IM // UR | Insight's Untitled Street Party

We swear this isn't an ironic listening. We love Beyoncé and 4. OK, we might unironically skip straight to track 5, 'Party', produced by Kanye West and with rap by Andre3000, because we ain't no stay-home-mums that need all those ballads about being broken hearted and finding the right person. But, after that, the album turns into a beautiful compilation of classic r'n'b, soul and a bit of sweat-inducing booty tracks - not too many though - that sound surprisingly courageous considering the actual state of pop music. And for that, we bow down and hail Queen B. P.S. Get the deluxe version, for those extra couple of amazing tracks.

WE // R \\ WEARING

The name of this label has been interpreted in many ways; from 'bass-seekey' to 'base-ike', but the correct way describes exactly what this label is about: BASIC. Bassike delivers easily breezily cut staples with an interesting little twist that keeps them from being your run of the mill. For those that live in climates like that of Australia (where Bassike hails from) or Brazil, you'll know how easy it is to make fashion faux pas when the weather gets hot and the prospect of wearing anything but a bathing suit becomes slightly unappealing; Bassike is all and everything you need.

WE // R \\ WATCHING

Before watching HBO's Game of Thrones, I assumed the series would tend a bit more towards the blood-dripping Danish movie Valhalla Rising rather than fairy-tale stories a lá 'Lord of the Rings'; and for that I didn't really like the series at the beginning. But slowly, I found myself submitting to tales of bad kings, midget juggernauts, savage warriors and... dragons. And that happened probably because there aren't exactly good guys and bad guys here, like there are in Tolkien stories - and that is, of course, a simplification of his work. Another reason I relented to this series is because of the intriguing political backstage element that leads to the ever-happening dance of thrones. Oh, and did I mention the gratuitous nekkid-ness?

WE // R \\ GOING

Of the slew of new spots having opened up in Sydney in the last six months, The Norfolk on Cleveland St in Surry Hills has been one fated with success. Owned by some of the same kids that have brought The Flinders back to life (and currently, it's incredibly quick onset of 'The Norms'), you'll undoubtedly find The Norfolk rammed with all kinds, vying for a bite, a beer and a spot in the garden out back. The aim of the game is to cultivate Aussie pub culture at it's best; and it's doing a pretty decent job so far - if only you could get a table!

WE // R \\ READING

Super Sad True Love Story is the third book from the writer of the best selling Absurdistan, Gary Shteyngart. Incidentally, I read him name dropped in Flavorpill's Ultimate Hipster Reading list and in the same sentence as James Franco (they're buds, apaprently) just before I finished his latest offering. Don't let any of that put you off, or take away any of the sad scary brilliance of Super Sad True Love Story; written from the perspective of one 39 year old Lenny Abramov, son of Russian immigrants and in love with the impossibly cute and cruel Eunice Park. A satire that cuts to the bone, Super Sad True Love Story is exactly it's title. And it's good.

Insight's Untitled Street Party

Monday // February 28, 2011 at 14:18 // filed under Fashion // Lifestyle

Who can resist a good old summer (invite only) block party? Located in a transformed concrete space surrounded by a bunch of flats a street back from Sydney's famed Bondi Beach, Insight's annual Street Party had all the ingredients to make it a smash.

With bands on stage, art installations adorning neighboring properties and of course the all important free booze, it's hard to say no to the lure.

With at least 800 people having RSVP'd to the event, 400 to be let in and seemingly endless crates of alcohol stated on the old running sheet, it was set to be a good time.

Totes rock on, babes.

As it generally goes at these type of things, it was hell to get a drink and due to the amount of cameras on location, scarily well lit. So despite getting stamped on the forearm declaring that 'Somebody's gonna get pregnant at the insight party', the prohibitive access to booze kept it all fairly under control.

HIYA // Entry stamp on Sean's macho forearm

A bunch of bands I wasn't familiar with were playing; when I heard them on the night, they weren't of my persuasion and I'm not sure if any of them particularly charmed the mixed crowd either. They did orright though. But I did thank god when the DJs came on.

HIYA // Slow Blow

The art installations were pretty cool, and included a giant gold apple core which I personally rather enjoyed. Erin Wasson made a cameo, though her presence in Sydney wasn't particularly felt despite the fact that she launched her Low Luv jewellery label in Paddington last week.

HIYA // You suck

Before midnight hit, what I thought was a suuuuper chill party got quietly invaded by some laid back police clearing the place up. A strategic move by the organisers in an attempt for bad-ass-dom? A nearby resident fed up with the noise? Who knows, but it was fun while it lasted...Anyway, Cut Copy were throwing a party over in Chinatown, so it was time to make an exit anyway.

Though I bet I didn't have as much fun as this guy...and as I post, I ask myself a question that I find myself pondering a lot lately... Is this racist or not?