New Things; AFP & Skindred

Well well well my darlings. I have a lot of things to tell you about this time. It's awesome, because life seems to be going well for me at the moment. As you may know (or not..) I have been transferred to a different Mental Asylum. I do miss most from my old place, even some of the doctors. However I have made lots of friends, visited lots of people and generally having a very good time at the moment. So my darlings, Here is what I have been doing;

I saw Amanda Palmer live (11/09/09) AGAIN dolls. It was awesome, and one of the most unusual gigs I have been too. For those whom follow Amanda, will know that she has a habit of doing odd things. Well this venue was a church. Yes indeed my darlings, slightly going against all my principles here, as usually I would never set foot in a church however AFP made it all right. All the audience sat in the pews, which was pretty cool. But before I tell you about her show; she had a support called Polly Scattergood. Now, I was thoroughly looking forward to seeing the support, seen as last time her support was brilliant and I loved them. I didn't think much of Polly Scattergood though. A bit... flimsy her songs were. She had a nice enough voice, but wasn't using it to her advantage. However she did show it off later on. Amanda's gig was very fun; seen as she hadn't planned very much of it, didn't know what to play and interacted with the audience. I really like Amanda's shows because you don't just hear her music you also experience her personality, I feel that you don't get that a lot with gigs. I went with my step dad as I did last time (the only reason the doctors would let me out) and we both though it was a brilliant gig. Though undecided as to whether the first or this time was better. In this show she did different songs, and didn't have the danger enable so everyone focused on her more. My favourite ones she did was 'Mandy goes to Med School' 'Missed Me' and she did 'Will' too because the Church had an organ, which was really good. She also played some stuff on her Uke like Making Woopie, along with a rendition of 'Puff the magic Dragon' with Polly ScatterGood. Someone has made a montage of her show on the 11th. which i must say was brilliant and i would consider traveling half the country again to see her.

My my my, Dolls, you will never guess what. I have a new addition to the family, I have been lent a Tenor Saxophone. He is truly beautiful in many ways. Compared to my Alto he is quite big and makes a lovely sound. Now he is only a temporary addition to my musical family; though I don't know for how long, but I was given him by the band I play for 'MYJO'. I am still playing my alto though for the school jazz band so she wont be forgotten don't worry.

Darlings, have you heard the news? 2 of my favourite bands have released new CDs and I have managed to get my greedy little hands on them both.

• Skindred's 'Shark bites and Dog Fights' apparently mini album still has a substantial 8 track on, Its a brilliant CD. Heaver then their last one, a little more metalish but still sounding like Skindred and some brilliant new tunes. It's defiantly stuff to Mosh/Dance/head bang too.
  
  
• Pearl Jam's 'Backspacer' is a pretty good CD. the more I listen to it the more I like it. It's a good CD with a good range of what Pearl Jam can do. It's also nice too see them Keeping with their music and producing good stuff. However I do have one qualm with the CD, yes I know my darlings, shocking. But it seems to me that Eddie Vedder, whom has the voice of a god, is starting to sound a little more like Chris Cornell and people like that. I am slightly scared, if I may says so.
  

Now last but defiantly not least my darlings; I saw Skindred live (10/10/09). Oh My Gosh. one of the best concerts I have been to in a while. I will start of with the supports. they had 3 supports 1 of them I couldn't tell you the name of because they never mentioned it in their set, however I didn't think much of them (they were out of key A LOT). The next support band where Karnivool. These were amazing, his voice was brilliant and they had a mixture of very heavy and light stuff. The guitars reminded me of Tool a little bit, and these completely took my fancy. I now have both their CDs. Lets just say; I didn't expect them to be That good live. I wish they could have done a longer set. After 'Karnivool' was 'Dead by April'. These are a screamo-y band whom where quite good. I enjoyed their set, heaver than the others, they had great mosh pits and were really energetic on stage. moving on to the main band of the night; Skindred. They were brilliant Benji got the whole crowd jumping up and down waving their arms. It was so fun. I was being pushed and shoved about, however you have to expect that with everyone jumping at the same time. And I enjoyed the pushing a shoving because it had its benefits, I was right at the front of the gig for the last 2 songs. They played songs from all their albums which I was pleased about; Starting off with one from their new songs Stand for Something then took a range from 'Roots Rock Riot' and 'Babylon'. They played most of my favourite songs, which was really good, and most of the songs they played were the heaver ones which meant a great time for headbanging. Benji's voice was superb along with the guitar playing and drumming. I found it great fun, one of the best gigs i have been too in a long time. Also one of the ones I have spent the most at. buying 2 CDs and a Skindred Hoodie; but they are worth it. I am now nursing a soar throat and a bad neck, but the doctors will help me with that.

Anyhow my darlings, now on to art. I have been given a years subscription to Deviantart by one of the most generous and talented people. Some of you might know him... he does a lot of things; He Blogs, Takes Beautiful photos, and is in to some very good music. Adrian is very cool and I suggest you follow him, but not in the stalkerish sense.. because that's my job. Anyway he is really supporting me and my work, encouraging me and stuff like that and I have to thank him. Slowly more and more people are starting to enjoy my work, which is something I am really pleased about.

Now now my darlings, I have to be off. I'm being called to be sedated, apparently I was far too excited last night and the doctors didn't like it.

Enjoy,
XxX

I'm so sorry my darlings, but Happy News.

Urrmm, my dearest darlings,

I know it has been a while. When i say a while, i mean a long while, and i am truly sorry. However i am not going to ponder on the sorriness that i have for not carrying the blog for all you dolls out there. For if i did i fear it would be bad for the brain, and probably land is in a slight problem with the doctors. you never know; we might be experimented on more O__O. I have decided not to give up on this blog; although i feared i might, which could have been a tragedy uncompromising to Romeo and Juliet. Let me explain my darlings.

As i said in my last post; I had come to an important block in my life. No they weren't going to let me out of the asylum; but I was to be tested by the doctors of education. I do not see how this 'testing' can be good for the mental health, which may i add for most of us is unstable at the best of times. However very recently i have had the results to the examinations, and have come out quite please with myself. I received from these generous body's 4 A*s, 5 As, 2 Bs, and 1 C. Extremely pleasing do you think not? I received the C in Spanish; therefor forgiveness is required as languages are especially not my strong point. The 2 Bs in Religious education; I have no beliefs therefor find it hard to empathise. The other in English; If you saw the state of my spelling on this you would know why (Praise be to the spell checker). I proudly hold my As And A*s out for people too see. My claim that I am an educated person not to be scoffed at; i can go far and do what i will, and with determination get what I want. A lady even in this age should be able to push against the crowd and get what she wants.

In the time that i haven't been blogging, my darlings, i have been doing a lot. When i finished in the institution I decided to go back and help out with the Artistic, scientific and dramatic sides of things. Then when the summer came I have been doing a fair amount of Art & Photography. I have visited the good ships HMS Warrior and HMS Victory, the most beautiful battle ships there ever have been. You can see some of my art and my Photography if you are interested in my dA Click here. Or visit my Portfolio Here. Apart from traveling and things of an artistic desire, I have been reading and listening to music (of course) too keep my sanity levels up and while away those long summer nights.

A couple of reviews here for you my dolls:

1. The new CD by 'The Eels' called 'El hombre Lobo: 12 songs of desire'
A brilliant CD by The Eels and they have defiantly moved up a notch in my books (not that they weren't near the top already) The songs are very well written with great tunes. Although they are not heavy songs, they don't really fit in to any genre. The Eels have moved away from their 'normal' sound and have made it more primal. This is really effective and gives the extra edge to their songs.

2. 'The Time Travelers Wife' The Book
Now, i know they are making this in too a film and i hadn't gotten round to reading it so i thought i should. I have been meaning to read this for a long time, so my expectations were high. Its a very good and well written book. Its a romance, but a very complicated one, which of course makes it all the more interesting. It's also narrated by both the main characters, which i must admit is slightly confusing at the start, but you get used to it. Also another thing that is slightly confusing is that its in a slight chronological order not to her or even him, to time. This may sound weird but once you have read it you will understand what I'm babbling on about. Anyway; I love the way its so different from all the other book I have read ( i mainly read sci-fi lol.) in plot lines, layout and narrative. Seriously I recommend.

3. 'Scarlatti: Stabat Mater, Salve Regina and other works by Purcell and Bach' The CD.
The voices of angels hit my ears, no wait... i was listening to the CD. I got a bit confused at first because i am an Atheist, thinking wait a second.. this shouldn't be happening to me. It wasn't so i needn't have worried. Anyhow; this CD is amazing the range that you can get out of voices... O__O. Its defiantly one of those that you sit down and listen too; then realise the world is so beautiful, music is so beautiful and try not to cry.

Anyways my darlings i best be off to check the wardens are still out so i can sneak back to my cell without being caught.
I wish you all the best, enjoy the feast and all that...
Loves.
XxX

Obsessions And Amanda Palmer

My Darling darlings,

Indeed what an interesting few weeks it has been. Well I am here today with some music (yes dolls, more of it). however, as some of you might already know, the exam period is coming up and around that time I am getting more and more booked up. I shall take you through my Diary; March 22nd I am going to see Wednesday 13 (ohhh yes.) March 27th I am off to Poland, Krakow (or however you spell it) for the weekend with my school, we are going to visit alswich (I have no clue of the spelling sorry my dears). Then the Tuesday (the day after we get back from Poland) its Practical Exam week. To jump for joy would be just a slight exaggeration. With My Art Exam (i'm excited about this one), Music (will be okay), Applied Performing Arts (I hope to high heaven that this will be okay) and Spanish (Hmm.. no comment?)

Also my darling, as you can see I have had a little re-vamp of my blog. The URL has been changed (to make things simpler/more complicated.) As your eyes can view, it is now NOT the_asylum_for_victorian_girls because I got bored of that and it was too long; so it is now just LadyOpheliacsAsylum. Also for those of you whom may be really observant and have noticed that I have changed from 'The Insane One' to 'Lady Opheliac' shall be rewarded; with more time in the padded cell. However you may be wondering why Lady Opheliac? Well my dolls, you curious minds shall have to probe no further. I often call myself Lady Opheliac because Opheliac means Obsessive, it is taken from Shaggspeares character Ophelia from Hamlet; she was obsessed with Hamlet and consequently drowned herself over it (I hope my demise shall be a little more dramatic). For me, I have quite an obsessive nature, for those whom know me they will see it as my MSN screen name, Myspace and Bebo; all the other names have Victorian in them. Actually this leads me neatly on to my next subject.

Lately I have had a realisation, its a very weird realisation, and quite hard to explain so please do bare with me while I try. Obsessions take many forms, people obsess about many things. I for instance am quite an obsessive person, however lately I have found one thing has been taking over my life. Without it, i am longing for it; with it, i go through so many emotions that it practically impossible to get down in words. This 'thing' is everywhere. Music. I bet you are thinking 'music that's not a bad obsession'. Which is true I mean there are allot worse things that e.g. Drugs. However Music is my own personal heroin (quote stolen from twilight sorry), and I am addicted. I could try going cold turkey, but if i don't have a hit in the next 2 hours... Mayhem will erupt and madness might take over fully. Not a nice sight.

Anyway, talking about musical Madness; Miss Amanda Palmer = Musical Goddess.
Oh My Gosh.
If any of have listened to her album, or listened to the Dresden Dolls, well it was like that except 100x better. Seriously, her gig was absolutely amazing. If you want proof (not that you should because you should be able to take my word on this) Just type in "Amanda Palmer London" in to YouTube. That should be enough proof, though it was one of those gig where you just had to be there to get the whole feeling of the love. I have even got a link for you "Oasis in minor" [people are laughing at the beginning not because of the song but because the song is meant to be in a major key and it doesn't sound right, so don't be offended] I was standing next to the person who filmed this, that's how close to the front I was. She played some amazing songs and some of her more famous ones from TDD. She was one of those gigs where you left and you were speechless for the next hour; however over the next 5 days you cannot stop speaking about it (out came the sedatives so the doctors could get some peace.)

Amanda can't get all the credit for that gig though because her support band was Detektivbyran. Its like listening to a Swedish Fairground [their Myspaz] They get so passionate about their music its brilliant to see them on stage. Although there is no singing, which means no front man however they are still as entertaining as any band to watch. The accordion player jumps around as the drummer plays on this miniature drum set or often anything her can get his hands on; he played the scissors in London. Last of all the guy on a vibraphone (it's a bigger version of the glockenspiel.. how cool?) just being generally laid back and cool. It was one of those bands that you hear live, then buy their record straight away from the Merchandise stand.

Musical news at the moment that is rocking my world (the rocking is sometimes the madness, though mainly the music);

• Skindred have a new single out "Electric Avenue" they have completely out done the original song, making it their own but still keeping the feel to the song. [have a look at the treats down the bottom of this post] It's great, they keep the beat of the song but make it have heavier guitars and add more of the ragga feel it it. For those whom loved the original I think you are going to like this one too. Its on their Myspaz too if you want to check it out.
• Faith No More are headlining Download and I really want to go. I thought Korn, Slipknot, Killswitch engage, Pendulum and The Prodigy where enough to make me want to go. But now... Faith no more, The Blackout and Dream Theatre have all been confirmed. I have to go. HAVE. There is no choice about it. However I think I will have to save up a little (madness and music addictions seriously don't help with the saving process).
• My Saxophone is fixed! It broke last week, so I have not been able to play the lower register on it.
  

So with this my darlings it is quite a busy month ahead with all the revising (cough) and Art work that I am going to be doing (art doesn't feel like work, and at least it may stop me from spending). Wish me luck as I dive in head first without a helmet to protect me in to the cabaret of life.

As Skindred would say "I'm in love with you, but are you in love with me?"
Just fire the love, as I wish I could adorn you with it.

XxX

P.s. a little treat.

I'm sorry again, but I bring gifts?

Darlings, my sweet sweet darlings, I am terribly sorry about the wait. [that's if anyone can be bothered to read my spontaneous blogging in this god forsaken world.]

You may well ask how is the asylum doing at the moment, for we have not heard any news in months and to speak plainly, didn't know whether you were dead or alive. Well my Dolls i am neither dead nor alive, I am just in a state of being. The asylum i must admit has been quite eventful, and also rather a bore. Christmas has been and fled, the new year is well on its way to getting its coat and leaving, but yet i sit here in an asylum typing away with snow outside. Peculiar? defiantly. I say the world has gone mad. However, the inmates all have to be kept inside, for the teachers whom give them regular lessons in insanity cannot make it to the institution [in English: school has been canceled for tomorrow]. Indeed, my dears, its going to be a frightful bore. Snow does nothing for me, as i do for it. It makes the place pretty on the eye and that is it. However it makes life uneasy for me, a disruption in the routine is bad enough but to have nothing to do, nothing to fill my mind throughout the day; nothing to inspire, to learn or create. Nothing can make the day go more slowly. Though i might just introduce you to some antidotes to this insanity.

I have a brilliant band that are new to my ears; SKINDRED.
They are a fantastic fusion of Reggae Punk and Metal. Probably one of the first Rapping bands that I have truly loved and one that manages to blend it so perfectly with some screamo and heavy guitar. After only listening to them for ooh about 3 weeks I am madly in love with their sound. Mind, this was love at first hearing. Forming in 1998 with 2 albums out "Babylon" and "Roots Rock Riot" there is a brilliant vibe to their music. There is another reason to why I like them, not only are all their songs very catchy (which in a metal genre is quite hard to do) but not too many of them are about love which is what most songs seem to be about most days, Skindred like to sing about their music, World state and life in general. With songs like "Rude Boy For Life" it talks about how being hard is not the answer. "if you Rude Boy For Life, Always running in to worries and to strife, Rude boy for life, always running on the edge of a knife" (also an extreamly catchy song... I only need to listen to it once and it stuck... forever.) With some bands you just don't get the feel for them, however its amazing how much passion this band can put in to one of their songs. I haven't seen them live but I would love too, they won the Kerrang Best Live Band award and have toured with the likes of Flogging Molly, Gogol Bordello and are going to play at Hammerfest in April. I have to say my favourite songs at the moment (for they are changing all the time the more I listen) "Pressure" "Trouble" & "State Of Emergency" which all have amazing vocals from Benji Webb and the guitar parts are particularly exquisite. As I listen more, the mix of genres becomes more and more addictive, but with better highs than any drug could offer. This is one of those bands whom i would absolutely love to see live, you can just imagine the whole ground shaking from the thump of the bass and the crowed just willing to have a good time. Pure heaven on the ears and it makes my heart jump every time I hear them. (I have now listen to them so much that I know all of their songs from the first 5 seconds...)
This band however didn't form out of nothing, the lead singer Benji Webbe's previous band, Dub War, released one album however rehearsals for a new project featuring other Dub War veterans didn't work out, but soon Webbe had hooked up with bassist Daniel Pugsley, guitarist Mikey Dee, and drummer Dirty Arya, and Skindred was officially born. Something positive out of something sad. Dub War has a similar sound to Skindred, though less reggae, and are just as brilliant. Its sad that they split up, but if they hadn't then we wouldn't have this brilliant band that is here today. Seriously CHECK THEM OUT. [their myspaz]

Now now, my dears I'm sure you remember i mentioned Kerrang in the paragraphs above, well i went to the Kerrang Relentless tour. Yes the asylum had another outing, the doctors are being very generous of late i must say. It was brilliant. There were 5 bands touring and having heard only one of them before (on CD and Live) i think i will give you my opinion.

1. In case Of Fire
2. Black Tide
3. Dir En Grey
4. Bring Me The Horizon
5. Mindless Self Indulgence

Unfortunately, or fortunately which ever way you want to look at it we arrived half way through the set of In case of Fire. However what I heard from that second half of the set i wasn't too impressed with. Now, I will give them credit, the guitarists were quite good. However it ether wasn't their day or they had manage to play all their good songs first. The vocalist was very shaky and the vibe in the room just wasn't pumping.
Black Tide where good. They managed to get the crowd pumping and a good vibe going throughout the club. However they weren't as impressive as some of the other bands, but weren't the worst ether.
Dir En Grey, I got home and looked them up straight away. I loved them. Even though they are Japanese so no one knew any of their lyrics they were by far one of the better bands playing. They are much better live than they are recorded. The lead singer is very theatrical and had an amazing voice, that was one of the main points. Also they had some amazing guitar solos in the middle of their songs which were perfect for head banging too. They were probably the heaviest band there but they got everyone jumping.
Bring Me The Horizon. where do I start? actually i need to re phrase that, where is there to start? Ollie Sykes screaming his head off, showing no vocal talent at all, the guitarists headbanging and i swear they were forgetting to play the chords. And as for the drummer, well, i think he was the best out of the whole band, considering that was all you could hear. They where the reason for all the stuck up kids that were there with the BMTH T-shirts that don't know the moshing metal code. Yes, they don't know it, but more about that later.
Mindless Self Indulgence, or MSI for short. Oh My Gosh. i really don't knwo where to start with these. They are absolutely amazing. Their gigs have always been very entertaining and despite loosing Lyn-z (thanks Gerard Way, prick) they were still as good as ever. Jimmy, i swear i don't know how he sings that fast, he is just brilliant. He doesn't have the best of vocals, but being a punk-ish band vocals aren't that important and it suits their songs. Jimmy stripped on stage for us again, while giving us a preview for their next single. It was just brilliant. The energy in the room hit the roof, everyone was jumping and singing (even if they didn't know the words.) These by far were the best in the tour.

Metal Moshers Code:

1. Always help people up if they fall over
2. Always say thanks if someone helps you up
3. Never involve people who don't want to be in it
4. Protect those whom don't want to be in it

Quite simple really, logical and good manners. So why is it that BMTH fans can't follow this simple code? The reason i am saying this is because my friend was in a mosh pit, he helped a guy up then the guy went and smacked him round the face. Guess what t-shirt he was wearing? yep you got it, BMTH.

Anyhow enough of me complaining, I have some very VERY VERY exciting news. Amanda Palmer is coming to London (Electric Ballroom, Camden) on Wednesday. This Wednesday. February the 4th to be precise. AND I HAVE TICKETS. Oh my gosh its going to be amazing. Now for those whom don't know who Amanda Palmer is, she is the lead singer of 'The Dresden Dolls' on her solo tour with her debut album 'Who Killed Amanda Palmer'. WKAP is a great CD with many a brilliant track, produced with Ben Folds. AP has a different sound to TDD in that she is slightly softer and there are more instruments in her solo stuff. Its an AMAZING album and i really really really can't wait to go and see her live!

Well My Darlings, I hope that has satisfied your greedy little minds. I'm going off to ask for more sedatives until Wednesday, I think I will need them. I hope you bode well in the Asylums and I hope to catch up soon,
Your Insanity

XxX

P.s. I Love You.