Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
...spencer recently brought to my attention that almost all of apples' oh-so-chic products have been directly inspired by this man...Dieter Rams. Rams designed for German consumer electronics manufacturer- Braun, for 40 years, and was their director of design until 1995. His talents embody functionality and aesthetics: from personal radios, lighters, speaker systems, and cameras, to turntables, calculators, personal razors, and televisions- his pieces are elegant and timeless, and his philosophy for creation is a guiding ethos.
Dieter Rams' 10 principles for good design:
P1 pocket record player, 1959, and T41 pocket radio, 195
Dieter Rams' 10 principles for good design:
• Good design is innovative.
• Good design makes a product useful.
• Good design is aesthetic.
• Good design helps us to understand a product.
• Good design is unobtrusive.
• Good design is honest.
• Good design is durable.
• Good design is consequent to the last detail.
• Good design is concerned with the environment.
• Good design is as little design as possible.
P1 pocket record player, 1959, and T41 pocket radio, 195
LE1 loudspeaker, 1960
look familiar?!...more at
Monday, January 21, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Dammmmmn it has been a truly amazing year.
2007: a Highlighted Review
(show and tell)
(show and tell)
:Music:
Swamp Ape
With each performance... with every listen... an experience emerges from sound.
...and each time it's different, but every time it's dark, heavy, and full of doooooom.
And yes, that is six O's on the doom scale (on a scale of none to six, mmhmm).
My favorite show of the year: Halloween- which featured Swamp Ape's brother in noise, Mr. T.J. Blake. T.J.'s knack with the sampler, paired with his expressive sound manipulation, added a deep level of spatial texture to the already mind melting duo.
Plus, Spencer was a wizard and Joe was an unraveling mummy who actually kicked over his cymbal and bled on his snare. So hard.
MY BOYS!!!
You propel me to distant lands filled with morbidly inviting rivers of evil.
Gracias.
The Pretty Things
Another new band for me this year...London's The Pretty Things.
Thanks to Joe, I heard S.F. Sorrow and was completely blown away. Psychedelic pop at it's finest, complete with provocatively dark lyrics and creepy layered sound collages.
Some interesting trivia: members of the Pretty Things can be heard in, Dawn of the Dead under the moniker Electric Banana. Their song "Cause I'm a Man" is the track playing when some logger-esque zombies get all hacked up and stuff (if I remember right). I was lucky enough to snag the Defecting Grey 10" a few weeks ago and haven't been able to stop listening to it since. It features 4 crunchy tracks from the 67/68 era and is must listen for anyone who digs S.F. Sorrow, or the Pretties at all for that matter.
Dungen
Gustav Ejstes, can I tell you I love you? So what if I can't speak Swedish, but god damn, JEG ELSKER DEG!!!
So what if that's Norwegian and so what if I still listen to Ta Det Lugnt like more than once a week.
It's fucking perfect.
Two things I can be thankful for this year...I finally got the self titled release featuring dungen's early works. Spanning the years between 1999-2001, the album is actually 3 long tracks seamlessly woven together into one cohesive, yet distinct arrangement. According to Gustav, each track is meant to provide the listener with 3 different experiences: Stadsvandringar is about city walks and observations on urban life, Midsommarbongen- (midsummer bong) is a musical homage to summer life, and Lilla Vannen- (little friend) represents love.
Each track is full of beauty and pure Scandinavian magic.
Second thing...dungen released a new album in May of 2007. Swedish for "10 Bits", Tio Bitar features 10 eloquently crafted tracks that range from dynamic psych rock to true pop- from folk to sweeping melodies, all of which certainly call this lady away from American reality.
SunnO))) and Earth @ the Independent, July 4th 2007
Aside from a totally weird crowd and a chic in attendance who was actually wearing a blanket and neon yellow dayglo face paint, this show ripped. SunnO))) was great and fucking loud as shit and all, but the true show stealer: Earth. Dylan Carlson shreds so hard yet so subtlety, creating what could almost be a soundtrack to a lost and dusty Leone film. Adrienne Davies played her kit with such patience, every cymbal sizzle gave me chills. Perfect keys, and an impeccable bass player, the 4 person assemblage of Earth could have played music for 15 hours and I wouldn't have batted an eye. A truly captivating performance. I witnessed skill and heard time.
:Things:
Our Lady Lupe
You are a magical animal and I love you.
Pause Button Mix Tapes
Made my first, and was given my first. Thank you Spencer and Joe for showing me your ways.
Felt
Probably my favorite material ever. So much diversity and depth, yet so simple. I made a felt mask this year.
Magical Journeys
Taking trips with friends and people you love without even leaving your house can hardly be topped.
Ill Grillin'
Eating is ill. Grillin' is even iller, especially with all your homies. So many baddass meals with friends went down this year.
Gnomes
My Halloween costume and in general life inspiration, Gnomes are not only cute and clever, they also help injured animals and have smart home remedies.
Richard's 25th Birthday @ Karaoke Melody
This was one of the best birthday celebrations I have ever been to. Gettin' crunk in a private room + singing + hilarious videos = where it's at.
Tattoos by Dave Talsma
I think it could be said that Dave is a wonderboy, a jack of all trades, a player on many stages... and now that this one's got a tattoo machine, a dream combination has been made. Coming soon to your skin, this man is on the up.
Smart Wools
Thanks to Rena, the entire Picket Street Familia has warm, dry, cozy feet and toes. What a great sock.
Chomp and Stomp Chili Cook-off
I had a fucking blast making chili for a bunch of people I didn't know (and a lot that I did!). Larisa and I entered one chili each, under the name The Pinto Bean Assassins, and cooked up around 6 total gallons of Asian themed, bomb ass chili. The response from the crowd was supremely flattering, as the day was beautifully rewarding.
Aprons by Mackie
In conjunction with the Stomp, Larisa and I rocked beautiful all over print aprons crafted by screenprinter, artist, and super dude- Mackie. We now wear these gems in the kitchen at Octane so come by and see them in action. The print features all kinds of kitchen items, utensils, and appliances, and is by far the most fun and unique all-over design I've see this year.
:Places:
San Francisco
Fucking amazing public transit, beautiful architecture, breathtaking landscape. I can't say that I left my heart there, but I most definitely made a space in mine for the golden city by the bay.
Mi Barrio
571 Memorial Drive Atlanta, GA
A neighborhood staple. A true family business. The best Mexican food, served by the most amazing and genuine people. Plus, they change the channel to Soccer for our crew.
Books Japan
6251 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Atlanta, GA
I love simple places that make you feel like you are in another country. Books Japan has the cutest staff and the largest selection of Japanese books and magazines that I have seen anywhere in the U.S.. Plus they have a cafe- serving coffee, tea, and elegant pastries and cakes. The seating area features modern, plywood tables and a plasma screen t.v. that plays anything from anime to Japanese melodramas.
Full Moon Records
1653 Mclendon Ave NE Atlanta, GA
Great selection, great prices, groovy owner.
Victory Vintage 303 E College Avenue Decatur, GA
http://www.victoryvintage.com/
THE best in mid century modern with a great selection of new books and other kitsch items. Affordable classics, plus too many dream pieces to count. Pure design inspiration.
:Acquisitions:
My 1993 Geo Metro Hatchback
I'm in love with my car.
My Gretsch Catalina Jazz Kit
I am also in love with my drums.
Mi Casa
My first house, plus an awesome roommate with a crazy awesome kitty. It is home.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you to all who are in my life.
Thank you to all who got me back down to Atlanta, and who keep me grounded and full of love everyday.
To all my new friends I couldn't be more grateful for the friendship I have found in you.
This year, a love was lost, but a big one was was gained.
...to my Grandmother Marsha-Ann Rose Rochau. You live on in me, and will for all time.
(and yes he is tall!)
Swamp Ape
With each performance... with every listen... an experience emerges from sound.
...and each time it's different, but every time it's dark, heavy, and full of doooooom.
And yes, that is six O's on the doom scale (on a scale of none to six, mmhmm).
My favorite show of the year: Halloween- which featured Swamp Ape's brother in noise, Mr. T.J. Blake. T.J.'s knack with the sampler, paired with his expressive sound manipulation, added a deep level of spatial texture to the already mind melting duo.
Plus, Spencer was a wizard and Joe was an unraveling mummy who actually kicked over his cymbal and bled on his snare. So hard.
MY BOYS!!!
You propel me to distant lands filled with morbidly inviting rivers of evil.
Gracias.
The Pretty Things
Another new band for me this year...London's The Pretty Things.
Thanks to Joe, I heard S.F. Sorrow and was completely blown away. Psychedelic pop at it's finest, complete with provocatively dark lyrics and creepy layered sound collages.
Some interesting trivia: members of the Pretty Things can be heard in, Dawn of the Dead under the moniker Electric Banana. Their song "Cause I'm a Man" is the track playing when some logger-esque zombies get all hacked up and stuff (if I remember right). I was lucky enough to snag the Defecting Grey 10" a few weeks ago and haven't been able to stop listening to it since. It features 4 crunchy tracks from the 67/68 era and is must listen for anyone who digs S.F. Sorrow, or the Pretties at all for that matter.
Dungen
Gustav Ejstes, can I tell you I love you? So what if I can't speak Swedish, but god damn, JEG ELSKER DEG!!!
So what if that's Norwegian and so what if I still listen to Ta Det Lugnt like more than once a week.
It's fucking perfect.
Two things I can be thankful for this year...I finally got the self titled release featuring dungen's early works. Spanning the years between 1999-2001, the album is actually 3 long tracks seamlessly woven together into one cohesive, yet distinct arrangement. According to Gustav, each track is meant to provide the listener with 3 different experiences: Stadsvandringar is about city walks and observations on urban life, Midsommarbongen- (midsummer bong) is a musical homage to summer life, and Lilla Vannen- (little friend) represents love.
Each track is full of beauty and pure Scandinavian magic.
Second thing...dungen released a new album in May of 2007. Swedish for "10 Bits", Tio Bitar features 10 eloquently crafted tracks that range from dynamic psych rock to true pop- from folk to sweeping melodies, all of which certainly call this lady away from American reality.
SunnO))) and Earth @ the Independent, July 4th 2007
Aside from a totally weird crowd and a chic in attendance who was actually wearing a blanket and neon yellow dayglo face paint, this show ripped. SunnO))) was great and fucking loud as shit and all, but the true show stealer: Earth. Dylan Carlson shreds so hard yet so subtlety, creating what could almost be a soundtrack to a lost and dusty Leone film. Adrienne Davies played her kit with such patience, every cymbal sizzle gave me chills. Perfect keys, and an impeccable bass player, the 4 person assemblage of Earth could have played music for 15 hours and I wouldn't have batted an eye. A truly captivating performance. I witnessed skill and heard time.
:Things:
Our Lady Lupe
You are a magical animal and I love you.
Pause Button Mix Tapes
Made my first, and was given my first. Thank you Spencer and Joe for showing me your ways.
Felt
Probably my favorite material ever. So much diversity and depth, yet so simple. I made a felt mask this year.
Magical Journeys
Taking trips with friends and people you love without even leaving your house can hardly be topped.
Ill Grillin'
Eating is ill. Grillin' is even iller, especially with all your homies. So many baddass meals with friends went down this year.
Gnomes
My Halloween costume and in general life inspiration, Gnomes are not only cute and clever, they also help injured animals and have smart home remedies.
Richard's 25th Birthday @ Karaoke Melody
This was one of the best birthday celebrations I have ever been to. Gettin' crunk in a private room + singing + hilarious videos = where it's at.
Tattoos by Dave Talsma
I think it could be said that Dave is a wonderboy, a jack of all trades, a player on many stages... and now that this one's got a tattoo machine, a dream combination has been made. Coming soon to your skin, this man is on the up.
Smart Wools
Thanks to Rena, the entire Picket Street Familia has warm, dry, cozy feet and toes. What a great sock.
Chomp and Stomp Chili Cook-off
I had a fucking blast making chili for a bunch of people I didn't know (and a lot that I did!). Larisa and I entered one chili each, under the name The Pinto Bean Assassins, and cooked up around 6 total gallons of Asian themed, bomb ass chili. The response from the crowd was supremely flattering, as the day was beautifully rewarding.
Aprons by Mackie
In conjunction with the Stomp, Larisa and I rocked beautiful all over print aprons crafted by screenprinter, artist, and super dude- Mackie. We now wear these gems in the kitchen at Octane so come by and see them in action. The print features all kinds of kitchen items, utensils, and appliances, and is by far the most fun and unique all-over design I've see this year.
:Places:
San Francisco
Fucking amazing public transit, beautiful architecture, breathtaking landscape. I can't say that I left my heart there, but I most definitely made a space in mine for the golden city by the bay.
Mi Barrio
571 Memorial Drive Atlanta, GA
A neighborhood staple. A true family business. The best Mexican food, served by the most amazing and genuine people. Plus, they change the channel to Soccer for our crew.
Books Japan
6251 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Atlanta, GA
I love simple places that make you feel like you are in another country. Books Japan has the cutest staff and the largest selection of Japanese books and magazines that I have seen anywhere in the U.S.. Plus they have a cafe- serving coffee, tea, and elegant pastries and cakes. The seating area features modern, plywood tables and a plasma screen t.v. that plays anything from anime to Japanese melodramas.
Full Moon Records
1653 Mclendon Ave NE Atlanta, GA
Great selection, great prices, groovy owner.
Victory Vintage 303 E College Avenue Decatur, GA
http://www.victoryvintage.com/
THE best in mid century modern with a great selection of new books and other kitsch items. Affordable classics, plus too many dream pieces to count. Pure design inspiration.
:Acquisitions:
My 1993 Geo Metro Hatchback
I'm in love with my car.
My Gretsch Catalina Jazz Kit
I am also in love with my drums.
Mi Casa
My first house, plus an awesome roommate with a crazy awesome kitty. It is home.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you to all who are in my life.
Thank you to all who got me back down to Atlanta, and who keep me grounded and full of love everyday.
To all my new friends I couldn't be more grateful for the friendship I have found in you.
This year, a love was lost, but a big one was was gained.
...to my Grandmother Marsha-Ann Rose Rochau. You live on in me, and will for all time.
(and yes he is tall!)
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