The Stakes are High

“My favorite thing in all of rock ‘n’ roll is that pleading, eager voice full of sweetness and pain.”

-Ezra Furman, as quoted in the Chicago Tribune

Dead on. Ezra’s hauntingly mesmerizing, yet somehow endearing vocals stand out in such a distinctive way, I predict the Harpoons will be huge, just you wait. Ezra Furman & the Harpoons, take number one in my favourite new band category - Number one song goes to, The Stakes Are High. The band recently posted numerous upcoming tour dates, and my fingers are crossed that they’ll eventually make their way North of the boarder. Check out their video for Take off your Sunglasses. This song was played on Edge 102.1 one day and sparked the interest of my best friend, and now her and I are obsessed.

Danny Boyle = Cinematic Visionary

Last night I finally made it out to see Oscar Winning, Best Motion Picture, Slumdog Millionaire… WOW. Every nomination and award won by this film is fully deserved.

I can’t even remember the last time I saw a movie in theatres with such an incredibly thought-provoking plotline, in-depth characters, exceptional cinematography, and that is just completely all-around amazing (not to mention there are a couple M.I.A. songs on the soundtrack). It’s perfect. If you have not already, GO SEE IT!

New York, New York

Recently I've developed an unexplainable fixation with the Big Apple and cannot wait to tour the city for the first time ever.

As I was flipping through the March issue of Interview, I came across an article written by Lucy Madison titled, "Uptown, Downtown, All Around," featuring 15 hot, young, artist-type socialites who define and are defined by contemporary scenes of NY, at least for today.

Being a visual person by nature, I am normally drawn by art and images first and foremost, and then lured into the text. However, in this case it was the quirky introduction that stole my attention and really stood out in my mind, compelling me to thoroughly read through the 14-page spread. I really fell for the lead opening this article and thought I'd share it, it's seriously catchy! The photographs and styling are incredible as well.

“

It wouldn’t be New York without uptown, where chic ways and cool sophistication reside. With the urbanity and thoroughbred vanity, the couture and the demure and the delightfully colorful insanity that runs in the family trees. We’re too rich and too thin, and we like our gin. We’re old school, blue blood, clubby and crusty and hoity-toity too. It wouldn’t be New York without downtown, where all the freaks and geeks and madcaps swarm. Where bohemians buzz and beats flee the fuzz and punkies and drunkies still rub elbows with junkies, all for the sake of art. We’re the new school, and we play the fool, and we’ll go to the opening of a door. We’re avant and proud, maybe a little bit loud, but it wouldn’t be our party unless it was chichi and arty, a gathering of all the tribes in this town. Socialites and troglodytes, mohawks and dreadlocks, stone fox and botox. We go uptown just to get down . . . and today it’s hard to tell who’s from where, and, really, who cares? The truth is that New York is an all-around town.

By LUCY MADISON

It started with Full House...

Interview March '09

Guilty pleasure or not, I was among the millions of frivolous tweens who were Olsen obsessed since day one, following their horribly scripted, over-acted career like it was my job. Despite rants and raves bashing the Olsen's style, the "Trollsen Twins" nickname bestowed by PETA, and topping worst dressed lists on a yearly basis, Mary-Kate and Ashley will always be among my top style icons. Their styles are defined by individualism, and more than ever is that something I am intrigued by, especially in this day and age when it seems to be much more challenging. The March 2009 issue of Interview features an albino-esque Mary-Kate on the cover - I'm astounded and slightly doubtful that it is in fact even her. The shoot is quite unique and the interview to match, is a fulfilling read. MK also graces the cover of FASHION's March '09 issue, and it breaks my heart a little that I am not still interning there for an occasion such as this. Beyond the twins themselves, what I'm really jonesing for is their Spring '09 Collection for Elizabeth and James. If I wasn't so penniless, the entire collection, jewellery very much included, would be mine! Here are some of my favourite looks from the very wearable, 100% Olsen inspired collection.

Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth and James, Snake Wrap Ring, $100.00.

I cannot wait to see the new Elizabeth and James, in collaboration with Steve Madden, shoe collection - set to be unveiled in mid 2009.

A little bit in love with Lykke Li

Although it's been almost a month now since seeing the Swedish siren Lykke Li perform downtown at The Phoenix on February 6th, the evening simply cannot go unmentioned.

Lykke Li is basically sweeping the nation, captivating audiences with her charming Swedish style & tuneful brilliance.

The intensity of her vocals and stage presence is unreal. Li's high energy set included the best of Youth Novels (her 2008 album, produced by Bjorn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John) and added to the mix was an unexpected Kings of Leon cover, "Knocked Up." Inspired.

Wild Birds & Peace Drums who opened the show, definitely deserve praise for their distinctive sound. I ♥ "My Heart." Check them out at: http://www.wildbirdsandpeacedrums.com/

Have you met... me?

Meet... me: an undecided aspiring journalist nearing the verge of migrating overseas on a permanent vacation to discover the meaning of life and my special place in the universe... just kidding, sort of.

While blogging seems like a trend that I should have naturally fallen for some time ago, I must say it has been something I have been putting off for a few of the following reasons:

1. I don't pride myself in falling for trends (I prefer doing my own thing)

2. I change my mind like - a simile of something that changes at an extremely high frequency - and the idea of attaching certain subjects to my name for a virtual eternity frightens me a little (I may have some unresolved commitment issues)

3. And, lastly, in reality I am quite shy and soft spoken and while I'd rather unveil my ideas, passions and inspirations in a non-virtual fashion (perhaps over a pitcher of beer with someone who is genuinely involved and who is not only a "Facebook friend" but a real, live friend) I have officially decided to put these reasons aside and enter the world of blogging to share my interests with those interested

...who knows it might even be fun and spark some ideas for future endeavors.

Enjoy :)

eep.