Diso Done!

Now that the bulk of my university work load is pretty much done, its now time to turn my thoughts to other things (temporarily before I start my next assignment):

DANCING:


FRIENDS:


SLEEP:

With love from Korea

Having a British friend move to South Korea for a year-long teaching placement has its educational benefits. Recapping her initial experience, I am told that p.d.a. (public displays of affection) is somewhat a cultural taboo. Instead of couples physically hugging, kissing or drunken groping to signify an intimate relationship, some Koreans opt for an aesthetic form of mimesis in their fashion decisions. This has manifestd in the 'couple look'. Two partners exerting such may endeavor in wearing the same material, pattern, accessory or item of clothing in an effort to visually match their loved one. The retail market has accomodated to this with companies such as gogobeach or stylestoker offering a selection of seasonal matching outfits.

Yet whilst pondering on it, I recollected that this practice is not alien to Western culture. How could we forget the double denim look Posh Spice and Becks sported in the spring of their relationship? Or those strange reliquaries of blood Angela Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton wore as a necklaces? What perhaps is more remarkable, is that despite the gestural conservatism in Korea, my friend acknowledged a comparative difference in single-sex places like the showers of the gym where women strolled confidently naked and asked strangers (herself included) to scrub their backs. I can interpret this in three ways - Korean women may just be more comfortable with strangers, they're in denial on the existence of lesbians, or my friend is having a good old bubble bath at my expense. Expanding on the first of my interpretations (as this probably more likely), the reason why I found the instance so unusual is that perhaps the association of the naked body with sex is unconsciously ingrained in my peripheral psyche. It seems Koreans understand that the gestures of friendship and love have recognisable boundaries that can transcend nudity. Thats just great.

Lyrical Life Philosophy

The Future of Dating

Unfortunately I did not find this video on my own quest, but this is just a gem!

Leeds Love: J Brewski

Three days ago, me and some friends went out to a birthday outing in Leeds. As it turned out eventually after much drink and dance, all eight of us managed to get the taxi driver to hook up an ipod of ours and play Drake blaring from the vehicle. It was a surreal incident as Jermaine who sat at the front looked uncannily like the Canadian recording artist, on point with every word of 'Best I Ever Had'. Only having checked up his videos today, I have a new found respect for Jermaine (or J Brewski). Despite having a minor despute with the London brai, I definately think his lyrics could give Drake a run for his money.

Someone give this young talent some money to fund a catchy chorus and make a fly video that will rake the pea in please.

How to Dress Well

Turn the volume low to medium.

Low-fi RnB never sounded so right.

Labyrinth Ear

Met once in a blur, but facebook has kept me updated with Emily Jacobs' pursuits. AND HOW GLAD I AM. Here is her band Labyrinth Ear with her partner in crime Tom Evans . Subtle voice with looped samples celebrates a nostalgic retro tinged form of electro synth at its most alluring. Softer Lykke Li tones perhaps with a beat reminiscent of The Knife and better than the Golden Filter for me. Oak EP can be downloaded for free from their website below:
http://labyrinthear.com/oak-ep/

YUM