Oh Hey 2012

It's been a while. You're looking good, I'm looking good, we're both bitching about Canberra's 'summer' but secretly feeling a little glad that the doona is back on the bed at night.

I’ve two videos for you today my loves. They are two of my favourite songs of 2011 and represent some aspects of what I hope 2012 will be.

The first: Amanaemonesia by Chairlift.



A bit like this video clip, I’m going to do things differently this year. Lycra-onesies, octopus fingers, ethereal harmonies and the type of energy that can only be found dancing on what looks to be a giant tongue; this year I’m really taking life by the balls. Or living via my sensory system. Either way, it’s going to be wild.

The second: Savage Night at the Opera by Destroyer



I’m head over heels crazy about the man who pointed me in the direction of Destroyer’s album Kaputt after showing me this video clip. This song (as well as his charming self) is simply marvellous. It’s a song that makes me feel content, mellow and joyous. You know that it’s constantly moving in a good direction and that there are no unpleasant surprises coming in its structure or melody that could destabilise your happy journey. This year I’m letting myself feel content, safe and genuinely happy. This video clip is beautiful.

Happy 2012! I’m going to make an effort to be more present.

Xx

Bjork: Clearly some kind of wizard

Wow. Bitch be crazy but clearly she is some kind of wizard. This is magical.




Way to rock Michel Gondry.

Everything, Everyone, Everywhere, Ends

Has anyone else noticed the game people are playing on Facebook at the moment? Where someone posts a year on a friend's page and in response the friend fills their status with corresponding memories? I’m going to steal this concept, only instead of writing about specific years, this week I’m going to write about things that had a profound impact on me; the type of impact that can only occur during adolescence.

The first thing I want to share with you is the HBO series Six Feet Under.

Julia Millionaire introduced me to the series when I was in year 11. It made a huge impact on me then, and after watching the final season again this weekend, I can see why.

Six Feet Under is superbly scripted and shot. Each episode has at least one line that makes you sit and reflect on your own life. It sounds a little naff, but the series really is a celebration of life. From birth to death it reiterates the unbelievable fact that we have total control over our lives and consequentially our happiness.

"I’m just saying you only get one life. There’s no god, no rules, no judgments. Except for those you accept or create for yourself and once its over, its over. Dreamless sleep forever and ever. So why not be happy while your here?

Really. Why not?"

It’s so easy to forget how much choice we actually have over our happiness, and so easy to feel trapped or not act on what we’re really feeling due to fear. Six Feet Under reminds me of this, and accordingly hits me hard. Really hard.

"All we have is this moment, right here, right now. The future is just a fucking concept that we use to avoid being alive today.

So, be here now"

When I first watched Six Feet Under I had no idea what I wanted to be, what direction I wanted to go in, or who I was. I lived in a state of constant fear not believing myself to be good enough for anyone or anything, wondering when my friends and family would figure it out. This weekend while watching the final season again I realised that the way I’m living completely reflects what I want. I've somehow ended up in a job I adore, I’m honest and open about how I feel and I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by people I love. Lordy, how self-actualised.




Whether it’s because the television show is incredible, or whether it’s due to where I’m up to in my cycle, Six Feet Under really packed a punch this afternoon. A lot has changed since 2005 when its final episode aired, but my reaction to it certainly hasn’t. I’m not going to lie, I was a blubbering wreck.




Anyone else find it somewhat hilarious that Alan Ball went on to create True Blood?

Mad Crush Monday: Noel Fielding

I've been meaning to write about how my friends and I have just rediscovered the Mighty Boosh and then I found this...

...and I had an argument with myself about whether it was any good.

I was all:

"This is brilliant! Hang on. No, this is weird and messed up. No Jaimie, it's genius! Did you see that cartwheel?! Pfft, I can do cartwheels. No Jaimie, you're a cripple and don't have a functioning left arm, remember? Oh yeah. In a weird kind of way, Noel Fielding is a babe. Agreed."

Ergo, Mad Crush Monday.

Thao and Mirah

Check me out people. I'm having a post-extravaganza!!!

This will be short and sweet. My lovely boyfriend was all romantic and junk last week and burnt me some surprise CD's. One of these was Thao Nguyen and Mirah's collaboration (Thao and Mirah) which was released on the 26th of April. It's just gorgeous. Check it out, it'll make a few end of year lists me thinks.

Thao & Mirah "How Dare You" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

On that note, May the 4th be with you. Hehehehehehe.

Marriage (Star Slinger Remix)

Fuck me, this is awesome:

Gold Panda - Marriage (Star Slinger Remix) OFFICIAL from How Do I Computer on Vimeo.

Gold Panda's Lucky Shiner was one of my favourite releases of last year. I'm still not entirely sold on this whole dub step business, but following Gang Gang Dance's new album and this remix, I'm feeling a whole lot warmer about the whole thing.

The stunning clip of the remix by Star Slinger was composed by visual artist Anze Sekelj and photographer Lucijan Kranjc, who as a team go by the name "How Do I Computer".

It's so beautiful. I've been trying to think up a good analogy for the clip to convince you to watch it, but I'm not clever enough to do it justice. So, just watch it. Or you be a fool.

NEED NEW BODY

I need a new body. As much as i love mine, it's failing me and my medical expenses are getting ridiculous. Anyone wanna play swapsies?

After today's trip to the surgeon I feel this band and this song (which happens to be one of my all time favourites), is somewhat appropriate.

Is it just me or does this year just keep getting worse?

Together in electric dreams

This makes me so happy.

So irrationally happy.

Happy Sunday.

LATFH

Somebody once called me a hipster. My reply was, "fuck you, I am not!"

My mistake. According to this video, I am in fact a hipster.

Thanks to the ever lovely Jenni for showing this to me

But I would rather be a ninja. Check those sweet window moves.

Okay, you win this round hype

I'll admit, it took me a fair while to move from naysayer, to Yeasayer. A lot of their music annoys the frack out of me, this one however I love.

I wish Rev could be more like this...

Happy Friday-eve.

Yeasayer O.N.E. from Paranoid US on Vimeo.

Happy 9.02.10 Day!

The 90's are back? BAM! Vanessa just gave me an excuse to do what could be, the lamest post of all time...

HAPPY 9.02.10 DAY!!!!!!

Get it? 'Cause it's the 9th of February 2010? Brilliant right?!

Here are some of my favourite 90's songs.

MP3:Pur- Cocteau Twins
MP3:Song for a Future Generation- The B-52's
MP3:Judy and the Dream Of Horses- Belle and Sebastian
MP3:Big Time Sensuality- Björk
MP3:You Never Wash Up After Yourself- Radiohead

Yay!

To keep in theme, my cougar crush of the week goes to....

...Liam, from the new generation 90210. How are you so dreamy?
Just so you know, I think it's unfair that you're not my next door neighbour.

Now, wasn't that fun?

xxx

What would I want? Sky

Fall Be Kind cover art

Two sleeps before my Central American adventure Vanessa and I went to see Animal Collective in concert in Sydney. It was better than dancing to your favourite song with a future love interest.

My Girls live at the Enmore (our night)

One of the highlights was seeing them perform their brilliant new single What would I want? Sky (MP3). Buy the EP "Fall Be Kind" here.

Happy Monday winners!

xx

Wes Ander-thon

Wes Anderson

My darlings,

Wes Anderson films are my favourite. I really adore them. The Royal Tenenbaums started this love affair. I remember walking out of the theatre absolutely elated. I contemplated taking up smoking, I wrote a series of unfinished screen plays and I may have used several different lines from the movie to people in real life. My favourite was, "Well, I think we're just going to have to be secretly in love with each other", though I've only used this particular line once (I think). As far as I can tell, people haven't noticed.



MP3: Judy is a Punk- The Ramones
MP3: Needle in the Hay- Elliott Smith
MP3: These Days- Nico

When reflecting on this particular obsession of mine, I think my favourite 'crazy' was when I added "Steve Zissou" as a top friend on Myspace. I changed my profile picture to one with me wearing a red beanie in a failed attempted to get in his "top 10"*. Thankfully this was a time before anyone I knew was on Myspace.

Stevesy

MP3: Rebel Rebel (Bowie cover)- Seu Jorge
MP3: Search and Destroy- The Stooges

Tonight is my last night of holidays. Balls. Though, I've ended it with an overnight drunk and what I've ingeniously dubbed a Wes Ander-thon. I've re-watched some of his films, listened to the film soundtracks and have concluded my Wes Ander-thon (and my holidays) rather spectacularly with "Fantastic Mr. Fox".



MP3: Let her Dance- Bobby Fuller Four
MP3: Heroes and Villains- The Beach Boys

It had all of the Wes Anderson toppings we love. A witty, off-beat script, a retro-cool soundtrack and once the film had concluded, you were left with that warm fuzzy feeling you get after learning something nice about the world.

I love you Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore).

I've had a really marvelous few weeks of holidays and I believe my Wes Ander-thon was the final ingredient for preparing me for a hectic year ahead. I highly recommend one, especially if you are experiencing general "life-blues".

If you're really feeling the love (and are just a wee bit loco), you can enjoy the entirety of the Life Aquatic script here. And I'll order you a red cap and a speedo.

xoxo


*Unfortunately I deleted this photo.

10 pretty great things

1. Brian Ferry's amazing photographs of London on his blog the blue hour

2. Making lengthy lists of potential new years resolutions and marvelling at how virtuous I could be, if I really wanted to (very high on that list: blog more regularly).

3. Cucumber and orange juice. So refreshing. Soon I'll be making it from my own home grown cucumbers!



4. This cooler weather. Right now I'm drinking tea (hot tea!) and tomorrow I'm going to bake these pear and chocolate cup cakes.


5. Ladies who wear huge flowers in their hair. Especially hydrangeas. Number 12 on my new years resolutions list: wear more flowers in hair (image Emma Fremantle by via all the mountains)


6. Watching Seinfeld again. Classic.




7. The free DIYs and knitting patterns on Pickles. Especially this pom pom wreath. Totally all-year-round worthy.



8. Howl's Moving Castle. I'd forgotten how brilliantly enchanting it is.



9. Geraniums. I really do love them. They remind me of old ladies, Paris and the seventies combined (photo by our ultra-talented friend Nathan).



10. The Social Studio. We stumbled across this shop/space in Collingwood on our recent Melbourne trip. Young refugees recycle excess materials from the manufacturing industry and turn them in to unique, sometimes bizarre pieces of fashion. It's so inspiring when people manage turn our rampant consumerism into something empowering and socially and environmentally beneficial.

Christmas Twist List

Merry Christmas millionaires!

This is my Christmas with a twist wish list.

Top of my Christmas wish list this year? This great BFF charm necklace from In God We Trust (available on Bona Drag). BFF, but not exactly as you expect it. Plus, you get to give and receive.


Who better to do a twisted version on the 12 days of Christmas than David Lynch. If you've seen Twin Peaks than this will be great for you. If you haven't...well, you'll probably be really confused.

Found here via here

So the twist with this last one is that it has nothing to do with Christmas really, but see it as a hilarious gift from me to you. Merry Christmas!

Props for this one go to my sis. Because she is awesome.

Let's dance!

David Bowie ( i can hear you all swooning)

Recently all of my reoccurring fantasies involve dancing. One moment i'm dreaming of sitting on a temperate Caribbean beach in a pretty, billowy white dress drinking mojitos (at sunset of course), when a tall, bronzed salsa God whisks me away to dance and twirl on cobblestone lanes. The next moment i'm a tiny prima ballerina with a giant Marc Jacobs style bow on my head, twirling my way across the stage into the arms of a man with incredibly large, ah.... tights. Maybe i'm going through a twirling phase, or maybe, like my beautiful rabbit Ophelia, my mind is embracing all things spring.

A man largely responsible for the enormous amount of twirling and (spring fantasising) i've been doing this weekend is Mr. David Bowie. Sometimes I have him singing Modern Love to me in an amazing tree house while i run around a backyard showing off my mad 80's dance skills*.

This video could be the greatest thing i've seen all freakin' year;




Bowie is this weeks dream boat. I love him. He even wrote a song about me. It's called Sorrow. It's about a girl with long blond hair and eyes so blue. He can't resist her, and that's totally fine, because i can't resist you either, my tree house singing dance machine. Though, like so many fine looking males, i love him but he'd make a terrible boyfriend.

Here are some of my favourite Bowie songs to dream to.
Warning: these songs may induce a tingling sensation in your pants.


MP3: Changes
MP3: Rebel Rebel
MP3: Sorrow
MP3: Ashes to Ashes
MP3: China Girl
MP3: Under Pressure



* This fantasy is in my top 5 favourite of all time.

All is Love

I thought I would be upfront with you all; most, if not all of this post has been pilfered from other blogs. Not the text, that is all my own genius, but everything else. Not that my posts are any other way usually, come to think of it.

Where the Wild Things Are - I am so excited for this film. I get a little emotional every time I see the trailer (pathetic). Which I am sure you have all seen by now, but just in case you haven't ~



Maurice Sendak's original book has been adapted for the screen by Spike Jonze and co-written by Dave Eggers (!). To add to the indie hipster wet dream that this film is, Karen O has done the soundtrack with a bevy of musical babes. Karen O and the Kids includes, YYYs Nick Zinner and Brian Chase, Dead Weather/Raconteurs members Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence, Liars' Aaron Hemphill, the Bird and the Bee's Greg Kurstin, Services' Tristan Bechet, and Gris Gris's Oscar Michel, as well as a children's choir.

Unfortunately I don't have a downloadable version of the first single, "All is Love" but you can listen to it here. Tell me what you think!


Also read this which I found here.

Tuesday Treats

Bunnies in SPACE!!!

I've made two discoveries this week that have made me CRY with laughter.

The amazing video above was found via Lolbunnies, my new favourite website.



My other find was this amazing website; what Chuck wore. I can't even explain how great it is. If you're a Gossip Girl fan, check it out yo.

Enjoy, motherchuckers.

If you like it...

It is that time of year again chickies, that time when one must get pen and paper or laptop and keyboard and declare their favourite things of the year. I love and hate this time of year. I LOVE finding out other peoples favourites, then judging them. But I HATE writing my own lists as I fear being judged. Luckily, this year I do not need to do any lists as there is only one song, one video, nay one person whom I love above all others - Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé's fierce alter-ego.


The music video for Single Ladies (as well as the song) has made my year, I love it. And there is a lot to love. The repetition of the line, 'Single ladies, Single ladies' over and over. 'If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it' - classic lyrics. Then there is the video, my god. From the leotards to the rad dance moves to the ass slapping and the bionic hand, there is not one element I dislike - it is all genius.

As a belated Christmas present here is the mp3 and if you have not seen the video yet, I beg you, implore you to follow this link to YouTube and watch it (due to evil record companies I can't put the video on the blog, sorry guys), it will make your 2008.

Beyoncé - Single Ladies

Love in all its various incarnations. Part (1.5)

Hehehehe, i just found this video clip to Sin With Sebastian's song 'Shut Up (And Sleep With Me)'.

You've got to watch it.




Happy start of week kidlets.