Here I am in a pair of tartan pants and a shirt I stole from Chris, taking notes at Friday night’s Melbourne Spring Fashion Week show. The week has been really impressive with decent goodie bags, interesting styling and professional models. More importantly the designs on show have been really interesting. The week involved alot of designers that didn’t take part at Australian Fashion Week so it was really good to see those labels have the oppotunity to present their spring summer ranges in such a sleek runway show. My favourites of the week have included above., Trimapee, Limedrop, Alice McCall, MATERIALBYPRODUCT and everything on show at the RMIT show. As a result of the week I’m now coveting a soft tailored blazer in a delicious tone like mustard or burnt orange to wear with my punk leather skirt/pants. Oh and my birthday is coming up soon…….
Read my review of Friday night’s show here. Above photo by Oh Jamie.
OH NO, Jay Z and Beiber are on their way to a show when a rogue meteor obliterates their stretch limo along with the hearts of a billion 10 year old girls. There’s only one Brooklyn based rap group who can suitably fill Beiber’s sz 7 Nike Dunks and that’s Das Racist, but unfortunately Heems and Kool AD seem to have misplaced their hype man, Dap (Don’t you hate it when that happens). If you’re into Nintendo, call and response choruses and hoverboards then you should definitely watch the video to find out whether Das Racist can find their man in time for the show, but if for some weird reason you aren’t into any of these things, just watch it anyway for the lolz.
A big congratulations goes to one of our favourite Brissy boutique’s Violent Green, who have just opened their second store. The tunnel styled boutique is full of Aussie designer mens, womens, accessories and shoes, and is located on Ann Street in the valley (across from the Bowery). Check it.
Oh what a day huh?! The sun is shining, birds are chirping and there is a gentle breeze rustling through the chin plummage of bearded boys everywhere. I wish to preface this post by saying that yesterday eve, I think I embraced more beer than beard. And I don’t want to sound like BNE Party Girl, and rave about my sick nights out in the Valley hookin’ babe DJ’s and shit- but sweet jesus christ on a cross I am hungover. I am broken.
Driving home early this morning from a friends I tried to convince myself that working 8hrs today wouldn’t be that bad, that wasting my World Beard Day mindlessly folding clothes should be ok. I soothingly said out loud alone, ‘I am not hungover’ and closed my eyes (briefly), took a breath in and reminded myself that I am youthful and shall bounce back with ease. Then Xavier Rudd came on the radio singing about gathering bushnuts, crying about mother earth and shat allover my mental recovery plan. Not to mention put a dampener on my beard day. Whilst lying in a foetal position, naked on the bottom of my shower floor, I recalled that I promised you all beard-related activities and wracked my brain as the water pelted down on my fragile self for like a good 15-20 mins (take that Xavier. Damn hippies) (sorry Al Gore. Love you), this is what I came up with:
1. Play some tracks by The Beards. If you don’t have the album, I suggest you do what the kids are doing
nowadays and down and, or load it. Preferably ‘If Your Dad Doesn’t Have A Beard, You’ve Got Two Mums’ Grind to it a little, feel the bearded vibes, maybe, even crack open a beer and start the celebrations early (I just dry reached, death is upon me).
2. Gather together with all your hairy-faced friends, if you have a beard yourself-I reckon make yourself a sash for the day, or some kind of badge. Feeling special is nice isn’t it? It’s your day to shine beards, take it by the balls. If you don’t have a beard…..harden the fuck up and grow one.
That was it. That is all I came up with. I’m sorry for the disappointment and empty promises. It’s not like me, I know- especially with such a special event as this. Hopefully this picture of a bearded Conan O’Brien with a monkey will repair the damage I’ve caused. I hope you all have a spectacular World Beard Day. Go on, find a beard and stroke it. Enjoy it. Just go to town on it. Carpe diem man, carpe diem. The road less travelled and all that.
Holy shit you guys, tomorrow is World Beard Day. When I first heard about this, I swore I thought I heard the person say, “World Beer Day”- my eyes lit up like Christmas and with the palms of my hands glued to my cheeks, ‘Home Alone’ style, I squealed, “How could this be?! Never in my wildest dreams I thought…”
Once corrected, the excitement only mounted- a day dedicated to the men and small minority of ladies I love?! Outstanding. And heck! I can still drink beer, can’t I? Beer and beards go most excellently together, like Ross and Rachel or that really, rich decrepit ex-doctor and the slutty blonde wife he mail-ordered from the States that I saw on Today Tonight once.
So tomorrow I’ll join you wih a special post aiding you on this momentus occasion with all the beard-related activities that I can think of. Until then, here is a little ditty from a follicly foliaged gent himself to get you in the mood.
As Big Sound slowly approaches it’s hard not to get a little excited. I’m a huge fan of any type of musical extravaganza that decides to call Brisbane and more specifically Fortitude Valley it’s home. Apart from the Laneway Festival there is really scant opportunities to drink and play pool a short walk away from a large gathering of great bands. If that’s not a massive pro in favor of Big Sound then I don’t know what is. What I do know is that you should stop by their myspace and lend your ears to the sounds of 4 of Brisbane’s brightest young musical upstarts. I am of course talking about Last Dinosaurs and here at Peny Lane we love when hometown boys made good. I got the chance to sit down with the lads and talk a little about what they’ve been upto, Big Sound 2010 and Bruce Willis’ bald head.
The Drums were recently described as “Joy Division goes to the beach”. How would you describe Last Dinosaurs? That’s a very difficult question to answer! I think we have a few different sounds, at least on the EP. Every song on that has a different feel about it, whereas with the Drums’ album every song has a certain underlying surfy aspect, which I loved about it. Maybe after our album I’ll be able to give you a more assured answer!
I ask this because of my fondness for all things Swedish and also because the Hives would have to be the best act I think I’ve ever seen live, but Last Dinosaurs happen to be a part of the Dew Process Label along with bands such as the Hives and the Shout Out Louds. How does it feel to be in such esteemed company? It’s great, if not a little scary sometimes. It’s just great to know that people out there that have the power to promote your music are actually willing to fork out for us. When I look at the roster of artists and see that the vast majority of them are full-time musicians though, I still think we have to step-up to reach that next level. Analogies aren’t my strength, but we’re like the promising footballer that comes on to play the last few minutes of injury time, if you get what I mean.
Last Dinosaurs just recently played at the Splendour in the Grass festival. Considering the band is so young, how does it feel to make the big step up to festivals such as these? Splendour was so amazing; it definitely surpassed our expectations in every way. I remember Sean telling me that it was his dream in life to play alongside the Strokes, and I guess we sort of did that, haha. But then we also got to meet Albert Hammond Jr. after they played, which was just so good!
I know I certainly have a few, but do you have any interesting Splendour stories you would like to share in the name of entertainment? We have a few good ones, but the thing I personally found so entertaining was how uninhibited our guitarist Lach was in going up to talk to all these famous bands. The rest of us would be tucked away in a little corner plotting how we can say hello to Two Door Cinema Club like little kids going backstage, and then next thing we find out that Lach’s been hanging out in their dressing room for a good 15 minutes discussing guitar pedals with them or something. The same thing happened with Grizzly Bear!
The band are quietly powering through a number of shows in promotion of the Back From the Dead EP. Any tips for survival on the road? You definitely have to provide your own entertainment, like a good book to read. And you have to pack your own toiletries. That’s really important. It’s really incredible how the value of toothpaste and deodorant just skyrockets when all but one member of the band forgets to pack their own. So that can cause lots of issues!
Honolulu has been getting flogged on JJJ. Do you ever feel certain expectations/pressure with all the recognition and kudos you’ve been receiving? (All deserved of course) Yes, it’s definitely daunting. The feedback we’ve received from the EP has been so great, it’s scary, but at the same time exciting, to think that all the people who bought it and liked it will be eagerly awaiting our next record. Let’s hope we can live up to expectation!
Last Dinosaurs are supporting Powderfinger on their farewell tour and I couldn’t help but notice you’ve got 2 gigs lined up in lovely Townsville. How will you be spending your Townsville experience? To be honest, I have no idea what to expect from Townsville. Hopefully we’ll get a couple of hours a day where we can go off and explore the place and pick out the best restaurants!
Unless you count JurassicPark, dinosaurs have been gone for a very long time. How do you think the human race will meet its extinction? Gigantic asteroid or as a result of the 2012 Mayan prophecy? Ill also take any other suggestions. If you look on our MySpace you’ll see that we are firm believers in the 2012 apocalypse. Well not really, but it’s pretty ‘cool’ to think that the end of humanity is only two Christmases away. If I had my way though, it would be great if the world ended in an epic War of the Worlds style alien invasion. That would just be so cool, until we all died.
Following on from the last question. We’re all doomed; who do you call to save our proverbial bacon? Bruce Willis or Ghostbusters? Definitely Bruce Willis. But I’d try to maximize our time together so I’d probably say something like, “Bruce, we’re all going to die anyway. Let’s have a nice meal together, and afterward I can stroke your bald head until we get blown up.”
So why not open up ITunes and buy a copy of the band’s “Back From the Dead” e.p to go with that Big Sound ticket you’ve already no doubt purchased and support some of Australia’s finest local produce. If the world is ending in 2012 you may as well spend the cash, and if we all met our demise to the sweet sugary sounds of Last Dinosaurs well that would just be ironic.
Last Dinosaurs play at The Artisan Gallery Outdoor Venue on Thursday September 9 at 10.30PM as part of BIGSOUND LIVE 2010.
Thank fuck it’s Thursday, am I right? This week has been absolute balls. Achieving real life goals such as writing words for university, turning up to work on time, putting money on my Go Card, tying shoe laces and eating my weight in M&M’s has just been rough y’know? So many obstacles. Time for a cheap beer. Lambda, indeed.
For this week’s Lambda post we have a special guest, Tim Spooner. This sly red-headed character can often be spotted creeping around Lambda in a hoodie. He’s the creative who designs those good- looking posters you see advertising your Thursday nights of revelry. It’s refreshing to see club-night posters that don’t have some kind of animal head morphed onto the body of some totes hot babe, dont you think?
Since he played a regular Kerri-Anne Kennerly and interviewed me in what was one of the most embarrassing video experiences of my life (yeah, hi, walking life embarrassment right here thanks!), I thought it was only fair that I interview him. Let me paint you a mind picture of how the interview went, with this video.
Not really. But imagine. If anyone wishes to donate a pair of ferns right this way so I can start my own talk show, feel free. Zach Galifianakis-you’re the fucking dream mate. Anyway, I thought I’d maybe catch Spooner out, embarrass him, get my revenge and all that shit. And BOY did I ever- he doesn’t like avocado! How embarrassing! What a loser.
So what have you got to do with Lambda? I make the posters and occasionally make the place look a little pretty with balloons and other gimmicks. My cousin insists my job title should be ‘Party Liaison’ due to my drinking habits on Thursdays, but what does he know, I don’t give much credence to drama students.
Top three favourite tunes to grind to? Ooh – De La Soul, Mr. Me Too – Clipse feat. Parrell, New Wu – Raekwon feat. Ghostface Killah & Method Man
Who would you choose as your housemate, Bert or Ernie? This is funny because people have actually described my house-mate as Bert. He has sinus problems so his voice is very similar to Bert and his gruff attitude towards cleanliness is also very Bert-like. He doesn’t like pigeons though.
Who would you choose to throw you a party, Bill Murray, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates or Blinky Bill? My first instinct would be Bill Murray all time greatest person ever, but you know what I’m going to say Clinton. He’d be blasting his sax and generally ensuring good party times. Plus then I could charge $100,000 a head, ka-ching.
Which ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ character do you most relate to? The effeminate (was he actually gay?) black one.
Alcoholic beverage of choice? Double scotch and soda, helps me with my facade of sophistication.
Your remedy for a demon hang-over? You have to sweat the demon out! I play indoor soccer every Friday and Sunday. It sucks major arse when your playing and want to spew, but I always feel better afterwards.
Do you like mayo on your chicken/cheese and avocado toasties? Mayo isn’t the issue it’s the avocado. Avocado is what I would imagine poo would taste like. No thank you!
This Thursday will be a night to remember, as we say goodbye to winter and hello to spring! Spring means change, saying goodbye to the freezing cold, and unfortunately, this week Lambda says farewell to local lads THE ORANGE CITY SINGS.
The boys have been kicking around the Brisbane scene but have decided to part ways, giving fans one final opportunity to bask in their melodies. This is the last time the guys will be playing live. This LAMBDA is not one to be missed. Helping the boys bow out are THE CHANNELERS…. their mystical ways will no doubt ensure that the night is unforgettable…
Much like every week we have 5 double passes to giveaway. To win simple email peny@penylane.com with Two Ferns in the subject line and one of them could be yours
Parklife is less than a month away and if you happen to be like me, 6’2, a bit awkward and most definitely unable to move in an appealing and overly coordinated fashion then attending a ‘dance’ festival might seem like a daunting prospect. Considering my weekends consist of shuffling around to Love Will Tear Us Apart at Rics, I could be beyond help, but there is still time for you guys. If you’re needing some inspiration then check out my top 5 ‘Parklife dancing Rescue Package’ or if you move better than Kevin Bacon in Footloose just watch the videos anyway and buy yourself a ticket, because it’s well worth parting with your pennies for. Take it away youtube… 5) New Young Pony Club
Looking to break the ice? Well even if you weren’t its bound to happen and if you end up checking out the New Young Pony Club set you may just get lucky. How could you not, they have a song entitled just that and it’s quite likely that when the band is geeing it up for you from the stage (as the video will show) then anything is possible. I managed to see them at V Festival way back when and highly recommend you pay them a visit. It’s perfect music to pull off any move your twisted mind can think of and get away with it.
4) Soulwax
This is more of a warning to those who may think it’s a good idea to take anything offered to you by the skinhead who has managed to clear the dance floor with his wild, windmill-like dance moves. Inadvertently falling into a K hole will surely and swiftly bring the curtains down on your day. Soulwax has also taught us that the drug Tetracycline will ensure using the bathroom will become a rather painful experience, which will already be challenging enough considering the floor of the portaloo will no doubt be covered in brown slop that you pray is actually mud. I also agree with the old bathroom attendant featured in the video, ecstasy is a hooker’s name, so party responsibly ya hear. 3) Grum
The saying ‘strength in numbers’ certainly applies to dance floor etiquette. If you don’t have a number of friends nearby, then your moves, especially if these moves are occurring near an attractive member of the opposite sex, may seem either creepy or ridiculous and neither of these are good things. This clip by Scottish Dj Grum highlights the importance of having close friends. How close you are is completely up to you, but you get extra points for matching jackets and having a solid knowledge of 80’s buddy cop movies. This could be a good conversation starter with that girl who once thought you were creepy but will now probably think you are awesome. 2) Darwin Deez
Mr. Deez was just a whisker away from taking out the top spot, because when you have a moustache as disgustingly great as Darwin’s, you’re bound to be successful in life. Mental note, facial hair can really take you places, but when you add dancing skills inspired by the repertoire of Darwin Deez, then you’re just winning at life in a big way. So if you want to dance like Darwin Deez you’d best have a decent warm-up because attempting any of his moves unprepared could result in you dislocating a kneecap or an innocent bystander losing an arm. There is no denying that he really does deserve the number one spot, but this is my list and I am completely biased, so lets move on to numero uno to complete your Parklife dance master class. 1) Dandy Warhols
The Dandy Warhols are everybody’s favourite bunch of bohemian rockers and I’ve also been reliably informed that they put on one hell of a live show, but how does one dance to their music? Look no further than their film clip for ‘Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth’. You can take inspiration from either the band or the brightly coloured back up dancers. If you were to take the backup dancer option than ensure you dress in your most brightly coloured festival attire and work on those group dance moves. If that’s not really your thing just plaster a Courtney Taylor-Taylor pout on your dial and attempt to look cooler than the shirtless buffoons that may be in your vicinity. However if you’re like me and you’ve entered the embarrassing drunken stage of no return, ditch the attempted coolness, grab a tambourine and pretend its 1997.
There you have it, 5 excellent reasons to get your groove on at Parklife - just remember to tread carefully when using the bathroom facilities and good luck getting that tambourine past the guards. This year the event takes place in Brisbane, 25th of September with tickets on sale now. We are also lucky enough to have 3 double passes up for grabs and yep you know the drill, just email peny@penylane.com with Parklife in the subject line and one of them could be yours.
Life getting you down? Money’s too tight to mention? Well kids, I’m here to help. Sometimes all you need is 3 to 4 hours of solid youtubin’ to reassure yourself that as long as somewhere out there, somebody is posting videos of cat’s playing keyboards, you’re going to be just fine. Im pretty much a veteran of procrastination and every Wednesday I’m giving something back to the people. Tune in every week for ‘Tom’s Guide to Time Wasting’, where you can see the weirdest and wackiest videos I’ve managed to find from the deepest and darkest depths of the world wide web. Live life but waste time my friends.
Director Andreas Nilsson is undoubtedly Sweden’s number one purveyor of all things creepy and Nordic. It’s also safe to assume that Nilsson much like most small children of Scandinavia must have been subjected to some kind of mind scarring, ritualistic rite of passage involving icy forests and ghosts of Vikings past. There’s just no other way that his sort of unusualness/creativity can be explained. His new clip for Yeasayer’s track “Madder Red” is just plain weird, though where I come from weird actually translates to awesome. The video documents the loving relationship between all American babe Kristen Bell and her cute but deformed companion ‘Bommel’. Here’s hoping that this video kicks off a new wave of puppet related music videos or even some puppet related TV in the future. Is that so much to ask? If you’re not convinced that Bommel could fill the shoes of Taylor Momsen, press play and prepare to be converted to the way of the puppet.
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Here I am in a pair of tartan pants and a shirt I stole from Chris, taking notes at Friday night’s Melbourne Spring Fashion Week show. The week has been really impressive with decent goodie bags, interesting styling and professional models. More importantly the designs on show have been really interesting. The week involved alot of designers that didn’t take part at Australian Fashion Week so it was really good to see those labels have the oppotunity to present their spring summer ranges in such a sleek runway show. My favourites of the week have included above., Trimapee, Limedrop, Alice McCall, MATERIALBYPRODUCT and everything on show at the RMIT show. As a result of the week I’m now coveting a soft tailored blazer in a delicious tone like mustard or burnt orange to wear with my punk leather skirt/pants. Oh and my birthday is coming up soon…….
