Jini's Pick of the Week - Little Boots x Youth Music x Destroy Rankin

I was lucky enough to attend theYouth Music 10th Anniversary charity event just over a week ago and it didn't disappoint. In association with the Destroy Rankin exhibition at the Philips de Pury gallery in London, the main event was a Little Boots live acoustic set.

Not only were we supplied with a couple of free drinks (a rarity in London), but we were surrounded by lovely photos of some of the greatest musicians of all time (yes, especially Kylie)! The idea behind the Destroy Rankin exhibition was for the artists to "destroy" the photos taken by the reknowned photographer Ian Rankin, with great results. Check out some of the pieces in the slideshow below as well as on the website where you can find out how to purchase the book.



We were eased into the acoustic electro-pop by supporting act by The Woo!Worths, who came off more folksy without the help of a their electric beats, but enjoyable nonetheless. Then the main event of Little Boots, who lived up to her name as she sat at her piano leaving very few people in the crowd able to see the dimunitive artist (calls of "stand up so we can see you" were understandably ignored). Performing some of her hits off her fabulous debut album "Hands" with only her piano meant she was able to strip down each song to its emotional core with great effect. Ending with her brand new song "Echo", I am certain that we're going to see a lot more from this previous pick of the week artist in 2010. Special mention to FT fan Si who was able to garner a lot of attention when he held up his iPhone with a rolling electronic banner that said "Can I be your Big Boots?" which Little Boots responded to by saying "I'm not quite sure what that entails but I'm not sure I can make that kind of commitment!" Brilliant!

Here's a little video treat for those that wished that they were there:



Just to show how much synergy there is within my posts(they're not as random as you might think!), I just so happened to bump into to previous pick of the week artist Paloma Faith in the McDonalds after the gig...completely by coincidence but it definitely topped off a great night!

Youth Music is a charity that supports young artists and developing music talent in the UK.

Jini's Pick of the Week - Paloma Faith "New York"

The sudden influx of British soul singers may leave you thinking, what else is out there? Well, here's someone you can add to your collection of Amy Winehouse and Adele CDs. Paloma Faith has hit just the right note with her single "New York" and if you're tired of hearing Alicia Key's belting out New York, then this is just the song for you!

Her style also sets her apart (something even Lady Gaga would be proud of). If you want to see an example of her stand-out outfits, check out her appearance on UK cult pop quiz tv show "Never Mind the Buzzcocks" below:

Jini's Pick of the Week - "Pop Life" exhibition

There's a brand new exhibition at the Tate Modern, that's right up my alley and hence yours too, savvy Foundtrack blog reader.

Here's the fancy words from the press release to let you know what it's all about:

"Pop Life: Art in a Material World proposes a re-reading of one of the major legacies of Pop Art. The exhibition takes Andy Warhol’s notorious provocation that ‘good business is the best art’ as a starting point in reconsidering the legacy of Pop Art and the influence of the movement’s chief protagonist. Pop Life: Art in a Material World looks ahead to the various ways that artists since the 1980s have engaged with mass media and cultivated artistic personas creating their own signature 'brands'. Among the artists represented are Tracey Emin, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, Martin Kippenberger, Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince."

Just to inject some video goodness into this little art piece, here's an intro from exhibition curator, Alison Gingeras:



What do you mean you can't afford to come to London? Not one to hold that against you, here's what you can expect to see:

The exhibition runs until 17th Jan 2010 at the Tate Modern, London.

Source: The Guardian

Jini's Pick of the Week - Wish You Were Here - London x NYC

So, one or two of you may have noticed that Jini's Pick of the Week has been on summer hiatus but as with most good things (the return of Grey's Anatomy anyone?) I am back for the fall season and with a transatlantic theme to boot...

If you find yourself in London this month, then you must check out Carnaby's Newburgh Quarter (which you should do anytime of year anyway) as they've got a New York theme going on. 30 independent boutiques from the Lower East Side of NYC have set up their wares in two pop-shops in the famous Carnaby Street area. The London boutiques were in New York last month and now it's the turn of the New Yorkers to show London what it's got. With a bunch of free events, such as a block party on Oct 18th, and a New York style Halloween party on Oct 31st there's plenty to do. And they've even transported Central Perk to the area until Oct 7th in celebration of Friends' 15th Anniversary - if you can get past the long line of tourists, go grab your free cup of java...
Find out more here

Source: Carnaby.co.uk

Jini's Pick of the Week - MPHO "Box n Locks"

I cannot get enough of this new track by hot new UK artist Mpho, sampling the classic Martha & The Muffins track "Echo Beach". She's been tearing up the festivals recently, starting with her much lauded appearance at Glastonbury (check out the performance here). Her debut album Pop Art will be coming out later this year (album mini mix is available on her myspace page) but this single is due to be released July 20th - check out the video below:

Jini's Pick of the Week - Wale's "Chillin'" and MGMT's "Kids" Music Vids

Jini's POW has been on holiday the past couple of weeks, so apologies that it's taken some time to get over the jetlag and find some kickass things to rave about - so here's 2 for the price of 1!

I last heard about Wale from his guest spot on Daniel Merriweather's track - Change (a former JPOW). Signed to Mark Ronson's Allido records, Wale has been working with Ronson for a while now but is finally set to release his debut album "Attention Defecit" this summer. I'm excited to hear more hot tunes like his most recent collaboration with current pop favourite Lady Gaga (very much sounding like M.I.A) in the track " Chillin' ". Check out the video below:

Wale feat. Lady Gaga - Chillin'



If you want to hear more Wale treats, check out his mixtapes at walemusic

And now for something completely different...MGMT's album Oracular Spectacular has been kickin' around for quite some time now but they have finally released an official video to their awesome tune "Kids". Looking like something out of the David Bowie classic movie "Labyrinth", this video is sure to give you nightmares.

MGMT - Kids



Source: hypebeast

Jini's Pick of the Week - The Dream feat. Kanye West - "Walkin' on the Moon"

Here's the new video directed by the legendary Hype Williams for The Dream's new track "Walkin' on the Moon" featuring Kanye West. Much of the same glitz and bling from the hotter than hot Mr Williams, but I definitely think it's spot-on for 2009, when sci-fi is cool again! The track is hot too, and Kanye's hit the mark again with his guest rap.


Now here's an excuse for me to post one of my favourite hip-hop/RnB joints, as it was the first time I ever heard the name Hype Williams. So, sit back and enjoy the classic jam that is Notorious B.I.G's "Mo' Money Mo' Problems" feat. Puff Daddy (yep that's what he was called back then) & Ma$e.

Notorious BIG - Mo Money Mo Problem
Uploaded by Hakunamatata67 - Explore more music videos.

The Dream's new album Love vs. Money is available to buy now.

Source: Hypebeast

Jini's Pick of the Week - Karoshi Bros.

My pick of the week is a duo from Newcastle that go by the name Karoshi Bros. I heard their tune "Love the World" a while ago and instantly fell in love with it. Cute robo pop is the only way I can find to describe it, but then again I'm no music journalist! With the opening lyric "Coca-Cola is pop, Madonna is not", how can you resist?


Anyway, check out the equally cute animated video below and as a bonus their video for new tune Vive Le Difference.




Label: We Are Woodville
(Indie)

Jini's Pick of the Week - East Village Bar, London

After last week's post about a guide featuring some of London's trendiest hotspots, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to check out (and cross off) one of the bars featured in the Pimp London Guide.

Just over a year old, East Village in Shoreditch, takes its name from the trendy underground suburb in Manhattan, and incorporates an element of NYC retro-cool into its stylings and decor. Whether you want to just relax in the chilled out deco lounge or dance to hardcore house and dance music in the club below, this has something for everyone. This has to be one of the less pretentious places I've been to in a while, but you'll definitely find the punters are still a trendy bunch and staff minus the attitude that you'd expect from most trendy hotspots.




I also have to give a shoutout to the manager Peter who totally went out of his way to help us with a few issues we had, and the bartender who actually had to get my attention to serve me (when does that ever happen!) On that note - if you find yourself in London with a night out to spare, definitely hit up East Village (and don't forget to take a picture with a flamingo or two)

Source: viewlondon

Jini's Pick of the Week - Pimp London: The Guide

I can't believe I hadn't come across this before, but what a pleasure it was to find this gem whilst randomly killing time in Urban Outfitters. So what is it that could get me so excited I hear you ask - the most useful book for any visitor to London (or indeed local) - Pimp London: The Guide aka "the definitive guide to London for global style hunters". This is definitely going to blow your Lonely Planet out of the water, because this is not for you if you're looking for how to get from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben, but this is a guide to where real Londoners spend their time and hard earned cash, enjoying the best of the capital's rich and diverse culture. Featuring the best of art/culture/bars/clubs/shops in all four corners of London town.

Brought to you by the guys at pimpguides, who "publish the most luxurious free magazine on the market - a hardback collectable style and street culture title" as well as being an "artist agency [which] represents some of the world's biggest and best contemporary street artists whose work you can buy in [their] online store" and they also "throw parties, art exhibitions and music events" to boot! Phew! So you can rest assured these guys know what they're talking about.

I had a lot of fun competing with my mates to see which places we had been to and which ones we'd heard of - ah, the stories of people jumping fully clothed into the pool at The Aquarium! One of my favourite features are the interviews with London style icons and trensetters asking the question, "Someone arrives in London for only 4 hours, where do you take them?" which is a great question for any city in the world. So, come on pimp peeps, when are the LA and NYC editions coming out?

Buy it here in the UK or here if in the US.

Source: Evolving Styles/Pimpguides

Jini's Pick of the Week - Calvin Harris "I'm Not Alone"

Slightly late on this week's pick due to the lovely 4 day easter weekend - where I managed to catch both Monsters vs. Aliens 3D (well worth the free glasses...oh, you mean I'm not supposed to take those?) and Fast & Furious (silly title, brilliant sequel). However, I haven't forgotten my fans (or fan...you know who you are!) so here's a song that everyone should be listening to with the bass on high - ready for the week ahead.

Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone

Jini's Pick of the Week - We7.com

So a couple months ago, I featured the cool Spotify software that gave users access to millions of songs through a simple itunes-like program. Now here's another site that allows access to 3million + songs directly through their website www.we7.com.

This British website, was only launched a couple of years ago and is co-founded by the one and only Peter Gabriel. It's a simple concept really - they've tagged on ads to the songs which allows users free access to music, with the option to buy also, and ensures artists get paid. They also have a simple “Search, Click and Play” and a “play anywhere” service which allows blogs and websites to link to and have their users listen to music powered by WE7.

There's quite a few of these sites popping up - so let's hope that the record industry has stopped thinking that the internet is the downfall of the music industry - embrace it people!

Jini's Pick of the Week - Staying Alive gig

If you find yourself at a loose end in London this Tuesday, here's an awesome cause to support with a gig thrown in to boot. Staying Alive is MTV's global HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention campaign and they're throwing yet another fundraising event with great new music.

Head on down to Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen this Tuesday March 31st for this gig featuring the likes of Ebony Bones, Lissy Trullie, The Odd Squad & Dan Smith (with DJ sets from Plugs and Cherry Cola).

Tickets are available here for £7 or £8 on the door. Doors open 6.30pm and show starts at 8pm.

Jini's Pick of the Week - Popmorphic

With the recent news of music videos being taken off youtube in the UK, here's something fun about the future of music videos. Popmorphic is taking live performances and user interactivity to the next level. This music video player has customisable viewing controls with the power to focus on different band members and the length of clip edits. So far the site is limited to unknown indie Scottish rock bands, but is definitely exciting for music fans' viewing experience.

Check out the presentation below by their director of development:

Jini's Pick of the Week - Little Boots

I have been meaning to blog about this for ages and finally am getting round to it. So, I'm just loving Little Boots music. Pure and simple - she's putting out great new music (there's a reason why she's getting all sorts of new artist awards noms and wins) and I would def add her to one of my ones to watch for 2009.

I'll let the music speak for itself. Check out her myspace for tracks off her upcoming album and also make sure to check out her blog, download her free mixtape and visit her youtube channel (well done LB for using the internet to your max potential and keeping your fans very happy!)

Here's a couple of my favs from what I'd call her "youtube bedroom sessions":

Stuck on You (acoustic version)



Cover of Kid Cudi's "Day and Night"

Jini's Pick of the Week - Empire of the Sun

So, my latest addiction has to be the catchy tune Walking on a Dream by Empire of the Sun. A collaboration by Aussies Nick Steele frontman of The Sleepy Jackson and Nick Littlemore of Pnau (and who also used to be in Teenager with my fav Ladyhawke - I knew there was a reason I liked this band!). They've released their album (also called Walking on a Dream) in Oz and the UK and came fourth on the BBC's Sound of 2009 List.

Their sound is a definite throwback to the 80s, complete with electronic beats and drum machines, but great disco pop hooks. As can be seen from their artwork and music videos, this is more than just a band, but an epic existential adventure in music...as singer Luke Steele says about their debut album "It's kind of like a spiritual road movie."

Check out the awesome psychedelic video below, filmed in Shanghai:

Jini's Pick of the Week - Spotify.com

This week I came across this new website that helps me indulge my passion for listening to new music for free. Of course, in this day and age we're bombarded with multiple ways to discover new music from myspace to lastfm, but I really like the simple concept and design of Spotify. Launched in Sweden and now available in the UK, this software download gives the user access to millions of free and legal songs within a simple itunes-esque format. This is a great alternative to online radio stations, and can be downloaded for free with ads or ad-free for a monthly fee.

Jini's Pick of the Week - Kidrobot x Selfridges

The first time I heard about Kidrobot was when I lived back in LA and my friends had set up a myspace page for a smoking rabbit! So, now I'm glad that London is giving the bunnies some high-profile love now too! One of my favourite department stores in the whole world, Selfridges has teamed up with the Kidrobot guys to create a Kidrobot universe in Selfridges' Wonder Room concept store, complete with a store gallery and shop showcasing the brands toys, tees, hoodies and a collection of original print bags. If you want some exclusive dunnys and munnys, check it out now (or just admire the giant pink bunny in the store window as I do every night on my way home from work!)
The Kidrobot x Selfridges Store-gallery will be located at 400 Oxford Street and will operate from January 22 through February 21.



Kidrobot x Selfridges - Ye Olde English Dunny Launch Party from Kidrobot on Vimeo.

Source: hypebeast

Jini's Pick of the Week - Album artwork

Recently, I've come across a few stories about album artwork so I thought I'd combine them in a bumper pick of the week.

First up, is a new innovation in digital album art with the introduction of animated album cover art. These are being designed with the thoughts that mp3 players will soon be able to display the new format. London-based consultancy Zip Design have been on this for quite a while and late last year they designed the animated cover art for McFly's album "Radioactive" which originally went on social networking sites as a moving avatar. Let's hope that mp3 manufacturers (*cough* Apple) will come out with this capability later this year.

Next up, is a great blog dedicated to music album cover art. Sleevage aims to be "the world’s best resource for great music artwork" and try to investigate how an album cover concept came about. For instance, the post for one of the most enduring album covers of all time for Nirvana's Nevermind, talks about how originally Cobain wanted artwork featuring himself on the cover but eventually put forward his own ideas that led to the baby in the swimming pool. The baby, Spencer Elden, recently re-created the photo in the same place, Rose Bowl aquatic centre in Pasadena, CA. One of the comments on the blog post made me laugh though, "Apparently Cobain refused censorship of the image (rightly so) and his only compromise was a sticker on the baby’s appendage that read, “If you’re offended by this, you must be a closet pedophile.”"

Finally, the most amusing of this special post, is the album covers re-created entirely in Lego, featured on this Flikr page. No explanation required, but see if you can figure out some of these lego masterpieces below:



Source
Source

Jini's Pick of the Week - The Double Club

Last night, I had the opportunity to check out the latest trendy bar/restaurant/disco/art installation in Angel, London called The Double Club. The Double Club opened on 21st Nov 2008 and as the press release states, it offers "a unique approach to entertainment and hospitality, as well as creating a dialogue between Congolese and Western contemporary music, lifestyle, arts and design". It is in fact a Carsten Holler art project sponsored by the Fondazione Prada, where 50% of the club's profits go to the City of Joy charity.

As can be seen in the plan above, it is split into three rooms: the disco, courtyard bar and restaurant. Definitely the most impressive is the courtyard bar which has this great feeling of being outside indoors. My only complaint was that it took almost an hour to try and get served at the bar after 9pm, as it was packed inside by this point, and a steadily growing queue building up outside. However, the atmosphere was genuinely a relaxed and friendly one.

The food was tasty and even though it doesn't seem like much my friend and I stuffed ourselves on goat and spicy shrimps with a lovely side order of plantains and white mushy paste (aka chikwangue). We were even tempted by the cook who was bbq-ing burgers and various skewers in the corner of the bar space well into the early hours of the morning - last orders 1am!

We ended the night in the dance space, watching a live set of Congolese singer Gordon Masiala and the DJ positioned in the centre of the room on the revolving circular dancefloor. Plenty of opportunity to see people let it all go and show off their crazy dance moves to the Congolese tunes.

The place has a fantastic feel to it, with a vibe that I could probably only create on holiday in a tropical destination. Definitely worth a visit because it's only going to be around for 6 months - eat some goat while you can!