Caroline Smith & the Good Night Sleeps

Not really sure how to describe what I saw the other night, but I think it was one of the best live performances I have seen, period. The band consists of Caroline Smith, Arlen Peiffer, Alex Ramsey, and Jesse Schuster. May I say myself, that this is a fine collection of individuals. Got to chill with them after the show and we enjoyed some college hospitality. The guys are real down to earth and love music . I'm not saying they like their music cause they play it, but they really love music and you feel it while they play. I have three things to say about Caroline: 1) She plays a banjo, big props, 2)watch out Jenny lewis and 3) When she opened her mouth to sing the first song, she melted my heart. I mean damn, her voice is that of an angel. I now realize, that when I came across them two years ago online, I should have paid more attention, because heed my words, this band is SOLID. So enough about the people, you want to hear about the music right? Right! The CD is a quick 40 minutes of alternative acoustic folk bliss that I am am listening to at this very moment for the third time. It is just the "ill na na"(thats some Longbranch lingo for ya'll before you play there on Feb 12). Caroline's commanding voice demands great musical backing, which the band takes care of with ease with acoustic guitars, banjo, keyboards, harmonica, and light drums. It is a shame they did not get an encore, because Caroline can rap! So when you go to see them (you will) make sure to start the damn encore because it is such a treat. Check out their webpage at www.myspace.com/carolinesmithmusic and check out some of their tracks. My personal favorites are "Grizzly Bear" and "Where has Sally Gone?" Keep the good music coming, cause we are listening!

Their record can also be purchased from iTUNES or the following record shops:
The Electric Fetus (Minneapolis)
Treehouse Records (Minneapolis)
Eclipse Records (St. Paul)
Record Breakers (Chicago)

Weekly Under 20

"Knuckle Bear inventor Touma throws down 12 monstrous misfits for Evil Skaters, his first Kidrobot line-up. These 3-inchers ditched their boards for horned heads, big-fists, a ferocious sidekick and 2 hot chases. Sold blind boxed for US$7.99 each." All I have to say is that I have enjoyed it so far. Blind boxes are tricky because usually there is one really awesome figure, and all the others suck, but with Touma's "Evil Skaters" set, they are all pretty cool lookin' characters (except for Nedro, the green one in the back). While at Kidrobot in NYC during the holidays, I had the chance to pick up two boxes and went home with Shaw and Booter (pics below), which I am quite proud to display on my desk. Anyways, you can buy an evil skaters blind box for $7.99 at the Kidrobot near you or you could get yours here. Oh and don't get the case of 20 because then you ruin the fun.

(Shaw)
(Booter)

It's the year of the ox but not an excuse to drink like one

Well, I got an invite from my bro Kodi cause he wanted to add some diversity to this blog. This blog is all about what's classy and what's hot today, so I'll cut this intro short and share some advice with all of you college males out there.

You like alcohol. We like alcohol. Whether it's guzzling a keg or getting downright smashed from consecutive shots or drinking a glass of Absolut clean like me, it's all about the blood rush, strobe lights, gorgeous women, and blaring music that keeps us cycling through parties every weekend. But let's be honest, beer bongs and retching in the hallway are not characteristic of gentlemen. So here's are a few suggestions, not a request to change your ways (beer bongs are just far too much fun to give up in college!):

Put down those handles of god-knows what and beers that your frat bros normally provide. You can get drunk without drinking shit. Is that all you can afford? Then stop reading.

You want to stand out? Try something different. Try this. Next time you're at the liquor store, pick yourself up a nice bottle of unflavored vodka (Grey Goose, Absolut, etc). If you still like the party scene, cool, make yourself jello shots, but make it different. You've already gotten the quality liquor, make something cool with it. I personally like to make orange flavored jello; I take an orange, slice it in half, take out the flesh, and then pour orange jello into the molds. That way, when I cut the halves into slices, I get something like this:

(orange jello shots)

So what do you do if you're not really into the party scene? Or you're mortified at using your bottle of Troika for jello shots. Let me tell you about something called mixed drinks. We all know about them. You use cokes as chasers with your rum, red bulls with your vodkas. It isn't coincidence that those are typical drinks found in any bar. Alcohol straight up isn't always very tasty. Solution: Mix them up before hand, be a bartender at your parties. In fact, don't stop there. Go that extra mile and buy yourself some nice glasses and a quality cocktail shaker from Crate and Barrel. Read a few recipes online or buy premade mixes. Make drinks in front of people. Start advertising cosmos, mojitos, tequilas, and apple martinis.

Personally, I get requests all the time to bar tend for my girl friend's parties. It seems like a talent when it's really quite simple to get the basic ropes down. Give it a shot with no pun intended. At the very least, all of these suggestions are far more appealing than those beers you've been providing with vitamin water. It's a new year. Time to class yourself up.

*We do not promote underage drinking

Pennies

The Coolest kids I know, The Cool Kids, have dropped their new video for their first single "pennies" off of their upcoming album “When Fish Ride Bicycles”. Bringin' '88 Back!

Classy Attire, Moustaches, and Fixed Gears

I wish I was in London. Get the scoop here. Oh and did I forget to mention, dames.

Point 1 for the ladies

Here is the first of the Kaye West and LV collaboration for the ladies, and may it be put in the book that I want it and if they make a larger enough pair (mens 13 I doubt it) I will get me some. The details are official with a grey suede colorway, pink sole and gold lace lock. That's number four ladies and gents. Count it, cause there are only two more left and so far Ye has not made a mistake.

Paris Fashion Show

Just some pics from the Paris Fashion Show that I do believe were taken by The Satorialist. I like how Kanye seems to be the only one who has a good grasp on style (looking forward to Pastelle Mr. West) and putting together an outfit in his crew. Sorry Taz, but it's too much for me. I also like the kid in the bottom pick combining Crooks & Castles, BBC Ice Cream, and one of those Super NES controller belt bucles you can pick up at Hot Topic. 3 Hit Super Combo! Big Up to Paris fashion representing.

THE Presidential Inauguaration Photograph

This pinnacle moment in history was captured by New York photographer, David Bergman. If you know anything about photography just check out these stats and you will see why this photo is so damn incredible. Recognize:

• Canon G10
• 1,474 Megapixel image
• Gigapan imager
• 220 photos (compiled over a six hour period)

Enjoy the full glory of this moment in history and get yourself cultured right here.

Kanye and LV Sneakers

“Marc Jacobs and the Louis Vuitton men’s studio director Paul Helbers have some design competition this season. Kanye West, who was sitting front row at the Vuitton show, has designed a line of five LV sneakers. Only one design, above, was featured in the show — a monochromatic midtop with no frills, save for a quilted flap in the back, all the easier to tuck pants into. “The inspiration came from a jacket with a huge collar in the movie ‘Dune,’ ” West says. “Most sneakers focus on the tongue, so I wanted to do something different.” West knows whereof he speaks: he says he has no idea how many shoes he owns, but he does know that he routinely needs to send shipments off to storage. The LV-meets-Kanye kicks will be available at Louis Vuitton stores in June.” Via The Moment.
Now, Kanye West teases us with his third design of six from his highly anticipated sneaker line with LV. Check out the notable features like the two large velcro straps and the pink midsole. Kanye Kanye, o how we don ye. Keep it up because I can't get enough of the quilted flap in the back so that we can keep our whole outfit in tip top form.

Bape Skullstas

Fresh out of the mind are the monotone Bape Skullsta’s featuring a “shelltoe” and the iconic Bape logo on the tongue. Retailing for 16,590 YEN (185 USD), these will be available at the Bape Stores worldwide. If i had the cash to dish out, I would much prefer to buy myself a pair of monotone Bape's, instead of the vibrant colors of the '06 collection. No offense Nigo, but they were just too much.

Winter 2009 Penfield Bags

Fresh from Bread & Butter comes Penfields first release from their winter 2009 collection. I really like how they went original and created their own fabric and didn't cop anything that everyone else is doing. Very unique. They also have regular backpacks with the same pattern, but you know how I am with my messenger bags, and this piece is just dope. The best part is the detail put into the belt loop buckles. Great color combination with the tan leather.

FAT 2009 Spring/Summer Collection

Crisp, Clean, and always fresh with the vibrant colors! Just FAT.

Martin Louie the King Jr?

I like it, but really Ye? Martine Louie the King Jr. Not sure if I approve.

Cadence Weapon - Separation Anxiety

Saw this dude at Lolla and he was for sure on my radar. Now that he released a new mixtape, I'm just here to spread the word. In the same NIN and Saul Williams (aka Niggy Tardust) style, the album can be paid for or free. It is your choice, although I think we should all support the artists out there grindin'. Get it here. Enjoy.

Matt & Kim - Yea Yeah

A friend of mine put me on to this dynamic duo (thanx Sigrid), and right now I really just can't get enough. They are fun, upbeat, and you know what, they just make my legs have the jimmy jamms (aka restless leg syndrome) and I just have to get up and dance. Overall just some great music, period.

Nike Air Flight Lite

Inspired by the movie White Men Can't Jump and limited to 72 pairs
Available now only at the House of Hoops in New York City and osneaker

House of Hoops by Foot Locker
268 W. 125th Street
New York, NY 10027

A.R.C. x Canterbury Rugby Shirts

The collection is limited to only 22 pieces per color and available in heather gray, orange, red, blue, purple and black. Unlike other brands that strut the rugby name, ahem Ralph, this collabo is staying rugby true and true. The lower numbered rugby jerseys correspond to larger sizes and the higher numbered jerseys correspond to the smaller sizes just like in the actual games. The jerseys are numbered from 1 to 22 to reflect the 15 starters and 7 replacements on an actual team. Available now at A.R.C. Sports shop and ALIFE in Los Angeles and Vancouver. Go get yours quick because there are only 132!

Stickers for everyone!

For all of y'all who can't afford the luxury of Original fake merchandise, don't fear. OF has released it's '09 sticker set so that you can slap it on your lap top, skateboard, fixed gear, or even the the bumper of your car if you are so willing. Wherever it may be, you can show your KAWS fandom and represent. Have fun.

Mashed Potatoes with Snoop

Nike Air Max 2009 Fall/Winter Sneaker Preview

BAPE + Colette

An exclusive Bape Tartan hoodie has appeared from the midst of the Parisian urban jungle born with the colors of the innovative French retailer’s "colette blue." Retail price of €205 EUR (approximately $266 USD)

Smokestack Lightning

Every once in a while you come across those classic songs that just give you chills. The type of chills that make you think, "This is what music should sound like." So let me take you back, way back to the days when blues was being shaped and all the genres of music we have today were soon to follow. The song is called "Smokestack Lightning" by Howlin' Wolf and it is a thrilla, a chilla, a cold hearted soul killa. Oh yeah and if you haven't already check out Cadillac Records.

The "New" Wallabees

Bedwin Desert Boots. Recognize.

Weekly Under 20

The Humping Robot from the hit show Robot Chicken is a 5″ free-standing plastic action figure with actual humping action. Need I say more, and at $17 it is an awesome desk distraction. Get it at the Big Bad Toy Store.

Spring Slip-Ons

Vans spring 2009 slip-ons are now in refreshing tonal colors. The iconic shoe comes in red, blue, green, yellow and black. Even the tags and sewing work are fully colored. Pretty spiffy.

Ankle Insurance Co.

Nike can't stop and won't stop. Here comes a brand new joint featuring Kobe selling ankle insurance to you or somebody you love. BROKE ANKLES!

A Week In Pictures

Cranks and cogs in the cement outside of Houston Bicycle Company. Very cool.

It's about time

A new sneaker brand Stampd will be released shortly. The one item that shines in this first release is the “Numberd” series, sneakers with the numbers 0-9 printed on them. The set is limited to only 100 pieces worldwide. I just can't help but think of the possibilities. So much room for activities. Just imagine rockin' a vintage Jordan Jersey, a pair of Tommy Bahama Khaki shorts (Mikey Rocks from the Cool Kids did it in concert, get on that ish), and a pair of shoes labeled "23." Now that's baller.

Get them at Coutie once they drop. Happy hunting!

Kid Cudi feat. Jermaine Dupri, “Day ‘N’ Nite (So So Def Remix)

I know you have heard the Day ‘N’ Nite (Crookers remix) so here comes another joint. Give it a shot, it's the new kid.

Kid Cudi feat. Jermaine Dupri, “Day ‘N’ Nite (So So Def Remix)

Goyard Laptop Sleeve

If y'all don't know about Goyard, wake the fcuk up. I'm serious. If you think you waving around your Louis rag is wear it's at you are greatly mistaken. As much as i hate to say, Louis V went bad as soon as Jim Jones and the rest of Diplo got their hands on it. May the rebirth be a smooth one. For the time being you need to start recognizing that there are much more high end brands out there than just D&G and LV. Goyard is French malletier (trunkmaker) known for its hard-sided trunks and small accessories. Anyways, now that you have had your daily learning, check the Goyard Laptop Case. Goyard and their iconic print make an appearance beyond your usual hand-bag applications in this laptop sleeve. In classic fashion the items carry a hefty $830 USD price-tag. Quality at a cost.