Just appear already!

I want my new issue of NME to appear in my inbox right fucking now.

I have no idea why it is so very important for me to know what a bunch of teenagers and rock snobs consider to be the top indie anthems of all time, but it is. It's really fucking important.*

And I care about what teenagers and rocks snobs think, because basically I'm a big teenager with no acne and credit card debt, and Jeebus knows I'm a rock snob.

*I have a sneaking suspicion that this is due to my continued indecision on potential grad school major areas of study. Also, where I'm attending grad school

Back to my obsessing.

They've released #'s 50-31 today, and tomorrow will have #'s 30-11. But that won't matter, because I'll have my hot little hands on my digital copy.

So, let's see what we have here (my comments in lavender)

31 Oasis - 'Cigarettes & Alcohol' (Yes. YES. HELL YES.)

32 The Stone Roses - 'Fool's Gold'
(Oooo, I thought this would be higher. Higher. Snicker)

33 The Killers - 'Mr Brightside'

34 Radiohead - 'Just'

35 Pixies - 'Monkey Gone To Heaven'

36 Kaiser Chiefs - 'I Predict A Riot'
(I actually like the Girls Aloud cover better, but let's pretend I didn't just say that)

37 Kasabian - 'LSF'
(Fantastic! And I've listened to this song, oh, 75 times in the past few weeks due to the Thomas Meighan-related psychotic break I've experienced)

38 Pixies - 'Gigantic'
(All my stoner friends in college LOVED Pixies)

39 Oasis - 'Champagne Supernova'
(How can one be faster than a cannonball? There's a really great Big Brother quote re: this song, but I can't bloody find it)

40 Klaxons - 'Golden Skans'
(I have this! I feel like I should go buy the rest of the album, since I think New Rave is really taking off here. Because it is my favorite thing to say, "Oh, I've been listening to them for months now...." in a bored manner)

41 Blur - 'Parklife'
(I feed the pigeons, I sometimes feed the sparrows too. It gives me a sense of enormous well-being. Parklife!)

42 The Cribs - 'Hey Scenesters'

43 Suede - 'Animal Nitrate'

44 The Stone Roses - 'Love Spreads'
(I don't care what anyone says, I liked 'Second Coming.')

45 The La's - 'There She Goes'
(My top ten is totally fucked now. 'Son Of a Gun' maybe?)

46 Dinosaur Jr - 'Freak Scene'

47 The Libertines - 'Up The Bracket'
(Hurrah! The Good Ship Albion!)

48 Sonic Youth - 'Bull In The Heather'
(Another band that I'm not smart enough to like. Or cool enough to pretend I like)

49 The Rapture - 'House Of Jealous Lovers'

50 My Bloody Valentine - 'You Made Me Realise'

So, the wily bastards at the NME have a scan from the issue up on their website, showing some of the top ten, which I can't make out, because I'm fucking blind.

It appears that 'Dancefloor' by Sheffield's finest (other than Sean Bean, that is) is in at 10.

The Libs are in there (#6)? The pic they have shows Carlos's tummy. Which is lovely. But Thomas's wee tummy is better. Seriously, y'all, PSYCHOTIC FUCKING BREAK.

And my boys, Ian, John, Mani and Reni seem to be in at #8! WOO WOO!

So I'm guessing, depending on the Roses song, that it will be them, The Smiths or The Brothers From Burnage in at #1.

But of course, I might be hallucinating. We will see tomorrow.

bluebells

bluebells, originally uploaded by Mance.

I'm so going to look for bluebells tomorrow. Yay spring!

Indie anthems

The NME has released names of artists that have songs on their list of the greatest indie anthems, with the songs to be named later this week:

Arcade Fire ,Arctic Monkeys, Babyshambles, Blur, The Breeders , The Cribs, Dinosaur Jr, Franz Ferdinand, The Gossip, Joy Division, Kaiser Chiefs, Kasabian, The Killers, Klaxons, The La's, Manic Street Preachers, My Bloody Valentine, Nirvana, Oasis, Pavement, Pixies, Pulp, Radiohead, The Rapture, The Smiths, Sonic Youth, The Stone Roses, The Strokes, Suede, The Verve

Thoughts? The top ten, in my opinion, will include, in no particular order:

Suede- kicked off early Britpop

Blur- for 'Modern Life Is Rubbish' alone

Nirvana- for the Americans, and their gloomy lyrics gave Big Brother something to react to

Oasis- the back catalog is bulletproof.

Joy Division- because of Ian. Because Hooky is one of the most influential bass players of the past 30 years. This will be part of the JD renaissance, I'm telling you

The Smiths- on this one, I'm going to venture a song title. 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' will be in the top ten

The Stone Roses- For the Roses, I'm thinking it's going to be 'I Wanna Be Adored,' but I've been wrong before. Maybe 'I Am the Resurrection.' They'll be in the top 5, for sure.

Radiohead- They're important. I don't "get" their music, but they'll be in the top 10. (I'm not smart enough to understand it, apparently. I love 'Creep,' though. Yep, I'm one of THOSE people)

The La's- Massively, massively influential for a band that only put out one album. In 1990.

Arctic Monkeys- 'Dancefloor' for sure. The lads have so much momentum behind them right now.

Possible others in the top ten? Pulp, Pixies and The Strokes.

Step On

Since Mr. Mark Berry wasn't allowed into the US for Coachella, the Mondays obviously needed a freaky dancer to perform onstage with the Rev. Shaun William Ryder and company.

I'm not sure how it came to pass, but Dan Martin from the NME is shaking the Mancunian maracas tonight.

The following is from the NME's Coachella blog-

So I'm sat behind the Sahara Stage where the Happy Mondays are currently getting it on, and where stunt Bez for the night Dan Martin is warming up his repertoire of moves. He couldn't be more excited if he was a Frenchman with a pair of self-removing trousers. Check back in a bit to see how he got on!

"Stunt Bez." BWAHAHAHAHA!

But can he offer anyone "like the best drug experience they ever had?"

I like the way that the NME is working with the whole instant gratification thing that blogs provide with their festival and awards show temporary sites.

Most of the content winds up in the print edition, but it's just nice to know what is happening, when it's happening, rather than waiting a week for the magazine to hit the stands.

Arctics-Coachella 2007-A Certain Romance

My, Alex was chatty! I love Helders's mugging for the boys in the band, but what is the child wearing? Hysterical.

LILY ALLEN

LILY ALLEN, originally uploaded by James Looker.

darling piccie of Diamond Lil.

Live from Abbey Road- Shoot the Runner

'Absinthe makes you a whore.'

Don't tempt me, boys. Don't tempt me. ;)

Sheryl Crow is a brave woman

I wouldn't step foot into a room that contained Turdblossom without a shitload (literally) of garlic and a cross to hold the evil back.

Control to open Cannes

A Joy Division renaissance is in the making, mark my words......

A BIOPIC on the late Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis has been selected to open a prestigious section at the Cannes Film Festival.

The debut feature by photographer Anton Corbijn follows the singer's rise to fame, as well as his relationships, his struggle with epilepsy and his suicide in 1980 just before the Manchester band's first US tour.

Back Turner Street , Manchester UK

Back Turner Street , Manchester UK, originally uploaded by marky1969.

I know I've posted this fav before, but cut a florist (the week of prom) some slack.

Someday, when I'm a successful writer, fashionista or rock courtesan (fingers crossed on the latter), my first major purchase will be a print of this photo.

It's so simple, but I adore it. It's marker on painted cement, but sooooo wonderfully composed.

Ridiculous how some images can make tears come to your eyes, isn't it?

the-view199 copy

the-view199 copy, originally uploaded by Danny North.

I'm exhausted, and I've nothing, so here's Wee Kieran and the Wasted Little Djs.

The enthusiasm is so adorable.

NME Awards- Arctic Monkeys

Best Album award, presented by my two fav Girls Aloud, the very hammered Sarah and Nicola. Also featuring appearances by Big Brother and Captain, My Captain. With max dimple action.

I know I've said this before, but Matt Helders is a fucking funny kid. Way to take advantage of getting an award by hitting on the presenters, son!

Random Ten

*shakes iTunes*

1. Down By the River- Neil Young
2. Little Red Corvette- Prince
3. Take Me Out- Franz Ferdinand
4. The Bad Thing- Arctic Monkeys
5. Mr. Brightside- The Killers
6. Listen Up- The Gossip
7. Rip Off- T.Rex
8. Country Girl/Rocks (feat. Mick Jones- live at NME Awards)- Primal Scream
9. All My Life- Foo Fighters
10. Mermaids- Paul Weller

Bonus-

11. It's Tricky- Run-DMC
12. The Boys Are Back In Town- Thin Lizzy
13. Strict Machine (live iTunes session)- Goldfrapp
14. Son of a Preacher Man- Aretha Franklin

What kind of fuckery is this?

Ooooo, the nasty-ass visa persons strike again. For GOD'S sake, what harm is the Freaky Dancer from the Mondays going to do? Have a maraca fly out of his hand and bean someone? Oh, but we're SAFER now. Whatevs.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRR......

Bez has been barred entry to America and will not be allowed to play with Happy Mondays in California this weekend, it has been announced.

The famed dancer with the Madchester icons was scheduled to appear at the Coachella Festival on Sunday but has not been granted a visa.

I did find this hilarious, though-

The band released a statement today, commenting: "Due to tightening immigration and working visa legislation, Bez was not, unfortunately, able to secure a visa to perform at Coachella this weekend.

"Happy Mondays apologies to all their US fans that they will not, on this occasion, be able to enjoy the spectacle of Bez shaking his stuff for them at Coachella."

"I'm not a plastic bag"

Oooo, I want one! That one!

Once again if you were hoping to get your hands on one of Anya Hindmarch's 'I'm not a plastic bag' eco-shoppers then you're out of luck. The bags went on sale at Sainsburys stores this morning and have already sold out. Not hugely surprising since some stores were only stocking up to 30 bags. According to Sainsburys' website there will be no more bags made for the UK market. In the meantime, if you're living in the US and have your heart set on owning one then you better prepare yourself. A limited edition navy blue shopper will be launching in June and if you're in Japan a green version will be available in July. To register your interest visit the Anya Hindmarch website. Or for details on how to enter a competition to win one visit Hippyshopper. [Images via Getty Images]

Kasabian - Processed Beats - Glastonbury 2005

The sound isn't very good, but Thomas is totally looking like a tall Ewan McGregor here, and Sergio is shaking his shit all over the place. Which redeems the lack of quality sound.

Lovely, just lovely.

The View are on fire

I love these boys, and I'm not just saying that because I've listened to 'Same Jeans' 500 times in the past week.

They're just darling. Look at Kyle and Kieran!

I want to make sure that they don't smoke or drink too much, keep off the hard shit and away from one Peter Doherty, who, bless, is probably not the best influence for the wee lads.

Gossip- Listen Up!

Fantastic song. Although, I must admit, that I initially listened to it because I thought it was an Oasis cover.

Beth is a godess.

Question

I've recently obtained a version of 'You Know I'm No Good,' orginally written and recorded by The Winehouse, covered by Arctic Monkeys. They sing the cover as is- no switching of the perspective from female to male.

My question is this: why does the song sound SO much more filthy when sung by Young Alex Turner?

Is it the perspective? I'm not exactly sure.....

By the way, The Winehouse is on Leno tonight, and Arctics are on Jimmy Kimmel Friday. Yay Coachella!

Pink Spring Flowers

Pink Spring Flowers, originally uploaded by femkecc.

Hootenanny! Finale: the Mighty quinn with Ade on trumpet!

That girl can SANG! Also, Sam Moore and Wellah! aren't too bad, either;)

Irish Blood, English Heart

Interesting article in The Independent regarding the massive influence of Irish immigrants on Brit pop culture. When you really think, it is quite staggering.

The Smiths- Steven Patrick Morrissey, Johnny (Maher) Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce

The Brothers Gallagher- Noel Thomas David and William John Paul

Shaun William and Paul Ryder

John Lennon

Johnny (Lydon) Rotten

I mean, look at that list. Some of the most iconic Brit frontmen ever!

Not to mention Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien, whom you may know as Dusty freaking Springfield.

Great bit about Big Brother, too:

Noel Gallagher might be a Mancunian with football blood coursing through his veins but when Oasis were asked to record the "Three Lions" English football anthem seven years ago, he was unequivocal. "When push comes to shove, I'm in the Ireland end," he said. "If I'd done the England song and gone on at Wembley my uncles would have killed me."

An image designed to give me heart failure

Hmm... MySpace community 'Reform The Roses' just posted this image alongside the bulletin title 'RESURRECTION' about fifteen short minutes ago (check out the page + blog entry here).

Most likely nothing (Zomba is probably putting out a new greatest hits package), but I nearly fell off my FOOKING chair when I saw the graphic.

For Christ's Sake

Facing pressure from their fellow students plus city and university officials, the University of Iowa College Republicans on Wednesday canceled a planned game in an Iowa City park that would focus on the illegal immigration issue.

***
The game, similar to Capture the Flag, would pit two teams representing illegal immigrants and the U.S. Border Patrol competing to cross a dividing line representing the U.S.-Mexico border. The "illegal immigrants" caught crossing the line by the "border patrol" team would then be sent to "jail."

The first announcement of the game, planned as part of a weeklong "coming out" by the College Republicans, generated protests.

***
Other events for "Conservative Coming Out Week" will honor former Presidents Herbert Hoover and Ronald Reagan. A Support Our Troops Barbecue will demonstrate backing for President Bush.

Thoughts?

1.It's been done. The asshat College Repubs at NYU tried this earlier this year. If you're going to be jackasses, be ORIGINAL jackasses.

2. College Republicans at Iowa? How many is that? 10 people?

3. "Conservative Coming Out Week." They might want to rephrase that.

4. THEY'RE HONORING HERBERT FUCKING HOOVER?

Are they shitting me? Come the fuck on! I know that we Iowegians don't have many internationally recognizable politico-type people to choose from, but again, they might want to reconsider this one.

Two words- Great Depression.

Why not honor John Wayne? They could get their wank on over the Duke. More so than with Herbert. Because Marion was so manly and all.

5. You know how they could truly support our troops? BY MOTHERFUCKING ENLISTING.

Random ten

1. I Heard It Through The Grapevine- Paul Weller and Amy Winehouse
2. L.S.F. (Live at T In the Park 2005)- Kasabian
3. One To My Left- Dirty Pretty Things
4. Got Ma Nuts From A Hippy- The Fratellis
5. Helter Skelter- Oasis
6. Dream A Little Dream Of Me (Live April 2007)- Pete Doherty and Carl Barat
7. She Comes In The Fall- Inspiral Carpets
8. See The Day- Dee C. Lee
9. Parklife- Blur
10. The Weight- Aretha Franklin

Bonus-
11. Medley (Live at Wembley)- Girls Aloud
12. Gran's For Tea- The View
13. Lazyitis- Happy Mondays
14. Strange Town- The Jam

Sounds good!

Four stars from The Guardian. My copy has been pre-ordered for some time.

Can't wait for next Tuesday! GO LADS!

Even by the standards of the Arctic Monkeys - a band preoccupied with puncturing expectations, as only people saddled with unrealistic expectations can be - the single that heralds the follow-up to the biggest-selling debut album in British history is a deflating experience.

....

The same is true of Only Ones Who Know and 505. The former is a touching portrait of a couple in the first flush of fresher's week romance, searching for a party, while the latter discusses how touring plays havoc with one's love life. It's so heartfelt and riven with insecurity that it transcends the dreary genre to which it should by rights belong, that of songs in which rock stars complain about being rock stars. That stuff this mature and thoughtful was written by someone barely 21 years old genuinely gives you pause for thought.

The View - Superstar Tradesman

I love these boys. And if I'm not mistaken, I think the Wasted Little DJs make an appearance here.

Dear Jesus,

I don't ask for a lot, but would you please let "Hot Fuzz" make an appearance in SE Iowa?

With love,
Phoebe

via Anglophenia

St Pauls Cathedral Zoomburst, London

St Pauls Cathedral Zoomburst, London, originally uploaded by heorot2107.

Such a cool pic.

Dirty Pretty Things NME awards skit

Hilarious.

Hmmmm

If true, this is an interesting take on the "Tarts and Vicars" party concept, as shown in 'Bridget Jones's Diary.'

I CAN reveal there are going to be dictators on the dancefloor at NOEL GALLAGHER’s 40th birthday mega bash.

The OASIS star is throwing a “tyrants and despots” party where everyone will be kitted out as a ruthless renegade — and he’s going as evil Soviet leader JOSEPH STALIN.

And for Odd, who would, for one, welcome our new Mongol overlord-

Among those expected to be at Noel’s affair in May are KASABIAN — there’s a whisper guitarist SERGE PIZZORNO could go as GENGHIS KHAN

Paintjob

Paintjob, originally uploaded by N/M/A.

Such a lovely picture. Love the stone building.

Oasis - Don't Look Back in Anger

Since BBC America cruelly didn't include this on their broadcast of the Brit Awards tonight, I present to you Big Brother at his most sublime. Except for "The Masterplan." Or "Talk Tonight." Or "Half the World Away." Or "Little By Little." Or "Acquiesce."

Ignore me, I'll be in the corner rambling on about the songwriting genius of Noel Thomas David Gallagher.

Sweet Christ

Thomas, Sergio and my absolute favorite director. I am going to die.

Kasabian are apparently being wooed by Hollywood - it seems a top Tinseltown director wants the Leicester lads to revive the rock opera for the big screen.

Filmmaker Michael Winterbottom is said to be a big fan of the group, which is fronted by Tom Meighan and Sergio Pizzorno, and apparently thinks they would be the perfect choice to star in their own piece, which could rival classic 70s music flicks such as Tommy.

An insider told the Daily Star: "Michael is a huge fan of the lads since early on.

Good teevee

HOT DIGGITY DOG, I'm looking forward to late night tv in the coming weeks.......

Letterman
4/20- Regina Spektor
4/25- The Fratellis

Leno
4/16- Diamond Lil
4/24- The Winehouse

Conan
4/20- Wellah (repeat)

Jimmy Kimmel
4/20- Mozza
4/26- Arctic Monkeys

Today's entry

in the "No Shit, Sherlock" category. Teenagers? Having the S-E-X? Who knew? And how much did this fucking study (literally) cost taxpayers? Jesus.

WASHINGTON - Students who took part in sexual abstinence programs were just as likely to have sex as those who did not, according to a study ordered by Congress.

Kasabian - LSF live @ BBC Orchestra

GOD. Tom, Sergio, Zak.

Mad Fer It.

An aside

Today, I did something unprecedented.

I cut all my hair off. I needed a change, and decided the Pob was the way to go. My lovely hairstylist, Kayla, took about 7 inches off the back. I'm still freaking out, obviously.

Though after experimentation with my flat iron, I'm much cheered that it looks sleek and sophisticated, not Pansy Parkinson as feared.

I know this sounds SO superficial, but I've not had short hair since, um, 1988, so this is a big deal to me.

Random Ten

1. Standing In the Way of Control- The Gossip
2. Hand In Glove- The Smiths
3. She's Lost Control- Joy Division
4. The Ghetto- Donny Hathaway
5. Laid- James
6. Same Jeans- The View
7. I Say a Little Prayer- Dionne Warwick
8. Golden Skans- Klaxons
9. Stop Me- Mark Ronson
10. In The City- Dirty Pretty Things with Paul Weller

Bonus-
11. The Patience of a Saint- Electronic
12. Processed Beats- Kasabian
13. Down By the River- Neil Young
14. Strict Machine- Goldfrapp

Suffice to say,

kittens were had. Litters upon litters of kittens. Hell, I wasn't even there, and I'm having 'em....Mad fer it, as we Oasis fans would say.....

The Libertines reunited tonight (April 12) onstage in London.

Pete Doherty and Carl Barat played 13 songs at the second of Doherty's An Evening With Pete Doherty gigs at the Hackney Empire.

During the second half of the show Doherty teased the audience by saying: "You've been waiting for this moment. Ladies and gentlemen Mr Carlos Barat...only joking! What do you expect for 25 quid?"

Then Barat came on stage, wearing a Dior Homme suit and a trilby.

The duo played 13 Libertines classics including 'What Katie Did' and 'Time For Heroes'.

They whispered and hugged each other in between songs. During their cover of 'Dream A Little Dream' Barat did a tap dancing routine.

Oh, my!

Sex on a stick.

Tom at the Teenage Cancert Trust concert.

St. Trinian's

Oh, I'm going to NEED to see this movie.

Why? Because Mr. Darcy, er, Mark Darcy, er, Colin Firth is in it.

And so is The Winehouse, Richard E. Grant, and dirty, dirty Russell Brand. Filthy boy.

via fashionologie

Peonies

Peonies lovely, originally uploaded by Tilla Squared.

Nice bit of spring in this picture. It's always nice to see peonies without the ever-present ants.

OhmygodOhmygodOhmygod

Between seeing this on the NME website, and reading about Carlos and Peter's drunken weekend, I don't know whether to shit or go blind.

Pardon the expression.

Lovely

and so evocative-

Sunday morning, my record player sits on my dusty living room floor, and my cat is watching Van Morrison's Tupelo Honey make its slow perambulation through side B. The air smells of coffee and newspapers, I've got the back door open and the shutters flung wide, and the sun is shining like it means it. "You can take all the tea in China," sings Van, "put it in a big brown paper bag for me."

The Beatles - A Hard Days Night

Don't we all

Headline of article about my former "boyfriend" potentially playing Glasto?

"Eavis Wants Noel."

Doesn't everybody?

Random ten

1. Girls and Boys- Blur
2. She's Tight- Cheap Trick
3. Gypsy Road- Cinderella
4. Just Can't Get Enough- Depeche Mode
5. Up the Junction- Squeeze
6. Freak Like Me- Sugababes
7. Whatever- Oasis
8. Spanish Harlem- Aretha Franklin
9. Dashboard- Modest Mouse
10. Mardy Bum- Arctic Monkeys

Bonus
11. Some Cities- Doves
12. The Delaney- The Libertines
13. Last Nite- The Strokes
14. Henrietta- The Fratellis

Kasabian - Empire

The View - Wasted Little DJ's

Oh, but they're wonderful.

Wildest pop stars

The Independent's list of the 'wildest pop stars' include such luminaries as Stevie Nicks, Led Zeppelin, The Winehouse, The Doherty, The Killer, Keith Moon, Grace Slick and Ozzy, but the following are my favorites:

Happy Mondays

The story goes that Tony Wilson signed the Happy Mondays to his Factory label after watching them come last in a battle of the bands competition at the Hacienda. If he'd known they would later come close to ruining him, he might have had second thoughts. Shaun Ryder, Bez (right) and their tribe's increasingly drug-addled antics during the Madchester years had a destructive effect not only on their own minds, but on the health of their management. Wilson gave the Mondays £200,000 to record their masterpiece and, he hoped, throw the near-bankrupt record company a lifeline. Instead, Ryder and co blew the lot on a drugs binge in the Caribbean and produced an album with no vocals.

And don't forget Our Kid-

Liam Gallagher

The simian, truculent, fight-picking, paparazzi-baiting lead vocalist of Oasis spent 10 years drinking, drugging, punching his brother Noel*, bragging (absurdly) about eclipsing The Beatles, and getting into scrapes with the law. The most notorious was in December 2002, when Gallagher and two other band members began fighting each other in a Munich hotel nightclub. One fell into a table where five or six large Italians were sitting. They joined in. The band's security men came to help, attacking other club guests. The police arrived and, possibly in an attempt to restore calm, Gallagher kicked one in the chest. The fight continued outside, where Gallagher lost two front teeth. He narrowly escaped a GBH charge and a two-year prison sentence. The tour was cancelled. To date, he's been banned from an airline, four hotel chains and Channel ferries.

*the interview where Our Kid and Big Brother spend the whole time cursing & insulting each other? One of the most hysterical things I've ever heard. The word 'fuck' is used as an adjective, noun and a verb. They argue over if it's "rock and roll" to be thrown off ferries. It also contains my favorite bit of an interview ever.

Liam- "And I had a few drinks, because I like drinking."

Noel- (yelling from the bathroom) "You can't drink, you dick."

Available on iTunes.

Oh, dear

In a few weeks, my new little nephew is going to be baptized, and his parents (my brother and sister-in-law) asked me to be godmother. This is hilarious for many reasons, but I'd have to say my complete lack of respect for ANYTHING The Vatican says would be the funniest.

Poor things didn't have any other candidates, obviously.

Which brings me around to the point of this post. My other brother (the godfather) lives on the East Coast, and needed the godparents eligibility statement emailed to him, which I did tonight.
What's so hysterical about that?

I forgot to unclick the box that would have left off my email signature. Which is?

"I know you like the roll of the limousine wheel."
The Libertines

I can't stop giggling. I'm going to be the best godmother, evah!

Kieren-The View

Kieren Webster from The View live in London Jan 2007, originally uploaded by bruciebonus.

He's just darling, isn't he?

Shut it. Enough with the Humbert Humbert jokes.

I just want to cry

Fucking hell, they were 18 and 20? Jesus Christ, they're not old enough to legally drink here, and now they've died for their country. D'ya suppose this had anything to do with lack of training?

Jesus. I'm no longer wanting to cry, I am fucking crying. I know they signed up and everything, but their families didn't, and well, they're still on this plane of existence. One of my co-workers's sons just completed Basic Training. He'll be Over There soon enough. I pray to whomever that she never has to deal with what these soldiers families are dealing with. But what makes us anymore special than these families?

First look

at Irina Lazareanu (former Babyshambles) wearing pieces from La Moss's TopShop collection.

Love the dress, love the jacket, love the shades, and for the love of God, someone get Irina a sandwich. And chips.

And incidentally, she has about the same haircut as I do. I was thinking of changing it up a bit, but now I might just leave it. Stay on trend and all that.

Cover albums

While I find the songs that bands cover to be quite interesting, this looks like a trainwreck to me.

A big, huge, potentially nuclear trainwreck.

Maybe as bad as the time that Duran Duran thought it'd be a good idea to cover 'White Lines (Don't Do It).'

Featuring Poison's original members, POISON'D presents the band's first new studio recordings since 2002's Hollyweird. Produced by Don Was at Hensen Recording Studios in Hollywood, POISON'D packs 13 explosive tracks, including new recordings of David Bowie's "Suffragette City," The Cars' "You're Just What I Needed," The Romantics' "What I Like About You," Sweet's "Little Willy," The Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See" and The Rolling Stones' "Dead Flowers."

Oh, for GOD'S sake

Hey you American visa- type people.







I know you're "acting in our best interest" (rolls eyes) but I'm telling you, by denying The View visas, AGAIN, you're only keeping us from the presence of 4 itty-bitty little Scots boys that happen to be talented musicians. Come on, they're not threats!

They had to get a makeup artist to cover their zits and hickies before opening for Big Brother at Royal Albert Hall last week. And they're wee enough that this is endearing!

They're on bikes in this picture. Bicycles, not motorcycles!

They're little hell-raising babies! But they would abide by US laws, yes siree!

Interesting

This article talks about major artists that have never had an American #1 album, such as Bowie, Tom Petty, Kiss (well, that's because they're icky), The Who, Ozzy, Neil Diamond, and The Smiths.

As for this at the end-

The Smiths/ Morrissey: Marr's former bandmates — and his former musical foil — must be hella jealous about his recent chart success, because none of them has ever gotten close to sniffing #1 on the top 200. The Smiths' final album, 1987's Strangeways, Here We Come, topped out at #55, and the Mozfather never got higher on the charts than he did with 2004's You Are the Quarry, which debuted at #11. Then again, all that could change if the Smiths would just go ahead and reunite already ... hint, hint.

I have this to say. Nah. Ganna. Happen.

The Fratellis - Henrietta

I love this song. And don't you think that the drummer looks like Bonzo with Reni's taste in hats?

Fuckery

Stupid Mother Nature.

I bought a pair of shorts and busted out the flip-flops and the fake tanner today.



(Neutrogena is this white, white, white girl's fake tan of choice)

This is totally unacceptable. It's spring, dammit.

Robbie Sinatra

For my girl, Jen, who is recovering from foot surgery. Here's 'My Way,' from "Swing While You're Winning."

(Yes, I like Robbie. He's pretty and a good singer, not just the "fat dancer from Take That." Shut it).

Dior Homme shakeup

from the horse's mouth. Hedi Slimane's account of why he left Dior.

Via his official website Hedi Slimane has spoken out for the first time about his split from Dior Homme. "I tried to make things work for about a year. However, I had the feeling it was not the right project for me. There are areas I will not compromise with at all when it comes to my work," he said. Dior announced Slimane's replacement last week as Belgian designer Kris Van Assche. Choosing to set the record straight in a lengthy statement on his website, Slimane also dispelled rumours about starting up his own label. "Perhaps in another time in my life, under other circumstances, my name and the management of a company under my own label would be considered differently." Citing unwillingness to compromise on his designs, Slimane added: "I had no other choice than to refuse the kind of proposition that was made and to decline a new Dior Homme contract. I decided to walk away from Dior and move entirely forward."

Fooking HELL

Ask and ye shall receive. The Manchester versus Cancer finale with Messers Brown, Mounfield and Cressa.

Oh My Dear Sweet Lord

Somebody BETTER get this on YouTube, STAT!

The climax of the Manchester Versus Cancer event saw former Stone Roses bandmates Ian Brown and Mani take to the stage with Smiths bassist Andy Rourke and New Order's Peter Hook to perform 'I Am The Resurrection', sparking scenes of pandemonium at the MEN Arena.

Best. Thing. Ever.

As previously mentioned, my family is in the process of cleaning out my grandparents home, and dividing up stuff. In the process of doing so, my mom found a book that she thought I'd enjoy.

The book? Published in 1951. The title?

"How To Give Sex Instructions: A Guide For Parents, Teachers and Others Responsible For the Training Of Young People."

Yes, a vintage sex book, and more specifically, a Pre-Vatican II Catholic sex book.

'Twisted' does not begin to describe this pamphlet. The author was apparently incapable of completing a sentence, and was really fond of one fragment in particular. "Mortal Sin."

In the section for boys, the author uses lots of airplane-related metaphors and has a section on 'self-abuse,' that contains the following sentence.

"Seed has life-germs and hence is sacred."

I'm telling you, this is the best present I've ever received, and I'm including when I was 7 and got a Barbie Dream House. I've been completely unable to stop myself from laughing.

Gromit!

So cute!

The world famous HMV logo is to get a new dog - in the shape of the heroic and long suffering Gromit.

The new image is based on the original 1898 His Master's Voice oil painting which features Nipper the dog listening to an early gramophone recording.

HMV will be using the image for three months to support the promotion of children's DVDs at its stores.

Speaking of crying

this is it for the downer posts. I swear.

Failed attempt at acquiring Japanese battle flag from WWII (for grandchild that actually knows where Japan is on the fucking map) aside, my mom did well today.

Apparently my grandparents bought a lot of records, and no one else wanted them, so my rock snob mommy grabbed 'em.

Y'all, I'll go through them later, but the records include "Stand By Your Man" by Tammy Wynette- unopened. Sinatra's soundtrack for "The Americanization Of Emily." I had to sit down whilst looking at them. She's going back for more tomorrow.

So here's the downer part. Dad grabbed my grandpa's dress trench coat for me. What a guy! Great condition, probably late 1950's, button-out wool liner, the whole 9 yards.

But the thing is, when I tried it on 15 minutes ago, I reached into the pockets, and found a linen hankerchief. And it smelled like Grandpa. Like stolen smokes, Old Style Light and incense. Like falling asleep during Mass, pretending to read the Missalette. Like hiding beers in the spring house.

Like calling all his grandchildren, in an affectionate way, "You old snake."

Like taking us through the timber (forest) that was on our land, and telling his budding naturalist grandkids what kinds of trees we had, and where to find the best Morel mushrooms and Bittersweet. What kind of wildflowers grew there. What animal tracks we were seeing. And most importantly, how we should keep out of the caves in the crick (creek) because there were Rattlesnakes there.

Like telling us stories about his great-grandpa, Joab, who had a lawyer on retainer at all times, because he was constantly shooting the neighbor lady's hat off of her head or running an illegal still.

How he always called my grandma, even when Alzheimers took her mind, "Mom."

And it broke my heart when it suddenly hit me that I won't see the old coot anymore. Ever. He's been gone since September, and now it's hitting me. God, it sucks when people you love leave.

Don't mind me, I'll just be the weepy mess in the corner.

Fleetwood Mac - Silver Springs

This is my fav FM song beside 'Landslide.' Stevie is a goddess.

Yeah, I know. Too adult contemporary for words. I do not care. I love the second incarnation of Fleetwood Mac.

I know all the words to this song, but it makes me cry, so I don't sing along often.

Because I hate fucking up my eye makeup.

Yuck

Warning- I'm quite whiny.

I'm having a completely shitty week. Why?

*The weather has changed to spring, and my hair has gone from its lovely fall and winter-wavy state to sticking your finger in an electric socket-frizzy. Damn humidity.

*My cat ran in front of me, causing me to stub my toes really badly and now my foot is all swollen. Damn cat.

*No news source on the Internets has up the setlist from the Manchester v. Cancer concert last night. Damn reporters.

*My parents and my aunts and uncles are going through my grandparents things, and deciding who gets what. The only thing, the only fucking thing, that I wanted was a Japanese battle flag that my grandpa acquired, I don't want to know how, in WWII. My fucking cousin, who didn't even go to either of his grandparents funerals, got it instead. Because he was in the military. (not at the time of the funerals- he's the ass, not me)

Big woo. I was a history major. I know, lame, but I really wanted it, and he's a jackass. Damn relatives.

The only bright spot is that while my dad ran distraction on the others, my mom grabbed a ruby ring of Grandma's and the picture that Grandpa took in New Guinea of a woman nursing a piglet. For reals.

Okay, that's over with.

Naptime. It's rainy, and there's very little I love more than rainy afternoon naps.

Well, maybe Carl Barat and Anthony Rossomondo, but not by much.

I Knew The Bride

I downloaded this song from iTunes last night, and it's been making me crazy. I'm not sure which song it sounds like, but I'm pretty sure that it's "You Never Can Tell" by Chuck Berry.

If anyone knows for sure, please let me know.

Thanks.

Since it's spring.....

springflowers, originally uploaded by Pepsii.

I wore flip-flops today! Huzzah!

Random Ten

1. About You- Teenage Fanclub
2. DARE- Gorillaz
3. Jailbreak- Thin Lizzy
4. Brimful Of Asha- Cornershop
5. Mayday- The Libertines
6. Wasted Little DJs- The View
7. Sister Golden Hair- America
8. Out Of the Sinking- Paul Weller
9. I Knew the Bride- Nick Lowe
10. Long Hot Summer- Girls Aloud

Bonus-
11. The Weight- Aretha Franklin
12. I Am the Resurrection- The Stone Roses
13. Hell's Coming Down- Primal Scream
14. She's My Man- Scissor Sisters

Moz

I'm not a huge PETA fan (objectifying women in the pursuit of eliminating cruelty to animals- not cool), but this photo of Steven Patrick Morrissey is made of awesome. Nice suit, Mozza.

via Brooklyn Vegan

What. The. Hell?

What the Sam Hell is going on here? How do you replace Hedi Freaking Slimane?

Hedi Slimane is set to leave Dior after power struggles over his trademark. This comes as a bit of a shock, especially after the success of his Pete Doherty-inspired Dior Homme collections. Slimane will be replaced by Belgian designer Kris Van Assche who worked at Dior before launching his own label in 2005. Slimane was in talks with Dior about launching his own label but these talks collapsed after Slimane refused to hand over control of his name to Dior.

Gorillaz Demon Days Live- DARE(feat. Shaun Ryder)

God Bless You, Shaun William Ryder. And you, too, Ms. Rosie Wilson.

I'll play, too

Kaz was at home today, bored, and decided to do a "shuffle- quiz thingie." In the spirit of friendship, here's mine....

1. Start up iTunes

2. How many songs in total? 791

3. Sort by Song Title; What are the first and last songs?
first- $1000 Wedding- Gram Parsons
last- Zither- Doves

4. Sort by Artist; what are the first and last artists?
first-808 State- Pacific State
last- Valerie- The Zutons

5. Sort by Time; what are the first and last songs?
shortest- L'Espirit D' Escalier- Jet 00.23
longest- Amy, Amy, Amy (Outro)- Amy Winehouse 13.16

6. Sort by Album; what are the first and last albums?
first- (What's The Story) Morning Glory- Oasis
last- XTRMNTR- Primal Scream

7. Top 5 Played Songs?
a. (Songs For My) Sugar Spun Sister- The Stone Roses (24 times)
b. Stagger Lee- Lloyd Price (19 times)
c. Chelsea Dagger- The Fratellis (14 times)
d. Listen Up!- Oasis (13 times)
e. North Country Boy- Charlatans (11 times)

8. Find “sex” - how many songs show up? 3*

9. Find “love” - how many songs show up? 63

10. Try and put as many letters as you can into the search, with spaces in between each letter, if one letter takes all the selections out, skip it, and continue, until you’ve got as many as possible. What song is left?

Swastika Eyes (Jagz Kooner mix)- Primal Scream- XTRMNTR (bonus track)

What Letters were used?
all but 'p'

*I'm including 'Pornography'- Client Feat. Carlos- in this category. Because they're not talking about Scrabble in the song. Dirty Scrabble, maybe.

Mucca on Dancing With the Stars

The woman formerly known as Lady McCartney did an admirable job this week on DWTS. However, the following comment on the YouTube made me snort Merlot through my nose:

"I hope she's forced to dance to a Beatles song and, on live television, the ghost of John Lennon comes out of heaven and rips her other leg off."

So mean, but my question is, why not George? And isn't Paul allegedly been dead since 1966?

Love

A new documentary on the seminal rock band, Love, will be premiering in select UK movie theaters at the end of April. The film follows the band from their start through 'Forever Changes.'

Quite a few musicians are interviewed in the film, including Bobby and Mani Primal Scream.

Oh My God

Gwynnie- seriously, doll, when it seems like the interview is going well, QUIT WHILE YOU'RE AHEAD!!!!!

GWYNETH Paltrow can't stand seeing women getting drunk.

The Oscar-winner, 34, says: "It's gross, such a bad look." Unless she's indoors with pal Madonna. She adds: "When our children have gone to bed, we drink a glass of wine."

For the record

Should there ever be an American counterpart to Ms. Kylie Minogue, I think it will be young Hillary Duff.

For example-

1. Began career as a beloved young actress- check
2. Started dating slightly inappropriate boys- check
3. Albums started taking on a Europop, dance-y feel- check
4. Started to realize that the gays* are her core audience- check

So, by this logic, young Hillary will have her gold hotpants or similar featured in an exhibit at the Smithsonian when she hits her 30's.

*not that there's anything wrong with that

Fratellis

Performing 'Vince, The Lovable Stoner,' which is seriously one of my favorite song titles ever.

Dirty Pretty Things @ The Forum

Dirty Pretty Things @ The Forum, originally uploaded by Guy Eppel.

Great piccie of Carlos and Stan.

Noel Gallagher - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

Okay, that's it. I can't handle anything else today. It's just too much.

Roses (maybe) reunion, Noel sings my fav Smiths song.... I'm without words.

Doesn't Shaun look good?

Yes, I realize that for most people, looking like this would cause major concern. However, this is the Rev. Ryder, and he does indeed, look well. Seriously.

I'm going to need

this handbag and coat, as shown by the lovely and badass Amy Sacco.

Look at these!

I could potentially afford these flats! Yay, Steve Madden!

Hmmmm

I'm getting the impression parties involved were not, shall we say, sober.

Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland's wife was arrested after lighting his clothes on fire outside their home in Toluca Lake, California, police said today (March 26).

Just shoot me

My last hysterical music post of the day. I swear.

Look at this setlist from and article about My Beloved Noel's concert for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

'(It's Good) To Be Free'
'Talk Tonight'
'Fade Away'
'Cast No Shadow'
'Half The World Away'
'The Importance Of Being Idle'
'Butterfly Collector'
'All You Need Is Love'
'Don't Go Away'
'Listen Up'
'Sad Song'
'Wonderwall'
'Slide Away'
'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out'
'Don't Look Back in Anger'
'Married With Children'
'Strawberry Fields Forever'

Oh yeah, it's that The View opened for him. And yes, that's The Jam's 'Butterfly Collector.' And that Weller came out to sing it with his lil' buddy. And it's that 'All You Need Is Love.' Again.....

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!

The NME is trying to kill me, part 595

Why not just play 'Sheila, Take A Bow,' and just kill me dead? 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out?' Guh. GUH!

Noel Gallagher played his first ever gig in Russia on Friday night (March 23).

Joined by bandmate Gem Archer, the pair wowed the crowd at Club B1 in Moscow with a semi-acoustic set, reports The Sun.

The set included a cover of The Smiths' 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out'.

Meanwhile, the Oasis leader begins a two-night residency at the Royal Albert Hall tonight (March 26).

For full coverage of tonight's show in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust stay tuned to NME.COM.

Meanwhile, the full set from Moscow was:

'(It's Good) To Be Free'
'Talk Tonight'
'Fade Away'
'Cast No Shadow'
'Half The World Away'
'The Importance Of Being Idle'
'Don't Go Away'
'Listen Up'
'Sad Song'
'Wonderwall'
'Slide Away'
'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out'
'Don't Look Back in Anger'
'Married With Children'
'Strawberry Fields Forever'

Don't mind me

I'm just going to be sitting in the corner over here, not so quietly losing my mind.

Key members of legendary eighties Manchester band The Stone Roses are to get back together this coming weekend for charity.

Ian Brown and Mani - now with Primal Scream, are to get back together for the Versus Cancer benefit gig, which takes place at the MEN Arena this Friday (30 March).

Event organiser and former Smiths Bass Player Andy Rourke has told Music Week that: "Both Mani and Hooky are going to be doing something with Echo and the Bunnymen, Mani's going to be doing something with Ian Brown, and the grand finale's going to be quite special."

Last year at the Versus Cancer gig, there was an all-star performance of 'W.F.L' by The Mondays as the finale. The statement by Andy could mean that same thing was happening again.

However, it could also mean reunion. And me actually dying of jealousy.

via The Music Slut

The Libertines - Time For Heroes

I'm too wiped out to think, let alone write anything.

So enjoy Carlos with no top on.