British fast fashion house Topshop sent a pop up truck to Enids in Brooklyn for their busy brunch surge on Sunday, with tote giveaways. One step into the hipster-packed bruncheonette and it's Topshop totes on everyone! Smooth move, Topshop!
The store is set to open it's Soho location (Broadway & Broome) on April 2nd.
www.topshop.com
-jmd
Dubstep is SO having a moment. Snoop Dogg's new "Snoop Dogg Millionaire" has been leaked and features Snoop rapping over a Dubstep track by chase and status. Personally I have always loved Snoop's style, so this gets a thumbs up from me!
Thanks Discodust for the heads up and head over there for links to download.
-ca
NPR music has done it again - they always have great stuff in their Exclusive First Listen section. This time it's Leonard Cohen's new double disk album, "Live in London."
Says NPR:"Leonard Cohen, a singer and songwriter of tremendous depth and wisdom, has always been a seeker. In a career spanning more than 40 years, he's examined the mysteries of human sexuality, religion and power with a tremendous range of complex emotions and poetry.
Now 72 years old, Leonard Cohen has spent much of the past decade in solitude, exploring his own spirituality and his place in an ever-changing world. But in July of 2008, he took the stage at London's 02 Arena and gave a stunning performance, as part of his first tour in 15 years. The concert included some of his most influential and best loved songs, including "Hallelujah," "Bird On A Wire" and "Dance Me To The End Of Love." The historic performance was recorded and will be released as a two-CD set on March 31."
Stream both disks here!
-ca
According to a recent New York Times article, the storied McCarren Pool Parties are going to live on at the Williamsburg waterfront between North 8th and North 9th streets.
With the summer just around the corner, this couldn't be better news for those of us who loved the McCarren Pool Parties. I hope they intend on setting up the Slip N Slide again!
-pn
Okay, full disclosure... I almost didn't post this due to my extreme love of Bjork and the tiny number of tickets available to this show. Here's the scoop: Bjork and Dirty Projectors are playing a benefit show at the Housing Works bookshop on Crosby St in NYC on May 8th. Commence squeals, running in circles at the futility of trying to score one of only 300 tix, etc.
Info at the Housing Works website
Thanks Pitchfork for the heads up!
-ca
edit -- looks like they are actually on sale already on the housing works site! the $100 are sold out already, but the other levels are still available...
The Frenchman known for the remixing of others has created his own full length album called "Away From the Sea." Special guests on the album include Amanda Blank and Chromeo among others. I hear good things. You probably do too.
My genius friend Marc got us tickets to the sold out Matt & Kim / Cut Copy show at Terminal 5 last Saturday night (two personal faves). The place was literally packed with hipsters (NYC and BK's finest). Matt and Kim seemed super psyched to be back in the city and played an amazing high energy set (including a possibly ill-advised moment of crowd surfing toward the end). The crowd was packed in at the front of the stage and filling in throughout their set. They totally did not disappoint. From the sound of the chatter, they even gained some new fans (especially the couple violently making out near the stage). 
By the time Cut Copy went on, I had been completely squeezed out of my prime spot near the front. Times like those make me wish I was a few inches taller. Their fans were completely riled up, screaming and totally ready to dance. People continued to go insane throughout the entire show.
I'd say it was a success!
Cut Copy from afar, a short person's view.
Check out this fab video of Matt & Kim at last year's SXSW.
-ad
OMG YAY!
Brooklyn Vegan alerted us to the supposed April opening of Bruar Falls, a new venue by the geniuses behind LES's Cakeshop. Can't wait!
Check out the upcoming lineup (including the Northside Festival in May) here.
-ad
We are beyond excited to see Where the Wild Things Are. Screenplay by Dave Eggers, directed by Spike Jonze, music by Karen O and Carter Burwell (who most recently did Twilight) - it's going to be awesome. The trailer is incredible. Could this movie be this generation's The Neverending Story??
-ca
Our boss has been talking about how fabulous Michelle Obama's arms are and found some videos on YouTube from trainers explaining how to get her toned up look. You can find a how-to video on YouTube for just about anything!!
-ca
Miami New Times has posted a few interviews with artists performing at WMC this year. Check out these articles on Santigold and Fool's Gold co-founder Nick Catchdubs, who's performing with A-Trak Saturday night.
-ps
Holy early 90's, Vetiver! I'm loving the styling on this new video for "Everyday."
-ca
The highly anticipated opening of UK fashion mecca Topshop in NYC (5 months late! we've been counting!!) is bringing the fierce musically. B-live artist Santogold will be there, along with Lady Gaga (LOVE) and Mark Ronson. Kate Moss is also expected to make an appearance. Sounds like a partyyyy! Topshop knows how to bring it. We're predicting madhouse crowds.
Via Page Six
-iz, ca
We’re finding three stores incredibly inspiring. Not surprisingly, also ones that are getting us to pry open our pocketbooks and shop in these lean times:
TARGET - continues to be directional, will be rewarded for their vision once the economy rebounds just a little. I have personally bought almost every piece of their Converse clothing line. Amazing!!!
ANTHROPOLOGY – they work on the premise that for many consumers it’s about more than just being cheapest. They create wonderfully enticing in-store environments that encourage browsing and discovery. The management is immensely tapped into their consumers. Brilliant merchants.
AMERICAN APPAREL – stylish, affordable, source of half of my wardrobe. Everything is comfortable and fits well. If only the Gap had this kind of merchandise.
Key to the success of these stores is that they offer clothes that fit a wide array of body types attracting teens through style-conscious boomers. They also have a distinct point of view that is carried through all their consumer touch points.
Two other stores that I admire and have observed to be doing well if shopping bags carried around on the streets is an indication include:
UNIQLO – great merchandise, terrific environment, great prices, very creative approach to all aspects of the retail experience.
FOREVER 21 – huge hit with the under-30 crowd, my whole staff shops there - especially popular for accessories.
-iz
WOWWW - it's not brand new, but I am loving this Hey La La video for "Art of Toys." It's beyond gorgeous. Check out more of director Eric Power's work here.
-ca
Tiga has built up an impressive discography over the years, including scores of releases, mix CDs and the massive output of his own Turbo Recordings. But for many, he was initially the guy behind this amazing cover of Corey Hart's "Sunglasses at Night." Check out a video from when electroclash wasn't a bad word.
-ps
Big praise to Fleetwood Mac, who nailed it at their nearly sold-out MSG stadium show last night! The band brought out nearly all of their classics (some with a fresh new spin) in their 2 hour + show, and proved (once again) that they belong in the ranks of rock's all-time greatest. Stevie Nicks showed off a few twirls in her signature platforms and lacy get-tup...and belted out some big hits like "Rhiannon" and "Stand Back" while Lindsey Buckingham awed the crowd with some pretty mind-blowing guitar (homeboy doesn't use a pick!) and a voice to match on some old faves like "Big Love" and "I'm So Afraid". The energy was great, and once again 2 very big thumbs up to the Mac, who somehow seem to still be peaking?
My fm catalogue is out and I'm ready to dive back in...
And time for a classic (i get all verklemmt round the 5 min mark):
-jmd
South by Southwest Coverage 2009.
3.20.09, 3:59 pm: Post dog-walking.
Last night was amazing. 17 consecutive hours of travel and we showed up just in time for a great set at Ms. Bea’s, Todd P’s backyard venue. I ate a delicious hot dog served by the friendly staff and watched some amazing sets. Raucous guitar noise.
Then the real Bushwick/New York vibe started to pick up, some buddies from Team Robespierre, Make The Product!, The Pharmacy and other pals sat in a parking lot, excited to be in warm weather after a particularly brutal winter. We picked up some beers and walked over to a local record store to see Japanther, link up with some other NY friends and walk downtown into the nexus of activity. Seeing the wristband scene at SXSW is always interesting, such a different atmosphere than the Todd P events and other DIY free stuff.
Then the real reason that I come to SXSW started happening. My friend Travis, his girlfriend Holly, our friend Ari and I picked up some bikes they had stashed and took a long bike ride down by the river. We ended up chilling in the Hyatt hot tub at 2AM in balmy Austin air after waking up in grimy, gritty New York really worked for me.
On our way out of the pool, we saw some people carrying a big cooler of beers. They were throwing a little party on the boat and about 20 of us fit in and cruised around the Colorado river. A band played and everyone picked up instruments and we all sang Weezer songs. A little saccharine maybe, but come on. You’re only young once, and things like this actually make you feel a sense of connection with human beings. We fell asleep out on the boat (under a tablecloth… oops) and woke up when the boat landed. A quick bike ride home and we were asleep. Wonderful day.
I just ate some delicious tacos and drank wonderful coffee at a great little place. Celebration, Hopewell, and Dirty Projectors were all doing the same. Now it’s a quick shower and then a bike ride downtown to see These Are Powers and Vivian Girls, then Emo’s to see Dirty Projectors. Ahhhhh…. :)
-Benjamin Shapiro
Paste just posted a review of Diplo's documentary Favela on Blast. As the review points out, a soundtrack album would be excellent.
-ps
This show looks awesome!
Michael Leavitt
"Don't Stop Object Shopping"
Exhibition: March 21 through April 18, 2009
Fuse Gallery
93 2nd Avenue (between 5th & 6th Streets)
NYC, NY 10003
Subway: F train to 2nd Avenue
212-777-7988
Fuse Gallery
above: "Old School Mix” Cassette, fir wood, enamel & acrylic paint, 7” x 8” x 2” & "Stiletto", recycled cardboard & paper bag, glue, staples, acrylic paint, 10” x 3” x 7”
-nb
South by Southwest Coverage 2009.
3.19.09, 7:27 pm: Pal’s house downtown.
Today was the day that everything went wrong. There was apparently low enough visibility around George Bush International Airport in Houston to warrant diversion to Louisiana, where we sat on the runway for two hours. Everyone on the plane lost all ability to follow any rules, the stewardesses couldn’t control anyone.
But it did give me some time to think about what I’m doing here. I started thinking about how influential this festival actually is… To imply that south by southwest as an indie phenomenon somehow denotes a lack of legitimacy or influence is not only shortsighted, it requires a significant intellectual hurdle in the definition of what "mainstream" means in the late aughts. What sxsw provides, and rather effectively, is a way to externalize the comically short attention spans of media types by wedding them to not just to the research, but to the ingestion of art and music. To a large degree, we act at sxsw as we feel ninety percent of the time on the Internet; frenetic, crazed, over-stimulated and hyper-connected. It’s as if the rules of online networking are finally integrated into lived experience, and that somehow feels deserved. Sometimes we all feel like we can operate online significantly better than face to face. This all has a tendency to transform a music festival into a data visualization, but after so much abstraction it’s nice to come out the other end, in the sun with a cool beer and a band in front of you, in the real world. If Texas still qualifies.
So we missed our connection, ended up catching a ride with this huge weird hawkish guy who works on national security, something involving espionage technology. After 15 hours of travel we finally got here. Drinking some Lone Stars now, about to head over to Ms. Bea’s to play a show and see TV Ghost, Guinea Worms, and Lou Barlow.
-Benjamin Shapiro
SXSW.
We are so excited to bring you coverage of SXSW 2009 by Benjamin Shapiro.
Ben is doing double duty at the festival - playing shows and doing press coverage - and he'll be sending us updates from the field this week. Keep an eye out for his posts!
South by Southwest Coverage 2009.
3.19.09, 7:13 am: Cruising at 34,000 feet.
Flights from New York to South By Southwest work as a useful catalogue of neuroses. Industry types peer up from behind their BlackBerries while perfectly coiffed hepcats make eyes at you. I feel like a stowaway, hunched over in my window seat, after having successfully/subversively maneuvered both a free press pass from work and a plane ticket from a punk band that needed a drummer at the last minute. So, with eighty dollars in my bank account, I am once again flying down to Austin to take my yearly look into the fantastic depths of the music community.
Our flight left at six so none of us got much sleep last night, with Eric (the wayward singer of the band, akin to Sid Vicious or Rimbaud) taking the cake with zero after working an eight hour bartending shift at Darkroom. In his sleep-deprived (etc) delirium he has been playing up the rocker caricature to a wonderful degree, screaming obscenities and generally being belligerent and hilarious, going as far as to demand that a stewardess tell him how fast the plane went. Back in October, American Airlines introduced a new system regarding checked baggage and the major airlines followed suit: $15 per checked bag. There were many recession-crazed, ulcerated Don Draper-types attempting to subvert this policy, but again, the man always seems to win.
What will follow will be a series of updates documenting my experience in this unique cultural institution. I imagine that many of them will be written on little sleep and less hydration. I imagine that the lucidity, thoughtfulness, and punctuality of the pieces will decrease as the days move forward. I don’t know where I’m staying or how many shows I’m playing. I have a vague interest in seeing Devo perform. Besides that, nothing. It should make for an interesting weekend.
Notes to self: Stay hydrated. Eat exceptional burgers at Casino El Camino, even though it takes an unreasonable amount of time. Eat as many tacos as humanly (humanely?) possible. Buy sunglasses. Hydrate. Drink Lone Star beer. See Devo. Keep eyes open at all times. Hydrate.
-Benjamin Shapiro
SXSW.
Famed celebrity photographer Terry Richardson does the Gossip Girl cast for Rolling Stone. xoxo.
See more, read more:
"Gossip Girl": The Steamy Rolling Stone Cover Shoot With Terry Richardson
-nb, jmd
We are super excited about Tim Burton pairing up with Disney for the scheduled 2010 adaption of Alice in Wonderland! The film is supposed be a 'new' story about Alice's return. Bookspot Central covered Disney's story in quarterly magazine Twenty-Three.
"The film has an enviable cast with the likes of Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Sheen, Mia Wasikowska, Matt Lucas, Crispin Glover, Stephen Fry and Alan Rickman involved.
"Among the numerous curiosities that have gone unexplained in the classic tale Alice in Wonderland, perhaps the most perplexing might be who, exactly, is the "Maryann" that the White Rabbit mistakes Alice for at the beginning of the story? Lewis Carroll first made us ponder this and, years later, Walt Disney again made viewers wonder who Maryann might be in his classic feature length film based on Carroll's book.
Now, the amazingly talented Tommy Kovac and Sonny Liew answer that question in their beautifully executed comic book series, WONDERLAND, Readers experience Alice's fantastic world as they've never seen it before. Writer Tommy Kovac's Wonderland is missing Alice herself, but it's still populated by the other characters that make the world such a curiously exciting place. The Queen of Hearts is present, barking orders to lop off people's heads, as is the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the rest of Wonderland's beloved cast."
Here's where you can find a club-ready remix of Lykke Li's enchanting "Little Bit" by Autoerotique, who list their influences as "PRO TOOLS & SERATO & RED BULL." Classy.
-ps
Canadian DJ/producer Tiga is dropping a new album, Ciao! Tiga, on April 27th. Check out some new tracks on his MySpace page.
-ps
great article about young people tackling unemployment with entrepreneurial zest - "for these people, recession has become the mother of invention". very much reflects research we have been doing over the last year.
NYTimes
- iz
We have been waiting for this story of the new baby boom to be officially certified through census figures because it reflects what we've seen and heard from our panelists as well as our interviews around the country e.g.there's been a significant increase in mentions of single moms as role models. And, of course, our observational research in directional markets has indicated for several years how cool it is to flaunt one's pregnancy with stylishly tight and revealing maternity wear.
As nonsensical as it seems, we feel that the Hollywood/Glam Mom phenomenon is fueling some of the increase. This is especially true for younger women who idolize celebs and stars like Nicole Richie, Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears, Victoria Beckham, M.I.A. and of course Angelina Jolie. Adding fuel to the fire, celebrity weeklies are constantly on "bump alert," suggesting each week another celebrity might be pregnant. Just Google "celebrity babies" and the first result is People Magazine's Celebrity Baby Blog: http://celebrity-babies.com/
Unfortunately, this is not going to end well as many young women don't comprehend the amount of financial resources necessary to maintain the way-cool mom status they so admire. in the words of Bristol Palin: "Everyone should wait 10 years,I hope people learn from my story. It's so much easier if you're married, have a house and a career. It's not a situation you want to strive for."
NYTimes
iz
We cannot wait to see this show! All of us on the Zandl team are big fans of Yoshitomo Nara and this looks like a super fantasy land of a gallery show.
Marianne Boesky Gallery.
Art Observed writeup.
Loving the look of Shepard Fairey/Studio Number One 'WANT IT!' campaign for Saks Fifth Avenue (Spring)!
See more pics at notcot.com.
-jmd
Stream Bonnie Prince Billy playing 2 songs on WNYC soundcheck!
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy: Cinematic Americana
-ca
This pink dolphin makes my heart sing. That is all!
Pink dolphin appears in US lake
-ca
The NY Times today proclaimed whoopie pies to be the latest nostalgic treat du jour and we started salivating over them. Zandland friend Jessica says local favorite Northeast Kingdom had them on special recently - hey NEK, any hopes of getting these on the menu?? yum!!!
Whoopie! Cookie, Pie or Cake, It's Having Its Moment
-ca
Decider NY did a great recap of the Crystal Stilts and Blank Dogs show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg this weekend.
Check it.
Also check out this BushwickBK writeup of the Crystal Stilts at Silent Barn from last summer.
-ad
Mattel & Nickelodeon have released the much anticipated image of the new and improved Dora the Explorer yesterday... She's traded in her signature bowl cut for some longer locks, switched out the T-shirt and shorts with a baby doll and leggings, and generally 'femmed' it up with some eyelashes and more slender features. While the revamped character has received widespread criticism, the two companies hold strong that the explorer's new look won't compromise her place as a role model for young boys and girls:"The award-winning preschool Dora character that audiences know and love is not changing at all," the two companies said in a joint statement on Monday.
"In the nine years she has been on television, Dora has become an important role model to many. The Latina heroine has connected with a generation of young boys and girls all around the world through her courageousness and sense of adventure."
popwatch.ew.com
reuters.com
-jmd
We are super excited about tomorrow's 'unveiling' of the new iPhone software. Best part, Apple will FINALLY integrate copy/paste features (my only real big issue with the current system). Cannot wait!
Other updates include app categorizations and an improved homepage. What won't be added to the new software? Still no video and multimedia messaging. But we'll take what we can get.
zdnet.com
-jmd
Last weekend, we checked out the busy opening reception for 'Heart Attack,' NYC artist Amanda Dolan's newest collection of heart-themed paintings and collages at Ward Nasse Gallery in Soho. A fanciful mix of both large and small formats, glittery, sweet and delicious, the series of 55 pieces was nothing short of spectacular and gave us big smiles - ear to ear. Big hearts!!
Heart Attack
A Series by Amanda Dolan
Ward Nasse Gallery - March 2009
178 Prince Street, New York, NY
www.amandadolan.com
...with Dolan
And complete with personalized m&ms, candy hearts and delicious cupcakes from Sugar Sweet Sunshine!
-jmd
