The Reggae and Clarks Connection.

We all did it; stood on a wooden block feeling all disgruntled while a “nice lady” measured our feet. She’d run off to the back to get three boxes of exactly the same patent black shoes with a little buckle to the side. They were reliable, durable and perfect for anyone under the age of five, well of course they were; they were Clarks.

 At that age you wished they didn’t fit or that your parents were cooler so you could have the awesome shoes, you know the ones… with the red lights that flashed as you walked. Those weren’t just any school shoes they were the super cool, super amazing, wow your friends and strut a little school shoes. But nope, your evil parents would insist on the sensible ones that they thought were cute, they’d aww and talk about how quickly you were growing up and if you mentioned those light up beauties you’d be told they were for boys, like that would stop me wanting them. Please! 

If only at that age I had realised that in Jamaica not only would I have been at the height of fashion with my Clarks kicks on but I might even have gotten into some bother with the Police. Yes, you read that right. Okay, maybe not at five years old but add 20 years and make me a man and there might have been a problem.....

So what is Jamaica’s love affair with traditional Clarks shoes? Well mostly a love of UK goods. In the late 50’s and early 60’s there was a massive wave of immigration from the Caribbean and Clarks became a shoe of choice for people when they arrived. Going home in them was a revelation and a pair of shoes became the perfect gift from loved ones residing in the UK.

Clarks opened up a store in Kingston when they cottoned on to this new untapped market and things got crazy. It was the boots that the Jamaican boys were after, they were expensive but if they were going to have them they would have to be Clarks. The shop sold 400 pairs in 5 days which meant they sold out!

But the people who were buying them weren’t just boys they were Rude Boys. I guess you could liken their reputation to that of a Chav. The shoes had become a status symbol amongst them, like Zoot Suits for Italians in America. As the shoes became an important part of the Rude Boy uniform they also became a method of establishing “troublemakers” by the police. In a bid to crack down on fights and bad behaviour most clubs in Jamaica wouldn’t allow anyone wearing them in!

A ban on imports made them more desirable as they were harder to get a hold of which meant trips to the UK to bring them back began again and even now they are still the footwear of choice for anyone whose anyone!

In the modern day, it’s not much of a surprise to see an elderly Jamaican man wearing a pair of Clarks shoes but if you ask him about his life and his dress sense over the years,  I’m sure he’d have a few interesting stories to tell.  

Here’s Vybz Kartell showing his appreciation of the brand we rejected aged 5: 

Inspired by a Newsnight news package.

Forgive me, for I am only human...

I have been threatened by my trustee followers that they will no longer follow this blog unless I actually post something. So let me start by apologising for my absence, times have been busy, stressful, exciting and ever changing but these are not excuses.

Instead of reflecting on what I have been listening to, watching and craving from the fashion weeks that seem so long ago, I will give you a slice of three things I love.

INTRODUCING …. KYLA LA GRANGE.

 

Her debut album “Ashes” was thrown into my life by chance and I was not disappointed. Florence and the Machine worshippers may tune their ears to Kyla’s vocals and rejoice in a folkier/goth version of the Welch master!  

The album itself is quite a mixed bag. One thing I think it lacks is continuity – even the vocals sound different on each track – but I think that makes for a charming listen. You move from the anthemic vibes of “Been Better” to the grass roots folk (similar to Frazey Ford) on “Woke up Dead” to the quirks of Americana on “The River.” It’s a bit of a rollercoaster but give the girl a break, it’s her first album! For me, it has been the perfect accompaniment to these dark nights – be that on the tram ride home from work or a night in, in the pod. For anybody who appreciates a bit of drama and darkness, this is your album.

Above is my favourite. 

INTRODUCING…  THE WINTER LBD ENLACED.

For the past few months I have been pawing my way through magazines and eyeing up beautiful black lace dresses. Lace is such a difficult thing to wear – you can end up looking like your dressed for Halloween, as a widow, a Goth or just really cheap and tacky. But there is something about the fabric that is both elegant and sexy. It’s been worn by many a celebrity this winter already and was a big hit for Dolce and Gobanna on the runways in Milan this year. So I finally did it, I purchased myself a full sleeved lace dress with a high neckline. I’ll be honest, it did look more Goth than hot but I liked it anyway. For once in my life I decided to go for a trend I wasn't sure would suit me and I didn't die or anything, so maybe I’ll take a fashion risk again at some time!   

INTRODUCING… THE NEWSROOM.

I am obsessed. For anyone who works in a newsroom this is a must. I felt so pained waiting for the weekly episodes to be aired that I waited until they were all recorded on sky plus and watched them in one sitting. Then I watched them all again the following week! Characters, plotline and scriptwriting was all impeccable. I laughed at least once in every episode. The thing I loved most was that I realised just how exciting my job was and that I could liken the characters to people I know. The programme blurred the line between tv drama and reality by using real life events and showed how newsrooms in America might have dealt with them. One of my trusty friends also revealed that one of the characters “Mackenzie” was based on a BBC Newsnight producer, which explained why the fictional programme had the same name!

Summer loving with a sprinkle of rain...

.... here is a soundtrack to the past few months: I'll add the words later!

The comeback kids....

You have to love those artists that just leave you hanging for a few years and then come back with some incredible material. Okay, we don't get many of them... but this year it looks like it's about to change....

REGINA SPEKTOR - ROWBOATS

It has been three years since her last album and I am so glad to find that she hasn't lost her sense of self in her new material, like so many others do.I am actually really loving the fusion of old and new! If anything I'd say her sound has developed and with maturity the impact and impression she leaves lasts a hell of a lot longer. I really love this new song and if you haven't listened to any of her other stuff please do....

THE SHINS - SIMPLE SONG

First of all let me say what an amazing video this is! I really did love The Shins back when I was in college and I think it has been close to five years since they last released anything! Times may have changed since the original band were on the scene but now with a few new members the quality of this track just speaks for itself and I'm sure it'll have a place on most people's playlists! You can't deny yourself a sexy power-pop riff!

LET IT BE KNOWN...

Bonjourno, I think it's time you got under my skin... don't pretend like you don't have songs that fall under all of these headings! Maybe it should be a bloggerooo trend... you all post the songs that fit! That's not going to happen is it? Didn't think so....
Anyway, the artists/tracks are all pretty new so please... enjoy!

MUSIC TO DANCE IN THE STREET TO: 

---- NIKI AND THE DOVE - THE DRUMMER

It isn't the kind of music I listen to on the regular but there is just something about Niki and The Dove that makes me want to listen. I had a similar feeling when it came to Miss Kitten and the Hacker a gazzillion years ago. Even though I feel pretentious listening to these tracks in public - I love them and they do make me want to break out in dance... of course I always refrain and act like everyone else... not... haha! 

MUSIC TO HAVE A CASUAL STROLL TO:

----MILES KANE - FIRST OF MY KIND

Miles Kane on this song really really reminds me of Echo and The Bunnymen and no, it's not the way  he sings"moon" there is just something there...  The pace and tempo of this song is actually quite useful as it means you can get to work on time and still look casual and cool whilst doing it. Or is it just me that walks in time to the music?

MUSIC THAT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR IN A MUSIC VIDEO:

----JAMES N COMMON - DEVIL IN ME

If only he was attractive but he isn't and I don't think that'll change anytime soon, but I still love him. He sounds like a whiskey drinking, smoker that you'd find in the corner of an American bar. The kind who doesn't speak to anyone - doesn't actually like humans and wishes you were dead. Basically the kind of guy every stupid girl like myself... loves! haha

MUSIC FOR WHEN YOU'RE ABOUT TO FIGHT:

----DOT ROTTEN - ARE YOU NOT ENOUGH?

I think it is fair to say that Dot Rotten is possibly the only/first viable answer the United Kingdom has had to Eminem. Now, as much of a surprise as it may be... I was quite a big Marshall Mathers fan back in the day, as was my mom (because she is from the ghetto's like me) so yes... I think I may like Dot Rotten although every now and then I say Dot Cotton like the woman from Eastenders. Not good!

MUSIC THAT MAKES YOU THINK OF SUMMER:

----VARIOUS CRUELTIES - NEON TRUTH

There is nothing like a traditionally English sounding band with all the trimmings that make for a super summer sound. If anything I feel a little bit of an old school Mystery Jet's vibe from this song but that may just be because I have had a recent resurgence of love for them. Either way, I adore this track and based on that reason alone I feel it may play the soundtrack to Summer 2012. 

MUSIC YOU ROCK YOUR HEAD/THROW YOUR ARMS TO: 

----YOUNG GUNS - BONES

After Cheesy played me his package that was mixed to Papa Roach, it brought back a wave of emotion and reminded me of my old taste in music. It seems as though times have changed but the Young Guns seem to be keeping that whole genre alive and well. Maybe I need a "taste of chaos" in my life again? That is if they are still happening? Oh my god, how old am I? 

MUSIC YOU CAN FALL ASLEEP TO: 

----JASON MRAZ - I WON'T GIVE UP 

It's just standard Mraz isn't it? He always knows how to make music that makes you feel tired... in a good way of course! It's just super relaxing, a little sad and at the right volume it can be perfect. I'm really looking forward to hearing the new album... if this single is anything to go by it should be amazing. 

MUSIC THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO SPIN AROUND ON A SUNNY DAY:

----WARPAINT - UNDERTOW

I had been listening to this song on repeat for the past few weeks. Not like, all the time... just a lot of the time. Then my friend Chelsea posted it to me as it came on her ipod and she wanted to share the love of one of her favourite bands... coincidence? As incubus wisely said - there's no such thing! But either way, this is a lovely song and it is one of those that makes me wish I had a floaty white dress, daisy chains and a field with a single pony in it - to frolic with! 

AND EVERY GOOD POST SHOULD END WITH SOMETHING LOVELY... 

.....SO HERE IS WHAT REAL LOVE LOOKS LIKE

IN THE FORM OF CHUCK AND BLAIR FROM GOSSIP GIRL! 

FELLOW JOURNALISTS: please watch

LOVE IT!

x

REPORT: Things I like at the moment.

THIEVERY CORPORATION:
If ever you are in need of something to listen to that will a) put you in a good mood and b) relax you. This song by Thievery Corporation would have both on its tin. I'll be honest it is not the most exciting track -musically or lyrically- but there is just something about it that makes you want to listen again and again or is that just me? It also helps that the woman in the video is actually stunning. The rest of Thievery Corporation's back catalogue highlights an interesting array of genre's from dub and acid jazz to classical Indian music and Brazilian bossa nova. Sounds like: Portishead, Chicane 

OF MONSTERS AND MEN: 

To me this six-piece from Iceland are likely to become part of a new movement of music that we really need in 2012. They have a lyrical awareness that is second to none, amazing and simple melodies as well as a complicated yet beautifully constructed album. When I finally get my own car, I can see myself driving to this song. Despite the jaunty rhythm on "Little Talks" the track is actually really really sad and has been one of the songs I have had on repeat for the past week or so. They'll do well. Sounds Like: Arcade Fire, Mumford and Sons

DJ MARK FARINA:

From Chicago, Mark Farino has been on the scene for quite a while and is known for his relaxed beats that take us back in time. I hadn't heard of him until recently but I was very glad that his music came into my life (just to add there is a lot of it to get through! Over ten albums and that does not include mixtapes) This song (Daddy's favourite do it) however, has become one of my favourite's and I dare you not to move your shoulders to it because that is nearly impossible... 

Sounds Like: Himself!

MISSED YOU AT THE SHOW: 

If you wanted catchy melodies and adventurous time signatures then this is the band for you. Although I love this song quite a lot, I must admit that you can't really get away from the very blatant fact that this pop quintet have a very short shelf-life. They have appeared on BBC Introducing and are clearly very influenced by the music around Manchester (where they come from) but I just can't see where they would fit in the music market, not that I am that in-tune with it anymore. I guess they are very new and have plenty of time to develop their sound but for now this is the only song I really like. 

  

Where did they go?? The blog post....

There are so many artists that feature on my ipod that have fallen off the face of the musical sphere... this blog post will feature those bands that I loved and lost in probably less than a year... does it say something about the music they produced? or is this just part of the musical life cycle?

THE GLITTERATI. 

They were big in 2005 especially in the rock 'n' roll scene, this was at a time when the sleaze was back i.e: Velvet Revolver etc. Although they look like a traditional glam rock band from LA they are actually from Leeds in the UK! But aspirations of moving across the pond - the style, the sound and the glitter seemed to fall by the way side as the second album flopped and despite still being signed we have yet to hear anything worth writing about....

ALISHA'S ATTIC

I think liking Alisha's Attic in my pre-teen years makes me a pretty cool person! With my little bit of saved up cash I got all of their singles because I could never wait to save up ten pounds for the album from Woolworths! Anyway... the band was made up of two sisters and they had a Siouxsie and the Banshee's feel about them. Some of their later material had serious Asian influence with sitars and tabla's and they were generally just an amazing band that disappeared in the early 00's - they should definitely make a come back!

COLOUR OF FIRE

Colour of Fire - one album, one tour and one split. The question that always goes around in my head is, why? Their music was pretty good they had some awesome melodies and the frontman was a bit of a slice (that is,at the time, on reflection - not so much so!) Lyrically they were pretty amazing their whole first album was so well written despite the fact that they were only in their early 20's. Anyway, I say they should reform but the likelihood of that happening is probably O. 

SOPHIA

"Oh my Love" was the only song I really really loved by Sophia. I don't think they really hit the big time ever but this song was the closest they got to that dream. As Robin says at the start of the video this song in particular is a sad pop song and I am a sucker for both those things! I wish the official video was available because it sounds and looks amazing, but this will have to do until you find it for yourself!