panda. i hate you.

right. the holidays. i actually am not a great fan of holidays, mainly because i need things to do. which is why i have taken up making mix tapes! not really on tapes because that would mean taping over 'bedtime stories for happy children', which are about the only tapes that are officially mine (although this could be perceived as 'cutting edge') . not the ones i've nicked from my parents or brother.

my first tape was for my friend georgia for her birthday, called, 'georgia b's crap cake birthday mix tape'. in year 9 when we were part of the floorball team (this is an actual sport, seriously) we decided to woo our fellow team mates who were all men by the way foretold in all movies, through the stomach. unfortunately we were unable to actually produce cakes that were aesthetically pleasing, a result of icing them white with rainbow sprinkles and then letting them melt. looking rather like a rainbow had vomitted. our woo-ees (?) describing them as 'grunt, grunt, they look like crap ... but taste good'. so there we go, long story to the title, but here's the track listing.

what's a girl to do? - bat for lashes
victoria (cover)- the kooks
closer- travis
punks- i heart hiroshima
stevie- lisa mitchell
1901- phoenix
angela- jarvis cocker
sheena is a punk rocker (cover)- yeah yeah yeahs
realer pretender- prinzhorn dance school
knotty pine- david byrne and the dirty projectors
rocky raccoon (cover)- johnny flynn
i feel it all- feist
johnny appleseed- joe strummer and the mescaleros
make up your mind- yves klein blue
black wax- dananananaykroyd
wayside- canvas kites
awkward orchid orchard- the boat people
first to know- mystery jets
electric feel- mgmt
skeleton song- kate nash (this is basically our song)
girls and boys in love- rumble strips
arcade precinct- 1990s
i'm alive- vincent vincent and the villains
jackie wilson said (i'm in heaven when you smile)- van morrisson

to then produce the second mix tape for my friend gypsy, 'owls are better than panda imports'. why? because currently in adelaide nearly every time you turn on the tv they're going on about these blooming panda's they've imported from china, for what reason? the well being of the pandas? what? they obviously don't care about the well being of the panda because they've named them wang wang and funi.

tomblands- the libertines
hot kisses, cold tiles- fergus brown ('you look like a panda that hasn't had a meal for a year)
fonz- eugene mcguiness
cheerleader- grizzly bear
straight to hell (cover)- lily allen feat. mick jones
keys to your heart- the 101'ers
boys don't cry- the cure
ask- the smiths
hurt me- the jezabels
veiled in grey- mystery jets
going missing- maximo park
chattering face (when the hammock hits quartz)- denim owl
on/off- snow patrol
fever- takka takka
oh yeah- roxy music
dans un camion- dominque a.
you can do better than me- death cab for cuties
yankee dayonet (i will be home soon)- the decemberists
el caporal- my morning jacket
i can't wait- the sundays
tubthumping (cover)- angus and julia stone
2000 miles- the pretenders (thought i'd throw in a christmas song)


well there you go. i now officially have nothing to do. maybe i'll go listen to some of my bedtime stories for happy children tapes. bit of nostalgia, always good.

Pretend you never went to school

Well, the Hottest 100 of all time, hosted on Triple J has officially started and I am preeeeeetttyy excited! Bon Iver- Skinny Love, Take Me Out- Franz Ferdinand, Common People- Pulp, No Woman No Cry- Bob Marley and the Wailers and Wolf and Me- TV on the Radio have already featured so I'm looking forward to the next 80.

My shortlist was so:
Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart
David Bowie - Heroes
The Clash - Straight To Hell
The Smiths - What Difference Does It Make?
The Cure - Boys Don't Cry
Pulp - Do You Remember The First Time?
The Go-Betweens - Finding You
The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
Snow Patrol - Same
The Jam - That's Entertainment

I'm hoping that my 'Love will Tear Us Apart' will make number one, but I wouldn't mind where it gets. Pulp has already featured, so I'm pretty happy. Hoping for a few Clash, Cure and Smiths song and hopefully one Bowie. I don't think Snow Patrol will feature but due to my loyalty, and love of their work, voted for a pretty odd favorite. off Final Straw 'That's Entertainment' should make it, but I don't think it will, the same with The Go-Betweens, despite their amazingness. The Verve's song is practically an anthem, so I'd be surprised if it doesn't feature but who knows. A few heavy metal songs, or metal I guess, are featuring but its good to feature everyones different tastes.

Looking over other peoples choices I feel like I've left out so many good bands, The Beatles, for one, who forgets the classics?! 'Come Together' has already featured and I'm expecting a lot more. I forget a lot of favorites stupidly, Echo and the Bunnymen, Crowded House (I think i shortlisted 'World Where you Live' but chose over it), Dire Straits ('Romeo and Juliet'),.Otis Redding ('Try a Little Tenderness') and Coldplay. 'Yellow' has already made the list and it was quite beautiful so stare at my roof whilst it played on the radio. I'm hoping 'Shiver' will get in, I love that song, despite Chris Martin calling it 'constructed', or something like that. Roxy Music! Argh! The Pogues! And what about 'Dancing in the Dark', cor!

'Cigarettes Will Kill You' by Ben Lee (first album the best album in this case) will hopefully get it as well as 'Brick' by Ben Folds Five, both classics to me. Plus The Killers! Whoops! I'm guessing...'Mr Brightside'? I hope for 'Jenny was a Friend of Mine', favorite song. Urgh! Forget that? 'Never Tear Us Apart' - INXS, classic, not forgetting my love of Badly Drawn Boy, Madness -'Our House', New Order-'Temptation', Nina Simone- 'Sinner Man', Aretha Franklin- 'You'll lose a good thing', or the obvious, 'R.E.S.P.E.C.T', The Pretenders, THE POLICE! Oh gosh! There's so many! But of course, I guess after so many, many, mannnny years of music there would have to be over a million songs and over a thousand artists! Well, I look forward to the rest of the countdown and by posting this I HAVE PROOF if one of my shortlisted songs actually get in. Please, please, please! But looking over all that I could've chosen, I probably would've gone insane. Oh and Elbow!

Well, music rant over. I'm just going to go hold myself in the corner now, thanks.

DANANANANAAAAAAYKROYD!!!!

Dananananaykroyd', how cool is that name? Just listen to them to say their name, casually into conversation, if possible...'oh this? Oh (hahaha..highly superior laugh) this is Dananananaykroyd...you don't know them? Really?' Its meant to be a take on the Batman theme and that Blues Brother, Dan Aykroyd. You know? DANANANANAAAAAAYKROYD!!!!

Place to Be

She's Jamie's Mum!

Apparently right now I am supporting an 'Apres Ski' look due to my newly acquired jumper. Yet, unlike my fellow fashionstas (?), I am not laughing around a fire place with a cuppa hot cocoa. Smiling painfully, 'my! Clarissa! How funny you are! Har. Har. Har'. Instead I am drinking cold Irish Breakfast, mainly because I forgot about it, but I'm pretty sure its from today, pretty sure, and listening to my mothers 'The Bill' addiction.

Its raining nearly every day now, its rather nice really. I can't say I've done much today! And I had so many plans! Where does all my time go! I found myself researching pictures of hermit crabs. Pointless, useless things. But heres quite a stunning picture of a hermit crab:

And its football. Not soccer. What is this? (Should I be watching Eurovision right now?)

And discussing the ethics of Gamera. Who would win between King Kong and Gamera. I think Gamera has something to say about this :

Extreme.

I would like to think I actually did things. Days go so fast really. A teacher apparently stated that we are only 'six haircuts away from Year 12 exams'. Well, knowing how I have haircuts every seven year, I think I'm doing quite well in terms of preparing. The rate I'm going it'll be...a long time till my Year 12 exams. I don't plan to do Maths in Year 12, I just thought I'd make that clear.

But I did find this gem today, it combines two of the best things in modern society, Kate Bush and ukuleles, its 'The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain':

Rather liking The Joy Formidable too.

Well, I am off now. I was thinking of watching Eurovision, as a first or something. I am a Eurovision virgin and am unsure if this is good or not. For one, it produced ABBA, but gave a win to Celine Dion in 1988 for representing Sweden, or Switzerland one of them 'sw' places. Isn't she from Canada (or Canadia as my brother keeps insisting) I can't think of any other arguments.

Have a good weekend, hopefully fulfilling goals as such.

Is it just me or gingers some how becoming trendy? Not the mutation that we are supposedly. Check this out, Blaine Harrison contemplating the world of Alternative music. I don't know if this is trendy but it sure is damned cool. I don't think Topper Head was a ginger. The pondering continues with not much thought.

What would I do with something valuable?

Firstly I would like to wish the rather excellently odd Kelly a rather belated Happy Birthday!!

Recently I was bought a book called 100 Great Irish Jokes, to which the following joke was published:
Kelly (Kelly as in man Kelly, as in not this Kelly. Yes.) was having trouble telling his two horses apart until one day he realised the white horse was two hands taller than the black horse.

Took me quite awhile to figure out but ey! Happy Birthday Kelly! Hope the world of 16 is treating you well.

As for me, yesterday I saw the very beautiful 'L'heure d'ete '(Summer Hours) which I thought was fantastic documentation of life, if not a little slow for the most. I mean theres not this happy ending, it doesn't really end but life doesn't basically. Its like Once, no strict ending, just the thought of whats to come. I enjoyed it greatly and thought the art featured in the film was beautiful and the ending, especially the accompanying track was very moving. I highly recommend it, especially for the house keeper, Eloise! She steals the show for me!

And today (I do honestly do things, like work, but films are so great, I just try and fit as many as I can in. Its that whole idea of being immersed in someone elses life, its like facebook but actually cultured), I saw 'Let The Right One In'. The movie, filmed in Stockholm, was utterly disturbing. Which may have been the point, I guess Not necessarily the whole vampire, blood, 'heads will roll' (and they do, indeed, they do), that was disturbing, but not in the same sense as the psychology behind it and all the hidden, unsaid things. There are points in the film where your gripping your seat, or the poor person next to you, making high pitched whining noises. Its very, very scary, yet some how remaining innocent, there's such an innocence to the children in the film despite the very adult situations that surround them. I don't quite know what to think of it. I do suggest seeing it, though. Perhaps I shall form a judgment after I have stopped looking over my shoulder and clutching my throat, and looking in trees. Which shall hopefully be soon. Stunning cinematography though, a photograph in every frame and Eli's eyes were enormous, she did look supernatural in some sense or another.
Rather looking forward to the release of ' The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus', the last film starring Heath Ledger. The following movie still depicts the very beautiful Lily Cole in a very pretty wig. Shes a ginger by the way. I wonder if she gets abused on the street.

To explain, one day, in the not too distant past, walking down the street at 9 in the morning I noticed a skin head, in full gear, Docs, tartan shirt, rolled up jeans and braces following me. Thinking it to just be coincidence I turned into Myers to be greeted by his lovely comment of 'you belong in a zoo'. To which I laughed. Stupidly. Or maybe bravely. Yes, I think I will accept that. Its a serious issue. People need to know. Gingers are people too.

Listening to 'Left for Dead' by Mum Smokes at the moment which is a bit of jittery rock with eerie undertones, quite cool. Also, check out 'Streamers' by Umpire, both of which are available for free download on the triple j website. Possibly one of my favorite songs of this month is 'Le Marin' by Babet, good stuff.

Have a good weekend.

You can make it, if your try

'm a bit restless. I should be working, really, I actually need to, but I can't sit still as I have amazing music pumping through extremely bad speakers:

Firstly,
Fanfarlo
There seems to be a lot of music out there that just warms you up, some how in one way or another, like Fleet Foxes or Arcade Fire. Fanfarlo is London based, which seems to be it really. London just produces all this music, all this noise that just seems to be excellent. Then you wonder whats wrong with your city. Aren't we meant to be the creative, festival state? Fanfarlos music is beautiful layers of sound, with strong beats and soaring sounds. Really worth a look, I rather love "I'm a Pilot" and they toured with Snow Patrol...kind of what I was getting at.


We must eat the same cereal. That R2D2 was firmly wedged on my pencil for the greater part of Year 5. Heck, I was a cool cat.

Maximo Park have just released their first video from their new album, 'Quicken the Heart'. The song takes a while to settle, but its a catchy tune and Paul Smith is a brilliant show man. 'The Kids are Sick Again'. Hope to hear the rest of the record soon.

White Lies are another band breaking into the scene (gigs with fellow new comer Florence and the Machine) from London (snap). They're reminiscent of Joy Division/ New Order and Echo and the Bunnymen, and rather a bit depressing too, song simply named 'Death'.'Death' is very 80's to me, oddly reminding me of the Cars 'You're Just What I Needed', so I guess not too depressing. The music is infused with electro and beautiful lyrics. Especially obvious in 'Unfinished Business' I do suggest you check them out. In the sense...mush!

The Lowly Knights, another band who toured with Snow Patrol (its a bit of a theme this month. I feel a bit numb really, its all over! And I have this desperate sense of wanting to go to Ireland, North or South. Just to do something. This music makes it a bit better really.). The music is truly inspirational and sounds like something they should play and the end of an indie, heart warming movie. Perhaps the protagonist looking out the window of a train as she, because of course, a female, leaves her home town...something like that.

My latest news includes a certain New Zealand duo. The other day whilst tuning into the excellent Triple J, the song 'Inner City Pressure came on'. I thought, Pet Shop Boys, immediately. Then I thought, "shit, what is wrong with their lyrics?". Honestly it was not until Jermaine entered (and even then I was still under the impression that Pet Shop Boys were hard up for cash) that I sort of understood. I felt like a complete twat. Check out the song here, very, very funny. I look forward to their new season.

I just finished reading "The Gathering" by Helen Enright and I thoroughly suggest you should read it. The book touches on many taboo subjects in a thoughtful, touching way, a sense of care.

I am looking very much forward to going to the cinemas to see 'Let the Right One In' (the anti-Twilight apparently) and 'The Boat that Rocked', because we all love a bit of Bill Nighy.

Plus! My mother just presented me with a Pretenders record, Brass in Pocket, Police- Zenyatta Mondatta and Bangles- Different Light. All I really need now is a record player. I hear thats kind of essential.

Feet to Feet

It was no joke. Despite Snow Patrol playing on April Fools ('some blokes gonna walk out and say "OH TOUGH LUCK GUYS! THEY'RE NOT COMING"' as foretold by my brother) they produced an absolutely amazing concert!

Jenny Lewis was the support and she was absolutely infectious with rather a lot of sexual energy, gasp! Shock! Lewis' voice took over the entire venue, seemingly with no effort. Plus the drummer is female so that's an immediate positive for me!

She moved from sweet, continually thanking the audience and dedicating 'Melt Your Heart' to all the girls , to this possessed human, haunting almost, especially depicted in 'The Next Messiah'. That song ever so slightly scared me, as did 'Jack Killed Mum'. Jenny Lewis and her band delivered even though the audience was not exactly excellent. I'm not used to people talking through sets, so to have around ten conversations going on at once during a song, was a bit shocking. Who cares about your stupid friend, shut up! 'Melt Your Heart' practically killed me, especially during the lyrics "its like a Valentine from your mother', Lewis surely touched a few souls that night. 'Carpetbagger' by Jenny Lewis was named one of the top 20 songs of 2008 by Word Magazine, featuring Elvis Costello on the album- Wow! As Lightbody later advised "if you could all buy Jenny Lewis' new album (Acid Tongue) that would be fantastic!".

Snow Patrol entered around twenty minutes later to a predictable Adelaide technological default. Yet, the band continued to produce the beautiful"If There's A Rocket Tie, It to Me' from their new album 'A Hundred Million Suns' (which you should all buy) before launching into 'Chocolate' from 'Final Straw'.

Lightbody proceeded to fight against the Adelaide security and their combat boots (ready for some heavy work chaps!) by standing on the speaker which was labeled simply "no" during 'Hands Open'. To which the entire "security team" had to come and press against the speaker to hold it in place, and run around following Lightbody as he jumped from speaker to speaker. Just, before singing "Adelaide bursts to light", confusing the sing-a-longs in a rather exceptional way.

The set list included:

1. If Theres a Rocket Tie it to Me
2. Chocolate
3. Hands Open
4. Spitting Games
5. How to be Dead
6. Golden Floor
7. You Could be Happy
8. Run
9. Shut your Eyes
10. Chasing Cars
11. Crack the Shutters
12. Take Back the City
13. Open your Eyes

Encore

1. What if this Storm ends?
2. You're all I have

(I was kind of hoping that suddenly BOOM! Jenny Lewis would pop out and together a Lewis Lighbody combination of "Set the Fire to the Third Bar" would occur right before my eyes! But sadly, no. I formatted such configurations in my head for later use.)

Lightbody later informed and apologised for coming down with a flu, that he was perhaps not performing to his all (which may explain a few missing songs from the set list). I did not notice this at all until towards the end where he seemed slightly in pain. The poor guy. Despite this, Lightbody continued casual banter with the audience, joking and dedicating his songs to various causes, from "Pablo and his sunburn", to "glow stick girls" to a rather off handed "peace". One hilarious incident was when asked the entire audience to sing a long to "Shut Your Eyes". "I'm just asking you for singing! Not, not even kissing! Not that you want that, I've got a flu, besides that would not be right", his smile lighting up the stage alone. It made it very apparent that they're just sort of normal people, however cliched that sounds.

The band has amazing dynamics, as so particularly obvious during "What if this Storm Ends?" which was truly magical. The drumming from Quinn really brought the piece together and the lyrics ('sets you up against, the planets last dance') seemed even more powerful than from the record.

Although, this could just be me, captured in the atmosphere and such. Nick Hornby described in "The Complete Polysyllabic Spree" the feeling of a live concert, the feeling of being energized and itchy after, which is true. I didn't want to do anything, I just wanted to sit and bask in the concerts glory.

The thing that truly made my night was when the band members, Paul Wilson (I don't quite understand the 'Pablo'), Tom Simpson and Gary Lightbody whilst driving past jumped out of their mini-van and patiently signed autographs. Lightbody did not look too well but still stood for numerous photographs, even with the hysterical 40 year old women (and I thought I was bad, I was not crying, wetting myself and giggling over the thought of knowing where Lightbody was staying for the night). I managed to snatch an autograph or two and a few photos, sadly not with Simpson, who jumped back in the van before I managed to manoeuvre my way around the crowd. I don’t know any band who would really do that after a nearly two hour set.

Paul Wilson, my hair later got caught in his arm bands. This was particularly embarrassing.

Its rather shoddy quality, as I didn't bring my camera and relied on my phone. Unfortunately, Gary Lightbody has his eyes closed, but he did for the greater part of the concert. I guess its rather fitting then. My friend suggested photoshopping eyes onto his face, but I think that would be rather creepy and obsessive.

So, an enormous thank you to the Snow Patrol, Jenny Lewis, the girl who directed me to where the band comes out, the lovely women who took my photographs, Leah, who sent me amazing photographs from the concert and the security guards who removed the mad Spanish lady from my back when she was practically mauling –or humping- me. Thank you!

The other day I was lucky enough to attend the opening preview for Adelaide of 'Mary and Max' the first full length feature film by Adam Elliot, of 'Harvie Krumpet' fame. After, Elliot and producer Melanie Coombs attended a question and answer session in which Elliot described his style ('Chunky and Wonky') and influences, plus a few fascinating stories too! The movie is beautifully narrated by Barry Humphries, with Phillip Seymour Hoffman voicing Max and Toni Collette, Mary. I suggest that you should see it as soon as possible! It provokes memories, laughter and tears, something the whole family can enjoy.

Have an excellent, magnificent weekend.

Mary and Max:

The Dog Days are Over

I have some amazing "tunes" to share.

Start with something amazing. The lovely "Florence and the Machine", a sort of edgier, rockier version of Kate Nash, you may have heard "Kiss with a Fist", the angry love/hate relationship song where she looks like an indie-kid Alice in Wonderland . But the best is "Dogs Days are over", although the video kind of echoes MGMT's LSD trip/ face painting idea, its really, simply cool. Florence's voice is a bellow, a force. It does make you want to get up and shout, creating a stomp, twirl, and what can do that?

And here's a recommendation from the same place that offers videos of Jarvis Cocker talking about Star Wars, so it must be exceptionally reliable, The Rumble Strips. They're a bit like the bands that are hitting the radio a lot now, thick accents, shouting and a tad eccentric, think 1990's and The View. Yet, The Rumble Strips have the added benefit of brass, creating a sort of Madness feel about them. Check out, "Alarm Clock". I could say its like my alarm clock, but I have programmed it to wake me up to the "Latino Beat" option, so in the morning I feel pumped and like dancing.

Here's another treat, Brendan Canning from Broken Social Scene, some how achieving the ultimate cool, without even trying, "Churches Under the Stairs". PAS/CAL recently released their first full length album here's a track, "Summer is Almost Here". The style is like that of me on the beach in summer, because after living here, everything is freezing. This song makes me very happy. And anything that includes men running in animal suits, has to be good, "Tane Mahutta"by The Ruby Suns, a sort of African infused indie-pop.

Plus, 80's is making a come back, first Ladyhawke, then the Mystery Jets (This Sunday! I am there! I could touch them there!) and now La Roux. (not really my thing, but I am painting a picture) Plus Keane's new stuff sounds, especially, "Spiralling" like soon leg warmers all round. And I am not complaining, well, besides my legs looking like they're malformed.

Plus, The Virgins and (Bad video, can't find the official, but look, you can have a sing along!), The Ravonettes (90's anyone?).

2008 was a pretty good year for music, Vampire Weekend, MGMT, Duffy, Ladyhawke, The Last Shadow Puppets, Fleet Foxes and releases from The Killers, Coldplay (the only downfall to this is their new "image", what are they? Before they were your usual, normal guys, like you see on the street, besides the lead naming their kid "Apple", half of the appeal and now they're what? "Freedom fighters"? Bad Spanish movie extras?), Goldfrapp, Snow Patrol, The Verve, Martha Wainwright, Flight of the Conchords, Death Cab for Cutie, Sigur Ros, Mystery Jets and Keane. Thats a pretty amazing line-up, theres a festival right there. And to promote music even further, even queer core, "Nick and Norah's infinite playlist, which was just about the god of teen movies this year, Juno being last years.

The only downfall being that of Miley Cyrus, the evil demon she is.

So 2008 was a great year for music but 2009 is looking pretty good too.

To end, Ida Maria, whose just a tiny bit cool.

Invisible Light

I just received my Mystery Jets tickets, delivered by a nice man in a helmet. So, I guess I can stop the worrying, the threat of crying gone and rejoice with my tiny piece of paper.

Yesterday I went to an artist talk with the wonderful Joey Piziali at the Collectors Contemporary. He gave a wonderful talk, covering all aspects of art, from inspiration, interpretation and his own works from the "Invisible Light" collection.

Piziali is sort of how you expect artists to be, seeing beauty in everything, even the mundane, quirky and very inspirational, yet still very friendly. It was a real treat, amazing, actually, to be able to talk to him and gain insight into the art world. Plus gain a sneaky signature, oops!

So go check out his work at the Collectors Contemporary till the 24th January.

TRUDY TRUDY TRUDY

Its time again, for Cats music rant.
This time I am going to comment on the some what new, English speaking French pop/rock groups and my love for them.

First I will start with the obvious.
Nouvelle Vague (New Wave).
The lovely French band that cover songs from the 80s with Latin/Caribbean infused Jazz/ Pop. The songs covered range from the beautiful "In a Manner of Speaking", smooth, brushes and light yet stunning vocals to the Echo and the Bunnymen's "The Killing Moon", which incorporates bird calls in a non-tacky way, which is a skill in itself. With Nouvelle Vague it is possible to know that they're French due to their accents and, not odd, but different pronunciations of the English language. This differs to the next band:

Neimo
The born cool guys of Neimo, despite their name reminscent of a animated clown fish, are like how rock stars should be. Stylish, assertive, definetly cool and if not a tad arrogant, but thats all the stage. I found this band whilst searching through my work experiences system, hard at work. They don't sound in the slightest French but they look French, which is a very nice thing to look.

Tahiti 80
I originally thoguht this band was English, they just felt English, sounded English and looked like a scruffy lad from Oxford, and then boom! French formed since 1993. Apparently they're very popular in Japan, they're "Big in Japan"..har har har. Basically they're kind of bubble gum pop, but still very cute, I guess thats what bubble gum pop is for. But check out they're latest song. The whole time I worried about the hamster and then at the end! Ah! Adorable!

But now from something slighty different, my favorite French band who actually speak in French, the completely fantastic and fun NAAST. Nobody, I mean nobody, well nobody I know, which means kind of nothing, know them! Unless I have hounded them to listen. They're completely underrated because they're absoulutely amazing! The best song for a good kick and jump around the house is "Tu Te Trompes", the video makes it all look so easy and carefree. I wish I was in a rock band, I mean, I long for it more than anything. This could happen if I didn't have such screwy short fingers though, I can't make the F chord, my genes have stuffed me up. Like my father, who actually has talent and is a drummer, I have drummer hands meaning the instruments I want to play, I can't because nine year olds have fingers longer than my stubs. This is true, as proven today by my Miley Cyrus worshipper friend. I can't mainly blame my so called fingers, I should also blame my laziness and procrastination of about everything, plus the fact that I spend about 90 percent of the time thinking of a band name (Bangers and Mash? No? I think its truly groovy, like the chimps, yeh?) instead of actually getting down and doing anything. I've writtens songs but they're mainly about clowns, which could work, if they're wasn't about 20 of them (borderline obsession). So I could blame that, but that would mean owning up to my faults, not things like my genes and parents so there, its my fingers fault.

Well, before I depart I shall leave you with the movie I am desperate to see showing that music CAN bring you together, perhaps only if you live in a movie but heres hope for us all. Nick and Norahs infinite playlist:


Have a good weekend. Plus this, if you see this you will have the best weekend ever.

Sometimes I think about nothing

I love this website. It is utterly amazing and sums up a lot of my views on everything, especially movies (New Bond?). Plus I like this song, its Justin Heazlewood, my favorite Tasmanian.

I would blog more but I am in work experience period (not now, I am not that unprofessional) which is very, as I said "insighting ...INSIGHTFUL!! Thats what I meant to say..yep" to a colleague. Hey! First impressions count but not forever..and ever. Its pretty fun, editing videos, writing scripts and offers endless supply of bananas and milo, so heck, I'm convinced.

Now I am going to nap.

Not before my mother told me my favorite top doesn't suit me. At all. You know, after I've worn it, adored it and practically framed and bolted it to my wall, it "doesn't suit" me. Now that my friends are all becoming lawyers (I know, what is this? I despise lawyers and they're all my friends. I would say this is leading somewhere but that is a mean and cruel thing to say) I reckon I could sue for violation.

Have a good one

The gift for the gab

In an attempt to be creative for my English piece and Photographic piece, cause, gosh, I need it, I am wearing my "thinking cap", a scrungy old, rainbow beanie that was bits of tinsel knitted in. My, I feel cool.


But! I am extremely pleased to say that I have recieved a blog award from the fantastic Jesse, who has also got very good taste in music.

Unfortunately, I barely have any blogger friends, so I would simply say go check out all the blogs I follow, especially Hannahs "Mild Mild West", because Hannah is by far pretty damn awesome, plus she has fantastic taste in practically everything. Yet, I knew Hannah before the wonders of blog, so does that count? My, my, questions, questions in this technology based world we live in.

I shall leave you with the lovely Martha Wainwright, whose beautiful lyrics mark the ending of my English piece, I am pretty sure that her powerful voice inspired me but there is a hinting feeling my rainbow beanie could have helped.

Your broken records and words

Some may diss the workings of the lovely Snow Patrol but I suggest you all buy their latest cd, A Hundred Million Suns, although I may be slightly biased (whats that? "ZAAAA!! SNOW PATROL!"), it is fantastic, I don't know if they could follow up Eyes Open, the album that gave them most of their fame for "Chasing Cars", besides "Run" from Final Straw; my favorite, slightly darker, "Spitting Games". Plus, being number one on the UK album charts indicates that yes, Keane are back in the game post-rehab Chaplin, looking and sounding fantastic, I love the little stomp when the keyboard is being played, that just tingles me down the spine.

And so begins Cats weekly rant on music.

My playlist is as follows:

Start Wearing Purple- Gogol Bordello
In the video, just before it really kicks off, he does this sort of push on himself and falls backwards, I have to calm myself I am so excited.

Ghosts- The Jam
I wish I was as cool as Paul Weller, sheesh. If I was, I could do anything.

Inbetweener- Sleeper
Its a comedy but I love it, like "Parklife" by Blur, hilarious Englishness plus a bit of "oy! That bloke in Eastenders, innit?".

Take Back This City- Snow Patrol
Apparently, Fintan update: this song is about Belfast. Most likely as they are from Northern Ireland, but they're last two albums were all about Lightbody's infidelity so thats a change, a nice one though.

15 Feet of Pure White Snow- Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
For Mo-vember the art teacher is getting this full on Nick Cave Grinderman (current period- "Pussy Love") tash. Its fantastic, not quite a Gogol Bordello or Dali mustache, if so I would be donating all my earnings plus extra if they did a push and fall down, but still.

Acrobat- Maximo Park
I did an art piece where I had to listen to this song on repeat, 500 times over and over and I'm still not sick of it. Gosh, the lyrics make me sob like someone watching Lassie for the first time and then I can full throttle the dance moves to any of their other songs, karate chops arms like Paul Smith.

I Don't Know What I Can Save You From- Kings of Convenience
I love my European pop, like "She's an Apple Pie" by Kissogram.

And there you go. I have taken the advice of Dolly (hosh! cosh!) and am bleaching my elbows with lemons. Did you know avocados were a fruit. I did not. You learn something every day, thank you Caroline. :)

For you're as blind as a man can be

I love this photo, its that "mood" thing, yeah?

Plus, Manic Street Preachers on November the 24th, fingers crossed but hopefully "Your Love Alone is Not Enough" will be playing sweetly to my ears. The only problem is when your music taste greatly resembles that of a forty year old it often means your parents want in on the act.

You're no flower anymore

My Friend the Chocolate Cake.

Clowns

Inspired by Alison Goldfrapp, who never, ever ages.

Get your Skag and lets go.

"Oh you want to start a book club with her?"

I love, love, love this movie, even if its a whole bunch of lies manufactured to help "indifferent" girls like me.

I know when to go out, I know when to stay in

Yet, I cannot complete the end of this beginning (thats a tad odd isn't the end of this beginning, sounds highly philosophical or just like someone with very bad ways of expression) to this amazing song, because, sadly, I don't get things done.

Anyway, heres what I have been doing instead, tubing, sadly not into the realms of London Below, but never less, check out these finds.

Rosin Murphy- "You Know Me Better"
I have recently acquired a taste for electro music. It sickens me, as I used to oppose it so much, but I'm quite into that "stuff" at the moment, the whole synth bit, Ladyhawke kind of thing, although this greatly differs. This is Rosin Murphy previously from Moloko (remember, "Sing it Back", dominating the Triple J airwaves for a good reason, its so damn catchy). The main drawing power for this song for me is the fact the video is based on the works of Cindy Sherman, its rather fantastic.

The Displacements- "Frontline Hearts"
Oh god! The beginning of this blew me away, it reminded me of Joy Division, The Cure a sort of mixed punch of all of those tunes around then. Then I thought shit! Is that the bloke from "Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging"? But no, thank god, just bad lighting. This song is positively amazing, this is for the repeat list, in which one song I play on repeat, constantly and still never sicken of it.

White Williams -"Violator"
Again, the synth, if not for the end I could imagine this song being something you play behind doing average activities or not so average activities. Its rather catchy, like "ch-ch-changes" but saying "vi-vi-violator". Maybe at the end the average activities have turned into some kind of riot! (Child on lemonade dance ensue)

The Lodger- "The Good Old Days"
This is so sweet, the just look the regular blokes you get down at the shops, adorable aren't they?The music is a tickling fantastic, inspiring me to get up and try and dance naturally, fail, but still continue, its that good. The video is sweet, too, like a permanent 60's filter over it and everythings orange! C'mon what more can you ask for! I'm inspired to hug someone due to this song.

The Popguns- "Someone You Love"
A sort of softer The Cranberries, to put it into context. Its the sort of stuff you listen to as an angsty teenage girl that still wants harmony. Shoegazer period, like the Pale Saints, 1989 I think. From this I was linked to the Hollow Men- "November Comes", which just made me laugh, but its a delight to watch.

Winter Hours- "Wait Till The Morning"
Its deeply romantic poetry in an amazing song, it sort of reminds me of The Church, for reasons beyond me, I love it, the videos in black and white and the cut out bits cause you to ponder the meaning of life and cold frosty mornings.

And lastly, a video I sourced after Triple J's morning show, did you know theres a channel now thats basically just Triple J in Australia? I'm thinking "holy shit! What other wonders are on TV in Australia?" After that I was greeted with Top Gear Australia, proving us to be truly the convicts we are. Because we steal. And not even that well. But anyway, heres Augie March.

Augie March- "Pennywhistle"
My gran and I sat there watching this video (my gran is what can be considered as "hip", she listens to Lily Allen but refers to her as "the lovely girl with the pretty dresses".) she defined it as a good song because it caused her foot to involuntarily start tapping. The song is worthy of foot tapping thats for sure but the video is hilarious as well, especially when he beats the whistle blowing boy up, thats ace.

So, now I shall start working, I was meant to start at two. Its six. Procrastinators of the world unite but later, yeh?

One night stands are very tender

As an Australian, I feel it is obligatory to post this, so they're not really Australians, but it is Mark Seymour's (Hunters and Collectors) song and they perform is so beautifully. Being there would be an absolute amazing feeling, if I never am able to see The Clash or The Smiths perform (I saw The Cure so at least I saw one third of my fab three) then I want to see this song performed live.