Jazz Age aficionados look no further...

With Baz Lurhmann’s long awaited remake of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s quintessential Jazz Age novel, The Great Gatsby, due for release this year, the fashion world is preparing to go ga-ga over the glitz and glamour of the roaring twenties.  

The Great Gatsby follows the mysterious life of Jay Gatsby as he immerses himself in the sumptuous yet superficial world of 1920s New York, in an effort to rekindle romance with his childhood sweetheart Daisy Buchanan. 

Widely considered a classic “American Dream” novel of personal quest, materialistic excess and inevitable tragedy, Fitzgerald’s influence remains pertinent to this day, still oozing the inspirational charm of effortlessly elegant chic.

In a world of economic prosperity, alcohol bootlegging and lavish parties, Gatsby’s girls understood the paramount importance of nailing a look.  Finally, Long Island fashion is making a comeback, with the 2012 spring/summer catwalks giving a firm nod towards Daisy’s enviable wardrobe.

Ralph Lauren's 2012 Collection

Gucci showcased a shimmering array of black, white and gold sequinned flapper dresses with drop-waists and beaded fringing, while Ralph Lauren catered his collection for both day- think cloche hats, patterned headscarves and silky florals, and night- add some feathers and gold art deco jewellery.  

Riding on the riotous success of black and white silent film The Artist, footwear centres around classic takes on the curved “Louis” heel with girlish “Mary Jane” straps, while it’s all about the embellished purses and cigarette box clutch bags. 

Furthermore, if you’ve always fancied accessorising for a lazy summer picnic or garden party with a lacy parasol, your opportune moment has arisen.

Hope and promise, for Gatsby, take the symbolic form of Daisy’s green dock light; for Durham students, in this dark age of revision, minimal sleep and hourly Yum coffees, it hovers on the horizon in the form of hazy summer balls, boozy formals and that all-important buzzword among finalists, “graduation”.   

Already puzzling over what attire to indulge in? Palatinate Fashion is ready to assist, for soon we’ll be saying goodbye to exams and hello to diamonds, daiquiris and decadence…

Counting Down To Christmas

So it’s Christmas time again. The tree’s up, presents are being wrapped, and the boughs are decked with holly. But what about that all-important festive soundtrack?

10. "White Winter Hymnal" by Fleet Foxes

Birdy gives this track a delicate angelic touch on her cover, but Fleet Foxes’ original has just that bit more log fire warmth about it. Thick instrumental texture and layered harmonies make White Winter Hymnal the perfect auditory overcoat for a chilly Boxing Day walk.

9. "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by Tchaikovsky

Ah, The Nutcracker with its gingerbread soldiers, candy canes and dancing mice. Popular with ballet companies especially during the Christmas period, Tchaikovsky’s accompanying score is internationally famous. There are even a few dubstep remixes of The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy lurking somewhat ominously around YouTube.

8. "Run Rudolph Run" by Chuck Berry

It’s time to whip out the jitterbug and get “reeling like a merry-go-round” for (the appropriately-named) Berry’s 50s festive number. Not enough people dance like they did back then, so grab an unsuspecting partner at the next party and live your grandparents’ youth for them again.

7. "Calgary" by Bon Iver

Whether he wants to or not, it’s going to be hard for Justin Vernon to shake off the “heartbroken solitary songwriter in a Wisconsin cabin” label as a result of 2008’s haunting For Emma, Forever Ago. Calgary, however, from this year’s self-titled Bon Iver, has a subtly optimistic undertone suggestive of a brighter outlook. It’s the perfect accompaniment for that annual nostalgic reflection on the past year before welcoming in 2012.

6. "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" by Band Aid

The second highest selling single in UK history (after Elton John’s Candle in the Wind), Bob Geldof and Midge Ure’s charity supergroup first shot to the number one slot in 1984. It’s worth listening to the Live Aid 1985 version if only to hear just how loudly the crowd sing Bono’s famously satirical line, “Well tonight thank God it’s them instead of you”.

5. "Walking in the Air" by Aled Jones

The theme tune from the 1982 animated film, The Snowman. A young boy befriends his snowman when it magically comes to life, before the pair fly through the air to meet Santa, his reindeer and the other snowmen. Beware the rather traumatic ending though as, without wanting to spoil the plot, the snowman melts. Screened on TV every year, this story is a staple in every child’s Christmas diet. At least it certainly should be.

4. "Stop the Cavalry" by Jona Lewie

Lewie’s brass band Christmas hit was apparently never intended as a festive tune, but as an anti-war protest song. Perhaps he should have re-considered the trumpet-call opening, bouncing melody and lyrics such as “Wish I was at home for Christmas” that make this one of the most requested tracks at festive parties. It’s particularly fun to bob up and down to with a circle of friends when inebriated with mulled wine, naturally.

3. "2000 Miles" by The Pretenders

Although less well-known as a Christmas song, this record conjures delightful images of snow falling ethereally amidst pine trees. Imagine yourself riding in a sleigh through the woods, bells ringing as pale sunlight glitters through the frost-jewelled branches and you’re on the right track. A wintry love song about missing that special someone at Christmas (he’s 2000 miles away in case you were wondering).

2. "All I Want For Christmas" by Mariah Carey

Upbeat and cheery, Miss Carey can rest safe in the knowledge that her 1994 Christmas contribution will always hold a secure place in the festive pop canon. It’s the ultimate karaoke ditty of choice and is sung at the end of Love Actually by the American schoolgirl that 11-year-old Sam is in love with. What more could you want?

1. "Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl

Alcoholism, drug addiction and bickering do not form the usual trinity associated with Christmas. Yet the bittersweet emotion behind Shane and Kirsty’s slanging match is strangely and inescapably heart-warming. Their Christmas Eve reminiscences about past holidays spent together and the one-time hopes of their youth spark poignant memories for everyone. For an alternative take on this darkly wonderful 1987 classic, hunt out covers by Matthew & the Atlas and Maverick Sabre.

Originally published by The Harker: http://www.theharker.com/2011/12/22/music-the-top-10-christmas-tunes/#more-2278

Unearthing Durham's 'Elusive' Live Music Scene

Whether you started at Durham last week or three years ago, you’ll probably be well aware by now that everybody’s favourite bubble is, by the very nature of a bubble, pretty damn small. A fortnight of fun but hazy club nights later you may well find yourself longing to experience something a little bit different, particularly if your iPod isn’t filled with, well, Rihanna, David Guetta and Example. This is where Durham’s relatively elusive live music scene comes into play. There’s a live music scene in Durham?! Why yes there is, to be unearthed right here, right now, before your very eyes.

Last year’s student-run Vane Tempest Sessions continue to bring the best up and coming folk/indie acts from around the UK to Durham. This year their intimate setting will host the welcome return of Dry the River and a variety of artists who you should definitely catch while you can.  After last year's Athlete show some more big gigs are in the pipeline too!

A promising new Thursday gig night is to be launched at Fishtank. According to its founder Tudor Skinner, ‘One More Tune!’ will feature “an eclectic range of acts, running from the ethereal folk of Bridie Jackson, through the up-and-coming Sunderland indie-sters So What Robot, to the deranged experimental noise of Waheela”.

Fishtank, appropriately named for its location above Stanton’s fish’n’chips shop on Neville Street, has a unique atmosphere that marks it out from the more typically ‘Durham’ drinking establishments. With ambient lighting, regular acoustic sets and its very own indie disco ‘Grammar’, there’s a character to the place that is well worth checking out.

A Deer For Your Lamb sessions, run by Shaun Atherton and his independent live music promotion team, showcase an array of intimate, unplugged shows from artists who would normally sell out much larger venues. Shaun commented to Palatinate, “We’ve got some really amazing people coming through, some of whom you’d rarely ever see playing a show in the North East. There’s such a wealth of interesting music happening right now and it does go a little underappreciated. I get a kick from watching people come out of shows with that ‘yes, that was amazing’ look on their faces. I think live music is probably the closest thing we have in our culture to a shared spiritual experience. I always feel on a high for days after seeing a good show”.

Returning this Friday after a successful appearance last year, Edinburgh’s highly regarded Withered Hand will play an intimate gig at Alington House on the Bailey. Other forthcoming acts include David Dondero at Head of Steam who is signed to Bright Eyes’ label, and The Shivers, an experimental rock band from New York previously compared to Lou Reed.

With the most extensive line-up of shows A Deer For Your Lamb have ever had lined up in such a short period of time (see their Facebook page for more information), it would be foolish not to see a gig for yourself. If you’re a live music fan, disappointment really does not look likely.

However, it’s not all about the folk here in Durham, just as North Road’s Live Lounge is not merely a nightclub popular on Saturdays. As its name suggests, the venue often plays host to bands from all over the country with their past repertoire including Funeral for a Friend, Gallows and Twin Atlantic. The popular Itchy Feet nights held at Live Lounge showcase a unique blend of 50s rock’n’roll, funk, swing and soul and have started to present live music, with Will and the People playing an upbeat set last year.

Moving on to those who take a more active approach to music and are keen to make themselves heard in Durham (you know, the ones who can actually play the guitar that sits in your bedroom looking pretty). With regular gigs, open mic nights and a music-orientated quiz every Wednesday, The Angel Inn in Crossgate has built up quite a reputation as an alternative rock pub. The proof is in the jukebox. Osbourne’s, next door to Klute, also hosts an open mic night every Sunday that will cure even the worst Saturday night hangover. Well, maybe not the very worst, but they try.

Let us not forget that many, if not all colleges organise live music nights to coax their talent out of hiding and into the Durham spotlight. Van Mildert’s free annual festival, Jam by the Lake, always proves a fun day of music post-exams, whilst many colleges have an Arts Week of sorts during which students’ music-making is celebrated.

The Alternative Music Society aims to bring Durham’s developing live music scene to the attention of students by organising their own gigs, as well as providing listings to events in both Durham and the rest of the North East. Socials include the popular Mixtape Swap Socials which aim to broaden attendees’ musical horizons whilst they enjoy drinks with like-minded people. They try to co-ordinate people going to the same gig further afield so that cheaper transport can be arranged, as well as offering discounts to events based around Durham for only a £3/year membership fee.

Speaking to Alex Appleton, president of the society, it became clear that the main reason many Durham students fail to attend local music events is simply because they are unaware that they exist. Alex commented on how “regular live events in Fishtank, Head of Steam, Live Lounge and Alington House as well as DJ nights have started to become really well attended in the last year”. When asked his own honest opinion on our current live music climate, he described Durham as having “a DIY and alternative music scene that belies the small size of the city- you just have to look for it and you’ll find it”.

The entertainment hub of Newcastle with venues including the O2 Academy, Riverside and The Cluny is but fifteen minutes away on the train, but this is no reason for Durham to remain eternally locked in its shadow. Live music relies on a supportive audience, so instead of moaning about the apparent lack of a music scene, why not get involved and help the existing one grow into something bigger and better? It’s what we make of it after all.

Link to Palatinate: http://www.palatinate.org.uk/?p=15747

Straight off the Catwalk

Here, as promised, are some photographs from the catwalks at London Fashion Week. The first four images are from the collection by Spijkers en Spijkers. Inspired by the Persian queen with distinct 1930s elements, the graphic stars, tassles and fringing are colourfully exciting and eye-catching.

The following three images are from the collection by Kiki Kamanu, showcased at The Strand Palace Hotel. The Nigerian American designer presented a vibrant, opulent display of her cultural roots, complete with striking make-up.

Link to the rest of my London Fashion Week set: www.flickr/com/jessdenham

In Search of Pretty Things at London Fashion Week

Yesterday I visited Somerset House, the central location for London Fashion Week, where I was given access to the designer exhibitions with a photography pass. Below are some images from the collection exhibited by Ada Zanditon in collaboration with jewellery designer Luca Romanyi.

This necklace was created from recycled plastic and contains shredded ten pound notes that look like decaying leaves. Disappointingly, no money was wildly torn up for the sake of art as the notes had been discontinued. However, its creation happened to coincide with the credit crunch, giving it extra, if unintended cool points. The metallic glint of the money gives the piece an autumnal shine and fits perfectly with the AW11 trend for bronzes, silvers and golds.

The above necklace and its counterpart bracelet below were inspired by seahorses. The wood used is from Romanyi's father's furniture making company. Simple, bold and eye-catching with a fun tribal twist.

Catwalk photos coming soon....!

Experience

'If I asked you about art, you'd probably give me the skinny on every art book ever written. Michelangelo, you know a lot about him. Life's work, political aspirations, him and the pope, sexual orientations, the whole works, right? But I'll bet you can't tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel. You've never actually stood there and looked up at that beautiful ceiling.

If I asked you about women, you'd probably give me a syllabus of your personal favourites. You may even have been laid a few times. But you can't tell me what it feels like to wake up next to a woman and feel truly happy.

You're a tough kid. If I asked you about war, you'd probably throw Shakespeare at me, right? 'Once more unto the breach dear friends'. But you've never been near one. You've never held your best friend's head in your lap, watch him gasp his last breath looking to you for help.

I'd ask you about love and you'd probably quote me a sonnet. But you've never looked at a woman and been totally vulnerable, known someone that could level you with her eyes. Feeling like God put an angel on earth just for you, who could rescue you from the depths of hell. And you wouldn't know what it's like to be her angel, to have that love for her, be there forever, through anything, through cancer. And you wouldn't know about sleeping sitting up in the hospital room for two months, holding her hand, because the doctors could see in your eyes that the terms 'visiting hours' don't apply to you. You don't know about real loss, 'cause it only occurs when you've loved something more than you love yourself. And I doubt you've ever dared to love anybody that much.

When I look at you I don't see an intelligent, confident man. I see a cocky, scared shitless kid. But you're a genius Will. No one denies that. No one could possibly understand the depths of you. But you presumed to know everything about me because you saw a painting of mine, and you ripped my fucking life apart. You're an orphan right? You think I know the first thing about how hard your life has been, how you feel, who you are, because I read Oliver Twist? Does that encapsulate you? Personally, I don't give a shit about all that, because you know what, I can't learn anything from you I can't read in some fucking book.

Unless you want to talk about you, who you are. Then I'm fascinated. I'm in.'

Quote from Robin Williams in 'Good Will Hunting', one of my all-time favourite movies. Image taken from www.tekartist.org.

Move, Eat, Learn

Three guys, in 44 days, travelled 38,000 miles to create a trio of inspirational mini-movies for STA. Their six week adventure took them on a whirlwind tour of the the world, encapsulated below in three magnificent clips based upon the concepts of movement, learning and food.

MOVE


EAT


LEARN


As if I didn't already have the travel bug.

Bands Set For 2011 Success

JESSIE J
Urban-styled and sassy, 22 year old Essex girl Jessie J recently shot into the mainstream with ‘Do It Like A Dude’, a commercial hip-hop track with a British reggae twist. Dubbed the ‘best singer in the world right now’ by Justin Timberlake she is also a proficient songwriter, having penned hits for Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys and Miley Cyrus. Winner of the 2011 BRITS Critics’ Choice award, Jessie claims to have written ‘Do It Like A Dude’ for Rihanna to record, before deciding that she’d damn well do it herself. With a powerful voice and attitude to match, Jessie is essentially everything that Cher Lloyd wishes she could be.

Recommended track: ‘Nobody’s Perfect’


MATTHEW AND THE ATLAS
Despite being hotly tipped to follow in the folksy footsteps of Mumford & Sons (they are signed to ‘son’ Ben Lovett’s Communion label), Matthew and the Atlas recent 'Kingdom of Your Own' EP is far from a mere copycat effort. Matt Hegarty’s honest, earthy vocals combine with female harmonies, hand-clapping and banjos to create a captivatingly original sound. As hearty and warming as a bowl of homemade soup.

Recommended track: ‘I Will Remain’


JAMES BLAKE
With his debut self-titled album due at the beginning of February, Londoner James Blake’s fusion of moody dubstep and soulful electronica creates an intriguing vibe not dissimilar to the icy cool of The xx. A classical pianist since his early teenage years, Blake recently graduated from Goldsmiths College in London where he studied Popular Music. His edgy and experimental cover of Feist’s ‘Limit To Your Love’ demonstrates a refreshing confidence in the power of ‘less is more’. What Blake cleverly chooses to leave out renders his music all the more hauntingly futuristic and bewitching.

Recommended Track: ‘CMYK’


JONSI
Best known for fronting the band of Icelandic angels more commonly recognised as Sigur Rós, Jónsi released his first solo album ‘Go’ last April. Ethereal synths and resonating guitars combine with delicate Icelandic and English vocals to create an auditory potion of elegiac musical loveliness that is simply impossible to imitate. The music world’s meditative tonic of choice.

Recommended Track: ‘Boy Lilikoi’


MONA
Ambitious four-piece Mona hail from Nashville, Tennessee (home to Kings of Leon) and are intent upon raising hell with their aggressively energetic brand of youthful rock’n’roll. Having already incited a tangible buzz amongst critics, the boys are unrelenting in their quest for stardom. Recently named Record of the Week by Fearne Cotton on Radio One, latest release ‘Trouble On The Way’ is a driving hurricane of grandiose passion and sexy, grinding rhythms.

Recommended Track: ‘Trouble On The Way’


THE VACCINES
Arguably generic indie in many ways, you can still have a good old drunken dance to these four London boys and their guitars. Debut album ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?’, out in March, promises to be a short but sweet woozy retro-pop delight with eleven songs that last under thirty-five minutes in total. ‘Post Break-Up Sex’ is one track that is guaranteed to make you, in their own words, ‘forget your ex’. They’ll undoubtedly be a firm favourite with festival organisers next summer.

Recommended Track: ‘Wreckin’ Bar’ (Ra Ra Ra)


CLARE MAGUIRE
Fresh from opening for Plan B and Hurts, the gothic and empowered Clare Maguire has been the record industry’s best kept secret for the past two years. Her seemingly effortless talent and vampy style suggest that she wouldn’t be out of place in Phantom of the Opera, with a theatrical voice that will enchant and enthral. Shades of Annie Lennox and Stevie Nicks permeate her gorgeously controlled yet mystically emotive vocals on ‘Ain’t Nobody’. Album ‘Light After Dark’ will be available to download from February.

Recommended Track: ‘Ain’t Nobody’

What Makes A Great Live Act?

So you discover an awesome new band on Spotify, check out their musical goods and perhaps, if it really is true love (and in the age of the illegal download it will have to be), you even buy their album. Before you know it the time has come to take this budding romance to the next level. You somehow beat the touts and find yourself the proud owner of tickets to see said band live. Sadly it is at this stage that so many live musicians ruin what could have been the start of something beautiful.

Musical talent is, of course, arguably the most crucial aspect of a gig, but who really wants a live music experience akin to plugging in your iPod whilst cooking dinner? Surely it is the raw imperfections of live performances that make them real, memorable, and exciting? The band that focuses solely upon playing a flawless show that sounds identical to their record risks a lack of passion and stage dynamic, yet when an artist truly engages with their audience it can result in an unforgettable, transcendental experience.

I vividly remember, with a stupid grin on my face, being in the midst of a highly-charged festival crowd aged seventeen as Foo Fighters blasted out ‘Times Like These’. Looking back, I think it was then that I realised just how incredibly powerful live music could be. There I was surrounded by thousands of like-minded people all screaming the words ‘it’s times like these you learn to live again’, in a muddy field without a care in the world. For a music lover, little can compare to watching a band bring the songs that have meant so much to you to life. To quote Billy Bragg, ‘you can experience the download but you can’t download the experience’.

Below are a few of my all-time favourite live music performances:

1. Queen play ‘Radio Ga Ga’ at Live Aid 1985

With 75,000 fans well and truly in the palm of his hand, flamboyantly fabulous Freddie Mercury takes the crown at Wembley Stadium.


2. Radiohead play ‘Paranoid Android’ at Glastonbury 2003

Thom Yorke appears to have been taken over by supernatural forces as Radiohead unleash their trippy epic upon the muddied masses.


3. Pulp play ‘Common People’ at Glastonbury 1995

‘If you want something to happen enough then it actually will happen, ok? I believe that.’ Jarvis Cocker inspires the crowd before launching into Pulp’s iconic anthem for the people.