I A O

Redemption Song

2012-02-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

There, she sang it like the album version. Everyone happy?

Portlandia - "Battlestar Galactica"

2012-01-13T21:26:00.000-08:00

This is spot on. I've never seen Battlestar Galactica specifically, but I have definitely gotten on a role with several shows and watched entire seasons back to back to back over a series of days. Great television shows on DVD can be quite addicting.

Moonlight Kingdom

2012-01-12T19:40:00.000-08:00

The new flick from Wes Anderson.

Best Albums Of 2011

2011-12-31T10:59:00.000-08:00

#1
M83 - HURRY UP, WE'RE DREAMING

I had always loved select songs from M83; when they were good, they were amazing, but when they weren't, they were mostly forgettable. I also always felt many songs fell short for lack of vocals. They ended up feeling incomplete, like less than a full song. On Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, however, both issues are resolved, and then some. This 22-song magnum opus is perfect from start to finish (okay, the kid going on about the frog gets old after the third of fourth listen, but we'll forgive that much). I listened to this, and only this, for what must have been weeks after getting it. It's like all the good parts of songs made up into an album. Rich melody after rich melody with no boring parts. There's nothing I'm not completely engaged in listening to while it's playing. This was without any question my favorite album of the year.

#2
FLEET FOXES - HELPLESSNESS BLUES

Full disclosure, this is probably my favorite band right now, so the stakes were pretty high when they put out their second full-length album. Thankfully, it was just as strong as all their previous work, which I suppose doesn't surprise me, but you really never know (I'm looking at you Bon Iver, but more on that later). They maintain their signature sound, with a full album of great songs and soundscapes. But like most great albums, it seems, there is one track I could do without, and on this album that is "The Shrine / An Argument". The first half is great (presumably "The Shrine") but the second half (presumably "An Argument") tries to do an experimental jazz thing that just comes across as a lot of noise. Maybe it's because I'm so non-confrontational, but I can do without this argument (zing!). "Someone You'd Admire" is my favorite track, and now one of the best in their catalog. "Blue Spotted Tail" is what I would want every song on every album to sound like, but I guess that's like eating the frosting without the cake. Still, it's perfect. I love the power of the title track "Helplessness Blues". If they're going to do loud and strong, I think this is the blueprint. I love this band so much, and can't wait to hear the albums they make in the years to come.

#3
BEASTIE BOYS - HOT SAUCE COMMITTEE PART TWO

When I first started listening to this album, I had it as my best album of the year. It's such a kick ass record and it finally, finally, finally has helped me to understand why everyone was so into The Beastie Boys growing up. I never understood it, but Hot Sauce Committee Part Two is so much fun, and the half hour video they made starring every worthwhile working comedian was such an awesome way to tease the album. "Too Many Rappers" which features Nas is so aggressive and epic. This album made my summer.

#4
THE STROKES - ANGLES

The first time I listened to this album, I had illegally downloaded a leaked version and was sure, absolutely positive, it was one of those fake leaks that another unknown band puts a famous band's name on their album to get people to listen to it. Then when I accepted it was in fact The Strokes, I was sure, totally positive, that these must have been early demos of songs that were not yet complete, or may not even make it to the final album. Then I received the official actual physical CD from Amazon, and sure enough, they were exactly the same songs I had illegally downloaded. I was pretty disappointed. This was arguably my most anticipated album in a long time. If I was making this list a week or two after this album came out, I probably would've put it in my "Notable Disappointments" section. So how did it end up at number 4? I heard them play the songs live. Well, not in person. I wish. Still waiting for the U.S. tour. But they performed a total of four different tracks on SNL, David Letterman, and Jimmy Fallon, and I heard the songs in a whole new way. I went back to the album and kept listening to it, and the more I listened to it, the more I realized there was a lot of great material, and most of the album was pretty darn good. I'm really glad it worked out this way, because it kind of would've killed me to categorize these guys as disappointments.

#5
EDDIE VEDDER - UKULELE SONGS

This one kind of came out of nowhere, and boy was it a pleasant surprise. After Eddie Vedder did the Into The Wild soundtrack, I thought that was the direction either Pearl Jam should go, or he as a solo artists should go, because it was so beautiful and he could do that acoustic singer/songwriter sound until the day he died if he were so inclined. He must have had a similar thought, because this album is basically that, but on a ukulele, which makes it even better! Every song is gorgeous. This is such a beautiful album to listen to at home, when you're feeling mellow and at ease. So soothing and nurturing, definitely one to have in your library.

#6
TENNIS - CAPE DORY

This little gem sort of came out of nowhere for me (Thanks, Junna), but really hit the spot. It's full of fun and happy pop songs from start to finish that remind me a bit of Camera Obscura, minus the lovelorn lyrics. Instead, this husband and wife duo sing about their adventures sailing the Atlantic. "Long Boat Pass", "Bimini Bay", and "Waterbirds" all stand out as favorites to me. I'm greatly looking forward to the release of their second album next month.

#7
JULIANNA BARWICK - THE MAGIC PLACE

Another beautiful ethereal, atmospheric album from Ms. Barwick. If you liked her first album, Florine, you'll like this, too. I'm definitely a fan.

#8
DRIVE SOUNDTRACK

So much great work being done in the movie soundtrack realm these days. There's actually only a few "songs" on this soundtrack, but they kick ass, and the whole mood and tone of the soundtrack makes me want to drive a suped up muscle car 100mph on an empty freeway. It's just an unabashedly cool collection of tracks. "A Real Hero" and "Nightcall" stand out as chic and smooth and sexual. It's Fast and The Furious for the fashion kids. Still on the look out for my satin scorpion jacket.

#9
TRON: LEGACY SOUNDTRACK

Another great soundtrack, compliments of Frenchies Daft Punk. What an awesome opportunity to score the movie Tron, and they definitely lived up to the challenge. The best way, obviously, to hear this is to see the movie, as it goes so well with each scene the tracks are written for, but it's pretty cool on its own, as well.

#10
BON IVER - BON IVER

Now up until today, this was going to be in my "Notable Disappointments" section. But then I remembered Pinkerton, Weezer's second album. When I first heard that, I was coming off the polished pop sounds of the EPIC Blue Album, and was totally confused as to what this mangled, sloppy, noisy, junk was they had recorded. I literally thought Weezer was a one-album wonder for years after that, until I kept hearing from random people I'd meet who would say that Pinkerton was amazing, and maybe even better than The Blue Album. I usually dismissed them as morons, until I'd finally heard from enough supposed morons to realize maybe I should give it another listen. Perhaps my tastes matured a bit, perhaps the album was ahead of its time, perhaps my expectations we're just so far off from what I got. I'm not sure why, but having initially hated Pinkerton, I came to understand that Pinkerton was The Blue Album's equal, that they were both EPIC in completely different ways. All of this is to say that I put Bon Iver on this top 10 list because I'm hedging my bets. When I first heard this, I had extremely high expectations. His debut album For Emma, Forever Ago blew my mind, it was one of the best albums I'd heard in years and years. It was the album I wished I had made, and then died of some tragic overdose or drowning before anyone had heard it, and then slowly, it would be discovered and passed around and I would be appreciated for the lost-too-soon genius that I was. So when I finally heard the second Bon Iver album, I think I was more laughing at it than anything. It sounded so cheesy, like bad 80s music or something. It's so produced and clean and sterile. I can barely understand the lyrics, and not in a good way. I can't hear them because they're not speaking to me. I'm not even sure the lyrics are worth hearing, because the ones I do understand....well, let's say I'm not sold. "Holocene" is, sonically (wouldn't be a music review without that word at least once!), a gorgeous song. I love it. Everything, that is, except the refrain "I can see for miles, miles, miles". I don't know why, I just don't like it. It just feels sort of vague and lazy. But the last track, "Beth/Rest"? I mean, not to live in the past, but the last track on For Emma, Forever Ago, "Re: Stacks", is one of the best songs I've heard in my life. "Beth/Rest" is so ridiculous I don't even know where to start. It's got a saxophone, and not in the cool M83 "Midnight City" way. I guess you would say it's non-ironic, which is fine, but it's sort of just bad. It's like a power ballad from the love scene in an 80s movie. Okay, enough complaining. I put it in the top 10 because I think one day I may come to appreciate this album. I could be wrong, but Bon Iver has done enough to earn the benefit of the doubt from me. I just hope this isn't a sound he sticks with for too long. And let's just note that it is dead last in my top 10. Only time will tell if that was the right decision.

Notable Disappointments: Radiohead - The King of Limbs (more like The King of Suck), TV On The Radio - Nine Types of Light (more like Nine Types of Suck), Iron & Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean (more like Suck Each Other Clean...yes, please).

Lana Del Rey - "Video Games"

2011-12-27T00:34:00.000-08:00

This is pretty much all I can listen to right now.

Triple Cobra - The Last Summer Ever

2011-12-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to hear the new jams from my old band Triple Cobra! New album should be on its way soon. I'm really enjoying this track "Sometimes". Have a listen.

Feeling Minnesota

2011-12-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my friend Jasmine for posting this on Instagram. Minnesota maps from Burlesque Design made up of the iconic people, places and things Minnesota is known for. Now to decide which one I want...maybe both.

Shit Girls Say

2011-12-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

The hilarious twitter feed @shitgirlssay is apparently branching off into videos. Even better!

What Could Have Been

2011-12-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

This is a map of the proposed lines for BART based in part on the 1956 plan. It looks glorious! That F line headed all the way out to the ocean in San Francisco is so desperately needed it's not even funny. And yet, it was not to be. Imagine this combined with the high-speed train running up and down California. It would be amazing. If only...

Click here for a closer look at the map.

ICON 4×4′s 1968 Ford Bronco

2011-11-22T13:13:00.000-08:00

Aaaaaaah, I want this! A design company in Los Angeles took it upon themselves to re-design the 1968 Ford Bronco, and boy did they do a bang up job. So pretty. Click here to learn more.

The Layover - San Francisco

2011-11-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

Apparently Anthony Bourdain has a new show called The Layover, which premiers tonight. In a few episodes he visits San Francisco, and I was surprised to hear this born and raised New York chef say–to the New York Times, no less–that San Francisco is his favorite city in America for food:

Q. Favorite city for eating in the United States?

A. Anyone who doesn’t have a great time in San Francisco is pretty much dead to me. You go there as a snarky New Yorker thinking it’s politically correct, it’s crunchy granola, it’s vegetarian, and it surprises you every time. It’s a two-fisted drinking town, a carnivorous meat-eating town, it’s dirty and nasty and wonderful…

Take that, Nate Appleman! Go make a burrito.

Portlandia - "Sanitation Twins"

2011-10-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

M83 - "Midnight City"

2011-10-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

Hurry Up, We're Dreaming officially released today, and if you haven't purchased it yet, you're a damn fool. It's so good. Here's a video for the second track on the album. Get this album!

The Modern American Dream

2011-10-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. ... Stay hungry. Stay foolish." -Steve Jobs

Bert Jansch - "Needle Of Death"

2011-10-05T12:03:00.001-07:00

M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

2011-09-30T11:45:00.001-07:00

The new M83 is fantastic. It's a double-disc, 22-track release and from start to finish, it's as cohesive an album as I've heard from the band. It's not out yet, but it's been leaked, so if you're the type, go ahead and find it, or just wait until it's officially released October 18. Eez gewd.

Weezer - "The Angel And The One"

2011-09-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

"I feel a deeper peace and that deeper peace is penetrating."

Weezer has put out a lot of music since their first two brilliant albums, and almost all of it has been pretty forgettable. But there are tracks here and there that stand out, and this, for me, is one of them. Pretty much the "Only In Dreams" of The Red Album, I'm a big fan of it and listening to it often these days.

College Featuring Electric Youth - "A Real Hero"

2011-09-27T23:09:00.000-07:00

I love songs that are best listened to driving at night on open highways at high speeds, and this is one of them, appropriately from the Drive soundtrack.

Allen Gregory

2011-09-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

Radiohead - "Fake Plastic Trees"

2011-08-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

Pretty awesome clip of Radiohead performing on Conan O'Brien way back in 1995. Interesting to note Conan's comment at the start that Radiohead was the first band to perform on Conan O'Brien ever. Nice way to start things off. Not to mention that means they were performing prior to The Bends, when, to be honest, they were a one-hit wonder and no one had any foresight to see they would be as important as they became.

Anyway, this is a great performance with lots of heart, clearly a band that is still hungry and has yet to become cynical from years of success and interviews and touring and playing "Creep" 50 times a month. I also love Thom Yorke's inability to hit the note for "be" in "and if I could be, who you wanted" both times at the end. He's human, after all.

Of Grace and Gravity

2011-08-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

This is preview for a documentary about Rolfing called Of Grace and Gravity. Rolfing is a form of deep body work developed by Dr. Ida Rolf that works on the connective tissue called Fascia.

I was Rolfed in Portland, OR in the summer and fall of 2001 by Ron McComb, who is featured in this video about half way through. Ron is the man, and Rolfing is incredible. I highly recommend it to everyone. It's usually 10 session over 10 weeks, once a week. I ended up having something like 17 sessions, but that was because I was working on a specific problem that took extra work. At the time, my sessions were $100 each; prices have probably gone up a bit, but it's a lifelong investment worth every penny. You only need to do the 10 session series once, then you can go in for upkeep as needed on a session by session basis, if you like.

It will transform your body and your perspective at the same time. Look into it! Release your Self! You will become Free!

Andy Richter For Nissan

2011-08-08T22:02:00.001-07:00

Miles Fisher - "New Romance"

2011-08-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

Miles Fisher is sort of a Jack of all entertainment trades. He's appeared on Mad Men and Gossip Girl (both times as a drug dealer), and is famous for his impressions, most notably interviewing Tom Cruise at the MTV Movie awards as Tom Cruise. His previous music video was for his cover of "This Must Be The Place", where he parodies American Psycho to perfection. If you haven't seen that, definitely click here to watch it. Here is his parody of Saved By The Bell for his new movie Final Destination 5, featuring the cast of the movie.

[Thanks to The Sassmouth Chronicles]

James Spader - The Office

2011-07-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

One of the best performances on television in a long time. I've always loved James Spader, and this character is perfect for him.

Weezer - "Paranoid Android"

2011-07-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

Weezer fucking NAILS this.

Tartine Bread Short Film

2011-06-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

I could have sworn I already posted this, because I saw it like 8 months ago, but when I went to look for it, it wasn't there. It's great, you should watch it.

Flash Mob

2011-06-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, whoever is doing the commercials for AT&T knows what's up. Here's another one I like.

UPDATE: Turns out it's the ad agency BBDO Worldwide. Well done, people.

Cool Dad

2011-06-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

Since there are so many horrible, terrible, awful commercials on television (not that I see many anymore with the ol' DVR), I am really pleased when there's a commercial that is actually well done, like this one. Not life changing, but I like it. So it gets posted on my blog, where millions upon millions of THE most important trend setters visit on a daily basis. You're welcome AT&T.

Bon Iver - "Calgary"

2011-06-18T11:36:00.001-07:00

Inspirational Speech From Little Kid

2011-06-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

This video is great, the only thing I would've done differently is to have used a different theme song, like maybe the "Inch by inch" speech Al Pacino delivers in Any Given Sunday, or the Adagio For Strings closing speech from Charlie Sheen at the end of Platoon, but maybe those are too somber and slow building. I don't know, I just love those speeches I guess. If you haven't seen them, you should click on the links above and watch them.
[via]

Bike Lanes In NYC

2011-06-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Now I'm certainly not one to take the side of bicyclists, because I've had too many encounters with completely insane ones who have spoiled the whole bunch for me, but I love the way this video illustrates this man's point, and anytime someone illustrates how inept people who write tickets are I'm going to take the side of that person ten times out of ten.

Eddie Vedder - Ukulele Songs

2011-05-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

Ever since he did the Into The Wild soundtrack, I've been waiting for an acoustic solo album that sounded just like it. I guess this is close enough, and it's delightful. Click here to listen through the songs. This guy is gonna be making music until he's 80 if he sticks with this solo style and feels like it.

In-N-Out / Malibu / May 14, 2011 / 1AM

2011-05-31T23:40:00.000-07:00

Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Part Two

2011-05-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

So this album kicks ass. It's making me even more of an asshole driver than I already am, which probably isn't a good thing for the two-wheeled commuters in this fair city of San Francisco, but oh well. Definitely going to be rockin' this all summer long. I suggest you do the same. Oh, and if you haven't seen the stellar 30 minute video for the first track on the album "Make Some Noise", watch it here immediately.

Croby, Stills, Nash & Young - "Helpless"

2011-05-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

Bon Iver - "Calgary"

2011-05-17T13:13:00.001-07:00

Also, click here to listen to the top 10 covers performed by Bon Iver.

Trump 2012

2011-05-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

[via Minus Manhattan]

19 Warnings Signs for Common Awkward Moments

2011-04-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

You order "the usual," the server has no idea what you're talking about.

When you wave back at someone who it turns out was not waving at you.

Telling a story you remember as your own, only it turns out it actually happened to the person you're telling it to.

These are a few of my favorites. Click here for the full list.

Fight For Your Right (Revisited) - Full Length Version

2011-04-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

From what I can tell, these are the folks appearing in this video. Did I miss anyone?

Rashida Jones, Danny Mcbride, Elijah Wood, Jack Black, John C. Reilly, Rainn Wilson, Seth Rogan, Stanley Tucci, Susan Sarandon, Ted Danson, Will Arnett, Will Ferrell, Adam Scott, Orlando Bloom, Danny Masterson, Zach Galifianakis, Steve Buscemi, Roman Coppola, Laura Dern, David Cross, Jason Schwartzman, Orlando Bloom, Chloë Sevigny, Amy Poehler, Jason Bateman, Kirsten Dunst, Mary Steenburgen, Maya Rudolph, and of course The Beastie Boys.

Scala and Kolacny Brothers - "Creep"

2011-04-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

Jeff Buckley - "Hallelujah (Live In Chicago 1995)"

2011-04-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

Having listened to the recorded version of this track, oh, about three million times, it was nice to see a performance not only that I hadn't heard, but to be able to watch as well. The man is intense in the best of ways, like some other worldly superhuman. I particularly like his lyrical riffing that begins at 6:32. It seems to be something Mr. Buckley was fond of doing, changing some lyrics in his live performances from the original recording. I really like that. I can't wait for the upcoming biopic to be completed. I really hope they do it right. It could be spectacular if they do.

Bon Iver's Second Album

2011-04-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Above is the album artwork for the new Bon Iver album. Below is the tracklist. Quite the year for releases. I hope this one is good, expectations will inevitably be insanely high.

TRACKLIST:
01 “Perth”
02 “Minnesota, WI”
03 “Holocene”
04 “Towers”
05 “Michicant”
06 “Hinnom, TX”
07 “Wash.”
08 “Calgary”
09 “Lisbon, OH”
10 “Beth/Rest”

The Chemical Brothers Score Hanna

2011-04-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

So we went to see Hanna at the Sundance Kabuki on Friday, and other than a woman sitting next to me who sighed with empathy/admiration/sadness/humor every 30 seconds and said "Oh Jeez" any time anything happened at all, it was a pretty enjoyable experience. The movie was solid, not life changing, but solid, and I was particularly pleased to discover the soundtrack is totally awesome. I kept Shazaming it throughout the movie and quickly realized all the songs were done by The Chemical Brothers. Hats off to those guys, they're really enjoying a second coming. I was super into them in the 90's and really thought they were dunzo after that, but starting with a post I did almost a year ago it's come to my attention that these guys can still put together some killer tracks. They should definitely do more movies. Well done, boys.

Radiohead - Live From The Basement

2011-04-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

I've had this saved on my DVR for like two or three years because it's so good and really pleasant to put on while, say, playing backgammon. "Videotape" is an especially excellent track, better than on the album.

Fleet Foxes Live

2011-04-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Beauty

2011-04-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

This looks really awesome. Very Eyes Wide Shut. From what I understand, it's a story that deals with high-end prostitution, and Emily Browning's character's specialty is taking a drug that knocks her out so the man can have his way with her and she will awake to have no recollection of anything that happened.

Sexual.

I Would Like To Buy A Hamburger

2011-04-14T22:05:00.000-07:00

Whilst in Acapulco, Junna and I were in bed flipping through the channels and came across one of the few that was in English, and it was playing The Pink Panther with Steve Martin. I was surprised at how much I was enjoying it, and this scene in particular had me laughing for several minutes straight. We still quote it all the time; it's quite fun, I highly recommend you try it.

Bon Iver Teaser

2011-04-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

A little sample of what's to come this June when Bon Iver releases its second full length album.

Look At Me Now - Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes (Cover by Karmin)

2011-04-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Holy shit balls. This chick rules.

[Thanks to Minus Manhattan]

Fight For Your Right Revisited

2011-04-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

I'm not even totally sure what this is, but it's all kinds of right.

A Song From The Attic

2011-04-04T13:38:00.001-07:00

Robin from Fleet Foxes just moved into a new place (yes, I stalk him on Twitter) and apparently the attic has some amazing acoustics with lots of reverb, so he was kind enough to record just under a minute of a new song he's working on in that very attic. It's pretty amazing. I swear the man cannot write a bad song. I tried to host it here on my blog but it wouldn't take, so click here to have a listen. It's well worth your time. Here are the lyrics, though I can't figure out what the last line is, so if you can, let me know!

I still think of you all the time
you were like a lion in the water
I was like an Indian lead to slaughter
half an hour from the border now
half a mile past the exit that I used to take
after soon some in that I needed this year

Cibo Matto - "Birthday Cake"

2011-04-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

Back sometime when I was in Junior High, I bought a 7" import of a Japanese band called Cibo Matto for the track "Birthday Cake". I can't be sure, but it's very likely I first heard the song on the greatest radio station ever, the University of Minnesota's college radio station 770 Radio K. I should really do an entire post about Radio K (and maybe I will), but this is about Cibo Matto.

At the time, I'm pretty sure I thought I was the coolest kid on the planet, buying a rare Japanese 7" import. There was no internet, people weren't listening to records, let alone female-fronted rock/punk groups from Japan. Yep, I was pretty...pretty awesome.

Fast forward to the present day, and somehow my brother has ended up being acquainted with the gals from Cibo Matto, and was fortunate enough to be witness to a live performance of said "Birthday Cake" song.

Funny the way life works. Anyway, these chicks can still rock. Hard. Have a look at the video above. That song just rules. Always has, always will.

The Lonely Island - "We're Back!"

2011-04-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

The Strokes Late Night Roundup

2011-04-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

I'm liking these Angles songs more after I see them played live, particularly "Taken For A Fool" (above) and "Life Is Simple In The Moonlight" from their SNL appearance. I'm thinking maybe recording some of the tracks in Albert's home studio might not have been the best idea.

Also, Julian proves he is capable of making literally anything appear cool, when at the end of his Letterman performance, he mimics releasing a bowling ball down the lane. Objectively, that is probably the lamest thing a front man could possibly do, not to mention probably the last thing anyone would think to do as the lead singer of a rock band, yet somehow it looks kind of awesome.

The Making of the Eames Lounge Chair

2011-03-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

I've longed to own this chair for many years, and maybe someday, in many years, I will.

[via Gizmodo]

This Is How Michael Caine Speaks

2011-03-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Dave Grohl Is Not A Gleek

2011-03-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

“It’s every band’s right, you shouldn’t have to do fucking Glee. And then the guy who created Glee is so offended that we’re not, like, begging to be on his fucking show… fuck that guy for thinking anybody and everybody should want to do Glee. I watched 10 minutes. It’s not my thing. The Glee guy, what a fucking jerk. Slash was the first one. He wanted to do Guns ‘n’ Roses and Slash is like, ‘I hate fucking musicals. It’s worse than Grease.’ Then [Murphy's] like, ‘Well, of course he’d say that, he’s a washed up ol’ rock star, that’s what they fucking do.’ And then Kings of Leon say, ‘No, we don’t want to be on your show.’ And then he’s like, ‘Snotty little assholes…’ And it’s just like, Dude, maybe not everyone loves Glee. Me included.”

Friends With Benefits

2011-03-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

Movies like this were made for me.

Sexy Sax Man Sergio

2011-03-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs, and this is probably the best use of it ever.

How To Hijack A Video Advertisment

2011-03-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

This is incredibly cool. This dude enabled his iPhone to take over any video screen and make it play whatever is on your iPhone, as he demonstrates in Times Square in the above video. This would seem to have unlimited possibilities for troublemakers. I'm looking at you, Banksy.

Surf Board Kick-Flip

2011-03-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a video of me surfing...yeah right! It's actually, allegedly, the first kick-flip ever accomplished on a surf board. Well, at least the first one that was caught on film and put out on the internet. Either way, pretty bad ass.

New Music From Robin Pecknold

2011-03-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

Last Minutes With Oden

2011-03-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

So far this video is 3 for 3 on making me cry in just under four minutes, so fair warning. It is, however, a very touching look at one man saying goodbye to his best friend, his dog, and the love and the loss he takes with him.

Augustus Thompson

2011-03-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

My new blog background is a piece from an artist Junna introduced me to who lives in San Francisco named Augustus Thompson. You can view Junna's blog entry for him here. I'm very much enjoying his work and plan on attending his art show this Friday. If you're interested, the advert is above. If you want to see more of his work, you can view his blog by clicking here.

[Thanks to Hello Yummy]

The Strokes On SNL

2011-03-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

Performing "Under Cover of Darkness" and "Life Is Simple In The Moonlight", respectively.

Plug & Play

2011-03-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

Pretty sure I'm going to need one of these when they become available March 31. Lets you plug your guitar (or whatever instrument) directly into your iPad, Mac, iPhone or iPod Touch via the dock connectors or USB port to play in GarageBand. FINALLY.

[via Gizmodo]

The Strokes - "Under Cover of Darkness"

2011-03-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

Charlie Sheen Quotes As New Yorker Cartoons

2011-03-02T14:40:00.000-08:00

I really had been avoiding all of this Charlie Sheen non-sense–-that is until yesterday, when I actually saw video of him being interviewed, and oh my, that man is incredible. Someone took his more colorful quotes (i.e. every word he says) and paired them with New Yorker cartoons. Pretty awesome. Click here for many more.

The Strokes - "You're So Right"

2011-03-01T14:41:00.001-08:00

Uh, I love pretty much everything Julian Casablancas has ever done (except, of course, "Ask Me Anything"), but I'm not totally sold on this song yet. I mean, it's different and interesting to listen to, and I don't hate it, but...let's just hope the new album is a bit more "Under Cover of Darkness" and a bit less "You're So Right".

Speaking of those songs, it seems like they got their names backwards. "You're So Right" sounds more like it should be called "Under Cover of Darkness" and vice versa. These guys really need to hire me as a consultant.

Packs A Punch

2011-03-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

This portrait of Muhammad Ali was made with punching bags. Pretty cool.

[via Gizmodo]

Skier Falls Off Mountain

2011-03-01T10:14:00.000-08:00

A Smarter Surfboard

2011-02-24T15:53:00.000-08:00

U.S. Cities Original Names

2011-02-24T14:54:00.000-08:00

Kind of fun to look over the old names of major cities in the U.S. My Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, for instance, used to be known as Saint Anthony and Pig's Eye. Pretty awesome, actually. Have a look to see what your city used to be called by clicking on the map for a larger version.

33 Years 358 Days

2011-02-22T10:53:00.000-08:00

That's how long it has been estimated Phil Connors (played by Bill Murray in Groundhog Day) is stuck repeating the same day. To see how that estimate was arrived at, click here. It's a very in depth look at clues gathered throughout the movie to lead to a pretty spot on guess at just how long he spends reliving the same day.

This really is one of my favorite movies. I especially love that Buddhists recognize it as a cinematic version of the teachings of Buddhism. To read a great article on that titled "Groundhog Almighty" click here. If you're too lazy to read a whole entire article, here is the gist of what the article is saying:

"'Groundhog Day' perfectly illustrates the Buddhist notion of samsara, the continuing cycle of rebirth that Buddhists regard as suffering that humans must try to escape. 'Groundhog Day' is a cinematic version of the teachings in Mahayana Buddhism, known as 'the greater vehicle'. In Mahayana, nobody ever imagines they are going to escape samsara until everybody else does. That is why you have bodhisattvas, who reach the brink of nirvana, and stop and come back and save the rest of us. Bill Murray is the bodhisattva. He is not going to abandon the world. On the contrary, he is released back into the world to save it."

The Origins of Stefon

2011-02-22T09:51:00.001-08:00

Bill Hader explains the origins of my favorite Saturday Night Live character, Stefon.

[Thanks to The Sassmouth Chronicles]

Thom Yorke Dances To "Single Ladies"

2011-02-21T09:40:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Kurt Cobain

2011-02-20T09:52:00.000-08:00

Rag & Bone + Timberland

2011-02-18T10:41:00.000-08:00

I'm loving my new boots Junna bought me for Christmas. Thanks for the recommendation, Connor.

Radiohead - "Lotus Flower"

2011-02-18T08:49:00.000-08:00

Just listened to the new Radiohead album The King of Limbs. My favorite song from it at the moment is "Codex". For some reason the album is only 8 tracks, but at 37 minutes I can't complain because I have long held the belief that right around 35 minutes is the perfect length for an album. For now, though, watch the video above to hear the fifth track off the album, "Lotus Flower".

Track listing:

1. Bloom
2. Morning Mr Magpie
3. Little By Little
4. Feral
5. Lotus Flower
6. Codex
7. Give Up The Ghost
8. Separator

Julianna Barwick - The Magic Place

2011-02-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

Julianna Barwick has put out her second album titled The Magic Place. I was a very big fan of her first album Florine, which even made my Best Albums of 2009. Her music is ambient and soothing, with lots of vocal loops and layers as well as some instrumentation. I'm especially fond of her because when I ordered her first album off her website a couple years ago, it had clearly been packaged and sent by her from her home in Brooklyn with a big red heart drawn around my name. Very nice. Check out her music, it will make you happy.

Playing Ketchup

2011-02-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

I highly recommend this ketchup. I've been looking for a good sugar-free solution because I absolutely love ketchup and in large quantities, but unfortunately it's generally made with sugar. Why, I have no idea, because once you try this, you'll realize it's completely unnecessary. This actually tastes the way I remember ketchup tasting as a child. No idea what that means, maybe my mom bought us sugar-free ketchup, or maybe it didn't used to be made with sugar. Either way, this stuff is delicious. I bought mine at Whole Foods. Give it a try, you won't be sorry.

The Strokes - Angles

2011-02-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the artwork for the upcoming new album from The Strokes, out March 22. Still not sold on the name Angles, but that is of minor consequence. Very excited to hear this album, and even more excited to see them again when they tour in June.

America, Fuck Yeah!

2011-02-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

If the studio behind this movie had any sense at all, this would be the real trailer for this movie.

[Thanks to The Sassmouth Chronicles]

Salem Announce North American Tour

2011-02-09T11:09:00.001-08:00

Just bought tickets to see Salem on their first visit to SF. Very excited to check these guys out live. If you haven't looked into them, I recommend you do. They made both my lists for Best Albums in 2009 and 2010. They make some pretty advanced music. Have a listen above (the music doesn't start until a minute in), or click here to hear "Redlights", one of my favorite tracks from them.

Tour:

03-15 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
03-16 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick
03-17 Toronto, Ontario - Wrongbar
03-18 Montreal, Quebec - Le Gymnase
03-19 New York, NY - Santos Party House
03-20 Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel
03-21 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brendas
03-28 San Diego, CA - Soda Bar
03-29 Los Angeles, CA - Echoplex
03-30 San Francisco, CA - 103 Harriet
04-01 Portland, OR - Branx

The Strokes - Angles

2011-02-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

The Strokes new album Angles will be released March 22. The first single "Under Cover of Darkness" will be available for download tomorrow from their website. Click here for that, as well as a review from Rolling Stone.

Track list:

1. Machu Picchu
2. Under Cover of Darkness
3. Two Kinds of Happiness
4. You’re So Right
5. Taken For A Fool
6. Games
7. Call Me Back
8. Gratisfaction
9. Metabolism
10. Life Is Simple In The Moonlight

Portlandia - "Bicycle Rights"

2011-02-04T22:20:00.000-08:00

[Deep breath] I can't tell you the catharsis I felt when I watched this. Every day of my life as a driver in San Francisco includes at very least one or two negative encounters with someone on a bike. For a while I had this odd compulsion to pull over whenever a biker yelled or made a gesture at me and I would genuinely try to engage in a dialogue with them as to why they thought I did something wrong, since of course I did not believe I was in the wrong. That has actually only resulted, however, in every biker I ever stopped to calmly talk to swearing and yelling at me and in one case, with my door open, an entirely insane man screaming in my face threatening to kick my ass and calling me a "faggot" with spit flying out of his mouth and veins bursting out of his face–all while wearing one of those professional bike racer outfits, which honestly how am I supposed to take you seriously when you're wearing that. We won't mention the fact that he was riding down the center of a two-way road that had a massive "No bicycles on this road" sign. Beside the fact that it was a cars-only road, I suppose I did come flying up behind him at a whopping 10 mph. I forgot I was supposed to pull to the side of the rode, come to a complete stop, turn off my engine, get my binoculars out, and watch to see when he was finished using the road. I could literally dedicate an entire blog to this topic–and really probably should–but for now just watch this video and know that while it is funny, it is also completely spot on. I deal with this asshole on a daily basis, and he is a self-righteous piece of shit.

James Perse Ping Pong Table

2011-02-01T17:45:00.000-08:00

I played ping pong this past Friday for the first time in a long time at work with my boss. Worked up a pretty good sweat, actually, but it reminded me how fun ping pong is! It might be a little known fact that I was captain of the varsity ping pong team in high school. No big deal, just sayin'. Anyway, in an ever-growing list of items I want but can't afford, this ping pong table from James Perse would do very nicely. Click here for more information, but it's sold out so don't think you can just go and buy it just to spite me.

Fleet Foxes - "Helplessness Blues"

2011-01-31T09:53:00.000-08:00

Here is the title track off the new Fleet Foxes album, Helplessness Blues, available May 3. Click here for tour dates.

Asian Aging

2011-01-25T09:32:00.000-08:00

[Thanks to The Sassmouth Chronicles]

Yes, I Live In Pacific Heights

2011-01-20T15:03:00.000-08:00

This is for all you bastards who told me I lived in Western Addition when I moved here. As I told you, I live in Pacific Heights, so suck it. The San Francisco Association of Realtors has released a new map of the 10 districts of San Francisco, and as you can see in the second image above, my apartment at California and Fillmore falls into district 7b Pacific Heights. Not Lower Pacific Heights, not Western Addition, not Fillmore District, not Cow Hollow. Pacific Heights. Click here to view a Flash version of the map to find out which district you're in.

[via The San Francisco Chronicle]

Iron & Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean

2011-01-19T10:50:00.000-08:00

Stream the entire new album Kiss Each Other Clean from Iron & Wine above. Kind of a different sound for Iron & Wine, a little fuller sound, more varied instrumentation, but still the signature songwriting you'd expect.

2011 Coachella Lineup

2011-01-18T23:03:00.000-08:00

Portlandia - "Farm"

2011-01-15T16:06:00.000-08:00

And here is the first episode, in full. Enjoy!

Portlandia - "Did You Read?"

2011-01-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

Being a former Portlander, I am greatly looking forward to this show, debuting January 21 on IFC. Here's a little sample.

[via The Sassmouth Chronicles]

Shooting Portraits Of Strangers

2011-01-12T16:59:00.000-08:00

A collection of photographs taken by Danny Santos II of strangers in Orchard Road in Singapore. He writes about the experience of approaching complete strangers and asking to capture their portrait. Click here for more.

Let Me Show You Something!!!

2011-01-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

Cayetano Ferrer

2011-01-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

American street artist Cayetano Ferrer pastes photos over signs and boxes to create the illusion of transparency. Quite impressive. Click here to see many more.

[via Gizmodo]

The Frontier Is Everywhere

2011-01-11T09:54:00.000-08:00

This is kind of nice. It's a video made by someone who really likes NASA, but doesn't believe they're very good at advertising themselves. They should probably hire him now.

[via Gizmodo]

Joe Grass - "God Only Knows"

2011-01-09T11:15:00.000-08:00