Latest news with #LongHotSummer
Times
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Paul Weller: Find El Dorado — a baffling but charming set of 1970s covers
Just when you think you know Paul Weller, he does something so unexpected that you have to reassess him entirely. Having built up the Jam as the ultimate playground band, hard and impassioned, he swanned about in upper class homoerotic abandon for the video to the Style Council's Long Hot Summer. After decades as the ultimate mod, psychopathically sharp in his crewneck jumper and scarf, he grew his hair long enough to not look out of place on a hippy commune. Now he has made an album of country, folk and Seventies singalong pop cover versions, and you can imagine hordes of loyal Wellerites scratching their feather cut-clad heads in confusion. Perhaps Weller is simply doing what he's always done: tapping into a wistful, rather melancholic strain of Englishness. He's doing it even when he's tackling American tunes like Bobby Charles's resigned country rocker Small Town Talk, a masterpiece of understatement from 1972 with a message about gossiping neighbours that could be applied to Weller's Woking, Surrey, just as effectively as Charles's Abbeville, Louisiana. And how about Merle Haggard's White Line Fever? Weller is a touring musician and the words refer not to the effects of cocaine but the loneliness and addictiveness of life on the road. 'I'll die with this fever in my soul,' he sings. There is no reason not to believe him. • Read more music reviews, interviews and guides on what to listen to next Elsewhere he is mining the nicotine-stained, real ale-sodden atmosphere of the provincial pubs and working men's clubs he played in during his early teen years. Pinball is a litany of complaints set to an acoustic strum, a sole 1974 hit for the actor Brian Protheroe, which captures the mood of Britain under the privations of the three-day week. 'Got fleas in the bedroom, I got flies in the bathroom and the cat just finished off the bread,' Weller sings gloomily, while Nobody's Fool is a song Ray Davies wrote for the theme to Budgie, Adam Faith's early Seventies TV show about a down-on-his-luck petty criminal. You can almost feel the faux leather in the Ford Cortina. • Paul Weller: 'I am still a mod and I will always be a mod' There are certainly some eccentric choices here. White Plains were an early Seventies studio band, concocted for the sole purpose of scoring hits, who got little respect from the cognoscenti. Yet Weller revives their When You Are a King, a strange slice of baroque pop from 1971 about a naughty boy who nobody likes. Then there is the Bee Gees' I Started a Joke, a sentimental masterpiece of tragicomedy about, well, it's impossible to know exactly, but the narrator tells a joke, the joke is on him, he dies, the world is better for it. Bleak bubblegum surrealism at its best. Elsewhere comes Lal Waterson's folky lament Never the Same and Clive Palmer of the Incredible String Band's rough blues Clive's Song, songs from rural Britain that are several B roads away from Weller's dressed-up urban world. There are guests too: Robert Plant's harmonica on Clive's Song, Noel Gallagher's guitar on the Derry songwriter Eamon Friel's wise El Dorado, the kora player Seckou Keita on Duncan Browne's cheery Journey. Is Weller fulfilling contractual obligations, testing the limits of his fanbase or indulging in childhood nostalgia? Maybe all three, but the result is an unusual covers album with a mood of lived-in charm. (Parlophone)★★★★☆ Follow @timesculture to read the latest reviews
Fashion Network
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Dries Van Noten and Yohji Yamamoto, and why Paris shows rule
Two very talented designers Yohji Yamamoto and Julian Klausner of Dries Van Noten, one twice the age of the other, staged powerful, yet also poetic, shows on Thursday afternoon, reminders of why Paris, even in menswear, remains the ultimate runway theatre of great fashion talent. Yohji Yamamoto: Long hot summer in Les Halles A memorable fashion tutorial blended with poetic politics at Yohji Yamamoto, who staged his spring/summer 2026 menswear show Thursday afternoon in his French HQ in Les Halles. See catwalk Hard to recall a look that didn't carry a graphic message, except for the opening quartet of soft dark suits. From the opening phrases of "Hindrance Hydrogen Ions" or "Don't Look Back Be Free in Black," to "La Musique Avant Toute Chose" or "Long Hot Summer". 'Too hot, the earth has become too hot! Human beings must think about this deeply, without making wars. Politicians should be fairer otherwise the world will end soon,' opined Yohji, after taking his hat off and on several times at his bow. Though the key fashion message was the remarkable series of cathedral-worthy stained-glass prints used in silk jackets, redingotes or elongated kimonos. All of them deconstructed. He paired many with silk dhoti pants that twisted down to just above the ankle. Completing the look with gentlemanly chalky white shirts, or hyper loose weave knits. Romantic rock-stars in a moody moment. Everything anchored by a great series of centurion sandals or fold over boxing boots. A collection that also featured the latest collaboration with happening Tokyo-based jeweler Rie Harui of Riefe. Featuring great mesh, silver and jet bracelets; nun-style necklaces and butterfly brooches on the hems of coats. See catwalk Asked about them, Yamamoto's response was typically lapidary: 'Yes, jewelry, as it is not so easy to show the hand, neck and foot naked, so I like them covered.' Packed into the tiny show space was a cool front row that included Wisdom Kaye, Guram Gvasalia, JoeyStarr, Bach Buquen and Jenke Ahmed-Tailly. Many guests singing along to his soundtrack that was ironically nostalgic. Tunes like "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" or "Don't Look Back In Anger", but never by the original author. 'Famous love songs, because the world is becoming sad, so we need love songs. If you look back in anger your heart will be broken. Don't break your heart,' mused the 81-year-old Yohji. Dries Van Noten Dries Van Noten's creative director Julian Klausner staged his first men's show for the house on Thursday midday and the jury was in one second after the last model exited – it's a huge hit. See catwalk Klausner riffed on all the elements in the men's wardrobe of founder Dries though he took the mood somewhere new – younger, kickier and in even bolder color. His palette really roared: canary yellow, fiery fuchsia, shiny purple, fire engine red and the bitterest orange, often in one look. And smartly juxtaposed to the ancient 11th arrondissement garage where the show was staged. Plus, Julian added some savvy new tailoring, revamping, shortening and rippling opera coats in powerful statements. And cutting his double-breasted blazers with noble volumes. In effect, Julian managed to mix up formal and casual perfectly, whether a pale gray trench with crystal embroidered top, or silk tops in Edwardian rugby shirt colors with plissé pajama pants. 'I gave myself the freedom to embrace color. So, I wanted prints, bright colors and embroidery; joyful and spontaneous satins; saturated color coats. As bright as possible,' the designer enthused. 'I was really thinking about the Dries Van Noten men's wardrobe and what that represents for me. It's a very complete wardrobe from day to beach to evening. And I asked myself how does something formal feel casual, or how does something casual feel formal,' explained the designer, amid a mob of enthusiastic critics and editors. Originally trained as a women's wear designer, there was a tad too much pre-show speculation on whether he could cut the mustard in menswear. But in the end, this collection, if anything, was the best he has done for the Antwerp-based house, coming after two women's shows. See catwalk 'I wanted to come across in the March women's show – and today too - as generous. Opulence is a very important part of the brand,' he insisted. Historically, Dries' DNA always blended menswear with a touch of femininity, while its women's wear could be quite masculine. Which was also true in this show, where many lads wore silk scarves tied as sarongs, or floral opera coats that could have tempted an Upper East Side opera lover grand dame. Plus, 34-year-old Klausner was not afraid to add a little provocation, like his decision to send out a good dozen models in ribbed cotton underwear that finished almost at the knee. 'You know working with male models it was so enjoyable to see these new proportions and silhouettes,' chuckled Julian. Before his cast suddenly reappeared, to take a class photo, posing four rows deep amid many smiles and cheers. Justly celebrating the most celebrated collection of the European menswear so far.
Fashion Network
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Dries Van Noten and Yohji Yamamoto, and why Paris shows rule
Two very talented designers Yohji Yamamoto and Julian Klausner of Dries Van Noten, one twice the age of the other, staged powerful, yet also poetic, shows on Thursday afternoon, reminders of why Paris, even in menswear, remains the ultimate runway theatre of great fashion talent. Yohji Yamamoto: Long hot summer in Les Halles A memorable fashion tutorial blended with poetic politics at Yohji Yamamoto, who staged his spring/summer 2026 menswear show Thursday afternoon in his French HQ in Les Halles. See catwalk Hard to recall a look that didn't carry a graphic message, except for the opening quartet of soft dark suits. From the opening phrases of "Hindrance Hydrogen Ions" or "Don't Look Back Be Free in Black," to "La Musique Avant Toute Chose" or "Long Hot Summer". 'Too hot, the earth has become too hot! Human beings must think about this deeply, without making wars. Politicians should be fairer otherwise the world will end soon,' opined Yohji, after taking his hat off and on several times at his bow. Though the key fashion message was the remarkable series of cathedral-worthy stained-glass prints used in silk jackets, redingotes or elongated kimonos. All of them deconstructed. He paired many with silk dhoti pants that twisted down to just above the ankle. Completing the look with gentlemanly chalky white shirts, or hyper loose weave knits. Romantic rock-stars in a moody moment. Everything anchored by a great series of centurion sandals or fold over boxing boots. A collection that also featured the latest collaboration with happening Tokyo-based jeweler Rie Harui of Riefe. Featuring great mesh, silver and jet bracelets; nun-style necklaces and butterfly brooches on the hems of coats. See catwalk Asked about them, Yamamoto's response was typically lapidary: 'Yes, jewelry, as it is not so easy to show the hand, neck and foot naked, so I like them covered.' Packed into the tiny show space was a cool front row that included Wisdom Kaye, Guram Gvasalia, JoeyStarr, Bach Buquen and Jenke Ahmed-Tailly. Many guests singing along to his soundtrack that was ironically nostalgic. Tunes like "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" or "Don't Look Back In Anger", but never by the original author. 'Famous love songs, because the world is becoming sad, so we need love songs. If you look back in anger your heart will be broken. Don't break your heart,' mused the 81-year-old Yohji. Dries Van Noten Dries Van Noten's creative director Julian Klausner staged his first men's show for the house on Thursday midday and the jury was in one second after the last model exited – it's a huge hit. See catwalk Klausner riffed on all the elements in the men's wardrobe of founder Dries though he took the mood somewhere new – younger, kickier and in even bolder color. His palette really roared: canary yellow, fiery fuchsia, shiny purple, fire engine red and the bitterest orange, often in one look. And smartly juxtaposed to the ancient 11th arrondissement garage where the show was staged. Plus, Julian added some savvy new tailoring, revamping, shortening and rippling opera coats in powerful statements. And cutting his double-breasted blazers with noble volumes. In effect, Julian managed to mix up formal and casual perfectly, whether a pale gray trench with crystal embroidered top, or silk tops in Edwardian rugby shirt colors with plissé pajama pants. 'I gave myself the freedom to embrace color. So, I wanted prints, bright colors and embroidery; joyful and spontaneous satins; saturated color coats. As bright as possible,' the designer enthused. 'I was really thinking about the Dries Van Noten men's wardrobe and what that represents for me. It's a very complete wardrobe from day to beach to evening. And I asked myself how does something formal feel casual, or how does something casual feel formal,' explained the designer, amid a mob of enthusiastic critics and editors. Originally trained as a women's wear designer, there was a tad too much pre-show speculation on whether he could cut the mustard in menswear. But in the end, this collection, if anything, was the best he has done for the Antwerp-based house, coming after two women's shows. See catwalk 'I wanted to come across in the March women's show – and today too - as generous. Opulence is a very important part of the brand,' he insisted. Historically, Dries' DNA always blended menswear with a touch of femininity, while its women's wear could be quite masculine. Which was also true in this show, where many lads wore silk scarves tied as sarongs, or floral opera coats that could have tempted an Upper East Side opera lover grand dame. Plus, 34-year-old Klausner was not afraid to add a little provocation, like his decision to send out a good dozen models in ribbed cotton underwear that finished almost at the knee. 'You know working with male models it was so enjoyable to see these new proportions and silhouettes,' chuckled Julian. Before his cast suddenly reappeared, to take a class photo, posing four rows deep amid many smiles and cheers. Justly celebrating the most celebrated collection of the European menswear so far.
Fashion Network
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Dries Van Noten and Yohji Yamamoto, and why Paris shows rule
Two very talented designers Yohji Yamamoto and Julian Klausner of Dries Van Noten, one twice the age of the other, staged powerful, yet also poetic, shows on Thursday afternoon, reminders of why Paris, even in menswear, remains the ultimate runway theatre of great fashion talent. Yohji Yamamoto: Long Hot Summer in Les Halles A memorable fashion tutorial blended with poetic politics at Yohji Yamamoto, who staged his spring/summer 2026 menswear show Thursday afternoon in his French HQ in Les Halles. See catwalk Hard to recall a look that didn't carry a graphic message, except for the opening quartet of soft dark suits. From the opening phrases of "Hindrance Hydrogen Ions" or "Don't Look Back Be Free in Black," to "La Musique Avant Toute Chose" or "Long Hot Summer". 'Too hot, the earth has become too hot! Human beings must think about this deeply, without making wars. Politicians should be fairer otherwise the world will end soon,' opined Yohji, after taking his hat off and on several times at his bow. Though the key fashion message was the remarkable series of cathedral-worthy stained-glass prints used in silk jackets, redingotes or elongated kimonos. All of them deconstructed. He paired many with silk dhoti pants that twisted down to just above the ankle. Completing the look with gentlemanly chalky white shirts, or hyper loose weave knits. Romantic rock-stars in a moody moment. Everything anchored by a great series of centurion sandals or fold over boxing boots. A collection that also featured the latest collaboration with happening Tokyo-based jeweler Rie Harui of Riefe. Featuring great mesh, silver and jet bracelets; nun-style necklaces and butterfly brooches on the hems of coats. See catwalk Asked about them, Yamamoto's response was typically lapidary: 'Yes, jewelry, as it is not so easy to show the hand, neck and foot naked, so I like them covered.' Packed into the tiny show space was a cool front row that included Wisdom Kaye, Guram Gvasalia, JoeyStarr, Bach Buquen and Jenke Ahmed-Tailly. Many guests singing along to his soundtrack that was ironically nostalgic. Tunes like "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" or "Don't Look Back In Anger", but never by the original author. 'Famous love songs, because the world is becoming sad, so we need love songs. If you look back in anger your heart will be broken. Don't break your heart,' mused the 81-year-old Yohji. Dries Van Noten Dries Van Noten's creative director Julian Klausner staged his first men's show for the house on Thursday midday and the jury was in one second after the last model exited – it's a huge hit. See catwalk Klausner riffed on all the elements in the men's wardrobe of founder Dries though he took the mood somewhere new – younger, kickier and in even bolder color. His palette really roared: canary yellow, fiery fuchsia, shiny purple, fire engine red and the bitterest orange, often in one look. And smartly juxtaposed to the ancient 11th arrondissement garage where the show was staged. Plus, Julian added some savvy new tailoring, revamping, shortening and rippling opera coats in powerful statements. And cutting his double-breasted blazers with noble volumes. In effect, Julian managed to mix up formal and casual perfectly, whether a pale gray trench with crystal embroidered top, or silk tops in Edwardian rugby shirt colors with plissé pajama pants. 'I gave myself the freedom to embrace color. So, I wanted prints, bright colors and embroidery; joyful and spontaneous satins; saturated color coats. As bright as possible,' the designer enthused. 'I was really thinking about the Dries Van Noten men's wardrobe and what that represents for me. It's a very complete wardrobe from day to beach to evening. And I asked myself how does something formal feel casual, or how does something casual feel formal,' explained the designer, amid a mob of enthusiastic critics and editors. Originally trained as a women's wear designer, there was a tad too much pre-show speculation on whether he could cut the mustard in menswear. But in the end, this collection, if anything, was the best he has done for the Antwerp-based house, coming after two women's shows. See catwalk 'I wanted to come across in the March women's show – and today too - as generous. Opulence is a very important part of the brand,' he insisted. Historically, Dries' DNA always blended menswear with a touch of femininity, while its women's wear could be quite masculine. Which was also true in this show, where many lads wore silk scarves tied as sarongs, or floral opera coats that could have tempted an Upper East Side opera lover grand dame. Plus, 34-year-old Klausner was not afraid to add a little provocation, like his decision to send out a good dozen models in ribbed cotton underwear that finished almost at the knee. 'You know working with male models it was so enjoyable to see these new proportions and silhouettes,' chuckled Julian. Before his cast suddenly reappeared, to take a class photo, posing four rows deep amid many smiles and cheers. Justly celebrating the most celebrated collection of the European menswear so far.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Keith Urban's got a new tour, a new show and zero interest in acting
In the nearly 20 years I've been an entertainment reporter, I can count on one finger how many times a celebrity has called me themself — no publicist or agent on the line, no Zoom link setup. Keith Urban changed that one week ago when, as I poured my first cup of coffee, I had the pleasure of picking up the phone to one of country music's biggest stars on the line: "Hey Taryn, it's Keith!" "Mr. Urban! Hi!" I said, surprised. "Oh, definitely call me Keith!" he laughed. "Even my dad hated 'Mr. Urban.' I don't think anyone in the Urban lineage has ever liked 'Mr. Urban.' Sounds way too official!" Urban's breezy, fun and down-to-earth attitude was on display during our 20-minute chat, and he's taking it on the road this summer. Urban kicked off his High and Alive tour on Thursday night in Orange Beach, Ala., eight months after the release of his 11th U.S. studio album, High. And yes, the 57-year-old country music star wants you to feel high and alive — "literally" — when you come and see him. "It sums up the energy that I like to play with. The energy I want to bring, the energy I want everybody to feel. I'm not a sort of sit-down contemplative, pensive kind of artist. I love firing everybody up and bringing everybody together," he told Yahoo Entertainment. "We're high and alive in '25, it's just tailor-made." Urban's had 16 No. 1 Hot Country songs, with hits like "Blue Ain't Your Color," "Long Hot Summer" and "Somebody Like You." Although he's been busy building what he likes to call a "playlist," not a setlist, for his upcoming shows, Urban had a surprising response when asked about his approach to this tour. "It's crazy, I've always been wired to be very — I don't have any sense that I've done anything," Urban said. To be clear, the New Zealand-born Australian singer has accomplished more than most in his three-decade career. He's won four Grammys, 12 Country Music Association Awards (including Entertainer of the Year twice) and 15 Academy of Country Music Awards and has sold out arenas all over the world. The list goes on. Hasn't done anything? I let him explain what he means. "I'm highly aware that I've done a lot of tours and I've made a lot of albums," he laughed. "I get all of that, but I don't think about it. Everything is just very now." Urban said preparing for High and Alive made him realize he's as driven now as he was when he released his self-titled stateside debut album in 1999. "Even when we went down to rehearsals a couple of weeks ago and I had a massive whiteboard on the stage as I was chipping away at shaping a playlist, it felt like my first tour," he explained. It's been three years since Urban last hit the road with his band, and while his 2024 hit song "Messed Up as Me" made the playlist, there are several others he broke out for the first time, including covers of Post Malone and Morgan Wallen's "I Had Some Help," plus Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club." He also covered New Radicals' "You Get What You Give" during his encore. Embracing this "blank canvas" feeling means he has no preshow rituals or superstitions. "I got a lot of new band members. It's a new stage, it's a new production, so there's more things new about it than there isn't. I just feel a sense of freshness and excited energy to get out and play and see what works, what doesn't work, what we have to move and shape, and just be in the moment with the audience," he said. "It always feels brand-new to me." While Urban is embracing a "blank canvas" professionally, his personal life is happily colorful. In June, he and his wife, Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, will celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary. Urban gave his family, including daughters Sunday, 16, and Faith, 14, a sweet shout-out earlier this month when he was honored with the Triple Crown Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Urban considers himself a family man, which is something his fans deeply connect with. Being away from home and on the road, though, is something he and Kidman are used to. When asked if they have any two-week rule, or they have a maximum amount of time they can go without seeing each other, Urban said no. "I've never believed in rules," he said. "It's gotta be a want, you know? And I don't want to be away from my family for too long, so I don't need a rule. I'm really lucky that I get to tour the way I do, which is kind of three shows in a row, and then three to four days off. Then three shows in a row. It's pretty rare to even be gone for two weeks. It's fortuitous where Nashville is [located] in that it's a fairly decent flying time to a lot of places." Urban thrives on connecting with his audiences to take them on an unforgettable ride. Part of the reason he has such a passionate fan base isn't just because of the songs themselves, but because of his songwriting, which touches on themes like love, loss and redemption. His self-reflective lyrics typically mirror where he's at in his phase of life. "I think I've gone from writing about things I'd like to experience to being able to write from experience," he explained when I asked how his songwriting has evolved. "A lot of my early songs were imagining what it would be like to have a particular feeling, to be a particular person because I wasn't that person but wanted to be," he continued. "These songs probably just have more depth to them. And there's just more things to write about. It doesn't have to be family, it's just experience. It's losing parents. It's friends who have been in your life for a long time. Moving. Things changing in life. New seasons. Chapters coming to a close, and new ones opening that are equally as exciting, if not more so." Urban categorizes his current chapter as "unfolding." Given all he has on his plate in 2025, that seems fitting. This fall, Urban will headline the new country music competition series The Road on CBS. Unlike other singing competition shows, this one puts aspiring singers straight on tour, as contestants will join Urban onstage this summer and trade off opening for him. The series, which doesn't have a premiere date as of yet, is executive produced by Blake Shelton and Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan. This isn't Urban's first stint on reality television: He was a judge on American Idol from 2013 to 2016 and on the inaugural season of Australia's The Voice in 2011. When asked if he's taking any learnings, good or bad, from those experiences to The Road, he said it's wildly different. "I don't know if I took any specific things from those other shows other than — because this show is not really, not like those in so many ways," he explained. "It's quite extraordinary what Blake and Taylor envisioned for this thing. To put it back into this real-world environment — being in clubs where you don't have hair, glam, a stylist and all this noise and nonsense. You've got your talent, your drive, your ambition and you've got a stage and a house band. You've got two songs, one original and one cover, and you've gotta grab this audience that hasn't come to see you. This audience has come to see me play at the end of the night, and you gotta grab 'em." Urban said the "do or die" feeling is really what it's like when you start out in the music industry. "I came from another country. Having the odds stacked against you is something I've spent my life having to continue working through," he added. "I'm not comparing my journey to anybody else's. It's just aspiring to be the best you can always be, staying curious, passionate, hungry and never giving up. Staying the course is always key, and in the end, I think it works." Urban also had a blast working with Shelton, who he called a "unique guy." "I love being around his energy. He's just funny," he said. As for Sheridan, who is known for creating the Yellowstone universe, Urban admires his talent — but has no interest in throwing on a pair of ranching boots. "Absolutely not," Urban said. "I've never had any interest in acting. I just bought a studio here in Nashville because that's my passion. I don't have any hobbies. I just love playing music. I love being in the studio. I love creating, I love recording." For what it's worth, there's zero pressure from his wife to get on set. Kidman recently said in an interview that she and Urban have no desire to work together. ("We're together in life, so we don't need to do our show together," she told People. "Our life is a show.") "I've been on enough sets now to know that that's absolutely not anything I ever want to do," Urban laughed. "It's not for me!" Right now, it's curiosity in the studio that's fueling the artist. "That's literally what powers me forward and drives me and has always driven me, is curiosity about writing songs, playing, putting on a show, connecting with an audience," he said. "I don't know if you can cook, but I can't cook," Urban continued, "but I realize that's what I do in my head. I hear ingredients, and I imagine what those things together might taste like to my ears. Having a studio now gives me the chance to really explore those kinds of opportunities to blend things that I hear and see what goes together. ... I'm constantly curious to explore musical art, which [is what] my life is."
