#Hoxton Street

[thepermanentrainpress]

AN-TING: SONGS FROM MY ROOM

Songs from My Room – An-Ting 安婷 Release Date: July 13th, 2022

Track Listing:

1. London Night 2. Plaque Time 3. Ping Pong Dance 4. Last June 5. Hoxton Street 6. Past Tense 7. Purple Dream 8. The Jolly Frog 9. Option 7 10. Midnight Whisper

It never fails to amaze me how music has the ability to carry complex narratives. Even without visual feedback, a powerful instrumental can transform everyday landscapes into something else; movies, memories, and feelings. Songs from My Room is the first original album by London-based pianist and composer An-Ting 安婷, and it does just that. 

The album is transfixing and touching as it explores An-Ting’s experience living during the pandemic. As the title suggests, each piano solo feels like sitting with her, sharing moments in time, looking out from her window. London comes to life — and comes to a halt — through her passionate artistry. Originally from Taiwan and now based in London, An-Ting has a multitude of accreditation to her name, including being the current Artistic Director of Chinese Arts Now (CAN), which supports a variety of Chinese artists experiencing diaspora.

The power of storytelling comes through especially in the two feature songs, “Last June”  and “Purple Dream.” “Last June” is a beautiful yet haunting composition that focuses on keeping the same melody and chords throughout, only to be accompanied by the twinkle of piano in the background. It revels in mundanity and feels uncertain as it progresses, but still hopeful, much like the day-to-day lifestyle of quarantine and current events happening during this time. In contrast, “Purple Dream'' sounds more joyful with the piece reaching a crescendo in the middle that reads content and peaceful.

A personal favourite of mine is “Hoxton Street,” and perhaps it’s because I’ve never been, but An-Ting does an incredible job of illustrating what it could be like there through her music. The piece is sorrowful, dreary, but at the same time evokes a feeling of wonder and exploration. It really feels like I’m walking there, contemplating life – watching people go by as I think about my own, and think about theirs. This piece especially feels like an all-encompassing landscape.

Another highlight is the piece “Ping Pong Dance.” It is a rag-time, saloon-esque piece that was composed in a very fun way. There is a video outlining the silliness and playfulness of the number, where ping pong balls dance across the piano (literally) as An-Ting plays the tune. She states that she “entertained” herself with this number, and I think it’s incredible that someone can entertain themselves in such a talented way!

Songs from My Room is truly a soundscape of An-Ting’s personal time of living in London during the pandemic, and then some. It is an insight into her skillset as a composer and pianist. If you want to catch her live, An-Ting performs at various concert venues regularly—though you might have to travel to Europe to see her! For those that do, I am envious. I hope I can see her brilliant mind live one day.

Written by: Alexa Tarrayo

[londonstreetartphotos]

[harrietvane]

Feeling stressed / take a rest

(Grafitti in Hoxton, London, March 2023)

[monkismymoniker]

[spilladabalia]

The 4 Skins - Plastic Gangster

[thatblondeinfluence]

Christmas in London - Hotel Edition

Christmas in London – Hotel Edition

London during the Christmas season has to be one of my favourite places. All of the shops are decorated, Oxford Street has their Christmas lights up and Covent Garden’s Christmas tree is decorated and ready for the big day. If you’re thinking of coming to London for some Christmas shopping or a festive day out Ice Skating at Alexandra Palace, staying in the right hotel can really make or break…

[justsomewildbeast]

Ive been wandering on this shop for a minute and i found some really nice everyday stuff

Soap an sanitiser for them paws and claws, also suitable for humans 🪻🪴

And for my fellows vegan vampires 🖤

🍊Vegan body wash and soak set, i know ya'll are gonna love this one

There's also snacks

For my fellow dragons

And last but not least,

For my fellows zombies

If ya'll wanna check the shop for yourselves here is the link of the shop

Have a nice day/night ya'll 🤍

[uwmspeccoll]

Whitewashing Lascaux, 2008. Leake Street Tunnel, Waterloo Station, London. Created for the Cans Festival, a 3-day street art street festival hosted and organized by Banksy in a tunnel under Waterloo Station.

Happy Choppers, 2002. Hoxton, London. Produced during the "Operation Enduring Freedom" campaign in Afghanistan.

Kissing Coppers, 2004. Originally in Trafalgar Street, Brighton, UK. In 2011, it was cut out and shipped to New York to be sold by art dealer Stephan Keszler at a 2014 auction in Miami for $575,000. A replica has replaced the original.

Sweeping it Under the Carpet, 2006. Hoxton, London where it appeared on the side of the White Cube Gallery, but has since been buffed.

Girl Searching Soldier, 2007. Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine. "Whilst the image is delightfully absurd, there is also a warning for Israeli occupying forces. One day, Banksy seems to be saying, our children will be investigating you for what you have done."

Police Sniper with Boy, 2007. Bristol, UK, but in 2012 was painted over with black paint and replaced by another work, the Queen as David Bowie, by a different street artist.

ATM Girl, 2007. Exmouth Market, Finsbury, London. Created a few months before the biggest financial crash since the 1930s.

Eavesdropping, 2014. Cheltenham, UK, a sleepy, conservative, quintessentially English market town in Gloucestershire, but just three miles away from the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).

Park, 2010. Downtown Los Angeles on the side of designer Tarina Tarantino's showroom a few blocks from the Los Angeles Theatre, painted just days before the premiere of Exit Through the Gift Shop at the Theatre.

Photographer Rat, 2005. Islington, London. "Rats are a good role model . . . they have no respect for the hierarchy of society and the have sex 50 times a day." -- Banksy.

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Decorative Sunday: BANKSY

Decorative art, street art, fine art, political cartoon, all four? Where's B**ksy?, an unauthorized selection of works by the infamous street artist by street art specialist Xavier Tapies published by Gingko Press in Berkeley, California in 2016, is the first survey of Banksy's art career from 2002 to 2016. Arranged chronologically, every period has a double-spread world map showing where each of the stencils was painted, what happened to the work (destroyed/sold/auctioned/still there) as well as a summary of the direction Banksy’s art took in that period.

There is Always Hope, 2002. East staircase leading up to Waterloo Bridge, Southbank, London.

View more posts featuring Decorative Plates.

[vintage-london-images]

London Music Halls where once extremely popular and one of the best known stars was Matilda Alice Victoria Wood (12th February 1870 – 7th October 1922). Professionally known as Marie Lloyd she was one of the most well known and popular London Music Hall singers. She was also a comedian and music theatre actress. She received both criticism and praise for her use of innuendo and double entendre during her performances, but enjoyed a fairly long and prosperous career, during which she was affectionately called the Queen of the Music Hall.

Born in London, she was showcased by her father at the Eagle Tavern in Hoxton aged just 14 in 1884, and she later made her professional début as Bella Delmere but she changed her stage name to Marie Lloyd the following year. In 1885, she had success with her song "The Boy I Love Is Up in the Gallery", and she frequently topped the bill at prestigious theatres in London's West End. She was extremely popular in the war years 1914-18 where the authorities let her sometimes raunchy and risky performances go.

Maries life was cut short in 1922 at the age of just 52 after collapsing on stage. Following the announcement of her death, thousands later lined the London streets for her Funeral.

These two performances featured here are "A Little of What You Fancy Does You Good" and "When I Take My Morning Promenade (Do You Think My Dress Is A Little Bit?)".

For their time both these songs where seen as being risky, how times have changed. Please listen to the lyrics and have little chuckle. Please enjoy.

[londonstreetartphotos]

[what-yadoking-likes]

6 games to get to know me? Boot.

6 heists to get to know me? Toot!

Feel free to join in: here are the 6 heists to get to know me, Yadoking. In no particular order:

Shacklethorne Auction I enjoy this one, and I enjoy completing it in stealth specifically. I think the setting is really cool, and the piano music drifting up to the top floor as you hunt for the blow torch/security boxes? It really creates a spooky ambience. The idea of heisting from an auction itself is also extremely cool and the tuxes/outfits for this heist are nothing to sniff at, either.

Framing Frame. Is this because I like the heist? No, I fucking hate it. Is this because I am good at this heist? No, I am fucking shit at this heist. No joke, in my career playthrough it took me HOURS to complete this heist in stealth. In fairness, this was due to my lack of a dedicated stealth build rather than a lack of skill - but it deserves a dishonourable mention on this list all the same.

Stealing Xmas A crazy Vlad heist! I really like this one. The objectives are fun and varied and essentially force you into exploring the map. And Vlad wanting to steal the fucking Christmas tree? IT'S SO COOL. I love it when Payday leans into the camp side of things. Is it absolutely ridiculous to blow the ceiling off the roof of the mall to extract the tree? Yes, yes it is. Do I care? I do not. Also, Vlad makes a pen!$ joke, which as an eight-year-old boy I find really funny.

No Mercy A crossover with one of my other most-played game series on Steam? Sign me the fuck up. Yeah, the heist was retconned a bit in Payday 2, but honestly? The thought of a bunch of greedy clowns releasing a zombie virus into the world is really funny. The stealth portion is a cool touch, though obviously not sustainable throughout the heist's duration. The claustrophobic corridors can get real busy though... with the corpses of all the cops you kill.

Birth of Sky Okay, I know not everyone will agree with me on this. But I think this heist is pretty funny as a concept. Locke's commentary is great because he is still in his 'maybe I'll be a villain teehee' era, and he's such a great contrast to Bain. Yes the snipers and that finale in the sewers is absolutely brutal (on harder difficulties), but I've had so much fun on this map.

Hoxton Breakout Call me basic if you want but again - it's FUN. Breaking your mate out of prison and rushing through the city streets to get him to safety? Fun. Driving directly into the FBI offices? Fun. Raiding the FBI offices of evidence, servers and witness testimonies? FUN! I think day 2 of this one offers great replayability as the map is decently-sized and offers really different objectives. I know some people dislike day 2 because it feels like a lot of waiting for drills/hacks/scans - but I think holding down a section of the FBI HQ as you hunt desperately for the information that will help the gang out as a whole is so much fun. I would love to know everyone else's 6 heists to get to know them! This is just a bit of fun - we all enjoy this series for different reasons, and I am sure no two lists will be exactly the same.

[monkismymoniker]

[lifelessfan]

"Don't utter his name"

it's not exactly what was in the transcription of the interrogation but the basic same idea anyway so it's fine. Dall gets very protective. Ooc a bit I think

270-82014...it was him, one of our very own. But how did we find his name? Hoxton sits behind us, an unreadable expression but one can only assume he was feeling a little happy seeing Houston's name in the police database.

Nathan wasn't doing so good tho, staring down the police report and seeing his name. Shade sits by the computer, a repeat screen and looking through more of his reports on another monitor, taking Nathan's silence as not a good sign, figuring she should get to work before he burns up.

Dallas finally snaps out of it, straightening up, thinking about what should be their next steps, the reports wrote down a whole host of legal issues, and while never getting caught, he can only assume how many years he would be behind bars. Hoxton was stuck for 2, only a couple when compared to the papers saying "life sentence", and that was comparatively at the start of their small gangs story. But Houston? He didn't want to even think about it, not now, he just couldn't

He can't really stop himself, turning around and heading out from the safehouse, voice just loud enough to hear in the room, but not a decibel higher

-I need a smoke

The safe house was silent, the previous chatter about Clover and the messages going quiet as the prisoner was revealed, Dall storming out not a surprise though still painful nonetheless.

He had done a lot for the team, the first addition, the quiet, stealthy, mechanic, they practically took him for granted through the years

While some liked him less than others, they mostly still mutually agreed prison was going too harsh. Remembering what he was like, he wouldn't survive like Hoxton, not 2 years, not with anything less than a burn

Nathan stood outside, he needed a breather. The sudden stress and pressure increased 3 fold as he stared at the floor, eyes unfocused. He had wanted to reconnect with him for ages, just never had the guts. Left him once, what's the harm in leaving him again? Now thinking back it was a lot of harm, no security, his dreams a tightrope that seemed to have failed.

Dall wasn't good with emotions, most of the time only talking to Bain, keeping his emotions covered unless it was with specific personnel and Shade just...wasn't there yet, the team was still a team, not people he could open to too easily.

Finally dropping the smoke, mind set on one thing, he needed a second to sit with the news, he needed to break something, steal, come to terms, maybe finally realise just how important Houston was

-anyone call any jobs in? We need information, leads.

-I asked around for anyone with access to the Houston files since they were under different handlers, said we needed to raid the newly opened jewellery street before he plans to help us

The stress was evident in his voice, he needed a distraction, something to help him calm down

-how do you know he's safe?

-I'll have backup check his tracks and records, worst case we will be able to take the haul for ourselves.

-yes, take it

It was something. shade had offered the same prospect multiple times, taking up a job and backtracking if the contact couldn't be trusted. While they didn't like to operate like that any more after Hector had proved himself to be a good manipulator even if they had slipped through more than once due to corrupt cops, at this point Dallas would be asking for anything. He needed to see him again, needed something to work with

-Dallas? You sure. You know we don't do this any more. If-

-we need to take the risk. And we take extra precautions this time. Common, let's go

He he stuff to do, finalising his points and forcing the others to cooperate. Heading out to make a couple of calls to the others on the small-time thievery trips, they were going to be taking the next couple of days a little more seriously

<time skip>

Address, date and time. All details were supplied and agreed on. Final gathered items and they were heading out. Everyone of course had their reactions to the situation, Joy wondering just why Dallas was making such an exception, only getting caught up on the drive and holding her tongue to make up for the mass of questions. Wolf was just happy to get another job, of course, he still held quiet about why, still knowing the implications and opting to stay light for everyone's sake

Pearl was like Joy, except she was quieter about the questions, not willing to get in the middle of the stressed team, following along and listening only to be caught off guard having not followed the reveal like Hoxton. catching wind of a previous teammate heading to possible trial and prison, she had taken a second to take a breather for the possible implications

Hoxton and Chains were left with Shade, both choosing to stay out of the line of fire and instead opting to secure the contract, heading out for information instead of the jewles

The mission while loud, still is quiet when looking at coms. Even split amongst multiple stores and each with different funded security protocols, they all made due with Shade and her input for when and where, only really communicating for help.

Once the van was called, everyone had hauled all the bags they could, loud within the gunfire and running, gems and metals shaking in their bags. Familiar deadweight as each throw what they can in the back, a couple of words for those who finished quicker and running to help pick up other bags left.

Ammo left by the magazines in the rush, health bags slowly burnt away by wandering cloakers. it's not a sloppy job, but still one with enough faults to have calls for hand-on-hand help. A hefty pull by the hand to pull Joy in, blood down her leg, doors closed quickly and towels getting wrapped just as the car is thrown into gear and pulls out

Heavy breathing, and stuffy whines as the wound is attempted simple treatment by Dallas and Pearl. Better medical help once they were back at base but that wasn't for another 30min.

Hoxton and Chains were out of base all the same, looking for answers and any reason to doubt the possible trade. Shade helped where she could with the trackdown, people to talk through both logically and by bruit force.

While not something they were used to doing after learning their lesson the first time, they had to protect what was theirs, they had to take precautions they usually wouldn't bother with.

- he's clean, we had a look and he's worked with a lot of trusted people

Finally coming back just in time to meet up with the van, they all clean up. Helping Joy once she's brought into safety, cleaned blood tracks and comfortably placed on the couch. Chains comforts and works on the wound by reflex as he sits by her, both Joy and Chains still listen, following along with the conversation happening by Shade as they finalise and double check the information

- you have any more information on the insider?

- not much else of relevance, works within the prison Houston is being kept at, has access and is willing to offer the files

-then let's go through with the deal, the sooner we know what we are working with, the earlier we can make a plan

The finality of the statement, a huff in his words as he heads off, the team splitting up to head to their small jobs, Chains and an extra set of hands or looking for more materials to work with. They were getting close

<time skip>

it was like jumping through hoops, hiding their names and faces to drop the payment and once it all finally dose get through checks and into the right hands, everyone waited, they would be getting their rewards soon.

A ping on the computer and Shades sits up, hands on the keyboard and looking through the message, finding not only the files they had been promised, but an additional file that had been added

-*You were quick with the job, as a thank you, I had happened to walk into an interrogation of the person you had been requesting information on. I've added the audio I caught*

The files were duplicated and analysed seppretly, the audio opened once everything else was analysed. The basic gist of the situation and convictions was understood, and at this point they would take any more information they could get there hands on, including audio, as long as it wasn't eddited. They had their suspicions

North- Alright, Mr.Steele. You need anything, can I get you some water? Why don't you tell me why you're here?

The screen dark as the progression bar ticks the seconds of the audio, shuffling, doors opening and closing, handcuffs, everyone's ears strained, heart heavy, Houston's voice was muddy in all their minds, just bare memories

His voice is gruff, heavy, clearly not here much by choice and willing to make the most of the moment. A smile in his voice

Houston- Officer, I think there's been a mistake. What...exactly am I getting accused of? And I believe asked you to contact my lawyer.

Pearl stands close by, listening, a small smile from finally hearing the voice of someone they all seemed to stress over, Dallas the most of course.

Even with the harsh microphone it was caught on, his voice echoes in all their minds, familiar, not...exact, but not too far.

Houston- Grand larceny?...Wait, tax evasion?? You got the wrong guy, Officer North. I'm inno... This wasn't me

North- We have enough evidence to put you away for a long time. Grand larceny... fraud...and tax evasion. Those are just the ones that make good headlines. It is quite the list, don't you think?

Innocent? Of course, he wasn't innocent...his pause, the refusal to lie that he was a law-abiding citizen and just respond with the same comment that it 'wasn't him'? Maybe that wasn't a lie either

Houston- Witnesses?? I look like a lot of people. I can't answer for what these "Witnesses" say they saw but it wasn't me. You know how unreliable eyewitnesses can be.

North- Not you, huh? Explain this. We've got witnesses who saw you as the last person on the scene of the crime last week.

Thinking about it, it made sense, the gang were rougher around the edges, his calmer voice didn't mirror the same calm in the public eye. Dallas couldn't help a small scoff in his smile, the same Houston he was familiar with

It was weird, Houston wasn't much in terms of 'confident' years ago, not a complete pushover but not nearly this tough.

Houston- How are you doing on that lawyer by the way?

North- And what about the security footage? Sure looks a lot like you.

Houston- Really? security footage? Crazy what AI can do these days and you still can't get security footage over 480p anyway. I don't know what you're fishing for here, or if you're just setting me up, but I've been living clean for the past.... 5 years, at least.

North- A setup, huh? It's always a setup isn't it. You expect me to believe that there's some conspiracy against you? Even with... all this evidence?

Houston- That's exactly what I'm telling you.

North- ...And the tax evasion? We've got your financial records. You're deep in the red, Steele.

Houston-  I'd have to see those numbers myself North. But, I pay my taxes, every cent. If there's been a mistake, I'll make sure to sort it out together with my accountant and the IRS.

Houston- Confess? to crimes I didn't commit? Not gonna happen. I think we're done here.

North- You're full of it, Steele. This case is a formality, we've got video, papers, witnesses. In all my years I've barely seen anyone this royally fucked. Just confess, make it easier for us both, I'll even see if I can get you a good deal for cooperating and saving the state some money. What do you say?

Even Hoxton could listen and even quietly admire, his progression and even the now mirroring situation of jail with hands around their throats, a clutch tight, it was...A little admirable.

It did seem like a lost cause, the case file looked all formal, the clear backing up of those papers, witnesses, videos, there was no room to argue and it was a criminal word against the police and justice seekers. While it seemed useless, Houston still stood his ground.

North-  Have it your way, it's not like the trial's gonna drag anyway Franklin

A pause. He said what?

Houston- Good luck with that. I'll be here, waiting for that lawyer you're supposed to be calling. And I'll take you up on that bottle of water while you're up, thanks.

this was worse than the new accusations, worse to dismiss and trust the paper and videos that yes, can be manipulated. the bite as he said it, the spite and almost small clear hint of victory either way when he said his name. He could only lower his voice so much

A cold and hot flush, the moment of confidence, the admiration that maybe he could have some way out, Nathan couldn't keep his pain down much longer.

- Keep his name out your mouth

A little more shuffling, a closing recording of the case number and participants cutting off as the contact finally leaves, takes the recording before seemingly bolting back to work

Nathan stands by the desk, knuckles against the wood and feeling his nails dig into his palm.

His teeth grit hard, only he had called his first name, he didn't care what happened out of his range of hearing and now hearing it all over again, the pain in his chest, shoulders, muscles strained now and now body temperature unbalanced under his jacket

Houston had said, he didn't like using his first name at all, kept it quiet and out of courtesy, no one went much out of their way to find something they kept hidden.

...

"Keep his name out of your mouth"

[rz-053]

I am so unreasonably excited for my hoxton street monster supplies order holy shit. Look at these. They may just be shortbread cookies but i need them.