June Music Recap

Well what do you know, I'm back again!

Today I thought I would do a little music-related update to show you lovely folks what I've been pouring into my brain via my ears as of late. I'll try to keep this short and sweet with 3 artists that I've been particularly into, but no promises. It is very hard to pick favorites, I tell you, but I will try my best.

So Bjork, right?!?
Oh goodness, Bjork is an amazing and wonderful person. My current favorite album of hers is Voltaic-Live in the Studio, which is songs from her Voltaic tour. Live. In the studio. (I hope you're not reading this blog to acquire new information from me, because it seems I am fresh out. Pitchfork this is not.)

These recordings are so beautiful and unique and I love them very much. I quite like the version of I Miss You on this album, but for the sake of its completely awesome video, here is the original:

Bjork is an idol of mine for various reasons. I mean, I like her music a lot, but I think I like her style and vision even more. Her appreciation of and downright happiness about both human interaction and hidden solitude makes me smile. One day maybe I'll be half as strange and wonderful as her.

I'd been listening to James Blake through this past year, but I had no idea that he had all of these awesome EPs out until, like, a week ago. Wow wow wow have I been missing out. He makes these soulful sounds that I never would have thought could come from electronic music. And it sure doesn't hurt that he has the most beautiful, sweet, melty voice that I've heard.

And I guess we should look at his face for a second too.

Here's his cover of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You" from his EP Enough Thunder:

Hollllly smokes.

And here's a funky-fresh instrumental number from Love What Happened Here:

I have a friend who has been talking about FKA Twigs for quite a while now and all I thought when he told me about how she is cool and great and super incredible was Yeah whatever she's not my style so go tell someone else. I have since apologized profusely for this, as I have come to realize that she is the absolute shit. I love her delicate, eerie voice mixed with perfectly orchestrated drops and unexpected shifts.

I think my favorite track of hers is "Water Me"from EP2. Since I've seen the video, I can't sing it without bobbing my head back and forth:

I also really like "Ultraviolet" from EP1. It has such a full sound and the middle part feels like warm fuzzy stuff filling your brain. You'll know what I mean:

I am so excited for her first full-length LP (fittingly titled LP1) to come out in August. She just released a single from said album called "Two Weeks", but in all honesty I don't like it as much as the stuff she put out in EP2. That being said, I still have faith and a preorder in iTunes!

Okay yeah I can't narrow it down to just those three. Here is a slew of singles that I've been really feeling this June:

I could keep going, but I'll spare you... Maybe I'll do a playlist soon?

Have a good Thursday! Bye now

Happy Valentine's Day!

For the occasion, I've compiled a playlist of some adorable love-ish songs.

I want to wish you a happy Valentine's day because I love you all!! I think that this is a perfect day to appreciate the people we love, even if we don't have, like, a real-life valentine. Also, call me cynical, but I think that giant cheap teddy bears and plastic heart-shaped paraphernalia are kind of ridiculous... Anyway, we can celebrate the day without all of that stuff and it will be wonderful! (although I do love valentine's candy... those heart-shaped suckers are so cute! Also, CHOCOLATE.)

Anyway, since tonight I'm looking forward to a lovely chick flick marathon, I thought I'd share five of my favorites with you! These are pretty much staples of the chick flick universe. If you haven't seen them yet, get going!!

Dirty Dancing

My sister and I have seen this movie, like, a lot of times. A LOT. It really is a classic. It's got the perfect combination of forbidden love, angst, summer camp feels, and, most importantly, dancing!

Pretty Woman

I love the unlikely pairing of this romance, and Julia Roberts is so wonderful! It never fails to make me laugh.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Don't you just want so badly to be Audrey Hepburn? In Breakfast at Tiffany's her character, Holly Golightly, manages to find a perfect balance between being sophisticated, glamorous, and free-spirited. And she's SO stylish to boot! Also, love the bathtub couch!

Sixteen Candles

This movie. It's wonderful. So funny! (apart from the sort of racist exchange student thing...) I think this is basically what every teenage girl wishes would happen to them. Jake Ryan (played my Michael Schoeffling) is SO BEAUTIFUL OH MY GOD WHY ISN'T HE A REAL-LIFE HUMAN BEING IN THIS CENTURY.

Clueless

Clueless is arguably the most chick-flicky chick flick of all time, and probably my favorite. Cher Horowitz is so ridiculously vapid that you just have to love her. Watch it!!!

Again, I want to wish you all a happy Valentine's day and a wonderful weekend! I hope to get back on track soon as far as posting here. I just finished working on a really awesome project with some really awesome people that has taken a lot of my time... pictures will be up shortly!!!

Heavy Hours

Here's a wintery playlist I made just for you!

                                

Saturday Top 10: TheFlyingOkapi School Supply List

Today we have a list of the required school supplies for TheFlyingOkapi class of 2014 (or whatever year you graduated or plan to graduate!)

Most of these things appear to be completely pointless, but they will be a big help in making this year not only bearable, but maybe even fun. So get some paper and a number 2 pencil and start taking notes!

My backpack is the Kelty "Tannen". I really like all of the fancy pockets it has. It easily fits everything I need!

Ipod and Panasonic RPHJE120R Earbuds

I have a 160 GB IPod Classic. It is so great! I never have to worry about not having enough memory, it's durable, and it's user friendly! Also, you don't have to be a technological genius to operate it.

My Ipod is definitely essential for making it thorough the school day. I like listening to it while I do work in math (it helps me concentrate) but not in Literature or Chemistry- It gets too distracting! I also listen to it while I'm walking to school. I usually listen to Stuff You Should Know on my way to class. It's a cool a podcast full of very interesting facts!

I love these Panasonic earbuds. I saw them ranked on CNET among a bunch of super expensive ones

(like $100-200!) And I figured I would give them a try, since they were only $6 on Amazon. I am not disappointed! They sound great and Maggie has had the same pair for over a year, so I think they'll last a while! I embroidery thread-ed them to keep them from tangling and to make them pretty!

Sketchbook

I find that during the school year, I'm not completely submerged in arts and creativity (instead of going out and sketching I have to calculate molar masses and such - blegh)
so it is important to keep a sketchbook around so I can jump on any chance to get some drawing in. This one is kind of boring (and slightly nibbled on by my dog) but it works!

Note-Always write your name and phone number on the inside cover of your sketchbook. If you lose it all the time like me, it really helps!



















Graphing Calculator

     This one is a little bit more like something you would actually find on a school supply list- but bear with me! It has been so helpful for me to have my own graphing calculator for my math and science classes. The school generally has enough for students to use in class, but it makes a difference when you can actually take it home to work on homework!
     I have a TI-84 Plus. It works well for me, but I know some of my friends like the Silver Edition better. I don't really know the difference. Mine is tricked out with a Lisa Frank kitten sticker, so...

"Everything Folder"

I've always found that it's really helpful to have a folder that you can throw random sheets in when you don't really know where to put them. It also means that you don't have to bring an entire binder home for an assignment. Just throw in the papers and notes you need and you know exactly where they are.























Colored Pens

Even if your teachers don't allow you to turn in work done in color, this is a great way to make your personal notes or work more interesting. It's just one of those things that brightens my day!

Homework/Life Planner

If you are anything like me, you have to write things down or you will automatically forget them. A planner is absolutely essential for me to keep my life together.
This one is just the basic, school-issued homework planner, but I decorated it with some scrap paper and a kitten sticker. (Have you noticed the kitten trend yet? I would highly recommend adding some kitten paraphernalia to your daily routine)





Write everything down! Homework, club meetings, test dates, deadlines, ideas for ice cream flavors, EVERYTHING! It will really help keep you organized an on the right track. I like to draw a circle next to each homework assignment and then check them off as they are completed. If I don't finish an assignment that night, I draw a little arrow in the circle, transferring it to the next day.

Kleenex

I think it's important to carry tissues around all the time, especially during cold season! Not only are they useful for blowing your nose and such, they are also essential for making paper flowers in government class during those long lectures about the legislative branch.

I found these cool skull patterned ones at the drugstore. Nobody will want to mess with you if you blow your nose with one of these babies.




















C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

You might as well call this the magical goop of the heavens. It can be used for lips, cuticles, dry skin, or facial glitter adhesive. And it smells like roses. I have had this same tin of the stuff for 5 years, and I'm still not out. A little goes a long way! It's especially helpful in the winter months when your skin gets super dry. I take it skiing with me every weekend in the winter, hence the beaten up tin. You can find it at Bath and Body Works.

Water Bottle

Stay hydrated, people! It's important to drink lots of water during the day, and carrying a bottle around insures that you are getting enough water. If you aren't a huge water drinker, you can make flavored water with powdered flavorings, a splash of fruit juice, or some fresh berries.

As you can probably tell, I've had this bottle for a very long time. When it was brand-new, I made the mistake of taking it rock climbing and it hasn't been the same since. It leaks a little and I should probably get rid of it, but I'm attached! Would you be able to get rid of a bottle that looks like such a fighter- I mean just look at that inspiring message!













Lisa Frank Stickers

Does anyone else miss when you used to get a sticker on your paper for a job well done?
Now you can still give yourself a pat on the back with these amazing rainbow-glittery-kitten-unicorn-dolphin-holywood bear treasures. I found these on Amazon and they were a little pricey (like $15) but so worth it. I am so nostalgic about Lisa Frank stuff. It's like a visual representation of the inside of a little kid's brain, full of butterflies and clouds and completely saturated with happiness. I've been using these on my school supplies (as you may have noticed) and pretty much sticking them anywhere I can, including onto people that seem too grumpy. Just because we are forced to go to school and fill our heads with non-unicorn related knowledge doesn't mean we can't bring a little of it with us.

Bonus List Item: A Positive Attitude!
It sounds cheesy, but attitude really does make all the difference. Come into each day with the mindset that you are there to learn and make yourself into a well-rounded human being. Excessive stress is just that: excessive. Focus on what you can do to stay positive and remember, it gets better! (or so I've heard-and I believe it!)

Also-remember to be kind. Sometimes there's not enough kindness going around the school, so make a point to leave a little happiness behind wherever you go. Talk to a new student, help a someone in a younger grade, or smile at a stranger. It will make you happier too!

Rainy Days

It has been super dry here in Butte, leaving me with a sore throat and longing for a lazy, rainy day. I made this playlist of songs that I love to listen to when it rains (or anytime really).

I don't know much about proper playlist etiquette, but this one has multiple songs by the same artists. Is that wrong? I don't know... Anyways, enjoy!

Rainy Day from TheFlyingOkapi on 8tracks Radio.

1.Promise-Ben Howard
2.Storms in Africa-Enya
3.As We Pray-Fretless
4.Beat Your Drum Slowly-Peter Mayer
5.Atlas' Marker-Rickie Lee Jones
6.Seven Years-Norah Jones
7.New Slang-The Shins
8.Satellites-Rickie Lee Jones
9.Glosoli-Sigur Ros
10.Skeletons-Yeah Yeah Yeahs
11.Someday Soon-KT Tunstall

The last song on that playlist may very well be my favorite song of all time. But I really love all of them... maybe this should just be called "My Most Favoritest Songs Ever"!

If you have any trouble playing this, please let me know! It's important that I work out the kinks so it's as accessible as possible!


*Side note from future Robin: After I posted this playlist, it rained for 5 days. This confirms my suspicions that I am in fact a magical sorcerer.

Montana Folk Festival 2013

This past weekend marked the annual Montana Folk Festival, a 3 day festival with tons of live performers on 5 stages. I might venture to say that this year has been the best Folk Fest so far! All of the performers were lovely and the weather was perfect, not to mention all of the delicious food vendors! I got to meet some of the bands and performers when I volunteered at artist check-in, and they were all very very nice. Possibly my favorite group of performers was Mythili Prakash, a traditional Bharata Natayam music and dance group. The dancer was so graceful. Every part of her body was perfectly choreographed, down to her hands, eyes, and eyebrows. And her outfit was absolutely stunning!! I don't have pictures, but I have hyperlinked their name above to the website. Among my other favorites were Fendika, Debo Band, and Karan Casey. Check them out!

Due to the current camera situation, I only have a few photos to post, but here they are!

 At the "Original Stage". This headframe was converted into a stage that is now used for the folk fest, along with other summer events.

Fendika performing on the Broadway stage

Jessica, Me, and Maggie enjoying the music!

The Original Stage lit up at night-so pretty!

So all in all, this was a wonderful Folk Fest. I hope it will be just as good next year!