The Book of Linda

London Fashion Week AW 12 Highlights - House of Holland & Moschino Cheap and Chic

2012-02-18T11:29:00.000-08:00

My London Fashion Week AW12 highlights for Friday and Saturday clearly were House of Holland and Moschino Cheap and Chic, who made its LFW debut.

House of Holland shied away from the usually subdued and boring black colour palette for winter and stayed true to their fun and frivolous colour pop principles. I like.

Moschino Cheap and Chic presented a bubblegum dream of demure perfection. I want it all!

Photo credits from London Fashion Week and Vogue Online.

Social Experiment

2012-02-14T09:54:00.000-08:00

Social experiment went terribly wrong. Social experiment has to be aborted methinks. Not fun. A few things to remark and share on this wonderful Valentine’s Day. Here an approximate recollection of events as they unfolded. I have slightly edited the conversation to present only highlights and not the full horror.

Me: Hi I’m Linda.

Him: You’re not from here? (Terrible scrunched up face)

Five minutes of awkward conversation.

Me: So you know I really like so and so band and this rapper dude.

Him: I’m really into Morrocan trance fusion right now!

Me: ?!?

Five minutes of silence.

Him: You don’t like gaps in the conversation do you?

Me: Hmmm no not really.

Him: Yeah, I can tell…

Me: So what have you learned from love? (One of his songs is called ‘Learned from Love’ – thought it’s a valid questions FYI)

Him: Why the fuck would I tell you?

Me: (Looking at nearest exit and contemplating walking out but instead I say “Oh dear I didn’t wanna offend you, I actually would like to know”) The fucker rude-trumped me and I was so baffled that I took on the part of subdued quiet girl. YIKES.

Him: Rolling his eyes.

Me: So do you have a plan B, like something you want to do other than music?

Him: If I had a plan B I would never follow through with plan A, you know you are not really validating my reality here.

Me: (thinking *Shit this is not getting any better, but I felt glued to my chair paralysed by being rude-trumped by this dude with a top knot*)

Five minutes of agitated apologising about nothing on my part, trying to get this conversation back on track.

Him: You know this is funny. Usually I don’t hang out with people like you.

Me: Ohhh okay.

Finally it’s over and I can go home. Awkward hug and deep breather ensues.

Him: He then sends me a text at half past midnight saying: “It was nice to meet you. Good and insightful chat. Don’t worry about yourself:) Sorry if I was a bit moody.”

Me: WTF?

Fashion Fix #46

2012-02-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

Woop Woop fashion fix is back. I want it all. But especially the gold cross heels below. Fierceness.

He broke my heart in January…

2012-02-06T11:57:00.000-08:00

Okay I have been listening to too much Drake. The angry songs. Cringe. There are a few things that need to be addressed. I had hope, then I lost hope, then I thought fuck it, life’s too short. Or as Drake would say YOLO.

So first, thanks KJ for screwing up my January. It all started so beautifully, until that certain Friday 13th. Not nice my friend, not nice. And don’t call twice and text to then make the same mistake again.

Second, due to stunning Scandinavians screwing with my brains, I started this social experiment to go on dates with anyone. Really anyone. Even fat and ugly guys who like Coldplay. Okay maybe not guys who like Coldplay. That’s just one step too far.

Anyway, February is looking good so far. I proceeded to ask out anyone, and people are fine with that. It’s strange. The more you expect rejection, the less you get it. However, there are a few things I have learnt in the process.

Boys are flaky, so you have to be persistent, but not suffocating.

When boys do that ‘secret boy eye talk’ with each other it either means, he just wants you for one night or he thinks you're future wifey material. I have to work on distinguishing the two.

That ‘secret boy eye talk’ is really obvious by the way! Just saying. And one night is simply not good enough. Just saying part two.

There’s a fine line between flirty and fanatic. Wander on the less intense side.

Once you’re on a roll, you might as well ask guys out for your friends. Sharing is caring!

However, if it gets really bad, click here.

Love you and if you want to volunteer for a February date, click here!

Perfume Genius Interview

2012-02-03T03:33:00.000-08:00

Ace interview I did with Perfume Genius for Think-Work-Play.

Perfume Genius, the alter ego of Mike Hadreas hop, skipped and jumped onto the scene in 2010 with his excellent solo album 'Learning'. Now back with his follow-up album 'Put Your Back N 2 It', not so much an ode to Ice Cube, but an album that sees Seattle native Hadreas as equally sorrowful as the late Kurt Cobain and similarly, as sombre as Alice in Chains. The often provocative Northwestern boy, combines haunting, minimal instrumentation with lyrics of heartache, alienation, whilst spotlighting the occasional tale of 'hookerism' and gay suicide in the process. The Guardian once called his style 'not chillwave, but ill-wave' and the description fits pretty perfectly. We’ve asked Perfume Genius some questions, and as you'd expect they are anything but dull…

Think-Work-Play: What have you learned since releasing your last album ‘Learning’?

Perfume Genius: That my problems aren't unique to me alone.

Who are your top three musical influencers?

Bob Dylan, Otis Redding & PJ Harvey.

If you could have written one song, which one would it be and why?

These are so hard! Maybe "Ride" by Ciara. That would be pretty badass.

Because you’re called Perfume Genius: Music-wise what’s the most ingenious thing you have recently accomplished / done?

Oh Lord! Well, I am pretty proud of the "Hood" video and that I stuck by my ideas.

What does success smell like?

Weird & Kewl

What’s your favourite smell?

Leather

What constitutes genius?

I have no idea.

Describe your world today in one word.

Open

Can you take a photo of what’s right in front of you now and send it to us?

My Xena action figure on the windowsill.

Where are we most likely to find you on a Friday night?

Binge eating on the couch.

What do you like most about what you do?

The opportunity to be compassionate and tender about experiences I struggle with accepting in my daily life.

Where do you spend your time “thinking, working and playing”?

Everywhere but my phone. I hate my fucking future phone.

- THINK: where do you come up with your ideas, is there a special place or do random places spring up best ideas - examples?

Usually any situation where I am brought outside of myself a bit. When I actually stop and listen.

- WORK: where is your studio, or work place?

This filthy apartment I live in with my graveyard of empty diet cokes.

- PLAY: unwind, party – do you have a favourite place?

The Eating Couch.

What are the most important qualities in a musician?

Balancing belief in your ideas without becoming indulgent DOES THAT EVEN MAKE SENSE?

Finally, you’re an icon of the unconventional and daring, tell us something really boring about yourself….

I have had to pee during this entire interview.

Put Your Back N 2 It is out on Matador Records on February 21st.

Cruisin' for a Bruisin'

2012-01-23T14:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, just sometimes, it gives me enormous pleasure to listen to sad songs sung by solitary guys. Here are a couple of my favourites right now. Happy days.

Better late than never.

2012-01-22T04:13:00.000-08:00

Hello blog lovers long time without a post. I apologise. I’ve missed you. Some words on some things I’ve learned last year. I know it’s nearly the end of January, but hey HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

It’s not about opinion, it’s about perspective.

I really really like Drake.

The Hunger Games. Epic.

It’s not that you are necessarily too complicated. He might be too simple.

If you really don’t want it, you’ll always get it and if you really want it, you won’t.

In some cases absence makes the heart grow fonder, in other cases absence makes the heart realise there’s nothing to grow fond of. That’s a good thing, too.

Sometimes you just gotta jump straight in without thinking about it too long. Fuck it, life’s too short.

A good cry can sort you right out. But a good laugh is way better. Especially with the right people.

Toast Post

2012-01-13T12:47:00.000-08:00

You know the feeling when you really want that slice of toast with jam, but you only have one piece of bread left and then you put it in the toaster and that damn thing burns? And then sets your fire alarm off. Yes, that’s my life right now. Metaphorically speaking.

So to cheer myself up, I like to look at pretty things. And I like sharing them, too.

Kreayshawn Interview

2011-12-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

I was delighted to get the chance to interview the fierce Kreayshawn for Think-Work-Play - big joy!

Here’s female rapper and overall style icon Kreayshawn. Famed for her outlandish, cartoon-influenced videos and outspoken ways, the Oakland native released her first official video ‘Gucci Gucci’ on YouTube and got more than three million hits in three weeks, which in turn led to Columbia Records signing her on the spot.

Despite rolling with the big boys in hip-hop, Kreayshawn remains true to her punk roots and talks about her mum’s band Trash Women, why she loves shopping in London and what inspires her creative process.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Spice Girls, Kool Keith, The Trash Women, Lady Dead, Eve, Missy Elliot, N.E.R.D, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam and V-Nasty.

What’s the worst fashion decision you’ve made?

For a while I didn't have a full-length mirror at my house & I didn't know what I was wearing really. Then I would catch a glimpse in public in a window reflection sometimes and just shake my head like "damn how did I leave in this... I really need a mirror."

Describe the world today in one word?

Kray! *Kayne voice*

Gucci Mane or Cartier Kitten?

Well, I'd go with Gucci Mane because V-Nasty & Gucci just released their new album BAYTL and I bought it at Best Buy last night! SO excited. But, I love Cartier Kitten. Not just because I love kitties.

Can you take a photo of something in your room for us?

Here’s a pic of one of my two cats, Choppa snuggling in my bed.

What is feminism to you?

Feminism sounds very intense. I prefer the term "Girl Power". I don't know why I am associated with this question a lot. But, I get a lot of compliments on my role reversals in my music. That's just how I live my life. I was raised by a single mom and a lot of aunts so, I grew up around a very STRONG group of women that just love emasculating men.

What do you like most about what you do?

I like travelling all around even though I HATE airports. I also like giving my friends opportunities to do what they wanna do as well and travel with me!

Who’s your favourite person on Twitter?

@LL_FOOL_J

- THINK: where do you come up with your ideas, is there a special place or do random places spring up best ideas - examples?

Sometimes I do best alone in my room just chillin' and sometimes I will be at dinner and lines will just pop into my head or I will get a idea for a mini-show or a music video. Most of the time my little green tree helps me think too:)

- WORK: where is your studio, or work place?

When I lived in Oakland I was always recording at Nexxus it is like my home base for recording. Now that I'm in L.A I move around a lot to different studios.

- PLAY: unwind, party – do you have a favourite place?

All my favourite places are really in The Bay Area. I haven’t had much time to explore in L.A but, I love going to Japan Town, The Berkeley Marina, Downtown S.F to just lurk around, The 23rd Yards in Oakland, & WEST OAKLAND PARTIES!

What’s the best thing about London?

It was for sure Brick Lane. I loved shopping over there! So many cute stores with LOADS of 90's stuff!

What’s your favourite word?

BITCH.. just like Too $hort.

What your favourite sound?

LA LA LA!

Finally, you’re on top of your game right now; tell us something boring about yourself...

I wanna quit smoking for New Years.

The Best Songs of 2011

2011-12-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

The best songs of 2011 according to me. Well worth a read. Just sayin'... Best albums of 2011 here.

1. Waters - For The One - I’m well into this.

2. Drake – Headlines - SWAG.

3. Bombay Bicycle Club – Shuffle - Like it. Good melodies and all that.

4. Rihanna - We Found Love – So damn catchy…

5. Lonsdale Boys Club – Light Me Up – Superfan!

6. Various Cruelties – Great Unknown - Swoon.

7. Kele - What Did I Do - Didn't get it at first, then I loved it, happens to me a lot...

8. Frank Ocean – Swim Good - Deep.

9. Lykke Li – I Follow Rivers - Epic.

10. A$AP Rocky – Palace – Earfuck. Literally.

Crush of the Week – Liam from Various Cruelties

2011-12-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Right now I’m crushing out on something/someone that I usually never ever crush out on. A proper Northern lad who plays guitar and writes songs in the vein of Oasis and Kasabian. WHAT.IS.HAPPENING.TO.ME?

I cannot help but like Various Cruelties frontman Liam, who combines just the right amount of lad, poet, geek, shy boy and (yikes) musician.

Crushworthy (mainly superficially) because

Voice

Style

Hair

Lyrics

Bad inward pointing teeth

Bottled up emotions that he can only express with music (eeeeek)

Comes up with great band names

That shy smile…

Someone Special

2011-11-30T06:56:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer - totally self-involved blog post to follow – Disclaimer over

I was brought up to believe that I’m someone special (insert joke here now – well done). Someone unique and lovable. I’m an only child and my parents always made me feel like I’m the centre of the universe, because for them I was and I still am the centre of the universe. Sometimes (let’s be real - most of the time) I still think I’m the centre of the universe. Not in a bad, super arrogant, deluded way, just in a natural way - if you can call that natural. Things in my little Linda world tend to revolve around Linda. Hence the blog name. Hence the over-sharing. Hence the sensitivity. I always think everybody feels what I feel, cause I feel it, cause I think it, cause that’s my reality.

But, bada bing bada boom, in the grim real world no-one gives a fuck about how special I think I am because everyone is too busy and stressed and self-occupied to really care. It’s a harsh world out there. Just so you know.

Finally understanding that I’m not the best in class anymore, the one that always gets what she wants and the one that everything revolves around depressed me. Big time. I don’t deal with criticism very well. I don’t deal with rejection very well. I don’t deal with loss very well. But it finally hit me (after long conversations with BFFs and my mum) that change can be good.

Like my mum said: A raw diamond is very beautiful, but a diamond that has been polished for a long time shines even brighter. (Yikes, cue emotional wreck)

So, ANYWAY, after these long and soul-searching paragraphs (I really am turning into Drake) I thought it might be helpful for anyone that shares my sentiments of occasional self-grandeur to come up with a check-list of how to avoid the traps of human OMG-I’m-So-Special frailty and maybe start working on taking in lives’ lessons and starting to shine. (LOL worst blog post ever?)

No he’s not looking at you, he’s looking at that lipstick on your teeth.

No he’s not looking at you, he’s looking at your see-through top.

The man in the supermarket wasn’t smiling at you, he saw the reduced shelf behind you.

If you’ve done something great, don’t make a big deal out of it.

You probably haven’t done something great, it was merely average, duh. You’re not a rocket scientist.

Not everybody will like you. You’re not Princess Diana. Deal with it.

You’re not Princess Diana. Or Beyonce. Or Marilyn Monroe.

No he’s not looking at you, he’s looking at that bit of spinach stuck to your cheek. HOW MANY DAMN TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU?!?

Not everybody thinks that story about how you met Jedward is as enticing as you think it is.

I still love you and I think you’re special. Unless you like Coldplay.

Fashion Fix #45 - Christmas Wishlist

2011-11-25T02:39:00.000-08:00

My Christmas Wishlist. Show some love. If you can get me that October's Very Own varsity jacket, I'll marry you on the spot and I will love you forever. Promised.

The Best Albums of 2011

2011-11-23T03:44:00.000-08:00

The best albums of the year according to, errr, me.

1. Drake – Take Care

Immense. I mean it’s Drake. The best album I have heard in a long time.

2. Waters – Out in the Light

Just fell in love straight away…

3. James Blake – James Blake

Next Level.

4. WU LYF – Go Tell Fire To The Mountain

Primal, pure and at times petrifying, also pretty weird in a good way.

5. Lykke Li – Wounded Rhymes

....simply stunning

6. Ben Howard – Every Kingdom

Nothing like Jack Johnson. Thank God.

7. Yellow Ostrich – The Mistress

So understated, so underrated, so simple and yet so beautiful. Okay gonna stop with this alliteration shizzle now.

8. Frank Ocean – Nostalgia/Ultra

Different. Good.

9. Patrick Wolf – Lupercalia

On top form.

10. Iceage – New Brigade

Intense

Heart Things

2011-11-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm into heart things. In a lot of ways. Here are some heart things I ♥

Top Five Vibes - 90s

2011-10-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

I know nostalgia is a wonderful thing, so today’s top five vibes is about the 90s and all that was good about the decade and I’m not only talking grunge and Beavis and Butthead. Here it goes….

My So-Called Life. I have expressed numerous times how much I love it. An institution.

Those ‘empowering’ female musicians – Bikini Kill (yes), TLC (double yes), Huggy Bear (angry), Alanis Morisette (I admit it…), Hole (totes!!) and let’s not forget this…..TUNE.

Flannel never looked better. Nor did moodiness.

Brad Renfro wasn’t yet completely fucked up (and dead).

When the decade ended I was only 15 years old….oh beautiful teenage years. Sigh.

Top Five Vibes – Drake

2011-10-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

We all know I’m obsessed with Drake. He’s an amazing lyricist. His delivery is killer and I actually believe that he’s as sensitive and intelligent as his songs portray him to be. Maybe I’m naïve. Anyway, top five vibes about my fave Drake songs today.

Fireworks

“You could’a been the one but it wasn’t that serious. There was smoke in the air before that was me clearing it. That felt good, all and all I learned a lesson from it though - you never see it coming you just get to see it go. Yeah, I should have looked up at the sky at first , now I can see it in her eyes; fireworks.”

Best I Ever Had

“Ha and you all ain't even have to ask twice. You can have my heart or we can share it like the last slice. Always felt like you was so accustomed to the fast life.”

Karaoke

“I know they say the first love is the sweetest, but the first cut is the deepest.”

Headlines

“I might be too strung out on compliments, overdosed on confidence, started not to give a fuck and stop fearing the consequence.”

The Resistance

“What am I afraid of? This is supposed to be what dreams are made of, but people I don't have the time to hang with always look at me and say the same shit - 'You promised me you would never change.'” 

The Basics (+ some music)

2011-10-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

Hello blog-lovers (and non-blog lovers) recently I got a lot of shtick for my blog. And I’m not used to that, I’m only used to love. I mean who doesn’t love the Book of Linda?

So a few basics first.

If you don’t like my blog, don’t read it. Simples.

If you think my blog is ‘juvenile’, then stop being patronising and all grown-up, cause that’s boring.

If you think my blog is ‘not reserved enough’ and too ‘German’ and ‘outspoken’ then you’re a racist.

If you don’t think that music (and yes boys and relationships and affection and love) are worthy to be talked about in a blog, then I pity you. Cause those are some of the big topics in life. Not exclusively but extensively.

If your horizon is too small to understand the underlying issues of everything I talk about, then you need to activate your creative thinking and imagination.

And finally, yes I could write about how Kafka was commenting on the panopticonian society in ‘The Penal Colony’ or how Lord Rochester’s often-trivialised mock-poetry really was a thinly veiled attack on polity, sexuality and society, but you know what, I CHOOSE NOT TO! So please don’t go on about how my blog is not deep enough and how there’re more important topics to talk about. There might be but this is the Book of Linda after fucking all and not the BBC.

Grrr. Okay now that that’s out of the way, here are some great tunes I’m listening to at the moment. Enjoy.

PlayMe

Crush of the Week - Ryan Gosling

2011-10-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Doing a crush of the week post again today. It’s been a while and today I’m on the obvious choice. Ryan Gosling. I know he’s very good-looking and all that and usually I’m with the ugly oddballs, but even I cannot resist the Gosling magic. Especially not after a movie marathon that consisted of ‘Lars and the Real Girl’ followed by ‘Blue Valentine’ and then followed by ‘Drive’ a few days later in the cinema.

Don’t have a lot to say other than he’s got his heart on his sleeve. In tattoo form. Awww. And he really loves his dog. Awwww. And I like his style and his face.

Top Five Vibes - Movies

2011-10-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hello blog-lovers. It's that time. Every Tuesday (or Wednesday or whenever I can find the time basically) I'm gonna do a regular 'Top Five Vibes' post. And yes I totes stole the idea from this amazeballs blog. The first Top Five Vibes is about my favourite films. From 'obsessed-all-time-favourite' first to 'really-really-like' last. Watch them all.

Celebrity Geek Gallery

2011-10-06T04:18:00.000-07:00

I mean we all know I love geeks. I don’t know how many posts I have started with this very sentence. Several. For sure. But this time, it’s special, cause are not talking über-awkward socially apathetic nerds with woolen jumpers who love the develop websites in their spare time “for fun”, but geeks that have actually turned into bona-fide celebrities shedding the sheepskin shawl for ebullient bling. Or something like that, I just really wanted to use that alliteration. Soz.

Anyway, welcome to Linda’s Celebrity Geek Gallery. Enjoy. I did.

Eeeeeek. Avril. Ewwwww.

OMG.

Eminem. I still love you.

Shia LeBoeuf. Lost for words.

I mean I have always loved Drake. I love him more now.

222 Words.

2011-09-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

I think it’s better to say something stupid in the spur of the moment and not regret saying it than to not say anything and feel stupid because of it. Does that make sense?

If he likes post-punk as much as he likes posting letters, you’re onto a winner.

I don’t give a shit if you can talk the talk as long as you can walk the walk. With me.

Top Tip. If you’re one of those rude people who sit down on the aisle seat of the bus with your bag on the
seat next to you, clearly indicating that you don’t want anyone sitting there, I will make a point of sitting right next to you.

Bus aisle sitters with seat baggage, get some manners!

Once you cross that line, you cannot go back. So cherish what you have and don’t always want more.

Once you cross that line, you might discover that that’s what you always wanted.

Life is a fine balancing act.

Like my mum says (and this is a terrible German-to-English translation) – a sparrow in your hand is better than a dove on your roof.

I think I’m too impatient for the ‘Long Game’. I think I’m more into the ‘Life’s-Too-Short-Game’.

This I couldn’t say it any better.

I love you and I hope you’re happy.

What's My Type Again?

2011-09-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, I just realised that my last THREE posts have been about music and not boys, what is the world coming to? Damn. But fear not my dearest readers, I’m back with a post about ‘types’ and why they don’t actually work. At least not for me and not in real life.

My type? Short story. I always have the same type. Skinny, pale, shy, introvert, slightly ill-looking, music-obsessed, arty indie boy, who probably suffers from Aspergers Syndrome and who I most probably (actually 100%) scare the shit out of with my loud mouth and loud personality.

But hey what can you do, eh? We all try and we all fail. But then I had an epiphany. Well sort of. My type is the most incompatible type of guy for me. My type is the exact opposite of me. I mean maybe it’s a protection mechanism but ultimately my ‘type’ also seems to be my most unsuitable type. I always fancy the kind of guy who least fancies me. Then I thought, is it the challenge, is it the rejection? But maybe it’s neither of them; maybe it just means that I should judge less on first looks and more on second thoughts. Sorry, cheesy sentence alert!

Anyway, I digress, what this post is supposed to be about is the realisation that types are superficial bullshit and that in reality anybody who’s got a face and a personality can become my type. It’s about who you can have a laugh with and who you can tell all your boring life stories to whilst feeling comfortable rather than who makes you so nervous that can only sneakily look at them and blush straight away when they catch you.

Instant attraction is easy, it’s like a thunderstorm, but a thunderstorm brings with it a lot of tension and force. Real feelings grow out of understanding all the little flaws, which takes time and effort, but rewards with trust and ultimately trust is more important than ‘type’. Word.

Flashguns - Passions of a Different Kind

2011-09-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

Quite liking Flashguns at the moment. First fell in love with them when I heard debut single ‘Locarno’ which was equally tender and abrasive, bit Maccabees, bit marching band. Then came ‘Bells at Midnight’, which is a bona-fide indie hit and confirmed my belief that Flashguns have a knack for major melodies.

Now the Brighton boys are finally releasing their full-length debut 'Passions Of A Different Kind' and the eponymous single is another euphoric pow-wow of big choruses and bigger chords. Not sure what to make of the video yet, but let’s sincerely hope singer Sam Felix Johnston’s passion is more than camping with the boys and walking the dog.

Anyway, Flashguns's debut is out on the 17^th October through Rough Trade. Enjoy!

P.S. Thanks to Ollie from TopButton Digital for sending me the album. Good stuff!

Waters - Out In The Light

2011-09-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

After the demise of Port O’Brien last year, Van Pierszalowski moved to Oslo, Norway, before spending time visiting Alaska, California, and New York. Then he came up with WATERS. Good on him. Scruffy, rambunctious, catchy, loud, fragile, honest, playful, energetic and simply brilliant, his debut ‘Out In The Light’ already is one of my top albums of 2011. And we all know that I love making album lists.

WATERS - Out In The Light ALBUM PROMO from WATERS on Vimeo.

Literally love every single song on the album, which you can stream here and I can highly recommend it! Boom.

Happy Songs.

2011-09-16T03:12:00.000-07:00

Basically, on a day with a hangover from hell, this stuff guarantees to get me into happy zone. Enjoy (my terrible music taste).

Johnny Cash's To-Do-List

2011-09-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

I believe Johnny Cash's To-Do-List tells you everything you need to know about men. Love especially 2. and 3. as well as 8.

Art and Stuff.

2011-09-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

Mathew Sawyer has got an exhibition going on at Rokeby Gallery. He's one talented dude. You can read about the show here, too.

Music Post

2011-09-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Some of this shit blows my mind right now.

Waters. Fucking love this. Boomtown. Come and see them on the 13^th September here.

Massively hyped show, check this.

WATERS - For The One by cityslang

I know I am too late on this. I don’t care.

Port O'Brien – My Will Is Good

This is fresh. Best tune on the album.

Lil Wayne – Blunt Blowin

This is still one of the best. Like ever.

Yeasayer – O.N.E

The J-Word

2011-09-07T02:40:00.000-07:00

Tavi wrote this thing for Rookie magazine and it's good. Read it.

138 Words

2011-09-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

It’s not about who you wanna spend Friday night with, it’s about who you wanna spend all day Saturday with.

If you’re really looking for strange experiences in life, go to Tesco on Old Kent Road. Trust me.

Life is a fine balancing act between impatient impulses and knowing better. Impatient impulses make life interesting though.

If real men don’t cry, then real women don’t get their period. You get me?

If you are okay with being a man who cries, check this out.

It’s the smallest gestures that are going to make the biggest difference.

The older we get the more careful we are about whom to let into our strange little universe. Surrounding yourself with people you like will make you like yourself more.

Liking people is the new black. Only good people though.

C.S. Lewis

2011-08-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to be sure of keeping your heart intact you must give your heart to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully around with hobbies and little luxuries, avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safely in the casket of your selfishness. And in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will not change, it will not be broken. It will become unbreakable, impenetrable and irredeemable. The only place outside of heaven where you can be perfectly safe from the dangers of love is hell.

C.S. Lewis

Fashion Fix #44 Atelier Mayer

2011-08-26T05:04:00.000-07:00

If I had a spare £ 125.097 I'd totes buy stuff from Atelier Mayer and their amazing vintage collection.

Crush of the Week - Michael Cera

2011-08-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

After my last bitter post, I have to go the exact opposite direction and write something loving and positive. That’s just how I roll, so crush of the week is returning right now. Woooo!

Michael Cera. What can I say - we all know I love nerds. I adore nerds and Michael is one. He’s smart, he’s geekily funny, he’s awkward, he’s cute. I love Michael Cera and I love him even more after I’ve watched ‘Paper Heart’.

Here’s why Michael Cera rules:

He’s not been in a shit movie…like EVER...well maybe except for ‘Youth in Revolt’.

He’s not your typical Hollywood screw up, but just some dude from Toronto.

He’s got great taste in music.

Awkward in a melt-my-heart way.

Babyface and rucksack love.

Paper Heart. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Juno. Arrested Development.

Do I need to say more?

Love you Michael! Nice sofa, too.

Boys are stupid.

2011-08-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

Right, blog lovers – the time has come for another moany angry post about boys. Boys are stupid. There I said it. Why are boys stupid? Because they never do the right thing, say the right thing or act the right way. And it really isn’t that hard to do the right thing. Be a gentleman, don’t only think with your dick, wash every now and then, get off the fucking X-box and don’t be callous. SIMPLES. I am not expecting flowers and a call every minute of the day, I am just expecting some sort of decency and appreciation that I chose to spend my time with you. Easy.

Anyway, I was now gonna go into a massively long list of what boys should and shouldn’t do, but seeing that boys are stupid, that makes no sense. So instead this one is for the ladies. It’s a little help to filter the good from the bad, the decent from the fuck-ups cause before you get emotionally attached, you wanna make sure they are at least 75% worth it. It’s a first date checklist. And this time it's not about whether he likes chicken or not.

If you’re getting something important off your chest and he’s yawning (and not even covering his mouth whilst doing so) get up and go. Not worth it. And no manners.

When he buys you a cupcake on the first date and wipes off the cream on top of your lip, which you didn’t notice, he’s a keeper. If you have to buy yourself a cupcake, he ain’t.

If he’s not a good friend in the first place – you don’t want to go out with him. Passion goes, friendship stays.

If he knows you like him and then goes on to kiss your friend, you need to get rid of him. Once shady, always shady and sadly not in a sexy Eminem way.

And finally, guys, don’t bullshit girls. We might come across all naïve and understanding, but to see through some facetious bullshit, really isn’t that hard.

Fashion Fix #43 Mark Adlington

2011-08-19T02:06:00.000-07:00

This Fashion Fix has been compiled by my part-time boyfriend / super guru / general Londonist and full time poet Mark Adlington. Oh and he also takes fantastic photos. This is what gets him going fashion-wise.

Envy

2011-08-18T01:44:00.000-07:00

I know I have already talked about Oya yesterday, but this is going to be a less lengthy post. Basically, Envy, the cutest little Hip Hop crew, who played at Oya prove why Norwegians are the happiest people in Europe. Their effortless cheerfulness, sense of community and non-existent pretense just makes my heart melt, but check them out for yourself. No stupid gangster clichés, only happy tunes.

Oya Festival 2011

2011-08-17T06:49:00.000-07:00

I went to Oya festival again this year. It was great again. People were beautiful again, as was the music. Read the review I did for This Is Fake DIY here.

Oya festival is not only the largest music festival in Norway’s Oslo, but it’s also "Europe’s greenest festival". Amongst the stellar line-up of hip hop royalty like Kanye West and Wiz Khalifa and rock legends like Pulp and Sebadoh, this badge of honour is something that annually attracts over 15,000 people from Norway and abroad. Set in the beautiful landscape of Oslo’s picturesque port, Oya is the highlight of the Norwegian event calendar boasting impressive line-ups year on year. 2011 saw Kanye West headline the first day, followed by Aphex Twin and Pulp on the weekend, whilst James Blake, Lykke Li, Deathcrush and WU LYF completed the bill as stand-out acts.

Highlight of the first day certainly were Norway’s (more hardcore, more sultry) answer to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the explosive Deathcrush. Consisting of the two sonic sirens Åse Bredeli Røyset on bass and vocals, Linn Nystadnes on guitar and vocals along with Andreas Larssen on drums, they reinvigorate the visceral power of the guitar playing what can only be described as a mixture of Megadeth, Sonic Youth and Sleigh Bells, but way more sexy. Their reverbed, unyielding energy and fuzzed-out psych rock has the audience seduced within seconds. And I’m NOT only talking men here. Deathcrush are definitely my new crush. If you get the chance go see them, do it, you won’t know what’s hit you – in a good way!

Moving on the exact opposite of Deathcrush’s noise-beat-fest, the gentle introvert melody master James Blake plays an emotively beautiful set to the setting sun on one of the main stages. Shyly shuffling onstage hiding behind his hood, this boy-man doesn’t look capable of producing the scenic, immense melodies which he commences to play just seconds later. His awkward presence forbids any real rapport with the crowd, but his moving tunes are appreciated with near-reverential silence and awe. The dubbed out, sampled syncopation of ‘Unluck’ is raw and emotionally brittle, but also breath-takingly stunning. Blake’s unexpected sound journeys come to life through his off-beat, delay-laden vast musicality that showcases why he’s music’s golden boy. Overwhelming set.

Hip Hop royalty and self-proclaimed superstar Kanye West is headlining the main stage with what can only be described as a perfectly executed set. More humble and less mouthy than expected Mr. West plays a highlight set consisting of themed ‘acts’. Starting with ‘Act One – The Revelation’ which Kanye performs elevated above the audience on a 10 meters high crane. Only taking a short break to slay the press and how he feels demonised by them, Kanye West moves on to ‘Act Two – The Autotune’ performing his most chart-friendly material like ‘Love Lockdown’ and the Rihanna and Jay Z collaboration ‘Run This Town’. Most recent single ‘Moster’ is a bass-a-licious affair that sees the audience party like there’s no tomorrow and ‘All of the Lights’ is the surefire highlight of the set despite the well-publicised tumble Kanye took on stage. Like Mr. West would say: “Imma let you finish James Blake, but I made the best autotuned album of all time.”

Day two grants the audience another hip-hop winner with Wiz Khalifa opening the main stage in a brightly sunny Oslo. Despite the usual clichéd hip hop ‘money & bitches’ talk, Wiz puts on a sound performance full of energy and substance showcasing songs from his album ‘Rolling Papers’ as well as songs from earlier mixtapes. Wiz Khalfia’s sample of Empire of the Sun’s ‘Walking on a Dream’ is warmly received by hip-hop heads and indie fans alike and constitutes the highlight of his 40 minutes set.

Norway’s dark electro pop diva Sandra Kolstad delivers the standout performance of day two. The sultry-voiced performer showcases songs from her debut ‘Crux’ winning the audience over with an ecstatic mix of sinister broody keyboards, Berlin warehouse rave style electro samples and emotive lyrics. Current single ‘Fire Burn, Blood Flow’ is an imaginatively dynamic dark-dance piece reminiscient of a more cheerful, upbeat Salem or a less German Kraftwerk.

Friday starts off with a pleasant, but fairly non-descript Noah & The Whale, who play a set that seems to consist of all their most radio friendly songs. Unfortunately, all their most radio-friendly songs are all their most bland ones, too. Moving on to Leeds hardcore screamos Bring Me The Horizon who are a whole other kettle of fish. None of their songs can be described as radio-friendly, but at least they incite some sort of reaction and judging from the excitement of dedicated front rows of adoring fans, this reaction is extremely positive.

Friday night’s battle of the headliners takes place between Britpop veterans Pulp and Swedish pop sensation Lykke Li and it’s a tough call. Pulp power up the crowd with a charming set of all their best songs and Jarvis does what he does best - play the charming, slightly nuts quirky popster. Sprinting over to the other stage to catch Lykke Li proves worth the effort as her magnetic personality and crystal clear intonation send shivers down the audience’s collective spines. ‘I Follow Rivers’ sees the biggest crowd singalong and old gems such as ‘Dance, Dance, Dance’ and ‘Little Bit’ receive frenetic applause. Shifting between sparsely instrumented moody ballads and full-on techno-tastic pop numbers, Lykke lights up the stage throughout – a fantastic, captivating set from the Swedish siren.

The final day, Saturday, sees quirk noise rockers dominate. Experimental popsters WU LYF showcase a dramatic set marrying singer Ellery Robert’s tormented howl and nearly indecipherable lyrics with a reverb heavy shroud of tantalising melody. The opposing forces of jangling start-stop guitar riffs and the tightly precise rhythm section and Robert’s high drama doom-pop makes WU LYF a compelling, epic and yet baffling act to watch best described as beautiful insular idiosyncrasy. Next on quirk-noise heroes Sebadoh who might be lo-fi legends but there’s nothing nostalgic or sentimental about their energetic set. Full of verve and low on distraction they deliver goods from their numerous endearingly scruffy albums. Easily flitting between aggressive, punk songs and Barlow’s more tender, folk-flecked tracks, Sebadoh manifest why they have been an inspiration to countless bands since the 90s. Bring on Oya 2012.

*All amazing photos by Tracy Miles

Beautiful #3

2011-08-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

Feeling generally cheerful today. Happy days. So I thought I'd share some beautiful things that hopefully make you happy, too.

Jason Derulo - The Sequel

2011-08-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

I mean we all know the deal. It's an obsession. What can I do....

Linda Likes....

2011-08-07T02:48:00.000-07:00

I haven’t written about some good tunes for a while. Here are some good tunes. Big love.

Bluebell – Normal Heights

Ace song. Ace video. Generally great.

Drake – Headlines

What can I say? Drake is back in full force.

Drake ~ Headlines (Official Video) from OctobersVeryOwn on Vimeo.

Sandra Kolstad - Fire Burn, Blood Flow

Love a bit of eerie witch-house inspired disco tunage with some freestyle dancing. And the lyrics are great, too.

Rizzle Kicks – Down with the Trumpets

Just because I love their swagger.

Bombay Bicycle Club - Shuffle

I’m sooooo in love with this. AND they filmed it in Berlin!!

Fashion Fix #42 Charlotte Olympia

2011-08-05T02:27:00.000-07:00

Got this idea stuck in my head that I am going to buy myself some filthily expensive shoes soon. It's an indescribable compulsion. I was going for the obvious choice - Louboutins! But then I had a chat with my friend and she (rightly) said that they are quite 'WAG' these days - you know a bit too pedestrian - literally. So she suggested Charlotte Olympia - and what can I say - I have fallen in love.

Nerd Boyfriend.

2011-07-27T00:38:00.000-07:00

Wow. Just Wow. Nerd Boyfriend.

Two Singles

2011-07-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hi beloved blog fans.

The wonderful people from Work It Media have informed me about two ace singles being streamed this week.

Zola Jesus is back with 'Vessel' and she is still incredibly intense, broody, dark and inspiring.

Zola Jesus - Vessel by souterraintransmissions

The Drums are also back with the catchy (and high-pitched) 'Money'. Interesting....

The Drums - Money by WorkItMedia

219 Words

2011-07-09T03:17:00.000-07:00

If you call yourself a 'tastemaker' on your Twitter / blog / website, chances are you're really not. Don't call yourself a tastemaker. Please.

Every person is there to teach you something, but not all lessons will be enjoyable. Gotta keep learning though.

You know when you see someone wearing almost matching clothes. Almost matching, but not matching – that's the worst. In general. In life.

Being a full-time paradox is way better than being someone f***ing boring.

Watched Good Will Hunting (AGAIN) the other day and apart from being the best film ever, it also has the best lines. “You're not perfect, sport, and let me save you the suspense: this girl you've met, she's not perfect either. But the question is whether or not you're perfect for each other.”

Social anxiety happens when you're not supposed to be where you are! So keep away from those places! If it feels good being there, stay, if it doesn't, get out.

It's “bear with me” NOT “bare with me” - unless you wanna get naked.

I think girls should wolf-whistle more. Fo realz.

Breaking someone's trust is what arseholes do. Don't be one.

I stopped swearing recently. At least out loud. Feels very lady-like. You should try it. (Saying 'arsehole' is not considered swearing, is it?)

Fashion Fix #41 - Shoegasm

2011-07-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Maaaaaan, if I could, I would.

Having fun.

2011-06-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Having fun.

I had a chat with a friend of mine recently and we got talking about ‘having fun’ and what it really means. Ultimately, I believe that girls and boys have completely different opinions on what having fun involves, and how involved they wanna be in that elusive thing that is ‘having fun with each other’. So here I present you with this list to make it easier to distinguish boys fun and girls fun. Hopefully.

Having fun the girls way.

Getting taken out on a nice date without any expectations from the guy.

Having a good conversation that doesn’t involve football or boring stuff. Unless you like football and boring stuff.

Knowing that you fancy the guy but also knowing that he’s a great friend. Knowing that you can do crazy things with him but also knowing that you can do your week’s shopping with him.

A day out that includes rowing on a lake (he’s rowing), followed by a nice picnic (he’s organised it), followed by a night out (he’s paying and he’s dancing).

Bringing you breakfast in bed after having slept by your side without trying it on. Yes, sex is fun for girls too, just not with dickheads.

Having fun the guys way.

Sex.

Beer.

Sex.

Football.

Sex.

Video Games.

Sex.

Errrrr, I’m such a romantic. Errrrrr, I stereotype guys so much. Vom.

Interview - Lonsdale Boys Club

2011-06-17T02:46:00.000-07:00

Recently I have become a superfan. I know. Sad times. I cannot help it but I love Lonsdale Boys Club. It’s like a full-on infatuation mixed with a bit of reservation. That kind of reservation that you get when you realise they are going to break your heart at some point in the future because they are just too good to be true.

Anyway enough of my waffling, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s a little insightful interview with singer Charlie about Lonsdale Boys Club. Charming.

If it wasn't for the band / music, what else would you be doing right now?

“Selling crack to the kids. Clubs, thugs ‘n’ drugs.”

What do you currently listen to / draw inspiration from?

“Lots of reggae and dancehall and garage old funk disco and soul. Some Frank Ocean right now!”

Favourite album / single of all time?

“‘The Harder They Come’ - OST Jimmy Cliff and various artists and ‘2001’ - Dr. Dre.”

Guilty pleasure music-wise?

“I listen to a lot of things one might consider guilty pleasures! Very very cheesy old skool garage and sweet vocal old disco n house n poppy dancehall. And of course the Bizkit!”

Describe your music in five words.

“Really really really really good.

Punchy, hooky, big, melodic n tough.”

Questionnaire with myself

2011-06-16T03:53:00.000-07:00

It was my birthday yesterday so I thought it’s time for a blatantly self-indulged post. Yes nothing new there then. However, I also keep hearing from people that they wait for new posts from the Book of Linda every day (EVERY DAY!!!?!) - superfan style and very flattering, so I thought it’s time to share a little bit about myself. If you haven’t realised it yet, I’m a sharer. So here it goes. Questionnaire with myself.

My favourite parts of London (from favourite to least favourite) are: South, North, West, East

My favourite colour is red.

My least favourite colour is beige. I strongly dislike everything beige – bland fest. I strongly dislike people with beige personalities, too.

I try not to hate. I prefer to strongly dislike these days.

I think I’m a typical Gemini, ups and downs all over the place, but at least it keeps things interesting.

The most important trait in a person for me is loyalty. The second most important is honesty.

I don’t like bullshit people. Tell me what you really mean or don’t talk to me at all.

I get obsessed with things easily. Currently I’m obsessed with Jason DeRulo, Cute Boys with Cats, Frank Ocean’s ‘Swim Good’, Lonsdale Boys Club, Dip Dye and Norwegians in general.

I lose interest easily.

My all time favourite bands are The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, The Cooper Temple Clause, Patrick Wolf, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Yeasayer, Johnny Flynn, Ryan Adams and The Maccabees.

My all time least favourite bands are Coldplay (vomcano), Led Zeppelin (bore off with your guitar wanking) and Blood Red Shoes (vile).

When I grow up I wanna become a mixture if Kelly Cutrone’s fierceness, Whitney Port’s compassion and composure and Natalie Portman’s general amazingness.

I think I’d choose dots over stripes most days.

I really wanna live in New York at some point.

I like the cold more than the heat. But I like warm people way more than cold ones.

Bloody Knees

2011-06-04T04:14:00.000-07:00

When the person you’re texting lets you have the last word by letting you be the last person to text, REALLY they are the ones who have the last word. Major bummer.

Who cares about the last word? I care about a good conversation.

I mean I am well into this zen stuff right now, but sometimes you just gotta tell it how it is.

It’s okay to admit you care. Just be careful when you admit it to someone who doesn’t in fact care. Admitting you care is the new not caring!

Don’t be the other girl. For him it’s just a self-affirmation / macho thing and you’re better than that.

If he’s got issues to distinguish ‘their’ and ‘they’re’ and ‘it’s’ and ‘its’, it’s pretty much worse than if he’s got attachment issues. For me anyway.

It’s important to know whether you really like him or whether you kinda like him because he compliments you, makes you feel better about yourself and makes you feel desired. Cause that’s just selfish bullshit.

If he doesn’t call you, he DOES NOT WANT to call you. Simples.

Girls always think they can change the guy and turn him into what they want. One word. WRONG. The guy likes the way he is and he’ll find some girl who likes it too rather than hang out with the psycho freak who constantly tries to change him. Simples.

A boyfriend / girlfriend is a friend that you also wanna have sex with. Don’t forget the friend bit. It’s important.

Is Tropical - 'Native To'

2011-06-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

Is Tropical – Native To

I mean I have always had a soft spot for Is Tropical even when they were still Ratty Rat Rat. Bad names, great bands. A few members changed but, main men Simon and Gary are still sailing the good ship Is Tropical in a circling exotic ocean. And believe me, I would love to jump aboard that ship.

Their debut ‘Native To’ will be released on the 13^th June and it’s brimming with barkingly mad and brilliantly magical melodies. There’s no doubt that these three are bonkers, but as they say, “there’s a thin line between madness and genius” and Is Tropical are definitely wandering on the right side of that line.

First single ‘The Greeks’ is a blend of sea shanty style innocent-sounding sing-song with plenty of dark bass and dreamy synth thrown in for good measure. Stylistically ranging from raw stoner-pop anthems to late night dance bangers, ‘Native To’ offers a full-on onslaught of melody, mystery and modern romance. With great beats. And greater lyrics. And the greatest ideas.

Ranging somewhere between easily-accessible, highly-infectious pop songs and proggy obscure-sounding sonic scapes, Is Tropical hone their art to be an elusive, introverted and blithely energetic act.

Anyway enough of my incompetent waffling, download ‘The Greeks’ here and fall in love.

Big-ups to SureShot PR for providing me with ‘Native To’

Tune-age

2011-06-02T02:57:00.000-07:00

Morning blog-lovers, I haven't written about music in ages, so today's the day. I apologise for the lack of actual moving images in this post, but this stuff is so hot, it doesn't have videos yet. Cliched sentence alert. Vom.

I'm obsessed with this. I'm in love.

This is stunning.

Party.

5 Minutes

2011-05-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

5 Minutes

The elevator doors opened at exactly 8.32am. She was late. She was nervous. She stepped into the lift by herself and quickly turned to the mirror adjusting her hair, which was ruffled and untidy from yet another too late night and too early morning. She took a deep breath. The heavy doors were just about to close when someone stuck their hand in between them, which immediately made them spring open with force.

Adam came into the elevator and they looked at each other. He smiled politely.

She was the kind of girl that fell in love with a song straight away and then listened to it on repeat for as long as the love lasted. She listened to it loud. When boredom set in, she never listened again. Love is fleeting.

He was the kind of guy who, when he loved a song, rarely listened to it simply because he liked to think ‘it was too precious’. He wanted to keep its beauty preserved for as long as possible. He wanted to make it last forever. Love is everlasting.

Thoughts started shooting through her head. Irreverent thoughts. Adam found it too easy to read her. He could read her face and everything she was thinking. The lines around her eyes became slightly more prominent and her lip moved to the right by the most minuscule stretch. He knew she was his song. Probably the greatest song he ever listened to.

Thoughts started shooting through his head. Irreverent thoughts. What was he supposed to do? You can’t just talk to strangers in elevators. That was pretty clear. He could not NOT to talk to her though. That was pretty clear too.

Caught between a rock and a hard place. Caught in an elevator. Adam decided to press the stop button. He could see the shock in her face. Slightly terrified, but also slightly intrigued. He looked bewildered as she stepped closer, turned fully towards him and said “I was wondering if you had the guts to stop the lift”. He could feel his heart sink into his stomach. She stepped even closer. Close enough to smell his fear. Close enough to kiss him.

As the doors opened she said “not only is it not all about me, it’s kinda not about me at all.”

5 minutes of his life. The best song he’d ever heard.

Tubecrush

2011-05-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

Isn’t the internet a wonderful place? I think so. Especially since my friend showed me the utterly men-objectifying perv-fest that is Tubecrush.net

I love a good old guy-rating site as illustrated with this post and Tubecrush.net is on a whole other (stalkerish) level. Bless. Below a selection of my favourite tube crushes.

Fashion Fix #40 - Date Outfits

2011-05-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

Fashion Fix. Date Outfits. Important stuff. One for each occasion.

Beach Date.

Grunge Date.

Nerd Date.

Posh Date.

You-Really-Like-Him-Date.

No pain, no gain.

2011-05-18T03:18:00.000-07:00

Learned a few things recently. Random ramblings. One of those. Same old, same old. You know you love it.

Maybe drunk dialling is the way forward. I’d give it a go if I didn’t have phone phobia. I’d do it for Ed though. He’s fit.

If he still replies to shitty texts that totally show you’re high-maintenance, he’s into you.

Boys hate high-maintenance apparently. Doesn’t matter if you’re hot though.

It’s only acceptable to juggle dates, if we’re talking fruit.

Let them come to you.

Don’t be defensive. Defense wins championships, but it doesn’t score goals.

If you bore a girl, she’ll sit there and stare right past you while smiling politely. If you’re saying something interesting, she’ll look you right in the eye and smirk.

Don’t bore a girl. It’s a cardinal sin. And yes that includes everything from talking about your mum and the world’s greatest guitar solos to your 12 hour shift. Gross.

Self-indulgence. Gross, too.

This = great.

Love you, Linda x

Sexy Vampires

2011-05-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Right lovers, the time has come. I know I have talked about this one for quite some time, but trust me it’s worth it. Sexy vampires. There you have it.

Recently some sort of obscure vampires renaissance has happened in film and TV and maaaaaan these blood-sucking undead are HOT. And I don’t only mean in an unattainable, cold and reclusive kinda way hot, I mean in a cheekbone-alert, wifebeater-wearing, pouty kinda way hot.

So let’s tackle this then. From best to worst.

Disclaimer – I apologise for all the bullshit below, but someone had to do it!

Eric from True Blood

Words cannot really describe. Wow. Just wow. I mean look at him. Apart from all the superficial physical attributes (yes girls think like that too), he’s the most intriguing character in the series because he behaves like such a douche, but everybody can tell he’s just a tortured lonely loving soul. Sounds horrid. Is hot.

Spike from Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Always had a thing for Spike. He’s not good-looking in a conventional way with his weird bleach-blonde do and creepy floor-length leather coat. Along with his major attitude problems, that would make him prime marriage material. Not. But he’s just got it in the eyes. And the abs. Fit!

Stefan from Vampire Diaries

Awww the melancholic vamp. Love a bit of mourning and soul-searching and Stefan does plenty of that. He’s a vampire with personality first and looks second, but still hot.

Edward from Twilight

Yadda, yadda I know you love him. Everybody does. He’s fit. He’s a bit whiney. But he’s still fit. Good enough to get on the list and deffo good enough for eye candy.

Simples.

2011-05-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Rules of a Gentleman. Simples.

Fashion Fix #39 - Joy Rich

2011-05-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

Yozers. This is Fashion Fix. I have only recently discovered JoyRich and I have to say their stuff is amazers. Just the right mix between laid-back LA summer vibes, geek chic and faux metal. Get on it.

10 reasons why you should go watch Blue Valentine.

2011-04-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

10 reasons to LOVE Blue Valentine...

Michelle Williams. Duh!

Ryan Gosling. Double Duh!!

It’s raw and it’s real and it’s romantic.

Loads of people say it’s really sad and depressing. Yes it’s sad and depressing, but it’s also bloody wonderful and uplifting. Cannot get the rainbow without the rain, innit?

When those two fall in love, they REALLY fall in love. I know they fall out of it later, but what do I keep saying, kids? CHERISH THE MOMENT!

Grizzly Bear soundtracked the entire movie.

This scene.

It’s intense and truthful. I love intensity and truth.

This.

And this.

Summer...

2011-04-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

Summer is near. I can feel it. This is what I'll be doing this summer.

Some of this.

And some more of this.

Oya. Excited.com

Loads of bezzie time.

Men-things I like.

2011-04-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Attention typical Linda topic alert!

Just now I had a little thinking session. I sometimes do that. Only sometimes. And I thought to myself guys, as in men, hmmm, wow, what a wonderful group of people. No really. Sometimes I feel the love. I think today I felt the love and why you’re asking? Because sometimes men are just bloody adorable. Sometimes men are pricks too but today I only wanna talk about the men-things I like. And they don’t all have to do with kittens.

I like when guys do that “Oh I’m really not that important even though I run this entire show” totally see-through fake humble cheeky talk to impress a girl and then say “Oh don’t be impressed, it’s no big deal.”

I like when guys enumerate their life’s achievements to come across all cool and knowing whilst not knowing that they spelled half of their list wrong.

I like guys that aren’t ladies men. I like losers. Not complete knobhead losers though.

I like when guys don’t try too hard to find the right words and just talk.

I like when guys have the decency to be honest.

I like when guys uncomplicate things that girls complicate.

I like when guys talk about nail varnish colours as if they’d really care. I know they don’t but it’s sweet to try.

I like when guys talk excitedly about their recently-discovered super-secret new favourite band to then find out that said band already have 2 million YouTube views. Bless.

I like when guys explain technical things. Hot.

I like when guys watch Bear Grylls episodes as intently as I do. I like it even more when they can do some of the stuff Bear Grylls can do. Except for giving yourself an enema that is.

Love you! Linda xx