IM // UR | Jack Peñate

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.

Jack Peñate - Be The One

Wednesday // June 24, 2009 at 20:28 // filed under Music

Monday was the day that Jack Peñate's second effort hit the shelves and the reviews are already indicating it as one of the greatest reinventions so far - and we couldn't agree more. Although I was more than happy with the quirky mix of British rock, ska and romance from Matinee, the new acquired Balearic flavor of Everything Is New is fresh, timeless and amazing. If you haven't heard the new Jack Peñate sound - brilliantly crafted with the help of Paul Epworth - you might want to check the single below.

'Be The One' starts with trumpets, Jack in his best Prince impersonation and a melodic soulful instrumental finalized with a synth. The mainstream will have to take its time to understand the glory pop aspects in here. The church referred to in the song is also the stage for the new video, which although has a more higher budget than 'Tonight's Today', doesn't come off anywhere near as interesting.

Jack Peñate - Be The One

Believe it or not, the single, which was released on Monday (June 22), comes with two remixes. One from the disturbing British producer Armand Van Helden and another from the American rap crew Fly Union which does exactly what you'd expect from average American rappers. XL could've chosen better, but I'm pretty sure the original, in this case, is more than enough.

POSTED BY RAPHAEL CAFFARENA

TAGS: Jack Peñate, Armand Van Helden, Fly Union, Paul Epworth // LINKS: Jack Peñate