Archive for the 'I'm Spinning' Category

I’m Spinning… Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura’s “Let’s Get Out Of This Country”

Honest Confession: I sold my Camera Obscura concert tickets yesterday to a stranger. WHY? Because I’ve sold my soul to Kanye West’s Glow in the Dark tour instead (why must they perform on the same night?) I know, very unlike me. The funny thing is I don’t even listen to Kanye West - I mean, I’ve heard of his songs on MTV and yeah, they’re quite catchy. We all know Kanye has impeccable style for a man - I think he dresses better than P. Diddy. On the other hand, I’ve been listening to Camera Obscura since their Underachievers Please Try Harder album. Don’t get my wrong, I love their music very much. I just feel that Kanye will put on a better show (in other words, bigger budget). I think concerts are suppose to be experiential you know - so Kanye wins this time. All my friends will be at Camera Obscura, and I’ll be hip-hoping with Bubster at the Singapore Indoor Stadium tomorrow.

Just a mini introduction to those you’ve never listened to Camera Obscura: If you listen to Belle & Sebastian, you’re prolly going to dig this six-member Scottish band. They’ll be playing at Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore tomorrow after a failed mission to open Baybeats 2007.

You may be familiar with their 2006’s album, Let’s Get Out Of This Country with catchy pop-tunes like Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be HeartBroken (which is actually a response to Lloyd Cole and the Commotions‘ song “Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?”) and If Looks Could Kill.

Tracyanne Campbell is the one of the voice behind the band and she also plays the guitar. Her 60s pixie hair sets her apart from her fiery female band member, Carey Lander. They have a very individual, and eclectic style which I absolutely adore. Tracyanne has a fascination with swans, scarves and vintage dresses.

Carey Lander also sings and plays the piano and organ. She wears glasses, and dresses in vintage as well. Floral prints, stripes and blazing red hair seem to be her signature style.

Another scarf, another swan. I’m thinking of making a DIY felt swan.

Carey leaves her geeky glasses at home. Love the colours - hair and dress.

If you’re in Singapore, you still have a chance to catch them live at the Esplanade! I believe it’ll be a good intimate showcase. Also, you’ll prolly see a lot of pretentious indie kids around - haha. I’m sorry, but some can be really pretentious. Anyway, you’ll have a great time nonetheless. I wish I could be in two places at the same time. Ahh well.

This is the music video for Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be HeartBroken - one of my faves. It’s a cute video and a dancy song. Enjoy the music!!

source: MySpace, Pitchfork, dcist.com

I’m Spinning… She & Him “Volume One”

Music is quite a big part of my life. The juice of my soul. The rainbow of my imagination. Music is a major influence on fashion, and personal style. Think of a music genre - immediately, you can picture a look in your head. Most of the time, you can tell a person’s musical taste from their personal style. Otherwise, looks can be deceiving. “I’m Spinning” represents the music that I love, and new tunes that I discovered. Enjoy the first part of this on-going series.

She & Him

I’m currently digging She & Him’s “Volume One” - their debut album which is “a love letter to the musicians who inspired it”. Merge Records “introduces a boy and girl choir hell-bent on making music the old-fashioned way: by hand - and with as few machines as humanly possible.” She & Him is an accidental band formed by one-man band M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel in 2006. As you know, I blogged about “IT” girl, Zooey Deschanel about four months ago. Let me say that I’m falling in love with her singing, harmonious voice and musical direction for this band. It’s refreshingly old-school, if you know what I mean. This album chases away your Monday blues and leaves a mischevious smile on your face. I give it two thumbs up!

She & Him - “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?”

I first saw this music video on MTV Asia one night. It’s a really cute and catchy song. Even the video has old-school, and love the little birds! Zooey does a cute lil’ dance in a high-school prom fashion. I find it very endearing. M. Ward’s melodic guitar playing and wonderful arrangements make this collaboration work like peanut butter and jam. Enjoy the video.

I recently bought NYLON magazine which she graced the cover on the October 2008 “IT” girl issue. So, everyone’s panicking about the global recession. I’m still buying magazines! Why? This issue only costs me $12.95 as compared to September’s issue at $20.95. Can someone explain to me why the huge price difference? I usually buy my magazines at HMV Heeren - a few bucks cheaper than anywhere else, if you ask me. Maybe I should renew my digital subscription. Save up a few bucks.

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