My Feet, My Wings.

"My feet, so deep in the earth!
My wings, so far into the heavens!
And so much pain in the heart torn between."

- Juan Ramon Jimenez, 1976. (Spanish poet)

Captured in Västerås, Sweden.

The Bloody Beetroots Feat. Steve Aoki - WARP

Ahh! I love this track and I find the video quite entertaining too, albeit it's nothing special to look at. The dudes wearing the gimp masks are The Bloody Beetroots and the oriental brother is Steve Oaki. I was lucky enough to see Steve Oaki perform at Dour Festival this summer. His set was wicked but I had to wait till 4:00am for him to drop this tune...it was worth it!
Turn up your sub and enjoy this one... Woop woop!

- Domesticated Ape

His Master's Voice

The recession and apparently 'downloaders' have stripped music and film stores from the British high street, well almost. As I'm aware HMV (and a few HMV owned Zavvi stores) are the only stores primarily selling CDs and DVDs. So how should a company take advantage of the absence of its competitors without going bust? Easy! Open up temporary branches across the UK for peak trade and then shut them down.

RETAIL-WEEK: The retailer reported that plans for the festive period are “in good shape” and the extra shops will enable it to scoop up sales. Chief executive Simon Fox said: “This is the first Christmas without Woolworths and Zavvi on the high street. The demand means that the current stores can’t deal with all of it.”

Although new HVMs will be popping up over Christmas and the January sale period, I will still be mourning the loss of our dearest Zavvi. Their DVD boxsets were the cheapest :O(

- Domesticated Ape

Leonard Cohen collapses

TIMES ONLINE: 'Cohen, who turns 75 tomorrow, fainted on stage during a rendition of one of his best-known songs, Bird on the Wire, during a gig in Valencia, southeast Spain, late on Friday.

A spokesman for his tour said Cohen had been suffering from food poisoning.

The concert was stopped as fellow band members and others rushed to his aid. After regaining consciousness, the singer hoped to resume his performance, but he suffered continued stomach cramps.'

I saw Leonard Cohen perform at the O2 Area last year. I never thought I'd have the chance to see him live considering that he hadn't performed for about 20 years. I love his music and after a few shit scary e-Bay bids I had the opportunity to see him. He was surprisingly energetic for his age and had a cool vibe about him. He'd run off and on the stage for each of his encores (he did like, 10). I hope he gets well soon and back to doing his thing.

- Domesticated Ape

Alice vs Dr. Parnassus

I don't know which one I'm looking forward to seeing most. Johnny Deep, Heath Ledger, Jude Law and Colin Farrel (not so excited about the latter) playing the same role in 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus' or Johnny Deep playing yet another trippy role in 'Alice in wonderland'.

Jay-Z Overtakes Elvis

Jay-Z is still breaking all kinds of records and topping charts despite his so-called 'retirement' awhile back. According to BBC News, Jay-Z's new album 'The Blueprint 3' is set to reach number one in the U.S. album chart. This will be Jigga's 11th number one album, making him a solo artist with the most number one albums in U.S. chart history. Unfortunately this title will be robed from Elvis Presley, who has had 10 number one albums. Then again, how hard can it be to beat a dead guy, right?


I've never been a big fan Jay's music even though he claims to be the king of New York, that title went to Nas ('Ether' ended that battle!). So I don't see the hype with him but he consistently tops charts, so you've got to give him props for that.

- Domesticated Ape

Crash, Bang, Wallop!

Oh yes, it's finally here! Logistics' new album, 'Crash Bang Wallop'. The master of liquid drum & bass drops his new album today (14th September), although it's only on vinyl until CDs hit the stores on 28th September.

I loved his 2006 album 'Reality Check' and from what I've heard of the new album so far, it won't disappoint!

- Domesticated Ape

DJ Hero

If I'm honest this was rather unexpected, but if Guitar Hero is anything to go by I'm freaking excited! The concept is the same as Guitar Hero, but rather than hitting notes you're required to use your controller to mix, scratch and beat match according to what's shown on screen.


The track list is pretty cool. Like real DJs, the game requires the player to mix two tracks whilst showing off your scratching and cutting skills. The track mixes are strange, to name a few: KRS-One into David Bowie, Daft Punk into Queen, and Rick James into Nirvana. The eclectic mix also sets up the game for my favorite function: DJ Vs Guitar. You can plug in your old guitar and play against your mate on the decks.


The controller seems as simple as the guitar. You've got three buttons on the deck - green is for record one, red is the sample button and blue is for record two. On the mixer is the cross fader to switch between tracks and the DJ Hero's answer to the whammy bar is the effects dial. If you're a left handed like me, you can detach the mixer from the deck and pop it in on the other side: LEFTY FLIP!

I like the idea, but I'm yet to be convinced. I'll definitely consider buying it once I get my mitts on a PS3 and Guitar Hero. Unless they release flute hero... that will change everything.

- Domesticated Ape

I'm Back!

Hey you stranger! Apologies for my absences from the blogging scene, I've been lame...I know!

Issues that kept me away from the blog world:

1) I've been doing my dissertation and major projects for uni.
2) Finished uni, been packing and moving back to London.
3) Goodbye Southampton!
4) Unpacking.
5) Job hunting.
6) Now working full-time...I miss number 5, it involved a lot of bed time and day time TV.
7) My blog's template has been messed up, thus I've been unable to blog.
8) Fixing the damn blog and making a new header... Do ya'll like? It took me ages!
9) Being a MASSIVE lazy sod (massive issue!).

Anyway, now I'm back on track (sort of) I'll keep on top of the blog game!

Goodnight virtual world!

- Domesticated Ape

Art & The Observer .

"Art is the stored honey of the human soul"

- Theodore Dreiser, 1917. (U.S Novelist)

Captured in The Saatchi Gallery, London.

- Domesticated Ape

Home, Sweet Home.

"What's the good of a home, if you are never in it?"

- George Grossmith, 1892. (British Singer & Writer)

Captured in Alum Bay, Isle of Wight.

- Domesticated Ape.

DJ For The Night: British Hip-Hop

I was asked a question by a friend whilst in the pub the other night which really got me thinking. She asked: ‘If you was to DJ for one night only and you could only play five songs, what song would they be?’ Hmmm… typical indecisive me, I was unable to give a clear answer. In fact, nor did she. A couple of issues made us hesitant to give a concise play-list. We concluded that it would it depend on the crowd (crowd pleasers), also we enjoy too many genres to have just the one set.

So, I’ve decided to post my DJ play-list for each genre of my fancy, consisting of five (or less) tracks. Of course my musical taste is forever changing, so I don’t think I will ever be fully satisfied (indecisive syndrome!), but it’s all a bit of fun. Oh, and I'm also limited to what is available on YouTube.

I'm going kick this of with some homegrown music, British Hip-Hop.

Lowkey & Logic - 'Home Is Where The Heart Is'

This is definitely not a party track, far from it. To really appreciate this song you have to listen to what these guys have to say. This particular track is based on the outlook of two boys living their war torn countries, Uganda and Palestine.

Plan B - 'Paint It Blacker' Feat. The Rolling Stones

I love what Plan B has done with this song. It features on his bootleg album, which is full of gems like this one. His others songs feature artists such as Leonard Cohen, Tom York and Coldplay.

Jehst - 'City of Industry'

Jehst is easily my favourite rapper, both British and international. It was really difficult for me to pick just one song of his. So here's one I picked at random... and it's still brilliant.

The Streets - 'Blinded By The Lights'

The Streets are a great band, but Mike Skinner has a skill of turning real life rambling thoughts into songs. He's your average British lad, rapping about about subjects which the average British youth can relate to. Like being 'mashed'!

Klashnekoff - Murda

This song exposed Kashnekoff to the scene over five years ago, and its still a heavy track..coz itz murrrrda! So turn the smile upside down, put on your meanest frown and nod your head to this!

- Domesticated Ape.

Perfect Pictures For An Imperfect World.

This video got some mixed reactions from me. I adore this video and I can see plenty thought has gone behind the making of it. The concept of using photographs to reveal the imperfections which it hides is very affective. Also each sequence manages to comment on the society we live in, touching on subjects which affect us all.

However, I found it more heartbreaking at the end of the video to discover that it is an advertisement for a digital photo company. Initially I thought the ad was for a charity or a public service campaign to raise awareness. But alas, it was ‘Fotoprix’ tugging at the heartstrings of its consumer to make a pretty penny.

Nevertheless, this is a well made bit of film. It is able to highlight some imperative issues in our world today, some of which are scarcely talked about.

- Domesticated Ape

Summer By The Lake.

"Summertime, and the living is easy"

- Ira Gershwin, 1935. (U.S. Lyricist)

Captured in Fullerö, Västmanland - Sweden.

- Domesticated Ape.

Wiltshire's Finest.

"The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man"

- Charles Darwin, 1871. (British Naturalist)

Captured in Longleat, Wiltshire.

- Domesticated Ape.

Food in a Tube.

I took this shot whilst in a supermarket in Sweden. I think these are some sort of prawn and bacon paste to spread over your bread... Nice(!)

Captured in Co-op, Sweden.

- Domesticated Ape.

From Alum Bay.

"Through all the changing scenes of life."

- Nahum Tate, 1696. (Irish Poet & Playwright)

This shot is taken by the beautiful cliffs of Alum Bay on the Isle of Wight.

Captured in Alum Bay, Isle of Wight.

- Domesticated Ape

A Spanish Street.

"I want to run, I want to hide,
I want to tear down the walls that hold me inside,
I want to reach out, and touch the flame,
Where the streets have no name."

- U2, 1986. (The Joshua Tree)

Captured in Barcelona, Spain.

I love the narrow street with the little balconies just peering over it.

- Domesticated Ape.

Jack The Painter.

"Artists, as a rule, do not live in the purple;
they live mainly in the red."

- Lord Pearce, 1975. (British Judge)

Captured in an ally way between Liverpool Street and Brick Lane - East London.

This graffiti is by street artist Mantis and is called Jack the Painter. The whole piece is of a guy who resembles Jack the Ripper and is holding a red spray can... which I guess is open to interpretation. I only captured his hand holding the can and the red stripe, to make it seem like he has just been caught him in the act.

- Domesticated Ape.

Home is Where the Heart is...

"Home. You can move away from it, but never you leave it.
Not as long as it holds something to be missed."

- Gloria Naylor, 1988. (Novelist, Producer & Playwright)

Captured in my flat. Brick Lane, London. E1.

This shot was taken from my flat on Brick Lane, East London. I loved waking up to see this outside my window, as well as the busy streets below. Behind the old brick flats you can see ‘The Gherkin’ (30 St. Mary Axe), one of my favourite buildings in London.

- Domesticated Ape

Melancholy & The City

"When a man is tired of London,
he is tired of life;
for there is in London all that life can afford."

- Samuel Johnson, 1777. (British Lexicographer & Writer)

Captured on South Bank, River Thames. London.

This shot was taken on the south bank of the River Thames. I caught this man gazing into the river. I found it interesting to think what may have been going through his mind.

- Domesticated Ape

Manufactured Perfection

"The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection."

- Joe Orton, 1950. (British Playwright)

Captured in Topshop, Basement. Southampton.

- Domesticated Ape

My Three Ladies of Music...

Cat Power, Ebba Forsberg & Tina Dikcow / Dico

I love finding new music; I don’t mean new to the world but new to my ears. It’s the moment when I first hear a song and absolutely fall in love with it. This is usually followed with me desperately hoping that the rest of the album will follow suite. Its a great feeling when the musician is consistent and I find myself with a back catalogue of their music to catch up on.

Ebba Forsberg, Cat Power and Tina Dickow / Dico are the three ladies mentioned in the title. All of who are my favourite female musicians right now. They are authentic artists, they have style, personality and most importantly, they have soul, which is a difficult combination to find amongst musician today.

I could get all sentimental and say things like how their music moves me and stuff like that, but I won’t do that. Instead I will simply exhibit their music here and let you make your own judgment. I feel their music means something different to everyone and it would be difficult to foresee what each person would take away from these ladies. That is the nature of music after all.

Cat Power

I first heard Cat Power when she performed on ‘Live with Jools Holland’. She took me by surprise to be honest; I just didn’t expect that voice to come from her. Cat’s performance also struck me as odd, well, it’s a bit quirky! Cat Power was an instant favourite of mine.

The Greatest

Lived in Bars

Ebba Forsberg

Ebba Forsberg is a fairly obscure singer and song writer from Sweden, which is where I happened to come across her music. Her style tends to be folk to folk rock and by god she does it well! Of course her voice was what initially drew me to her music but I found the musical production accompanying Ebba worked flawlessly.

You Owe Me



Committed

Tina Dickow / Dico

I was introduced to Tina Dickow’s music by a friend via her righteous iPod. Katrine played me a great song called ‘No Time to Sleep’ and at first I was a bit sceptical, I was just unsure whether Tina’s album would live up to that song. Was it a diamond in the dirt? No way, It was a diamond in a bag of fat jewels! (don’t hate me for that one). Tina’s talent for song writing is crazy good and her vocals expresses those lyrics perfectly, I just adore her music.
It's another pretty good export from Denmark.

No Time to Sleep

You Know Better

Cruel to the Sensitive Kind

- Domesticated Ape

Meet Lennon...

“No absolute is going to make the lion lie down with the lamb
unless the lamb is inside it”

- David H. Lawrence, 1916. (British Writer).

Captured in the Emanuelson's House. Västerås, Sweden.

He is named after John Lennon, of course.

- Domesticated Ape

The Now, The Here...

"The now, the here,
Through which all future
plunges to the past."

- Jame Joyce, 1922. (Irish Writer).

Captured in Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria. Spain.

- Domesticated Ape

Francis Bacon

I am very new to the work of Francis Bacon, but in the last few weeks I have noticed and have become fascinated by his paintings, he is fast becoming my favorite artist.

Three Figures in a Room - 1964

Head VI - 1949

Bacon is well known for his nightmarish paintings of people and animals, often distorted with splatters of paint. His paintings leave me feeling haunted and a bit weirded out but you also can't help but think what led Bacon to paint each image. Many of his painting have explanations or at least a clear concept which help us understand the painting as well as the painter.

George Dyer

I have not seen any of Francis Bacon original work as yet. However, on 11th September Tate Britain opened an exhibition showing his most famous works, including The Pope Innocent X and Three Studies for a Crucifixion. This exhibition has priority on my to do list before it moves on to New York early next year.

Two Figures - 1953

Francis Bacon 1909 - 1992

"My painting is a representation of life, my own life above all,
which has been very difficult. So perhaps my painting is very violent,
but this is natural to me."

- Francis Bacon

The Francis Bacon exhibition is now showing at Tate Britain up until 4th January 2009. Visit Tate Britain for more info or Francis-bacon.com to learn more about the man himself.

- Domesticated Ape

The Sleeping Beauties

"Your skin like dawn,
Mine like dusk,
One paints the beginning
of a certain end.
The other, the end
of a sure beginning."

- Maya Angelou, 1986. (U.S. Writer)

Captured in Topshop, Basement. Southampton.

- Domesticated Ape

Hôtel Des Invalides

“If the doors of perception were cleansed
every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite.”

- William Blake, 1793. (British poet, painter & mystic)

Captured in Paris, France.

These are the doors to Hôtel Des Invalides in Paris which was once a veterans home. The building also contains Napoleon’s tomb.

- Domesticated Ape

Meet Wynter...

“The mind of a cat is an inscrutable mystery, beyond human reach, the least human of all creatures and, at the same time, as any cat-owner will attest, the most intelligent.”

- Lewis Thomas, 1974. (Physician & Writer)

Captured in Stratford, East London.

Wynter is the newest feline member of 40 Chobham Road in East London. She was taken in after being found wandering aimlessly around Stratford High Street. She is now living in a lively house with two other cats, Sabin and Shelton.

- Domesticated Ape

Thou Winter Wind...

"Blow, blow, thou winter wind,
Thou art not so unkind
As a man's ingratitude"

- William Shakespeare, 1599. (Poet & Playwright)

Captured in Suunansjö, Dalarna - Sweden.

- Domesticated Ape