December 29, 2014

New Dark Links for the Last Monday of the Year

DARK BLOGS:

Cosplay for the Recently Deceased

These two ladies, Amy and Hannah, love cosplaying together. They primarily focus on Beetlejuice related cosplay. Check out their Facebook page for a cool Beetlejuice Christmas tree. They also showcase other cosplayers with cool costumes, not always "dark" but still interesting to look at.

Cosplay for the Recently Deceased, on Facebook

Dancing with Death

This is a Facebook page, not really a blog, but I thought you'd enjoy their daily posts on the darker side of life. In October, they are more of a Halloween lifestyle community. So far this is a cozy little place, with 240 fans.

Dancing with Death, on Facebook


DARK DJS

DJ LadyNoir

I learn so much from browsing goth DJ playlists. Her most recent event was at Club Ascension.

http://djladynoir.blogspot.com/

DJ Wolfman

This DJ broadcasts on Nightbreed Radio and via podcast.

http://dj-wolfman.blogspot.com/


DARK PODCASTS:

Eerie-Tales

A supernatural podcast by L.E. Muesch. New episodes are broadcast on the 13th of every month. Each episode features a new haunting story.

http://eerie-tales.com/

DARK SHOPS:

Deflated Mouse

This Etsy shop is based in New York. Theda sells all sorts of adorable bat-themed merchandise: bat jewelry, bat-shaped pillows, and occasional vintage items that aren't batty.

My favorite item here is this set of bat cameo hair clips.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DeflatedMouse

Diana Levin Art

This Los Angeles area artist creates "creepy cute" gothic fantasy art. You can buy prints and mini prints, ACEO trading cards, and pendants based on her art. My favorite piece here is the Wizard of Oz steampunk wicked witch.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DianaLevinArt

Monkey Wrench Clothing

This shop is based in Kansas City, Missouri. They have a brick and mortar shop and also sell online. In addition to brands like Voodoo Vixen, they sell custom clothing. There are a few steampunk items here as well, and a few gifty type items.

http://www.monkeywrenchclothing.com/

Wild Kitty

This Australian shop specializes in retro rockabilly clothing. They carry many plus sizes. Besides men and women's clothing, they sell housewares, hosiery and shoes.

My favorite item here is this Polka dot rose dress.

http://wildkittyclothing.com.au/

UC Studios

This shop sells lots of cool El Dia de Los Muertos prints, plus pinup prints, papier mache skulls, and original art. I'd rather own the original Day of the Dead doll that's depicted in this print, than a print. I'm wondering where the dolls might be for sale!

UC Studios


HORROR GENRE:

A Haunting on the Screen

This horror blog is currently reviewing The Babadook.

http://www.ahauntingonthescreen.com/

You Only Live Twice

This horror blog specializes in "afterlife cinema." Movies that depict what happens after we die. Currently reviewing "Life After Beth" and a movie called "I Origins."

http://afterlifecinema.blogspot.com/


--Copyright 2014 Dark Side of the Net

www.darklinks.com

www.facebook.com/darklinks

Dark and Dreary Goth/Industrial and Steampunk Songs for a Macabre Christmas Holiday Season

Earlier this month, a bunch of students at Dark Side University had a gothic holiday song listening party online, courtesy of YouTube's vast archive. We all threw out favorite songs for each other to check out, and I wanted to share some of the URLs with you here. This isn't a comprehensive look at gothic Christmas music availability, it's just a peek into what we were enjoying listening to together during this dark bleak holiday winter season.

Not goth, but give a listen to This Vale of Tears, by Frozen Zone

How about Abney Park's Little Drummer Boy? They have a ton of other Christmas songs too.

Ok, who has seen this video of Siouxsie singing the French traditional Christmas Carol "Le Divine Enfant"?

Annie Lennox also did a version of Le Divine Enfant.

Here's The Cruxshadows doing "Happy Xmas (War is Over)".

Here's the "Gothic Christmas" song by symphonic rock band Within Temptation. It makes me giggle. I like it.

I'm checking out Erasure's cover of the 1582 sacred Christmas carol "Gaudete" which means "At this Time of Grace."

This is supposed to be The Cure doing "Merry Christmas Everyone" but I can barely understand the vocals.. I'm skeptical?

Razor Skyline wrote in and asked if I would play their excellent song "The Longest Night of the Year."

"Welcome Christmas," by Love Spirals Downwards, is on the legendary Dark Noel Vol 1 album, which Amazon just informed me I purchased back on December 12, 2000. Now I feel old, and like it's time to sort out my CD bookcase because I haven't held this CD in my hands in years.

The Dark Noel volume 2 album is also very good.

Here are Mediaeval Baebes performing "Gaudete" at RenFair in Maryland in 2013.. their outfits are gorgeous!

Unto Ashes has a nice winter album. You can listen to Winter Born on YouTube.

Have you yet heard Bjork sing the Icelandic Christmas Cat song "Björk - Jólakötturinn - Hvít Er Borg Og Bær - Icelandic Christmas Cat - (1987)."

We all decided that the Sisters of Mercy's "Driven Like the Snow" belongs on every goth winter music playlist.

London After Midnight has a Christmas song.

My very favorite gothy Christmas song by ethereal non-goths: "Frosty the Snowman" by the Cocteau Twins.

L'ame Immortelle sings "Tiefster Winter".

Oh here's another great song - Medieval Baebes performing "The Angel Gabriel."

You can listen to the Black Snow Christmas compilation #1 and
Black Snow #2.

You most likely already know about Nox Arcana's many wonderful wintertime holiday albums: Winter's Eve, Winter's Knight, and Winter's Majesty.


--Copyright 2014 Dark Side of the Net

www.darklinks.com - since 1993!

Dark Gothic Blog of the Year for 2014

This year I want to showcase Goth Gardening, which I have so enjoyed reading every time I have stopped by these past few months.

"Goth Gardener's" real life last name means "the child from the land of spiders" in Polish - how cool is that?

It's really difficult to write high quality blog posts multiple times per week - she manages 10 to 15 posts a month, which is every other day! It's been so fun, in a non-creepy-stalking way, to see the things she shares about her life and adventures somewhere in (I think) Virginia?

The blog began back in May with her first musings on gardening.

You can read about her tour of the Ashland Holiday Home Walking Tour, read about her excitement regarding her upcoming wedding, check out the beautiful outfit she wore to her staff holiday party, and learn from her about the house of Poe's "Lost Lenore." You can read about her goals for Bat Fit 2014 - I am impressed, I didn't have the courage to blog about my own personal goals.

She loves Christmas, and recently ran a Goth Gardening Gift Giving Contest on her blog. I'm enjoying learning about her Candlemas tradition as well as the legend of the Snowdrop.

Is there much actual "gothic gardening" content here? You'll just have to peruse the back entries to find out. (I'll give you this one hint: purple shamrock plants).

Why am I featuring this one blog in particular? I think it's a great example of a fun blog by an upbeat, intelligent goth who explores a lot, shares cool spooky finds, isn't afraid to share personal things, and isn't trying to prove to anyone how goth or dark or morbid she is. She's just living her interesting life, working towards her goals, and letting us Internet goths have a quick peek at what that looks like for her. Bravo.

I like her advice here and wish young goths would read that particular post.


--Copyright 2014 Carrie Carolin

Dark Side of the Net

October 22, 2014

New Dark Links for a Rainy Day in Autumn

Song for the day:

Kirlian Camera - In The Endless rain


DARK BLOGS:

Dark Corner Books

A multiple-author blog covering horror and the fantastic in books and movies. Currently blogging about the upcoming Poe-based Stonehearst Asylum film; Edgar Allan Poe themed Halloween parties; and about Ridiculous Horror Movie Villains.

http://darkcornerbooks.com/

Mr. Frights

"Mr. Frights is a promoter, producer, and fan of all things horror & halloween. Halloween 365 a year!" He's currently blogging about 30 Family Friendly Halloweeny Movies; the 2014 Skittles Halloween commercial; and new Halloween books for kids.

http://www.mrfrights.com/


DARK EVENTS:

Bram Stoker Festival

This festival will take place this upcoming weekend, October 25-26, in Dublin, Ireland. Oh what I wouldn't give to be able to go!

http://www.bramstokerfestival.com/

The Bram Stoker Festival on Facebook

London Month of the Dead

This is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen in 21 years of running Dark Side of the Net. London Month of the Dead is an ambitious assortment of macabre events hosted all throughout October until All Soul's Day. There are cemetery tours, talks and lectures, taxidermy workshops, a seance in a chapel, a death cafe, and themed cocktails. This is so cool! I may make it my mission in life to save up and attend next year, if they continue the tradition. I'm so excited about this! I wish I had time to make an entire blog post about it. Highly recommended!

http://londonmonthofthedead.com/


DARK LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Misfit Wedding

Here's a handy directory of UK/British resources and vendors to help plan your alternative wedding. Themes include steampunk, rockabilly, goth, vintage, fantasy, and geek weddings. Resources include vendors for dark cakes, cars and vehicles, clothing and shoes, decorations, flowers, food and drink, hair and makeup, jewelry, etc. I'm not getting married any time soon (or ever again maybe!) but I'm having fun browsing the resources. They've actually taken the time to create a sub page about every business, with a review and recommendation, plus a link to the business's webpage and related social networking presences. A ton of work went into this very professional website!

http://www.misfitwedding.com/

Misfit Wedding on Facebook


DARK SHOPS:

Aryer Studio

This Decatur, Georgia shop sells intriguing Halloween and dark Christmas ornaments. There are also some prints and gothy blank notecard sets.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ARyerStudio

Sweet Midnight

"The darker side of cute." This online goth shop is located in Bisbee, Arizona. They sell gothic jewelry, horror themed giclee prints, a Bela Lugosi grave rubbing, and some coffin purses. They also have an Etsy presence.

http://www.sweetmidnight.com/

Sweet Midnight on Etsy

Sweet Midnight on Facebook

Valkyrie Corsets

This Etsy shop is based in Brighton in England. They specialize in burlesque and bridal corsets. My favorite is this green raw dupioni silk corset.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/valkyriecorsets

Valkyrie Corsets on Facebook


GOTH BLOGS:

Goth Gardening

I'm so glad to see that the enthusiasm for gothic gardening hasn't waned! Recent posts here include Scarecrows and gardens along the James River; Books As Our Guides; and a report on Office Appropriate Spooky outfits. Enjoying reading through the archive of past posts here!

http://goth-gardening.blogspot.com/

Roses and Vellum

An Australian blog, with posts about steampunk, goth, Halloween, fashion, Victorian and Edwardian topics, and other lovely dark things. Recent posts include a horse dressed up for Halloween, Thoughts on Faeries, Recent Reads and Outfits, and an interview with shopkeeper Ingrid of Chameleon Candour.

http://rosesandvellum.blogspot.com.au/


HALLOWEEN:

Halloween ComicFest

On the Saturday before Halloween, you can walk into participating comics shops and get a free Halloween ComicFest comic! Visit the website and use the store locator to see if any shops near you are taking part in this festive event.

http://www.halloweencomicfest.com/

Halloween Comic Fests on Facebook

Haunted House Association

Here's a really good place to search out haunted houses and events in your local area.

http://www.hauntedhouseassociation.org/


Administrivia: I've shut down the Darklinks goth social network, which was suffering from lack of use. Members have been invited to join my year-old project www.darksideuniversity.com instead. Visit the Dark Side University Facebook to see our list of upcoming courses, including Business 101: Promoting Your Goth Business; Mythology 104: Krampus, the Devil of Christmas; and Gothic Literature 104: Victorian Ghost Stories for Christmas.


--Copyright 2014 Carrie Carolin

Dark Side of the Net

Darklinks.com on Facebook

Darklinks.com on Pinterest

Darklinks.com on Twitter

October 13, 2014

Jazz Age Halloween Songs

(Picture via Retrospace)

I've been really enjoying listening to this Jazz Age Halloween playlist on the venerable Internet Archive. It's a refreshing break from YouTube's ads.

While the music isn't goth and isn't necessarily spooky, the themes still encompass ghosts, haunted houses, spooks, the Boogie Man, zombies, and the Headless Horseman. This may not end up playing through my speakers on Halloween Night, but it will probably be featured in the background of a couple upcoming dinner parties I'm hosting.

Visit https://archive.org/details/JazzAgeHalloween to check out the songs.

Here's the playlist:

  • 1. The Haunted House - Ray Noble & His Orchestra
  • 2. Shivery Stomp - Frankie Trumbauer & His Orchestra
  • 3. Mysterious Mose - The Radio All Star Novelty Orchestra - Dick Robertson
  • 4. The Boogie Man Is Here - Tom Geron & His Orchestra
  • 5. Haunting Blues - Red Nichols & His Five Pennies
  • 6. Bug-A-Boo - Red Nichols & His Five Pennies
  • 7. Got The Jitters - Don Redman & His Orchestra
  • 8. The Boogie Man - Todd Rollins & His Orchestra - Chick Bullock
  • 9. The House Is Haunted (By The Echo Of Your Last Goodbye) - Glen Gray & The Casa Loma Orchestra - Kenny Sargent
  • 10. Zombie - Gene Kardos & His Orchestra
  • 11. Mr. Ghost Goes To Town - Louis Prima & His New Orleans Gang
  • 12. Skeleton In The Closet - Nat Gonella & His Georgians
  • 13. The Goblin Band - Glen Gray & The Casa Loma Orchestra
  • 14. Hell's Bells - The New Yorkers (Sid Peltyn & His Orchestra) - Dick Robertson
  • 15. With Her Head Tucked Under Her Arm - Rudy Vallee & His Connecticut Yankees - Cyril Smith
  • 16. The Black Cat - Ozzie Nelson & His Orchestra
  • 17. Strange Enchantment - Skinnay Ennis & His Orchestra
  • 18. The Ghost Of Smokey Joe - Cab Calloway & His Orchestra
  • 19. Ol' Man Mose Ain't Dead - Nat King Cole Trio
  • 20. Swingin' At The Seance - Glenn Miller & His Orchestra - Dorothy Claire
  • 21. Horror Fantasia For Spooks And Wild Indians - Charlie Barnet & His Orchestra
  • 22. Fanfare/Cherokee (Theme) - Charlie Barnet & His Orchestra - Peggy Lee
  • 23. Old Man Mose Is Dead - Charlie Barnet & His Orchestra
  • 24. Pompton Turnpike - Charlie Barnet & His Orchestra
  • 25. Haunted Heart - Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra - Johnny Amoroso
  • 26. The Headless Horseman - Kay Starr & Billy Butterfield Quintet
  • 27. Dry Bones (Head Bone Connected To The Neck Bone) - Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra


--Copyright 2014 Dark Side of the Net

www.darklinks.com

September 27, 2014

Top 5 Circus-Themed Halloween Haunts

Carnival of the Dead

Detroit area haunt with wooded trail and carnival haunt. Part of Scarefest Scream Park.

http://scarefestscreampark.com/about/carnival-of-the-dead

Scarefest Scream Park on Facebook


Circus of Fear

Arvada, Colorado (near Denver). 5000 square feet, 20 live actors, fire performers,

http://circusoffear3d.com/

Circus of Fear 3D on Facebook

Circus of Fear 3D on Twitter


Circus of Horrors

Located in Las Vegas. Besides the Circus of Horrors, the venue includes "The Trilogy of Terror" - The Gates of Hell and The Vampire's Castle haunted attractions.

http://www.freaklingbros.com/circusofhorrors.html

Circus of Horrors on Facebook


The Queen Mary

The acclaimed Dark Harbor event includes a twisted circus Ringmaster as the host. While the Dark Harbor theme in general has nothing to do with circuses or carnivals, there's a lot going on here and it's a highly recommended event if you can manage to attend. There's a freak show, six mazes, two rides, and a Monster Midway attraction.

http://www.queenmary.com/events/dark-harbor/monsters/

Queen Mary Dark Harbor on Facebook


Strangling Bros. Haunted Circus

This haunted circus has four locations: Salt Lake City Utah, Dallas TX, Houston TX (opening in 2015) and Chicago (opening in 2015). The attractions feature mazes, live bands, mad magicians,

http://www.stranglingbros.com/

Strangling Bros. Haunted Circus Chicago

Strangling Bros. Haunted Circus Texas on Facebook

Strangling Bros. Haunted Circus Utah on Facebook


--Copyright 2014 Carrie Carolin

www.darklinks.com

September 7, 2014

New Dark Links for a Sunday Bloody Sunday

DARK BLOGS:

I Die: You Die

Alex and Bruce blog about EBM, electronic and dark music, via this podcast that takes its name from a Gary Numan song.

http://www.idieyoudie.com/

The 6Forty Project

"A home for interesting music." You can listen to 640 minutes of music in each post. The blog includes posts on recent releases and new discoveries. A great way to discover new bands or revisit songs you haven't heard in a long time by various dark musicians.

http://www.6forty.com/

The 6Forty Project on Facebook


DARK BUSINESSES:

The Dungeons

This dark entertainment business has locations in multiple cities, including San Francisco, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, York, and so on. The attractions offer live performances, dark rides, mazes, and special effects. Each venue offers a different experience. These sound SO fun to check out! I simply must go to San Francisco again soon and put a visit to The Dungeons on my itinerary.

http://www.thedungeons.com/

The London Dungeon

The London Dungeon on Facebook

Gothic Wine

This winery in the Willamette Valley in Oregon sells wines called "Nevermore," "Telltale Rose," "Ophelia" Chardonnay, and "Gothic Hyland Pinot Noir."

http://www.gothicwine.com/

Gothic Wine on Facebook

The Grimstones

Asphyxia's gothic fairy tale books and an app, too. Written in Australia, the tales feature a girl named Martha Grimstone who reads dreams. Read more about the intriguing lady behind all this, Asphyxia.

http://www.thegrimstones.com/

The Grimstones on Facebook

Slaughtered Lamb Pub

This theme bar is in New York City. It advertises itself as "An ancient pub operated by a family of werewolves." It's open 365 days a year. Imagine going here on Christmas Eve? Hrm.

http://www.slaughteredlambpub.com/

The Slaughtered Lamb Pub on Facebook

Sugar Skull Rum

I haven't tasted Sugar Skull Rum yet. I'm wondering if they're mostly relying on their amazing packaging to sell the product. I'm assuming each rum has a slightly different flavor - the website and Facebook page aren't offering an explanation of any flavor profiles yet.

http://www.sugarskullrum.com/

Sugar Skull Rum on Facebook


DARK AND GOTHIC MUSIC:

Natural Velvet

A post-punk band from Baltimore. Their music isn't goth or dark, but I do like it. The singer sort of reminds me of Courtney Love but with better enunciation and a better voice. My favorite song by them so far is "Cathedral Street."

Natural Velvet, on Bandcamp

Natural Velvet, on Facebook

Natural Velvet, on Soundcloud

Partly Faithful

This post-punk band from London describes their music as "dark-vogue" and "trash-vogue." Their influences include Bauhaus, Nick Cave, The March Violets, and Einstürzende Neubauten. Check out their official video "Needles." Do I hear a John Lydon influence in the vocals?

http://www.partlyfaithful.com/
Partly Faithful on Facebook

Partly Faithful on YouTube

Photophore

This band from Calgary in Canada describes their music as "industrial speakeasy." They feature a female vocalist. My favorite song from their Soundcloud list so far is "Vitriol."

Photophore on Facebook

Photophore on Soundcloud

Photophore on Twitter

Rule of Thirds

A goth band from Adelaide, Australia. Their influences include Christian Death, Xmal Deutschland, Siouxsie And The Banshees, The Cure and The Wake. You can check out their song Mother/Master on YouTube. Another female vocalist! yay.

Rule of Thirds at Bandcamp

Rule of Thirds on Facebook

Splintered In Her Head

This band is a Cure cover band from Wellington, New Zealand. Here's a video of them performing "M" live back in April 2014.

Splintered In Her Head on Facebook

Whores of Whitechapel

A Victorian-inspired gothic rock band from Wellington, New Zealand. I love that there's so much cool dark stuff going on all the way on the other side of the world!

http://whoresofwhitechapel.com/

Whores of Whitechapel on Facebook


DARK PAGES IN OTHER LANGUAGES:

Darkrecords

A Spanish blog about goth and dark music in Mexico. Currently posting about the upcoming Peter Hook & The Light concert in November. There are also album reviews and peeks at the author's collection of favorite CDs.

http://darkrecords-fernando.blogspot.com/

Espasmos Cadavericos

A Portuguese blog about coldwave, deathrock, gothic and post-punk music. With some naughty album download offerings.

http://espasmoscadavericos.blogspot.com/


DARK SHOPS:

Cast Shadows Studio

This Connecticut based artist, Richard Chalifour, sells architectural and garden sculptures - mostly gorgeous gargoyles. There are some amazing light switch plates, as well.

My favorite piece here is this Protector gargoyle.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CastShadows

Cast Shadows Studio on Facebook

Dreamtrappings

Natalie Ewert's Fullerton, California based shop where she sells tombstone and Oz themed jewelry and accessories. There are a few one-offs, like a pair of calaveras earrings, a little brown bat brooch, and a quirky Day of the Dead Holiday in a Bottle necklace.

My favorite piece here is this Bela Lugosi gravestone brooch.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamtrappings

Elegant Curiosities

Beautiful jewelry and headwear from Laila Tas in the Netherlands. She also offers a few boleros.

What do you think of her Threnody Choker with Mink Skull?

http://elegantcuriosities.com/

Elegant Curiosities, on Facebook

Jack of London

This shop sells retro fashions and vintage style clothing. Brands they carry include Hell Bunny, H&R London, Spin Doctor, and Voodoo Vixen.

My favorite dress here is this red and black flocked one.

http://www.jackoflondon.co.uk/

Jack of London on Facebook

Jack of London on Twitter

Spiderwood Hollow

These decorative handmade spiders aren't just for Halloween! They're made by an artist in Vancouver, Washington. Besides the decorative spiders and copper wire webs, there are also a few nice pieces of spider jewelry too.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SpiderwoodHollow

SpiderwoodHollow on Facebook

Stephanie Buscema Art

Oh, I'm going to have so much trouble picking just one favorite art print from here to showcase! The artist lives in New York, and offers some stickers, tote bags and buttons along with her darling prints. The prints feature witches, vampires, monsters, witchy and gothy women, cute little skulls, and vixens. The style is kinda modern, kinda retro, kinda kitschy, and very awesome!

It was painful, but I came up with a favorite: Spell Castin' Sybil. Man, I need a stationery set made from this image!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/StephBuscemaMart

Stephanie Buscema on Facebook

Vanyanis

Custom corsetry design from Australia. The designs here are stunningly beautiful. I'm wondering if the website is a bit outdated - the three Collections you can view are Dangerous Liaisons, Circa Nocturna 2009 and Circa Nocturna 2009. But their blog and Facebook are updated, so I suppose everything's ok. They sell gorgeous corsets, a gown, clothing, shoes, and even stockings. There's also a section for beautiful gothic jewelry and accessories. Check out the Portfolio section of the site to see the lovely designs you could have custom made to fit you.

http://www.vanyanis.net/

Vanyanis on Facebook

Vengeance Designs

Kayla's high end latex, fetish and cosplay shop in New York City. There are dresses, bodysuits, catsuits, lingerie and swimwear, tops, bottoms and accessories. There's also a higher end line called Dead Souls Collection with some really amazing designs.

The Black Swan bodysuit is my favorite thing here.

http://vengeancedesigns.net/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/vengeancedesigns

Vengance Designs on Facebook


GOTH LOCAL RESOURCES

Dark Calgary

Goth and alternative resources and events calendar for Calgary Canada. There seems to be a good amount of cool things going on.

http://dark-calgary.webs.com/

Dark Calgary on Facebook

Dark Calgary on Tumblr

Dark Calgary on Twitter

Goth Mexico

This Facebook networking group for goths in Mexico has 14,000 members. It seems well moderated, and was just updated today. I love up-to-date resources!

Goth Mexico Group on Facebook

San Diego Gothic and Industrial Scene

The Facebook group for San Diego goth/industrial resources and events. San Diego was my hometown growing up, but I was a punk at the time and didn't get into the goth lifestyle til I moved to Seattle. I've always found San Diego a really well organized town for various scenes, so I'm surprised there are only 500 members in this group. Still, it's very useful!

SD Gothic and Industrial Scene on Facebook


--Copyright 2014 Carrie Carolin

Dark Side of the Net - now in its 21st year!

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