MUSIC: Iggy Azalea is Clueless - Fancy feat Charli XCX

Check out Iggy Azalea's new Clueless themed video. Never loved her that much, but could I hate a Cher-based music video? As if!

GC

MUSIC: MØ - Say You'll Be There

Girl Power - 21st Century style - MØ

FILM: Cutie and the Boxer

I watched Cutie and the Boxer for the first time this weekend - what a beautiful documentary! Reminded me why I love working in the art world...

Check out Nowness' video of Ushio and Noriko to whet your appetite:

And catch it on BBC's brilliant Storyville series before April here.

GC

MUSIC: Reviews: 2013 - Girlplay

Ok, so I might be a bit late on this - but 2013 really was a killer year for some of my favorite female artists, home and abroad, new and old. Of course I loved Ye's Yeezus, Disclosure's Settle and a bit of Arctic Monkeys AM, but away from the testosterone, there's 4 albums that stood out for me - ones that I'm sure to be hammering way into 2014. 


'I woke up like dis... I woke up like dis' - ***Flawless feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

1. Beyoncé (Yoncé, Bey, Mrs Carter etc etc) - Beyoncé

Drunk in Love feat. Jay-Z

What can I say about this album? - it's dominated conversations between me and most of my female friends for the past month, and it's caused full-blown arguments at recent meals out. From the moment my best friend woke me with the news that Queen B had dropped a whole 'visual album' overnight, I've developed a proper love affair with the record. Arrestingly different from first listen, this album is also a MASSIVE grower - from Pretty Hurts via Superpower to Drunk in Love, Beyoncé takes us on a journey into her life as a mother, wife, sister, business woman, sexual-being and full blown feminist; the latter in particular has attracted a great deal of attention, and solidified my respect for the artist. The track ***Flawless samples from a Tedx talk given by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, entitled "We should all be feminists" (catch it here). I was lucky enough to hear Chimamanda speak about her life and work back in 2007 and she's been a great influence ever since - it's brilliant to see Beyoncé bringing her to the masses. Dismiss Yoncé as pop-machinery if you will, but no other artist in my lifetime has so successfully sound-tracked my existence from angsty teen to 'Grown Woman'. All hail Beyoncé . 

'Feminist - a person who believes in the social, economic and political equality of the sexes' - ***Flawless


'Belly flop into a swimming pool of sound' - Faith feat. Laurence Aldridge

2. VV Brown - Samson & Delilah

The Apple

I don't think I've known a record as well as this one in forever, after playing it on repeat when it first dropped back in September. Hailed by Popjustice as 'one of the albums of the year' and generally sending shockwaves through a music industry that had all but written her off, Brown's self-released Samson & Delilah redefined my ears. The album as a whole had a beautiful synchronicity to it, which meant listening to it in its entirety was a complete pleasure- something we need more of in today's single focused world. Favourite tracks include the beautiful duet Faith, the haunting Substitute for Love and the almost Killers-esque Ghosts. Having been lucky enough to watch VV Brown four times this year - including her brilliant Jools Holland performance in October - I can safely say she's got a new superfan. I'll be keeping a close eye on watch she does next.

'We rule the world, and chase down our enemies' - Igneous



'I drink some Cointreau, keep it in my poncho' - Y.A.L.A.

3. M.I.A - Mathangi

M.I.A - Y.A.L.A.

Like VV Brown, M.I.A has been busy getting her creative genius to work in the fashion industry whilst still making killer beats. Her brilliant Versace collaboration hit stores about a month before her fourth record - and promised me that her new venture would be as visually stunning as it was audibly cool. Mathangi's blend of hindu iconology and internet hashtags clearly demonstrates M.I.A's ability to breezily straddle old and new, high culture and pop culture. But M.I.A is nothing if not divisive, and a recent chat with my male friend saw him call her flow 'annoying'. The thing is, with M.I.A sometimes I think thats kind of the point. Still as achingly trendy as a London hipster, M.I.A has managed to retain that teen-like anarchist spirit way into her thirties. Her songs sound like no one else, and whether you think that's a good thing or a bad thing, you can't deny that Mathangi breaks new barriers. Kicking out Y.A.L.A, Come Walk With Me, Bad Girls and Bring the Noize whilst strutting to work, or pre-drinking with the girls, is still my favourite past-time. 

'If you only live once why we keep doing the same shit? Back home where I come from we keep being born again and again and again, thats why they invented karma' - Y.A.L.A.



'I need someone who knows, someone who gives a fuck' - Enemy

4. Kelela - Cut 4 Me

Floor Show

The importance of the production on this debut mix-tape from Kelela is clear from the decision to name check the producer on every track. Stripped down and yet richly melodic, the 30 year-old LA based singer has created her own distinct genre alongside  briliiant array on contributors. Sonically and lyrically Cut 4 Me has a sad and sexy sound throughout, reminding me slightly of Delilah's 2012 offering: From the Roots Up. Kelela has been lauded as 'one to watch in 2014' and Cut 4 Me was namechecked on more than few 'Album of the year' countdowns, I only hope this wont prove too much hype to sustain. We will have to cross our fingers and wait... 

'Sad we couldn't go any deeper, something tells me you're a keeper' - Bank Head


So there's my round-up of the girls that soundtracked 2013 for me. In 2014 keep an eye out for Twigz' debut album, Azaelia Bank's notoriously delayed 'Broke With Expensive Taste', Grimes' rumoured 'Visions' follow up and a potential L Boogie comeback?

GC  

FKA Twigs - Water Me

Azealia Banks - Liquorice

Grimes - Genesis

Lauryn Hill - Mystery of Inequity

MUSIC: Clean Bandit @ Digital – 27th October 2013

This weekend I found myself as the happy recipient of a last minute ticket for a band that I’d heard a whisper of but didn’t know nearly well enough to know what a live show would be like. I usually like to know a brief history and at least half of a bands’ back catalogue to not only inform myself on who exactly I’m watching, but also to know what songs I can afford to miss when my Red Stripe runs empty.

Clean Bandit were a band introduced to me by my housemate, and for the first time in a long time I find myself faced with a conundrum – they’re an act so obscure that I have no point of reference to recommend them.

Usually it’s relatively easily to conjure at least a vague image of what to expect by comparing what two bands would have birthed said artist had they copulated – for example London Grammar could easily be the result of an unprotected fumble between The Eurythmics and The xx. However with Cambridge-born Clean Bandit, there are not so much two parents but more a rich back history of cross-breeding more commonly seen in mongrels than in musicians. You wouldn’t think that electric pop, hints of garage and classic strings would work well if all sloshed together, but somehow Clean Bandit manage it.

With a reputation almost as underground as the leaky seafront venue, I was surprised not only to see a full house but also a support act that actually held my attention rather than encouraging me to slope off the smoking area where my housemate is bargaining a roll up from an eighteen year old. Mausi, a London-based electro-pop outfit, churn out tunes that are irritatingly catchy and impossible not to dance to. Their energy apparently knows no bounds, and a post-performance investigation on SoundCloud proves that this positivity isn’t just limited to live shows; you can hear more of their material here.

After a brief break and a fifteen year old fan faceplanting the floor, Clean Bandit ascend the stage with barely an introduction and immediately throw themselves into the show. The band holds no bars during their performance, combining an almost endless list of influences in a genre broadly coined as “folktronica”. Clean Bandit perform with the passion and timing that you’d expect from a band that have been doing this for years, let alone from a fresh-faced group that look as if they could have just left their first practise session in a garage in Greenwich after handing in their dissertation.

I find it surprising that NME damply rated their 2013 single Dust Clears as a song that “gently requests that you shuffle on the dance floor for 10 seconds or so rather than demand you hit up an all-night rave”. Whilst admittedly I find their recorded releases a little lacklustre when compared to their live set, the less-than-enthusiastic reception wasn’t entirely deserved.

Several singles are available through Spotify which I would recommend to those who have a healthy set of bass amplifying headphones and an active imagination. A favourite track from the set could possibly be “Wildfire”, a song with a beat that vibrates the gyrating crowd and doesn’t seem at all out of place at Digital, a dance den that hosted Disclosure only months before.

As this was the closing night of their recent tour, those looking to witness Clean Bandit at their genre-bending best may have a worthwhile wait ahead to see them at their best.

MS

Mac DeMarco - Ode to Viceroy

So I'm addicted to Mac DeMarco's 2 album; in particular "Ode to Viceroy". After a year hammering highly produced albums, this mishmash of early Fleetwood Mac/ Sergeant Peppers is nicely understated. Here it is - enjoy: 

Music Review: Frank Ocean at 02 Academy Brixton

This summer Frank Ocean returned to the UK for two sold out shows at the O2 Academy Brixton; his first headline appearances since the release of his debut studio album Channel Orange in 2012. Between the release of said album, a publicised confessional blog post confirming his love for another man and a car park scrap with the human scab that is Chris Brown, Ocean has more than built a name for himself outside of his previous affiliation with offensive outfit Odd Future. Following his success at ceremonies such as the Brits and Grammy’s, hype stood at its highest, leaving Frank with a lot to prove.

The first thing that instantly hits me about Frank Ocean performing live is the odd sense of calm and sensibility. He doesn’t appear with the swag that one might presume from the friend of the infamous Tyler the Creator, but almost seems to apologise for his presence as if it were an intrusion; his demeanour is oddly reminiscent of a boyfriend when you first introduce them to your parents. Frank’s performance begs for instant forgiveness.

Positioning himself directly between a stage-side spotlight and a passing cloud of dry ice, Ocean is obscured as his vocals emanate eerily unseen. Purposeful to never be pigeon-holed, his voice ranges with an ethereal ease – soul, hip hop and RnB roll together without so much as a pause for breath. Ocean flows seamlessly between tracks with a lack of audience interaction which admittedly is a little irritating, only briefly stopping to announce the performances of previously unheard tracks “Feel California” and “Anything for You”. Alongside singles from Channel Orange, Ocean digresses to his backlog of early mix-tapes throughout his set, featuring an acappella version of “Swim Good” from Nostalgia, Ultra where his lyrics are echoed by the audience, his own vocals almost drowned out.

Clearly not forgetting his past as Christopher “Lonny” Breaux (as he was known before changing his name), Ocean includes the little known track “Acura Integurl” from The Lonny Breaux Collection, that although lasts less than two minutes could possibly be one of the most beautiful songs I’ll experience this decade. “Pyramids” receives the biggest reaction of the evening, having become somewhat of a cult classic without ever selling well as a single (only reaching No.129 in the UK chart), and the audience sway in synchronicity, hypnotised by the hook of the synthesiser.

The show ends rather abruptly, the house lights return to full beam and the lack of encore is a little disappointing but perhaps not surprising, given Ocean’s reluctance to engage despite his obvious brilliance. Although his vocals never falter, I couldn’t help but feel the need to clamber onstage to offer a consoling cuddle and a promise that everything with be alright.

Despite this, it is Frank Ocean’s sheer gift as a rapper, poet, singer and songwriter that enables him to still stand tall as a truly unique and unparalleled talent. 

ART: Nuart 2013 Preview

Can I just take a second to preview the amazing lineup at this year's Nuart festival in Norway!?

You might remember that I lost my Nuart virginity last September, and ever since I've been a complete fangirl. 2013 looks set to be brilliant - with more artists yet to be confirmed; here's a quick DSD round-up of our favourites.

DALeast

I'm familiar with DALeast after working with him earlier this year at his DALeast London Dare show. The Chinese artist's 3D images prove that urban artists are in no way lacking in technical skill. Seeing is believing:

DALeast - Art Basel

Aiko

Always good to see a female among the cockfest which can be Nuart (although the amazing ms. Swoon has been one of the favourite artists ever shown here). Aiko, or Lady Aiko to give her full title, has done some of the prettiest murals I've ever seen - which means it came as no surprise when Louis Vuitton asked her to collaborate on a silk scarf for their Spring/ Summer 2013 collection. The Japanese artist used to work for Haruki Murakami and appeared in Exit Through The Gift Shop. 'Nuff said.

Aiko for Louis Vuitton S/S 2013

Aiko Spray Cans

Ernest Zacharevic

The disappointment that he didn't chose a slightly more zany pseudonym over his (albeit also catchy) real name, soon fades when you're hit between the eyes by one Ernest's striking urban pieces. Combining the humour which distinguishes street art from much of its gallery-hung counterparts, with his enviably beautiful artistic skill, Ernest reminds us that graffiti is not just for those who 'can't paint good':

Ernest Zacharevic - Malaysia

Martha Cooper

Though not strictly a street artist,  Martha was integral to the spread of US graffiti culture during the 70s and 80s - and beyond. After a chance encounter with a young graff enthusiast, Martha decided to document the art she came upon during her day-to-day life in New York. 2013 saw a mural painted in Martha's honour by several street-artist (including my 2012 pick HowNosm), christening her the queen of Bleeker street - if only temporarily. We expect Nuart 2013 will be showcasing some of her most striking photographs whilst paying tribute to this fantastically talented photojournalist:

Martha Cooper

The above list is by no means exhaustive and we'll be keeping you informed of updates. Meanwhile, let us know who you're most looking forward to catching at Nuart OR Numusic festival below, and check out Nuart 2013 here.

GC

MUSIC: M.I.A Brings the Noize - gold edition

Um so M.I.A. has dropped two brilliant videos for Bring The Noize and DSD's are buzzing.

First up is the straight video, all blue lights, pink hair and gold nails.

Then came the Matangi Gold Edition - a blinged out, 24k video which reminds us why she does promos so well.




Were still not quite sure when the fourth album (Matangi) will come out, but we're waiting with baited breath. Up until then this'll keep us nicely pumped. 'Paul Simon' on acid indeed.

MUSIC: Preview: Getting some Faith in VV Brown

I was lucky enough to catch a showcase of VV Brown's new album in Shoreditch a couple of months ago and I've been hooked to her new sound ever since. Though you can't deny the radio-appeal of her first album 'Travelling Like the Light' - which dropped singles 'Crying Blood' and the very successful 'Shark in the Water'- ultimately it just wasn't for me.

Following a few years hiatus (she's been starting her own clothes label and judging awards for the Observer, amongst other things...) Vanessa is back with a much darker, moodier and dirtier sound which showcases her kick-ass vocals perfectly. Brown has suggested her love for opera influenced this change in direction and the production, alongside her killer voice, certainly gives the album a theatrical feel - despite its generally stripped back sound. My absolute favourite so far is Faith - which has already been getting a lot of love on Twitter. Check it out below:



It's great to have such a talented british female singer back on the scene, alongside the recently reformed MKS (aka the original Sugababes), giving the US superstars some proper competition. Check her out now, before everyone gets involved...


Let me know what you think about VV's comeback in the comments section - and make your vote for the next single at Paco Rabanne here.

GC

MUSIC: Beyonce Announces World Tour

BadGalBeyBey rocked the Super Bowl last night. We weren't too sure about the way they flung Michelle and Kelly from trap doors onto the stage half-way through (I thought Michelle was going to stack it) but it was also AMAZING to see Destiny's Child back together again. Then, if that wasn't enough, Beyonce announced her Mrs. Carter world tour with a sweet promo vid. Directed by Grammy award winning director Jonas Akurland, who's worked on everything from Madonna's 'Ray of Light' video to Gaga and Beyonce's Tarantino inspired 'Telephone', the short clip shows B rocking full on Royal garb complete with a Jigga-man broach. Check it here:

                                                                            

MUSIC: M.I.A Bad Girls Video

Anyone that has had to live with me will tell you that I'm obsessed with music videos; I still watch and copy them religiously like a teenage girl. Last week I stayed over at a male friend's (OK, yes a friend with benefits...) and subjected him to '100% Rihanna' and 'The Best of Britney' on Vevo for hours  (WM suggested this is 'single girl behaviour' - so perhaps I will limit it to 'Me' time in future).

I also fucking LOVE M.I.A, so what with her releasing her promo for 'Bad Girls' two days ago and her impending Super Bowl performance alongside Nicki Minaj and Madonna (who's video for Give Me All Your Luvin' leaves me a bit cold), I thought it was time to feature my girl.

Bad Girls sees M.I.A team up with French director Romain Gavras, who also shot the highly controversial promo for 'Born Free'. Whilst 'Bad Girls' doesnt have the same overtly political stance of the previous video, and certainly not even half of the shock value, it it still likely to draw a few raised eyebrows. Set in the Middle East - shot in Morocco - it shows street racers, immense car stunts and women with guns working ghetto fabulous hijabs; very 'if Versace did Burqas...'

The result reflects completely the high-fashion cultural mish-mash that defines M.I.A's work. This is what I love about artists like Maya, Kate Bush, Goldfrapp and 80s/90s Maddona - their videos are visual portrayals of the main event: the music. Other artists (yes sorry Lady Gaga) sometimes swamp their tracks with overdone promos.

So enjoy - I'm off to refine my 'middle east goes ghetto' look before this summer. GC

Homage to Cher

- Cher of Clueless, not Cher of Sonny & Cher (incidentally she was the first person to show her belly button on live television - although this is a fun fact, it is also a wikipedia fact, and somehow a little hard to believe. I'm certain there's some satisfied 70 year old ex-hippy who smugly holds that particular milestone).

After watching Clueless for the sixteenth time, GC and I could proudly say that we got all of the grownup jokes, nicely disguised amongst the sugary soundtrack and knee-high socks. Apart from one or two American-specific references, we could safely say we were no longer Clueless. This triumph aside, we watched Cher & Dione flit from outfit to outfit with the same eagerness as we will no doubt watch the New York fashion week catwalks, making mental notes...minus the Dominos cookies.

Here is a breakdown of our most envied, Nineties Malibu, purple clogged, Dr Seussed 'Oh I wonder if they have that in my size' looks.

Maribu Pen VS Gothic crucifix.

A perfect look for weekends or at the office. After witnessing Cher's seduction techniques my 13 year old self was certain a maribu topped pen for my school pencil case would certainly be a most effective tool in getting 'that' boy's attention. Although I can't say any 13 year old boy would be (or was) completely bowled over by the chemistry brought by the fluffy pen, I may not rule it out as a work accessory. It could play an important part in meeting the (gay) boyfriend of your dreams.

Sportswear shmortswear.

Never underestimate the potential of sportswear. If ever there was a time to rock out your gold chained cell phone purse, it's at your all-girl tennis lesson. 

Friends are your best accessory.

Not sure I have ever co-ordinated my outfit with a friend unless for fancy dress. I must strive to do this one time.

Be dynamic with your Millinery.

I wore a beret for most of my sixteenth year, whilst gaining the nickname Toad (in relation to the Mario character with a toadstool head) this did not stop me wearing it with pride. As is the only way to wear a beret. Not so sure about Dione's hat here. Although we do give her snaps for her daring knitwear.

Not so much to say about this photo apart from the fact that it includes two of my most favourite things: fairisle and cameras. And Cher manages to make a headband look sophisticated, something that I (and indeed Blair Waldorf) have failed to do.

'You'll catch a chill in your kidneys' Granny Banks, 1993

S/S 2012 is all about the midriff. My current opinion on this mirrors Tai in this picture, rather than Cher. And I can't do sit ups as they hurt my back.

Dress for Danger.

All of our favourite heroins get mugged once in a while. And it appears that muggers have no respect for their victims wardrobe, what with Carrie's strappy Manolo sandals being held at gunpoint and Cher's 'totally important designer' dress ruined in the dirt. This outfit also includes a feather boa, something that none of the Dry Shampoo Diarist's will be reviving.

Chokers and Skull Caps.  

Crochet is a big thing this summer. White or multicoloured, it'll probably be clogging up the rails of Primark in a nice viscose-type material some time in late July. Read it and weep. Also here is an example of one of the many chokers which play a huge part in the Clueless wardrobe. GC and I have agreed they are definitely on the cards for a comeback.

Finale.

Must remember to have all epiphanies in front of illuminated fountains in pastel, virginal outfits. It just makes for better photo opportunities.


WM 

FILM: The Rising Stars BAFTA Forgot

BAFTA have done the unthinkable: following the outrage which greeted the Beeb's all-male Sports Personality of the Year shortlist, they've decided to go ahead and publish an all-male shortlist for their Rising Star award. While we can't redraft the list of nominees, we can show them the error of their ways:

Jessica Chastain

Let's start with the blindingly obvious. Chastain starred in no less than SEVEN films in 2011, a lot of them good, one of them excellent (Malick's The Tree of Life). If you didn't see her in something and weren't captivated by her radiant and scene-stealing performances, like BAFTA, you probably weren't paying much attention.  

Jennifer Lawrence

Lawrence's star is certainly on the rise. She excelled in the haunting Winter's Bone (2010), followed it up with X Men First Class in 2011, along with two well-received independent projects, and takes the lead in hotly-anticipated teen dystopian flick The Hunger Games in 2012. One to watch, even if BAFTA didn't spot her.

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara has made a job of impressing Hollywood in 2011. When it came to choosing an actress for the much sought after part of Lisabeth Salander for his remake of The Girl of the Dragon Tattoo, Fincher passed over a host of world-famous actresses vying for the part in favour of Mara. Terence Malick was equally impressed, casting her alongside Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett for 2013's Lawless. BAFTA clearly overlooked what Fincher and Malick couldn't.

Andrea Riseborough

Riseborough is by now a familiar face to British television audiences, starring in political comedy Party Animals and playing a young pre-Streep Margaret Thatcher in The Road to Finchley. In 2011 she began her film career in earnest, following an acclaimed performance in Brighton Rock in 2010 with Owen Sheer's penned historical drama Resistance alongside Micheal Sheen and, most recently, a convincing portrayl of Wallis Simpson in Madonna's entertaining but flawed W.E. With three further projects scheduled for 2012, perhaps BAFTA are sitting tight for another year before giving Riseborough the recognition she deserves.

Did we, BAFTA-style, fail to mention a well-deserving female star on the rise? Tell us in the comments below.

AW

 

FILM: 2012 Round-up

A round-up of a handful of films Dry Shampoo Diarists are looking forward to seeing in the first half of 2012:

Shame

Shame finally gets its theatrical release this week, and sees the return one of the most potent creative pairings working in film today.

Since Steve McQueen and Micheal Fassbender's last outing for 'Hunger' in 2006, Fassbender has emerged as a much-sought leading man, with a Cronenberg title, superhero franchise and critically lauded arthouse back catalogue to his name. His performance as sex addict Brandon Sullivan appears to have cemented his reputation for affecting and muscular performances in the mind of critics, with Carey Mulligan offering similarly impressive back-up as the younger sister whose arrival instigates Brandon’s life crisis.  


Go and watch it alone in a coat and shades for extra cool points.

The Artist


A French homage to silent cinema, The Artist charts the career decline of a silent movie star following the introduction of sound to filmmaking during the 1920s. It's garnered nothing but rave reviews, both for its technical mastery and its sincere commitment to romantic storytelling. Of course, the problem with any film as highly praised at The Artist comes when entering the cinema with cripplingly high expectations that even a great film becomes soul-destroying in its disappointments.


Go and see it, as I will, and just try to enjoy yourself.

The Descendents


The Descendents centres on an indifferent family man, Matt King, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off the coast of Waikiki.  

It's Alexander Payne's last film since Sideways (2004), and it boasts an award-tipped performance from George Clooney in addition to Payne's characteristically sharp and insightful screenwriting. Rumour has it it's his 'best film yet'.

Young Adult


Flying the 'jesus christ its a wise cracking woman in a film' flag this year is Young Adult, the latest offering from Juno screenwriter Diablo Cody. Starring Charlize Theron, it charts the misadventures of a teen fiction writer who returns to her small hometown to relive her glory days and to reclaim her happily married high school sweetheart.


It promises the same wit imparted to Cody's first big screen heroine, without the likeability factor and cutesy direction which threatened to push Juno into the irritating side of winsome. Jason Reitman of 'Up in the Air' and 'Thank you for Smoking' fame directs.

The Dark Knight Rises


Bale and Nolan are pretty keen to assure everyone this will be their last outing for the Batman franchise, so its probably worth checking out the last installment in what has already proved to be one of the most commercially and critically successful film sagas of the last decade.


Plus, Tom Hardy's in it, albeit in a muzzle, and we all fell in love with him at least three films ago.

The Amazing Spiderman
Andrew Garfield's in it, scaling walls and working out in skin-tight blue and red one-piece. END OF.

Other upcoming films in 2012: A Dangerous Method, Carnage, Dreams of a Life, Chicken With Plums, The Hobbit