Aussie Appreciation: My Top 5

Published on Wednesday, January 27 2010

Written by YH STAFF EMILY

On its official website, G'Day USA Australia Week is described as a celebration of the nation's economic and cultural value on a global scale, during which events in California and New York, such as fashion shows, energy forums, and food emporiums are held (actually for two weeks) in January. I totally missed the boat in on the G'Day celebrations and have been thinking about what I appreciate most from the world's smallest continent and former penal colony"¦

I know what you're thinking, and what is likely preventing you from acknowledging your Aussie-appreciation because I faced the same dilemma, trust: Fuggs Uggs. Yes, Australia spawned the heinous footwear that has plagued us for the last decade, and with no foreseeable end, will probably continue to offend in a variety of "baby" hues with embroidered fleur-de-lis. But we must learn to forgive. And when you think about it, we have only ourselves to blame; it's our own miscarriage of style that has enabled these boots, meant to keep surfers' feet warm, to become the abomination they are today. The Aussies meant no harm and we can't fault an entire continent and its culture for this fashion calamity and deny its righteous cultural contributions. Well people, in light of yesterday being Australia Day, I've (sort of?) been granted a second chance to celebrate Oz, so without further ado, I give you my top 5 most favorite things that hail from the land down unda':

 

-1. CUT COPY-

Cut Copy blokes

If you're not familiar with them, then you should be because this indie/electro trio from Melbourne knows a thing or two about creating fantastic jams. The group has the ability to make mellow, almost soothing but still stimulating tracks like "Future," "Strangers In The Wind," and "Saturdays" as well as the awesomely dreamy, dance-worthy tracks "Nobody Lost, Nobody Found," "Hearts On Fire" and of course "Lights & Music." Cut Copy is a delightful sonic treat, and I dare anyone who's never heard it to resist the urge to dance to "Lights & Music"""just make sure it's loud.

 

 

-2. THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN-

Rafael Nadal strikes a pose

I look forward to it every year. Being the first of the four Grand Slam tournaments, it often reveals who to keep your eye on for the year's remaining Majors. The Aussie Open quickly separates those who have spent months training properly and are in prime physical shape from those who aren't and really serves as a test of the players' endurance and fitness. The reason for this being that it's held at the height of the country's blazing hot summer season when temperatures on the courts are generally scorching and can get well over 100ËšF. With matches that often last several hours under these gnarly weather conditions, the Australian Open is a real bitch and makes for some of the most compelling and dramatic tennis of the year. Plus, male tennis players are the hottest pro athletes, so any reason to watch them sweat and grunt like animals is cool with me. Who do you think will win the title this year? Roger? Or Will Andy Murray finally get his Grand Slam win? (Can't BELIEVE Rafa's out! Super bummed"¦)

 

-3. KSUBI-

Ksubi runway looks

 

An amazing Aussie denim and apparel line founded by some eccentric surfers who loooove to party. The line is best known for its over-priced-but-totally-worth-it jeans. For real though, their jeans are sick. They have a great fit and just the right amount of interesting, but not distracting detail, like zippers and carefully placed "random" stitches and frays, casting the perfect balance of surfer-punk and polish. An interesting nugget about the brand is the spelling change of its name from "Tsubi" to "Ksubi," the result of a trademark infringement lawsuit brought against the line by Aussie footwear company, Tsubo. The dispute was settled out of court and entailed the spelling change to Ksubi everywhere other than Australia. There's something about owning a pair of their jeans with the original spelling that makes them feel almost like collectors' pieces. Actually, all of their clothing may soon come to be collectors' items, since Ksubi filed for the Australian equivalent of bankruptcy earlier this month. This pains me"¦ Let's hope they get their sh*t together!

 

-4. "SUMMER HEIGHTS HIGH"-

Chris Lilley as Mr. G with his chihuahua, Celine

Again, if you're not familiar with this gem, then you really should be. This show was created by comedic genius Chris Lilley a couple of years ago in Australia, and after winning awards and receiving wide critical acclaim, was picked up and broadcast stateside by HBO last winter. Audiences here ate it up and could not stop imitating the three different characters Lilley plays in this mockumentary series about an Australian high school. I do love the Jai'me ("I'd rather be a pedophile than a lesbian"), Jonah ("puck you, Miss!") and Mr. G. characters; each is equally offensive and hilariously delusional in his and her own way, but I'd have to say that Mr. G, the flamboyant, narcissistic drama teacher with a Chihuahua named Celine (yup, as in Dion!) is my personal favorite. Part of this may have to do with the fact that the character reminds me so much of my elementary school music teacher who took his job way too seriously and would sass you at the drop of a hat. I most definitely think Lilley was influenced by the epic Corky St. Clair character, played by Christopher Guest, in Waiting for Guffman for Mr. G. Whatever the inspiration, Lilley's humor and character development is brilliant and each episode is just as funny as the last. Does anyone know if there will be a season two??

-5. KYLIE MINOGUE-

Cover of Kylie's most recent album, X

To me, Kylie reigns supreme among the pop divas. She's made some of the most irresistibly catchy dance pop songs out there to date ("Can't Get You out of My Head") and is expected to release her 11th studio album this year. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Kylie has always been able to radiate sex appeal without taking it to a distasteful or shocking place. She impressed the world when she won her battle with breast cancer and burst back onto the music scene as if she'd never been gone, resuming her sold out "ËœShowgirl' tour less than two years after her initial diagnosis. Kylie then went on to release X, her first album since her recovery, and what I feel is her best yet. Many speculated her ordeal would have a significant effect on the music and message of the album. To their surprise, Kylie produced a variety of upbeat tracks with a heavy 70s and 80s dance influence, but modern sound that showcases Kylie's pop genius. Although it was a commercial success overseas and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Electronic/Dance Album, X got little attention from the masses in the states. Go have a listen, people! In short, Kylie is a fierce little warrior goddess of pop and I think she's downright fabulous.

 

-HONORABLE MENTIONS-

Empire of the Sun in dope outfits, as usual

Empire of the Sun: When the magical music stork delivered a copy of their debut album, Walking On a Dream, months before it was released in the US, I was instantly hooked. Often compared to MGMT, they remind me of a synth-infused, beat-driven David Bowie and many of their tracks have a nearly hypnotic quality and unforgettable melodies. I also dig their whole glam-rock aesthetic and fully appreciate their trip-tastic music videos.

Australian Vogue: This is only my personal preference and I'm not knocking Vogue (god forbid!), but I enjoy the Aussie version so much more than ours. The content and vibe just feels a lot more youthful and is more relatable for me than the US's. But what do I know? I'm just a common philistine.

At $15 an issue, I only buy it as a special treat, and understand that's kind of absurd for a magazine, but the next time you hit the newsstand, flip through Australia's Vogue to see what I mean.

-Emily Green, YH Staff Editor

@green_emily