Black Pants - Part 4 of 4
Classing it up a little bit with the brown wingtips and short sleeve button-up. I think the short sleeve button-up can work (as long as the color isn't too loud) as one of those business casual looks that stand out a bit. A white long sleeve button-up just wouldn't have the same effect. And this shirt was super cheap from H&M!
Quiksilver pants $20, H&M Button Up Short Sleeve $15, Allen Edmond's (Strand)
Quiksilver pants $20, H&M Button Up Short Sleeve $15, Allen Edmond's (Strand)
Quiksilver pants $20, H&M Button Up Short Sleeve $15, Allen Edmond's (Strand)
Photos by Devin Blase
Mind Mischief
"I was just so sure of everything...that's what you get for dreaming aloud."
- Kevin Parker, "Mind Mischief," Lonerism
Read MoreSingles - Will Butler - Anna
Will Butler, NOT to be confused with Win Butler, yet still confusing as they look similar, have similar voices and sounds, play in the same band, and are brothers. But besides all that jazz, Will Butler just released his debut solo album, Policy (which is absolutely worth a full listen), and this is one of my favorite tracks on it.
It's got a bit of an 80s vibe (the start of the song totally reminds me of Devo) and it has that trademark Arcade Fire sound where so many sounds culminate into controlled hysteria then come back to reality. The piano that comes in at 1:29 and a couple times thereafter makes the song, and yeah, the horns kick ass too!
Read MoreSingles - Drake - Know Yourself
So it took me a little while to figure out whether Drake's latest release was a mixtape or an album? Word on the interwebs is that it's a mixtape that was released more or less like an album so Drake's record contract with Cash Money would expire. Either way, the mixtape is a slow burner with mostly subdued and passive beats that Drake rides along at a leisurely pace. "Know Yourself" initially starts out like a bedroom soliloquy then transitions to a drop that is instantaneously memorable. At first I thought it was hilarious that Drake was talking about his "woes," but apparently it means his crew and stands for "works of excellence." Whatever. I liked it more when I pictured Drake running through the streets of Toronto with a hangdog expression.
Read MoreBlack Pants - Part 3 of 4
The all black look provides a streamlined and slim silhouette. Pairing it with a grey or salt/pepper jacket makes the outfit jump out a bit. I love monochromatic looks and the black shirt/pant combo keeps things a bit understated which gives you a bit more leeway for the brash hi-tops.
Quiksilver pants $20, Band T-Shirt $25, Reeboks
Quiksilver pants $20, Band T-Shirt $25, Reeboks, Cheap jacket from Gilt ($?)
Ladies and gentlemen, Batman!!
Photos by Devin Blase
Singles - New Artist - Leon Bridges - Coming Home
Leon Bridges has cornered the market for that old soul sound reminiscent of Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and the like. This track takes you back to those days and gives me a sense of calm and simplicity. Bridges is gaining some recognition as I just saw his song "Lisa Sawyer" as one of NPR's favorite current tracks. He only has a few songs out, but I imagine an album is right around the corner!
Read MoreAlbum Review - Father John Misty - I Love You, Honeybear
Sophomore albums are always tough. There's too much expectation and too much to lose. Usually you're left disappointed as the songs sound like the first album, just not as good. But our faithful Father John Misty has made one of my favorite albums so far this year and expanded on his lyrical and songwriting abilities to bring together a gorgeous and sarcastic album on love.
As you may have read or already know: Father John Misty, real name Josh Tillman, first struggled to make somber, depressing music under his own name, became the drummer of Fleet Foxes, left the band, created Father John Misty, made Fear Fun, got critical acclaim, got married, made I Love You, Honeybear, got even more critical acclaim.
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