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Monday, August 30, 2010
Music Video Mondays: Sure Juror
Sure Juror are a Philly-based pop act, who write wacky, wordy, circus-y concoctions high on energy and originality. I first caught them back in March opening for Surfer Blood (read the review here!), and have been a fan ever since. This video ("No gruff," off their 2009 EP, SJ001) scores high on the ridiculous-ness scale, and even includes clips of some of my fave ridiculous flicks. Not for the weak of heart!
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Thursday, August 26, 2010
Fall Fashion Watch: Return of the '90s!
Perhaps you've noticed: an influx of plaid; people dusting off their Nirvana records; floppy Blossom hats; Drew Barrymore skulking around in -- well, just people caring about Drew Barrymore again? (Remember when she was in like, every movie released between 1994 and 1999? And you saw them all? Even the bad ones like Home Fries? And then she married Tom Green and people were seriously bummed?) Anyway, now she's back, apparently -- appearing on David Letterman, and wearing this:
Photo courtesy of Go Fug Yourself. To quote Heather: "I think this is
actually a cocktail made from the juices of every single cast member
of Beverly Hills, 90210."
...and also this:
Photo from Gawker.com
...Which can only mean one thing. Yes, it's true. The '90s have returned, in all their grungy splendor, and there is nothing you can do about it. From the aisles of Urban Outfitters to the delightfully hip pages of Lookbook, the decade we'd most like to forget is back, and you know what? I'm kinda digging it.
Lookbook user Ebba Z.
Photo courtesy of Go Fug Yourself. To quote Heather: "I think this isactually a cocktail made from the juices of every single cast member
of Beverly Hills, 90210."
...and also this:
Photo from Gawker.com ...Which can only mean one thing. Yes, it's true. The '90s have returned, in all their grungy splendor, and there is nothing you can do about it. From the aisles of Urban Outfitters to the delightfully hip pages of Lookbook, the decade we'd most like to forget is back, and you know what? I'm kinda digging it.
Lookbook user Ebba Z.See, here's my reasoning. The FIRST time the '90s rolled around, breathing their skanky fug breath all over everyone, I was 10. Well, 5-15, if we want to encompass the whole range -- and I didn't have as much fun with it as I could. I mean, for half it, I was in elementary school, letting my mom dress me in OshKash or whatever. This time, I'm prepared. As fall weather lurks just around the corner, and school kids are ALREADY finalizing their first-day-of-classes outfits, I've picked these little gems out of my middle school wardrobe, to be re-introduced with a vengeance this September. Let's take a look, shall we?
ITEM #1: White boys polo shirt from Guess, size S. Obtained circa 1998 from my brother's closet.
Two things I loved about the '90s: androgyny, and the school girl look. This little number allows me to rock both.
ITEM #2: Striped pullover, Boys XXL. Gap. Obtained circa 1994.
Why did I have so many boy's clothes as a child? This one I remember picking out myself, probably to wear with leggings. I loved oversized anything back then -- and I remember wearing the shit out of this little number -- until I realized Jimmy Gates, one of the most popular guys in the 4th grade, had the same shirt, and it maybe looked better on him. Whatevs. This will be my staple for chilly fall nights.
ITEM #3: Drawstring khacki shorts from Old Navy, size S. Obtained circa 1996.
I've actually been wearing these shorts all summer. Don't know who chose to reinstate the preppy look -- but am kinda happy about it. These look great with my white boy's polo.
ITEM #4: Steve Madden clogs, size 7. Obtained circa 1999.
Promo shot.
I sorta hate that clogs are coming back in style, but I'll admit: back in the day, they saved many a too-long pant leg from being destroyed by dragging on the floor.
ITEM #5: Long skirt. Unknown brand name. Size Medium.
I bought this skirt back in '97 or '98 from a random flower shop in Cape Cod to wear to orchestra concerts. Later, when I entered my brief goth period (circa 2001), I wore it again with band tee-shirts.
ITEM #6: Boy Scout shirt, size S. Obtained secondhand from thrift store, 2003.
Ok, so I didn't buy this until freshman year of college -- but it is legit from the '90s. I've always found scout apparel SO adorable -- can't wait to rock this with a frilly dress.
ITEM #7: Knee socks. Obtained god knows when (deep within the depths of childhood) from my grandmother. Size unknown. Large enough to fit over my calves.
These will look so academic when paired with a polo and simple skirt.
ITEM #8: Patterned legging. Old Navy, size small. Obtained circa 1992...
Oh wait, just kidding. My mom actually bought these for me the other week! (For realz.) When the '90s are at Old Navy, you know they're back to stay!
Lookbook user Mikki Y.
Lookbook user Leopard Z.
Let's just hope no one tries to reintroduce parachute pants!
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ITEM #1: White boys polo shirt from Guess, size S. Obtained circa 1998 from my brother's closet.
Two things I loved about the '90s: androgyny, and the school girl look. This little number allows me to rock both.
ITEM #2: Striped pullover, Boys XXL. Gap. Obtained circa 1994.
Why did I have so many boy's clothes as a child? This one I remember picking out myself, probably to wear with leggings. I loved oversized anything back then -- and I remember wearing the shit out of this little number -- until I realized Jimmy Gates, one of the most popular guys in the 4th grade, had the same shirt, and it maybe looked better on him. Whatevs. This will be my staple for chilly fall nights.
ITEM #3: Drawstring khacki shorts from Old Navy, size S. Obtained circa 1996.
I've actually been wearing these shorts all summer. Don't know who chose to reinstate the preppy look -- but am kinda happy about it. These look great with my white boy's polo.
ITEM #4: Steve Madden clogs, size 7. Obtained circa 1999.
Promo shot.I sorta hate that clogs are coming back in style, but I'll admit: back in the day, they saved many a too-long pant leg from being destroyed by dragging on the floor.
ITEM #5: Long skirt. Unknown brand name. Size Medium.
I bought this skirt back in '97 or '98 from a random flower shop in Cape Cod to wear to orchestra concerts. Later, when I entered my brief goth period (circa 2001), I wore it again with band tee-shirts.
ITEM #6: Boy Scout shirt, size S. Obtained secondhand from thrift store, 2003.
Ok, so I didn't buy this until freshman year of college -- but it is legit from the '90s. I've always found scout apparel SO adorable -- can't wait to rock this with a frilly dress.
ITEM #7: Knee socks. Obtained god knows when (deep within the depths of childhood) from my grandmother. Size unknown. Large enough to fit over my calves.
These will look so academic when paired with a polo and simple skirt.
ITEM #8: Patterned legging. Old Navy, size small. Obtained circa 1992...
Oh wait, just kidding. My mom actually bought these for me the other week! (For realz.) When the '90s are at Old Navy, you know they're back to stay!
Lookbook user Mikki Y.
Lookbook user Leopard Z.Let's just hope no one tries to reintroduce parachute pants!
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Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Best New Music: Blue Hawaii
No, they have nothing to do with the 1961 Elvis Presley film of the same name -- although both, admittedly, are quite dreamy:
The King rocks crotch-hugging surf shorts in Blue Hawaii.
Blue Hawaii, the band, looking sexy.
The King rocks crotch-hugging surf shorts in Blue Hawaii. 
Blue Hawaii, the band, looking sexy.A two-piece based out of Montreal, Canada -- Blue Hawaii craft gentle, lulling, shoegaze tunes awash in synths and dreamy layers. Vocalist Raphaelle Stendell-Preston sounds delicate and ephemeral -- lilting notes drawing you in -- while Alex Cowan's beats are trippy and hypnotic. Their debut album, Blooming Summer, just dropped on Arbutus Records and is available for FREE -- read more, and find out at the details, at Phrequency.com.
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Monday, August 23, 2010
Music Video Mondays: Django Django
Here's another one from my good friend Dave, who probably should just become a music reviewer himself.
Django Django are a London-based foursome who write arty, experimental psych pop concoctions -- combining undulating rhythms with windblown sound effects -- for a result that sounds a little like Hot Chip, thrust into a war zone.
Their debut album is scheduled to drop in early '11 -- in the meantime, here' s the delightfully bizarre video for "WOR."
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Django Django are a London-based foursome who write arty, experimental psych pop concoctions -- combining undulating rhythms with windblown sound effects -- for a result that sounds a little like Hot Chip, thrust into a war zone.
Their debut album is scheduled to drop in early '11 -- in the meantime, here' s the delightfully bizarre video for "WOR."
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Friday, August 20, 2010
Demographic study: The Pangolin
In nature, a pangolin is a type of nocturnal anteater (found in Asia and Africa) known for its distinct antisocial behavior. A pangolin will attack other pangolins that invade its territory; when threatened, it curls up into a ball to protect itself.
A pangolin, looking sexy in scales.
A pangolin, looking sexy in scales.The social pangolin operates in a similar manner. Also nocturnal, you'll spot him or her at all the popular night spots -- but don't expect interaction! The social pangolin shields him or herself from others using his or her own version of a hard ball-like shell: a smart phone, which he/she can use to veritably escape from discomfort, by checking friends' facebook statuses, or maybe just reading Gawker.
Nope, nobody here but me and this giant margarita I'm tweeting about.
In some ways, it's hard to blame them. After all, it's called social networking for a reason, and by the time you've...checked in on Four Square, tweeted your location, texted your old college roommate to let them know Hey, this 'young folks' remix is pretty rad!...it's easy for 20 minutes to go by in a snap and you realize Whoops! you've been hunched over the bar, ignoring everyone around you. It happens. The difference between your regular social networker and the pangolin however is a question of INTENT. The social networker uses their smart phone to share thoughts and ideas WHILE participating in a social environment; the pangolin uses it to escape.
Posting about my giant bruise on Tumblr!
See, much like his cousin, the Virtual Scenester, the pangolin is much more concerned with appearing cool and sociable than actually being so -- and is more comfortable being sociable online than in person. It doesn't matter if he talks to no one all night at the Ariel Pink concert -- just tweeting about it, maybe uploading a photo or 2 to his TwitPic -- is good enough, and sure to entertain his 200 followers.
Pangolin territories. From this site.
Nope, nobody here but me and this giant margarita I'm tweeting about.In some ways, it's hard to blame them. After all, it's called social networking for a reason, and by the time you've...checked in on Four Square, tweeted your location, texted your old college roommate to let them know Hey, this 'young folks' remix is pretty rad!...it's easy for 20 minutes to go by in a snap and you realize Whoops! you've been hunched over the bar, ignoring everyone around you. It happens. The difference between your regular social networker and the pangolin however is a question of INTENT. The social networker uses their smart phone to share thoughts and ideas WHILE participating in a social environment; the pangolin uses it to escape.
Posting about my giant bruise on Tumblr!See, much like his cousin, the Virtual Scenester, the pangolin is much more concerned with appearing cool and sociable than actually being so -- and is more comfortable being sociable online than in person. It doesn't matter if he talks to no one all night at the Ariel Pink concert -- just tweeting about it, maybe uploading a photo or 2 to his TwitPic -- is good enough, and sure to entertain his 200 followers.
Pangolin territories. From this site.And while the Pangolin might be a little bit of a poser, at the end of the day, who cares? Flying solo, they're not very likely to bother anyone, and since we're all paying $30 a month ANYWAY for our internet phone access, we might as well use it. Besides, SOMEONE has to write extensive blog entries while sitting at the bar during a concert -- the rest of us are too busy dancing and getting drunk!
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Previously on Demographic Study: The Lazy Summer Susan
Like this post? Read more demographic studies here.
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Previously on Demographic Study: The Lazy Summer Susan
Like this post? Read more demographic studies here.
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Best New Music: Wildbirds & Peacedrums
They hail from Sweden, which everyone knows is a magical place full of The Knife and ABBA and Peter Bjorn and John and trolls living under bridges, and Swedish meatballs, and H&M, and IKEA, and probably blond girls with pretty hair. But that's not at all. They're also MARRIED, which everyone knows can be pretty cool, as long as you play it cool (like Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon [and LESS like the Mates of State.])
Anyway, none of this would matter, I suppose, if their music wasn't totally awesome as well, and luckily for me (who just spent 5 minutes thinking about Swedish things) -- it is. A creative duo who craft moody, intense soundscapes infused with movement and nuance -- WB+PD understand that music is MORE than just catchy hooks and lyrics, and instead paint vast emotional canvases using only his drums, and her voice.
Their newest, Rivers, drops later this month, and takes the listener on a vast, surreal journey. Read more -- and catch a breath-taking trailer -- at Phrequency.com.
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Anyway, none of this would matter, I suppose, if their music wasn't totally awesome as well, and luckily for me (who just spent 5 minutes thinking about Swedish things) -- it is. A creative duo who craft moody, intense soundscapes infused with movement and nuance -- WB+PD understand that music is MORE than just catchy hooks and lyrics, and instead paint vast emotional canvases using only his drums, and her voice.
Their newest, Rivers, drops later this month, and takes the listener on a vast, surreal journey. Read more -- and catch a breath-taking trailer -- at Phrequency.com.
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Monday, August 16, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
An Ode to Yards Brawler
Wow, what a week it's been. With a million different things draining my energy all week long -- all I wanna do this weekend is curl up in the air-conditioning with a cold beer, maybe some back episodes of Weeds. (To eager Weeds fan looking to discuss: I'm on season 4. Don't spoil it!)
Unfortunately, there's never a dull moment in the life of Kate -- and this weekend promises to be a whirlwind of fun, engaging activities (concerts, pool parties, maybe some 4 Lokos) -- which I'm sure, ultimately, will be awesome. But right now, all I can think about is beer. And thus I present: A TRIBUTE TO YARDS BRAWLER, MY FAVORITIST BEER OF ALL.
Unfortunately, there's never a dull moment in the life of Kate -- and this weekend promises to be a whirlwind of fun, engaging activities (concerts, pool parties, maybe some 4 Lokos) -- which I'm sure, ultimately, will be awesome. But right now, all I can think about is beer. And thus I present: A TRIBUTE TO YARDS BRAWLER, MY FAVORITIST BEER OF ALL.
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art much colder, and more delicious
Bitter flavor might other brews display
But you are smooth, and quite ambitious
That hint of coffee, that bread-y malt
You're number one for a tasty session
That ruby color -- it's not your fault
That PBR now seems like regression
And you are made just blocks away
Right in Fishtown, where I often tarry
It's no wonder you taste as fresh as May
As if brewed by a magic, beer-loving fairy
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
Long live Brawler, which makes Kate happy
Thou art much colder, and more delicious
Bitter flavor might other brews display
But you are smooth, and quite ambitious
That hint of coffee, that bread-y malt
You're number one for a tasty session
That ruby color -- it's not your fault
That PBR now seems like regression
And you are made just blocks away
Right in Fishtown, where I often tarry
It's no wonder you taste as fresh as May
As if brewed by a magic, beer-loving fairy
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
Long live Brawler, which makes Kate happy
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Best New Music: Magic Kids
They're one of the most blogged about bands of the summer, and it's easy to see why! A sunny, summery, feel-good pop act -- with a penchant for falsetto, and lush, choral harmonies -- Memphis's Magic Kids should come with a warning label: LISTENING TO THESE TUNES WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO PARTY. (By which I mean: grab a pina colada and head down to the beach, where cute surfers and bronzed bikini babes do a dance of exuberance upon the dunes.)
One part bubblegum pop, one part Brian Wilson (yes, "Brian Wilson" is now a genre), one part terrific twee (as if there is any other type!) -- Magic Kids' magic concoctions are fun, light-hearted, and retardedly catchy. But don't just take my word for it -- read more, and love more, at Phrequency.com.
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Monday, August 9, 2010
Music Video Mondays: Let's Wrestle
This one's been kicking around my radar for some time now, and the video's just so perfect I HAD to share.
Let's Wrestle are a British garage rock trio who write messy, angst-y, poppy charmers, with song titles like "My arms don't bend that way, damn it!" and lyrics such as "The duvet's on fire/ and so is your hair" (see below.)
They also seem to understand causal debauchery just perfectly, as this little number demonstrates:
Next time they tour the States, I'm gonna try my damnedest to get in on the after party!
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Let's Wrestle are a British garage rock trio who write messy, angst-y, poppy charmers, with song titles like "My arms don't bend that way, damn it!" and lyrics such as "The duvet's on fire/ and so is your hair" (see below.)
They also seem to understand causal debauchery just perfectly, as this little number demonstrates:
Next time they tour the States, I'm gonna try my damnedest to get in on the after party!
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Friday, August 6, 2010
Neighborhood Watch: It's food-licious!
One of the (MANY) great things about living in Center City is the food. On pretty much every block, and every corner, there's a restaurant -- serving up farm fresh gnocchi (at Pumpkin, 17th + South) or tender BiBimBop (at Miga, 15th +Walnut) so good that it's seriously a wonder I don't weigh 10,000 lbs.
These past 2 years however have been tough economically, and I was sad to see some faves (Cafe Apamate, Chew Man Chu) shut their doors. Luckily for all of us, when one restaurant closes, another one opens! Here are some promising new start-ups I've spotted:
1. The Baja Room, 15+South. A satellite restaurant for Pico de Gallo, this little gem has actually been open for nearly a year now, and -- after a somewhat shaky start -- kicked up its game with great drinks and an eclectic menu of constantly changing favorites. The best part? Relaxing on the back patio, a quiet spot with colorful Mexican decor.
2. Mumbai Bistro, 10+Locust. I haven't visited this just-opened Indian spot yet, but word on the street is that Mumbai is totally committed to feeding you delicious, fresh food for cheap. As in, $5 for a 1 lb (1 lb = more food than I can eat). Specials change regularly, but often include such wonders as tikki masala, chicken korma, and saag paneer. Can you say YUM?
3. Zama, 19+Sansom. 8-month-old Rittenhouse sushi joint from former Pod chef that delights in just about every way. Inquirer critic Craig LeBan wrote "Zama delivered stellar quality upgrades to some standards worth the fee." It's pricey, so save for special nights out!
Wasabi lobster roll, at Zama.
4. Sumo Sushi, 13+Pine. I admit I know nothing about this brand new sushi joint, setting up shop AS WE SPEAK, next to the Starbucks on Broad and Pine. But I'll certainly be keeping my eyes peeled -- a new sushi place just blocks away from my house? This could be the best thing since Good Dog's "Good dog burger!"
UPDATE!!! (8/7/10): I just got my hands on a Sumo menu, stuffed under my door. Look's like this new eatery will be open Monday, August 9 -- specialty rolls and maki abound! Plus, they'll be giving customers 10% off through August 31 -- are you thinking what I'm thinking? Time to indulge, Sumo-style!
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These past 2 years however have been tough economically, and I was sad to see some faves (Cafe Apamate, Chew Man Chu) shut their doors. Luckily for all of us, when one restaurant closes, another one opens! Here are some promising new start-ups I've spotted:
1. The Baja Room, 15+South. A satellite restaurant for Pico de Gallo, this little gem has actually been open for nearly a year now, and -- after a somewhat shaky start -- kicked up its game with great drinks and an eclectic menu of constantly changing favorites. The best part? Relaxing on the back patio, a quiet spot with colorful Mexican decor.
2. Mumbai Bistro, 10+Locust. I haven't visited this just-opened Indian spot yet, but word on the street is that Mumbai is totally committed to feeding you delicious, fresh food for cheap. As in, $5 for a 1 lb (1 lb = more food than I can eat). Specials change regularly, but often include such wonders as tikki masala, chicken korma, and saag paneer. Can you say YUM?
3. Zama, 19+Sansom. 8-month-old Rittenhouse sushi joint from former Pod chef that delights in just about every way. Inquirer critic Craig LeBan wrote "Zama delivered stellar quality upgrades to some standards worth the fee." It's pricey, so save for special nights out!
Wasabi lobster roll, at Zama.4. Sumo Sushi, 13+Pine. I admit I know nothing about this brand new sushi joint, setting up shop AS WE SPEAK, next to the Starbucks on Broad and Pine. But I'll certainly be keeping my eyes peeled -- a new sushi place just blocks away from my house? This could be the best thing since Good Dog's "Good dog burger!"
UPDATE!!! (8/7/10): I just got my hands on a Sumo menu, stuffed under my door. Look's like this new eatery will be open Monday, August 9 -- specialty rolls and maki abound! Plus, they'll be giving customers 10% off through August 31 -- are you thinking what I'm thinking? Time to indulge, Sumo-style!
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Thursday, August 5, 2010
Best New Music: J Roddy Walston and the Busines
Besides having probably the longest name of any band ever,* J Roddy Walston and the Business are most known for their memorable live shows: wild, rowdy, and raucous affairs that bring out the maniac in all of us -- INCLUDING arms-crossed hipsters, cowering in the corner.
Of course, it's only appropriate given their music: fist-pumping, balls-to-the-wall, retro-sounding American ROCK --with a dash of Southern blues and a heaping portion of Little Richard-era piano wailing -- that makes you want to jump in the air and yelp, maybe shotgun a beer and do a little boogie.
little band, big city
For 3 years now, I've been waiting for these dudes to break -- their label debut (on stalwarts Vagrant) finally dropped last week and is just what I need to kick up the "fun" factor this summer. Read more about your new favorite unstoppable force at Philly's unstoppable culture jawn, Phrequency.com.
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*Ok so maybe not. A quick googling of "longest band never ever" turns up many results, including: ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, The Presidents of the United States of America, George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars, Margot and the Nuclear So and So's, and more. What's the longest band name ever? I'm not sure, but I think it is probably this.
Of course, it's only appropriate given their music: fist-pumping, balls-to-the-wall, retro-sounding American ROCK --with a dash of Southern blues and a heaping portion of Little Richard-era piano wailing -- that makes you want to jump in the air and yelp, maybe shotgun a beer and do a little boogie.
little band, big cityFor 3 years now, I've been waiting for these dudes to break -- their label debut (on stalwarts Vagrant) finally dropped last week and is just what I need to kick up the "fun" factor this summer. Read more about your new favorite unstoppable force at Philly's unstoppable culture jawn, Phrequency.com.
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*Ok so maybe not. A quick googling of "longest band never ever" turns up many results, including: ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, The Presidents of the United States of America, George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars, Margot and the Nuclear So and So's, and more. What's the longest band name ever? I'm not sure, but I think it is probably this.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Haiku Review (times two!): The Black Keys + The Arcade Fire
The Black Keys
Dynamic duo
Sweat and slide to bluesy rock;
prove TWO can be loud
Read the full review (Friday night, Penn's Landing) here!
--
The Arcade Fire
The Suburbs, now with
Grand catharsis; epic rock
octet, in chorus
Photo Matt LaRoche for Phrequency.com
Read the full review (Monday night, Mann Center) here!
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The Arcade Fire
The Suburbs, now with
Grand catharsis; epic rock
octet, in chorus
Photo Matt LaRoche for Phrequency.comRead the full review (Monday night, Mann Center) here!
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Monday, August 2, 2010
Mad Decent Block Party: In Photos!
The Mad Decent Block Party this year truly lived up to its name, with 7 hours of FREE, bone-crushing live music, food, bevs, and a ridiculous amount of good times. Mad props to the formidable Dylan Fisher (of dtrainDERAILed fame) who muscled his way into the sweaty, pulsing crowd to snap a bunch of AWESOME close-ups of Maluca and Gilbere Forte -- dude, I couldn't have done it without you.
Enjoy!
(click any photo to enlarge)
All photos (c) Dylan Fisher (7-23) / Kate Bracaglia (1-6, 24), 2010. Do not use without permission.
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Enjoy!
(click any photo to enlarge)
All photos (c) Dylan Fisher (7-23) / Kate Bracaglia (1-6, 24), 2010. Do not use without permission.Want more? Stay tuned to Phrequency.com for EVEN MORE photographic wonders (from the inestimable Inna S.) later today!
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