BLOG: LUMIX DMC-G6 PHOTOSET 05.14

 

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MAG: LA ROUX NEW SINGLE UPTIGHT DOWNTOWN

La Roux hand-delivered tonight's Hottest Record in the World for Zane Lowe on his Radio 1 show with the world exclusive play of her first official single off the upcoming new record. It's called Uptight Downtown and it's outrageously funky.

She discussed her new project as a 'freer' sound than her über-successful debut album and aesthetically it's clear from the offset. This groove-heavy, bop-enducing number with its gorgeous old-school drums and guitar, as well as Let Me Down Gently definitely carry a confidence and, to some extent, playfulness and enjoyment that extends further than the more synthetic, mechanic sounds of 2009 (which was and is brilliant too). But it's just really pleasurable, for want of a better word, listening to new La Roux. Maybe it is the culmination of anticipation and sheer wait that adds to this feeling, or just the awakening reminder of her slick vocal quality and visionary musical talent. Whatever it is, I love it and I'm so, so pleased that she's back. (And it's wonderfully clear how pleased she is herself.) The new album "Trouble In Paradise" arrives in July. Not long to go now.

MAG: BANKS NEW SINGLE DROWNING

Dropped literally in the last minute or two, it's another brand new one from BANKS' forthcoming album "Goddess". It's called Drowning and Zane Lowe just played its premiere on Radio 1 as his Hottest Record In The World. As far as I'm concerned — though I've only heard it that one time as I write it — it is the hottest record in the world all year. That good. Give it a spin, I know I will many, many times in the coming hours and days. Happy summer.

MAG: MØ LIVE AT THE GREAT ESCAPE FOR VEVO UK

MØ played a big show at Brighton's The Great Escape festival this week and her Vevo channel has treated us with these two performances of Slow Love and, possibly my favourite number on the album, Walk This Way. She's really sexed up the former with a nice switch-up midway. Highly hoping there'll be more clips on the way. Look at the sweat she's got on! And producer, Ronni Vindahl's guitar riffs are just something else. Love it.

DIARY: MY DEGREE ENDS IN ONE WEEK

My degree ends in one week. I've been awake for 32 hours and counting. Whilst I could do with another month or two work-wise, I am so ready to move on from student status — as terrifying as that is. And don't get me wrong, it really is fucking terrifying. But I've worked hard over the past three years, I've enjoyed my practice and learned a hell of a lot. I have to say I cannot wait for the summer holiday, really really. My presentation exam is on Thursday at which point my work will be assessed. Then the following week is our degree show (which I've not afforded any thought to yet) before I say goodbye to education, for now, and move on to the real world. Fuck.

BLOG: MICHAEL JACKSON JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE LOVE NEVER FELT SO GOOD

I've not been sure what to make of Michael Jackson's 'new' album, or how best to receive it. I understand there's quite a bit of unreleased material, but isn't that all unreleased for a reason? Obviously I don't know the details, and I imagine we never will, but my guess is that Michael wasn't completely satisfied with them for one reason or another. A man of such keenness for perfection and precision to detail, I can't see him to be too happy with not being able to oversee the finishes to the now-released unreleased songs. Know what I mean?

So, equally, I don't know what to think of this JT duet. I love them both as musicians so it's actually a dream collaboration and I'm aware they had a personal relationship, which is good at least. I suppose I do like the sentiment of the music video for this track, Love Never Felt So Good — bear in mind how almost impossible a task it is to make a Michael Jackson music video without the man himself and to do him justice — but this celebration of his legacy or his message for music's greater role in the world is an idea I really like. It's a nice homage, if you like, including kids moving to clips of Michael's iconic videos of the past. That's cool.

MAG: LA ROUX NEW SINGLE LET ME DOWN GENTLY

So it would seem the big news this Music Monday is this. New, fantastic material from La Roux was debuted earlier, along with the announcement of the album details due out July 7. The record will be called "Trouble In Paradise" with its artwork again designed by Alexander Brown who's produced visuals for people like James Blake in the past too. But this song though, Let Me Down Gently, it's a whole new level of funk. It has such a full sound that blows you over with its confidence, it's overwhelmingly good. To think they were afraid of releasing new material after the incredible success that was the self-titled debut album, perhaps they made the right call because this is truly, definitely, undoubtedly worth the wait.

BLOG: ENGLAND WORLD CUP 2014 SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT

Actually the title to this Blog entry should read: Why Ashley Cole should go to the World Cup over Luke Shaw. A few hours early, I know, but it's been circulating all evening that Cole has been omitted from the travelling squad to be announced tomorrow afternoon, which is why I wanted to write all this down now. Before I forget.

Now, I understand that inevitably I write this with a biased pro-Cole, pro-Chelsea head, but I have a logically sound head too. I'm not suggesting Roy Hodgson isn't a logical, intelligent man either — I truly believe that he is — and it should be noted that he and I both hold a shared desire for England to do well in Brazil; our goal is the same. So naturally I totally accept that he has thought hard on his selection and has good, justified reasons for his every decision.

However, I do not agree with his rumoured snub of Ashley Cole. I think he should be in the squad ahead of Luke Shaw (or Kieran Gibbs, whichever one he's picked). Cole's experience will be sorely missed. It's true that there are other members of the squad who can boast a similar quality, but I think it's important to address Cole's proven pedigree. In all of England's underwhelming, under-performing, disappointing outings in previous tournaments, Ashley Cole has always been a reliably strong player amidst the shameful showings of the collective team. And that consistency is more than impressive, it's unbelievable and certainly unrivalled. Even if we accept that Leighton Baines has over the past year or two ousted him from the starting XI (which I'm still on the fence about), Cole is surely the perfect back-up. And this season, specifically, has highlighted that. Ashley Cole is the perfect number two. He's been practising that all term as Chelsea's second choice, being called upon when required and still producing displays as strong as any other left back, anywhere. Isn't that precisely what you want in a substitute? A quick look at the last few games of the season — and the most crucial ones at that — tells you all you need to know. He's sharp, he's fit, he knows how to be a world-class left back. You don't lose that. I know that Luke Shaw is an immense talent, especially at his age, but I don't see much reason in his favour to take him as England's second choice this summer. He's put in great performances all season, yes, but if I was to be more cynical, he's done that as a comfortable starter in a comfortable environment for a comfortably mid-table side. Should Baines get injured at the knockout stage in Brazil, let's say, would that be a good time to gamble with an internationally inexperienced 18-year-old? Probably not. I fully understand and appreciate that he'll benefit hugely from the tournament experience of being with the squad and absorbing these situations at such a young stage of his career, but our selection should be based on ensuring England has the best quality and thus the best chance of succeeding. And I also know that replacing a hypothetically injured Baines with Ashley Cole will be no-risk and seamless. In fact, forget the idea of risk altogether, because it's not like choosing Cole is low-risk low-reward, far from it. It's low-risk and high-reward, compared to Luke Shaw's high-risk and not-much-higher-than-Cole-if-at-all-reward. And what about that sentiment of involving the players who have performed over the last two years and those who helped England reach the finals in the first place. The latter point isn't so strong as an argument, but surely Cole deserves to be in Brazil more so than Shaw? A ticket to Brazil would be a wonderful way to acknowledge Shaw's brilliant season with Southampton, but I also think that a ticket to Brazil is the very least we can offer to reward a man such as Cole. That's what my logical head says. And that's why I disagree with Mr Hodgson.

But I do reiterate that I hope he's made the right decision and that I'm proven wrong somehow. Or that Baines simply has a terrific tournament and there's never even a need to contemplate using anyone else at left back. Baines and Shaw (or Gibbs) is a bright prospect for the future, but the present has somebody of Ashley Cole's calibre, and with such quality at our dispense I don't think we can afford to take a Shaw (or Gibbs). I think it'd be stupid to ignore Ash.

MAG: WARPAINT KEEP IT HEALTHY EL-P REMIX

I think this is a brilliant remix. EL-P puts his stamp on one of my favourites, Keep It Healthy, taking it darker and more twisted. The hip hop flavour works a treat and I want more.

DIARY: NIKE TIEMPO GENIO LEATHER TF PURCHASE

Bought these the other day, slightly impulse but slightly needed too. It was the blue sole that sold me more than anything, but the leather quilted upper was also pretty attractive. And still sitting in the affordable tier of boots, I had very little reason not to purchase. I don't actually have to justify my spending to you though, fuck off. They won't stay white for long (in fact they're already significantly less so after training yesterday) but that's ok, stand out less.

MAG: MØ SLOW LOVE MUSIC VIDEO

Another music video today, this one's just classic MØ. "SEX IT UP TO SOME SLOW LOVING" she says.

MAG: LANA DEL REY WEST COAST OFFICIAL VIDEO

That wink. "Yeah you."

MAG: JAMIE XX SLEEP SOUND OFFICIAL VIDEO

This is the official music video for Jamie xx's new single Sleep Sound, released last month. Directed by Sofia Mattioli and Cherise Payne, it tells a wonderful story of the relationship between sound and silence through filming participants from the Manchester Deaf Centre, dancing. Strangely it's not available in HD but perhaps it's a poignant enough art form to not need it.

By the way, I also read that The xx have started recording album number three...

MAG: WARPAINT LIVE ON KEXP

Going all acoustic for KEXP, the home of some banging performances (and generous enough to make available full-length footage in high quality), Warpaint were the visitors last week. They played four tracks off the self-titled record and they're all wicked, the stripped back nature really showing off the weird melody lines, unconventional harmonies and each of the girls' musical talents. Their second album is still one of my most played right now and it's great to see these versions. How good is Keep It Healthy! Can't wait to see them in June.

MAG: IYES NEW SINGLE TOYS

Still no mention of a new record but IYES have dropped another track, a demo track apparently, and it's very good. It's called Toys and it makes your mouth water for the onrushing arrival of summer and of course for some new material from the English duo. Here's hoping!

DIARY: NIKE FREE SUPERIOR OG PURCHASE

Oh that Carnaby Shopping Party, it's hit me again. I only went to catch up with a friend (actually for project work as much as leisure) but of course I've ended up consuming one too many complimentary drinks, splashing out on a steak dinner and carrying with me unnecessary shopping bags on my journey home a few hours later than planned. I can't say I'm surprised but I am somewhat disappointed. But focussing on the positives, this is one of my better impulse buys — the new Nike Free Superior OG. Lightweight and unbelievably comfortable, these are my next 'staple' shoes that I'll wear every day (you know, that same reason I give with every addition of footwear). But really, these are delightful and I can't hide my satisfaction. Oh and they're not all I bought...