IM // UR | Refreshing Lemonade

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.

Refreshing Lemonade

Monday // February 08, 2010 at 16:04 // filed under Music

Lemonade is back with a refreshing new sound. The trio from Brooklyn is releasing a new EP at the beginning of March as the follow up to their immensely enjoyable self-titled debut album - and by now we hope you know how the internet world works. If something is going to be released next month, you can have the whole deal now (or at least the tasty bits).

So what about listening to this flavorish mix of influences that is their new single right now? Just check the video below (you can also download the track for free at the buttom of this post).

Lemonade - Lifted

'Lifted' is at the same time dubby, with a Brooklyn and Baltimore feel, as well as being danceable, nostalgic, fresh and wrapped in beautiful lyrics ("I see my whole life come together around you"). And it's only one of the five new tracks that are going to be released on Pure Moods. Lemonade's awesomely named Myspace (/bananasandecstasy) has another track up called 'Underwater Sonics' that is a smartly crafted, darkly urgent electronic song. Also, there's something about Callan Clendenin's vocals here that remimd me of early Incubus and that's a compliment.

Pure Moods is out via True Panther Sounds/Matador on the 9^th of March. We think you should order it now.

Flash Content

Lemonade - Lifted [mp3]

POSTED BY RAPHAEL CAFFARENA

TAGS: Lemonade // LINKS: Lemonade