Notes on the Hip-Hop Messiah

March 31, 2015 by David in Word

"Like Nas – a one-time messiah himself – Lamar, a scrawny 25-year-old from Compton, was a visual poet. You can see Compton — the burger stands, the lights of the police cruisers, the 405 freeway — in every track of “good kid, m.A.A.d. city,” just as you can see the dice games, project hallways and parks of Queensbridge in Nas’s “Illmatic.”

- Jay Caspian Kang, Notes on the Hip-Hop Messiah, NY Times, March 24, 2015

Kang just wrote a great article on Kendrick Lamar, his last two albums, the classic good kid, m.A.A.d. city, and his recent album, To Pimp a Butterfly, and the meaning of "hip-hop messiah," which Kang defines as:

My Current Obsession - Hippo Campus - Bashful Creatures

March 30, 2015 by David in Music

These songs really remind me of both Vampire Weekend (specifically "Little Grace" with the vocal deliveries and accelerated paced tracks a la VW's first two albums) and Local Natives (especially "Souls" with the group choruses, drums hitting the side of the kit, and their overall sound), but these kids from Minnesota also bring their own poppy vibe to bop your head to.

Be the Chair

March 27, 2015 by David in Photo

Singles - Tame Impala - Let It Happen

March 26, 2015 by David in Music

I find this really hard to say, but I think this is the best track Tame Impala has written. The intertwining of parts as each fades in and out seamlessly, the use of subtle loops (around the 3:25 mark) which leads into one prolonged loop which then leads into a powerful orchestrated string section, the song keeps swimming into other rhythms. I just can't get over the intricacy and depth of this song. This track HAS to be heard with headphones on.

If this is the best track on Tame Impala's new album (release date this year but unknown!), I'll still be a happy camper, but I have this great feeling that the album is going to be a real classic, Tame Impala's best. Fingers crossed!

Canadian Tuxedo - Part 1 of 4

March 24, 2015 by David in Style

Laugh all you want, I really think the Canadian Tuxedo is making its way back into style. I've seen it recently in a couple magazines as well as in person. I think the denim on denim is a bold idea but can look somewhat understated if you do it monochromatically (as evidenced here and in Part 3 which is almost identical but with a blue button-up) or pair it with a white T shirt (Parts 2 and 4).

My pair of Rogue boots gives the look some ruggedness which also goes to show the beauty of leather when taken care of while being used frequently. And the jean jacket, which has no clear branding, was $20 from Old Navy!

Old Navy Jean Jacket, Gap T-Shirt, PacSun Jeans, Rogue Boots

Photos by Kramer Sharp

Singles - New Artist - Drug Cabin - Sapphire

March 23, 2015 by David in Music

Drug Cabin's debut full-length album, Yard Work, is a walk down memory lane for me. The Los Angeles band's vibe and sound reminds me of Wilco's Sky Blue Sky, a laid back and retro sound that's paced well with a full listen only costing you 26 minutes. This is the type of album I picture putting on as I sit on a deck somewhere overlooking the beach (or at least that's my favorite way to listen to Sky Blue Sky).

Sapphire is my favorite track on this album. So if you like this track, give the rest of the album a good listen!

5 Faves - Patrick Watson

March 19, 2015 by David in Music

Cutting Patrick Watson down to five tracks is a difficult task. Listening to him is like listening to the symphony. It's lush, atmospheric, and rains on you from all directions. Watson is one of my favorite singer/songwriters of the past few years, and he seems to have Andrew Bird's cerebral talents yet with a more distinct and at times Jeff Buckley-esque (for proof - see his wailing on "Luscious Life") voice. He has an ability to make his songs speak and gravitate more and more towards your soul. He's a special one.

Singles - New Artist - Lapsley - Falling Short

March 18, 2015 by David in Music

Beautiful slow jam from the silky-smooth voiced Lapsley. There's not a ton of info out there on her, but her EP Understudy was released in January 2015 and includes this gem.

To Francis Scott Key

March 17, 2015 by David in Photo

Black Pants - Part 4 of 4

March 16, 2015 by David in Style

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)

Photos by Devin Blase