I’m not sure if it was the U.K. weather or other dark influences, but Birmingham’s Editors have delivered an incredibly dreary but sweeping ode to London – a city that has had a dramatic influence on their third album In This Light And On This Evening.

Says lead singer Tom Smith, ”I actually think it’s in every song. In the right time and place, in the right light and on the right evening, something you have seen 1,000 times before can still take your breath away.”

Recorded in London and produced by megastar, studio general Flood, this Bauhaus tinged rhapsody is a more mature, electronic rock opera.  According to Smith, “we were trying to give the machines a human feel.” Sad, beautiful machines to be sure.

TAGS: Reviews, Music Reviews

Honest, and maybe even a little naïve at times, the debut album from The Art Museums, Rough Frame, sounds exactly like it’s title would suggest – a little raw, a little under-produced and a whole lot of “eager!”

Representing the Bay Area, this duo have created a record full of demo-infused melodies harkening back to an early Wall of Sound vibe, paired with recorded-on-the-first-take guitar licks, all wrapped in a D.I.Y aesthetic that will leave you wanting more.

TAGS: Reviews, Music Reviews

The shoe brand Fluevog have added a new twist to their holiday offerings. If you don’t know her shoe size and you have no clue about what sort of shoes she would actually wear, get her one of these; a print of an original John Fluevog illustration! The prints are produced in limited runs and are each signed and numbered. And here’s the best part - the public got to set the price!

“John is releasing Limited Edition signed & numbered prints for the first time, and he has asked Fluevogers to collectively choose the price, handing over complete responsibility to the public. Fluevogers were asked to enter the price they thought a single print should be, and John lined them up from top to bottom and took the middle/median number as the price. After thousands of people entered their suggestions, the median price came out at $100. These will be available to the world by mid-December.”

Check out more at the Fluevog website here.

TAGS: Reviews, Product Reviews

Pearl and the Beard - Will Smith Medley from Goddamn Cobras Collective on Vimeo.

Although the music isn’t what I’d admit to putting on our iPod Heavy Rotation list, we all agree the fun factor is pretty nice. Good job guys!
Press Release - thefamilyrecords.com/pearl-and-the-beard-on-wnyc-tour/

TAGS: Reviews, Music Reviews

TAGS: Reviews, Music Reviews

UNKLE Fully Flared from STCKR on Vimeo.

The full res version can be seen here. Another Spike Jonze visual miracle.

TAGS: Reviews, Film Reviews

Little Dragon put on an excellent show at Le Poisson Rouge on Bleecker a couple of Fridays ago. At one point, I was trying to think of a more talented current vocalist than Yukimi Nagano and was stumped. Then I returned to enjoying the show, because I remembered that lesson, self-taught, from long ago that you don’t lament that you’re not watching Small Wonder when Benson is on, you enjoy Benson.

I had always preferred the jazzier sides of Yukimi, such as her work with Koop, Hird and Ge-ology, but the Little Dragon album has steadily grown on me over the past couple years on a deeper level. Seeing them live has only increased my respect for the band, particularly Erik Bodin’s drumming. Interestingly, I was picking up flashes of Tears for Fears, Janet Jackson, and Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam that I hadn’t sensed before in their music, but not in as nostalgic and stupid a way as that sounds.

TAGS: Reviews, Music Reviews

Major Lazer - Hold The Line (Feat. Mr Lexx and Santigold) from Mad Decent on Vimeo.

After a crazy show at NYC’s famed SOB’s on Saturday night replete with mummy backup dancers, a live percussionist, and Ricky Blaze on the mic, Major Lazer drops today. Cop it on iTunes or over at the Mad Decent site.

TAGS: Reviews, Music Reviews

We were invited to a nice press preview for Artful Dodger, the former streetwear label founded by Scott Langton of Phat Farm and Sean John fame in 2006 and bought by Jay-Z for a cool $15mill in late 2007. Held at Tommy Guns barbershop on the LES, the beautiful salon with old-timey touches like nickle, mirror and glass cabinets, leather barber chairs and marble floors, was brimming with dapper men donning the Artful Dodger Fall ‘09 collection. The collection is a huge departure from the line’s previous look and feel—currently Artful Dodger falls in the department store hoodie category (allover print reversible velvet embroidered hoodies anyone?)—but with their Fall ‘09 collection the brand is staking a claim in the premium men’s contemporary market. Thoughtful tailoring, sharp details, and beautiful fabrics dominate the Fall offering with canvas military jackets, vintage inspired leather bombers and a nice mix of pieces in wool, twill, and poplin. Style cues for the season were taken from the Gentlemen’s clubs of 1930s London and the photography for the lookbook reflects a nostalgia for the working class vintage look. Look forward to the next season from Langton and his brand!

TAGS: Good News!, Reviews, Product Reviews, Things We Like

The West Coast has long been home to late-night asian-fusion snacking (bulgogi hot dogs, the kogi korean taco truck). Hungry people around New York City can now rejoice with the second season of Asiadog! A weekly Tuesday culinary event at Williamsburg’s Trophy Bar, Theme friends Tall Steve and Mel bring “hot dogs with Asian-inspired toppings” to the masses! They launched their new website today and debuted at Brooklyn Flea last weekend! Check out their online menu or order catering from them for your next summer bbq bash!

“Ginny” kimchi w/ roasted seaweed flakes
“Ito” Japanese curry w/ shredded kimchi apples
“Vinh” Banh Mi style hot dog
“Sidney” mango, cucumber,red onion, and fishsauce relish
“Mel and Steve” Asian slaw
“Wang Ding” bbq pork belly
“Mash” spicy ketchup, jalapeño mustard w/ potato chip crumbs.

Every Tuesday
Trophy Bar
351 Broadway between Rodney and Keap, Brooklyn
7-11pm

Every Saturday
Brooklyn Flea
357 Clermont Ave, Brooklyn
10am - 5pm

TAGS: Good News!, Reviews, Food Review