Monday 24 March 2008

The Tuckshop Living room session part 2 with Melodica!!!!

Photobucket">


Well, The Tuckshop "Living room session" brand took another step towards world domination when we had the very lucky experience of visiting Melodica melody and me's gaff down in the darkest depths of Brixton.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the relatively new phenomenon known as Melodica, then quite frankly you are in for a real treat.
Photobucket">
This group of young twenty somethings and one teenager have been causing quite a stir with their unique sound, inspired by a rich and diverse mix of music. Picking up a wealth of devoted followers (My girlfriend loves them, and so does my Dad) it appears that the Melodica the melody and me are slowly spreading their love which is happily penetrating the ears of many, leaving everyone wanting more and more.

So it was without delay that Tuckshop forced them to agree too a session recording, armed with earl grey tea, wine, cheese and Jammie dodgers, it was the perfect way to spend a cold saturday afternoon over the easter weekend.
Photobucket

With Legendary Tuckshop photographer Joel Knight in tow with his fingers ready to release the image trigger, we were given three wonderful pieces of melodica magic and an education in some absolute awe inspiring music.
Photobucket
Be sure to listen to the session and check them out on their myspace page. They're the bookies favorite to move on to bigger things and have already been aired by Robb da bank who loved them so much, that on the strength of only hearing one record, snapped them up for his awesome camp bestival project.
Photobucket
Be sure to Check these guys and if anyone wants to have their own piece of Melodica the melody and me, rumour has it that an ep is ready to be released.....Seriously watch this space.....and have a listen.

Friday 7 March 2008

Hail O Titus, Chap Magazine and A brief history of Vans

Get Ready for "O TITUS"


Photobucket

For those of you that listen regularly to the show, it would have been pretty hard to have missed the exquisite talent of Tuckshop favorites "O Titus". Their perfect blend of quirky pop, summery rock all packed into a near perfect 3 minutes has not only astounded us, but has began to gather pace, ensuring a growing breed of fans from all over.

Following the success of 2007's release "silver streak girl" (on house P records), These chaps have been literally 'workin' night and day, performing to a wide group of punters all over the capital, hard work which, when mixed with their unarguable talent paid off, following a support slot for Pete Dohertys group of social misfits "babyshambles" late last year.

"O TITUS", Also trained Gorilla Hairdressers.
Photobucket

O Titus have the potential to take on the likes of P Diddy amd Damon Dash, giving those low jean wearing, diamond adorning, marketing mavericks a run for their dollar, as it only needs one visit of the bands awesome website to see that O TITUS IS not just a band, O titus is a way of life.

This week we featured one of their excellent records entitled Seagulls, rumored to be released to the general public in May , so have a listen, pay them a visit and rub your hands in anticipation.

Have a listen now!!!


Smarten up and improve all aspects of yourself by reading The Chap


Photobucket

As I approach the upper echelons of my twenties, I have noticed that a strong desire to "smarten up" has grown slowly within me, not only do I dream about getting hold of my grandad's vast collection of tweed suits and fine leather brogues, but, I also long to possess the very much forgotten skills and knowledge which are necessary to become a Gentleman.


Recently this need to improve oneself has made its way subtly into my wardrobe, wearing silk scarves (see last weeks blog) and leaving the house wearing a barbour coat. However, it seems that now my full transition into a "modern dandy" can become a reality as my prayers were finally answered as I discovered the bi monthly gentleman's publication known as "the chap".

The Chap Olympics - Get Training now.
Photobucket


Commenting on all the important issues that face every young squire, noble and decent hard working man. This handy booklet comes small enough to conveniently sit in the pockets of my wax jacket. Printing features such as P.C World, judge my shrub and am I chap?. alongside important and interesting articles offering tips on appropriate cravat knots, and moustache grooming. Chap Magazine offers hope in the world of sock suspenders and good manners, bringing me at least a stage closer to my desired status.

Be sure to check out The Chap at a news agents near you or to subscribe and welcome the world of chap into your life click here.




Vans, More than just a shoe



Photobucket


As I embarked this week on a new job, it seemed appropriate that I should celebrate the occasion with a new pair of trainers. With the arrival of spring fresh in my mind, I figured it was time to pick up my annual summer pair, which as always is a pair of vans. For me there really is no alternative for my feet during any summer in the city, keeping them cool in more ways than one.
I've always been a fan of the vans design (the era being my personal favorite), having spent large parts of my life around skateboards and the sea, Vans seem an obvious choice, however, it dawned on me, that to many wearing these shoes, they may not be aware of their important cultural impact.


Opening for the first time in 1966, The Vans store offered 3 designs which the customer could choose from. At the end of the first morning they had received orders for 12 pairs, in the afternoon these customers arrived to pick up their purchases, however the store had no change so all the customers were given their new shoes and asked to return the next day to pay. All 12 returned.

Skate legend Tony Alva - coming to a pool near you!
Photobucket

Vans continued to produce their custom shoe in any colour for many years, however, during the early 70's the shoes started to be picked up by an emerging group of skateboarders, the infamous Z-BOYS, who hailed from a nearby area known as Dogtown. As the Z-BOYS reputation grew as the best group of skateboarders in the world, so did the Vans trainer, constantly being photographed on the feet of skate legends such as Tony Alva, Stacey Peralta (who went on to direct brilliant documentaries Dogtown and the Z-BOYS and Riding Giants) and wild child Jay Adams. As the demand for the shoe grew, so did the demand for new designs.

Ssticking with the original customizing idea ,in 1976 Vans approached both Alva and Peralta to design a new style. This lead to the birth of the two coloured era shoe, which was originally produced in blue and red, cementing Vans position in the skateboarding culture forever.

Photobucket


However, Vans most famous show the checkered slip on, is perhaps the best example of the Vans belief in listening to the customer. In 1981 the guys were asked by a friend to design a style that would be used for a character in a film he was working on. This Film was to be called "Fast times at Ridgemont high". With this in mind Vans began working on a checkerboard design, as not only had they noticed "the kids at high school" customizing the rubber bumpers with this pattern, but had also received 100's of similar designs from a competition they ran which would give winners a pair of their very own shoes and a trip to disneyland.

Sean Penn as Jeff Spicoli.
Photobucket

As it happened, the guys at the Film studio loved the design and immediately used them. The film "fast times" then became a huge hit and the character Jeff Spicoli (played by Sean Penn), was immortalized by every rebellious teenager as he represented the "surfing, stoner outcast" donning these checkered kicks with a Tux on his prom night. To the delight of Vans, the shoe was then used as the cover for the very popular soundtrack, and has remained one of the most iconic shoes of modern times.

Photobucket

Saturday 1 March 2008

The Zetland Players live in their living room, Tootal Scarves and Delicious Flour Power Brownies....

The Living room sessions (Part 1) Featuring The Zetland Players.

Have a Listen Now.






zetland 1





Well, it finally happened, and the much anticipated Tuckshop "Living room sessions" took place. We had the rather exciting experience of visiting Ugly Nephews " The Zetland Players" for food, fun and frolics. While We provided the flap jacks, The Zetland Players baked their way through a couple of their own tasty numbers, including their current singe "sailors and strongmen" and their own rendition of the Tuckshop Community Radio jingle.


zetland 2





Signed to the very good Ugly Nephew Records . The Zetland Players have continued to grow in popularity, performing their brand of "modern skiffle swing" in front of mesmorized audiences all over the UK. The session proved to be not only entertaining, but also a success. Much Alcohol was consumed,and the Tuckshop Community Flap Jack was quickly polished off. However we eventually parted and went our separate ways as the clock struck 12, saying our goodbyes, I watched in awe as they vanished into the distance in search of their second love, 10 pin bowling.



Tootal Scarves (Tootally Cool!)


Photobucket


As a Brand, Tootal is perhaps one of the oldest British labels that still exists and is again experiencing a revival amongst the new breed of "Modern Dandies"

Originating as far back as 1799!, Tootal has continuously produced fine silks which have been adorned by the necks of many a gentleman throughout its history. A staple of every discerning Gents wardrobe throughout the 1920's, 30's and 40's (apparantely my grandad looked quite the part in his).

However, as its appeal died along with the older working class men, it was quickly adopted in the 1960's, by the then incredibly rebellious new youth subculture, known as the Mods. Often finding the standard Tootal polka- dotted and paisley numbers amongst the older generations wardrobes, the Tootal scarf soon became the ultimate piece of their all important look, pivotally blending their sharp suits and parka coats together.

Photobucket


These new designs are out now! having been inspired by the old classics!!. . So if you can't find one amongst your Grandads wardrobe then at least you can still add a bit of welcome "Dandy style" into your life.
Photobucket


Flour Power Brownies (so good, they could easily take on Gillian Mckeith and WIN)

For many, the real way to get to anyones heart is through their stomach. With this in mind, it seems only natural to mention the absolute emotional roller coaster ride that is experienced when one first tastes an original Flour Power Brownie.

Photobucket

For those of you who have still yet to discover this absolutely beautiful invention, we are only to happy to be the bearer of good news as for several years these small, dense blocks of ecstasy have personally cured many a hungover morning at Borough Market, thus bringing happiness and smiles to quite literally everyone involved. However, Flour Power Bakery, it seems have not only mastered the art of a good piece of cake,but also produce a vast array of fine baked goods so why not drop them a line.


Their Brownie could possibly be the answer to world peace, so next time you need to say something important say it with a Flour Power Brownie!