"Violent Games" - Poliça

Being a proud Minnesotan, I support Minnesotan musicians. We are very fortunate to have an incredible local music scene, as well as a truly exceptional radio station to showcase that music.The Current recently celebrated their 7th birthday at First Ave, and Poliça was the closing act. Their performance was highly anticipated, as the group had received a lot of positive buzz since releasing songs of their debut album "Give You The Ghost" (this album is incredible - it's available for electronic purchase now and the CD/vinyl will be released on Valentine's day). They did not disappoint. Their performance was truly captivating and their sound is amazing. I've been listening to their album on repeat since that show, and this song has really resonated with me. 


I generally like to listen to the lyrics of a song to feel a real connection to the meaning & emotion behind it, but this is a song of few words, and what really catches my attention is the overwhelming sound. The track opens with what sounds like an alarm and continues to build and lose control. It feels very futuristic, almost apocalyptic, and the minimal lyrics tell of desperation; the repeated idea of violent games and the raw sound make it feel animalistic.


Those were the ideas I wanted to invoke with this look, and what better designer to showcase than Alexander McQueen? His work typically has a dark beauty that is simply fascinating to me, and that mysteriousness was perfect for this song. I added some modern, rough around the edges, and a little over-the-top accessories to allude to the dystopian future in which I envision the wearer of this look living.


Unfortunately there's not a link to listen to this particular track, but here's the video for another track, "Lay Your Cards Out" (another really amazing song), and I very much encourage you to purchase their album!

"C'est la Mort" - The Civil Wars

When I first saw looks from Rodarte's Fall 2011 collection, I remember being especially impressed with this gown. The entire show had an overwhelming Americana feel, but this one took that theme so much more literally yet still remained modern with its elegant draping and silhouette. When I see this dress, I think of visiting South Dakota and climbing hay bails. I haven't done that since I was 9, but somehow the memory for my still has a romantic sense to it. It reminds me of exploring through woods and fields and imagining what it would be like to live in a different time.

I picked up The Civil Wars' debut album Barton Hallow shortly after it was released. I consider myself to be an avid Contemporary Folk listener, so it was no surprise that I was quite fond of this album. But no track has taken by breath away quite like "C'est la Mort". It's all about an unconditional love that will never die - one of the most beautiful notions there is, really. The repeated phrase "please, don't go without me" hits me every time. 


This song and that dress being the standouts within an incredible collection make it only fitting that they be paired together. And of course the Americana translates through both as well. 


Listen to the song here.