Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Ξchoes (edited)


Last week I spent “my weekend” (Thur. July 19th & Fri. 20th) at my compadre’s small and cozy studio apartment. I woke up one morning to the peculiar sounds that reminded me of places that I’ve resided and have been an influence to who I am today.

One of those sounds was a rake. At first I did not make anything of it, but it was so quite I was finally benefiting by staying in bed and found myself traveling back in time to Dallas, TX. The rake took me back to the times where I assisted with the weekend chores; mowing the lawn, raking the leaves and in the background I can see my t-shirtless father also doing his part, plus my Ma and sis cleaning inside of the house and the music blasting. Sometimes it was to Cheap Trick, Blondie, Culture Club and other times it was El Gran Combo, Johnny Ventura, Willie Colon & Wilfrido Vargas. For a still moment in time, the rake was keeping me in Dallas, but then I noticed the passing cars and I went into another time capsule.

This took me to my first visit to Puerto Rico (ten years old) ever since I left when I was one or two years of age. I recalled the first time I learned how to play solitaire on the plane ride. I remember when I was introduced to someone and feeling the warmth of a “stranger’s” hug, the welcoming of a handshake and the acceptance of a beso to the cheek. The passing cars reminded me of the closeness of my family in Puerto Rico. I can smell my grandmother’s cooking and the bread from the bakery behind the barrio. The swooshes and horns were taking me back to where I used to hang out with my cousins and uncles at the liquor store. While they drank and laughed, I enjoyed Coco Ricos and Piña Buenas (my second addiction, after music). I brought to mind the time my cousins wanted all my cassettes I took with me to Ponce. Going back to those tapes now, they had Pink Floyd, Motley Crue, Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Wham!, Simple Minds, Sade, Tears for Fears, Madonna, Beastie Boys, A-Ha, INXS, U2, Pet Shop Boys, the list goes on-and-on. Some songs were taking straight from the radio (I was ten). The squealing brakes were evoking the images and sounds of a mini breed of gooses my grandmother had in her front yard... ‘till this day I do not get why she had ganzos as pets.

After reminiscing through my early years I found myself fine tuning the sounds that were coming by means of waves through the cement walls and was all of a sudden surfing my way into the sounds of a broom sweeping the concrete. This was a relaxing sound for my next journey, a passage through La Vega, Dominican Republic. Surprisingly here is where I would become somewhat of “a man”. The broom really swept me away, took me to my first ever DJ party, my first scooter accident… actually, my first everything. For some reason or other the quiet time in bed was enhancing my hearing and at the same time making me recollect positive memories from some time ago. “Ah, if only I can hop on that broom”, I thought to myself while staring at the ceiling. Unexpectedly I hear footsteps above me of some high heels walking on the wooden shallow floor. Around the third step I was transported to Winter Park, FL.

Some great memories in Winter Park, FL. My first time all to myself (with a noisy neighbor) and discovering a new city: from indie movies, art and music festivals to fashion. The clattering sound was a flashback like no other. Here I ran my own store, volunteered at movie festivals and organized groups for charity events and a memorable mishap with Orlando authorities. Went to all possible concerts and music festivals I wanted. Out of all the flashbacks, I think I could have done more in this time, but due to career opportunities, I came back to Miami, and now I find myself creating new memories with my loving family.

That Friday morning I took my mini autobiography to the beach and listened to an all new soundtrack. It was a grand weekend indeed, most importantly, I found myself wishing I can have more times like that Friday morning, waking up to the quiet sounds of my own recordings that would take me back to my most treasured memories.

PS: "My Weekend" Soundtrack playlist to follow

Sunday, July 29, 2007

The Vapors


The Vapors - Turning Japanese
Uploaded by mg217

In honor of Uniqlo (see post below) This is a classic from the 80's. "Turning Japanese" from The Vapors.

What did the song mean?

Friday, July 27, 2007

Fashion for All from Japan!


Uniqlo is based out of Japan and opened last Fall in Soho. Giving GAP, H&M and Zara some competition! You can make your customized UNIQLOCK widget here (I chose London time). Music is turned off, but if you are not in the office, go ahead, switch it to on! Uniqlo also has stores in the UK, Hong Kong, China and Korea.

Uniqlo SOHO + Pics + USA

PS: This is also a clever & original website. Great way to sell basic clothes! This is why they are the #1 clothing retailer in Japan!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Argentum Jewellry


Hidden somewhere between the worlds of decadent one-name jewellers and their trend-driven high street counterparts is Argentum, a unisex Singaporean jewellery label fuelled by emotion, and a well-kept secret. For eleven years, Argentum has managed to stay under the radar while still being instantly recognizable if spotted on the street.
The pieces are raw yet uniquely crafted and can be worn in numerous ways. It's just the way we think jewellery should be: distinct, significant and beautiful to look at, of course.

If you love jewellry... a must visit
http://www.argentum.com.sg/ See archives S/S 2006 & current A/W 2006

But if you could just see the beauty,
These things I could never describe,
These pleasures a wayward distraction,
This is my one lucky prize.


Joy Division
ISOLATION

Chris Jordon


Cell Phone Chargers

"Chris Jordon's work, on display through July 31st at the Von Lintel Gallery in New York City, takes reports of large-scale waste and consumption out of the realm of statistics and places them squarely in front of our faces.Chris Jordan is a Seattle-based photographic artist who portrays the detritus of our mass culture—piles of cell phones, aluminum cans, garbage, and the like. His work is exhibited widely in the US and Europe, and has been featured in print media, blogs, documentary films, and radio and television programs worldwide. Chris is also a father, husband, gardener, vegetarian, sometime jazz musician, and has an obsessive fascination with the sound of large Chinese gongs."

More of Chris Jordan @ Von Lintel Gallery

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Modeselektor



Official Site MySpace Site

Carlos D: Film + TV Composer


Carlos D + his Italian Greyhound Gaius, getting the much deserved attention

Interpol bassist and self-styled “film and TV composer” Carlos D (a.k.a Carlos Dengler) is a busy man. He’s been touring internationally with Interpol in support of its new disc Our Love to Admire, and resently Dengler finished the first leg of work on an independent film being shot in the Chicago suburbs.

The six-day shoot was for the insipidly-titled thriller My Friends Told Me About You (a working title I hope), which Dengler is producing, starring in and, most likely, scoring. Dengler and the film’s director, 23-year-old Chicagoan Daniel Ryan—who previously directed Golgotha, a short film written and scored by Dengler . A source on the film’s crew says Dengler is playing a “bad drug dealer.” Not “bad” as in badass, though. “Bad” as in bumbling. (At one point, Dengler’s character gets duped by the oldest trick in the pot-pusher handbook: subbing oregano for the ganj.)

The plot details I currently have are scant, but the story involves men in butcher costumes, lots of blood, a spooky hotel (the Mayflower Motel in Clarendon Hills), a greasy-spoon diner (Uncle Bill’s in Roselle) and a creepy little boy in a little suit in the mold of The Omen’s Damien (oh god, another terrible take?). Dengler and crew will be shooting more of the film in August.

I'll keep you posted as soon as I know more. Thank you Timeout Chicago
http://www.carlosdengler.com/

Cats in the Hats


They are everywhere!

Tegan + Sara + Walla

Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie fame!!!!) collaborated on the new album for Tegan & Sara, The Con. It's already getting hype as of one of the best albums of '07. Head to MySpace to stream the record if you haven't spent time with it yet, and click the little YouTube play button below to see the girls debate prospective album titles (Sara wanted it to be Sugar, Spell It Out) and watch producer Chris "Polyethylene" Walla help shape the killer title track. The three really bonded! Long lost triplet? Just a hair-dye job away, dear Walla.

Back in Your Head video



Note: MP3: Polyethylene (Part 1 & 2) is one of Radiohead's b-sides from OK COMPUTER. Mr. Walla did a good job in covering it. More on OKX: a tribute to OK COMPUTER soon.

Monday, July 23, 2007

The Enemy

Had Enough

In my ever longing search for new bands overseas. This band will give The Arctic Monkeys a more creative challenge on their next album. Even though The Arcs are a lot heavier. The Enemy are bringing a bit more MELODY to their debut! Say hello to the new Oasis!

Get more from The Enemy
The Enemy.com + Had Enough (The Teenagers Remix) + My Space + Listen/Buy

PS: Always, in search for bands across the pond + over the border (Canada). But I never forget the bands in the US! Coming soon: new + classic + original & indie bands in our Home Land!

Interpol - #2 in the UK!



After an impressive first week sales in the US for their latest album (and major label debut), Our Love To Admire, landing them at #4 on Billboard, Interpol has achieved the same feat across the pond, claiming the runner-up spot on the latest edition of the UK album charts.
Interpol is the featured cover story in this month's Spin. Check out some amazing pics from the magazine's photo shoot here via ONTD.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Spotting Danny



I'm sure this will be one of Danny Boyle's best movies. Word is that Sunshine is unequivocally the best sci-fi movie in a very, very long time. It mixes elements of 2001: A Space Oddessy with Event Horizon, then adds the tension of Alien. This is NOT the gung-ho action of Armageddon, The Core et al. I'm not sure it will top 2001: Space Odessey, but the latter two, for sure!

Showing in LA & NY. Released nationally on July 27th!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Get your You Tube on...



The You Tube & Video Blogging Camcorder

Thanks to the popularity of social networking sties, You Tube and video blogs we have seen a number of manufacturers turn their attention to what is undoubtedly a ever growing and extremely lucrative market – and now Sony is entering the fray with its sleek Net Sharing Cam.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Cloud Cult - Truly Green in LA


LISTEN! LISTEN! LISTEN! Would be great to watch them live!

Minnesota indie sextet Cloud Cult are known for two things. One: The art rockers feature a pair visual artists -- Connie Minowa and Scott West -- who each complete a painting on stage during the band's concerts. "We have bidding sheets on our merch table and people go back there and put their highest bid on them," frontman Craig Minowa tells Spinner. "The highest bidder gets to take a little piece of the show with them.

"Two: Their radical and passionate measures to be green. In addition to donating the aforementioned bids to various environmental protection organizations, Craig serves as an Official Advisor to the United Nations on environmental issues.

A New Art Form? zZz

TRULLY AMAZING! No Computers used!

Watch it 'till the end...

Shooting real-life visualizations of videogames and computer programs for viral fame has moved from college campuses and introductory skill levels to museums and crazy acrobatic precision, just like sex and gluing things to skulls. The following video was commissioned by TAX-videoclipfonds for an exhibit at SM's - Stedelijk Museum 's-Hertogenbosch that is (like Wholphin) firming the reputation of the viral clip as a new art form, one that deserves to be viewed at the highest possible quality, instead of compressed to hell and smaller than a postcard.

One of the stipulations behind the grant this video's makers got was that the whole thing had to be shot in front of an audience, and immediately added to the exhibition, meaning they had no chance to edit or reshoot anything. Sure, it's basically a really, really good take on an increasingly creaky artistic crutch ("I'll make this art about making this art!") but, as with so many things, execution makes more of a difference than originality. In this case, the execution is nearly flawless.

SoundOfzZz + ecstacy video -->-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_ifmlaNhA4 http://www.myspace.com/zzzsoundofzzz + http://www.soundofzzz.com/
Thank you stereogum!

Say No to the Briefcase


Unless you are big shot lawyer defending someone not worthy of his or her freedom or a slicked-back-hair stockbroker, there is really no need to carry a stiff leather briefcase. Click below to check out the modern versions to carry your laptop, vinyl, books, magz, ipod stuff or just simply heading to the beach.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Medellin

Stars: "Take Me to the Riot"


From day one! One of my fav bands to jog to, drive to, shower with and then make "tea" and sit and enjoy the rush of whaterver just took place.... The whole album is fantastic and my fear of them underachieving has officially been extinguished, thanks in part to some great tracks - especially "Take Me to the Riot". It's a fast paced ball of energy that'll have you singing the title of the track mid-song at the latest; hence it's bubonic plague-like catchiness.

[MP3] Stars - Take Me to the Riot

This song starts off with a dark and brooding bass line that sets a tone to the song procuring images of The Cure, if Robert Smith would've had a smooth female voice backing him. The whole album seems to be dripping with influences of underlying political issues, so when the tempo flares up, cymbals crash, and they shout "Take me / Take Me / To the riot!" - you can't help but feel some sort of invigorating, warm rush. The haunting keyboard that follows a Smiths-like energetic chorus (to reset the tempo) showcases, what could be, Stars' greatest showcase of musical dynamics and production to date. If this isn't their next single, I'll be shocked.

<-- Stars-->

The Tipping Point

As some of you have heard me mention The Tipping Point, I truly believe that anyone who has a business, is into marketing our just simply wants to undestand how social epidemics get started... This is a must read!



Malcolm Gladwell identifies three types of people who have the power to produce social epidemics:

Connectors: Those with wide social circles. They are the "hubs" of the human social network and responsible for the small world phenomenon.

Mavens: are knowledgeable people. While most consumers wouldn't know if a product were priced above the market rate by, say, ten per cent, mavens would. Bloggers who detect false claims in the media could also be considered mavens.

Salesmen: are charismatic people with powerful negotiation skills. They exert "soft" influence rather than forceful power. Their source of influence may be the tendency of others, subconsciously, to imitate them rather than techniques of conscious persuasion.

http://www.gladwell.com/tippingpoint/index.html

Saturday, July 14, 2007

LA: "Secret" Spoon Show


Love the poster!

The show coming up on Monday was just announced and only 100 tickets will be sold. $14 and comes with free Dewar's booze! Buy tickets here. Get 'em while they're hot, LA.
Update: Tickets are sold out already! Sorry guys.
Thanks to Jax.
Posted by Paul Tao on 13 Jul, 2007

More on Spoon soon!

Friday, July 13, 2007

Ali in the Jungle


The Hours - "Ali in the Jungle"

The Hours re-release Ali In The Jungle'; a glitzy tune, which starts off like the piano from 'Crocodile Rock' in drag, and develops into an original and fantastic song. It's lively, bubbly, and euphoric - Pulp's Antony Genn sure knows how to write music, and into the bargain, he makes it look so easy. As they say in the song "the greatest comeback since Lazarus" - surely this re-release will be just that for the band. It's great to see that The Hours are getting great press!
http://www.myspace.com/thehours
http://www.thehours.co.uk/

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Locust Projects

Opening Reception
Saturday July 14from 7 to 11 p.m. Locust Projects announces the opening of "Polymorph," the first and much awaited North American exhibition by Icelandic artist Magnús Árnason. "Polymorph" is an organic, sprawling and haunting installation. In the LP Project Room, Tampa-based collective Flight 19, brings us "Rediviva," a series of sculptures and drawings based on the debris scattered over Nacagdoches, Texas, in 2003. The opening reception for the exhibitions coincides with the Wynwood Art District Walk. Both exhibitions will be on view through the end of August.

Locust Projects is open to the public, and entrance is free.
Locust Projects150 N.W. 23rd Street, Miami305-576-8570

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Balenciaga vs. Lego

Do not know anyone who would wear these, but they were the talk of Balenciaga's Fall 07 showings recently - the new "IT" shoe that is a clear derivative of the classic Balenciaga style, but appears to have been "built" by a small child in Denmark. How does one wear such a must-have accessory? With grey woollen tights or jodhpurs, apparently. I'm sure in a year or two, designers will have similar details to theirs.

JUSTICE/Timberlake

For you have heard me talk about JUSTICE for the longest time... here you have them again... with Mr. Sexy back! I'm surprised... but JT is going in a good direction!
This Justice remix of Timberlake's "Love Stoned" has been floating around the internet, and it's kind of the jam. JT should probably get these dudes to produce his next album.
Justin Timberlake Love Stoned (Justice remix)zShare link via Outside Broadcast.
Justice's † LP is out now. Get it.
UPDATE:Vice is offering a few Justice related joints, inlcuding this medley of tracks from the new album in mp3 form, and this Spank Rock remix: mp3:Justice † medley (12 mb)Spank Rock vs. Justice Thunderous Bumps

The Police Live

Classic Gig! Surprisingly Rocked!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Who You Are...? Who We Are...?

We go through different paths in our lives, and in our journey we see beautiful and not so beautiful things. I assure you that the less charming parts would be taking in a better light with good company. Therefore, sometimes I ask myself... "if I have really been there for friends and love ones when they have gone through a dark tunnel?", worse yet, "have I been the tunnel". As our society falls into the realms of narcissism and becomes more in tune with their outer self, we strive away from how big of an impact we can make on others. Even though I believe that a reasonable amount of healthy narcissism allows the individual's perception of his/her needs to be balanced in relation to others, we must force ourselves to look beyond our own hidden mirror and become leaders, mentors or simply friends. Let our actions and moral character lead the way into our closest friend's and embrace their character. It is only then when you can step outside your shell and become who you are, not only to yourself, but to others. And here is when you will know who will accompany you through any tunnel. Friends and love ones come and go... How many stay...? How many keep in contact...? How many are still finding their way through tunnels...? Are we there...? Do we care...? Do they care? Reach out... find out! Look outside of yourself, put the mirror away. Become you, not only to you, but to others!


For Lil' Sis Tanya... an for myself... shed a light!

Interpol - Wrecking Ball

Nobody warned you
Nobody told you
To make up your mind


Nobody told you
That I could just waltz through
And shake up your style

I'm inside
Like the wrecking ball
Through your eyes

And I change it all from inside

Strange and far
All this hardware
Sum of time
And night one's for me

Go inside
Going somewhere
Hopeless tag time
No one's for me
Open wide
Yard like new year

Nobody warned you
Nobody told you
To make up your mind

Nobody told you
That I could just walk through
And shake up your style

Strange and far
All this hardware
Stroke of time
And no one's for me

Go inside
Going somewhere
Hopeless tag time
And no one's for me
Open wide
Yard like new year

Stay and fight
Stay and fight
Stay and fight

Monday, July 9, 2007

Chromatics


Chromatics "In The City"
Before I introduce their new song, you have to give "In the City" a try, very few stuff like this out there. It's dark and extremely sexy, and not unlike the Knife's "Heartbeats," definitely has an early '80s vibe working in its favor. It just makes you want to roll your windows down and feel the city and keep going into the night, which brings me to their new new song "Night Drive" demo http://www.myspace.com/chromaticsmusics .

Live Earth Awareness


Awareness? The developed world is already highly aware of the fact of global warming. The debate is over whether or not humankind is the primary contributor to the trend.The concerts were held on the premise of "raising awareness". At the same time, this PR effort produced 1000+ tons of garbage, resulted in countless gallons of fuel used by airplanes and cars for the performers and the concert-going attendees, and used countless kilowatts of electricity to power the events. The producers, Al Gore, the musicians, and/or somebody has made a lot of money. And unless 100% of that money goes to actually making tangible improvements for our Earth, then it is just another PR gimmick. What a joke!!!

More on this soon!

Interpol Live! - Sept 19th!




Interpol - "The Heinrich Maneuver"

All of you know how devasted I was when Interpol first released their tour dates a couple months ago and Miami was left out. I was about to leave this town! Now they announced that they will be in Miami on Sept 19th at The Bank United Center! Also, they will be in Orlando the day before. Anyone up for Oralndo first? Our Love to Admire, their 3rd album comes out July 10th!

First Post - London Views







http://www.slowlydownward.com/londonviews.html
http://www.slowlydownward.com/views01.html


Thom Yorke "Harrowdown Hill"

Finally, After two months I had the energy to finish my blog! Thanks in part to Joshua's DIE CULT URE! I Could not decide what to post first... and after seeing DIE CULT URE! I almost said it was not necessary.

So here it is... Even though this came out July 2006, I choose to start with something that I would wrap myself into and become one... A few words: London, Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood (creator of mostly all the artwork for Radiohead). He also was the artist behind Thom's solo album, The Eraser. He used his London Views exhibit for the artwork, truly inspirational. Also, great vid & lyrics on Harrowdown Hill.


More importantly, this blog will be diverse and open to all sorts of media-culture, music, art and anything worth inspiring others to see points of views other than what we hear and see in our daily routines... including mine!

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment". Ralph Waldo Emerson