They Don't Know That We Are The Media

I love love love Amanda Palmer. Dresden Dolls have their own capacious corner within my mental musical landscape, and her solo stuff is similarly bad ass. This song has been in my head all day, and seeing as it addresses a style / personal grooming issue, I thought I'd post the video here.

Yay! So good! Not the most sophisticated analysis of the issue I've ever come across, but it's certainly bold. Plus, those merkins are full-on works of art. 

Give Me Athena, There's No Meaner

Just a quick post in praise of super-group Wild Flag, who remind me of some of the best and most passionate riot-grrrl loves of my youth. This is due in no small part to the presence of Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss of Sleater-Kinney, upon whom I once inflicted myself at a London gig. I was very, very gushy, and they were clearly highly uncomfortable and keen to be left alone. Wise, wise women.

Wild Flag - Romance from Merge Records on Vimeo.

I still have a signed Sleater-Kinney vinyl sleeve tacked up inside one of my cupboard doors, so that I can admire the ladies looking fine in Oregon-appropriate knitwear any time I want. Man, I used to make a real effort to dress as if I was on the 'You're No Rock and Roll Fun' single cover back in the day - hooded duffel coats, striped scarves, and knitted hats a-go-go. It is so nice when your icons (and their personal and musical styles) stand the test of time.

Hurray for Wild Flag, then! Long may they rock!

Whoever Said Times Tables Can't Be Hip?

This is a very cool little video. Each of the participants looks as if they've been dropped in from a street style blog, and it still feels fresh even though it was released back in 2009. Plus, it's catchy! Good job, The Phenomenal Handclap Band!