Today, I’d like share one of my favorite movies with you. Sweet Elizabeth brought this into my life many years ago and it has been my answer to “what’s your favorite movie?” ever since. I can’t even begin to relate to you how wet this movie is. Kof & Lan know. I watched it over and over in Tendrich. I don’t know. It’s just my kinda shit. Reality will always outdo fiction, because that shit actually happened. And nothing is crazier than that.
Growing up, our image of the ’60s was shaped as a time of massive social and cultural change. After all, this was the era synonymous with political upheaval, brilliant popular art and sexual freedom. It’s also no secret that these movements were linked inextricably to drugs, and a little healthy experimentation. The Harvard Psychedelic Club, written by Don Lattin, documents the life and work of Timothy Leary, later known as the “high priest of LSD” and Richard Alpert (Ram Dass), the two Harvard professors whose research led them from being fired at Harvard to becoming veritable leaders of a movement, all amid heavy drug experimentation alongside icons like Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs. Below is an excerpt from the book, which is available here and here.
Recently I had the opportunity to chat with Mykola Dosenko, also known as Myk Dawg. Born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine, Mykola’s inspirations paint an interesting portrait of popular culture in the late 80’s and early 90’s. A self proclaimed graphic designer, celebrity chef, comedian and stunt driver, it was not difficult to strike up a conversation about Myk’s interests and inspirations. With his graphic design work popping up on popular websites across the net, Mykola’s aesthetic is becoming recognized for it’s vibrant colors and retro influences. Touching on everything from Lebron James to zombie snails, our conversation was peculiar to say the very least.
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Download: N.E.R.D. – “Baby Doll”
Any chance we get to take a look into the world and the mind of somebody as inspiring as Basquiat is one I think we should take. Tamra Davis’ upcoming documentary feature, Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child will offer just that: a glimpse at the life and work of her personal friend, and one of the most important visual artists of the 20th century. Slated to drop later this year, the film features original music from Adam Horovitz & Mike D of the Beastie Boys and visual work from Shepard Fairey. Peep the trailer above.
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Download: Al Green – “What A Wonderful Thing Love Is”
It’s always interesting to see how advertisers attempt to link their products with particular aspects of culture. It appears as though Sprite has been marketed as the “soft drink for urban youth” since the 80’s. Even though, in reality, it’s just some chemicals mixed together that you can drink with your meal. Think about it. There’s nothing inherently cool, creative or unique about Sprite except for what they associate with it. I suppose this is just marketing 101, but they’ve been doing it for 20 years plus. Hit the MORE to see what I’m talking about. Good afternoon.
As a rule, I’d say that when a previously unreleased set of Hendrix tracks drops, you should probably listen. Recorded at the peak of his career, between 1968 and 1970, the upcoming Valleys of Neptune will give listeners a chance to hear seven tracks of previously unreleased Jimi material. I’m not always a fan of the posthumous releases, but for obvious reasons, this seems like it’s worth looking into. Anything Jimi was doing in the studio around the same time as Electric Ladyland probably just needs to be heard. The title track, “Valleys of Neptune” is the lead single. Super settled.
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Download: Jimi Hendrix – “Valleys of Neptune”
Last year, Damiani Books released HP, an anthology of legendary photographer Harri Peccinotti’s work. As one of the first few photographers to shoot the prestigious Pirelli Calendar, Peccinotti was one of the most forward-thinking photographers of the late ’60s and early ’70s. His work is directly, almost confrontationally sexual, with a strong female presence and a keen eye for aesthetics. Remind you of anyone? In this interview from Vice, Harri discusses his career, his creative process and why he’s not trippin off girls that aren’t “perfect”. Check out the book here, and more of his work below.
I don’t know about you but that dunk contest last night was pretty hurt. It was so hurt it has me lowering my hopes for the All-Star Game. Just in case the game doesn’t satisfy, we can all settle on this one and get our fill. Peep these lineups though. Vicious.
On paper, pretty much everything about this movie sounds dope. When You’re Strange, directed by Tom DiCillo is made up of archival footage, documenting the legendary band from their rise to stardom up until Jim Morrison’s death in 1971. With narration by Johnny Depp, the film will give its audience a chance to see live performances and studio footage not seen anywhere else. When You’re Strange is an official selection for Sundance, as well as the LA film festival, and will be making its debut this June. For now, peep the trailer above.
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Download: J Dilla – “Love Jones”
The Band’s tuning up. Releasing their Spring lookbook today, it seems as though Band of Outsiders is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, they may be getting better. Featuring Leslie Mann, Dave Franco and Donald Glover as the faces of the campaign, the trio come together for a settled day in Marina Del Rey. Personally, it seems as though Band of Outsiders is winning because they’ve defined their aesthetic while mastering the details. Not an easy task, but the Band does it well. Appreciated. Band of Outsiders, reminding us to celebrate the moments.
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Download: Beach Boys – “All I Wanna Do”
The Superbowl commercial game has always been an interest of mine. Who’s gonna drop the most bread for the 30 second spot? Usually the big brands come with some weak to ok ads that might catch on for a couple months before becoming irrelevant. Honestly, the grassroots is the 2010 and beyond. Trust me on that one. We’re becoming immune to the television rhetoric, if we aren’t already. Messages falling upon deafer and deafer ears. Presented above is a commercial break from ‘87 promoting hamburgers, milk and financial management. Boy have times changed.
