The Magdalen D U N D E E
U N I V E R S I T Y S T U D E N T S ’ I S S U E 3 5
M A G A Z I N E
SUMMER
COCKTAILS
MEET
DULHC
SUMMER GUIDE TO
FESTIVALS
MUSIC FESTIVAL FASHION
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
Published by: Daniel McGlade, VPCC DUSA, Airlie Place Dundee, DD1 4PH vpcc@dusa.co.uk Printed by: Winters & Simpson Print 16 Dunsinane Avenue Dundee, DD2 3QT
By the time this issue gets printed and makes it into your hands, I will be drunk. I will be so fervently intoxicated that I will be incapable of any activity bar mooning pedestrians. And with any amount of luck, I will remain in that incapacitated state for a minimum of four months until I have to scrape myself up and sort out fourth year. Dear God. Until then, I shall struggle to string a cohesive sentence together. Something to the effect of, “one more round.”. In accordance with proper cocktail party etiquette, I should probably introduce myself across the crowded room, I’m Danielle Ames, newest editor-in-chief entrusted with The Magdalen. I’m giddy at the prospect of the year to come, scalping editors late on their submissions, pleading with exec to let us print controversy, interviewing bands so obscure I don’t even know their name, and too much time has passed to ask, recruiting anyone who holds eye contact with me a moment too long to write for the magazine, cage fights stag vs. times new roman, arguing typeset till the wee hours of the morning with my deputy, shrieking at pixilated images, office sleepovers on deadline day, and a cheeky drink when it’s all done. Sound like your cup of tea? We’d love to have you join our team, whether you’re penning the next fifty shades, or prefer making snide comments about the gravitational pull of Jessica Wright’s tits in a column on celebrities, if you’re an aspiring photographer, or just specialise in photocopying your genitals, we need you. Graphic designers, marketing studs, cartoonists, budgeting chumps, proofreaders, generally tolerable human beings, we need you. So drop us an e-mail at themagdalen@dusa.co.uk or scurry by the media hub and let us know you exist. I’m well chuffed for the year to come, and I know we’ve got a fantastic team in place to make it happen. Massive thanks to everyone who’s touched the magazine, can’t wait to work again with you all next year to create some exceptional literature But let’s be honest, we all know the only reason I’m filling this position is the free coffee.
Editor in Chief: Danielle Ames themagdalen@dusa.co.uk
Deputy Editor: Harrison Kelly Editoral Assistants: Catriona Duthie Kevin Fullerton
Danielle Ames EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Category Editors: Current Affairs | Benjamin Blaser Features | Danielle Ames Entertainment | Jane Johnston
Art | Francisco Garcia Travel | Shannon Pryde Fashion | Claire McPhillimy Online | Harrison Kellly
Production: Nicholas Manderson, Melina Nicolaides, Danielle Ames, Harrison Kelly, Steven Fullerton, Michael McCormick, Hazel Wyllie, Sophie Marsay.
Contributors: Francisco Garcia, Shannon Pryde, Claire McPhillimy, Jane Johnston, Melina Nicolaides, Kevin Fullerton, Felix Reimer, Jalal Abukhater, Andrew Jardine, Sarasvatha Arulampalam, Kirstie Allan, Kate Lakie, Sean Mowbray, Leona Reid, Kathryn McKnight, Rose Matheson, Sarah Gardiner, Rebecca Shearer, Padraig Durnin, Julie Kanya, Fiona Catharine Lindsay, Robbie Middlemiss, Iain Mackinnon, Elizabeth Cachia. PAGE 2
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
Editorial
5 VPE & Exec Update
Lifestyle
6 Summer Cocktails
Travel
CONTENTS
Editorial
8 Camp America 9 A Canadian Experience 11 Student Budget Travel
Current Affairs
12 Sanctions 13 Cuban Holiday Crisis 14 Hugo Chavez
Features
16 Summer Festival Guide 18 Library Madness 21 Fife Coastal Walks
Fashion
22 The Hit List 24 Garden Party 25 Captured 26 Festival Style
Art
28 Time and The Conways Review
Summer Festival Guide p.16
Entertainment
29 Filthy Boy Review 30 Summer Playlist 31 Band of the Month 32 Tunes of the Month
Sport
34 Meet the Team: DULHC Ladies Hockey
Cuban Holiday Crisis p.13
Contents
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
PAGE 3
“My training at GCU gave me the practical skills and experience to get where I am today” KAREN SCHLEGEL Senior Broadcast Journalist, BBC
Our MA in Multimedia Journalism is Scotland’s leading post-graduate course and is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC). Our students win more Scottish Student Journalism Awards than all other Masters programmes put together and undertake placements at media organisations such as the BBC, STV, Daily Record and The Herald. Such is the reputation of our programme that it’s consistently achieved an employment rate of over 75% in journalism and the media. Now that’s what we call a headline.
Brighter futures begin with GCU. To find out more, visit www.gcu.ac.uk Glasgow Caledonian University is a registered Scottish charity, number SC021474
EDITORIAL
ANDREW JARDINE
VPE
Hello (for the last time)! Writing this column, my last as VPE, has made me think how little time the current Exec has left, yet there is still so much to do. Most people are almost finished their exams and have been out celebrating, myself included. DUSA has been busy (as usual) over the past couple of weeks. Congratulations to all those who won awards at the DUSA Annual Awards dinner, especially Mike Arnott, the former Rector’s Assessor, for his tireless work for the students over the years. To find out who was nominated,
as well as the winners for all the awards head over to the Exec Blog. Handover with the new Exec has begun, it is good to see such an enthusiastic bunch for next year. Stefan, the new VPE, has definitely got some great plans for next year. All that is really left for me to say is to thank everyone who has made this year fun, and wish the new Exec the best of luck for next year. Feel free to e-mail me.
vpe@dusa.co.uk
EXEC NEWS Well hello there Dundee Uni students, nice to meet you all. I’m Iain MacKinnon and I’m going to be your next DUSA President when I take office in July. Your current President, Iain Kennedy, has been around for years now, so if you ask me it’s time we get him to shuffle off for better things and let some fresh-faced new person take over. Sadly I couldn’t find anyone that fit that description so ran for the position myself. Your DUSA Executive are seven elected representatives who represent the students of this fine establishment at every level. Whether it’s making sure that societies receive the necessary funding, that you are properly supported in academic appeals, making sure that the students have a say in elections or just ensuring there’s enough condoms available, the DUSA Exec are here for you. Joining me in the four full-time positions (that means we’re sticking around for a year after we graduate) are Jade Rea, Douglas Schreiber and
PAGE 5
IAIN MACKINNON
HONORARY SECRETARY
Zuchaela Smylie. In the non-sabbatical roles (which means they’re doing it alongside their studies) are Tim Hustler, Stefan Tomov and Katie Jowett. I know that this team are going to do great things for DUSA, building upon the successes of previous years and also working to fix the things which haven’t quite worked. We want to work together to ensure that the students learn more about exactly what all their reps on campus do (there’s a lot more than just the Exec)
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
which will hopefully mean more student engagement with our work. Alongside this we’re going to run a range of campaigns from the political to the pastoral, so if you want to get involved in any way then let us know. We’re also planning on making the Exec and our work more accountable to students, making sure that societies learn about all the help we in DUSA can offer them, working with Student Services to ensure that you get the best possible help when here at Uni, and a whole lot more besides. So when you come back all rested in September know that we’ll have been working tirelessly for you all to make sure that you have the best possible experience here in Dundee and the best student’s union in the country!
honsec@dusa.co.uk
Editorial
summer
COCKTAILS MELINA NICOLAIDES
Every year around exam time I suddenly find myself doing more fantasising than revising. I, personally, blame this on the inordinate about of Red Bull that I ply myself with for weeks. For example, during my last exam I would fantasise that the library was blown into oblivion by a terrorist group attempting to stop the Western world from ‘brainwashing’ its students. I’ve also fantasised about Russian spies stealing all the exams out of the Tower Building thinking they were documents containing the coordinates of nuclear weapons. While this may come across as slightly deluded and possibly malicious it was the only thing that would get me through the day, aside from the promise of alcohol. The only fantasy I had that I could take absolute comfort in, because I knew it would happen, was the one where I drank enough alcohol to forget that I even had an exam. So in honour of all the students suffering in the library, here’s a list of the top four summer cocktails that won’t break the bank. Cheers!
Lifestyle
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
PAGE 6
LIFESTYLE
Watermelon Cooler
Peach Wine Cooler
Serves: 8
Serves: 8
INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS
8 cups of watermelon (diced into cubes)
6 cups soda water 2 cups peach juice
2 (500 ml) cups vodka 4 tablespoons honey
2 cups dry white wine 4 tablespoons honey
DIRECTIONS
8 slices fresh peach
Freeze watermelon chunks in a zip-top plastic bag until frozen (roughly one hour). Remove from freezer and add to blender. Pour in vodka and honey. Blend until desired texture.
Blackberry Crush Serves: 8
DIRECTIONS Combine soda water and peach juice in a pitcher. Stir until blended. Add wine and honey and stir until dissolved. Divide among eight glasses and garnish with pleach slices.
Apple, Ginger & Cranberry Vodka
INGREDIENTS
Serves: 8
1 cup blackberries
INGREDIENTS
8 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups (500 ml) apple juice
8 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
2 cups (500 ml) cranberry juice
100 ml vodka
100 ml vodka
2 cups (500 ml) soda water
2 cups (500 ml) ginger ale
ice, to serve.
ice, to serve
DIRECTIONS In a bowl combine blackberries, lemon juice and agave nectar. Lightly crush berries to release their juice. Add the ice, vodka and soda water and stir.
Lifestyle
The Magdalen
DIRECTIONS
Place the apple juice, cranberry juice and vodka in a blender. Blend until pink and frothy. Pour into large serving jug. Add ginger ale and a good handful of ice.
NO. 35 - MAY 2013
PAGE 7
TRAVEL
A CANADIAN EXPERIENCE Dundee biology student, ROSE MATHESON, is stationed abroad on a semester exchange with the University of Guelph, Canada. She writes back home with her notes on the locals and their habits of oddity.
MILK IN A BAG
Canadian supermarkets are strange places to shop: their milk is in a bag, their sugar in cartons and their juice comes in tins - even their A4 paper is a few centimetres smaller than ours.
SALES TAX
After buying all this food and alcohol you will surely have experienced sales tax. Back in the UK we are used to a system where the price you see is the price you pay, but this doesn’t happen in Canada. This is because our sales tax is already included in our price but Canadians add this on at the checkout. No matter how long you spend in Canada the sales tax will never fail to annoy you - unless you are a whizz-kid at percentages. The best advice I will give you is to keep the majority of your receipts and claim the tax back at the airport at home.
TOILET HUMOUR
As with every country the lavatory layout is different to your own. There is no doubt that after the first time you use a Canadian toilet you will think you have broken it as it will roar or gargle back at you. Canada is not quite as advanced as Japan when it comes to the W.C.
PAGE 8
CADBURYS’
Here is NOT the same. Don’t be fooled by the packaging, dairy milk over here is a disgrace to advent-calendar chocolate. Canada has a lot more rules regarding what you can put in food so don’t be surprised if familiar brands taste a bit strange. Fear not though,
there are specialised British shops littered throughout the country to cure any gastronomic homesickness.
THE ALCOHOL THING
In between being confused by milk and disgusted by chocolate you may also notice the supermarkets don’t always sell alcohol. This varies between province to province but in the majority of provinces alcohol is sold by outlets owned and run by the government.
LOST IN TRANSLATION
As well as everything being in French you’ll notice slight differences in English. Canadians really do say “Eh” a lot but they don’t say “aboot”. In reality it just sounds the same as a Scottish accent. University is called “school” and lecturers are “profs” and they’ll have no idea what you are doing when you say you are “revising”.
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - MAY 2013
NOBODY IS CANADIAN
As soon as you tell someone you are Scottish/Irish they will no doubt tell you they are too, or at least that their mother is. There is a massive obsession with your heritage here and some people have worked it out to the most obscure fractions - I’m sorry but 1/16 Ukrainian? I find this strange as Canadians have such a good reputation around the world. I don’t know why they hide it so much!
ON EXCHANGE?
The academic side to life in Canada is very difficult for someone conditioned to the University of Dundee. I am taking five subjects, instead of two as I would at home, and they include a much broader range. The courses don’t go into as much depth but the workload is constant with midterms and assessments throughout the semester. The strangest thing is that people actually ask questions in class and even get up and go to the toilet while the lecturer is talking if they are feeling extra rebellious.
Travel
TRAVEL
Y
ou’ll have received the flyers, seen the posters and heard the words “Camp America” pop up in regular conversations in the lead up to summer, but what exactly is it? Offering the chance to work and live at a US camp, either as a counsellor or support staff, the website itself claims it is “an opportunity you shouldn’t miss!” As I am attending a camp this summer, I have spoken to a number of past participants to hear their views on the experience and whether or not it justifies its total cost of over £600. When faced with this question, most replied that you must go with the awareness that it is for the experience – not to earn money. Stirling University student Alasdair Miller recounts, “When working at camp you choose to do so with the understanding that you won’t be making much money and
Travel
are going for the experience. If the sound of working at an American summer camp appeals to you I’d definitely recommend just going for it as it’s something that isn’t easily replicated. I went to camp in the summer of 2010 and in 2011 opted to work in the UK to save money but it just couldn’t compete with the previous summer’s experience, although it paid better.” Georgia Donaldson of Dundee University added that as she is returning to Camp America, she will be paid triple this summer. Many will have preconceived ideas of what camp will be like; misconceptions following films and programmes like The Parent Trap and Beaver Falls. Was it anything like they expected? “The experience was fantastic and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone! I didn’t quite know what to expect when I headed over so I can’t really
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - MAY 2013
comment on how it linked to my expectations. It’s a great way to spend a summer; you get to meet people from all over the world, experience new cultures, new ways of doing things and actually get to enjoy some great weather,” says Miller. Niamh Sheridan of Dundee University shares: “It was definitely different to how I had pictured it. I didn't expect to have to do as much cleaning as I did! I also never thought I'd get so attached to the campers.” Not sold yet? Well, with one participant naming the worst days as “any with a bit of rain,” your summer can only get better in the US! Three pieces of advice they leave you with - ”pack light,” “be prepared to work hard” and “get fully immersed in the camp way of life!”
SHANNON PRYDE
PAGE 9
Who we are: IdeasTap is an online platform that exists to help young people break into the creative industries. So if you’re trying to get ahead in photography, film, theatre, writing, journalism, dance, design, illustration, poetry or music… this is the place to do it. What we do: We offer all kinds of resources including advice, a space to network, funding and workshops to enable emerging artists to develop and showcase their talent. We’re also a charity – so we offer all this for free. So whether you want to build a pop-up cinema, fund a short film, cast actors for a show, find a job or promote a private view, you can do all of this on IdeasTap. You can also find stacks of interesting reads, advice and inspiration in our online magazine, IdeasMag.
How to join: We’re free to join. So if you want to get a creative project off the ground, sign up and create a profile at www.ideastap.com.
You can also find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ideastap and Twitter @IdeasTap.
Designed by IdeasTap member Toni Roberts
Our partners: Our partners include Old Vic New Voices, National Youth Theatre, Magnum Photos, National Student Drama Festival, Midlands Arts Centre, HighTide and the British Film Institute. With their help, we can give you unique opportunities and access to leading industry contacts.
SARAH GARDINER
TRAVEL THE WORLD ON A STUDENT BUDGET
1. Volunteer
A quick Google search will lead you to a multitude of websites offering free accommodation and food in thousands of locations worldwide, in return for some volunteer work. These sites are incredible for those of us who long to see the world but don’t have the cash to do so. They have opportunities worldwide and provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local cultures, as in most cases you will be living with local people. You can choose from an enormous list of volunteer positions, doing anything from babysitting in Barcelona or working on a coffee farm in Peru, to helping out at a hostel in California or caring for orphaned kangaroos in Australia; there is truly something for everyone. A few popular volunteering abroad websites include: wwoof.org.uk workaway.info helpx.net
Travel
2. Couchsurfing
This is pretty much what is says on the tin. Instead of spending your money on hotels or hostels, you get to sleep on someone's couch in the city of your choice for free! All hosts are rated and recommended so you’ll know if you are in safe hands. couchsurfing.org
3: Summer Camp Counsellor
This option is already hugely popular among students and for very good reason. Spending a summer as a camp counsellor has benefits that go far beyond the low costs. This is the perfect option if you are looking to make friends for life and improve your CV with some international work experience. Of course the fact that it is a paid position and that you get free time after the camp to continue your travels are also huge bonuses. campamerica.co.uk usasummercamp.co.uk
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - MAY 2013
4: Yacht Crewing
Travel for free on a multi-milliondollar yacht? Um, yes please! There is a surprisingly high demand for people to help on yachts on both long and short term trips. Many of the opportunities are all expenses paid. A lot of the jobs require little or no experience and many of the employers just want some company on their trip. So for a unique way to travel the world for next to nothing, look no further. crewseekers.net
5: Teach English as a Foreign Language
English fluency is a highly sought after skill and there are an enormous number of summer or longer term posts available for English teachers worldwide. It is worth considering completing a TEFL certification, which you can easily obtain online. You can earn a healthy salary, and gain invaluable work experience. onlinetefl.com/tefl-course tefl.com/jobs
PAGE 11
CURRENT AFFAIRS
WHEN THE SANCTIONS BITE DO SANCTIONS AFFECT REGIMES THAT PERPETRATE INTERNATIONAL LAW, OR JUST THEIR CITIZENS?
In March 2013, the EU lifted sanctions against 81 Zimbabwe officials and eight firms, in light of the slow progress made in the country’s democratisation. Sanctions remain against President Robert Mugabe.
I
nternational politics is a tricky business. With problems arising in all corners of the globe, no one power can hope to plug the gaps - not even the US. As a global watchdog the UN seeks to bring legitimacy to the international scene that is increasingly seeing ambiguity over what the ‘lawful’ response to conflicts is. Its collective mind, or rather its Security Council, has turned to sanctions to tighten the noose around problematic states. The effectiveness of sanctions, however, is debatable. Iran has been withstanding an increasingly dire economic situation for years, the result of great international effort to boycott its natural resources. But Iran continues to stand firm in its desire to enrich uranium and the regime has not buckled under the pressure of sanctions. North Korea provides a similar example. Back in 2006, UN Resolution 1718 was passed in
PAGE 12
North Korea is one of the poorest countries in the world, relying heavily on food aid from China. The US and UN have sanctions imposed on monetaryand arms. Kim Jong Un seems unperturbed.
response to the detonation of a nuclear warhead. The Resolution condemned the action and introduced a raft of sanctions cutting economic aid and withholding luxury goods from being exported there. This too has failed. The dire economic situation which both Iran and North Korea face has however worked to stiffen resolve. It breeds a hatred of the West and its allies. So far this has only manifested in aggressive rhetoric with North Korea threatening to turn Seoul into a ‘sea of fire’. But how long before these pressures erupt in a genuine international incident? Only recently, the EU lifted some of the sanctions it placed on Zimbabwe responding to the country’s progress in installing a new constitution. UN commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, describes their impact: ‘There seems little doubt that the existence of the sanctions regimes has, at the very
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - MAY 2013
Sanctions have not stopped Iranian President Ahmadinejad from supporting Iran’s nuclear program. The US has sanctions on oil, gas and petrochemical trade, and the UN imposed international asset freezes.
least, acted as a serious disincentive to overseas banks and investors.’ She also spoke of the concern that the sanctions were possibly having ‘quite serious ramifications for the country's poorest and most vulnerable populations’. Similar criticisms have been made of sanctions in the past. In punishing regimes that mistreat and oppress their own people, their situation is only made worse. Sanctions punish those who are living at the behest of those in power. Is this right? While there must be some punishment for transgressing international law, sanctions remain ineffective and possibly immoral.
SEAN MOWBRAY
Current Affairs
CURRENT AFFAIRS
CUBAN HOLIDAY CRISIS W hilst the rest of the world has been distracted by the recent developments and threats from North Korea, outrage has been pouring out amongst Republicans in the USA over a government-funded trip to Cuba. The trip concerned married celebrity couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who allegedly travelled to the communist country to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. The controversy is over the fact that the American government funded the couple’s trip, when the Obama administration is very strict over who is able to board the fifty-minute charter flight from Miami to Cuba. It is not illegal for Americans to travel to communist countries, however it is illegal, by American law, for American tourists to spend money in these countries and essentially fund brutal and repressive governments. All trips to Cuba must be approved by the US Treasury Department who only ever legally allow journalists, students and American citizens with Cuban relatives to obtain visas. However, it is not uncommon for tourists to enter Cuba via other countries, such as Mexico. American citizens do not get their passports
stamped when they enter the communist country so it is much easier for them to go undetected. Since neither Beyoncé nor Jay-Z are journalists, students or have Cuban relatives, many politicians are questioning the motive behind their trip. In order to grant the couple permission to travel to Cuba, the US Treasury Department would have had to go against American laws, thus making their trip illegal. It also makes us question how many other ‘illegal’ trips have been granted by the Obama administration and whether or not these trips have been for cultural or political reasons. Recently, President Obama has promoted ‘cultural visits’, where he has allowed certain people to visit Cuba on a cultural basis, yet for the past few years these visits have been
largely abused and misunderstood by American holidaymakers. As one source cites, ‘these tourists have genuinely no regard in the liberties of the Cubans, nor do they realise, or essentially care that they are practically funding the regime’s “systematic trampling of human rights.”’ Although the motive behind Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s trip is still unclear, as both their publicists have been unwilling to comment, it has been made clear that the couple visited Cuban musicians, artists, nightclubs and some of the country’s nicest restaurants. Yet, reports have also shown that the couple had asked Cuban media to keep their presence in the country quiet until they were back in America. The reasons for this are still unclear. Additionally, no comment has been made by the US Treasury Department over the permission given to the couple to travel to Cuba. According to sources, the government department is unable to comment on individual cases for Cuban visas, though it does state that tourism to Cuba is specifically prohibited. It will be interesting to find out the reasons behind the couple’s trip to Cuba and how many other similar trips the US government has funded.
REBECCA SHEARER
Current Affairs
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - MAY 2013
PAGE 13
CURRENT AFFAIRS
LEGACY OF A WORLD LEADER:
HUGO CHAVEZ
JALAL ABUKHATER & PÁDRAIG DURNIN
PAGE 14
A
t the age of 58, a great leader passed away after battling cancer for two years. The Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez died in March, ending his 14-year tumultuous rule that made him a hero of the masses, but a despised figure by the rich middleclass and the upper class in that country. The West portrayed him as a monstrous dictator while his people championed him as the saviour who has promised and achieved. Chavez left behind what can be described as the most democratic regime in the Western Hemisphere; he left behind a legacy cherished by a majority of Venezuelans who look forward to maintain and prolong this legacy. He also left behind opponents who see his death as an opportunity to change Venezuela in the way they see favours their ambitions best. Prior to Hugo Chavez's first election in 1998, Venezuelan politics had been run under two parties, COPEI and Acción Democrática, both with very few substantive
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - MAY 2013
political differences. But both represented the interests of a small privileged section of Venezuelan society. Venezuela's huge oil wealth, whilst nominally nationalised in the 1970s, was used to create structures of political patronage excluding the impoverished masses which made up the majority of the population. By 1998, 63% of the Venezuelan population believed the country was in dire need of radical political reforms. Chavez, who had gained considerable political capital after leading an unsuccessful coup attempt against the extremely unpopular President Pérez in 1992, stepped into the political vacuum. He vowed to implement a new constitution, to combat entrenched political corruption, and to relieve the crippling poverty afflicting the majority of the Venezuelan population. The fourteen years of Chavez’ rule have changed Venezuela. It has not become a utopia, but it has changed for the better in many aspects. Even though the Venezuelan currency,
Current Affairs
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Between 1999 and 2011:
Venezuela’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) INCREASED from $4,105 per capita to $10,810
net oil exports INCREASED from $14.4bn to $60bn. Venezuela contains some of the largest oil reserves in the world.
extreme poverty DECREASED from 23.4% to 8.5%. Poverty, income inequality and unemployment are closely linked to Venezuela’s oil revenues.
the Bolivar, has seen 8% inflation, the country’s GDP increased from $4,105 per capita in 1999, to $10,810 per capita in 2011. The country’s net oil exports increased from $14.4bn in 1999 to $60bn in 2011. The country has improved economically on a level that included most of Venezuela’s people; extreme poverty in Venezuela decreased from 23.4% in 1999 to just 8.5% in 2011; it remains on the decrease rate. Unemployment decreased by 7% since Chavez took power, and so did infant mortality rates which decreased from 20 per 1,000 live births to 13 since Chavez’s reign started. On the other hand, even though the people are more equal and generally better off economically, crime rates in Venezuela have increased and are among the highest globally; this remains a challenge that has developed under Chavez and needs to be tackled by his successors. Unsurprisingly, Chavez is portrayed in Western politics as a rotten tyrant, even more so in mainstream western media outlets. Chavez was accused of suppressing the press; despite the fact that TVs in Caracas, the capital city, were full of channels carrying anti-Chavez material and U.S. programs on a daily basis. Chavez was also accused of being undemocratic, even though the Venezuelan election process was described as “the best in the world” by former US president Jimmy Carter. The reason for this
negative portrayal in the West, coming mostly from right-leaning political voices, is Chavez’s daring audacity in challenging Western dominance of the world economy. One of Chavez’s achievements which has long angered the West was his role in influencing Third World oil-producing countries – including Venezuela – to gain larger shares of global oil revenue and invest in their local economies. Chavez’s supporters and those seeking to succeed him believe that they can continue on Chavez’s path and bring more of the muchneeded growth and improvement to Venezuela and the South American continent. Chavez was a socialist democratic leader who promised and delivered, a man who fought
for his people and was outspoken against global injustices. Chavez has changed the Venezuelan society. He has set a new society in motion, and it will be left to his successors to keep it going. Chavez has shown the world that progressive socialist alternatives are possible and can bring greater good to the masses.
Current Affairs
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - MAY 2013
What’s your opinion on Chavez? Tell us at: dusamedia.co.uk
PAGE 15
FESTIVALS JULIE KANYA
Download, 14-16th June, Donington Park, East Midlands, England Loud, wild and rowdy, Download is the epitome of all things metal. This year the line-up brings together an unholy trinity catering to all tastes: the classic Iron Maiden, the controversial Rammstein and the creepy Slipknot. Backing them up is array of bands that might make every metalhead on the planet hop on the first plane to East Midlands Airport. from Alice in Chains to Queens of the Stone Age, not forgetting Motorhead and Gogol Bordello. When it’s good, it’s heaven. When it’s bad, it’s a 50-metre swim through knee-deep mud in order to reach the Porta-Loos. That’s 50-metres if you’re really lucky...
Reading and Leeds, 23-25th August When told that Fall Out Boy were playing, the 16-year-old in me let out a squeal of happiness. When told that Green Day were playing, the 23-year-old currently writing this let out an even louder squeal. After three albums, countless F-Bombs and an extended visit to rehab, the gods of pop-punk are ready to take the stage by storm again. Other acts include (squeal) Biffy Clyro (squeal) Nine Inch Nails (squee) System of a Down and (slightly quieter squeal) Eminem. And all of this for £200. Who said money can’t buy happiness?
T in the Park, 12-14th July, Balado, Kinross-shire, Scotland As it’s celebrating its 20th Anniversary, T in the Park is going all-out and assembling a five star line-up: Mumford and Sons, The Killers and Rihanna. Statistics suggest that you’re bound to adore at least one of them. Supporting acts include Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Of Monsters and Men, Stereophonics and Snoop Dogg. The one thing that can put a dampener on a great weekend is, as always, the weather: this festival is known to turn into a mud bath, so it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Glastonbury, 26th–30th June, Worthy Farm, Pilton After being postponed in 2012 because the UK could physically not deal with so much excitement in one year (seriously, this and the Olympics would have made the island implode in a cloud of merriment), Glastonbury returns with a furor. Arctic Monkeys, Ben Howard, Vampire Weekend, and Rolling Stones. The festival is still already sold out.
My advice? Go to Rockness (7–9th June, Loch Ness) and see the stars of Glastonbury 2014 before they make it big. That’s right, you’ll be one step ahead of the curve and hearing the likes of Basement Jaxx, Bombay Bicycle Club, Ben Howard, Ellie Goulding and The Maccabees. While holidaying in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. You’ve been warned about the weather, right?
“My advice? Go to Rockness.”
In case you’re sick and tired of what the UK has to offer, the continent’s one flight away. Owning a passport is advisable, though. The plus side? You’re pretty much guaranteed summer weather there. And you get to see how the European crowds rock out...
Rock am Ring and Rock im Park, 7-9th June, Nűrburgring, Germany For a weekend, Germany becomes the rock music capital of the world; like Download, only better, sunnier and more versatile. Green Day, The Killers, Bullet for My Valentine, The Prodigy, Stone Sour. Need I go on? Ok, then: 30 Seconds to Mars, Paramore, Papa Roach, Biffy Clyro. Convinced already? The beer’s tasty and cheap. This argument should tip the scale.
Pinkpop, 14-16th June, Landgraaf Megaland, Holland Pinkpop is Rock am Ring’s less popular (but just as attractive) little brother. Headlined by Green Day, The Killers, Queens of the Stone Age and Kings of Leon, this festival has been around since the 1970s and had 79.000 attendants (over 3 days) in 2012. And the Dutch sure know how to have a good time!
Rock en Seine, 23rd-25th August, Domaine Nationale de Saint-Cloud, just outside Paris Paris, je t’aime: this year’s glorified acts include System of a Down (who have recently announced their first studio album after an eight-year break), Nine Inch Nails, Franz Ferdinand and Alt-J, with more acts to be confirmed soon. Tickets cost 110 Euros, and the temptation of a Parisian getaway is very hard to resist. There might not be a better combination than freshly-baked croissants, crème brûleé and amazing music, all savoured in the serene countryside.
FEATURES
THE MADNESS OF THE LIBRARY KEVIN FULLERTON
G
oing into the library is like going into an airport, but with books instead of planes, and librarians instead of flight attendants, and those little steppy-bucket things that help you get books instead of those big steppy-step things that help you get onto planes... The library airport analogy sounded a lot better in my head. Anyway, how it's most like an airport is that most of the time you feel like you're stuck in a shit departure lounge for a plane that never leaves, every deadline met with another deadline in the future, like Sisyphus sentenced to typing. Oh I've got memories of the library. Not like good memories. More like those memories that parents in horror movies have when all of the children in the once joyous village have been taken by an evil fucking monster. Then there's a shot of some solitary swings and the ominous echo of children laughing over the soundtrack. You know, those kinds of memories. The type of memories that the guy from Apocalypse Now gets. I've seen men and women weeping on the stairwell at the back of the silent
PAGE 18
section the night before a deadline, blubbing to their loved ones on mobile phones like the eleventh hour is calling them, when in reality they just have five-hundred words to write in fourteen hours. People get very melodramatic, shaking and slowly breaking down in the library cafĂŠ, their faces pale from the strip lighting and constant exposure to the Library Creeps. You're not aware of the Library Creeps? They're the worst people to face. Heartbreaking and terrifying in equal measure. Spending every possible waking hour in the silent section has made them pallid and desperate to be social. Torn between sociability and their ever-increasing workload they instead decide to just stare forlornly at everyone who
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
walks by, their pleading eyes imbued with an extra film over them, like a newt's, from the lack of natural light. Once the person they have been staring at has gone, passed by into the mysterious passage of the infozone, the Library Creep stares back at their computer screen at the mass of calculus attacking them. They were certain they were doing an English Degree. Where did all this calculus come from? they ask themselves. I must be tired. Then they try to shut their eyes but the film across them doesn't allow it. Then they realise it's been fourteen days since they even blinked. Heartbreaking.
Features
“You’re not aware of the Library Creeps?” So how does one avoid being a Library Creep or a stressed out irritant? Simply relax. Be like those people who wander around with their shoes off, socks happily stinking the place out. You never see those people without a smile on their face as their foetid feet reek. I always take my shoes off when I'm in the library. Sometimes I also take my jeans and pants off. Then the staff throw me out and don't let me back for a week, but at least I'm relaxed. Other times I find it relaxing to occasionally fantasize about where I could be if I wasn't in the library. I stare into space from my book-laden table and contemplate the places I could jet off to. In those moments the library becomes a plane, sprouting wings and tearing
Features
itself from the ground, the sky its only limit. A voice loud-speakers around the room. Next stop Brazil, it proclaims. I run around the silent section excitedly with my arms outstretched like a plane, shouting “WE'RE GOING TO BRAZIL! WE'RE GOING TO BRAZIL” at the other students. From somewhere I hear someone muttering, “Oh no. That guy who keeps taking his pants off in the library is at it again.” They clearly aren't aware that we've taken flight yet. Then a security guard comes and wrestles me to the ground. After the sedatives I begin to feel more relaxed and can once again write my essay after the court proceedings. I would say it's my number one tip for library relaxation.
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
PAGE 19
THREE OUTLETS
ONE WEBSITE
dusa.co.uk/media
FEATURES
Fife Coastal Walks
Y
our journey starts in the lovely town of St Andrews with its picturesque ruins and beautiful beaches. It is a 30km (just under 19 miles) walk to Anstruther from here. Are you up for the challenge? After starting your adventure, 13km in, you will eventually arrive at Kingsbarns. It is a small place but has a great pub (The Barns) which serves as an excellent stopping-off point for a well-deserved drink. Alternatively, if it is sunny enough, there are some brilliant sandy beaches around Kingsbarns perfect for sunbathing. Roughly three hours later (10km) you will reach Crail, a small fishing village noted most for its lobster catching and selling, which you can witness if you venture to the harbour at the right time of day. There is also a pottery works which is home to some interesting pieces. Conversely, if yet another refreshing
Features
drink is more to your preference the Golf Hotel is a good bet. Finally, to Anstruther! 7 km after Crail you will crawl, hands and knees into Anstruther but it will be well worth the extra mile (or four). Anstruther is the home to the (official) best chippy in Scotland; Kate & Wills have been known to frequent there so it is definitely worth a look. If a shorter queue and lower prices are more appealing, then there are several other, unofficial equally-good chippys along the road. For watering-holes there is plenty of choice: The Salutation, Bank House and The Dreel are my personal favourites. You may even have time for a celebratory game of pool or a round of karaoke before catching the last bus home. You will have definitely earned it.
KATE LAKIE
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
PAGE 21
FASHION
THE
HIT LIST CLAIRE MCPHILLIMY
PAGE 22
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
Fashion
FASHION
GET TWIGGY WITH IT STEPPING OUT Beauty
So, this month we’re looking to the Spring/Summer ’13 catwalks for our inspiration and there was no shortage of trends to be picked up on. One particular look that is guaranteed to catch any eye is that of the Swinging Sixties! When it comes to beauty, there is no mistaking the classic go-to look of the iconic Twiggy. Flawless, accentuated eyebrows frame the face perfectly and can be achieved by a monthly trip to your beautician, or an investment in one of the many brow palettes offered on the High Street. Heavy winged eyeliner is your next port of call – no holding back! Get some falsies on the go and finish off with a simple nude lip, (keeping it classy ladies.) Get your locks in check with a gravity-defying beehive, or a simple bouffant; either way, you can bet your sweet bippy it will be totally happenin’. (Yes, that did just happen). Benefit Brow Zings Eyebrow Palette: £22.50 Eyelure Naturalites False Eyelashes: Boots, £5.35 Revlon Matte Lipstick in Nude Attitude: Boots, £7.49
Footwear
Ok, so you’re at the Union on a Friday night; what is the first move you pull out as soon as your feet hit that ‘larger than life’ (ha) dance floor? The Mashed Potato? Or are you more of a Twist kind of gal? Either way, you might as well do it in style! Borrow a dash of 60s Flower Power and step out in these funky wedges from Dorothy Perkins. If you’re aiming for a more demure sort of look, take advice from the Duchess of Cambridge; there may be a Royal baby on the way, but that doesn’t stop our favourite fashionista! In order to incorporate a subtle sixties hint to your footwear, go for a simple pastel coloured heel. To stand out a bit more, opt for the whitest of white heels for squint-inducing dazzle. Colour Mix Court Heels: Topshop, £58 White Pointed Court Shoes: River Island, £50 Floral Print Curved Wedges: Dorothy Perkins, £35
GETTING IN THE GROOVE FIT FOR A FIRST LADY Accessories
There is, of course, more than one look from the Sixties. We’re focusing on the classy chic look, so well-known and recognised in our modern era. On the flip-side of the coin is the crazy, psychedelic, hippie trend which incorporates much brighter hues, as opposed to the clean pastels seen elsewhere on the High Street. Accessorising gives the opportunity to embrace the best of both worlds! Branch out a bit with these Topshop earrings and give neon a chance to show you what it can do. Also, this yellow clutch from Fashion Union is perfect for cranking any outfit up a notch or two. Pastel Pink Bow Headband:Miss Selfridge,£8.50 Yellow Buckle Purse: Fashion Union, £10 Cats Eye Sunglasses: Topshop, £20 Glam Stone Earrings: Topshop, £16.50
Fashion
The Magdalen
Clothing
This is where you can really work the Swinging Sixties trend. There are so many different looks to choose from, however, this article focuses on the clean, chic and understated look associated with sixties icons such as Jackie Kennedy. Her stylish sophistication as First Lady inspired women all over the world as she became a well-known fashion symbol. Famous for her pillbox hats and clean, smooth A-Line dresses, Jackie knew what she was doing. For a classy night time look, opt for a sleeveless, pastel coloured smock dress, add a string of pearls and pumps and you’re good to go. For a lecture-worthy ensemble, try pairing a white smock top and cigarette trousers from Topshop, guaranteed to turn heads. The great thing about this look is that it can be worked in both Summer and into the winter months as well. I shall end with the rather fitting words of the Beatles, “All you need is love…” (and an outfit that lets you dance like it’s 1966!). Well said, Mr Lennon, well said.
NO. 35 - May 2013
Sequin Bow Swing Dress: Miss Selfridge, £59 Boucle Jacket: Miss Selfridge, £35 Check Cigarette Trousers: Topshop, £40
PAGE 23
GARDEN PARTY STYLE FIONA CATHARINE LINDSAY For most, graduation is a great time of year. You get to revel in the hopefully positive outcome of your years of grafting as a student, and get a small window of fun before being dumped into the big wide world of careers, ‘standing on your own two feet’ and paying back that student loan. Graduation Ceremonies, the Graduation Ball and of course the infamous Garden Party are all opportunities to catch up with your colleagues and leave that lasting impression before you set out into the ‘adult’ world, so how do you dress to impress without breaking the bank? As the Garden Party takes place directly after the Graduation ceremony the answer is... accessorising! For the Graduation Ceremony the guidelines are: “Males should wear dark trousers and white shirt. Females should wear a dark skirt, dress or trousers and white blouse.”. We can make things a little more interesting though... “WHAT A PRETTY HAT!” That’s right, I said it, hats. With 2013 boasting many soft and pastel coloured hats on the runway, including beautiful designs from Ralph Lauren and Chanel, it would seem that hats are back. While many high street shops stock fairly priced hats ranging from £10-£30, don’t neglect to look in local vintage shops where unique and even cheaper bargains can be found. If you feel like being especially adventurous, get your hands on a second-hand top hat. Remember all of last years discarded floral hairbands? Yes, them. Detach them from the band and pin them neatly onto the hat, voila! CANDY CLUTCH, CANDY COURTS A trend that made a surprisingly dominant appearance in Milan’s fashion week for Spring/ Summer 2013 was the court shoe. Not only are they much more wearable and comfortable than their stiletto sisters but this Spring/Summer, designers have produced a gorgeous assortment of candy coloured dream courts! And of course nothing sets of a cute pair of courts better than a matching clutch! BLAZE THE TRAIL Blazers serve as the perfect add-on to any plain outfit whether guy or girl and there are so many ways you can wear one. Blazers serve as the perfect statement piece; fashion blogger Jessica Holeva states: “A hot hue like bright pink, cobalt blue, and emerald green adds personality.” A bright statement blazer can bring pizzazz to even the most boring of outfits. Girls: try and set your blazer off by co-ordinating it with your jewellery or shoes. Guys: matching your blazer to in-your-face shoes or a bright tie is sure to create a memorable look.
captured
FASHION
on campus
FASHION ON CAMPUS CLAIRE MCPHILLIMY
I
t's the last stretch of the semester and campus is populated by caffeinedependent students who've finally, a day before the deadline, found the inner strength to finish/start their seemingly never-ending stack of coursework. We're all suffering the effects of recent all-nighters (and not the fun, drunken kind either), but luckily Captured managed to find a few students dressed-to-impress for a night at the Union! Trends-wise, monochrome is still popular but flashes of brights (in clutches, blazers and shirt collars) are proving that summer is slowly creeping in. Printed maxi-skirts are also making us dream of hot summer-breaks, but teamed with a leather jacket are still wearable during Scottish spring. Guys are also embracing the changing seasons in lighter shirts (pale pinks and blues are the easiest to wear).
Fashion
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
PAGE 25
FASHION
PAGE 26
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
Fashion
FASHION
MUSIC
FESTIVAL STYLE F
estivals; a time for mud, alcohol, good music, bad music, more alcohol and of course, fashion. A festival is the only time and place it’s acceptable to wear a fanny pack and the same shorts five days in a row. There is always the danger of looking like a dissertation student suffering a mental breakdown. To walk that delicate line between festival fabulous and festival fail the following are must-haves, whether you’re at T in the Park or Roskilde. There’s a reason why denim was invented as work-wear for labourers in mines and farms: it’s like the clothing version of a faithful spouse. A pair of jean shorts will live through grass stains, spilt beers and ashes from wayward cigarettes. Not to mention, they’re an inherently cheap item of clothing – just cut off a pair of your old jeans, it’s not like winter’s ever coming back. This is your opportunity to wear sunglasses like the Blues Brothers. Colourful and weird sunglasses can be found at H&M for a price that makes the fact that they’re going to get squashed by a stranger’s crate of beer ok. Festivals are the one time of year that you can wear accessories that the 13-year-old-you thought was awesome: feather earrings, hats with brims massive enough to justify their own solar system and patterned wellingtons. Mass consumption of alcohol no doubt helps people cope with port-a-loos that make dorm kitchens look hygienic. For those sticky situations, where navigating through garbage-ridden grass seems like trekking through a swamp, wearing a skirt can seem risky at best. A playsuit is your go-to item, it’s a whole outfit in one piece and there’s no chance of you pulling a Marilyn Monroe. And remember, whilst of course you want to look well-dressed, when it comes down to it, most festivals are a battlefield of mud, alcohol and bad decisions. Don’t bring your best clothes because by the end of the week they will look like Lindsay Lohan’s career.
Fashion
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
PAGE 27
ART
Theatre Review
Time
and the Conways “In theatre, as in physics, there can be no action without reaction”
G
ore Vidal wote that; it was a statement I kept firmly in mind as I sunk into my comfortable seat at the Dundee Rep. In amongst the usual gaggle of middle-class/middle-aged respectability I saw a boy who couldn’t have been older than 14 sitting two rows in front of me, having evidently been dragged by his wildly optimistic mother to a Saturday night of ‘improving’ cultural activity. I couldn’t think of a more worthy test of Vidal’s maxim, so I resolved to watch the poor bugger for any visible outward signs of distress and to my amazement there were hardly any (or the wretched unfortunate had subtly fallen asleep). Now whilst 14-year-old boys are not the most reliable critical litmus tests, it does demonstrate the quality of the performance of J.B Priestley’s second most famous play. A work of considerable ambition and nuance Time and the Conways is a poignant study of time and the havoc it randomly plays. Act one starts off in the cautiously optimistic years immediately after the First World War, presenting a picture of the heartily bourgeois Conway family at play and leisure, full of jovially light banter and games of charades. So far so conventionally Edwardian. Yet Priestly uses Act two to present the spectre of the same family crushed by the seemingly inexorable march of time all the youthful exuberance exhibited in Act one has either been
PAGE 28
extinguished or horribly distorted. First performed in 1937, Priestly uses his considerable skill as a dramatist to present an allegory of a interwar Britain sliding helplessly back into the grip of war: at least that is my reading of the play. By far the weakest segment is Act three, in which Priestly departs from telling a highly engaging and watchable story and feels compelled to choke it with subYeatsian waffle about the cyclical nature of time. I decided at this point to again check my 14-year-old critical barometer and glancing quickly I saw him pulling on his own arm with barely concealed adolescent impatience. It wasn’t just him. Even the seasoned theatre luvvies to my
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
right started to fan their armpits and puff. Yet the weaknesses of the play are masked by the superb acting, special praise being reserved for Sally Reid playing the role of Madge, whose shift from idealistic young socialist to dowdy and money grubbing school mistress is brilliantly handled with consummate subtlety. Ti Green’s set design is another highlight, doing more than full justice to the complex ideas of time and perception that Priestly clogs his play with.
FRANCISCO GARCIA
Art
FILTHY BOY “absence of pretension and the refusal to overcomplicate” FRANCISCO GARCIA
J
ust over a month ago I had the pleasure of catching up with Michael Morrissey, bassist of south London sleaze peddlers and elegant guitar twangers Filthy Boy, who at that stage were still awaiting the release of their debut album Smile That Won’t Go Down. Well, excitingly it is now available for purchase and it fully lives up to expectations. Everyone likes a bit of ‘list the similarities’ because it’s fun and makes for a good cut and paste session, so it’s hardly surprising that most reviewers have reached for exactly the same set of comparisons in an inspired feat of unimaginativeness. Most have name checked Franz Ferdinand and Alex Turner as two of the traceable
Entertainment
components of the Filthy Boy sound which is pretty undeniable to anyone with ears, as both involve alluring guitars and clever, sophisticated, lyrics. Yet there is something much more oddly sweet inherent in the dark narratives that unwind from the typical Filthy Boy track than anything by the other aforementioned duo. Lead singer Paraic Morrissey has a voice that you aren’t liable to forget, full of a variety of tones: from sinister forcefulness to a surprising gentleness and always ready to uncoil with a touch of shady humour. Two of the most pleasing features of the album are the absence of pretension and the refusal to
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
overcomplicate. You won’t find any allusive indecipherability in the lyrics, just well crafted and intricate wordplay- with the gloriously sleazy, sad and funny ‘Waiting on the Doorstep’ a particular highlight. If the NME, Zane Lowe, Art Wednesday, The Fly, TimeOut London and (most importantly) myself are telling you to go and listen then you probably should. If a bit of principled sleaze is your thing then you certainly won’t regret it.
PAGE 29
ENTERTAINMENT
KIRSTIE ALLAN & JANE JOHNSTON’S . . .
SUMMER PLAYLIST LAURA MVULA
-
Green Garden
SHEEPMAN
-
Elementary
ALT-J
-
Breezeblocks
CARLA BRUNI
-
Quelqu’un m’a dit
FATHER JOHN MISTY
-
I’m Writing a Novel
JANELLE MONÁE
-
Tightrope
LORD HURON
-
Ends of the Earth
RADIATION CITY
-
The Colour of Industry
KING CHARLES
-
Love Lust
LITTLE JOY
-
Next Time Around
JOSEF SALVAT
-
This Life
DRY THE RIVER
-
The Chambers & The Valves
ED SHEERAN & PASSENGER
-
No Diggity Vs. Thrift Shop (Mashup)
BEACH HOUSE
-
Norway
BEIRUT
-
The Rip Tide
EDWARD SHARPE AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROS
-
Janglin
SUCRÉ
-
Chemical Reaction
A FINE FRENZY
-
Now is the Start
Hear the playlist at: dusamedia.co.uk
PAGE 30
The Magdalen NO. 35 - May 2013
Entertainment
ENTERTAINMENT
BANDS OF THE MONTH KIRSTIE ALLAN
W
ALABAMA SHAKES
hen it finally gets Summer-esque in the UK I always stick on the Beach Boys. Nothing puts me in a good mood except for them. Really. Nothing else (I’m an Autumn/Winter girl, what can I say?). However, this year that privilege is being shared with Alabama Shakes. The blood and guts of this band are vintage rock ‘n’ roll. The gorgeous croaky soul in frontwoman Brittany Howard’s voice is star-making for the band and danceinducing for listeners. They’re the specific bluesy Americana - expertly played, soulfulness felt on a cellular level - that Brits can not only allow passage but even make. Kings of Leon, The White Stripes, Adele; they all owe debt to pastey-white poms embracing their 50s Summer pastiche. They’re the go-to band for an allnight barbecue (indoors, outdoors or out-out).
LIYL | The Black Keys, Lily Allen, Of Monsters and Men. Start With | ‘Hold On’, ‘Heavy Chevy’, ‘Always Alright’.
LORD HURON LIYL | Joshua James, Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes. Start With | ‘Time To Run’, ‘She Lit A Fire’.
Entertainment
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
N
ow for on-the-move music. Lord Huron’s penchant for traveling is the perfect sound for summer driving. Their album Lonesome Dreams opens, ‘There is a river that goes on forever, I’m going to see where it leads’, and it is with that spirit of adventure for aimless wandering in the space of Sergio Leone’s landscapes, that their songs lasso you. Each is preoccupied with travel and all that goes along with it: nature, loyal friends, that ‘anything can happen’ freedom, and the image of an intriguing girl. This is explicit in the music’s structure and lyrics. There is a subtle progression of sound in the luscious instrumentation that willfully harmonizes with the dream vocals, evoking the ineffable freedom of a wanderlust. The only downside is that Lord Huron emerged a little too late. If they had released their sound ahead of Fleet Foxes, they might have been hailed revolutionary.
PAGE 31
ENTERTAINMENT
TUNES OF THE MONTH IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER
ROBBIE MIDDLEMISS
Omarion ‘Paradise’
Cashmere Cat ‘Aurora’
Of B2K fame as a teenager, Omarion has matured and has been on a deceptively bleaker journey through R&B of late. Ever since ‘Ice Box’ Omarion seems to be on love comedown that shows no sign of stopping, 7 years later. Continuing the tone set on his surprisingly good Care Package EP, ‘Paradise’ is a lucid slow burner of sordid sexuality. A drug-fuelled orgy of a track, not quite nailing the scenes painted so vividly by The Weeknd but another alluring and tantalizing delve into the darker side of R&B nonetheless..
Cashmere Cat has spoiled us with edits with all manner of tunes on his Soundcloud page but his original solo material is always worth a listen. In fitting with the quirky sub-bass stylings of contemporaries Hudson Mohawke, Rustie and Brooklyn-upstart Baauer, Aurora is the composition of someone going mental with utensils then chucking obscure bass smacks into the equation making for a very quickly satisfying and giddy listen.
L-Vis 1990 ‘Ballad 4D’ After a few years of really quite inconsistent releases, L-Vis 1990 finds his feet and deploys this aquatic weapon which is sure to plunge any tasteful dance floor into chaos. Night Slugs, as a label, has been on an absolute tear recently, everything they release is different but is still decisively “them” and this is no different. Contorting bass to straight up weird levels, ‘Ballad 4D’ wastes little to no time getting to the point. A nice reminder that ‘bass music’ still has at least some aces up its sleeve.
PAGE 32
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
Entertainment
ENTERTAINMENT
Justin Timberlake ‘Strawberry Bubblegum’
DJ Rashad ‘Rollin’
‘Suit & Tie’ was a decent precursor, ‘Mirrors’ was a confirmation that producer Timbaland had finally pulled his finger out but this… damn. The 20/20 Experience LP is a masterclass in what pop music can and should be in the modern day, and this track is the template everyone should be learning from. JT smacks it completely out of the park on this one, the chorus is hands down the best I’ve heard this year and shows that he has far from fallen off after a long hiatus. Just stop what you are doing and listen to this now.
One of the modern-day figureheads for the juke/footwork genre, DJ Rashad debuts on Hyperdub Records with what is easily his most accessible track yet. Flipping a Jagged Edge sample, heartbreak has never sounded so energetic. Footwork relies on repeated samples and this is by far and away one of the catchiest to emerge from the more-thanbusy genre. “I’m rollin’ down a… lonely highwaaaaay”. Try and not have that looping in your head for the next month.
TeeFlii ft. YG ‘Sprung’
TGT ‘Sex Never Felt Better’
In my journeys into the depths of the world’s biggest mixtape database DatPiff.com I often come across absolute gems, and here’s another. Clocking in at only 2:47 in length, this is a catchy as hell, simple R&B jam. A stripped back, snapping and ticking instrumental allows Teeflii to glide and lay his game down nicely and prove that minimalism still pays off in the heavily saturated but nonetheless exciting R&B genre.
R&B veterans Tank, Ginuwine and Tyrese collaborate to become TGT and they’re off to a stupendously sultry start. This is a US slow jam in its purist form, and as if the title was not indicative enough, the content does not skirt around the topic at hand. Each brings their respective A-game to the table with falsettos galore. For what it’s worth, I think Tank’s closing verse steals the show.
Entertainment
The Magdalen
NO. 35 - May 2013
PAGE 33
meet team the
D.U.L.H.C.
Dundee University Ladies Hockey Club Where do you get the motivation to train so hard? Well, I’ll admit that it can be hard sometimes, the 1stX1 train twice a week and have at least two or three matches on top of that so it can get pretty hectic. Our captain this season, Marianne Adams, has been key in keeping all the girls keen and our 300 inspired pre-match chant gets us all pumped! What are your main objectives for the season? As we’ve been promoted this year the opposition will be a lot tougher but I’d love for us to stay in the top five if we can. For more personal objectives Lucy Walker is aiming to spend more time on her feet, Jess Smyth is trying to lengthen her lunge even further and Marianne Adams is trying to overcome her ongoing obsession with cats. Tell me more about the social aspect of the club? The social side of the mighty DULHC is most definitely a main aspect with the girls out in force for liquid Wednesdays every Wednesday. The regular culprits including big names like Jen Pate, Beth McFarland and Sophia Bradley, who can usually be found befriending the Istanbul staff on Perth Road. Did you get a lot of freshers signing up? This year was really good for the club as we got over 80 freshers signing up. We’ve actually decided to make a new 4thX1 team as there were just too many girls for three teams which is brilliant! Any words of wisdom for the freshers on the team? Yeah, never enter a pulling contest with Coxy... You’ll lose, she has a pulling lipstick so there’s just no competition. Has the club improved in recent years? As I’ve only finished my second year in the club it’s hard to say but we have been promoted in our Wednesday league, which puts us in with the top five universities in Scotland and are also hoping to attain promotion in our weekend league. Any fundraisers we can look forward to? Most definitely the infamous Geeks and Goth night at the union which will be organised by our new social secs- Pringle and Chodes who will bring a combination of stealth, subtlety and outright hilarity to the club committee.
Photos: Facebook (middle-left, bottom-right); Iain Gordon , Magdalen Green Photography, (top both, mid-right, bottom-left). www.facebook.com/MagdalenGreenPhotography
Leisure & Culture Dundee is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. SC042421
Opening hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Sun 12.30 - 4.30pm
What Presence! The Rock Photography of Harry Papadopoulos
Tel 01382 307200
street 1eve1 p
h
o
t
o
w
o
r
k
s
Friday 3 May - Sunday 11 August 2013
The McManus:
Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum Albert Square, Dundee DD1 1DA Admission Free www.mcmanus.co.uk
Media Partner
Image: Edwyn Collins / Orange Juice