So this is my version of a very well known Kurt ensemble. I don't know why I made this... boredom if anything. Stupid Sundays. I'm pretty sure making a fashion icon of Kurt is going against everything he believed in... whatever. If I had money I would bag this straight away. Stupid college raping my purse.
I've been in a really odd I'm-an angry-19-year-old mood the past few weeks. Maybe it's due to the autumn weather or something. Of course it's obvious that I'm a bit late for the whole angsty teen thing, I mean I do know that. It's possible that it could be due to the fact that I have a mere 5 months of teenagerdom. It could well be a subconscious retaliation on my inevitable aging, whatever, I'll spare everyone the details of my abnormal anxieties. So here's Steph Funk's list of Autumny, angsty, angry and plain old fashioned depressing as fuck songs from the 80's and 90's. These songs have made us rage in our underwear, they've made us draw big angry black abyss circles in our teenage diary's, they have even lead us to curling up in the fetal position on our Ikea beds. I want to share them with you, god knows why... and tell you a little bit about what makes them great and super depressing.
Teenage Riot -Sonic Youth
Song: Teenage Riot Band: Sonic Youth Album: Daydream Nation (1988)
It was definitely tough to choose from which dirty, distorted Sonic Youth number to pick. Teenage Riot is kind of an odd song for Sonic Youth. It's pretty clean in comparison to their other songs. Particularly stuff on their earlier albums. But it's still got a grunged up punk feel to it. Personally I love Goo and Dirty boots, both of which are kind of "fuck you" songs. However I think even the slightly cleaner guitar and vocals in Teenage Riot definitely do something to me, boil my blood or get me all riled up. If I listen to it on the way to college I get really pumped. I don't know about what really. Hearing Kim Gordon say "Say it don't spray it" and "We will fall", which is a reference to rock/punk legends The Stooges, another favourite band of mine, it's just brilliant. The introduction, her spoken word bit makes the song in my eyes. Or ears.
I don't know what the song is about. I've listened to it and kind of made my own interpretations in the past, after a little research I found out that I was way off. Byron Coley apparently said that it's based on a the band appointing J Mascis as their "de facto alternative dream president". Which is kind of weird.
Even though this lyric is more than likely something to do with J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.), "Teenage riot in a public station, gonna fight tear it up in hypernation for you." That doesn't mean that I won't enjoy the messed up beauty of the song anyway.
Today is depressing because despite what you might think on hearing and not listening the lyrics seem pretty upbeat, right? It's playing and you're singing along "Today is the greatest, day I've ever known." That's all lovely, Billy Corgan, the song writer, is having a lovely old time. In the video he's having a great time in that run away ice-cream truck. Then the song continues, "Can't live for tomorrow, tomorrow's much too long. I'll burn my eyes out, before I get out." After a few minutes of lyrics about regret and self mutilation in the form of pink ribbon scars you realise that the only reason Billy thought that today was beautiful is because it's his last. And it clicks that even with that cool little guitar riff the song is about suicide. He thinks that tomorrow's a waste of time. He reckons he's bruised and restrained and needs some angel wings to cleanse his regrets. So there you go a song about suicide that I saw on somebody's blog (not going to name names) in a "My favourite Summer songs post". That poor girl, fooled by Corgan's lyrical trickery that make us think it might be a happy enough tune.
In Guitar World 1995 Corgan said "When I added the opening riff, it completely changed the character of the song. Suddenly, I had a song that was starting out quiet and then got very loud" Good thinking Billy you bald bastard, you had us all fooled.
Disorder -Joy Division
Song: Disorder Band: Joy Division Album: Unknown Pleasures (1979)
Disorder is great for so many reasons. It goes something like this: drum beat for a few seconds, excellent bass riff kicks in, a little distorted guitar kicks in for another few seconds. Just when you thought the song was brilliant enough and it couldn't get any better than the melody you're hearing Ian Muthafuckin Curtis begins to sing. His trademark voice, deep and sad. The lyrics are brilliant, like most of Joy Division's songs they tell a story. Ian Curtis was certainly a man with a story to tell. He tells his own story most of the time. A socially awkward man who doesn't know how to deal with people or relationships. "I've been waiting for a guide to come and take me by the hand. Could these sensations make me feel the pleasures of a normal man?" This kind of tells us that he doesn't believe he feels what other people do, that he doesn't get the same pleasures out of living or whatever.
It was no secret that he had to deal with epilepsy and he had a fit at a gig or two. Ian Curtis took his own life in 1980, suffering with depression and the curse of a brilliant, poetic mind. The song could be about a lot of things, there were a lot of things going on in Curtis's life. Personally I reckon it might be about generally being defective and the chaos that comes with epilepsy. Basically the song is about disorder and I think everyone can relate to that. Anyway, here's some lyrics from the song. Some of my favourite lyrics ever:
"It's getting faster, moving faster now, it's getting out of hand. On the tenth floor, down the back stairs, it's a no man's land. Lights are flashing, cars are crashing, getting frequent now. I've got the spirit, lose the feeling, let it out somehow"
Story of an Artist -Daniel Johnston
Song: Story of an Artist Band: Daniel D. Johnston Album: Don't Be Scared Cassette (1985)
First off, this video is really cool. There is no official video for the song so this has been made by someone in youtube land with footage from the documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston. Which is all kinds of awesome and is responsible for my personal discovery of this man and his music. There's a lot of sadness in this song. Daniel Johnston suffers with bi-polar disorder, which has been a problem throughout his life. For those of you who don't know, he's the guy who shoved an old woman out a window.
Daniel Johnston despite his illness, is a lyrical genius. He's a big fat man who is sad and lost and writes beautiful lyrics. He has an incredible and very unusual voice. The song, despite it's quiet, slow piano and strange vocals is another classic "fuck you" song. It's basically saying to all those people who don't take him or artists in general seriously, you know shut up, you don't get it. One of the first lyrics you hear is "Some would try for fame and glory, others aren't so bold." Which makes you a little sad for him and maybe it reflects on a small part of yourself. People are judging him which also relates to you in some way. "Why are you so odd?" They ask. Then he goes on to explain how the best things in life are free and he says to all the haters; "You've got me wrong, says he. The sun don't shine in your TV." and you realise that he's kind of just doing what he loves despite what everyone else thinks. And even though Daniel D Johnston isn't a grunger or a punk, the spirit is there, that free spirit. The lyrics from the begging of the song are altered slightly for the last line; "Listen up and I'll tell a story
About an artist growing old. Some would try for fame and glory. Others just like to watch the world."
It's a happy song in a way, a kind of follow your heart song but it's sad too. It's sad that people judge and nobody understands him or you or whoever listens to the song and is reminded of themselves. It kind of does the opposite of Smashing Pumpkins Today, you think it's full of sorrow but then bam, he's fine with it.
The Stooges -I Wanna Be Your Dog
Song: I Wanna Be Your Dog Band: The Stooges Album: The Stooges (1969)
I love this song. It came out in 1969 and it sounds like something from the 1980's. It's rough, it's heavy and I love it. The key elements of the song are the very simple 3 chord guitar riff, Iggy's spectacular voice and the chilling sound of one piano note being pounded throughout the song. The song is probably one of The Stooges best known. It's simple, short and has no particularly memorable lyrics yet it's been covered by some of the greatest artists on the past few decades. The long list includes Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Slayer, RCHP and Sonic Youth.
Even though the lyrics are kind of left to be interpreted by the listener they can really only be about two things;
The obvious, raw sex. Which is what is insinuated in these lyrics; "So messed up, I want you here. In my room, I want you here. Now we're gonna be face to face and I lay right down in my favorite place." Some have even suggested that this part is about his desire to have sex with another dude. Whatever it was it was definitely some kind of sex.
There's also a more symbolic way of interpreting the lyrics. There is certainly a sense of self hatred that can be picked up by the key lyrics. "And now I wanna be your dog." This could be symbolic of Iggy's submission and his sense of self worth at the time of writing.
Despite the questionable lyrics and very simple song construction it is one of the greatest songs in rock and punk history. I can't really say much else about this song other than it fucking rocks.
Hey everyone! So firstly apologies for the crap quality webcam picture. I'm actually in bed about to go asleep so that I can attempt to roll out of bed and into college tomorrow morning. I'm sure that's obvious from my un-brushed hair and my bed time Pixies t-shirt. I wanted to share my little memento from my first few nights in the new house.
I've moved into my new house with two very old friends and two new-ish friends. My room is finally cosy and kitted out. I'm just waiting on my guitar to arrive from my "home" home. Tomorrow is day 3 of my photo-journalism course. So far it's pretty awesome and I hope by the time I finish in May I'll have 8 shiny distinctions and a place in Edinburgh or London!
It's a busy week with loads of freshers events on. Last night we went to Panti Bar, a really cool gay bar in town. There was a free stand up comedy and improv show. It was three quid pints of Fosters which wasn't bad. I had two and that was that, I decided I'd rather buy shampoo and conditioner than an extra drink.
Next on the agenda is another comedy show in my flatmate's college NUIM. We're going to see the live show of Hardy Bucks. Something that can only be appreciated by the Irish.
After that is Sunday, when I will be visiting the Dublin Flea Market where I hope to get a stand selling my home made canvas mirror things and my vintage clothing plus a short stop by the clothing swap meet in Shebeen Chic. (George's Street)
I'll also be dropping off a tattoo design soon and inquiring about having my ears stretched a little. I'll keep posted about my dull adventures anyway!
I'll be replying to any comments and emails that I've received tomorrow after college when I have a bit of time to spare! I have a little "how to be a broke student and still have an awesome time" post coming soon.
Hey everyone, I got a package full of beautiful vintage clothing yesterday. Including two rare items, one from the 1950's! I also picked up some pretty items from a thrift shop. I'm so excited about them and they're really beautiful. It's going to be hard to say goodbye but here they are none the less. If you see anything you like I can be contacted here stephfunk19@hotmail.com
Rare 1950's Vintage Bed-jacket
Price: €25
The first item is my favourite. A beautiful, rare 1950's bed jacket. It feels really light and silky. I think I'll shed a tear when someone purchases this little gem. The lace detail on the collar and sleeves plus the pink ribbon really make it stand out from the other items I found. Because it's very old there isn't a size on it but it fits me a UK size 12 and looks good on Roybn (below) a UK size 8.
Thrifted 80's style Denim Jacket
Price: €12
The next item for sale is a thrifted denim jacket. I found this in a charity shop not far from my house. I really like it, it's kind of 80's and is very versatile. It could be grunged up or worn with a pretty dress. Good with your woolies in the winter and great with shorts in the Summer. UK size 10.
Rare Vintage Martini Bag
Price: €20
This rare vintage Martini bag was probably once used as a ladies shopping bag back in the day. Now makes a really pretty bag for college or just a day slurping cinnamon coffee in Starbucks.
Thrifted Floral Pattern Dress
Price: €12
This floral dress was found in the same charity shop as the denim jacket. I had a lucky run in that shop! It's from H&M and is good as new. I probably would have kept it for myself bar the fact that it's too small for
me! It's a UK size 10.
Vintage Rope Pattern Knit Cardigan
Price: €20
This vintage cardi is really great for autumn and winter. It's perfect for layering and it's really cosy for moseying about town on an autumn morning. Think crunchy leaves and, great winter boots and cute skinny jeans. It's about a UK size 12.
Vintage Floral Pattern Culottes
Price: €18
These vintage culottes are really bold and colourful. It takes a brave woman to pull these off right but when you do they look amazing. Personally items like these are my favourite find in vintage clothes stores because I know it's original, whacky and I'm definitely not going to turn up at a party wearing the same thing as 5 other people. They say "Made in Britain 14" on the label but I'm a 12 and it was a tight fit around the waist. They were slightly loose on Robyn as you can see in the photo and again she's a UK 8.
Vintage Knitted Waistcoat
Price: €20
This waistcoat is very similar in colour to the vintage cardigan has really nice detail and it great for both autumn and Summer. Because it can be layered or worn with Summer attire it's very versatile. It's one of my favourite vintage items.
Ok well that's about it for today. I'll be posting some vintage sweetheart scarves in the next day or too and there are some awesome statement rings to come the following week! Anyhoo thanks to my little sister for modelling. Some of you might know her as Indie Star and she can be found here.
I just wanted to dedicate a post to Courtney Love. I'm eating a Milky Bar yogurt and watching Courtney Love behind the music. Shedding a tear as I type. Damn you MTV!
It doesn't matter how much bad press she gets, the 14 year old grunger in me still thinks that she's awesome. She's a punk ass bitch and I love her. :)
Here are some pictures from my favourite moments at Electric Picnic. I was having too much fun to bother taking snaps for most of the weekend but I think I got a few good ones!
Adam on the giant recycled bicycle. He was so happy.
Aoife and myself, I have a feeling this was one of the first days. We look too normal.
The lead singer of the band Foals, who I love. It took us ages but we squished to the front and rocked out with a guy wearing a lampshade.
This was an old fashioned swing set that we paid a mere fiver for. It was SO worth it though. One guy passed out got swung around for a good 10 minutes before anyone realised...
Adam hanging out in Body and Soul. Such a great place, the fountain, the swings, the art, the cafes. Everything in the Body and Soul area was perfect.
A really cool tree I found on my wanders through the arena.
Everyone chilling on Saturday afternoon. Hitting the booze again to rid of those nasty hangovers. There really is nothing worse than a festival hangover. It's like a normal one heightened by the heat of your tent, the constant noise, the lack of running water and normality in general.
Friday, September 10, 2010
I know that it's been ages since I've posted anything but here's a quick update of everything that's been going on in Stephland:
Firstly, I got my place in Marino studying Journalism with Photography. I've been looking at universities abroad like Edinburgh, Toronto and London. (I really couldn't take another year in Ireland) I know that even if I did somehow get a place on some of the courses I want I probably couldn't afford to go anyway. A girl can always dream.
Other than that I've packed my stuff and hopefully I'll be moving to Dublin soon to live with my awesome friends. This college year is looking very promising. It's possible that I will be spending every Thursday night in Fibbers and countless mornings drinking tea and watching re-runs of Come Dine With Me.
This year is also going to be kind of tough. I've done 2 PLC courses already and got ok grades but if I want to get a really fantastic course for 2011 I really have to work my ass off an exceed my usual standards. I guess being 19 and living in a city with people I've known for years will make it a little harder to buckle down. It's going to be tough finding a decent balance and not getting sucked in to cheap Dub-step nights and college parties.
Since I last blogged I've been to Electric Picnic and survived another dirty festival. I wanted write a quick review of the festival. Not so much a formal review but more what I thought of it in general. It's been four days since I arrived home after the Picnic. I guess I couldn't really write about it or anything for that matter, until my brain had recovered. Everything is almost back to normal bar my voice that I abandoned in the deserted campsite along with my burst air bed.
The weekend kicked off to a great start, the sun was shining and everyone chilled on the grass in the campsite while tapping along with the distant beats of the arena.
When it came to moving around the festival was pretty well laid out, it wasn't half the trek that Oxegen was and it wasn't as comfortable as say Castlepalooza.
I drove up with my friend Jimmy, we got there on Thursday night before the campsite was open to the general public. Our friends who had been working there since that Monday had picked some pretty niffty camping spots. Very near to the arena and far enough from the revolting eco toilets.
One of the most annoying missions of any festival is bringing alcohol into the arena. The security were very thorough. At least with bag checks. Although, most of us crotched some cans and us ladies stuck sticky plastic bottles filled with mixer and cheap spirits in our bra's, armpits and tights. Inside I heard the bars were relatively expensive. Unfortunately I can't be more specific as I refuse to spend my munch money on over priced watered down beer.
Many of my friends were caught with hidden cans. Some in the back of their jeans and even one with a can sitting under his top-hat.
Other than that everything ran smoothly. None of the acts I went to see were late and very few disappointed with sound quality or set lists.
My top acts of the weekend were easily Japanese Popstars, Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip, Foals and Friendly Fires.
Sunday night was pretty crappy with buckets of rain drenching everyone. I missed massive attack and spent ages waiting out the rain in the This Is Pop Baby tent. The tent that had some pretty funny transvestites singing witty songs about having loved and lost.
Some of the most excellent features of the festival were definitely the Bingo, which was highly addictive, the Body and Soul arena for it's great chilling spots, and the random cramped but cosy cafe where lesser known bands like Attention Bebe played. The band banished the hangovers of a good 50 people with their upbeat 90's covers.
Overall it's been a pretty decent week or so and everything seems to being going pretty smoothly for me. Next on the agenda is finding a fucking job. Anyway, apologies for the badly written essay, it's 00:31 and I am nackered! Time for some sleep. :)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
“Twenty-eight days. Six hours. Forty-two minutes. Twelve seconds. That, is when the world will end.”
