Robby with a Y

The Beatles.

2012-02-14T12:00:00.003-05:00

Paul McCartney's show-stealing closing performance at the Grammys has put me in a Beatles groove this week. Which consequently has reminded me (again) how absolutely incredible those four kids from Liverpool were. And, finally, how much I love the Beatles and their music.

I love that Paul performed selections from the medley that closes out Abbey Road – I thought it was a perfect ending to the night. Check it out here (and keep in mind that Paul is almost 70!) The guitar jam session with Paul, the Boss, Dave Grohl & others was also pretty special.

My Beatlemania this week also led me to these gems that I want to post so as to not forget:

High Highs Live

2012-02-08T11:26:00.002-05:00

I saw the High Highs live last week at Pianos, a small venue on the Lower East Side here in New York City. I've been following these guys for the past few months and have really loved their self-titled four song EP. I liked it enough that it made my list of top ten albums of 2011 (which I'll have to post about soon).

Overall I was extremely impressed with their live set and really love their overall sound and style – simple guitar, keyboard & percussion with a focus on vocals and beautifully simplistic two part harmonies weaved throughout. Think Simon & Garfunkel meet 2012, with a drummer. Or something similar...

I had a chance to speak with Jack, the lead singer/guitarist in between opening sets and he couldn't have been cooler. He's originally from Australia and came to NYC a couple of years back to pursue music, currently living in Brooklyn and working at a studio during the day. He was very humble and appreciative that I'm a fan. Made me like them even more.

Their album drops later this month, or so Jack told me. I don't know any details beyond that...

Here's a video I took on my phone of "Open Season." Enjoy!

Moth & The Flame

2012-02-08T11:17:00.001-05:00

Kudos to little bro Cole for putting these guys on my radar. Shout out to Provo, UT and the beautiful music of Moth and the Flame!

Very cool video as well (or should I say cold?).

Real Estate

2011-10-27T18:22:00.003-04:00

Not that kind of Real Estate – the music kind. Indie band Real Estate's second album, Days, is phenomenal – I've thoroughly been enjoying it since its release earlier this month. Here's a live studio rendition of "It's Real" – super easy to listen to, carefree music. If you like this, the whole album is worth a listen.

Real Estate - It's Real from 4eyes on Vimeo.

Transition, Kickstarter & Creation

2011-10-24T10:18:00.013-04:00

Fall is in full-swing. It's crazy how fast that happened – I just hope it lasts for a bit before cold man winter creeps in. I've often said that my favorite time of year isn't necessarily one of the four seasons per se, but rather the transition from season to season. Winter to spring and summer to fall, in particular.

A fellow by the name of Frank Chimero is a New York-based graphic designer whose work I admire. He's also a talented writer as I've found from following his blog over the last several months. Recently Frank had this to say about the changing seasons, which I found quite poignant:

September rolled away, almost like it wasn't even there. We now have these spectacular October days in New York that make you wish every single one could be like them, from now into forever. Heaven must be a permanent October. The cusps of new seasons always makes me reflective for some reason. Transformations are visible so infrequently; most of the changes we live through are almost like the slowest crossfade ever heard between two songs, one well-known and the other new, trading one old piece for one new piece, bit-by-bit, second-by-second, until there is no more of the old stuff left.

Summer into autumn is the most magical transition, because it is usually abrupt; a storm comes and drags the cold air behind it. Once the front moves through, there are a million little testaments and artifacts of the change all around you: those bright yellow-red leaves hang above and draw your eye up. They're under your feet as you walk and every step produces that crinkly, shuffling sound that we all love because it is so temporal. Leaves are in piles beside your usual route, begging to be disturbed, saying, "Jump." You see those changes, and maybe, if you're like me, you start to think about your own changes. And oh my, so much, so many changes. I took to calling my old college roommates, phoned my parents to check in, spoke with everyone or left them messages to say "Sitting still. Thinking of you."

I've always felt this same way but have never been able to explain this phenomenon quite as eloquently as Mr. Chimero – it's less of a visible change and more of a feeling – a transition in the air and your anatomical clock knows it's time to move from summer into fall. There's also a sense of nostalgia and a yearning for those comfortable feelings remembered from childhood. Such an interesting phenomenon – and I'm glad to know it's not just me being super reflective about my life and the changing seasons this time of year.

I first came across Frank Chimero through a book project he's heading up called "The Shape of Design." Better said, he is the book's author. I had the unique opportunity to help fund his book-writing project through Kickstarter and have been following him ever since. Here's a creatively-executed video he created about his book:

From what I know, Frank is still working on the book. I can't wait to get the finished product – very excited for it!

On a related note, I think it's worth mentioning the power of creation and the innate human desire to create. Whether it's exercising 'creativity' to 'create' a simple painting, building your own house, maintaining a garden, taking photographs, designing holiday cards, assembling an Ikea bookshelf, or even the power of creating human life, there is real human satisfaction in creation. At least I feel that way – which is why I think I feel some satisfaction from working within the 'creative' industry (although advertising is considered by many to be the bastard stepchild). I'll take what I can get and run with it.

Open Season

2011-10-23T19:38:00.003-04:00

Shout out to Kylie for showing me this song. Somehow it's seems totally fitting for the transition of seasons occurring right now, which I love. Like a nostalgic look back on summer days that have come and gone. Not crazy about the impending frigidness around the corner, but I'll take fall while I can get it. And so far October has been amazing.

I also love how this showcases so many New York City neighborhoods... what a town! Great song.

Joe Cool

2011-10-13T23:10:00.002-04:00

There are so many fabulous old clips of the Dave Brubeck Quartet floating around the Internet – these guys were just killing it! I love the cool, west coast jazz contrast with today's current music scene; these guys are just so confident, calm & relaxed, but every bit as talented (if not more) than the top talent today. There's no hyped-up, cocky rockstars here – just confident dudes who were masters of their craft.

Pay special attention to the man behind the drums – Joe Morello. This guy is something else. I've dabbled in the art of percussion and this cat just blows me away. I love how Dave (piano) turns around and watches the drum solo as if he didn't want to miss out...!

And of course an amazing performance by the song's writer, Paul Desmond on the silky-smooth sax. Check out Dave just looking on in awe of Paul doing his thing. Solid jazz.

The only thing lacking here is a bass solo from Mr. Eugene Wright. I'll have to highlight that another day.

Think Different. Like Steve.

2011-10-10T20:35:00.003-04:00

Here's the famous Apple 'Think Different' ad – this time narrated by Mr. Jobs himself, not the version that aired on TV with Richard Dreyfuss doing the voiceover. I think I prefer this one – it's that much more impactful.

Thanks again for everything Steve. Looking forward to my new iPhone 4S that should be here Friday...

FNL: The Movie (Pt. II)

2011-10-07T23:25:00.002-04:00

I'll take Kyle Chandler over Billy Bob Thornton any day. Huffington Post (my least favorite source) is reporting a *new* Friday Night Lights movie is in the works, featuring the cast of the TV series. I thought this Emmy trailer summed up five seasons of small-town football drama nicely (Kelsey may or may not have shed a couple tears by the end of this trailer).

And for posterity's sake, let it be known that Coach Eric Taylor is my hero. Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can't lose.

Shout out to lil' sis Kylie for the heads up.

Manhattan In Motion

2011-08-28T12:26:00.002-04:00

This is where I live and work. What a magical place.

Where you at Brooklyn?

Mindrelic - Manhattan in motion from Mindrelic on Vimeo.

Mr. Brubeck & Co.

2011-08-21T18:38:00.000-04:00

West coast jazz. The way my father raised me.

I'm A Mormon

2011-08-11T15:47:00.002-04:00

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

In the hilarious yet brutal-at-times world of satirical comedy, Mormons historically have gotten the raw end of the deal. We'll take what we can get this time around – hats off, Mr. Colbert. Thanks for going easy on us!

Visit mormon.org for more information.

Summertime

2011-08-04T00:15:00.002-04:00

Miss this summertime ritual. Seriously contemplating getting a longboard... just for leisure, not to shred like these blokes!

Vans + DQM

2011-08-03T23:53:00.003-04:00

Excited for this collaboration coming to SoHo in September. The Vans DQM General will be located at 93 Grand Street. Hope it's not an over-hyped, overpriced bust!

Source: Hypebeast

My New Favorite Video...

2011-08-01T19:00:00.003-04:00

12 Million+ views and I'm just now seeing this? How did I miss this? Amazing. Enjoy!

Warby Parker

2011-07-25T23:54:00.004-04:00

I love what Warby Parker is doing in the world of fashionable eyewear. If you need (or like) glasses and don't want to break the bank, you should check these guys out. Their business model is also super innovative – they'll send you up to five pair of frames to check out before you make your purchase decision.

As an added bonus one of their male eyewear models happens to be my co-worker Richard, aka DJ Treats (Lookin' good, Treats!).

The Village: Tilt Shift

2011-07-25T23:18:00.003-04:00

I will never get sick of watching tilt shift videos. This technique is so wild – I love it.

My question is this: with full HD video on pretty much every Digital SLR these days, does the tilt shift technique only work with still photos? Is stop motion the best (or only) way to capture the look?

I have no idea... Still don't understand how messing with your lens like that can magically miniaturize the world and everything in it. Incredible.

The Village from Pedro Sousa | visuals on Vimeo.

Splitscreen: A Love Story

2011-07-16T13:46:00.002-04:00

Great concept and even better execution. Love the attention to detail. Especially knowing this whole thing was shot on the Nokia N8 mobile phone. Impressive!

Thanks to little sister Kylie for the heads up!

Splitscreen: A Love Story from JW Griffiths on Vimeo.

The Twins

2011-07-16T13:35:00.002-04:00

Props to these young gentlemen! Only 12-years-old. Oh to be young again...

via Hypebeast

The Twins from skatefairy on Vimeo.

San Francisco

2011-07-15T11:24:00.003-04:00

This is the beautiful work of Kevin Dart. I haven't found an artist whose style I admire this much since Matte Stephens. The mid-century retro-modern style is too much! I have no real reason to buy a San Francisco piece of art, but I just might for only $30! How about a New York City piece, Kevin?

Grown Ocean Cover

2011-07-08T16:43:00.003-04:00

I promise I'll get off my Fleet Foxes kick after this post – I ran across this cover on YouTube several weeks back and meant to post it. Impressive interpretation of the song! Not bad at all. Seems like a lot of musical talent floating around on this.

Blue Ridge Mountains

2011-07-08T15:55:00.003-04:00

June came & went. Summer is here and it's been awhile since I blogged.

I've been on (another) Blue Ridge Mountains kick ever since the Fleet Foxes show back in May – found this live version from the show I attended at the United Palace Theater. I must have re-fallen in love with this song at the show. Quality is a bit suspect and the harmonies aren't quite as sharp as they were in-person, but you get the idea. It's a thing of beauty.

Fleet Foxes at the United Palace

2011-05-19T23:50:00.002-04:00

The first show of the 2011 New York City Egan Family Summer Concert Series kicked off last night with Fleet Foxes at the United Palace Theater up on 175th and Broadway. Simply put, my expectations were absolutely exceeded.

It's refreshing how a band can make such intricate, complicated music and vocals sound so pure and simple. They have found the secret. And I can tell you they kill it live.

I've been eagerly awaiting a live show from these guys for almost three years now. Ironically enough my two favorites from the "Fleet Foxes" album were not the best songs of the night in my opinion. Mid-way through the set they played the anthemic "White Winter Hymnal" which lead directly into "Ragged Wood" for an amazing back-to-back combo. However, "Blue Ridge Mountains," Robin's solo rendition of "Oliver James" and "Your Protector" stole the show in my opinion. "Mykonos" off of Sun Giant was incredible as well. I'm still letting the new album grow on me but early favorites are "Grown Ocean," "Helplessness Blues," "Montezuma," "Battery Kinzie" and "The Shrine / An Argument."

**Bonus** As I was reading the review of last night's show on Brooklyn Vegan I found the back of my head in one of the photos!

All images from Brooklyn Vegan

Dear 16-Year-Old Me

2011-05-18T16:43:00.001-04:00

I thought this was an especially poignant & powerful PSA (or whatever they're called in Canada). Count me in for the SPF 30 this summer!

Human Flight

2011-04-26T14:56:00.001-04:00

I have always wanted to go skydiving. Perhaps more so now than ever, thanks to this gem:

Experience Human Flight from Betty Wants In on Vimeo.

Perfect Symmetry

2011-04-26T12:22:00.002-04:00

The idea of symmetry is very compelling, especially after watching this well-executed video done for NPR by RadioLab & Everynone. Inspiring. The Sufjan Stevens track doesn't hurt the overall aesthetic of the video either...

Less Is More

2011-04-26T11:53:00.002-04:00

In the wee small hours of the morning when I'm supposed to be asleep, I'm usually catching up on the 40+ tabs I seem to always have open on my browser consisting of articles, videos & wikipedia entries I didn't get around to reading that day. In the case of last night, I got around to watching some Local Native covers on YouTube. Probably because Kelsey's little brother Cole mentioned his band (TRIBES) covers the song "Wide Eyes" by Local Natives. Anyway, there is a wide array of talent out there on YouTube and I applaud aspiring artists for at least attempting to express themselves (which is half the battle), though many YouTube covers definitely leave something to be desired, to put it mildly.

In my zoned out 1am viewing last night I stumbled upon the following cover. I really appreciate this guy's simple, honest approach to doing his version of this song. It isn't much, but that's what I really liked about it. I would like to think that if I were to sit down and cover this song, I would take a similar approach. The octave jump at the end was a welcome surprise, too. Whomever you are, Lee Francis, I applaud you. Keep it up.

Grown Ocean

2011-04-21T17:06:00.001-04:00

These guys are doing it right. They know their brand and they're killing it. Makes me want to deck out in flannel and go back to 1977.

Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean from Fleet Foxes on Vimeo.

WESC Denim

2011-04-02T13:28:00.002-04:00

WESC may not be know for its denim per se, but they at least put together a cool video on how they make their jeans.

The Making of WeSC Denim from WeSC on Vimeo.

Sweet Sixteen

2011-03-21T11:45:00.004-04:00

God Bless Jimmerica. Go Cougars.

Scenes From The Suburbs

2011-03-15T00:03:00.005-04:00

Arcade Fire continues their post-Grammy parade with a new short film directed by good ol' Spike Jonze. Looks wacky.

I shouldn't be surprised at the vitriol flying around the blogosphere toward Arcade Fire ever since their big "Album of the Year" win, but I'm still on the bandwagon. In 2006 "Funeral" literally evolved my taste in music perhaps more so than any other album within the last five years. That sounds pretty extreme... and it probably is, but it's easily one of my favorite albums of all time. Regardless, apparently "Scenes From The Suburbs" is airing this week at SXSW.

Check out the trailer here:

via stereogum

It's Jimmer Time

2011-03-14T00:24:00.004-04:00

This is terribly cheesy, I'm aware of that. But I just wouldn't be a true fan if I didn't spread the love. Here's a shout out to #32, the player of the year. March Madness = Jimmer Time. Don't break my heart this year, Cougars; we need at least two tourney wins. At least!

Teach me how to Jimmer:

Check out Jimmer POY

It Would Be Awesome If I Could Do This:

2011-03-13T23:31:00.002-04:00

Pink Ponies

2011-03-13T23:22:00.004-04:00

The ad industry is so quirky. This is a perfect satirical look at an advertising case study. And it even includes the all mighty social media. Well played.

You've Already Seen This

2011-03-13T22:36:00.004-04:00

But it's worth seeing again:

I want iPad 2 exclusively for its amazing cover – ridiculous.

Paris At Night

2011-03-10T12:15:00.004-05:00

I thoroughly enjoyed this stop motion expose of the beautiful city of Paris "composed completely of photographs" (per the artist, Luke Shepard). Amazingly well-executed. I found it very unique that it shows the "darker" side of Paris, as this was literally shot at night.

Le Flâneur (music by The XX) from Luke Shepard on Vimeo.

To that point, and not to play art critic here, but as much as I love "Intro" by the XX, I think either "Stars" or "Night Time" could have potentially worked even better with these images, as this project is showcasing Paris primarily after hours. The energy and build of Intro is incredible, don't get me wrong. I was just surprised to see that track paired with these images. There's such a raw and quiet and almost creepy quality with the XX's sound, I think another song maybe could have worked better (Even "Heart Skipped A Beat" or "Islands"). Just throwing it out there...

Inspiration from Google Docs

2011-03-10T10:16:00.003-05:00

Impressive display of creativity and use of Google Docs. Hope it was worth the 3+ days they spent on this!

The Alphabet

2011-03-09T21:38:00.003-05:00

The Alphabet from n9ve on Vimeo.

Can't Get Enough...

2011-02-11T16:21:00.005-05:00

...Local Natives. I did some more digging and found their first appearance on the Take Away Show. I'm such a sucker for their harmonies – they have it down! And for the record, Wide Eyes is my favorite track off the album. I realize I'm borderline obsessed here; my wife just referred to me as a "groupie." This is good stuff here:

Local Natives / A take Away Show @ Route du Rock Hiver 2010 from Watch Your Steps on Vimeo.

Islands: For the Mrs.

2011-02-11T11:56:00.005-05:00

The xx are easily one of my favorite bands over the past couple of years. Somehow I totally missed this video – very interesting concept. Truthfully, it makes me sort of dizzy. But I like that it's different, and love the song, and Kelsey loved the choreography. I don't know the first thing about dance, but I think the choreography is amazing as well.

Take Away Show: Local Natives

2011-02-10T11:49:00.003-05:00

French music blog La Blogotheque does a really cool video series called Take Away Show where they film bands playing live in obscure places/settings. It's usually more of an acoustic performance, due to the setting & circumstances (the first episode I experienced was "1901" by Phoenix with the Eiffel Tower as a back drop). As a big fan of Local Natives, I immediately wanted to share this.

In this episode of the Take Away Show, Local Natives play "Who Knows Who Cares" while walking through the Palais Royal in Paris. The intertwining harmonies are downright inspiring in that setting. And done live? That much more impressive. Thanks to Pitchfork for the pointer.

Local Natives | Who Knows Who Cares | A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Helplessness Blues

2011-02-06T16:00:00.001-05:00

Looks like this is turning into a sort of music blog... I'll just roll with it. Fleet Foxes just announced a new album and concert dates. You'd better believe my tickets are purchased for the NYC show (which I just read they added a second date – get your tickets while you can!). I've been anxious to see these gentlemen live for the past two/three years, and am thrilled they're touring again. They're first single, "Helplessness Blues" is available for free download on their website.

On a related note, Brooklyn Vegan included this amazing cover of "White Winter Hymnal" by Oh Land in their latest Fleet Foxes coverage. Oh Land is new to me; Apparently they're Danish - not too hard to tell by her naturally beautiful Scandanavian features. Fun cover to say the least.

Before It's Too Late: Favorite Music 2010

2011-02-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

I get that I'm at least a month late with posting this list, but for my own sake I wanted to document my audio favorites from 2010 – another successful year for music.

Favorite Bands of 2010 (as judged by the amount of listens in my iTunes library)
*Note: For all the hater hipsters, I understand that some of these groups could technically have been in 2009, but for me, the discovery really came in 2010. So don't bother calling me out on it–I'm doing the best I can to keep up!

10. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti "Before Today"

9. Deerhunter "Halcyon Digest"

8. Best Coast "Crazy For You"

7. Tokyo Police Club "Champ"

6. Sufjan Stevens "The Age of Adz"

5. Ra Ra Riot "The Orchard"

4. Beach House "Teen Dream"

3. Two Door Cinema Club "Tourist History"

2. Arcade Fire "The Suburbs"

1. Local Natives "Gorilla Manor"

Honorable Mentions: (in no particular order) LCD Soundsystem, Yeasayer, The Morning Benders, Glasser, Band of Horses, Animal Collective, Phoenix, Passion Pit, The National, Mumford & Sons, Caribou, Jónsi, Phantogram, Surfer Blood, Tame Impala, Toro Y Moi

HelveTic-Toc

2011-02-04T11:45:00.006-05:00

This isn't terribly efficient for telling time... But at least it looks nice and modern!

Check out helvetictoc.com

My Other Favorite Irish Band

2011-02-02T13:55:00.005-05:00

These guys are the "band of the moment" for me right now. Definitely floating my boat, if you will. I really appreciate when an entire album jumps out at me from the get go. Typically for me, it can mean one of two things: 1. It's a solid album, start to finish. Or 2. It's just a bunch of catchy, pop-y songs that you're going to get sick of really fast. I will note that a lot of the songs have a very similar sound (since I still can't distinguish some tracks from others), nonetheless I've been loving this album as of late.

I was also impressed by their performance on Jimmy Fallon a couple weeks back – I've probably watched this video a dozen times since then (Like I said, "band of the moment...).

100 Years of Big Blue

2011-01-29T13:55:00.002-05:00

I was raised to bleed blue. The LA Dodgers, the BYU Cougars, & IBM. Even though it's been years since my old man retired from the company after three decades of honest labor, I feel proud to have ever been even loosely affiliated. This video encapsulates the American dream, and paints our capitalistic society in a good light. And the best part is, this is 13 solid minutes of a little thing they call advertising. Very well done.

Animal Bands

2011-01-27T10:31:00.001-05:00

Any music fan would agree that the last few years of the folk revival have seen come with it an influx of what I like to call "Animal Bands." I'm not sure if this goes hand-in-hand with the green, Whole Foods/Trader Joes, all-natural movement, or if it's just the trend du jour of the hipsters, but there are almost no good animal names left for bands. If one were to start a new band tomorrow, they would be hard pressed to come up with a name cooler than Fleet Foxes, per se. Beards & Animal Bands, my friends.

Since I'm just now writing about it, I'm sure this trend is on its way out. The pendulum swing is departing the return to analog, and picking up speed heading back to digital – what's next, robot bands with beards?

Here's my list of current Animal Bands that are killing it. I admittedly enjoy most of the groups listed below - have I missed any?

- Animal Collective

- Fleet Foxes

- Grizzly Bear

- Deerhunter

- Deer Tick

- Band of Horses

- Caribou

- Tame Impala

- Frightened Rabbit

- Panda Bear (from Animal Collective, no less)

- Wolf Parade

- Sea Wolf

- Phoenix

- Gorillaz (doesn't quite fit the same mold as the rest...but still animalistic)

Honorable Mentions: (Less Animal-y and more Naturaleza)

- Neon Indian

- Neon Trees

- Blitzen Trapper (Wild Mountain Nation)

Here's one of my favorite songs from the past year or so by Animal Collective. I admit it took time for this track to grow on me, but then one day on the R Train, it hit me like a wave of perfection. Enjoy.

Animal Collective "My Girls" from Chad von Nau on Vimeo.

Should Be Good

2010-10-19T13:28:00.002-04:00

Looking forward to Phoenix & The Dirty Projectors at Madison Square Garden tomorrow. Not the ideal venue, but I'm excited nonetheless.

Lucky

2010-10-14T16:50:00.002-04:00

I've felt lucky this week that I sincerely like my job. A lot. I don't know if the average American can honestly say that. This VW ad from New Zealand helped me realize that. This is such a unique industry, advertising. Sure, it's the big, bad monster that claims to be part of the "creative" world, but that's why I love it. I've heard it put that advertising is the grease on the gears upon which the American machine runs. God bless America, and God bless capitalism. Although I'm sure many will point out my flawed thinking, I personally love our consumer culture. Advertising makes the American world go 'round. I feel lucky to be a part of it. Thank you Volkswagen of New Zealand for reminding me of that.

This spot is beautifully shot, very well executed, based on sound strategy, relevant consumer insight (even for a non-coffee drinking guy), and put over some amazing music. That recipe equals a winning ad in my mind. VW is a great brand, doing a lot of great things - internationally at least. VW America needs to step it up like their Kiwi cousins. Like I said, pretty lucky to work in the industry.

Study Like A Scholar

2010-07-16T12:04:00.002-04:00

As far as parodies go, I've got to say that this isn't half bad! Made me laugh at work, so that's saying something.

Brigham Young University / BYU - New Spice | Study like a scholar, scholar

They Just Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To...

2010-06-29T18:18:00.003-04:00

UP THERE from The Ritual Project on Vimeo.

I recently ran across this wonderful expose and was completely fascinated by this old school niche that has found itself left in the dust of modern day advertising. I personally would love to see more of this stuff around the city.
The Album Leaf soundtrack makes it especially enjoyable as well. Very well done!

Stanley Cup Time

2010-06-04T15:38:00.002-04:00

I'm not the biggest of hockey fans, but I'm big fan of this new ad from Young & Rubicam. Go Blackhawks.

The Brothers Perlorian

2010-05-20T18:44:00.005-04:00

Admittedly, I don't know much about this insanely out-there duo, but I find their work to be immensely creative and refreshingly original. I think there's a lot to be said for authenticity these days, and this stuff is real. Every advertisement they've directed over the past few years breaks through the clutter and makes you laugh. Rock on Perlorian Brothers.

The Perlorian Brothers is allegedly comprised of art director Ian Letts and copywriter Michael Gelfand, who, as you may have guessed, aren't really brothers. Check out their originality on display on their website and vimeo page.

One of my favorites featuring Bruce Campbell covering DuranDuran:

The Sandpit NYC

2010-03-01T00:32:00.005-05:00

The talent level of people in this world can, at times, be downright depressing. There are days I like to convince myself that I too have a shot at creating something genuinely creative and beautiful, and then I come across projects like this one. I've never seen anything like this - one of those times that I was left awestruck wondering, "how on earth did they do that?"

Director Sam O'Hare apparently shot this little beauty with all still photography, time lapse style. He then beautified the images in post-production to make the final product look as magnificent as it does - somehow turning real people and their surroundings into small toys and models ("in miniature," as he calls it.) The soundtrack also really brings this short film to life. Impressive work.

To read more, check out this post on the Aero Film Blog

(Says Sam the Director: "Please view in HD and full screen for best effect." Please obey Sam.)

The Sandpit from Sam O'Hare on Vimeo.

What Type Are You?

2010-01-14T10:03:00.005-05:00

Pentagram has done a really neat interactive personality-based quiz that determines what "type" you are. It's extremely well executed and actually super informative. Makes me want to be a printer.

How about me? Well apparently I'm Pistilli Roman.
(hint) password: character

The Creative Struggle

2010-01-13T17:51:00.002-05:00

Amen Ira Glass. I've had similar thoughts/feelings several times, but I've never heard it spoken quite like that. I love his take on the notion of taste as well. Fascinating & inspiring

via Kyle Monson

A Camera Like Your Eye

2009-12-23T15:07:00.002-05:00

Don't know much about Leica, but I want to know more after watching this.

Fall in New York City

2009-12-15T11:05:00.003-05:00

I know it's winter now, but I love Matte Stephens' depiction of Central Park in the fall. I know I've written about his work before, but this is one artist that keeps on "wow"ing me. Super unique work that takes me back to an era in which I never lived.

Always Snowing in Philadelphia

2009-12-15T08:11:00.007-05:00

The First Snow, Canon 7D from Reid Carrescia on Vimeo.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of the broad term "social media" is that everyday people can share their God-given talent with the world on such a broad scale. Even ten years ago this wasn't the case; Only a small percentage of mankind's talent was ever really shared with the greater whole - and those folks probably just got lucky.

I love when I come across projects like this one; an aesthetically stunning video, impeccably edited, and paired with an original soundtrack. I congratulate you, Reid & Allen Carrescia, on a job well-done.

A Note On Originality

2009-12-14T23:51:00.003-05:00

I like the thought process here - gives me hope that I'm not the only one who feels like I'm lacking in originality. Long live creative inspiration.

Time Travel - Lessons From The Past

2009-12-11T12:27:00.017-05:00

Why are we so obsessed with the idea of "vintage" & "retro"? I'll admit it, I love the Mad Men-esque 1960's styles that are so prevalent in today's pop culture. But why is that? Are we intrigued because these are times in which we never lived?

Whatever the reasoning, I love this find via @aestheticapparatus - This alphabet series was created in 1954 for CBS Television by artist Jim Flora. Beautiful "retro" work, wouldn't you say?

Images from Aesthetic Apparatus

Two of My Favorite Things

2009-12-11T11:48:00.009-05:00

"Helvetica & The New York Subway System"

This amazing project by lettering artist, type designer, teacher, design historian, and all around type nut Paul Shaw, has recently come to fruition, and is an incredibly detailed history / type design case study for the ages. I don't profess to know much about type or this Paul Shaw character, but I would love to get my hands on this book! The type / lettering design of each different subway stop has always fascinated me. This beauty of a book contains a lifetime's worth of research on why things look the way they look today in the oft-times grimy underworkings of NYC. Astonishing work. I'm glad people like Paul Shaw exist to bring us treasures like this.

Images from the MyFonts Blog
Buy the book here for a meager $85.00 plus shipping (someday...)

Gap-Side Down

2009-12-02T09:39:00.000-05:00

Very clever.

Round Two: New Orleans

2009-11-25T10:58:00.001-05:00

Fifty People, One Question: New Orleans from Benjamin Reece on Vimeo.

Space Chair Project

2009-11-18T11:19:00.001-05:00

Innovation. I like the "push the limits" mentality. Why not send it space?

Snuggie?

2009-11-18T11:09:00.001-05:00

Clever.

"Planning" too Vague?

2009-11-17T18:34:00.001-05:00

Account planning is fascinating. But is "planning" an appropriate title? I know a lot of agencies throw "strategic" or "strategy" in there somewhere... What is it really though?

Who Reads Anyways?

2009-10-27T16:34:00.006-04:00

Exquisitely designed hardbacks for the bookshelf.

Designer: Coralie Bickford-Smith, senior cover designer at Penguin Books.

Let's Be Cultured: American Poetry

2009-06-23T13:57:00.003-04:00

I don't know if it's the rich culture of New York City or all of the rain we've been getting lately, but I found this poem wonderfully inspiring - and I'm not one to love poetry!

The Rainy Day

The day is cold, and dark, and dreary
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the mouldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.

My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
My thoughts still cling to the mouldering Past,
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,
And the days are dark and dreary.

Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Retro: The New Vintage

2009-05-08T16:41:00.008-04:00

As I'm always on the prowl for killer design, I was pleased to find this amazing collection of classic design work from the 1950s-1970s and contemporary designers that draw inspiration from that time period, called Grain Edit.

Here are some samples I particularly like from an artist named Matte Stephens:

How to Grasp the Concept of "Now"?

2009-04-16T19:46:00.002-04:00

I always love these kinds of things; statistics that boggle the mind and make you say, "wow!"

I also love how this ad totally legitimizes Twitter as a *real* form of communication, up there among the ranks of email, text message, phone call, YouTube, Google, etc. Congratulations, Twitter, and welcome to the big leagues.

Reeses

2009-04-15T21:20:00.001-04:00

Never underestimate the power of a :15 second TV spot. Simple, clean art. Smart copy. Good ad.

Tribute to Pinback: Loro

2009-04-09T18:00:00.001-04:00

What If You Could Wake Up Anywhere Tomorrow?

2009-03-25T15:50:00.002-04:00

I found this little video surprisingly moving... and I'm still not sure why.?

Maybe it's the fact that New York is so full of diversity and people's interesting stories that I'm anxious to get there and participate in the culturally stimulating movement. Or maybe it's the cool videography/music combo on the streets of NYC. Whatever it is, it's cool.

For whatever it's worth, check out this video and make of it what you will. Where would you wake up tomorrow if you could wake up anywhere?

Fifty People, One Question: Brooklyn from Fifty People, One Question on Vimeo.

Asics Origami

2009-03-11T16:17:00.002-04:00

Origami In the Pursuit of Perfection from MABONA ORIGAMI on Vimeo.
Aesthetically stunning & awe-inspiring all at once. For the first time in my life I sincerely wish I owned a pair of Asics. God bless the power of advertising. I love how simple the concept is; it's all about telling a story and playing with the emotions of the consumer. Well done, Asics.

John Mayer on "Conscious Composition"

2009-03-10T18:19:00.004-04:00

I've been following John Mayer's "Battle Studies" blog, covering the process of recording his new album. Fascinating stuff–it's the future of recording music. Stars coming down to the level of the consumer. Atta boy, John.

So, as an advertising person I'm always in the process of looking for ideas. How to be creative, how to get a great idea, etc. It can be extremely frustrating! I really like Mr. Mayer's twist on things–he calls it "Conscious Composition". Of course he's relating it to making music, but I think it can be tweaked and applied to the creative process in general. The moral of the story: the creative process is hard!

JOHN ON CONSCIOUS COMPOSITION

One of the focal points of my approach to songwriting these days is something I've come to refer to as "conscious composition".

Conscious composition is composing not only chord changes, say for instance a 4-chord progression in a pop or rock setting, but also thoughtfully writing the lyrics and melody line above it. It's the exact opposite of "get in a room and jam." Sure, I could pull together a drummer, a bass player, an organ and a trio of background singers, but without the time spent investigating lyrics, ideas, note selection, etc, all I'm going to have (at best) is a groove that underscores nothing but very basic ideas. Even if I'm able to turn it into something sophisticated, that's still because I was thinking back on a past moment in my songwriting that was fully conscious, except I'll remember it as having come up with it "on the spot"... When there aren't enough of these conscious moments of songwriting to draw from, the creative energy of making music is lost.

Even going into the studio with a guitar and a microphone and singing and strumming until I get something worthwhile isn't conscious enough, because my mind still knows that there's somebody engineering the recording session and my performance brain will take over and make sure I don't sing or play anything embarrassing. The work has to be done alone and ahead of time.

Undoing self-consciousness and bridging into creative consciousness has been and still is a very daunting process. There's nothing new about the template; guy puts everything he has into making music, music rewards guy with everything he has, guy forgets how to make music like he used to. But there is a way to use all that music has given me to dig even deeper than I have before. I'm glad that I've had as many years playing guitar under my belt as I did before I became successful, and I'm glad I have the resources to do whatever it takes to stay focused in that place I know so well.

It's easier to end the day early and go to dinner, but it gets nothing accomplished in the way of answering the question "and why are you taking up space here on Earth again?"

I'm not saying I won't someday go through musical menopause, it's just not going to happen yet. It's being a conscious composer that's going to keep me relevant, and it's refraining from believing that I can jam for 2 months and make a record that's going to return the favor that success has given to me.

Remind Me: Röyksopp

2009-03-10T18:11:00.001-04:00

Remind Me from Röyksopp on Vimeo.
Interesting find by @bowenarrow (ScoBo).

VW: Advertising Legacy

2009-03-06T10:50:00.003-05:00

From "Think Small" til now, Volkswagen are advertising geniuses.

Here's a few of my favorite TV spots from the last 15 years or so.

Da da da

Synchronocity

Pink moon

Night drive

Beautiful work

UTAH TAP

2009-03-05T15:56:00.004-05:00

I'm so proud to have been a part of this awesome movement to provide children around the world with clean drinking water.

Mad props to everyone (not me) who put their blood, sweat & tears into making this TV spot a reality. Proud to have been associated with you and this project!

Utah Tap TV Spot from Mike Morris on Vimeo.

(courtesy of Mike Morris - www.blog.morriscreate.com)

Noble Beast

2009-01-29T21:15:00.004-05:00

Andrew Bird's new album Noble Beast was released earlier this year and so far has yet to disappoint. I'm a big fan and am hoping to attend his show in late February at the Murray theater.

The point of this post is to celebrate perhaps the most creative and interesting song lyrics I have come across in a long time. On the track Anonanimal, Bird creates an enormous play on words from the English language, meanwhile telling a story. And these aren't the typical "play on words" type words; I mean this is like hypercreativity and an overabundance of free time at their all-time high. But I think it's sheer genius. Take a gander:

Lyrics:
I see a sea anemone
The enemy
See a sea anemone
And that'll be the end of me.

While the vicious fish was caught unawares in the tenderest of tendrils
Underneath her tender gills

I will become this animal
Perfectly adapted to the music halls
I will become this animal
Anomalous appendages
A non-animal

Hold on just a second
Don't tell me this one you know
I know this one I know this song
I know this one I love this song
Hold on just a second
Don't tell me this one you know
i know this one I know this song
I know this one I love this song
I know this one

Underneath the stalactites
The troglobites lost their sight
Uh oh

The seemingly innocuous plecostomus
though posthumus
They talk to us
They talk too much

See a sea anemone
The enemy
See a sea anemone
That'll be the end of me
Vicious fish was caught unawares
In the tend'rest tendrils
Underneath her tender gills and

I will become this animal
Perfectly adapted to a music hall
I will become this animal

Anomalous appendages
A non-animal

Buy his new album! And his old ones.

Motrin...?

2009-01-27T19:27:00.004-05:00

Apparently this ad sparked a lot of controversy and offended moms the world around. Nothing like a pharmaceutical company shaking things up a bit... Like I've mentioned a few times before, this motion typography trend is huge. I wonder how long it will actually last...

Life in Technicolour II

2009-01-27T19:18:00.003-05:00

Love this new(er) version of the song. If you haven't heard it before check it out on the Prospekt's March EP that was released in late 2008. This is one of the more creative things I've seen in awhile. I love the small attention to detail.

Change

2009-01-23T00:49:00.000-05:00

We salute you, Mr. President.

(image courtesy of droga5.com)

HBO: Voyeur

2009-01-22T12:49:00.000-05:00

So, I've never seen the show, nor do I subscribe to HBO. But this is sweet stuff that ad agency BBDO New York did. This whole stunt wound up being the most awarded advertising sha-bang of 2008. Kudos to BBDO. Check out a small look back video here.

American-made: F-150

2009-01-22T12:47:00.002-05:00

Not a big fan of the company, but at least their latest ads are cool. Motion graphic typography is so hot right now

Starbucks

2009-01-22T12:39:00.000-05:00

Motion graphics are super in. I'm a big fan of the new Starbucks ads... the newest one is an interesting move by Starbucks in this new age of Obama.

Election day excitement:

Holiday cheer:

NikeID typography motion graphics

2009-01-21T23:07:00.000-05:00

I'm proud to have been part of this collaboration. Although I give most credit to Mr. Michael Morris.

Go Cougars.

I like this look

2009-01-21T23:01:00.000-05:00

I found this sample of an interesting motion graphic piece the other day. Ironically, I like the still image a whole lot more than the actual motion part. Check it out for yourself here. And here too.

Give a Coke to a stranger

2009-01-21T21:05:00.001-05:00

So I didn't know exactly how to go about fulfilling this assignment: Give a Coke to a stranger.

I wish I had a really cool story about how I did some amazing good deed, but I don't. I actually sort of forgot to do it over the weekend, so I had to improvise.

I decided to buy a drink from the vending machine and then search for a deserving potential recipient of the free drink. Well, I didn't have to search very far! As I pulled my drink out of the machine, I turned around to find a nice lady talking on her cell phone. We made eye contact, and I new she was the one. I told her I had a drink for her, and she couldn't have looked more grateful.

She was extremely gracious and I think pleasantly surprised. I think I may just start doing these good deeds more often...

how to create?

2009-01-09T01:01:00.000-05:00

I admittedly am a wannabe artist/designer. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I were a "creator" – that is, somebody that creates original things. A creative if you will.

So why do I feel a fear of creating?

The other day I went out and bought a sketchbook, some pencils and a felt tipped pen. Four days later I have yet to crack the book open and attempt to create anything. Why is that? What am I afraid of? My own inabilities? Probably. Maybe it's because I sincerely don't know what I am doing. Maybe not. But seriously, it's llike I'm afraid to touch pen to paper because I think I won't like the outcome. Have you ever felt that way?

In class the other day my professor brought up the idea that our minds are divided into two separate entities: the creator and the editor. Many of us tend to let the editor dominate. We are constantly correcting mistakes and second-guessing ourselves. Why do we do that? Why do I do that? I like how he introduced my mind to this notion of "kill the editor". Set your mind free, and create!

So here's my next question: When I'm in the "creation" phase, how do I just let my mind create? How can I be more creative?

Just some things to think about...

arrived

2008-09-29T01:02:00.000-04:00

nyc

NYC Republicans

2006-08-29T00:04:00.001-04:00

This is my fantasy football team name.