The Dead Weather

Another music post, but this is definitely worth it. I was surprised when a friend of mine asked me last night, "Have you heard Jack White's new band?". I hadn't heard so much as a rumour, so I went to iTunes and found The Dead Weather's debut release Hang You From the Heavens, with a cover of Gary Numan's Are Friends Electric? on the B-side. This time around, White is behind the drum-kit, with Alison Mosshart (a.k.a VV of The Kills) supplying lead vocals, Jack Lawrence (of White's other other band The Raconteurs) on bass and Dean Fertita (QOTSA) on guitar. The sound is exactly what I would expect from a mix-up of the White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Kills, the same raw, dirty sound associated with Jack White. The B-Side is also very interesting, one that definitely does Numan's original justice.



Hang You From the Heavens released 12th March on Third Man Records

Dan Auerbach

Dan Auerbach (of the Black Keys) released his debut solo album Keep It Hid this February, which simply serves to emphasise his ability as a versatile and talented musician. The album seems to take the driving blues sound of the Black Keys discography and tone it down until it resembles more country and western, with suitable harmonies to support the comparison. Recorded at his own studio (Akron Analogue), Auerbach has made good use of vintage and analogue equipment, resulting in a much warmer sound compared to the industry standard these days. James Quine, Auerbach's uncle also appears on the album playing guitar, adding an extra touch. Standout tracks include Heartbroken, In Disrepair, The Prowl and Mean Monsoon, while the stripped down sound of Goin' Home and Real Desire add a softer dynamic. Here, Auerbach performs the opening track, Trouble Weighs a Ton with James Quine.

Keep It Hid released on Feb 9th 2009, on Nonesuch Records

Blackbird, Fly

So it's been well over a month since I last wrote, I must get back into the habit now that exams are over (for the time being), and I can start taking photographs I enjoy (rather than racing to get coursework in on time). This post will hopefully serve as a preview of what to expect from this blog in the coming weeks/months, at least in my output of photographs.

Having lusted over vintage TLR cameras for a while now, I've so far managed to abstain from spending absurd amounts on a Rolleiflex or Lomo Lubitel. Luckily, last night, I stumbled upon the Blackbird. Made by Japanese toy-camera company, this plastic TLR is unique for a few reasons. First, it's made entirely of plastic, so I expect the images will be similar to those shot with a Diana+ or Holga. Secondly, it seems to be the first exclusively 35mm TLR, with frame masks included to create either standard images (24mm x 36mm), square images (24mm x 24 mm) or a complete frame, sprocket holes an'-all. Hopefully, a few posts down the line I'll be able to share my first TLR roll, and hopefully I'll be able to write a few more posts between now and then.

http://www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk/shop/categories/35mm-cameras/0/firstcall/firstcall-blackbird-fly-35mm-tlr-camera-black/