Here’s a treat for you…Today, I’m featuring two different cover versions of the new Daft Punk feat. Pharrell track, “Get Lucky.” Each version is a smart take that makes this epic summertime track their very own. First up is London alternative trio, Daughter who performed this stellar version on the BBC Radio 1′s Live Lounge. Lead singer Elena Tosca takes the track to an airy, almost The XX place and it works. I personally love this version. Next up is LA based, Australian born Sam Sparro who takes his version of “Get Lucky” to that purple place, giving it a Prince meets Sylvester vibe. There’s not much of a difference in the production but Sparro’s vocals are strong and the delivery is just…fun. Lastly, I’m adding a great mashup I’ve found of Justin Timberlake’s “Suit & Tie” called “Lucky Suit & Tie.” I will say that this mashup works and for sure gets the foot tappin! Check them out and let me know what you think…
DAUGHTER – GET LUCKY
SAM SPARRO – GET LUCKY
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE VS. DAFT PUNK – LUCKY SUIT & TIE
Mrs. Carter is definitely working it out on this new track called “Grown Woman.” We first heard a snippet of the song featured briefly in her “Mirrors” commercial for Pepsi and is now finally out in a full length version. Produced by Timbaland and co-written by The-Dream; Bey takes us to the positive, strong female message we’re used to hearing from her but in the form of a fresh new sound that still fits alongside her “Single Ladies” and “Girls (Run The World)” hits. Beyonce’s sassy vocals are quick and fun while keeping it funky in true Beyonce fashion. The afro / world beat and earthy horns play well together and are usually not typical of what you’d hear from a Timbaland / The-Dream produced track. All in all, “Grown Woman” has total hit all over it with playful lyrics like: “…If you wanna now how I got it like that, cause I got a cute face and my booty so fat – Go Girl!” This song will be a HUGE anthem for the summer…ya’ll ain’t ready!
BEYONCE – GROWN WOMAN
Simon Green aka Bonobo, is a British DJ and producer making amazing electronic based music using afrobeat, latin and middle eastern rhythms. On his fifth studio album, ‘The North Borders,” Green takes us on yet another musical journey filled with lush ethno beats, smooth vocals and epic downtempo soundscapes with a mix of jazz and electro soul thrown in for good measure. Mostly an instrumental record, Green does showcase a few vocalists, one being the unmatchable Erykah Badu on “Heaven Is For The Sinner.” But for today, check out this stunning video for “Cirrus” which was created by British animator Cyriak and is a beautifully surreal video of totally random, uber trippy vintage images that turn into marching robots – Fun!
It’s rare that I go cookoo for coco puffs over really smart design and functionality. While searching the web for a new bike for myself, I came across this stunning, futuristic design from Inner City Bikes. The Inner City Bike is for that modern city dweller whose serious about city biking. Designed by Joey Ruiter, the concept he wanted to was to simplify the design form and its parts. The choice to create a direct drive system instead of using a chain and crank adds another level of simplicity and puts the rider in a racing position more for riding a motorcycle than bike. Inspired by geometry, the fork construction and handle bars are also an innovative trademark to this item. Now, the cost of this bike is a tad expensive for the common cyclist I think but if you have deep pockets, you definitely will turn heads when riding stealth in the city!
Clearly sounding like the missing golden track from Rihanna’s last effort ‘Unapologetic,’ the multi-talented singer, songwriter and sometimes quirky Australian chanteuse Sia Furler has a leaked version of “Loved Me Back To Life” floating around the net. No real news on where this song will land and with whom but this track screams top hit! check it out and blast it loud…makes me think of TB. Enjoy!
SIA FURLER – LOVED ME BACK TO LIFE
How many more pairs of Puma’s can one person own? Well, here’s another great pair to put on your want list…The Puma Future Sky Hi 3 give us yet another fresh way to rock some Puma kicks this summer. The sneaker is an updated silhouette that was a big seller in the ’80s as a fashion and athletic shoe. The upper is made of a perforated nubuck with leather detailing and features a neoprene tongue with the SKY branding logo on front. The coolest part of this sneaker is the raised heel that gives the illusion of being above ground – just like walking on sunshine!
English synth-pop duo Hurts cover’s a classic! After their highly successful debut album “Happiness,” the boys are back with a new album “Exile” and a new EP set to be released on May 20. Hurts performed a live cover of the iconic Oasis tune, ”Wonderwall” for BBC Radio 2 last weekend and will specially feature the swoony track on their latest EP for “Blind.” Lead singer Theo Hutchcraft soars and Adam Anderson on synths take the song to a whole new level, giving it their very best and totally making it their own! Check it out here…
HURTS – WONDERWALL
Most of us have some version of a smartphone and never get the chance to view a clock like we used to back in the day. Introducing AARK Collective and their line of timepieces that’s sure to change how we tell time! The Melbourne-based brand has created a gorgeous line of men’s and women’s watches that are minimalist, cool and just plain beautiful! The line consists of three model styles – Classic, Timeless and Iconic and are available in an array of fun colors. Each watch is inspired by an appreciation of geometry and features functional detailing to compliment the design and great packaging. Oh, and with an affordable price, you’ll know exactly what time it is!
This beautiful track from Australian-born, London-based chanteuse George Maple is perfect for this rainy LA day. “OPST” is chill and hypnotic with a touch of honey blue-eyed soul. If you like Jessie Ware, Clara Hill or even Sade this lady is sure to please. Maple is currently working on her debut album with the likes of Bondax, Two Inch Punch, Juk Juk and Snakehips. Check it out on facebook or find her on soundcloud to preview other great tracks and collaborations!
GEORGE MAPLE – OPST
ENDO
EULENSPIEGEL
UBICOMP EVERYWARE
FLUX EQUILIBRIUM
IMMUTABLE DESTINY OF THE 12 ARCHETYPES
GAMETE
Italian born artist Francesco Locastro creates multicolored, geometric goodness using oils and acrylics, spray paint and silkscreen techniques with layered epoxy resin and gold leaf on a wood base to create these explosive artworks that have a 3D effect. Raised in Germany and currently living in southern Florida, Locastro has showed his work at Art Basel and is heavy player in the Florida art scene for over ten years. Not only is he a talented artist and painter, he’s also a photographer with a diverse technical range of talents and is the co-founder of the VANGUARD Art Fair which is the first of kind to place an emphasis on emerging trends and talent in the new contemporary movements of pop surrealism and street art. You can check out his other works through his website. Amazing!
The Pet Shop Boys are back at it with a new album, ‘Electric’ out in July 15th worldwide and an uber video for the lead track on the album, “Axis.” Produced by Stuart Price, ‘Electric’ will feature nine killer tracks with one being a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “The Last To Die” and another featuring the rap stylings of U.K. Rapper Example on the track “Thursdays.” From what I’ve read, electronic wizards Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe vow that while their last album ‘Elysium’ was much more reflective, the new record is to be “banging!” In the meantime, check out this highly visual video that is sure to get you pumped! Can’t wait!
The new H&M Spring / Summer 2013 menswear collection has stepped it up a few notches with fresh bright and sporty looks modeled by Jarrod Scott. Easy summertime color is the focus of most of the collection accompanied with sharp cuts and great splashes of tribal prints and solids on pants, shirts and shorts while stripes and crisp classics round out the looks. Juxtaposed with stripes and a cheerful model makes this season a new, more fashion forward look for H&M. My favorite is the bright green suit that’s on point – Love!
I’m so excited about this new track and video from Australian duo Empire Of The Sun for “Alive.” The mystical video directed by JD Dillard shows Emperor Steele and Lord Littlemore trekking across a magical world breathing life into the dead or fallen. Their song of healing and words of power are a perfect match for this video and are infectious! “Ice On The Dune,’ their highly anticipated second album is set for a June 18, 2013 release.
Check out the new single from Empire Of The Sun – “Alive.” The Australian electro-pop team consisting of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore,are back with an infectious new single and a highly anticipated second album “Ice On The Dune.” Loving this new track and you can also find a very mysterious album trailer for the new record that’s pretty cool too.
EMPIRE OF THE SUN – ALIVE
Footwear just keeps getting better and better these days! Check out these wicked trainers for Spring / Summer 2013. The collaboration trend continues with these killer Missoni x Converse kicks that are sure to grab everyone’s attention! This partnership isn’t so new as they’ve been reinventing the Missoni x Converse Chuck Taylor’s style shoe into must have’s footwear for a while now. The new Auckland Racer comes in a few different colorways and no longer totes the sports the Missoni fabrics and prints applied to a Chuck Taylor design. The Auckland is a funkier and totes a multi-stitch fabric that features a wool/viscose upper, premium canvas lining and a thick white rubber sole – Walk Tuff!
Check out this fun and quirky self produced video from Sabina Sciubba, Ex-Lead vocalist of Brazilian Girls fame and her first outing as a solo artist. Sabina’s “Toujours” is a lighthearted track that shows her funky Euro style with elements of electronic and bossa nova beats with a tinge of pop-rock angst. The Video really brings this track to life, pushing the envelope as Sabina is completely nude on a donkey playing a ukulele with the glow of a bright yellow star around her head. If this first track is any inclination of what’s to come, we love it and can’t wait to hear more of her and her very distinctive purr later this year!
UNIVERSE
HOLT
ZIMMER
APEX
OLYMPIA
LOOP (DEEP GREY )
SURRENDER
Kirra Jamison is young, talented and has a way with creating art that uses a multitude of fun and colorful techniques from acrylics and paper cutouts to pen and gouache painting patterns. Born in Sydney and currently living and working in Melbourne, Jamison’s Mattise-like imagery captivates as her collage paintings show great contrast and shape with the right amount of empty space floating across each canvas. I would love to see Jamison’s work make it Stateside soon – Pacific Design Center Please.
I’ve been wanting to post this track all week…Take a good listen to Vinnie Who, an androgynous Danish indie pop and retro-disco singer / songwriter who has released two albums; his debut ‘Then I Met You’ in 2010 and most recently the fantastic ‘Midnight Special.’ His distinctive high-pitched feminine vocals have been heating up Scandinavian music charts for a while now but on my first listen, he threw me as I really did think Vinnie Who aka Niels Bagge Hansen had a female guest vocalist featured on a few tracks. But no…Bagge sounds like pure pop lady! One of my top 20 Albums of 2013 already, Vinnie Who is packed with stellar tracks with a wide range of beats and vibes. The song “The Scene” is one of the best tracks here. Full of dreamy disco happiness and a great hook that’s meant to be played loud! If you love the musical stylings of Crazy P, Roisin Murphy, Scissor Sisters or even old skool Giorgio Moroder…Vinnie Who is where it’s at. Let the party begin!
VINNIE WHO – THE SCENE
Okay Die Hard Daft Punk fans brace yourselves…Check out these soon to be released high-end action figures of the dynamic Daft Punk duo. Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter never looked so good as these action figures stand six inches tall and are set to be released in November 2013. Although their new album, ‘Random Access Memories’ is scheduled to be released 21 May, Tamashii Nation, which is a premium collectible line of Bandai Japan, has joined in on the Daft hype to prep you for all that’s to come. There’s no set cost yet for these but have been confirmed for release under the S.H.Figuarts advanced action figure series. Take a peek on their site for details. Hope your Japanese is on point.
The LA-based DJ / Production duo of U-Tern and Oligee better known as Oliver are back at it with a new super cool video for their great tune “MYB.” The retro video that is spliced together with funky 80′s video and movie clips are timed perfectly to match the track. You can find this song along with three other stellar tracks on their superb debut EP entitled “Mechanical.” If you into Daft Punk or Justice, Check it out and Happy Monday Jammin!
Back again for Spring 2013 is the uber cool Hardshell Case for MacBook by Incase. Comes in a cool mix of colorways like electric yellow, red orange, cobalt, raspberry and more. The Hardshell Case boasts of having a frosted shell exterior, soft-touch coating, raised rubber feet, thermal vents that are sure to keep your 13″ MacBook Air safe and sound with style.
Say Lou Lou (formally Saint Lou Lou) has just released a brand new track called “Julian” that’s the perfect follow up to last year’s debut single, “Maybe You” – an epic track that caught music lovers worldwide by storm. These stunning twins born in Australia but raised in Sweden have been doing a ton of press since last year with more information released about the mysterious duo. Elektra (blonde) and Miranda (brunette) Kilby are there names and have been working on a full length LP stated to be out sometime later this year. On “Julian” the sisters sing over another slow and dreamy track that evokes early Fleetwood Mac but with a touch of ABBA’s Frida and Agneta which they also play up in their promo photos. Take a listen here and be on the lookout for the single slated for May 6th with remixes by Dan Lissvik, Martin Dubka, Monsieur Adi and Checan.
SAY LOU LOU – JULIAN
Born and raised in Montana, Lonney White discovered he had a knack for painting and art sculpture. From there his interests grew in a mix of artistic avenues such as furniture, lighting and interior design. White attended the University of Montana where he established the Gold Dust Gallery and continues to work as a solo artist. In 2008, White relocated to Chicago, recently acquiring a BA in Fine Art at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I discovered White’s work while visiting an event at the Holly Hunt Showroom in the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles and was immediately taken by his work. It’s one thing to see them in pictures but up close, it’s another story! White’s work is alien – a mixture of light and dark, cavernous and textured that give a purely organic and volcanic feel to these stunning sculptural pieces.
Summer is coming…and that means new tunes from some of your favorite artists who are featured on soundtracks set to killer blockbuster movies. Check out something grand from Active Child aka Pat Grossi whose most recent release, “Evening Ceremony” – showcases a swoony, multi-layered track with swirling harmonies and his mad harp skills. The soon to be released film adaption of Stephanie Meyer’s The Host features his fresh new take on electronic r&b and angelic vocals with soft, synth soundscapes that will pull you in at every note. Also on the soundtrack are tracks from Ellie Goulding, Skylar Grey and a wide variety of others. Looking forward to more new music from him in the near future!
ACTIVE CHILD – EVENING CEREMONY
Lacoste brings it again for their latest season of casual chic menswear for Spring / Summer 2013. The French label continues to offer timeless tops, shorts, pants, button ups, blazers and outerwear that never seem to go out of style. For this seasons campaign, Clement Chabernaud and Charlie Timms fit the part in displaying the brand’s effortless look. There’s a nice range of spring colors and tones that won’t make your eyes hurt either.
These new Balanciaga Moire Printed trainers are fierce! The print is cohesive with the current Spring / Summer 2013 collection and features a mix of materials with contrasting color. The printed fabric and suede panel details, white toe-cap and white and black rubber sole gives this sneaker a retro throwback vibe to kicks of the past but with a modern, futuristic twist. Also available in a navy, yellow and orange version so you have options – Haute!
While everyone on the net is talkin bout the new Beyonce track that was leaked yesterday, I’m giving you real music news. Check out this heart soaring track from Brooklyn based chanteuse Lorely Rodriguez who records hazy dream pop music under the name, Empress Of. “Hat Trick’” is the first single release from her debut album entitled ‘Systems‘ which is out in April. Die hard Cocteau Twins fans will for sure love this track and have it on repeat as there are hits of “The Pink Opaque” present. “Hat Trick” glides along like an easy, breezy summer’s day and sounds like pure heaven! If you are into a softer Grimes or a more magical Purity Ring, take a listen to this…Happy Monday!
EMPRESS OF – HAT TRICK
London based Cyrus Shahrad creates dreamy music under the name Hiatus. His debut album ‘Ghost Notes’ was born from a mixture of various samples he collected while working as a journalist in Iran. For his soon to be released ‘Parklands’ album set for sometime in April, Shahrad’s lead single “We Can Be Ghosts Now” is a lovely warm track featuring the ethereal vocals from singer/songwriter Shura. This smart and beautifully animated video from was directed by Tom Jobbins and showcases Shura’s dreamy voice over an easy drumbeat paired with great geometric visuals. Sounding a bit like Feist here, Shura is no stranger to working with Hiatus…I love this song and hope the pair has more together on the new record – Lovely!
Those of you up on British pop will love this bit of news…The original Sugababes, now recording simply as Mutya Keisha Siobhan aka MKS, are back with a hot new track. The new song, “Lay Down in Swimming Pools” is built around another hot, young R&B crooner, Kendrick Lamar and his track “Swimming Pools (Drank)” which showcases the girls silky smooth vocals and fun attitude. The ladies are said to be working on new material with Dev Hynes who worked magic for Solange’s most recent release, “True.” It’s not clear if this song is part of an album or just to tease their fans. I’m soooo looking forward to more from these divas – Werq!
MUTYA KEISHA SIOBHAN – LAY DOWN IN SWIMMING POOLS
LE CHANT DE LA SIRENE
OLD ROZE
MASQUERADE
DEEPLY
THE COLOR OF UBIQUITOUS THOUGHTS
CHAPEAU FEMME
UNTITLED
NEW MATH
While finally getting back to daily updates for MATTER ART, I recently discovered American mixed media painter Mary Ann Wakeley whose work with oils, pastels and various other mediums on paper, wood and canvas got me excited to share her works with you. M.A. Wakeley states “…My work explores the interior world, expressing the emotional and feeling nature of it with color and line.” For twenty years, Wakeley has had various types of jobs and became a full time painter in 2000. She studied design concepts and life drawing at Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences and is a true self-taught artist. What I love about Wakeley’s work is its simplicity and her ethereal abstract eye; a lazy calm to be viewed while life outside is wild and complex.
Featuring the handsome Dolce & Gabbana model David Gandy for it’s latest campaign, the Spanish label Massimo Dutti takes Spring / Summer 2013 to a comfortable place for the season. The mostly neutral color scheme is wearable and focuses on timeless styles combined with classic colors. Dutti’s essentials for button up shirts, sweaters, blazers, pants, tops and accessories are sellable and continue to be on european trend since its launch in 1985. Dutti has diversified its brand by offering clothes for women and children, as well as perfumes.
Taken from Lapalux’s debut album ‘Nostalchic’ set to be released on March 26, “Without You” is an ultra moody track from Essex’s Stuart Howard. Known for his remixes and hip-hop influenced beat collages, Howard marries vocal samples with experimental beats; make this this creepy but intriguing video a gem as it features guest vocals from Kerry Leatham. In this dark visual presentation, Natalia Tena from the band Molotov Jukebox plays the curious love interest to a lover dressed only in a full latex body suit. It’s kind of an alien love story meets S&M fantasy. Directed by Nick Rutter, the video has a Twin Peaks vibe and I can’t stop thinking that maybe Rutter was inspired by American Horror Story – It’s interesting.
After launching the Era Skate Shoe last April, Kenzo X Vans have just unveiled their latest version of the signature shoe during the most recent Paris Fashion Week. The clouded Leopard capsule collection is stamped with the Kenzo Spring / Summer 2013 emblem and was design by the label’s new directors Humberto Leon and Carol Lim after a visit to Thai jungles in Asia. These wild kicks are available at a variety of shops including their growing retail outlet, Opening Ceremony and come in an array of fun colors: ocher, orange, green, khaki and dark blue.
Christian Louboutin is continuously adding to his growing brand of stylish, over the top footwear with great over the top accessories to complement his brand. Check out his Kios Spikes card holder that perfectly matches his Rollerboy Loafers. Made of premium calf leather, it features four card slots and an embossed logo the card holder. It also totes the same shiny black studs as the shoes and features the iconic red lining on the inside. The Kios comes in an array of fun colors and for a pretty penny ($275.00 to be exact) you do business with a bit of flash and razzle dazzle.
The amazing James Blake is back with a new single “Retrograde” and a highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Overgrown’ due on April 8, 2013. The London-based dubstep producer is ready to wow us again with this stunning track that features Blake’s honey-dipped and soulfully drenched vocals with his signature lo-fi piano chords and some r&b like thunder claps to match. You can feel his emotion throughout while it builds. The song definitely takes me to that Massive Attack place of moody darkness. Check out the new video as well…tell me what do you think?
I love bags! If you are like me, you can never have enough bags for travel, gym or just cruising around town. Check out another option from Paul Smith from his Spring / Summer 2013 collection. The Paul Smith x Maharam Stripe Holdall bag is made from Maharam’s colorful textile upholstry fabric and inspired by the pattern on Fair Isle sweaters. This cool duffle collaboration is mostly made of waxed canvas and leather with a top zip fastening and black leather handles. The bag also features a protective studded base, contrasting detailed stitching and a detachable black canvas shoulder strap. This may easily be your next all purpose splurge!
Everybody needs some good Frends, right? Check out these stylish headphones from a crew of snowboarders and music enthusiasts who back in 2006, launched a brand that focused on their multi-level talents for making videos and blogging to developing product and eventually, a line of headphones. Keir Dillon the founder of Frends is now focusing on this new collection of headgear targeted for women. These headphones are so hip, they could easily be rocked by gents! Crafted from using materials that are normally reserved for luxury goods, Frends employed jewelry-making techniques to create three styles of for functionality and beautiful in its design – The ‘Ella’ earbuds direct sound into the ear, while the ‘Layla’ and the ‘Taylor’ are your cooler DJ style headpohnes made from metal and leather and come in two sizes for your listening pleasure. Frends also has a huge line of active, more sporty mens styles that also have a futuristic design and tote killer sound – Love these!
Just when I thought my sneaker fetish was coming to an end…Check out these extremely cool high tops from the creative director of Christian Dior, Raf Simons. His Spring / Summer 2013 menswear collection takes a turn for the colorful as Simons, who is notorious for making his own waves in fashion, has designed these vivid Holographic Space kicks that come in white and blue leather using top grade patent leather textiles, rubber foxing and the holographic paneling with tonal stitching. The pair feature a rounded toe and a touch of blue and grey accents to give it that futuristic glow. Amazing!
Los Angeles based brother duo, Inc. are set to heat up many bedrooms and car windows when they release their debut album on 4AD Records next month. Andrew and Daniel Aged, formerly known as Teen Inc, introduce us to a smoother taste of r&b and soul mixed with dreamy vocals and electronic beats. The new and revamped 4AD label which houses Grimes and Twin Shadow are proof that the label is back on its feet, discovering a wider range of talent. Now, I’ve always been a huge fan of 4AD and the amazing artists of the past but here the label is venturing into a more current and fresh listing of artists to fall under the historic 4AD roster. Inc. is purely giving us something different and very attainable. Check out my favorite track so far, “5 Days,” taken from the new record ‘No World’ which is slated to be a masterpiece of eleven atmospheric tracks marrying all the best parts of 90′s quiet storm r&b (see prince or the gap band) but also bringing forth chilled out, romantic grooves – perfect for getting down and dirty.
INC. – 5 DAYS
Best known for designing high-end gowns and killer mens suitings, Valentino gets wild and introduces a camo-infused Spring / Summer 2013 collection that features a great camoflage sneaker with pimped out with studs, patterns and comes in two colorways. Valentino designers, designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo take the simplest concept of camouflage and have designed cool and easy must have items such as bags, tops, shoes and an array of accessories centered around a camouflage print. The print was composed by laser-cut leather and fabric. For this season, the camouflage kicks feature contrasting paneling in leather and suede with rubber heel studs that give them a nice kick-ass edge.
English electronic music duo Monarchy (I like to think of them as the dark, moody version of the Pet Shop Boys) are back with a sexy new single and video to match. Edward Nigma and Peter Uzzle aka Monarchy have just released a stunning video for “Disintergration” a track off their upcoming new release set sometime for this year. The boys have enlisted the timeless beauty of burlesque – dancer, model and fashion icon, Dita Von Teese. Directed by Roy Raz, the epic video features the Von Teese singing seductively while in her usual and still classic 1950′s housewife persona looking to get away from the world she lives in with thoughts of sexy, dark imagery…Turn it up!
One of my favorite Italian Fashion Houses, Dolce & Gabbana is giving us something to look forward to after we thaw out from the winter cold. Showing a very sporty and foulard inspired collection of solids and prints that are tailored, sharp and playful; Spring / Summer 2013 Menswear Collection is comfortable and easy breezy! With a variety of day and night ensembles that play with color and texture, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana sure know how to chill-lax and have a bit of fun while still keeping that masculine, edgy-cool vibe.
Producer, remixer and electronic wiz kid, Chris Ward aka Tropics has placed us on journey into the future! Hailing from Portsmouth, UK, Ward released his second EP, ‘Popup Cinema’ in late 2012 – a stunning 4-track release that highlights his touching, bedroom electronic soul beats with lush grooves that is sure to have you place on repeat. The 25 year old has made stellar remixes for some of the best artists out there. Although mostly an instrumental with some of Ward’s smooth vocals mixed in, the latest video for “Invitation,” takes us on a swirling adventure created by Davy Evans and Hannah Temple and contains images of deep sea explosions or out of this world space matter in hyper color. If you like Jensen Sportag, Lemonade or Inc., you will enjoy this – Let the love begin!
What an amazing year for music! Such a diverse mix of talent here; ranging from sticky sweet pop, sunny poolside lounge, smooth r&b jamz, balearic love grooves and hard bass thumpin’ dance anthems. This list of my top 20 Best Albums of 2012 was so hard to put together. Take a look, check them out and enjoy!
1. JESSIE WARE – DEVOTION
2. THE PRESETS – PACIFICA
3. STEED LORD – THE PROPHECY PT. 1
4. CHAD VALLEY - YOUNG HUNGER
5. RIHANNA – UNAPOLOGETIC
6. TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS – TROUBLE
7. MEDINA – FOREVER
8. EL PERRO DEL MAR – PALE FIRE
9. TALENT – HEAVENLY BEAT
10. LEMONADE – DIVER
11. NIKI & THE DOVE – INSTINCT
12. XXYYXX – XXYYXX
13. POOLSIDE – PACIFIC STANDARD TIME
14. SKYE – BACK TO NOW
15. WOLFY VS. PROJECTING – THE RETURN OF LOVE
16. EMELI SANDE – OUR VERSION OF EVENTS
17. THE XX – COEXIST
18. FRANK OCEAN – CHANNEL ORANGE
19. LANA DEL REY – BORN TO DIE
20. MARIO BASANOV – JOURNEY
HONORABLE MENTIONS: SAINT ETIENNE – WORDS AND MUSIC BY SAINT ETIENNE, BRANDY – TWO ELEVEN, SAM SPARRO – RETURN TO PARADISE, YUNA – YUNA, PARA ONE – PASSION, MY TIGER, MY TIMING – CELESTE, DJANGO DJANGO – DJANGO DJANGO, SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS – GHOSTSTORY, DEAD CAN DANCE – ANASTASIS, CALVIN HARRIS – 18 MONTHS, WILD NOTHING – NOCTURNE, PUPKULIES & REBECCA – LOOKING FOR THE SEAS, BREAKBOT – BY YOUR SIDE, POLICA – GIVE YOU THE GHOST, CARLY RAE JEPSEN – KISS, BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT – MAKE ME BELIEVE IN HOPE, TOMAS BARFOD – SALTON SEA & THE SCISSOR SISTERS – MAGIC HOUR.
TOP 5 BEST EPs OF 2012:
1. CFCF – EXERCISES EP
2. DISCLOSURE – THE FACE EP
3. SOLANGE KNOWLES – TRUE EP
4. KATY B. – DANGER EP
5. ALEX ISLEY – THE LOVE/ART MEMOIRS EP
Givenchy’s Creative Director Riccardo Tisci continues to blow my mind for designing amazingly eye catching accessories! His footwear collection for Pre-Spring 2013 has topped itself with the new Paisley Aeroplane High Top sneaker that rocks a bold green paisley war plane print. The stylish kicks are still not yet available to purchase but will be in high demand since they also will be sold in calmer, non pattern colors such as white, black and a fire engine red leather options – a true must have if you are a sneaker fanatic!
Happy New Year People! Check out this great, hilarious video, “Don’t Deny Your Heart” which is the latest single released from Hot Chip’s much acclaimed ‘In Our Heads’ album. Known for creating interesting visuals for their fun, up beat electro-pop anthems, Hot Chip teamed up with British comedian Peter Serafinowicz to direct and features the Hot Chip band mates playing a soccer game on their computer. The match takes a turn for the surreal when all goes haywire and the players fall into each other’s arms – Comedy!
Wow! This is one of the most beautiful mash-ups I’ve heard in a long, long time! Please check out and give a listen to Bright Light Bright Light aka Bright Lightx2′s bootleg of Lana Del Rey’s ‘Video Games’ and Madonna’s ‘Ray Of Light’. It’s dreamy and is such a match you’d think this was the real deal. Bright Lightx2 also just released his own solo effort back in May of this year…definitely one to check out as well! Enjoy!
BRIGHT LIGHTX2 – LANA DEL REY OF LIGHT
What a wild month it has been! As the Christmas shopping season is heavily underway, Check out this fun and possibly useful phrasebook for those who travel quite a bit or who may want to simply brush up on their communication skills. The “How To Swear Around The World” phrase book by Jason Sacher is a compilation of quick witted, explicit and outrageous ways to tell people what you really want to say in various languages from around the world! The book features dozens of different languages and sayings ranging from everyday swears to family curses to expressions and more. Comes with phonetic pronunciation so that each reader can curse like a native. The handy illustrations by Toby Triumph provide visual guides to these foreign exclamations. Perfect for the fun loving traveler who may need to wish an enemy a painful death, insult a person’s grandmother or accuse someone’s mother of having intimate relations with bears in the forest.
As we approach the holiday season, great gift ideas are good to have and sometimes hard to figure out. Introducing Wear That There a line of smart necklaces and bracelets created by Clare O’Driscoll. Wear That There is a small design company based in East London and is not only a great option for those hard to gift people but you can also put some deep thought into making something special for the ones you love or call your BFF’s. Each item is personalized to your liking, for example: The song you had your first kiss to or a silly phrase that’s just between you and your boo. You could choose a title from your favorite book, a nickname you share with a mate or a simple statement or mantra that keeps your spirits up and moving through life! All products are hand made to order, so each piece is totally unique and is available in silver or gold plated and you have the choice of chain, leather or silk cords.
