'Ooh that's nice!'

Is what I think sometimes when I'm taking pictures of the dealers stock for the website. Here's the most recent 'Ooh that's nice!'

1940's turquoise, 18ct yellow gold and diamond brooch

R.I.P. MCA

Photo by Steve Appleford

I became a big fan of the Beastie Boys during the latter part of secondary school after buying Ill Communication at Our Price in the mid 90s. Before that I was into cheesy pop and boybands (and Guns N' Roses haha). I grew sick of these generic boybands and the monotony of it. The 90s was a tad tacky but it was also an exceptional decade for music (and film) and it was a period when I wanted to explore music. I discovered many influential artists, however, Beastie Boys played a major part in defining my musical tastes, their eclecticism opened my eyes ears to different genres and like many fans their music became a huge part of my personal soundtrack in my teenage to young adult years.

I didn't know anyone who was a fan apart from my penpal from Surrey (yes I had a penpal, so very 90s!), so when the opportunity arose to attend their gig at Brixton Academy I jumped at the chance and asked my penpal from Surrey if she would come with me. Her dad gave us a lift to the venue and asked me "do you have many friends?". Hehe, cheeky ****! Anyways the gig was superb of course, and I attended a few more later on. So glad I got to see them live.

Here's a few reasons why I think they are so great -  I loved that they took on different genres of music in their own style... They introduced me to other bands/musicians who I never would have heard of (I always googled artists they name checked in their lyrics)... Their concerts were always entertaining and lively.... Their music videos (Yauch directed some of their videos)... Yauch brought international awareness to the Tibetans plight with the Milarepa Fund which was admirable.

Someone said 'Losing one of the Beasties weighs heavier on me than I ever could have imagined', I agree!

Photo by Sunny Bak

The Beastie Boys action figures my old boss had at the MHI store I used to work at.

Journalist Hadley Freeman summed up it up when she wrote: 

'...But Yauch was not just a celebrity: he was a musical pioneer, a champion of independent films, a man who was true to himself. But, most importantly, Adam Yauch was a real mensch.'

Showers in Bath

We went to Bath again and stayed overnight. The day we arrived it rained and rained but it didn't matter, the city is beautiful whatever the weather. First stop was The Jazz Cafe to shelter from the rain, there's something so soothing about the combination of  coffee, jazz and rain. Sounds cheesy but it's true. Next was the Vintage & Antiques Market at Green Park Station, which is on the last Sunday of each month. It wasn't too busy mostly due to the weather, which was fine by me, I browsed the stalls in peace and took my time.

Coffee, jazz & rain

The Vintage & Antiques Market, the venue is a former railway station

I wish I saw that first

A beautiful mess 

I want it all and I want it NOW

I bought this vintage faux fur coat at the fair for £30!!! So glad I found it as I was wearing a thin parka and it was freeezing

And I also bought this bag at the fair for £16!!!

The next morning we revisited the Metropolitan Cafe for brekkie again, in preparation for the long day ahead of us

We went to Pulteney Bridge. Here it seems I'm dissapointed that diving off the bridge is forbidden.

View from Pulteney Bridge

View from Pulteney Bridge

Yes. It's Pulteney Bridge.

This is during one of our long walks on the 1st day.. Although I have a blank expression, believe it or not I'm thinking 'Goddamn! I'd sure love to live in one of those houses!'

We refuelled with proper coffee at Colonna & Smalls

Towards the end of our walk on the last day I saw this spectacular building. I wish I could grow plants on our block of flats. The sun very kindly made an appearance

Oh Bath we think you're ace!
Until next time.