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Bambii Announces New EP, Shares Video for New Song ‘Wicked Gyal’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Bambii Announces New EP, Shares Video for New Song ‘Wicked Gyal’

Bambii has announced her new EP, Infinity Club, which drops August 4 via Innovative Leisure. Along with the announcement, the Toronto-based DJ and producer has shared the new song ‘Wicked Gyal’, a collaboration with Lady Lykez. Check it out below.

Infinity Club features the previously released single ‘One Touch’. In addition to Lady Lykez, it also includes contributions from Aluna and Ragz Originale.

Infinity Club Cover Artwork:

Infinity Club Tracklist:

1. You Are Now Entering The Infinity Club
2. One Touch
3. Hooked [feat. Aluna]
4. WICKED GYAL [feat. Lady Lykez]
5. Sydanie’s Interlude
6. rich girl [feat. Ragz Originale]
7. Body
8. Infinity Club

Sigur Rós Return With New Single ‘Blóðberg’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Sigur Rós Return With New Single ‘Blóðberg’

Sigur Rós are back with their first new single in seven years. ‘Blóðberg’ features the London Contemporary Orchestra conducted by Robert Ames, and it was mixed and co-produced by frequent collaborator Paul Corley. It’s also their first track since Kjartan Sveinsson rejoined the band. Check it out via Johan Renck‘s accompanying video below.

“I feel as nihilistic as one could regarding the future,” Renck said in a statement. “We are powerless against our own stupidities. Some aspects of this came to merge with my impressions of the themes of ‘Blóðberg.’ The music becoming a score to my own miserable thoughts, giving them beauty as only music can.”

Later this week, Sigur Rós are set to embark on a 41-piece orchestra tour, marking their first world tour in nearly five years.

This Week’s Best New Songs: Ratboys, Rosalía, Fiddlehead, and More

Konstantinos Pappis
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This Week’s Best New Songs: Ratboys, Rosalía, Fiddlehead, and More

Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.

On this week’s list, we have Rosalía’s fun, sultry new single ‘TUYA’, which drawss inspiration reggaeton, Japanese instruments, and flamenco; the lead single from Ratboys’ new album, ‘It’s Alive’, which tackles malaise through invigorating hooks and sparkling production; another gorgeous, heart-wrenching song from Julie Byrne, ‘Moonless’, the first she has ever written on the piano; ‘Loveher’, the tenderly intimate yet vibrant lead single from Romy’s debut solo album; Fiddlehead’s ferocious, radiant ‘Sullenboy’, which accompanied the announcement of their third album; Madeline Kenney’s latest single, ‘I Drew a Line’, which carves a path forward by questioning and letting go of stories that no longer reflect reality in the wake of a breakup.

Best New Songs: June 12, 2023

Rosalía, ‘TUYA’

Song of the Week: Ratboys, ‘It’s Alive’

Julie Byrne, ‘Moonless’

Romy, ‘Loveher’

Fiddlehead, ‘Sullenboy’

Madeline Kenney, ‘I Drew a Line’

Fiona Apple Covers ‘Here We Have Idaho’ for ‘This American Life’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Fiona Apple Covers ‘Here We Have Idaho’ for ‘This American Life’

Fiona Apple has delivered a rendition of the Idaho State song for the May 26 episode of NPR’s This American Life, titled ‘Jane Doe’, as Stereogum notes. The episode follows the story of a 19-year-old intern at the Idaho state legislature who accused state Representative Aaron von Ehlinger of raping her in 2021. Though not widely available, Apple’s cover of ‘Here We Have Idaho’ can be heard at the end of Act Two, starting at the 1:00:52 mark in the online stream. It features backing from drummer Amy Wood, guitarist David Garza, bassist Sebastian Steinberg, and guitarist-engineer John Would. Check it out here.

Last year, Apple released the original song ‘Where the Shadows Lie’ for Prime Video’s Lord of the Rings series. More recently, she scored and narrated a short film about the importance of court watching.

The Beloved Tradition of British Historical Movies

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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The Beloved Tradition of British Historical Movies

Britain has a long history of movies set in the past. Here we have three movies – two classics and one recent blockbuster – that feature Brits acting in historical settings or recreating some of the most dramatic events in history.

Death on the Nile, 1978

Based on the book by Britain’s greatest mystery author Agatha Christie, Death on the Nile follows an upper-crust couple on an Egyptian honeymoon. Naturally, murder soon follows. Christie’s best detective Hercule Poirot investigates aboard a Nile paddle steamer.

It shares a fascination with ancient Egypt, using the temples and pyramid settings you’d expect to see. As one of Christie’s more exotic settings, it’s obvious why it’s one of her most popular stories as Egypt continues to inspire media past and present.

Even today, there are still movies and games inspired by one of history’s oldest, most mysterious civilisations. Popular games like Pharaoh’s Daughter and others in the fireblaze slots series use Egypt and other historical settings to add to the experience. In this case, the eerie still waters of the Nile provide a great backdrop for a murder mystery as the steamer passes Giza and other memorable vistas.

Following Peter Ustinov’s Poirot, it stars many actors that would be familiar to more modern audiences such as Maggie Smith and Angela Lansbury, while past greats like David Niven and Bette Davis also star. It also won a best costume design Academy Award and more recently, a 2022 remake by Kenneth Branagh and Ridley Scott was released.

Waterloo, 1970

An Italian/Soviet production shot in Ukraine, the production of the 1970 Waterloo movie is almost as famous as the battle itself. It still holds the record for most costumed extras, as 15,000 Soviet army members took to the field on horseback with no special effects. It also does a good job of balancing romantic, jingoistic heroism with the fact that almost 80,000 people died (and 7,000 horses) which is a tragedy no matter if they were British, Prussian or French.

Waterloo covers the battle between Britain and the Napoleonic French in 1815, the battle that broke Napoleon and his stranglehold over Europe. The movie (much like the battle itself) is biased towards the British, understandable given how the battle has come to be remembered. Christopher Plummer as the Duke and Rod Steiger as Napoleon are also particularly memorable.

1917, 2019

A more recent blockbuster that doesn’t need much introduction, 1917 was the Sam Mendes flick that won three Academy Awards. Shot in England, it’s inspired by stories from Mendes’ grandfather and delves into the gritty trench warfare of World War One, the less-portrayed war. Where new weaponry collided with old military tactics, we follow trench runners who sprinted through barrages to deliver important information.

That’s exactly the plot of 1917, as young British soldiers Will and Tom (George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) must hurry to call off a doomed attack. You also find Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong and Colin Firth in supporting roles. It uses uncomfortably long, wandering takes adds to the realism as we follow them through the chaos.

With 1917, it’s fair to say that British historical epics are still alive and well. While these movies used settings or events that interested people, they solidified their legacy through the costuming of Death on the Nile to the cinematic techniques that made Waterloo and 1917 possible.

Longer Cut of Yasujiro Ozu’s A Straightforward Boy (1929) Found in Japan

Patrick Galvan
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Longer Cut of Yasujiro Ozu’s A Straightforward Boy (1929) Found in Japan

The destruction of vintage Asian cinema ranks among the great misfortunes of twentieth-century art. In Japan’s case, cataclysmic events leading up through World War II (the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, the firebombings of Tokyo) wiped out, per one estimate, ninety-six percent of that country’s silent movies;1 and numerous extant sound pictures after the war vanished following confiscation by the Allied Powers—or were intentionally burned before the foreign occupants could see them. As such, the filmographies of early Japanese masters remain incomplete. The thirty-eight silent features Heinosuke Gosho made before his acclaimed talkie The Neighbor’s Wife and Mine (1931) have been lost, along with several pictures that came afterward. Sadao Yamanaka shot twenty-six revolutionary period dramas (the last being 1937’s Humanity and Paper Balloons, which impressed a young Akira Kurosawa);2 three survive in addition to clips of two others.

Not spared of the above mentioned cataclysms was the career of Yamanaka’s close friend, Yasujiro Ozu. The maker of Late Spring (1949) and Tokyo Story (1953) shot thirty-four silent pictures between 1927-1936; of the remaining seventeen, several exist in fragments—a major frustration for Japanese cinema fans. I Graduated, But… (1929) takes its title from a popular slogan mocking employment promises in 1920s Japan,3 but the story’s merely summarized via eleven extant minutes. A Mother Should Be Loved (1934), widely considered a lesser entry in Ozu’s oeuvre, might end more satisfyingly with the restoration of its missing last reel. And we’re completely deprived of films that tantalize researchers with glowing reputations (1930’s Young Miss) or subject matter not usually associated with Ozu (1930’s The Revengeful Spirit of Eros). Still, hope ensues for these movies and others—as embodied in the recent uncovering of a longer version of the comedy A Straightforward Boy.

The last of six films Ozu made in 1929, A Straightforward Boy was conceived as a vehicle for child actor Tomio Aoki, who’d co-starred in the director’s earlier The Life of an Office Worker. “Aoki was so much fun,” Ozu recalled, “that I decided to make him the [lead] in my next film.”4 While credited to an original story by “Chuji Nozu” [a portmanteau alias for Ozu, his mentor Tadamoto Okubo, and screenwriters Tadao Ikeda and Kogo Noda: “Chuji” deriving from the kanji character chu present in Ikeda and Okubo’s names, “Nozu” fashioned from (No)da and O(zu)],5 the picture bears a passing resemblance O. Henry’s short story The Ransom of Red Chief. The setting’s transported from the American Deep South to a Japanese slum, where a petty crook (Tatsuo Saito) kidnaps a rambunctious kid (Aoki)—after buying him toys and snacks. As in the above mentioned story, the kid’s returned after his antics overwhelm the crook’s boss (Takeshi Sakamoto).

Originally thirty-eight minutes long, A Straightforward Boy was a career milestone for Aoki, who thereafter adopted the stage name ‘Tokkan Kozo’ (taken from the film’s Japanese title). He continued acting until age sixteen—along the way completing three more Ozu projects: 1932’s I Was Born, But…, 1933’s Passing Fancy, and 1935’s An Inn in Tokyo—sporadically resuming film work throughout adulthood. However, his breakout movie has, for the longest time, only been available via fourteen fragmentary minutes that lose the picture’s entire beginning. According to Kogo Noda, A Straightforward Boy originally started with a spinning wind gauge and shots of the Central Meteorological Observatory of Tokyo.6 These are absent in circulating prints, which begin with the petty crook trying to find a hostage. Succeeding scenes of him escorting the boy flow skimpily, hampered by missing footage.

Still, this fractured comedy is a worthwhile glimpse into Ozu’s early career—and a contrast against his iconic later works. Although the director under discussion took more influence from the west than is sometimes acknowledged, he displayed his Hollywood affinity most prominently in those early years: gangster pictures rife with fast cars, guns, and fistfights; slapstick comedies in the vein of Harold Lloyd; dynamic camerawork he’d never permit later on. A Straightforward Boy is visually tame compared to some of its contemporaries but nonetheless thrives on physical gags—e.g., the kid repeatedly shooting rubber darts at the boss’s bald spots. And according to University of Nagano professor Hideo Tsukiyama, who acquired the longer print mentioned before, the new footage contains additional slapstick as well as material “staged in a more Ozu-like manner.”7

This longer 16mm cut—featuring six extra minutes—was announced on May 13, 2023, at Yokohama’s Kanagawa Museum of Modern Literature. It’s not been made publicly available, though Tsukiyama’s expressed hope it will be. Reverting to an earlier point: such a discovery leaves one optimistic for other vintage films deemed missing or incomplete. Even the manner in which this cut was found is inspiring. Sometimes films are unearthed in vaults, in other cases off the beaten path (e.g., the original version of Carl Theodore Dreyer’s 1928 The Passion of Joan of Arc turning up in a mental institution’s closet). The twenty-minute print of A Straightforward Boy was purchased at an online auction: yet another reminder of the unexpected venues where lost pockets of cinematic history have been given new life.

Works cited and further reading:

  1. Russell, Catherine. The Cinema of Naruse Mikio: Women and Japanese Modernity. Durham: Duke University Press, 2008, p. 52
  2. Sato Kimitoshi. “Sadao Yamanaka: Something Forever New.” The Complete (Existing) Films of Sadao Yamanaka, Eureka! DVD, 2013, p. 34
  3. Bordwell, David. Ozu and the Poetics of Cinema. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1988, p. 193
  4. “A Straightforward Boy.” http://www.a2pcinema.com/ozu-san/films/astraightforwardboy.htm
  5. Bordwell, p. 195
  6. “A Straightforward Boy.”
  7. Ishitobi Noriki. “Longer version of Yasujiro Ozu’s ‘Straightforward Boy’ film found.” Asahi Shinbun 7 June 2023

Turn Luck in Your Favor: 6 Surefire Tips for Online Gambling

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Turn Luck in Your Favor: 6 Surefire Tips for Online Gambling

Are you ready to take a chance and try your luck at online gambling? With the number of casino games out there, it can be intimidating for newcomers. Thankfully, with some clever strategies and tips, you can turn the odds in your favor! In this blog post, we’ll provide 6 surefire tips that will help boost your chances of winning when betting online. Learn how to maximize payouts while minimizing risk as we reveal the secrets to improving your success rate. Read on to get started!

Research the Game You Plan to Play Before you Get Started

Before diving into a new video game, taking some time to research it can greatly enhance your gaming experience. By doing so, you can learn about the game’s mechanics, plot, and any potential glitches or bugs. Researching also allows you to read other players’ reviews and feedback, which can help you make an informed decision about whether this game is right for you. Additionally, understanding the game’s requirements and system compatibility can save you both time and money in the long run. If you are into playing casino games, it would be a good idea to read up on the rules and strategies of the specific game you plan to play. For instance, if you’re playing blackjack, it would be helpful to familiarize yourself with the different strategies and card-counting methods available.

Set a Budget and Stick to It 

Managing your finances can be tough, especially when it comes to sticking to a budget. However, it’s important to resist the temptation to overspend and avoid borrowing money without fully understanding the implications. Setting realistic financial goals and creating a detailed budget can help you stay on track and protect your financial stability. By being mindful of your expenses, you can make better decisions about where to spend your money and avoid putting yourself in a precarious position. So, if you’re looking to take control of your finances, start by setting a budget and committing to sticking to it. Your future self will thank you.

Take Advantage of Bonuses that the Online Gambling Site Offers

Online gambling has proven to be a popular pastime for many people. However, with so many websites offering their services, it can be tough to choose which one to opt for. That’s where bonuses come in. Many online gambling sites offer various bonuses, such as welcome bonuses or deposit bonuses, to entice players to sign up and keep playing. These bonuses can make a big difference, increasing your chances of winning and keeping your bankroll healthy. So, my advice to you is to always keep an eye out for these bonuses and take advantage of them whenever possible. It’s an excellent way to get more out of your online gambling experience and, who knows, you may even hit the jackpot!

Take Your Time and don’t Rush Decisions

When facing a decision, it can be tempting to quickly choose an option just to get it over with. However, taking the time to carefully think things through can lead to better outcomes in the long run. By considering all the pros and cons, weighing the potential risks and benefits, and examining how each option aligns with your values and goals, you can make a decision that truly reflects your priorities. Rushing a decision may lead to regret or even missed opportunities. It’s okay to take your time and give yourself space to reflect before making a choice. In the end, it’s better to make a well-thought-out decision rather than one made hastily out of impulse or pressure.

Don’t Get too Caught up in the Excitement of Winning Big

Winning big in the world of gambling can be an exhilarating experience. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a little rush of adrenaline when the slots finally line up or the roulette wheel lands on your number? However, it’s important to remember that there’s a fine line between enjoying the thrill of gambling and engaging in reckless betting practices. When you’re swept up in the excitement of a big win, it can be oh-so-easy to throw caution to the wind and start making riskier and riskier bets. But, if you want to truly enjoy the thrill of gambling without putting yourself in financial danger, it’s important to keep a level head and remember that winning big isn’t everything.

Utilize Practice Games to Become well Acquainted with the Different Strategies

Are you an avid board gamer but struggling to keep up with all the different strategies and rules? Well, fear not, because the solution is simple: utilize practice games! Whether it’s a digital version of a board game or simply playing with a group of friends before diving into a serious game, practice games allow you to familiarize yourself with all the ins and outs of the game without the added pressure of winning or losing. Not only will this increase your overall enjoyment of the game, but it will also make you a better player as you develop a deeper understanding of the different strategies and techniques. So the next time you’re feeling intimidated by a complex game, give practice games a try and watch your skills soar!

It can be difficult to play safe and smart when it comes to online gambling, but following these six tips will help you turn luck in your favor and improve your overall experience. Researching the game you plan to play beforehand is key to understanding the strategies and rules of the game. Set a budget and stick to it no matter how well or poorly you are doing – it prevents careless and reckless betting. Take advantage of bonuses that the online gambling site offers – these often can provide extra funds and chances for success. Also, don’t rush through decisions; take your time so that they are well thought out. Don’t forget about practice games that allow players to get familiar with a game’s inner workings before risking any money. Lastly, enjoy yourself while playing but always keep in mind that it’s easy to lose oneself in the excitement of winning large sums in a single bet. Taking responsibility for your choices both on and off the table is essential when taking up this activity. Doing so will give you peace of mind, productive results, and fond memories from your gambling adventures.

Bleary Eyed Release New Song ‘Upset’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Bleary Eyed Release New Song ‘Upset’

Philadelphia shoegaze band Bleary Eyed have released a new single called ‘Upset’. It’s set to appear on the upcoming Free Treeway: A Julia’s War Triple Split, which is out June 16 and also features tracks from their Julia’s War labelmates Sun Organ and Euphoria Again. Check it out below.

With the new single, which was written and recorded in the winter of 2022, the band said they “wanted to write a faster yet sweet pop song with Margot’s vocals front and center but still incorporate some glitchy, sample-heavy production.”

Bleary Eyed released a self-titled EP back in March.

The Cultural Stature of Horse Racing and the Triple Crown Phenomenon

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The Cultural Stature of Horse Racing and the Triple Crown Phenomenon

Horse racing, a sport with a history as rich as the kings and queens who championed it, has grown into a cultural spectacle that transcends borders. Its evolution is a testament to our fascination with competition, nobility, and tradition, intertwined with a thrill that stirs up excitement and anticipation. 

This article delves into how horse racing became such a popular sport, with a particular focus on the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing.

The Ascent of Horse Racing

Born in the competitive spirit of ancient civilizations, horse racing evolved into the ‘Sport of Kings’. This title reflects its association with aristocracy, but it was the democratization of the sport that spurred its global popularity. In the 18th century, racetracks sprung up, inviting spectators from all strata.

Accessible to everyone, the racetrack became a social melting pot. Its electrifying atmosphere, the galloping horses, the skill of the jockeys, all contributed to a compelling spectacle. The unpredictability, the thrilling finishes, and the triumph of an underdog were the elements of a great narrative, capturing hearts and minds alike.

The advent of media in the 19th to 20th century gave horse racing its golden age. The sport found itself thrust into living rooms, with thrilling races and larger-than-life personalities becoming conversation starters. Horse racing had found its place in popular culture.

The Triple Crown Phenomenon

One event that encapsulates the allure of horse racing is the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing in the United States. Winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in a single season is a feat that few horses achieve. This trifecta has become a cultural event of significant standing.

Each race in the Triple Crown has its distinct flavor and character. The Kentucky Derby, dubbed “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”, is steeped in tradition with its display of elaborate hats and mint juleps. The Preakness Stakes, known for its festive atmosphere, is often referred to as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans”. The Belmont Stakes, the oldest and longest of the three, is respected for its grueling test of endurance and is often the deciding race for potential Triple Crown winners.

The rarity of the Triple Crown winner further elevates its cultural status. The winning horse, jockey, and trainer etch their names into history, becoming icons and symbols of excellence. The anticipation of possibly witnessing a Triple Crown winner is a magnet for audiences worldwide, making this series of races a thrilling spectacle.

Wagering’s Effect on Boosting The Cultural Stature of Horse Races

An aspect of horse racing that boosted its popularity is wagering. Whether it’s predicting the Kentucky Derby victor, considering the Preakness Stakes outcomes, or contemplating the Belmont Stakes odds, the act of forecasting results is both a science and an art, making the races even more enticing. This feature of the sport allows spectators to feel actively involved in the competition.

Betting offers a dual thrill – the exhilaration of the race itself and the potential for a monetary reward. This sense of involvement, and the potential windfall, draws in individuals from all walks of life.

In wagering, understanding the specific odds is crucial. It’s not just about the potential winnings, but also a mark of trust in a horse or a jockey. This personal stake enhances the sense of connection, contributing to the sport’s lasting appeal. However, remember that responsible wagering is crucial. It’s not just about luck; it’s also about understanding the odds, the horses, and the conditions of the race.

Conclusion

Horse racing’s appeal, then, is a blend of tradition, competition, accessibility, and participation. The Triple Crown, with its unique combination of history, difficulty, and prestige, exemplifies the spirit of horse racing. Whether one is a bettor studying the odds, a casual viewer lured by the thrill of the race, or an enthusiast appreciating the display of equine prowess, horse racing offers something for everyone. Its journey from the sport of aristocracy to a global cultural phenomenon is a testimony to its enduring allure.

Lande Hekt Releases New Song ‘Axis’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Lande Hekt Releases New Song ‘Axis’

Lande Hekt has released a new track called ‘Axis’. It follows last month’s ‘Pottery Class’, which made our Best New Songs segment. Check it out below.

‘Pottery Class’ and ‘Axis’ are included on a black 7” vinyl that’s out today via Get Better Records. Last year, Hekt put out her latest album, House Without a View.

Revisit our Artist Spotlight interview with Lande Hekt. 

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