Civilization - Justice

It's been four years now since Justice unleashed their acclaimed debut album and we're still waiting for their as yet untitled sophomore effort, but today they dropped their new single Civilization, previously heard in the new Adidas advert, on iTunes France through Elektra Records. The track will be released through iTunes outside of France on the 4th of April and other digital retailers from the 11th. You can listen to the track below, read the lyrics and watch the Adidas ad too:

Justice "Civilization" High Quality by 1077 The End

Civilization - Justice Standing in line as we march to the drums of the east paralyzed and possessed by crusader's deceit lost to the sirens that call from the turbulant tide bound by the science that lives on the lips of the wise the beating of a million drums the fire of a million guns the mother of a million sons civilization stand aside as they bow to the call of the east tantalized and seduced by the demons relief dance to the ground by the whim of the merciless sky born to the fire that burns in the all seeing eye the beating of a million drums the fire of a million guns the mother of a millions sons civilization

Yohji Yamamoto at the V&A

Last week me and Emmanuel went to check out the Yohji Yamamoto exhibition at the V&A, as fans of his work and after the brilliantly curated Japanese designers exhibition at the Barbican recently we were very excited to see this latest offering.

Unfortunately the exhibition at the V&A was rather rudimentary; although it showcases 80 womenswear and menswear looks from over the years they are mostly grouped together in one room, with the remainder scattered around the gallery halls. Considering that Yamamoto is one of the most influential avante-garde designers of all time, with a career spanning 30 years since his own label debut in Paris in 1981 and his Y-3 collaboration line with Adidas still going, it's a little disappointing that there isn't more to see and read about here.

There are a number of video installations lined up against one wall, including footage from a few catwalk shows and some of his work with renowned filmmakers Wim Wenders and Takeshi Kitano, but it would have been nice to see some more in-depth information about Yamamoto's processes and work history. It's far from arbitrary but we do think this great designer deserves a bigger and better retrospective.

The exhibition runs until the 10th of July 2011 and is priced between £5 and £7. Below you can see a few photos from the gallery.

Bacchus at Proud2

I DJ'd at the newly launched Proud2 at the O2 two weeks ago. The club used to be known as Matter but has been given a £million refurbishment and a new name. It looks like a Vegas club now with multiple floors, lots of red drapes and fabrics and a comfy VIP area that definitely has a kitsch OTT Las Vegas casino/hotel vibe to it. It's fun and the new line-ups are geared towards mass entertainment and the events aren't expensive either. I DJ'd for Bacchus with Mr. Hudson, who played a very enjoyable upbeat commercial set, below you can see a video of me on the decks. Bacchus is held every Saturday at Proud2 and you can see more information on the venue itself on their official website.

Ingrid Vlasov AW 11/12

I was chosen to do the soundtrack for Romanian designer Ingrid Vlasov's AW 11/12 show for Paris Fashion week. The show took place at the Westin Paris, Vendome, on Tuesday the 8th of March. Vlasov recently garnered an influx of attention when Lady Gaga was photographed wearing the finale dress from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. Below you can see a video of the AW 11/12 show with my soundtrack and a backstage video from the day, as well as a photo of Lady Gaga wearing the aforementioned dress. For more information and to view previous collections head over to the official Ingrid Vlasov website.

The Strokes - You're So Right

The Strokes dropped the Under Cover of Darkness 7" single a few days ago along with the album track You're So Right as a B-Side. Whereas Under Cover of Darkness was more akin to Is This It-era Strokes with its intersecting riffs and epic twist on garage-rock aesthetics, You're So Right sounds more like something that was left off of previous album Last Impressions of Earth, a moody and almost monotone number that doesn't really go anywhere, although I do like the sentiment. Writing credit for the song goes to bassist Nikolai Fraiture. In an interview with NME, frontman Julian Cassablancas stated: “It counters some of the happy vibes on the other tracks. I like dark things!” New album Angles arrives on the 22nd of this month.

Listen to the song below, read the lyrics and watch the video for the far superior Under Cover of Darkness:

Tell me what happened
If you like
Get off on the same floor
Every night

What are the reasons
To fall out
I wanna tell you
Nothing

I’m done with the office
Hello, forest
I still want to ask you
Something more

I don’t want to fight
Don’t wanna beg you anymore

I don’t wanna argue

I wouldn't let you

I'd never let you

If I could

Norwegian Wood

Last night I attended the Norwegian Wood UK film premier afterparty at the Haunch of Venison with guests including director Anh Hung Tran, actors Tony Leung (In The Mood For Love) and Rinko Kikuchi as well as Lisa Moorish and Beatrix Ong. Unfortunately I missed the screening of the film but I am greatly anticipating watching it as I'm a big fan of Haruki Murakami who wrote the book that the film is based on. The film is released in the UK on March 11th, below you can see some photos of myself and Emmanuel Balogun at the party and Tony Leung clowning around, as well as the trailer for the film.

Stormtroopers in Stilettos

Last week I was invited to the launch of an exhibition called Stormtroopers in Stilettos at the Old Truman Brewery on London's Brick Lane where guests included Brian May, Foo Fighters and Jessie J; the exhibition charts the formation and rise of the band Queen, taking an in-depth behind-the-scenes look into the band's activity. Featuring extensive information including background history, facts and quotes, interactive audio/visual pieces and plenty of memorabilia including original costumes by Zandra Rhodes and the studio set-up from the first John Peel sessions, the exhibit features plenty to see.

Stormtroopers in Stilettos begins a year long celebration marking the 40th anniversary of Queen's formation in 1971 and will be followed by a new BBC documentary featuring rare interviews with Roger Taylor and Brian May as well as the filming and production of a Hollywood film starring Sacha Baron Cohen as Freddie Mercury, scripted by acclaimed screenwriter Peter Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon). Entry to Stormtroopers in Stilettos at Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, London, E1, is free of charge and open from 11.00AM until 8.00PM daily until the 12th of March. I highly recommend you check it out!