2016 in review: music

Look at me, making blog posts and not acknowledging the fact it's been radio silence from me for the past three months. Well, they've been shit anyway and I don't like to dwell on negativity. So without further ado, here's some of my favourite music from this year! I may want to leave most of 2016 behind, but these albums will accompany me into the new year as welcome friends.


Dodie - Intertwined (honourable EP mention no.1)

I've been watching dodie (aka doddleoddle) for several years, seeing her grow in confidence and popularity on youtube. Last month she finally released her first EP, and it leaves you with the exact same feeling that her videos do - it's like she's talking (or in this case singing) right in front of you, face to face. In the most powerful songs, 'Sick of Losing Soulmates' and 'When' she explores topics of mental health and modern romance with remarkable eloquence and honesty, and tops it off with gorgeous harmonies and resonant backing vocals, taking a step away from her usual minimal style. It's incredible and inspiring to see how far she's progressed; I feel as proud of her as I would of any one of my 'real life' friends. Her sense of humour and mischief also still makes an appearance in fan favourite 'I Have A Hole In My Tooth.' No matter which song you picked, it could 100% be in the background of an indie rom-com, akin to Alex Turner's sublime soundtrack for Richard Ayoade's Submarine. Short and most definitely sweet, this is a warm hug and mug of tea in musical form.

Hayley Kiyoko - Citrine (honourable EP mention no.2)

In 2016 I let go of my inhibitions and admitted to myself that it was OK to like pop music, and Hayley Kiyoko is probably the best example of that. I first discovered her through her iconic music video for 'Girls Like Girls' and fell completely in love. The song was definitely not a one-hit wonder; Citrine is a sugary, poppy delight with back-to-back singable hits. (Also still releasing incredibly enjoyable music videos for her new releases, by the way) She's doing wonders for the visibility and positive representation of both young women of colour and bisexuality/sapphic relationships; I wish people would stop being bitter about how much they hate Halsey and go listen to Hayley Kiyoko instead. She may have started off as a Disney star, but she's becoming one of the most exciting young female pop artists there is.

Lady Gaga - Joanne 

After the failings of her last full-length effort ARTPOP, it became clear that Lady Gaga needed to make some changes, and that she did in Joanne. But the most refreshing thing about this record is that it's clear all these changes were made of her own free will. This is the most personal Gaga has ever been in her music, and for a woman (in)famous for making outrageous 'statements' that is even more impressive. The record may not be her most cohesive or her most catchy, but it gives the most insight into a person who has, until now, only been seen as a soulless conduit for contemporary social issues and 'culture'. Not every song is a hit, but there's so much range of musical style on Joanne that there's bound to be a song you'll enjoy. You might find the transition between the dance-floor beats of 'Perfect Illusion' and the pensive piano chords of 'Million Reasons' jarring, but in this album, it's clear that Lady Gaga is finally an artist who is exploring and owning her originality, rather than playing and manufacturing it. 

Childish Gambino - Awaken, My Love!

It's official, Donald Glover can do anything. He sneaked in right at the end of a shitty year with the hotly anticipated follow-up to 2013's because the internet and decided to change genres completely. The result is is a sensual, spiritual, funky, soul-filled explosion, wholly unexpected and yet totally Gambino. He still effortlessly combines the old and the new; influences from legends like Clapton, Hendrix and Prince are clear, but injected with a modern twist complete with distortion, artistic auto-tune and excellent production value. True, you still might not know what he's on about when he sings about a peanut butter chocolate cake with Kool-Aid, but who cares? Not many people can make singing about the boogie-man sexy, but this man can.

David Bowie - Blackstar

'When a man sees his black star, he knows his time has come...' these lyrics come from an Elvis Presley song, and could have been one of Bowie's inspirations for this album, released just days before his death. There have been countless fan theories and 'explanations' surrounding this album, its release, its cover art and its 'meaning'. You can't blame them; it's been a way to keep him alive. I've never been more than a casual fan of David Bowie, but the day he died, I lay on the couch and cried for hours. I couldn't understand what was wrong with me - I think maybe it was disbelief, that a man who had not seemed like a man at all, was in fact devastatingly mortal just like the rest of us. Although I've not got involved in the discussions about the big puzzle that is Blackstar, I believe that's maybe what he was trying to communicate in this album - his humanity and mortality. It doesn't have the accessibility of pop hits like 'Heroes' or 'Fame'; it's murky and moody and thoughtful, and real. You probably won't want to sing along to this album. Instead, you'll hear the words 'look up here, I'm in heaven' and you'll probably cry a bit. But not all music needs to make you feel good. It just needs to make you feel. 

Jamie T - Trick

Jamie T, the marmite of the UK indie kids' music tastes.  Thankfully, I love marmite. I'll be the first to admit that I was doubtful when I heard the first single 'Tinfoil Boy' which sounded like it could have been written by a bunch of drunk neds on the last train home, but thankfully the rest of this album is an absolute treat. Although there's less rambling about his wild night outs in London town, Jamie returns to the excitement and gutsy sound that was largely missing from 2014's Carry On The Grudge, and instead opts to tell the tales of various historical misfits such as Joan of Arc, Solomon Eagle and Robin Hood. It's definitely his most ambitious record to date, combining a host of musical styles into a dozen songs. Songs like 'Tescoland' and 'Sign of the Times' will undoubtedly become staples on Jamie's setlists for his incredible live shows (you'll come out battered and bruised, but it's worth it). He's back to his old brilliance and I hope he never stops.

Frank Ocean - Blonde

If you'd told 16 year old Kirsty that her favourite album of 2016 was Frank Ocean's Blonde, she'd probably laugh in your face. In fact, she'd probably say, 'Who's that???' Yeah, I'll admit it - I only started listening to him last year. At this point I was really excited because I heard he had a new album coming out. Then it got pushed back. And pushed back. And I basically lost hope that it was ever going to get released. Then magically a feature length video-album was uploaded - I started an Apple Music membership for this man. Soon after, Blonde was released. I cleared my schedule and did nothing but listen to it from start to finish. It was a fantastic decision. This is an album designed to be listened to in full; each song fades into the next effortlessly, and if it doesn't, there's an interlude to lull you over. The album is incredibly intimate - the fact that his own mother's vocals are more prominent obvious than that of Beyoncé or Kendrick Lamar (both of which I didn't realise actually featured on the album until I was reading up about individual tracks) displays this pretty well. In a world where police brutality, wrongful incarceration and demonisation of black people is all too common, Frank Ocean showing his emotional fragility is a radical act. His vocals are stronger than ever, showcased on songs like 'Self Control' and my personal favourite 'Seigfried.' I'm so glad I've become more open minded in terms of my musical tastes in order to enjoy triumphs such as this. 

Until next time,

Kirsty

movies with kirsty: kubo and the two strings

I went to the cinema yesterday on a whim to see Kubo and the Two Strings. I knew next to nothing about it, other than that it was made by Laika who also produced Coraline, one of my favourite animated movies. I had probably seen one, maybe two posters for it on the side of a bus. Once the film started rolling there were probably only around half a dozen people sharing the room with me. All I want to know is, why isn't this film getting more recognition? Why isn't it being advertised everywhere? Why isn't everyone having conversations about Kubo?

This film is honestly, truly magical. Never before has stop-motion seemed so beautiful, engaging and quite honestly breathtaking. If your childhood was comprised of watching every single episode of Wallace and Gromit (as mine was) and marvelling at the dedication of the artists once you discovered they were made out of clay, Laika is about to blow your mind. The sheer amount of detail is astounding; it is not just the people who are bursting with individuality and character but the animals, the buildings, the elements of water and fire, and of course Kubo's paper creations. Any previous problems with stop-motion animation have been resolved with the help of technology - the action taking place in front of a green screen allowing for smooth day to night transitions and explorations of all sorts of climates, whether it be a snowy tundra, tempestuous ocean storm or a hazy dreamland. The opening line of the whole film is 'If you must blink, do it now.' Indeed, the scenes that unfold in front of you will make you regret closing your eyes for even a second.

The story itself is also full of wonder and fantasy, although perhaps leans too far towards whimsy on occasion. It tells of young boy Kubo, hunted by his evil grandfather and aunts who wish to steal his other eye (they already succeeded in taking one when he was a baby) in order to make him immortal, yet unfeeling and heartless to the world. He must find his father's armour in order to defeat them, and is accompanied and helped along the way by a surly yet caring monkey, a forgetful yet charming man cursed to live as a beetle, and a small paper warrior who is mute yet helpful. In a nutshell, this is your typical hero's journey, complete with orphaned protagonist, comic relief sidekicks and plenty of convenient plot developments/deus ex machina. The film often makes reference to stories and their construction, Kubo as the 'hero', suggesting self-awareness, but in some points it is not too subtle, and seems like the writers just wanted to create a good story with a beginning, middle and end. There is a strong plot arc, even if it's resolved pretty quickly to make for a good conclusion. And there's nothing wrong with that - at the end of the day it is a family film. If you want something complex you can watch Memento.

The movie definitely benefits from its setting in ancient Japan, allowing for some satisfying details and magical realism to emerge. Kubo's enchanted shamisen (his stringed instrument) and origami-that's-not-quite-origami are two particularly fantastic elements which are both relevant to the plot and pay homage to traditional Japanese culture in a respectful way. Although it would have been especially brilliant if they had carried this on by casting more Japanese -or at least Asiatic- actors in major roles, those actually in the film do a good job. The emotive and imposing Ralph Fiennes is of course a particular stand-out as the Moon King - he just does a villain so well. Art Parkinson, recently of Game of Thrones is endearing and enjoyable as protagonist Kubo, despite his occasional slips in accent. And you'll be happy to know George Takei gets his signature 'oh myyyyy' in, although his character has very little dialogue. (Side note. Charlize Theron's voice is just way too sexy for a monkey.)

Overall, this is a simply stunning film, with themes of grief, family, destiny and retribution throughout. It will amaze you, amuse you, and it may even make you cry (I definitely shed a few tears at the end). If you're a parent, please take your kids to see it, and if you're not, go see it anyway. Supporting films like this is so important! They can't get made if we don't watch them.

Until next time,
Kirsty

movies with kirsty: unorthodox romances

I feel like everybody's watching Titanic and The Notebook over and over again. Come on guys, we need to branch out. Stop kidding yourself. Channing Tatum isn't that hot and Dear John isn't even that good. So this post is dedicated to some of my favourite underdogs in the romance section; if you've not seen them, take my advice. PLEASE TRUST ME.

Take This Waltz (2011)

Ok, so I have no idea why I have never heard anybody talking about this film. With such an allstar cast (Williams, Rogen, Silverman) you would expect it to be just another ridiculously overhyped romcom. But this film is different - I swear. It's funny and sweet, but also a brutally honest portrayal of love and heartbreak. It challenges the idealism of marriage while maintaining a unique lightheartedness. Really special, and really human. God bless Canada.

Some Kind Of Wonderful (1987)

Everyone was too busy freaking out over The Breakfast Club, I feel that this little gem has been overlooked. The film focuses on on two best friends - Keith, the shy sensitive artist, Watts, the leather-wearing drumming tomboy, and the popular and elusive Amanda Jones. It is a cliche and cheesy story about being a teenager in high school and falling in love with the wrong person, that might end up being the right one. Basically, everything you have ever dreamed of. Or something you'll pretend to hate, but you actually know all the words to the scene in the garage.(In this instant, we are all Gigi from He's Just Not That Into You. yes I also love that film but that's besides the point)

Amelie (2001)

I saw the start of this film in a French class years ago and decided to watch it all by myself. I don't know if that was a good idea or not, as now I'm extremely protective over this movie and am apprehensive about recommending it in case someone have something bad to say about it. This film could be called a romance, if only for the fact that you will fall completely in love with the heroine. Played be Audrey Tautou, she epitomises everything this film is about. It's quirky, charming, witty and completely beautiful. And will probably make you rethink your attitudes about people that work in sex shops.

Stardust (2007)

Possibly in my top ten favourite films of all time. Also what I blame for the disconcerting surge of emotion I get whenever I hear Rule The World by Take That. Stardust has everything I could ever want: fantasy, swashbuckling, witches, strong female leads, Ricky Gervais having the power of speech removed...the list goes on. I enjoyed it when I was ten, and love it even more now I actually understand all the jokes. It ticks all the boxes - romance, period drama, fantasy, comedy - and from what I've heard, a faithful book adaptation. I am betraying my own morals by admitting I have yet to read Neil Gaiman's novel. It's on my to-do list.

doctor who: for better or for worse?

Like my parents before me, I've grown up watching Doctor Who and have cancelled plans just so I can watch it live on a Saturday night. I've been a faithful fan since 'Rose' in 2005, but lately I've began to question why I'm really watching it. Once an episode is finished, I really have to pause and think - did I actually enjoy that? More than once the answer has been 'No. And I'm not quite sure what actually happened either.'

It's like we're in a dead end marriage that both sides aren't getting any excitement or fulfillment from anymore, but we're both too scared to face reality and move on.

I had mixed feelings when Peter Capaldi was announced as the doctor, and not for the same reasons that I saw circulating on twitter, many of which included choice phrases such as 'too old' 'grey hair' and 'not as hot as matt smith :('. I have an immense amount of respect for Capaldi as an actor (and also have a little place in my heart for him and his grey hair - don't tell anybody).

I was just worried that even he would not be able to salvage the show that was once my favourite, and I was disappointed that someone with such good potential was joining at a time when I was so fully out of love with the writers.

(Sorry, what the hell is going on here?)

Now we're about to be 4 episodes in, and I feel like my fears are being confirmed. The premiere opened with a T-Rex plundering around Victorian London (Yes, Dinosaurs, Didn't they already do that last season?) a fairly pitiful attempt at distracting the audience from the misguided storyline. Seriously, that episode was an hour and a half long and I didn't see much being resolved.

Then we had Into the Dalek; a rogue dalek does not appear to be so evil as the rest of them, so naturally the Doctor - and a random bunch of misfits - are obliged to get shrunk down like some scientific Alice in Wonderland to investigate the machine's digestive system. The episode title doesn't really leave much to the imagination. (Also, Fantastic Voyage much?)

On a lighter note, the third episode was surprisingly enjoyable, although that might just be because it made me nostalgic for the BBC Robin Hood - this show saw the formation of a long suffering crush on Richard Armitage. But I digress - this episode was really fun, with some stupid one liners and a completely idealistic happy ending; what I think Doctor Who should be like.

But if Robot Of Sherwood is this season's saving grace I don't know if it's worth watching anymore. To put it plainly, this is supposed to be a family show and if even I can't understand the overlapping timelines and paradoxes that have cropped up over the last few seasons, how are any of us going to introduce our children to it? It could be that my love affair with Doctor Who is finally fizzling out.
But of course, I'll still watch it on Saturday. Just in case.

movies with kirsty: Guardians Of The Galaxy

In short, this movie was just so much fun. In typical marvel fashion, the jokes were stupid, the villain was overly theatrical, and Stan Lee's cameo was just as ridiculous - but it all added to this film's charm. A sci-fi and a fantasy rolled into one - kind of like Narnia, but set in space. (And almost a spiritual experience when viewed in 3D.)

The stars of the show are the galaxy's very own Breakfast Club; a bunch of misfits in their own right, each with their own heartbreaking backstory, leading them to empathise with each other and form a very special bond. (Friendship. Obviously.)

Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is the John Bender of the group, sporting an impressive superiority complex and an unhealthy dose of repressed childhood trauma. Dave Bautista's Drax provides some amusement due to his new companions acting as a catalyst to develop his pitifully limited sense of humour and understanding of sarcasm. As for the double act comprised of Rocket (raccoon? rodent? hamster?) and -who I like to imagine as a distant relation of Tolkien's Ents- Groot, I was more than pleasantly surprised.

Deadly duo? You decide.

I was prepared for the anthropomorphic characters to constantly grate on my nerves as their likes usually do, but they were not what I expected at all. Every one of Bradley Cooper's lines as Rocket were bursting with attitude and expression. On the other hand, Groot was, to put it quite simply - adorable and completely endearing.

From a feminist point of view this film was really refreshing; the most deadly of the ensemble was Gamora, Thanos' adopted daughter. On top of that, the best fight scene was without a doubt between her and sister Nebula. And, without spoiling too much, a romance was established between two characters without objectification or any slow-mo kissing scenes! You go James Gunn!

For me, the crowning glory of Guardians was the soundtrack, aka 'Awesome Mix Vol. 1'. Full of absolute gems from the 70s, to name a few; Bowie, Jackson 5, Blue Swede - and it keeps getting better. These are the perks of having a main character removed from Earth during the 80s with only a cassette tape to his name. 

The proclaimed mixtape.

Overall, this film has something to please everyone. The world they have created is beautiful and intricate, thanks no doubt to the hundreds of graphic designers credited at the end. Lovable characters, a killer soundtrack, and a relatively easy to follow plot, embellished with witty one liners and slapstick humour. What more could you ask for in a superhero movie?