My Shitty Lolla Flickr

If it were any good then it means I wasn't enjoying the shows.

Take a look at the general goings on.


FULL POST

Lollapalooza 2008

Lollapalooza 2008 was like watching a David Blaine magic trick. It was, simply and crudely put, a gigantic mindfuck. There's really nothing more surreal than walking from a seizure inducing, big beat Kanye show to a seizure inducing, big beat Nine Inch Nails show. Here are some of the highlights and lowlights of my weekend in Chicago:

• The Black Keys' set rocked out and was the best show I've seen them perform. This is sort of strange because I assumed these guys were better suited for a small venue.
• Cat Power was disappointing.
• Cadence Weapon, whom I'd never heard of, was a great surprise. Imagine MCing over House music.
• The Cool Kids fucking tore it up. Their beats translate very well to the live sector, not to mention their DJ was impressive in cutting in outside music.
  
• Radiohead blew me the hell away. I got a chance to see them back in May in St. Louis a couple rows back. However, this time I was much further back and got to see the light show a lot better and it added to the experience. Plus I finally got to see Dollars & Cents. I'm pretty sure I looked like I was tripping acid during this entire set.
• Booka Shade was awesome.
• MGMT somehow forgot that they weren't performing for Oakdale Retirement Community.
• Explosions in the Sky maintained the most festival-like experience for me this year. My girlfriend and I just sat down and listened to an hour of relaxing post-rock. One of my top highlights this year.
• Uffie, although late, stirred up a great dance party. She knows how to get a crowd going. I'm just sort of upset that she didn't bring the Ed Banger crew to do an after show.
• I had heard so many great things about Broken Social Scene live, but it was forgettable. They are, though, without some of the talent that made them as good as they once were.
• Rage Against the Machine was insane. I can't wrap my head around anyone seeing Wilco instead. Zach De La Rocha's continual requests for everyone to "take five to ten steps back" to save the poor people in the front from getting their ribs crushed is about the best way to describe what went on during their show.
• I went to an after party at The Hideout to go see Oh Snap!!, Cadence Weapon, and The Hood Internet. I got there really early and, to my delight, got to speak with Steve and Aaron of The Hood Internet. They were very kind and put up with me being a drunken jack ass. If you haven't checked these guys out, do so. They are doing some of the best mash-ups on the planet right now.
  
• Chromeo could've been so much cooler if they were on a smaller stage. Their sound just didn't translate as well on the big MySpace stage.
• Franki Chan of iheartcomix is a fine DJ. He controls the crowd extremely well and uses that edgy French sound that has been kicking so much ass lately.
• Saul Williams is a trip. The band sounded great and he commands the mic well. A true MC for a type of music you wouldn't normally think had MCs.
• Girl Talk was the dance party of the weekend. Honestly, this guy puts on about as good of a show as you can for someone who only has to use a few mouse clicks an entire show. By the end of the set Gregg Gillis was crowd surfing on a raft.
• Kanye West was supremely impressive. The lights, the sound, his MCing, everything. For anyone thinking a rap show can't be just as impressive live as it is on CD, you're wrong. His set was fresh and I especially loved his breakdown during the middle of the set when he did a little rap about his late mother.
• The Nine Inch Nails light show was on par with Kanye's. Trent sounded great and, of the songs I saw, they put on a fantastic show. It was hard to pick between Kanye and NIN and, even though I would've loved to see more of NIN, I can't complain about my decision.

This was easily the best festival I've ever been to, and I'm wondering how or if they can top it next year. We'll see.

Stay tuned for a flickr set here today.

(Pic above courtesy of Brooklyn Vegan)
FULL POST

Things I learned from 80/35 in Des Moines

80/35 was a festival highlighted by its surprising local acts and, of course, The Flaming Lips and The Roots. A lot, however, went on, and these are the things I learned from an altogether pleasant festival-going experience:

• The Flaming Lips still put on the funnest show in the world.
• Festivals always seem to attract its fair share of hippies.
• Jakob Dylan drinks as if he were still relevant.
• Yonder Mountain String Band drinks like they know they should.
• Des Moines has some impressive DJ talent, as evidenced not by one, not by two, but by three separate occasions (more on this in some ensuing posts).
• Des Moines drinks, and it drinks well (more on this later as well).
• Des Moines appreciates typography as much as I do.

Check out the whole flickr set here. FULL POST

long weekends and the midwestern lifestyle

I'm back from my first ever trip to Des Moines, and am more impressed than I thought I'd be. The city's got the paradoxical juxtaposition of cleanliness and major city infrastructure not unlike Salt Lake City, for those who have been. I was very impressed with how nice everyone was, eager to befriend those who shared similar interests. It seems there is quite a good DJ scene as well, something I've longed to see in the area which I live. Not to mention some pretty good BBQ that takes advantage of Iowa's major hog supply. But I digress--I realize the apparent lack of excitement to the rest of the world that talking about Iowa can conjure--it's just that I feel the city deserves some recognition, and if you're ever passing through, maybe take some time to have a beer or two at Court Avenue Brew Pub, and then head over to Vaudeville Mews to see some impressive DJ sets.

Once I've properly relaxed and received adequate time, I will write up some stuff about some music you've heard of, some you haven't, a delicious stout from a local micro-brewery, and other various snippets of things I feel are worth showing to the rest of the world. Stay tuned for a flickr set as well. FULL POST

happy birthday, you!

Happy Birthday, America. In your honor, I am celebrating this occasion by doing something truly American: I'm going to guzzle the shit out of some gasoline. That's right, I'm taking myself and my car roughly 300 miles north to the wonderful state of Iowa. And then, of course, another 300 back the way I came, only adding to my already overloaded patriotism. What brings me away from my natural habitat? Well, a certain little lady whom I call girlfriend, a music festival featuring The Flaming Lips and The Roots, and, though this wasn't always an intention or a reason for going, an intriguing micro-brewed stout that sounds delicious.

The weekend should be full of some good times, even for reasons not listed, and hopefully the events will breed some enjoyable posts for you all to read. Hope everyone has a great weekend and, please, feel free to share what you plan on doing to celebrate the 4th.

FULL POST

archived police photos of compton's most wanted

Coming across these photos of Compton's Most Wanted was like seeing a realized version of Grand Theft Auto. This is probably a little foolish on my part considering these gang bangers preceded Niko Bellic and his counterparts by years. Oh, and they aren't from a video game. As far as I know, these guys aren't the result of a Harvard graduate's programming skills--if they are then that's just a whole new level of respect for the University--these guys are straight up legitimate, hardcore, real life killers.

Enjoy the pictures. FULL POST

bansky keeping it real real at the cans festival

Believe you me, The Cans Festival isn't just some awful play on words--there was actually some really great graffiti work going on at the "stencil art street battle" held in London these past few days. According to the website, "Some people are calling it the greatest stencil art show that has ever taken place in a tunnel underneath Waterloo station." Eh, I beg to differ. But really, it's all very nice and good. Bansky, a man who needs no petty introduction, put on a show of his own. A show within a show, some may have called it.

Another piece done by Bansky at the show:

(Found via Kitsune Noir) FULL POST

the bianca vase will outlive the flowers. just dont play ball in the house.

Cool, I got it. You're getting your mom flowers. But seriously, the plastic they come wrapped in, even if it's colored yellow, shouldn't be handed to the woman who gave up fun for you. I don't really know what mothers like, but I can't image they wouldn't be oh-so-thrilled to get the Bianca Vase from Crate&Barrel. Or, if she's a drinker, ignore the flowers and go with some Stella glasses. You may be the reason she drinks, so give her something cool to pour her medicine into. FULL POST

the moma store shows me again why japan is cool

As part of MOMAs Destination Japan line of products, these plates by Ikuko Nakazawa (interesting tidbit, my dad was pushing for my name to be Ikuko, or if I was a girl, Elizabeth) make your food say a lot. You know, that you're fun, interesting, or perhaps a romantic at heart just chasing a dream. While you're over at the MOMA store maybe you check out the Slice Plate. FULL POST

4 hour drive to kentucky for 2 minutes.

I'm ready for the biggest horse race and social event of the year. This Saturday Kentucky is the place to be. Even if the Downs is too far a drive, make it out to the good 'ole local OTB site and make it an interesting afternoon.

Can we say Big Brown, Smooth Air, and Colonel John?

Really, for the whole experience read up on the race and get a good Sinatra album to feed any gambling enjoyment, addictions, and/or habits. FULL POST

i need a cabin to get away to. like this one.

Owning land usually isn't a problem. But when your land has some of the most stunning views in Canada, a lot of people want to come spend weekends. In order to escape the guests, a couple in Ontario had to build a getaway cabin on their own property. And thank goodness they did--now I get to look at pictures of it, wish I had one, and run down to QuikTrip to buy lottery tickets. What started as a little annoyance for the couple has turned into a completely modern structure that still fits in with its natural environment. And its rustic feel is going to get better with age, as the exterior wood will turn grey. Designed by Taylor Smyth Architects, this one room cabin has won awards and is proof that big things can come in small packages--190 square feet.

via thecoolhunter

FULL POST

assouline books make reading classy. so flossy flossy.

Assouline is a crazy cool publishing company. Referred to as the first luxury brand using publishing as its medium, they offer books on anything chic.

“Renowned for their highly original graphic concept, Assouline books are a work of art that capture culture and brings it to life. The spirit and 'savoir faire' of these works have contributed to the creation of a unique and eclectic, chic and elegant brand that is immediately identifiable”

My wishlist includes, but is not limited to; Fred Astaire, Rebel Style, Palm Springs Style, Paris Living Rooms, Eames, and Bauhaus. Because Assouline is such a classy company, they sell their books in insane special boutiques: some Saks Fifth Ave. stores, or on the website. Well, my birthday isn't soon, so you might want to bookmark this so you don't forget. FULL POST

more diy: youth guitar turned functional radio

What can I say--we're crafty. Just last week Rich unveiled his all-too-authentic retro iPod speaker unit; and although impressive, he's the first to admit that he had some help in the matter--from a good friend by the name of Randy. Randy's also in the diy business, recently completing his youth guitar turned functional radio.

Of the project, Randy said:

I took a youth guitar that had a mini amplifier and speaker in the body and a 1980's am/fm radio and combined the two. The [original] radio was gutted for parts and retro-fitted into a made-from-scratch body for the guitar. I used all old parts from the original guitar except the tremelo bridge. I added wood to the headstock to make an exaggerated "Stratocaster" style head.

Aside from the coolness of the radio, it stands as an art piece as well. While Randy said to me that it's "a statement about appearances in the music industry," the work, to me, resonates as a criticism towards the creative possibilities of an instrument as dwindled through a corrupt medium of communication. But, hey, I may be a tad cynical about all that stuff.

What do you make of Randy's work?

More pics of the finished project here, here, and here. FULL POST

what, 58 year old radio for an iPod? yeah, thats right.

Recently my friend Randy and I turned an old 1950s Emerson 642A radio into an iPod/computer speaker. Because, as has been the trend with me, it's mid century. Everything about it says 1950, most notably, the dial numbers. The outside is all original to the radio, but inside it has been gutted and everything replaced. It now houses two older, but legit, speakers and a small subwoofer. Hooked up to an iPod it sounds great. And, although there is no functioning radio inside, hooked up to my iTunes I get KMOX, NPR, and hundreds of other streaming radio stations. I'm really excited to make another one. Oh, it's just perfect!

Three more pictures here, here, and here.

FULL POST

'30s and '40s condom wrappers make for a good time

Im not really sure what catagory this fits in to, I guess design, but it’s too good not to share. This collection of 1930’s and ’40s condom wrappers is a find that makes me feel like I just got lucky. You know, lucky to have found that site.

While some of them do show remarkable design (numbers 11 and 13 are great) or have crazy paper packaging, the greatest thing about these are the names. My personal favorite has got to be Pousse L’Amour, which is french for “love grows.” Ouu la la, so clever. FULL POST

Ralph Lauren is bringing classic style to the US Olympic team.

Hey, guess what, I’m finally excited about the Olympics. The powers that be have decided that Roots is too informal, so the US Olympic team is going to be bringing preppy back to Beijing. And, with preppy comes sweaters. And ties. And crests. My God, crests! Polo plans to use an Olympic logo with a crest featuring a replica of the stars and stripes logo used for the ’32 games in LA. The athletes will be sporting these clothes for the opening ceremonies (if we participate), during the games, and closing ceremonies. Previously Polo has been attached to major tennis events with their deals with the US Open and Wimbledon, but this is their first time outfitting an Olympian team.

"Polo Ralph Lauren is a quintessential American brand that represents a timeless and classic look which we believe our athletes will be excited to wear."

Apparently it’s good for Polo because they will be getting their name in the Asian market; somewhere they have a very small presence. The details of the deal are insignificant to me, for all I care about are sweater vests.

FULL POST

The Minimalist Approach to Travel

On the eve of my volunteer spring break trip, packing is a pressing dilemma. With very limited space in the vans that we will be using, packing light is a must. However, I often struggle over this because I want to include all possible scenarios that may come up in the least amount of items. I become the MacGuyver of packing, inevitably putting way too much time and effort into The Perfect Pack. What if it gets cold? What if we go out for a nicer dinner? What if we're going to be doing something active? What toiletries do I need? These are all important questions, agreed, but with the comfort of others in mind, I needed to try a fresh approach that didn't make me think so much.

Quite by accident, I came across Zen Habits' great article, "36 Tips for Keeping Travel as Simple as Possible." It didn't take me long to get an idea of what I needed to bring, contrary to my previous thought processes. For the past few days I went back and forth, thinking, "Well, I definitely need a pair of jeans, two pairs of shorts, swim shorts, a couple t-shirts, maybe a couple nicer shirts. Oh, and socks. Definitely need socks. Damnit, I don't even own a pair of flip-flops. Who the hell doesn't own a pair of flip flops? No, that's okay, I can just buy them down there. But what if there aren't any stores down there? I've never been there before, who am I to think that they have stores?"

That is only an excerpt of the internal dialog I faced for the past few days. However, Zenhabits alleviates this problem, giving you wonderful tips on minimalist travel that won't leave you wishing you hadn't forgot that ever so important extra pair of underwear. Because that would be awful.

Some tips I especially enjoyed:

• Tip for quick drying: roll a towel over wet fabric,and squeeze tightly.
• Put everything you want to bring in a pile and slowly strip away things that aren’t necessary.
• Pack just a few clothes with only a couple complimentary, solid colors — no patterns. Black is a good idea if you need to be able to dress up and be casual.
• Take time for naps. Seriously.

FULL POST