FAVOURITE SUMMER ALBUMS SO FAR... THE INTERTNET, YEARS & YEARS AND DONNIE TRUMPET & THE SOCIAL EXPERIMENT

Hi old friend, how are you?

It's been a little over a year since my last post and a lot has happened. I moved overseas and have been working at one of my dream companies and living that NY life, you know. But this post isn't about catching you up on life (and you can do all the stalking you want via social links below), its about sharing a snap shot of where I am now... well, musically anyway. 

I was walking to meet a friend for coffee this morning, it was a balmy 32 degrees with the sun blaring down onto the Brooklyn pavements and me jamming to some tunes that I have been loving recently. And something grabbed me to reflect on my favorite summer songs which lead me to think about my favorite summer albums. I soon become very chuffed to think that, even though I work in music, I still find it inspiring to continue my engagement with it in an active way. It lead me to break my blogging hiatus and bring you some of my favourite summer albums of 2015. Enjoy! 

1. COMMUNION // YEARS & YEARS

Years & Year's debut album is the best way to start the summer days. Full of punchy electronica

As I enter into the next stage of my career, A&D will be on pause. But feel free to follow any of the below links for your daily amped dose cool hunted popular culture.


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GUILTY PLEASURES: DON'T PHUNK WITH MY HEART

I can honestly put it out there that I can/will never get sick of this song. I think its absolutely pop-perfect in that signature Black Eyed Peas way. Don’t Phunk With My Heart is one of my all time Guilty Pleasures.

LOVING MY GOODWILL STREAK // HOW TO THRIFT SUCCESSFULLY

My latest purchase was this beautiful J Crew woolen khaki coat I bought at my local Goodwill near work for $10!!!!! It was originally $19.99, but was on a half-off sale. Can you believe that?  

Seriously, thrifting (or op shopping as us Aussies know it as) is seriously on another level here in New York! Which shouldn't really come as surprise. But I was under the impression that because a majority of financially savvy New Yorkers would have cleaned out thrift stores around town. But boy was I wrong. I have consistently found amazing pieces at charity shops around New York City and Brooklyn. So I have found that these little tips have been really helping me score some good ones. 

• Do a lot of research and figure out the closest/most convenient op shop you have - The more convenient it is, the more you will make an effort to go thrifting. 
• Try and make it there every week. New stock gets on a weekly basis in op shops, so you can always find something!
• Sign up to the newsletter - You will find out about special deals, discounts and opening specials. 
• Get a loyalty card. In America - they even have loyalty/punch cards for op shops. Best idea ever!
• Don't stick to size or gender restrictions. Especially if the store is having a sale, people will not be diligent in returning an item back to its appropriate place - some of the best finds are always hiding in the wrong spots. 
• Hit up the "recently returned" racks that stand outside the changing rooms. Its like a specially curated section of items that other people have deemed worthy of trying on but for some reason didnt work. So when you have little to no time - hit it up first! 
• Find a good seamstress - They can alter and fix amazing op shop items to be more wearable, and chances are these pieces will last a lot longer in your wardrobe. 

And honestly, it doesn't even matter where you in the world, these tips will serve you very well !

Can't get over how much I love this coat. 

Have you got any tips/tricks on how you thrift successfully? 

xx

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NYFW SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR THE GIRL 'NOT SO' ON THE GO

So not sure if you are like me, but if you also happen to be stuck to a desk/work while NYFW gloriously passes us by chances you are also having NYFW'14 withdrawals. I certainly am - mostly because it is pure irony that I also happen to be in New York this year. But to get the most out the season's shows I have a few helpful links and sites that will keep you in the loop of whats going on. 

Read on for the good stuff.

DORIS - EARLSWEATSHIRT // A PRE-EMPTIVE REVIEW

I keep saying this but seriously, 2013 is the year for rap and hip hop. Among many other amazing hip hop albums that have come out this year, Doris by Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt is one that I have been anticipating highly! After hearing Chum, I was hooked and excited to hear more from the newly re-invented Earl Sweatshirt. Doris came out two days ago and it pretty much blew up all over the internet. I got my brother Sureiyan (find his blog I Like Your Thursday Personality here) to pre-emptively review the album - 'cause its everything I want to say but said in a more eloquently way. Read the review after the jump. 

Quick notes: 

• The album is akin to a movie, high and lows. Drama and comedy. Builds the closer you get to the end. 

• Touches of 90s psychedelic hip hop, which I very into at the moment.

• The album is completely different to what we were expecting. For which Earl has been quoted will lose him existing fans but also gain new ones. Either way seems to be win/win. 

• More mature, harder rhymes and completely unique to Earl's sounds.

• My favourites; Chum (I seriously can not get enough of this song!), Whoa and 523.

M.I.A MATANGI // NOVEMBER ...DEFINITELY.

After cracking it on Twitter last week, M.I.A made her record company, Interscope, pinky swear to not delay her fourth studio album any longer. So it's official - Matangi - will be out November 2013.

She released a super sweet mixtape in the mean time though. So it's cool.

But to get yourself really excited - click play on the video below, turn it up loud and expand to HD fucking amazingness.

November couldn't come any sooner. Story via Oyster.

For more M.I.A click here, here or here. 

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EXO - 으르렁 (GROWL)

UM...So can we please just take three minutes to just watch. Please. 

It's like watching a Justin Timberlake video on K-Pop stroids! The song itself is super catchy (no idea what the words are... but I am going to go and find out) what with the beautifully pop beat and infectious melody. But its the over all misc-en-scene of the production that really captures my attention - clearly after one google search, I am not the only one. Watch other reaction videos here. 

My favourite reaction video comes from Youtube sisters WhitJojoTV. Everything from the fashion, dance moves and overall genesequois** of this video has had me smiling from ear to ear. Korean Pop doesn't get any better than this!

Hit replay one more time!
For more K-Pop love, click here.


**Woah, two french film theory references in one post. You know it.


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ESSENTIALS FOR "A GIRL ON THE GO"

Jak+Jil

Howdy! Recently, I was asked by a lovely lady - Bex from The Street Complex - to compile a list of "essentials". I love putting lists like this together, but wanted a theme for my list to center around; and what better theme than an essential list for the wardrobe of a "on-the-move" go-getter. Though I have girl up the tittle there, this list is in actual fact unisex!

GUILTY PLEASURES: TO TWERK OR NOT TO TWERK

That is definitely not the question. 

'Cause it seems like "twerking" is just about all the rage now. 

Busta Rhyme's new single "Twerk It" ft Tosh & Nikki Minaj was released recently and it features a new sound from the hip hop legend with a more striped back and heavy bass edge. I actually really like this song, despite the slow build. But when it does build, it builds good - and that's kind of Pharrel's (producer) trademark. Although surprisingly, despite its' title, the song's video clip tastefully refrains from too much overtly sexual (physically impossible for some) dance move. Unlike this not-so-subtle video and tune from Diplo where I first learned of the "twerk". The music video and dance move made such an impact that when it was released, fans immediately took it and started uploading their twerking attempts - which Mad Decent decided to run a comp with.

Though Diplo's influence - who I credit to really getting the movement up and running - has been around since mid last year; there seems to be an increase of twerkers, twerking and twerk related material. Everyone from Major Lazer to Jay-Z have commented on this new pop culture phenomenon. Though largely centered around hip hop music, twerking has made it into mainstream pop music, thanks to the one and only Miley Cyrus with her newest single "We Cant Stop" where she can be seen twerking to her own music. Despite it's overtly sexual context, the dance movement doesn't seem to be offending mass society and therefor it continues to grow. I honesty think this is due to how physically difficult it can be to #twerk and still look good.

2013 - The year the world learned to twerk.

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I'M KIND OF JEALOUS OF A 5 YEAR OLD.

There aren't many instances where I find myself looking up to toddlers. Although there are some rare instances where I feel that they might just have it better than I did when I was their age / do.

Chloe Clancy is only one of the examples I have. (The other that comes fresh to mind is of course Aila Wang, quite possibly one of the most well dressed toddlers out there). Who is Chloe Clancy? She is the daughter or Christopher and Kelly Clancy - proud managers of the Odd Future crew. Since discovering this bad ass, I am totally in love with her. She is both adorable and super cool with a fashion sense to match her environment and cultural prowess. When not hanging out with some of hip hop's best new talent, she spends her day helping out her parents help manage and promote aforementioned talented crew. Gurllllll you got it good.

I wonder if she needs a baby sitter. Where can I submit my interest?


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NEWMUSICMONDAY: CHRIS BROWN, ANCIENT AUSTRONAUGHTS, MAX FROST & TYLER, THE CREATOR

Happy Monday lovely people! How ya been?
Weather here has been ridiculous but at the same time it has cooled down a little allowing for my favourite season to trickle through; Autumn. Layers anyone?? Can't wait!!! On to some new music lovely people!

1. FINE CHINA - CHRIS BROWN

Synonomous with Rihana abuser, Chris Brown has been followed closely by hate, conroversy and just plain bad news. But instead fading away into obsecurity, a more heavily tattooed and stylish Chris Brown shows the world that he can most definitely bounce back with Rihanna in tow. I actually really like this song. Its pop-licious but has a great beat and musical parts to it which I can see many people jamming to. CB might have just turned a whole new corner with this one. Won't go as far as saying that he can or has redeem himself with the new single - but certainly is taking the right steps in moving forward and continuing with his music - 'cause one thing no one can take away from Chris Brown is his ridiculous talent as a singer and entertainer. 

2. BREAK MY HEART IN 2 - ANCIENT ASTRONAUTS

I love me a good instrumental slash sample song and alongside people like RJD2 and Wax Tailor, I am now going to add Ancient Astronauts to my chill out playlists. And how could I not enjoy this, the first couple of minutes of the song is pure horn sections - hell yes! It's easy to listen to but still interesting so that you don't lose sight at how beautifully Ancient Astronauts have mixed layers of sounds and sampling together to produce a beautifully curated single. They can break my heart anyway with sounds like this. Bring on some more!

>> Facebook

3. NICE AND SLOW - MAX FROST

How freaking sweet is this song. Its so pretty! And hellooooo killer voice! No surprises here that it's from Austin musician; Max Frost. Frost has most certainly graced the pages of A&D, for that earlier post, click here. He's a multi-instrumentalist with a voice that could melt butter. So nothing else to add here - just click play and sit back to enjoy.

>> Facebook

4. IFHY - TYLER, THE CREATOR FT PHARRELL

Yep. Still obsessed with Tyler, The Creator's newest album; Wolf. Since writing this piece a couple of weeks ago, I have been listening to this album non stop - and I mean non stop to the point where I haven't seeked out new stuff. There are many track on that album that I would all a favourite, but at the moment IFHY is a must-hear for me which I try and impose on everyone. Some amazing word play and rhymes in this track - "Its that my mood change for you like these goddamn seasons; I fall for you" - Tyler gets emotional and very expressive. The intro draws you in compelling to hear more, at then BAM! at minute 0.50 it drops and its the killer beat and production skill that carries the song. And then soulful sounds of Pharrell bleeds through and takes the track to a whole new level of soft grunge pretty Odd Future track similar to something you would hear from Frank Ocean or The Internet. Like I said, obsessed.

Hope you enjoyed, leave me a comment below on what you thought of the week's picks!

xoxo

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TYLER, THE CREATOR: WOLF

I have only just started playing the full stream of Tyler's newest album; Wolf (out officially April 2) and it is just so good! The album was prematurely released for streaming on the Odd Future SoundCloud page. And whilst the production value and sounds have matured and evolved, Tyler's signature self deprecating and humorous raps have stayed. Since the release of the single. Domo 23, I have been in high anticipation of this album and so far it has not disappointing! Boasting collaboration of the likes Pharrel, Erykah Badu and of course other Odd Future members like Frank Ocean and Hodgy - Wolf is dynamic, powerful and flows very smoothly - making it such easy listening! So what you waiting for? Click here to listen to the full set and let me know what you think! 

Story via Hypetrack.

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WHEN I KNEW I WAS INTO FASHION...

I have been toying with this topic for quite some time now. I have had long and meaningful conversations with people I look up to and admire in our community about this. Discussing with them about the topic of when they first thought they were into style and looking good. With a lot of the people I have met, they wouldn't necessarily have considered themselves to be "into fashion". But I would disagree, I believe that if you have taken the time to think about how you get dressed in the morning - no matter where you're going; work, school, running errands or even to the gym, if you make conscious decisions about how you want to reflect yourself to society, I believe that you care about style and how you choose to portray yourself to society.

RIP GOOGLE READER

Ahhh yes. It truly is the end of an era. Google Reader is shutting its doors to a world of blog and website subscription. Kind of annoyed by the news as I love my Google Reader to catch up on my blog roll, but at the same time excited to get back on to Bloglovin. And that is exactly where you will find A&D listed too :)

Bloglovin even have made it easy to transfer your blog roll on to theirs.

And if you are also a fellow blogger 1) Make sure you have registered your blog on Bloglovin and 2) Leave me the link to your Bloglovin below!  

So make sure you say your peace with Google Reader and switch over to (my preferred method of catching up on blogs) Bloglovin. Follow Amped & Dangerous on Bloglovin by clicking here.

xxx

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DIY CPR: SAVING MY DENIM JACKET

Excuse my grotesque thumb here. 

My hunt for the perfect denim jackets has stretched across not only time, but continents too. And I was adamant not to settle for a wash or style that I wasnt 100% happy with. And I was discriminatory - I searched for old ones and news ones in store. The one that came close was a Levi’s pair - but the boxy shape was just not working with me. But I finally found one jacket that ticked pretty much all boxes. Except for one tiny detail. This is the story of how I successfully saved one of my favourite denim pieces.

NEWMUSICMONDAY: AUSTRA, JUNIP, IGGY AZALEA & SOFT BULLETS

Howdy strangers! I know super long time since I have spoken to you all - well long time in terms of internet speak, but I'm hear with new music - so lets enjoy!

1. AUSTRA - HOME

Oh helllllll yes! I am well loving the new single from Canadian electro pop group Austra! Its so deep carried by Katie's bravado voice! And then combined with the subtle dance beats/bits, gives the song such a fresh perspective! And that violin bit! Ahhhh! Its perfect! I am very much looking forward to their new album; Olympia! 

2. JUNIP - LINE OF FIRE

Love love love this song. Its my track of the week. Its simple, folky and very melancholic. Easy listening for sure from the Swedish trio, Junip. Now, if you think you kind of recognise that (freaking!) beautiful voice - you probably do. Its the effortlessly talented Jose Gonzalez. Need I say more? No... enjoy!


3. IGGY AZALEA - WORK

I just had to. I posted a status on le Facebook when I heard the single when it premiered last week - about how I am both intrigued and confused by Iggy Azalea. I watched the video clip and straight away wrote her off as a poser; but due to my pop culture curiousity, I had to delve deeper and started watching interviews and researching it on wiki. And to my amazement found out that she is Australian! How crazy. All that aside, I am still 50/50 about "Work".  There is no doubt that she can spit, but I have never been of that dirrrrrty south rap, so I can;t completely get down with it. What I do like though that "Work.. Work..Work.." hook. Its pure lo-fi dance goodness. So undecided about the whole thing - isn't one Azalea enough? What do you think?

4. SOFT BULLETS - POSTERITY

Its beautifully soft and has some killer hooks and turns making it the best "no thinking" music I think. Whether you're out running or just doing some laundry, this is the kind of track you would want to be jamming to! Soft Bullets new single is produced by the talented David Kosten (Everything Everything & Bat For Lashes) so it;s a no-brainer that I am into it. If you dig this - you will definitely love their other track; Another Chance!

And that's all from me folks. What do you think of this week's picks?
Any additions of your own??? xx

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FASHION NIGHT OUT US 2013 - HOLD THAT THOUGHT

Some pretty cray cray news came through this morning. Official partners and organisers of illustrious fashion street party; Fashion Night Out, have officially announced that the event will not be happening in the US this year. A country wide event that usually kicks off the NY Spring/Summer Fashion Week takes to the bench, with the event only running in selected international cities. 

Now, this sucks. Because I had the best time at last year's NYC Fashion Night Out event. It was great to be able to rub shoulders with bloggers, celebrities and just generally enthusiastic fashion lovers. You can read about that here and here. Organisers are hoping that by putting FNO US on hiatus, stores and brands can help save monies for more sales friendly uses (crazy...).

But this makes me think about the other "selected international" cities and whether or not they will take FULL ADVANTAGE of this situation. There are still celebrities and bloggers out there that who will want to celebrate the beginnings of a new fashion season. So, I'd be planning big and getting a budget together to get the party happening in said cities. Imagine what a game changer it would be for such a globalised fashion industry (in which we operate in) if you could help take focus away from NY and highlight your own city during such an important time in the industry and media landscape. 

Plan a huge party, get those celebrities and bloggers to you and stream live that shit across the world. Show them you can help fill the New York sized void in 2013. Hey Australia! You reading? 'Cause this was for you. 

Story via Paper Mag via WWD.


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NEWMUSICMONDAY: LONDON GRAMMAR, STEADY SUN, THEOPHILUS LONDON & 50 CENT

Hello lovely people, how are we this fine Monday?
Well more rainy and wet then fine really. In Brisbane anyway. Pretty eventful weekend on this side of the town what with Blink 182 and Soundwave making crowds go crazy. It's been great having so many out of towners who pilgrim their way to the hardcore (??) rock festival every year.

But on with new music.

1. LONDON GRAMMAR - METAL AND DUST

I told you these guys would not dissapoint with their second single. Click here for London Grammar's first single; Hey Now (which is one of my favourites!). Listen up gang, you are going to be hearing a lot from these English artists especially if you are into the likes of Florence & The Machine, CSS etc. The second single Metal & Dust has a very 90s techno vibe about - kinda what you hear in a disco tech from said era. I love it - I think it stays with their super soft and etheral sound but adds an interesting punch with the synths at the tail end. What do you think? Are we loving this new sound?

2. STEADY SUN - ACTRESS

I love a good into. And Actress by Steady Sun definitely has one of the best ones I have heard this year. The first time I heard it, I thought it was a pretty instrumental. But then vocal starts up and it just blends so beautifully into a song thats easy and interesting listening. Although, I can't do this song justice like Henry can from Audio Cred. So click that for more. I can;t wait to hear from these guys, I think this song is super chic sneak peek of a blues meets psych rock sound that I oh so love.

So, if you have enjoyed the picks so far, chances are you are probably not going to dig the next two. Haha. But if you do - YOU ARE RAD.

3. THEOPHILLUS LONDON - SNOW ANGEL FT TROUBLE ANDREW

I thought this was Lupe Fiasco when I first heard this song. So I was pretty (pleasantly?) surprised when I saw that this was Theophillus London. Its the awesome sample that has made the new one from London land in this issue's of NewMusicMonday. But other than that there is nothing else for me to add. Its a pretty obvious song I guess for this particular genre. So I am not blown away but I am also equally loving the sound. 

4. 50 CENT - WE UP FT KENDRICK LAMAR & KIDD KIDD

Now I don't really care what you have to say about having included 50 Cent in an issue of NewMusicMonday. This song is dope! I think partly thanks to the addition of Kendrick Lamar and Kidd Kidd. Its softer (I've always loved 50's voice, and this songs show its off beautifully) and much more on the wave the new kind of hip hop coming out (Wiz Khalifa/Kanye/Odd Future etc etc). It has a great hook and chorus and the verses arent bad. Its catchy and again, another easy listening track. I am pretty damn curious to hear more from 50's new album - especially if these are the kind of tracks that we can look forward too.



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GUILTY PLEASURES: THE STYLISTIC EVOLUTION OF MILEY CYRUS

Yes. It’s happening, I am discussing Miley (Destiny Hope) Cyrus fashion status. Miley’s incredibly nuanced stylistic evolution is one that intrigues me deeply. Unlike a Vanessa Hudgens or Demi Lavato, this Disney alumni’s sartorial changes happened what seemed like overnight. BAM! Haircut Maam, we have a new Miley! And I love her for it! I feel like this a moment in life we all wish we could have, to be able to reinvent ourselves almost overnight. I feel that Miley dresses for herself (something to admire in today's society), and has painstakingly carved (with help) her own signature look instead of blending into the comfort of mainstream fashion.