#13: Odwa Zamane (FRM)
After a noticeable period missing! Our editor returns with a fresh batch of recs, including Alexander McQueen's biography, 'Love & Anarchy' on Netflix, BADBADNOTGOODs 'Talk Memory' album, and more.
Odwa Zamane is a Johannesburg-based writer & creative consultant – mainly focused on fashion, art, music, film, literature and its impact on local youth culture. He is the founder of FRONT ROW MEDIA, as well as the curator of The FRM Newsletter.
We welcome him back to The FRM Newsletter to share what he’s been into recently!
📖👌 Blood Beneath The Skin: Alexander McQueen’s biography by Andrew Wilson
I’m halfway through and the book is fucking phenomenal. Alexander, or rather Lee McQueen was such an extraordinary person and this book really allows you an honest peak into his dark-yet-enthralling life. Here are some tasty poignant quotes from the book:
“He disliked most designers, but he loved Helmut Lang, Rei Kawakubo and Martin Margiela.”
“If I get someone like Suzy Menkes in the front row, wearing her fucking Christian Lacroix, I make sure that lady gets pissed on by one of the girls, you know what I mean? These people can make you or break you, and they love you for just a moment. I may be the name on everyone’s lips at the moment, but they can kill you.”
Ok I’m done with the spoilers, just read the book.
“KUSAMA, Princess of Polka Dots, explores artist Yayoi Kusama's journey from a conservative upbringing in Japan to her brush with fame in America during the 1960s (where she rivalled Andy Warhol for press attention) and concludes with the international fame she has finally achieved within the art world. Now in her 80s, Kusama has spent the last 30 years living in a mental institution in Japan.”
🍿📺 Moonlight (2016) directed by Barry Jenkins
Literally watched this movie for the first time about a week ago and it reeeally touched me – such a relatable storyline complimented by an excellent indie all-Black cast. Here’s another quote I really enjoyed from the film:
“Runnin' around, catching up all that light. In moonlight, black boys look blue. You blue, that's what I'm gon' call you. 'Blue'.”
This show is peak satirical Swedish telenovela. You’re either going to love or hate this one – but you’re definitely going to feel something lol. I refer to it as the Swedish version of The Office, and their version of Dunder Mifflin is a Stockholm-based independent publishing house, Lund & Lagerstedt, which “supports” the landscape of independent writers in Sweden in getting published. You experience the show through the POA of Sofie – a married senior of the company who sparks an interesting relationship with a younger colleague, Max.
It gets a solid 9/10.
🧑🎤👢 90s Anti-fashion
I consider this to be the last generation of real innovative fashion designers. This punk-influence design movement was spearheaded by legends such as Rei Kawakubo (Comme des Garçons) and Yohji Yamamoto, The Antwerp Six, Martin Margiela and Vivienne Westwood.
🇫🇷🎧 Daft Punk – Homework (1997)
This album is one of my first musical memories, ever. I don’t think people realise how much of an impact Daft Punk has had on the world, not only electronic music. Favourites for me are ‘Revolution 909’, ‘High Fidelity’, ‘Around the World’ and ‘Teachers’.
“Homework's success brought worldwide attention to French house music. The album is widely hailed as a classic of the French house genre and a significant influence on subsequent dance music.”
🎵💿 BADBADNOTGOOD – Talk Memory (2021)
It took me some time to warm up to this album – especially as a sophomore on the back of ‘IV’ – which I still consider as BADBADNOTGOOD’s best body of work. But Talking Memory is also pretty exceptional in its own unique way, presenting a more measured approach from the boys from Toronto, Canada. Including features from iconic Jazz legends such as Arthur Verocai and Terrace Martin, I really recommend everyone listens to this project at least once. Favourites include ‘Love Proceeding’, ‘Talk Meaning’ and ‘Timid, Intimidating’.
💿💞 Lesley Gore – Lesley Gore Sings of Mixed-Up Hearts (1963)
Such a beautiful album. This is a 1963 record, which also apparently featured some Quincy Jones production. Favourites for me are ‘She’s a Fool’, ‘You Don't Own Me’, ‘If That’s The Way You Want It’ and ‘Run Bobby Run’.