Blog Page 1381
Live Review: Royal Blood – The Art Bar
A hotly tipped band for 2014, Royal Blood only have three tracks that have been publicly released. Despite this, the duo powered through their set with constantly engaging energy, with the space created by the duo’s small footprint providing Kerr with a platform for some lively guitar showmanship. Their performance of “Out Of The Black” to finish their set was a particularly good example, with Kerr cranking his amps up for an intense final jam of the main riff that appeared to leave the crowd in a shocked state of awe.
For the first 5 minutes of Royal Blood’s sold-out set at the Art Bar, I kept asking myself: where on earth is the guitarist? The reality is that Mike Kerr, bassist of the Brighton-based duo, uses various octave-up effect pedals in order to mimic the sound of a guitar, and the result is quite astonishing. By switching between the two sounds, Kerr was able to kick in the fat low end of his bass sound to double his heavy Muse-esque riffs, all satisfyingly projected by the venue’s large PA system.
The issue is, however, as tight as the duo are, they are inevitably going to be limited in terms of textural variety by their instrumentation. Whilst it works incredibly well in the context of a shorter gig at an intimate venue such as the Art Bar, it will be interesting to see how this translates in a longer set at an arena, say. It may be that Royal Blood will wish to keep their “primitive” and punk-like aesthetic, and therefore choose to remain on the more underground scene. Either way, Royal Blood completely lived up to the hype, asserting their presence in 2014 with an aggressive statement that illustrates why they are a one to watch.
Review: Pharrell Williams – G I R L
I have a bit of a soft-spot for Pharrell. He’s got groove and creates tracks that bounce off the page. He remains evolutionary, pushing the envelope and continually collaborating with anyone and everyone whilst maintaining his own stylistic fingerprint.
Taking a cue from Daft Punk, the album opens with soaring strings reminiscent of Random Access Memories’ ‘Beyond’, that are arranged by none other than composer Hans Zimmer. His first word, ‘different’, is isolated in the texture, although perhaps slightly ironic with the title of the track ‘Marilyn Monroe’ not being a particularly original subject choice. Here though, Pharrell continues the disco renaissance Daft Punk set out last year with masterful production, some sick bass and hooks enough to challenge Michael Jackson.
The unstructured and free-flowing nature of tracks such as ‘Brand New’ (feat. Justin Timberlake) perhaps point to the hip-hop influences of Williams’ production career, with the lyrics almost falling into free styling rather than standardised bubble-gum pop. The climbing bass line, accompanied by MIDI brass, backing vocals and Nile Rodgers-esque guitar of the chorus of this track is, without a doubt, the highlight of the whole album, truly showcasing Pharrell’s songwriting, production and commercial prowess.
Elsewhere, the album features ‘Happy’, a laid-back Daft Punk track which definitely isn’t a leftover and features some Funky Fender Rhodes work and soaring string arrangements; as well as other collaborations with Alicia Keys and Miley Cyrus. G I R L remains a Pharrell production though, remarkably coherent when these outsider influences are taken into consideration and once again pointing towards the talents he has developed throughout his fruitful production career. It says as much that, at the age of 40, Pharrell is perhaps the most ‘current’ and forward-thinking mainstream pop-act today showing us youngsters exactly how it’s done.
Following the ‘Blurred Lines’ backlash Oxford should take this album seriously, with the artist stating clearly in interviews that this is an opportunity to eliminate what he sees as an understandable degree of uncertainty over what his attitude to women actually is. Over the double spacing of the title G I R L he goes onto say that “because when you look at it, it looks a little weird […] because society is a little unbalanced.” So for those who might reject this album instantly out of principle, give the man a break – he’s trying, and the music is bloody great.
Five stars
Review: Eagulls – Eagulls
Taking on the post-punk influences that catapulted Savages to widespread critical acclaim and commercial success with 2013’s Shut Up, the Leeds five-piece look set to ride the wave of the ‘return of guitar music’ in 2014. This seeming ‘return’ has been long-awaited and has almost become pop’s oldest tradition with a new saviour being offered up every other fortnight by the excitable press. But what’s so different about this lot?
First of all, hard graft – this is the group’s first LP proper and, having formed in 2010, they’ve had a tough struggle to get here, with a few axes to grind as a result. In an open letter last year they attacked surf-pop nostalgics, posh kids and women in bands. They’re obviously not going to be to everyone’s taste but that’s exactly what the record industry needs right now. Unlike Savages, or Haim, or even the Arctic Monkeys, Eagulls definitely don’t do compromises when it comes to guitar rock. Lets be honest, frontman George Mitchell ain’t no chorister. In their recent performance on David Letterman, the band thrashed their way through ‘Possessed’ in a way that would make even the most liberal of grannies ask “what’s that racket!?” Letterman looked stunned, responding with a feeble ‘yeah buddy’ and probably questioning whatever went wrong after Hotel California.
Maybe Eagulls could be more appropriately labelled ‘retrospective-punk’ than ‘post-punk’ with both the musical character of their tracks, and their lyrical content, becoming reminiscent of the grimy charm of Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks. Having also edged into the American market, The Clash seem a good comparison. Having ‘trod the boards’ for the last four years, their musical talent seems to match up. They’re rough tracks about sleeping on floors and council estates, and yet they seem more ‘real’ than their modern, guitar-playing counterparts, with fewer hooks and more determined grit. Their first single ‘Nerve Endings’ won a NME award last week for best video. It also resulted in a visit from the police whilst filming; a perfect snapshot of the bands output. Happy to continue careering along, they come from an age without such intervention, with a voice that needs to be heard and some edgy grit that’ll no doubt get them there.
Four stars
Review: Oxford Fashion Week 2014 – High Street Show
In 2009, the first Oxford Fashion Week took place. Since then, the operation has grown in size and impact, with this week’s program boasting everything from couture to cosmopolitan, and high profile runways in a Norman castle. In The Varsity Club yesterday evening, OFW made its 2014 debut with a high street show, presenting a wide range of styles from a multitude of sources, from nationwide chain Next to local boutique Aspire Style and independent designers. Cherwell went down to check out the best new trends from their Spring/Summer collections.
The show started with four of the models walking out in matching attire; a fitted black shift dress and strip of black lace to make a veil for the eyes, before returning back upstairs and letting the real catwalk begin. This could have been highly sophisticated and intriguing, but instead felt rather awkward and unnecessary, especially given one slightly fidgety model’s noticeable wobbles.
As a smirky young male model in sunglasses, shorts and a paisley shirt stepped onto the catwalk, Next became the first collection to take to the runway. He was followed by another boy in an equally unremarkable outfit, and then a female model in a black and white aztec print dress and red satchel. The satchel, provided by Brit-Stitch, was to die for, and the dress well styled. However, I couldn’t help but be distracted by the model’s wobbling on her stiletto heel, and the price sticker still attached to said shoe, as well as one model’s ill-fitting jeans, and poor DJing from the sidelines. Further, for a brand that has frequently been accused of failing to experiment or lacking inspiration, Next’s collection had little to no imagination, especially in menswear. Some dark teal chinos were about as exciting as it got.
Despite the somewhat uninspiring start, the first piece to enter from the Henri Castro collection changed the atmosphere dramatically. A short, floaty and flattering dress in royal blue and pink florals and a kimono style, it was a clear standout piece from the night, with the ensemble set off perfectly with a red lip. The dresses that followed were equally innovative, like a kitsch bodycon with a unicorn and letter print, and a full length white dress with plunging neckline and thigh high slit. A 90s vibe was introduced with a dungaree dress over a tie dye tee, denim jackets and a festival inspired fringed pink tie dye top. However, yet again, the lack of inspiring design on the men’s side let the collection down. As the last show to feature men’s fashion, the high street show failed to provide one stand out men’s look all night.
But where the men’s fashion fell short, the striking range of designs by Lula Le Bon and dresses from the Aspire Style boutique more than made up the difference. A stunning, royal blue shimmering silk trench coat, the first look from the former’s catwalk, was lucky enough to be paired with a model that employed just the right level of sass and seduction to pass it off with class and sophistication. It was a detective costume for the more jewel than beige inclined.
However, there is nowhere in Oxford that does party dresses quite like Aspire Style. The last (and best) collection of the evening, the boutique showed off everything from a 50s rockabilly halter-neck and petticoat in white and red from Hell Bunny, to a kooky, loose fitting silk day-dress with a bicycle print from Sugarhill Boutique.
It was a night that improved incrementally, from the positively dull to the delightfully darling. For better or worse, OFW have also convinced me to whip out my debit card and make a visit to Aspire tomorrow. However, in an arena where perfection is not only expected but demanded, the continuous stage management issues took the sheen off the show. Despite a rocky start (and utter failure in the menswear looks), there is no denying that Oxford Fashion Week put on a compelling show to kick off the events to come, that promise to be well worth checking out if you’re in Oxford this weekend.
An open letter to Andrew Hamilton
This letter first appeared on the blog Feminist Philosophers here. Read a news story about the letter here
Dear Professor Andrew Hamilton, Vice-Chancellor
Dr Stephen Goss, Pro-Vice-Chancellor – Personnel & Equality
Trudy Coe, Head of Equality and Diversity
Professor Jonathan Mallinson, Senior Proctor
Professor Penny Probert Smith, University Assessor
Dame Lynne Brindley, Master of Pembroke College
Professor Ewan McKendrick, Registrar
cc Frank Arntzenius, Director of Graduate Studies
cc Professor Keith Gull, Principal of St Edmund Hall
We the undersigned are writing to express concern and dismay at the findings of the inquest into the tragic death of Charlotte Coursier. It is now known that allegations of harassment were reported to the University and police in May 2013, and that the police issued a warning under the Harassment Act. It is also known that the University has since conducted a review which concluded in October. Charlotte’s alleged harasser, Dr Jeffrey Ketland, remains an employee of the University, and has had institutionally mediated contact with students since the University began its review.
Our concerns are twofold. We worry about the lack of information communicated to students. We further worry about the decision to keep Dr Ketland in institutionally mediated contact with students after the review began.
We understand that those conducting the review must avoid being prejudicial. We also accept that privacy and due process must be respected. But the lack of comment has created a difficult atmosphere in the Philosophy Faculty. Some students now fear that harassment charges are not taken seriously. Others were upset to only learn of the situation in the national press. We understand that University staff are contractually obliged to abide by University policy and British law (“codes”). But if the relevant codes could be reformed to allow for more openness, we urge that the appropriate reforms are made.
Secondly, it is strongly in the interests of students not to be placed at undue risk of harassment. It seems to us that when harassment allegations are made against a member of staff, the University should limit their institutionally mediated contact with students whilst a review occurs. We think that this is required by the University’s duty of care towards its students. We understand that this duty could have been met by the University codes of practice, which allow for suspending staff with pay during a review process. We refer to University Statute XII: Part D, 19 (4) and section 8.2 of the Staff handbook (Academic-related staff). Yet after the review began, Dr Ketland continued to have institutionally mediated contact with students. In future reviews of harassment allegations, we strongly urge the swift adoption of such a suspension policy.
Yours sincerely,
Jacob Williamson, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Rachel Fraser, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Kian Mintz-Woo, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Sarah Pine, Oxford University Student Union Vice-President: Women
David Schroeren, Graduate Representative, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Anna Comboni, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Katherine Robertson, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Florian Dahl, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Michelle Liu, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Luke Davies, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Laura Goins, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Joseph Carlsmith, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Ole Andreassen, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Andreas Ditter, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Jonathan Courtney, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Teruji Thomas, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Alex Moran, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Michael Deigan, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Wesley Wrigley, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Ketan Ramakrishnan, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Steven Gubka, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Sam Carter, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Maxime Lepoutre, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Antonio Mateiro, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Brooke Berndtson, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Jessica Laimann, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Jake Nebel, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Mark Fiddaman, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Trevor Teitel, BPhil student (Philosophy)
James Matharu, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Benjamin Martin, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Aron Vallinder, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Joanna Demaree-Cotton, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Samuel Meister, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Daniel Kranzelbinder, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Christopher Blake-Turner, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Jonathan Erhardt, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Alexander Roberts, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Christopher Fowles, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Adam Kern, BPhil student (Philosophy)
Elena Cagnoli, Graduate Students Women Representative, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Andy Yu, Graduate Representative, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Catherine Tomas, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Matthias Brinkmann, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Marinella Capriati, DPhil student (Philosophy)
David Mathers, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Luke Brunning, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Gerald Owen Schaefer, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Noelle Lopez, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Harvey Lederman, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Yuuki Ohta, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Niels Martens, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Emanuel Viebahn, DPhil student (Philosophy)
David Egan, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Neil Dewar, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Michael Price, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Nakul Krishna, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Joseph Cregan, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Ben Sorgiovanni, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Andreas Mogensen, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Alexander Kaiserman, DPhil student (Philosophy)
William Jefferson, DPhil student (Philosophy)
James Openshaw, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Gulzaar Barn, DPhil student (Philosophy)
Anna Bradshaw, OUSU Vice President-elect: Women
Suzanne Holsomback, former OUSU Vice President: Women
Eden Tanner, OUSU’s Graduate Women’s Officer
Lucy Delaney, OUSU Women’s Campaign Officer
Rebekka Hammelsbeck, former OUSU Women’s Campaign Officer
Xavier Cohen, OUSU Environment and Ethics Officer
Alice Holohan, Committee member of OUSU’s Women’s Campaign, undergraduate student
Aliya Yule, Committee member of OUSU’s Women’s Campaign, undergraduate student
Rajkiran Barhey, Committee member of OUSU’s Women’s Campaign, undergraduate student
Georgia Harper, Committee member of OUSU’s Women’s Campaign, undergraduate student
Eleanor Connor, Committee member of OUSU’s Women’s Campaign, undergraduate student
Caitlin Tickell, Committee member of OUSU’s Women’s Campaign, undergraduate student
Joshua Davis, Committee member of OUSU’s Women’s Campaign, undergraduate student
Christopher Pike, Committee member of OUSU’s Women’s Campaign, undergraduate student
Jessica Parker Humphreys, member of OUSU’s Women’s Campaign, undergraduate student
Anastasia Solopova, member of OUSU’s Women’s Campaign, undergraduate student
Annie Teriba, member of OUSU’s Women’s Campaign, undergraduate student
Rachel Nethercott, Committee member of the It Happens Here campaign, undergraduate student
Abigail Burman, member of the It Happens Here campaign, undergraduate student
Camille Fenton, member of the It Happens Here campaign, undergraduate student
Geetanjali Normandale, member of the It Happens Here campaign, undergraduate student
Rey Conquer, DPhil student (German)
Alex Marshall, DPhil student (German)
David Hall, DPhil student (Politics)
Bruno Leipold, DPhil student (Politics)
Jordan Mansell, DPhil student (Politics)
Johannes Kniess, DPhil student (Politics)
Urs Schuffelgen, DPhil student (Experimental Psychology)
Philippa Howarth, DPhil student (Archaeological Science)
Aidan Robinson, DPhil student (Materials Science)
Cameron Taylor, DPhil student (Materials Science)
Eloise Stonborough, DPhil student (English)
Simon Driscoll, DPhil student (Physics)
Courtney Traub, DPhil student (English)
Victoria Davies, DPhil student (Theology)
Christopher Kyle, MPhil student (Philosophical Theology)
Annette Zimmermann, MPhil student (Political Theory)
Leonie Schulte, MPhil student (General Linguistics and Comparative Philology)
Emily Rutherford, MPhil student (Modern British and European History)
Alexandria Hall, MPhil student (Social Anthropology)
Maximilian Weylandt, MPhil student (Development Studies)
Arran Davis, MSc student (Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology)
Zoë Saunders, MSt student (Archaeology)
Natasja Shermis, MSt student (English)
Simone Salmon, MSt student (Music)
Sumil Thakrar, undergraduate student (Philosophy & Physics)
Hannah Smith, undergraduate student, (Philosophy, Politics & Economics)
James Elliot, undergraduate student (History)
William Searby, undergraduate student (History)
Anna Baker, Edinburgh University undergraduate student (Philosophy), Charlotte’s close friend
Carly Minsky, alumna (Philosophy)
Robert Mullins, alumnus (Philosophy)
William Clark, alumnus (Philosophy)
Nora Heinzelmann, alumna (Philosophy)
Maria Mejia, alumna (Ancient Philosophy)
Dhananjay Jagannathan, alumnus (Ancient Philosophy)
Sungwoo Um, alumnus (Philosophy)
Robert Simpson, alumnus (Philosophy)
Benedikt Kahmen, alumnus (Philosophy)
Joseph Bruner, alumnus (Philosophy, Politics & Economics)
Nehaal Bajwa, alumna (Philosophy, Politics & Economics)
David Clancy, alumnus (Ancient History)
Sarah Karacs, alumna (German with Slavonic Studies)
Stephanie Tsang, alumna (Law)
Robert Stearn, alumnus (English)
Alice Bamford, alumna (English)
Anna Thomas, alumna (English)
Elliot Evans, alumnus (Women’s Studies)
John Cant, alumnus (Engineering)
Alastair Hird, alumnus (English)
Jennifer Rabedeau, alumna (English)
Open letter criticises Oxford’s harassment policy
135 students, OUSU sabbatical officers and alumni have sent an open letter to the Vice-Chancellor, expressing “concern and dismay” at the University’s handling of a student’s death.
An inquest into the death of Charlotte Coursier heard that she had been harassed by Pembroke Philosophy tutor Dr Jeffrey Ketland. The inquest heard evidence that Coursier had recieved ‘crazy and rambling emails’ from Ketland before she took her own life. Dr Ketland remained an employee of the university while an internal review was conducted, and he continues to be employed at Pembroke.
The open letter states, “We worry about the lack of information communicated to students. We further worry about the decision to keep Dr Ketland in institutionally mediated contact with students after the review began.”
The 135 signatories includes 39 of Coursier’s fellow Philosophy BPhil students, and 24 Philosophy DPhil students. Sarah Pine, OUSU VP Women, Lucy Delaney, OUSU Women’s Campaign Officer, Rebekka Hammelsbeck, former OUSU Women’s Campaign Officer, and several organisers of the It Happens Here campaign also signed the letter.
The letter criticises the university for failing to keep students informed about the review. It says, “The lack of comment has created a difficult atmosphere in the Philosophy Faculty. Some students now fear that harassment charges are not taken seriously. Others were upset to only learn of the situation in the national press.”
Secondly, the letter suggests the university should have limited student contact with Ketland after the police issued a warning under the Harassment Act. It reads, “It is strongly in the interests of students not to be placed at undue risk of harassment. It seems to us that when harassment allegations are made against a member of staff, the University should limit their institutionally mediated contact with students whilst a review occurs.”
As the letter notes, Ketland continued to have contact with students as the university conducted its review, urging “the swift adoption of such a suspension policy.”
A university spokesperson said, “The University can confirm it has received the open letter and has noted its contents. All University policies are kept actively under review.”
On the question of communication with students, a spokesperson told Cherwell, “The Department of Philosophy has held a meeting with graduate students to inform of the outcome of the inquest into Charlotte’s death and to discuss any questions arising.”
“A University review concluded in October. Its purpose was to inform senior members of the University of the circumstances of Charlotte’s death and to advise on any future steps. The findings of the review remain confidential but University is continuing to consider the most appropriate action as a consequence.”
Regarding the allegations against Dr Ketland, the University said it does not comment on individual members of staff.
Sarah Pine, OUSU VP Women, told Cherwell, “I decided to sign the letter because I share in the concern and dismay directed towards the information denied towards students at Oxford, as well as the decision to keep Ketland in contact with students while an investigation was ongoing.
“Women, even Oxford women, experience harassment and relationship abuse so frequently, it is saddening that they cannot be sure that others will respond in the ways that will best support them.”
Elena Cagnoli, Graduate Students Women Representative, explained her reasoning for signing the letter. “I signed the letter to urge the university to handle cases of alleged harassment more openly and carefully. The University’s duty of care towards its members, I think, demands such openness and attention toward the students’ welfare. The lack of information communicated to present and incoming students and the decision to keep the alleged harasser in institutionally mediated contact with students after the review began created a bad atmosphere amongst the student community.
“In order prevent this from happening again, the University could and should, I think, adopt a non-prejudicial suspension policy during reviews of harassment allegations. Such a policy would be in line with its own statute and with its duty of care. I think that the faculty of philosophy has been supportive of the students’ concerns, as well as respectful of the need of privacy and due process. I am grateful to the faculty for its support, and I hope the University will join students and faculty in their efforts to make Oxford a better place for women philosophers.”
The letter was first published on the blog Feminist Philosophers here and can be read in full here.
Read Cherwell’s initial coverage of the inquest here.
The Oscars 2014 – Cherwell’s Best Dressed
Naturally, the whole of the fashion industry was watching with beady eyes; would Jennifer Lawrence wear Dior, would Lupita Nyong’o look as stunning as we all imagined, would there be any dress disasters and fashion faux pas? The answer to all of those questions is a resounding YES! Jennifer Lawrence not only wore Dior again, but she FELL in Dior AGAIN. Lupita wowed us in powder blue, a look completely different to her fiery red Golden Globes look. The zip of presenter Giuliana Rancic’s dress broke live on air and tacky satin seemed to make an unwelcome come back…
Monochrome seemed to rule the carpet, with what felt like half the stars wearing black and the other half wearing nude. Slightly disappointing, but it meant all eyes were on Jennifer Lawrence’s Jessica Rabbit-esque look. Here, we take a look at all the dresses worth seeing (and some you probably wish you hadn’t), from both the red carpet and the Vanity Fair After Party.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9242%%[/mm-hide-text]
The Lady in Red. One of the ONLY brightly coloured dresses this year (how disappointing!). Whoever said you couldn’t wear red on the red carpet will be eating their words as Jennifer Lawrence looks every bit the Hollywood Siren in this Dior Couture gown, reminiscent of her famous Calvin Klein look from the Oscars in 2011. She also took inspiration from last year, not only by falling again (yes, really!), but also with the necklace draped down her back. Could this be her way of confirming the rumours that she is taking a break from Hollywood, by going full circle and tying everything up? She’s a smart gal so who knows!
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9245%%[/mm-hide-text]
And the winner is… Lupita Nyong’o looks sensational in this powder blue Prada gown and Fred Leighton headband. Will the headband be making a comeback after this look?! Blair Waldorf, eat your heart out.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9246%%[/mm-hide-text]
Cate Blanchett certainly won the war between the ladies in nude this year. No surprise that she was wearing Armani Privé, following her fragrance contract, but she pulls off this beautifully detailed dress perfectly. The Chopard diamonds help a bit too!
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9249%%[/mm-hide-text]
Hmm… Am I allowed to say Ange looks… frumpy?! WHERE’S THAT LEG GONE?! Bring it back!!! This dress needs some serious sass. OK the sheer detailing is very pretty and subtly sexy, and I am not usually one for telling women to get their legs or boobs out, but this is just too heavy and old on her. Her phenomenal figure is swamped. No doubt, this Elie Saab gown is b-e-a-u-t-iful, but just not on Ange.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9250%%[/mm-hide-text]
Portia de Rossi has got the balance just right with her hair and the neckline of that beautiful Naeem Khan dress.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9251%%[/mm-hide-text]
Calvin Klein is a red carpet favourite and Naomi Watts has picked a lovely dress here. BUT, she really needed to take Coco Chanel’s advice and take one accessory off before she left her hotel room… Necklace, bracelet AND metallic clutch. #Overkill
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9253%%[/mm-hide-text]
Speaking of Chanel, Jessica Biel’s dress is so chic and elegant, if not a little safe. Nevertheless, a timeless classic, topped off with Tiffany jewels. Oh-so-Breakfast-at-Tiffany’s!
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9254%%[/mm-hide-text]
Kristen Bell looks like she’s about to get married in her Roberto Cavalli dress. Still, the dress is one of the most flattering I spotted on the carpet and yet another timeless classic. I always say there are only two places you can get away with a train: at your wedding and at the Oscars. So, why not?
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9252%%[/mm-hide-text]
The Cape Returns. Well, it never really went away; what was once a strange dress worn by Gwyneth Paltrow is now a red carpet regular. Still, I’m reserving judgement because I don’t think a cape has a place on anyone except Batman. The Atelier Versace dress does make Kate Hudson look fierce, though.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9255%%[/mm-hide-text]
I think Penelope has been swapping notes with Ange: ‘How to lose one’s status as Yummy Mummy”. As pretty as her Giambattista Valli gown is (and her Chopard jewels, swooooon!), it’s not as flattering as some of her other Red Carpet looks. But nice hair.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9256%%[/mm-hide-text]
Jenny Packham knows how to design a dress. Wow, this 1920s style gown is sheer perfection (no pun intended). Julie Delpy looks incredible; perfect hair and perfect make up top off her perfect dress. No wonder the Duchess is a fan!
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9257%%[/mm-hide-text]
Before the zip on this Paolo Sebastian dress broke…! As much as I love Giuliana Rancic , this dress just doesn’t suit her. It swallows up her tiny frame. The top half looks amazing, but there is too much fabric at the bottom. Beautiful colour though.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9258%%[/mm-hide-text]
I actually cannot fault Kelly Osbourne’s look in this Badgley Mischka gown. Absolutely flawless. Not a bad word to say.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9259%%[/mm-hide-text]
Didn’t think I would be saying this about an Oscar de la Renta gown, but meh, it’s OK. I think this is one of the dresses that would look stunning in real life but just doesn’t photograph very well. However, Jennifer Garner’s hair and make up are perfect.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9260%%[/mm-hide-text]
Meryl and Lanvin was always going to be a winning combination. Classy, elegant, *ahem* age-appropriate. She looks beautiful and timeless, and just because she can work colour doesn’t mean she has to wear bright dresses all the time.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9261%%[/mm-hide-text]
Well, it’s considerably better than that hideous Prada creation she wore last year. No nipples poking out this time! It’s a bit too straight on her though; not the most flattering dress. But, nonetheless, an improvement.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9262%%[/mm-hide-text]
Is that a smile from Emma Watson?! We really are at a special event! Sorry, just kidding, I think she looks beautiful. Her figure looks beyond incredible in Vera Wang and the red lip tops it off to perfection. Lovely!
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9263%%[/mm-hide-text]
Not quite sure what to make of this. Anna Kendrick looks undoubtedly cool in her backless J Mendel gown, and the red gives it something special, but I really don’t like that extra fabric around her hips. Why do designers insist on doing that?!
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9264%%[/mm-hide-text]
Here we go, a black dress with a huuuuge impact. I love this Dior Couture gown on Charlize Theron. She looks like a sexy, fashionable villain! She certainly seemed to have all the power wearing a whopping $15 million of Harry Winston diamonds! (Yes, really)
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9266%%[/mm-hide-text]
I preferred Margot Robbie blonde. Just saying. Her make up looks fierce, but her Saint Laurent dress is kind of proving the brand “ain’t nothing without Yves”. Zzzz, boring!
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9267%%[/mm-hide-text]
AMAAAAAZING. Julia Roberts has redeemed herself after her slightly strange Golden Globes look. Her Givenchy Couture by Ricardo Tisci gown is incredible on her. Sexy but elegant, daring but refined. Love, love, love!!!
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9268%%[/mm-hide-text]
Playing it a little safe in a Valentino Couture black gown, Olivia Wilde still looks radiant and proud of her baby bump. Jimmy Choo clutch and Lorraine Schwartz jewels top off her simple look.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9269%%[/mm-hide-text]
Bespoke Vera Wang was always going to fit Idina Menzel to perfection, and it has not disappointed. The architecture of that dress is sensational. Something is not quite right though; her hair is too straight and the necklace is making her look a bit too ‘princess-y’. If it’s possible to look too much like a princess, that is.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9270%%[/mm-hide-text]
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. WHAT was Viola Davis thinking in this Escada dress?! Horrific colour, horrific fabric and horrifically unflattering. I’m certainly not green with envy. (Wouldn’t mind the Jimmy Choo clutch and Lorraine Schwartz jewels though…!)
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9271%%[/mm-hide-text]
OK so June Squibb looks cute in her Tadashi Shoji gown. It’s a good colour on her, and with her winning smile she could wear anything. Good for her!
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9272%%[/mm-hide-text]
We can always count on Louise Roe to save the day. Her Pronovias gown is beautiful and her hair complements the flow of the fabric perfectly. Fnished off with Jimmy Choo shoes (he’s done well this award’s season, hasn’t he?!) and Chopard jewellery, what more could you want?
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9265%%[/mm-hide-text]
The official train wreck of the night goes to Liza Minnelli. Matching your hair to your dress is never a good look, especially not when it’s electric blue. I have no words. Carrie Bradshaw would be wishing she’d never worn Halston if she saw this.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9273%%[/mm-hide-text]
Oh I looooove her! Amy Adams is such a pro at red carpet dressing, and this Gucci Première dress is no exception. Those Tiffany earrings are exquisite and just show how less is often more.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9274%%[/mm-hide-text]
Another lady in navy: Sandra Bullock’s Alexander McQueen dress is opulence at its best, and fits her perfectly. She looks regal. Her hair is beautiful and I’m so glad she hasn’t over accessorised!
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9276%%[/mm-hide-text]
I think I was always going to be disappointed with Kerry Washington’s Oscar look after her incredible Balenciaga dress at the Golden Globes. The draping and colour of this Jason Wu dress are pretty, but the fabric looks… dare I say it… cheap. Great hair and make up though!
But what about the after party?
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9277%%[/mm-hide-text]
Jennifer Lawrence in Tom Ford.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9278%%[/mm-hide-text]
Kate Beckinsale in Elie Saab Couture.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9279%%[/mm-hide-text]
Karolina Kurkova in Elie Saab.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9280%%[/mm-hide-text]
Kate Hudson in Zuhair Murad.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9281%%[/mm-hide-text]
Diane Kruger in Valentino Couture.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9282%%[/mm-hide-text]
Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab Couture.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9283%%[/mm-hide-text]
Taylor Swift in Julien MacDonald.
[mm-hide-text]%%IMG_ORIGINAL%%9284%%[/mm-hide-text]
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Cushie et Ochs.
Hilda’s library closes the night before Classics mods
St Hilda’s library closed three hours early on Sunday evening, with students only informed of the move that afternoon.
The college made the announcement in a brief email, “Due to circumstances beyond our control, the college library will need to close this evening (Sunday 2nd March) at 10 p.m.” This is several hours early than the usual closing time of 1am.
The email, sent at 2:47 pm and signed by Maria Croghan (Hilda’s librarian), added that the move was made “with sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused”.
There is a strong possibility that those with exams will have had to make significant changes to their final preparations. Some classicists have voiced their discontent at the measures.
One second year at another college noted, “Realistically it’s only an inconvenience for the vast majority of the student body, but if you have to take some of the hardest exams in the world the next day, you really want to avoid any disturbances at all”.
The exact cause of the library’s closure is not known at this point, the full details of why the library was forced to shut are expected to emerge in the near future.
Keeping track with Superfood
“Hi, I’m calling from the Cherwell newspaper. I haven’t got you at a bad time have I?” I get through to Dom Ganderton, lead singer of hot new Birmingham band Superfood as he is running for the train. “No no not at all – actually I’ll be on the train in a second.” A rocky start, you might say, not helped by the fact that his manager just ominously told him to expect a call at 5 o’clock, leading to further confusion over who exactly I am. However, sporadic Oxford signal aside, soon we’re happily conversing about the Oxford music scene – The Mystics and Supergrass.
I begin by asking him about the origin of name (eponymous with one of their early songs). “It sort of came about after me and Ryan had been playing for months and months and finally decided to record something, and we recorded that song after the first three hour session we had”. He reminisces on their previous monikers of Junk and Baby 100 but says the name “Superfood gave off this cool image – you search the term in google images, and you get stuff that is bright, fresh and colourful. That’s what we want to be.”
And when describing their mesmerising music video for their new single TV, put up earlier on in the day, those adjectives come up again. A bizarre mixture of panning shots zooming in and out of objects juxtaposed with eerie generic consumerist adverts from the 90s and images of the band singing, dancing and chucking around something resembling fruit loops. “Oh did you like it?” He laughs, passing it off as a bit of an experiment, but admits that the frequent use of pop culture, and early MTVesque shots seem to be the cool and edgy thing to do on a low budget.
I ask him if there’s anything profound about his lyrics or if a statement’s being made: “Not really to be honest… it was really just about getting down and writing some songs and getting some good riffs together – putting out what comes into your head rather than putting too much thought into it and being too clever with lyrics.”
The story behind how these b’town rockers got together is a pretty laid back one. “We’ve all just met in the last three or so years, we’ve all gone out drinking and clubbing together.” But it’s on the back of a boom in the Birmingham music scene, following the success of Splashh, Swim Deep and Peace. He mentions the significance of the latter in getting the band members with their similar tastes acquainted. “We only really started playing together as a full band properly in October last year”. Since then, they’ve certainly come a long way, landing slots supporting Peace on tour. I ask his opinion on the B-town scene in general. “I think it’s just the fact that other bands have done well, and people have thought f*** it, I’d like to do that too!”
We’re momentarily interrupted.“Hang on mate, I forgot to buy a train ticket. Naughty.” he chuckles. Very rock-n-roll. During this escapade, he tells me about Superfood’s influences. “In terms of rhythm and drums, what we want is a bit of that Motown glam, and as songwriting goes, a bit of ELO (fellow Brummies), The Isley Brothers, Earth Wind and Fire. It’s the kind of stuff we like to stick on the record player after a night out.” While their sound fits in well that of the 90s he states that “it’s important to keep your head clear and not rip anything off from the likes of Blur and Oasis. We like to start by making songs about just hanging out in Birmingham, and see where it goes from there.
I ask about their eclectic live performances, which secured their core fan base at the start. “We kind of focus on live and recorded performances as completely separate to each other” he says, “and with drums we never use any sample pads live or anything, because that’s not what we’ll actually sound like – and it lets us do a lot more in the studio”. We are briefly cut off again as the train goes through a tunnel. “We tend to use loops and distortion for demos and to try and get that the balance between the hip-hoppy sound and actually using a real drum kit.”
I never asked him where the train was going. But one hopes somewhere down the line, Superfood, with their unpretentious attitude to laying down riffs and channelling good music taste will find themselves in the subculture spotlight.