ARCTIC MONKEYS - AM

Arctic Monkeys have never disappointed me - continuously evolving in the best way possible - and their new album 'AM' is no different.

Leave it to Arctic Monkeys to get me out of a musical funk as I longed for a band to get me excited and make me feel like I was seventeen again. This album makes me want to take my neglected leather jacket from my closet, put it on and never take it off ...And then get into my car and drive at night for hours with the album on repeat at an inexplicably loud volume. 

It's sexy, sultry and in-your-face with a hard rock and roll edge. Everything a night out full of regrets should be like. Except deep down inside you know you enjoyed every second of it. Yeah. This album is that good.

Add to that some hints of R&B and The Velvet Underground vibes and you've got yourself a great sounding juxtaposition that works in all of the right ways. 

Strong favorites include: 
Do I Wanna Know?
R U Mine?
Arabella
Knee Socks

Also, the folks over at one of my favorite music sites, We All Want Someone To Shout For, wrote an excellent review of this album. Check it out HERE.

UNFINISHED

There's something so incredibly transformative that comes after getting a haircut. Every time I get an idea for a new hairstyle, my style seems to somehow evolve right along with it. I don't know how it happens, but I've learned to go with flow and enjoy wherever it takes me. 

This is me feeling the boho / boy george vibe while still trying to keep my edge.

SANTA CRUZ

 

In May, I took trip up to Santa Cruz to meet up with my friend Susie and go see Devendra Banhart perform at the Rio Theatre.

Before the show started, we were able to explore some places that I had never been to like the Santa Cruz boardwalk, went into Streetlight Records which is quickly becoming a favorite already from the few times I've been there, and eating some yummy Thai food.

The Rio Theatre isn't too far from the downtown area and is lovely and unique in its own way. The anticipation for the show to begin in itself was so exciting, and it proved to be full of wonderful surprises. 

Rodrigo Amarante opened up the show with a very sweet and pure set, which included the song 'Evaporar' which was breathtaking to hear live. Next was Devendra's set and being a The Strokes fan, it was so exciting to see Fabrizio Moretti was on the drums! His most recent album, Mala, is so wonderfully crafted with many layers that I was interested to see how it was going to be performed live, but I wasn't disappointed because it sounded even better in a live setting. The set was wonderful and full of Devendra's charming presence: he spoke in between songs with such serenity and his dancing is almost like he's simultaneously wiggling and floating. Basically, the entire show was incredible.

FLORAL ROCK

Every once in a while, I thrift some absolute gems. This Led Zeppelin shirt is one of them, so I paired it with these floral high-waisted jeans to juxtapose the hard edge with a bit of femininity.

Blue Hawaii

When life presents you with an opportunity and says, "Hey, wanna go to Hawaii?" 
The answer is yes. Always yes. 

BLACK LIPS

A couple of days ago I saw the Black Lips play in a small and intimate venue in Santa Barbara. They definitely lived up to the hype that surrounds them having some of the best energy, charisma, and talent. I'm proud to say I was a part of their debauchery and witnessed Cole vomit. At one point he even left the stage, went into the crowd, and made his way out the door to the outside patio while still playing his guitar! Can you say Rock 'n Roll?!!!

I was lucky enough to be able to meet, take pictures, and have a poster signed by all of them and I must say that they are such incredibly nice and genuine people; thanking me for coming out to see them, asking my name, and saying only good things about the opening act - Night Beats (which are RAD!). It's always nice to see a band who's been doing this for so long be so down-to-earth and willing to meet their fans. 

From the beginning of the show while I was in the crowd getting pushed around, singing the lyrics at the top of my lungs, and dancing wildly to the music, I had a feeling that this show would get added to the top of my "most incredible shows" list.

...I was right. 

THE START OF SOMETHING

I decided to start this blog to have a place that could be mine in every essence of the word. A place where I could post outfits, inspiration, my travels, adventures, photographs, music, and all things that I love. Anything and everything. All in an effort to evolve and grow as a human being and live life. I didn't set any rules for myself except that anything goes.

Hi. I'm Ruby. This is Electric Vibe.
Nice to meet you.

I think we're going to get along.