Monday, 12 July 2010

Random Post

Start it off with, are you available?
No

Is anything bothering you right now?
There is always something or other on my mind.

Are you happier single or in a relationship?
Ha, well I've never been in a really long relationship so I don't think I can really answer that.

Do you even KNOW how to do the laundry?
Yarhuh

When's the last time you had a headache?
Friday

Dark hair or light hair in the opposite sex?
I think I like both nowadays.

Who is your favorite person to talk to when you're down?
Ali

What woke you up this morning?
My mum

Have any memories that you'd like to forget?
Possibly but if they didn't happen then I wouldn't learn from them I guess.

Do you/have you ever liked/been in love with someone older than you?
Yes

Ever been kissed on the forehead?
Yes

How are you feeling right now?
Meh..

Did you enjoy your summer?
It's only just started T in the Park was a great start to it though.

Is it possible to be single and happy?
I think so, I know others who'd disagree.

Is there anyone you trust even though you should not?
Yeah probably.

How's your heart lately?
Not too good

What do you hate about your school?
Single sex!!

Are you talking to someone while doing this?
Yessa

Who sent you your last text message?
Rosie M

Are you happy with the choices you've made?
Life is full of choices, you're never going to be right every single time.

Would you be able to date someone who doesn't make you laugh?
Doubt it.

Are you planning to go see a movie anytime soon?
I really want to see Inception with Leonardo Di Caprio!

Do you like to have long hair or short hair?
I'm not sureee...I think long enough to tie up but apart from that not fussed.

Do you want your life to stay the way it is right now forever?
No school, no job, no bills, all my mates around me...it would be pretty sweet but I want to do something different =)


Did you sing in the shower?
I don't actually...everywhere else but!

Is anybody in love with you?
Who am I to say?

Have you ever dyed your hair an unnatural color?
Nope, I'm boring like that :p

Do think you'll be married in 10 years?
No

Have you ever been given a rose?
No =\ aw

Are you a jealous person?
I can get quite jealous, bad trait..

Can you cook?
Pasta, toast...yes. ;)

Do you know anyone who has faked being pregnant?
Yes, why do that? Stupid.

Have you ever had a best friend who was of the opposite sex?
Yep

Could you go the rest of your life without doing any drugs?
I could...

Have you faced any of your fears lately?
Losing a loved one count?

Who was the last person to comfort you as you cried?
Mum probs..

Do you have to plug your nose when swimming under water?
No

Are you feeling cuddly?
I always do

Who can make you feel better in a difficult situation?
Quite a few of my close friends.

Has anyone told you they don't ever wanna lose you?
Yeah

Do you prefer the ocean or pool?
Ocean

What is in your bag right now?
Purse, lighter, smint, TITP ticket.

When is the next time you will kiss someone?
Hopefully next week

Have you ever made someone so mad that they broke something?
I wouldn't be surprised..

Been swimming lately?
No actually =\ I love swimming though

You're going on a road trip, what must you bring with you?
Camera, iPod, Friends, Red Bull..

Are you outgoing or more reserved?
I can be both depending who my company is

Are you wearing jeans right now?
Nopes, leggings..

Did you sleep in past noon today?
Unfort not..

Do you have any plans for tomorrow?
Bit of tidying up I think

Have you ever kissed in the rain?
No!! Would love to though

You just drank 52 shots, what would you be doing?
Singing...rather loudly...

Do you hate the last person you kissed?
No

Would you ever get a tattoo?
Possibly

Last person you talked to on the phone?
A random relative

What was your last thought before you went to bed last night?
Damn I wanted Holland to win the world cup and not Spain.

Are you satisfied with what you currently have in life?
Mostly

This survey get's a little personal can you handle it?
Yes

When were you on the phone last and with who?
This afternoon, random relative.

What are you excited for?
Naples and London

Are you scared to fall in love?
Nope

How fast does your mood change?
Quite quickly..

I bet you missed someone today?
Yarhuh

What were you doing at 4am?
Sleeping

Where do you live?
Near Berwick-upon-Tweed

Would you go in public looking like you do right now?
Yessa

Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?
Mmm I guess they do

Missing someone you shouldn't?
Yes

Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you?
Yeah a couple.

Has anyone told you they missed you lately?
Yep. =\

What are you doing this weekend?
Pack for Naples..

What was your worst mistake in your life?
My life isn't over yet so I can't say.

Do you like to sleep?
A hell of a lot.

Do you like hugs?
Oh yes, hug can cure anything.

Do you live near your best friend?
Not reallyyy

Are you anything like you were at this point two years ago?
Maybe, but I've probably changed

Do you enjoy late night phone calls?
Yarhuh

Were you happy when you woke up today?
Nopes

Strawberry milkshake or banana pancakes?
Strawberry milkshake

Do you know a guy named David?
Yeh more than one

Have you ever kissed someone with braces?
No

Can money buy happiness?
No

Do you have someone who you can be your complete self around?
Yes

Would you rather your partner have gorgeous eyes or a gorgeous smile?
Gorgeous eyes

Does it matter to you if your boyfriend/ girlfriend smokes?
Nope

How would your parents react if you got a tattoo?
Badly...

Is there anyone who doesn't like you?
Ha I can think of a couple.

Have you done anything sneaky lately?
Possibly.....

Who's clothes are you wearing?
My own.

Have you broken the law in the last 3 days?
Yuss, downloading music XD count?

Have you ever kissed anyone who's name started with a B?
Yeah

How many cigarettes have you smoked today?
None

Are you scared of spiders?
Very very scared.

What is the closest thing to you that is blue?
iPod nano

Do people underestimate your intelligence?
Don't think so.

Would you rather have love or money?
Love, then you wouldn't worry about money

Are you wearing any make up right now?
Yep

What do you currently hear right now?
A few birds twittering away..

Do you ever get good morning texts from anyone?
Yeah, they make me very happy =)

If you look straight ahead past your computer screen, what do see?
Pictures of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis

Current obsession?
Bombay Bicycle Club and London

Do you think high-school relationships can last?
Yeah but I could never do it.

Do you think there is a difference between love and lust?
Definitely

Are you a talkative person?
I can be very...usually when there's a drink inside of me.

Do you use smiley faces on the computer?
Far too often

Have you ever changed clothes in a vehicle?
Hahah yes

Is anyone else in the room with you?
No =\

Do you get distracted easily?
Mmm...SQUIRREL

Do you ever keep arguing when you know you're wrong?
Tend not to.

Is tomorrow going to be a good day?
Average I'd suspect.

Where is your biological father right now?
Pub?

Is your room clean?
Relatively, although lots of clothes lying around from T in the Park.

Do you like being around a large group of friends, or a best friend?
Depends on my mood

Have you ever seen your best friend(s) cry?
Yeah

Do you believe what goes around comes around?
Yes

Are you drunk?
No

Gay marriage?
Not for me

When was the last time you had a real smile on your face?
Not too sure

If someone liked you right now, what would you do?
Speak to them

Did you tell someone a big lie today?
Nope

Where did you first kiss the last person you kissed?
In a club in York

'The Libertines - Bound Together'. The story of Peter Doherty and Carl Barât and how they changed British music.



Why did I read this?

It all came around via Twitter (I can't praise Twitter enough haha).  Basically I saw that the @libertines were thanking @NME for rating their book as one of the top 20 essential reads.

So obviously being a big Libertines fan I had to check out this so called 'essential' musical literature. I found a couple of reviews on the book and that was it. I was going to get that book!  That's something I've found out about me recently, if I really want something I usually won't stop trying til I get it.  It can be really frustrating but I know people who are the opposite and I just can't imagine not trying for the best! Anyways...

I started looking online and retreated to my faithful friend Amazon to see if they had some in stock.  Of course they did, and within seconds my order was placed and the waiting began...

"Our goals can only be reached through a vechile of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act.  There is no other route to success." - Pablo Picasso

1st impressions?

YES! I was so so excited, I didn't realise it was a hardback either, which made it even more beautiful. It was first published in 2006...how haven't I come across this before now!? Oh well, thank the Lord I have.



What have I gained from reading it?

Of course everyone has their own opinion on Doherty, but this book really lays him out bare.  You follow the story of Carl and Pete and their 'Arcadian Dream', with their desire to reach Arcadia on their ship from Albion.  This fairly romantic idea of quintessentially British dreams and a passion for literature was something I'd personally associated with The Libertines for a long time.

The Libertines did not reach fame the easy way, they struggled for several years with many different managers, drummers, guitarists and demos.  It was the people who realised The Libertines had a certain spark and who never gave up on them that Carl and Pete have to be thankful for.  This is very evident in the book as you are informed of the numerous well renowned managers who were involved with The Libertines across their career.

During this time of Doherty's musical career he kept all his thoughts and some lyrics in 'The books of Albion'.  These have since been published but have been critised mainly due to the fact you can barely read his writing.  The published book is basically a scanned copy of Doherty's original notes, so his scrawly handwriting has been left untouched.

The Libertines also had something that other bands of the era lacked, such as Oasis and the Strokes.  Yes, these were iconic 90's bands but The Libertines had something different to offer, they had broken the tyranny of bands who had aspired to sound like Oasis. Pete and Carl 'ricocheted off each other and the songs combined smart lyrical hooks and blistering playing', what these guys had was pure passion for music.

I believe that this passion for music rather than the lights of fame was definitely emphasised by Pete's favourite pastime of arranging last minute gigs.  He would advertise gigs on the Libertines website hours before they were due to happen.  Often these gigs would be free so dedicated fans who loved the music could hear their beloved Pete play up close and personal.  Of course as Pete's infatuation with drugs started to spiral, he would charge a small fee at the door of the flat, basement or rooftop. 

After reading some stories in this book about these off the hook gigs, it's strengthened my view that The Libertines were truely unique.  It seems that no other band of that time took their fans as seriously as others and, they were willing to give anyone a chance to hear their music.

I also discovered that The Libertines played at the Queen's Golden Jubilee in June 2002. I was lucky enough to be at this event but with no idea that they even existed.  Had I known as a naive 11 year old that my now favourite band were playing less than a mile away is bizarre to think.  I was more excited at being able to view S Club 7's last ever performance...oh how things have changed :).

Within the book there are hundreds of stunning pictures of the pair and the band together, most of which I had never seen before.  Many of them capture the moment perfectly and allow you to get a real sense of what is being described in the text.

Pete's influences

  • Oscar Wilde
  • William Blake
  • Emily Dickinson
  • Thomas Chatterton
  • The Smiths, The Las
Carl's influences

  • Saki
  • Dandyism
  • Music hall
  • 1960s music such as The Beatles
Both were influenced by Wilde mainly due to his wit, and both ensured they had a copy of George du Maurier's - Trilby (where the iconic 'trilby hat' originated from) at hand.

"Every reformation must have it's victims.  You can't expect the fatted calf to share the enthusiasm of the angels over the prodigal's return." - Saki

*This picture is one of my favourites from The Libertines - Bound Together.

The Chemistry

Of course everyone thinks of Carl and Pete when the Libertines are mentioned, but the other two members Gary Powell and John Hassall barely get a mention.  Whilst reading the book I discovered that there was constant tension between Gary, John and Pete.  Pete saw The Libertines consisting of two members not four, and firmly believed that Gary and John where merely session artists rather than true Libertines.  This bond that Doherty held for Carl was strengthened when they both gained 'libertine' tattoos in Pete's distinctive handwriting.  This was not just ink embedded in their skin, this was a sign that they were brothers, bound together.

Gary and John couldn't handle Pete's disruptive behaviour and his lack of attendance at rehearsals so they became frustrated with him very easily.  Carl also felt the frustration, probably more so, but there was that bond which meant that Carl wasn't going to let Pete just fade away with out a fight...this is what kept the Libertines together to form their greatest hits such as 'Don't look back into the sun'.


 
Nicknames
  • Spaniel (Carl and Pete)
  • Bilo, Pigman (Pete)
  • Biggles (Carl)
  • Mr Lombard (John)

"Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory" - Oscar Wilde


Final note

Obviously as you can probably gather, I found the book to be a very good read and it gives you an insight into the heart of The Libertines.  There are many funny moments within the book but also it enables you to capture the horrific low points the band experienced due to Doherty's drug use.  It almost makes you feel sorry for not only Doherty's state of mind but how it effected the rest of the band and the people who had believed in them for all those years.  All I can say is if you want to give Pete a chance or would love to find out about their early start as a band and their various chaotic gigs then definitely buy it.  


P.S
 
This book has also inspired me to think about getting a tattoo related to the Libertines...discuss! ;)

Sunday, 20 June 2010

Dancing on my own

Hello all,  currently trying to finish 'The Libertines - Bound Together' by Anthony Thornton and Roger Sargent.
In the mean time, I've been surfing the web again, tracking down quotes and pictures that inspire me (=

Hope you enjoy them..







                                                                                                                                                                                                                                












 


 




 


 


 






 




Friday, 11 June 2010

Are summer resolutions acceptable?

I'm currently on study leave, which means I've got lots of time (on my hands) to revise...  
So I've been thinking what can I do to motivate me through these rather dull few weeks ahead?  I've come up with a few things which I'd like to achieve during this time, and I'll keep you posted as to whether they actually happen! (=





1. Get fit!
- I don't do nearly enough excercise these days, need to get in shape for the summer! Tres excited.

2. Drink less tea, more water
- I drink, (as you may know from twitter) copious amounts of tea... To be honest I'm slightly addicted and I have 2 sugars in each. You may think..well why don't you just have it without the sugars? I would if I didn't think it tasted horrible without them =(.  So looks like water is my next best option, wish me luck on that one...don't think I'm likely to give up my tea but worth a try! (for a while atleast!)

3. Do lots of revision (standard!)

4. Make the most of being at home 
- I've got a pretty jam packed summer and it's sort of just dawned on me that in September I will no longer be here! Of course I'm excited but now I've thought about it, God i'm going to miss it!

5. Plan out my summer carefully!
- There are lots of parties + shindigs + holidays being planned already, I don't want to double book or miss out on that one awesome party! Need to get things organised. (=

6. Discover a new band (as per, I'll keep you posted on that one)

7. Save up!
- I work at Hollister currently, but I need to start saving the money I'm earning instead of spending without thinking! I'll use the catch phrase 'money for thought' here (rather than food!)

8. Keep in contact with everyone (=
- Yes it's a busy time, exams blah blah blah, no excuse for not staying in touch though.

9. Enjoy life!
- Exams are temporary, the stress will fade and I'll never get these days back.  Need to embrace every moment + laugh and not cast small but important things aside.

10. GET LASHED.
- I'm sorry but once my exams are over, I hold no responsiblity to my actions. I'm going to T in the Park and basically...it's going to be mental (=

Wednesday, 9 June 2010

Sexual? I think so..

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