The Great Gatsby

   

I've been looking forward to The Great Gatsby's release when I first heard it was being made a couple of years ago, whilst working at Mudpie. With Miucci Prada heading up the design side of things, it's not surprising that its release has been highly anticipated by the 'fashion crowd'.

I went to the movies with Josh to see it and both of us were glued to the screens for the entirety of the film. In fact, I could have watched more after it ended which is rare for me, as usually after two hours sat in one of those cinema seats I'm ready to go home.

I've heard that Baz Luhrmann's remake of The Great Gatsby has had a fair number of bad reviews from critics, and while I loved it, I guess I've nothing to compare it to as I never watched the original film or even read F. Scott Fitzgerald's book. I think it was a combination of wonderful cinematography (the scene where Gatsby and Daisy first meet again, with those hundreds of flowers and French macaroons), along with the ultra modern Jay-Z produced soundtrack, and of course beautifully breathtaking costumes, that fed my concentration the entire way through. Oh and of course, I cannot review the film without mentioning Leo Dicaprio, Carey Mulligan and Toby Maguire - all of who I couldn't imagine the film without.

Honestly, everyone please go see this film, I promise it does not disappoint.

Haim

Image source: thetimes.co.uk

A while back my boyfriend kept telling me to listen to a band called Haim cause he was sure I'd love them. With Josh's preferred taste for underground deep house and techno, I wasn't really convinced I'd agree. Regretably I was ignorant and didn't even listen to Haim until about a month ago and ever since I haven't been able to stop! If I'd have known Haim didn't fall into the deep house category, and instead are often compared to Fleetwood Mac for their soft-rock approach to music, with hints of nu-folk & r'n'b, I would have listen to them a lot earlier. I actually meant to write about these when I first heard 'Don't Save Me' but like most things in my life recently, my blog seemed to take a backseat for a while as my days were filled with only work and the gym. But as summer has finally made an appearance, the days seem longer; and so I've made a promise to myself to blog more frequently. Let's hope it lasts.

Gentleman of the Road

Finally something to look forward to this summer. After missing out on every festival last summer, I made a promise to myself I'd go to at least one this year, (although the wish list is growing - Bestival, V fest, Coachella, Glastonbury... ) Having watched Mumford & Sons a heap of times already, mostly in small pubs and stages before their worldwide success, I haven't really bothered to go see them at their most recent arena gigs. However when I saw that their stop over for this year's Gentleman of the Road tour is Lewes near Brighton, and has Vampire Weekend, The Vaccines and Johnny Flynn added to the line up I couldn't resist. Planning to make a weekend of it with Josh, hopefully the sun will be shining and we can spend all of Sunday on Brighton Beach...

Nevermind: 20 Years On

Can you believe that twenty years ago today Nirvana's ground breaking Nevermind album was released. Although I was a mere 2 years old when it came out, Nevermind saw me through my teens and early adult life. Even today Come As You Are remains in the top 25 tracks on my ipod. 

To mark the occasion, London's Brick Lane plays host to a special exhibition celebrating the music and history of the Seattle-born grunge band. A bunch of memorabilia will be on display including a hoody worn by Cobain, along with original lyrics and tour posters. The exhibition titled In Bloom is on show at the Loading Bay Gallery from 13th September until 25th September 2011. I hope I can make it up to London in time to pay a visit. 

27 Club Keeps On Growing

Sat in a hotel room in Vegas, my friend texted me to tell me the tragic news that Amy Winehouse had died. Not that I didn't believe her, but I had to turn on the TV to check; where the news was obviously confirmed for me.

I am personally a huge fan of Winehouse and her incredible and soulful voice, and it really is a huge shame that we have lost such a talent at the young age of 27.

Amy now sits within the infamous 27 Club, along with a host of other legendary musicians to die at 27, including Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. 
Amy's retro 50s inspired style has influenced many young fans to sport a similar beehive and winged eyeliner. I'm sure companies will find a way to make millions from her death; ebay is already selling fancy dress costumes and R.I.P pillow covers (why you would ever need/want one I have no idea).  Better still, lets remember Amy for her unique voice, inspiring songwriting and iconic style.

The Lizard King

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the death of Doors frontman Jim Morrison. To tie in with the anniverary, The Proud Gallery in Camden is hosting a photographic portrait exhibition entitled The Doors of Perception. The exhibition is "an exclusive insight into the beginning, evolution and final years of The Doors and Jim Morrison." Definitely going to pay Camden a visit this summer. 

Happy Birthday Bob Dylan

He turned 70 today

Coachella

I need to go next year

Thirty Years On From His Death

John Lennon

Glastonbury Wonders

there are a few posts from my old blog, i don't really want to part with. they remind me of happy memories, it would be a shame to loose. so although they are a bit dated i'm gonna add a few in t...

This year was the 40th anniversary of Glastonbury, and oh what an amazing event!

This year's festival must have hit record temperatures as it was scorching the entire time, almost too hot at points, with nowhere shady to hide. 

The lineup was yet again incredible and highlights included Sunday's headliner and Motown legend Stevie Wonder, Gorrilaz, and the Scissor Sister's collaboration with Kylie. 

Personal highlights for me were definitely seeing Tegan & Sara for the first time, as well as Seasick Steve and Ellie Goulding. One moment I will never forget was dancing along with the rest of the crowd to Sunny Afternoon played by Ray Davies of The Kinks. It honestly felt like we were back in the late 60s dancing in a field overtaken by hippies. What else was poignant for me was seeing Mumford & Sons a year on to when I first saw them at Glastonbury in the Green Fields tent. The atmosphere was phenomenal and the chemistry on stage from all four members of the band was even better. A look of pure amazement and overwhelm was across all of their faces, as they genuinly could not believe how many people they were playing too. It was a beautiful moment that gave me goosebumps. 

I spent most of Thursday on my own but it was probably one of my best days even though there was no music. I spent hours in the healing fields talking to Buddhists and having a go at meditating with them. I really find it fascinating and their calm presence is inspiring. I also got to see When You're Strange which was fantastic! I'm gonna dedicate my next post to it. 

As for fashion, it was on top form again this year, with a massive emphasis on straw trilbys, cut off denim shorts and crop tops. So cute, and perfect for the blistering heat. 

When You're Strange

A film about The Doors directed by Tom Dicillo, When You're Strange is a beautiful documentary narrated by Johnny Depp. The film is a story about the band with a strong focus on lead singer Jim Morrison. Previously unseen footage gives an insight into the impact The Doors music had and the influence it had on fans and all people at that time.

Watching in a packed tent at this year's Glastonbury festival was incredible. The atmosphere was amazing, everyone clapped, laughed, sung... so so good. This film is an absolute must-see for any Doors fan.

Stornoway

Matt told me about this band not too long ago so i checked them out at this year's Glastonbury and haven't stopped listening to them since. Apparently their first single came out last year- I can't believe I only heard of them at the beginning of summer. Their debut album Beachcombers Windowsill came out in May this year and they're playing a UK tour this fall with Southampton University as one of the dates- and I have tickets! they came through the post this morning. can't wait.

Bestival

Bestival was bloody amazing- what a mini little Glastonbury it is!

So many things to see, music, sunshine, friends. Lovely.

What a perfect way to end summer.

I Want These Shoes

Eliza Doolittle perfomed today at GFW and she looked so good! After her performance she thanked River Island for the outfit she was wearing which included fringed brown shorts and a yellow top with sequined trim. 

Both of which i love, especially when put together, but what i really want is her glittery Nike high tops. They looked so cool on her skinny bare legs, I'm not quite sure I could pull them off. This is what they look like.

After her performance I went and spoke to her and got a photo with her. Haha, so geeky, but I couldn't resist, she's lovely!

Girl Crush

Okay so I'm a little ashamed to admit this but I really think Taylor Momsen is hot!

As Jenny in Gossip Girl I thought she was a little, in fact a lot, irritating. She definitely played the annoying little sister well! But since that started she's grown up a bit- although she's still only 17- and turned into a mega hot wannabe rock chick, and i think she kinda pulls it off. 

She now sports mega long platinum blonde locks & ultra smoky eye makeup and fronts the band The Pretty Reckless. Their first single make me wanna die came out in May this year & I kinda rate it. Their second single miss nothing was released last monday and their debut album light me up is out this Monday. 

Momsen has a very courtney love-esque grungy style and sound to her voice, and the overall influence of 90s grunge band Nirvana is apparent in the music she is producing. With the album covering controversial issues such as heavy drug abuse & sex, as well as the suspender belts & stockings she is renowned for wearing it's hard to believe Momsen is still only 17. 

I would love one of her vintage slip dresses.

The Good Old Days

So last night one of the greatest moments happened- the libertines played their first official gig together since their split in 2004. I'm literally gutted I couldn't get tickets. We've been waiting for this for years and it finally happened! Amy Winehouse was among fans watching the band at the HMV Forum as well as Ryan Jarman from The Cribs.

They played an amazing set including 'the good old days' 'music when the lights go out' 'time for heroes' and 'what katie did' The gig was a warm up show before their appearance at Reading & Leeds festival this weekend. 

I hope this means there will be many more to come....

All Is Love

Where The Wild Things Are is an adaptation of Maurice Sendak's 1963 children's book of the same name. Directed by Spike Jonze, the film sees a nine year old boy run away from home to an island that's home to a group of huge furry creatures. Beautiful scenery and imaginative, almost trippy visuals make up the film, and what's best about it all is the soundtrack composed and sung entirely by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Listed on the soundtrack as Karen O and the Kids, she was nominated for a 2010 Grammy for the song All Is Love. The film shows a fantasy, almost fairytale-like other world that Karen O reflects flawlessly. I can't stop listening to it.

Jay Jay Pistolet

I was quite sad to discover this week that Jay Jay Pistolet has said on his myspace blog that he's not going to be performing as Jay Jay Pistolet in the near future or releasing any material under that name.

Jay Jay, who's real name is Justin James Hayward-Young is one of my favourite artists around at the moment. He writes the most beautiful songs and performs them with so much meaning; it gives me and Pheebs the nicest feeling when we see him play. His gig at Hamptons in Southampton was probably the best i've ever been to.

He says he's working on a new project which is quite an exciting thought but for the mean time, he's releasing a 25 track cd with a load of unreleased material on it off his myspace for only £5.

My cd came in the post today and i haven't stopped listening to it all day. I would definitely recommend anyone else to buy the cd now, while it's still for sale.