After Dinner Dance Party // It's Summertime and Living is Easy

Hey amigos,


Hope you've all had a truly spiffing weekend! We've been in love with the recent rise in temperatures and in between the many events of the week, we have had been creeping out to spent some time in the sun whenever we can! Between us we've had a fancy dress 60th birthday celebrations (where a Miss Rhi made an appearence as J-J-J-Jessie J) whilst Lauren took an eve to babysit Little M, who was a little gem. Saturday night was so much fun, drinks with friends, watching The Moons perform and then a boogie at our favourite club night. We finished the weekend with a family Christening, and finally, some rest and sleep! 


For this week's After Dinner Dance Party, we're spinning some of our essential summertime tracks... 



 A teenage fave. The Strokes, 'Is This It' gets constant plays on the Twee Towers jukebox, but it's an absolute essential at this time of year. We're sure that Summer, more than any other season craves that feeling of teenage excitement... especially when Julian Casablancas & Albert Hammond Jr is involved! 


We came across Diane Birch in 2010 when she billed on the same festival line up as James in a run of gigs he did with The Lightning Seeds. We got hold of her album shortly after and it spent that summer on repeat. Adore this soulful, poppy number and the video is amaze too!




Last but certainly not least, the sensational Coconut Grove by The Lovin' Spoonful! This song instantly conjures up wishful dreams of faraway lands with a cool sea breeze! Enjoy... 


Next weekend is set to be another fab one as the Queen's Jubilee is almost upon us. What's everyone got planned for the long break?


Much love, 
Lauren & Rhi xx

Friday Flicks // Dark Shadows

Another Cinema trip for Rhi and her younger sister Livvy - last weekend we caught up with Gothic director extraordinaire Tim Burton's adaptation of the 1960s series, Dark Shadows, , and once again Rhi found herself completely distracted from the film thanks to the fashion fest throughout the film (She makes a habit of this, see: Hunger Games vs Devil Wears Prada) ...








Well known is the dream team of Depp & Burton, the pair have been knocking all other movies off the top of my favourites lists with each new release for as long as I can remember. However, I always get most excited when reading that my most admired costume designer of all time, oscar winning Colleen Atwood, has once again been drafted in to dress the characters in Burton's films (a la Edward Scissor Hands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Alice in Wonderland, Big Fish & Sweeney Todd - not to mention her work outside of Burton's films in Chicago, Lemony Snicket and Memoirs of a Geisha - to name but a few). I don't think I have mentioned before, but while at London College of Fashion I had aspirations of working in Costume Design for film, so Atwood is somewhat of a heroine of mine, I get a little fangirly over her fantastical creations - so please bear with me!

The 1970s setting really worked so well with Burton's style of contrasting riotous colour with darkness, with costume and set design - like Edward Scissor Hands and his gothic figure standing out against the candy coloured suburban backdrop. Apparently the vast majority of the costumes were purposely created for the film - with a few vintage finds thrown in for authenticity (I spy original Ossie Clark on HBC in one of those promo pics, actually let out a squeal when I saw it!). Highlights above include: Victoia's capelet (swoon!); Eva Green in that jaw dropping red number (I could turn...); Chloe Moretz in the most amazing array of print dresses (especially that bib fronted one, want it and/or need it!); Michelle Pfeiffer's Karen Carpenter via Morticia Addams looks (apparently inspired by a David Bailey book entitled 'The Birth of Cool' - currently going for £300 on amazon, who wants to get me an early extravagant birthday present...?); Helena Bonham Carter's blouses with pinafore ensembles paired with an orange wig and huge sunglasses (essential due to her characters perpetual state of 'hungover') and, of course, in any incarnation or costume - Johnny Depp. Dish. 

No film set in the 70s would be complete without a sensational retrospective soundtrack - Danny Elfman (another regular Burton collaborator) writes yet another amazing score that sits alongside some truly great classics - and a performance by Alice Cooper ("the ugliest woman I have ever seen" according to Barnabas Collins, Depp's character). So I shall leave you with the Moody Blue's 1967 hit 'Knights in White Satin' - the opening track from the film.

So need to buy original Dark Shadows (the Barnabas Collins episodes) DVD, if only the full series was available in the UK! Feeling the need to revisit other supernatural families of the 60s - might be a good time to stock up on The Munsters and The Addams Family too, gosh don't get me started on the their iconic costuming as well, jeepers! Feeling my inner teenage goth creeping out!
Have a lovely weekend sweets!
Much love,Rhi xx

English Summer!

Bonus post today! I know, we're biased but we absolutely love The Moons new video for upcoming single, English Summer, filmed at Bekonscot Model Village. Enjoy!

For more lunar news, videos and gig info, take a look at their facebook page.

Much love, 

L&R xx

After Dinner Dance Party // St. Vincent

Did anyone catch St. Vincent on Jools Holland last week? James had mentioned her name after catching the shorter show earlier in the week, so I thought I'd give it a listen. Couple of tracks later and I'd bought her album, 'Strange Mercy' Looking forward to giving it a whirl at the Twee Towers, After Dinner Dance Party playlist this eve to see what Rhi thinks! 

For those unfamilar with St Vincent, imagine the seductive airiness of Regina Spektor, transformed into ferocious, gargagy goodness, supplemented by intelligent arrangements and literate lyrics. Sooo good!  As much as we like sweet folky guitars, isn't it refreshing to hear that sweetness combined with a bit more fervor?

Interesting fact, Annie Clark, the beaut behind St. Vincent, is a former member of The Polyphonic Spree. She's since exchanged the robes and picked up some pretty sweet 60s style attire, too! Big love.

Here's St. Vincent performing, 'Cheerleader' on Jools Holland... 

Much love,

Lauren xx

After Dinner Dance Party // Paint it, Black

Groomed by the Jack White school of monochrome & mystique, The Black Belles are an all-girl, 60s garage inspired quartet formed in Nashville. 
With a bewitching goth aesthetic of wide brimmed hats, matching pale complexions and shrouded in black lace, the first reason we love them is because they have clearly taken tips from our halloween style. 
The second reason has to be for their interesting back bio, or lack of, veiled in mystery, the only thing we've been able to find out about them is that they were allegedly all kicked out of girl scouts for poisoning cookies. We're not sure we believe this but we like a band who's a bit bad ass. 
Most of all we just love their authentic nod to the dark side of the sixties, championing the roughness of fuzz, analogue & layered with screeching organs. 
We're loving their fabulous cover of The Knickerbockers' hit, Lies... Enjoy!

Much love, Lauren xx

After Dinner Dance Party // Andy Crofts' Rope Mix

Roll up, roll up... we have some wondrous musical marvels to share with you today, with a selection of numbers chosen by Andy Crofts of UK band The Moons. The Rope mixes are, a host of playlists inspired by a love of the Hitchcock film of the same name, loaded with an unhinged array of dark delights to excite the minds of a listener with a penchant for the weird & wonderful.


Notably, the concept of the playlist itself, eerily mirrors the prolonged, suspenseful shots used by Hitchcock to draw the audience into an abyss of double meanings and a vortex of timbre.


With each individual mix devoted to exploring a different musical point of view, from the R&B driven Worlds of Wonder, to the blissful echoes of Late Night Smoke Rings, begging the listener to turn off their mind, relax and float down stream. A lovely modern day homage to the wonders of mid-century pirate radio... without the adverts!


It's seldom that we get to hear music choices from a plethora of our favourite artists, all under one roof. However, in his Circus on Mars, Andy has rounded up tracks from musical friends to bring you the ultimate, guest playlist!

★ROPE SPECIAL★ "Circus On Mars" by Andy Crofts (Rope) on Mixcloud

As well as choices from Andy Crofts, this playlist features additional great guest choices from the likes of James Buckley, The Horrors, Paul Weller, The Coral, Richard Hawley, Miles Kane, The Charlatans, The Stone Roses, Ocean Colour Scene and The Sundowners! Click on the playlist for the full track listing.

To keep up to date with The Moons, click here.

Enjoy!
Much Love,
L&R xx

After Dinner Dance Party Giveaway // Der Carnaby Street!

As promised, today's vinyl revival comes all the way from Berlin! We decided that it was Lola's mission to come back with a German treat after her trip last week. Although it's undeniable that Nena's 99 luftballons is an incredible hit from the 80s that should not be snobbishly laughed aside, we thought we would set the bar a little higher and hunt out something from the mid-century. It was a hard task, shuffling through the plethora of English gems available in flea markets, they had amazing collections of Beatles, Beach Boys & Stones but had no such luck with the German pop. Was dreading Hasselhoff popping up, gyrating his way through Looking for Freedom... appreciate what you're doing but please stop the gyrating 'hoff. 



It wasn't until we sauntered into OYE Records, a vibrant home to many House & Electro vinyls, that we got excited at a small crevice dedicated to 60s soul. We decided upon the the delightful Peggy March - originally born in Pennsylvania but as she sings in German and entered Eurovision on behalf of Germany in 1969, we decided that was enough to count! This b-side to this particular 45 features our favourite, 'in der Carnaby Street' a playful lament to a happening and swinging London of the Sixties, "they hear the beat in Carnaby Street!"

Apologies for the low-fi audio we just adored the video, the seductive go-go dancers and Peggy's Gall-esque slightly awkward, shimmying... mesmerising! 


To enter:
There are two opportunities to enter this week-1. Follow the blog2. Tweet about the giveaway "I just entered to win a #sixties vinyl with @dressesinblack"
Leave us a comment on this post to let us know that you've followed and/or tweeted (2 chances to win!)
Already follow the blog? Just leave a comment to let us know that you do for a chance to enter this competition :)
Competition closes on Friday 23rd March at 6pm (gmt)
Good luck! 
Check by our dance party next week, it'll be your last chance to win one of our vinyl giveaways... spreading the record love! 
Much love, L&R xx

After Dinner Dance Party // Vinyl Revival Pt. 4

We hope it hasn't gone unnoticed that Ringo Starr is quite possibly our favourite Beatle (sorry John, Paul & George!) ... So who better to feature this week than the genius behind Octopus's Garden himself? Back in the stacks of Rhi's Dad's collection is this rather special single - Ringo Starr - Only You.

This single is from his 1974 album Goodnight Vienna, John Lennon actually recorded the initial demo of this version and sent it to Ringo suggesting that he cover it. Lennon plays acoustic guitar on the track while Ringo replaced his vocal and brought in Harry Nilsson ("Everybody's talkin' at me...") to sing the harmonies.




Not only does Ringo Appear on the single sleeve and the video wearing a space suit (thrilling, we love space too!), there's also a UFO flying above the Hollywood Hills at the start (Eee! Ringo as a spaceman AND unidentified flying objects, too much!) - here is the brilliant video, filmed atop Capitol Records, LA!





If you're hearing this for the first time and thinking, "Gee, that song is certainly familiar, why is it so familiar?" - then listen to the original below from The Platters, Ringo sure does make it his own, only just recognisable as the track originally released in 1955!



C'est tout for this week sweets. Don't forget to check the facebook page for a bonus Ringo track!

Much love,
R&L xx

After Dinner Dance Party // Christmas Tunes Pt 2

Another week closer to Christmas, barely containing ourselves! Now that that the tree is up we're focussing on finishing up the last bits of shopping and wrapping everything up (did we say last bits? Ok... we still have a lot to do - HELP!)! Of course some Christmas plans will need to be put on hold this week as we do have a very special Twee Towers birthday coming up, you'll see how we're celebrating that on Saturday! In the meantime loves, here are some special Festive hits we've selected for you, pause 'A Very She and Him Christmas' for a couple of minutes (we know its the best Christmas album you've ever heard!) and give these a listen...

Another marvel from our favourite musical master of all time. Joe Meek & Valerie Masters bring us the most delightfully festive song 'Christmas Calling' - makes one feel all warm and fuzzy. It has the pretty twinkley jingles, sleigh bells and sweet lyrics of your average festive classic, but it still has that Joe Meek touch in the ethereal backing vocals, and something else we can't quite put our finger on... Dreamy tune, and not even 1000 views on Youtube, we feel like we're sharing a well kept secret!



Tim Wheeler & Emmy The Great have collaborated again to bring us the fabulous album 'This is Christmas'... 'Home for the Holidays' is a charming tune from the album, that tells the adorable story of old friends and sweethearts running into each other in the holidays (don't you just know exactly what they're talking about, its like every Christmas coming home after you've moved away!)... Is it love rekindling, new sparks between old friends, or is it the 'mistletoe and wine'? Love. (nb: sorry for the Cliff pun, that was naff, even for us!)

We don't think we've included Elvis in an After Dinner Dance Party before today, we apologise profusely, how could we ever overlook The King. Here he is, singing about the Blue Christmass he's experiencing, poor dear, don't you just want to squeeze the heartache right out of that beautiful, beautiful man - sigh!

Some fab DIYs and yummy recipes still to come this week, as well as picking the winner for our FABULOUS GIVEAWAY, don't forget to enter!! More festive tracks next weeks lovelies!

Much love,

R&L xx

ps. Don't miss our 'Blog of The Day' interview over on Eclectic Eccentricity's Blog where we talk about our favourite EE piece and who we'd like to see under the mistletoe this year...

pps. Follow this blog via Blog Lovin'

Wear Your Old Band Tee To Work Day!

Today is 'Wear Your Old Band T-shirt To Work' day! Advocated by Steve Lamacq & BBC 6 Music, the cause urges every genuine music fan around the UK to join in the fight to reclaim our old band t-shirts from the fashionistas.

Throughout the years, we have been partial to purchase the odd music tee for fashion's sake (we've both got H&M's replica of The Clash's London Calling tee circa 2005... sorry) but we do like to think of ourselves as genuine music fans.

Brought up to appreciate the greats, in addition to the plethora of sugary pop that was produced to appeal to young girls in the 90s. That's not to say it was always appreciated at the time, Lola was still a little perturbed that her momma convinced her to spend her money on an Oasis album rather than Spice Girls first AMAZING effort at the of six (s'ok guys, she finally got her copy of 'Spice' at the grand ol'age of 17) and humming along to The Eagles & Rod Stewart in the back of Rhi's dad’s car on day trips wouldn't have been our first choice at the time but we can say thank you to our parents now for dragging us through those tumultuous times.

We suppose it was those early educations that resulted in our early teenage discovery the absolute excitement and magic of attending live shows and being totally enchanted by the band and by music. For both of us, nothing compares to that feeling.

It was a tough choice deciding which tee to put on this morning. Admittedly, when most of our tees (Led Zeppelin, The Mars Volta, The Horrors...) were purchased as teenagers, we were a little more angsty and our eyeliner sat a little heavier around the eye. Rhi's Pink Floyd is now worn preciously as a slumber-time tee (it's always hard to bring back clothes in to the day-to-day arena once it's been demoted to nightwear) and Lola's Libertines tour tee has shrunken so much that it would probably fit Little M.

Rhi went for The Maccabees tee that she got free after street-teaming for a show they did with Jack Penate around 2006/07.







After staying at boy’s abode, Lola had to dig around in the J’s wardrobe and borrowed his Velvet Underground tee for the day. After Hours is one of her absolute faves!

What tee have you decided to wear today?

Much love,

L&R xx

The Moons // Double Vision Love video exclusive

She Dressed in Black are delighted to exclusively unveil The Moons video for the brilliant 'Double Vision Love', the first single from the eagerly awaited new album, entitled 'Fables of History'.



To hear this live, join The Moons at their London Christmas show at Bush Hall on Friday 2nd December! It's set to be a great night with support from The Sundowners and Flamingo Drive, so don't miss out and get your tickets here.
For more lunar exclusives and to keep up to date with what The Moons are up to take a look at www.themoons.co.uk or check out their Facebook and Twitter pages.
Much love, She Dressed in Black & The Moons x

Outfit Post // Gig Style

Hey lovers, did you all have a nice weekend? On Friday we travelled over to Kasbah in Coventry to catch The Moons on their current UK tour. It was such a good gig! The venue itself was amazing, a perfect coalescence of paisley print, fanciful art deco decoration and Moroccan furnishings, complimented with a Moroccan style outside bar...which they wouldn't open until the club night afterwards, bah! The Moons charmed us all with another brilliant set (that didn't seem quite long enough!) and as we hadn't seen them play since the summertime, it was so lovely to hear some of our favourite tracks from the new album!

Mixing old and new high street finds, here's what we wore...





Lola wears bronze metallic dress, River Island.



Rhi wear navy & black trim dress by Jane Norman.


Lola wears green leather chelsea boots, Asos; Rhi wears black suede court shoes, New Look





Antler necklace, Topshop.





Lola wears green faux fur coat by Topshop.


Rhi wears Kimono sleeved winter coat by Topshop; tan bag, H&M.





James Edward Bagshaw wear paisley kaftan by Pretty Green; black fur lined coat, Ebay.







'Nightmare Day' - The Moons, Berlin, 2011

Have any of you got any fun shows lined up?
Much love, L&R xx

New Prints // All you need is The Fab Four

Hey Lovelies,

We're still busy, busy, busy working on He Dressed in Black but we couldn't wait any longer to share our new prints...

We might have mentioned we're Beatles fans (did you read about 'The day we saw Sir Paul'? ... and of course the story behind our name) - so we designed a print to honour the very Fab Four as they're so very special to us, and we know so many feel the same, so we hope you like it.







Please, oh please, don't mention all the wonderful songs we've had to miss out, honestly it was Sophie's choice when it came to fitting everything in. We hope we've picked most of everyone's favourites though...

So go check out these new prints on our Etsy Shop :) - don't forget our Ex-Boyfriend series as well, if you want to get your fill of 60s Musical Legends we have this awesome Jagger Print for sale too!

We'll be releasing some more song title prints in the next few weeks, any requests for your favourite artists?

Enjoy the rest of your week sweets :)

Much love

R&L xx

After Dinner Dance Party // The Sheffield Edition

Oreyt! In honour of the few years I spent living in the wonderful city of Sheffield, at this week's After Dinner Dance Party I have been sharing a few of my favourite Sheffield ditties with Rhi & Little M!

... Although we could take a trip down memory lane from the time that Rhi came up to stay with me and got us up at silly o'clock to wait in town for hours in the freezing cold (after a somewhat heavy night out I hasten to add) to watch none other than McFly turn on the Christmas lights (not going to lie, I kinda enjoyed it in the end), I thought that I should probably show some of the other delights that the Steel City has to offer...

First up today amigos is Monkey Swallows The Universe with their stunning track 'Sheffield Shanty'. I was first introduced to this song when I heard it on a mix tape and fell in love with it at once, so pretty! Whilst the references to Sheffield landmarks & suburbs (most notably, the monstrous beaut that is The Arts Tower) may be lost on anyone that doesn't know Sheffield, for me it is the perfect ode to the City! Sadly the band has since disbanded but Nat Johnson's delicately, haunting vocals remain pretty dreamy on this Belle & Sebastian-esque acoustic dream...

To prove that some great things did come out of studying English Literature at Sheffield Uni; this is The Crookes with a wonderful stripped down version of 'Yes, Yes We're Magicians' from their Burberry Acoustic session. With tunes adorned with nostalgic tales from times gone by, it was hard to settle upon a choice for this post (check out 'Laundry Murder, 1922' - my personal fave from their album Chasing After Ghosts!) but this video is so beautifully shot!

Perhaps an obvious choice but no Sheffield orientated playlist would be complete without an appearance from Mr Richard Hawley with what is possibly the most delightful song in the world, 'Tonight The Streets Are Ours". Whilst, that lyric itself is enough to melt my heart, the song continues to give me butterflies listen after listen. To put it crudely; a crooner of the modern day Hawley has the ability to evoke sadness in the most uplifting of ways with angelic sounds & beautifully painted lyrics. In the same way that Roy Orbison and Scott Walker toyed with emotions through the juxtaposition between lyrical melancholy and melodic bliss, Hawley can transport you to the tragic and magical, simultaneously.

I think Little M enjoyed this one too... he's been seen running around Twee Towers channeling the spirit of Hawley with a 50s quiff (perfectly positioned bed hair he claims) and his momma's spectacles ever since! I think I'm fulfilling my God Mother duties sufficiently..

I'll have to pester Rhianna to reveal some of her faves from her time in London and share those with you sometime soon!

Much love,

L&R xx

Guest Post // Sticky Labels: The Nature of Pirate Vinyl

Hey, this week we are treating you to another wonderful guest post courtesy of The Moons' bassist, the lovely Thomas Edison Warmsley. Unveiling the paradoxical nature of piracy within music and a little insight into Thundertree, a 1970s psychedelic band/album released on a pirate label!

Disclaimer: She Dressed in Black does not condone piracy in any way, shape or form and would definitely not encourage you to scout out some rare but incredibly brilliant piracy gems ;)

Sticky Labels - The Nature of Pirate Vinyl
God save EMI, why? because gutless, beatles-refusing, money-grabbing corporations create a thriving revolt of musical crime. While bludgeoning their chief executive Roger Faxon with a sharp orchestral instrument may seem like an obvious favourite, something potentially just as painful has happened to the major labels. Long before all music went digital, and popular torrent website Piratebay dwarfed HMVs advertising revenue, it's comforting to know that music piracy was as rife as it is today. Not only because it continues to make label giants look utterly stupid, but it has also kept afloat many lesser known and obscure releases from rock and roll past, earning many bands cult figure status.

Thundertree isn't a name most are familiar with, but their dayglo-painted masterpiece of an album cover is enough to make anyone snatch their hand and interrupt scouring the reliable 'rare psych' rack in a record store. Suspiciously wrapped in fresh film the record was branded with an odd looking label: Radioactive. Having never heard of this record label and remaining complacent about its peculiar 90s logo, research into Radioactive Records began.

“Radioactive is responsible for more than 200 unauthorized reissues of rare and collectable psychedelic records” was a common response from countless internet sources. The label ran by James Plummer is renowned for releasing obscure and unreleased bootlegs of artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Silver Apples, Fifty Foot Hose and then disappearing without trace. It turns out that this elusive Thundertree LP dating an original release from 1970, has since been hijacked and distributed by the pirate label, although you’ll be lucky to find a copy now, an original pressing on Roulette will cost you around £250. The process of stumbling across this grubby nugget of a record in an independent music shop is proof that, at least qualitatively, piracy works.

Thundertree - Thundertree



Minnesota probably isn’t renowned for being a native state of musical talent, although it is the birthplace of both Bob Dylan and the Andrews Sisters, but by the looks of it neither of them stuck around for long. But one band who may well have fallen into the crevice between 1969-1970 is this sole album release by Minneapolis collective Thundertree, a psych outfit marooned in the dull Midwest of the early 1970s.

While not much seems to be known about Thundertree, their founder and organist John Meisen appears to be the group's muso, and has an active history in the Minnesota music scene. When his previous band The Good Idea spilt in late 1968, Meisen recruited the writing skills of guitarist Bill Hallquist and on the back of a couple of promising demos Meisen signed his new project Thundertree to Roulette Records in 1969. It really was that simple to get a record deal in 1960s Minnesota.

Their self-titled debut features 12 tracks of psychedelic late-bloomers, where each could pass as an unearthed garage classic, which leaves you wondering what exactly the quintet were up to in the summer of 1966. But as a collective Thundertree achieves more than this, released in 1970 the album documents one of the more promising experimentations with psychedelia and progressive rock. Before you recoil with harrowing thoughts of tales about wizards and hammond organ episodes, the results are surprisingly good, making it a more sophisticated affair than some of their West coast peers.

Album opener Head Embers presents a stripped likeness to 13th Floor Elevators chordal stomp before eluding to a celestial coda, its refreshing to hear the fundamentals of progressive rock in such a primitive form. Followed by the tuneful At The Top of the Stairs, a convincing stab at psychedelic-pop and easily the album’s most radio-friendly track. Tinged with bristly organ and Meisen’s soulful English styled vocals, it is baffling how it managed to avoid the mainstream billboard in 1970. Meisen ponders “hanging on to a corner of a smile, I wonder why as the world goes by”, a critique of the mundane in the Midwest. Ballad Summertime Children and Dusty Road both appeal with originality, revealing a more progressive slant to their songwriting and a keen embellishment for ‘innovative’ studio techniques. With Meisen put in charge at the controls, the over-produced stereo organ on certain tracks quickly becomes an annoying gimmick, persistently darting from left to right - psychedelic quickly becomes psychotic.

Side B quickly redeems any lost credibility, with the majority of it taken up by 1225 a 16-minute medley that explores abstract themes over six tracks. While it indicates the hatchings of a progressive pomp nightmare, the six themes are strong enough to be songs in their own right. Things really begin to improve when the side B suite reaches Softly... a fantastical track brimming with originality, glistening orchestration and a nasty brass section that sounds like Miles Davis with a dreadful cold. The LP finale is a gleeful gospel soul rendition of The Sun Shines For Me, climaxing in an acapella round, leaving no stone of 1960s genre unturned, a fairly impressive album feat in just under 32 minutes.

Hope you enjoyed the little musical detour today!
Much love, L&R xx

After Dinner Dance Party // Go-Go Edition...

Whilst the rest of the world seems to be going gaga, this week at Twee Towers we've been going go-go! Emulating Little M's erratic dance moves every week at the dance party (honestly, if you need a workout this is a surefire way to burn off dinner!) we've gradually let go of any self-consciousness, instead opting for shimmying and shaking around the kitchen floor. It's just so much more fun!

As the epitome of racy go-go, we had to include this video of The Castaways 'Liar Liar' in the playlist and mixing go-go with sensational surfbeat, The Atlantics bring us 'Bombora'. Next up is The Kinks with their version of 'Louie Louie' with the dreamy addition of few gorgeous girls pulling shapes (this was probably to distract the attention from the fact that they didn't have the chords down quite right - have a listen!)

Hope you have fun letting loose this week...

When we stumbled across this amazing advert featuring these divine dancers we couldn't help but join in. Love!

Happy dancing lovelies.

Much love,

L&R xx

After Dinner Dance Party // Girls With Guitars (and Ukeleles...)

Sometimes when we're busying ourselves in the studio (we're getting so much done! Its all moving so fast!) we like to throw slightly more chilled out After Dinner Dance Parties. Just girls with guitars (and ukeleles) - beautiful music to float about the house to and wonderful soundtracks for making charming things too!

Hope you enjoy this weeks slightly more mellow edition.

There will never be enough words to describe the brilliance and genius of Laura Marling. This darling doll produces songs so profound and heartwrenching its hard not to loose yourself in the worlds she spins with her enchanting lyrics... You'll feel she's looked into the darkest corners of your heart and plucked out your secrets and wrote a beautiful tune to accompany them for all the world to hear - her songs are relatable on so many levels. She's the only person we've ever come across who very rightfully deserves to be likened to the singing/songwriting high priestess Joni. Her third album is out a week today. Haven't looked forward to a release this much in a long time!

Simply adorable. This is one of those songs that brings a smile to your face no matter what sort of day you're having. First coming into the spotlight as a contestant on Australian Idol in 2006, some may recognise Lisa Mitchell's Neopolitan Dreams from a fabric softener advert... Love it when favourite songs come from such obscure places! Adoring the sweet video (and her pretty outfit) - don't you just wish you were dancing around a forest with prince charming, and having a tea party with dancing sunflowers right now...

We were already fans of the exquisite vocals and music stylings of Alessi's Ark, but oh, this cover of one of our all time favourite tracks, Lynyrd Skynyrd's Simple Man, is just hauntingly glorious! Just want to play it on repeat (and sometimes we do!)

We stumbled upon the exceptionally cute Sophie Madeleine quite by accident a couple of weeks ago and were taken by her sweet uke-rocking songs - The Rhythm You Started is the very catchy title track from her debut album released in July this year. One to watch we think! Listen to her lovely album here (Change the Numbers is a highlight!) and be sure to check out her fab 30 days of covers she recorded as a countdown to the album's release.

It wouldn't be right to publish this playlist without featuring the ultimate 'Girl with a Guitar.' She needs no introduction nor commentary... Joni Mitchell - Just Like Me (1966)

Happy dancing and daydreaming sweets.

Much love,

R&L xx

After Dinner Dance Party // Le Francais Edition!

The French Edition!

Not that we need an excuse to listen to any of these songs, tonight we're having an extra special After Dinner Dance Party to celebrate Rhi's return from France! It was really hard to narrow it down to our absolute faves - there's a few that didn't make this cut but we'll find a way to get them up soon!

Hope you enjoy...

One of the standout tracks from 'La Belle Epoque: EMI's French Girls 1965-1968', an album we always have spinning in Twee Towers, is Christie Laume's 'Rouge Rouge!' Dubbed Christie Laume by her sister-in-law Edith Piaf, her ever so slightly off-key vocals sit endearingly over the song's garagey, fuzz guitar sound. Cannot. Stop. Dancing.

Not only is she the first lady of France and a former model but she also has Jagger on her list of ex-lovers (swoon)...Carla Bruni's 'Quelqu'un m'a dit' (translated as 'Somebody Told Me') is a heartbreaking tale of life's loves and losses. Slightly melancholy but enchanting all the same. Oh Carla... you melt our hearts.

Would you think any less of us if we told of our guilty love for Eurovision? If only today's artists were still as dreamy as France Gall performing 'Poupée de Cire, Poupée de Son' in 1965.

A popular singer in the French yé-yé movement, many of France Gall's hits were penned by none other than the incredible Mr Serge Gainsbourg, who in his notorious lothario style, deliberately toyed with notions of promiscuity and double entendres in his lyrics, to which Gall was naively unaware - such was the innocence of the yé-yé girls! The lyrics are incredibly dark referencing how Gall was simply a puppet for Gainsbourg's return to charts..."I'm just a lonely singing doll."

This song is genuinely amazing... well it was the first Eurovision song to win that was not a ballad! (We know this was the Luxembourg entry but she sings in French so it still counts!)

Speaking of the (divine) devil, next up on the playlist is Serge Gainsbourg with the mind-blowing 'Initials BB' - dedicated to Brigitte Bardot after their brief romance. The intensifying crescendos, created by the stunning, classically-influenced orchestral build-up never fails to excite... even after 100,000 listens. Love, love, love... Can you tell we have a slight crush? :)

Laurent Voulzy, 'Rockollection'. No words. This is without a doubt one of the greatest songs we've ever heard. We won't ruin it by delving into any details but just stay with it, it just keeps on getting better! Sincere silliness, reminiscent of Flight of the Conchords - there may be some recognisable elements...
Well we've thoroughly enjoyed tonight's party... happy dancing nos amis!
Much love, L&R xx

Outfit Post // Field Day in LDN

Hey, thought I'd do a quick outfit post from our recent trip to the big smoke for Field Day '11 as quite a few people have asked where I'd got bits from! Was SUCH a fun day, watching bands, milling around in hospitality ;), catching up with old friends and meeting some wonderful new ones!

Most of my outfit was made up of my favourite high street finds of this year...

Stripy Dress: Topshop

Collar: LouLou Loves You

One of the best birthday presents ever! My lovely friend Samantha bought me this collar after spending hours with me trying to find the perfect 'Birthday Dress' this time last year. I was looking for a Wednesday Adams style/sixties mini dress (fyi: mission unsuccessful).

I was completely overwhelmed when I unwrapped this beauty from 'LouLou Loves You'. Ironically from their 'Lola' range (...one could say it was meant to be) it's a stunning handmade peterpan collar made from silk. It's also incredibly versatile, I love wearing it over tee's to work to dress them up, as well as over dresses to give them a sixties edge.

Boots: Asos; Mustard & Tan Coloured Satchel: H&M.

Summer Raincoat: Topshop '10.

I love this coat, it's light enough for the summer and has a hood - vital for England's sudden showers!

Mr Bagshaw wore...

Hat: Rokit in Covent Garden; Shirt: Gladrags vintage; Coat: Topshop circa 2007.

A couple of snaps from the day:

In honour of my trip to the city, thought I'd leave you with another of my faves, 'London' by Noonday Underground - such good footage too. Happy dancing Lovelies!


Much love, L xx