Tumblr

Tumblr was suggested to me. It's ok I guess. I can see lots of shizzle other people are are posting, but it's just not as fun as here. It's also meant I've stopped using here to post stuff. Hmmm. I will start posting again.

Who needs AV when you can have elephants...?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9417000/9417308.stmDoing such a better job than Dave and Nick...

30 Day Song Challenge - Your Favourite Song: Transmission - Joy Division

30 Day Song Challenge - Your Favourite Song

Transmission - Joy Division

I have too many "favourite" songs for various reasons, but I have chosen Transmission as my favourite for the purpose of the challenge as it contains probably my favourite lyric/line: Touching from a distance, further all the time. Any Joy Division boff will know that Touching From a Distance  is the title of the late Ian Curtis biography, written by his wife Deborah. It is probably one of the most powerful and touching books I have ever read and gives an in depth look into the life of the Joy Division frontman by the person who knew him at his best, and worse. The book became the basis for the biopic Control.

The track was first released in 1979 and re-released in 1980 on Factory Records (Factory FAC 13). It has become an indie anthem and the beginning of the video features John Cooper Clarke performing one of his rambling poems. 

*Thing* of the day (2)... Thatcher vs Scargill - a hair raising experience.

Thatcher vs Scargill - a hair raising experience.


Just a thought really...

Actually, I'm not going to talk about the 1984 Minors' Strike or Maggy Thatcher the Milk Snatcher, or Arthur Scargill and Mrs Thatcher little difference in opinion; nope, more about their hair.

They couldn't have been any more politically further apart, but they did seem to be trending a very similar hair style during the 1980s with a bit of a ginger sweep. Perhaps they had the same hairdresser? Who knows? It's just a thought, but there was definitely something dodgy going on there. At least hair style was something they could agree on...

Scargill:... to the right.

  

Maggy:... to the left.

Wait a minute...

*Thing* of the day (1)... SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!

When you're feeling low and need a bit of cheering up and a bit of a '90s boogie: SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!

'nuff said really...

MUSIC BLOG

Right, I've started another blog on tumblr, a music themed blog though. Here's a link: http://thatmusicblogssej.tumblr.com/ so check it out, but still keep an eye on here because I'll put up general shizzle of everything :P
x

IS THE MUSIC BEGINNING TO FADE?

 IS THE MUSIC BEGINNING TO FADE?

January 2011

With HMV set to close 60 of its store over the course of this year, the British high streets are on their way to becoming void of music and entertainment out lets altogether.

To hear that an independent record shop has had to close its doors to its dedicated indie shoppers would not come as a shock to the casual music fan. The competition of high street chains with their expansive choice, two for £10 offers and up to date releases, mixed with the rocky economic climate, makes it easy to see how a small stockist can fall into problems. Surly stores such as HMV and Zavvi should have benefitted from this?  But in 2009, Zavvi (formally Virgin Megastore until sold) fell into liquidation, closing all its UK branches. Now, after 2010 Christmas profits fell by over 10% compared to previous years, HMV are closing 60 stores nationwide, including 20 of its Waterstones branches.  The high street availability of entertainment, especially music, is fading away.

Obviously, we cannot blame the disappearance of physical music solely on the state of the economy. For example: everyone’s had that experience where a new kid arrives in your class, and this kid is coolness personified, I mean totally cool, like a brilliant footballer, or has the latest designs in fashions; and suddenly, that friend of yours, who changes her Best Friend Forever more times than her socks, doesn’t want to know you anymore.  And that cool kid is called DOWNLOAD, iTunes Download. With the extensive downloading of music that has appeared, there is little need to visit your nearest record store. Fair enough, an exchange of moneys till takes place, with artists and record companies benefiting from a profit of some kind, but there is also the factor of illegal downloading, and free downloading (although often the case is these tracks are unavailable anywhere else, demos or remixes).

Ok, even I will admit I have made friends with download, occasionally purchasing the odd exclusively available track, or something for Music Tech. coursework via iTunes, but a whole album? Not when you could easily buy a cased copy of the track, with artwork, lyrics and the personal thank yous of the artist for almost the same price. The purchasing of music should be a pleasure for all senses. The artwork is there to represent the music inside, to enhance the emotions presented to us by the musician, and vice a versa. I find nothing more relaxing than lying in the garden, with the good old personal CD player, headphones on, examining and appreciating both the music and artwork. Or similarly full volume on the stereo. It’s the same with vinyl and tape. It’s touchable, lick it if you wish, smell it (one of Katy Perry’s albums apparently smells of candyfloss, now download that!); and you’re safe in the knowledge that a computer virus cannot wipe its existence from your possession. I guess it is a similar experience for book lovers. The physical album, extended play and single, to me, is such a precious object. To replace it simply with invisible digital technology is to simply just say music is only a sound bite in the air. I believe taking away its physicality is to take away the physical quality of it as a possession.

It worries me to see such a decline in the physical entertainment industry. Small, independent labels rely on the retail of HMV and the like for bulk purchase of their releases. Unlike an independent store, high street chains do not send back unsold copies. Without such stores, the independent labels would pretty much financially collapse and cease to exist in the big label, Simon Cowell drivel driven popular music industry of today. Let’s not also forget the album artists, designers, manufacturers, distributers... so much lies on the record industry, and has done since the mass marketing of the wax cylinder back in the late 1800s.

Occasionally I will purchase an album through an internet store such as Play.com and Amazon and eagerly await its arrival through my letter box. Nevertheless, a regular visit, browse and purchase in HMV is nothing less than enjoyable and a chance to discover new or old albums you have yet to add to your collection. To let that die would be a loss to music lovers, industry and artists themselves. And why? Because the physical possession of music is no longer appreciated as it once was. I do not look forward to the day when I am no longer able to wonder into the nearest music outlet, and browse through extensive collections of music, independent or mainstream, until I am content in a world where I can truly feel the music which surrounds me.

Jessica Sadler

*Thing* of the day... Today is "Blue Monday". So how does it feel?

 Today is "Blue Monday". So how does it feel?


Apparently today, Monday 17th January, is meant to be the depressing day of the year according to the following formula  -> (W + (D-d) x TQ) / (MxNA)... (W=weather, D=debt, d=monthly salary, T=time since xmas, Q=time since trying to quit bad habit, M=motivational levels and NA=need to take action). Therefore today is apparently "Blue Monday".
I'm not sure about everyone else, but I've found today pretty good... hmmm...
To cheer up the blues battered British, two heated "Happy Bubbles", filled with space hoppers and free massages, have been in London's Finsbury Avenue Square. Now that sounds like my type of spa. 


To me, "Blue Monday" is one of my favourite songs. Released in 1983 by the Joy Division reincarnation  New Order, it is one of the most important synth tracks of all time, bridging the gap between the post-punk sound of the late 1970s and the fresh 80s synthpop and disco; not to mention an iconic indie dance floor filler. Notably it was also one of the first tracks to be performed live (and not mimed) on Top Of The Pops (although the performance turned out to be poor due to technical problems). Its stand out kick drum intro, with its throbbing sythn and bass guitar bass line makes the over 7 minute track hooky (yes, I made a joke) and so memorable that you end up in some kind of blue trance which you'll have tapping out for days.


Here is a full '83 live version... Enjoy it, I order you (pun No. 3). 

(Kylie fans: please see video at the bottom)

*Thing* of the day... Sport just got a little more interesting.

Sport just got a little more interesting...

Now, I am no sports expert. I did P.E. in high school and actually quite enjoyed it (accept for gym - I cannot do a roly-poly to save my life - and athletics), especially cross country believe it or not (13th three years running ;) ), but that doesn't mean I actually know anything about it! But what I do know is a) the off-side rule, b) how to play FIFA 09 and c) kinda how cricket works... Therefore, I feel I am at least qualified to suggest that following sportsmen are of an attractive nature in the world of sport:
 Attractive sportsman number 1: Footballer, Simon Lappin.

 Attractive sportsman number 2: Cricketer, Steven Finn.

That is all.

*Thing* of the day... I want Matilda's magic powers.

The Magic Of Roald Dahl - Matilda.

God knows how many times I read Roald Dahl's Matilda when I was younger. In fact, I was a bit of a Roald Dahl obsessive; they must have been the only books I ever read. Matilda was by far my favourite, I even had the film on VCR. Remember them?! However, the more I read and watched it, the more jealous I became of Matilda's ability to move objects without touching them. And I still am to be honest. Not only would it be totally cool to be able to just move stuff just by looking at it, it would make me mega popular and save a lot of time and effort... Ok, maybe not popular - probably a medical case. But even so, if I could have any super/magical power, I would so have that.

Now Dahl's classic story has been adapted into a musical, being performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company . What makes it even cooler is that Tim Minchin - yes, TIM FUCKING MINCHIN! - has written the music and lyrics. Just plain awesome.   http://www.matildamusical.com/#/behind_the_scenes/watch_videos/video_8/

*Thing* of the day... Ready for this? It's Tim Minchin!

I've always thought Mr Minchin's musical expressions of, well, pretty much anything and everything, from boobies to canvas bags, were pretty good. I think he is a good comedian and was quiet impressed by his presenting skills on Buzzcocks the other week. But I've never been too worried about him.  

Then this Christmas, Father Christmas left me a gift (as he does). A gift of discovery, of wonder, of pure effing brilliance. It was Tim Minchin's live dvd - Ready For This? and now I think I am in love...

Therefore I am now following him on twitter like a MCR obsessed 13 year old girl.

*Thing* of the day... Helena Bonham Carter Oh, this woman truly is a babe.

Oh, this woman truly is a babe. 

Nasty but classy, Bellatirx Lestrange makes Cruella Deville look like you average harmless dog sitter.

There is something scarily sexy about Helena Bonham Carter's character in the Harry Potter films. When she whines the line "Itty, bitty, baby Potter..." there's part of you that goes "Oooo, you biatch!". And that laugh... Oh. 

I guess it's being in a relationship of the king of all things dark, mysterious and just generally weird, Tim Burton that's helped.

I'm not a religious or massive HP fan, though I have read the books (Ok, my mum read me the books) and have seen all the films up to date; in fact, I even have a book about Quiditch. Despite that fact, I couldn't help but get a tiny bit excited when I watched HP and the Deathly Hallows recently. On a scale of 1 - Pee of excitement, it was probably a 7 - an "Awhh!" (Which I think I actually did say under my breathe in the cinema, as long as my boyfriend didn't hear me that's fine). I also let a tear slip when Dobby - don't read on if you haven't read/seen it - died. But that is a different matter.

Yes, I think I have the female equivalent to a "man crush" on both Bonham Carter and her alter ego, but if I was to be a villain for a day, faster than you could disapperate into Hogsmeade, I would choose Bellatrix Lestrange. 

There's also something quite *mmm* about Ron Weasley too...

I WANT TO BE HER.

Helena Bonham Carter - Bellatrix Lestange

A festive moan and stuff.

It's hit that time of year again. I could blab about Christmas lights and presents here, but I just can't be bothered. I'm not a big fan of this time of year; November - January. Last year I didn't have a particularly great time at this point, and although this year isn't half as bad, it's still not turning out that wonderful to be honest.

Snow has hit Norfolk. Yay.

I find it beautiful, how the snow dresses the naked branches of the sleeping trees and accessories the evergreens with white shall. And when you walk through those trees, through the country lanes, everywhere and everything is glistening, pure, peaceful and perfect.

But I'm pissed off with it. It's also a crappy reminder of past poop and it gets in the way of bloody everything. Like, tomorrow I have my music lessons, but they've been cancelled because it's too icey and I have a piano exam next week. Plus I have a driving lesson and I bet it will be cancelled, which is great when I'm ready to book my test. And then you have to worry about getting into college and whether it will be closed or not... I wish it would snow on a day when it doesn't actually matter, preferably Xmas day.

Xmas day is such a let down too. It's all over too quickly. You get up and before you know it you're eating chicken sandwiches from the lunch left overs and watching the Doctor Who special.

But, in my opinion, Christmas is the one day of the year when we should celebrate life, love, friends and family  and should thank everyone who means something to us for just being in our lives. Of course, we should do that all the time, but this period of the year is set aside to remind us, make us actually think about it. Throughout the rest of the year we just don't get the time, whilst this is the point where everything (should) slow down, giving back that important piece of time.

So that's my view on the festive period.

In other news, not much has been going on. I've see Athlete and Ellie Goulding at the UEA. Athlete were incredibly good, I can't believe it is only recently I have gotten in to them. Ellie's whole set was bloody amazing. It was all professional, with a full backing band and vocalists; stripped down acoustic section; video backdrop; beautiful staging and lighting; and her performance itself was unbeatable and energetic playing new tracks such as Lights and her cover of Your Song.

I can't really think of anything else for now.

Happy Xmas if I don't blog before.

Jess

Wagner to Interzone! It's blog time, baby!

This blog is going to go to the rhythm of what ever comes to my mind at the time.

I'm terrible, I truly am.

I keep meaning to write a blog update more often, and yes, I know I keep saying that... gawd darn it.

I also keep saying I will write another article type thing, but of course, I never do; or I start and don't finish. It's the whole time factor, blah blah blah...

From time factor to X Factor (see what I did there?). Currently I'm sitting in the conservatory with the legend that is Wagner parading about on the screen (my mother just said he's entertaining purely for the fact he has bigger earrings than Pat Butcher...). I started to write a piece about X Factor. Yeah, I haven't finished it. *Shifty eyes* But, if it doesn't make this cyber paper, to basically sum up, my debate was: What is the "X Factor"? Is it being able to entertain? Is it having individuality? Quirkiness? Or to be able to sing like every other top ten diva? 'Cause let's face it, that's all that these reality shows seem to be looking for. If not that, a couple of cute looking lads to sell posters. And then it always seems to be those who come third or second who actually make it anywhere. I'm not sure, but if it's not the last option then Wagner seems like the only suitable candidate for the job. Oh, and if you decide to enter as a girl band, good luck.
In other X Factor news, my dad's cousin's daughter, Trudie Le Marie is a head stylist. Here's a video: http://xfactor.itv.com/2010/fashion/viewer/watch_ask-the-expert-week-4_item_201320.htm
and here's her website: http://www.trudielemarie.com/
Unfortunately I don't know her personally; I doubt she even knows of me, but it's still pretty damn awesome ;)

Else where, in the recent weeks I have taken my grade 5 music theory exam (still waiting for results), my driving theory test (which I passed, booyah, now just the actual test...) and I went on a spa day with the bezzies at Centre Parcs. A very chillaxing day. I've also been continuing my gig fest and went to Klaxons at the UEA last night, it was Magik (sha-boom). There's something special about this band. The energy they create on stage bounces straight into the crowed, and they absorb it, thirsty for the adrenaline. The sound is tight, pure and clear and this is reflected straight back through the band's stage presence. This is a gig I was thoroughly impressed by. On stage Klaxon's were joined by ex-DPT guitarist Anthony Rossomando doing all the extra twiddly extra bits. I got a signed poster too. Mmmm, oh yeah.... and from one Dirty Pretty Thing to another, I ordered my Carl Barat ticket this morning. Sexy.

Wagner to Interzone! 

Klaxons' auditions for new front man look promising... 
I wonder if Klaxons' gave Trudie styling tips? Shiny.

Right now, as I've been up and down and not concentrating properly, I'm currently watching a documentary about Take That in black and white, interesting...

I think I'll go now, as I need the loo.

ByeBye, cyber friends,

Ssej xxx

Dear Blog...

Dear Blog,

It has been brought to my attention that I have been neglecting you in the recent weeks. It isn't that I do not love you any more, it's just I have had very little time to write words worthy enough to sit on your page.

You see, last week I was given two history essays to do, as well as having to finish my coursework draft for English. Then I had to write a commentary on my coursework, which I managed to finish this morning. Music has been taking up a lot of my time - my grade 5 theory exam is in a week tomorrow and I've had to do so much revision for it. I can't help it, Blog, College is a big part of my life.

Not only College, but University now too. I know it was though for you, but UCAS did take up a lot of my time when I sat here at this screen. But it is gone now. The statement. The choices. The grades. Now I am just waiting for the replies. Just to let you know, Chichester have offered me a conditional. And I am sorry that I keep having to go away to look at my choices; it's necessary I do so, to make sure it's the right thing for me. Do you understand, Blog? I want to be happy...

Yes, ok, I have had free time. I wanted to spend this free time with my friends, doing the things I love, like going to gigs. The Joy Formidable were amazing. Ritzy's energy on stage, her presence and her musicianship is incredible. She is one of my heroes. And I got interviewed for the NME! I was in the NME, Blog! Then Manics last Sunday was an experience I will never forget. They are one of Britain's greatest bands. Live, they put on a true show. In his leopard print coat, Nicky Wire struts like a cat on the prowl across the stage, while James Dean Bradfield's vocals spread across the dance floor with such power and clarity. They played all the classics and new ones. They played Roses In The Hospital! Blog, it's one of my favourite songs. I couldn't believe it, I never expected them to play anything off Gold Against The Soul.

My band played another gig the other day, I think you will be pleased to know. We got a really good reception. We hadn't played with any of the other acts up before. I've kept updating you with videos of us though. I hope you have liked them. I always try to keep you posted on Pout.

I have been trying to write something new to put up on here, an article of some sort. I started to review TJF, but just never got around to finishing it, I just haven't had the time. Any time I have had I've tried to catch up with friends or just relax. It is important I get some rest at the moment; I've had a couple of colds recently and from that I caught tonsillitis the other week. It was horrible and I felt rotten for about a week. It was ok though: after a week it went down quite quickly, so in the end I didn't need to to go to the doctors. Unfortunately I am not feeling 100% again, Blog, a bit phlegmy. I want to keep myself healthy over the winter, so I must get plenty of rest.

I promise I will neglect you no longer. It isn't fair on you, you have done nothing wrong. If you do not hear from me in the next few days or so, it is not because I am ignoring you, I am just tied up somewhere (not literally, metaphorically... unless you really do not hear from me in any shape or form, then you may need to come looking), and will get to you with an update as soon as possible, I promise! I do not think we are growing apart, no, I do not think we are going in separate directions. Time has just not been on our side of late. I hope you have appreciated my update this evening though. I do care, I do love you, don't ever forget that. 

For now, Blog, goodbye. I wish you well and long to see you again soon.

Jess X

Pout on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Videos

Pout on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Videos

http://www.myspace.com/perfectpoutband

Pout- 'Alice' Brickfest '10

Time to write a blog.

Ahh, I guess it is about time I updated my blog by actually writing an update of my life; which I haven't done recently. As you can tell I have put up a few youtube links (I know... Sesame Street) and a couple of bits of writing, but no actual life blurbs. So, as I have no work to be getting on with and plenty of flute, piano and music theory to do, I thought I'd just give a quick summary of what I've been up to recently...

Um...

Well, to start with I have been getting into my films. Since my parents decided to enter the 21st century and get Sky TV, with multiroom so we can watch in the conservatory too, I have discovered the benefits of Sky Movies. I've never really been a movie person, unless the film is based between 1960-1990 and has some element of music, otherwise I'm not bothered. However, over the last couple of weeks I've watched Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist (Ok, music element), In Bruges, The Hangover, Monsters Vs Aliens (actually, I will confess I do have a thing for Disney Pixar and similar kids animated films...) and Sunday night, (500) Days of Summer. Which was awesome! Although I really don't understand what's so amazing about Zooey Deschanel. I've also got Juno on the planner for some point.

Keeping on the TV theme, I'm pretty pleased to have the Inbeweeners back on the screen. Oh, how it opens up a wide range of topics to discuss in tutorial on a Tuesday morning.

On the college theme, things are getting back into swing now we've been back a couple of weeks. The new cafe is preeeeetttty schweet. TV and everything. Quite impressed it has lasted this long with out some kind of food resembling substance chuck at it. For my Music Tech coursework I'm recording and producing this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7v71mAkac8&ob=av2n coz I'm cool and hip like that, but it is such a feel good tuneage. I felt I must share that.

I've been out and about too, with band practise (notice the shameless plugs of the youtube videos) and going up city (anyone not from Norfolk, that means Norwich). Went to the Chinese the other week for the bf's 18th. It's an all you can eat place, so basically you eat, then the Chinese lady comes along and steals your plate as soon as you remove that last grain of rice. I don't understand why they do this. Surely that is just creating more washing up?! Considering it's an "all you can eat", if you had a real passion for Chinese food, you'd never leave.

Hmm, what else?

Oh, yes, for enrichment I've started Creative Writing. An interesting session with interesting people. Read http://peachyssej.blogspot.com/2010/09/and-this-is-what-i-got-out-of-creative.html to fully understand my life changing experience.

Finally, I think I will finish by reviewing my Carl Barat obsession. I have ordered a signed copy of his solo album, a copy of the movie "Telstar", the story of Joe Meeks, featuring Barat as Gene Vincent, and I am still deciding where will be best to order his biography from at the end of the week.

I've also realised the weather has officially become crap as my ginger tom cat has decided sleeping 7 hours straight on my bed is better than sleeping in birds nests, which he did all summer.

The end.

Ssej.
x

A Rainbow Sea.Sesame Street: Will.i.am's Song "What I Am"

Again, here is another Sesame Street related post.

Whenever I see an episode or clip from Sesame Street, my whole heart fills with sun rays and I can't help but feel all cheerful and breezy inside. It's like all my cares in the world have been blown away by a tiny gust of wind. And as that tiny gust goes past, all the flowers and trees sway like they are waving me on through my day. Their bright colours merge into one, forming a rainbow sea. :P

It's such a feel good programme, even if I am perhaps ten years too old for it...

but this song truly is amazing kids! Take heed! What you are is special!

And I swear I am not high.