02 December 2008
Jjjjfound: Men’s Winter Classics Shortlist
Though we’re definitely not the first to mention Justin R. Saunders’ blog, Jjjjfound — an untiring congregation of sharp cultural products and other miscellaneous stimuli — his recent article on The Moment blog has been an enjoyable read and re-read many times this week for me, never leaving the gang of leafed tabs that are perpetually hanging out on my browser window.
Apart from his fondness for undeniable staples like the Ralph Lauren Polo and the A.P.C standard jean, my interest peaked at his inclusion of Patek Philippe time pieces, and his education on the 1992 Jetta, the year the model stopped being made in Germany.
Though some might frown on this particular porthole of the internet, it’s also worth noting that J’s tumblr is a very digestible regular intake of his findings.
30 November 2008
The Criterion Collection Online Cinematheque
The Criterion name has been a mark of film classics since they shot out a Citizen Kane laserdisc in the 1984. Last May, they made the move to Blu-Ray, and now they’re marking a new chapter with online rental for $5.
The selection is limited for now, but they promise much more to come, and they’ve started with a great selection of titles — I recommend Ratcatcher and Au Revoir Les Enfants. This morning I’m going to check out Lord of The Flies.
For a detailed explanation of the new site, check out this video on the Current, their blog, and while you’re there you can read essays, keep up with announcements and read blog posts from people like James L. Brooks, and Martin Scorsese.
Photo: Jason Nocito for The Fader
28 November 2008
The Fader: 808s and Heartbreak
Five years ago this month, a young upstart named Kanye West graced the cover of The Fader with a mission to change music. And with flashing lights forward, the mission still hasn’t changed — ‘Ye is as candid as ever with another Fader cover.This time 808s and Heartbreak is inspiring heated debate for its devotion to autotune, and Kanye is just enjoying the ride.
Kanye West - Paranoid (Seewhale Edit) MP3
If you’re still undecided on the album, Kanye’s behavior at the album’s listening parties is telling. Even though I don’t know whether I would give the album an A, his headspace gets an A+. He’s writing/producing/blogging for the love of it, and apparently soon he’ll be designing forward thinking streetwear. Whether you love him or you hate him, he’s a force to be reckoned with. Go ‘Ye, go.
27 November 2008
Analogue Solutions: Dorian Gray Complex Solved By Leipzig
Lusting after gear is something close to any electronic musician’s heart. The thinking usually goes along the lines of “if only I had [insert stupid expensive piece of gear here], then my studio would be complete and I could make my hit single”. Unfortunately, like most of life, if the day ever comes when you finally bring that sacred prize home, you’ll find that your soul is just as incomplete, and you’ll immediately go looking for a new obsession to pine over.
Well, look no further, ‘cause Analogue Solutions has all the crazy expensive and authentically non-digital gear you need. Its flagship synth, the Leipzig Synthesizer, has not only everything you need out of a fully analog monosynth, it comes with the word “synthesizer” emblazoned on the back in a kick-ass font, which is a great indicator that this British company know what we all truly want from a synth: to look impossibly cool standing next to it.
I reckon they ought to re-think something about their website, however, when someone used my laptop to check their email today, this tab was staring them in the face.
November 2008
25 November 2008
Dazed and Confused Online: Dazed Digital
If one wasn’t interested in the art issue of this month’s Dazed and Confused, with a featured 12-page photoshoot between icon Grace Jones and avant-garde director Chris Cunningham, a profile on big time Canadian artist David Altmejd, and without having any faint speckle of heed towards Gang Gang Dance, Ed Templeton, Agathe Snow, or elusive fashion designer Martin Margiela, one could easily set all that aside and enjoy their online site, Dazed Digital.
With a great cast of contributors, and awesome web-only articles, it’s possible you might like an expose on seven days in the art world, or 18 of the next best fashion designers, or speculation as to whether the royal family looks at porn. We are still a constitutional monarchy, after all.
23 November 2008
Pro-ject Debut III
Lowell from Great Bloomers just gave me the scoop on the beautiful and affordable new Debut III turntables from boutique Czech manufacturer Pro-Ject. Impressive-sounding features like “low-tolerance chrome-plated stainless-steel axle runs on a polished ball bearing in a brass bearing housing” reassures that it sounds nice and works well, but what really blows me away is the simple, clean design.
At $379US, it’s a little outside the Secret Santa budget, but it’s a bargain compared to the thousands you’d usually be shelling out for a turntable this nice.
Grab it in one of eight colours here in North America, and pump some cash back into the Eastern European economy. It um, kinda needs it right now.
Monolith, enamel on wood panel, 106×152cm
21 November 2008
Black Bay: New work by Brendan Flanagan
Emerging Toronto artist Brendan Flanagan, who was recently published in the second volume of Carte Blanche, will have his second solo show tonight at LE Gallery, 1183 Dundas St. West. Flanagan’s new landscapes, loosely based on his vision of an old Hudson’s Bay outpost, draws on the myths of Canada’s foundation during a time of fledgling culture in a harsh environment. The show will run until December 21st, and the opening tonight begins at 7pm.
7" sleeve
20 November 2008
CFCF: Twin Peaks enthusiast invites you to love
Montréal tastemaker CFCF aka Michael Silver is making quite the stir with his mélange of balearic beats and synth-laden electro — the likes of which both Vangelis and Moroder would approve. His program on Viva Radio, Do You Want New Wave or Do You Want the Truth?, exudes good taste without condescending. The show is pro-music, not hype or popularity, while still managing to engage casual listeners and eliciting that perfect ‘what the hell is this?’ from serious fans.
CFCF’s 7”, You Hear Colours/Invitation to Love, is out soon on Acéphale, and is available for pre-order now.
CFCF plays More Proof tomorrow night.
Say hello to Chauncy.
16 November 2008
Just in time: Justin.tv
The internet wins again! Justin.tv exists and I can now watch live basketball games from some random dudes internet feed (Shout outs to datballa26).
This website realizes my adolescent dreams of watching live TV on the internet, and does it with all the compromises that my inner internet nerd lives for. It’s occasionally choppy, unreliable, low-res and filled with awful graphics; a true throwback to the IRC days, complete with the “is this shit legal?” inner dialogue. Any moral concerns quickly vaporize when you realize you can watch LeBron James live whenever you want.
Via blogto
14 November 2008
AGO Opening Weekend, Nov. 14 – 16th
Speaking of Canadians and moments to be proud of, the new AGO redesign by world famous Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry is finally open to the public. While his designs have always been met with controversy – and his first building in Canada was no exception – Gehry has always managed to trump his skeptics’ suspicions by the time he unleashes the final product.
Anyone who has ever stood in the presence of one of his buildings cannot ignore the awe-inspiring imagination and provocative level of sculptural complexity involved in his work. It’s phenomenal, and a real gift for our city in terms of both art and architecture.
For its opening weekend, the AGO will be providing free admission all weekend long. Their site won’t reveal what new exhibits they’re featuring, but my research tells me there’s new work included by Canadian artist Dan Bergeron, and Kara Walker.
Admission hours:
* Friday, November 14, 4 pm to 12 midnight
* Saturday, November 15, 10 am to 12 midnight
* Sunday, November 16, 10 am to 5:30 pm
