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The Essentials
CULTS – “GO OUTSIDE”
It was the largest mass suicide in modern history. It was known as the Jonestown Massacre and it happened on November 18th, 1978 in Jonestown, Guyana. Led by the righteous yet enigmatic leader Jim Jones, a religious sect of over 900 followers killed themselves when Jones convinced them to drink cyanide-laced, grape-flavored Flavor Aid. A massacre on a grandiose scale, the events served as a dark reminder of the power of utter devotion.
Recently, the New York-based pop group simply known as Cults have released the visuals for last year’s indie sensation, “Go Outside”. Although sonically vivacious, the mood of the song deviates from the severity of the Jonestown massacre. Splicing archival footage alongside performance scenes, the Cults have managed to combine a history lesson into a slap. Kinda brilliant.
July 13, 2011
HIS NAME IS DJ AS IS: A CONVERSATION WITH BENJAMIN ROSS
Photography By Max Gibson
What do you think makes a great party?
[Sighs..] It’s gotta be the people. That’s it, the people. Sometimes you can have all the elements that should make a party great and it ends up being unmemorable. Or you can have hardly any of the elements that you would think make a party great and have the best time ever. A good ratio doesn’t hurt either.
July 12, 2011
UKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA – “HOW CAN U LUV ME”
In describing the creative impetus behind Unknown Mortal Orchestra, the band’s mastermind Ruben Nielson describes the project as his own “escape hatch to a new musical dimension , and “a sound that recalled Captain Beefheart, Sly Stone and RZA jamming on some kid’s TV theme too dark to ever be broadcast”. The melting pot approach has served him well, and it’s what most blogs and critics have picked up on so far. Comparisons to ’70s funk, early Beatles songwriting and Krautrock experimentalism, among others, have come frequently, since last year when “Ffunny Ffrends” popped up on the band’s Bandcamp page. Now a half a year later, UMO is back with their self titled debut. “How Can U Luv Me” is yet another example of Nielson’s eclectic vision and pop songwriting. “How can you love me, when you don’t like me?” he asks. With lo-fi jams like this and “Ffunny Ffrends”, it’s hard not to.
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July 12, 2011
TECHNOLOGY & YOU BY ZIM & ZOU
Paper Electronics By Zim & Zou
It’s crazy how fast things are moving nowadays. Seems like the days go by faster and faster. While these renderings serve as a vibrant ode to yesteryear, it makes you wonder what’s coming next? Humans’ union with technology is becoming stronger everyday. That I am sure of. I mean how far away is your phone right now? We just gotta be mindful to manage it, and not let it manage us.
July 11, 2011
MEET RON
Ron Harris Photographed By Dylan Don
On assignment to shoot homeless people fashioned in tailored suits for his friend’s clothing line, London based photographer Dylan Don happened upon Ron Harris one day in April. A former Harlem Globetrotter, Ron traveled the world in the 60′s as a member of the traveling team. Frequenting the Venice Beach courts daily following his career, many consider him to be a legend of the storied playground. Bringing a couple suits to the beach with him, Dylan found Ron in his element and was pleased when Ron agreed to take some shots. “The only reason he shot with me was in order for his daughter to get these photos.” Recalled Dylan. Fortunately, she did, and now they’re here for you.
July 10, 2011
THE HEART OF BLEAKNESS: CONGO’S CONFLICT ECONOMY
A few years ago, I was offered a spot in a teaching program in the Congo. I was told I’d be teaching basic logic, a sort of cursory introduction to philosophical ideas, to children who worked in mineral mines there. In theory, the idea was pretty thrilling. A few weeks later, I read up a bit on the most recent military conflicts in the country, and when I was told there was no guarantee that I’d be able to leave if and when shit hit the fan, I declined. Looking back on it, I wonder what I missed. Stories like this one remind me that there are entire corners of the world that most of us don’t even consider visiting, sometimes with good reason and sometimes without.
I guess that’s part of why Vice‘s foray into international journalism has been so inspiring to me. Danger and turmoil don’t just make for a good story. They literally compel them into action, giving them firsthand experience with some of the most extraordinary places the world has to offer. VBS’ latest, the upcoming Vice Guide to Congo takes a look inside The Democratic Republic of Congo, the legacy of Belgian colonialism, and the conflict mineral economy, fueled by our insatiable appetite for cell phones and other techonology. Fascinating is an understatement.
July 10, 2011
GRAM & PAPA’S: SANDWICHES DONE RIGHT
Photography By David Yu
Stepping inside the doors of Gram & Papa’s earlier this week, I must admit it wasn’t the food that caught my attention first. “Why is everyone in here good looking and fashionable?” I thought to myself. Although G&P’s may resemble a lunch scene out of Entourage, this pleasantly hip eatery manages to deliver when it comes to offering fresh sandwiches. Sponsored by sneaker staple Undftd, with artwork from L.A. native Estevan Oriol and Mister Cartoon lining the walls, Gram & Papa’s serves as an artistic haven as well as a sandwich spot.
July 9, 2011
THEOPHILUS LONDON – “NO PARTICULAR ONE”
At W&B, we’ve been behind Theophilus’ music for a while. Even so, I can’t say I knew he had this particular one in him. For those of us who hoped last year’s “Calypso Blues” was a sign of things to come, this is something to be juiced about. Recorded last year with Daptone’s Budos Band, “No Particular One” gives an afro-soul, Calypso touch to a little known gem of Southern soul by Jesse Boone & the Astros. Aside from that, it’s a display of range for Mr. London, both musically and vocally, with Theophilus taking lead vocals over a gorgeous, soulful backdrop. For listening purposes, this is pretty universal. If you’re making any beach trips soon though, I’d recommend throwing this on a playlist. Theophilus’ full-length debut, Timez Are Weird These Days drops July 19th.
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Download: Theophilus London – “No Particular One”
July 8, 2011
LAKES & RESERVOIRS BY MATTHEW BRANDT
Sometimes the coolest art isn’t completely the artist’s doing. There’s a certain beauty and humility in letting nature or the universe create something for you, simply by running its own course. That’s definitely the case with Lakes and Reservoirs, a recent project from photographer and visual artist Matthew Brandt. The collection features photographs of bodies of water, which after being taken, were dipped by Brandt into those very same bodies of water. The result is a group of images twisted, distorted and discolored by water, which interestingly enough, came out visually stunning. I suppose all you need to get started is an idea. You never know what you might end up with.
July 8, 2011
SBTRKT FEAT. LITTLE DRAGON – “WILDFIRE”
Not that this one is brand new or anything, but it’s been in steady rotation for a while now, and it’s only proper we show some love. SBTRKT (or “subtract” for pronunciation purposes), is the pseudonym of a still unidentified DJ, who like any good hero, insists on rocking a dope ass mask when he’s in the spotlight. Despite the purposeful anonymity though, “Wildfire” has been turning heads like crazy. Featuring Little Dragon lead singer Yukimi Nagano, in top form as usual, the track recently managed to catch Drake’s attention, prompting him to draft up a verse for his own unofficial remix. After a handful of high-profile remixes, and a standout single, SBTRKT dropped his debut last week on Rough Trade. Thankfully, I took Rowan’s advice and copped, and I suggest you do the same. The video for “Wildfire” is a trip too, so make sure to catch that after the MORE.
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Download: SBTRKT feat. Little Dragon – “Wildfire”
July 6, 2011
MYSPACE SOLD FOR $35 MILLION
Illustration by Danielle Schnur
Things have certainly changed since the days when Tom was everybody’s friend. At its peak, MySpace was valued at over $12 billion by some estimates, and even a few years earlier, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation bought the company for $580 million. Assuming you’ve used a computer or smart phone in the last few years, you’re probably pretty familiar with the story of MySpace’s downfall. Chances are you liked, commented on or posted something on Facebook today, which in other words, means you were most likely a part of it.
Yesterday, News Corporation sold the company to Specific Media for a grand total of $35 million, with News Corp. retaining a minor, undisclosed stake in the company, and Justin Timberlake picking one up. Even considering MySpace’s massive decline in traffic, ad revenue and cultural relevance, the price tag might come as a surprise to those who remember the site’s heyday just a few years ago. It’s hard to know what to take away from this one, but it’s definitely a sign of the times, and how fast we’re moving. A media empire created and collapsed in less than a decade. For the folks working on our own movements, call it a cautionary tale.
July 5, 2011
JOHN O’CONNOR ON ATTRACTION
“In adolescence we worship fertility goddesses, good breeding stock: the rest. But life’s most rewarding epitaph
is keeping the best one abreast.”
July 5, 2011
JESSE BOYKINS III – “BACK HOME (MERMAIDS & DRAGONS)”
It was actually through Theophilus London’s music that I would first come across Jesse Boykins III. Subtle as it was, his voice made an immediate impression, providing a welcome touch of soul to a few standout tracks from Theophilus’ I Want You like “No Answers” and “Life of a Lover”. A few months later, I got a hold of his cover of Andre 3000′s “Prototype”, and I was sold. Little did I know, over the past few years, Boykins had been shaping his own unique blend of soulful vocals, heartfelt songwriting and spaced-out soundscapes.
Like his friend Theophilus, Boykins has the style (not to mention the hair) to match his musical talent, affording him a collab with the fashionable folks over at Street Etiquette, among others. Now, with his Way of the Wayfarer EP, a brief but impressive collection of original songs, Jesse seems poised to make his impression felt once again. And luckily for us, he’s offering it up to the world for free 99. Hit MORE for the download link, find somebody to stay up late with, and let this one ride out.
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Download: Jesse Boykins III – “Back Home”
July 3, 2011
