let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open
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Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her
JBB: An Artblog!
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@leahbatstone-blog
Sorry folks.
Hey everyone, I am closing this blog. I plan on leaving my posts here, but I am upgrading to WordPress, as I feel it is a more professional medium.
If you're still interested in reading my work, check out www.leahbatstone.com!
Thanks to everyone who followed me since I made this Tumblr page!!
The Weeknd - Echoes of Silence
The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye, born February 16, 1990) has been buzzed about significantly by bloggers since he first appeared with his album, House of Balloons, released in March 2011. House of Balloons was one of the ten albums which were shortlist nominees for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize and was number 10 on Pitchfork's Best of 2011 list. Since then, he released Thursday in August 2011 and Echoes of Silence in December 2011. With an album trilogy completed in less than a year, The Weeknd's popularity is snowballing wildly. His website even crashed when Echoes of Silence was uploaded due to mass amounts of simultaneous downloads.
Since hearing about The Weeknd in the summer, I have been a huge, delirious fan. I love edgy and unique RnB and honestly, I think The Weeknd has the best voice out of all current RnB artists. His lyrics, melodies and beats are addictive, and give me the urge to rip off my clothes and do lines of pure cocaine off a hundred dollar bill that I stole from my dad who is deeply concerned about my shenanigans (I'd never do anything like that but his music makes me imagine what that would be like). His lyrics showcase the dark side of whored-out fame, drug addiction and repetitious high/coming down sex.
Echoes of Silence was the last instalment of his trilogy, and of the three albums, it has the most mature sound, lyrical depth and neat production quality. During my first listen of the album, I was somewhat disappointed because it felt boring compared to his first two. However, Echoes of Silence is still dark, but it has a more mellow feeling. The theme has changed from "Come to my loft and let's party and fuck" to "I am famous now, you want me now, too bad". It took a while for me to like, but now I think musically, Echoes of Silence is the best album yet.
1. D.D.: Sounding like a Michael Jackson impersonator, Tesfaye soulful sings about Dirty Diana, who feeds off famous performers. The haunting bass and harmonies make this song intense, however that's The Weeknd's speciality, so that sound is expected. It is a great song to start the album with.
2. Montreal: Beginning with soft French lyrics, Montreal tells the story of the girl who could have been The Weeknd's "Lonely Star", referring back to Thursday. He admits his weakness for the girl, but she missed the chance to be his everything. This track reminds me of a journal entry. It is extremely personal and more heart felt than any of Tesfaye's songs on his previous albums.
3. Outside: I've never had a guy ask me to show him my ex's moves, but that's the context of this song. The Weeknd's basically telling a girl to forget about the other guy she is dating/her ex, and just do what feels right (spend the night with him). Even though they are both in pain, they're going to release the agony. What better way to do that then bang all night? Another haunting bass line, and I'd say this is the sexiest song on Echoes.
4. XO/The Host: A ballad to a distraught and beautiful girl, using whatever and whoever she can to find money to support her multiple addictions (shopping, cocaine, special k, drinking, weed). The Weeknd explains to this girl (who has a goddess figure) that she is welcome to stay with him whenever needed. This track is one of my favourite's, however there's something about the chorus, where The Weeknd sings "X... O..." that I dislike. However I can't put my finger on it. This song ends with an introduction to the next track, Initiation.
5. Initiation: This song is unlike any RnB I have heard before. The pitch fluctuates and Tesfaye's voice goes from chipmunk to demon, representing getting high and coming down. He tells a girl that to be part of his crew, she must be initiated by getting involved in some kind of gang-bang-snorting-line-sexual-fest. It's eery and somewhat sad to listen to, but sounds like a twisted masterpiece nevertheless.
6. Same Old Song: Although my friends all seem to love this song, I feel it is one of the weaker ones. I can never listen to it the whole way through. I find the vocals somewhat whiney, and there is nothing about the song that strikes me as uninteresting. That is all.
7. The Fall: Singing to a stripper, about his fame, blowing money, and having nothing to lose, because he knows what it feels like to have nothing. Lyrically, this song is one of the top three, but the beat and melody are not unique. It sounds like just another Weeknd song. After listening a bit more, I have grown to like it, yet the amazing lyrics aren't enough to hold my attention to listen entirely.
8. Next: This is a beautifully sad track, singing about how girls flock to The Weeknd now that he is famous, but he isn't interested in that nonsense anymore. This song truly showcases the maturity of The Weeknd since his first album. Yes, a year ago he was popping crap drugs to get high for fun, but now he's got a girl and is focused on the music. Something about this song is very sad and lonely sounding.
9. Echoes Of Silence: Best for last of course. This song lets Tesfaye's voice overpower the piano, and he sounds so fragile. It summarizes the entire album, the desprete drug use, the strippers, the initiation, the pull between maturity and youthful fame excess. What blows me away is that The Weeknd is only 21, yet he is at the same artistry level as someone who has been writing and singing for twice as long as he.
Overall, I love this album, and I think anyone who enjoys RnB, rap, or even pop music should download it for free off his website. This guy has a big future and I can't wait to see what he comes out with next.
Stay golden,
Leah
Trend spotted: Ocean inspiration.
When browsing through fashion trends of Spring 2012, it appeared to me that this seasons styles are lacking inspiration and flair. In my opinion, a lot of pieces seen on Spring runways were missing something fresh and daring. However, there is one trend that I picked up on and couldn't wait to share. Maybe it'll take off, maybe it's just a blip on the huge spectrum of human fashion. Nevertheless, I hope it catches on.
AQUATIC & MARINE FASHION
I first noticed this trend during the 2011 Victoria's Secret fashion show when Miranda Kerr rocked the massive seashell lingerie piece. It looked stunning, but of course, anything looks fabulous when it's thrown on Miranda Kerr.
Two other designers emulating the marine theme are Alexander McQueen, with a romper mimicking the colour and texture of coral...
...and Chanel, who featured models sporting outfits resembling subtle white-capped wave textures, sea foam colours, and pearl-like shimmer. Chanel also had Florence Welsh perform at the show inside of an enlarged clam shell. How much more marine inspired can you get?
Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Sofia Vergara have also been seen rocking ocean themed outfits. Lawrence wore a dress to the People's Choice Awards that was obviously meant to sweep her fans away. Vergara's dress for the Golden Globes is more discrete than Lawrence's yet she still embodies the appearance of a deep-water mermaid.
For people who can't afford the unreal price of designer outfits, there are not many stores as far as I've seen that are picking up on this trend. Forever 21 is carrying a new collection of nautical themed tops that correspond nicely with red, blue, or white pieces. Unfortunately, the collection is so blatantly nautical, it doesn't fit exactly with what the designers are doing, which is more mystical and elegant than anchors and stripes.
Zara and H&M have some items in their new collections that are sea foam green, and GoJane.com is carrying some frilly dresses that are similar to the Chanel look. For accessories, Etsy.com is a great place to find unique jewelry and pieces. Here's a link to "ocean" items on Etsy.
I believe this trend is either too new for stores to have picked up on it yet, or it isn't sellable to a mass market. Either way, aquatic colours, patterns and textures are beautiful for Spring, and I look forward to seeing more of this look.
If anyone out there has an outfit inspired by this theme, submit a picture to me! I'd love to see it. Also, if anyone has feedback on this blog post, it is my first fashion post so I would like to know what you think.
Stay golden,
Leah
Her name is Glenda.
She has the ability to move freely, like no person I have seen before. The petite dancer twitches turns swirls jerks glides swims soulful steps bounces rhythmic motion elegantly as if not a manwoman in the world can see her breathe. Her whole being embodies what it means to be yourself, no matter who is around.
The band plays a classic tune - something by the Beatles, perhaps - and she comes to life. A kick-drum boldly controls her hips, a hi-hat toe tap beat. Guitar riffs and she dips and flails and does hypnosis arm movements that could have only been practised a million times before. Bass line rocks her torso, and she sways and swings to the melodies, nature-like.
She appears some nights at the country club, where blue grass and folk jigs get her howdy-dowdy partner tossing round and round they go. Other nights, she's at the irish pub, getting high to the rock band. Always in by the music, I never see her speak to a soul. She comes. She dances. She leaves. And never once does she ever look insecure or unsure. Her confidence is soaring while her classical training in ballet/hip-hop/jazz/interpretive dance shines through her fingers and feet. Her movement is something you'd do in your bedroom (alone), yet everyone stares at her, for they can not take their eyes away from such a free human, doing what feels right, rather than worrying about the rest of the world. I admire her so much.
Back into it.
The winter semester is about to begin tomorrow, and I am quite nervous. I got back to Montreal this morning, and so far I have made a mess in my apartment, set off my smoke alarm three times and got threatened by a random woman on the street. No place like home, as they say.
I am going to try to write consistently while I'm here. I am not sure what exactly I should blog about but I think my next post will be about the Six People You See In The Mall Around Christmas (from an employees point of view). Yup. That's about it.
WHY.
Why do I lash out at the people I care about? And why am I such a insecure baby? SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME. Because it's driving me nuts and I can't deal with this. I am sabotaging my own relationship without realizing. I NEED HELP.
Good morning world.
I should be studying right now but can't bring myself to do it.
I have one week left in Montreal until I head home for the holidays. The excitement is hard to contain, honestly. My friends, family, puppy, and boyfriend, have been on my wish list for a while. I miss the comfort and security of my hometown. Montreal is fantastic, but I'm an East coast girl at heart, always.
Once these academic stresses are complete, my life will be at ease. I have a Canadian Politics exam on Friday, and a feature story on The Wheel Club due on Thursday. I need to get my shit together!! I haven't really started working on either. Wah.
Funny story: Last night I went to an ugly Christmas sweater party. I wore a sweater I like. It's red and knitted and not ugly at all. I just bought it at American Eagle this season. Anyway, in the elevator, a guy told me it was perfect for the party, as it was very ugly. Seriously dude? Who the hell are you to give me fashion advice? Go back to your room in residence and play with yourself until you cry tears of loneliness. Jerk.
Justin Bieber CD review.
It’s no surprise pop sensation Justin Bieber followed the path of his sugary music-making predecessors, like the Jackson 5 and N’SYNC, and released a Christmas album. It was strategic for Bieber to use Mistletoe as a showcase for his new voice and rap skills. However, if he actually has any rap skills is still up for debate. On Mistletoe, Bieber includes a combination of original songs, which are annoyingly catchy, and classics with his own spin. The one classic song that got completely butchered was “Drummer Boy” featuring Busta Rhymes. Bieber spits some lines about how HE is the drummer boy, and Busta might rap about Christmas but it was totally incoherent. That song was a mistake, but the rest of Mistletoe is well done. “Silent Night” and “The Christmas Song” with Usher, present Biebers real talent while staying true to the classic Christmas style. The production of every song on the album is excellent; however, buy Mistletoe if you’re under 18 or a Bieber fan.
Trial Track: “Home This Christmas” ft. The Band Perry
7.0/10
The wheel club.
Tonight I am venturing to The Wheel Club.
It is located on the corner of Cavendish and Sherbrooke. I am quite excited to attend the festivities at this location, as I have heard wonderful things about it and would enjoy to experience it all for myself.
I am four Poppers deep and ready to rock out to some classic country and folk music like my name is June Carter.
Let's roll.
Jelly-fish, jellyfish.
Saw this picture and had to laugh. Is it bad that I get a kick out of creative insults? I admire people who come up with an original or silly way of saying "you're rude" or "you're a pushover." Perhaps this is just because i enjoy seeing people use words creatively.
To go off on a tangent, I've never thought of myself as good with words. As a child, I wrote stories daily. Even through junior high and high school, I was writing stories, poems, prose, letters, anything. As I got older, Istuck to writing in my journal. The entries in my journal were descriptive and slightly poetic, almost like a song. I grew out of that as well.
I wish I still wrote in my journal. Maybe then I wouldn't feel so insecure about writing in general. Hopefully this blog helps me get better at writing. Considering I want to be a journalist, it's something I should probably spend more time on.
Anyway, to bring this back around, I saw this picture, and it made me laugh. Jellyfish are cute.
Newfoundland rockers bring new sound to montreal and beyond.
Hey Rosetta! hail from St. John’s, Newfoundland and have become a main contender on the Canadian music scene since the release of their first album Plan Your Escape back in 2006. Three albums and three EPs later, Hey Rosetta! is touring across Canada and the United States, playing sold out shows, and even being nominated twice for the prestigious Polaris Prize. And it’s no wonder, Hey Rosetta! has a unique sound. Their songs, mostly written by lead vocalist Tim Baker, have poetic lyrics, perfectly layered instruments, and dramatic volume changes. Every song has a feel good, stuck-in-your-head rhythm and they consistently maintain authenticity, rather than being overproduced or flashy. They’ve always stayed true to their original sound. The band’s growth has continued to stem from their latest album, Seeds, (which actually includes seeds that can be planted within the cover booklet). There were high expectations for Seeds after the success of their second album Into Your Lungs (and around in your heart and on through your blood), released in 2008, and those expectations were surpassed. “The album is still us but it’s different from the other ones in the sense that we had more time. In the past, when we’ve gone to record, everything’s been planned and we’d walk into the studio, record it and walk out. For Seeds, we weren’t as well arranged when recording so there was more experimentation going on in the studio. We never had the chance to do that before,” said bassist Josh Ward, who is ecstatic about the way the album turned out. Big wig producer Tony Doogan, who has worked with Belle and Sebastian, stepped up to produce Seeds at Sonic Temple in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and brought his distinctive style to the table. Even when the main studio tracking room was occupied, Hey Rosetta! wouldn’t rest. “We could go and record tons of weird stuff [in the smaller studio],” said Ward. “We had Phil hitting a toaster with a hammer. A lot of that stuff did end up on the record; it was mixed in a little more subtly. We had a lot of time and freedom to do that so it was pretty fun for us.” Hey Rosetta!’s sound and music videos are unique, yet consistently simple and interesting. The video for “Bandages” was recorded around St. John’s, Newfoundland and uses the original audio and acoustics from each location, which creates an intriguingly modest video. A new video was recently filmed in Vancouver for the song “New Sum (Nous Sommes).” After their current tour draws to a close, Hey Rosetta! will be heading south of the border, to the east coast of the US. Although the crowds are significantly smaller in the States, the band is starting to gain momentum, especially in the south. They also played to a sold out show in Chicago earlier this month. Ward said the band is being pushed hard in the US, and this is only the beginning for Hey Rosetta!’s growth there. They recently signed a record deal with the American company ATO Records, so an album under that label is in the works, and they’re hoping it will be released in 2012. Even though they spend seven months together on the road, fighting sickness, fatigue and frustration side-by-side, the sextet try not to let it get to them. “We all get along really well. It’s actually pretty good. It’s a good collection of friends that you get to hang out with all the time,” said Ward. “With that, there are difficulties with being away from home all the time as well. I’m really looking forward to getting home for a bit.”
this is pretty.
the student protests in montreal.
Drunk on love.
I find it really interesting that Rihanna sampled the XX's song Intro in her song, Drunk On Love. If you search for the XX on YouTube, their most viewed video is Intro. It seems like a random choice on Rihanna's part. I am a fan of both songs though. Maybe give it a listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waGkmPv_NSo&ob=av2e
Overall, her album is okay. I pre-ordered it because We Found Love was such a hot song, I expected the whole album to be fantastic. Some songs do stand out, like Where Have You Been, Birthday Cake, and Fool In Love.
I feel like Rihanna has gotten to the point in her career where she should be pushing her limits with every song. Many of her songs sound similar. Her vocals are also somewhat strained on her tracks. I think the hype for this album wasn't there, and neither is her unique creativity. She should be making songs that shock people, not ones that all sound the same.
my thoughts on the protest on november tenth in montreal.
