Bad Taste Magazine: Issue 6

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great music, great food great vodka… …experience revolution york

EVERY WEDNESDAY

DOUBLE FLAVOURED VODKA & MIXER £2 (30 TO CHOOSE FROM) BOTTLE OF STELLA £1.50 FREE ENTRY

Yorkshire Herald Buildings, Coney St, York YO19NA

T. 01904 676 054 E. YORK@REVOLUTION-BARS.CO.UK r

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Freshers’ is a distant memory, but the flu is still rampant and we’re gaining deadlines as well as the odd hour. Welcome to the desolate necropolis that is midterm. It’s cold and miserable, but before you despair to your Welfare Officer, there’s one last beacon of hope. This is otherwise known as the sixth issue of Bad Taste! As the current team approaches the end of our tenure, we’re very proud to say that this academic year has brought with it the best edition of Bad Taste to date. Some mandatory highlights include dressing for balls, ever-popular relationship advice and – shamelessly I might add – my own musings on the LGBT. And despite this loquacious diatribe we really do hope that issue six will offer you some solace from impending essays and those bloody Christmas adverts. Bad Taste is produced termly by students, for students, to give you an insight into the lesser-known peculiarities of university life in York. Everything you see within these covers is produced by the student populace, so our issues never follow a set theme. We are an ever-expanding enterprise with the potential to become whatever our community decide to make it. We’re not a lifestyle, fashion or art house magazine… we’re all of those things as well as a blank canvas for student opinion on a vast array of topics. In other words, without you we have nothing! If you’d be interested in getting involved with any aspect of the magazine, don’t hesitate to contact us on production@badtastemagazine.co.uk. Jake Delaney and Sam Hogton

Contents Lifestyle Good Taste , Guy & Girl by Andy Young, Charlie Elliot. Design by Tim Ngwena Monkey Tennis by Beth Ridley York from a Different Perspective by Hannah Smith Relationships by Hannah Smith Eco: Logical? by Rachael Frankel Men aren’t from Mars by Sam Hogton York’s Little Gem by Vesna Coisch

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Fire Spinning by Matt Grum Centre Spread by Phill Smith Comedy Soc by Sarah Jordan Grease is the Word by Kelsey Wilson Salsa by Sarah Jeffery

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Arts

Fashion

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Editors Jake Delaney & Sam Hogton Graphics / Web Editor Tim Ngwena Photography & Graphics Matt Grum

Managing Director Oliver Blair Good Taste Editor Andy Young Fashion Editors Lauren Clancy & Alice Albery Performing Arts Editor Sarah Jordan Music Editor Emma Robson Features Coordinator Hannah Smith Sub-Editor Lois Ashton Head of Advertising William Heaven Publicity & Distribution Manager Tom Bishai & Elizabeth Priday Graphics Assistants Phill Smith & Marius Karabaczeck Administrator Ola Jeglinska Contributors Charlie Elliot, Beth Ridley, Rachael Frankel, Vesna Coisch, Kelsey Wilson, Sarah Jeffery, Nick Scargill, Eman Akbar, Philip Smith, Hugh Morris, Mamie Allsop, Nadia A.Y., Alena Lekhman, Charley Davey, Josephine Ajayi-Majebi, Jess Hill, Sophie Thacker, To’Neill Hart, Sam Palmer, Michael Batula, Layla Merrick-Wolf, Micheal Brunsden, Rennie Hoare Special thanks to: The Gallery Nightclub, Oxfam, Reiss & DramaSoc

Form vs Fashion: Fashion Shoot Designer Profile by Eman Akbar Oh, Balls! by Charley Davey Rennie Hoare Glamour that Gives: Fashion Shoot

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Music

Glasvegas by Emma Robson Cheeky Cheeky by Emma Robson Let’s Make Love and listen to CSS by Philip Smith & Sarah Jeffery Black Kids by Emma Robson Sampling by Hugh Morris Gig Guide / Desert Island Discs / Guilty Pleasures / Kankering Hessain

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The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of YUSU or of the editorial team. Every care is taken to ensure all information published is correct at the time of print. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Bad Taste Magazine cannot be held responsible for information provided by advertisers.

If you would like to get involved with BAD TASTE please email info@badtastemagazine.co.uk.

WWW.BADTASTEMAGAZINE.CO.UK Magazine Design by Tim Ngwena & Matt Grum Cover by Matt Grum

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tocking gifts that mix novelty value and style, Collection Box, should be your one stop shop for those all important birthday and Christmas presents; or to just treat yourself. The SPLOSH range in store includes a selection of evocative carved words, such as 'smile' and 'relax', which can create a statement in any space you put them in. Or why not let your personality shine through by forming your own words using the large individual letters that are also part of the range. Whether you have them hanging next to a picture or just standing on the desk, they are the perfect way to decorate your living space in an individual way. Collection Box is located on Low Petergate

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he design of Fossil watches fuse elements of vintage creative culture, Mid-Century Modern design, and contemporary fashion. With a wide variety of men’s and women’s watches on offer there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Whether you are looking for a more classic design or a watch that has something intricately different about it that catches everyone’s attention. With the option of buying more than one strap for your watch face as well, you could personalize your watch whenever you desire. Fossil Watches are available at www.fossil. co.uk or at many High Street jewelers

ucked back from Grape Lane is a little gem of an eatery. 1331 Bar & Restaurant, spread over three floors, offers a range of menus to suit all budgets, but the one that is definitely worth a mention is their mouth-wateringly delicious Sunday roast. Served from 12pm till there’s none left, your belly will be suitably indulged with one of these hearty meals costing a mere £7.95. A latest addition is the evening bar menu that is available from 5-8pm all week. A simple selection of food that includes nachos, homemade burgers, fajitas and bangers and mash – soul food for hungry tummies served in a cosmopolitan and seriously laid back bar with music to suit all tastes. Live music every Sunday night / Regular stand up comedy nights / Free function room hire


Goo An d Tas dy t You e , Go Des o ng ign & C d Guy s by ha rlie & Girl Tim b Elli oth ott y yN gw ena

FILOFAX T

he Filofax name originate s from 'Files of facts' and was given to the first UK personal organ iser system in 1921. Over the years the Filofax has increased in po pularity and remained the best in personal organisers. With its ring binder centre many diff ere nt sections can be added and removed at eas e, creating a truly personalise d organiser. Each January there is no ne ed to go and buy a new dia ry instead you can bring it up to date for new year by purchasing an inexpensive refill. The exterior, wh ich has a timeless style, co mes in a large range of colours and materials, as well as being made in seven different sizes from Compact to A4. To view and purchase from the full range visit www.filofax.co.uk

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or all you hoarders of trinkets and knick-knacks, bombayduck.com brings you a serving of heavenly curiosities to adorn your rooms. Splash out on a vintage chandelier or keep it tame with cosmetic bags and luggage tags to bring kitsch to your holiday. Bombayduck provides a personality gift finder, suggesting gifts for ‘trend setters’ to ‘city slickers’, helping you to find the perfect present. You can also search by room, assisting you to sift through the unwanted garden decorations and found that stylish tea cosy for mum you didn’t even realise you were looking for. Stock up on peculiar, but delightful, Christmas decorations for this year on their newly revamped site.

the bottle has clearly shouldn't drink from n nyone who says you perstore.com. Gree sses from Ethicalsu to in em th ed rn never seen these gla and tu pty Grolsch bottles, Glass have taken em d to cause a stir. tee an ar gu ets, which are bl go t as en er ff di lly fu is just as important wonder glass you drink from e th the at ts th s en ow em kn pl m ne style co Ever yo th these glasses, the wi d e an th k, in ise dr ra u do yo y the beer blets reall recycled Grolsch go e Th ky. tal a ctl e rfe ov pe pr ce to substan are sure velty drinkware, and no to es m co it en bar wh ey are used. ing point any time th

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lug in your iPod or MP3 into the Orbit speaker and get great sound, powered by Altec Lansing’s award winning acoustic tailoring. Lightweight and shock resistant, the Orbit is robust and portable, small enough to be carried in a pocket or handbag.

The Orbit gives a sociable alternative to headphones; the quality of sound is rich, delivering a full-bodied clarity with superb depth. ‘Fusion 360’ technology integrates a cone design with a custom-built Altec Lansing speaker to project a 360-degree sound field, making the Orbit perfect for an impromptu party or sharing of sounds.

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att & Nat’ is an innovative accessory collection of diverse designs. Being cruelty free and completely void of animal-by products is only one facet of this fashion forward brand. A number of over shoulder bags for men are offered, including ranges called CARBON and FEATURE. CARBON bags are fabricated from treated cardboard, where as the latter are made from 100% recycled water bottles. Being environmentally friendly has never been so stylish.

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ewlett Packard, the global computer giant, recently launched a new notebook computer called the Mini-Note PC. Weighing in at only 1.27kg it can be carried between lectures and seminars with ease. In its tough aluminium case is an 8.9inch widescreen, which is perfect for viewing Youtube videos, Facebook photos or surfing the internet. This is all made possible by the integrated WiFi and Bluetooth. The 92% sized keyboard means taking lectures notes is a breeze and with Microsoft Vista included it can run all the programmes usually found on larger computers. This whole package comes in at around £300. For more information see www.hp.com/uk/ HP2133

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staple part of any man’s wardrobe is a high quality suit; whether it be for everyday wear at work or for use on a special occasions. ‘Burton Menswear’ offers a selection of suits to meet everyone’s needs. The 'Main Line Collection' gives you the chance to purchase a suit on a budget without compromising on style. Starting from just £79 the range is a great starting place if you are looking for a more classic design. For those who want to make a bolder statement with their formal wear, there is the ‘Black Label’ and ‘Heritage’ Collections. ‘Black Label’ is their premium range and features luxury fabrics mixed with contemporary design features that can make a suit stand out from the crowd. The ‘Heritage’ range takes a step back in time as the range takes inspiration from traditional tailoring methods used in original Burton garments from the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. Attention to detail is a key to this collection with more traditional tailoring being given a modern twist. www.burton.co.uk The nearest ‘Burton’ store is in Leeds


Bohoo.com

If you’re tired of the regular high street shops but can’t bring yourself to buy boutique then look no further boohoo.com. With designs inspired by catwalks and celebrities, the site is updated daily, keeping you informed on what’s hot in the world fashion and at costs that won’t break the bank. An easily sectioned site means you can find what you need with minimum hassle, or you can search by trend if you already know what look you’re going for. Exclusively for Bad Taste get 10% discount from 31st October – 31st December by entering this special promotional code at the checkout: UOY001. www.bohoo.com

Ruby and Millie

2008 sees the 10th anniversary of Ruby & Millie Cosmetics, and to celebrate 'A Decade of Colour' Ruby & Millie are launching a gorgeous limited edition circular gold purse that contains the essential products to create the perfect natural eyes. The 10 year collection comprises of three of the bestselling shades of eye color - a shimmering cream to highlight, a wearable beige for an all over wash of color, and a deep brown to line and define - encased in Ruby & Millie's iconic silver mirrored compact. The compact in turn sits in an elegant gold faux leather case, also holding an eyeshadow brush for easy application and a mini black eyeliner pencil. Available for a limited time at Boots

Beyond Skin

Beyond Skin is an exclusive, ethical footwear label that trades in a manner that is non exploitative to humans, animals and wherever possible the wider environment. They are releasing 13 key styles for Autumn/Winter 2008. These sassy new designs combine simple, classic styling with a contemporary twist of colours and textures. The range includes 3 cute boot designs, a selection of detailed courts, strappy evening sandals, round toe T-bars and a lace up bootie. www.beyondskin.com

Pantaloonies

The word of the moment is ‘individual’. People want a unique look, but let’s face it, somebody else somewhere will have the same clothes from the same old shops. Pantaloonies aims to break free of clashing outfits and bring you one-off designs, especially catered for you. Started by swim and leisurewear designer Samantha Sage and actress Helena Bonham Carter, the company asks you to send in your favourite pair of jeans and they will be reinvent ed to suit your personality. A brochure asks you questions such as your favourite colours and favourite films, and the inspired duo set out to customise your jeans in a way nobody else will have. Not only will you have a new and incredible pair of jeans, but funds from Pantaloonies go to UNICEF – so it’s not just you who’s benefiting. Pantaloonies are available in Harrods, or by mail order at: Pantaloonies, PO Box 50607, London SW6 7XF 0870 608 8988


Monkey Tennis By Beth Ridley Illustration by Phill Smith

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ach year an army of York freshers arrive excited as they are ushered from building to building by a pair of older students called STYCS who attempt to show them the ropes. But when we wind the clocks forward a year, we find that these once ‘primitive’ freshers have evolved into fully fledged Yorkers – where once there was a twinkle in the eye of unfulfilled eagerness, it is now replaced with a cool grey gaze of nonchalance, which blends perfectly into the surrounding scenery of Central Hall. But how does one obtain this ‘air’? How does the eager, enthusiastic sixth former morph

gas oven and the twenty year old microwave. Then you will bump into your new flatmates unpacking their clothes and attempting to curb the tears of upset parents. It’s here that the majority of freshers meet their core friendship groups. As a rule, the grubbier the kitchen the more social it is – so those of you in Goodricke and Halifax are in for a treat! If your flatmates aren’t your cup of tea there are always neighbouring flats and most are welcoming in the early stages of university. After preliminary evenings of Ring of Fire, alcohol fuelled endeavours and campus adventures, you and your new companions

and socials. If you feel out of your depth at Uni level, why not try college level sport with an equal amount of opportunities. You’re luckily in a collegiate university so make the most of it; they offer a wide range of sports that you can play just for fun or fairly competitively. This is a great way to get to know new people and to burn off those extra ‘Effe’s’ calories. You can always be adventurous and take up a new sport from scratch with the university such as extreme Frisbee and pole dancing. Check out YUSU’s website to see the full range of activities you can participate in.

into the seemingly cool and sophisticated student? Evolution. It is a process of evolving and adapting which marks this development. Unlike the evolutionary changes from ape to man, living at York is not a game of survival of the fittest. It is a race to succeed, and only the ones who really attempt to get involved with all spheres of university life are those who finish first.

should be thoroughly bonded and ready to take on York.

With a solid group of friends, social activities and membership to a whole host of societies, it is easy to see how the sixth former develops into the perfect student. But there are missing ingredients...class, culture and sophistication. You can enrich your mind, body and spirit with fashion, music and the arts. Magazines, newspapers, television, radio, film making, drama, music, musical theatre, dance...York University has it all, and all you need to do to enter this artistic sphere is email the society.

Let’s have a look at the rudimentary evolutionary stages the fresher will go through...

But where I hear you cry is the action, the pubs the clubs the midnight rave? Well never fear, although York has a small nightlife it is an active one. You can get down and dirty in Ziggy’s, dance the night away in the renovated Tru and fall down stairs in the Gallery. Plus there are hundreds of pubs and cocktail bars in York for you to crawl around so don’t be shy and explore.

When you open the door to your college kitchen the first thing you will notice is the

If you enjoy sports such as rugby and football and can’t wait to get started, go along to practises

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With campus falling at your feet, a fresher is ready to take on the world –and maybe even society committees and YUSU politics? –


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Firespinners: Anna Bodicoat and Claire Stephens Photography: Matt Grum Try your hand at fire poi and a whole lot more: JuggleSoc meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon in Langwith. For more information contact juggle@yusu.org

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York : A differnt Perspective By Kelsey Wilson

Photography by Matt Grum

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he other day, a friend (from outside of our dearest Yorkland) casually dropped into conversation about a gaggle of ‘Yorkies’ in Gatecrasher, Leeds. I am rather fond of this endearing term and have since adopted it sporadically in my general conversation. But hark…“how did you know they were Yorkies?” I asked, only to be met with “Well, you can just tell.” I began to ponder upon what this actually meant.

I have to admit the other day I spotted…. heavens above…a peaked beanie and some sheeny-shiny Nike high-tops on a couple of boys. And then it struck me that I even noticed this at all. I am, at times a tad observant on the attire of others but then, honestly, everybody is to a degree. But, more importantly is was this fresh zingy breath of diversity that struck my attention. Yorkie by name, Yorkie by nature? Have we carved ourselves a certain

social niche? Oh dear. Of course we have, because we all chose to come to York and if we completely disregard all the differences we, one and all, have this fundamentally in common. On the other side of the coin it is unavoidable that groups have certain social exclusivities that bind them together, and misinterpreted this can be latched onto and animated to become a stereotype. We agglomerate together at university from our respective homes; and we can either fabricate a completely new persona founded in old-school rebellion, or enhance and build upon our backgrounds as part of our own development. My particular roots lie in Cornwall, and I sincerely have not met many others. The instant response when you say you’re going to York is “Why are you going all the way up there?” As though there's a big red line at Birmingham. So, York presents few little gems on the search for a little segment of the culture and people I was raised in and amongst. It is best to have a sense of humour about where you’re from - I once said “rad” at work and was swiftly and heavily verbally abused (debatably deserved?). This term, however, is still not cool in Cornwall after it’s 70’s and 80’s glorious heyday, which makes me sad. Vow: bring 'rad' back. So, glimpses of this particular lifestyle in York may broaden a distinctly narrow definition of a Yorkie, and perhaps York itself. Location: skatepark (near Rowntree Park). Complete with real life ‘gnarley’ skaters. Half/quarter pipes and rails galore- the equipment for 'Mr. or Mrs. Alternative Activity' at York. Exit, the skate shop, has unfortunately passed away to the small business graveyard (though there is one in Leeds); is this a statement about York itself? However, Mayhem (Goodram Gate, or check out their website), prevails and is a rather jazzy little number littered with makes such as WESC, Volcom and her royal Nikeness. It is also the Mecca of cool kid shoes. What else? As for little alternative bars, there is a multitude to be found in every teeny winding snicket so that anybody can find their very own VJ’s or Evil Eye equivalent. So, an investigation into the depths of the University itself and the societies set up by those on a similar cultural vein. The snow sports club consists of both snowboarders and skiers (people never think I ‘look’ like I’m a snowboarder which always gets my

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goat and illustrates my point perfectly), and they all merrily go on a big fun snowy holiday in the mountainous peaks during the season to ride snowy trails, and closer to home the Castlefords Snowdome. Other possibilities? ...The Surf society, who journey off to the treacherous coast on a regular basis, at all levels ranging from “which way up does my board go?” to Super Rad. That’s right, RAD. In addition, Urban Sports is a society that I’ve just stumbled upon, for, well, urban sports….such as skateboarding / rollerblading / BMXing, the elusive search and conquest of the concrete wave, and an all that jazz. Other societies such as Breakz also explore a more alternative culture musically, and put on frequent events to keep the Kids entertained. Ok, so as a Rame peninsula minority, I think if I can find a little piece of my own dearest homeland in York, anyone can. It is not about replicating the same environment as you grew up in, because going away to uni is always as much about exploring different avenues, but instead about shaking off this dull idea of a singular type of York student and, similarly, of a monotone university town. It is ultimately sculpted by you, what you want it to be and where you are looking; and comfort and excitement is much more likely to be found within an attitude of eclectic diversity. –

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Relationships It takes two…? By Hannah Smith

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niversity is a lot of things to a lot of people, and when people start coming in pairs it can become even more complicated. Not a lonesome voyage for some, but a test of nerves, faith and even, dare I say it, the L-word (the one that isn’t Lust…or Lemons). Relationships are a reality for many a student, and often, Girl + Boy + University = Uncertainty. As an average student knowing an average amount of fellow Yorkies, my experiences both first and second hand of this particular little equation are colourful and diverse. For one close friend, Girl + Boy + University unravelled very quickly within the first few weeks to become University = Girl + Girl. Goodness. And after much conjecture that this new situation was a “phase” (says the self-assured conservative parent), 18 months down the line the equation remains balanced and strong, despite much twittering gossip from the old-schools back home. Uni is a baffling concoction of domestic survival and social animalism. But it is not enough to simply live to tell the tale – we should also enjoy it. It seems obvious that this will require strength of character from both parties foolish enough to embark on this as a tag team. That is what relationships at our tender age should truly be rooted in: merriment and (mutual) satisfaction. I can recall one such wonderful bond between two people when I was asked quite casually, desperately battling a Force 9 hangover in a lecture, “So are you going to the wedding this afternoon?” In an actual church. With vows. In ceremonial matrimony. Oh my God. Literally. This example is rather obviously atypical, and personally the hangover only worsened at the thought of myself in this particular situation. I approached University with a queasy, churning mix of fear and anticipation. I had enjoyed the postblissful gap year honeymoon-esque stage with The Boy, only to find that our relationship very suddenly consisted of 98% phone calls. Excellent. I am as stubborn as a mule and certainly not keen on mourning this loss in my room, snivelling into my Viking Raid t-shirt. So I decided to approach the situation like Xena the Warrior Princess: independent and wearing armour. Phone calls only twice a week and mostly so intoxicated I could barely recall such slurred quality time in the morning. Out of sight, out of mind, slipping treacherously down a hap hazardous list of priorities. I would not recommend this approach, and the subsequent recovery has been a long and arduous process, but one born of a strong desire on both sides to simply stay together. For it is a strange thing, hoisting a relationship from the far-away lands of home and trying to force it into this new life. Sometimes it may simply be like cramming a square peg violently into a round hole; my own was more like plasticine: it required careful time and malleable negotiation. If only there was a giant wise old man, holding an equally enormous set of scales, with 'The Boy' on one side and 'Uni frolicking' on the other.

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It can also be a guilty process. Uni is, I can honestly say, one of the most selfish things I have ever done with regard to relationships, like dragging a poor passerby through the twists, turns and plummets of Nemesis at Alton Towers. It was, however, necessary to grow and turn a relationship from one essentially juvenile to one consisting of two grown ups. And proceed: grown up conversation! Hoorah! Once you develop independence away from your partner, you become more interesting and it is this that defies stagnancy and refreshes a new reciprocated respect and admiration. Another friend would disagree, responding to an ultimatum of “university or me” with “er, you then”. She now isn’t going to uni at all - and this has been met with mixed reviews. Is this romantic selflessness or mere stupidity? Either way, she does not particularly care for the alien judgment of the spectator, or even of her close friends. Some Yorkies approach university like it is the American Dream. As though our little campus harbours an army of boys like a writhing, muscular, military base. We soon discover that this is not the case and often the resident campus fittie amounts to Trevor the Golden Duck (Editor: And even he's dead now.). Nonetheless, the Hunt goes on and I can think of many examples of where Boy + University = Girl + University; harmoniously balanced. Ziggy’s has often in my recollection been the romantic, if dingy, sweaty, backdrop to that first cheeky little smooch in the corner (and yes, the invisibility cloak has slipped off so that your entire sports team can see you and they do know what’s going on). However, once the funny little jibes and cringing paparazzi facebook snaps have been replaced by a new torrent of fresh controversy, it is such extra-curricular activities that bring people together. If it is possible for Venus and Mars to converge, surely these elusive moments when people have stuff in common give us the best chance. Often this process may take a few test-runs, which I affectionately refer to as 'Trial and Error….Error…Error…Error.' The better we get to know ourselves in this process, the more we know what compliments us - not that a Boy can be equated to the best old faithful handbag. But I don’t like the gloomy pessimism associated with social and academic success at the cost of relationships. Have it all! Give it a bosh - be greedy and ambitious and it might just be ok. It worked for Macchiavelli! …Ish. And so many other issues unexplored…what of the particularly dashing/handsome/charming/ravishingly gorgeous housemate? Eeek! Oh the possibilities! What of the Boy/Girl who was hazily connected with your best friend a million years ago in Freshers - would going there be stepping on their toes or can the Golden Rule of Friendship be overlooked in such circumstances? And the infinite list goes on of complications goes on. Ultimately, the situation is as unique as the people involved, and just as we think we’ve got the hang of it the three years are up. The light floods in from the real world and the uni bubble is immediately burst. Bugger! It looks like an MA might have it's uses after all… –

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Eco: Logical? By Rachael Frankel

Illustration by Marius Karabaczeck

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he environmental ethics behind recycling and energy saving have slowly (but oh so surely) become ingrained into the habits and quite possibly the beliefs of many of us. The image of the tree-hugging, daisy-chained hippy loving the planet, it seems, is a distant memory. But what has replaced it in our eco conscience? It seems every primary school child learns how to recycle newspaper with the standard papier mache bowl, decorated when dry with bright and cheerful colours. But the recycling tasks we face now don’t appear nearly as exciting. When I place my empty plastic bottle into its designated recycling box, the cheeriness now is replaced with a rather self-adulating pat on the back. Whether we like it or not, the impact of our consumer lifestyles impacts the environment, and as a result recycling and energy conservation has moved on from primary school activity fun. This is where the university steps in and takes up the ‘save the environment’ mantle. There is no doubt that the university, in various guises, has taken up the challenge. Each college has its own designated environmental officers sitting on the individual JCRC’s as well as recycling points scattered across campus. Initiatives by the new environment officers every year try successfully to gain our enthusiasm; there’s no denying the ease of recycling that is offered on campus. Goodricke College last year, as a prime example, collected all recycling from every kitchen each week. What could be easier then this? For the second and third year students living

off campus, York County Council provides comprehensive recycling, in some parts limiting available space provided for regular rubbish to encourage more recycling from residents. But the focus and momentum for environmental awareness in our post papier-mache education starts at the university, and, taking this into account, the university provides. With the lake, selection of feathered wildlife and general green setting, the university seems the perfect place to nurture environmentally aware students. And much has been done to carry this out. The environmental awareness section of YUSU.org has much advice to give on the subject, from what is eligible for recycling, tips on how to save on energy, and bike-route advice. If you need to find out how much an energy saving light bulb would save you over the course of a year (£10) then this is the site for you. But surely the ethics behind recycling and energy saving are intuitive; there is an environmental crisis and I shall do my part to stop it. This all sounds rather Armageddon like and a far cry from the innocence of the papier mache days. So is this what is needed by the university to force a more environmentally conscious student population? Perhaps a sign above every kettle in campus kitchens stating ‘you will kill a polar bear if you boil more water then you need’. Could be seen

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as emotional blackmail, I fear. The university has an excellent history in providing resources for recycling, and is actively trying to reduce the amount of energy it consumes. The environmental reps for two consecutive years from James tell me about their successes in their roles. The most influential of these are the various recycling points found across campus, placing the responsibility for environmental brownie points firmly back with each individual to do ‘their part’. The university has won several awards for its recycling and environmental efforts, all of which serve to try and mould awareness in students and set up recycling and energy conservation as an important, reflexive part of life. However, the successes are littered with the occasional complaint, and not that glass was added to the plastic recycling box, as would be the concern. These show that while there is most definitely a ‘cultural revolution’ occurring in regards to environmental awareness, it still has not reached the heady heights we experienced in primary school. Perhaps these heights shall never, in regard to recycling, be reached again. In their place, the self congratulatory pat on the back, the ‘I am saving the world’ is the all the momentum needed to continue doing just that. –


These pieces really are style statements. Beautiful tailoring, flattering shapes, and unusual cuts mean that Reiss’ collections consistently hit the mark. At the higher end of the market these are not quick fashion fixes, but invest in just one item that fits you well, and it will soon become your wardrobe staple.

Reiss’ Autumn/Winter Collection is out now. Take your Christmas list along to: 95 Low Petergate. Tel: (01904) 621453

Models: Jess Hill, Sophie Thacker, To’neill Hart, Sam Palmer, Michael Batula Photography: Matt Grum and Toby Roberts Stylists: Alice Albery and Lauren Clancy Assistant: Layla Merrick-Wolf Thanks to Drama Soc hosting this shoot

Jess wears: Buda jumpsuit £135; gold necklace stylist’s own; Pre Cirius heels £159

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Sam wears: Hopper dusty pink cardigan £79; Chambers white v-neck t-shirt £25; Pharrel jeans £75; Cornell taupe pumps £69

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Jess wears: Lyla sparkly top £69; Lillian pleated skirt £110; Pre Echo Serpiente heels £169

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To’ Neill wears: Regis jumper £89; Polly pleated skirt £89; Pre Cirius heels £159

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Michael wears: New Deck short sleeved striped shirt £65; Lynx tie £39; Pharrel jeans £75; Lewis stone canvas pumps £39

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Sam wears: Aspen striped shirt £75; Anson green skinny belt £35; Airforce casual trousers £75; Cornell taupe pumps £69

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Sophie wears: Lucile pocketed shirt £95; Lucio trousers £89; Bacchus gladiator sandals £129

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Be Born to Tanzanite Designer Profile: James Powel By Eman Akbar Photography by Matt Grum

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n the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro lies a stone unique for it’s extraordinary multi-dimensional colour. It exudes a dazzling array of royal blue, violet, indigo, lilac and periwinkle, and is known to the affluent world as tanzanite. It was discovered in 1967 by a few passing Maasai shepherds and with the help of the New York jeweller Tiffany & Co. it has rapidly become one of the most coveted gemstones in the world.

(Stonegate). In 2006, Powell and hundreds of other designers entered their pioneering designs in ‘Be Born to Tanzanite’, which ran across five different categories. Young Powell stole the show and proudly represented the UK by becoming the winner of the Rising Star Award. The winning design is not only a stunning piece of jewellery, but also one with a tale of which the passing Massai shepherds would have been proud. Delicate and richly detailed, his design illustrates the traditional image of a stork delivering a child, but James has replaced the stork with two of Tanzania’s national hummingbirds. The birds hover above an intricate pendant design, studded with 5.65 ct diamonds, below which hangs the precious drop of tanzanite. This drop symbolises the newborn baby and encapsulates Powell’s inspiration: The celebration of life.

The tanzanite tale is as rich as the stone. In Maasai tradition the colour blue has long been a symbol of fertility. After giving birth, Maasai women would wear vibrant blue-violet beads and fabrics to signify their motherhood and to bestow upon their newborn a positive and successful future. This custom, protected and preserved by the Maasai through the generations, is now honoured in a modern tradition: the giving of tanzanite. With a single source predicted to last only one generation, tanzanite is a thousand times rarer then diamonds and thus is celebrated by specialists as the ‘gemstone of the 20th century’. In 2006 ‘The Tanzanite Celebration Of Life Jewellery Design Awards’ created the competition ‘Be Born to Tanzanite’ in celebration of the unique stone, and one of the entrants in the competition was Yorkbased jewellery designer James Powell.

James’ designs speak not only of his exquisite talent but also of the stories he wishes to tell. And these stories, like the tanzanite tradition, will be preserved in his timeless pieces. So if by surprise we have a rainy term in York, why not pay the hummingbirds a visit and dream up your own exotic story about the magical stone? But make it a short one, because at a retail price of £675,000 the chances are it won’t be going home with you. –

Powell, a graduate of Jewellery Design from the internationally-acclaimed Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, now serves his apprenticeship at TCJ Designs

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26 Smith Phill with special thanks to York Theatre Royal Costume Hire


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Men aren’t from Mars (They’re Just Not in Sunday Night Tru). By Sam Hogton

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ilde would be turning in his grave, because it seems to me that to be a hopeless romantic and gay in this day and age is almost an oxymoron. It has occurred to me, from speaking with various Freshers and through my own experiences that coming to university is thought of as synonymous with some kind of pilgrimage to gay Mecca. If, like myself, you’ve

come from some provincial backwater speck of rural fascism then uni will be the first chance to really put yourself out there, so to speak. This is an article advising you to very swiftly pull yourself back in. This is not because I’m an embittered second year (this is just a contributing factor) but because the English gay scene is not representative. It’s dismal state, in many ways, has earned the rife stereotyping associated with it. On many a night out to gay venues in London and the North, surrounded by the maelstrom of Top Man-wearing, gel-adorned queens serenading eachother to the Girls Aloud Megamix, I’ve fancied spiking my own drink with rohypnol in the vain hope for some originality. And don’t bank on conversation either; on the rare occasion that I’ve engaged in an (albeit half-hearted) discussion in a gay bar, it barely surpassed the intellectual capacity required to ascertain that life-defining ques-

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tion, ‘Just which SATC girl am I, anyway?’ It kills me to say it, but my studies have led me to conclude that gay men are sluts. Not all of us, of course, but when even the most saintly couple approach you for a threesome it’s

tempting to brand the gay scene with the axiom of maximum cock and minimal emotion. I understand that the gay club is a strange chimera; for many it’s seen as the sole opportunity to find someone you like with them having any chance of liking you back, but the very fact that they’re there seems to tar them with an Amyl Nitrate-laced brush. Don’t get me wrong, I love the kitsch nature of gay clubbing. It’s just unfortunate that this mutant creation forms the backdrop to gay society, and only goes to test the trust that is the fundament of any relationship, gay or straight. But the gay scene being a pit of promiscuity is, of course, nothing new. What I think really gets me is how the LGBT societies propagate this image by associating their events with these venues, with such savoury offerings as ‘Fresh Meat (and Greet)’. Frankly even the existence of an LGBT society, it seems to me, is a backwards notion. Naturally it would be naïve to assume that there is no prejudice in our supposedly intellectual community (isn’t that what Welfare Officers are for?), on the contrary these societies actively make something of being gay – a situation which, if anything, reverts us to 1960’s freakdom. Ever since hearing an (unnamed) member of the society say it was a good thing that straight people felt alienated from their events, it’s seemed to me that they are clinging on to a ship

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that’s sailed. Even the most right-wing idiots no longer care whether we’re gay or straight; at our age it’s a non-issue. It strikes me as strange that in a university city one would find it necessary to meet up in a group based squarely on a shared interest in the same-sex, only adding to it’s seedy connotations. I’m certain that this will, if the elusive ‘seven words about Derwent College’ are anything to go by, aggravate

loquacious negative response. The better for it, in fact I have petitioned the society to submit an article themselves so that they can give their two cents. However, despite appearances, this is not about slagging off the LGBT. The main point I wish to elucidate by all of this is that some of the most appealing gay men I’ve met have never even set foot on the gay scene. Just because you don’t see the man of your dreams at Sunday Tru doesn’t mean he’s not here. He just doesn’t hide behind his sexuality to make up for a deficit of personality. The now archaic view that gays can only meet up in darkened clubs and in the early hours on the internet needs to be dispelled once and for all. It dawned on me recently that this is the first year that guys born in the nineties can go clubbing, so perhaps this will cause a Copernican shift in attitude. Well, I can dream! –


Without our contributors BAD TASTE would simply not exist. If you are interesting in proof readin, writing or helping out in any other way, please get in touch via: info@ badtastemagazine.co.uk, especially if you have experience in (or a desire to learn) graphic design or photography.

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Comedy Soc by Sarah Jordan photograpy by Matt Grum

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hen I first arranged to meet with members of Comedy Soc I must admit I was nervous. I was plagued by the image of people asserting their 'wit’ by throwing jokes in my direction, instead I met a genuinely funny, passionate and relaxed bunch of people who all share the common interest of making people laugh. For the first ten minutes we sat discussing movies, specifically the Indiana Jones remake. This proved to me just how funny these guys are. They were insightful and critical without spoiling the plot and laughed as they told me the jokes they had been telling each other during the film, such as Jay Foreman pretending to type a letter of complaint to George Lucas. Comedy Society has developed slowly over three years to become one of the most active societies on campus. It evolved from a radio show and “the odd few bits” to become a varied and opportunity-filled workshop for young comedic talent. In its second year Comedy Soc began the ‘Bracketeers’ radio show, which included written sketches and jokes. Now in its third year they have doubled their membership and doubled their activities. Currently they have an improvised comedy group called the ‘Shambles’, a writers/actors group, a stand-up group and ‘Have I Got News for York’, Comedy Soc’s very own take

on the classic TV show. Although they have different guests every week Jay Foreman and Liam Butler are the regular team captains who use material from Nouse and Vision in order to create topical debate. Comedy Soc try to put on one big event each term such as the comedy festival held annually in Wentworth. In December 2007 Comedy Soc organised a 24 hour event in order to raise money for the societies summer 2008 trip to the Edinburgh Fringe festival. The event raised just under £1,000 and it is clear how proud they all are of this achievement. Laughter quickly ensues as they discuss the quality of the comedy on offer in the 23rd hour of their performance and their trip to the student cinema to see a Muppet Christmas Carol after it was all over. At this year's Fringe they are performing Cheerio! The End of the World Show a parody of BBC ‘end of year’ specials like Jools Holland's Hootenanny. The society aim to hold one organised comedy event each week, no small task when you consider the York students desire for fresh and topical material. They also perform at events off campus including ‘Take the Stage’, a comedy open mic night in the basement bar of City Screen. Recently they also performed at York St John University where they offered support and inspiration to the newly formed

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comedy society there. They also entered the Chortle National Student Stand up competition 2008 in which they had members at three of the heats. Unfortunately they were “knocked out by a man eating trifle on stage”. Staggered at this remark I question how anyone enjoying dessert on stage is remotely entertaining. However the guys are quick to defend their competitor, “it was so random and unexpected, it got such a big round of applause!”. What’s impressive about the members of Comedy Soc is that they are able to work together despite all of their different styles and ideas. They stress that they are a group of friends first and a society second who have been brought together through their love of comedy. They are also amazingly quick to dismiss themselves and tell stories of other performances and individuals who have made them laugh. Although they jokingly call themselves ‘show-offs’ I don’t think this is the case. Having sat with all nine of them for nearly an hour, I felt like I knew a little something about each of them; their styles, talents and attitudes to comedy. To get involved email the society on comedysoc@yusu.org. You can watch ‘Have I Got News For York’ on the YSTV website or watch it live in Vanbrugh. –

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Grease is the Word By Kelsey Wilson

Photography by Matt Grum

up-coming show. So why did you choose to put on Grease rather than another show? SD: It's a classic musical that appeals to a wide variety of people, boys and girls. It's full of energy, amazingly funny and cheesy! And needless to say, the music is great! Is directing a musical hard work? CJ: Yes, its extremely hard and it takes up a lot of time. I am the sort of person who thrives on being crazily busy, but there’s no denying that it is very hard work! All the production team and the cast have had some very busy weeks and week five will just be manic. But the cast and crew have all worked so hard to put on this show, it's going to be amazing! Can you give us the low down on auditions and how you made the difficult choices for the principle roles? SD: Everyone was so good! We held the auditions in summer term last academic year and we recalled at least 20 people for principle roles. The choices we had to make were so difficult. There were no obvious people in the beginning but so much talent! The ultimate factor for deciding was who we thought would fit the characters the best. It was hard turning away so many talented people.

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rease is most definitely the word this autumn in York! The1950’s musical classic is coming to Central Hall this term and is destined to be amazing. Grease is one of the longest running Broadway musicals in history. It then went on to become a West End favourite and the very famous movie that everyone knows and loves. It has recently been through a revival of sorts due to the TV talent search which resulted in the casting of the lead roles of Sandy and Danny. Now in 2008 it is viewed as a regional highlight and a musical celebration of 50’s rock and roll. Grease was originally written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey and was first performed back in 1971. The name is taken from the ‘greasers’, a 1950’s United States working-class youth subculture. The story is set in 1959 and focuses on the romance between Rydell high school students Danny Zuko, the leader of the T-birds (played by second year PPE student Sam McCormick) and the virtuous Sandy Dumbrowski (played by second year social science student Sophie Louise Brown). Whilst the musical is certainly romantic, it tackles many other themes including rivalry, friendship, conflict, and sexual exploration.

‘Happily Ever After Society’ are extremely excited about putting on the show. The society is dedicated to all things cheesy and cheerful. This includes an array of fancy dress socials, movie nights and day trips. The society is open to anyone who simply wants to have a good time and to meet new people. In the spring term the society hope to organise a trip to Disney Land Paris, adventurous but certainly a novel idea. Directing the musical are third year psychology students Catrin Jones and Samantha Daunt. When speaking to them, they expressed their enthusiasm and anxiousness about the

The recently YUSU-ratified and thriving

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What is your ultimate goal and aim for this musical? SD: We want it to be full of energy and fun. We want to put on a professional and wellexecuted show that everyone can enjoy! CJ: The cast have so much talent we think they bring fresh faces to the roles. We want the audience to experience all the emotions of the performance, whether it be sadness, excitement, laughter or romance, they have to feel it! Our cast is amazing and the acting is going to be so good.


Tell us a bit more about the cast? CJ: The musical contains some really diverse characters. Obviously all of the T-birds are a bit arrogant and super cool. But a lot of the characters are funny and geeky too. That is why we cast such a diverse group of people. Even though in real life they are all ‘relatively’ normal, (cue laughter) they fit the roles very well. Some characters are very difficult to play and very caricatured but our cast can do it! Playing some of the lead roles include past performers from the recently staged musical Sweet

Charity, which took place in spring term. Other members of the cast have gathered together from various societies including PantSoc and DramaSoc to name a few. Although there are some differences between the stage and film version of Grease, the musical boasts some famous classics such as ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Go Greased Lightning’, ‘Born to Hand Jive’ and ‘We Go Together’. The music falls into many categories such as 50’s Elvis rockabilly-songs, classic west coast swing and slow love ballads all make an appearance. With its musical and historical legacy still

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thriving, and a cast dedicated to having you singing their catchy songs for days after, Grease is a definite must-see for this term. It promises cheese, hilarity, and romance all at once. Grease is definitely a must-see this term. With its thriving musical and historical background and popular classic songs added to the talented, diverse cast, it will be cheesy, hilarious and romantic all at the same time! Grease is performed in Week 5 Autumn term 2008 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. –

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By Sarah Jeffery

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n Wednesday evenings in L/N/028 instead of the usual stack of musty seating filling the hall, there is a collection of smooth moving bodies. Lively music fills the air as opposed to the monotonous mutterings of a lecturer, occasionally interrupted by the sound of heels clicking against the polished floor rather than muffled snores. The dull atmosphere of the lecture hall has been replaced with an excitement and enthusiasm for the dance about to be taught: salsa. Salsa is a dance that has increased considerably in popularity over the years. For a while it was perhaps seen as tacky and not particularly edgy, as well as being associated with oily men and Ricky Martin. However lately, more and more people are recognising salsa as an exciting, sensual and exuberant style of dance, helped along by its appearance in the Dirty Dancing sequel Havana Nights and, more recently, Step Up 2: The Streets. In the latter film, the sight of the young stars heating up the screen with an array of simple steps, intricate moves and stunning shines (pieces of improvised dancing) firmly banishes the image of salsa as an activity for creepy Lotharios and menopausal mothers. Although salsa may look challenging, many agree that it's not at all hard to start. One girl, shortly after her first ever salsa encounter described it as a 'fun, non-threatening experience' while another student explained how the teachers broke the steps down so that 'no one laughed at me'. Salsa literally means 'sauce' in Spanish, and there's plenty of that oozing across the Langwith dance floor. Tonight there is a large group of people of all ages, genders and abilities. Firstly the boys and

girls are split up and taught the basic steps. Naturally, some pick it up faster than others and although my converse-clad feet may not be effortlessly gliding across the floor, after half an hour I've happily mastered the basic steps. Forming a circle, everyone pairs up, dancing a few steps together before the women move on to the next snake-hipped mover. Although I was at first nervous at finding my sweaty palms pressed against the hands of someone I had just met, I soon relaxed and started to enjoy myself. Moving around the circle, people who at first were stiffly marching through the steps with a severe look of concentration etched on their faces are now comfortable and at ease with each other. Every now and then we stop as the instructors introduce us to a new move which is swiftly attempted with varying degrees of success; some effortlessly move their partners through the air with rhythm and style, while others end up in a less than sophisticated tangle of limbs. However, everyone is happy to help each other out and by the end of the evening there is a real sense of achievement. The lessons are taught by Ben Dove and Amy Milka, two students who are willing to share their spicy steps with anyone who wants to learn. Amy explained how she had been dancing salsa for six years and still feels that there is more for her to discover. Although her first introduction to Salsa was through the On 1 New York style (with emphasis on elegance, precision and smooth execution) she now teaches the LA on2 style which is more sensual, theatrical and relaxed than other techniques. Having the classes student-led is ideal, meaning that the teachers are approachable and the atmosphere is relaxed. A sociable dance, salsa provides the opportunity to meet new people and experi-

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ence different styles of dancing. Salsa itself has many variants: from the controlled circular motions of Cuban style, to the more relaxed LA method. The late Celia Cruz, hailed as the queen of salsa in Cuba, once said that 'salsa does not exist as a rhythm‌but as an exclamation for music'. In many ways this is true as the dance contains elements of mambo, cha cha, rumba, tap swing, jazz, funk reggae and hip hop. Surprisingly, York harbours many salsa orientated events. For those who feel like escaping the university for the night, Encuentro Latino provides beginners classes at Next Generation Gym on Monday nights and advanced lessons on Fridays. They also offer beginners and improvers classes at Bobo Lobos on Tuesday nights for just £4 with an NUS card. One regular described the classes as 'fun, energetic and sexy' and even though he had no previous experience found himself 'dancing the night away'. If you've learnt the basics and are itching to put your new found skills to good use, there are often salsa club nights at The Gallery giving you the chance to do something more coordinated than sporadically bumping and grinding at the Yorkshire local. After my thoroughly entertaining evening of dance and socialising, it's clear that there is one thing that is not needed to dance salsa: experience. Many people I spoke tosa had tried it on a whim and, surprised by how much they had enjoyed it, found themselves coming every week. Others had started it as a way to keep fit, while one or two admitted to doing it as a way of meeting potential beaus. Whatever your reason for starting salsa, you can come along with two left feet as long as you bring along a smile. –

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Oh, Balls! By Charley Davey & Rennie Hoare

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t is seldom that an opportunity presents itself for a student to wear ball attire. The Christmas Ball, however, is one such opportunity. Most of us get to indulge in the black tie tradition only once a year, so it really ‘tis the season to get it right.

favourite for winter formals, i.e. deep reds, dark greens and dusty navy blues. These are the colours that you are most likely to come across on your hunt. Monochrome dresses are also classic pieces, but if you really want to stand out from the crowd, dresses in red and purple will be the most coveted pieces this season. Stay away from the violet and tomato red shades of the summer and look for deeper shades such as indigo and red wine tones. These darker, more elegant shades will ensure that you look the part for an evening Christmas event, as opposed to any other time of year or day. One final rule; do not wear white. It is not your wedding; so unless you want to completely terrify your date, stay away from this colour.

Men; black tie does not mean wear a black tie. I repeat; do not wear a black tie. Once past this the rules are easy to follow: It’s dinner jackets with dress shirts and bow tie, suit trousers, and leather shoes, all of which, bar the dress shirt, must be black. With the return of oldfashioned glamour this season, a waistcoat is the perfect way to look the part and make it your own. Many designers are following ‘suit’ and creating individual pieces that are easy to wear. You do not necessarily have to buy a three-piece just to get the waistcoat. Buying pieces individually also means that you are free to experiment. Your waistcoat does not have to be black. Try grey, burgundy or dark cream. If this doesn’t appeal, go for a cummerbund. Whichever you choose, make sure the outfit looks good without the jacket as this is how you will probably look by the end of the night!

The other element to keep in mind when choosing your dress is the fabric. Seemingly unimportant for most garments, ball attire is very reliant on material and should be silk, chiffon, organza or taffeta. Your dress should be glamorous and the fabric can make or break a dress when it comes to black tie so avoid inelegant fabrics like cotton or wool. However, do not worry if it has polyester or another chemical fabric in it, it may not sound glamorous but these are sometimes just put in to strengthen an otherwise flimsy material.

Women; there is no set uniform but there are the basic style rules that will ensure that you are the belle of the ball. When an event bears the title ‘ball’, it usually means that ‘white tie’ is required, i.e., long gowns, gloves, shawls, and, student loan allowing, fine jewellery. However, for The University of York Christmas Ball, black tie is generally more acceptable. This translates as prom dresses, or the kind of thing you’d expect to see on the red carpet. Be careful to keep it formal and don’t slip into the cocktail dress category, which is much more casual and susceptible to fashion trends.

This season has seen a big focus on the neckline of dresses so to keep the effect stunning, avoid necklaces and instead focus on earrings or big costume jewellery style rings. This will make your outfit all the more striking, as this combination is quite different from your average day-to-day wear. Once you have the dress, the next task is finding your shoes and bag. Forget trying to match your accessories to your dress; even if you get the colour exactly right, this is never a good look. The failsafe option is of course black but if you have a black or monochrome dress, try bright red or blue shoes. The one downside of a classic black dress is that you might blend in to the crowd so bright accessories will ensure that you stand out. If you’re dressing in glorious technicolour already, try gold or silver shoes with matching purse.

This season, designers have held on to the classic A-line dress but with the focus on the waist still playing a major style factor; the result is a very Grecian feel. With cinching under the bust and at the smallest part of the waist, this is a very flattering style of dress as well as being very feminine and giving off a laissez-faire attitude. The Grecian trend also translates into the asymmetrical oneshoulder piece. Not for the faint-hearted, these statement pieces demand attention, not least because they say that the wearer is unafraid of going bra-less, but they also create a glamorous silhouette; they are unusual yet timeless.

Finally, do not worry about a jacket; it will ruin your silhouette for the all important arrival photos and just be an annoyance to carry. If you are worried about the post Ball journey home, the traditional ‘borrowing’ of a man’s suit jacket should suffice. –

In terms of colours, jewel colours are always a

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We rummaged within Oxfam Originals’ rails to find the outfits for our gorgeously glamorous Gallery Nightclub shoot. If you’re looking for vintage or retro pieces, Oxfam Originals is a great place to start. You’ll find colours, cuts, and shapes that are bang on trend while being completely unique. Why not head over to: 7 Goodramgate and see what you can find? Tel: (01904) 659001

Models: Mamie Allsop, Nadia A.Y., Alena Lekhman Photography: Matt Grum and Tom Hole Stylists: Alice Albery and Lauren Clancy Assistants: Charley Davey and Josephine Ajayi-Majebi

Nadia wears: Yellow wrap dress; red and turquoise belts stylist’s own; black beads stylist’s own; black wedges with diamante detail model’s own

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Alena wears: Pale yellow balloon sleeved blouse; Denim Shorts model’s own; black wedges with diamante detail model’s own

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Mamie wears: Gingham cropped shirt; high waisted jeans model’s own; assorted bangles stylist’s own

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Mamie wears: Fuchsia pencil skirt; 80’s pinstriped tailored jacket; vest top and waist belt model’s own

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Nadia wears: Vintage Ann Summers body; tights model’s own; turquoise waist belt & cream court shoes sylist’s own

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Alena wears: Long sleeved 70’s burgundy dress

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Glasvegas By Emma Robson

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lasvegas, the band everyone is talking about – stomping social realism sung in a Glaswegian accent so broad it sets your kilt a-flutter. Their guitarist, Rab Allen, chats to Emma Robson about Nirvana, Leeds Festival and what’s next for the band... Q: Hey Rab, how are you? A: Excellent thanks, now I’m on land. We’re touring, and I absolutely hate flying – we’ve just escaped some sort of rickety Indiana Jones-type airplane. I was dosed up on Valium to get through the experience. Q: So you played at Leeds and Reading; your set prompting a packed-out NME tent and successive rave reviews. How was it for you? A: It was great, we didn’t expect that reaction at all – the crowd were jumping and singing from the offset.

A: A couple of the band [vocalist James and bassist Paul] had to head down to London to appear on Soccer AM the next morning. Caroline [the drummer] and I stayed and got pissed. It was excellent. Q: What can we expect from the Christmasrelease album? A: This isn’t reindeers and Santa Claus; it won’t sound like a traditional Christmas album. We’re aiming for six songs, one of which will be a cover. Q: Speaking of covers, how did you pick Nirvana’s ‘Come As You Are’ for the B-side to ‘Daddy’s Gone’? A: We wanted something a bit different; something people wouldn’t expect. We recorded the whole song in a day, James’ vocals sounded really good; it was as simple as that.

Q: What does the rest of 2008 hold for you? A: After our U.K. tour finishes, we’re touring in America and then recording our Christmas album. Then we head to Japan, and back to Britain in December. Q: Not much, then. Are you heading to America to crack it, or have you already got a strong fan base there? A: We’ve never had a gig out there as yet, but amazingly some have already sold out. I think the press over here gets to them. Q: And finally, what are your aspirations for the band? A: We want to get the album [the self-titled Glasvegas] heard by as many people as we can, without dying in the process. –

Q: Did you stick around after?

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Cheeky Cheeky and the Nosebleeds By Emma Robson

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y notes from the interview with Cheeky Cheeky and the Nosebleeds read rather like the ramblings of, say, a drunken nutter. Ignoring the lines of the notepaper, the paper is blobbed with odd, scattered phrases among which are snippets like “paedos in shorts” and “need some volume mousse”. Right. Where to start? I’m a sucker for a ridiculously fantastic namesake. You know the film The Horse Whisperer? Crank up the volume and hush yourselves. At one point, Robert Redford whispers to the horse “cheeky cheeky and the nosebleeds”. Who knows why that particular mouthful or, for that fact, why the Cheeky boys were watching the film on maximum volume – but this distasteful moniker spelt the end of their quest for a band name. Vocalist and guitarist Charlie admits it may be “pretty lame... but it does make a good story”. Do I believe them? Somehow, sat out the back of The Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, perched on mostly-empty beer crates in squinty sunshine, it seems to make perfect sense.

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Lyrics continue in the same vein, with headscratching gems such as “I am the girl with no lips, but I can keep a hula going around my hips”. Their Myspace ‘About Me’ states “we are the guys with no lips and no hips”. The surprisingly full-lipped band are fronted by vocalist Rory, supported by Charlie’s guitar and vocal, with Christian also on guitar, Ali on drums and Thom playing bass. Charlie, who has more than a passing trace of the mod about him, with his permanent Ray-Bans and dapper dress sense, tells of how the band got going. All school buddies hailing from Suffolk, things really kicked off once “Steve Lamacq started playing our songs early on, landing us some London gigs”. The boys have been touring since January and show no signs of abating, with dates extending well into December. A busy summer saw them at Underage Festival, where they feared “paedos in shorts” (aha!) would frequent, but was actually “fantastic, kids jumping all over the place... knocking out tent poles” with their enthusiasm. CC&TNB also played at Glastonbury and Latitude, which “was incredible”. “We always seem to have mud

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all over our trousers”, say the band, “but the festival circuit has been a lot of fun”. Touring, meanwhile, is “the best thing a band can do” – just as well really, given their extensive dates sending them up and down the U.K. The new single, ‘You Let Me Go’, scheduled for release in late October, makes your hands twitch irrepressibly into a clap as the staccato strums of guitar and bass culminate into a steady throb of swelling sound. This clap-inducing effect remains consistent throughout their other songs, all of which work round those all-important, stutteringly toe-tapping beats. CC&TNB look like a formulaic indie band – bass, check; guitars, check; drums, check – but have a sound quite unexpected. Rory’s vocal is a bit like an overpronouncing Patrick Wolf shot through with an impatient, nasal twang which is mimicked by the guitars. Time for their set. Thom asks, “have you got any volume mousse?” Maybe these boys have a little more indie in them than I thought. –


Let’s make love and listen to CSS By Sarah Jeffery & Philip Smith Brazilian origin. Yet here the similarities end. CSS sing primarily in English (“Portuguese, as a language, is just too romantic”, Lovefoxxx, lead CSS vocalist, reckons) and frequently refer to Western pop culture icons. This is reflected in their name, which means “tired of being sexy”, quoted from Beyoncé. Bonde do Rolê’s name translates as “ joyride trolley”. They sample American music, mixed with baile funk and overlaid with Portuguese lyrics, and their album cover shows Christ the Redeemer terrorising a city with his laser-emitting eyes.

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razil: a strange, exotic country engulfing the majority of the Southern American continent. Responsible for many things: a succession of footballers whose names begin with ‘R’, Gisele, Carnival, ‘City of God’ and the samba. Yet, until recently, Brazil’s global musical contribution has been restricted; Sergio Mendes probably the extent of the country’s international pop music exportation (and, painfully, mostly known due to his cover of ‘Más Que Nada’ with the Black Eyed Peas). This has all changed now Brazil has unleashed upon the world a new wave of curios so monumental that lasers shoot out of Christ the Redeemer’s eyes in exultation. Two bands have exploded onto the edgy underground music scene. Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS) and Bonde do Rolê share techno ringtone styles, wacky personalities and a

Regardless, both artists rely on a vibrant beat and playfully insane lyrics. And this is where their greatness lies, as Lovefoxxx surmises: “I sell my crap and people ask for more”. The addictive beats encapsulate the hedonistic, artistic, glitter-wearing, feisty dynamic of Brazilian youth, bringing an aural translation of the spirit of Carnival in an LP-sized capsule that resides alongside your daily vitamins. This is a culture so entrenched in music it spawned Capoeira, a martial art concealed as dance; music that is so enthusiastic, animated and colourful, it infiltrates into the visual world. Images of favelas, street parties, and rhythmic sun-darkened beach bodies undulating to eclectic beats penetrate your ears, not your eyes. And they just don’t care. Initially, perhaps not being prompted by the western drive for sales and number ones has allowed them to create the music they want to make. After all, music is their hot hot sex, their hometown, their favourite mistress, [and, most of all] where they’d like you to touch. Surprisingly, this craziness is proving more popular abroad than in their home country; perhaps the music-buying Brazilian youth are just not impressed by these potty-mouthed, hyperactive songsters?

is a tired, predictable stunt rather than the teasing strip-tease it once was. Despite losing a member, the band feels closer than they have ever been. Although CSS themselves feel that their music has improved – they now actually play their instruments – many feel it detracts from the spur-on-the-moment frivolity that won over their legion of fans in the first place. They sound cleaner, but more generic. Things seem worse for Bonde do Rolê. Lead singer Marina quit last year due to “internal problems in the band”. Replacements were found quickly, through a television contest. The winner, Ana Bernardino, succeeded primarily because, during the final, she pulled a piece of meat from her genitals. We have yet to see what she has to provide for the group other than a handy snack, and whether their sound will be markedly altered, along the lines of CSS’. Is what these bands are offering simply a fad? No. Although they may have limited staying power, Bonde do Rolê’s ‘With Lasers’ submits a different spin on the sampling techniques of western artists and bounces happily between rock, hip hop and electro. CSS’s eponymous debut delivers a more accessible perception of western culture through kaleidoscopic Latin spectacles. Both provide a break from solemn, emotional guitar-based artists. Together, these bands are assisting the mainstream emergence of aurally complex, visually inclined artists such as M.I.A. and Santogold (who both share the producer Diplo – the guy accountable for facilitating CSS’s and Bonde do Rolê’s western advance). These bands are probably not best for those easily irritated by whirring, brittle infusions; those unfortunate folk who feel they must search for meaning in every chord. Because most of all, these albums are just plain fun, a sharp kick up the backside to all that is staid and yawn-inducing. Bonde do Rolê may as well have been addressing the British music scene when they cried “meet me after school and I’ll beat you like gorilla”. –

However, the sun may already be setting on these happy bands of electro scamps. The endearingly amateur and chaotic sound of CSS has vanished with their new album, ‘Donkey’. Instead, we have polished, cold, American-style cheerleading. In concert, the band no longer seems spontaneous but controlled; Lovefoxxx peeling away her clothes to reveal a cat suit

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Black Kids By Emma Robson

Photography by Matt Grum

O

ne, I’m biting my tongue / Two, he’s kissing on you / Three, why can’t you see? / One! Two! Three! Four!”

With ‘80s throwback lyrics and a sound peppered with Motown influences so strong it could easily have been produced by Quincy Jones, blitzed with irresistibly twitchy beats that plink-plonk their way closer to your heart upon each listen, Black Kids created a summer anthem in the form of ‘I’m Not Going To Teach My Boyfriend How To Dance With You’. Its slower-paced follow-up, ‘Hurricane Jane’, reeks of unrequited teenage love, the kind that permeates your whole existence with the hope that ‘Jane’, or her equivalent, will speak to you. Their third release, ‘Look At Me When I Rock Wichoo’ is a breathless

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summer haze of a tune, high-kicking you about the head with gooey memories of kissing the captain of the football team. Drummer Kevin Snow settles down with some Yorkshire beer (“it’s very good, I’ve never had it before”) in the pub garden of The Golden Fleece. The unprecedented hype that initially surrounded the Kids helped in the beginning, but now they’re “very much over it”. “It’s been fantastic” he says, managing to leave me with the certainty that the Floridian drawl is perhaps the loveliest of all accents, “but hopefully the release of the album Partie Traumatic will have confirmed us as more than just another hyped-up band”. Kevin met lead singer Reggie Loveblood and bass player Owen Holmes as teenagers in

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church. After playing separately in different bands that eventually disintegrated, the trio came together and, with the addition of Reggie’s sister Ali and her friend Dawn Watley on keyboard and vocals, Black Kids were born. “I think they thought we were joking”, says Kevin of the first time they introduced themselves as such, “but it drew some chuckles from the crowd so we kept it”. Having such a “memorably controversial” band name has only served to heighten their popularity – it acts as a crowd-stimulant, a faux-two-fingered salute to what shouldn’t be provocative, but is. Being touted as the next big thing has advantages aplenty, prompting a sell-out tour and Festival Republic tents that heaved to capacity


at this summer’s Leeds and Reading Festivals, as well as slots at Glastonbury, Bestival and a festival in Norway. Black Kids have an onstage energy that positively fizzes with their clear enjoyment of success. Ali makes each performance seem like the time of her life, commandeering the stage with the tinge of a show-off, while Reggie’s vocal, sprinkled as it is with the earnest, Floridian twang of the band’s speech, perfectly showcases their modern-yet-Motown sound. Retro attributes like call ‘n’ return lyrics are revived and rapturously received by the crowd, who fire them back with the assured knowledge of fans who have grooved hard to the album. And certainly, their performance leaves Fibbers thrilling with the atmosphere of a Partie – the kind where no-one sits a song out or uses the corner to prop themselves up. Now the initial buzz has died down, Black Kids have a greater task ahead of them. With three singles and an album under their disco-pop encrusted belts, the Kids have to transform themselves from ‘the next big thing’ into the altogether less-forgiving, but more reputable, current big thing. Snow tells of his hope that Black Kids have what it takes to last, citing artists like Blondie as an influence, who “think outside the box... using hip-hop, punk and reggae, while still sounding like Blondie”. Hoping to span genres and being “unable to be pigeonholed” seems a real preoccupation for the band. And I guess, when you have the charm of Los Campesinos!-style cheerleading lyrics, splintered with influences from decades past combined with a heavy-handed dash of sing-along power-choruses, Black Kids might just be on the right path. –

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Sampling By Hugh Morris

I

once told a friend that I’d written the song ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’. We were about six, and he believed me. When he found out that I did not actually write it, he was a bit miffed. And rightly so. Stealing recognition for another person’s work is wrong and immoral. Whether it is artwork, music, or perhaps a defining quirky walk, the original creator deserves the credit. That said, borrowing, referencing or the creative use of pre-existing work has become part of our culture. Where do we draw the line?

rolling in his or her grave (assuming deceased of course) but the sampler hushes the act of

A pop song benefits from sampling a well known song from ‘back in the day’; see Rihanna dipping her pretty little toes into the ‘Tainted Love’ pool and overlaying her own ridiculously catchy pop. All was forgiven, as the distinctive original riff was obviously borrowed and credited. Either that, or it was too obvious for her to get away with claiming it as her own (see opening sentence). Heading towards the darker side of sampling, artists will use lesser-known samples in their chorus, so the success created from the original is repeated with their version – and then some. See A-Kon and ‘Lonely’, Kanye West and ‘Touch the Sky’ – oh, and Will Smith and the ‘Wild Wild West’. Not only does this lead to the original artist

sampling the sample. Kanye West recently sampled Daft Punk in ‘Stronger’. As Daft Punk are Parisian and therefore cool, Kanye had no qualms in splashing their robotic fingerprints all over his song. He even took ‘inspiration’ from the Daft Punk song for the title, the chorus, and possibly the morals behind his tune; he is ‘stronger’ than you, and, implicitly, better. All this sampling business took a hit recently when Timbaland and 50 Cent borrowed, without recognition, a riff from

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Crystal Castles’ ‘Courtship Dating’. The band themselves stayed schtum, but some fans kicked up a fuss. As more and more music types looked into this mainstream controversy, Crystal Castles’ integrity was also called into question. It seemed that they had, in fact, ‘borrowed’ a few tunes as well, with many of their songs inspired by the ‘8-bit’ music community, who make music from Nintendo Gameboy sounds. The band denied any great knowledge about the scene, but, once caught red-handed, admitted they had a robbed a few tunes from lesser-known artists, such as Lobat and Covax, and cited a Creativity Commons License as an excuse. This dastardly act did not sit well with most fans, some bemoaning the cheating and cutting all ties with the band. Some, myself included, have admitted the theft is sad, as it makes a mockery of original material and the freedom of the internet, but still enjoy the music. Oh, and there are some, Kanye perhaps, who give them “big props for rippin’ the lines”*, offering them “money, cash and hoes”* for their efforts. I, for one, feel that sampling is healthy. It breeds creativity and gives old songs a new lick of paint, and sometimes gives the sampled acts greater popularity than they may have previously had; see Daft Punk. ‘Frontier Psychiatrist’ by The Avalanches was artistically created with the sole use of film samples, and is perhaps one of the best examples of DJ workmanship. Sampling is no bad thing. However, if artists and multi-million-pound producers continue to rip off smaller acts, whilst the smaller acts continue to rip off ever-smaller acts, ‘sampling’ will become a dirty word. Otherwise, I see no harm in Britney sampling Bob Dylan and selling ‘The Rhymes They Are A-Changing’ to millions of impressionable kids, or giving ‘Blowing in the Wind’ a whole new meaning. Apart from the issues of taste, of course. – * This didn’t actually happen / not an actual quote


Guilty Pleasures.

Gig listings Show your face, throw some shapes. The Holloways, Fibbers, Monday, November 17 An enjoyable slice of cheeky-chappy indie-splashed pop.

You should delete them, but you can’t.

Herbal Mafia presents Rhyme Book Club, Lawrence Street WMC, Friday, November 21 Have a right dance to a mix of hip hop, dubstep and drum ‘n’ bass. Cage The Elephant, The Duchess, Sunday, November 23. Scrappy, infectious rocky-punky-pop, encased in coloured skinnies. Furthest Drive Home [supporting Anberlin], The Duchess, Monday, November 24 Unsubtle guitar riffs colliding successfully with angst-laden lyrics.

Sarah Jeffrey – ZZ Top Philip Smith – Aqua Emma Robson - *NSync Hugh Morris – Meatloaf Will Heaven – Scooter Lauren Clancy – Jamie Cullum Sam Hogton – Miami Sound Machine

Hope&Social, The Duchess, Friday, November 28 Citing Springsteen as an influence? Expect songs with staying power. Fight Like Apes, Fibbers, Saturday, November 29 A manic cacophony of noise overlaid with bedtime story-like lyrics. Breakz presents MAMPI SWIFT!, Ziggy’s, Friday, December 5 Ziggy’s will be the sweatiest it has ever been with chaotic drum ‘n’ bass, dubstep and electro. Dr Feelgood, Fibbers, Thursday, December 11. Your dad probably likes them, but then so should you. Grammatics, Fibbers, Friday, December 19 Intelligent, beautifully-discordant wackiness that works, somehow. Fibbers tickets available from ticketweb.co.uk. The Duchess tickets from theduchessyork.co.uk/whats-on/tickets

Hankering for Hessian

What’s On The Bad Taste Stereo?

Hessian was born out of a desire to “show people that there are not only the conventional channels for putting on music and arts events, and that York can successfully bring people and artists together in a unique way”, explains Jonathan Meager. Founded by Meager and his housemate Jonny Livesley in July 2007, they hope Hessian will “make York a more exciting place to live”. Acts from electronic duo Ratatat to the punky Semifinalists have graced York under the Hessian name. Eventually, Hessian aims to engender the “entire spectrum, from indie, to pop, to disco and dance – maybe even one day jazz and classical”. The Hessian boys’ ultimate dream is to host an “outdoor indie festival in York with DJs performing until the early hours”. In the meantime, Meager and Livesley scout relentlessly for new artists and bands by “following our music tastes; finding out about new bands through the internet, or what our friends have suggested”. Just watch this space - Meager coyly claims that he is currently “working with some very exciting names that we think people will be happy about.”

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

By Sherine El-Sayed.

The Mystery Jets – ‘Hideaway’ Dizzee Rascal – ‘Dance Wiv Me’ Does It Offend You, Yeah? – ‘Doomed Now’ Friendly Fires – ‘Paris’ MGMT – ‘Electric Feel’ [ Justice Remix] Kings Of Leon – ‘Closer’ Johnny Cash – ‘Ring of Fire’ Sneaky Sound System – ‘Pictures’ Cut Copy – ’Hearts On Fire’ Santogold – ‘Creator’ [vs. Switch and FreQ Nasty] David Bowie – ‘Let’s Dance’ Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong – ‘Where Do You Go’ Bloc Party – ‘One Month Only’ Late Of The Pier – ‘Bathroom Gurgle’ Shivaree – ‘Goodnight Moon’

To get involved with Hessian, visit www.myspace.com/clubHessian.

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Cafe Concerto York’s Little Gem: By Vesna Coisch Photography by Michael Brunsden

D

ismal weather, stress levels peaking, colds brewing…sound familiar ? We have the perfect antidote in the form of Café Concerto. After a piece of chocolate or carrot cake you’ll feel better instantaneously. It’s simple enough : A cosy place with home-made fresh food and very gentle jazz music. This delightful café/restaurant is conveniently situated just steps away from the Minster - in other words in the direct centre of our lovely city of York. Post-cake it is recommended and very pleasant to have a little walk in the Minster gardens and the old city.

Arriving in a discreet entrance, you’re instantly hit by the happy atmosphere, with an eclectic array of posters stuck on the walls around you. However it is after the second door and beyond the old harpsichord that you’re lulled into the Concerto cocoon. The walls are papered with old music manuscripts, and you might see few instruments around. Indeed it is ‘Music for your Mouth’ and this is reflected in the huge array of dishes. A personal favourite is the Cuban spiced chicken with sweet potatoes, or any of the amazing salads and sandwiches. Anyway there is no accounting for personal quirks but be sure that everyone will find something to their taste. Desserts are the icing on the cake…literally! Do not forget to keep some space for it! If you are hungry enough take both chocolate cake and carrot cake (making the choice is too hard). When you just can't decide you can still take the ‘Sweet Duet’, half portions of two puddings. If only you could take these masterful sensations

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home with you…well guess what? They do a takeaway service to boot. However if you want to digest properly afterwards, the cappucino and tea selection is highly recommended. Café Concerto is open 10 ‘til 10 every day. It is definitely the place to go for a nice ‘breakfeast’ before an exploration of York, tea after a hard afternoon of shopping, for a lunch with your close friends, or a coffee (apparently the best cappuccino in town) with your parents or just to chill out tout seul with the newspapers. A word of warning however – once you’ve had the Concerto experience, all other café’s will pale in comparison. –

www.cafeconcerto.biz 21 High Petergate York YO1 7EN. Reservation : 01904 610478 / coffee@cafeconcerto.biz Open everyday 10 ‘til 10.


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