The Black Kids are Vanilla

The Black Kids are alright. Saw them in NYC last Friday. They are heralded as the Hot Band/Buzz Band of 2008, but I'm not exactly buying it.

They've got a killer recorded sound. The Black Kid's first full-length, "Partie Traumatic", acts like a sugary sweet lasso that pulls youngsters into the din of mind state where The Psychedelic Furs and The Cure inhabited during the 1980's. It's akin to this Jacksonville quintet lacing our post-9/11 Mojitos with saccharine rufinol held over from a 1986 marathon haze. I feel it's far more effective on the 18-21 age group, as it didn't catalyze any emotional overhaul when I stood before The Black Kids live set. As a 24 year old, I've aged grumpily above the mere composting of the happy-go-lucky, 80's new wave stylings. It just doesn't transport me as easily as it does with the "post-9/11 rosebudding of self awareness" going on with the the kids 5-8 years younger. They are more attuned to lapping up this well conceived, candy goodness. I won't deny that every song is damn catchy and pop-worthy.... it just bores me after a while. The record carries me a little farther than their live sound, which distorts the angular melodies into puddles of synth, reverb, muted bass, and sketchy vocals. This might've just been the acoustics at the venue, The Santos Party House in the lower eastside, but it might have just been a result of unrealistic expectations that plague these Buzz Bands. One minute they are Caesar standing before the Senate and delivering their virginal sounds to the masses, and the next they have been descended upon by hundreds of stab-hungry critics. Only time will tell. I guess I'm a pre-emptive stabber.

Let's not forget that the band manages good rock music that goes down real easy. Occasionally there are lyrical flourishes that I approve. Every once in a while there is the self reference made by singer, Reggie Youngblood, that he is a girl. That is very Lou Reed of you, thank you. There is also a moment in "Hit the Heartbrakes" that it is declared, "hot as balls". Now....that's just humorous. Not even in context. Just the phrase, "hot as balls", is damn funny. It's like saying some chick is a "major slut". Pondering the military hiearchy of peter-poundage and equating the temperature's abrasiveness with an amorphous mess that is the male ball sack keep me in step. It makes this guy grin. Not a real concrete critique, but, whatever.

The real winfall from this show going experience was the opening band, Zambri. Whoa, do those bitches rock the house or what. Unlike their recorded material, their live shit blew my mind. It sonically scratched my psyche and left me a-ga-ga. That's another story for another day.

And since a one Michael left a post berrating the lack of boobage and rock'n'roll material, I have answered his prayers.

Behold, rockin' boobyage....

Mainstream Overload

I wandered around St. Marks in NYC this past weekend and I found a plethora of plaid fringed scarves. BEWARE! I am no stranger to this fad, but I want to forewarn all of our readers that very soon this trend will breach the line in the sands of coolness, and become yet another victim of over indulgence. I recommend trying a tartan plaid or silk scarf to stand out a bit more, but honestly I would give this trend a rest for the fall.

The next fruit born out of the horn of plenty is not a specific style, but a brand, Ed Hardy. I know the tattoo trend seems irresistible, but once you take a gander at the Ed Hardy energy drink, I think you will feel differently.

To further help you with your impulses I want to reveal that Ed Hardy fanatics are all being duped. Ed Hardy clothing is designed by Christian Audigier, who was formally known as the head designer of Von Dutch, and just like Von Dutch this brand is getting old and stale. Both Von Dutch and Ed Hardy employed the tactic (which has sadly succeeded) of handing out freebie merchandise to celebs in order to infiltrate the masses. Don't become another pawn in their twisted copy cat game.

Lastly I want to discuss colored jeans, a trend I myself employ. I predict that colored jeans will become a one trick pony. I love colors that pop and stand out, however when everyone is wearing a pair (and they will) you simply look like everyone else. They will loose their appeal once they become overplayed, but I suppose the decision to wear or not to wear is all yours.

Good Luck Fashionistas xoxo

Perfect Prepster

Get ready boys and girls, cardigans are heading our way. A recent influx of the traditional button down two pocket cardigan has hit almost every major mall in America. Often times I suggest ebay and other thrift stores for searching and this is no exception. But if you tend to a bit more reserved with your clothing you might want to go for a vintage Lacoste, or a fitted new cardigan. However, in this glamour girl's opinion the best thing about this old favorite are the D.I.Y. options.

Anyone can wear one of these trendy sweaters, but I recommend that you add your own bit of flare (and not like the Nazis). Try searching through your grandma's closet and asking to grab the buttons off an old dress. Funky lace, studs, and even patches can enable you to create your own look amongst the cardigans which will be hitting school halls this fall. Try it out. All you need to do is go to your local craft store and pick up the necessary items. Send us your best creations and we will post em up. Everyone needs a little fashion cred before the new semester begins.



*Keep in mind that if you are buying a vintage cardigan, it doesn't need to fit perfectly. Even if the sleeves are short (shown above right) it still gets the job done right, and may even allow you to be the first one to wear this winter trend.

Lets Do The Time Warp Again

A month ago or so I predicted that buffalo plaid and babydoll dresses would soon return to the fashion scene. Check out these images:


Photos couresty of Nordstroms and Urban Outfitters

Delias has also followed suit and added Dr. Martins to their website and current catalogue:
http://store.delias.com/item.do?categoryID=556&itemID=50154&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

Now Onto New News:

I come bearing good fashion tidings for all of the rejects. Geek and punk stylings are hitting the streets and adding to the influx of grunge attire. Large horn rimmed glasses, studded bags, and motorcycle jackets have all been featured for this fall.

Photos courtesy of Betsey Johnson and Urban Outfitters

Nevertheless, I firmly believe that the biggest of these three trends will be eye wear. For although many have sported the 1970's style sunglasses, I think that the 1980's glasses (being a bit smaller) will reign supreme when it comes to fall/winter eye wear. I will even go as far as to predict that people who currently sport the 20/20 will attempt to get in on this glasses trend.

The images below are from ebay, and once again, Treasure Chest Vintage wins the race for forecasting. Check out their website: http://stores.ebay.com/Treasure-Chest-Vintage.



Even American Apparel has jumped on board: http://store.americanapparel.net/vintage-eyewear-glasses.html

Not only are the above trends "in," but so are graphic prints. Whoo Hoo isosceles triangles! Pick out shirts this fall with abstract prints and designs and you will sure to be in check with the coolest trends. Check out ebay for this look because mainstreams buyers have yet to catch on to this trend.

End of an Era Mixtape

Well its a sad time here in DC. Jeneric is left all alone without her fellow bloggers. What better reason to make a super sappy mixtape High Fidelity style.

#1. Zombies - Care of Cell 44

#2. The Swimmers - Heaven

#3. She & Him - Why do you let me stay here?

#4. Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal

#5. Iron and Wine - Lovesong of the Buzzard

#6. Artic Monkeys - 505

#7. LCD Soundsytem - Someone great

I miss the fine art of mixtaping... So many people on the web are posting music, but often without critisism or endorsment. I propose, that bloggers should only post music they LOVE, or HATE, or have some freaking opinion about either way. This mixtape is guilty of a lot of new music, yes, but that doesn't mean I picked a random assortment of new releases. Music is a passion, not a passing fad. Love your music, hate your music, embrace your music and you're in for a better listening experience.

Wall-E

The environmental movement seems to have taken root amongst rich yuppies and the trickle down effect that Regan spoke so admiringly of is actually taking place. "Going green" is no longer a term solitarily used by hippies. Environmental consciousness seems to be swallowing the nation, like the rush of patriotism which ensued after the September 11th attacks, and I am proud that we are finally rising to the occation.

Wall-E is the perfect movie to root within a young child's mind the importance of recycling and planetary care. However, don't jump to the assumption that this movie will not transcend the age barrier which sometimes exists within kids movies, for it succeeds in making an impact on any viewer of any age. But unlike many of the movies we are used to Wall-E does not add in adult humor, or jokes specifically placed to capture an adult audience, it simply touches each audience member by getting to the crux of the issue with love and nurturing attention.

Watching this movie in digital light projection (DLP) also adds to the contrast and animation features of which Pixar has become so infamous. And the personification of Wall-E and his fellow robot counterparts appears crisp and lifelike across the big screen, adding to their human quaity. In order for the social commentary of this film to thrive, it was imperative that Wall-E was conveyed to the audience as a primarily emotive creature, and it succeeds.

When we begin to think with our hearts instead of our brains it becomes easier to protest drilling in ANWAR, the cutting of rainforest trees, and the destruction of nature. The movie also comments on the impact of technology on our interaction with nature, and it seems to push a return to wilderness in hopes of arising a newfound love of the planet. It even throws in a line of "Stay the course," which in an obvious manner harkens the current administration and its failure to push for a regime of change when the planet's health is in jeopardy.

I thoroughly recommend this movie. I have included a little trailer below and there are a bunch more on you-tube, but I didnt want to spoil the movie...