REMIX!!!

Ah! There is so much new music right now I do not know where to begin! Ok, deep breaths. First off, I need to focus I can't have a crazy all over the place blog where I start talking about the first shiney thing I see. Though that is kind of what I am doing. Yesterday Major Lazer (also known as the brain child of dipolo and switch) released a free mixed tape called "Lazerproof" essentially combining my love of La Roux and animated Jamacian zombie fighters.
I have a problem with remixes though. They are like margaritas; they can be amazing way better than tequila alone. Or they can be nasty ass messes of fake sweet and sour which leave you wishing for a shot and a lime. With that said, the mix tape has brilliant and blah moments. Though to give it credit put it on after midnight at a hot summer party and nothing would be out of place. Definate island jams and sweaty dance floor beats. Keep in mind the same holds true for Britany Speare's "Toxic." One track that truely stands out to me is "In 4 The Kill Pon De Skream." Elly's voice rings out, the beat is slowed down, and the effect is killer. Way more moody, fitting for the equally moody lyrics.
Along with "In 4 The Kill Pon De Skream" I got to thinking about some of my other favrorite remixes. Probablly my top spot goes to "Nothing Better Styrofoam Remix." The song is cut back, Jenny Lewis' voice fades out when saying "future" which to me makes a statement, like she cannot even say the word when considering the both of them. Again, "Sleeping Lessons RAC remix" of the Shins takes an already gorgeous song and forces the listener to focus on the lyrics. I am listening to each of these songs as I write and I could not be happier. That is what the makes the remix, when it takes something I love and accents what I love (a lot like fashion right?). Ok, one more, of Montreal's "an elurdian instance (styrofoam remix edit)." Love the original, but styrofoam takes it and makes it something I would want a middle school crush to put on a mixed tape and hide in my locker.

Hot Topic does not equal punk

I think that recently the term punk has been widely over used and confused. I wandered into Hot Topic the other day (they sometimes have awesome tights and underwear... shut up I hear you snickering), and I was shocked at what I saw. Gone was the Marylin Manson posters, dark walls, gothcore music, and general (even if fake) scariness of the 90s. It was like Hot Topic was like, "F- it we aren't even pretending anymore." However, I was dismayed to see that the customers and sales people still referred to themselves as punks. First, if you are shopping in Hot Topic you are in a mall. There is nothing counter culture about a mall. In fact, it is the exact opposite, it is uber culture. Two, you are in Hot Topic... buying a 25 dollar Lady Gaga t-shirt. Glam? Loosely. Punk? Hellz no! Finally, you clearly care what other people think of you, a decidedly un-punk way of life. But as my old English teacher was say, I digress.
What I am really upset about is the apparent false punk explosion. However, I think that maybe this silver and shiny lined cloud has a dark inner rainstorm. I think that maybe real punk has gone back underground and is just reforming, returning to its roots. A band that I am pretty excited about because it reminds me of my own inner punkiness is Nico Vega. Lead singer Aja reminds me of a "Fever to Tell" Karen O and Brody Dale: growling voice, childish chants, shrieks. The rest of the band is drums and guitar, and it works. I highly recommend "Gravity." The chorus is a head banging dream, jumping and riotous.

Sales vs. Sales people

I love a good sale. Not to be confused with those women who solely shop sales, or wait outside Wal-Mart just to trample a poor employee. No, I love walking into a store and noticing a 75 dollar pair of jeans on sale for 15. Then I can wear them and people assume I have bought them for full price. That is the mark of a true fashionista, not rubbing in the sale, or looking like you stepped out of Wal-Mart. Urban Outfitters is one ofdollar one is my favorite sale spots, while once in a while I'll throw down 24 dollars for a cotton t-shirt. However most days, the 10 shirt is preferable.
Then here in lies the rub... The sales person. This person feeds off good energy. Sales people have been trained to assume you are stealing. So, instead of treating you like a potential customer, they treat you like a naughty two year old. Behind every, "Hiiiii, may I help you? Are you looking for something in particular?" Big smile with narrow eyes, there is a not so secret, "Hey you I am watching you and your large hand bag." I want to hiss at them every time fourteen of them greet me, "Back off, I want to look around then not buy anything, then leave."

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Inagural blog

Summer is a magical time music and fashion. Well okay, all seasons are pretty magical for fashion. However, summer is that lose season where you can wear pretty much anything, or possibly nothing. So all around pretty amazing. This season I am basically ecstatic for the Zac Posen line for target. However, I am even more excited for the Jean Paul Guitier line to go on sale. I already bought the tattoo print swim suit, and I am almost prepared to stop eating carbs to fit into it. So first must do for the summer... hunt down more sale items online at target (also Liberty of London).
My next favorite aspect of summer is of course live music. Yeah, I know I can't afford to go to Bonaroo, Coachella, or Lolapalooza (which oddly though they are outside are waaaay out of my price range). However, Denver does get some pretty sweet bands. including Neon Indian and Dirty Projectors at the Westword Music Festival. Also a positive to Denver, a small enough indie population that I can probably still get tickets to this show.
Finally, what I am most excited about thus far........ Sleigh Bells album "Treats." I have been listening to this nonstop. "Treats" is a mash up of metal guitar, cheerleader style chants, and hip hop mixed together to make me want to dance immediately. Treats is going to be my soundtrack to the summer and a better review is on the way!
Listen here to Sleigh Bells "Kids"
Click to hear music file