ECHOES ON

Some photos from the ridiculously windy evening spent in Brighton. We went to see the Pierces (you can see my post on the band here; http://whothefuckismickjagger.blogspot.com/2011/08/pierces.html). They were 100x better than I expected live. As you walked into the venue there was very appropriately Stevie Nicks blaring through the speakers, then as the band came on the opening music was the hooting of owls, wind, rain, and a picturesque background of a giant moon in the night sky. They really managed to set the scene for their music and show off their Pagan vibe to the huge audience watching (the show was sold out). They played hits from their most recent & acclaimed album You & I, but also songs I've never heard before from their old album, which I've been listening to all day. Their voices sound beautiful together, even more so in person than on a record, and they performed some extra special un-released songs for the audience. As for their clothes & appearance, they always look fantastic. The girls have the most immense aura about them which just makes every single person in the audience stop, stare, and gaze at them in absolute awe... a gig definitely worth the time, effort & money.
Outfit; I am wearing a vintage Biba maroon jacket, vintage boots, vintage bag, H&M sunglasses and an American Gold dress. Photos credit to Emma, see her blog here; http://dazedandconfused1991.blogspot.com/.

THE BLACK ANGELS

Here, I have another band to introduce to all of you, I love doing this. A friend from sunny California introduced me to some genius neo psychedelic-grunge music, and sent me some CD's. One of the bands called the Black Angels particulary caught my attention, and ever since I cannot stop listening to them. Their name derives from the Velvet Underground's - 'the Black Angels' Death Song', and in my opinion you can always tell a band is going to be good when they give themselves a name that's a pun on a serious legend. (Think the Dandy Warhols, the Brian Jonestown Massacre). I would highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys bluesy guitar riffs, mixed with tambourines & drums, mixed with echoes & barely there vocals and the occasional sitar, basically what I would call the modern day Velvet Underground, or what my sister would call 'druggy music'. Their music is like several different versions of Venus In Furs. It's nice to know that there is actually a band around who make their own music, and yet re-create the sixties gig vibe, I can imagine them being absolutely intense live. It's been a long time since I have found a (newish) band that I like so much, there's always the occasional band who lure me in with one song, but I end up disliking the rest of their music. But I haven't liked a band this much since I first discovered Led Zeppelin's second album. (See, I told you they were that good). Highly recommended to any one of you who is stuck in the mystical, magical land of 1969. Below are three of my favourite songs - listen, & listend L O U D.

THE BLUE BUS, IS CALLING US.

Last Friday night spun me into rock n' roll overdrive again. I think I got distracted along the way by work suits, fake smiles, lost kittens, fatty foods and all the things that are thrown at you in everyday life situations. But I know I will always go back to rock n' roll. One night is enough to make you remember what you've been missing out on, and I want more. It's so hard, living in a small English village, gigs are limited, and so are bands. There is unfortunately not a very large audience for rock music around here unless you are 50 years old and were a 'part' of that time. It's so rare to find other people in their 20's who are interested in classic rock. I'm sure many of you agree, it's an era and an industry that slowly died out. These days, you cannot go to a rock concert without being pushed back by security, without being accused of being on drugs for dancing too hard, without being thoroughly searched on the way in, without paying ridiculous amounts of money to just get through the door... there are so many restrictions which completely go against the natural unwritten 'rules' of rock n' roll. As quoted by Lester Bangs in Almost Famous ''...they will ruin rock n' roll and strangle everything we love about it.'' It's an era that's completely missed by thousands of people, and there are those who try and re-create it. This is where tribute bands come in - musicians who get together and impersonate iconic bands, imitating their looks, vocal style, musical style and singing their original songs. What are everyone's views on tribute bands?! Do you think they are trying hard to recreate a subculture or more rightly way of life that has completely died out and failing terribly at it? Or do you think they have passion & ability and just want to keep it all going? It would be interesting to hear people's thoughts on this because I have heard so many mixed opinions. If you want to chat about it I am always open for discussion - email luciatarrant@hotmail.co.uk.

Personally, I admire tribute bands. I admire them for having the passion, the ability and most of all the guts to impersonate such famous rockstars, such as Jim Morrison, Robert Plant, The Beatles etc. Because to be honest, it could all go very wrong. I've witnessed abuse being shouted at tribute bands for being 'fake' and 'not writing their own material' and 'not being themselves'... These are men (mostly) who idolise a fantastic musician who has perhaps either died or quit the music industry alltogether, they want to show tribute & respect to musicians so influential and iconic, and most of all they just want to make the audience happy. It's a high paid industry. People will pay good money just to experience a real life Doors concert, or see Mick Jagger dance again, and if it isn't going to be an option to go back in time, then why not re-create a sixties concert and all these people like me & you will be satisfied. I see no harm... but as I said, there are those who will accept that era is over & done with and rock n' roll has died forever and then there are those who will try and preserve it. I know which team I'm on. What do you think?!

Also, if any of you have seen the Bootleg Beatles or the Rollin' Stoned, please let me know as I am thinking of getting tickets and want to hear good things!

THE PIERCES

I discovered this band when browsing through Kirby's blog - http://thelifeofalostmuse.blogspot.com/. Two sisters, one blonde, one brunette, from Birmingham, Alabama. After trying and failing at the music industry a few years ago with their previous albums not becoming huge hits, the girls were ready to give up. Until Coldplay bass player contacted them and rescued them from their sorrows, and out they came with a brand new look, style and album entitled 'You & I'. The girls claim they were brought up with hippie parents who encouraged them to play musical instruments and listen to the likes of Simon & Garfunkel and the Mamas & the Papas from an early age. It seems there's a gap in the music industry at the moment for 60's influenced harmonised folk-pop bands, especially with female vocalists, and the Pierces more than fill this gap. If I was to hear one of their songs on the radio, without knowing what they look like or seeing their music videos, I would naturally assume they were the love-children of Michelle Phillips and Mama Cass Elliott. Not only similar sounding to the Mamas (without) the Papas, they also bear a huge resemblance to the early 70's band 'Heart'. However, the Pierces in all their dolly girl innocence and angelic harmonies, seem to have a much darker side. Their lyrics pay tribute to magic spells, dark romance, long lost lovers and witchcraft, insinuating that the girls or at least one of them has had a troubled past which has clearly heavily influenced their song writing. This not being bad, in my opinion this only makes the Pierces more intriguing and mysterious, wanting to know more about them as a band and their past endeavours.

Their music videos feature Spanish Moss-alike clothes draped over the girls and their friends, vast scenery, symbolism, kaleidoscopic imagery and Pagan rituals taking place. Very inspirational and fascinating to watch. As well as clearly having song writing and musical talent, they are fashion icons and huge representatives of late sixties folk music. I can't wait to see what they come up with next.



The Pierces are currently touring the UK, I am seeing them play in Brighton on the 11th October. See their website here for more info: http://thepiercesmusic.com/.

HOP FARM.

I've returned home from Hop Farm, having not showered in 4 days, smelling like a hobo, with scratches, grazes & rashes all over my body. Despite all of this, it was a great weekend, the highlight being Iggy & the Stooges' performance. We were at the front row, hanging over the barriers on both Friday & Saturday so we were lucky enough to experience the music to the maximum. Iggy turned it into a real 70's concert experience, getting all the crowd going & inviting everyone on stage (if it wasn't for security not allowing more than 10 people on there, I would've been up there with him, aaaaah). 10CC gave an amazing performance, along with the Eagles, Brandon Flowers & Newton Faulkner, Patti Smith poured her heart & soul into it and preached to the crowd about freedom & peace. Bryan Ferry was sexy as ever, providing a whole show featuring burlesque dancers. The only let down was Lou Reed, everyone was expecting him to sing some of his greatest hits from Transformer and some Velvet Underground classics too, but he seemed to not care at all about being there, didn't communicate with the audience once, made no eye contact & no effort and the only songs I recognised were Sweet Jane & Sunday Morning. He was the only artist to get even remotely boo-ed throughout the whole weekend. I feel proud of the fact I can now say I've seen Prince performing Purple Rain, the Eagles performing Hotel California and Iggy Pop performing Search & Destroy. As for the festival, it was chilled out, relaxed, not fussy & better than expected. Definitely going next year!

WIDE EYED WALKER, DO NOT WANDER

Outfit: Dress - ASOS. Boots - New Look. Hat - H&M. Bag - Vintage. Coat - Vintage. Necklaces - H&M. Sunglasses - H&M. Belt - Vintage.

I wear this sunglasses & hat combination far too often, but I love it. This is me poncing around in the garden dressed like the worst vegan ever, with some new leather boots. Last week I suddenly decided I wanted some cowboy boots so I spontaneously bought these and now I can't/won't take them off. This outfit is actually me trying to decide what to wear tomorrow. The last couple of days I have been SOOO busy (I sound like I lead such a glamorous life, I really don't), I haven't had much time to post - honestly. Tomorrow I am going to a gig to see the long awaited Tame Impala in London which I am beyond excited about. I did a post on them a few months ago... I'm not entirely sure where - have a hunt. But anyone who even remotely enjoys psychedelic music or even anything else among the rock genre should definitely check them out. (If you're missing out in seeing them in London they're playing at Glastonbury festival this year). Expect lots of photos as I shall be taking my camera with me. As well as seeing Tame Impala, I'm going to Hop Farm festival in 9 days! Which I'm also very excited about, especially about sleeping in a cosy tent which I bought especially for the occasion. On another musical note, I've re-developed my love for Fleet Foxes this week & their new album Helplessness Blues. There's something about that band - they remind me of woodland animals and forests, medieval towns, wicca & folklore. (If anyone else thinks of woodland animals whilst listening to Fleet Foxes let me know, thanks). Have a listen below.

IN THE JUNGLE

Music: The Beach Boys - Heroes and Villains from Smiley Smile.
I have tried to avoid listening to this album since this time last year, and I think now, it's time. Thought these photos of me in my vegetable patch suit it well.
Showing off a few new accessories; headband from H&M, glasses from H&M, Peace band bracelet from Topshop, Snood from Topshop, Rings from various.
Play music at the bottom of this post.

HEARTBREAKER, YOUR TIME HAS COME, CAN'T TAKE YOUR EVIL WAYS

A post dedicated to the ultimate rock n' roll heroes of all time. A band that never gets old. You never get tired of rocking out to Led Zeppelin. The perfect band for listening to whilst getting ready, whilst going on a drive or whilst preparing for a gig, or if you just fancy a bit of classic rock n' roll. Their music set the scene for many metal/hard rock bands in the future, as their music was way ahead of their time. Whilst other bands of the early seventies were playing folk music and progressive rock, Led Zeppelin created a music never heard before, 'hard rock', but at the same time, it was still influenced by early blues musicians. They made themselves famous not only for their music, but for their reputation for being the epitomy of 'rock n' roll' and notorious sex villains, after groupies had kiss & told about them. Especially the stories about Jimmy Page and his suitcase full of leather whips which still gives me the shivers after reading about it all in their Hammer of the Gods biography and Pamela Des Barres' books. Jimmy Page alone is a fascinating person, someone with lots of mystique about him (apparently being a satanist), and Robert Plant purely for that voice & his medieval sorcerer looks. I am slowly getting into a Led Zeppelin phase again through listening to Heartbreaker this morning after an off few months and itend to keep it this way.

Top 5 Zeppelin songs:
1. The Battle of Evermore (medieval, haunting, Paganistic lyrics with Sandy Denny from Fairport Convention)
2. When the Levee Breaks (slow, dreary Mepmhis Minnie blues)
3. Heartbreaker (a song that sums them up as rock n' rollers)
4. Boogie With Stu (good for a dance)
5. Black Dog (another rock n' roll classic)

5 facts about Led Zeppelin you may or may not know:
1. They were all Pagans, particularly Plant & Page.
2. Supposedly Jimmy Page's black magic interest & practice caused the death of John Bonham & various other negative incidents.
3. Supposedly if you play Stairway to Heaven backwards it is chanting for the devil, this was meant on purpose.
4. Led Zeppelin originally called themselves 'the new Yardbirds' for their first tour, mainly due to Jimmy Page's earlier work with the Yardbirds.
5. Led Zeppelin deliberately mis-spelled the first part of their name so that American's could pronounce it without mistake.

GAINSBOURG

Serge Gainsbourg was a French musician known for his 'unable to categorize' highly influental music and his romantic love affairs with Brigitte Bardot, Juliette Greco and most famously Jane Birkin. His individuality and eccentricity made him the epitomy of a man of that era - the mid sixties, always dressed smartly head to toe, with a cigarette as an accessory and a beautiful woman always on his arm. His photos with Jane Birkin are iconic and his song written & sung with Birkin - Je t'aime... moi non plus is highly recognisable. In 2010 a biographical film was released about his life, his music and his romantic partners simply titled 'Gainsbourg', with Eric Elmosnino portraying him. I haven't seen the film yet, but definitely intend to, as the trailer seems to show it as a montage of everything you'd hope & expect from a biographical film about a 60's French Musician. Not to mention the highly overwhelming snippets of scenes & songs (my favourite being Initials BB, a song written about Brigitte Bardot). See Below.

THE FORTUNES OF FABLES ARE ABLE TO SING THE SONG

David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash & Neil Young. All four, lyrical, inspirational & gifted musicians, who in 1969 delighted the minds of the bohemian Woodstock crowd with lyrical genius, covering politics, love, drugs and other subjects hovering around confused minds of the time. However, what made them stand out from other bands of the moment was their impressive harmonies, later combined with Neil Young's impressive guitar ability... which can also be heard in bands the members were previously in, including Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds and The Hollies. Graham Nash's 'tatty hippy' image has inspired various musicians of today such as Devendra Banhart, Fleet Foxes and the band Buffalo Killers, who are all clearly (especially Fleet Foxes) also heavily influenced by the bands' folk music. On a more personal note, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young are perfect to listen to when preparing for summer festivals, especially if you're hoping to re-create Woodstock when you attend, which I certainly am. Joni Mitchell as my dress inspiration, and perhaps I'll be lucky and find a Graham Nash style boyfriend too (I wish). My favourite song of their's is Carry On from their best & most successful album Deja Vu. If you want an example of their harmonies, guitar expertise and trippy background noise then give this a listen.

30 Day Song Challenge

Inspired by Kate from http://c4rousel.blogspot.com/ I decided to post the 'Facebook 30 day song challenge' onto my blog, rather than Facebook, so my friend's Facebook walls don't have to be spammed with hundreds of youtube videos from me, instead they can view them all on here if they choose to. However, I gave up after 9 songs because posting 30 would make my whole blog look incredibly long. Maybe I'll do another 10 or so in another post.

Day 1 - your favourite song. This piece of music was played to me ever since I was an embryo (I hope that's what an embryo is) and it's quickly became my favourite piece of music ever, so much so that I want it played at my funeral and the guitar solo in the middle has made me weep a few times before.



Day 2 - your least favourite song. Katy Perry annoys me so much, and this song is hugely overplayed. The lyrics & the tune are so repetitive and how shall I say it - dull - that I can't bear to listen to it.



Day 3 - A song that makes you happy. Rhapsody in Blue is another of my favourite pieces of music of all time, I want to see the Strictly Gerswhin ballet in London. I love Disney's view on the song, their cartoon of New York in Fantasia 2000, and every time I listen to this piece of music I get an image of New York in the 30's.



Day 4 - A song that makes you sad. This song is beautiful but so upsetting! The lyrics & the tune make me feel sad, but I think maybe in a good way.



Day 5 - A song that reminds you of someone. My dad used to sing me this when I was little and when I re discovered it a few years ago I couldn't stop listening to it. It's from my favourite album of all time, and every time I hear this it reminds me of my dad.



Day 6 - A song that reminds you of somewhere. Italia! I always listen to this song on my ipod when driving around peasant villages in Southern Italy, I always connect it to little old Italian folk smoking their cigars and playing cards in the midday Italian sunshine outside a coffee shop.



Day 7 - A song that reminds you of a certain event. One word - psychedelia! This song takes me back to a specific moment in time when I was literally in another universe.



Day 8 - A song that you know all the words to. I belt this one out quite often when I'm on my own, it's probably the most played song on my itunes.



Day 9 - A song that you can dance to. One of the only songs I ever dance to, which isn't very good really because it's NEVER PLAYED ANYWHERE, but I find it alot easier to dance to than Rihanna.

SKELETON TIGER

If you've never heard of this band before and you like folk, psychedelia, indie, and the music you always hear in Topshop but you never know what it's called - Tame Impala are a mixture of them all. They're an Austrailian band and have been around since 2007, but you'll probably recognise their latest album Innerspeaker as it's played on the radio, in clothes stores and in any other 'hip' place you enter. Their music consists of eerie psychedelic harmonies, blues-ey guitar riffs, catchy beats and are probably the most late - 1960's psychedelic sounding band around at the moment. In my opinion they are super fantastic. They're playing at The Round House in London on 22nd June and I will definitely be there, my friend says they're extraordinary live. I have a vision of them being very Pink Floyd with a projector screen showing pulsating orbs on the wall in the background. HIGHLY RECCOMENDED!

PUSHIN' TOO HARD

I discovered these three songs when I was about 16 and became obsessed. I wanted to dance in underground clubs with purple smoke, kaleidoscope walls and garage stompers on top volume like these three. I had an image of Andy Warhol in the corner with his camera, filming all the people that were spaced out or bumming in the loos, girls with mini dresses and large eyes dancing on their knees and men in turtleneck jumpers and dark glasses smoking their lungs out whilst giving everyone stern looks. Of course all these little fantasies I have in my head are heavily influenced by films, but there HAS to be somewhere in London that bases itself on this exact image, at least a 60's style nightclub? (One that doesn't continously play I'm a believer by The Monkees or Hippy Hippy Shake). Is it really too much to ask when I know lots of people out there would agree with me. If anyone knows any places like this in London or the South East that are still open, DO TELL!

Article | Jimi Hendrix's Patchwork Coat

Jimi Hendrix's patchwork coat heads to the Museum of the American Indian
By The Reliable Source April 29, 2010; 1:04 AM ET

[Janie Hendrix delivers her late brother's coat and two guitar replicas to Tim Johnson, an associate director at the National Museum of the American Indian. (Katherine Fogden/Smithsonian)]

Say the name Jimi Hendrix and you think: Rock star. Woodstock. Crazy costumes. Greatest electric guitar player ever.

But his sister Janie and the National Museum of the American Indian want you to know that part of his great style came from his Native American ancestry. Now 49 and head of Jimi Hendrix's Seattle-based estate, she brought one of the musician's custom-made coats and two replica guitars to the museum Wednesday for an upcoming exhibit, "Up Where We Belong: Native Musicians in Popular Culture," which opens in July.

"Having Native American culture is really important to our family," said Janie, Jimi's little sister from his father's second marriage. She's the keeper of Jimi's flame, the one who tries preserve the history and family story behind the images.

Jimi, she told us, got his fashion sense from their paternal grandmother, who was part Cherokee, played vaudeville and had a flamboyant collection of feather hats and flashy costumes. "He loved suede, velvets and lots of color," Janie said. The full-length patchwork coat -- green, rust, blue, camel, pink and black suede with a fuchsia lining -- was one of a small number of personal items recovered by the family after his death in 1970.

"When Jimi passed away, my dad went to his New York apartment," she said. "What came back was just a sliver of what Jimi had." Friends and fans had basically stripped the apartment of Jimi's clothing and instruments: "We learned later there was just a feeding frenzy. He had over 100 guitars and only a few of them came back home. His clothes were just in a big pile and people were just taking stuff."

[Hendrix, befringed, plays Woodstock, 1969. (Henry Diltz/Corbis)]

Unlike so many of the "artifacts" that show up in museums, the coat deserves the attention: It's a rare, one-of-a-kind piece (obviously well-worn) from a rock icon, it's reflective of the era, and has never been displayed before.

"We've been saving this piece for some special exhibit," she said. "When this request came, it just felt natural."