I kicked my dad in the balls for the Spice Girls

I was about 3 or 4 during the global reign of The Spice Girls. Some commercial TV network was cashing in on their domination by airing their concert. I remember being really excited, jumping up and down and proclaiming rather loudly that I was Baby Spice. I was a quiet a fan of them as child, and in fact I'm still am.

It's hard to believe that was more than fifteen years ago. Now a distant image. I vaguely remember singing and dancing along to 'Stop' and 'Wannabe'. I don't know how much of the concert I had seen but my dad was getting on my nerves, singing over The Spice Girls and blocking my view of the screen. I decided enough was enough. I got into the crane position and kicked him in the balls. Yes, I kicked him just like Danny LaRusso did to Johnny. I would have made the Spice Girls proud, just like Mr Miyagi after that kick.

The careers and lives of each of the members of the girl band have been widely publicised. Regardless of the controversies and "in-fighting" tabloides gossip and suggest, I'm sure fans would be prepared to shell out whatever cash they've got to see them. They are apparently set to tour Australia in 2014, after cancelling the Australian leg of their 2008 reunion tour, much to the bitter disappointment of fans. This would probably be follow by the musical 'Viva Forever', written by Jennifer Saunders inspired by their timeless hits.

If you were wondering whether I'd be one of these fools ready to give all my coin, you guessed right. But we'll have to wait for more solid information in the coming months.

GIRL POWER!!

           

                                    

gifs from: http://fuckyeahukpop.tumblr.com/post/27548943191 

words by Alisha Buaya

Mad Men (in all senses), Kpop glitter and Literary Blogs

Indefinite hiatuses are a must for students.

Yep, it's a Friday night. I thought I'd update the blog instead of scrolling through Tumblr.

Here's a few places where I consume time and thought - not so much space:

I was watching an episode of Mad Men and reading a recap of the episode which led me to this historical fact. (Spoiler warning? For the adamant viewers - this was from a piece of dialogue from season 5 episode 6.) A character said to Peggy that he was born in a concentration camp. A reader of the recap site shared their own story about the historical accuracy of this possibility here:

http://googlingtheholocaust.wordpress.com

I actually found the stories about these diplomats fascinating:

http://googlingtheholocaust.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/holocaust-hero-this-japanese-diplomat-saved-6000-jews/

http://googlingtheholocaust.wordpress.com/2013/01/02/a-jew-in-japan-during-wwii/


Writer's Blogs I follow:

http://theslipstream.com.au/

http://www.savannahjfoley.com/?page_id=329

http://catvalente.livejournal.com/


A semi-critical blog for my Kpop addiction because my mind can't help but dissect the glitter:

http://seoulbeats.com/

I might do a real music video review when I have the energy, for now, here's some glitter:

The Hibernation Period: Under the Shelter of a Soundscape.

Alisha and I have been moving under the bulk of a typical uni semester workload but we have good food and music to keep us running. I thought I'd do a short life update to assure readers we're alive in the real world (and the virtual realm so to speak.)

What have you been listening to?

For music: the online magazine about other people - Warhol's Children. Interviews, artist spotlights, topical articles and a music playlist every Thursday on Youtube and Spotify to keep us sane - check it out here. 


What have you been reading?

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami.

Note: This book is a massive tome (because its a compilation of 3 books in one) but I don't mind. Sometimes, I start a book and leave it for a while before coming back - if I'm in the right mood. So far, I've been introduced to the mind of a quiet female assassin, a ghost writer and an odd teenager. There's a slight mystery vibe happening there - surreal contemporary fiction - just another genre blender.

The Tower at Stony Wood by Patricia Mckillip.

Note: I think the quest -> tower -> maiden -> dragon plot is usually straightforward but this novel circles around characters who are stuck inside their own personal worlds and tasks in an intuitive way. Patricia Mckillip is the queen of intertwining character stories in a mythical setting through beautiful lyrical writing.

*You can track my reading progress at Good Reads.

**I might do a dare come summer time and read the infamous 50 Shades of Grey if Alisha drops it into my lap.

What have you been watching?

I'm 8 episodes behind in How I Met Your Mother. I usually watch Korean Variety Shows like Running Man for a good laugh these days.


That's all from me.

We'll be back around summer time in Oz for regular posts.

*Perhaps, sooner.

Words by Glaiza Perez.

There's 'No Doubt' they're back!

* First off, excuse the lame pun for a title.*

It's been just over a decade since No Doubt made an album and its long over due. The group have released 'Settle Down' as their first single off their new album 'Push and Shove' to be released around September 2012, the music video of which premiered mid July. As a preface to what I'm about to say I will say that I really love, and if you disagree (why would you?!?!) make a comment below (rolls eyes*).

Firstly just listening to it is amazing, it feels like they haven't changed their ska/punk (spunk?) sound. I want to say its mature because that's what most artists do when they make something new, but I don't feel like that's the case with No Doubt. I feel like they're staying true to their sound, the sound that their fans know and love. Since I can't actually put what I'm trying to say in a constructive phrase I'll just shoot out some words that should help make my point:dancing music psyching yourself up for a party that bass brah!!!!! exotic Indian, Carribean influence holiday music Gwen 'flipping' Stefani's....everything!!!! In terms of the video I think is pretty good. The band back together. Gwen Stefani looking hella fine (girl crush?). Trucks. Dancing. Party. This video has everything except for piano playing cats. We'll have to wait until September for my new stuff from 'No Doubt'. Haven't see the video yet, check it out!

In other news, 'No Doubt' played their first live performance on the Teen Choice Awards Show, too bad it wasn't as up to scratch as I thought. I don't want to try and make excuses for them but it was their first live performance in yonks, it was probably just a matter of warming up into the live performance routine. Wanna compare live 'No Doubt' to the music video?, click, watch and listen.

So until then make sure you keep in check with us here at 'The Occasional Pick Up' for more articles/pieces/reviews/opinion pieces and also feel free to ask any questions or make any comments below.

Words by Alisha Buaya

Artist Spotlight: Yayoi Kusuma - The Mirrored Years circa 2009.

A) Let images speak for themselves (or in this case, installation art.)

The Infinity Mirrored Room: Filled with the Brilliance of Life by Yayoi Kusuma (2011)

Image source: Tate Modern, London. Photograph: Sarah Lee for the Guardian.

B)  How I fell for contemporary art.

Let's rewind to tell this tale. A few years ago, I didn't need such a high prescription for my glasses and experienced my first non-school excursion walk around an art museum. My sister invited me along to an exhibition called The Mirrored Years - a showcase of Yayoi Kusuma's artworks at the MCA in Sydney in 2009. She lured me in with the promise of colourful rooms with a ton of pretty lights and polka dots (which may make me sound like a seven year old.) She dangled this one picture as a hook:

 Fireflies on the Water:

Image source: Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. Photograph courtesy Robert Miller Gallery.

More info about this artwork - here.

The best thing about contemporary art is being able to witness it - or in this case - physically immersing yourself in the artwork. I remember walking out onto a platform in the middle of the room and being surrounded by a swarm of lights multiplied by mirrors. Some people behind us waved their arms around to create a Ganesh-like illusion - thus - like dominoes in a line, we ended up playing with our reflections before the time was up. I regret not taking a photograph of that random moment.

I remember seeing a Florence + the Machine music video featuring a similar mirrored room with lights:

The artworks in The Mirrored Years exhibition - whether visual, interactive or audiovisual - played with a psychadelic sense of perception, hallucination and the self. Some other artworks that have stuck in my mind ever since that visit:

Narcissus' Garden by Yayoi Kusuma (1966/2002)

Image source: Queensland Art Gallery. Photograph: Matthew Cassay.

The Obliteration Room Yayoi Kusuma (2011)

Image source: Gallery of Modern Art. Photograph: Mark Sherwood. More info & photos here.

This picture speaks to my inner child's (polka dot fevered) sense of wonder & stimuli overload.

If you're curious about Yayoi Kusuma's life and works - check out her bio, galleries and current exhibition dates at her official website.

Words by Glaiza Perez.

Thoughts on: Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D

Thoughts on: Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D

It's the summer blockbuster season the US which means a sudden influx of Hollywood movies which is in turn timely for the NSW school and university (applicable to only undergrads) holidays; movies ranging from 3D animations, adventures, dramas and comedies. One of the movies I was really hyped to watch was Katy Perry: Part of Me, and yes, I watched it in 3D. Although I was disappointed at the fact that I didn't get red heart shaped glasses. I was going in to this movie as a Katy Cat (Katy Perry Fan) and came out as an even bigger fan, not just of her music or her songwriting but her approach to life.

The film's main over arching story line is the life of the 'California Gurls Tour' from day 1 till day 365. It also segue itself to her family life, the beginnings of her professional music career and widely publicised relationship with Russell Brand.

Being part music, part documentary I didn't really lose interest, the cutting back and forth between the interviews, documentary footage and the concert performances were done in a way that was paced just right. A really good example I remember was during her performance of 'Not Like The Movies' were bits were cut back to interviews of herself and her team about the breakdown of her relationship and marriage with Russell Brand.

Another scene I personally think is mention-worthy is during her concert performance of 'Who am I living for', whilst they also cut to interviews they cut to little bits of slow motion of that performance. While I'm not the biggest fan of 3D, I feel this does is really utilise the 3D effect, unlike some other films (James Cameron's Avatar).

Some may say that this film is a flop, but I don't think Katy's intention in this film was to make more mulah (she's had five number one singles, she's got an Olympic-sized pool filled with $$$). Katy wanted to document the real her amidst all the cotton candy, cats and coloured hair, and I think it was done well.

Words by Alisha Buaya

Image of Katy Perry and Jay Leno modelling the heart shaped 3D glasses from http://popcrush.com/katy-perry-talks-grandma-nose-piercing-lowest-point-tonight-show/

Confessions of a Kpop Addict: 2ne1's I Love You.

A Quick Intro to K-pop for the Unitiated listener - 

Korean pop music with its catchy hooks and random English lyrics have quickly gathered international fans through Youtube. The hypnotizing dance routines and the inexplicable fashion of these K-pop music videos reels in both the wary and unwary listeners.Through repeated exposure by friends and family, I became an unlikely K-pop addict. I actually found myself humming along to a song in a completely different language.

*Skip ahead to the review under the video if you're familiar with what I'm rambling about.*

Review - 2ne1's single - I Love You.

This is the perfect single for a comeback. I've always been a fan of slow tempo songs filled with yearning but this one builds up to a blazing beat towards the end. At first, I was actually disappointed with the fast turn-around ending. I was worried about the electro club overflow of the K-pop market. On replay, I soon accepted this song as a sweet dance track with a ballad-like feel mimicking the push and pull of emotion. Needlessly to say, I eventually found myself flailing around ungracefully (I.e. dancing) as the song sped up.

I also like how we're getting a more balanced set of vocals between the members this time round. I've always been a fan of Minzy's growing range and was blissful to find she was getting more air time. Dara surprised me with the catchy smooth delivery of her part (no excessive autotune) and Bom carries the raised notes of the verses well. CL seems to be the main vocal for this song but I like how her parts serve as the strong base for the build up about longing. 'Love is the only way,' is a vague sentiment at the beginning but luckily the rest of the song sweeps it away.

Music Video Dissection:

This video is dripping with vibrant colour and the night-blooming theme symbolic of pursuing love. The anime-esque exotic backdrops seem more evocative than suggestive of a linear storyline but it seems to suit the lush look and feel of the song. I love the dark contrast of silhouette dance in front of the lotus backdrop. CL and Mincy get their own solo sexy-time-dance breaks in between the forlorn gazes. As for notable props, I need to buy myself a parasol forwhen it snows because (you know) Australia gets a lot of snow. The cutting between CL's strut towards the crimson hotel doors and the scenes of Bom and Minzy in bed could easily be interpreted as their own lovers' rendezvous.

Just saying.

Fashion whip-around ending:

CL: Rocking the 60's inspired outfits.

Minzy: The Queen of Coats - but I do wish they'd give her outfits that don't restrict her dance moves on stage.

Dara: The bearer of Hot Pink hair and leopard print.

Bom: Bedtime simplicity and comfort in the long sleeved T-shirt.

Words by Glaiza Perez