The Lord Bassington-Bassington Chronicles

Cheeful (neo)folk

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000+01:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington simply adores this blog. Because nobody can look cheerful like neofolkers.

(In the picture: Solblot).

Confessions of a bibliophile

2012-01-25T09:00:00.003+01:00

As a response to urgent overcrowding of the bookshelves here at Bassington Manor, as well as a desperate attempt to use his money more constructively, Lord Bassington-Bassington has resolved to not purchase any new books for a month.

His Lordship suspects that withdrawal symptons will set in soon, and plans to treat the problem by studying other people who obviously suffer from similar afflictions to that of his own. In this case, Mark Valentine, renowned biographer og Arthur Machen and short story writer with several publications on one of His Lordship's favourite small presses.

Thanks to the Somersetians for the link tip.

Tea and tartans

2012-01-24T09:00:00.002+01:00

Surely this must be an appropriate tea-time treat for a Tartan Tuesday? With heartfelt thanks to La Sombra Sofisticada for the tip about the Scottie dog shortbreads and for Lord Bassington-Bassington about Clifton, one of His Lordship's puppyhood idols. And thanks to Lady Mju for the pictures.

The shortbreads were delicious. It truly is a hound-eat-dog world!

Here at Bassington Manor, we tend to like our crimefighters and consulting detectives well dressed.

A rakish angle

2012-01-22T09:00:00.001+01:00

Portrait of the painter Pere Ysern by Marià Pidelaserra i Brias.

Rose clouds of hardcore

2012-01-11T09:00:00.021+01:00

Dwid Hellion is one of the most interesting characters in “darker” music. Mr. Hellion founded the band Integrity, which made waves in the straight edge hardcore scene in the late 1980s – the time Lord Bassington-Bassington was loosely affiliated with it. Then things got weird. Hellion traded in the "X" on the back of the hand for tabs of LSD, and developed an obsession with the Process Church of the Final Judgment - a perfectly normal obsession to have. Integrity became one of the most intriguing bands around in the early 90s.

In the two decades since this track saw the light of day Integrity have only gotten heavier, darker and better. As a result of this, the band has a healthy cult following.

(Mr. Hellion. To the right: Mr. Rice. Photo: Mr. Rodahl Dedekam).

In the meantime, Mr. Hellion's own interests have developed and broadened. A result of this is the band (or perhaps it’s more apt to call it a project) Roses Never Fade, which delivers a strongly personal take on the neofolk genre. Their self-titled album has been a favourite at Bassington Manor over the last year, and Lord Bassington-Bassington is lucky enough to own a copy on wonderful yellow vinyl (picture stolen from this blog).

And now they have a new seven-inch EP out on Neuropa Records, well-known haunt of industrial and neofolk connoisseurs. Mr. Hellion is no longer contributing musically to the band but, multi-talented chap that he is, is also an interesting artist and graphic designer and this makes the release look excellent. This bodes well for the coming album, but if one takes the band’s apocalyptic sensibilities seriously it bodes less well for the world.

Sweet soul music

2012-01-10T09:00:00.003+01:00

Since Bassington Manor is filled with Alpine sounds these days...

With apologies to this website and, of course, to Arthur Conley.

Mellow Mullah

2012-01-09T09:00:00.006+01:00

(Illustration by Kim Holm).

A few Saturdays ago the evening here at Bassington Manor included a small Tiki party, and as Lord Bassington-Bassington is quite fond of mixing these drinks His Lordship saw fit to create a special one for the occasion. And as Bassington Manor was visited by His Lordship's beloved Mullah the theme of the drink was a given. The Mellow Mullah was born.

This drink is based on the Happy Buddha, but rejiggered to fit better with the teachings of the Seal of the Prophets. Or at least the teachings of the Seal of the Prophets as preached by the Mad Mullah Hastur, the Islamic scholar who, in a daring act of itjihad, declared bacon to be a fruit – and hence quite halal. The good Mullah's fatwas tend to be like that, and that is why His Lordship tries to follow them, well, religiously.

Mellow mullah
12 cl guava nectar
1,5 cl Rose’s Lime Cordial Mixer
Lime juice*
0,75 cl Cointreau
4,5 cl Mount Gay Rum

* Making one's own guava juice might be a bit ambitious (though Lord Bassington-Bassington is planning on trying) and the guava nectars available in colder climates tend to be on the sweet side. To balance this, add a small amount of freshly squeezed lime juice. The drink should be sweet but also tangy and fresh.

Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake well and strain into a suitably grotesque Tiki mug packed with ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh lime and wheel of fresh guava. Enjoy, and reflect on how much better the world would be if more people followed the good Mullah's fatwas.

RIP Christopher Hitchens

2011-12-16T11:34:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Mrs. Drachensteen for the link. To see Christopher Hitchens at his absolute best go here.

Austrian longings

2011-12-13T12:46:00.000+01:00

One of Lord Bassington-Bassington's favourite new neofolk acts these last few years has been Austrian-based Jännerwein. A charming little band that shows great promise, but which, like many new neofolk bands, has been a bit caught in the genre.

Lord Bassington-Bassington feels that music is a bit like cooking: The challenge isn’t so much to create something original (which is easy), but to make something exciting and interesting with the ingredients that are already available. But then, Lord Bassington-Bassington, being a Hound wont to think with his stomach, more or less relates everything to cooking.

Thus, it is with great pleasure that Lord Bassington-Bassington can report that Jännerwein's new album Nach der Sehnsucht takes a great stride away from formulaic neofolk. For those non-German speakers out there the title translates into something like “Towards the Longing”, a nicely romantic (and possibly pretentious) title if there ever was one.

While it maintains the underground and Industrial feel that is such an integral part of the neofolk experience, the songs on Nach der Sehnsucht are more lively, more varied, more self-assured. Just better. In fact, Nach der Sehnsucht is such a rare treat for the neofolk lover that it has been on heavy repeat here at Bassington Manor for the last week, forcing all other records to retreat.

A nice development here at Bassington Manor has been that Lady Mju has become hooked on Nach der Sehnsucht, too. And as Paolo Hewitt once remarked about The Style Council: "(...) the group did gain new converts, and they were mainly female. In pop music, this is always a good sign".

And once the references to classic British music journalism start appearing, the question of what nickname Jännerwein should have inevitably appears. While "the Whiners" and "the Wieners" both have their charm, but Lord Bassington-Bassington is looking for something more catchy. Any suggestions?

A word of beauty

2011-12-12T09:00:00.000+01:00

Brilliant illustrator Tini Malitius has a new project: interpreting words. And after some gentle nudging from Lord Bassington-Bassington she consented to tackle what is surely the most beautiful word in the world.

This, of course, reminds us that the redesign promised above never happened. Well, Lord Bassington-Bassington would like to blame this on His Lordship's inherent conservatism, but laziness might have more to do with it.

A cove(r)table jacket

2011-12-09T09:00:00.002+01:00

Having taken an obsession with covert coats to absurd levels (at last count, the wardrobe here at Basssington Manor held five to eight variations on the coat, depending on how strictly one defines the covert coat) Lord Bassington-Bassington was happy to find this opportunity to take his love one step further.

A jacket in covert material!

This is definitely something for Lord Bassington-Bassington to consider, but the basic jacket needs to be tweaked a bit. A velvet collar would work perfectly. And the jacket could be made a little longer... and doggone it! Suddenly it's yet another covert coat.

His Lordship needs to obsess less.

Saturday night at Bassington Manor

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000+01:00

The Lord Bassington-Bassington Chronicles would like to present a few pictures from last Saturday evening's debut performance from Death in Uke here at Bassington Manor.

And after Death in Uke's debut, and the attendees had been fortified by a small selection of drinks from Bassington Manor's Tiki bar, it was off to see some more seasoned performers.

Thanks to Mr. Tweedy Conservative for the pictures.

Awakened by the butler

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000+01:00

Bassington Manor is, of course, in possession of a cuckoo clock. But surely any proper manor needs more than one clock. And while waddling around the Internet, Lord Bassington-Bassington came across this lovely clock.

As Lord Bassington-Bassington sadly lacks the means to employ a butler, this talking alarm clock might be the next best thing. Especially since the clock comes with recordings of Stephen Fry, an actor His Lordship has a certain fondness for (to put it mildly). Especially Mr. Fry's portrayal of quintessential gentleman's gentleman Reginald Jeeves.

A summery memory

2011-11-25T09:00:00.002+01:00

On days like this, when the darkness descends upon the North and makes the bright summer night seem like naught but a memory, one needs to dream of a warm evening.

This is an excerpt from In Gowan Ring's performance in Maridalen outside of Oslo this summer. A magical evening of fantastic food, good drinks and exquisite company. Thanks so much to Mr. Folky Churchwarden for bringing In Gowan Ring to Norway once more.

An interesting recapitulation of the evening (in Norwegian) can be found here.

Masculine mysteries

2011-11-24T09:13:00.003+01:00

The Unbearable Bassington-Bassington?

2011-11-23T09:00:00.002+01:00

A kind gift from a friend led Lord Bassington-Bassington to ask the inevitable question: Is someone trying to tell His Lordship something?

The Unbearable Bassington is a cracking read, by the way: Saki is a writer Lord Bassington-Bassington is terribly fond of, especially his weird stories. A dapper dresser he was, too.

Saki in 1913

Lord Bassington-Bassington would like to thank Mr. Hansen for the gift, and remind the latter that His Lordship owes him a book or three.

Tartan Tuesdays: Swedish accessories

2011-11-22T09:00:00.005+01:00

Swedish accessory specialist Mannby & Rörling was first brought to Lord Bassington-Bassington 's attention by that illustrious Swedish association known as The Drones Club.

Mannby & Rörling's business idea (though M & R looks more like a hobby than a business at this point) is irresistible: Small-scale production of handmade bow ties, ties and pocket hankies. Mannby & Rörling seem open to interesting challenges, too - the diamond-tip bow tie in tweed they created for The Drones Club is nothing less than stunning.

A pocket square in their Tartanic pattern might perhaps match Lord Bassington-Bassington's beloved tie in Singh Tartan.

And the fabric makes for a stunning bow tie, too.

Wreathy good

2011-11-21T09:00:00.002+01:00

While shopping online for King Dude vinyls, Lord Bassington-Bassington came across Wreathes, which were described, bizarrely (but enticingly!) as a "Perennialist pop unit".

This seems to be a promising band to follow, and their debut single is already a treasured part of the record collection here at Bassington Manor.

And for some reason, the video made His Lordship think of Rasputin.

Satanic curses

2011-11-19T19:12:00.000+01:00

Cursing. Most humans do it, but if you ask Lord Bassington-Bassington, they tend to do it badly. Curses usually revolve around references to human copulation (disgusting stuff, in any Basset hound’s opinion) or blasphemy (boring, to anyone grown up on heavy metal). The art of cursing needs to be rescued. And who better to teach the world the noble art of cursing than a Satanist?

(Photo: Carl Abrahamsson.)

Enter sharp-dressed iconoclast Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan. Like most religious teachers, be they Christians, Muslims (or, indeed, Humanists) Lord Bassington-Bassington has his his differences with Mr. Lavey's teachings, but he has usually gotten on swimmingly with LaVey’s followers (and LaVey himself, the one time His Lordship was fortunate enough to spend some time with him). They are simply nicer than they would like you to believe.

But not only was LaVey the founder of one of the most interesting new religious movements of the last century, he was also a master curser. This list is of creative curses is from a copy of The Cloven Hoof, issue 129 (1997).

"for the love of mike!" – "zounds!" – "for pete's sake!" – "gadzooks!" – "for crying out loud!" – "criminetles!" – "leaping lizards!” – "pish! tosh!" – "hell's bells!” – "suffering succotash!" – "cheese and crackers...(got all muddy!)" – "land's sakes!" – "me oh my!" – "well, blow me down!" – "what the hey!" – "son of a gun!" – "hail columbia!" – "well, i swan! " – "son of a bee hive!" – "swear to god!" – "hot dog!" – "gol dang it!" – "i'll be buttered!" – "gosh darn it!" – "what in blue blazes!" – "dag nab it!" – "what the sam hill!" – "doggone it!" – "what the deuce!" – "i'll be doggoned!" – "dog my cats!" – "jiminy crickets!" – "good grief!" – "shoot!" – "holy cow!" – "fiddlesticks!" – "by golly!" – "i'll be a monkey's uncle!" – "gripes!" – "egads!" – "jeez!" – "you're full of prunes!" – "by golly!" – "none of your beeswax!" – "by gum!" – "for criminy sakes!" – "by jupiter!" – "shucks!" – "omigosh!" – "what the (heck!)" – "excuse my dust!" – "don't stop now!" – "by heck!" – "this'll kill ya!" – "you don't say!" – "oh, fudge!" – "good grief!" – "h-e-double toothpicks!" – "good heavens!" – "land sakes!" – "go to blazes!" – "sakes alive!" – "heavens to betsy!" – "well, i'll be!" – "jumping jehosephat!" – "great scott!" – "lord love a duck!" – "great balls of fire!" – "holy moley!" – "glorioski!" – "saints preserve us!" – "land o goshen!" – "good gravy!" – "tarnation!" – "consarn – "shiver me timbers!" – "yumping yimminy!" – "oy, veh iz mir!" – "if dat don't take de cake!" – "shut my mouth!" – "yikes!" – "mama mia!" – "the cat's pajamas!" – "the monkey's instep!" – "s.o.b!" – "son of a sea cook!" – "son of a biscuit!" – "pshaw!" – "bushwa!" – "zut alors!" – "aw, nertz!" – "oh, nuts!" – "golly!" – "golly gee!" – "holy moses!" – "by jove!" – "gosh almighty!" – "goodness gracious!" – "good gravy!" – "by george!" – "great guns!" – "holy cats!" – "confound it!" – "gee whillikers!" – "gee whiz!" – "godfrey daniel!" – "cut it out...you're – killin' me!" – "good heavens!" – "holy smoke!" – "by cracky!" – "my stars!" – "judas priest!" – "bless my soul!" – "upon my word!" – "the cat's meow!" – "jiminy christmas!" – "blimey!" – "honest injun!" – "caramba!" – "i'll be a dirty – so and so!" – "i'll be darned!" – "how d'ye like that!" – "whadda ya know about that!" – "gimme a break!" – "hang it all!" – "ain't it the truth!" – "shadrack, mesach, and a billy goat!" – "three cheers & a tiger!" – "aw, figs!" – "fan my brow!" – "tan my hide!" – "great day in the morning!" – "glory be!" – "holy mackerel!" – "heavenly days!" – "stuff and nonsense!" – "my aching back!" – "for pity's sakes!" – "whadda ya gonna do!" – "that's telling 'em – "well, strike me pink!" – "you don't say!" – "sez you!" – "so's your old man!" – "your mudder wears army shoes!" – "go chase yourself!"

Lord Bassington-Bassington would like to thank Reverend Kevin I. Slaughter for transcribing this list.

So, by Jove, go out and curse!

Riding low

2011-11-07T09:00:00.000+01:00

Not real hounds, either.

They might move into a collectible box set, though.

Royal Dudery

2011-11-02T09:00:00.000+01:00

It might not be the best band in the universe, as their take on neofolk tends towards the formulaic. They definitely do not have the best name. Still, Lord Bassington-Bassington has a rather large soft spot for King Dude.

Despite their flaws, King Dude have a lot going on for them, in His Lordship's humble opinion. Not only do they play neofolk that's a bit punky, something Lord Bassington-Bassington quite appreciates, they also have a fine sense of the mystical.

And when they also have the good taste to get their recordings issued on vinyl, it’s impossible for a certain long-eared Lord to not want to support them. So His Lordship have recently purchased Tonight's Special Death...

...and the re-release of My Beloved Ghost on Bathetic Records.

And while researching this little blog post it was brought to His Lordship's attention that King Dude have yet another record out soon on Dais Records. Definitely something for His Lordship and other neofolk connoiseurs to pre-order!

The Shining

2011-11-01T09:00:00.001+01:00

Mark Powell.

And if, like Lord Bassington-Bassington, you'd like to see the film again but thinks it has too few characters with long ears in it, His Lordship would like to recommend the bunny version.

A death and a rebirth

2011-10-31T09:00:00.001+01:00

So it's hardly a secret anymore that the Café Grössenwahn is on an indefinite hiatus. While the Heterical Cellar is back. Tonight.

It's been fun to do the Café Grössenwahn, and we here at the Chronicles would like to thank all the jolly and sharp-dressed people that helped make it so magical. Especially Solblot, Tony Wakeford, Kentin Jivek, The Green Man and Spiritual Front, who all travelled great distances to entertain us.

Bassetattoo?

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000+02:00

Tattoos. Lord Bassington-Bassington never really cared much for them. While tattoo enthusisasts like to refer to their adornments as "body art", Lord Bassington-Bassington has tended to find that, frankly, tattoos are at best "body kitsch", and at their worst pure "body crap".

But even a Hound of conservative tastes has to admit that sometimes opinions need to be revised. Much has happened in the world of tattooing in the last decades, techniques have taken giant leaps, and tattoos look better than they ever have. Moreover, His Lordship seems to be surrounded by people with stunning examples of what contemporary tattooists can achieve.

The main problem with tattoos, though, is that there's really only one thing worth adorning one's body with. So Lord Bassington-Bassington was inspired to take a small ramble through the Internet to see how today's tattoo enthusiasts are doing in that department.

While Lord Bassington-Bassington is a great fan of cocktail culture, there is something very wrong with this tattoo.

And far from of the noble Basset's soulfully drooping looks, this hound just looks like it listens too much to My Chemical Romance.

But now we're talking! This delightful duo comes much closer to capturing the true elegance of the Basset.

But hands down, this Valkyrie Basset is the best Basset tattoo Lord Bassington-Bassington could find. National Romanticism always captures His Lordship's heart.

Bloody, sweaty, glorious vinyl

2011-10-26T09:00:00.002+02:00

As Lord Bassington-Bassington loves vinyl, and has a certain fondness for bands such as Neurosis and Jesu, His Lordship is really looking forward to seeing this documentary.

Wormwood on bikes

2011-10-20T09:00:00.000+02:00

As could be expected, representatives of Lord Bassington-Bassington's favourite Scandinavian publishers, Malört förlag, recently partcipated in the Stockholm edition of the tweedy rides that seem to be spreading like, well, a fire in a tweed factory (perish the thought!)

This picture captured Mr. Rosenberg and a more mysterious compatriot celebrating the better things in life. Like tweed and bikes.

But then, it's already an established fact that Malört is an extraoridnarily well-dressed publisher.

Oh, to be there...

2011-10-18T09:00:00.000+02:00

...at the Third Grand Anarcho-Dandyist Ball. Sigh.

Notes on steampunk

2011-10-17T09:00:00.001+02:00

There's no denying that Lord Bassington-Bassington moves in circles where the phenomenon of steampunk is held in a certain regard. And while the Victorian futurism of steam and clockwork has a certain appeal to anyone with a nostalgic bent, His Lordship has always felt that steampunk is slightly overrated. So imagine his elation when stumbling upon the eminent webpage Your Scene Sucks, which features a brilliantly acidic write-up on steampunks.

Here at Bassington Manor, "steampunk" is what happens when His Lordship's secretary irons shirts with the iron on a steam setting – while listening to old punk records.

Handy cufflinks

2011-10-12T09:00:00.003+02:00

While on the subject of handlebar moustaches, Lord Bassington-Bassington's better three-quarters, Lady Mju, brought these cufflinks to His Lordship's attention. And they are rather iresistible, aren't they? If not divine?

Tartan Tuesday: Scottish Basset

2011-10-11T09:00:00.001+02:00

In honour of our Tartan Tuesdays, Lord Bassington-Bassington thought it fitting to remind his readers that perhaps the most famous Basset hound ever, more famous than Droopy, yes possibly even more famous than Lord Bassington-Bassington himself, is Scottish.

And like any true Scotsman, he wears tartans!

A model adaptation

2011-10-10T09:00:00.001+02:00

As His Lordship is currently in the mood for graphic art adaptations of Lovecraft, Lord Bassington-Bassington thought it appropriate to bring the world news of an exciting Lovecraftian development here in Norway.

Graphic art maestro Kim Holm (who, among other things, have produced wonderful studies of none other than Lord Bassington-Bassington himself) has just released the first version of his adaptation of the Lovecraft short story "Pickman's Model".

The first version can be purchased here, and if you are a Lovecraft fanatic like Lord Bassington-Bassington you will want this gem in your collection. Here at Bassington Manor, we will soon need a separate bookshelf just for His Lordship’s Lovecraftiana.

Those of a less obsessive nature can read the work for free on the Interwebs.

But Lord Bassington-Bassington is really looking forward to the full version, which is promised in November.

Tweed Runs go American - and corporate

2011-10-07T11:15:00.002+02:00

Tweed Runs are launched in New York City. And they appear to be sponsored by Ralph Lauren.

Being a big stodgy, Lord Bassington-Bassington is a bit unsure what to make of this. Is this a good thing, or not?

On the one hand, it is good that Tweed Runs spread out like the splendid idea that they are. It is also good that the joys of tweed are spread to people that would otherwise be in danger of wearing streetwear.

And it must be said that Ralph Lauren's Rugby collection, which is showcased at the Tweed Run, contains some glorious pieces of clothing.

Such as these tweed slippers. Perhaps His Lordship has finally found the slippers of his dreams?

On the other hand, it is a little sad that global fashion houses get in on the act, as Lord Bassington-Bassington does tend to agree with critiques of these companies' business practices.

Thanks to Mr. Kvant of Scania for the tip!

Ossian Brown Book

2011-10-03T09:00:00.001+02:00

While on the subject of Cyclobe, Lord Bassington-Bassington thought it appropriate to mention Ossian Brown's new book, Haunted Air, a pictorial exploration of Halloweens past. The introduction by filmmaker David Lynch is also quite interesting reading.

This book makes Lord Bassington-Bassington long for Halloween. And the book trailer, of course, creates an intense need to see John Carpenter's horror classic again.

Folky incantations

2011-09-26T10:00:00.000+02:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington would like to recommend this video by his friend, the talented and stylish Kentin Jivek.

If you have no clue what the Merseburger Zaubersprüche are, His Lordship thinks this article provides a decent introduction.

Kicking for Kadath

2011-09-23T09:00:00.001+02:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington has so far participated in one Kickstarter project, with great results. In short, it seems like a great way to both contribute to a worthy cause AND save money at the same time.

And given his love of most things Lovecraftian, perhaps this is something His Lordship should support?

Cyclobean sounds

2011-09-22T09:00:00.001+02:00

Headed by Ossian Brown and Stephen Thrower, Cyclobe is essentially an offshoot of Coil, a band Lord Bassington-Bassington has always had an appreciation for. But in at least one way, Cyclobe has an edge over the band that begot them.

For while Coil have tended to wear outfits that made them look a bit like furries or, even worse, as if they were wearing OnePieces, Cyclobe opt for a more conservative look. A look that complements the music perfectly, as Cyclobe conjures up the atmospheres of the ghost stories of M.R. James. And as any sensible reader of M.R. James knows, his stories make you long to put on some tweeds and explore ancient churches in the countryside. As mssrs. Brown and Thrower seem to prepare for in the picture below.

These tweedy experimentalists deserve all the support they can get, and their latest album, Wounded Galaxies Tap at The Window, is full of autumnal atmospheres that will help motivate Lord Bassington-Bassington’s current studies into weird fiction.

Stockholm turns tweedy

2011-09-21T09:00:00.000+02:00

Lord Bassington–Bassington's call for Tweed Runs to be celebrated closer to Bassington Manor seems to be yielding results. Now Stockholm is about to celebrate its first Tweed Run.

How long will His Lordship have to wait for a Tweed Run here in Little Storping?

Lord Bassington-Bassington: Not a twit(terer)

2011-09-20T09:00:00.002+02:00

While Lord Bassington-Bassington thinks he doesn't do so badly at blogging, provided he has his trusty (yet slightly incompetent) private secretary at his side, His Lordship has so far shied away from that phenomenon know as Twitter.

That might perhaps be a good thing, given this analysis of canine twittering.

All things considered, Lord Bassington-Bassington prefers tweed to tweets.

In Praise of Lighthouse Keepers

2011-09-19T09:00:00.006+02:00

While there's an explosion of Lovecraftian cinema these days, it's not every day that a Scandinavian film inspired by Lovecraft is produced. In fact, the Swedish Fyren produced by Bigbelly Films, is probably the first truly Lovecraftian film in Scandinavian history. And luckily for the non-Scandies out there it has also been given English subtitles and released internationally (in selected webshops anyway) under the title Keeper of the Light.

Keeper of the Light is a short film, shot near one of Sweden's great lakes, and like almost all truly interesting Lovecraftian films it’s a decidedly low-budget affair. The trailer should give the prospective viewer some idea of what he (or she) is in for.

While the opening captures that truly elusive Lovecraftian atmosphere.

It would be an exaggeration to say that this is a film without flaws. Moments of Lovecraftian, numinous horror are offset by moments where the budgetary constraints really show. But not only is it very enjoyable (and at times very creepy), it is also a very promising start for Scandinavian Lovecraftian cinema. This film is a treasure for anyone with a Lovecraftian soul.

Oh, and Lord Bassington-Bassington would like to extend his thanks to Van der Graaf Generator for the title to this blog post.

Moon, descending

2011-09-15T09:00:00.001+02:00

As Danish neofolk outfit Of the Wand and the Moon is a bit of a house band here at Bassington Manor, Lord Bassington-Bassington never seems to grow tired of howling about them. Now there's a long awaited new album out, The Lone Descent. While any new music from OTWATM makes His Lordship's ears stand to attention, an extra bonus for Lord Bassington-Bassington is that this album also comes in a lavish double vinyl version. The music is of course the most important thing, but hey, a record collecting Hound can't help himself, can he?

Kim Larsen. Photo by Mark Liens, post production Diana Daia

So while His Lordship is waiting for the vinyl edition to arrive, in the meantime the living and listening room here at the Manor is filled with the digital sound of The Lone Descent - kindly sent over by Kim Larsen himself.

Suffice to say that so far it sounds not only like Of the Wand and the Moon's best album so far, but definitely the best neofolk album ever produced in Scandinavia. The music is built on the same foundation of softly melancholic neofolk, with occasional bursts of élan, that Kim Larsen does so well, but this time around Mr. Larsen's debt to Lee Hazlewood (which he has covered before) and Ennio Morricone shows more clearly.

If you have the slightest interest in neofolk, you owe yourself this album. Preferably on vinyl.

Hunting season

2011-09-14T09:00:00.000+02:00

With autumn coming the hunting season is around the corner. And as Lord Bassington-Bassington is a bit ambivalent about hunting, His Lordship thought he'd leave it up to his old hero Droopy to show how the hunt can be made more enjoyable for both the Hound and its prey.

More lessons to be learned are surely that with a cup of tea and a monocle one can persevere through anything.

Pip pip!

Tartan Tuesday: Now with turbans!

2011-09-13T09:00:00.002+02:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington always finds it interesting to observe cultures collidinghttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif. Sometimes the result is a worst-of-both-worlds scenario, something that can be made worse by multiculturalist ideology. At the best of times, what emerges is something that is both excitingly new and reassuringly traditional; a sublime combination of two cultures.

And as Lord Bassington-Bassington both celebrates Tartan Tuesdays and has a soft spot (behind His right ear, if you want to be precise) for Sikhs, what can possibly be better than a combination of the two?

Meet Baron Sirdar Iqbal Singh, a Scottish Laird that is also a Sikh. Baron Singh has not only used some of earnings from his business career to purchase an island and name it after Scottish national poet Robert Burns, he has also participated in the strengthening of Scottish culture by registering his own tartan with the Scottish Tartans Authority.

And quite a fetching tartan it is, too! Imagine a pocket hankie in this tartan. Or a full kilt, if one is so inclined!

Civilized disobedience

2011-09-12T09:00:00.004+02:00

The Chap magazine has sought for ten years to satirize what they see as the coarsening of everyday life in Britain in the form of bad manners, rudeness in public and a valorisation of the average and the mediocre, or what they see as consumer conformism. Of course, this is presented ironically in the form of a fogey-ish elitism on their part in defence of a dying older culture, and the position adopted by the magazine’s creators is one of what they call ‘anarcho-dandyism’, resistance to conformism through the cultivation of style and taste.

- Peter Wilkin, The Strange Case of Tory Anarchism

In these dark times, Lord Bassington-Bassington feels the need for a light to show us all the way forward. A way which might, as it happens, also be the way backwards. Luckily, there is a magazine – and a loose movement – dedicated to the best that European civilization has to offer. If you don't subscribe to The Chap already, His Lordship suggests that you do so.

Gustav Temple, editor of The Chap. Photo by Fiona Campbell.

Poland to Paris

2011-09-09T09:00:00.001+02:00

Because Lord Bassington-Bassington can never resist a good pseudo-Constructivist poster. And because His Lordship can't resist the idea of Frenchmen bringing the best of Poland to Paris.

No hounds barred

2011-09-08T09:00:00.000+02:00

The field of human-canine understanding takes great leaps forward. In Canada, signs are made canine-friendly, there are psychoanalysts specializing in the canine psyche and many other signs of improvement.

But Lord Bassington-Bassington was especially impressed by how the bakery right around the corner had made special concessions for such as His Lordship. A bar for canine customers! It might not have sharply dressed bartenders, and the selection of drinks left a lot to be desired, but hey – it's a start!

Bloody loafing

2011-09-07T10:00:00.001+02:00

Sometimes, a pair of shoes are what you need to keep going. After July 22., obsessions with strange ideas, European style and bouts of megalomania felt less fun. In a moment of despair, Lord Bassington-Bassington thought about ending these Chronicles for good.

But then, His Lordship chanced upon these oxblood loafers, and got his zest for life - and footwear - back. A more usable version of a pair of loafers that caught his attention earlier in the season, these little darlings are now safely residing in the shoe closet here at Bassington Manor.

Conservative yet casual, sensible yet silly, old-fashioned but also strangely up-to-the-minute. In other words: A bit like His Lordship himself. And like these Chronicles, of course.

With the more formal (brogue-patterned) front and ridiculous back, these shoes are perhaps a bit like the footwear equivalent of the mullet: Business in the front, party in the back.

Perhaps the shoes should be worn with a fez, for a real tassel statement?

Cultish youths

2011-09-06T10:00:00.001+02:00

Easily the most exciting new neofolk band, Cult of Youth continue to tickle Lord Bassington-Bassington's musical tastebuds.

Cult of Youth's relatively recent, eponymous album on Sacred Bones Records is a rare blend of neofolk and hardcore punk energy that probably has been spun 100 times on the turntable here at Bassington Manor.

There's even been a very stylish video made for one of the tracks.

Their latest seven inch on Blind Prophet Records is also a small gem. But then, every Cult of Youth release is worth the money.

But it's live that Cult of Youth really seem to shine, because that's the arena where the restless energy projected by front man Sean Ragon really comes into its own. So here's a live rendition of one of His Lordship's favourite tracks from the album.

In a world of derivative, boring neofolk acts bands like Cult of Youth is what makes the flame still burn in the hearth here at Bassington Manor.

Loveable handles

2011-09-05T09:00:00.001+02:00

While already a member of the New Sheridan Club, Lord Bassington-Bassington is currently investigating The Handlebar Club.

This august society, founded in 1947, demands that its member possess "a hirsute appendage of the upper lip, with graspable extremities". So surely the stately whiskers of a Basset Hound qualifies for membership?

In fact, Basset Hounds are so naturally elegant that even Basset ladies (such as the lovely Lucy from Boston seen above) would qualify for membership in the Handlebar Club!

And like any club worth being in, The Handlebar Club has a lovely selection of ties and cufflinks.

Summer ends

2011-09-02T09:00:00.005+02:00

(Picture: Gloriously British by Gresham Blake).

The chill in the morning air and the thundering showers means that we are entering the most beautiful season here in the North. A season of soft sweaters, comforting tweeds and - best of all - covert coats.

Let the leaves fall from the trees and the autumn wardrobe leave the cupboards!

Norway, Home of Giants

2011-09-01T09:00:00.001+02:00

Like many Norwegians, Lord Bassington-Bassington has become noticeably more patriotic since the terrible events of this summer.

So in order to increase the understanding and appreciation of Norwegian culture throughout the world, and perhaps increase support for Norwegian-style politics in other countries, His Lordship would like to call his readers' attention this classic documentary.

While an very insightful introduction to Norwegian culture, parts of this documentary might be a bit outdated. For example, the Soviet Union has a different name these days. And ski technology has taken a few leaps in later years.

Part 2 and part 3 also come recommended.

And what better way to illustrate this little ode to Norwegian culture than by a picture of Gustav Beowulf of Lulubelle in a fit of patriotic fervour?

100 years of style

2011-08-31T20:30:00.003+02:00

in a few seconds. But then, London is, in Lord Bassington-Bassington's opinion, the style capital of the world.

Tartan Tuesday hankies

2011-08-30T09:00:00.001+02:00

Speaking of pocket handkerchiefs, to make his Tartan Tuesdays a bit easier Lord Bassington-Bassington thought he would invest in a tartan pocket handkerchief. Luckily, ScotClans.com carries some very nice woolen handkerchiefs (a nice change from His Lordship's ever-expanding collection of silk hankies).

But the problem, gentle readers, is the selection. With 500 tartan patterns to choose from, it's hard to decide. Perhaps it's best to go for a scarf instead. With those, one only gets 210 tartans to choose from. And fall is approaching, after all.

Puff Doggie

2011-08-29T09:00:00.001+02:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington endorses of the wearing of pocket hankies. But His Lordship usually approves of more traditional folds, such as the fold on the black paw power hankie shown underneath.

But in the somewhat revolutionary spirit of that hankie, it's time to shake things up a bit. It's time to try some puffed folds.

Luckily, that stalwart of revolutionary style, Brooks Brothers, has a good course on how to do a proper puff fold.

Neofolk lookbook: Engagement edition

2011-08-26T11:00:00.000+02:00

Hans Rosenberg is a Swedish gentleman who has, through his publishing activities, already made an appearance in the Lord Bassington-Bassington Chronicles. But when word reached Lord Bassington-Bassington that this friend had gotten engaged, His Lordship decided that the time was severely overdue for a new neofolk lookbook. For not only is Mr. Rosenberg an all-round superb character, he is also one of Sweden’s snappiest dressers. And as this little lookbook will show, his bride to be is in the same class.

Uniforms look best when one is actually entitled to wear them. And as Mr. Rosenberg is a Home Guard officer, his position certainly carries this privilege.

On the other hand, if one is a charming lady, uniform etiquette is less important.

And while a professing Christian, Mr. Rosenberg – being a sensible fellow – has of course realized that the followers of the Prophet Muhammad has the upper hand when it comes to headgear.

And as with many people interested in neofolk, one can suspect that the couple have seen a Laibach video too many.

Well, there's little more for Lord Bassington-Bassington to say, except to howl a heartfelt congratulation.

Real beauty

2011-08-24T13:00:00.001+02:00

There is of course a long tradition for Basset hounds stealing the show, but rarely has the Basset's natural charm been more apparent than in this picture by legendary pin-up artist Gil Elvgren.

And when Lord Bassington-Bassington finally finds the buried treasure of the Bassington-Bassingtons, perhaps His Lordship will be able to afford this.

Suede Cinema

2011-08-19T09:00:00.001+02:00

As someone with a certain interest in British street style, Lord Bassington-Bassington has long wanted to see the film Bronco Bullfrog. And yesterday this was finally possible, thanks to kind assistance from The World's Coolest Librarian.

On the surface, Bronco Bullfrog is a quite run-of-the-mill kitchen sink social realist film about mixed-up kids trying to find their place in the world. Only a bit better than most films of its ilk; the fact that all the actors were street kids themselves adds a realism most films about youth lack.

What really makes the film a gem, though, is the way it sheds light on one of the great, lost style subcultures: Suedeheads. A short-lived youth cult that grew out of the smarter end of the original skinheads, Suedeheads mixed all the dressier bits of skinhead clobber, such as suits and covert coats with longer, more conservative-looking hair. This style is perfectly captured by the film, which of course went on to popularise it.

As such, Bronco Bullfrog can be considered one of the great youth cult movies, on par with This is England, Quadrophenia and This is Spinal Tap. And like those films, the soundtrack is great, too.

On the streets: A flick of the ears, Brighton

2011-08-18T09:00:00.000+02:00

As fashion blogging seems to be where it's at these days, Lord Bassington-Bassington continues His shameless imitation of The Sartorialist by further looking at ear trends in cities across the world. And on Lord Bassington-Bassington's recent visit to Brighton, His Lordship was impressed by the this impossibly stylish young lady.

"You listenin' to me?"

2011-08-17T09:00:00.001+02:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington's beloved Of the Wand and the Moon are hard at work on their new album, it seems. Here's a small taste to wet our appetites. His Lordship is already drooling uncontrollably.

Tartan Tuesday in Brutus Trimfit

2011-08-16T09:00:00.004+02:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington has had an interest in Brutus shirts ever since reading the book The Spirit of '69: A Skinhead Bible more than 20 years ago. And now, this 1966 Tartan Trimfit model has been relaunched, at a very affordable price.

This is not only some good tidings for dark times, but also a natural choice for a Tartan Tuesday.

Perhaps it could even be worn with a knitted tie? Well, it can't hurt to try. For such a shirt as the Brutus Trimfit, customarily worn unbuttoned at the neck and perhaps even untucked(!) violates several of the rules of shirt-wearing, as helpfully explained by Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer.

A melancholy welcome back

2011-08-15T09:39:00.008+02:00

It’s been hard to know what to put in this first post after the summer hiatus. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you will know that Norway was hit by an instance of terrorism, the worst act of violence in this country since World War II.

The terrorist from Utøya is a megalomaniac, interested in bizarre ideas and obsessed with European style and European culture. In other words: superficially so similar to us here at the Chronicles that to make us very uncomfortable. This nearly made us kill off the Lord Bassington-Bassington Chronicles altogether. Things that were fun on July 21st feel less fun now.

But then again: If terrorists manage to make us queasy about what we love, then the monsters have won. And we refuse to let terrorists win.

Norway feels different now. There’s a new respect among citizens, a new community among people who have different ways of being Norwegian. Some of this will pass, like the roses that still adorn Oslo but are in advanced stages of decay. But some of this community will be indelible. Nations are forged in tragedy. This is one of the experiences that will forever be a part of what it means to be a Norwegian.

Once the shock that the acts were not perpetrated by Islamists had passed, it made a lot of sense. As anyone with any insight into the Norwegian far right will know, they are pretty much useless at organizing, writing, recruiting, debating or doing things that normally go with political activity. What they are quite good at, though, is murdering defenceless kids. Whether these kids themselves help far right groups, as the victims of the 1981 Hadeland killings, or happen to have a skin tone not to the liking of the far right, like Benjamin Hermansen, seems to make little difference. And let’s not even begin to discuss the sexual proclivities of some of these far right leaders. Any young person the far right has access to seem to be at risk.

This murder of Norway’s youth by the far right was the third instance in the last decades. It is the responsibility of every Norwegian to make sure there won’t be a fourth time. This we know, even if we are still unsure about what this will mean in practice.

But to begin with, we'll just welcome you back to the Lord Bassington-Bassington Chronicles.

A summery Rupert

2011-07-08T09:00:00.002+02:00

Horrible as it is, it's getting too hot to even think about tweed. Frankly, Lord Bassington-Bassington just wants to lie in the shade somewhere. This can only mean one thing, namely that it's time to take a break from The Chronicles. We feel quite confident that Lord Bassington-Bassington will return, true to form, come the fall.

In the meantime, here's a picture of a of a young chap called Rupert (no, not that Rupert) that Lord Bassington-Bassington met last summer, while making his way up to the Glastonbury Tor on the trail of the Holy Grail.

Thanks to the Merry Thelemites of Somerset (aka The Somersetians) for the picture.

Have a good summer!

A contagiously canine chorus

2011-07-06T09:00:00.002+02:00

While waddling around the streets of Brighton, Lord Bassington-Bassington came across a charming fellow with an impressive beard (though of course not as impressive as that of His Lordship's dear Mullah).

It was explained to His Lordship (by none other than Mr. B) that the gentleman was a member of The Bobby McGee's, the world's first "tweecore" band - no, not "tweedcore", though that is bound to be invented sooner or later.

All songs by the Bobby McGee's are absolutely brilliant, of course, but it is only when you see the video below that you can really appreaciate why Lord Bassington-Bassington is now a raving fan of the band.

Finally there's a chorus Lord Bassington-Bassington can really get into! Sing along, everybody!

Tartan Tuesdays

2011-07-05T09:00:00.002+02:00

Inspired by the Laguna Beach Fogey and by many an exciting trip to Scotland, we will start celebrating Tartan Tuesdays here at Bassington Manor. There might be something we haven’t caught on to, but the rules seem simple: just wear something tartan on Tuesdays.

Being beginners at this game, the only tartan thing we can muster is a bow tie and a shirt, but we are planning to keep this up and some day become seasoned tartan veterans. Things to pick up in the future include socks, scarved and pocket squares. Perhaps the full ki(l)t!

Now, the rules about wearing tartan are many, but ultimately they can probably be ignored. It's just clothes, for Dog's sake.

And anyway, Lord Bassington-Bassington is still looking for a tartan in black, brown and white – a true tricolor Basset tartan! Perhaps something like this?

Deadly coverings

2011-07-04T09:00:00.000+02:00

As Lord Bassington–Bassington has long had a soft spot for the music of Death in June, His Lordship has tried to stay abreast not only of the band's own releases, but also the various other musicians who have tried their hands at interpreting the band's music.

There’s been quite a few such covers through the years, but few bands have taken it to the extremes of Down in June (pictured below) have. Springing from the queer theatre circuit of Malmö, Sweden, Down in June have produced a whole album of Death in June covers that occasionally are better than the originals. They are also superb live, as Lord Bassington-Bassington has seen with his own two eyes.

But Lord Bassington-Bassington feels confident that the ultimate Death in June cover band will be the upcoming project of His Lordship's dear friend Mr. Huseby.

Ladies and gentlemen: Meet – Death in Uke!

Despite Lord Bassington-Bassington’s mixed feelings about the ukulele, His Lordship is confident that this will represent nothing less than a musical revolution. If you don't get it, then the uke's on you.

Harris tweed rides again!

2011-07-02T12:19:00.011+02:00

The idea of Tweed runs seems to have spread to Glasgow with the launch of the first Harris Tweed Ride later this summer.

Not only does there seem to be all sorts of festivities planned, all in a spirit of charity. Scottish designer Judith R. Clark also seems to plan to create a special tweed jacket for the event. The jacket is still a secret, but some samples of Clarke's work can be seen underneath.

Lord Bassington-Bassington thinks this is a splendid idea. The only question is what can be done to make this phenomenal phenomenon spread to His Lordship's own neighbourhood here in Little Storping In-The-Swuff.

Perhaps one has to take the matter into one's own paws?

Out waddling

2011-06-24T11:44:00.003+02:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington is out for a small waddle and will be back in about a week. Perhaps bearing some new tweeds and bow ties.

In the meantime, here's a song to keep the readers of the Chronicles amused.

West Hound?

2011-06-24T10:10:00.002+02:00

While Lord Bassington-Bassington usually dislikes clothes bearing logos, there are some exceptions. On a polo shirt a discreet logo, such as a crocodile or laurel wreath, can add a small splash of colour.

And speaking of laurel wreaths, Fred Perry have reissued two classic polo shirts that are both stylish and classic and perhaps suitable for the hottest days of the year. We here at Bassington Manor have Perry shirts that are going on 17 years now, but it's perhaps time to expand the collection a little.

But which is best? The 1957 model with the classic West Ham colours?

Or the Perry Boy shirt?

While the maroon shirt is Lord Bassington-Bassington's favourite, it is a concern that wearing it might be seen as a show of support for football. His Lordship, of course, approves only of sports such as cricket or elephant polo.

Bassetocracy now!

2011-06-23T09:38:00.004+02:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington is tired of your man-made political ideologies. They have failed because they are just as defective as the naked apes that made them. It is time to hand over the reins to someone with better priorities.

Lord Bassington-Bassington is already aboard the Basset revolution. His Lordship thinks you should join him. Get your propaganda from here.

Summer solstice

2011-06-21T15:36:00.001+02:00

Town travel

2011-06-20T09:52:00.003+02:00

Tweeds by Walker Slater.

Hey Dude

2011-06-19T09:00:00.001+02:00

Because King Dude is quite a charming little band. And because the combination of music and ritual behaviour is something Lord Bassington-Bassington finds endlessly fascinating.

Lord Bassington-Bassington is familiar with King Dude only through their split 7 inch with Of the Wand and the Moon, but will definitely have to get some more records by this intriguing act.

Radical dandyism

2011-06-18T09:00:00.007+02:00

While it’s hardly a secret that Lord Bassington-Bassington has sympathies with what could broadly be termed the political Right (in its more moderate forms, he eschews extremism). But His Lordship has always steadfastly refuses to let squabbles about such inconsequentialities as politics or religion stand in the way of enjoying life.

So His Lordship was most enlivened by stumbling across one of the most entertaining left-wing blogs he has ever seen. Dear readers of the Chronicles, meet the Worker-Dandyist International. This excellent blog provides a left-wing analysis of current society that is surprisingly similar to Lord Bassington-Bassington’s own views, something which only strengthens His Lordship’s opinion that sensible people come in all political and religious persuasions.

While the Worker-Dandyist International has a consistently high quality in its post, Lord Bassington-Bassington, being a hound after manifestoes of all sorts, was especially taken with its Worker-Dandyist Manifesto.

Some of its highlights:
“4. We define our Dandyism, in essence, as simply making as much of an effort as possible with the limited resources availabhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifle. An effort in sartorial flair and individuality, an effort in civility, social responsibility and courtesy, and an effort in communal culture, welfare and hedonism. Our definition of Dandyism will most certainly conflict with the pompous elitists’ definition of Dandyism. Of course, we embrace and encourage popinjays, peacocks and coxcombs but we shall dispense with the conceitedness associated with such terms in favour of community and kindness.”

“5. The Worker-Dandy opposes sweatshop labour, child labour and forced labour. If you paid £5 for a new skirt then someone, somewhere has been paid, at most, pennies to manufacture it. The Worker-Dandy will never knowingly contribute to such exploitation.There are many ways and means of dressing well. Slavery is not one of them.”

And as a long-time skeptic, Lord Bassington-Bassington simply loved this point:
“9. Worker-Dandyism is rational and therefore vehemently opposed to quackery. Pseudo-science is a leech that feeds on humanity both economically and physically. Reflexology, homeopathy, magnet therapy, etc., are all bunk. Snake-oil salesmen have always exploited the gullibility and desperation of the sick for financial ends and, while people are free to dispose of their earnings as they please, when people are discouraged from seeking proven medical treatment in favour of junk remedies we regard this as tantamount to criminal assault.”

Ladies and gentlemen, whatever your own politics, you are cordially invited to enjoy the Left, possibly at its best, but certainly at its best dressed.

Now, why does this it seem that this superb slice of socialist soul-pop should be playing in the background while looking at the website?

Chap battle

2011-06-16T09:00:00.002+02:00

As anyone with the barest grasp of musical history is aware, history is full of rap battles. One of Lord Bassington-Bassington's favourites being shown below.

But the greatest battle yet, the Trafalgar or Kursk of rap battles, must surely be the one between Lord Bassington-Bassington's favourite chap-hop artist, Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer, and his arch-enemy Professor Elemental. Watch these two chaps battle it out in the way it should be done - using Queensbury rules and utterly without baseball caps.

Sexism in canvas

2011-06-14T09:00:00.000+02:00

Finding acceptable casual shoes for the summer is always hard, as there are many horrid types of footwear out there.

So Lord Bassington-Bassington was happy to find these nice little numbers by Keds. The Champion Spectator is nothing less than a casual shoe inspired by those most stylish of shoes, the spectator. But, shockingly, Keds only makes them for females.

This blatant sexism is simply unacceptable!

Lord Bassington-Bassington - artist

2011-06-11T14:00:00.001+02:00

These days, it seems that anything can be art provided it is placed in an artistic context. And if it is indeed art, it goes without saying that it should be funded by taxpayers. So, unsurprisingly, Lord Bassington-Bassington has decided that His Chronicles are some sort of ongoing social art project. And as we quite like manifestoes here at the Bassington Manor, it is only appropriate to give His Lordship himself an opportunity to proclaim the purpose of this artistic project.

My work explores the relationship between postmodern discourse and urban spaces. With influences as diverse as Derrida and John Cage, new synergies are created from both explicit and implicit meanings.

Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated by the ephemeral nature of relationships. What starts out as vision soon becomes corrupted into a tragedy of power, leaving only a sense of chaos and the inevitability of a new reality.

As temporal forms become frozen through emergent and personal practice, the viewer is left with a statement of the limits of our condition.

Oh, and Lord Bassington-Bassington would also like to recommend the Artsy Bollocks Generator, and thank Miss Oda Rygh for bringing it to His attention.

Now - where's that grant money!?

(Picture shamelessly stolen from here. For, as Oscar Wilde once remarked, "talent borrows, genius steals". And Lord Bassington-Bassington is clearly a genius).

Chanteuse in distress rescued

2011-06-11T12:12:00.008+02:00

A while back, Boston-based singer Marissa Nadler sent out a request for assistance to be able to afford recording her new album. Lord Bassington-Bassington, being what one could perhaps describe as a "fan" of Miss Nadler's music, happily signed up to support this worthy cause.

And just a few days ago, the finished result arrived, in the form of a signed LP and extra CD. The new album, simply entitled Marissa Nadler,
is, to put it frankly, quite wonderful. Ghostly sounds for the slowly unfolding summer.

Those of you who didn't run to the rescue of this chanteuse in distress can still get the record from normal channels. However, the LP/CD deal means that Lord Bassington-Bassington has a compact disc to get rid of. Does anybody want to trade?

Mystical ties

2011-06-10T12:35:00.003+02:00

As any creative person knows, even the most innocuous comment can create chains of association that leads one towards profound insights.

The other way, a generous gift of delicious dog biscuits from some commentators on the Chronicles' post about neofolk bling set Lord Bassington-Bassington thinking.

Of course, like any true Basset Hound, Lord Bassington-Bassington likes dog biscuits immensely, but there was something about the shape of the biscuits that reminded so much of one of His Lordship's other great passions. Namely the bow tie.

(Bow tie by Drakes of London).

Of course, this similarity in shape between dog biscuits and bow ties cannot be coincidental. They must be indicative of some deep, mystical bond between canine and these wonderful things.

A mystical tie, perhaps?

(Art stolen from here).

The Villa Festival

2011-06-08T09:00:00.005+02:00

If you find yourself in Italy late this summer, it appears that you could do worse than drop by the Villa Festival.

The Villa Festival 2011 Slideshow: Villa’s trip to Magione, Umbria, Italia was created by TripAdvisor. See another Magione slideshow. Create your own stunning slideshow with our free photo slideshow maker.

Half-canvas shoes

2011-06-07T09:00:00.001+02:00

seem ideal for the summer. And Herring Shoes seem to make some ideal examples. But which model to go for?

The traditonal brogue?

The more unorthodox monkstrap?

Or these outrageous tasseled loafers?

These are important decisions indeed. For the selection of footwear can have serious consequences for one's life, as evidenced by the case of slippers.

Old men are cooler than you, part three

2011-06-05T09:00:00.000+02:00

In our series documenting how old men are cooler than you, we've taken a look at Sikhs and retired officers. Now it is time to spotlight one of Lord Bassington-Bassington's personal heroes.

While Lord Bassington-Bassington feels that any gentleman (or gentlehound) should be open to the possibilities of magick and the joy of mystery, and that any blog can benefit to both from fatwas and pastoral care, Lord Bassington-Bassington remains a staunch Caninist.

And His Lordship finds few people more inspiring to the committed Caninist than James Randi, who has spent a large part his life debunking fraudulent claims of the supernatural. Lord Bassington-Bassington also admires how, even if Mr. Randi himself is an atheist, he makes a point of respecting and cooperating with decent individuals of other persuasions.

He has been hanging upside down over the Niagara Falls in a straitjacket. For a while, it was his job to guillotine Alice Cooper on stage. He travels the world in a black cape and a fedora adorned with peacock feathers. It was also touching how Mr. Randi, then already an octogenarian, made the choice of coming out as a homosexual.

In other words, Mr. Randi might be the coolest person alive. He is certainly cooler than you. He probably dresses better, too.

We here at the Chronicles, who were lucky enough to be Mr. Randis hosts on his recent visit to Little Storping-in-the-Swuff, can only hope that some of that cool rubbed off on us. And we are very grateful for the peacock feathers sent by Mr. Randi from his personal peacock flock.

Perhaps it is finally time to join the James Randi Educational Foundation.

Reissue of the year: Karjalan Sissit

2011-06-03T09:00:00.002+02:00

The reissue of the year is here, at least as far as Lord Bassington-Bassington is concerned.

Eternal Soul Records have produced a stunning 10-year anniversary edition of Karjalan Sissit's Miserere album, originally on legendary (in Lord Bassington-Bassington's circles anyway) Cold Meat Industry. Released only on CD back in 2001, it is now given a luxurious vinyl treatment which still suits Karjalan Sissit's brand of misantropic, vodka-fuelled Industrial, owing as much to Black Metal as it does to Sibelius.

Eternal Soul have done a superb job, the gatefold cover in classic "martial industrial/military pop" field grey opens to reveal a hilarious shot of Karjalan Sissit captain Make Pesonen in full "drunken Finn" mode. All hail ethnic stereotypes!

There's also an equally charming poster included. In other words, great stuff all around.

A canine cover

2011-06-02T11:30:00.005+02:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington came across this Norwegian trade magazine in a friend's restaurant, and couldn't help share the cover with His readers. His Lordship is quite confident that if more magazines had covers as stylish as this, print media wouldn't be in the rut it's in.

Illustration by Børge Bredenbekk.

The Fenris Wolf and the art of magick

2011-05-20T09:00:00.001+02:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington's old friend Mr. Carl Abrahamsson has a new issue of his near-legendary publication The Fenris Wolf out. This time it is a publication so huge (310 pages) and ambitious that it's hard to do it justice in a short blog post, except to say that it is compulsory reading material for anyone with the slightest interest in modern esotericism.

It is also worth purchasing just for the 23 pages of artwork specially created for the publication by Swedish esoteric artist Fredrik Söderberg, whose art also graces the cover. So we here at the Chronicles just had to steal some of his works from his website.

C.G . Jung's House with Mandala, 2010

Adul-Rune II, 2011

Stone Circle I, 2009

Mr. Söderberg's watercolours are truly a marvel to behold. Perhaps there is something to this magick business after all?

Neofolk bling?

2011-05-17T19:03:00.007+02:00

It is certainly no secret that Lord Bassington-Bassington is a great admirer of Sol Invictus. And as those who know the band will be well aware of, its symbol - a sign connected with the ancient Roman sun cult – is quite fetching.

So it's quite fitting that Sol Invictus is possibly the leading purveyors of what could possibly be termed "neofolk bling".

God Damn the Sun

2011-05-02T09:00:00.000+02:00

Because it's spring. Because The Swans are touring again. Because Mr. Gira is wearing some splendid suspenders in this video. And because this is one of Lord Bassington-Bassington's favourite songs. Ever.

God damn the sun
God damn the sun
God damn the light it shines
And this world it shows

God damn the sun

Lord Bassington-Bassington also recommends the original studio version.

"The joy of a well fitting jacket"

2011-04-30T12:30:00.000+02:00

(Linen jacket by Cordings).

A small discussion at the The Drones Club led to some comments on an old post here at the Chronicles, from a gentleman by the name of Archibald. Lord Bassington-Bassington thought these comments were so astute that he'd like to share them with all His readers.

Also, it helps cover up the fact that His Lordship is currently incapacitated, trying to recover from the shock of realizing that he has been without a subscription to The Chap for more than a month. This deplorable situation is now rectified, but the shock was more than a gentle Hound could bear. We hope Lord Bassington-Bassington is not permanently scarred by this. After all, a life without The Chap would be like a life without tweed – or without long, droopy ears.

So here, gentle readers: Archibald on dandyism.

"As with other conditions, I think one does not really choose dandyism as a way of life or state of mind.

It is in my point of view something that just grabs your whole being, whether you accept it or not. Whether your closest family and friends like it, or not.

It is something deeper than the liking of good clothes. Sometimes inhibiting us from leading a less complicated life, but mostly just making you look smashing.

The joy of a well fitting jacket. The pleasure of finding that particular woolen tie you have been looking for a long time. Not to mention matching it with that perfect shirt collar you've had in mind since the thought of the tie first came into mind.

This is what I think makes the dandy differ from the usual fashion consumer: Those constantly in need of new garments, rather than growing more and more fond of the ones they have already got".

Well spoken, Sir. These are indeed words to live - and die - by!

Take a gander at Sebastian Horsley's thoughts about dandyism as well, if you are so inclined.

And of course, if you can read Swedish, we suggest you join young master Archibald and the other chaps at the Drones Club immediately.

Odinic pride

2011-04-24T09:00:00.001+02:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington is a long-time supporter of gay rights, and also has a great appreciation of the Norse mysteries. His Lordship sees no contradiction in this, quite the contrary: It is all about being open about what and whom one is, and perhaps even take a little pride in it.

Still, while waddling around the streets of Milan, His Lordship was a bit surprised to find that one of the leading gods of the Norse pantheon seems to enjoy a secret life in more southern climes. A secret life where this normally quite stern divinity, known for his affinity for wolves and for sacrificing himself to himself, shows a wholly new side to his character.

While this Norse deity is perhaps more famous for imparting the secret of mead unto the Northern peoples, his chocolate factory produces a rather delectable chocolate liqueur - a bit like a fondant version of Bailey's.

If you're curious for more Gay-Odinic insight, surf by this look behind the scenes at the chocolate factory itself.

One only wonders what the rest of the Norse gods are doing when the Northmen aren’t looking…

Thanks to Lady Mju for photographic assistance.

Turbanism

2011-04-12T09:48:00.012+02:00

It's yet again time for the International Turban Day, the day when Sikhs across the world increase understanding of their religion and culture by giving colourful displays, handing out home-made Indian food and – best of all – inviting non-Sikhs to try a turban.

Lord Bassington-Bassington likes to attend these events, because there will invariably be a good selection of cool older men present. And His Lordship recommends that you seek out your own local Sikh community. If you can't attend a Turban Day yourself, you can always tie a turban in your own home. Remember, there is no outfit that will not be improved by a good turban.

Like many Basset hounds, Lord Bassington-Bassington's dear friend Gustav Beowulf of Lulubelle likes to dress for the occasion. Here we see the good Hound marking the Turban Day in true Basset style, which includes seeing no reason to leave the couch.

Dress to press

2011-04-08T09:14:00.015+02:00

In a time when everybody is talking about digital e-books, Lord Bassington-Bassington grows more and more infatuated with the more analogue hardback book. Especially when such books are produced by small specialist presses. And few specialist publishers are more tailored to His Lordship's tastes than Scandinavia's leading purveyors of wormwoody literature, Malört Förlag.

And as these pictures from the release party for their latest book in Stockholm (the Norwegian leg of the launch was assisted by Café Grössenwahn) reveals, the staff at Malört look as good as their books. And when they produce some of the most beautiful books available, that's saying something. Quite a lot, actually.

If you can understand Swedish (or just want a rare gem for your book collection), or if you own a compact disc player, you have no excuse not to drop by Malört's webshop. For you wouldn't want these fine ladies, gentlemen and camels to run out of money for cords, tweeds and fezes, now would you?

All photo by Patrik Lundquist.

Sonne Hagal: More than echoes

2011-04-04T09:00:00.002+02:00

Fronte Nordico is that kind of ultra-exclusive label that makes any slightly nerdy (is there any other kind?) neofolk enthusiast drool worse than the average Basset hound. And being a Basset hound with an enthusism for neofolk, as well as being slightly nerdy, you can just imagine how much Fronte Nordicos release of a live record with Sonne Hagal makes Lord Bassington-Bassington drool.

Only Echoes Remain, a documentation of a concert in Moscow is a double album so lavish and artfully executed that one has to pinch oneself.

But not only is it a wonder to look at, it's swell to listen to, too!

As Lord Bassington-Bassington has a well-documented weakness for specialist record labels, we here at the Chronicles look forward to following their coming releases.

Draconian ties

2011-04-01T08:50:00.001+02:00

Madder rose is a dye made from the plant Rubia tinctorum (pictured above), and has a rich tradition of providing colour to clothes. It now seems to be making a comeback in menswear, with several gentlemen’s outfitters offering outstandingly beautiful items. But the finest examples of madder-coloured accessories seem to come from Drakes of London.

This particular bow tie is perhaps the most beautiful Lord Bassington-Bassington has ever seen.

While this tie is not far behind.

As is clearly demonstrated by the pictures above, the madder dye seems to work especially well with red colours and paisley patterns, one of the greatest gifts the Orient ever gave the Occident.

And speaking of the Orient and the colour red: As a long-standing admirer of the culture of the Indian subcontinent Lord Bassington-Bassington almost fainted when his lordship laid eyes on this scarf. It is based on an old design retrieved from Drakes' archives and is a tribute to the arts of one of the most interesting civilizations India has ever played host to, namely that of the Islamic Mughal empire.

It even has canines!

Forest smells and bluebells

2011-03-28T09:00:00.001+02:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington is fond of ambient music of the darker kind. And so it is with great joy that he just received the latest release from Artefactum, one of his favourites in the field.

Foxgloves and Bluebells is the name, and it has just come out on the New Polish label Ur Muzik. This, it seems, is the perfect ambient record for the spring evenings that finally seem to be a reality here at Bassington Manor.

Mrs. d’Erlette

Artefactum has always been relatively free of the clichés that make much dark ambient music so uninspiring. While many dark ambient acts make you want to kill yourself as a sacrifice to Satan, Artefactum makes you want to go for a stroll in the woods.

And on this release, Merissa d’Erlette breaks with the "sonic wallpaper for tombs" formula altogether. Foxgloves & Bluebells is a toidy step towards folk music, perhaps nudged a bit on the way by folk singer extraordinaire Andrew King (who makes a guest appearance). Indeed, the record at times feels like lost bits from the soundtrack to The Wicker Man.

Lord Bassington-Bassington holds that any good ambient record should be possible to fall asleep to. And his lordship feels certain that if he drifts off to the gentle sounds of Foxgloves & Bluebells he will have pleasant dreams about dancing faeries.

(Picture by Elisabeth Fraser.)

1000 days of the Chronicles

2011-03-22T10:28:00.001+01:00

On March 12, the Lord Bassington-Bassington Chronicles had been published for 1000 days – at least if one is to believe his lordship (but as anyone with any canine competence will tell you, Basset hounds aren’t terribly good at math).

So what better thing to do for a born-and-bred pack animal like Lord Bassington-Bassington than to gather a few friends to eat, drink, and waddle around the dance floor to the banjolele stylings of none other than Mr. B Gentleman Rhymer, who kindly consented to come to Oslo for the occasion to entertain the crowd? It was Mr. B's first performance in Scandinavia, and it was so good that his lordship is already planning to get the gentlemanly rhymer back to these parts of the world.

These pictures come courtesy of his lordship’s good friend, the Mysterious Ponytailed Man. Cinematographic records also exist, and might be posted later.

Among the generous gifts lavished upon Lord Bassington-Bassington was this study of his lordship in a moment of quiet celebration, created by Bergen-based cartoon artist Kim Holm.

Lord Bassington-Bassington would like to thank everyone who came from near and far to help celebrate the occasion.

Lord Bassington-Bassington has chosen to censor all pictures of himself from this little report, as he prefers to keep private any record of his lordly body attempting such daring dances as the Basset Bogaloo and the Moonwaddle. Not to mention his necessary post-celebratory contemplation the day after.

Blogging about butling

2011-03-07T09:00:00.000+01:00

Butling is an art. So is blogging (though we here at the Chronicles cannot claim to master it). So when the two are combined, great things are bound to happen. And so they do over at The Butler Speaks.

It's a marvellous idea - a whole blog dedicated to butling. Here you can learn about butling in the broader sense, or just pick up helpful hints on how to iron a shirt. Surely this is a big part of what civilized life is all about. So what better way to illustrate this little post than with a couple of pictures of Mr. Reginald Jeeves, who is possibly the epitome of Western civilization?

"But", you say, "I am not able to afford a butler".

Fear not, you are in good company - even such an elevated personage as Lord Bassington-Bassington, coming from a long line of outstanding individuals, is unable to afford a butler in the current financial climate. But perhaps that’s just as good, given how difficult it is to find good help these days.

But, dear reader, Lord Bassington-Bassington suggests that you do not despair. Butling is more than a profession, even more than an art, it is a state of mind. So you can always be the butler of your own life, or more importantly, the lives those around you. Help them with the luggage, make them a cup of tea or a stiff drink, in short, lend a helping hand. Be at the service of your fellow man and canine.

Lord Bassington-Bassington suggests you start by giving his lordly belly a good rubdown.

Shining runes, golden sleeves

2011-02-28T16:35:00.017+01:00

Yes, Lord Bassington-Bassington has tried his hand at some rock'n'roll writing again. This time for his dear friend Mr. Larsen of Denmark.

Ahem...

:Of The Wand & The Moon: - "Shine Black Algiz"

Kim Larsen, :Of The Wand & The Moon: front man, has a new release on his hands. It’s a seven inch vinyl, picture disc, limited to 500 copies and packaged to the standard us spoiled OTWATM have come to expect. Such as golden foil-blocked cover art and vinyl in nicely psychedelic colours.

But enough talk about the vinyl, lest you think this release is just for the record-collector obsessives out there. No, the music is also to the standard one has come to associate with what is easily Scandinavia’s leading neofolk performer. The two songs, "Shine Black Algiz" and "Hold My Hand" are snappy little numbers of Runic romanticism and human misery that show just what a strong songsmith Mr. Larsen is becoming.

While it’s an open secret that Mr. Larsen is working on his next album, entitled 'The Lone Descent', these two songs will not appear on the forthcoming release.

So there you have it: Not one, not two, but three very compelling reasons to purchase this release. If that doesn’t convince you, nothing will.

Lord Bassington-Bassington
Little Storping in the Swuff, February 2011

Tweed de France?

2011-02-25T09:00:00.000+01:00

Lord Bassington-Bassington has long been an admirer of pop combo Kraftwerk, who prove that Germans can make pop music as well as classical music (that they know their neofolk is beyond all doubt). And as he thinks bicycles are a rather splendid invention (if a little impractical for Basset hounds), he has enjoyed Kraftwerk's tributes to the Tour de France races.

But while his lordship find both the music and images in these two versions of Kraftwerk's "Tour de France" are very enjoyable, there seems to be something missing. His lordship can't quite put his paw on it, but it is possibly something... sartorial. Perhaps the film below can shed some light on the matter?

The fetching chap-hop on the soundtrack is, of course, by Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer.

Oh, how Lord Bassington-Bassington sorely wishes he could attend this year's tweed run. Some day, though. Sigh.

Wintery sadness

2011-02-23T21:55:00.007+01:00

Sometimes, Lord Bassington-Bassington comes across a song which perfectly captures his mood. And this happened yesterday.

Perhaps this is a sign that his lordship should attempt to attend 6 Comm's farewell concert this summer. If they let him in, that is. Club owners tend to be prejudiced against Basset hounds - claiming that they slobber, sniff the scrotums of strangers and pee in the corners. As if that makes the noble Basset different from the regular clubber!

Interiors a la Carter

2011-02-23T09:00:00.002+01:00

It is quite possible that David Carter (whom Lord Bassington-Bassington first stumbled across in the book The New English Dandy) is the world's most exciting interior designer. And Heaven knows Bassington Manor needs an interior designer. Even if things are slowly underway, with cuckoo clocks and absinthe fountains and a glass painting and whatnot, there is a lot to do to bring his lordship’s residence up to scratch.

Some day Lord Bassington-Bassington will hire David Carter to decorate Bassington Manor. There is only one problem: To afford Mr. Carter’s services, his lordship will need to locate the fabled treasure of the Bassington-Bassingtons. To this end, his lordship has been very active digging up the lot behind Bassington Manor. We here at the Chronicles hope the treasure is found soon, as his lordship has been getting into altercations with the caretakers. We also hope that the treasure doesn't turn out to just be an old bone, like the previous “treasures” unearthed by his lordship.

But stylish as Mr. Carter's interiors undoubtedly are, they might not be suitable for his lordship's needs anyway. For with the sheer volume of books, records and other treasures making their way into Bassington Manor these days we fear that this arrangement might be the only realistic approach.

Pictorial megalomania

2011-02-22T15:54:00.009+01:00

We are pleased to bring some pictures from last Saturday's instalment of the Café Grössenwahn, featuring a book release from the excellent Swedes at Malört förlag and a superb concert from Simone Salvatori of Spiritual Front. Thank you so much to everyone who made this evening something unique.

Thanks to Raymond Alv K. Egge for the pictures.

Cult of Youth in concert

2011-02-21T11:38:00.004+01:00

As New York's Cult of Youth is one of Lord Bassington-Bassington's favourite neofolk bands, his lordship couldn't resist sharing this televised performance with the readers of the Chronicles.

It's an understatement to say that his lordship is looking forward to their new album, scheduled to be out later this month.