Archive: July, 2010

Islands @ Barbary 6/30

POSTED: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 5:30 PM

Filed Under: Music Concert Review

photo | Julia West

Last night the Barbary wasn't just some small venue in Fishtown, it was a psychedelic spaceship cruising around the bends of Saturn's rings. At least that's how it felt when Islands hit the cramped stage. As soon as singer Nick Thorburn had the mic in hand, his back was to the audience and he was sighing through the speakers. Seconds later he was singing "Switched On," standing on a platform and reaching his spindly fingers up to the orange and blue stage lights, and pushing the blades of the ceiling fan. Thorburn, dressed head to toe in white with a pair of dark shades, lived up to his space age persona in both the look and the sound. He reached down to take a camera from a fan, turned it on them and snapped a photo. After returning it to its rightful owner he gently plucked someone's glasses from their face and put them over his own. And the lanky frontman did it all gracefully, without missing a word, cooing "they sing along when you switch on." Thorburn was friendly, asking Philadelphia how we've been. "You look good. Still staying on top," he said as more of a statement than a question. Was this guy serious? Did he truly enjoy the polite chit chat between songs, or was he dogging us? Before there was enough time to think that maybe he was getting off on being goofy, the wonky-as-hell guitars come crashing in, followed closely by warbling keys and exploding drums. Granted, the poppy songs tended to sound alike before long, few of them actually standing on their own. But this is a band that comes off so much better live than they do in the studio. While nothing was wildly different from the recorded sound, the set was its own whammy-laced gem. The live performance allowed space for the oddball synths and feedback to be brought to life. If the scene were a cartoon, squiggly movement lines would permeate from the speakers, the instruments, and around the four captains on stage who were navigating the dance-ship.

Peanut Buttercup

Posted 2010-07-01 18:15:33

SO glad to see an Islands review!! That show was awesome. Love those guys.

Posted by Julia West @ 5:30 PM Permalink | Post a comment

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: O-spiration, zebra prints and breakin' all the rules

POSTED: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 4:29 PM

Filed Under: Shopping Fashion

Neighborhood Watch looks for Philly's most fashionable. This week: Nyidera ventured only a few blocks north to Old City's shopping haven on Third Street, where she met some veterans in the fashion world, had some great convos and even treated herself to a pair of Topstitch Boutique's signature "fleather" earrings.

Nyidera Edwards

Casey B. (26) says riding her bike 24/7 usually keeps her on the tomboy end of the fashion spectrum. But today, the Center City girl let the estrogen flow freely in her Urban Outfitters floral dress. Casey chose the vintage-y piece because she likes breezy fabrics, bright colors and ruffles. "I like to be nice and summery. I'm not a designer girl. I like to pick through secondhand and vintage," she says, hence the leather camel flats from Buffalo Exchange. Casey praises the "classics," like icon Jackie O., and "contemporary women in music" like Karen O. of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Some of her fave shops are Anthropologie, UO, H&M and Art Star (623 N. Second St., 215-238-1557). Casey's #1 Rule of Thumb: "It's important to be comfy. If you're not, you can't pull off any look." Wise words, Casey.

Nyidera Edwards

Jamie Coyle, co-designer of Old City's newest boutique Carmelita Couture (17 N. 3rd St., 215-925-3207), is no stranger to bold and innovative fashion. She says, "We like a lot of one pieces, fun, funky and comfortable." Her mantra is much like the daring, zebra-print romper she's photographed in (a boutique original). After working with Carmelita head designer (and namesake), Carmelita Martell, the uptown girl says much of their pieces have been inspired by "art, femininity and comfort," noting key elements are "fun and color." Jamie notes some of her fashion icons are John Galliano; Coco Chanel's rival, the infamous Elsa Schiaparelli; and the gone-but-not-forgotten Alexander McQueen.

Topstitch Boutique's Tina M. (29) was draped in endless conversation pieces. The perfect combination of classic and distinctive, Tina created her a statement look by pairing a simple sheer oversized men's shirt with one-of-a-kind accessories. The wooden geometric necklace is a Topstitch original, she scored her leather utility vest as a gift from designer friend Collina Strada and her suede peep toes are by Jeffrey Campbell. Aside from her own store, the Fishtown native's other fave shop is Reward (55 N. 2nd St., 267-773-8675). "Reward fits my personality for clothing. The owner [Sheri Roulin] carries a lot of indie lines. She's willing to take risks with innovative designs," she says. Tina's her biggest inspirations are Susie Bubble, friends and Topstitch's designers. Lastly, she says, "People seem afraid to mix neutrals and they never mix metals and I don't know why. I like to do both."

Posted by Nyidera Edwards @ 4:29 PM Permalink | Post a comment

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PHILLY LOVE NOTES: An ode to Spruce Street
Q&A with SHARI SOLANIS: "The goal isn't pornography"
ICE CUBE: In Memoriam: Joe Tartaglia
CONCERT REVIEW & PHOTOS: James Blake @ TLA 5/11
What we're trying to do this weekend
SEXY TIME Q&A: I've never had an orgasm during sex with a man — and I'm 30!
Coming soon to Philly: Two cockamamie movie promotion schemes
Q&A with Tony Goldwyn: "Life is gray, and relationships are, too"
CONCERT REVIEW: Primus (3D & quadraphonic sound) @ The Tower 10/17
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: The Archbishop meets the Geator, the Mayor goes suit shopping, Le Bec Fin fin.

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Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

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