we have a secret, shhhhhhhh……

…we recycle!

Wardrobe recycling is fun and easy. One night Em and Sam found out that an everyday wardrobe can be transformed into something entirely different and interesting.

Actually: So, anonymous model, how would you describe your wardrobe?

Anonymous Model: Disappointing and difficult to manage. I really don’t know how I ended up with what I have!

Actually: Were you happy with the results of this little expedition into wardrobe recycling?

Anonymous Model: Yes! (model laughs) Um…it was cool to see how someone else might wear my stuff.

Actually: Would you ever wear those brocade pants in public? They are AMAZING.

Anonymous Model: (Model laughs) Would i wear them in public? I have, before they were altered, but it was dark!

Actually: Well thanks for letting us in to the dark depths of your clothes rack, its been fun!

Anonymous Model: You can get into the dark depths of my rack anytime!

Styling by Emily Hughes and Samantha Murdoch

Photos by Samantha Murdoch

Text by Samantha Murdoch and Emily Hughes

Model chooses to remain anonymous

…we love princess sparkle banana splits

You will need:

• Bananas (well DERRRR)
• Neapolitan ice cream (but only use the PINK k?)
• Those sparkly pink sugar crystal thingos
• Chocolate Topping or Ice Magic
• Brown, White and Pink Cream Wafers
• Crushed Peanuts

Cut open the bananas lengthways, place in bowl and add ice cream and topping or ice magic. Sprinkle over HEAPS of the pink sparkles (other wise its not a princess sparkle, is it?), crushed peanuts and one of each colour wafer.

WARNING: You may experience strange behaviour after consuming this, such as groaning, writhing and sugar induced hyper-ness. Eat responsibly.

Text and Photo by Samantha Murdoch

…we love cheap cds

$10 table, Fish Records, Newtown

MASSIVE ATTACK: COLLECTED

Massive Attack is a band that has made an impression on me, but it has always been one song that has crept into my repeat play lists, never a whole album. Tunes such as Teardrop and Inertia Creeps (both from 1998) were staples of my adolescence, but I have never thought to appreciate the whole picture that their impressive back catalogue creates. Most people would know Teardrop, the haunting lyrics and THAT film clip, you know, the one with the foetus floating around all translucent like, but on closer inspection there is more than singing babies to be found.

Things you may not know? Well firstly, most of their music is what music nerds call trip-hop; they share this genre with others such as Portishead and Tricky. Secondly, they have had an extraordinary number of amazing guest vocalists and musicians; Tracy Thorn from Everything but the Girl does a stellar job on Protection (1994) and Elizabeth Frazer from Cocteau Twins sings to your soul on Teardrop.

In 2006 Massive Attack released Collected. It’s a best of, though I think it works well as a stand alone album, thematically and musically. The band has really stayed true to its beginnings, whether this was an intention or not it means that Safe From Harm from 1991 with its synth backing and soul vocals sits beside 2006s smoky Live With Me so well it would not be a stretch to assume that they were from the same album originally. Live With Me is a favourite of mine from this disk, featuring Cee-Lo Green of Gnarls Barkley, its eerie strings accompaniment the lyrics all about love, and a beat which is impossible to resist makes it a perfect song to kick back to.

It appears that Massive Attack is a 90s band that has managed to outlive its era, and with a new album expected to be released very soon, we may see more brilliance yet. I am completely excited at the idea of Hope Sandoval from Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions and Mazzy Star making an appearance with her ethereal vocals, and Damon Albarn of Blur throwing his hat into the collaborative ring.

SO, if you are like me and have always liked Massive Attack, never LOVED them, head to Fish Records on King street in Newtown and pick up Massive Attack: Collected (2006), and the infectious and primal rhythms will get you hooked . Get to know the trip-hop pioneers so you can fall in love with the new album.

Text By Samantha Murdoch

Image courtesy of Virgin Records

Em and Sam say thanks! We shall post again soon.

xoxo