File Under: Rad

Ok this just might be one of the coolest things ever. Found here by graphic designer gar0. See more of his work here.

File Under: Rad

Han Solo in Carbonite Soap. Um yeah this is just awesome. More on this rad soap here. (Thanks Anthony!)

Happy Birthday

Yesterday was my son, Sal's, first birthday. We had a great party in Griffith Park, tons of fun and good food, great friends and good times. It's only fitting that the record that I can't stop listening to this week is by one of Sub Pop's newest signings Happy Birthday. I am really digging this band. Great hooks and super fun. I highly recommend this album - especially the song "Subliminal Message" which will be featured on every mixtape I make this year. Check out the song on Stereogum here.

You can check them out at their myspace page for more info, tour dates etc here.

God Speed Returns.

This is the most exciting thing i've heard all week. One of my "all time favorite bands of all time", God Speed You! Black Emperor is reforming to curate ATP. They are gonna then do some European dates (to all my France and UK friends - DO NOT SLEEP ON THEM LIVE!) and then the really huge news - they'll be playing 9 select markets in the States. Please, God. Let Los Angeles be one of the 9 cities.

Click the above picture to read the band's press release.

Visit the band's official website here.

Kill Rock Stars

I have some very close friends to thank for opening my ears to music that wasn't written by Ian MacKaye, Greg Ginn or Tom Araya. My musical journey led me to the Pacific Northwest and to one imprint's catalog in particular. Kill Rock Stars became very near and dear to me and a go to source for great music. I got all nostalgic today when I saw that Kill Rock Stars released a free digital sampler spanning the label's signature sounds. Its a great listen... you can find it to download here.

My Gold Mask

When I was in Texas I totally missed seeing this band and I totally regret it. Luckily I ran into their manager (and my old friend) Amy and she passed on their totally rad ep. "A Thousand Voices" is pretty killer - the opening track Violet Eyes is amazing. I hope these guys make it out to the west coast so I can finally not sleep on seeing them live. Check them out here.

Exile.

Yes! The Exile re-issue is out on May 18th. I'm am so very excited about this reissue. Seriously can't wait to hear the remaster and check out all the bonus crap. One of the Stones finest (and my favorite after Sticky Fingers). See the ad for it here.