Billie Holliday declared Kay Starr “the only white woman who could sing the blues”, and there’s no doubt that while you are listening to this moody ballad of luck and love, you will know exactly what she meant.
She’s also sassy AF which you will totally get from this 1951 colour video of the singer crooning her song which became a Gold Record and made it to #1 on the charts in the U.S.
All the glitter. All the glamour. All that timeless cool.
This is classic. We only discovered this a few days ago, but immediately our perspective shone bright on this beguiling and mysteriously seductive tune by the great Scott Walker (not to be confused with Scott Walker, the Governor of Minnesota).
For those who know of Scott Walker, you know he has a wildly fantastic voice – some sort of unique mix between Bowie and Tom Jones, or somehow tottering in limbo between. He got his start as The Walker Brothers, playing with two friends, but it was between the years of 1967 – 1974, Walker began to shine solo.
His works are definitely a product of the time, but demonstrate a forward motion in music, that some argue has yet to be caught up to. Just sit back and listen to the drama and epicness that is Scott Walker’s “Rosemary“.
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Voices from a photograph
Laughed from your wall
Screamed through your dreams
Wake up rosemary and wipe your teary eyes…
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If you have a spare moment, make sure to listen to Scott Walker’s “Archangel”, giving off extreme E.O.F. vibes all over.
A great track to keep you in the ghoulish mood, as Halloween’s Eve inches ever nearer. Tonight we’ll be Ghost Hunting on Toronto Island and we wish we could bring you all along. We’ll have to remain dancing in our dreams with you, as Frankensteins shackles ring out a tune.
The Hollywood Flames were an American R&B Vocal group formed in the late 40s, during a high school talent show. They would go on to perform through the span of the 50s whilst rotating members and band names. Their most famous singing would be “Buzz Buzz Buzz”, later featured on the 2001 “Blow” Soundtrack.
Here’s just a tiny taste of one of our favourite Parisian songstress of all-time. The great Françoise Hardy is known for so much more than just her fantastic voice and smooth 60s style.
According to her wikipedia page her credits reach from singer/actress and notes her as a Astrologist (so you better believe we’d be a fan). Surely claiming a spot as one of our divinities of style based on looks alone, which directly influence fashion house Balenciaga. Today it’s her voice which has us buzzing.
From the 1965 album ‘The Yeh-Yeh Girl from Paris!’ comes this amazing track which some of you may recognize from the recent Wes Anderson flick Moonrise Kingdom. Look for more words on this amazing subject in the ‘coming days‘, until then enjoy this delectable peice of 60s sub culture.
No secret here, we love to revel in Vintage. We had the privilege to find this rare performance by the incredible Patsy Cline of her hit “She’s Got You” thanks to crazy4patsycline. This one goes out to anybody who may be stewing over a lost love, missing days of the past. We sure as heck miss Patsy Cline. She truly had a voice like no other, with a distinct sadness in her voice that was truly beyond her time.
Take notice of Patsy’s unique flair for fashion. Playing hard into the cliche’s of Nashville, Patsy wore the Cowgirl style like it were a uniform, yet somehow she stood out during her time and was a true original. We are particular intrigued by the way she wore her headband.. talk about trend setter! Imagine running into her ghost…
Earlier today, after battling cancer, the 1970s/disco icon Donna Summer passed. There is no doubt, she is up there playing for the Big Man. This is a woman that knows “She Works Hard For the Money”.
Summers was born December 31, 1948, and after doing background vocals for legendary rockers Three Dog Night throughout the 70s where she met producers Giorgio Moroder (scores for ‘The Never Ending Story‘ and ‘Scarface‘, ‘Call Me‘ by Blondie, ‘Putting Out Fire‘ by Bowie, the list really goes on…) and Peter Bellotte. She eventually signed a record deal in Europe, releasing Lady of the Night as her first album in 1974.
Donna Summers would soon begin to represent everything that is the era. The embodiment of all things decadently glamorous, the passion of the times; her songs have the ability to take you on a wild fantasy and really tell a story. Movies play in your mind. Like a sorceress of emotion, she powered through hits such as “Last Dance“ (for which she would win a Grammy), “MacArthur Park“, and the paramount of the decade “She Works Hard for the Money“.
To find her signature sound, Donna practiced imitating Marilyn Monroe’s cooing. She would also spend time in the dark moaning and groaning to warm up her voice before sessions. Everyone has their way. Donna definitely had hers.
“God had to create Disco, so I could be born and be successful”
Donna Summer.
There is no way to even separate the era from this icon of Disco’s heydey. When love was in the air, and the nights were long and extravagant. Lights flashing, Disco’s last dance has yet to be played thanks to hits like Ms. Summers’. So while records may burn in stadiums, and the world reminisces on the last days of Disco, it really lives on in the talent, beauty, and grace, Donna Summers leaves behind to this day.
This is a song for that beautiful Brit that everyone seems to be OBSESSED with. From the SNL parody depicting an entire office full of a workers crying to her epic ballad “Someone like You”, to the pages of iTunes – Brit Pop will never be the same thanks to this talented young lady.
Turning 24 today, Adele already has an impressive 8 Grammy Awards, not to mention the honor of gracing the cover and pages of Vogue magazine. A graduate from the BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology, some of her peers included Leona Lewis and Jessie J, who have received their own successes abroad. Nothing, however, can compare to the staggering heights this young artist has been able to stride in just a few years!
Going from a relative unknown, Adele was catapulted to buzzing fame with her performance of “Chasing Pavements” on Saturday Night Live on September 3, 2008. From that moment on, the world could not get enough! Seems likely too, that her penchant for vintage and classic pieces has only elevated her status in the public eye. Unlike other young musicians and celebs, Adele always seems to find comfort in being utterly glamorous for her appearances; often sporting vintage furs, beaded dresses, and finely crafted vintage inspired hair-does!
They always say: “Dress for Success”, and it appears Adele is one who definitely takes this term into consideration. She is always dressed to impress, and not in scene stealing style fiasco, but rather simple paired down elegance. What makes her looks modern, is that she herself is modern. Adele also knows you can almost never go wrong in black. She sticks to her style guns, and doesn’t apologize. It’s too late to apologize, anyway, because some might already consider her an icon.
The time will come when Adele will be performing live at Carnegie Hall for the first time. With a voice like that, she’s the closest thing our generation has to a Maria Callas, or Joni Mitchell – artists that can hit you to the core using only their voice. This is an immense power, nobody can deny that. I guess we can just sit back and wait for “25”, or “26”, or “28”.
One thing is for sure, Adele really helps go to show that timeless style really never can die! So, Happy Birthday Adele! Hope you’re having a good one!
Shelley Fabares established herself on the charts in 1962 with her hit “Johnny Angel”. The American born singer/actress hung around the scene appearing in a string of shows, and even along side Elvis Presley in three different films!
On this sunday morning we enjoy this harmonious tune of an angel who is oh so loved. Thanks to Kevdivx for the video.
No secret here, we love to revel in 
