound and lyrics. Karin Dreijer Andersson, otherwise known as Fever Ray, seems like such a peaceful and gentle person in this song. She is also the lead vocalist for Swedish brother-sister duo The Knife, whose song Heartbeats was covered by fellow Swede José González, both of which are fantastic.

Lykke Li - I Know Places

A Live performance ‘From the Moon’, Lykke Li releases yet another beautiful song. She always sings with such raw emotion, yet her voice sounds so strong and powerful. I can’t say much else about this incredible musician, except for that I love her.

Fanny Whale - Tim and His Love

Lastly, an unsigned artist, who I so hope makes it big. She's got such a lovely voice, kind of reminiscent of Soko, and some awfully cute lyrics. Also, she plays the ukulele, and that's pretty great. This is such a lovely little song!

Musical Recommendation: Week 15

Augie March are my new musical obsession. I've always liked them, now, I love them. You'd most probably know them from this song, One Crowded Hour. But I'll also recommend Vernoona, Heartbeat And Sails, and The Slant. Also, a great song of theirs called Bottle Baby, which I can't find a video for.
So enjoy!

Musical Recommendation: Week 14

This time, I've just got two songs with really cool film clips for you. Of course, I could put together a ridiculously long list of them, but instead I'm just posting a couple that've caught my eye lately.

First, we have Darwin Deez with DNA

And secondly, The Leisure Society, with This Phantom Life

Birth Decade Blues

If I could choose any decade to have been born into, I’d definitely choose the 50’s. And my birthplace would preferably have been the US. That way, I could have been in my teenage years for the Woodstock Festival. (Yes, I have put extensive thought into this matter)

For those of you who don’t know, Woodstock was probably the greatest music festival EVER, with over 500,000 in attendance, and over 30 performers. It took place in August of 1969, at the small town of Bethel, New York, on Max Yasgur’s dairy farm. The festival was largely organised by Michael Lang; at the time, being 25 years old. After investing millions of dollars, in the festival’s organisation, the Woodstock Ventures was forced to relocate the concert, and, after much debate, voted to make the festival a free event due to a greatly increased number of attendees making their way towards the small town. The Woodstock Music & Art Fair, promised “3 days of peace & music”, and most would say, it delivered. In many accounts of the festival, it’s clear that it was truly an incredible place have been. For a great look at the Woodstock atmosphere, watch Taking Woodstock. I’d also recommend reading The Road to Woodstock, Michael Lang’s autobiography for his account of the organisational side of the festival, but also to learn the story of a very interesting and inspirational man.

So basically, the fact is, that it makes me desperately sad that there’s no event like this in the present day. Which is why sometimes I wish I’d been born in a different era. Of course, there are many reasons why I love living at this time, too, but I’ll bet I’m not alone in sometimes wishing I’d been born in a completely different time and place.

Musical Recommendation: Week 13

Here we are again. It's Wednesday, Hump Day, and I'm bringing you your regular cup of music.
Actually, uh, as far as I know, it's not possible to put music into a cup, but I don't think I care.

SO HERE'S YOUR WEEKLY CUP:

It's Kimbra. She's an Australian artist, and she's charmingly quirky and cute. I also love her hair and her dresses. The music she creates just makes me want to dance, like in her film clips: crazily.

Voyage: Australia

Since Blogger's been really mean to me over the last couple of days, and not let me log in, I've had plenty of time to think of new ideas for things I can post for you guys. One of these, was a sort of a musical tour around the world, which I shall call Voyage. I'm pretty excited about it, because it means I get to find new music from every country around the world! Woohoo!

Since I already post a fair bit of music, I'm just going to make this a fortnightly thing; one country every 2 weeks. One a week was too many, and one a month would've taken me forever!

My Voyage starts in Australia, which is pretty logical, since that's where I'm from... So here we go!

AUSTRALIA

I realise how hard it is to define one country's music in just a few songs, but that's not really what I'm trying to do. What I'm doing is bringing you any music from whichever country I choose. So for Australia, I've chosen 5 songs from very different bands and artists.They're all great for different reasons, and I'll explain those as I go through the music.

The 5 Australian artists I've chosen are: Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, The Temper Trap, Powderfinger, John Butler, and Augie March.

Geoffrey Gurumul Yunupingu is an amazing musician. I chose this song, 'History (I Was Born Blind)' because it has a great story, and his voice is just incredible. It's one of his best songs, and it's one that can be listened to over and over again.

This song by The Temper Trap, 'Fader', represents travelling around Australia, and it represents friendship. It's a driving song, or it makes a good one anyway; perfect for a roadtrip with your friends. Whether you're travelling west, or along the coast, it's such a feel good song, and it's a must have when you're travelling around Australia.

This is a fantastic song by Powderfinger, calles 'Sunsets'. They're a Brisbane band, who've been around for ages, but recently, after many years of success, Powderfinger have called the quits and gone their seperate ways. This is a live recording from from their last Sunsets Tour, at the Riverstage in Brisbane, Queensland. I chose this video, because I was there, and I'm telling you, it was an awesome night. These guys are incredible live, and it was great to be at one of their last shows.

This is John Butler solo, playing 'Ocean'. It's such an impressive and beautiful piece of music, and it's pretty cool that just one guy can do so much with one guitar.

This song 'One Crowded Hour', by Augie March is just great. That's about all I have to say about it. Just a great show of talent.

Musical Recommendation: Week 12

This week, Bon Iver. He writes great, obscure, brilliant, lovely lyrics, plays the guitar most awesomely, and has a beautiful voice. Here we go!

'Woods'

'Blood Bank'

'Skinny Love'

Musical Recommendation: Week 11

Today, I present you with the very charming SoKo!

She's french, and she's very cute, and I just love her music!

First, there's this song, called 'I'll Kill Her'.

And then, 'I Will Never Love You More'.

Lastly, a cute fan-made video for 'Take My Heart'.

The Greatest Festival on Earth

Well, not so long ago, when the Splendour In The Grass festival lineup came out, I found myself feeling mildly depressed (As I usually am when they announce their acts). These festivals honestly have the best lineups ever. Unfortunately though, tickets are over $500 for the 3 or so days it goes over. This is the main reason why I'm convinced I'll never actually make it there.

 

Instead, I've dreamt up my own festival, which I'll call "THE FESTIVAL OF MY DREAMS".
It would never happen, I know, since some of the bands and musicians are either dead or elderly these days. BUT JUST YOU IMAGINE!

 

The Festival of My Dreams would run over 6 days, near the beach. There'd be trees too. Plenty of 'em.

 

AND IT WOULD BE FREE.

WHO'S EXCITED NOW?!

 



THE LINE UP

 

Day One

The Cat Empire

Amy Winehouse

Dan Sultan

Cat Power

Gotye

The Jezabels

The Stranglers

Washington

Day Two

Grouplove

The Drums

Andrew Bird

Boy & Bear

José González

Arcade Fire

Augie March

The Beach Boys

Cloud Control

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

John Butler Trio

Mumford & Sons

Josh Pyke

The Temper Trap

Lady of the Sunshine

The Mamas & The Papas

Old Man River

Noah & The Whale

John Lennon

Day Three

Hilltop Hoods

Tame Impala

Cage The Elephant

Tegan & Sara

Pearl Jam

The Animals

Bluejuice

Foo Fighters

The Grates

The Strokes

Modest Mouse

Philadelphia Grand Jury

Powderfinger

The White Stripes

Smashing Pumpkins

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Day Four

Hungry Kids of Hungary

The Middle East

Busby Marou

Fleet Foxes

The Beautiful Girls

The Swell Season

Belle & Sebastian

Bon Iver

Darren Hanlon

Grizzly Bear

Regina Spektor

The xx

Radiohead

Day Five

Yeasayer

Peter Bjorn & John

Yves Klein Blue

MGMT

Dirty Projectors

Fatboy Slim

Lykke Li

Operator Please

Florence & The Machine

Tune-Yards

Queen

Day Six

Ball Park Music

Ok Go

The Cure

Jamie T

The Doors

Eels

Cake

Beck

Joy Division

The Beatles



Musical Recommendation: Week 10

Hello lovely people!
Hope you're doing well.

Today, after much deliberation, I've decided that Josh Pyke is the way to go. Mostly because he's incredibly talented and makes wonderful, wonderful music, but also partly because I have a teensy crush on him. (As I do with most musicians. A good example of who I don't have a crush on, are the members of Twisted Sister.) Now, I'm aware this isn't new music, but it is great music. So there.

Anywho! There's an abundance of Josh Pyke songs which I could recommend, but I'll choose three. Okay... four.

I'll start with this one: 'The Summer'
Chosen because it's just a great song, the lyrics are beautiful, and the film clip is really well done.

I was a little reluctant about using this video for the nect one, which is 'Sew My Name'.
The reason why, is that it's usually such a beautiful song. Except for in this clip, there's some idiot singing backup and he's totally ruining it. So I'm sorry that this is a somewhat disappointing taste of this song, but if you have the chance, find an official clip, and listen, listen, listen!

The next one is one of my most favourites, and it's called 'Middle of the Hill'.

And lastly, probably my very favourite song of Josh Pyke's., 'Where Two Oceans Meet', which, unfortunately, has no official film clip. So I'm going to sort of plug my friend Romy's blog (which is really good) here, and use a video that she made herself.

A Short Film

This is a short film I've been working on lately, comprised of over a thousand photographs of my friends and I. Just to be clear, the song isn't mine. I wish it was, but unfortunately, no, it belongs to Darren Hanlon. Who, incidentally, I love.
Enjoy!

Musical Recommendation: Week 9

It's Wednesday, Wednesday, gotta get down on-
No, don't worry, I'll never break out into Rebecca Black's 'Friday' ever, EVER again.
My apologies.

Anyway, it is Wednesday, and therefore time for another musically educational post.
This week, I have a song that's a couple of years old now, but awesome nonetheless. It's actually by a Brisbane band called Yves Klein Blue. I sort of love them. A lot.

So here's their song called 'Make Up Your Mind'. Enjoy the film clip too! It's really good!

Musical Recommendation: Week 8

This week's recommendation comes a week early, as means of apologising for last weeks being a day late. It wasn't my fault, I swear...

Anyway, I haven't been able to stop listening to this song since a friend of mine told me about it. So here it is! 'Bizness' by tUnE-yArDs. And this week, an official video, too! Oh, and if you click THIS, you can get a free mp3 of the song!

Musical Recommendation: Week 7

This week I've got a song for you that's fairly old. It's by The Stranglers, and it's called 'Golden Brown'. I first heard it when I watched a movie called He Died With A Felafel In His Hand, a favourite of mine. It's also been featured in a few other movies, and it's just a great song. No more blabbering, here's your music.

Pogo

Well, I've just been introduced by a friend of mine, to this great Australian DJ called Pogo. He remixes sound clips and samplings from films (lots of Disney ones!) and turns them into songs! It's pretty cool. Usually I'm not into that whole electronic thing, but as a closet (or not so closet) Disney fan, I sort of love this.

My favourite one is actually from a Pixar film. UP!
Enjoy!

PS: This is not this week's Musical Recommendation.

10 Best - March

The Ten Best Songs for Strutting Down the Street To:

You’ve all had a moment when you’re walking down the street with your headphones in, and it feels like you belong in a movie or a music video clip or something. There are tell-tale signs. You start walking to the beat, you straighten your back, put your chin up a little, see if anyone’s watching. You even bounce in your step a little bit. Basically, you just feel pretty damn good. So, if you’re stuck for a song to strut to, here’s my list.

1.       Eels – Fresh Blood

2.       Pixies – Hey

3.       Cake – Short Skirt/Long Jacket

4.       The Cat Empire – Hello

5.       Kaiser Chiefs – Never Miss A Beat

6.       OK GO – Here It Goes Again

7.       The White Stripes – Ball And Biscuit

8.       Philadelphia Grand Jury – Going To The Casino (Tomorrow Night)

9.       The Doors – Touch Me

10.   Wiley – Cash In My Pocket (feat. Daniel Merriweather)

Musical Recommendation: Week 6

Originally, I wanted to share this one with you last week, but instead I just ummed and ahhed about whether it was... well, the right thing to do, I suppose. But this week, I decided that it was definitely the way to go.

So here we have Robin Pecknold, of Fleet Foxes, with 'I'm Losing Myself'. I'll apologise now for not being able to give you an actual film clip for it.

The track also features the very wonderful Ed Droste, as well, who is the frontman of Grizzly Bear, a favourite band of mine. The combination of their voices is just magical, in my opinion. And it makes for a beautiful song. I won't blab on about it for too long this week. Let's get into the music.