Black Meets White

If they were a color, they'd be black. If they were a movie, they'd be a thriller. If they were a piece of clothing, they'd be leather. But thankfully, they're a band... and not just any band. Jack White (The White Stripes / The Raconteurs), Alison Moshart (The Kills / Discount), Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age), Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs / The Greenhorns). Together, they are The Dead Weather, or what I like to call, the Dark Lords and Lady of Rock.

They first wowed me in 2009 with their "Treat Me Like Your Mother" video from their debut album "Horehound". A couple of weeks after I saw them live in Mexico City; although I barely new them, and could've gotten killed due to a very energetic mosh pit (a.k.a the mexican concert crowed) it was definitely one of my favorite concerts of the year. I quickly became a fan.

This year however, their second album, "Sea Of Cowards" really took it to a whole new different level. I saw them again this summer in San Diego, again, made it to the top of my concert list. The dead weather has a sounds that no other alternative / rock band can re-create. With guitar solos that will literally blow your mind, and lyrics that are not only intelligent but entertaining ( in a dark / creepy way) in every track, you'd be a "coward" not to like them.

Without further introduction, ladies and gent, I give you the No.1 album  of the year.

Hell Yea!!

No. 2 - Yeasayer "Odd Blood"

It's funny how one song can make like a band so much. I remember listening to"Ambling Alp" (the pre-released single from Yeasayer's second album) on my way to school, about a year ago. It's one of those songs that makes you smile while driving, or at least it made me smile. It's also one of those songs you wanna tell your friends about, so the cheer can be spread... or something like that. Haha

Despite the fact that experimental rock might not sound like a total crowd pleaser, like "Ambling Alp", Odd Blood itself should appeal to a lot of people. And although I fell in love with that particular single,  it was the Avant Guard mood in songs like "O.N.E", "Love Me Girl" and "Mondegreen" that really turn me on.

So, if you forgot someone on your list this year... well, you know what to do.

A Total Must

No.3 - Foals "Total Life Forever"

"Within the first seconds of Total Life Forever opener "Blue Blood", it becomes clear that Foals has taken a leap." As Pitchfork well states in their TLF review, the second album from the 5-piece band from Oxford is not only different, but better than their first, Antidotes, which despite some great tunes, did not get much media attention.

TLF is one of those albums that can actually be defined as gorgeous (in the most manly possible way). Every song feels like you could design an audio-visual masterpiece inside your head. The fusion created by the diversity of sounds and the lead singers voice, is truly soothing. Yet, the evident funk that surrounds not only the band, but the entire album, makes it so (damn) easy to enjoy.

These guys were also part of the Corona Capital Lineup, which I sadly missed. Rumor has it they were the best act out of them all. Hopefully they liked Mexico as much as Mexico likes them, and we'll get to see them again :)

*Recommendation of the day: Watch "Spanish Sahara" video.

Only 2 more left...

Jingle Bell Rock

No. 4 - Broken Bells "broken Bells"

Up until a couple of days ago, the only thing I new about Broken Bells was how unbelievably good their first self titled album was. I later learned the two master minds behind it were Brian Burton (a.k.a Danger Mouse) and James Mercer from the Shins. Everything made sense after that.

From the moment I first listed to "The High Road" I seriously couldn't stop playing it. The same happened with "The Ghost Inside", "Citizen" and "Mongrel Heart". The album is good from start to finish, and quite addictive I must add.


"It turns out the two science-pop geeks are a perfect match" Rolling Stone Magazine.

An education

No.7 - Vampire Weekend "Contra"

I must admit, the first couple of times I heard both "Horchata" and "Cousins" (the first two singles released from Contra) not only did I find them ridiculous, but I thought to myself: damn, Vampire Weekend just went down the drain. Which was sad considering how much I liked their first album. The next couple of times, they started growing on me and by the time I heard the entire album I actually liked them... a lot.

Haters will always hate these four preppy, yet hip Columbia boys, but I personally think they are such a cool band. Their style is completely different to everything and everyone else out there; their multicultural sounds (afro-pop, orchestral pieces, reggae, etc) makes it different to define their music genre, yet it all sounds so good as a whole; and they have the most amazing art direction. They have the coolest, almost home made music videos / their web design is pretty awesome too / both album covers are simple yet undeniably eye catching.

(If you haven't seen "Giving Up The Gun", please do so)

 

Doubt No More..

No.6 -  Delphic "Acolyte"

Although the Manchester trio might sounds like something you've hear before (say, Klaxons or even Friendly Fires) it's undeniable these guys make you wanna grab some neon glow sticks and head staight to the dancefloor. It is their use and combination of keyboards,  electric chords and layered vocals, that male songs like "Counterpoint", "Doubt" and "Halcyon" so desirable for any indie rock lover. 

They played at the Corona Capital Festival in Mexico City back in october... sadly I was on a plane that day and couldn't see them, but i heard some pretty cool things. Hope i get to see them soon.

So, who'll be No.5? Find out tomorrow... haha 

P.S: Merry Christmas!! 

10, 9, 8, 7...

Ok, I know most countdowns usually include (at least) 10 elements, so, although only 7 albums made the official cut on the "oh, hello lucy - Best albums of 2010 l", there are 3 other runner ups, who, never the less  deserve to be mention. 

No. 10 - Kings of Leon "Come Around Sundown":

Not their best album, but it was definitely one of the best live shows I saw this year, and i just can't get enough of their work... plus, they are just so damn cute!!

No. 9 - MGMT "Congratulations":

After that mega hit debut album, most of us probably thought the second one would be yet another dance floor marathon. We were wrong. But it's still a very good album, different, but good.  

No. 8 - Gorillaz "Plastic Beach":

These guys sure know how to make freaky look cool. It might be the years best album for many, and sure, it's got that special something that not may artists have, but it didn't quite make it for me. 

And now, THE OFFICIAL COUNTDOWN...

No. 7 - Beach House - Teen Dreams:

This is the third album from the Baltimore based duo, and I personally think it's one of those albums you can listen to over and over and never get bored of. Her voice is so soothing, the melodies so perfectly balanced, Ahh! It's just so relaxing, haha! And it's great for listening while driving, doing homework, having dinner, or anything else really. 

P.S: I hear their live show is amazing!

Music Is My Hot Hot Sex

With only 9 days to go before the year is (finally) over, it's only natural you find yourself going back to those special events that made 2010 different from every other year. The gloomy days // the unexpected wild parties // the people that made you happy // the people you wish you'd never see again // the list goes on and on...

But moving on to more important matters. I'd really like you to think of what this year would've been like, without the music that made us get through it? 

I don't know about you, but i seriously could NOT live a single day without music. So, i decided its time for the first ever "oh, hello lucy - Best of 2010: The Album Edition", which will consist of me, posting my favorite 2010 albums... Hey, if Rolling Stone Magazine can do it, it's only fair, 

right? Haha

Come back tomorrow and find out who's No. 7 on the countdown... 

Xmas Wishlist

While focusing on the true meaning of the holidays - all the parties, the get togethers, the last minute packing - i haven't had any time to make a list, check it twice or buy a single gift for anybody I know (not to mention write a single post for you guys). It's really driving me crazy, it is sooo not like me. I usually have my To Do lists, as well as my entire Christmas gift list all ticked out by december 20th. Yet, this year, it's been rather complicated. You see, I keep finding all sort of gifts for, well, ME!! Haha, is that a bad thing?

I don't know how good or bad I've really been this year (I guess it all depends who I compare myself to... the world is after all, a place of moral confusion). But what I do know my Christmas wish list keeps growing and growing, and if the rain in San Diego doesn't stop soon, my online shopping monster is gonna seriously start feeding himself on some glorious holiday feasts.

Anyway, time for some late night gossip girl. You know you love me, xoxo!!

P.S: This is one of the many gifts i want. Im feeling minty this holiday season.




 

Bling! Bling!

They say diamonds are a girl's best friend... then again, so are bags, shoes, makeup or anything else that makes you look like $1000 bucks for that matter. Well, I don't know about you, but i've never been a one-best-friend-kindda girl. Me and my BFF's usually travel in packs, or at least pairs. The more the merrier, right?

Anyway, this post is not really about BFF's and the beauty of the twisted female mind (we'll talk about that some other time, i promise). It's actually about weddings and how much I'm being haunted by the them ever since 2 very close friends (including one of my BFF's) got engaged. I've literally been bombarded by bridal catalogs, brochures, photographs, movies, pff, you name it. There's like a freakin Bridezila following me everywhere i go.
And don´t get me wrong, I look forward to my wedding day and all, but dude, c'mon, I'm 22 years old!! Marriage is something I'm just not ready for... Any. Time. Soon.

Never the less, if someone out there really, really wants to marry me (now, or in the not so near future) or just feels like being nice and giving my finger some high quality bling, DO NOT hesitate on getting me this lovely friendship / engagement / whatever you want to call it, diamond ring from Maison Martin Margiela. I would be eternally grateful... It might even take my mind of that diamond ring tattoo I want.

Haha!! Much love.

Alaine RV for MENTAH

Ok, so i don't think i've told you about MENTAH, have I? Or about the fashion photography and styling course I'm taking? Oh well, better late than never.

Basically, for the last couple of months i've been developing MENTAH - arte que funciona,  an inspirational magazine for young architects and designers (graphic, industrial and fashion) who, like me, love a good magazine filled with  new emerging talents, great editorial content, amazing photography, and a bunch of cool stuff that not only makes you go "holly sh*t" but motivate and inspire you, whether you're still a college student or just recently graduated. 

So on tuesday night, the long awaited cover shoot finally came to life. I asked my friends Alaine to be the cover / fashion spread IT Girl... OMG, she was amazing, a complete natural, I mean, I literally couldn't stop shooting her! The music was playing (Getting Down by The Kills got us all in the mood) the fan blew her perfect, long, blond hair, and my finger just wouldn't stop shooting, haha, it was crazy!! And I gotta tell you, there are some seriously SICK shots in there. I think I should add photographer to my new business card, haha, no seriously, i loved it! 

Anyway, Im off to do the male / homemade version of this shoot. I hope it'll be just as good. But here's a small preview of what's to come. This is one of my favorites.

Thanks again Alai :) 


P.S If you become a famous Top Model after this, don't forget to give me some credit for it, haha! xoxo

Save The Date!!

This post is for all you stylish girls living in Mexico City. Gabriela Artigas and Condesa DF have a surprise for you... THE-FIRST-EVER GABRIELA ARTIGAS SALE, happening friday 3 and saturday 4, at the Balcony Suite at the Condesa DF hotel. 

Gabriela Artigas, for those of you who don't know her, is a mexican-raised / LA based jewelry designer... who also happens to be my super cool cousin. She started off a couple of years ago, when she first moved to LA, and since then has pretty much conquered the world of fashion with her wild one-of-a-kind pieces, which are so easy to fall in love with. 

So, what better way to start off this Christmas season, than to accessorize yourself (and your loved ones) with some G. Artigas pieces. Trust me, they are so deliciously fabulous you won't know which one (not) to buy.  

See you there, xoxo

P.S. You can also visit her amazing website for some pre-weekend-eyecandy!!

http://gabrielaartigas.com/ 

Wear it!

There is more action to be done to fight Aids than to wear this t-shirt but it’s a good start.


Limited edition charity AIDS T-shirt for the first time in Japanese, from Maison Martin Magiela. In addition to the seasonal English version of the AIDS T-shirt, launched with the Autumn Winter 1994/1995 collection, the Maison has decided to create a yearly edition for the World AIDS Day, each year in a new language, starting with Japanese.

A percentage of the sales is donated to AIDES, a French organisation dedicated to fighting the HIV virus and taking care of patients living with HIV/AIDS. This limited edition charity AIDS T-Shirt will be exclusively available in Maison Martin Margiela stores and e-boutique.

Check out the multi-language video too... and while you're at it, look around Fucking Young,  nominated for best Menswear Blog. 

http://abhfya.com/fuckingyoung/mmm-limited-edition-aids-t-shirt/