So I'm back with another little video for all of you lovely readers :) But I might quickly review some of the movies I've seen as of late.
Well I've seen a few movies and whatnot - my friends and I went to see The Great Gatsby. I found it really frustrating, though, how Baz's interpretation relied so heavily on visual splendour and didn't let the narrative do anything. The book is witty, insightful and the story should just flow by itself, carrying the plot and characters nicely. Instead, the visuals were lovely and lavish but at the expense of the story development. Honestly, all the characters felt the same at the end. I knew the plot well yet I found sections dragging on and on and on - at least it had a bit of suspense for me. My friends either loved it (the soundtrack was fantastic) or thought it was terrible (it lacked drive, slugged along and was way too long for the meagre plot - we were checking our watches often). I continually asked myself when the movie would end, and when I was revving myself up with excitement for the big bang at the end, all the excitement just fizzled out.
Gatsby had a spectacular soundtrack (I even liked the Lana song! Holy moly!) and the acting wasn't too shabby either - Leo did a splendid job of portraying the naïve, illusioned Gatsby, and Toby Maguire's casting was pretty spot on for me. Carey Mulligan was a bit too 'wafty' for me - Daisy was a girl with her head in the clouds, yes, but she knew that she was really just leading Gatsby along. Jordan Baker could've been explored more but otherwise she was well cast too.
So I guess I can say it wasn't too bad a movie but it went for such a long time that I can't help but feel it was a bit of a waste of two hours and twenty minutes. Three stars out of five.
I also went to watch Monsters University and I didn't find it too bad either. However, it lacked a clear message that the first movie had - part of the original's beauty was its painful parallels drawn with the real world. This movie still had poignant moments, although at least in the original parents and children both got deep lessons from the film. This new film feels much more kid orientated (well, it is a kid's movie. I mean that it doesn't offer any mature insights, just the boring old recycled Pixar fable stuff.)
It had a sappy, but cute short film preceding it - The Blue Umbrella. The cinematography was lovely and the mood was conveyed well. It had nothing to do with the movie and I quickly forgot it.
Monsters University wasn't boring, but it didn't seem too different from all those new cartoons out there. It was wonderful seeing Mike and Sully again (and I do hope to see them again) but they need to work on the old charm the movie lacked. Three out of five.
Now here is a short film that I found on an Avant Card postcard - I collect postcards and stick them up on my wardrobe door.
'I Have Your Heart' is a bumbling tale that's probably promoting equality (which I am still quite iffy about. Let's ignore that for a sec.) The illustrations and setting are deliciously dark yet the accordion does get pretty annoying by the end of the film.
It's only four minutes so here we have 'I Have Your Heart'. The lady is beautiful though - those lips and THAT HAIR ah and I also have a thing for open heart surgery. And the lyrics are just adorable - I have your heart, it beats inside, it's only three inches wide, I have your heart I have your heart I have your heart. ahhhhhhh cuteness overload
There we have this Reeling Stone. K bye.
OOH AND THANKYOU I HAVE HIT 2000 PAGEVIEWS I KNOW IT'S NOT A LOT BUT IT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME MWAH THANKS DEARIES
I'm really pumped for this 70s haul because I kinda wish I lived in the 70s or 80s. I guess that makes me a dweeb. #thedweeblyfchoseme
There was a point where I loved the 20s because I was going through this jazz phase and I adored flappers. But then society was mainly white and then the Great Depression was the decade after so I lost the idea.
It's just that in Sydney there's quite a few buildings with the period architecture and I love it - like the Niterider place in Homebush which you can read about here on one of my favourite blogs.
And then of course you have Newtown and the terraces scattered in Kirribilli and all around the city and whatnot. Obviously it's not all from the 20s - Enmore Theatre was built in 1908 - but the overall vibe and deco and atmosphere evoke lovely Gatsby-esque mirages. Also, the book is fabulous. I haven't watched the movie but all my friends are polarized on it. hm.
I did also want to live in the 1950s after reading The Help and fantasizing about wearing wonderful A-line dresses everywhere and I know that women were oppressed or whatever but come on, people. They got to stay at home and cook and muck around the house and play tennis and gossip with friends. Obviously they had no rights and it called for reform but I do not see what the issue with being a housewife is, if it floats your boat. But I backed out of my 50s girl idea soon enough.
The 60s was filled with heaps of social unrest and although there were fabulous ideas erupting out of the public I don't think I would like to be caught in the political and social crossfire. So the 70s and 80s are probably my favourite decades. Unless I can go back to Victorian England. Better yet, the Middle Ages. (I simply adore the Middle Ages, although given my flammable demeanour they would burn me at the stake.)
Moving on. I listen to radio which is pretty much all 70s and 80s music - this really suits me because I have all this great modern music from my friends and Youtube and the Internet and then I have these lovely old tunes to slide into the mix. My parents are huge 70s fans too so it suits us pretty well.
I've spent the last, what, 6 paragraphs, babbling on.
But don't go yet! I won't let you.
These Supernatural gifs keep getting better and better.
1970s
The disco era, the glam rock era, pretty much everything that we hate nowadays is from the 70s. Glitter, seedy disco, bell bottomed pants - just stop.
Here are my favourite songs from the 70's.
Outdated song number one: The Bee Gees - Night Fever
The Bee Gees are probably one of the most cringe-worthy bands out there -
MY EYES - but I really quite like their songs. Their melodies are so spot on and they just waft around. I grew up listening to these guys (remember, I'm a dweeb) but the songs are so catchy with the melodies and harmonies and amazing chord changes and AH.
These boys really were musical geniuses and even though they weren't even born in Australia I find it hilarious how we try to claim them as Aussies. Dem Queenslanders.
But The Bee Gees are a hugely famous band - they've sold some 220 millions albums or whatever. They're so iconic, and for good reason too.
Their music is everywhere - TV shows (The Goodies, which I watched when I was tiny) and heaps of movies. It's also played at bingo clubs around the world, catering to the (extremely) lonely old ladies.
Here's one of their really upbeat songs, Night Fever (it was in that movie Saturday Night Fever):
and of course that bunch of morons over on Glee had to cover it. There was a time past where I actually watched that pathetic excuse of a show but then I got a life. sort of. not really. but I like to think I did.
Outdated song number two: David Bowie - Life on Mars?
So I love David Bowie and this is probably one of his most genius songs. It appears on the album Hunky Dory which was released in 1971 (the other well known song from the album is Changes, which is his most well known song and was actually featured in The Breakfast Club in 1985).
Life on Mars has a brilliant composition and fantastically shows off the piano as well as Bowie's amazing, familiar voice.
Some of you might be initially creeped out by David's Ziggy Stardust persona but come on. It's awesome.
Oh and don't be freaked out when the camera zooms in onto David's eyes - he had an incident in his adolescence which made his pupil permanently dilated.
And for a very different rendition, here is Fall Out Boy's version of this classic. It gets of to a very banal start but when Patrick pushes those strong higher notes you can see the beauty of the song and it's amazing. Hi vibrato is more of a vocal convulsion but when he just slips down the notes in the chorus it works.
Outdated song number three: Carly Simon - You're So Vain
This was the most brilliant song when I first heard it - the lyrics were snarky and clever and full of seething anger. My siblings for some reason adore the lyrics 'clouds in my coffee'. Strange, I know.
Carly has a really low register so it is a bit hard to sing along but the slow, lilting feel of the song just help the lyrics pack a punch. It's really catchy.
Outdated song number four: Carole King - It's Too Late
Carole King is Nat King Cole's daughter and it's interesting to see how both father and daughter are brilliant vocalists. This is a heartfelt song that just wonderfully showcases Carole's spectacular singing. I hear this song on the radio quite a lot and it's just quite fun to listen to.
And Carole has such cool hair. And that cat.
Outdated song number five: The Knack - My Sharona
Now this song probably sounds like a whole lot of waffle on the first listen - ddhdvpooefnfvijoioarjiofnj MAHHHHH SHARONAHHHHHHH ffsnoavnfshf ddsfhu pos[30 v4\ c
But that's better than the real meaning. It's about raping a younger girl.
So this song is about violating a young girl. Lovely. But never fear! It's so simply constructed that it sticks in your ear for ages and ages.
It's not a good song per se, but I guess it's catchiness and the basicness of it all sticks. Like Ke$ha.
It was actually a massive hit although it is extremely creepy.
Outdated song number six: Boney M - Daddy Cool
I remember first watching this video as a wee bubby when the world still used the original Xbox and Pumpkin Patch was the coolest clothing brand there was.
The video really freaked me out when the man tore off his shirt and started dancing - his really low voice kinda just topped off the whole WHAT AM I WATCHING MUM.
But then I was really sad the other day when I found out that the man had died. He had grown on me through the years, like a wart.
I quite liked the ladies, because even though they were weird I was happy to settle with the lesser of two evils and women are pretty cool anyway.
Outdated song number seven: Elton John - Crockodile Rock
I'm having a bit of a spasm with the spelling of 'crockodile' but given that a man who wears a red suit, plays the guitar and wears oversized John Lennon glasses wrote the song, I don't see what you expect. It's catchy, corny and a plain lot of fun.
Elton John has become so iconic to the 70s for his amazing music that it is difficult to imagine the 70s and 80s without him. His career is so legendary. He has written the most fabulous (hehe, fabulous) songs and is so quirky and fun and I love him.
I always found his smile a bit creepy and all - he remnds me a little of a teddy bear, actually.
He wrote the spectacular music for the Lion King (which is the movie of my childhood) and my siblings were obsessed with that movie Gnomeo and Juliet which pretty much took every Elton song and just threw in some gnome terms and what not.
I don't think this is one of his best tunes - I really like Daniel and I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues - but I wasn't really bothered to hunt down other songs from the 70s by him :) I'm pathetic I know.
This will only be a short bubble and squeak post because I have a bit of work to do :( and also because I have had such a boring week that there is nothing much to write about.
Let's go.
1. Great Gatsby Sweater
If you have read a few relevant posts, you will know that I am a great fan of The Great Gatsby especially with the Baz Luhrmann adaptation coming up. I also am a huge fan of Modcloth so you can probably imagine the carnage when I saw this for sale:
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Oh my goodness. This is my life. More than anything I know. MY LIFE IS A LIE.
This is my shining beacon of fire, the reason for living. I have not known existence until now.
You can picture me tearing out clumps of my hair when I found out that the best deal for this sweater is around $40.
Why must my life be so hard?
Any donations will be kindly put towards a fund for the charitable dressing of girls in warm, well-rated jumpers that demonstrate literary prowess.
Turns out the guys who make it have an epic Great Gatsby online game and a whole heap of awesome stuff so I know exactly what I am getting for Christmas in July. That's right. Nothing.
Check them out here. I love absolutely everything in this store.
2. Generationals - Ten-Twenty-Ten
This is a really great song that sounds like it was whisked out of some trippy 90's bush doof somehow held in the States. Basically it has a really old vibe and all but the tune is just brilliant. The vocals are a bit like a rougher, less refined Tame Impala but the guitars give the song guide and drive.
It is amazing, I know.
3. Teacup Candles
So of course this is from Martha Stewart dot com, but this project looks stunning, channelling shabby chic and DIY at the same time.
Martha Stewart
This one is from Grace Sheppard's website. I liked the candle colour.
4. Ashkenazy
Being the music nerd I am, the other day we went to the Sydney Opera House to see Ashkenazy conduct Beethoven's Pastorale (as well as the Grosse Fugue and Triple Concerto for violin, cello and piano). It was the first time I really enjoyed classical music, and to hear the oboist's solo made my night. Basically it was awesome (a word probably not commonly associated with Beethoven). Ashkenazy was a pretty great conductor and the Sydney Symphony was spectacular (as always).
Yes everybody I am a dork. I'm surprised it took you simpletons that long to work it out.
5. Cupcake Cones
I love to bake. I'm a tremendously better baker than I am a cook. It seems that when I cook I make a huge mess (not that I don't make one when I bake) but my mum's cooking is always better so I don't bother having to clean up when I make a second-best meal.
These are quite old news but I still adore how cute they look. It's my friend's birthday tomorrow (yes, I have friends) and although I don't have time to bake these I thought these would be pretty cool for a birthday party.
I can't shake the feeling that I have skipped something - I was about to write point 6 but the thought fleetingly disappeared from my mind and now I am sad. That's this Bubble and Squeak, folks.
So as you know I'm back and I realised that there's only one Bubble and Squeak that I've done and it looks kind of odd if I have a #1 but no #2.
Here are some random things that will give you a glimpse into the strangely wired inner workings of this mind of mine. Careful, it's hot.
1. Papillionaire bikes.
LOOK AT THAT BEAUTY
This, ladies and gentlemen, is one of the most beautiful contraptions known to man.
If you saw my Maui post you would've realised that I took a random photo of a random bike because it looked randomly pretty. Serendipitous, I know.
These guys at Papillionaire make the most beautiful vintage bikes and I want one. I need about $500 though, so if any of you readers are charitable billionaires - actually, pa-billionaires (you laugh here) - please contact me as soon as possible. I do accept messages by homing pigeons and underpaid social networking interns.
2. Kaisercraft bookends.
ADORABUBBLE I KNOW
As an avid bookreader (not bookworm. I am not long and thin), I encountered a frustrating hiccup today when my wonderful books toppled over and wouldn't stand back up. It was so horrible. I was being rejected by my own children.
Anyway I found these adorable bookends from Kaisercraft and they make me so happy.
I'm annoyed because although they cost $18 at the least, the shipping is about twice that and the ones with free shipping are $40 anyway. My dad is whipping up some crazy concoction in the garage as we speak I type. Alone.
The bicycle ones are my favourite and because they're MDF you can paint them or wallpaper them or staple mini bunting on or leave them plain.
If you haven't worked it out yet I love vintage bikes.
3. Maple Bacon Sundae.
Yes, folks, these things do exist. (They're endemic to America).
Heart attack right there, folks.
I had it at a Denny's diner on my holiday and I will admit that it wasn't that bad. The bacon bits were really crispy and all but the maple syrup and ice cream tasted pretty good. Try it.
4. The Lord of the Rings.
I found that my uncle had this lovely old copy of all the Lord of the Rings books in one massive volume compilation thingy.
It's massive and heavy because it's hardcover and the font is ridiculously small but I love it so much.
And Gollum is freaking HILARIOUS. "Nice sensible hobbits." I want to name any child I ever have Gollum or Meriadoc or Legolas. Or maybe Batman. That sounds nice.
5. The Great Gatsby film.
Well this film is probably going to be my life.
Not only does it have amazing actors, it was filmed in Sydney (straya pride?) and the soundtrack is spectacular. Andre 3000 and Beyoncé covering Amy Winehouse. Jack White covering U2. Florence + the Machine. Gotye, The xx (OH MY GOLLY GOSH I LOVE THEM). Sia. (No Lana del Rey. I'm not a fan.)
The cast is amazing although I would think that Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton) would look a bit younger and less mafia. I can't really complain though. This film will be phenomenal (I hope.) It will be a bit odd seeing the Roaring Twenties in 3D but I think I'm here for the set and the costumes. Yay.
6. Tom Odell.
This man is now my new music crush. Seriously. His voice is so emotional, his songs and performances have such truthfulness about them and he has a nice face. Or at least cool hair.
His music is ridiculously good. Take a listen.
And here below is his cover of Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble".
Brilliance at its brilliant best. And the way he says 'love' is just...ah.
6. Two Door Cinema Club - "Handshake" video.
This video is crazy and surreal but it is so intriguing and there's lovely close ups of all the band members' faces and seeing Alex Trimble poke out his tongue to help a scruffy looking man win the game of his dreams makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside like hugging an unshaven man that's just been popped on the barbecue. In a good way.
7. Sleeping With Sirens new album.
ANYONE ELSE PUMPED FOR THIS NEW RELEASE?! actually after hearing the lead single "Low" I'm still quite excited but I have to say that it isn't as good as some of their other releases. It's still spectacular but I was expecting a much more different sound to their last work. I guess the dramatic change with Bring Me The Horizon kinda swayed my expectations for the new Sleeping With Sirens album. Even so the song is still pretty awesome.
And that's the Bubble and Squeak for this time! Maybe I should do one at the beginning and/or end of each month, when I decide to change my desktop wallpaper. Although I set it to this lovely scheme that changes every half hour to accommodate my short attention span.
This post is just going to be random stuff that I found. Let's go.
I think this dress is from Primark. I don't even know who they are, really, but it's from a Spring/Summer Collection '11. It's a really pretty dress. I like the print and shape, and that model is stunning.
I did a post on fab ciraolo a while ago - you can read it here. This is Frida Kahlo, another amazing artist (albeit a more mature one.) To have these two great artists together is like when two amazing musicians work together or even when you eat two delicious things together and they work. Like peanut butter and Nutella. It's amazing.
Actually let's do some more fab work in this post. Keep scrolling.
this just reminds me of Jordan Baker from The Great Gatsby. I love it.
This is one of the designs of SnorgTees. They make heaps of funny, nerdy and plain creative t-shirts and hoodies, and I intend to buy some soon. :)
These are my lanterns above my bed. Aren't they pretty? I picked them up at Typo for $15 I think.
I bought the bag, glasses and flower crown at this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show - what a great day! Bag is from Yak n Yeti ($15), glasses are from a pharmacy ($10) and flower crown from that same pharmacy ($5). Pharmacies are great.
Here is a pretty picture from Laurence-CE on deviantArt. It's really quite pretty. I just love the light and the wide expanse of green.
So there's my first bubble and squeak. Seeing how much random junk I accumulate, expect to see a lot more of these. Till then, take care. yay
