the last moonwalk

I came across these letters via Hi+Low. Both from the collection of David Gest, a longtime friend of MJ's. You can see more of the collection that is up for auction here.

The first letter is a note written in black ink to David. The second is partial lyrics from the song "Bad", written in black permanent ink. Both in the hand of Michael Jackson.

welcome to heartbreak

I'm posting this video although, to me, it's the epitome of what this blog is not. Flashy celebs, fancy effects, big names, no thanks. It seems that In every rule made there is always an exception. And this my friends, is an exception. Because something inside wouldn't let me say let's just follow the rules.

Kayne has his hand in just about everything these days. He has a blog, a much talked about fashion line, pastelle, that's been about to drop since 2006. He kicks it front row at the 3.1 Philip Lim, one of my favs, and let's not forget 808 and heartbreak.

photo: kanye west, getty images.

killing it not so softly

Last September, I saw the Kills in Austin. It was probably 100 degrees out, 3PM and 95% humidity. This is the kind of heat where you start calculating cloud coverage. How long is it going to take for that cloud to get to me? Even though I was born and spent the majority of my life in the south, nothing really prepares you for standing out in Zilker Park with thousands of other people just to see some live music. Not even the endless tall boy Lone Stars.

That afternoon the Kills were angry. They have this raw, stripped to the bones, gritty sound so I chocked it up to good ol' rock n roll. Days later I heard just before getting on stage they found out their bus driver, tour bus along with all equipment was m.i.a. I don't know about you but that's cause for a little angst.

Just recently I came across the artist Justin Gabbard. His promo piece, seen above, for the Kills, captures their paired down, unedited yet completely thoughtful essence just right.

animal collective

I can't say I've ever been a big fan of Animal Collective. I don't know exactly why or what because they make good music and a lot of people like them. Take my sister in law, Keight, super hip gal with great taste and style. She loves them. I just never really got into them, something about vocals that go on and on and on, strange juxtaposition of melodies and rhythms, or me being too old to understand. I assumed it was the latter until now.

 

Their new album, Merriweather Post Pavilion, is something I do get. It's pop but you won't hear it on the radio. Always a plus. If you are like me, it's terribly disappointing to discover something you love then hear it 5 minutes on the radio again and again and again. 

These guys have spent a long time following their own path. Ever evolving their music capabilities while trying to work in new listeners. Merriweather Post Pavilion, does just that. Any of the songs could be your favorite. So far, I'm stuck on My Girls, but they are all great. The album release is in the near future. January 20th, I think. You can catch them in the U.S through January 24. If you are in NY or LA, I recommend it. Otherwise you'll have to wait till they are back from their Euro tour, unless you are a very fortunate soul.

Enjoy