Bell Biv Devoe - Do Me!

Music Appreciation

If I may borrow from a Garth Algar quote, watching Bell Biv Devoe's Do Me! on MTV when I was in my teens made me, "feel kinda funny, like when we used to climb the rope in gym-class." 

Released on June 10, 1990, Do Me! embodies the essence of early '90s R&B, with a blend of R&B, hip-hop, and new jack swing. Produced by Bell Biv Devoe and Carl Bourelly, the track is characterized by its pulsating bassline, infectious drum pattern, and catchy synth hooks. 

The song, which revolves around the pursuit of love, passionate desire and sex, reached number three in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for 22 weeks. Proving that there were a lot of us who felt kinda funny and liked it; more so with the music video.

The music video, which was directed by Lionel C. Martin, created a captivating visual experience showcasing the trio's choreography talent, and urban hiphop fashion of the '90s. 

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Do_Me!

https://www.discogs.com/release/574912-Bell-Biv-DeVoe-Do-Me

https://genius.com/Bell-biv-devoe-do-me-lyrics

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Gucci Cruise 2024 Fashion Show

Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno

via Gucci

Urge Overkill - Sister Havana

Music Appreciation

Released on June 8, 1993 as a single from the album "Saturation," Urge Overkill's Sister Havana is a standout track with a cool guitar riff that represents the band's unique sound that combines elements of punk, glam, and garage rock. The song's lyrics tell the story of a man who is infatuated with a woman named Havana.

The music video, which was directed by Paul Andresen and George Dougherty, features the band driving and playing in various locations around Little Havana, Miami. There is even a scene of them riding in the Everglades. 

In an interview, band member Eddie "King" Roeser implied that the song may have had an unintentional political statement, "In hindsight, you can see it as Urge's first foray into geopolitics. The protagonist, Urge, or the US, is trying to woo the woman, who could be Cuba."

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://imvdb.com/video/urge-overkill/sister-havana

Robina Nicol

Photography Appreciation

Robina Nicol, born on June 7, 1861, in Shetland, Scotland, was a remarkable figure who left an indelible mark on New Zealand's history as both a photographer and a suffragist. Her family emigrated to New Zealand in 1874.

She developed a passion for photography at a time when the medium was still in its infancy. She captured images of local people and places, including her family. She had a keen eye in capturing images that conveyed the beauty and essence of her surroundings. 

Although she was considered an "amateur" photographer, her dedication to the craft established herself as a well-known photographer. Additionally, she played a significant role in the suffrage movement, being a signer of the 1893 Women's Suffrage Petition, which ultimately won women the right to vote.

Robina Nicol leaning against bank. Taken ca. 1895 - 1916

Woman with cat. Taken ca. 1895-1916

Interior with hebe, primula, daffodils on dresser. Taken ca. 1895-1916

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://natlib.govt.nz/

https://www.photoforum-nz.org/blog/2019/10/2/the-roundness-of-life-domestic-spaces-and-photography-in-aotearoa-new-zealand-essay

Album Cover: The Cars - The Cars

Album Cover 

Album: The Cars - The Cars

Released: June 6, 1978

Photography: Elliot Gilbert

Art Direction: Ron Coro

Design: Johnny Lee

Models: Nataliya Medvedeva

Body Art Movement ~ To Ocean Ma with Jovinna

 

via Jovinna Chan

Dance: James Arthur - Recovery

Concept & Choreography: Janelle Ginestra

Directed, Filmed and Edited: Tim Milgram

Dancers: Zach Venegas, Macy Swaim, Emily Crouch, Alex 'Sparkles' Lund, Chiara Gonzalez, Monika Felice Smith, Sam McWilliams, Cat Cogliandro, Catalina Moore, Kira Leach, Idaliz Cristian, Deanna Jenkins, Sam Holmberg, Audrey Lane-Partlow, Liv Simone, Caleb Brauner, Carly Lawrence, Janelle Ginestra, Savanna Kubat, Amari Smith 

via Tim Milgram