Jan Saudek

When browsing the Taschen books of his photographs, this Czech photographer born in 1935 took me in his universe. Very easy to identify, his universes repeat themselves to infinity and Jan Saudek multiplies the shoots on an often common base: nudity worked in not so varied settings with hand painted colored photographs giving it a special texture.


Saudek has an obsession with dressed/undressed models. He uses this principle to illustrate the playing cards he composed with two figures back to back with each other upside down (some examples here).


Sex has a huge importance in this photographer's work, especially with atypical profiles like overweighed ladies or people with a specific physical trait. Saudek took many pictures of contortionists. In this extent, this freak-show theme might shock or disturb with this weird and black beauty...Le sexe prend une importance immense dans le travail de ce photographe, notamment lorsqu'il s'agit de profils atypiques de personnes obèses ou ayant une particularité physique bien prononcée. Saudek a également photographié beaucoup de contortionnistes. Dans ce sens, son travail se rapproche beaucoup d'un esprit de Foire (ou Freak show) pouvant déranger ou choquer par sa beauté noire et étrange.


His website both in English and Czech introduces the entirety of his work, from the 1950s to today.

The new Miss Jackson

Janet Jackson is one of those artists I've been "following" for a little time now. For me, the revelation was probably in 1993 with "Again" and the whole "That's the Way Love Goes" era. I was in heaven with the "Velvet Rope" album (1997) and I even liked "All For You" (2001)... More recently, it seemed the 2000s were not so kind to Miss Janet with more lukewarm albums that went unnoticed like "Damita Jo" (2004), or does someone even remember "20YO" (2006). Yeah I thought so.

In a nutshell, as a loyal fan, I'm going to buy "Discipline" on its release day. The latest single "Feedback" with its tragically kitscho-cheap video didn't totally convince me...

Some tracks are fierce and strike when first heard. My good ol' Janet is back! What I like most: "Rock With U", "2Nite", "Can't B Good", "Never Letchu Go" and "What's Ur Name". Of course, there're still the same corny interludes in which she pretends to confide, but the tracks are still good and well produced. Another thing I'm not too keen on: the artwork... I love Janet but isn't she getting a little old playing this faux-provocative leather-clad style?

What I want to hear here is a very surprising track. So what's the sample? Yes, it's Daft Punk! That's what I call intelligent recycling because it's not stealing a good tune (even though, unless I'm mistaken, the Versailles duet is not credited...) but simply the reuse of a super-effective gimmick.

Cheers from Penda

Almost as cheezy as chain emails: the "me give money you from Africa country" email!

Dear good morning ,Please help me ,My name is Miss Penda Oscar From Liberia country .21 years old. my Uncle called Alex , threaten my life since my father was killed by hired thugs , upon he claim most of my father properties , Thinking that i am too young to ask him about it ,

He also said that so far i am a girl that i have no right to my father properties but near neighbours advise me not to talk to him yet , that i should seek advises to stop his actions.

But now the most important reason that makes me to contact you is this , i need your help now, there was money my father secured outside my country ,and he deposited this money with my name as beneficiary and this money was in current united state dollars , worths four million seven hundred thousand dollars $4.700.000.00 , Dear Please know that any thing concern this money ,my Uncle Alex don,t know about it and i would not like him to know it, because my father told me every thing about this money and warn me to keep every thing about this money secret ,This is why i don,t want any one here in africa to know any of my movements untill am there with you .

Dear Please i don,t know if it will be possible for you to come and see the documents by your self and to know me more , then we travel with the documents to the country my father save this money and meet the bank face to face direct for the transfer of this money to your country,

If you don,t have chance to come ,i can send the documents to you by email or by Fax so that you will see it and study it well , then you stand as my father relationship or friend outside Africa and mail the bank and advise them to transfer this money to your country , and you will send me an invitation Letter to come and meet you in your country ,then we discuss on what investment we should put the money into .

I don,t want to discuss much about this money on mail now because of security untill this money is transfered to your position and i left this country to meet you ,

Please am waiting for your reply and send me your direct contacts informations i want to call you on phone and speak with you to hear your voice and we discuss the amount of money i will give you from this money for your help as soon as all the money is transfered into your care.

Cheers from Penda

Several questions come to my mind...
- Who sends this?
- What for... are some people naive enough to buy it?
- Don't they have a syntax book next to them... or is it deliberate?

Eliane Elias

I already had the chance to listen to some notes of "Dreamer" (2004), an Eliane Elias album that recieved raving reviews when it was release. Unfortunately it was almost released at the same time as Bebel Gilberto's eponymous album and I chosed that one back then. Since then, amusing circumstances helped me get back to Eliane Elias, I simply met her delightful daughter last summer, Amanda Elias Becker. When the different pieces of the puzzle assembled in my head, I listened again to this wonderful artist (singer, composer and pianist - Vinicius de Moraes discovered her) of today's Brazilian scene.


The most striking thing about Elias, is her radiant beauty, probably highly emphasized of her albums' covers. Visually already stunning! After that, I can only savor the roundness of the chords, the softness of the voice, the sensuality or the rhythm. It's the most sensible mix of bossa and jazz. The subtlety of this modern sound that finds its roots deep buried in local folk is almost magic!


"Around The City" (2006), one of her latest albums to date, is a wonderful musical journey. With unexpected covers such as "Jammin'" by Bob Marley or classics like "Oye Como Va" by Tito Puente, Eliane Elias puts up real treasured gems and ear candies like "Running", "Around The City" or "Segredos."

Her website: www.elianeelias.com

The other very anticipated movie!

Let's write this down: May 2008 will be a blockbuster packed month! On the 22nd, the 4th installment of the most famous archeology professor opens: "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"



I have to the say the teaser is pretty damn good!

Did you know that:
- Tom Selleck was first selected to feature the legendary Indiana Jones role
- Indiana Jones's first name is Henry
- Not less that 7 actors have impersonate Indiana Jones on different media: Harisson Ford (of course) and River Phoenix (in a flash back) on the big screen, 3 different actors in the TV show "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles", and 2 voice actors for the video games
- The second movie of the series ("The Temple of Doom") actually takes place before the first one ("The Raiders of the Lost Ark")
- This new movie is set in 1957, i.e. almost 20 years after the first installements !
- The new movie project took almost as much time to be defined... directors, producers and actors didn't agree on the central theme of the movie before finally settling on a script in 2006 only
- The new movie also features: Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone, John Hurt and Jim Broadbent.

An official poster (from Poland?) is really scary and so not in the tone of the movie... Found on the official movie site: www.indianajones.com

The much anticipated movie...

Here's the poster of the very anticipated movie "Sex And The City", which opened May 30th in the US (2 days before, in France).


From 1998 to 2004, the 4 New York City girls were on every screens, from HBO to M6. When I first heard of a movie adaptation, I was shocked... before calming down. Four years have passed since then and I'm now very excited to watch that teaser! Let alone this poster, the most glamorous ever made!



Rumors about the shooting set are numerous. We know that mariage's in the air (maybe more than one) and that Jennifer Hudson (the Dreamgirls sensation) will be Carrie's assistant. Another sequel is already talked about... That's maybe a little too soon to mention that even if we can totally trust Michael Patrick King and Sarah Jessica Parker who reign on this production.

Still the king?

Michael Jackson is again in the spotlight with the release today of "Thriller 25", a remastered version of his legendary album (the all-time best seller in the record history), with new versions of his hits featuring duets wiht today's artists, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its original release.

"Rock With You" (video directed by Bruce Gowers, from the album "Off The Wall", 1980)

"Off The Wall" is for a lot of people Michael's first solo album, it is however not really the case. From 1972 to 1975, Motown released 4 albums. OK, not so many hits were remembered from that era, except maybe the very beautiful "One Day in Your Life". This album is great and certainly reveals MJ's potential with his first huge successes like "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough", "She's Out Of My Life" or "Rock With You".

"Thriller" (video directed by John Landis, from the album "Thriller", 1982)

"Thriller" is the record-breaking album that needs no introduction whatsoever. It's a total must-have! The figures make me dizzy, I'll only say that out of the 9 tracks on the ablum, 7 were released as singles!

"Smooth Criminal" (video directed by Colin Chilvers, from the album "Bad", 1987)

The much anticipated next Quincy Jones / Michael Jackson collaboration is "Bad." Very successful, even if it doesn't reach the sales of the previous opus. For me, "Bad" presents one of the finest Jackson ballads like "Liberian Girl", "Man In The Mirror" or "I Just Can't Stop Loving You".

"Remember The Time" (video directed by John Singleton, from the album "Dangerous", 1991)

The very dense and complete "Dangerous" is a New Jack Swing masterpiece. Michael Jackson distinguishes himself with a weird way of life and his expression may be disturbing to some extent. Jackson becomes bigger than life with HUGE hits, top-notch collaboration, Hollywood-style videos and a gigantic tour.

"Stranger In Moscow" (video directed by Nicholas Brandt, from the album "HIStory", 1995)

"HIStory" is the start of a slow down in sales. Jackson's doing too much in megalomania. The album stills holds some perfect gems such as "Scream", "Stranger In Moscow", "Earth Song", "HIStory", certain songs however are only fillers, as far as I'm concerned.

"Blood On The Dance Floor" (video directed by Michael Jackson & Vincent Paterson, from the album "Blood On The Dancefloor", 1997)

Most people probably already forgot this remix album and... we can't blame them. Only one thing is to be remembered (and it's worth it), the title-song. One of my favorite 1990s Jackson song.

"Cry" (video directed by Nicholas Brandt, from the album "Invicible", 2001)

"Invicible" was a failed comeback. The album is neatly produced and enables Jackson to explore new ways. I might blame the poor choice in the singles for the reason of the declining sales. To this day, I think the limited editions with colored artwork are still available pretty much everywhere...

Craziest Paris metro maps

2008's RATP's best wishes campaign received interesting feedback. Here it is again (click to enlarge)


Of course, it was parodied...


The anagram version is a very interesting and poetic idea...


Intégrale ordered the following design for an advertising campaign, and I totally dig this flower-like spreading Paris... It was created by Antoine+Manuel who did some wonderful other works.

A rather futuristic (and impressive) forecast of the RER structure in 2025...


Board games fans? I know some who would probably love to try this one based on Paris's metro map. Learn more about the project, and download the printable version here.


At last, here are the 3 posters used for a very nice campaign, using every station's name.

Laid back electro night

A quiet night at home, I'm browsing the web. I'm listenning to the new Goldfrapp single, and finally I think the band is back to its soft folk roots - the ethereal first album "Felt Mountain" in 2000 is the proof. I'll let you decide what you think of this video I have mixed feelings about. On the other hand, the single probably heralds a new beautiful album, closer to Kate Bush than Kylie Minogue. To be continued. (their websiste here)

Goldfrapp - A&E


Even though her latest CD is perfect, Róisín Murphy's latest work is still very dance-oriented, and tonight, I'm not in the mood for it. Let me get back to Moloko's classic "The Time Is Now", one of their best tracks as far as I'm concerned. The beat is perfect, the video is, too. (their website here)

Moloko - The Time Is Now


I can still picture this Fnac's clerk bored face when I asked him I was looking for this "little English electronic band called Frou Frou..." His attitude won over on this day... I ended up finding this excellent 2002 one-time only collaboration between Imogen Heap and Guy Sigsworth some place else. (their website here)

Frou Frou - Must Be Dreaming


I'm so glad I got to listen to Tracey Thorn's solo album "Out Of The Woods" (2007). Back in 1995 I was dancing like everybody else with Everything But The Girl's legendary "Missing" remix by Todd Terry. Later in my chronology (even though it was released the same year), Tracey's hypnotic vocals on Massive Attack's "Protection" had me tripping. Here the singer delivers an ideal solo effort! Plus, the video rocks. (her site here)

Tracey Thorn - It's All True

Mark Ryden

Mark Ryden was born in 1963 in Oregon, in the US. Growing up in California, Ryden then decides to take illustration and graphism studies.


His clients? Stephen King (he painted some covers for his novels), Danny Elfman, or, more surprisingly: Bridget Fonda and Leonardo DiCaprio (whom Ryden will paint on different occasions). Ryden will also find insipiration in Cristina Ricci many times...


He is commissionned by numerous artists to design their CDs' covers (Michael Jackson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jeff Beck, 4 Non Blondes, Ringo Starr for instance).


He displays his works from 1998 in some Californian art galleries. Museums also starts having exhibitions.


Childhood and death themes are often tackled in his paintings. Meat, numerology, catholic or buddist symbols, American folklore or toys are very often represented in his work.


His collections: The Meat Show (1998), Amalgamation (2000), Bunnies And Bees (2001), Insalta Mista (2003), Bllod (2003), Wondertoonel (2005), The Tree Show (2007).


Learn more on his website: Mark Ryden.

Still the King?

Michael Jackson is in the spotlight again, with the release of "Thriller 25", a remastered version of his legendary album (the most sold in the record history) with new versions of his hits featuring today's artists, in order to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its release.

"Rock With You" (video directed by Bruce Gowers, from the album "Off The Wall", 1980)

Many people "Off The Wall" is the first solo album by Michael Jackson, which isn't the case. From 1972 to 1975, he released 4 LPs from Motown. Granted, only a few minor hits were remembered from this period besides the poignant "One Day In Your Life". This brilliant album is certainly the revelation MJ, who performs his first successes, with "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough", "She's Out Of My Life" or "Rock With You".

"Thriller" (video directed by John Landis, from the album "Thriller", 1982)

"Thriller" is the record album we don't even need to present. It's the ultimate must-have! The figures concerning "Thriller" are amazing, I will only point out that 7 out of the total 9 trakcs of the album were released as singles!

"Smooth Criminal" (video directed by Colin Chilvers, taken from the album "Bad", 1987)

The much anticipated album "Bad" was the last collaboration Quincy Jones / Michael Jackson. It met great success, even if it doesn't reach the high sales of the previous album. As far as I'm concerned, "Bad" is the album to some of the best Michael Jackson songs such as "Liberian Girl", "Man In The Mirror" or "I Just Can't Stop Loving You".

"Remember The Time" (video directed by John Singleton, from the album "Dangerous", 1991)

The very dense and achieved "Dangerous" is a New Jack Swing masterpiece. Michael Jackson starts being a tabloid sensation with a lifestyle and a way of expressing himself that become every day more outrageous. Jackson dwells on the gigantic side with some major hits, impressive collaborations, amazing videos and a monstruous tour.

"Stranger In Moscow" (video directed by Nicholas Brandt, taken from the album "HIStory", 1995)

"HIStory" marks the beginning of a slowdown in the sales. Jackson is a little too much. However, this album treasures some very nice gems like "Scream", "Stranger In Moscow", "Earth Song", "HIStory", too many fillers though.

"Blood On The Dance Floor" (video directed by Michael Jackson & Vincent Paterson, taken from the album "Blood On The Dancefloor", 1997)

Most people will probably have forgotten this remix album and... we can't really blame them. One thing to remember, is the title track, which is one of my favorite '90s Jackson songs!

"Cry" (video directed by Nicholas Brandt, taken from the album "Invicible", 2001)

"Invicible" was a failed attempt to come back. The very well produced album enables Jackson to discover new ground. I think the poor choice of the singles might explain why this album didn't do that well... To this day, I think the 4-color limited edition cover is still available in stores everywhere...

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

My sister brought me back some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups the other day, a friend of her had them in the US.


Created in 1928 by Mr. Harry Burnett Reese in Hershey, Pennsylvania (Hershey is now a majorAmerican chocolate manufacturer), this little treats with chocolate and peanut butter are an American emblem.


Photoshop enables me to capture the moment of this last butter cup swallowed down couple of minutes ago. I don't know when I'm gonna be able to eat them next, I guess that's what makes them even tastier...


A discreet little store on Times Square helps you realize the impact of Hershey's/Reese's on American culture...

My creations for the CD I mix

Sugababes Vs. Girls Aloud

Great Britain has always have a long girls bands tradition, Bananarama had paved the way to legions of young more or less excited English ladies with average producers from the early '80s. In the '90s, the world is taken over by the Spice Girls hurricane, they stayed on top of the sales for years with efficient yet formated hits and some over the top flair and attitude. In the 2000s, with new standards - the music supply is expandable, a pseudo underground movement has risen -, and new formats - the reality-tv bubble and the multimedia oomph -, a new generation of girls bands has arrived with at least as much (maybe even more) appeal...

Sugababes - Easy (2006)

From 1998 on, 3 schoolyard girlfriends get together and become the very successful trio the Sugababes. Being very quiet in France, in the UK, they're the bomb and have a long string of #1s. Keisha Buchana, Siobhan Donaghy (who left in 2001), Muty Buena (left the band in 2005) were the original Sugababes, Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah replaced subsequently the departed members.

Girls Aloud - Jump (2003)

Cheryl Cole, Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh are the lucky winners of 2002's "Popstars: The Rivals". I first hear about them with "Jump", the punchy Pointer Sisters's cover (1984) which is on the "Love Actually" soundtrack.

Sugababes - Push The Button (2005)

The Sugababes don't simply enjoy a public success, they gain the profession's recognition by winning several BRIT Awards.

Girls Aloud - Call The Shots (2007)

The new Girls Aloud single, pretty cool! The latest LP is awesome and has it all: energetic, upbeat, and very catchy too.

Sugababes - About You Now (2007)

The latest Sugababes single with now only one original member remaining. A hit with a little less commercial appeal, yet an interesting song with a glamorous video in tight little yellow dresses.

Girls Aloud - Biology (2005)
"Biology" is to my opinion one of the best Girls Aloud tracks, with a colorful, sexxxxy et hyper dynamique video.

Sugababes Vs. Girls Aloud - Walk This Way (2007)

The confrontation of the 2 bands occurs in 2007 with the pretty successful cover of the Aerosmith (1975) / Run DMC (1986) produced by Dallas Austin.

Further reading:
Girls Aloud (official site)
Sugababes (official site)

Metro Line 3: slowing down?

I notice a fewer number of painted wagons. On the other hand, lots of remains or less happy tags can be seen here and there...


Here are the latest I could see (January 2008).