The Rise of Scandinavian Sound

Evening Everyone,

I'm very glad with the number of entries for my

Pixies Poster competition - the winner will be 

announced soon.

So recently, I was flicking through my playlist when

I realized how many Scandinavian artists I had on there.

I was then talking to my friends who were also very interested

in a number of Danish and Swedish artists. 

I've found this quite interesting and where better to talk

about it than here? 

(Don't go yet - I promise not to talk about ABBA!)

It all started with Bjork (although she is Icelandic)

with her 1993 album 'Debut' she rose from the crowd

like a bubble in a coke can. Her beautiful lyrics and

electronic pop opened the gateway for a new era of pop music.

Combining house, jazz and trip-hop she went on to be one of

the biggest artists of her time - and still is!

Listen To: 'Come to Me' & 'Hyperballad'

Bjork

Closely following Bjork were Swedish band The Cardigans.

The Cardigans leaped to fame when their song 'Lovefool'

was featured in the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet.

Their album Life, released in 1995, was produced by

Tore Johansson who also went to produce music for Franz

Ferdinand and Wild Beasts. 

I'm not going to be able to name every artist that has
ever come out of the Scandinavian scene but now there seem 
to be more than ever!
You've got Robyn, who first appeared in the 90s after her hit single "Do you know", MO, The Majority Says and Royksopp just
to name a few!
Although Icelandic, Of Monsters and Men are also a
mainstream band that have paved the way for more
indie pop/rock bands to follow.

One of my favourites is MO (the O has a line through it)
who I discovered a few months back on YouTube.
Her music has strong electropop notes, deep vocals and 
almost jazzy undercurrents (which can be heard in 'Don't Wanna Dance' and 'Say You'll be There') that have been 
compared to the likes of Grimes and 
Twin Shadow.

Robyn has also made a comeback to the pop world with
Norwegian duo Royksopp and their song 'Do It Again'.
The song is a combination of house and triphop, similar to 
Bjork, and has been described as "joyously addictive" 
and "booming" Do It Again, released in May 2014, peaked 
at number 3 in the UK Indie Albums chart.

It would seem to me that the Scandinavian and Icelandic
music scene is returning stronger than ever, this time
it is here to stay. So keep a look out!

Thank you for the music,
Poppy x

My top 5 Film Soundtracks

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry I haven't been posting for

a while, I've been doing my exams!

But today I am returning with one of my 

favorite posts so far:

"My Top 5 Film Soundtracks"

Whilst listening to Karen O & the Kids,

I was inspired by the wonderful soundtrack that

she created for Where The Wild Things Are.

One of my all-time favorite films! 

And here I am now, writing up my idea 

for you.

(Counting down)

5) Moonrise Kingdom

Soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat
A quirky and wistful collection of scores
to match the bittersweet directing by
Wes Anderson. Percussion and brass dominate the
delightful tracks creating a sense of innocence
and child-like imagination. Also included in the 
album is 'Le temps de l'amour' by Francoise Hardy
adding even more magic to the film and 
soundtrack! 

Try: 'Le temps de l'amour' by Francoise Hardy, The Heroic
weather conditions of the Universe Part 1: A veiled mist
by Alexandre Desplat


4)(500) Days of Summer
Soundtrack by Various Artists
A unique mix of indie, electronic and
alternative songs including covers of The Smiths
and Pixies by beautiful small time bands.
Song include 'Sweet Disposition' by Temper Trap,
'Mushaboom' by Feist and 'There Goes the Fear' by
Doves. The songs match ongoing themes throughout the
film and tells the story of a happy-go-lucky
couple.

Try: 'She's got you high' by Mumm-ra, 'Here Comes your
Man' by Meaghan Smith


3) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Soundtrack by Various Artists
The first song to blast through the speakers is 
'Wake Up' by Arcade Fire, probably my most favorite
song ever! Soon more uplifting songs are headed your
way; 'Dirty Paws' by Of Monsters and Men, 'Lake
Michigan' by Rogue Wave and a handful by Jose Gonzales.
The songs are insightful, inspiring and earnest yet slightly
melancholy. If you need a bit of fuel to get you through
the day then this soundtrack is for you!

Try: 'Escape' by Jack Johnson, 'Dirty Paws' by Of
Monsters and Men, 'Far Away' by Junip


2) Where the Wild Things Are
Soundtrack by Karen O and the Kids

Karen O, lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, leads
the band with her raw and touching vocals. Shouts of
"Let the wild rumpus start!" and whispers of story telling
play throughout many of the songs. Harmonies, strange
lyrics and soaring legatos feature in this incredible
masterpiece that fills the room with child-like wonder.
I could listen to this all day long!

Try:'All is Love', 'Capsize', 'Rumpus Reprise' all by
Karen O and the Kids


1) The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Soundtrack by Various Artists
My first choice was probably very obvious but
inevitable. Classic songs of rebirth and joy plaster
a smile across any listeners' face. They may not be
underground artists but that doesn't change a thing;
David Bowie, Dexy's Midnight Runners and The Cocteau
Twins all have brilliant tracks included. 
I love how Dexy's Midnight Runners' 'Come on
Eileen' plays during Charlie's awkward (and adorable)
dancing scene - if you haven't seen the film go and 
watch it! A fantastic collection.

Try: 'Asleep' By The Smiths, 'Heroes' by David Bowie, 
'Pearly Dew-Drops' Drop' by The Cocteau Twins

 

Let me know what your favorite Film Soundtrack is
in the comment box below! 

Coming Soon: An interview with band My Sad Captains,
singer Ezra Furman and a competition.

See you soon,
Poppy x

Redecorating (again!)

Hey Everyone, 

Just wanted to show you some pictures of my room.

I was redecorating yesterday (my version of therapy)

by adding some pictures and rearranging my stuff.

I bought some lovely mini prayer flags and stuck them

between to adjacent walls to create a cosy little atmosphere

in the corner where my desk is.

I also stuck some 7" vinyl in a 3x3 group on the

wall to add some colour and texture - it looks so cool!

Finally, the quote I created from pages of Q music

magazine. The quote is from a song that I posted 

on my blog a few days ago ("Don't ask me Why"

by Great Caesar). 

If you have any cool ideas or pictures of your

DIY decorating - feel free to comment below :)

Have a happy thursday,

Poppy Valentine xx

A Song for the Weekend...

Hey Everyone,

I'm so glad it's finally the weekend! I'm

very excited because on Sunday I will be going to 

The Breakfast Club cafe with a few of my friends.

I've never been before but I have heard that 

their breakfasts are legendary!!

So hopefully you'll be seeing some photos 

of that soon enough.

But for now, I'd like to tell you about a 

song I have been listening to for the past week 

or so, it's extremely delicate and precious to

me. It tells the story of three generation of men.

Each single for a different purpose based on the 

society they are growing up in. 

And without

further ado, this is "Blood" by The Middle East.

I really hope you like it! 

Until tomorrow, 

Poppy Valentine x

Summer is here!

Hi Peeps, 

Wow, some serious blog neglect has gone down 

but I promise to make it 

up to you! 

So much has happened to me since my last post, I've spoken

 to a blogging  legend; Ophelia Horton,  been to New York AND had a  rather big shopping spree. I've been on 

a bit of a lucky streak at the moment 

but it's due to run out 

anytime soon! 

My latest obsession is with White. Anything white will put a smile on my face, although people say it's not a very 

flattering colour I think you'd be surprised! 

One of my latest purchases was a white lace dress 

from Forever 21 - which is absolutely fantastic! 

I would recommend Forever 21 to anyone who is

looking for quality clothing at a purse - nursing price. 

So go on - dare yourself! 

Here are some photos taken by Desire Ageymang: 

Summer is the perfect time for fashion, the days look fabulous and so should you! So why not try something new? A bright red maxi skirt or a pretty little peplum top?! 

You'd be surprised at what you find! 

On to Cosmetics.....

I recently bought some new cosmetics which are perfect for a quick refresh in the summer heat, try Batiste for a quick hair wash and Barry M nail varnish in Lemon

 Ice Cream to awaken any outfit! 

Well, I hope you get some inspiration! 

We'll speak soon! 

Poppy Valentine x

The World of Accessories!

Afternoon,

Where to begin in the wonderful world of accessories! 

There's shoes, bags, scarves, hats, jewellery and don't forget make-up! 

I absolutely adore Nail Varnish! It comes in so many wondrous

colours and designs! My favourite brand would have 

to be Barry M, it is a must-have for any 

fashion follower! 

According to The Sunday Times Magazine, this season 

is all matchy-matchy, so none of those two tone rainbow 

colours, it's all about finding the perfect nail 

partner for your outfit! 

Here are my favourite Barry M colours: 

1. Silver Multi glitter

2. Black Crackle Effect 

3. Blue Moon

I recently bought this incredible (not to mention expensive!) pot of Nail Varnish from American Apparel:

Neptune Glow in the Dark Nail Varnish

I'll be back with some more accessories soon!

Poppy Valentine x  

Fashion Show

Hello Stranger!

I haven't blogged for a while (sorry), I've been kept occupied by a demanding Dog 

and a hectic Fashion Show! 

At the moment, I've been working on casual outfits with an impact, today I am wearing a black 

tube skirt, a burgundy aztec jumper, all black converse and my bowler hat - which has proved very popular with friends! 

The bowler hat makes all the difference and at the moment it's my favourite thing! I had a mini online shopping spree so you'll see me wearing some new clothing! 

Here is what I have added to my collection: 

All from New Look, Pinafore: £20, Panel Dress: £7 in sale, Bag: £13 and Blouse: £17. 

The dress was a bargain! And panel dresses are great for giving an illusion of incredible curves, I bought the 

Blouse to go with the Pinafore and Bowler hat (again!) and a dash of red lipstick - that'll be one of my next outfits! 

Have a lovely day my Fashion - Easters! 

Poppy Valentine x

Desperately Seeking Sunshine

Evening!

Hope you've all had a great day, this week has gone by so quickly! So, this week I suddenly had an idea to try out some old Denim Jackets that have been sitting in the back of my wardrobe for an age. I soon discovered a very 80s style that I like to call: "I've-seen-it-all-so-don't-look-at-me-like-that".

The style reminded me of Desperately Seeking Susan, where Madonna is seen wearing Bomber Jackets, red lipstick and over-sized hoops:

I hope you like the style, it fits in with the All-Denim craze and American Skater skirts obsession. The Jacket is from Benetton (I got it from a charity shop!), Top is Topshop, Skirt is New Look (in season) and Bandana is New Look. 

I adore this outfit and it's perfect for Shopping or for an evening out with friends and family! 

Enjoy,

Poppy Valentine x

Stripes to die for!

Evening All, 

I went on a mini spree at the weekend and bought

 a few new things for the Blog! The dress I'm wearing (in 

the photos) is a gorgeous spring garment perfect 

for garden parties, a picnic or just everyday wear, to jazz

 it up a bit I've added some bright red lippy and a cute 

circular bowler hat, just to add a sprinkle of quirky chic. 

This is typical brick lane wear and it's 

my favourite outfit!

I would usually add a pair of brown leather sandals (for summer) or some chocolate coloured boots, but as you may be able to 

                                        see I am not actually wearing shoes! 

I love the grey stripes, they're much more subtle than navy or black and the 

outfit makes you feel amazing! 

Hope you all had a nice weekend?! Any trends you want me to test out? 

Poppy Valentine x