japan in the 60s

Speaking of polaroids, look at these ones from Betsy's blog Young Doe Old Crow. They capture perfectly the wistful feelings of Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood; a novel I'm currently reading set in 1960s Japan. Murakami takes great care in describing each setting, from the light streaming in through the window to how each item of food on the dinner table was prepared. These photos seem to posess the delicately lit mood I pulled from the trailer for the movie adaptation (which I will put off seeing until I finish the book..). Go to Betsy's blog and find more 60s/70s polaroids from her dad's travels.

Not Fade Away// Bo Diddley

John Magarro and Jack Houston jamming

I saw Not Fade Away this week; a movie that tells the story of a group of boys from New Jersey in the 60s trying to make it as a band. The movie was great if you count out certain scenes that felt really out of nowhere and uncomortable, i.e. the ending. Art direction on the other hand, was spot on; the wardrobe chosen for all the characters was sooo cool...I know the original reference is 60s rock and roll, but I couldn't help but think 90s Strokes with the band's outfit choices. The lead John Magaro, who plays Doug, reminded me so much of Albert Hammond Jr. what with his 'fro and smart little jackets. Not Fade Away is filled with 60s rock and roll footage, particularly, Bo Diddley playing live with a female guitarist. The live performance video is cut into a scene where the band is jamming; to show the origins of the "Bo Diddley Beat" that Doug's playing. I got so psyched about the backup dancer who's also singing AND playing the guitar. I did some research and found her name is Norma Jean Woffard or "The Duchess." It was refreshing to see a female in Not Fade Away who was actually playing an instrument and not gazing glassy eyed at a television at Mick Jagger.

Conclusion: aside from the freaking weeeird ending (won't reveal specifics!), I really did enjoy this movie. With an awesome soundtrack and a pretty convincing look into 60s youth culture, it's comparable to that John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy. Except I enjoyed this one more.