Tuesday 25 February 2014

Same as it ever was


Time. Where the bloody hell does it go?



I had great fun catching up with Patsy at the weekend, but failed to take any proper photos, apart from one or two in Matlock, including this one.

And I was round at Joanne's with the girls on Sunday night, but it's probably just as well I didn't take any pics then either. I laughed so much, I cried all my mascara off, which was not a pretty sight.




The kids are on holiday this week, and we have no particular schedule, which is lovely. 




Having wardrobe favourites is also lovely, and this outfit is comprised of a few of mine.

Denim jackets, maxis, berets, boots, a variety of bangles, plenty of colour - these are my go-to, feel-good items.


 1960-70s Co-op maxi skirt - vintage fair
Top, suede waistcoat, denim jacket and bangles - charity shopped
Beret - quiz prize
Boots - Ebay
Tapestry tote bag - made by me




Now, I have a confession to make.
Oh don't worry, it's not that I've been shopping at Primark, or anything truly shameful...

But it has been brought to my attention that I might be a bit of an old fart when it comes to music.
I know; a shocking accusation, but it has some foundation.

Patsy was talking about the music she likes at the weekend, and reeled off a list of bands and artists, some of which I knew but couldn't really name any songs, and some I hadn't even heard of.

Well, what are you listening to? she asked.

Err... Lately, that would be Talking Heads. Soft Cell. Early Robert Palmer. The Smiths. Stevies Wonder and Nicks. Roxy Music. Joni Mitchell. Elvis Costello. Lots of old soul, funk and Motown.

So basically, the same music that I have listened to for the last 25-30 years...

 See? Old fart. One look at my blog posts titles this month gives me away; all song lyrics, by Talking Heads, Elvis, Roxy Music, The Seekers, David Bowie, Jackson Browne and Canned Heat. Down with the kids, I am not.



  Sure, I enjoy dancing round the kitchen to Happy as much as my kids, and I'm not suggesting for a minute that current music isn't as good or as interesting as the stuff I listen to, not at all.

I just hear a lot of songs which remind me of something else, and it sends me back to the original. Maybe I am past the age where music really knocks me for six and engenders lifelong love. Remember buying vinyl, and pouring over the sleeve and the lyrics and playing the album over and over and over again? It's a love affair, I suppose, and those early loves have shaped my tastes so much that nothing else quite matches up.



So come on - help me.
What should I be listening to?
Recommendations will be investigated and given a fair chance, honest.

Or when it comes to music, are you stuck in an old groove too?




 I'm showing up terribly late to Visible Monday (sorry, Patti.)

Same as it ever was...

xxxx


55 comments:

Melanie said...

I'm hopeless when it comes to new music, things I think are new, apparently aren't! My sister is very forward thinking when it comes to music and I have no idea who most of her favourites are, likewise she has no idea who most of the people I listen to are. My tastes lie mainly pre-1970 and the majority is rock and roll and (proper) R&B.

New music I could recommend would be The Civil Wars, 'Barton Hollow' is fab but that and the newest Arctic Monkeys album are as new as I get.

Asparagus Pea said...

I'm so rubbish at music that it has become a standing joke with all my friends. They like to play endless rounds of 'Whoooo had a hit with....?' While intermitttently whistling Einstein A GoGo at me. i have nightmares about it.

Connie said...

You may ask yourself, how did I get here? Okay, my Dear, you KNOW I love the old stuff, too. In fact, waking up this morning, yours was the first blog post that popped up and I love a bit of Talking Heads with my breakfast. I'm also so happy that your lovely skirt, and denim jacket and beret perched on your perfectly coifed head are your favorites because you look super gorgeous and it is exactly what I would expect to see you wearing if I bumped into you on the street. (Wouldn't that be fun?) my son's garage punk band members spent the weekend with us over the summer and they spent their time at the house listening to our old records and talking about how there is so little good music these days (though they used slightly different language to express it) So there you go. Same as it ever was. Sending you an enormous denim clad hug!

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Curtise,

If you think that you are listening to stuff from the Dark Ages, all we can say is that in the main our days are filled with tunes from the C17. Our resident Mad Boy is a classical pianist and so Bach (father and son), Schumann, Beethoven, Brahms and Mozart are the accompaniments to the daily routine. Well, they were 'hot' in their day........but we are still not averse to a blast of Lady Gaga as the mood takes!

Variety is the spice of life!

Diane said...

When your kids get a bit older, you'll pick up the new "bands" etc more - I have. I am now very hip!! My son bought me "Naughty Boy" CD for my birthday! I know!! I still can be found spinning a very Barry Manilow or Compilation CD's though! Incindently, my daughter took the record player and all my LP's with her when she moved out! I love "Happy" but it does remind me of "Northen Soul" from back in the day. xxxx

Vix said...

The finest thing the Co-op ever produced, that skirt of yours! A gloriously Curtise-like outfit from head to toe - bangles, denim jacket, tapestry bag, funky hat and groovy boots. Love it all.
So good to catch up with friends, insult each other and laugh yourself daft.
Rudimental - they're my big thing at the mo, still kicking myself for missing their DJ set at Walsall's chavviest nite spot last year.
Love you, you old fart! xxxxxxxx

Ms Misantropia said...

Love the skirt - those colors and that pattern!

Indigo Violet said...

You don't need to apologise to me for listening to the classics because I love all that old soul and R&B. You could maybe dip your toes into a little Wilco if you feel like a change. They aren't all that new but who cares?

Patti said...

I love it when I laugh so much, my mascara's run off. As to music, I will leave that to the young ones to advise. I just finished listening to Speaking in Tongues by the Heads. That's "with-it" music at our house! Love your pics, esp of kitty in the middle, and your signature look. xox

Natalia Lialina said...

What an amazing skirt!! Gorgeous colors and pattern. The whole outfit is great - beautiful fit, and very YOU! I love the way you mix your bangles - very fun touch always!

As to music... I mostly listen to music while driving. I have three favorite radio stations - one with jazz, another with classical, and the third one plays hits from around 1970-80s, so many familiar songs and names. Sometimes, I listen to a song or two on a modern music station - I like some songs, but I know no names! :)) But I can't say that I really miss it. Does it make me an old fart too? :) Maybe if I had friends like yours, I would be more interested in learning more about modern music. Friends definitely can make the difference in our preferences.

Unknown said...

I totally get why this is a favorite outfit ... romantic and practical at the same time and so flattering, to boot! Excellent.
Glad you had fun with your visiting bud. Always wonderful. And that you were in a situation where, with friends, you laughed till you cried! I'm a big believer in the curative powers of situations like that. All good.
Music: My life soundtrack is the entirety of music of the 60s, from here and over there, and will never get over it. I listen to a lot of things now, much of it straight up jazz, but love some modern, bouncy, mainstream bands like Fun. and Train, Matchbox 20, goofy and light and great to dance around the house to. They don't challenge me much, but that's a requirement right now. Enough life challenges, thank you. "She's So Mean" is a current favorite ... I still like a drummer who works for a living.
Have a great week, lovely Curtise!

Peaches McGinty said...

I do like a mascara melting thigh slapping laugh! good times indeed, it must be lovely having a no-schedule week, good for Mum's not having to run around. Your wardrobe favorite outfit is awesome, the Co-op do clothing? where have I been! my music knowledge is rubbish, although 'Blurred Lines' was banned in our house, we had to have a discussion about the lyrics and video (interesting age appropriate conversations though!) x x x

Anonymous said...

Glorious skirt, great outfit actually I'm really digging it and would wear it all. I can't help much in the music front I'm much the same as you are. I listen to many of the artist you listed. Along with that are artists that listened to growing up. But I have over time and occasion taken fancy to other music. However about 15 years ago we really started to enjoy The Cat Empire they're an Australian group that have the most diverse sounds. We've seen the live several times and have had he most amazing time.

Miss Magpie said...

Eee modern music, I find myself parroting my parents 'it's just a noise, you can't understand the words' Old fart for sure!

Anonymous said...

I had one of those mascara-dripping moments a few weeks ago when the gals and I went to a sex toy party. Boy, did we laugh. Lotsa wine and dildos helped, teehee. Very curative, I agree (the laughing, I mean): just good for the soul.

You are rocking the denim jacket - so funky yet so versatile - and that skirt is sooo pretty.

As for music, I'm not with it by any means and am pretty lazy about finding new stuff, though I'm always open to (Canadian) indie bands. I listen to everything from classical to alt country - but I am like you, I thnk, in that I love music from my formative years, the 70s and 80s. I'm hugely sentimental and music, like scent but not as powerful, just brings you back to the happy, innocent times, unfettered by grown-up angst!

Your posts are always so fun, yet thoughtful :) xoxo

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

When Haircut 100 broke up, I kind of shut down, LOL. No clue what's current...I guess I'm an old fart too.

Your outfit...just the right amount of boho. Love the hat, the jacket, and you always rock the maxi skirt! Paisley takes it to perfection. And, look at you sewing a tapestry bag! Well done!

Helga said...

Ah, I know exactly what you mean! I don't even play very much music these days! But when I do, it's usually the same old;Siouxsie, All About Eve, Bauhaus, extra. I rely on people to introduce me to new stuff, and they do from time to time. A friend sent me a link to "Love is to Die", by Warpaint, an American all girl group-and I loved it because it reminded me of the 80's!!! I do like Florence and the Machine, but am really not down with the kids either!!!
Now, those go to, feel good items LOOK bloody good too! I always love you in your DJ, as you know, and that skirt makes me MOIST everytime! I guess it's a personal style thing, really. Mine seems to change, but the last few years have been about a fitted waist and full skirt-and I expect I can't wear that forever, so am making the most of still having a waist!!!
YAY, a holiday with no schedule! Heavenly.
Loving YOU! XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Shawna McComber said...

Oh fantastic outfit! I love it! It has so many of my favourite elements including paisley! I'm mad about paisley. And purple! And black vests! I love it all!

It sounds like you had a great weekend. I am not so down with music either. Since my now adult son did introduce me to some music when he was a teen I could pass myself off as cool for a little while. I love 60s folk and folk rock, classical and then a hodge podge from the 70s too. Stuff from the eighties tends to appeal for nostalgic reasons more than actually liking it. I am more likely to listen to Cyndi Lauper or The Police than to Michael Jackson or Madonna. The nineties, well there must be some stuff I like but not enough that I can even think of it right now. Naughties music and current music is not really ingrained in me. The most recent music I listened to was Simon and Garfunkle.

Angels have Red Hair said...

I love the old stuff too ... I just really believe they made better music back then. Songs these days often seem to be missing a melody ... who's the old fart now? But due to having two teenagers in the house ... and car ... I am forced to "hear" plenty of new music. Occasionally I will come across some that I quite like. So my newer faves are Pink, Fun, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran ... HA ... mainly new ones that sound a bit like older ones.
xx

Pennyblossoms said...

Let's start an old farts music club, shall we???
Can't beat those old classics; I love 'Happy' but it won't have the same clout in 25 years, will it?
Aren't your nails stunning!!
Love the outfit and the jewels are fab!
Roll on the denim jacket weather.
Z xx

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

Well you look FABULOUS!!! I love your maxi.
Old fart club here, too. Heck I listen to big band music from the 30's and 40's!!

Aya said...

You wear denim jackets so beautifully. I've never been able to figure out denim outerwear, myself.

I just adore how this outfit turned out. The colors, the proportions, everything.

Goody said...

At some point I just stopped listening to music, and I'm not sure why. The kid has an MP3 player, so I'm spared whatever he's into at the moment (mostly Tango music. You haven't lived until you've been subjected to techno-tango).

I stopped at a local shop last weekend to pick up a few bags of spices, and they were blasting, "Please Let Me Get What I Want", and as I counted out my change, I muttered to the ceiling, "Shut up already! This is the only Smiths song I hate." The shopkeeper laughed and said it was the only Smiths song she could tolerate. We were about the same age. I have no clue what people listen to today.

I really do love that denim jacket.

Señora Allnut said...

you look gorgeous wearing your favs all together, love your colorful maxi, your still rocking vest and your pretty jacket!
And I've realized the music in my mp3 is almost The Clash. I think last time I put some music in a loop was at least fifteen years ago.
I was used to listen to The Hives, Mando Diao... But that's old news!
besos & música

Rose&Bird said...

Fab outfit, you can always rely on the old faithfuls., Though it does get repetitive, Radio 1 is worth a go for new stuff, and it's not all teeny-pop! Currently loving Imagine Dragons, Sam Smith and Laura Mvula to name a few. Check out BBC Introducing for really new stuff.

That's Not My Age said...

That skirt is fantastic! We went to see Heaven 17 last week so I'm probably not a good person to ask about new music...

Suzanne said...

First off I want the whole outfit you're wearing. No joke. Just take it off, (don't even bother with laundering it) put it in a very large envelope addressed to Toronto,Canada. Don't leave out the skirt!!!

Music…well as much as I love the oldies I do love new music too. Funny thing with the new music is that I'm not "gaga" over one particular group. I might only one song by that group, or singer. Bruno Mars I do like, I like lots of dance music, techno Tango like someone else mentioned too since we dance tango, Daniel Powter, Glenn Morrison, Pennybirdrabbit, LMFAO, Maroon 5, Tiesto, Usher, Hedley, Gwen Stefani, Pink, Hugh Laurie, James Morrison, Ellie Goudling…A really great CD is Ray LaMontagne.

We went to a 1950's - 1960's dance this weekend and I really loved the music. I guess my tastes are all over the place.

bisous
Suzanne

Jayne H said...

Love your 'go-to' outfit, especially the maxi skirt.

My daughter has good taste in music and if I know anything about current stuff it's because of her. I saw Ruby Turner live recently so am currently re-visiting her old numbers from her 'women hold up half the sky' album.

silvergirl said...

i would have loved to hear the conversation that made you laugh/cry your mascara off!
loving this skirt
enjoy the holiday
Brett

Sheila said...

For modern funk, try Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. For neo-country, try Lindi Ortega. For angsty-indie, try Okkerville River. Do you like Belle and Sebastian? They did a one-off CD called "God Help the Girl" that I played to death for a year. Here, my hubby does a music review blog: http://acreativemaelstrom.blogspot.com/ - Browse the sidebar by artist; he's ranked his reviews by stars so you can avoid the sucky albums. :)

Love your casual look!

Val said...

I'm definitely Old Skool like you. I need to click on your link for Happy to even find out what that is. A good friend of mine who's in his 60s always suggests music, but I can never stick with them more than a few bars. Maricel at My Closet Catalogue put several links on her blog the other day, and I still haven't gone to listen to them. After growing up with the best music, it's hard to change!

Olga Rani said...

This outfit is just so "you" - bright maxi, denim jacket, beret. Gorgeous! That phrase about shopping in Primark was funny. As to music, perhaps I am even worse than old fart because I don't listen to music at all.

Val said...

I just listened to Happy, and I loved it! And I'm so proud of myself for listening to the whole thing. Thanks for the link!

Camelia Crinoline said...

That skirt is lovely. Er..I can't really help in the music recommendations department because I don't listen to much modern music either. Most of the stuff I listen to is older than I am. I do quite like Janelle Monae though because I cannot resist a woman who wears suits and sings about loving robots.

Annie said...

Hi Curtise. What a great post! I feel exactly the same. I do try to listen to new bands, and I picked up on a few from The Great Escape last year, but nothing that evokes that heart-stopping thrill from my old vinyl days.
I also saw Heaven 17 twice last year, and thought they still sounded fantastic (and modern).
I've now resigned myself to accepting my musical taste will be unlikely to alter greatly, though I'm determined to keep an open mind.
Love that outfit. The skirt is magnificent.
Also, sorry I missed your earlier blog about your old friend - I can emphathise. Take care, and look forward to seeing you soon xxx

Ivy Black said...

Morning gorgeous! I've reached the stage where I catch a bit of the new chart on Viva! or whatever, turn to my husband and say 'Well, I don't know who any of these people are', and I don't care very much either. I've been listening to Kate Bush for the past 300 years now, and recently I've had an Albert Hammond revival via the B52's, The Cramps and Steeleye Span. Have a love affair with vinyl too. I still have all my LP's, save for the ones I flogged when I needed a few quid and my old record player which is still going strong after 30 years. Where will Miley Cyrus be in 30 years? Hope she's not still straddling that ball...
Loves ya bits,
Sun's coming out...time for a meet up I say.
xxxxxx

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Yes, I'm old school (and proud of it) but I do listen to the radio (radio 6 always) and catch new stuff on there. Of the "new" I like Disclosure, Rudimental, Kings of Leon, Metronomy & Dizzie Rascal. I like going to old timer gigs too where you know every word and yowl along to your heart's content. Me and my friend are off to see Roddy Frame (again) in May and *cough* the Osmonds (for the 5th time *cough*. xx

Fiona said...

Another old fart here I'm afraid. The last new albums I bought were Elbow (SSK) and Fleet Foxes, so that was probably five years ago then!! Just generally prefer the soundtrack from my youth, to new stuff I hear today. We had more time to devote to music then, no interweb distractions...I played LP's over and over again and knew all the lyrics by heart. I know I am really stuck in a groove thang... but I don't care! Hope all well with you?
xxx

mondoagogo said...

I follow a few music blogs and download the mp3s they post -- they're usually just tasters for albums or else complete obscurities. I also like exploring random stuff on This Is My Jam (it's a music/social website, kind of like Twitter but for music). Most of the new stuff I hear really does sound like old stuff, but I'm also discovering interesting things that are beyond just British/American bands or bands that sound like that (then again, back when I used to listen to the radio, the shows I liked were the ones that went beyond that too).

This month the music I keep going back to is Underworld and Ballistic Brothers and both those albums are twenty years old! They still sound pretty fresh to me though.

Hm. Actually I think there might be a blogpost in this... :)

at my dressingtable said...

Love your outfit, I am in love with your skirt soooooo much !, yes I am rubbish with the music, my fourteen year old daughter is always raising her eyes toward the ceiling at me Lol!!!best wishes xxx.

Anonymous said...

I agree, what a great post. Love your outfit, it all goes so well together and that skirt is divine. Don't ask me for help with music though, the last gig I went to was Black Sabbath just before Christmas, and the next one will be Foreigner. The only post 2000 music I like is Joe Bonamassa, and Black Country Communion, the latter sounds like Led Zeppelin, so I don't suppose you could call it new! OH is a musician and his stuff all has an 80's rock feel to it, because that's what he loves too. We are a pair of old farts!

Forest City Fashionista said...

You can add me to the member list for the Old Fart's Music Club. You and I have the same favourite bands! When I worked in record stores back in the 80's, I was up on all the current music, because I had to be. I don't play much music at home and I don't listen to the radio except for a cool station out of California called "Radio Paradise" that plays a mix of new and old, but no top 40. I like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Nick Cave, Lana Del Rey, and some of Arcade Fire's stuff.

That is the bestest skirt in your wardrobe and you can never, never, get rid of it.

Bobbi said...

Love the outfit - everything about it is great. As for music, I love my old stuff and heavy metal from the 70s, but there are a few nwe ladies who have my ear. Lady Gaga is interesting, talented, and not afraid to be silly. I watch Graham Norton and found Imelda May and Paloma Faith on his show. There's a young lady names Lorde who is very interesting - my daughter and I both like her. Sometimes, though, I just need to belt out the Journey, you know?

Kezzie said...

Ha, I am so like you with the music! I like what I like, even though I am not against other music! I just don't listen to much other stuff! With you on the berets! They are fabulous! That maxi is awesome too!!! xx

Young at Heart said...

old Patti Smith anf new Goldfrapp are keeping me dancing in the kitchen.....your skirt has inspired me to make an effort have been wearing same (fab) Acne jumper for last 3 weeks!!

Vintage Coconut said...

Hello Curtise!!!
I like all kinds of music. Just last night I turned on some old country tunes. *heheh* I even fell asleep listening to them. A lot of days I turn on 50s-60s tunes while I am cooking or cleaning.

Melancholy and Menace said...

I love maxi skirts and dresses, I think I preferred shorter lengths when I was younger though.

Ain't nothing wrong with the music you're listening to.

I love Bowie, The Cure, Deep Purple, Zep...you know the good stuff ;) and lots of 70s and 80s metal bands.

If I was to recommend a 'modern' band for you to listed to, it would have to be Biffy Clyro. But please gaze upon the beauty that is Simon Neil as he performs :) xx

Unknown said...

I love old classics but i like to listen to new stuff - but i try to stay up to date - I ask my son for good stuff to listen -

I like - Young Galaxy
Stromae, Phoenix, Muse, Empire of the Sun, Pierre Mottron, Secret of Mana - Mostly alternative

Looking good Curtise!

Arianexo

freckleface said...

I'm shoulder to shoulder with you in the Old Fart club, but i don't give a wotsit. I drove the girls from work somewhere one day and had Dolly Parton on. They're all hipsters, so now they take the mickey out of me constantly. 'Talk to the hand' i say, Curtise. Bet you know a few current expressions too don't you? :)
Anyways, you look like a flippin' supermodel in that outfit, tall, slim, stylish and gorgeous. Who cares if you are a closet Leo Sayer fan?!! Xxxxxx

elpuntodelola said...

Bonito look, la falda es preciosa. Besos

Beth Waltz said...

Do give Big Bad Voodoo Daddy a hearing. They meld big band swing with New Orleans jazz and spice the mix with retro funk.

They're real musicians under the zoot suits. Fans who follow them sometimes boast on YouTube of having a few of them as college profs.

Their front man channels Mel Torme/Dick Haymes and methinks he and Helga von T would make a spell-binding special appearance in one of their goth videos!

Sue said...

I love your outfits you wear, you always look so good!! Now as for music, listen to whatever you dam well like. I was listening to Frank Sinatra the other night, followed by Elton John. I have a huge variety from oldies, to modern to classical, to alternative. I do like that song 'Happy' a great one to have loud, makes me feel happy!!

Vintage Bird Girl said...

Hello Darling!!! Finally back from the Sunny Coast & catching up on your posts. I'm not one to ask about modern music either really. I'm stuck in the late 80's early 90's with my favourites. Reminds me of the days when I was bursting with energy & in my prime! That denim jacket looks SO good on you. One of your staples that's for sure. Xx

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

I love your go-to favorites...denim jacket, maxi, and bangles!! I absolutely agree with you and you look gorgeous. Having the children home with unstructured time (and no homework maybe?) must be a pleasure. I loved those times. I also love the picture at the top.

Music? I'm all over the place but it doesn't include much of what's current. Radio here sucks, I don't have satellite etc. I listen to Joey of course (shameless plug...go to www.joeysommerville.com) and go to a lot of his shows and those of other musicians in his general genre. I listen to world music when I stumble on it. There's a group from Sudan (who's name I can't remember) that I adore. I listen over and over again when I'm sewing. I love old pop/R&B stuff from the 70's and 80's because that's when I was finger popping in the club. :-)

XXXXOOOO

Unknown said...

I have no idea what new music to listen to,m but I just wanted to say … THAT SKIRT! LOVE!!!