here's to new beginnings...

Well. So much for that 30 day challenge, eh?? ;)
Long story short: I've become too busy of a woman since school started back up two weeks ago.  My mind ran away for a bit, but when it came back, it decided to give this whole blog a hardcore facelift. I think I'm finally happy with it :)

Along with the new look, I'm making the executive decision of putting a halt to the 30 day challenge and just go back to regular blogging. I want to restore this thing back to its former glory and just have fun with it.  Don't worry, you'll still have me blabbing about IAMX every now and again, and maybe I'll resume the challenge on my Tumblr, but for now - I feel like talking about other things! I haven't done a "things I love this week" post in a while, so here is (at least one thing) I love this week: new music, and music videos! :D

Show of hands: who remembers a little band called Savage Garden, from the 90's?? Anyone? (What, just me? come on!).  They were a hugely successful act out of Australia who sang uber lovey-dovey, but catchy, songs.  Well, their lead singer, a cutie named Darren Hayes, went solo a few years back and is actually super famous and successful in his home country Australia, as well as the UK and Europe.  He revealed a new single this week from his upcoming album, set to be available next month.  The song is called "Black Out the Sun" and I CANNOT STOP LISTENING TO IT.

No, really, I kept hitting the "replay" icon on the youtube video.  I haven't loved a song like this in a long time!  The video itself is pretty spectacular as well.  Fairly simple, but completely fitting. I love the look of the glowing, red, "blacked out" sky, and the mysterious figures shrouded in black dancing behind Darren the entire time.  There's also a genius part where a bunch of black birds pop out of nowhere, further "blacking out" the sun.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

Check it out for yourself:




AND while on the subject of new singles and videos, IAMX released a new video today!!!!!

You better believe I was overjoyed about it. It's set to a brand new remix of the song "Volatile Times" done by Chris Corner, himself. And it kind of rules :)  This one's dark and borderline creepy, but it fits the song.  And I LOVE the scenes in which they're all dressed in head to toe black, in a makeshift storm. And black lipstick?? I completely approve.



That's it for now.
-G.

time for me and a fantasy.

IAMX 30 DAY CHALLENGE - DAY TWO: FAVORITE ALBUM

  
I had a bit of an easier time choosing a favorite album.

 The Alternative... a great introductory album for anyone curious about IAMX. It's officially their second full length, but it's definitely the one that put them on the map.

It has a little bit of everything: great dance tracks, the sadness they emote so well, dramatic beats, cinematic sounds, poetic lyrics.

Just... it's the best.  Period.

Shoe Addicts Anonymous.

 

The weather is still a glorious, (read: NOT so glorious), 100+ degrees these days, here in south Texas, but I went out and bought new boots today.  Yes, boots. Specifically, the ones with buckles on this picture.  They were on sale, and were the only pair in my size. So, naturally, I couldn't pass them up :)  I actually stumbled across this new "Brash" collection at Payless last week, and looked into it when I got home. It's pretty spot-on trendy, and cute rocker-girl stuff.  They even have a pretty cool spokesmodel: the lead singer of a band called VersaEmerge. Her name is Sierra, and she's a 20 year old "self described fashion rebel".  I checked out their music on youtube, and they're not bad. They're kinda like a more emo/darker version of Paramore. (In fact, I think they're on the same record label). 

I really like the lyrics of this song: "Fixed at Zero":

My final thoughts on the BRASH collection: Some things are a bit better quality than others... namely the shoes. I'd stay away from the jewelry, (and the cosmetics they're offering on the Payless site).  But if you're thrifty like I am, definitely check out the shoes at Payless shoe stores.  They're super affordable and adorably edgy. And that BOGO 1/2 off sale has been going on all summer, so it's best to snatch up a couple of pairs before it's gone.

Arrrgh I cannot WAIT for the weather to cool down!! I'm in love with my new boots and I know they're going to look awesome with my Fall wardrobe. WAKE ME UP WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE.

<3

Gas Masks, Light Sabers, and... Unicorns!!!!!!!!!

 Kerli's music videos never cease to capture my heart and her latest visual candy offering for her new song "Army of Love" is no different. 


She took the concept of, well, an "army of love" and featured semi futuristic 
 military costumes with her signature Neo-Rococo feminine style and made it a point to only utilize the colour white, with a few pastel pink details sprinkled in here and there.

OHYEAH, and there was a makeshift unicorn in a forest filled with magical christmas trees... how can you not love that?

there's LACE on the megaphone.

The song itself is okay, I guess.  (It doesn't really move me that much, but I guess it becomes sorta catchy after a while).  But I watched some of the 'behind the scenes' footage that was featured on the Popeater site where they premiered this video and was very pleased to learn that Miss Kerli likes to get her hands dirty and do a lot of the crafty/costume work herself.  She went shopping for supplies, spray painted, and glued rhinestones on masks, as well as helped to style her dancers. 

Respect :) 

Check out the video here:  KERLI - ARMY OF LOVE

I'm ganna go watch it again.  And again. 

<3

the aftermath is secondary: part two.

"Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys" - My Chemical Romance's latest offering - is officially in my possession.

After what seemed like decades without knowing what my musical heroes have been up to, (aside from concentrating on their personal lives), I finally have some new auditory candy to fill my head with. The mission now is to fully memorize every single lyric by the time 2011 rolls around... or maybe I can do it by the end of November?? At the frequency I've been listening to these songs, I should have no problem.

For anyone who's a complete stranger to the stylings of this band, the first thing you should know is that each album they put out has a different story line to it that, in a way, is a fantasy created out of  band members' real life events. They're always jam-packed with honesty, and  realness that you can't get from any other band. The world was first introduced to a tragic tale of two star-crossed lovers whose only hope of a reunion in the afterlife consisted of making a deal with the devil: "I brought you my bullets, you brought me your love" and "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge": pain of loss, gunfire, and plenty of screaming, (maybe a therapeutic release of sorts, for lead singer Gerard Way, after dealing with the grief of losing his grandmother)... most of us fell in love on the spot.  Next up came a story of.. well, more death. The big difference, however, being that it was meant to give one hope as opposed to despair, and a friendly reminder to celebrate life itself. Told through the eyes of an imaginary cancer patient and his childhood memories, "Welcome to the Black Parade" revived not only fans' spirits, but their wardrobes as well ;)

And finally, we have "Danger Days..." 

It seems that once upon a time, in a not-too-distant future, (that strangely feels like the present), a heartless corporation known as Better Living Industries is out to destroy every last shred of humanity that exists.  A band of rebels known as Killjoys spends their waking moments fighting against all it's brainwashing evils... no matter the cost.  Because as Gandhi once said, it's up to us to "be the change you want to see in the world".
When a little girl gets kidnapped by the Scarecrow Division of B.L.I., all hell breaks loose.

(Could this be symbolism referring to Gerard Way's real life daughter, and how his only mission in life now is to protect her from all he sees, and all he knows??)

It's always refreshing to get a glimpse into his current life through the lyrics and imagery that he creates.  The standout tracks on this album for me are "Bulletproof Heart", "Planetary (GO!)", "S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W", and "Summertime".  Oh, and I should probably mention that, yes, I'm well aware of how the internet works these days, making artists' new songs available instantly, often days before the actual 'album release', whether through bootlegging, or crappy live videos on youtube... but I choose not to be a part of it. It kills all the magic that used to once come with the excited anxiousness of waiting for that album to be made available in stores, and that first time you play the thing in its entirety the way it's meant to be played: with your ears open wide to each new track that you are hearing for the VERY FIRST TIME. 

Granted, I *did* choose to download the free version of "Save Yourself, I'll hold them Back", when MCR themselves offered it through their website, but I ignored everything else.  I wanted to experience this cd the same way I've always experienced them.  And, believe me, it's so much more worth it.  "Danger Days" sounds better every time you play it. I kid you not, kids.

"Bulletproof Heart" makes me want to sing along with tears in my eyes. Something about it is clearly meant to inspire hope and courage.

"Planetary (GO!)" is different from any other MCR song I've ever heard. It experiments with dance/electronic  sampling, and it's my current favourite to blare in the car while driving. It's energizing and fun and it rules.

But if I had to choose just ONE (current), ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE track, it's definitely "S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W".  For any seasoned fans like myself, who remember the song "Early Sunsets over Monroeville", off of their first album, we can be taken back to the same sort of twisted, gorgeous irony created by that song about a zombie horror movie with this one, told through soothing guitars and dreamy singing. It's probably the most 'mellow' song on this album, and it's beautiful, to say the least. Hide from the Scarecrow, kids. He is pure evil.

"Summertime" is a love song.  And I think it's Gerard's homage to his wife.  (Whom he just so happened to meet and marry in the 'summertime' of '07... 

"This planet's ours to defend"

Enough with the reading. Buy this cd now and thank me later.

<3

the aftermath is secondary: part one.

 If I stop to think about what my life was like before I found My Chemical Romance, I don't seem to remember much. Seriously. It all seemed so monotonous. Uninspired. Forced. And while saying something like that might just make me sound like another pathetic fangirl, I just really don't know how else to explain it.

Everyone has that one band/artist that defines their life at any given moment. Or, in my case, sometimes there's more than one band to define more than one moment.. But MCR stands alone in being that ONE special act that CONTINUES to fill new voids in my life. To put it simply, it feels like I grow with them, rather than apart from them... does that make sense??

Just when I start to despair and believe that no one really cares to dream or to save anyone in this world anymore, in comes this (now red headed) super hero. Like something straight out of a comic book -  perhaps the very last of his kind on this planet:  here is someone who lives and breathes his art.  And unless you happen to devote your life to any kind of creative field, you might not understand it completely... how empty it feels when you're in a mental block. How frightening your way of thinking becomes when you worry about what others will think or say about your abilities. How exposed you feel when you share a part of who you are.

Your art is always something that you're crazy with, but crazier without.
It's The Weapon.



Gerard Way is the only person that shows me how to use it, time and time again.

*locked and loaded*

Watch out world. 

He's back.

And this time, he's taking me with him.

(And I hope we never return).

*photos taken from: "Na Na Na" (Official music video), conceptualized and co-directed by Gerard Way.

*costumes designed by: Colleen Atwood and Gerard Way.

If you care enough to be further enlightened, visit mychemicalromance.com right now to receive a FREE download of the song "Save Yourself, I'll Hold them Back", and mark your calendars for November 22nd, when their new album "The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys" comes out. 

So I see you've got your boots on...

...this certainly looks like it was an exciting set.

**anxiously awaits premiere of newest GLAMbert video**

Have a good weekend, everyone <3

I'll kiss that smile off your face... just say when.

Shame on me.




I'm supposed to be working on my homework, but I've been (happily) sidetracked by the new H.I.M. video, aka the video I wish to live in this week.



I highly recommend the new album, 'Screamworks' to anyone who loves beautiful, honest lyrics and great guitar playing.








I've always wished that I could have been blessed with any kind of musical talent - but great tunes aren't always complete without a great set of words to accompany them. Some people, like Ville Valo, seem to be born with a natural ability to write gorgeous lines that read more like a poem than a song. And English isn't even Valo's first language!! How's that for talent? ;)


















Who are some of your favourite lyricists??
Past or current?
English-speaking or not?

Share share shaaaare.



<3




watch the video for 'Scared to Death': here

When every day prays in hollow ends, DREAM SWEET LOVE SUBMERSIVE.

currently listening to: IAMX - Kingdom of Welcome Addiction, Shiny Toy Guns - Season of Poison, LIGHTS - Lights EP, The Ting Tings and CSS on slacker radio on my crackberry...

I love love love discovering new music. I love love love music, period.

I'm wondering if it's too late to get piano lessons at my age. I'd love to know how to play.

Anyway, I've been meaning to write a review on the new IAMX album, Kingdom of Welcome Addiction... so here you have it. I've never posted an entry with a detailed (personal) review, but I do enjoy voicing my opinions at any chance I get, hahaha. (Kidding..)

And if you're not already familiar with IAMX I just have one question: what the hell is wrong with you?! They're one of the greatest electronic musical acts of all time. Chris Corner (former Sneaker Pimps singer) is a musical genius with the most amazing sense of fashion and style. This is his solo act. And it never disappoints. I've talked about Chris Corner on this blog and posted pictures of him countless times. He is my MUSE. I once wrote an article for my now defunct zine about how he is a legendary fashion icon in the making and that more people would be smart to pay attention. I could talk about him for ages. I could (and SHOULD) write an entire entry on simply his fashion choices, but I'm not going to tonight. It would take too long.



Straight off the bat, I have to say that this album definitely feels a lot more subdued than their older releases and even evokes feelings of sadness and sorrow. But that doesn't mean I don't thoroughly enjoy this album as much as Kiss + Swallow or The Alternative. There are still danceable tracks, but they're not quite as energetic as I was used to. All in all, the main theme/feeling I get from this album is depression. These songs are about being depressed about life, the world and the direction it's going in, and being disillusioned with everyone and everything in it. In other words... it was written for ME, and it only helps to cement the fact that I think he is my soulmate. HAHAHA. (Kidding again.. or am I?).






Tracks:
1. The Nature of Inviting - this is an interesting intro. It's the one track off the whole album that sounds the MOST like the IAMX I was used to. Very danceable with a great beat that you can't resist tapping your foot along to. And I love the chorus: "I love you. I hate you. I love you. I hate you." Perfect intro that sets the mood and makes you wanna hear more.

2. Kingdom of Welcome Addiction - the title track. This one kinda reminded me of "President" in the little beat and circus-y little tune. I love singing along to this.

3. Tear Garden - this one could be a Cure song. I'm serious. That's what it reminds me of... and then again, The Cure DID have a song called Hanging Garden, no? But all in all, it's kind of a strange thing for IAMX to sound like... I think this is the least electronic sounding track.

4. My Secret Friend feat. Imogen Heap - My FAVOURITE. This is a very hauntingly gorgeous/gorgeously haunting duet between Chris and Imogen. I wasn't sure what Imogen Heap sounded like before I heard this song, but now I wanna hear more of her stuff. Her voice goes PERFECTLY with Corner's. The lyrics are great and poetic. I love to close my eyes and imagine eerie ballerinas dancing to this on a darkened stage.

(Left: Imogen Heap. Right: Bjork. How can you not love awesomely bad and eccentric fashion? Great talents dress alike, in case ya didn't know...)


5. An I for an I - this one's somewhat of an angry song... I sense possible political allusions/views on society. "If you're not with us you're against".

6. I am Terrified - It took me a while to get used to this song, but now I adore it. It's a truly sad song and I feel that Chris is giving us an honest glimpse into his personal struggles, his flaws, and current life situation. (He happens to be kind of a private person, so that makes this song all the deeper).

7. Think of England - I love this song. Surely you've heard of the saying "just lie back and think of England" when you're feeling down? Well, what he's basically saying with this is that he's unable to do so. England is his home country, but he's still "running from the fire".

8. The Stupid, The Proud - "God is dead. We get to sleep tonight." these dark lyrics are the opening phrase in an acoustic introduction. This is my second favourite song. It kinda feels like it should be played during a trailer for a dramatic movie.

9. You Can be Happy - Another good song for a movie. Or so I think... this one has strangely optimistic lyrics.

10. The Great Shipwreck of Life - Favourite numero 3. Super fun chorus to sing along to.

11. Running - In the same vein as I am Terrified, this is a beautiful and depressing song where he seems to be saying that after all is said and done, there is no help for him. Everyone is alone in the world... a quiet ending to a quiet collection.

And so that's it. Any IAMX fans out there: I'd love to know your thoughts/feelings on this album and if you agree/disagree with any of my own thoughts!!

And for everyone else, I leave you with this video.. my favourite video/song off of The Alternative: Spit it Out. Enjoy :)

<3

Wayward Victorian Girl.

Emilie Autumn 06
Originally uploaded by NeedMoreCoffeeMan

LOVING these photos of Emilie Autumn taken by NeedsMoreCoffeeMan two nights ago in Hamburg... (click on the photo to see his set on Flickr).

Check out the wrought iron fence-like overlay on her corset. This is an awesome example of what I'd love to be known for: creating amazing and memorable stage wear pieces for artistic clientele...

Gahhh.. one day.

In other news...

-I need to stop listening to industrial dance music at night when I'm trying to fall asleep. I listened to Combichrist, KMFDM, (0ld) Apoptygma Berzerk, Hanzel und Gretyl, and other stuff that just made me want to get up and dance around the room at 2a.m.... not healthy.

-I can't wait for school to be over!!!

-my purple halloween kitty picture frame containing a treasured photo of me and one of my favourite singers broke and I'm staring at it right now and it's making me sad. No wonder it was only $1 at Target.

-I want to dye my hair. Don't know exactly how, but I need a change.

-I want to sew!

<3

Gaby Goes to Fashion School.

This was going to be my Sunday Picture Blog post: Theme this time around was handheld fans. And not the battery powered kind, folks. Obviously.

I want a pretty fan so badly :(








And since it IS Tuesday, I will go ahead and write something just for the hell of it. I saw a guy in the school parking lot today smoking a cigar. Not a cigarette... a CIGAR. It was 1pm. Like.. wtf. Then I walked into my classroom to find somebody was already sitting in my seat. That ticked me off. I then had to take some other girl's seat and I'm sure she was ticked off when she walked in too. Gahhhh... messing with my mojo, yo. (What the hell does that even mean?)

I have a midterm on Thursday that I'm going to fail. I have to go to a 'team meeting' at my job that starts at SIX A.M. WHO HOLDS MEETINGS AT SIX EFFING A.M. IN THE MORNING?!?! And to top it all off, I only get to come back home at 8a.m. for a few more hours before I have to be at work again for eight whole hours. FUN. I love my job. But yeah, that pretty much means I won't be able to study because I will be dog tired.

So why am I not studying right NOW, you ask?? Instead of sitting at my computer writing a blog? Well.. because studying is no fun!!

I had a huge urge to draw after school today, so I've been sitting on the couch, (ignoring the television, for once), with my sketchbook and I drew a cute little cartoony lolita type girl. It looks really good for something that was just done in one sitting. Quite proud of myself. Can't show it off right now, though, because I don't have a scanner and I also can't take a picture because my camera battery is currently out of juice and I'm too lazy to charge it. Ah well.
I love drawing.

Bands I'm currently obsessed with: Dresden Dolls and The Horrorpops. Good, fashionably fun moosics.

p.s. The very first of the fan pictures up top is of Brian Viglione, i.e. Dresden Dolls drummer sans the mime makeup. Ain't he a doll?? And the title for this post was a spin on one of their songs, "Mandy Goes to Med School".