Sunday 29 July 2012

Camping in Style

Did you go to Splendour this year and turn into a little green eyed envy monster looking around at other people’s camping set up’s? Or have you escaped up the beach lately and thought maybe it’s time for a tent up grade? Gone are the days when every tent looked just the same as the tent pegged up next to it. Why not stand out in the tent crowd and make a statement with a fun tent that is packed with personality. Another great thing about having a tent with a difference…. The ease of finding it amongst all the others and finding it when you’re coming back from the loo in the dark at night.
There are stacks of great tents out there to choose from. If you search around on the internet you will be sure to find one that will suit your personality and budget perfectly.
Here are a few that I like which I think would definitely make my next camping trip that little bit more exciting and fun.  Which tent would you choose?















 















Saturday 14 July 2012

Clairy Browne and the Bangin Rackettes

Now, although I have a great love for a huge variety of music of all different styles, my love is definitely growing stronger and stronger for the modern Rhythm and Blues, soul style music. Years ago I wasn’t at all fussed with big band soul style music but today there seems to be a talent for new artists putting a real modern spin on it and turning it into a really funky, happy sound that I’m loving.

I guess the love started when Amy Winehouse and her fifties style bee hive jumped up behind the microphone.  She had an old school sound that really appeared to me.  Not surprising really considering I’m mad for everything old school and way before my time. I really do believe I was born in the wrong era.

Then more recently, along came Lanie Lane and her soulful blues sound which again oozed with old school appear and showed me that blues music really is for me and not just something my parents use to listen to. Lanie Lane has that same old school Rhythm and blues sound but also hints of country and her own unique sound. Lanie is playing live on the Gold Coast next month and I was lucky enough to get a ticket. I’m really excited for what I know will be a truly memorable amazing night.

The most resent of my discoveries is Clairy Browne and the Bangin Rackettes. Clairy Browne is a complete power voice leading her big band and shimmery dress wearing back up singers. I stumbled across the band when I was hunting for different versions of a song I love ‘Bang Bang’ (from the Kill Bill movie). I love that song and knew that a lot of people had done different versions of the song so I went hunting online to see what different versions I could find; and then there they were with their very own version of the song. I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t heard of them before.  I will definitely be keeping an ear out for their tour dates. This is a concert I will not be missing. From the reviews I’ve read and the videos I’ve watched they seem fun and full of energy with an amazing sound that I can’t wait to hear more of.



I’m loving the new sound of the ‘old school’ style music. If you haven’t heard of Clairy Browne and the Bangin Rackettes or even Lanie Lane for that matter, may I strongly suggest turning down the top 30 hits and giving them and many other new big band, soulful rhythm and blues style music a go. Trust me you won’t regret it.
Here's the link to one of Clairy Browne and the Bangin Rackettes killer songs: http://youtu.be/irNtyaNHq5A