Sidewalk Hustle

One Teaspoon

Hawley — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.oneteaspoon.com.au/homepage/

Fritz Helder & The Phantoms

Hawley — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5h8OUBYdEw&feature=related Don Diego

Edwin – Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

via Swipelife The Spring Summer 2010 collection from Edwin is a story in two chapters. The first is built around the brand’s 62 year history of denim, setting innovation and craftsmanship at the center of its design process. The second story floats around a maritime theme, anchoring the rugged, worn looks of its tees, button-ups, and leather goods on the battered cliff faces and aged sea vessels of the sailor’s life.

Jeffrey Campbell Spring Summer 2010 Lookbook

temp — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Paolo Roversi Spring Summer 2010

Hawley — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.anothermag.com/exclusives/paolo-roversi-spring-summer-2010?utm_source=MadMimi&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Marion+Cotillard+%7C+Paolo+Roversi+%7C+Alasdair+McLellan+%7C+Rodarte&utm_campaign=Marion+Cotillard+%7C+Paolo+Roversi+%7C+Alasdair+McLellan+%7C+Rodarte&utm_term=more

SeaVees James Perse Linen Slip-On

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Prepare yourself for a casual summer with the SeaVees James Perse Linen Slip-On ($150). Although they sport a higher price tag than your average boat shoe, these SeaVees partially make up for it with a soft, premium linen canvas upper, suede heel patch, unique light blue rubber sole, and understated design that blends well with whatever you're wearing. SeaVees, Purveyors of California Casual, have teamed up with James Perse to bring you this men's linen slip-on. Inspired by the casual style of California in the 1960s, these shoes pair well with the James Perse design philosophy and aesthetic. Canvas upper, suede heel patch, signature light blue rubber sole. Available exclusively at JamesPerse.com and select James Perse boutiques.

To Mitigate Friends & Lovers

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

To Mitigate Friends & Lovers is a collection of songs I wrote in the days preceding Christmas. It allowed me to get back into writing, and hush the quiet swell of dissent coming from the people around me I respect the most saying "Put music out Jahmal!" So, here it is. Album Art by hometown heroes We Kill You

Blogger Profile: Street Etiquette

Hawley — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.refinery29.com/street-etiquette-pays-homage-to-stylish-black-americans-past-present-and-future.php

temp — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOJjwrL5OCQ httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zvCUmeoHpw&hd=1

Opening Ceremony Spring/Summer 2010 Moto Jacket

temp — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

There is certainly a heavy trend going on this year towards motorcycle jackets. Opening Ceremony presents their version of the classic in two colorways for Spring/Summer 2010. The jacket is not made of leather, which makes it very suitable for the warmer months of the year and that is of course also reflected in the price. The jacket is now available here.

Undercover Fall/Winter 2010/11 “Avakareta Life” Collection

temp — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Jun Takahashi presents the upcoming Undercover Fall/Winter 2010/11 “Avakareta Life” Collection. The lookbook is beautiful, putting each outfit in a different scenery. The new collection mostly uses beige, mud and brown tones and is overall very easy to wear. Lots of great outerwear is mixed with knitwear and a strong line-up of accessories, making the new line a very round product. Definitely something to look out for

Tsovet Watch

temp — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The durability and precision, as well as styling as functionality, of vintage industrial gauges and avionic instrumentation have always captured attention. From these gauges and instruments--the finely knurled dial knobs, the subtle distinct indicator arms, the incrementally exact alphabetical and numerical representations, and the balanced fasteners and jeweled levers--Tsovet draws inspiration. You can pre-order yours now at Revolve Clothing.

CMW DAY FOUR: CHARTattack Showcase

temp — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

CMW Day Five: Pitchfork Approved Psych Indie Double Header

temp — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Loyal fans and psychedelic lovers gathered on the final night of CMF, Pitchfork threw a double indie show at the Horseshoe Tavern featuring Brooklyn and New Jearsey band's Real Estate, Woods, and lesser known opener Easy Boy. We here at Sidewalk Hustle have a weird high-school crush on Jersey's Real Estate, mostly because we've been looping their album since last Summer and they remind us of our friends garage band that everyone thought would be the next U2. That being said, their sound is anything but simple, with layering of guitar rifts and heavy bass lines contrasted with soft spoken lyrics used sparingly between the emotive instrumental verses.

Gant Rugger Hugger Madras Shirt

temp — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

via Uncrate

It's plaid, but it's definitely not flannel. The Hugger Madras Shirt by GANT Rugger for ACL & Co. ($125) is a slim-fit, summer-weight offering made from 100% cotton handloom madras. Reproduced from a vintage 70's design, only 73 shirts were produced to celebrate the birth year of GANT Rugger. Hurry up and get handsome. -100% cotton handloom madras -Early 1970’s archival fabric reproduction -Just 73 pieces produced, to commemorate the birth year of GANT Rugger

Intimate with Intimacy

Mr. Banning — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:00:00 +0000

Most people who know me know I have a bizarre and a tad-bit creepy love for Bloc Party and now all of you who don’t know me know it too. This love started slowly and naturally as an outgrowth of admiration for the young band when I first saw them live way back in 2005, when they were touring for Silent Alarm. At that time I had just moved back from Vancouver, and had decided to undertake a monumental task, that was to literally change my life. Silent Alarm reached out to me with a comforting and understanding promise. I found in it experiences similar to my own as well as energy and frustration for wanting more. I was smitten. When I had the chance to see them live I took it. That year they came to town a lot, at least three times, and another two the following year. There must be something about Toronto. I went to their shows when I could, and tried to recruit as many people to my cause. That was not at all a challenge because Silent Alarm seemed to resonate and appeal to almost everyone. I feel it necessary to divulge this to everyone because I wanted to discuss intimately with you Bloc Party's new album Intimacy. Announced, and released only four days later to the eager hands of excited fans. I am one of those eager little fans, one who with his credit card in hand and heart in a confused roller coaster ride of adolescent puppy love that ordered the album in advance and woke up early Thursday (August 21st) morning to download it. Now, from Monday’s announcement to the “run-up” to Thursday, not much had been said about the album except the song titles and the tag of “experimental” as well as “classic Bloc Party.” I had thought that the first single “Mercury” had been some experimental ish… I had forced myself to enjoy it… I even threw it down in a playlist. But I never truly Loved it!!!! Not the way I love “Banquet” or “Hunting for Witches” but that wasn’t really a concern, since there was still another ten tracks on the album. I chalked it up to the band dipping their toes into new ponds, as the saying goes. Now for those of you out there who have already listened to the album, the first two songs are like a sonic boom of studio-engineered… Wow! Not exactly what’s needed to supplement your morning coffee and paper reading! “Ares” the kick off song, sounds badly constructed and slightly confusing. That may have been me at 8:00 am, but it still has yet to grow on me. “Mercury” was next which would have been splendid if it had achieved what a single is suppose to achieve, that of being charming and comforting-by-being-familiar-because-it-was-played-a-fuckload-of-times-and-now-is-non-offensive-to-the-general-public… which sadly it did not. From track three onwards the album is solid, not classic Bloc Party but comparable in quality to some less-then-classic Bloc Party moments. Once I figured this out I have started listening to Intimacy from track three onwards, which makes the short ten tracks of their album a meager helping of eight EP worthy tracks. Because I have a school-girl crush on Bloc Party, I am hoping it will work out this way: that the August 21st 2008 release is NOT the actual album, but a rough copy released to the fans as a teaser and sampler to help tickle the fancy of the general public. I am hoping that the actual, physical album, that is going to be released at the end of October will actually be a touch longer and some of the other, more experimental tracks are worked upon a little longer. I am keeping my fingers crossed, and my heart still longing, and hopefully the boys are still in the studio working out the kinks.

Nice...!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:32:00 +0000

I was perusing the New York Times webpage when I read this... The new Monopoly World Edition game has given its two choicest properties to .... Dun dun duuuunnnn.... Montreal (Boardwalk), and Riga (where???) (Park Place)... I honestly would have thought New York, London, Paris, something other then Riga... I just googled it and Riga is in Latvia... In fact after reading over the global destinations on the new board, I found that three Canadian cities were listed, Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, and only New York for the United States... Take that!!! You may have won more medals at the Olympics but we have more cities in the new Monopoly World edition board game...!

Making Money from Music...

Mr. Banning — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:29:00 +0000

Nowadays there is a lot of hubbub surrounding the piracy of music. Being a prolific consumer of music myself, all this talk seems like a lot of blah blah blah.... I still spend my "hard-earned" money on music, just like I use to before I had ready access to the internet. I remember skipping school, and dodging over to HMV, or Sunrise to grab a new album. I also remember paying upwards of $20 (after taxes) on a single CD, simply to get a couple of songs that I had heard on the radio, or MuchMusic. Nowadays, thank goodness, I easily buy singles for 99 cents, which seems to me to be a deal. Moreover, I feel like this new system of being able to buy the singles readily forces the lazier artists to actually put the effort into making a solid album... mostly. Artists like Jay Z, and Kid Rock refuse to sell their new albums on iTunes, using the logic that being able to buy a single disrupts the flow of the whole album. This seems fair enough to me... mostly, as long as it does not force me to head into a Wal-Mart and spend upwards of $15 on a CD. Personally I dislike having to clutter up my home-space with CD's especially since I will put it on my iTunes as soon as a get home. Moreover, I am not overly keen on having to bust my butt to a actual store to purchase something, especially if I can get it with a simple click of my mouse button. So why this diatribe about something we all already know, and have heard waaaaaaaaay to much... well the reason is I read this article about a new website that once you buy a single it will start to make YOU money.... SAY WHAT?!?!?! I know it sounds bizarre, but it seems to be true. Check it out. http://www.popcuts.com/

New Kanye West Song...!

Mr. Banning — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:15:00 +0000

Now, I know it is not original to say that "you love Kanye" since that is actually sorta lame nowadays to passionately declare. However, I think that his record sales speak volumes about the general public's love of Yeeeeezy... and I am not afraid to say it... I Love Kanye, I think he is a mother-f@*king genius. Why? You may ask... well, let me tell you. Once upon a time, waaaaaaay back in the day... ... I was living out in Vancouver at the time, but had trekked back to Toronto, to visit the fam, and spend some quality time with my peep's. Now this is in April, and it had been a particularly cold winter (which is always the case in Toronto,) it was also when SAR's was making waves in the news. Whilst I was in town, me and my friends had purchased tickets to see Common, with Talib opening for him. I was drinking shots of gin with my homie, who lived literally a minute away from the venue. We had figured that if we drank and missed the opener... the group before Talib. However, when we got there, 2 hours after doors opened, we found a HUGE line-up, we even ran into a group of our friends. Apparently a huge hold up at the border... surprise. We stood in line, freezing.... for another hour before being allowed into the venue. As the show started up, the buzz from the 26 of Gin was still hitting me and I was euphorically delighted. Talib came on, and did a series of songs, all of which the crowd went nuts for, singing along. Then Talib stopped and told the audience that he was bringing a friend up on to stage to do a couple of songs. Everyone paused, and a collective murmur of Mos Def, started to roll through the crowd. When the guest came out, there was a momentary silence, as no one really knew who he was. Talib introduced him as producer-extraordinaire Kanye West. People cheered, and I grabbed my buddies shoulder and went f@*king nuts. I had been listening to rough takes of Two Words, and Through the Wire on my Mini Disc player. I suppose these were the only songs he had at the time, because those were the two he did at the show... The whole time I was drunkenly rhyming along... I was so stoked... just going nuts. There were a handful of people in the audience, music geeks like me who were doing the same... it was funny. I felt great, I had not expected Kanye and to be honest, I never for a second thought he would blow up the way he did... That is my first memorable memory of Kanye. When the albums were released, I loved them all. Especially the firsts, which I knew would change the game so to speak. Great beats, great lyrics, that were not about selling crack, and I could relate too... I also had the liberty to see the massively staged, and choreographed Glow in the Dark Tour, which was completely off the hook. I remember standing there watch Kanye perform and thinking, "Wow, he certainly has come a long way" Last night at the 2008 MTV VMA's Kanye debuted and performed a new song that will be, most likely, the new single from his up and coming album (possibly titled Good Ass Job, and maybe out by the end of the year.) According to Kanye's blog, he "wrote [the song] a week and a half ago," and that it's his "favorite song 2 date!! Go where your heart takes you..." You do it Kanye, you take us where your heart desires, we are waiting...! Check out the performance. http://www.defsounds.com/videos/Kanye_west_love_lock_down_live_vmas

Santogold pt. 2

Mr. Banning — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:50:00 +0000

Hey All...!!!! Alright so it has been over a week since I saw Santogold at Guvernment and I promised I would write more about the show.... So, in keeping with my good word, here is my view on the Santogold show... which of course starts with a preface tale. It all started in New York.... as all good things do... We were wandering through Soho... looking for a record shop.... They are surprising sparse in this day and age of digital distribution. After months and months of trying to find Santogold singles on the net, and coming up pretty much empty handed. Only the official debut held the wealth of songs I had been anticipating. Once we had the album in our hands we raced from Soho back to Borough Park in Brooklyn and threw it on the stereo... It was splendid...! Not exactly what I had been expecting but in many cases that is a good thing... The thing about Santogold's album is that she is not restricted by genre and she bounces from one to another with ease. this can be unsettling to some, who want a sound they can label. I will admit that I too suffer from this... So I was a little bit nervous as to what her live show would be like... would it be a genre-jumping performance with nothing holding it together? She had just finished opening for Cold Play, so would it be more Top 40 rock? would it be a live band? I was not entirely sure what to expect... I didn't have worried, because the show was awesome... it consisted of her, a DJ, and Two dancers and she rocked the shit out of the Government...! So if you ever have a chance to see her live, don't hesitate and DO IT! http://www.myspace.com/santogold HOLLA

Hot Chip

Mr. Banning — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:51:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago, and one week after I saw Santogold, I found myself back at the Mega-Entertainment establishment of the Kool Haus. I was there to see British Electro-wonders Hot Chip.

I had seen Hot Chip back in April at the Phoenix, which is a reasonably sized venue that feels more intimate then it lets on. Now I am not one who dances at shows... You know I am waaaaaaaaaay to cool for that...!!! Plus I certainly don't want my fresh pair of Nike's to get scuffed by some drunk fool because then I would have to get belligerent... but Hot Chip was rocking it so hard I found myself at the front of the crowd, givin' it like it was my first time out of the house...! And boy was it packed...! I could barely move and yes my shoes got scuffed... It was a great show and I was eager to see them again...!! This time the show was at a larger venue and I was absolutely convinced that the show was going to be sold out, and jammed packed... However, when we arrived, just as Hot Chip was taking the stage I found the Kool Haus remarkably under-capacity. Now that is not to say it wasn't packed in there, because it was still a full house, but it just wasn't bustin' at the seams like it should and could have been. Otherwise, the show was terrific! I even broke out the old two-step once or twice... The entire crowd was loving the show and sang along to all the hits. Remixed as they were..."over and over" got the crowd rowdy, of course, and "ready for the floor" set the tone for the rest of the show... A friend did lean over at one point and say "I wish the would play just one of their songs normally..." I do have to agree with her there... it would have been nice to hear one song in its original format. Although to play devils advocate for a minute, I imagine that when touring, especially extensively you would want to mix it up a little every now and then.... Anyway, all of you out there who haven't heard Hot Chip.... tisk tisk tisk... you better get on this...

2008 - Some Thoughts....

Mr. Banning — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:00:00 +0000

2008 is over… wow… What a ride.Now I don’t know about all you out there but it certainly was an interesting year. Lets quickly review. The first and probably most important thing that happened in 2008 was that I finally graduated from University with my undergrad… English Honours baby!!!! It only took 8 years…HA! My buddy referred to it as my Van Wilder years. Funny yes! But not entirely accurate, I let it go because I do enjoy the hilarity of it. What else…? Well I did do some traveling. I had the pleasure of visiting a couple of time my new favorite place on earth… New York City. Yes, I know I am a little late on the “I love NY” bus, but until you go to two concerts, three museums, and two art galleries while shopping during the intervals all in the span of three days then you have not experienced the City of City’s. Oh yeah, and I saw Mos Def causally skateboard pass me! Pretty good times. I also returned to the city of love, that glowing beacon of cultural inspiration gay pari, Paris France. Whilst in the wonderful city of lights, I had the chance to attend a French art panel discussion with the legendary Kenneth Anger that was most informative! The parts that were in English that is, my French is non-existent. I attended a French music festival, and again a bunch of American bands perform, and also had the greatest pleasure to attend an incredible night of music, which featured The Noisettes (they were alright), followed by the incredible digital and political activist, and unparalleled showman Saul Williams (Wow! What a performance!), followed by one of this years best new groups with their self-titled album Hercules and Love Affair. Honestly this night was incredible, and odd assortment of musical performance with an even odder group of fans but a night to remember. The more interesting part of 2008, and perhaps the most lively event was I got to experience what it is like to be held up at gunpoint. Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay What?!?!?!?!? Oh yes my dear kiddies, you read what I said. I was “enjoying” a lovely day at work, minding my own (TD’s) business when a shady character walked in and basically told me to “give me all your money or I will shoot you in the face” I paraphrase for the sake of continuity. That was a rather interesting day. The upside of course is that I now have some street cred. So watch out for my hip-hop album due out mid 2009… hahahaha… Am I joking? Yeah, mostly. The summer was alright, I didn’t really do much in the way of anything… at all except try to figure life out, you know the “what’s next?” question? Yeah I contemplated that question… I didn’t really find an answer. I still have no idea what’s next but I have been entertaining the notion of going to get my Masters in Communication and Culture. I still haven’t committed to that particular path just yet, but with working for the man it has become more and more the ideal solution. Anyway, that does pretty much wrap it up, you know now that I have written all this down, I am not so sure 2008 really was all that fantastic. I probably could have summed it up in a paragraph. Holla!

Banksy

Mr. Banning — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:00:00 +0000

"I need someone to protect me from all the measures they take in order to protect me." - Banksy I love Banksy. My cousin came to visit me from London a couple of years ago, and she brought me a wonderful book about an English graffiti artist who had been causing a stir. I read the book cover to cover, and then lent it to any and everyone. It was a phenomenon book, I felt so privileged and honoured to have this info and art in my hand. A couple of months later I saw the book at my local Chapters, and then much to my horror at Urban Outfitters. eeeek! But it is very important that people see his work, since his message is relevant so I can't get all that stuck up about it... I suppose... *sigh* Check out this video. http://www.banksy.co.uk/films/index.html If you have time take a look at the rest of the website, it is grand. I love work he did when he went to the States, New York and New Orleans. http://www.banksy.co.uk/ Holla!!

Albums of the Year - 2008

Mr. Banning — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Okay, so at the end/beginning of every year a plethora of lists emerge. Every blogger, music editor, and... me, comes up with their very own 'best of lists'. The relevant ones for me of course are the music lists, I love music 'best of lists'. Shit... Truth be told I love album ratings, little numbers and percentages tacked next to little pictures of the album cover… LOVE IT! (the way some people love baseball stats) I personally love this time of the year because I love reading all of the lists. Weeeeeee! I love to skim ahead to see who is number one on the lists, then search through the ranking and find where the lists compiler has placed an album that I particularly enjoy. Also, and I know this is cheating, especially if you ask the Indie music purist, but I love to find new album recommendations that I may have passed over or missed during the year. Sometimes this is to great success, I find an album that I absolutely love, and then I feel like a fool for not knowing before, and sometimes I listen to a highly ranked album and think to myself… wtf?!?!?! what were these fools smoking, because I don't want any of that... Often I think that an album simply did well because it is soooooooo Indie, you know the kind, the DIY where it sounds like garbage, but because they band recorded it all on a 1980’s boom box, and then snail mailed it to each other across the country, and the entire band is 8 years old... instant vintage. NO! That doesn't make an album good... I hate that shit! Anyway, I digress. Lists are great, if for no other reason then to validate your own taste. So now I am going to do something along these lines, I certainly do not have a wonderfully analytical and academically thought-out list to give to you. I will simply state the albums of 2008 that I really enjoyed the most. The ones that knocked my socks off and I couldn't stop listening too... to put it simply the bees knees. Alright enough preamble, here is my list: 1. Cut Copy: In Ghost Colours 2. Hercules and Love Affair: Hercules and Love Affair 3. Hot Chip: Made in the Dark 4. TV on the Radio: Dear Science 5. Kanye West: 808s & Heartbreak 6. Raphael Saadiq: The Way I See It 7. Foals: Antidotes 8. Q-Tip: The Renaissance 9. Ladyhawke: Ladyhawke 10. Bloc Party: Intimacy Honourable Mentions: 1. Lil Wayne: Tha Carter III 2. CSS: Donkey 3. Cazals: What of Our Future 4. The Carps: Waves and Shambles 5. Nine Inch Nails: Ghosts I-IV

In the News

Mr. Banning — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Now, I am sure you have all seen the ads on American television channels telling you to switch to a digital box receiver before Feb. 17th 2009 or you wont be able to watch television on your old bunny ear antennas. These ad's are running non-stop trying to promote and encourage the transition, if you haven’t had the privilege of seeing them then count yourself lucky, because they are annoying as fuck. The first time I started seeing these ad’s was when I was in NY for the weekend. I didn’t pay much in the way of attention. Yet, they kept on playing, almost every other commercial was in regards to the digital switch. But that wasn’t it, they also had a banner explaining the digital switch streaming across the top of almost every channel. I remember laughing and turning the TV off, and thinking to myself, what a ridiculous way of doing things. However, I suppose it worked since it stuck with me... Anyway, it looks like president-elect Barack Obama hasn't seen enough of these ad's because he thinks that the switch may be a touch premature. Check it out... looks like we are in for another couple months of annoying television commercials.

Graffiti

Mr. Banning — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Please don’t think poorly of me but I live close to train tracks. Eeek! Not passenger train tracks, but cargo. Merchandise, and industrial stuff moving along the economic pipe line of distribution. It is an interesting sight, especially if you stop and think about it, cargo moving across the country and perhaps even across the continent. More often then not, when a train goes by there is a piece of graffiti painted on at least one of the cargo cars. One of the things I do love about the railway being just outside my window is that I have the opportunity to see some remarkable art. Sometimes there is a ton of graffiti covering almost every single inch of a cargo car. I have always been an adoring fan of graffiti I love the idea of instant, pop up art, and the freedom graffiti offers. I remember when I spent the summer bumming around Britain and being in London and seeing how in such an old city, almost every inch of visible concrete had been tagged. I was impressed. It left an impression on me. Another example is in Paris, deep in the tunnels of the Metro there is graffiti everywhere. The Parisian tunnel graffiti always impresses me, because I think of how some dude is in a dank, dark tunnel, dodging trains, rats, and probably police simply so they can throw up their tags. This was on top of a five story building in Paris, it was a pretty busy street below, and so it is a good spot for being seen. We can’t talk about graffiti and all the wonderful pop up art of international cities without mentioning New York. NY is fantastic, like London and Paris, every inch of visible concrete is tagged, or having graffiti whitewashed off of a wall. This one time we had just gotten off the train in Brooklyn and we saw these kids leap off a roof and bolt down the street with their paint cans clanking in their backpacks. It was very cool. I took this picture near a whole foods, this is literally a piece of wall that was done up by Keith Haring. The piece of wall has been cut out of what it use to be part of, I suppose it has been torn down, but this piece is being preserved... It is cool, really big. I love the GTA sign just behind it, a great juxtaposition ground-braking wall art, and multi-million dollar video game ad, it is a whole bundle of wrong. So, from my window some days a train will slowly be rolling by, slow enough for me to watch with out get motion sickness… which is what happens when I watch the train and it is speeding by… Makes me want to throw up. The thing about the train is that I love the idea of the freedom and adventure that a piece of throw up art will experience. It is like an art show on tour, from city to city. You have to figure that the graffiti artist probably will never see their tag again after putting it on a train as it traverse the country, going (in theory) from coast to coast… Some times a train will park outside on one of the tracks, and stay there from days. There was one that showed up on Christmas morning, and has been there since. This is one of the cargo containers that is covered in tags, and the one that is most prominent is Oreko. It is nice, and I have been looking at it for a couple weeks now. Today I had some people over, we were talking about laziness and its paralyzing effect on life. I was looking out my window in an attempt to appear scholarly when a train happened to go by. I was watching from my window when I saw another Oreko tag. I actually took a step back and was flabbergasted. What are the chances? I have often commented on the beauty of graffiti and the apparent freedom of throw ups on trains, something similar to this lengthily diatribe. After seeing two of the same tags, on two different trains going in two different directions I had to write this. It was a phenomenal moment, almost a sign, a testament to the power of art. I don’t know who Oreko is, or where s/he is from, Oreko may be a huge loser, or king of the West Coast, he may live just down the road, but either way I think it is something fantastic that it is out there. That is the kind of distribution I would love to have. Maybe I will write my url on the side of a train. Holla!

Digital Music - A leisurely walk down memory lane.

Mr. Banning — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Today I went for a stroll. I had to get out of the house, as of late I had developed a wicked case of craziness/cabin-fever brought on by a rather fierce bout with influenza. I figured it would do me some good to get some fresh air, even though it is really rather freezing cold in Toronto right now. So I bought a hot beverage from my favourite coffeehouse and took to the streets, and ended up at the local used music store. As I opened the glass door, crossed the threshold and stepped into the warmth, I was thrown back into the past. The store is massive and immediately I was greeted by a cavernous room filled with row upon row of plastic Compact Discs. I wandered through the never ending rows of recorded music, stopping now and then to pickup a CD, reminisce, chuckle, flashback. The clickity-click-clak of the experienced used CD hunter, quickly flipping through columns of the days new CD’s. It is a very odd, subculture, one i use to be part of, but now seems quaint, and comical. Which brings me to the point of this particular blog. Remember CD’s? Nowadays everything is digital; music, cable, watches. You can have an entire wall worth of music on your computer, or iPod without the loss of physical space. So there is no real need to physical own a piece of music other then for the aesthetic value of it... yes ok, the sound quality is better. Moreover, and without a doubt more importantly this music is accessible almost instantly with a simple click of your finger. So really, what is the point of owning a CD? Don't get me wrong, I still purchase music, but almost exclusively on iTunes... I have to say, I love iTunes. I love the ability to almost instantaneously purchase an album and have it play immediately out of my wireless surround sound, all without leaving the comfort of my home. I have proclaimed this before, and one of my friends looked at me, almost aghast and said “you buy music? Why? How can you afford that?” It was/is an interesting question, especially when posed by this particular friend. You see back in the day… high school, this guy had all the CD’s, like all of the ones you would have wanted to listen to... back in the day. He then moved on to vinyl, like any true music aficionado would do, and he had records for days. It was a beautiful thing to behold. But even he is a digital music convert. And yes he is right, music is expensive. As I cruised the aisles of the used CD store I looked at the price of the new CD’s, $15 bucks apiece, the used ones about $10. Moreover and perhaps more to the point you can pretty much download anything you want for free from an almost infinite number of sources. So my friends question has significance, why would I pay for music? Don’t get me wrong I have been known to download music for free, but I justify it happily paying for an album that is worth buying, I am a big fan of rewarding a job well done. Also, I am a big supporter of going to see live shows, and supporting a band that way. It seems almost sad that people who once spent a fortune on buying physical music now rarely, if ever, are willing to actually purchase music. But it isn't a simple matter of economics that is putting the freeze on music purchasing, instead it is a democracy brought upon by this "digital revolution." In the days before digital distribution you were never really sure what you would find on an album, other then the single. It was a bit of a gamble. Remember when you would buy an album because you loved the single and then found the rest of the album was pretty much garbage? I certainly do, and it always pissed me off. Nowadays an artist who actually wants to sell an album has to actually make a good album, because the fans have usually heard it before it has actually been released. I think all this is great! Yeah sure it sucks for record company executives, who were able to make ridiculous amounts of money off of other peoples art, but other then them, it is great. And honestly, fuck them, they ruined it for themselves. This was a long time coming and the music business doesn't seem to really be paying attention anyway. The music industry seems to be even more clueless then the Big 3 auto, who for some reason did not see that making gas guzzling cars were not a sustainable business model. Surprised? I am not. I am just waiting for the billion dollar music industry bailout. HA! So as I walked through the CD store, I thought how odd it is that a place like this still exists. In this day and age of digital music. But do you want to hear something absurd? I would quit my job at the bank in an instance to go work for a CD store... I probably still wouldn't purchase an actual CD. HOLLA!

Stephen Sprouse Collection for Louis Vuitton

Mr. Banning — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Watch the video! Seriously.

The Stephen Sprouse collection is amazing!

I want the skateboard, the t-shirts, and the high-tops.

I love the "Stephen Sprouse" inspired graffiti monogram.

Marc Jacobs, is amazing!

Oh my god, someone give me more money so I can go shopping.

Video: In Bed With Marc Jacobs and Stephen Sprouse

Free Shit

Mr. Banning — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 03:00:00 +0000

I love free shit. I especially love free music. At this years WINTERCITY festival there are a bunch of free shows going down. Yes free. And not shit bands either, but some really solid acts. It all starts with Thunderheist and Shad January 31st and The Stills February 7th... So what's the catch you are no doubt asking? Well the catch is that it is outside at Nathan Phillips Square... yes outside. But it is sooooo cold...! Yes I know... but these are some extraordinary Canadian acts. If for some bizarre reason you don't know any or all of these bands do check them out.

http://www.myspace.com/thestills http://www.myspace.com/shad http://www.myspace.com/thunderheist It will be awesome so do come to support Canadian music, and lets all hope that it isn't minus twenty outside or this whole thing will last about five minutes. It is going to be a party, plus it is FREE! HOLLA!

Meet and Greet

Music Videos - Ol' School

Mr. Banning — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 04:59:00 +0000

I am having a bit of a hip hop reunion. I was looking through my CD's and decided to take a trip down memory lane. All this talk (by me) recently about CD's and digital music has lead me to reexamine my relation with music. In the end it is not the format by which the music is broadcast to me but the actual music. Regardless of all this I have been blasting through my CD's and am loving this reunion with my old friends. Check out this video by Pharcyde, one of my favourite groups and one of my favourite song of all times. Great track off of the 1992 album Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde. Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjWG1h5j4eE&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999]

Music Videos - Ol' School

Mr. Banning — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:15:00 +0000

I figured it was only appropriate to play some East Coast hip hop. Black Star's classic 1998 song "Defination" from the self titled album Black Star. For those of you who don't know, shame on you, but Black Star is Mos Def and Talib Kweli two great hip hop MC's... And I LOVE the fact that who ever ripped this video and posted it, took it from Rapcity, the hip hop music video segment from MuchMusic. Toronto Represent!!! HOLLA! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx5aVI2zsFE&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999]

You Have Got to Watch this!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Kanye West is brilliant. that is plain enough. He is also extremely talented, incredibly successful, and a HUGH diva. After watching this video I now know he has also gone completely insane! and I love it!!! He seems to reached that point where he is pumping out some great art, right before he looses his fucking mind! Dun dun dun.... In all fairness if I was him i would be acting in the exact same manner. In fact I behave like him now, talking into random video camera in Parisian hotels, with Louis Vuitton products strewn everywhere. You know what, at least he has insanity to plead, I just have bad spending habits. I want those Kanye Louis Vuitton hightops. So beautiful. Oh my god!!!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXFgFYmT9qQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Music Videos

Mr. Banning — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

I felt bad about posting that video of Kanye or Martin "Louis" the King Jr. so I thought I should post a great music video to offer up some redemption. This video is courtesy of Kanye Wests previous album Graduation released in 2007, entitled "You Can't Tell Me Nothing." I Love this video so much! The large Gucci Scarf Kanye is rocking in the desert is so beautiful, I love it, and the first time that I ever saw it I was dying to get one. And I did... thank you Hawley!!!

I love this video. I love the scarf. I love my scarf. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YYQetE-q4w&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999]

Music Videos

Tonight!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Hey all! I am gearing up to party at Steam Whistle brewery for the ninth installment of the Unsigned showcase. It is always a guaranteed awesome time that brings out the best of the best of Canada's Indie music scene transcends the usual genre boundaries. The other great thing about this event is that 100% of the $5 ticket goes to the Artists' Health Centre Foundation. Not bad huh? I expect to see all of you out tonight supporting a good cause. Local music and local beer! Plus you are bound to run into at least a handful of people you know so come check it out.

Last Night - continued

Mr. Banning — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:30:00 +0000

I wanted to show this picture, and I thought I should give it its own posting. Whilst I was taking a fresh-air break above ground I took a picture of some graffiti on the way. Last night I loved it, and this morning/afternoon when I woke up and looked at the picture I loved it even more. I don't know who the artist is, but it is so cute! Enjoy!

Guest Writer - Thoughts and Musings

Mr. Banning — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +0000

It must run in the family or something but boy am I ever opinionated!

My kid sister is a little less in your face about her opinions but don't let that fool you because she is equally ready to tell you where you went wrong. Recently she started calling me about my blog and where I went wrong or right, and I told her she should write it on the blog, so others could see what she has to say. It was a good idea except she has a lot to say and I was getting nervous she would overwhelm my own posts with her responses, so I offered her the chance to have her own guest spot. She gladly excepted the offer. So with great pride and excitement I am pleased to present Danielle Ray, guest blogger. Enjoy! "Now I know Kanye, sorry, Martin "Louis" the King Junior, has had his moments lately, but I just watched this video for the first time and I’ve gotta say I really like it. I mean it’s animated, who doesn’t like a good animated video every once in a while? Not only that, he uses classic Kanye colours for it, basically just lots of colour everywhere. Not only this, they drew it so there isn’t any actual outlines around the people which gives it an interesting look and actually makes you want to watch. He’s also being smart in it, I mean he’s got a couple of Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup pictures up when they show the Louis Vuitton luggage how much more classic then that can you get? And the Jetsons’ pictures with no faces?! That was great! I have to admit the audiovox gets to me sometimes but when I watch this video it’s like I barely notice it. I’d have to say I’m very impressed with Kanye right about now." - Danielle xox [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLwhCBoVb6Y&hl=en&fs=1]

Free Shit - WinterCity

Mr. Banning — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 17:00:00 +0000

As I had previously posted Toronto is celebrating the subzero temperatures by having a free concert series at City Halls Nathan Phillip Square. Last night was the first show which featured Shad, and Thunderheist. I got there in time to catch the last song by Shad, and the energy he brought made me a little bit sad that I missed the whole set... oh well Cest la vie! I did however catch the entire Thunderheist set... and it was well worth standing in the cold. I have seen Thunderheist a couple of times before but this time they were rocking new tracks from their up-coming full length album Sweet 16 and am I ever excited! It is a testament to all the Torontians who made it out, and actually danced in the cold for 45 minutes without a single complaint... other then me of course. Oh and I need a team of dancers... I think people would take me more seriously if I had dancers. Check out the pictures, and remember that next weekend Montreal's The Stills are performing. And if you still don't know Thunderheist, shame on you... Check them out on their myspace. HOLLA!

Guest Writer - Thoughts and Musings

Mr. Banning — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:15:00 +0000

So I just watched the Dark Knight (Yes I know I’m a bit late but whatever) and honestly I have mixed feelings about it. Everybody said this movie was amazing but I’ve gotta say it was only amazing because of Heath Ledger. I say this for a few reasons; one, he is an amazingly talented actor and makes you want to watch him. Two, what the hell is going on with Christian Bales voice when he’s Batman? Why does he put on that god awful fake whatever you would call that. Three, besides the special effects for the car chases and fight scenes it was kind of lame. Oh and did it really have to be two and a half hours long? I mean it would have probably been better if it were shorter. It reminded me of Sex and the City because I kept thinking it was almost over. Although I have to say the ending was pretty good. - Danielle xox

Music Videos

Mr. Banning — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Check out this new video from Ciara featuring Young Jeezy entitled "Never Ever." I have always liked Ciara, I like her songs or at least her singles they are fun. They make me want to dance, which means I will nod my head along to the beat. There hasn't been a lot of word from her recently except a rumour that circulated which suggested she was actually a man. I am going to go with no on this one. Watch the video! Thanks for the heads-up mrworldpremiere.blogspot.com Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLROz_8ZmVU&hl=en&fs=1]

Football and Transformers

Mr. Banning — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:30:00 +0000

I don't watch the football, I find it rather boring and dragged out. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of football. I think it is one the most intricate professional sports games played, the way in which the game is executed reminds me of chess or medieval battle. I think it is just grand. I simply do not care to watch it. Thus, it should be no surprise that I did not watch yesterdays football extravaganza the Superbowl. However, I was looking forward to the slew of new commercials that inevitably get released on this day of football glory. This year did not disappoint. The new Transformers movie Revenge of the Fallen debuted its first official preview, and it looks awesome!!!!

I can hardly wait... I am giddy with excitement. Check out the commercial. Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNTj_WPDqYM&hl=en&fs=1]

G.I. Joe

Mr. Banning — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:45:00 +0000

Yeeeeeaaaaah! Also debuted during the Superbowl this past weekend was 1980's Transformers cartoon contemporary G.I. Joe movie preview. Much like the sequel too the Transformers live action movie, G.I. Joe looks incredibly awesome. I am so excited, I think I am going to cry. I love nostalgia. *sigh* Look how wicked cool Snake Eyes, and Storm Shadow (the black and white ninjas) look in this commercial! Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p9yV1G-cKE&hl=en&fs=1]

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Look at these beautiful Louis Vuitton Aviator sunglasses. Oh my god!!! How I need an extra $700 to squander on pure vanity accessories. These lovely, finely crafted jewels of pure excess are called the Evidence, and guarantee 100% UV protection, and come in three colour combinations Black/Gold, Gray/Silver, and White/Gold. I like the Black/Gold ones the most... actually I lined the pictures up in order of my preference. If you happen to have some extra cash laying around head down to your local Louis Vuitton and pick up a pair. Think of me whilst your there. (photos and hot tip courtesy of ilvoelv) Holla at your boy!

Music Videos - I Love this Song!!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 02:00:00 +0000

This is one of my favourite songs of last year! This track "Olympic Airways" is from the Foals debut album Antidotes. The album was my seventh pick of ten of 2008, but this song is my number one of last year. The video is alright... it starts out cute but then get kinda silly. But who cares this song is seriously great! Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ3oIGHMYP8&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Designer Toys

Mr. Banning — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

When I was a child I loved my toys. I would spend hours upon hours playing with them. I had all the quintessential 80's boys toys; Transformers, G.I. Joes, He-Man, Go-Bots, and Thundercats. Each and everyone of them was great. They were all my favourites. Sometimes all of them would intermingle and team-up for all out battles and sometimes it would be a singular genre play time, designated to the limits of their particular cartoon realm.

Now that I am an adult I don't play with toys. I collect them.

My interests have moved away (mostly) from my 80's cartoon/toy interests and have refocused on "collectible statues," not toys. I Love that! Semantics! The toys that I have becoming primarily fixated on are from a New York based company called Kidrobot. Kidrobot is an awesome company with an awesome concept. Essentially they make a blank vinyl shape and lets artists from around the world put the design onto them. Paul Budnitz one of the creators of the company related it to painting on a canvas, except that this canvas is textured and contoured. I love it!

I love it in the same way I love graffiti, the modernization of art. Last year I went to the Museum of Modern Art in NY and was delighted to find a couple of these little Kidrobot toys on display. Cool huh? Checkout their website kidrobot.com, it has some great stuff, not just to shop but simply to view.

I could honestly write about these pretty obsessions of mine all day long but will stop here and instead will show some pictures I took of my toys around my apartment. Enjoy!!!

Designer Toys - continued

Mr. Banning — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:30:00 +0000

Well it seems that today is toy day. I only intended to write the one post to exalt my wonderful toys. However, it seems that once I got started I can't stop.

So speaking of designer toys, I got this wonderful book entitled I Am Plastic for Christmas and immediately read it cover to cover. It is essentially a high glossed weighty book that celebrates the wonderful toys, and the artists who designed them. Take a look at the pictures below they are incredible, and such wonderful art has been produced. It is essentially a highly detailed eBay catalog. I want to buy everything in it! Check out the pictures, you'll see what I mean...

This is Amazing! Watch This!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +0000

You have got to watch this! My buddy sent me this video and said I had to watch it... he was absolutely correct.

This video is the culmination of the all things wonderful. The song is a remixed version of a Daft Punk track, filmed using Kidrobot "designer" toys, and celebrates the election of the forty-fourth President of the United States of America, Barack H. Obama. Wonderful. Simply Wonderful! The two Daft Punk toys are from the Kubrick bear series and are actually limited edition Daft Punk ones. Thanks for the hookup Chris! Holla!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLni8Zl6TeM&hl=en&fs=1]

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:00:00 +0000

(photos via Gucci) HOT DAMN!!! Look at these gorgeously slick as fuck bad boys from Gucci. Fresh to death hightops from the Men's Spring/Summer collection. These lovely high tops will set you back a cool $675 USD at your local Gucci boutique, but aren't they just beautiful... Holla!

Making Music

Mr. Banning — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Last night I went to my buddy's house to play with his awesome music toys. He has a sweet set up and we sat around mixing and making beats for hours. They are shit beats, and the mixes certainly could use a touch up, but it was crazy good times. We actually started this mini-tradition in the summer time. We would get together have a beer, and then battle royale the music. I love being part of the creative process of making music. I have zero skill and really just enjoy fooling around. I am not out to make ground braking new music, I have no skill. Hence the name of the blog, I am a music parasite. I take, take, take musically....

Check out the pictures of us battling each other... oh the good times.

Music Videos

Mr. Banning — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:15:00 +0000

MGMT's "Electric Feel" I love this song. I really do. You probably do to. I do want to warn you though this video makes me feel incredibly uncomfortable. What the shit is going on there? Seriously? I have no idea. Terrific song! Check the video. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7CE4kTX-Dw&hl=en&fs=1]

OMFG!!!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:10:00 +0000

I was cruising through a record store to pick up tickets from the Ticketmaster strategically placed at the back of the shop when I saw this amazing creation. I was so excited and awe inspired I had to take a picture immediately. With my trusty iPhone in hand I did so and sent a plethora of emails to everyone I knew something them this unbelievable object of awe. Look at the craftsmanship! An 18 inch replica of David Bowie from the 1986 Jim Henson film Labyrinth. Labyrinth was one of my favourite films of my childhood. I loved it!!! I still love it! Naturally I loved/love Bowie. I mean who doesn't... right? Normally I would sneak in a quick comment about seeing him perform at Glastonbury in 2000, but I will resist... HA! Beautiful! I want this!!! Holla!

Ol' School

Mr. Banning — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Remember this song? This song was the 90's for me. 112 "Only You" featuring Biggie, Ma$e, Puffy. Every time I hear it I end up singing/rapping over every verse. Biggie shines on this track. What a great verse. Ma$e and Puffy are alright too... [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mobsRJglvWY&hl=en&fs=1]

Guest Writer - Thoughts and Musings

Mr. Banning — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:30:00 +0000

A Video Game Review - Afro Samurai For my birthday Tristan got me the video game Afro Samurai. Now I fucking love this game. It is so amazing even if you don’t watch the show. It is played out like a comic book, so you occasionally get a split screen with those jagged black lines and you can see things that are going on in different areas. It is also like a classic anime. It has all the amazingly bloody fight scenes which just make it that much more fun. It’s not like most games where there are confusing little bars all over the screen to tell you when you or your opponents will die. Instead, everything you need to know is on Afro or the person/people you are fighting. When Afro or his enemies are low on health they will start to be outlined in red and the closer they get to death the more red they will be. This is a really neat way to do this because it lets you have a clear screen to focus on killing those pesky ninjas. Another neat feature of the game is the In Focus feature. You can click R1 on your controller and for a limited amount of time Afro focuses his mind and you can perform special moves, some of which will instantly kill an enemy. Finally, and without a doubt most importantly is the music. The Rza, of Wu-Tang fame comes through with one of the best video game soundtracks I have heard. I definitely recommend this game to anyone and everyone so go play it now! - Danielle xox Check the Trailer! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDcd0J2tsbY&hl=en&fs=1]

Check This Out

Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:45:00 +0000

Remember back in the day when you liked someone you would make them a mixtape. You would spend hours selecting songs and strategically placing them in a particulaur order so that your message of desire/love/interest would be best conveyed. Now that walkman's and discmans are pretty much a thing of the past how do we show our unsuspecting interest that we want them. Well the contemporary equivalent to the mixtape would be the place list, but even still how do you get that to them, buy them an iPod? Well Henri Bendel in New York has the answer to this little conundrum. For just $20 you can purchase the "Mix Tape" USB set.

The Grammys - Thoughts and Re Caps

Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

I am not a fan of award shows of any sort. I find them all to be a little to self-congratulatory. Moreover, I really do not enjoy watching terrible top-forty bands perform "live." I tuned in to watch this years Grammys for a specific reason, to see Kanye perform, and to witness the "historical hip hop summit" that had been boasted about in which Lil' Wayne, T.I., Kanye, Jay Z all were to perform. Now with that being said I do always find it interesting to see the who will be collaborating with whom. Something the Grammys are notorious for, most notably the Eminem and Elton John collaboration of 2001. Remember that one? So first off I want to mention the Coldplay with Jay Z song. It actually put me off. I love Jay but I can honestly say that I am uncomfortable with his new personae of Mr. feature. where he is featured everywhere with everyone. As for Coldplay, I will admit that I really loved their first two albums. The second album in particular A Rush of Blood to the Head is a great piece of art. When it came out I listened to it over and over again for months upon end. This is a testament especially since at the time I was a pretty die hard hip hop head, completely disdainful towards anything but. The momentum of that album lead me to be pretty stoked for their third album X & Y, which in my opinion was complete shit, and is the reason I soured on Coldplay.

Yet as I write this and am watching the end of the Coldplay performance this collaboration is not as unseemly as it first appeared to be. Actually now that I just "said" all that about their music being the rock oasis in my hip hop desert this collaboration seems fitting. Huh… ? Yeah I know, who would have guessed? Weird. I think I will download Coldplays new album VIVA LA VIDA and give it a chance…. I do wish I didn’t have to see Chris Martin’s bellybutton so much. He desperately needs a longer shirt. Kanye West is quickly becoming the best dressed man in the music industry... if he isn't already. His sequenced jacket, and 80's style mullet, completed with his very own red microphone, is the epitome of coolness while he performed "America Boy" with Estelle. The "Historical Hip Hop Summit" was a great performance to watch, but I doubt very much that it was historical or even remotely a summit of any kind. When I think historical moments in award show history I think of Tupac and Snoop Dogg presenting the nominees and award to best hard rock video at the 1996 MTV Music Video Awards. Tupac was laughing because two gangsta rappers were presenting a hard rock award. He saw the irony/humour in it. Regardless of this performance lacking any historical overtones, it was a great to watch the four most successful hip hop artists perform "Swagger Like Us" live with the very very pregnant M.I.A. actually singing the chorus. The black and white touch was a very nice touch. I was actually surprised that Coldplay did not win Song of the Year, not because I think they deserved it, but rather that the Grammys tend to be a tad bit predictable and it looked like they were going to sweep the awards. Further to this, I am sad that M.I.A. didn't win, again not because I think she deserved it, but rather she is so pregnant that I thought she deserved it simply because she made the trip to the Grammys. Apparently the baby was due today. Paul McCartney's performance was fun. I certainly enjoyed the star studded band performing with him, Dave Grohl drumming... sweet. The Radiohead performance was really spectacular, I liked the humongous percussionist section that accompanied the song. Also does anyone know what kind of shoes Tom Yorke was wearing? I want them. Ten bucks($10) says they are Supra's. Justin Timberlake and T.I. I love them both, they are great performers, but I found this song a little lackluster. I did appreciate the little speech that the president of the Grammys gave. It was observant and in tune with reality... so rare to see from someone in the music industry. Also, Barack Obama won a Grammy? WTF?!?! Jamie Foxx has a marvelous voice. Lil Wayne and Robin Thicke performed a nice slow ballad about the Katrina disaster in New Orleans. I think Wayne was wearing a pair of Supra's too. Alright enough is enough. I am going shopping tomorrow!!!! Wayne won best Rap Album not surprising at all since he was the only hip hop album to sell over a million copies in its opening week in 2008. No small feat in this day and age of digital bootlegging. The most prestigious award, Album of the Year went to Robert Plant and Alison Krauss for Raising Sand. Good Choice! I enjoyed Robert Plant's little social analysis when he said, "back in the day, we would have called this 'selling' out. Now it is a good way to spend a Sunday night." I hate to be the one to tell you Mr. Plant but it is still considered "selling out," but alas it is the only way to make money in the music business. Interesting how the times/people have changed. Now that it is over I suppose it was certainly worth watching. I muted the show between the performances I wanted to see. I could care less who actually wins a Grammy, but the performances are very cool, and I do appreciate the time and effort that goes into the genre busting collaborations. Good work on that one guys. So there you have it the 2009 Grammys.

The Grammys

Mr. Banning — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:59:00 +0000

The highlight of the Grammys last night was without a doubt the Chris Martin, Jay Z song "Lost" with a comfortable shift into "Viva La Vida". This performance did it for me, as I am sure you picked up on in my Grammy blog.

Thoughts and Musings - The Grammys

Mr. Banning — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Alright so I know my brother will be writing a huge blog about the Grammys so I just want to say one thing. I thought the "Rap Pack" performance was awesome. I liked how MIA started with the original song then lead into the Remix. She's a trooper by the way, she was waaaaay pregnant and got through that, that takes some balls. Anyways, I thought they all did a great job and they worked well together. I couldn't tell who I liked the most so I'm just gonna say all of them rocked and they should perform more together - Danielle xox Check the video!

A New Nike

Mr. Banning — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Nike is introducing a new sneaker called the Air Royal this spring. Beautiful! These shoes are the causal option for those of us who love the Air Force 1 and Dunks. The high tops come in these two colours... I like them.... Yes, I want them! Shoutouts to highsnobiety.com for always being on point!

Brand Whore

Mr. Banning — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Check this out! Justice hasn't released any new music recently, but are still working hard it seems as they have designed a bottle for Coke Cola. Interesting... very interesting. They have also released a film documenting their American tour last year, and by all accounts they come off as pretty big hurtbags. I can't say that I am surprised. I went to one of their shows and it was alright, they did play "D.A.N.C.E." way too much but alright nonetheless. However, the show was jammed packed with a lot of hurtbags. Actually to be honest I had been pretty hyped to see them, but when I got there and saw all the hurtbags I was not down anymore. Shortly after the show they released the video for the track "Stress" which made me dislike them even more. Apparently, the way these kids act in the video is accurate to the french kids who happen to be die-hard Justice fans. I can't confirm this in anyway but it did sour me on them as a band as this is the kind of behavior that they promote and encourage. Couple that with the hurtbag filled concert and I was done. Ohwell. Neat bottle though.

JUSTICE

Mr. Banning — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:30:00 +0000

After I wrote that last blog I felt a little bad... I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so I thought I would allow you all to draw your own conclusions. I don't mind "D.A.N.C.E" it is a fun song, albeit incredibly repetitive and is great when properly worked into a DJ set. The video is also amusing. "Stress" is a high-octane, mood setter track. I am not sure I want the type of mood it is setting... violence. The video does complement the song marvelously which leads me to stand by what i said before.... I suppose I didn't really do my previous statement of allowing you to draw your own conclusions any justice, (anybody?) but I couldn't not say this. Check the videos.!

HOLLA! "D.A.N.C.E" [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49esza4eiK4&hl=en&fs=1] "Stress" [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsmzNB_eXek&hl=en&fs=1]

I Want This!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:45:00 +0000

(via ilvoelv) For when I go on weekend trips to the Hampton's....! Where else would I be going for the weekend if I had this beautiful creation? This is the Louis Vuitton's Damier Lune Sport Bag from the Men's Spring/Summer 2008 collection and costs roughly $1800 and is making me regret spending my student loan on my education. Shoutout! to ilvoelv.com for always showing casing the most gorgeous objects of my affection!

Music Videos - Ol' School

Mr. Banning — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Here is a great song! You all know this song, Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," The video is a little too 80's Art Nouveau... But that's the point really since the video is from the 80's. This is off of the 1986 album So. I have to be honest, I love Peter Gabriel's solo work more then his work with Genesis. Don't get me wrong I loved his work with Genesis this is just better... HA! Watch this video, it is a terrific song.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hQMPclXx_Q&hl=en&fs=1]

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:30:00 +0000

I have the most beautiful passport holder already from Louis Vuitton. It is the monogrammed pattern version with my initials embossed on the inside. It is classic! Makes the whole jet-setting feel more at home. I love it... With that being said I love these! Paname collection inspired by 1970's air hostesses luggage. They are about $410 each, and are perfect for when you are crossing international datelines. Once again ilvoelv.com came through!

Name Change

Mr. Banning — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:30:00 +0000

Santogold is changing her name to Santigold... sure why not. Check the video [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCeZzW54a2o&hl=en&fs=1]

Music Videos - TV on the Radio "Wolf Like Me"

Mr. Banning — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:00:00 +0000

I love this track... This song "Wolf Like Me" made me fall in love with TV on the Radio the moment I heard it. After I watched the video I loved them even more. It is kind of creepy but awesome nonetheless! Watch it. Enjoy it. Buy the album.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUB1xSAAADk&hl=en&fs=1]

Check This Out

Mr. Banning — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Kanye West posted an Anti-Valentines card on his blog yesterday. Once clicked on the card will play select songs from 808s and Heartbreak with the lyrics posted on the side. The selected songs are the ones centered around... yup you guessed it Heartbreak! Interesting concept. Take a peek.

Check out Kanye West's Anti-Valentine Card at http://media.islanddefjam.com/kanyecards/

Coming Soon - New Movies

Mr. Banning — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:00:00 +0000

I figured since I was talking about the new X-men/ Wolverine live action film featuring Hugh Jackman, I should post the preview. The film is actually call X-men Origins: Wolverine. If you haven't seen this yet you really should. If you have seen this you should watch it again. It looks crazy cool. Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX6H7t1wXZI&hl=en&fs=1]

Coming Soon - New Movies Continued

Mr. Banning — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Here is another wickedly awesome looking comic book movie coming soon. I am sure you all have by now seen the first preview for The Watchmen, and maybe even the second one, but regardless it is a great trailer! Here are the two trailers. I love the first one, and I love the Smashing Pumpkins track playing in the background, it certainly adds that desired melancholy feel to the trailer. In all fairness though, this song already added its melancholy feel for the Batman and Robin movie soundtrack which it was written for and won a Grammy for it. So no points for originality but 10 out of 10 for style. Good commercial. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4blSrZvPhU&hl=en&fs=1] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VLA0tg5yI0&hl=en&fs=1]

Music Videos - Ol' School - Slick Rick

Mr. Banning — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:15:00 +0000

Can't get this song out of my head! After spending the afternoon listening to some good ol' fashioned hip hop I couldn't get this Slick Rick song out of my head, "Children's Story" from his 1988 debut album The Great Adventures of Slick Rick. Now you all know this song, have heard it either in passing or sampled somewhere, trust me you have. It is a great song and a great video. Watch it. Reminisce and bask in the nostalgia.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRC4ziQpb5I&hl=en&fs=1]

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:00:00 +0000

I need these for work... hahahaha Yeaaaah... Work. These beautiful loafers are from the Gucci mens Spring/Summer 09 collection. Stunning! I love each and every pair of them in all three colour variants. These will set you back about $650 per... Shopping anyone? Holla!

I Want This!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:45:00 +0000

Oh My Sweet Lord... I love this! Sweet sweet Louis Vuitton how I love thee. I would use this to carry my stacks of $500 Euro banknotes when I go to do my spy business. This lovely piece is from LV's Fall/Winter 2009-10 Menswear show and I have no idea how much this baby will cost. Thanks to ilvoelv.com for being on point as usual.

Music Videos - PR&J "Nothing to Worry About"

Mr. Banning — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:30:00 +0000

As seems to be the case Kanye West got the drop on the premiere of this video by Peter Bjorn and John's new single "Nothing To Worry About" off of their sophomore album Living Thing out March 31st. Now I am almost positive you have all heard these guys before. Their first single "Young Folks" which dominated iPods for months two summers ago put these guys on the map and made them internationally known. I loved it, then I hated it, then I hated it more because I heard all the time. Actually the dude who lives on the floor below me has "Young Folks" as his ring tone, every time his phone rings I cringe. Anyway, this song is pretty good actually, much to my surprise. The video is pretty cool as well. Japanese greasers doing well composed choreographed dancing. Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFaqFgq0JOY&hl=en&fs=1]

Last Night - Oh what a night!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:00:00 +0000

What a Night! Last night I went to see the Eagles of Death Metal at the Phoenix concert theater in Toronto and twelve hours later I am still blown away. What an incredible show! Seriously. Rock N Roll Baby!!! I was pumped for this concert, in preparation I had been listening to all three EoDM (yeah I'm going there) albums for a good solid week now in giddy anticipation. I have seen these guys perform before at the first Virgin Festival held in Toronto in 2006 and remember being blown away then. So naturally I was more then excited for this show. We arrived at the Phoenix conveniently missing the opening band, due mainly to an excess of pints of lager and shots of Bourbon, I was confronted with a near capacity mob of eager rock n' roll fans impatiently waiting for the Eagles to descend (that's right). It was tough going, wading through the crowd to get to a half decent spot on the floor, and after elbowing and spilling my way I still only made it about half way to the stage before I settled into my captured position. I was eager, and excited. The crowd was eager and excited. Every time an interlude song would end the crowd would cheer like crazy! hoping that the wait was finally over and the show would start. It felt like forever before the band took the stage. When they did you could feel the collective sigh of relief ripple through the crowd and just as quickly be replaced with rock n' roll fever! The band took the stage and all hell broke loose! Serious cheering, hooting, wooting, and hollering. Frontman Jesse 'The Devil' Hughes, aka Boots Electric stood on stage absorbing the energy. It looked like he was being charged up with it. There was a fevered gleam in his eyes, it was fascinating to behold. He laugh and they jumped right into the music. The crowd went bonkers. I went bonkers! This show was the last of their North American tour and they gave it their all. Throughout the performance Hughes would yell "I love Toronto!" and even said "If I had known this was how Toronto rocked we would have started and ended the tour here!" Whether it is his frontman "know-how" and talent for capturing the crowd or the truth it did not matter to the people inside the Phoenix as they gave him their absolute undying love. He even pulled a kid out of the front who had been getting kicked around and invited him to party in the back with them after the show, saying "I've watched this kid get knocked around so much his nose is bleeding and the whole time he keeps on smiling. That's fucking crazy! I love Toronto!" They played for two hours covering tracks off of the new album Heart On, and fan favourites like "I Want You So Hard" and "Cherry Cola" and even came out solo for a while during the encore and took requests. What a show! If you ever get a chance to see them live I highly recommend it. If you for some ungodly reason do not know who they are shame on you... check the myspace. Check out the pictures, they are not the best and I apologize but I think you get the idea.

Music Videos - Obviously!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 01:30:00 +0000

I had to show this video. Come on you all should have seen it coming. Right? Eagles of Death Metal "Wanna Be In LA." Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj3kTdx1QBw&hl=en&fs=1]

Books

Mr. Banning — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +0000

I recently read the Road, by Cormac McCarthy and it was fantastic. Seriously. You HAVE to read it. It is a post-apocalyptic story about a father and son travel down a road over the course of a couple of months in an attempt to reach warmer climates. It is a dark story, and really is a reflection and contemplation on the human spirit, familial relationships, and the instinct to survive. Cormac McCarthy is a terrific writer, one of best living American authors and mark my words that within a couple of years he will be hailed as one of the most important. I can guarantee that he will be included in the canon of American authors, taking his place along side such great American literary giants as Henry Jame, Edgar Allan Poe, William Faulkner, and Toni Morrison. This is a great book, I recommend you read it. If you need further convincing, then how about this, The Road has been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the 2006 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction.

Music Videos

Mr. Banning — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:59:00 +0000

I am in love with this song right now! Ladyhawke's video for her third single "Dusk Till Dawn" off of her self-titled debut album. This album was my ninth pick overall for best albums of 2008. If you still have not heeded my advice and checked her out shame on you. However, you still can click on her myspace or homepage to become and instant expert. This video is directed by Keith Schofield. Watch the Video. Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUyuEyVb6KU&hl=en&fs=1]

Saaaaaaaay What!?!?!

Mr. Banning — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Look at these Emilo Pucci inspired Women's Nike Vandals Lows, and Court Force High shoes. Inspired by above-named Italian fashion designer Emilo Pucci’s geometrical design most notable at the heel on the Court Force and front of the Vandal Low. They are constructed from a combination of sport satin, patent and full grain leather. Shoutout to Kix-Files for being on point and giving us the heads up to such wonderful shoes.

Hometown Love!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:00:00 +0000

In preparation for the launch of the Stephen Sprouse Collection Louis Vuitton has commissioned graffiti artists from across the globe to support the local LV store launches. For the San Francisco store Reyes from the legendary Seventh Letter crew did a piece. For the Toronto store LV got local graffiti artist Skam to do a piece and it is a siiiiiiicccccck one... Checkout the rest of the pictures, all of which come courtesy of Inqmnd / OVO.

OMFG!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:00:00 +0000

I just wet my pants. Oh my god! This is the culmination of all things wonderful! Check out the new Guy Ritchie directed Nike commercial, featuring music by Eagles of Death Metal. Great music, great shoes, great movie director. I recently watched Ritchie's new film Rock N' Rolla, which was fantastic! Watch the video, it is awesome.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsizQdNKhGg&hl=en&fs=1]

Music Videos

Mr. Banning — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:45:00 +0000

I am excited...! The next show I am going to see is Bloc Party on March 14th and am I ever stoked!!! I love these guys...! I am already starting to feel that tickle of giddy anticipation. Yeeeeaaaah! Check the video, it is the video for the third single off of their third album Intimacy. The song is called "One Month Off" and it is a great song. The video is kind of... interesting. Certainly worth watching.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66xxck1TV-Y&hl=en&fs=1]

Just Finished Reading

Mr. Banning — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

I was over at my buddy's house recently for drinks and some chillin' when he handed me two comic books and said I had to read them. I looked at them and chuckled. I told him I had seen the movie The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and I thought it was a quaint premise but lacking in any substance. Generally a shit film. I was told that this graphic novels were nothing like the movie whatsoever and that I had to read it.

I don't know what it is about myself but I do not respond well to people telling me what to do or what I will like, in any regards. It is a bad character flaw, I know this, and it is something that I consciously work on. However, my friends know this about me and can manipulate it to their own ends... the trick? Well flattery of course! I am an egomaniac, simply appeal to my vanity. My friend exclaimed on my literary background and proclaimed that any true connoisseur and master of English literature would instantly love this comic, and therefore I would love this comic. I blushed. He then told me who had written it, I was sold. I took the comics home and read both graphic novels. It was glorious! My friend was right, both in how awesome it was but also in how it would tickle my inner literary nerd.The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen a great graphic novel series by Alan Moore, the brilliant comic author who is the brains behind The Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and From Hell plus countless others that haven't been made into movies. The series takes place in the literary world of Victorian England, populated by the characters of popular books of the time; such as H. Rider Harrads protagonist Allan Quatermain, Miss Mina Murray, the victim of the lust of Bram Stoker's Dracula. As well as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Captain Nemo, and H.G. Well's Invisible Man. These characters make up the secret government funded League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, the worlds only hope against Victorian literary super villains Dr. Moriarty the arch-Nemesis of Sherlock Holmes, and the alien invasion force of H.G. Wells War of the Worlds. Interesting and perfectly nerdy is that the two sets of characters from both Well's novels have an instant relationship. I love it! These graphic novels are not for children as they are particularly graphic! Anyway, I am about done waxing poetic about the wonderfulness of these graphic novels. I really really do recommend you all check them out. Don't allow your preconceived notions based on the film stop you. It is worth your time.

Art - Hanging On My Wall

Mr. Banning — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:00:00 +0000

This beautiful piece of art is currently hanging on my living room wall. The artistic talent behind my lovely piece is We Kill You, a collective/community from Toronto started in 2003. Weird name right? Well according to the webpage the name comes from the expression "You Kill Me!" used when something is really funny. They inverted this common saying as they are really about making people happy. Makes sense right? Right! Based out of Toronto,I had the pleasure of meeting the main artist Justin, who was introduced to me by fellow associated Jahmal Tonge of the rock group The Carps. I had seen the We Kill You art all over Toronto as well as on the album cover of The Carps latest EP entitled Waves and Shambles (shown below).

After chatting with Justin for awhile and exclaiming my love for his art, Hawley stepped up and asked if he would paint something for her, a commissioned piece. He agreed and about a month later we received the beautiful aforementioned piece. In fact their art really is everywhere, not just on my wall. At Circa nightclub in the Kidrobot room there is a conveyor belt full of white smoking rabbits, one of which was painted with the trademarked We Kill You creatures: The Ghost, The Bat, The Sasquatch, The Bunny, The Bear, and The Ape. Recently they have forayed into the realm of designer toys introducing their trademarked classic characters into the third dimension. I love my piece and I love that I am helping to support the local art community. Check out their webpage, and keep your eye open as the We Kill You gang is up and coming and will be big news very very soon. Holla at your boy!

Best of Both Worlds

Mr. Banning — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Not since Jay Z teamed up with R Kelly have I seen such great potential... potential for what ? well that remains to be seen. French graffiti artist Andre (who I have written plenty on) has collaborated with Krink to put out this special edition marker. After showing my sister her first response was "fuck, now they are going to charge a fortune for those markers just because their is a pink smiley face on it. Sellouts!" Andre is fresh off his most recent colab with Belvedere Vodka. He seems to be putting his appearances in overdrive as he can now be seen almost every and anywhere! Shoutouts! to 12ozprophet.com for the tipoff. Check out the video below. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPypt3GoGv8&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]

I Want These... Beautiful!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:00:00 +0000

OMFG. I am in love! Alife has collaborate with Nike for a special edition Air Force 1. These beautiful kicks have a star embossed on the white leather midsoles, buttery gum soles and leather lining. The lacelock at the bottom says “Crispy”. *sigh* The Alife Rivington Club Nike Air Force 1 Low is a limited quantity run on sale March 14th. When I was last in New York I went to the Alife store in the East Village, and it is a a very nice spot, with very nice stuff. I loved that I had to be buzzed in. HA! Shoutouts! to highsnobiety.com for always being first on the drop. Seriously how do they do it? I wonder if they are hiring.

What I Am Listening To... Album Recommendation

Mr. Banning — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:30:00 +0000

I recently acquired the new Morrissey album Years Of Refusal. I sat on it for a couple of weeks, not immediately playing it. The last couple of Morrissey albums had been rather blah for me and because of this I had no real compulsion to play it immediately. Now please don't get me wrong, I love Morrissey I think he is phenomenal and his work with The Smiths was essential for the development of Rock in the 80's. I just hadn't be blown away with any of this work recently. Then I put this album on... and I was blown away! I am not afraid to say that this is probably the best offering from Morrissey since he went solo. Yeah I said it! Now watch the hate mail come pouring in. There is something raw, passionate and energetic about Mos's delivery here on Years Of Refusal. This album is terrific, I recommend that any Morrissey, Smiths, or Rock fan check out this album, it is incredible!

Now I am sure I will get a lot of reactions from this, but I had to post it. Morrissey and his band the Tormentors have skillfully attached 7" records to their unmentionables. This photo is featured on the inside sleeve of the albums first single "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris". It is certainly an interesting photo and actually raises some questions, like how are those records attached? who attached them? who took the picture? what records are they? and what did they do with the records afterward? You all know who Morrissey is, an after seeing this picture you probably know more about him then you would like.

Music Videos - Morrissey "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris"

Mr. Banning — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Since I was just talking about this amazing album I thought I would play a video from it. Furthermore, since I posted the bonus naked picture that comes with the single "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris" I thought showing the video with the boys with their clothes on would be a nice treat. Check the Video, Morrissey, "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris" [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgzEUeytGG4&hl=en&fs=1]

Music Videos - Q-Tip "Gettin' Up"

Mr. Banning — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:45:00 +0000

Great Song. Great Artist. This is Q-Tip's latest single "Gettin' Up" off of his brand new album The Renaissance. This is an amazing album, it was my number eight (8) pick for top ten albums of 2008. The track has a Tribe Called Quest type feel to the beat, but is not in anyway nostalgic rap like a lot of Ol' School artists seem to be putting out these days. Watch the video! It is hilarious! I love his raccoon tail hat!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVpk64w9zk0&hl=en&fs=1]

Music Videos - Ol' School Love "Electric Relaxation"

Mr. Banning — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Yes I know this was a little bit on the predicable side of things, but I was in the mood. Here is A Tribe Called Quest's "Electric Relaxation" off of their classic 1993 album Midnight Marauders. I love this album, it is simply amazing. It is without a doubt one of the figure albums of my teenage years. Actually, I bought this album on CD and played it so much it got scratched and some tracks wouldn't play, so I had to buy it again! Wow... 93' almost 16 years ago. I am getting old. Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERQzl4xDpXk&hl=en&fs=1]

New Camera!!!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Yes I got myself new camera!!! Yeeeeeaaaaah! It is incredible. I love it.

As you loyal followers of the Sidewalk Hustle know I broke my camera, borrowed a camera, returned the borrowed camera. It has been a roller coaster ride of camera-ing in the last couple of months. Yesterday I went to the 100 year old camera store Henry's, a classic Toronto photography institution in order to get the exact camera for my needs. Now I know to some it may seem like a lot of hubbub over a simple point and shoot digital camera, but I carry my camera everywhere with me. I like to have it on my person at all times just in case I see something that I need to capture in digital memory. Because of this the digital camera I want/need has to be have a high mega pixel count but also be compact enough that I can carry it around with me with minimal effort or discomfort to me. My last camera had been a Sony cyber-shot about 2-3 years old and worked perfectly, aside from a small technical problem that I knew to be a common problem in all the cameras of this make. I took it with me everywhere, constantly photographically documenting everything. However, it broke. The capture button, the most important of the buttons, flew off one day in the middle of me taking a picture. Because of this I was convinced that I shouldn't be buying a camera from Sony, and should probably stick to a company that is know for its camera making history. Naturally I thought of Canon and Nikon. All of this I have mention a past blog so I will move on.

I went to Henry's with a preconceived notion of what I wanted in my head. I knew I didn't want a Sony, but I still wanted to talk to someone who worked there to give me pointers and perhaps recommend something I hadn't thought of yet. The people who work at Henry's are all professional photographers who do retail to supplement their income, so their advice I knew would be valid. After about an hour with this one guy, who patiently answered all my questions and gave me all the information I would need I ended up buying the new , sleeker, slimmer, beautiful version of my previous camera a Sony Cyber-shot. Confused? Yes I know I said I wouldn't buy another Sony, but the guy at the store broke it down for me, he said if you want a camera where you will be taking a lot of photos in various settings using various lenses, then you get a Canon or a Nikon because they know how to make lenses. If you are getting a digital camera it is best to stick with a company that know how to make digital technology ie. Sony, Panasonic. He also said Canon makes a fine digital camera, but when I put in the stipulation that it needed to be small and somewhat inconspicuous there really was only one choice... Sony. I know this was a long story just to say I got a new camera, but as you know I want you to be part of the experience. Now that I have a new camera expect a lot more pictures being posted.

The Notorious B.I.G.

Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0000

On March 9th 1997 Christopher Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G. was murdered in Los Angeles. He was one of the best known rappers of the 90's second only to Tupac Shakur. Biggies death for many hip hop fans was the culmination of the senseless violence that had been afflicting the hip hop community with the coastal wars. Rest in peace homie, you went way to soon. Watch the video, "Juicy" off of the 1994 album Ready to Die.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsT8FaZnzdE&hl=en&fs=1]

Canadian Music Week - The Gladstone

Mr. Banning — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Last night was the first night of Canadian Music Week here in Toronto which showcases and celebrates the wonderful world of music. This five day long event is always fantastic with a plethora of incredible talent performing all of the city of all music genres, as well as some high profile guest speakers all of which culminates in the show I have been eagerly waiting for for a year now Bloc Party. Needless to say, (yet I will) I have been patiently waiting for this week since I bought my tickets and pass back in December.Armed with my flashy new camera, my blue wrist band, and my fresh pair of Nike's I have had on ice all winter, I arrived at the Gladstone Hotel ready to rock the fuck out! There was one band in particular I was thrilled to see and another two I was eager to see. I arrived earlier then I usually ever do for a show, but I knew from past experience that having the little blue wristband was no absolute guarantee to get in, and my common sense prevailed as about ten minutes after I arrived the Gladstone had reached capacity.

I knew this was going to a killer jam.First up was Everything All the Time, which put on a rocking good show. The lead singer is Alanna Stuart from the group Bonjay and can she ever sing. They were really good surpassing my exceptions. Next up was Foxfire, again another band I was eager to see, I had heard some of their songs and they were alright but certainly nothing that gripped me. Well their live show was fantastic! The lead singer has energy like a supernova and he let it all out! Finally the band I had been stoked to see Lioness, came one stage. I had seen Lioness a couple of times previously, once at a loft party, and then at a Steam Whistle Unsigned each time they had rocked the house. I actual had the opportunity to meet the lead singer Vanessa Fischer at the Steam Whistle Unsigned art show I went to a couple months ago, she was spinning and playing some solid tunes. The drummer Jeff Scheven and bassist Ronnie Morris used to be a band by the name of Controller Controller who were the hot shit on the town a couple years back. If possible, I think I like their new incarnation more, or perhaps it is simply more time relevant, either way they rocked! At the end of the show the lead male vocalist/keyboardist/saxophonist joined Lioness on stage to contribute to their awesomeness. Wow. I Love Canadian Music Week! Toronto has some great acts out there and until Saturday they are out there in force. I really do encourage all of you to go and check out a band, support your local artists. There are literally over three-hundred (300) acts performing all over the city in the next four days.

Finally I feel I should mention some of the art. In the lobby of the Gladstone Hotel is the multiple chair piece that intertwines at the top like a tree. I love this piece, although it is in no way practical for entertaining. Also as we were leaving I saw a cute piece graffiti along a concrete meridian so I took a picture. Interesting to note is that it wasn't until this morning when I looked at the picture that I noticed the little tag of the shoe with legs and the words run repeated three times. This particular "run x3" tag I saw and blogged about a couple of weeks ago get thrown up in front of me I have been encountering all over the city. Neat. Click on the picture to see it enlarged.

Check out the pictures and the myspace.Everything All the Time http://www.myspace.com/everythingallthetimeband Foxfire http://www.myspace.com/foxfireforest Lioness http://www.myspace.com/lionesslionesslioness Graffiti

Mobile Art Gallery

Mr. Banning — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:00:00 +0000

What a lovely day! For about half an hour today I was graced with this lovely view. I love my mobile art gallery.

CMW - The Horseshoe Tavern

Mr. Banning — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Canadian Music Week is awesome! Last night I went to the Horseshoe Tavern to see another wonderful showcase of great Canadian live music. I was excited and thrilled to see one band (Handsome Furs) in particular and stoked to discover some new good music. The bands performing that saw were Daniel Wesley, The Bicycles, Human Highway, and Handsome Furs. As I said I was thrilled to see Handsome Furs, I enjoyed their first album immensely and had listened to their new album and was starting to really get into it. Dan Boeckner the lead singer of Handsome Furs is also one of the lead singers in Wolf Parade, a band I adore and I love his voice. the other member of the band is his wife, which I think is cute... a labour of love if you will. Their performance was amazing! They tore the tiny, jam-packed Horseshoe Tavern apart. But, I am getting ahead of myself.First up when we arrived at the Horseshoe was Daniel Wesley, a band from my second hometown Vancouver. They were enjoyable. Their sound was a mix between Sublime and Jack Johnson. It worked, it reminded me of being out West. After that was Toronto's little band that could, The Bicycles. There had been rumors circulating for a while now, and "confirmed" via the hipster grapevine early this week, but was not confirmed officially until the show, when someone shouted "Don't break up!!" Everyone cheered-agreed, and the band laughed and responded "We won't if you don't...ever," and "It is part of being an adult." This is true. They then proceeded to play "I know we have to be apart," An "old one" *wink wink* The guitarist then shouted out "Handsome furs. If you want to be a trio. Let me know. I am looking for work." I must admit I can totally understand why they are splitting up. Each member of the band can sing and perform excellently. Each one is talented and great. The endless self-deprivation attitude started to become a touch over the top, and then plan bad taste. Even the last song "Walk away from a good thing" was prefaced with a "Sorry, sorry I just can't stop." Overall it was a good solid performance and it is a real shame that The Bicycles never reached a level of acclaim that would warrant them to not be cynical and breakup. Next up was Human Highway, a very melodic group comprised of Jim Guthrie and Nick Thorburn. Two very great artists who have accomplished great things in their career. They were good, but completely misplaced in the overall line up. Seriously not appropriate for the follow up to the Bicycles or the pre cursor to Handsome Furs. My buddy Pat said "It is like a 50's high school dance. I feel like I am in back to the future." I have to admitted I laughed really really hard, for a really really long time. I felt bad. About twenty five minutes into their set they finally played an up beat, up tempo song, it was good. It was after this that Handsome Furs were up. As I have already said they were incredible. And now we have come full circle. Check out the pictures and the myspaces. Daniel Wesley http://ca.myspace.com/danielwesleyband The Bicycles http://www.myspace.com/thebicycles Human Highway http://www.myspace.com/humanhighway Handsome Furs. http://www.myspace.com/handsomefurs

Bloc Party

Mr. Banning — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Last night (Saturday March 14) was the last night of Canadian Music Week. Such an awesome week, filled with some of the best live music Canada has to offer. The culmination of such wonderful music was the Bloc Party concert at Kool Haus. All of you faithful readers are in no way surprised about my bubbling excitement to attend this show, but I will repeat for the sake of clarity. BLOC PARTY ROCKED!!!! I have only good things to say about the show. I won't because it will sound like gushing, and may lead you to the wrong conclusions about me. So what I will say is simply, it was a great show, Bloc Party are terrific performers. They played all the song people wanted to hear, they gave shoutouts to Toronto, and even mentioned their imminent return pending their up-coming album, currently being worked on. Oh yeah, they also came back to do a double encore...!!!! I have seen Bloc Party live five times... yeah, sad right? But this show was in no way disappointing. In fact, every time I have seen them I have been blown away by their energy and rockin' talent. Whether it is their love for Toronto or their knowledge for the formula of a perfect live performance, they rocked the shit out of the Kool Haus and the crowd loved it. I loved it. If you ever have the opportunity or chance to go and see Bloc Party live I strongly recommend you don't hesitate and GO! That's enough this is starting to sound uncomfortably lame. Check the pictures. Holla

Sneak Peak

Mr. Banning — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Looks like the price list for the Kanye West collaboration with Louis Vuitton has been released. I don't care much for two out of the three styles of his sneaks, but I do enjoy the "Don's" model. I wouldn't pay for them though. However, my birthday is coming up. So if anyone out there is thing of the perfect gift for me I am a size 12. Shoutouts! to ilvoelv.com

Cut Copy & Live Music!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:30:00 +0000

I know I am late on proclaiming this, but I love Cut Copy. A couple of years ago a good friend of mine recommended that I check out their album, Bright Like Neon. She was visiting from Australia and we were swapping names of "good bands" and her highly recommended band was Cut Copy. I downloaded the album and I immediately fell in love. I played it for the rest of the summer, and then put the album away and moved on to something else as my musical A.D.D. took control. I actually hadn't listened to the album in a couple of years until I heard a rumor that their follow up album was due out soon. I dredged out the old album (from my iTunes) and started pumpin' it once again., happily smitten with my once again new old romance. A couple of weeks later their new album dropped, In Ghost Colours and once again I was smitten. Shortly after my re-smittening I went to see them perform at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. I was a touch apprehensive about attending this show and going to see them perform, I was not sure about what their live show would consist of. My biggest problem with the "Electro" movement that is pulsing through the music world right now, is that a lot of that music is made on a computer or a beat-machine, not with real instruments. I was afraid that the Cut Copy live show would consist of a couple of guys playing with a midi-keyboard, a drum machine, and a MacBook. I was pleasantly surprised, not only did their performance surpass my expectations but exceeded it, they not only played instruments but managed to get a jam-packed venue rocking out of control. Since then Cut Copy appear to be heralding the "easy-listening" phase of this electro revolution, they seem to be everywhere, TV shows, movies soundtracks, and your local house party's. Which is making people declare their dislike for them. Circle of life I suppose. Oh Well. Oh yeah the point of all this? This Friday (March 20th) I am going to Circa Nightclub to once again see Cut Copy perform. I am stoked! I am all charged up from my Canadian Music Week overdose of live music. Fuck Yeah! Check the video below, "Hearts On Fire." [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdn0MYDATtE&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Hometown Love... In L.A.

Mr. Banning — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Tonight tonight. Be sure to tune into the Jimmy Kimmel show tonight (March 18th) to see my homeboy Jahmal from the Carps playing drums with MSTRKRFT featuring rapper NORE of Capone and Norega fame, and Isis of Thunderheist. Yesterday, MSTRKRFT's new album Fist of God was released and it looks to be a promisingly solid album. I will let you know once I give it a thorough listen. Jahmal is also featured on a couple of tracks on the very same MSTRKRFT album.

Checkout the Video for "Bounce" and the myspace below for upcoming events. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXvYZzXzyD0&hl=en&fs=1]

Music Videos - Bloc Party

Mr. Banning — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:30:00 +0000

This music video is some creepy shit. Watching it made me feel a touch uncomfortable. As far as the song/remix goes, I don't mind it. But I think I will have to listen to it sans music video to really decide if it does it for me. Bloc Party, "Signs (Armand Van Helden remix)". Oh and to view this video on YouTube you have to sign up because it has been flagged for being disturbing. Check it out. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkCWknzZDKo&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

I Want These... Kanye Inspired Nike's

Mr. Banning — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Check these out! The brand new Nike Air Yeezy, inspired and designed by Kanye West. The first colourway will be Zen Grey/LT Charcoal available April only in Hong Kong... and probably the internet for a fortune. Alos, from what I can surmise as of right now there are only three pairs out right now. Kanye and his two friends have a pair each. Siiiicccck! The perks of being friends with Yeezy I suppose.

Shoutout! to http://kix-files.com/

Cut Copy & Live Music!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:30:00 +0000

Tonight at Circa nightclub Cut Copy is performing. I am going and I am stoked!!! Well honestly I am a little mixed emotioned (I know) about it. On the one hand I am looking forward to the incredible concert tonight. On the other hand I am not looking forward to going to an incredible concert at Circa. I hate going to anything in club district. It is full of the worst kind of douchbaggery the world has to offer. Ugh. I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one. Check the video, "Lights and Music" off the album In Ghost Colours.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R1X2TxW5Rk&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Music Videos - Work Recommendation

Mr. Banning — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:30:00 +0000

It was the end of the day at work and everyone was gearing up to split. I happened to cross paths with a buddy and we got to chatting. He asked what I was doing this weekend and I mentioned I was going to the Cut Copy show at Circa. He said he was familiar and new of them but couldn't recall any song in particular. I hoped on to a video playing programed that isn't firewalled and played a music video for him. He then mentioned something about the new Depeche Mode video, and that I should check it out sometime. I thought. Well we are here on the site, and there is no time like the present so I typed it into the search engine and found the video and watched it. The track is "Wrong" and is off their new album Sounds Of The Universe. I really like the video it is a touch creepy and a little unsettling. Check it out! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bsXOcK9_Cw&hl=en&fs=1]

Last Night

Mr. Banning — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Last night I went to Circa Nightclub to watch Cut Copy. As I stated last night in my pre-concert blog, I had very mixed emotions surrounding going to this concert. The main reason of course is that Circa is a nightclub, not a concert venue, because of this it makes for a terrible concert-going experience. Well surprise surprise, I was right, last nights show was a fucking nightmare. I feel kind of feel bad, because last night got a touch out of hand.

Here is why. Circa is a nightclub with a capacity of upwards to four-thousand people. These four-thousand people can be easily spread out between the three floors, two additional stages, the bathroom bar, and the back bar when it is your average club night. However, when those four-thousand people are all there to see a band that is performing on the main stage in a room that has the capacity to comfortable fit about fifteen-hundred people, things get pretty gruesome. The whole time people were pushing, shoving, and elbowing all to try and wedge themselves into an area that already had way to much people there to begin with. There reached a point where we all had had enough and decided to leave. This was after an incident that I was party to, in which I acted very poorly and I am a little embarrassed about. I will not go into details. Regardless of all the mayhem that was this show, Cut Copy performed extraordinarily well. They really are a great band that makes great music. The can get the crowd moving, which in normal circumstances is a good thing. If you ever have a chance to see them perform live I strongly encourage and recommend you go... unless it is at Circa. Seriously. Check the pictures!

Shit You Need Be At...!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:30:00 +0000

Listen up errrryone!! April 17th 2009 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto's own Woodhands and the Carps will be performing a rock show of fantastically epic proportions. It will be a rocking good time of excellent live music, that all of you need to be there for. Check out the bands myspaces, and click on the link to purchase you tickets, which are so reasonably priced you would be silly not to buy them immediately!!! Check the blurb from the Steam Whistle press release. Holla!

"Things are going to get wild as some of our Hometown Heroes make a triumphant return to TO! Woodhands, fresh off a tour of the USA and a critically acclaimed album "Heart Attack" on Paper Bag records, comes storming back into Toronto to remind us why we love these guys so much! The Carps will also be holding it down. In the studio working on a new album with legendary New York producer Arthur Baker (who produced Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force's "Planet Rock" and New Order's "Confusion" two of the most influential tracks of all time!) they will have some surprises lined up! Carps drummer/signer Jahmal has also been working with Toronto's MSTRKRFT, supplying vocals on their new album and drumming for them in LA on Jimmy Kimmel. Throw in Dj Duo Famous Players and some soon to be announce special guests and you have a crazy show!"

This is where you grab tickets. Do it! Before they sellout. Click the link http://www.ticketweb.ca/snl/EventListings.action?orgId=67972

Music Videos

Mr. Banning — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:30:00 +0000

I was scrolling through my iTunes randomly clicking on songs and revisiting some of my favourites. One of the songs I clicked on was this wonderful track "The First Single" by The Format. This song was one of my top summer song about three years ago. It reminds me of hot days, cold beers, and shaded patios.

Memories....

Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDvLsC9fCGc&hl=]

What to Wear

Mr. Banning — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:45:00 +0000

Check out Nicole Richie! If you aren't down for rocking the full-plated knight armor, or you are a girl, then maybe consider this outfit. Ms. Nicole Richie will be gracing the cover of Blackbook Magazine's April 2009 entitled The Music Issue. She looks terrific here, and she is pregnant again! Damn! She seems to be rocking it Lady Gaga style. Notice she is rocking the Louis Vuitton Graffiti leggings and in the picture below the accompanying t-shirt from the Stephen Sprouse tribute collection. Check out the pictures below and click on them to see the rest of the collection and the accompanying article. It is actually a pretty decent article, she discusses her up-coming fashion line, her marriage to Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, her friendship with the notorious Paris Hilton, and of course her legendary father Lionel Richie.

Check it out!

Hot Shit!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

"Alas poor Yorick, I knew him well" (Hamlet Act 5, Scene 1) In grade 12 I did this very monologue for my end of year drama performance... I killed it! Pun intended. So this cool as fuck badass is the skeletal remains of Hamlet's former court jester Yorick. It was Yorick's exhumed skull that evokes the second most famous monologue from Prince Hamlet on the vile effects of death. He looks a little different then you imagined he did doesn't he? Well this beautifully cool T comes courtesy of Paul Smith's limited edition collection of printed t-shirts featuring lesser known, yet classic Shakespearean characters of Yorick (Hamlet), Oberon (A Midsummer Night's Dream) and Mercutio (Romeo and Juliet). Each character has been modernized and restyled, hence the cool factor. The cheery on the top is that each of these limited edition t-shirts are made of ecru coloured organic cotton and packaged in a re-usable fabric bag. AMAZING!

Click on the picture to get swept away to the lovely Paul Smith homepage, where you too can order this very shirt for $110 Dollars. Shoutouts! to Eric Blaze for the headsup!

An Anniversary of Sorts - In Parts.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:00:00 +0000

I started working at the Bank shortly after I had arrived home from living out west to finish my undergrad. I was in my final year and wanted a job that offered a sense of security, for after working for entrepreneurs for the last five years I had come to live in perpetual terror and uncertainty for my employment. The Bank appeared to be a godsend, as it was a large corporation that promised to give all the creature comforts that steady employment promised; paid vacation, annual reviews with potential for reliable pay increases, and medical and dental that was competitive... for a nominal fee of course. I applied and went through a series of interviews, phone, Internet questionnaire, and finally an in person interview that lasted over an hour. I am a very charismatic person which certainly served me well when in sales, normally when I leave an interview I know I nailed it. I know the right answer to all the questions, I am an interviewers dream! However after leaving that interview I was uncertain, and even thought for a moment that I might not have gotten the job. I let it go, and continued on with my schoolwork and my job selling furniture. About a month after my interview I received a phone call with an offer from the Bank. I was taken aback as I had already come to terms with not working for the Bank. Yet here was an offer. It meshed perfectly with my school schedule and had all the trimmings that a cushy bank job would have. I went to training and was placed in a branch not but a ten minute walk from my home. It seemed almost too perfect. The transition from the realm of entrepreneurial environments into the corporate monster that is Canadian Banks was a mental challenge for me. Growing up in Toronto and being hyper aware of the disparity between class relations did make the first couple of weeks a tough one for me. The particular branch I work at is a anomaly in this modern world of impersonal banking, where most people bank on line or on the phone, and only ever go into an actual branch to deposit a cheque in the Green Machine. This branch is at a crossing point between two very upper class Toronto neighborhoods, upper Rosedale and lower Leside, making it a generational Bank. Meaning that upwards of three generations of family members could be in the bank on any given day. In fact many of these people come into the Bank at least once a day five times a week. It was a real community branch. However because of the class relationship of the area, it got to see some of the things that made me reel. For example clients of the Bank who have millions of dollars not having to pay services fees, while young teenager women with children who live paycheck to paycheck are being changed upwards to twenty dollars a month. That was horribly shocking to me, I had asked my boss at the time why this was happening, and she said “that is just the way it goes.” People who have money don’t pay fees and the people who don’t have money are changed fees ruthlessly. That was something that was very hard for me to come to terms with especially since I was raised by a single mother who also had to make these decisions and live paycheck to paycheck. It was a hard adjustment for me as I am not a robot and do care for most people. The plight of others is hard for me to sit by and just bear with. However, the people I worked with really made a difference, it was through their friendships that I came to really love me job. It may sound odd, but it was true. As I have said before I am very charismatic and this helped me win over the extremely set in their ways clients who at first would say to me when I would ask for confirmation on their particular banking requests “ I have been banking at this bank since before you were born!” in effect nullifying all the audit requirements set in place to provide a safe banking environment for all patrons. Once I had gained my Bank version of sea-legs I got into the groove, and time seemed to pass relatively uneventfully, The routine of the bank became a routine that I could go through the motions to complete without having to sacrifice my commitment and attention finishing school. It was boring, but it was work, what more could you ask for? Then on March 25th 2008 everything changed. To Be Continued

I Called this One!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

I called this one!

Although I am sure everyone saw this one coming. Apparently the first pair of the Nike/Kanye West colabo, the Nike Air Yeezy have been sold on eBay, shortly after being released to the public in limited edition runs. According to Kayne's blog the first pair sold for a solid $1800 USD. Wow... That is ridiculous and amazing!!!!

I don't really care for them, but after hearing this I suddenly want a pair.

An Anniversary of Sorts - In Parts - 2

Mr. Banning — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:00:00 +0000

March 25th 2008 was a dreary Tuesday, the start of my work week. I was a touch preoccupied by the fact that school was rapidly coming to a close and I had a tonne of work to start and complete. I was not stressed, in fact quite the opposite, the pressure of having four 3000-word essays and a handful of exams in the span of two weeks was rather exhilarating. The end of the year has always been my time to shine. It is when all the accumulated knowledge I had collected throughout the year would be synthesized, regurgitated and turned back onto a pile of papers. I love this type of pressure and I thrive on it.

I had been speaking to my direct boss, discussing music and the bands we were listening to at the moment, a topic of conversation we often had to pass the time. Because of the nature of the branch of the Bank I worked at and the weather outside the day was slower then usual. My two other colleagues were helping customers cheerily chatting away, then the sliding glass doors ground open. I looked over and told my boss we would continue this conversation in a minute and I walked over to take my position in the teller-line. I watched the customer walk in and up to me. As I watched him walk towards me I immediately knew something was terribly wrong. As I stated it was a dreary day but it was not raining, however this guy was wearing his hood up and he had a big pair of dark sunglasses on. I quickly surveyed him, looking him up and down. He was wearing what looked like gardening gloves and he looked way to disproportionately and lopsidedly fat for it to be natural. He reached the counter where I was standing looked me in eyes, I could see that his thick bread was in fact a fake bread, and whilst starring at me so reached into his jacket and pulled out a gun. He had it resting on the counter with his finger around the trigger. I quickly looked down at the gun and my heart sank into my stomach, I returned my eyes to meet his and he said rather calmly “I want six swipes from the machine. If you put a dye pack in it I will shoot you in the face."

I couldn't believe it, yet it seemed so obvious as my heart started to beat furiously and the adrenaline began to pump. My mind clicked into autopilot and I remembered everything that the training video had said to do. Oh yes, there is a training video for this situation! I repeated everything he said back to him and told him what I was going to do, minus the shooting me int he face part and walked away to get his cash.

At this point I should probably explain what he meant by "swipes." At the Bank there is no readily accessible cash. It is all stored in a cash dispenser that can only be accessed once an employee swipes a card through a card reader. Once this is done you can request up to $1500 in cash in any denomination. Each machine will only let you swipe three times consecutively until it locks you out and will not allow you to get more unless it you get an override from another employee. The bank I worked at had two machines, thus six swipes. This guy knew what he was doing.

As I stood there waiting for the machine to dispense the cash, my heart was beating so violently and loudly that I could have sworn that everyone around me could hear it. I was trying to breathe and count to ten to keep myself from loosing my shit. Time seemed to drag on. The first machine I went to would only allow me to swipe twice for cash, I had used it already earlier in the day. I walked over to the second machine and continuing to breath and count as I began to swipe for more cash. I swiped once and the money started to dispense. "It is almost over, it is almost over," I remember thinking. I grabbed the wade of hundred dollar bills from the machine, and swiped my card again, I only had two more to go. The machine, beeped denying my request for any more money. I couldn't swipe anymore.

My heart sank.

To Be Continued

An Anniversary of Sorts - In Parts - 3

Mr. Banning — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:00:00 +0000

As I stood at the cash dispensing machine, my mind raced on what to do next, I didn't want to go back to the man threatening to shoot me in the face without fulfilling his demand, but I also didn't want to bring anyone else in to this situation, potentially endangering their life as well as making the robber anxious. As I stood there trying hard not to vomit one of my fellow co-workers walked by close to me and I leaned over as causally as i could and asked her if "I could get a swipe." She paid me very little mind and automatically overrode the machine with her swipe card, and she walked away. I swiped once more and walked back to the robbery and began to automatically count out the denominations as I would with any other customer at the bank. I stopped myself immediately and nervously chuckled say, "you probably don't want me to count this huh?" and hand him the thick wade of hundred-dollar ($100) bills. He didn't laugh. He snatched the bills from my hand and quickly flipped through it at both ends, then tapped both ends against the counter top. Presumably checking for the aforementioned dye pack I was warned against. Once satisfied that there was nothing in the cash, he tucked his gun back into his jacket, turned around a quickly yet casually walked out of the Bank turned left out of direct view of the bank and was gone. Once he was gone, I swung around to my boss and said "I just got robbed." She laughed thinking I was joking with her, but after seeing my face realized I wasn't and ran over to the branch manger to let him know. The Bank was immediately thrown into lock-down mode.

I spent the next four hours telling this very same story to four different police officers, before having to discuss what happened with an emergency response trauma councilor commissioned by the Bank. After all that I went home to spend some time with my family and loved ones. It was a long day. I took the next couple of days off to try and regain some sense normality. It didn't come. After the robbery as people in my life started to hear what had happened I received a plethora of suggestions on what to do, the most common one was sue the bank. In fact this option came up so often from multiple sources that for a moment I did entertained the idea. However, I did not want to extort anyone, and I figured that once I went back to work the support system that had been offered to me by Human Resources would help me ease back into my job, and help me move on into another. I dreaded the very notion of going back to work, I was wrought with anxiety at the very thought of having to return to a place where only a couple of weeks earlier someone had threatened to shoot me in the face. However, during my time off I was suppose to keep in contact with the bank and keep them up to date on how I was doing. This was the very last thing I wanted to do, as I wanted to forget what had happened and not have any real contact with them. Thanks to the on-going wonders of technology I was able to keep my interactions to a minimal with text messages to my immediate managers. Through these very limited interactions I was asked often when I would be returning to work. With a mix of macho-bravado and a sense of letting down my fellow workers impaled me to return. My return was weird and it felt surreal, during my ten-minute walk to work, a convenience that had turned into a nightmare, because of its close proximity and constant sense of looming dread. For the entire walk up the road my heart was beating and I was trying to come to terms with what I was doing. It wasn’t that I was afraid the bank would get robbed again, but rather what had once been a job that offered security to me now was the polar opposite, for me the job did not seem worth the mere pittance I was getting paid. But I resolved myself with a set plan of action, I would go to work and talk to my boss the branch manager and get the proverbial ball rolling on my moving up the ranks of the bank or at least get out of the front line.

Everyone I worked with, my fellow colleagues were nothing but sympathetic and generous in their help to re-integrate me back into the bank. My superiors, and the Human Resources department were also more then generous in their offers to help. However, as time went on and I had to work through my own version of post traumatic stress, I realized that all the offers from the banks higher ups really were empty words. Words I realized as time went on were said to sedate me and really avoid legal reaction from me. A constant proverbial patting on the head with false promises that would go no-where. Finally after feeling like my head would explode I had a mental break down, as I felt like I was talking to a brick wall. Mind you one that would nod their head at the appropriate time and offer sympathetic murmurings but would for all intents and purposes would remain passive to my very real plight. I could not stand to be there at the scene of the crime, I had to go. I spent the next three months trying to figure out where to go from there. It actually took me a very long time to come to terms with what happened. Not simply the fact that I was robbed, but what had actually happened to me as a result of it. I had been threatened and I could have been killed, this really forced me to think and reevaluate my life and my priorities. During the time I had off away from the Bank I did my best to spend as much time as I could with my friends and my family to rekindle and reconnect. It actually worked out well because I had an abundance of free time so I was able to be accommodating to other peoples schedules which in this day and age is important. I was also using this time to really and try to think through some choices and decisions I had made and to try and figure out where to go from there. Sadly I still haven't figured it out. Certainly not from a lack of trying. Eventually the bank robber was caught and charged with eight (8) counts of armed robbery. Which means that because he had a gun he will be serving a lot more time in prison. I remember saying all the time to people that it made no sense to rob a bank at gun point. The amount of money you will get is so small compared to the amount of jail time you will serve once you are caught. The reward is disproportionate to the end consequence of the action. As we all know now you can only get about nine thousand dollars ($9,000) from the cash dispensing machines, the amount of jail time you will serve will be significantly longer then the nine grand will last. And bank robbers always get caught! I think it has to do with the adrenaline involved. For about five minutes you can walk away with thousands of dollars and you essentially own the situation, you are in complete control. You have the gun! However, because it is so easy I think it becomes addictive and thus you want more. You rob more banks and each time you do it successfully I think you start to think you are invincible. But the more you do it the more likely you are to get caught. Hence my statement that bank robbers always get caught. I think the statistic is nice out of ten (9/10) bank robbers are caught and arrested by the police, and that my friends goes to show show that crime doesn't pay.

Music Videos - I Love this Song!!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Watch this video. You will love the song, I promise. I mean I love this song, and I love this band, so naturally you will too. I first discovered them about two years ago. It was Spring, the season was changing and you could smell the fresh new limitless possibility that lay a head in the air. The band's called The Cinematics and their debut album A Strange Education was a perfectly timed release that helped to capture the essence of the time of year. I loved it immediately and almost every single song on the album I have since put on a playlist... which is a big deal for me. A place on a playlist is the highest of honours. Even now this album is on heavy rotation on my iPod and I must have listened to it three times this past weekend at the cottage. I actually had the opportunity to see them perform live at the second Virgin Festival two summers ago. They were performing on the lesser known band third stage, they were also playing fifteen minutes before the Editors began their set. So I raced to see them perform and then spent the next hour and a half running back and forth between the two stages to watch both bands. The up side was that the beer tent divided both stages and was able to quickly travel with a beer in my hand. They were great live. Apparently there is a new album that is being mastered as we speak.. I am excited! If for some reason you don't know these guys, shame on you. Do yourself a favour and check out the myspace. It really is a great album and I recommend you listen to it, if you haven't already. Watch the video "Break," below. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkqwvNPH1fQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

I Like These... For the Ladies!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

These are some very nice women's sneakers. I am rarely a fan of DC shoes, they are way to skater, which of course is only natural since they are skate shoes. However, I love these! They are beautiful! Seriously girls if you rock these this summer all eyes will be on you as you strut your stuff. Seriously! I love the wicked design in the patent leather. These come courtesy of DC and influential women’s sneaker retailer, Kendo, who have paired to introduce the first women’s sneaker in DC’s Double Label™ Retailer Project– The Spruce Kendo. That amazing look of the shoe is a series of really cool techniques and patterns. The shoe features reptile skin applied with a lenticular technique to create the impression of an ever changing look. They are then paired with an animal print of opulent gold, tan and copper colors, and added red for an edgy color pop with the Kendo logo featured on the heel as well as printed on the insole. Siiiiicccck! Shoutouts! to highsnobiety.com for being on point... again... as usual.

Beautiful!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:30:00 +0000

Is she not stunning! This picture of Michelle Obama is from the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Ad Campaign. Yes that's right, Michelle is well on her way to becoming the First Lady of Fashion as she is to be the new face of the brand for next season. Apparently Marc Jacobs said Michelle Obama exudes an air of elegance and classic sensuality. The campaign will be shot at the White House in May by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Shoutouts! to ilvoelv.com for knowing all thing LV related.

Funny Shit!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

I know I am late on the jump with this video "I'm On A Boat" featuring T-Pain by The Lonely Island, but it is still funny as shit! I watched it when it came out at the beginning of February and I laughed... it was alright. I am not the biggest fan of comedic songs. There is something about them that just does not sit well with me. However, all weekend long at the cottage, my homeboy was talking about this video/song, so I figured I at least owed it to him to watch it again. I just did. Still funny as shit. I do enjoy the Lonely Island's trio of Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, the have come up with some really clever stuff. I have not given their debut album INCREDIBAD a listen yet, I am waiting to see what the third single will be like before invest my time and downloading quota to this album. The video/song is great. Watch it.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7yfISlGLNU&hl=en&fs=1]

Best of Both Worlds

Mr. Banning — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Nike SB Dunk Hi “The Big Gulp

Oh my goodness! Be still my beating heart! Thank you Playboy Magazine for reading my mind and picking out one of the better fantasy's iI have up their. In a recent feature entitled “Hot Chicks, Cool Kicks,” beautiful women wearing beautiful sneakers are lounging around in some sexy lingerie. I will gladly admit to spending some time cruising the entirety of the feature on Playboy's web page, and I suggest that you do the same. The sneakers being featured are all hot to death shoes, from only the best companies in the game. The range of kicks is siiiiccck! Nike's, Supra's, Alife's, Puma's, and Adidas. All of which are stunning shoes. I still prefer the Nike's and Supra's over the others but I am bias. Don't get me wrong... they all look spectacular! Wow. Simply Wow.

Alife Everybody High "The Soda" Adidas Concord Hi Snake

FUCKING HYPE!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:30:00 +0000

Okay. So when I told all of you about the Nike Air Yeezy's I called that these snicks will eventually end up on eBay for a fortune. That came true, when the first pair sold at the Hong Kong store went on sale last week. I am pretty sure I also said that I didn't want a pair unless the hype got the better of me. Well the hype has gotten the better of me. I want a pair. The official release date is this Saturday (April 4th) and people are already waiting in line outside of shoe stores across the continent. From L.A. to Toronto, people are not doing anything for the next three (3) days except wait outside of stores. I am both aghast and envious. I wish I had nothing else going on in my life that I could go stand in front of a store to spend my hard earn money on a pair of Nike high tops. But wait... how are these people able to afford anything if they have the time to waste three whole days doing nothing. Do they even have jobs? Do they know that there is an economic crisis currently destroying the world asunder. I am such a sucker for hype. It is worse then a smack addiction (yeah I said it!) I just can't help myself. Now I want them so bad. If people are lining up then they must be worth it. I mean they glow in the dark!!

My birthday is coming... no more hinting, birthday gift people! HOLLA!

A Killer Look!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Look at these siiiicccck combs, the "Combmando" by Sudiobo. When you need to have that killer look to impress. Shoutouts! to FERRARI MURAKAMI for the heads up.

WTF?!?!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Pharrell Williams is know for a lot of things, being half of legendary producing super group The Neptunes, N.E.R.D., being the brains behind one of my favourite clothing lines the Billionaire Boy Club (BBC) and being one crazy as fuck dude. Pharrell has teamed up with French company wax company Atelier WM Candle to release a handmade candle cast from Pharrell's own hand. Only 200 of these life-sized teal Pharrell hand candles have been made, and you can purchase them either from the awesome French, one stop cool shop, Colette or from the Billionaire Boys Club homepage (by clicking on the picture above). Each candle is numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Caught Up In the Hype

Mr. Banning — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 21:00:00 +0000

A couple of days ago I posted that there were line-ups forming in front of sneaker stores across the Continent in anticipation of the release of the Kanye West inspired Nike shoe, known as the Air Yeezy. The hype surrounding this shoe has been building momentum in the last couple of weeks as videos, and blogs have endlessly been chattering away about this. I have been guilty of this too. Chatter like how these shoes are the first non-athlete collaboration Nike has ever done, how they were designed by Kanye for touring, how they are a limited release, how they were designed to resemble the sneakers from Back to the Future 2, and most importantly these are the real sneakerhead collectors shoe because the Kanye West Louis Vuitton shoes are simply too expensive for what they are. All of these things are true, and all of these things have helped the momentum of the hype continue to grow. Well today, Saturday April 4th 2009 the Nike Air Yeezy's were officially released, and quite as predicted sold out quickly. I am guilty of not only spurring on the hype but also being caught up in it, as after spending so much time talking about them I wanted a pair. Not bad enough that I was going to stand in a line-up or even wake up early on my weekend, but enough that I was going to arrange my errands I had to run to by pass Livestock, the shoe store that is selling them. the doors opened at 11 am and I drop by at about 12:30, leisurely with a coffee in hand. I had mixed emotions surround this, because I had worked myself up into wanting the shoes, but the rationale side of me was saying "they're ugly", "they are too expensive" and most importantly "they are ugly!" Yet the hype had gotten the better of me and I was willing and able to grab a pair if they had my size. When I got there and asked the young lady if they had any more in size 12 she said no, they were completely sold out. I asked her how long did it take since the store had only been opened for about an hour and a half. She told me it had taken about forty-five (45) minutes to an hour to sell out all the shoes they had. WOW! I asked how much they were selling for and she said $260 plus all applicable taxes. I then asked her, since I was curious, if anyone bought more then one pair, and she said yes, lots of people. I wasn't shocked by this, and to be honest half expected it. I was also relieved because I knew that I really didn't want these shoes, I had just got caught up in the hype of it all, and by them being sold out then I wouldn't have to make a silly purchase. I thanked the girl and cruised the shop eyeing the pair of shoes that I actually want and will buy next pay check. So let this be a lesson folks...! Hype is real and can affect anyone at any given time. I call it the Batman 3 effect (remember the hype surrounding Batman 3? What a crap movie!). It is a real sickness and should be treated as such. HA!

Just Read and Now You Should....

Mr. Banning — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:00:00 +0000

I just finished reading an excellent Graphic Novel (comic book) called Wanted. Wanted was a limited series comic book written by Mark Millar with art by J.G. Jones published in 2003-04. Recently it has been made into a movie staring Angelina Jolie, I have not seen the film but I have heard a lot of mixed reviews. After reading the comic, I started talking to my friends and trying to figure out how similar the two mediums were to each other. Apparently, other then the names and title they are completely two different entities. I have not watched the movie because there is very little that interested me from what I saw in the commercials. After reading the graphic novel I don't think I ever will simply because I think it would irk me.

The premise of Wanted goes something like this, in an alternate universe to our own all the world's super-villains put aside their differences and banded together to utilize their vast collective powers, to eliminate all the superheroes. In 1986 the super-villains accomplished their elimination of the good guys and have secretly taken control of the planet. The main protagonist is Wesley Gibson, who looks a lot like Eminem, works a boring 9-5 office job, and lives a boring life devoid of anything remotely exciting. Wesley discovers he is the heir to a career and fortune as a supervillain assassin.

It is really enjoyable and one of its winning aspects is its constantly referencing of comic heroes without ever saying names. Fuckwit, based on Bizarro who is a imperfect clone of powerful super-hero, I like that, makes the inner nerd smile. I also like the end of the comic as Wesley breaks through the confines of the conventional comic fourth wall border and addresses the reader. He leaves us with a contemptuously fuck you to the 9-5 life most of us lead, calling it pathetic, and sad ending with his smiling face saying "This is my face while I'm fucking you in the ass." Ouch!

It is a good read and I recommend all you comic fans to give it a whirl. For all of you who enjoyed the movie, I also suggest you give it a read. I am curious to know how you think the two compare.

Shit You Need Be At & Music Videos!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:00:00 +0000

This is an really cool video! I like good videos.

This video is for the single "I Wasn't Made For Fighting" by Toronto's own Woodhands, from their stellar debut album Heart Attack. The first time I saw Woodhands perform I was at the Steam Whistle Indie Unsigned concert series and they blew my mind! I was so impressed I went home and drunkenly tried to find their music on-line. There was none. However, a couple of months later I was at a house party hosted by one of the guys from Woodhands and we got to chatting about music... obviously. I asked him where the heck was the album, and he said give it a couple of weeks and it would be released... I was stoked. When it dropped, I copped. It was great! The reason for showing this video though, is that on Friday I received another shipment of upcoming concert tickets and the Woodhands, Carps, Famous Player at the Phoenix arrived (along with my Peter Bjorn and John tickets) and I am gearing up for a great show. This concert I blogged about a couple of weeks ago (Shit You Need to Be At...!) and I strongly recommend and encourage you all get your tickets, it is going to be bonkers! Click on the poster pic to get more info and ticket information.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eLfpqxremM&hl=en&fs=1]

One of My Favourtie Movies.

Mr. Banning — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:00:00 +0000

I was tidying up my apartment yesterday and while I was doing this I stopped to stare at my DVD's. I use to have an enormous collection of DVD's but after a couple of moves I decided to shed some of the extra bulk, meaning I only have my absolute favourite DVD's in my possession. This film, Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown is one of my all time favourites. By the standard of Tarantino films this one is often overlooked or disregarded because of its drastic difference from Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, and later Kill Bill (Vol.1). However, I believe this film is his best piece of cinematic work. I remember the first time I saw it, it was March break and I was about 17-18 and working at Guvernment Nightclub, and thus was keeping odd hours, this afforded me a lot of free time. I remember being blown away by the opening credit scene, the music, the colours, the cinematography, everything instantly captured me. After watching it again this weekend I am still thoroughly impressed by this opening scene. The opening scene of Jackie Brown is a cacophony of embedded cultural references and indicators designed to pay homage to the particular genre and actress. The genre is that of the Black Exploitation films of the early 1970’s commonly refereed to as Blaxploitation. As a genre, Blaxploitation films only lasted a couple of years, yet in that short-time dozens upon dozens of films were released. The plots of the majority of these films were simple, conventional, and cookie-cutter enough in their production that I can comfortably generalized them as such. These films were pastiches of established film archetypes ingrained within the general cultural awareness of the movie going public. The intent of Blaxploitation films was to portray African American’s (and they were American’s not Canadian's) in a positive light, taking leading roles from the predominately white leading actors of the times. The intent for the most part was to blatantly point out the inequality in the American film system on the micro-scale, but also the inequality of the larger American society as a whole on the macro-scale. However, much like hip-hop in the late 90's, the movie industry co-opted the genre to use it for their own purposes, that of making money. The film Jackie Brown starts off with Bobby Womack’s classic song "Across 110th Street" as the introductory production credits begin to roll. Pam Grier, as the character of Jackie Brown enters the shot/scene/screen to the utmost right. She is moving via an automated walkway, and the colours that seemingly slide by her on the LAX wall are reminiscent and invocative to the 1970’s. The credits appear on the screen to the left at about mid height to the character of Jackie. We watch the character moving without movement, with vivid colours, we see her strut through the airport, she is established as a strong character, a cool, smooth, in control woman. However, we see her as the scene progresses starting to look worried and begins to rush to get to work, which then divides or splits our perception of her character, adding the reality of life to the situation. The character of Jackie Brown has been established all the while Bobby Womack is playing. The intent of this song is to reference the movie of the same name. Across 110th Street was considered by many to be a great film within this particular genre, as it surpassed the limitations and grotesque generalizations of Blaxploitation films. By referencing this, Tarantino is aligning one great movie from the time to his. Moreover, the font that is being used in the opening scene is a facsimile of the front used in the title credits of Pam Grier’s 1974 film Foxy Brown, another groundbreaking film with in the genre. Foxy Brown, was a portrayal of a strong woman protagonist who seeks revenge at the point of a shot gun barrel. It was rare that a leading role would be cast to a black woman, even more so to a woman who is strong, outspoken, sexy and often shown killing white people. Of course lets not get to ahead of ourselves, as these films, though revolutionary were also products of there time and did permeate and perpetuate gender, race, cultural stereotypes. Foxy Brown still has to had to be sexy and scantily clad to kick ass. It is within this first six minutes that we as the viewer are given all the indicators and prompts to help establish the particular mood and also gives key indicators as to its intent. Tarantino has aligned his film to two of the great Blaxploitation films, and then does something even more interesting. This opening scene bares a close resemblance to Mike Nichols 1967 film The Graduate staring Dustin Hoffman, in which Benjamin (played by Hoffman) is walking through LAX, while Simon and Garfunkal play in the scene. Moreover the walls that he walks by are stark white, and without a doubt I believe that Tarantino is intentionally drawing a contrast to these two views of America depicted within film of around the same era. One is that of the upper-class white American and his existential angst upon returning home after school, and that of the inner-city African American who has non of the advantages. Furthermore, I believe we are suppose to recognize this and see the division in which American society lays (and this was well before the crisis of the locationing/positioning of “the Hispanic”…!). This is not only a critique of American society of the late 1960’s and early 70’s but also very much so of the now (1997, and of course can be applied even today). Tarantino is a master of the pastiche, taking lots of different source material and making it his own, and he excels at this in Jackie Brown. I strongly recommend you all watch it, either again or for the first time. Just look at what I wrote in regards to the first six minutes of the movie, the rest of the film is jammed packed with this stuff!! One last side-note that I love about this film and Tarantino's constant paying homage to his influences comes later on in the movie when Jackie Brown is locked away in prison. The song "Longtime Woman" begins to play, and it is this very song that was performed by Pam Grier in the film The Big Doll House released in 1971. The character of the judge who presides over Jackie’s bail hearing and sends her to prison is played by Sid Haig, and he is one of the actors who plays a bad guy in the film Foxy Brown... AMAZING!!! Go now, do yourself a favour and watch it. Holla!

Music Stuff

Mr. Banning — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

I just read an article about U2's latest album offering No Line of the Horizon is getting an electro makeover courtesy of French wonder duo Justice. The are apparently going to do the whole album in their image, there is no release date yet, but there already is a single for "Get on Your Boots." I gave the track a once over... not bad at all. They make the track listenable, the original is certainly lacking in anything enjoyable. Actually while I am on the topic, the new U2 album is pretty boring and disappointing. It actually made me cringe, and still makes me cringe when I think about it. I no that is harsh to say but do you all remember War? Do you remember Joshua Tree? Or the live Rattle and Hum? Those albums were incredibly siiiiiccccck. This one, No. So possibly a Justice remix album wouldn't hurt. I am not the hugest fan of Justice but they do work a mean remix. I mean a meeeeeeaaaaan remix I do enjoy their MGMT "Electric Feel" remix. They have also done nice work with Franz Ferdinand, Justin Timberlake and of course that Edison remix "We Are Your Friends" which got them popping a couple years back. Shoutsout! to Stereogum for getting the drop on the story and the actual track. Click on the link "Get on Your Boots" to give the song a whirl.

Remember This Song?

Mr. Banning — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:30:00 +0000

I love(d) this song!!

Remember this song? I remember going downtown to the HMV to get this album on tape! hahaha! Tape! This is one of the first albums I ever bought. Hippy hip hop! This track is "Tennessee" by Arrested Development from the album 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of... released in 1992. Man... I am getting old. hahahaha!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g40c6iAEHpc&hl=en&fs=1]

Saturday Night Live - Rocking the House!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:00:00 +0000

I can not think of a time when I actually watch Saturday Night Live. It has the worst time slot in the entire world. Who is home at 11:30 on a Saturday night? And if for some reason you are home on a Saturday night at midnight I certainly hope you are not in front of the TV... I am hinting here... hahaha!! Anyway, the point of this diatribe is that SNL seems to be getting some super awesome musical guests gracing their stage recently. They have always had some awesome musical guest but they seem to be on a role, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, TV on the Radio, last Saturday Parisian rockers Phoenix, and next week the Yeah Yeah Yeahs... YEAH!!! I was actually pretty excited to hear/watch the performances from Phoenix on SNL last Saturday, so Sunday morning I youtubed them. I enjoyed them immensely! So I expect the Yeah Yeah Yeah's to be pretty solid as well. Nice one SNL! Check out "Lisztomania" from Phoenix on SNL 04/04/09 [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKim0N1u8RA&hl=en&fs=1]

He's Back.

Mr. Banning — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

I love how nowadays musicians retire only to return again... I mean what is the point of even saying you are retiring? I am talking about Jay Z and Eminem in particular. I understand the rationale behind the decision, quit while you are ahead. Why put out a great couple of albums, then fade to black. You will always be remembered for greatest. Good! Done! The problem is when these guys "come back," the albums they release tend to be alright, not great, alright. Don't get me wrong, there are some awesome tracks. I am talking about Jay Z's "Blue Magic" from the American Gangster album which was a great track, but an alright album. So with that being said, lets give a round of applause for the return of Slim Shady, Mr. Marshal Mathers, Eminem. Watch the video below, "We Made You" from the coming album Relapse due out May 19th on Interscope/Aftermath/Shady. The song is alright, I don't really like the hook, and the voice he is rhyming in is that of "Ass Like That" which bores me, but the rhyme flow is similar to "The Real Slim Shady" which I like. However, I am loving the classic Eminem video where he parody's everyone, and moreover it is nice to see Dr. Dre again, but... wheres the Detox album man? So here we are. What do you think?

And there it is...!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:15:00 +0000

Here is the song I was waiting for, the third single from Lonely Island that is enjoyable. I like the added feature of the SNL cast in the video along with Seth Rogen acting the role as interviewer. I also enjoy that the song is less then two minutes long, otherwise this song has the potential to get old super quick. Its also got some great quotables "Lead a workshop, Like A Boss! Remember birthdays, Like A Boss! Direct workflow, Like A Boss! My own bathroom, Like A Boss! Micromanage, Like A Boss!" and so forth. I honestly laughed out loud (lol) when I saw this, today I went to a workshop, directed workflow, and received an email memo about a birthday party! The song takes a radical turn after that, check out "Like A Boss," hilarious!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NisCkxU544c&hl=en&fs=1]

Free Shit

Mr. Banning — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Tonight I went to see a free live performance of Thunderheist. Now, I am not the biggest fan of waiting, not even at the best of times, at the worst of times I absolutely hate it. However, tonight I let it slide, because after all I was waiting for a free performance. Seems only fair right? So I took the wait in stride and aimlessly loitered around the basement of my always favourite record shop, the one that often spurs my musical musings/ diatribes, Sonic Boom. I flipped through the records pausing often to investigate a record further, wishing I had a half way decent turntable. I have one, but its more for nostalgic value then sound quality. But it plays and that is what matters... mostly. Regardless of this technical flaw I ended up purchasing a record, some vinyl. It is an album I already own and love but liked the idea of listening to it in a medium that is not digital and being played through something other then computer. I will let you know how it goes.

After I purchased my record I posted up near the back of the tiny little staged area in the basement of the store to wait for the show to begin. As I leaned against a pillar chilling, producer/DJ Grahm Zilla cruised over with a bottle of beer in his hand surveying the scene. He stopped and stood next to me for a while, sometimes chatting and sometimes just posting up like me. At one point I leaned over and commented on the interesting crowd, he laughed and agreed. We shared some small pleasantry's, it was quaint. Eventually Isis came over and said something to Grahm Zilla and they both headed towards the stage. I said something along the line of "kill it" trying to be cool and nonchalant, he told me to "enjoy the show." I can't even count how many times I have seen these guys live and every time they rocked it. This time did not disappoint, but it was a different show to the usual live performances. First off the setting was new, and the tiny low ceilinged basement didn't afford them to have their booty-shaking dancers take the stage. And when I say tiny little stage, I mean maybe fifty people could fit into this area... maybe. After some technical difficulties Isis brought the hot shit, and got the up-until-then seemingly disinterested crowd bouncing. "How many heard the album...?" Grahm Zilla asked, a resounding "Yeeeeeaaaaah" ran through the audience. He then asked "and how many downloaded the album...?" Again a solid "Yeeeeeaaaaah!" from the gathered masses. Which resulted in a "Fuckers..." from Isis, before they jumped into another track.

Throughout the performance Isis had a huge stein of scotch in her hand, which she periodically took swigs from. She eventually chugged the remained down in a solid swig that honestly looked painful, before she ran into the crowd to" fuck shit up." They performed a bunch of songs but not enough to constitute a concert, something more akin to a performance, or "precursor show" as Isis called it. Precursor to the full on concert at the Phoenix Thursday April 30th. In a bout of shameless self-promotion, the kind that I love myself, Isis plugged the concert saying "imagine a show just like this, but instead of seven on a Wednesday it is midnight on a Thursday. It will be crazy. You will get laid. That's how we bring it." That made me laugh. It was a good performance and well worth the wait. Be sure to check out their show at the Phoenix on the 30th, or in any other Canadian city up until then as the travel the country on the Exclaim! tour. For those of you in need of a more immediate fix pick up a copy of this weeks Eye magazine or Ion Magazine both of which are free, or check the myspace.

Funny Shit!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Last night South Park egomaniac Kanye West was depicted and parodied. It was HI-Larious! It was also dead-on. So much so that Kanye responded himself via his blog in his customary capped letters. His he yelling? HA! Here's his response. "SOUTH PARK MURDERED ME LAST NIGHT AND IT'S PRETTY FUNNY. IT HURTS MY FEELINGS BUT WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM SOUTH PARK! I ACTUALLY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON MY EGO THOUGH. HAVING THE CRAZY EGO IS PLAYED OUT AT THIS POINT IN MY LIFE AND CAREER. I USE TO USE IT TO BUILD UP MY ESTEEM WHEN NOBODY BELIEVED IN ME. NOW THAT PEOPLE DO BELIEVE AND SUPPORT MY MUSIC AND PRODUCTS THE BEST RESPONSE IS THANK YOU INSTEAD OF "I TOLD YOU SO!!!" IT'S COOL TO TALK SHIT WHEN YOU'RE RAPPING BUT NOT IN REAL LIFE. WHEN YOU MEET LITTLE WAYNE IN PERSON HE'S THE NICEST GUY FOR EXAMPLE. I JUST WANNA BE A DOPER PERSON WHICH STARTS WITH ME NOT ALWAYS TELLING PEOPLE HOW DOPE I THINK I AM. I NEED TO JUST GET PAST MYSELF. DROP THE BRAVADO AND JUST MAKE DOPE PRODUCT. EVERYTHING IS NOT THAT SERIOUS. AS LONG AS PEOPLE THINK I ACT LIKE A BITCH THIS TYPE OF SHIT WILL HAPPEN TO ME. I GOT A LONG ROAD AHEAD OF ME TO MAKE PEOPLE BELIEVE I'M NOT ACTUALLY A HUGE DOUCHE BUT I'M UP FOR THE CHALLENGE. I'M SURE THE WRITERS AT SOUTH PARK ARE REALLY NICE PEOPLE IN REAL LIFE. THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO DRAW MY CREW. THAT WAS PRETTY FUNNY ALSO!! I'M SURE THERE'S GRAMMATICAL ERRORS IN THIS... THAT'S HOW YOU KNOW IT'S ME!

Be Still My Beating Heart!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:00:00 +0000

OMG! I love these shoes... So beautiful! My good buddy has last years Supreme Ex Rock’N'Roll (now deadstocked) black version, with gold studding Vandel Hi's. As soon as I saw these I my heart skipped a beat. HUH! Year year the Supreme Ex Rock'N'Roll editions came in a Nike Terminator model as well... A shoe so sick I am still lusting after! So, I am thinking that there may very well be a white Terminator Supreme Ex Rock’N'Roll shoe in the works. Oh man, if that happens, Game Over Son! I will have to rename myself Tristan "fresh to def" Banning "king jr"... hahahaha! As always I bow to the amazing on pointedness that is highsnobiety.com. I honestly have no idea how they do it... honestly. Oh and I am still waiting for the job offer guys... guys?

Sick Kicks Yo!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 22:30:00 +0000

I was out cruising the sneaker shops of downtown Toronto today, enjoying the beautiful spring day. While I was finger a lovely pair of Nike Air Force 1's, contemplating what my next pair of kicks will be, my iPhone vibrated. I reached in my pocket and pulled out my trusty little device, and checked my email. This is what I received these limited colourway Supra VAIDER twinkling in my eye courtesy of Factory 413. I love the blue and white mesh that Supra used. Siiiicccck! Needless to say after seeing these shoes, I had second thoughts about the Nike's in my hands. I left the store empty handed, except for the picture of these Supra's, which I realized i couldn't wear and am now no better off then I was before. Shit. Why are there so many beautiful pairs of sneakers out there? I need more money... or a shoe endorsement like Kanye.

Up Coming Events... That You Have To Be At!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

About a month ago I posted a blog showing off the wonderful piece of art I have hanging on my wall. The artist, as you may well remember was Toronto's own We Kill You. After I posted this particular post I received quite a few emails in regards to how one goes about getting their own, and where could more pieces be found. Well good news everyone!!! We Kill You is set to open its first Toronto solo show!!! Yes that is correct, for the first time ever We Kill You will be showcasing and debuting a cacophony of pieces at the Gordon Daniel Gallery located at 460 Parliament Street, on Thursday, April 23rd, 2009. The showcase is entitled "I LOSE TRACK OF MY MIND SOMETIMES" and features the most recent body of work from from monster toys to paintings and portraits. I am also pretty sure you can purchase stuff as well. So mark this day in your calendars and iCal's because the show is going to be off the hook. Click on the picture above or the link below to get more information on one of Toronto's most significant artist.

On Tv Last Night

Mr. Banning — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:45:00 +0000

As I stated last week the Yeah Yeah Yeah's were going to be performing on Saturday Night Live on April 11th 2009 (last night). I was eager to watch this performance especially seeing as SNL has been featuring some exceptionally awesome musical guests. I woke up extra early this morning to surf YouTube to find the performances. They performed "Zero" and "Maps", both off of the new album It's Blitz! I certainly hope you caught it, because for some reason NBC is rather quick and skillful at removing all live musical performances from YouTube. If you were actually out doing something last night watch the videos below, now, before it is too late."Zero" [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx3mp5zJJxw&hl=en&fs=1] "Maps" [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_NxM7RlSxc&hl=en&fs=1]

Hometown Love!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 20:00:00 +0000

I was perusing iTunes this morning and came across this little piece of interest. Apparently Woodhands did a Live Session (apparently an iTunes Exclusive) EP. Now, I am a big supporter of the incredibly talented musical community in Toronto, so I bought this EP and I have to tell you it is pretty fucking awesome. Click on the picture above and it should/would take you directly to this album on your iTunes. You should buy it, you don't have to, but give each track a good solid thirty (30) second listen. And remember that this coming Friday Woodhands and The Carps are performing live at the Phoenix. Be there or be square. http://www.myspace.com/woodhands Holla!

Mobile Art Gallery/ Misc. Art

Mr. Banning — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +0000

This morning I woke up to the screeching blare of my alarm clock. Generally I manage to wake up a good solid five minutes before my alarm. I am not sure why I do, maybe because I hate being woken up to that awful sound that my sub-conscious wakes me up before it to avoid such a traumatic/scarring way to start my day. I do not enjoy starting my day this way and it certainly has the effect of carrying over into the rest of my day. So after leaping out of bed and racing to the other side of my sunlit room to slam my hand down on the alarms off button, I stumbled sleepily into the kitchen to turn on the coffee and continue on to the bathroom to shower. After a longer then usual morning shower, I readied my coffee and with mug in hand walked over to my window to scope out what the day had in store for me. I was created with the beautifully sunny day and a new train to gaze upon as I drank my mug of caffeinated jet fuel. This made me smile. As you know I love to discover new pieces of graffiti simply by looking out my window. I did my best to take a clear picture of the entire train car but there is a lot of different pieces that it was tough to get a nice clear view. Not bad though. I took this as an omen and used the mornings surprise to carry me through the rest of my day. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful, which at my job is a very good thing. Eventful usually ends badly... more often then not. This also means the time tends to fly by, which was good because I was dropping by Steam Whistle to have a pint and some food with my buddy. I also had a birthday gift to give to him... I am sure you can piece it together by now! After we linked up and got in some quality hangout time in we walked through a notoriously beautiful series of alleyways that have a plethora of graffiti on the walls. I maneuvered our walking route to coincide with this graffiti juncture, and with my wonderful new camera in hand I took a bunch of shots. I got some really solid ones which again made me smile. I posted a couple below for your enjoyment. Checkout the one of Hellboy, it is pretty sick. I am not sure what it was about today but I had a great day. Although it started off screechingly shaky, it shaped up to me pretty awesome. Hope you all had a great day as well. If not, hopefully tomorrow. Alright I am out. Holla

Cool Shit!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:00:00 +0000

According to the Bloc Party update email that I received bi-monthly lead singer Kele has written a short story for Punk Fiction. Punk Fiction is a book that features writers and musicians whose stories were inspired by a punk song... a pretty cool idea if you ask me. The book opens with a forward by former Smiths guitarist and current/newist member of Modest Mouse Johnny Marr. This is Kele's first stint into prose writing and the song he choose was 'Shoplifting' by The Slits. He said "The Slits are probably my favorite punk group of all time, and there was a period when shoplifting was one of my favorite activities of all time... So picking 'Shoplifting' by The Slits to loosely base my first ever short story on was a bit of a no brainer." Coooooool All the contributors worked for free and include an impressively varied selection of solid musicians such as Billy Bragg, Billy Childish, Kate Jackson (The Long Blondes), Alison Mosshart (The Kills), and writers like Kate Pullinger and Joolz Denby, and an entire plethora more. Punk Fiction is out now and available from all good bookstores and Amazon. £1 (or the Canadian equivalent) from each copy sold goes to The Teenage Cancer Trust.

Cute/Cool

Mr. Banning — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Today must be the day that record labels send out their month newsletter email because I have received a tonne of them. Seriously my inbox is brimming... brimming I tells ya! This amusing video comes courtesy of Kitsuné Records in a clever cross promotion for both their upcoming seventh compilation album from the Kitsuné Maison series and the the new Fall Winter 09 collection : "The Graduate." This video is entitled ODA vs ELIAS and is essentially just that. ODA and Elias start of in the plain white undergarments and must dress in the clothes provided for them from the new collection, who ever dresses the quickest wins and gets to change the song and receive a kiss on the cheek. Once someone wins they then have to strip down to their underwear again and start all over. It is cute, and worth watching. More importantly I am stoked for the album to drop, because the Kitsuné Maison series is always very good. The clothes I am less stoked about, mainly because I have been to the Kitsuné store in Paris, and that shit ain't cheap! Well done. I love me a good ol' fashioned cross-promotion. Two birds, one stone.... Watch the video, I'm out![youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExTnsWVtcw0&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Hometown Love!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:30:00 +0000

I was watching the season finale of Project Runway Canada (yes that's right!) and was pleasantly surprised by what I heard. The final three designers were debuting their final collections and two out of the three designers had some pretty good music accompanying their collections. First off was "You’re My Heart" by Toronto's own Lioness and it rocked the shit out of that collection. Seriously! I don't know if it was because it was the better collection but it rocked! The next collection was accompanied by the song "Dancer" by Woodhands, who I've been going on and on about for weeks now. Very cool! That's all, I am going to refrain from going any further with this blog because I have already revealed to much with the whole letting you know that I watch Project Runway Canada thing.

And Then There Was Four...

Mr. Banning — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Here it is, the fourth colourway in the Nike Air Yeezy collection, the Obsidian/Grey-Red. I like this pair. I like the colour. Sweeeeeet... Thanks goes to kix-files.com for having the drop.

Movies & Controversies

Mr. Banning — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:00:00 +0000

This looks Fucking AWESOME!
Inglorious Basterds! Quentin Tarantino's latest film. It looks like your standard Quentin-Tarantino-kill-lots-of-people movie, but with a star studded cast. I like Brad Pitt, he is a good actor. 12 Monkey's sold him on me. He is a nutter in a nut house, and he pulls it off seamlessly. Since then there have been very few films in which I did not enjoy his role. The film is also loaded with an amazing array of solid actors. Mike Myers? BJ Novak from the Office. From what I have seen of the movie in the trailers I am willing to bet ten trillion dollars that this movie is going to be ridiculously offensive. Like brutally offensive... to everyone, everywhere. The commotion that this movie will cause is going to be outrageous, seriously brace yourself for it. Not only that this film is apparently a remake of an older spaghetti western film. However, with all this being said it is still going to be bonkers and I want to see it! The official release date for Tarantino's latest offering is August 21st, 2009.
Read the synopsis and watch the trailer.

Holla!

"In German-occupied France, Shosanna Dreyfus witnesses the execution of her family at the hand of Nazi Colonel Hans Landa. Shosanna narrowly escapes and flees to Paris, where she forges a new identity as the owner and operator of a cinema. Elsewhere in Europe, Lieutenant Aldo Raine organizes a group of Jewish soldiers to engage in targeted acts of retribution. Known to their enemy as "The Basterds," Raine's squad joins German actress and undercover agent Bridget Von Hammersmark on a mission to take down the leaders of The Third Reich. Fates converge under a cinema marquee, where Shosanna is poised to carry out a revenge plan of her own..."

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcoPxyxpE9A&hl=en&fs=1]

Tonights the Night

Mr. Banning — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Here it is ladies and gentlemen. The Steam Whistle presents Woodhands and The Carps, with Creature and Golden Girls with special DJ guest famous Players at the Phoenix. Wow, what a mouth full. I am stoked! Tonight is going to be killer. I was cruising the Internet as per usual and I saw that my favourite local artist We Kill You has done a beautiful piece on the drum kit for the Carps. All the pieces are coming together gang! You know the drill be there, or be less then square!

WOW!!!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:00:00 +0000

So this is somewhat old news, but I just watched the entire thirteen (13) minutes of this interview and I was flabbergasted. Seriously, my flabber was gasted. Let me give some context. Last week April 08, 2009 the country-pop band The Boxmasters visited CBC's radio Q and what should have been a standard issue interview turned into some kind of bizzario world confrontation between host Jian Ghomeshi and The Boxmasters frontman/drummer/ Oscar award-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton. It was seriously a crazy moment. Apparently Billy Bob was upset that Ghomeshi mentioned he was an actor during the introduction. When Ghomeshi finally addresses Thornton's odd behavior and avoidance of giving any straight answer, the whole thing takes a serious turn for the bizarre. I mean it. I almost feel bad for the other members of The Boxmasters.

It was a celebrity temper tantrum and it was in no way becoming on him. Thornton also called Canadian audiences "mashed potatoes without the gravy"...meaning bland. He went on to say that in America and Europe people who attended their concerts go nuts and throw things and just simply lose their shit, but here in Canada people just sit around. I listened to some of their songs after watching this horrific video and their music is in no way riotous music. Here is the poetic justice of it, the next night after the interview the Boxmasters were booed off stage, there is your gravy! Also it seems that some members of the Boxmasters have the flu and the entire Canadian leg of the tour has been canceled. To be honest, I don't believe anyone is sick. I think Billy Bob is some kind of hill-billy diva and he is throwing another temper tantrum.

Checkout the video, it is awkward and uncomfortable to watch but certainly worth it.

Seriously?

Mr. Banning — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:30:00 +0000

I was surfing the net as per my usual habit, and I noticed this ad at the bottom of one of the blogs I was on. It full on made me stop what I was doing to stare open-mouthed at this ad. Now I am not sure if you all are familiar with the concept of the "Black Card" credit card, but the premise goes something like this. If you are rich and you have everything you ever wanted, then your average credit card is worthless because it won't be able to buy Manhattan penthouse apartments and Ferrari's. This is where the Black Card (I feel the bold emphasizes the point) comes it, because it can. According to the Black Card homepage, this card is so super elite that they limit membership to only "1% of U.S. residents to ensure the highest caliber of personal service is provided to every Card member." The funny thing is I saw this ad on a webpage for fancy toys for men. I know I work at a bank so I am privy to the "insider" news but, isn't there a worldwide economic crisis? Should we really be pandering to the uber-elite, the 1% of the population who can frivolously be spending their money without thinking of the consequence. Don't get me wrong I love spending money as much as the next guy, but wow. Bad-timing gang.

Last Night!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

After a good solid month of shameless promotion of the Steam Whistle presents: The Carps and Woodhands at the Phoenix the night came, the night went, and it was fucking awesome! I will admit that I had a bit of a vested interest in this show, as several of my friends and one of my bestest friends were involved. Moreover, and of equal importance I am in love with both of these bands. I have said a lot already about Woodhands and the Carps so I will not spend to much time praising them as it may come off as grotesque and lame. I do want to mention that I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the Montreal group Creature who rocked the joint. I didn't care to much for their between song banter which came off as a little to rehearsed which had the effect of making the crass things they were saying come off as simply poor taste. HOWEVER, the music made me move which speaks volumes (pun intended). The Carps rocked the shit out of the Phoenix and got the play bouncing! I could literally feel the floor moving with all the jumping and dancing going down. They killed it and I loved it. My little sister who had heard me speak of the Carps a lot came out to check them out for herself, and she walked away expressing her like for them. I bought her the Waves and Shambles - EP so she could rock out to them later on at her leisure. Since I also talk about Toronto love, the drum kit for the Carps had had a recent makeover done to it by We Kill You, and it looked siiiicccck, checkout the picture below. Also remember to checkout the upcoming We Kill You exhibition happening this Thursday. The final band, Woodhands, killed it, as they were expected to. It was good times! The turnout was pretty stellar for a first time concert series, and hopefully because of this success there will be more. Steam Whistle seems to know good music and they really go out of their way to foster that relationship. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Checkout the pictures and enjoy.

The Illustrious Host Creature The Carps Woodhands

In the News/ Bad News

Mr. Banning — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:00:00 +0000

When I first read this I thought how sad, especially since this is another example of the music business being years beyond reality. The founders of the BitTorrent search site Pirate Bay have been found guilty verdict of "assisting the distribution of illegal content online," by a Stockholm court and have been sentenced to a year in jail as well as a substantial bill of $3.54 million to music and film companies. The founders of the site, Frederik Neij, Gottfrid Svartholm Warg, Carl Lundstrom, and Peter Sunde plan to appeal the decision and all the while The Pirate Bay is still operating online like business is usual. This is a bit ridiculous considering how many artists are giving away their music for free on the Internet these days, Nine Inch Nails, Saul Williams, You, Me, and your mom. This seems like a desperate attempt to make the dying entertainment industry relevant, or least a cash grab in their final throws of death. Sad... real sad.

Neat...? Maybe?

Mr. Banning — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:30:00 +0000

Check this out. It is a Nalgene reusable plastic flask. Ok... This is cool, I guess. I suppose it gets bonus points for being environmentally friendly, but it seems like a huge waste of money. I mean metal flasks are reusable, also some mickey sized bottles of alcohol come in plastic bottles that look like this. In most cases they cost the same as this bottle does, $9 USD, but they come with liqueur in them. Also, was there not some controversy surrounding Nalgene not to long ago, with some chemical leaching into the liquid from the plastic bottle giving everyone cancer or something. This is probably an urban legend, but regardless this does seem to be a bit of an unnecessary waste of manufactured goods. The instant novelty of this wears super thin I realize as I am writing this. Although the cap doubles as a one ounce shot glass... Meh.

Here they Are...

Mr. Banning — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Black Jasper Here are the official photos from the Kanye West, Louis Vuitton collaboration advertisement campaign, shot by Steve Shaw. These pictures don't look much like an ad, more like a photo shot for an interview. The causal settings and chilled out atmosphere emphasis the awesomeness of the shoes, plus I like the photo with Amber Rose, Kanye's girl friend(?). The picture of Yeezy immediately below in the Alligator Jacket has nothing to do with his shoes... from what I can see, but boy is it an awesome jacket. Steve Shaw is a world renown photographer who has worked with all the beautiful women in Hollywood, and some dudes too, click on his name to see more of his work. Seriously, it is totally worth it. Check out more images from the Steve Shaw photo shoot below. Thanks to Kanye's blog for giving us the jump off on this.

Alligator Jacket, Men's Fall 2009 Collection Multicolored Don's Red Don's

Nerdy Shit

Mr. Banning — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:30:00 +0000

I am in no way embarrassed by saying that I am totally stoked for the new Star Trek movie adeptly named Star Trek. This movie is going to be off the hook! Seriously! Watch the trailer and try to tell me this isn't going to be the great. It has a pretty interesting cast, Eric Bana as the bad guy, Winona Ryder as Amanda Grayson, the Human mother of Spock, John Chu the dude who plays Harold in Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle as Sulu. I read a bit of the plot synopsis for this movie and I am a little worried with plot and I wish a little bit that I hadn't read the part that said spoiler. I think I may have soured my expectations... Shit.
Oh well I am just going to re-watch this awesome trailer and forget what I just read. This movie comes out May 8th 2009 and you can be sure I will be there.
Watch the trailer, I'm out!
Holla

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0xaCB2nLS0&hl=en&fs=1]

Update.

Mr. Banning — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

According to New York Magazine's Fashion section The Cut the pictures of Kanye West sporting his Louis Vuitton sneakers by Steve Shaw are not part of the Ad campaign for the aforementioned shoes. There is still no word as to what or who these pictures are for, but once I know I will let you know. Oh and if you are wondering why I posted this picture of Kanye and Amber Rose again, it is because I like seeing her bum. Whoop there it is.

Yeeeeeaaaah Boi!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Alright so I straight stole this from Kanye's blog, but honestly how could I not, you all know how much I love Kanye, and you all know how much I looooovvvvvve The Clipse. When I saw this I not only downloaded it I had to steal it the link and post it for you all to have. This is the Clipses first single “Kinda Like A Big Deal” featuring Kanye West from their upcoming Til the casket drops. This lead-off single premiered today, Monday, April 20th at 12:00 pm EST. The album art for the single, posted above was done by world famous artist KAWS. You can listen to the track either on Kanye's Blog or at PlayCloths.com/Blog, either way you need to listen to it. I am super stoked about this album, couple that with the other great hip hop albums out now and it is shaping up for a wonderful summer. Oh and I re-posted the picture of me and Clipse... because I can.

Great Music

Mr. Banning — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:45:00 +0000

Last night on the "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno one of my favourite bands TV on the Radio performed "Crying" from their new album Dear Science. This album was my number four pick for best albums of 2008, but I have to say that as I listen to it more and more and as the year goes on I would have given it a better ranking, and it still may end up on my best of 2009 albums. It is that good. I am soooooo excited to see them live again come June. Not only are the amazing on the album they are amazing live. Yeah! Check the performance of "Crying" from last night.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeS3tj54j4s&hl=en&fs=1]

Big L "Put It On," I LOOOOOVE this Song.

Mr. Banning — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +0000

The sad thing about hip hop music is all the violent untimely deaths that befall some of the greatest of all the rappers. What makes that even worse is that all the violence perpetuates the stigma and subtle racism that plagues black youth in North America, as well as robs the world of some amazing poets. Big L aka Lamont Coleman was one of my favourite rappers of my teenage years. He could spit "hot fire" manipulate his own tempo, speed and style all in a matter of a single verse. He only put out one album Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous, in March 1995 but was an "underground" New York legend that worked with everyone from that fair city. He was also a member of the legendary hip hop collective D.I.T.C. (Digging' in the crates). While he was recording and working on his second album, Big L was shot in the face and killed. That was sad. Seriously sad. I remember hearing this and being so crestfallen. He was another tragic victim of a terrible domestic/class/race problem in North America. Hip hop group Gang Star released a successful single "Full clip" which was dedicated to Big L, a friend and artistic collaborator with producer DJ Premier. This song is "Put It On" and is from Big L's first album. I love this song and counted it amongst my friends in the late 90's, we were inseparable. Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBrzEVJwYFg&hl=en&fs=1]

My Interests....

Mr. Banning — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0000

A long time ago in a city far far away, almost another life time ago I was a furniture salesman. I got into it accidentally, and from there it spawned into a full fledged five year career. It all started in my late teens and I needed a small job, my mom worked with a woman whose husband worked at a furniture store and needed help in the warehouse. I am a big guy and I fit the role. So I was hired and spent the summer, loading and unloading trucks, assembling furniture, and on the odd occasion even selling. It was a fine job, whatever, it served a purpose, that of getting me money! I then moved out west to Vancouver and when I started looking for jobs I simply applied every and any where, in the hopes that someone would hire me. I received an immediate response from a furniture store who needed help in the warehouse, loading/unloading and assembling furniture. I wasn't overly thrilled but a job was a job and so I took it. Eventually I wanted more. I different job, a different industry and certainly more money, but in the interm it would serve the purpose. Eventually, I found another job working in a warehouse assembling furniture with part-time sales on the weekend. I worked there for a couple of years gaining experience and getting to know the business and industry inside out. At the time I worked with an extraordinary artist who was taking industrial design at Emily Carr. He taught me a lot and really peak my interest in the design aspect of the furniture world, for all that I thank him. After a couple of years it was time to move on. I go another job at another furniture store, this time selling furniture. All the while I was learning about design, and designers. I was learning about the history of each piece of furniture or where the said piece had been copied from. I loved it!

The point of this long diatribe is that I want to start talking about industrial design pieces that I see and come across in my daily life and my cruising of the internet. I wanted to give you some sort of context to my new topic and I wanted to make sure you all have some sort of forewarning. Cause I'm nice like that!

via thedesignblog.org

Alright check this beautiful, and multipurpose living room set. I love the name of this piece, Avant-garde, clever huh? This modern, multifunctional piece is designed by Judy Lee and is designed to help maximize living space. It comes with a foot rest, height-adjustable workspace and storage space. I like that this piece takes into account the extremely limited space of modern living. Most people sit, eat and chill out around their coffee table, making it the most center piece to our daily home lives. Half of this coffee table top is lift-able and the other half can be flipped to create extra workspace. There is a drawer for remotes and miscellaneous accessories, and a built-in electric outlet, a shelf in the middle is designed to hold the DVD player, while the moving wings on both sides can hold a computer. Amazing... my apartment could use this... badly. Alright y'all that was the first installment of many in my new series of postings revolving around furniture, design, and various other neat things.

Support Your Local Artist

Mr. Banning — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 03:30:00 +0000

I just got back from the We Kill You solo debut show, I Lose Track of My Mind Sometimes. It was great. Great art, great concept and a great show. The turnout was a really solid one, and hopefully it will translate into an overall success. I took a lot of pictures, and made the rounds, so I have a lot to say. This however will have to be tomorrow, because I had a little bit more to drink then I should have and need to go to bed so tomorrow at work isn't so rough. Until then, the picture above will have to suffice. I'm out!

I Am Digging This Real Bad Right Now...!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:00:00 +0000

I have to be honest that I absolutely disliked this song the first time I heard it. It annoyed me. I think it had something to do with the fact that it was being hailed as the future of hip hop, personally tapped by Kanye to be the successor to the fashion/rap throne, and it was a little to catchy for my liking. I dismissed it and that was that. However about a week ago I started to pullout a bunch of my old hip hop CD's as well as downloading a lot of new releases. I have been really digging hip hop. As always it is a comfort thing with me, good hip hop makes me feel happy, deep down in my heart of hearts. So I figured that if I was revisiting and discover new, worth while music I should give some of the up-and-comers a chance. I downloaded Kid Cudi's "Day 'N' Nite" which I surprisingly enjoyed... a lot. At work I played it over and over again on myspace through my computer. After about two solid days of heavy rotation I felt it was necessary to purchase the track and did so through iTunes. I am still listening to it... I actually think that I hate it because of its addictive quality.

I posted the video below for you all to listen to and become equally addicted to it. There is also a Crookers remix of this song which is solid and worth a listen. I wasn't going to post the Crookers remix video because there was a bit of controversy surrounding it when it first dropped. Apparently the video was created without Kid Cudi or Crookers permission and was done through the label. According to Cudi's myspace blog he was furious! And honestly how can you blame him. Either way though both songs are good and worth watching, so watch them. Original [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBUlTu7tZ8A&hl=en_US&fs=1&] Crookers Remix [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVb_t_ao9gw&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Support Your Local Artist - pt.2

Mr. Banning — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:30:00 +0000

As I promised folks I am going to post more pictures of the fantastic art that is on display by We Kill You at the Gordon Daniel Gallery at 460 Parliament Street. Check it out! Seriously, it runs until May 7th and is a very diverse collection. The collection ranges from apparel (T-Shirts), toys, skateboard decks, paint, Plexiglas, to musical instruments, and gel skins for your iPod. I told you, diverse. Last night at the opening of the show, there was a mini opening party, with beer supplied by non other then the good people at Steam Whistle doing their party to lend a helping hand to the local art scene of Toronto. The turn out was awesome. For a little gallery it was jammed packed the entire time, in fact sometimes even spilling over into the outside. The turn over of people coming and going was significant throughout the evening. There was even a slight disturbance from a drunken wanderer who found his way into the show from the near by drinking hole and managed to knock a piece of the wall. That is a turnout! Move over it bodes well for Toronto artists, who are trying to make their way and name in this fair city. Checkout the pictures and check out the show.

Cool Sauce Boss...!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:00:00 +0000

One of my favourite rock bands, Spoon are starting their own music festival! I suppose after playing a slew of festivals over the last couple of years Spoon has decided it would be in their own best interest to have their own little jam. The weekend of July 9-11 will be SPOONX3 at Stubb's Amphitheater in Spoon's own hometown of Austin Texas. This awesome jam is shaping up to be a pretty cool hullabaloo in which Spoon will perform on all three nights which they have promised to debut new material, as well as bands Low, Atlas Sound, and ... And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead. If for some reason you do not know who Spoon is... shame on you. Seriously! Shame! Check their myspace as well as watch the video "I Turn My Camera On" which I posted below. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro95Ns58qSE&hl=en&fs=1]

HUH?

Mr. Banning — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Wow! This is a sign that your shit ain't right. Smashing Pumpkins frontman/poet/grumpy old sod Billy Corgan's just released a commercial for the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Lockdown pay-per-view event. I watched this and my jaw dropped, I cringed with embarrassment... Not only is it incredibly hurting, but it is a painful ripoff of Eminem's Academy Award winning song "Lose Yourself" from his loosely based biopic 8 Mile. Oh yeah and he managed to ruin his own great song. Shame Billy, shame.... Watch the video, it is sad. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryYcyt8FPlg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]

Last Night/Live Music - PB&J

Mr. Banning — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:00:00 +0000

Last night I went to see Swedish indie rock sensation Peter Bjorn and John live at the Phoenix Concert Theater here in Toronto. They are best known for the 2006 single "Young Folks", which featured Victoria Bergsman, formerly of The Concretes, and was on every one's party mix for an entire year after it dropped. In fact the dude who lives beneath me still has this song as his ring-tone, and I can hear it every now and then... it makes me laugh. I had had very little expectations about this show, I had purchased the tickets on whim one day while I was at work mourning the loss of concerts to attend. When I say that PB & J were coming to town, I thought "why not?" and thus here we are. They were surprisingly good live. I suppose that because of the worldwide success and consequential over-playing of "Young Folks" I discounted their actual musical talent and had written them off as a one hit wonder band. Don't get me wrong I thoroughly enjoyed their debut album Writers Block when it came out back in 2006 but because of the obnoxious ever-presence of "Young Folks" I never listened to the album again after my initial romance with it. Around the time that I bought these tickets PB & J had just released their follow-up album Living Thing and I had been listening to it for a couple of days prior to. I suppose that was the marketing strategy there... well done. However, I was still skeptical because of the instant celebrity that their live performance would leave me wanting. So I was curious to attend. They were very enjoyable. Any concert at the Phoenix is going to be a rocking good time, guaranteed... EXCEPT if it is on a Saturday night. The reason for this is that on Saturday night Phoenix holds its live-to-air rock club night and every concert is thus regulated to the time-slot of "early show." Along time ago I learned my lesson with going to "early show "concerts at the Phoenix. Which is show up on time ! Because Phoenix is ending that concert promptly at 9:00 o'clock. This lesson I learned the hardway, when I showed up to see a band I had been dying to see and as soon as I walked in they thanked everyone for showing up and proceeded to leave the stage. Since then, I am prompt and punctual! I do always feel bad for the bands that end up performing in this time slot, because even they know this is fucked up! Not only that but when PB & J took the stage the venue was barely halfway to capacity. In fact, as I was getting ready to leave by the second last song in the encore people were still coming in saying they hoped they didn't miss much. It was sad, and I felt bad for them. Other then this slight particularity of the Phoenix the show was great. At first I wasn't fully feeling it but there was a song played around the half way point that finally got me bouncing and bobbing along, sadly I am not sure what song it was. My reservation about their musical talent melted away after watching them perform, and now I have a better appreciation for them as a band and musicians. I feel that it is almost a shame that "Young Folks" was so popular because in a way it has pigeon-holed them. However, I strongly suggest you check them out if you haven't heard them before, or listen to "Young Folks" and find out that you already know who they are! Oh and their stage decoration was cool. They had a backdrop that had "Back Drop" written repeatedly across it and at the corners inverted to give it a three-dimensional effect. Cool sauce boss...!

In My InBox

Mr. Banning — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:00:00 +0000

Tonight on The Colbert Report the sensual sounds of The Decemberists will be featured as they play a song from their new LP, The Hazards of Love. It airs 11:30 / 10:30c tonight on Comedy Central. Many of you Decemberists, and/or Colbert fans may remember a couple years back in 2006 a feud between the Decemberists and Colbert led to a guitar-solo showdown. The Decemberist lead guitar player Chris Funk appeared on the Report to guitar battle Stephen Colbert. Colbert proclaimed himself victorious due to a technicality when he "hurt" his hand and was replaced with Peter Frampton. According to Colin Meloy the Decemberists lead singer's twitter this appearance is a chance to redeem themselves. This is going to be hilarious and I do suggest that all of you tune in.

More Yeezy Colourways

Mr. Banning — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Via kicksonfire.com

I think I like these a lot... like a lot a lot! These Nike Air Yeezy's are of beige leather, with perforation in the front. I like the vibrant white of the mid-sole and the hot pink accents on the top outer lining. These are due to hit select stores in June.

Cool...!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Take a look at these Medicom Kubrick bear toys. These two pay tribute to the legendary Star Wars saga with Darth Vader and the almighty Stormtrooper. They are scheduled to drop November 2009. siiicccck! Thanks to ferrarimurakami for the drop.

Cool...Love Grenade

Mr. Banning — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:00:00 +0000

The economy is in a perilous and volatile state, one day you can be rich and the next you can be broke, you could have a job and the next day it is gone like the vapours. So what better way to guard and protect your life savings by putting them into a weapon designed to deter living? Designed by Owen & Cloud as part of a series of anti-war pieces, the Love Grenade, as it is lovingly called, is a coin bank modeled on a military scheme. Not only is it a clever design, but part of the proceeds from the sales of the Love Grenade will be donated to "Act Now to Stop War & End Racism" (A.N.S.W.E.R.). It is made out of ceramics and comes in black and white with a peace symbol on the bottom, and can be purchased at Generate Design. I love these, I think they are clever and go to a good cause. More importantly just think how great it will feel to finally smash into it to get your four-dollars and eighty-seven cents out when you really need to buy that slice of pizza, because of losing your life-savings and job, which I cleverly alluded to earlier. Click on the picture to find out more.

Cool Shit/ Things to Do!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0000

I like to support local artists, and I like to wear exclusive shit, so when I stumbled upon a local t-shirt company's website I became giddy with delight. I quickly flipped through the page and saw a bunch of designs that actually made me laugh out loud (lol). I like them because they are clever and witty but not overly busy, meaning that the designs are simply and to the point... much the way my postings are not. Check out the page at theicebreaker.ca or if you find yourself looking for something to do this weekend head down to the The Clothing Show at the Better Living Centre Exhibition Place. It is ten dollars ($10) to get in but will be well worth it as there are local artists, vintage collections, and a whole array of other awesome things to be had and to do. Click on the pictures below to cruise the website I guarantee you will also laugh out loud.

Hype Machine/Poetry

Mr. Banning — Sat, 02 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

I received a text from my friend earlier, it was beautifully poetic I had to post it; "30 poor souls outside Adrift in the rain. Lined up for Yeezy's" At first I thought he was writing poetry, until I pieced it all together. Adrift is the shoe store next door to Livestock, one of the only authorized sellers of the Air Yeezy's and a store that I have written about before. Tomorrow, the second Yeezy colourways go on sale, this time the black ones with the pink trim. I am over the Yeezy's but I love the hype still, it tickles me in places it probably shouldn't. After receiving this text I looked out the window at the rain and once again asked myself the question I asked last month, "how can these people afford to spend days lined up outside a shoe store, don't they have jobs?" How can the pay for these shoes if they spend days loitering? Economic crisis people! Well back to the point at hand, I love the poetry of modern conveniences, beautiful!

Free Shit/New Music/Coldplay/Live Music

Mr. Banning — Sat, 02 May 2009 21:30:00 +0000

Well isn't this a lovely thing to hear, Coldplay have decided to give away a nine-track live CD. The album is entitled LeftRightLeftRightLeft and will be giving to everyone who attends their upcoming concert tour which kicks off in West Palm Beach, Florida May 15. On that very same day faithful Coldplay fans and musical thrill-seekers can go to their homepage and download the record for free. According to band this free CD is a mark of gratitude to everyone who's supported them saying "Playing live is what we love. This album is a thank you to our fans – the people who give us a reason to do it and make it happen." Here is the tracklisting and remember to mark the day in your calenders. 1. Glass of Water 2. 42 3. Clocks 4. Strawberry Swing 5. The Hardest Part/Postcards From Far Away 6. Viva La Vida 7. Death Will Never Conquer 8. Fix You 9. Death And All His Friends

Childhood Memories/Cinematic Extravaganza/Awesome Toys

Mr. Banning — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

On October 16th, 2009 the highly anticipation live-action adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s book, Where The Wild Things Are, directed by Spike Jonze’s will be released. I am almost entirely positive that you all know this story from your childhood... remember? Max a naughty and disobedient boy is sent to bed without his supper and while he is in his room he creates his very own world, a marvelous and mystical forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown little Max as their ruler. Director Spike Jonze is best known for his prolific output of music videos as well as and most notably two of the greatest films ever Being John Malkovich and Adaptation. Staring in the film is a pretty solid cast consisting of Catherine Keener, Max Records, Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose, James Gandolfini. It gets even better!!! To commemorate this glorious movie, Medicom Toy will be releasing the “Where The Wild Things Are” Kubrick set, featuring overall 6 characters from the movie. Due to come out in October 2009 around the same time as the film. Check out the trailer for the film. It looks soooo amazing! Plus Arcade Fire is playing in the background. Cool huh? [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--N9klJXbjQ&hl=en&fs=1]

Here We Go Again!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Once again my dear faithful friends another Steam Whistle Unsigned! is upon us. As always I will be there supporting a good cause, rocking out to incredible music, drinking delicious beer! It all goes down Friday May 22 2009 at the Round House and as usual it will cost a mere $5, all of which goes to the Artist Health Center Foundation. I will be there and I expect all of you to be there... because honestly if you are not, I don't know what more I can do for you... HA! Check out the band bio's below, and also be sure to checkout their myspaces. "Parallels (http://parallels.fm/) is a high-energy, synth-pop trio consisting of drummer, Cam Findlay (formerly of electro-stars, Crystal Castles), Holly Dodson, vocals and keyboards and Joey Kehoe on synthesizers. Parallels is quickly building a loyal following with sold-out performances in their hometown, Toronto. They’ve shared billing with established bands like Glass Candy, Fan Death and Sebastien Tellier (Mod Club) and at The Toronto Fashion Week Closing Finale. Kidstreet ( http://www.myspace.com/kidstreet) Cliff, Edna, and Karl Snyder. The sibling trio write upbeat, melodramatic pop songs not fit for cross armed hipsters. Having played several shows in their native land Ontario, Kidstreet is ready to break free from the conformity of indie rock and cross into the boundaries of the dance world. In the spring of 2007, guitarist Rory Lindsay, bassist Tristan Samuk, and drummer Andrew McMullen met vocalist Liana Rose. Dubbing themselves Ministry of the Environment (http://www.myspace.com/ministryoftheenvironment) they wrote a fresh batch of tunes and began playing monthly shows in Toronto venues. October 9, 2008 marked the release of their first disc, “An EP.” Blending elements from their previous bands (Showroom, Leviride) and their shared love of The Sea and Cake, Sonic Youth, The Smiths, and others, Ministry of the Environment create pleasingly ambitious and carefully crafted pop music."

Free Shit/For the Kids

Mr. Banning — Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

You know I love free shit. I know You love free shit. Here is something we can both love together (other then me of course!), a free mixtape from the Cool Kids & Don Cannon entitled GONE FISHING courtesy of Cake Records. For those of you who may not be familiar with the Cool Kids, they are a duo from Chicago who made the scene a couple years back with their explosive, old-school feelin' track "Black Mag's" posted below. Don Cannon is a hip hop producer extraordinaire who has made phat-beats for all major names in the game. Click on any of the album pictures and it will take you to the site so you can download the mixtape and give it a listen for yourselves. It is a pretty solid mixtape well worth the download quota.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b34U3-CutuU&hl=en&fs=1]

A Good Cause... I Can Dig It

Mr. Banning — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:30:00 +0000

Coming to an H&M store near you a special collaboration with Designers Against AIDS (DAA) has once again teamed up with some of the biggest celebrities for Fashion Against AIDS. Featuring T-shirts, T-shirt dresses, vests and bodies designed by Dita Von Teese, Katy Perry, Róisín Murphy, Estelle, Cyndi Lauper, Robyn, Yoko Ono, Yelle, Moby, Katharine Hamnett, Dangerous Muse, Tokio Hotel, and coolest for me N.E.R.D. 25% of the sales price will be donated to youth HIV/AIDS awareness projects. The collection is 100% organic cotton and go on sale in H&M’s youth DIVIDED department from May 28, 2009.

I have to say I really like the shirt designed by N.E.R.D. shown below. I like the design and I like the colours... I will probably get one, and this is HUGE for me, because I do not shop at H&M. I also like the fact that the shirt isn't exactly something you would expect to find in Pharrell's BBC or Ice Cream collections... but not to far off either. Expect to see me rocking this shirt at the end of the month... seriously.

Shoutouts! to freshnessmagfor having the scoop.

What I Am Listening To... Right Now

Mr. Banning — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

I was plugging away at the ever increasing mound of papers on my desk, happily listening to Indie 103.1 FM streaming on my computer when this song came on. It was amazing... it melted my heart! This is the Psychedelic Furs were a BIG deal in 80's so big in fact that they sang the song "Pretty In Pink" from the Pretty In Pink soundtrack. They were kind of a big deal. This song below "Heartbreak Beat" was released in 1987 on the album Midnight to Midnight and was pretty much the last solid album these guys put out. But who cares, because this song is great. Listen and enjoy. I can guarantee it will also melt your heart... or at least make you smile. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaGetfRMz2I&hl=en&fs=1]

In and Around the City

Mr. Banning — Fri, 08 May 2009 01:30:00 +0000

I went to see a friend after work the other day and as we strolled around chatting we happened to come across a statue of Sir Winston Churchill. This statute of one of the worlds greatest leaders is just off of Queen near city hall (shown in the upper right). I recently read his four volume History of the English Speaking Peoples books, which were fantastic and extremely informative... if not somewhat Eurocentric. Now as most of you know, but I will repeat just in case, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was a British politician renown chiefly for his leadership as Prime Minister of Britain during World War II. What many people don't know... at least people of our my generation is that he was a historian and a Nobel Prize-winning writer. Which is reflected in his massive history books. I have a lot of respect for the man, and I had a weird tingly feeling of pride as I gazed at the stern looking man embodied and depicted in this statue. Well done Toronto. Bravo!

Wolverine Vs. Sabretooth

Mr. Banning — Sat, 09 May 2009 16:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com In honour of the new X-men Origins: Wolverine film, Nike has released a limited edition set of shoes honouring the two main antagonists. The Wolverine inspired shoe comes in the form of the Big Nike Hi and Sabretooth in the form of the Air Max 95. Personally I love the look of the Big Nike Hi Wolverines, and I don't particularly feel that the Sabretooth's are anything special. Mind you I don't particularly care for Air Max's to begin with, but also the colourway seems a little to lazy for me. Not to say I wouldn't graciously accept these shoes if anyone out there is looking to give me a gift. HA! I actually saw these shoes a couple of days ago, but didn't bother posting anything about them, until I actually went to see the film. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the film. There are a couple of huge character discrepancies but I understand that this has to happen for the flow and continuity of the film. I suppose all the negative hype that surfaced a couple of weeks ago with the bootlegged version of the film had actually effected my opinion, which is a shame. I highly recommend everyone who has interest in seeing this movie actually sees it in theatres or just make double sure you are downloading the film release version. Seriously... it is worth it.

The film inspired Nike's are now available Proper. Holla!

For Real...? Neat....

Mr. Banning — Sun, 10 May 2009 21:00:00 +0000

via hypebeast.com

Do you guys remember the first time you had heard about guitar hero? I do, and I remembering thinking that it was one of the stupidest ideas I had ever heard. Then I played it, and I will admit that I loved it! I was also embarrassed that I had even play it. Then as time went on this creation by Activision grew into some kind of monster. Now this video game appears to be the only way in which music is successfully disseminated to the masses. These games introduce classic music to whole new generations in a fun way. Well it appears that this revolution is about to be kicked into high gear with Activation's new title, DJ Hero. Oh yeah kiddies, this shit ain't fiction. With this new expansion the company’s groundbreaking DJ Hero delivers new diverse music genres, including Hip-Hop, R&B, Motown, Electronic and Dance. But most importantly is the all-new innovative turntable controller in the shape of a... yes I already said it and it is obvious but, turntable. As shown above and below. Siiiiiiiccccccck guy!

Check out djhero.com to get more details and release dates.

New Carps Single!!! For Free!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 10 May 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Yes kiddies, that's right! Click on the picture above to get the new Carps single, "It's Raining in the Projects, But it's Sunny in Africa"... for free! I downloaded this track about a week ago and can't stop listening to it. It is incredible, and you know what is even more incredible, other then the cool We Kill You art used for the single's album cover? Getting it for free. Oh yes, I said it free...! So do the right thing, do yourself a favour and click the picture and you too can be rocking the fuck out to Toronto's (Scarborough) own Carps.

Support Your Local Artist/Embarrassing

Mr. Banning — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Checkout the video below, a wonderful compilation of art recorded during the setup and the opening evening of We Kill You's most recent gallery exhibit. It is a solid video created by Nevermore Filmworks with some great music (the Carps) and there is even a clip or two of the Sidewalk Hustle team in there looking a little to drunk for a Thursday night. It is nutty. Watch the video, it is cool to see the artistic process at work, and if you like what you see... which of course you will checkout the We Kill You website, there is still plenty of siiiccck pieces for sale. Do the right thing, and check the video. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xoqv34k64WY&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Here They Are... Sort Of.

Mr. Banning — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.comI love these shoes... sort of . What I mean is these are some badass kick, premium white leather, silver stud accents on the tongue, heel and lace lock, the large NIKE printed on the back, and the somewhat hidden in this picture, limited edition guitar pick/tag. HOWEVER, these shoes are the lows, which means that they are only half as cool as the highs... yeah that's how it works. The already released white Nike Vandal Supreme Rock ‘N Roll edition shoe is in the high tops, but for some reason the coinciding Nike Terminator Lo Premium Rock ‘N Roll edition is in the low. Last years Rock 'N' Roll Terminator was a high top and is fresh to death, so this makes me say hmmmm.... Oh well I suppose we will just have to wait and see. This sneaker however is now available at LTD in Japan. If you can read the text, AWESOME! order a pair, and let me know how much they cost.

A Good Cause...

Mr. Banning — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:15:00 +0000

Here is an example of why we as active listeners of music should pay for albums... from time to time. Causes 2 is the second album from Waxploitation’s ongoing benefit series to raise money and awareness for Darfur. 100% of the profits raised from the sales of Causes 2 go to Human Rights Watch, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam America. Waxploitation started and established the Causes benefit album series in 2007 to help the people dying in the crisis in Darfur. Estimates of the number of people killed by the conflict in Darfur vary from 200,000 to 400,000, however what is for certain is that more than 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to the fighting, and 4 million are in desperate and dire need of humanitarian assistance. It is widely accepted although often not discussed amongst political leaders as one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world today.

Both albums in the Causes series feature some great rare and exclusive songs from some of the most relevant and compelling musicians today. Causes 1 featured Animal Collective, The Black Keys, Bloc Party, Bright Eyes, Cornelius, David Sylvian, Death Cab for Cutie, (International) Noise Conspiracy, The Cure, The Shins, Spoon, Teargas & Plateglass, Thievery Corporation and Travis. Causes 2 includes songs from Black Moth Super Rainbow, The Decemberists, Devendra Banhart, Diplo, Federico Aubele, LCD Soundsystem, Matthew Dear, Mum, My Morning Jacket, Neon Neon, Richard Swift, RJD2, and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, as well as a contribution from Adult Swim’s Tim & Eric. They are both very good albums with tracks from great artists supporting a terrific cause. You can either click on the album cover above or search it in your iTunes. If you are in doubt check out the tracklisting posted below. Also check the promotional video posted below, it is powerful, showing some intense images of the war-torn Darfur. When I watched it, it gave me the shivers, the images of little children holding machine guns, awful. The song playing throughout the video is "It Hurts To Be Alone" by Sharon Jones & Dap-Kings. Support a good cause and cop the album. Tracklist: Black Moth Super Rainbow - Happy Melted City the Decemberists - After the Bombs (live version) Devendra Banhart - White Reggae Troll Diplo - Wassup Wassup (exclusive Samim remix) Federico Aubele - Luna y Sol Gnarls Barkley - Mystery Man LCD Soundsystem - Starry Eyes Original (Causes exclusive) My Morning Jacket - Highly Suspicious (VHS or Beta Dee Jays remix) Matthew Dear - When She Don't Need Me (Causes exclusive) Mum - Asleep in a hiding place Neon Neon - I Lust U feat. Cate le Bon (DJ Eli Escobar remix) Richard Swift - Wastin' M' Time RJD2 - Wherever Sharon Jones & Dap-Kings - It Hurts to Be Alone Tim & Eric - Petite Feet (exclusive Devlin & Ghostdad remix feat. Sylvia Gordon) [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pFzLvPWea0&hl=en&fs=1]

A Rockin' Good Show...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 14 May 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Last night I had the pleasure of attending an incredible performance by King Khan and the Shrines at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. Even though I am slowly dying of "old man back-pain" I was hyped for this show, and was ready to endure a certain degree of uncomfortableness for what promised to be a good time. We intentionally cruised onto the scene at the end of the opening band, or rather one-man band Mark Sultan. We found a nice spot against a wall slightly adjacent to the stage and posted up. Mark Sultan, also known as BBQ when he is performing alongside King Khan, was making some nice music for a solo dude on stage, he is rather talented. Shortly after he was done the real show began, and oh what a contrast. From one man with a guitar, drum and, microphone to eight people and a go-go dancer. The music is really good, and super fun but their stage presence is intense, and all encompassingly contagious and will make even the most fervent and ardent non-ass shaker, wiggle their money maker. During the song "Welfare Bread" King Khan took out a dollar bill and lit it on fire, it was an interesting and somewhat disturbing scene to behold, check out the picture below. Something about seeing money burn... just not right. Other then that the set was fantastic and had the whole incredibly diverse crowd jiggling, wiggling, and shaking their asses, even me. Mark Sultan returned to the stage to perform a track with the band, check the picture below. Good times! The show was very good and well worth the back spasms. I (as usual) highly recommend you check out the myspace's, you can stream both albums in there entirety... totally worth it. Seriously.

Goodmorning...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 14 May 2009 23:00:00 +0000

At 6 o'clock this morning I received an email from French music Label Kitsune announcing the video premier of Classixx's "I'll Get You" featuring Jeppe. It is a solid Electro track, but what makes this video premier so special is that it is directed by none other then world famous photoblogger Mark "The Cobrasnake" Hunter. Mark Hunter's the Cobrasnake blog is by far the most popular photoblog in the world based out of Los Angeles and capturing the images of fine young hipsters in their natural scenester habitat of So Cal. Cooooool.... Check the video it is cute, and the song isn't that bad either. As the image posted above shows, the official release of this track is not until June 1st (2009), so if you like it buy it. Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAzojbN9_yk&hl=en&fs=1]

Designer Food!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 15 May 2009 01:30:00 +0000

I know I am shallow, and I know that this doesn't reflect well upon me as a human-being, but I Loooooooovvvvve this editorial. If Chanel fast food was real, I would happily eat there everyday... and probably save all the packaging as well. I have no idea where this came from or what it was for, but it surfaced on the InterWeb today and has spread like a California wildfire. I also love the quote from prolific fashion king Karl Lagerfeld because it is oh so true yet oh so very wrong. Shoutout! to the lovely Geri at becauseimaddicted for getting the jump on this.

I LOVE This/ Funny Shit!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:00:00 +0000

I want this shirt, seriously, it makes me laugh out loud... well the first time I did, although not upon subsequent viewings. This clever and humorously sloganed shirt comes courtesy of Twisted Soul for men. I love the "Sex, Drugs & Sausage Rolls" printed in Gold Foil and is made from 100% Cotton. You can get this hilarious shirt from otherclothing.co.uk.

Got Wood!!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:25:00 +0000

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Look at this magnificent piece of wood mastery by Chicago born artist Michael T Rea. This picture above is entitled "A Prosthetic Suit For Stephen Hawking w/Japanese Steel", created in 2007. It looks a lot like the CAT Powerloader from the classic sci-fi horror movie Aliens. His portfolio consists of such interesting things as space shuttles, machine guns, tanks, and an entire four-piece rock band worth of instruments, all of his pieces are carved out of wood in extremely intricate and ridiculously detail. Check out Michael's homepage and cruise his pieces, and if you want more then read the interview on dontpaniconline.com it is well worth it.

I Want These... Yes, They Are Shoes.

Mr. Banning — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:30:00 +0000

These are beautiful shoes. They look like they are from the future... the future of cooooooool. Yeah I went there. These are the Nike RT1 high top sneakers. A brand new design introduced by Nike a couple of months ago, and this is the new colourway. I love the clean look of the all white premium leather with the subtle purple accent on the logo, laces and a interesting floral pattern discreetly set on the inside tongue tag. I have no idea where to get these sick kicks, in stores that is, because they are already being sold on eBay. Shoutouts! to sneakernews.com for getting the drop.

STUNNING!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 16 May 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Kate Moss is beautiful! There is very little more to be said. I was cruising the blogs I read in my daily roundup when I came across this editorial of Kate Moss shot by Craig McDean for Vogue UK of March 08. Look at these spectacular shots! This comes courtesy of cyanatrendland, click on any of the pictures to see more of McDean's work with Kate Moss... Stunning!

These Are Very Cool...

Mr. Banning — Sat, 16 May 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Now most people who know me know that I do not particularly care for shoes that are not Nike's, with of course the odd except of designer kicks, and perhaps Supra's, so for me to post anything but is an extraordinary occurrence. However, after seeing this pair of Adidas ZX 700 from the Consortium collection I had to show them. They are really very cool. They feature a white leather upper, orange accents but the really cool and interesting feature is the silhouetted buildings rising from the sole. There is no definitive geographic location being depicted but from the looks of the buildings it appears to be somewhere European perhaps Barcelona and/or London. These can be acquired via VA for the cool price of ￥11550... I am not sure how much that is.
HOLLA!

A Field Trip Abroad... Sort Of.

Mr. Banning — Sun, 17 May 2009 22:45:00 +0000

What a nice day. Not bad for the first unofficial day of the official long weekend "get away season." On this fine day I decided I would go on a bit of a field trip abroad, abroad being out side of Toronto proper, and went to Oakville to see a friend of mine. Now, I rarely leave the city, why would I? Everything that happens happens in the city. Yes I know I am coming off really badly here, but come on the suburbs, really? I mean go ahead and prove me wrong. My buddy invited me out to see him to enjoy a lovely BBQ out in his mammoth backyard. Since he is always coming into town to hang with me it is only fair. So I woke up, had a lovely breakfast and set out to catch the GO train to Oakville.

Since I rarely ride this mode of transportation I always find it incredibly enlightening. It offers a whole new look into the culturally different life of the Suburbanite. The mix of people riding the GO is about as diverse as riding the TTC, but the real difference lays in the actual service offer by the GO. I sat a the train riding outwards to Oakville with the customer service agent who made sure the doors were clear and announced the stops. He was an extremely friendly and personable fellow. He apologized for any delays gave helpful advice and warnings. I wasn't the only unfamiliar person riding the train in that car and I was able to listen to him in action. I was thoroughly impressed.

Once I arrived my buddy picked me up from the station and we went back to his place. We had a delicious BBQ lunch and sat in his spacious and colourful backyard chatting, and catching up. It was really nice. After lunch we traded the names of new bands worth listening as he jammed on his guitars. It was a relaxing and much needed day in the sun. After a couple hours it was time for me to head back into the city and I was once again deposited safely at the train station.

Armed with my trusty iPhone and recently reloaded with some new music, I happily enjoyed my GO Train ride back to the city. I loved watching the world that hugs the trains trains zoom by in an slightly off-kilter blur as I raced towards my destination. Once we pulled up into Toronto, and Union station I was greeted with a rarely seen view of the city, the glorious skyline, and slowly reaching skywards shells of under construction buildings. This impressed me so much that I took pictures. Now for most of you I know you are thinking "who cares? it is only a train ride" but for me it really was a cultural experience. Where I work, in the core, almost ninety percent (90%) of my co-workers live outside of Toronto and ride the GO Train, so I am always hearing about it. I am familiar with the stations, the times, the people who ride it and the continuous plethora of problems, so to actually have an enjoyable experience on it is something unexpected. Moreover, the mere fact that I rode it out to the suburbs is an incredible testament of my own over-coming personal bias. Yeah look at me... all grown up!

Check out the pictures, the train, me on the train, the life that inhabits the periphery of the train tracks, the graffiti in the city and the ever continuous growth of the city.

I'm out!

Free Shit/New Music/Coldplay/Live Music - Reminder

Mr. Banning — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

At the beginning of the month I informed all of you faithful readers about Coldplay's free offering of live music. Well the day has arrived (two days ago) and the free downloading frenzy is in full swing, and people are lining up like it is government cheese ! Click on the picture above and it will take you to where you need to be. Now as for if it is a good album, yeah I have no idea. I don't particularly care for Coldplay, past their second album. Yes I gave the new album a listen, three actually. I tried really hard to love this new album. I don't. What can you do? However, I really am a huge fan of musicians appreciating and rewarding their fans. A free live album in CD form at the shows, and digital album to everyone else is awesome. So check it out and someone let me know how it is. Cool? Cool!

I Want These... Beautiful!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Most of you who know me out there, know that I am deeply and passionately in love with Pharrell Williams's Billionaire Boys Club (BBC) clothing line. I am constantly (and probably shouldn't be) rocking my numerous shirts and glaringly gaudy belt buckle. Every time I go to New York I stop by the Soho shop and happily cruising the visually tantalizing boutique, drooling at all I see. Therefore it is very little surprise that I have fallen in love with this belt and wallet combo. The metallic silver is awesome! and the embossed dollar/diamond pattern pull the ridiculousness of the wallet/belt together. Perfect! Both pieces are now available at BBC/Ice Cream stores, and if they are still available when I head down to NY in July I am buying both. Shoutouts! to highsnobiety.com because they are amazing!

These Look Sick!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Look at these sick Nike Dunk Lo's! I love the woven sidepanels. These shoes also come in a fresh looking green colourway, but the red's really stand out for me. I probably don't need to tell you all that these kicks comes via highsnobiety.com, since I get all my fresh kicks from that site. I am shallow, I know, this is no surprise.

I Love this Video!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

That looks like it hurts! Checkout this stellar video from Make the Girl Dance for their single "Baby Baby Baby," it is awesome. Watch it, and tell me you don't wish you were there when they filmed it. Look at all the people turning there heads, mouths ajar. To be honest I don't mind the song either. I watched the video and what kept sticking out in my mind, other then I wish the black censor bars were gone, was that I miss Paris, what a beautiful street. Other then the video being amazing the lyrics to the song are priceless, seriously! My favourites are "I don’t want a piece of cake, I just want blow," "I want your balls to be blueberry flavored" and "I want to make your grandma smoke weed ; I saw your stupid ex blah blah blah” only French hipster girls can get away with saying these kind of things.

Lyrics via lostinasupermarket.com: “I want to have Sebastien Tellier on my Ipod; I want your Mom’s credit card; I want your dad’s car; I want to go out with your friends; I will wear my cutest panties; I want a hot sex session; You can look but you can’t touch.

I want to be in Justice top friend; Gaspard’s hand on my thigh; I want to be able to count without my fingers; And I want yours in the right spot; I don’t want to take the stairs; Carry me in your arms then; I want to be the only person on pictures; And I want to model for Yves Saint Laurent; I want geniuses as children; And I want my dog to graduate; I want your head on a tray; I want mine on TV. I don’t want a piece of cake, I just want blow; I don’t want Kate, I want Ethan Hawke; I want to jump off of big ladder; do as you can for the rainbow; I want chocolate and vanilla flavored ice cream; I want your balls to be blueberry flavored; I want to dance like Vanessa Paradis; I want to see her boyfriend at Ibiza (i.e. Johnny Depp); I want to be asleep when you wake up; and I want Yelle’s t-shirt; I want to fit in all my jeans; and I want you to make me presents with your pay check; I want ice cubes in my glass; I want to make your grandma smoke weed ; I saw your stupid ex blah blah blah”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_bM0bN6xQ4&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Last Night...!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:00:00 +0000

As all of you faithful readers out their are well aware, I go to a lot of shows, and I mean a lot. Attending concerts has been one of my primary forms of enjoyment since I was about 15 years old. The amount of money I must have spent on shows incalculable, but the return on what I have spent is invaluable. Over the years my concert-going habits have not stayed static to one musical genre, much like that have my music taste. Yet as of recently, the last couple of years easily I rarely find myself at hip hop shows. The reason for this, was at first a hard one for me to come to terms with, but the longer I thought on it, the more transparent it became. As I grew/grow older (ugh) I find that there is becoming an increasingly larger disconnect between me and what hip hop has to offer. As I grow and search for music that offers me a euphoric escapism into the world audio delight, the content within the hip hop genre remains somewhat stagnant. Don't get me wrong I love hip hop, that is where my heart lies, my formative teenage years was spent saturated with hip hop, when I feeling down or wanting to take a trip down memory lane I throw on one of my hundreds of hip hop CD's. Sadly though, that seems to be the main drawing power of hip hop, nostalgia. Some of the greatest rappers within the genre are doing "nostalgia" tours, because they know that what the fans want is that good old time rap. As the years progress it seems that less and less hip hop albums are released that even catch my attention, and fewer still that I would consider great pieces of music. I blame most of what is happening to hip hop on the co-option of the subculture by the corporations that perpetuate rampant, and thoughtless mass consumption, oh and I also blame 50 Cent. With all this being said, I have as of recently had a bit of a hip hop renaissance. Some really great albums have come out in the last couple of months and one of these has been Asher Roth's Asleep In the Bread Isle, which I have been listening to on repeat since the day it came out. I really like it, so much so that when I received in my email inbox the alert that he was coming to town I jumped on the opportunity. I called up my buddy E-rak (conflict Desert Storm) and we agreed to go. Then it was simply a matter of patiently waiting. Well last night was the big night, and the show was great, both musically and what came as a huge surprise to me, the crowd. I posted his video "I Love College" yesterday so that I could warm you all up to this topic. The show was at the El Macambo, one of Toronto's smaller more intimate venues, and I was stoked because of this fact. I cruised in around 10 knowingly missing the first of two opening groups and slide on in to the spot. I was immediately hit with a wall of stale heat, that made me regret my wardrobe choice. Lucky for me my buddy had already found a spot near the back of the crowd but also close to the bar, I grabbed a cold 50 (beer) and posted up in our spot. The opening band was surprisingly decent and made me smile. I don't know their name, but they were very solid. Once they were off stage the jammed packed, tiny little bar started to chant in unison "ASHER! ASHER! ASHER!" while his DJ and drummer set up and took their spots. After about five minutes of this the chanting had reached a frenzied pitch and the energy was noticeably ready to ignite. Finally, he took the stage and jumped right in. Within a minute he had shedded the hoodie he had been wearing and also had taken a couple of tokes off of some kid in fronts J. As his set went on he also shed his t-shirt which made all the girls swoon, literally you could hear it ripple through the crowd. He brought up onto stage his buddy who acted as hype man, getting the crowd pumped and singing along. He did what all rappers have to do when taking the stage in Toronto, drop a mean freestyle. I am serious about the having to freestyle in Toronto, it has become common knowledge to all performers that if they don't they will actually get booed, I have seen it and it is brutal. He even had some moments of hilarity as he and the whole group sang and danced in unison like a 90's R'n'B group. It was fantastic!!! After the show, I was still buzzed off the awesome of the show and decided to walk the twenty (20) minutes back home instead of jumping in a taxi, fully aware I was going to pay for it in the morning at work. While I walked home I threw on my most recent hip hop playlist and strutted home. It was a really great night, and I recommend all of you out there to watch the "I Love College" video posted below, and also to check out his myspace. Take a look at the pictures below.

I Love Fashion!

Mr. Banning — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Checkout American Apparel's newest product, the assless tights. Oh how I love American Apparel's advertising campaigns... so sleazy and tasteless. Amazing! The tights are still in production so they are not yet for sale, that glorious day will be sometime in August. Now to be honest I doubt that these will take-off as a "big seller" for AA but if they do... wow! This is going to be one interesting summer. In other America Apparel news, did you all hear about the five-million dollar ($5,000,000) lawsuit settlement with actor/director Woody Allen? It is crazy apparently as the story goes back in 2007 American Apparel threw up some billboards featuring Allen in one of the scenes from the classic 1977 film Annie Hall. In the scene and thus the billboard Allen is dressed as a Hasidic Jew, and America Apparel written in the bottom corner. The initial lawsuit was $10 million, and resulted in the billboards coming down, but regardless AA has paid Allen a lot of money. Crazy!

Cover Music...

Mr. Banning — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Cover songs can be tricky. They can either make or break. blahblahblah! So check out this cover song by Weezer of MGMT's "Kid's" and Lady Gaga's "Poker Face". I really like the MGMT cover it is done well, the Lady Gaga... meh, whatever. I like it but it is odd when River Cuomo shouts out "T-Mobile in the house!" mind you this was a T-Mobile sponsored event so I guess you gotta roll with it. As I said before, blahblahblah, watch the video.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFh5nazLiYI&hl=en&fs=1]

The Real Tuf...

Mr. Banning — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:35:00 +0000

... yeah that was reaching, I know. Checkout the new Supra TUF Spring/Summer 2009 Collection in the Skytop and the Vaider models. The TUF collection is intended for actual skaters, featuring more durable materials and present an overall more subtle look. I really like all these shoes. I have started looking in between my couch cushions to collect all my nickels and dimes because these shoe ain't cheap. Shoutouts! to highsnobiety.com as always... HOLLA!

New Music/Live Music/ YAY!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:45:00 +0000

Checkout this live performance from Modest Mouse of their new single "Satellite Skin" on Late Night with David Letterman last week March 19th, 2009. I am so happy that there is a new Modest Mouse song, it feels a touch more like their Good News For People Who Like Bad News days... also known as classic Modest Mouse. Even Isaac Brock is rocking his classic grunge look. This single was "officially" released today which means that the new album is just around the corner. YAY! Watch the performance, and enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81Am168zUqU&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

This Evening...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 28 May 2009 03:30:00 +0000

For some reason work is absolutely brutal this week. Since the end of the day on Monday I felt like I had already worked a solid two days, so by today it mentally and emotionally felt like a Friday. You can only imagine my repeated horror when I was constantly remembering that it was only Wednesday. I was hurting badly for some mental reprieve from this much to long week, when I opened up my email and was greeted with a friendly reminder of some tentative hangout plans I had made earlier in the week. It felt like ages ago that I had made these plans. I was happy to be presented with something to take my mind off of work, because there is nothing I hate more then dwelling on and taking home with me my work issues. After work I quickly came home to change and shake off the ick, and headed out. I met up with my buddy Matt at his work where he was just getting set up for DJing an art exhibit. He was throwing down some good solid tracks, which of course is to be expected, and got to chatting. usually our topic of conversation hits all corners of our lives but tends to center on comic books and music, with the occasional reminiscences of our globe trotting exploits. Whilst in the midst of this, he had to take off to deal with something and let me in charge of his set up, and being rather familiar with it I happily took the reins. I was throwing down random tracks while I became familiar with his music collection and layout before I found my groove. The problem is that although I know the songs and music that he has, because it isn't my computer and my layout and songs I am not 100% comfortable. I know it is weird, but it is somewhat akin to driving someone elses car, you know you can do it and you are never fully comfortable. I wasn't really doing anything spectacular just trying to pick songs at worked with one another and stayed within the realm of audience comfortability. I really enjoyed it when the caterer came to exalt her love of the songs I was playing, that was nice. The nicest part though was that I totally got to chill and do something that brings me joy. It turned an overall gloomy Wednesday into a thoroughly enjoyable day. Checkout the pictures!

Shirt Shopping...

Mr. Banning — Fri, 29 May 2009 02:00:00 +0000

As I alluded to in yesterdays post work is simply awful this week so today was a day I had been looking forward to all week. Why you may ask? Well as I had also mentioned earlier in the month H&M's collaboration with Designers Against AIDS (DAA) was released today. I had been eagerly waiting for this day because I really wanted the N.E.R.D. designed shirt. So all morning long I was watching the clock until I could legitimately and inauspiciously dodge out of work and cruise on up to the massive H&M shop at Yonge and Dundas. I was a touch apprehensive that they might sell out, but I fought the urge to go and line up at 9:30 when the store opened. I knew that there was going to be at least two colourways, but I had only seen the baby blue, yellow and pink shirt. When I got the H&M I forced myself to casually walk to the display and managed to grab the last of my size in each colour. The second colour is a plum purple with baby blue writing and a pink image, shown above. It was love at first sight! As soon as I had grabbed my two shirts a crowd of people emerged out of nowhere and started rummaging through the display. I had just made it. One of the reasons I was so eager about this particular shirt is that the design is what you would expect from Pharrell's BBC or Ice Cream collections but about 80% cheaper then the BBC. The shirts are cool and I love both colourways, I am going to be rocking them hard in the next couple of days... watchout now! I also like the good cause aspect to the cool looking shirt 25% of the sales price will be donated to youth HIV/AIDS awareness projects. The proverbial cherry on the top is the the shirts are 100% organic cotton.

YAY! for me and you will all see these killer shirts in the days to come. Holla!

In Celebration of the Season

Mr. Banning — Fri, 29 May 2009 23:10:00 +0000

Aaaaaaaw yeeeeeeaaaaaah.... Summer is upon us so I thought it would be fitting to give you all the throwback jam of the season. As I sit here on a patio, drinking some cold brews, and smelling the wonderful aroma of grilling meat, I can't help but hum a classic summertime track. "Summer Time" by Will Smith as The Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff, remember this song, bumping everywhere you went like crazy back in the real early 90's? "Summer, Summer, Summer time..." Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNFI4jB6gzY&hl=en&fs=1]

SICK YO!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 31 May 2009 15:10:00 +0000

You have got to love the Internet! Things get leaked and disseminated to the general public instantly, whether you want it to or not. This of course has the advantage of creating a wave of hype that costs you literally nothing. The other thing it can do, is give you instant feedback on a product, or a piece of music. This of course is what the major music labels are saying is destroying the industry, but really just destroying their profit margin. As has been said a hundred-million times before, it is not this that is destroying the profit margins, it is that consumers will not dish out hard earned money on an inferior product. This new digital age has forced musicians to actually be good at what they do. Anyway, this is all besides the point. A couple of days ago the first visual and technical spec's on the new PlayStation Portable was leaked on the net, and boy does it ever look awesome. Not only is it an updated version of the PSP but even has a new cute name, the PSP Go. The Go sports a slide-out mechanism, which hides the console controls beneath the 3.8 inch and has 16 gigabyte of memory, which allows for the removal of the UMD drive so all games and movies can be directly charged onto the flash memory of the device, via the PSN Store. The Go also features Bluetooth, and is 43% lighter then the previous PSP models. SICK GUY! Another toy for me to squander my money on!

Sick Kicks Yo!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

Look at these killer Nike's designed by London artist Carrie Mundane of Cassette Playa for the upcoming Fall 2009 season. Now I know all you faithful readers out their are well aware of my passionate and often morbid love-affair with my Nike Air Force 1's and Nike Dunks, so it should come as no surprise that when I first glimpsed these Dunk Hi Premium's my heart skipped a beat. This sneaker comes in a black/red/blue colourway with a siiiicccck transparent plastic Swoosh that runs the length of the shoe. The sole is entirely black with some contrasting white stitching on the body, and I love the logo on the tongue tag, check the picture below. The shoe is slated for an October 2009 release.

I Love this Song

Mr. Banning — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Queens of the Stone Age "Little Sister" From the 2005 album Lullabies to Paralyze I love this song. Love it! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t86HZ_CIJw&hl=en&fs=1]

I Love this Song... again.

Mr. Banning — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:10:00 +0000

Also Queens of the Stone Age, "In My Head" Also from the 2005 album Lullabies to Paralyze I also love this song. Love it! (Also!) [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sTQMy1ErZY&hl=en&fs=1]

Tickles My Fancy...

Mr. Banning — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:20:00 +0000

I am very selfish in my motivations... and the reason for the last two posts of awesome rock music is that I saw read something that tickles my fancy... hence the title. This tale, like all of my stories starts a couple of months ago, when I heard or read somewhere that Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age wanted to work with the boys of Arctic Monkey's. He wanted to bring them out to the desert to his home/studio and rock the fuckout and make an album. This peaked my interest. I don't really care for the Arctic Monkey's, I have listened to both of their official albums and have enjoyed to a degree both. There was never anything there that really gripped me or had me wanting more. There was a song, I can't remember the name now, but I really did enjoy it, I even had it on a playlist. However, I always liked their attitude towards joining a major label and wanting to pursue their own creative direction. Fast forward to this evening, about ten minutes ago when courtesy of pitchfork I read that the Arctic Monkey's third album is ready to drop, August 24 in the UK and August 25 in the U.S./Canada and does in fact feature production by Josh Homme. The album is still title less but their is a tracklist, shown below. I am keeping my fingers crossed that jamming and rocking the fuckout with Josh Homme helped the Arctic Monkey boys with their musical creative process. From the looks of the new press photo, the boys have taken something away from their time spent in the Mojave Desert studio with Hommes. YAY! The album also features co-production from Simian Mobile Disco's James Ford, who also worked on the Arctic Monkey's second album Favourite Worst Nightmare. I am curious to see how it all turns out. I really really am. You can bet you will hear about this again soon.

This Just In...

Mr. Banning — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:45:00 +0000

I totally just jacked this from Kanye's blog. It is the new video for "Paranoid" off of 808s and Heartbreaks and features Rihanna in the video. This is a great video, directed by Nabil who has worked with Kanye below, seems to take some queues from the TV on the Radio video "Wolf Like Me" even to the point that there is a wolf in this video. Either way, it is well done. Very 1950's pulp horror feel to it. Also and without a doubt most important of all is that Rihanna looks stunning. Stunning! She is a gorgeous woman. Whoa! Check the video and enjoy![youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly1xAoo5W5g&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Last Night - Oh what a night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Last night I went to see TV on the Radio live in concert (as my previous posts have told you) at the Sound Academy in Toronto, down by the waterfront. I have been looking forward to this show for over a year and a half now. The last time I saw TV on the Radio I was blown away by their incredible stage presence, and was very eager to see them again. The last time they came through town I had purchased my tickets the day the show was announced, hoping that when the day actually arrived I didn't have any other obligations... you see I was still in school at the time. Well as luck would have it, the night of the show was the same night I had a huge essay due. TVotR was set to take the stage at 10 and my essay was due at midnight. Since I completely lack the ability to produce and write anything of academic worth unless there is a looming deadline, I had not written a single page until the day of. Sadly I had to give my ticket away, it was one of the only times I regretted my terrible academic work ethic. The last time they rolled into town was about a month before the release of their newest album offering Dear Science, and for some reason had zero promotion and/or hype and went by unnoticed. I remember saying one day... "Oh! I think the TV on the Radio show is soon," raced over to my computer to check and discovered much to my horror that it had taken place the previous night... I am still kicking myself over that one. So like I said, I was very very eager for this show. I was eager to arrive early to this show, because the layout of the Sound Academy is long instead of wide, which means that if you aren't careful you are way at the back of the venue. Squinting distance away. The other reason for the prompt arrival was to see the opening band, the Dirty Projectors. These Brooklyn favourites have been getting a lot of press recently, especially due to their recent collaboration with David Byrne of Talking Heads fame on the Dark Was the Night benefit album. Their performance was stellar, I was super impressed, so much so that we instantly decided to hit up their headliner show at the much more intimate Lee's Palace on June 24th. Be there! Once the Dirty Projectors had warmed up the full house of about three-thousand people, TV on the Radio took to the stage, and all hell broke loose. It is hard for me to describe the awesomeness that is TVotR live so I will keep it short (after all this long description... I know). After about five or six songs Kyp Malone, the dude with enormous beard shoutout "we were just in Winnipeg and it seems like they liked to party harder then you guys" which is probably the worst thing to ever hear when you love in Toronto. Mind you Toronto is notorious for being the screw-faced, no movement, looking like you are bored at shows kind of city, so I almost wonder if there was a bit of that. But let me tell you, have that was said ever one was going bonkers, dancing, singing, freaking-the-fuckout!, it was beautiful to behold. Their energy was electric and everyone was feeling it. I noticed something last night which really is a sign of the times. Both bands, consisting of six or more members and a plethora of different instruments, had an Apple computer somewhere on stage with them. It was usually somewhere close to the keyboardists, but it was there nonetheless. I thought this was interesting, and it is an image that has really stuck with me. throughout the day, and goes to show how inter-dependent we all are on technology, it's a helluva thing. Now I know this description of the evening end a little anti-climatically, but it really is silly to go into the minute details of the actual performance. Instead look at the pictures, and do yourself a favour and go see them live, and while you are at it check out their webpage it is cool. Holla!

Fashionable Edibles

Mr. Banning — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Take a look at these ever so fashionable morsels of designer goodness. A couple of weeks ago I posted about Chanel's Fast Food concept ad, and expressed my longing for something so ridiculousness scandalous. Well here we have it, the next logical step photos shot by Swedish photographer Therese Aldgard and styled by Lisa Edsalv, a fantastic line-up of designer cupcake sets inspired by Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin and Betsey Johnson. I love these, I really do, but even more awesome is that I have discovered my new vocation, Prop Stylist! Yes that's right, prop styling checkout Lisa Edsalv site and see some cool ish. I am so hungry, and aching to start my new career.

Do I Like These?

Mr. Banning — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com I am not so sure on these ones.... polka dot Air Force 1. When I look at these shoes I am torn between down right awful and really cool. Awful? Cool? Awful? Cool? Either way, here they are Hmmmm....

I Love Wale

Mr. Banning — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:00:00 +0000

I am still a touch bit undecided about this song, “Chillin” by Wale featuring Lady Gaga. There are parts that I just think are siiiccck, but then there are parts that I could happily do without. I am also not entirely sure how I feel about Lady Gaga, despite being one of the most hyped women in the music, I don't know if I like her. Either way I do really like Wale, pronounced Wall A, he is without a doubt one of the few rappers who draws my attention in hip hop. Take a look.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XwxKVBNbrQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Hipster Cool...?

Mr. Banning — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com To be a nerd use to mean perpetual wedgies, and continuous hazings from the jocks, but in recent years there has been a resurgence in the world of geekdom. The nerds are having their revenge, and becoming the new cool kids. Everyone wants to be a nerd. Well for all you kids who want to be cool, and fake the funk Phenomenon has released a fun new accessory, there badge of honour of all super nerdy geeks, the pen cap badge. Inspired by and modelled off of the classic BIC pen and created in two distinct colourways are now available from Choiceisyours and Japanese on-line store. But give it time and you can guarantee this will be everywhere. It is becoming "hip to be square."

Kid Cudi “Heaven at Nite” Music Video

Mr. Banning — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

I like this song, I like it a lot. This track isn't exactly your standard hip hop song and it takes some getting use to especially if you are going into it with that expectation. It actually has a bit of a TV on the Radio sound to it, "that sound" being of musical exploration and experimentation especially within the preconceived genre boundaries. This is the second official single off of Cudi's debut album Man on the Moon, and the video is directed by Va$htie. Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjgsm66iClo&hl=en&fs=1&]

What I Am Reading...

Mr. Banning — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:30:00 +0000

As is my custom to do on a Sunday afternoon, I was cruising and perusing my local comic book stores looking for something new to enthrall my imagine for another week. I couldn't find anything I was looking for, and believe me I have a huge list. I asked one of the young gentlemen who worked at the shop to find me something and while he was off hunting it down I noticed the above-pictured book, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith. I had heard something about this book a couple of months ago so I was immediately intrigued, and picked it up. I quickly read the back synopsis, chuckling to myself and put the book back into it "impulse buy" displayed located at the cash register. When the comic book guy returned carrying a large selection of the books on my list, I asked him about this book. He said he hadn't heard anything, and had only cursor read the printed reviews, what he did say with confidence was that they had sold a tonne of them. I continued to laugh as I slowly looked through the stack of comic books, picking and choosing which were imperative to own immediately and which ones I could do without. Yet, I keep thinking about it, it was a hilarious and intriguing concept. I have always found that Jane Austin's classic 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice to be incredibly uninteresting. I understand perfectly well where this unfair bias comes from, it comes from over-saturation. Pride and Prejudice is such a famous story, every English literature student has read it, and the story has become a staple in the popular film medium, being re-told every ten years or so. Therefore, when I think of Pride and Prejudice I tend to shy away, but with the idea that the story is being re imagined with Zombies, well... now we have a story worth telling. Funny enough, Austen is credited as co-author of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and is published via Quirk Books. When it came time to for my comics I could not help myself, I had to purchase it. Since I bought it yesterday I am finding it extremely difficult to put down. Even this blog is painful because I am thinking about where I left off in this book. It is a great book! Apparently it has also been purchased by an undisclosed major film company and will be produced as a feature film. Cooooool...! I recommend all you Zombie and Jane Austin fans go and get your hands on a copy of this book. It is awesome. Holla!

Around My Hood...

Mr. Banning — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0000

When I got home from work today I was completely exhausted. I sat down in my chair by the window so I could stare absentmindedly out of it. As is often the case, a train had momentarily stopped outside my window. It had some cool graffiti, or at least I thought I could see some, but a good portion was obscured by a bush. After staring, for a couple of minutes I decided to get a better view, why not right? So I went downstairs into my backyard and proceeded to climb up onto the tracks to get my better view. After climbing up and over the waist-high brick wall and side-stepping the "No Trespassing" sign and barbwire, I managed to take the picture I had sought after, posted above. It sadly wasn't as cool as I had hoped, but still cool because of my love of nice graffiti. However on my way back down off of the tracks I noticed a really cool wall , full of graffiti. What makes this wall cool is that it is so completely tucked away, from any sort of general access that I was surprised by how covered with graffiti it was. Furthermore, there is hardly any room for maneuvering between the wall and bushes and tress that I was thoroughly impressed by the amount of graffiti on it, posted below. It was a neat little jaunt and it helped me with elevating my work induced bad mood. Well worth the trip. Enjoy!

Cool Sauce Boss...! Stuff Made From Paper

Mr. Banning — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety

These are the coolest things I have ever seen... ever... in the history of seeing things. Origami folding expert and creative genius Filippo Perin has created a series of paper sneakers. Not just any sneakers, but the sickest kicks out there on the scene right now, the recently released Nike Air Yeezy's, in all three colourways!! But that's not all folks, along side the Air Yeezy's is a three colourway series of high top Air Force 1's...!This is absolutely insane! Look at the pictures. So very creative. I am thoroughly in awe. Checkout the pictures.

I LOVE this Song!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Where were you in the summer of 97? I was chillin' out maxin', relaxin', all cool and sippin' on 40's outside of the school, and this track was bumping like crazy on all the mixtapes all summer. "Whateva Man" by Redman featuring Method Man, off of Redman's Muddy Waters album. This song was fantastic and pretty much cemented their inevitable team-up and musical collaboration. This is a great song, and a great video. Aaaawwww the 90's, when hip hop was the shit.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXI0S-5ToPs&hl=en&fs=1&]

These Are AWESOME!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:55:00 +0000

via kicksonfire.com

Look at these bad boys!!!! These kicks are from the new line of Nike sneakers called the Big Nike High, first announced/ introduced at the Sneaker Con back in March. These lovely badboys are set to be released some time in July. Siiiiccck!!! These shoes shown above feature a Black suede upper with Volt(neon green) accents on the laces, lining and transparent outsole, as well as on the huge Nike logo in place of the usual trademarked Swoosh. I can hardly wait...! Via

Thingds to Do In the Bathroom

Mr. Banning — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Do you ever find yourself in the bathroom thinking that this would be the perfect moment if only there were some quality tunes playing? Well iCarta has solved your essential bathroom needs with the toilet paper dispenser / iPod dock. Yes that's correct the iCarta has a integrated toilet paper holder and dock that can accept all dockable iPods. It also has a two 2-way built-in speaker systems so that it can deliver outstanding sound while you shower, shave, or any of the other things one does in the bathroom. I know all of you out there are freaking right out because you want one right now, well Amazon .com will do next day shipping, for a price, so come tomorrow you could be listening to your favourite Beatles track while relaxing on the toilet. I don't know who actually thought this one out, but they are a genius, someone is going to make at least a couple dollars on this one.

The Good Old Days....

Mr. Banning — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:30:00 +0000

My mom sent me this earlier today, it is a complete and authentic nineteenth century vampire-slaying kit. Yes that's right kids, this is an actual, bonafide, real life antique vampire hunting tool box made sometime around 1800 and comes complete with all your vampire killing essentials; stakes, mirrors, a gun with silver bullets, crosses, a Bible, holy water, candles and even some cloves of garlic, all of which is housed in a American walnut case with a carved cross on top. Pretty spiffy right? When I first looked at this I thought it was a joke or perhaps a prop from some Van Helsing (he was the guy who hunted and killed vampires in Dracula) vampire movie, so I enquired further and asked my mom as to the source of this picture. My mother, is an avid web-surfer like myself, said she found it while blog-hoping earlier in the day, but she would locate the source for me. Well as it turned out this picture and this very real murder box, once belonged to Jimmy Pippen, a very wealth man who owned Pippen Antiques and Pippen Interiors. Sometime last year his estate went up upon the auction block in his hometown in Mississippi and this authentic 19th century vampire killing tool kit sold for about fifteen-thousand dollars US. I honestly could not believe it, but after spending some time cruising and perusing antiquesandthearts.com for myself I realized this was all very real, and very true. Crazy! I wish I had one of these slayers kits myself. Can you imagine a time where owning something like this not seen as unusual? Oh, the good old days! Oh the times are a changing!

Road Trip? Anyone?

Mr. Banning — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:45:00 +0000

I recently received this concert poster (shown above) in my inbox announcing some very cool news and of course I am now very excited! Of course the only catch is that this show is in New York, and I live in Toronto. I am really torn over this. I love to go and see shows when I am in NY, I don't know what it is, maybe it feeds into the feeling of the "City that never sleeps" combined with being in the city of cool and partaking in cool but either way there is a very strong pull when in the Big Apple. Now of course, I do not have a ticket or any actual plans to be in NY on this weekend and my excitement for this possibly awesome show is more hope mixed with a dash of enthusiasm. I do have a sort of solution which I hope will allow me to make a educated decision on this show and that is that I am actually seeing Phoenix (the band) tonight at Phoenix (the venue), a sold out show that is bound to be off the hook, and then tomorrow on Tuesday I am seeing Passion Pit a Lee's Palace with the Harlem Shakes. So if both shows end up being bananas, B.A.N.A anas then I will do everything in my power to see this show in Central Park. I will make sure to give you an answer in the next couple of days... that way all of you who want to come with me can start to plan and save your money appropriately. Cool?

Cool.

I Like These

Mr. Banning — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

I like these Nike's, from the Fall 2009 Collection. These are the Court Force Hi and Court Force Lo Basic and come in black/blue with a grid pattern and black/red with a grid pattern, respectively. I need more money.

The Things You Do When You Find Yourself Irrelevant

Mr. Banning — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:00:00 +0000

So what do you do when you have past your musical expiration date? Well you either go on a nostalgia tour, bringing in your former legions of fans to make one last dollar off of their devotion, or you do what milk does, and turn sour. Well it looks like Van Halen is taking the route of the calcium rich beverage and turning sour, chunky, and discoloured. according to WWD ELVH Inc., Van Halen's company has filed a copyright infringement suit against Nike. According to WWD, “ELVH alleges that the design of certain Nike Dunk Low styles infringe on the copyright the company holds for the red-white-and-black-striped pattern Van Halen made famous on his 'Frankenstein' guitar — and for which the musician has held the copyright since 2001." ELVH Inc. is citing “irreparable harm and damage,” and is asking for the impoundment and destruction of all the shoes in question, as well as all profits from the sale of the shoes and damages.

WTF!!!

"In a statement provided to FN by a brand spokesperson, Nike said it was aware of the lawsuit but did not believe it to have merit. 'Based on the information provided to us, we have not infringed on any rights held by Mr. Van Halen,' it said. 'Nike’s Dunk shoe design is not substantially similar to any of the Van Halen designs, and Nike has not referenced the ‘Van Halen’ name or image as part of any marketing campaign or promotional material associated with the shoe.'"

I don't know about you all out there but this reminds me of that group of super-mega-stars who sued Napter way back when. Remember all the credibility that bought them? Tisk, Tisk Van Halen why not just make some good music and be happy that youth culture still finds you in any sort of way relevant.

Last Night - Wolfgang Amadeus PHOENIX

Mr. Banning — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:30:00 +0000

On Monday night I saw French Indie Rock sensations Phoenix perform at Phoenix Concert Theatre here in Toronto. This was a show that I had purchased tickets for months in advance based mainly upon the buzz generated by people with whom I associate. Almost everyone I knew was either planning on attending or was being pressured to do so by their girlfriends. Now, I am not really a Phoenix fan, I have listened to all of their albums over the last couple of years and there is usually one or two tracks that grab my attention, but nothing really that keeps me coming back for more. However, with the release 0f their fourth studio album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, I have been rather enraptured by the first two singles "1901" and "Lisztomania" and was now curious to see them live. Like I said I purchased these tickets months ago, and to be honest it was a wise move, as this show was sold out. A sold out show at the Phoenix on the hottest evening to date of the year is always a bad combination, as people tend to be cranky, stinky, and in an overall rambunctious mood. All these things I knew as I approached the venue and even entertained the idea of selling the tickets to the plethora of scalpers who guard the main entrance. The guy ahead of me started to ask the legion of ticket hawkers how much the would be willing to but them for and he managed to get them up to $60 a ticket, double the cost. Not bad. I almost jumped on the offer, but because, for me it is more valuable to see the show, and of course tell all of you about it, I chuckled and walked into the club. I was immediately hit by a wave of intense body heat, mixed with the almost gagging stink of a sold out shows-worth of peoples sweatiness. I immediately cursed my decision not to sell my tickets. I eventually managed to wade through the crowd to the very very back of the venue, posted up in a spot with a clear view of the stage, tried to enjoy my warm beer and waited for the push of people when Phoenix finally took the stage. When the finally took the stage, they jumped right into it without hesitation. They ran through all the classics from their previous albums and all the new jewels from their current album. It was a pretty well round show as far as the musical selection went and all the people in attendance were going bonkers for the entire hour and a half set. It was a good show, but for me I did start to find it a bit boring by the end and I was happy to leave. Don't get me wrong, they are a solid rock band who really can perform, moreover they are very gracious and humble which is something else I enjoy in my musicians. The problem with Phoenix for me I realized as I headed home was that I find a lot of their songs uninspired. Lead singer Thomas Mars has a distinctly wonderful voice, but after an hour I was finding that all the songs were blending into one single sound. That's just me! Oh and lead singer Thomas Mars is the baby-daddy of film director Sofia Coppola.

Last Night - Harlem Shakes & Passion Pit

Mr. Banning — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:00:00 +0000

This week has been a crazy week for shows for me. Last night (June 16th) I went to my friendly neighborhood concert venue, Lee's Palace to see Brooklyn sweethearts the Harlem Shakes and Passion Pit perform. This was a show that I was excited for! I was really, really keen on seeing the Harlem Shakes. In fact, I recently had purchased their album Technicolor Health in CD form, because I was loving off their music so much. I am in love with the singers voice and sound it is a cross between Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah! and the Weakerthans two bands that I have had a musical love affair with in the past. I had been listen to this album at home almost on continuous repeat, interspersed only now and than by the Kid Cudi mixtape A Kid Named Cudi. As for Passion Pit, I was interested to see them but not overly thrilled. I had been listen to their album in preparation for this show for a couple weeks as well but I found that there was only two distinct types of songs on their album. The first is fun and up beat, the second is more of a background noise-type hum. Needless to say I was neither here nor there on the matter of seeing them. I was a little apprehensive because one of their better songs on the album is also used in a Sony PSP commercial and although this is the new way in which musicians can make money in this day of slowly disintegrating album-sales, I still have the instinctual feeling of "sell out" surface whenever I hear/see this type of thing.When we arrived the Harlem Shakes had just taken to the stage and proceeded to work their way through their album. It was enjoyable and the songs were pleasant to hear, however I found the performance just a little uninspired and I will admit I was a touch disappointed. When Passion Pit took to the stage I was not overly thrilled, and made sure to keep a clear path to the exit within view at all times, however in this instance, I found that I was caught up in the awesomeness of their live performance. Their performance was inspired, and inspiring! I love being able to see the crowd just going fucking bonkers during every song, so much so that it ends up catching everyone up in the overall excitement. I let my clear view to my escape route go and started to rock out as well. I can honestly say it was one of the better shows I have seen, and although their album is so-so in my opinion their live show is stellar! I really truly recommend that if you get the chance check them out live. Also check out the couple of pictures I was able to quickly snap of Passion Pit before the crowd and myself went bonkers. Holla!

Last Night - Nylon Concert Series

Mr. Banning — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:45:00 +0000

The other night, we attended the Nylon magazine concert series at the MOD Club here in Toronto. The show featured an interestingly diverse lineup with Portland's Jaguar Love, Paris's female quartet the Plastiscines, St. Louie's Living Things and the headliner, London's own Patrick Wolf. I was really looking forward to this show, because I was dying to see Patrick Wolf, and was very curious to see the Plastiscines. When we rolled up to the MOD club I was still chowing on my shawarma and was thus loitering around the front doors. As I stood there finishing up my food, a very beautiful girl asked me for a lighter, with the most exquisite french accent. I will admit that at first I just kind of stared at her before finally reaching into my pocket to hand her my bright pink lighter. She took it, smiled, said thank you, and proceeded to enjoy her cigarette and I proceeded to enjoy watching her smoke it. I know I am gross and awful, but come on! I would later find out that she was the bassist for the Plastiscines.

We went inside shortly after this and caught the tail end of the Jaguar Love set, which by the sounds of it was a rocking good performance. For the last song they came into the audience and performed in the midst of the slowly gathering crowd, it was really cool. After their set the Plastiscines took to the stage, and they were really enjoyable. They worked their way through their limited catalogue of songs and even tossed in a cover of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots" which was cute when performed with Parisian accents. After their set a friend of mine who I had run into during the show came over so we could chat about the performance. The consensuses that seemed to be reached amongst our little huddled crowd was that they were awesome to watch but that at least 50% of their awesome stage presence was their image. Which is true, they can rock for sure but it is the fact that they are four beautiful french women rocking out, in super stylish/fashion outfits. They will certainly go far, I can foresee this, and with time and more songs under their belt they will become a force to be reckoned with. The Next set was Living Things, which did seem a touch out of place within the line up as they are more of a classic rock type band. We watched them play about five or six of their songs before we retired to the outside smoking area to get some fresh air and re-up energy-wise. It was much needed! Patrick Wolf was the last performer to take the stage and was who I had come to see. Well I was not disappointed! He is really quite the performer, and a super diva! I have to say that if he wasn't as prolifically awesome a musician as he is I would have left right away, because that diva attitude really is unbecoming. But don't let that turn you off, like I said he is a brilliant musician, and artist. It was a great performance and he is a great artist, you really should check him out. You may also recall his image in the 2008 Burberry advertisement campaign, where all the models are wearing clothing and accessories that looks like a romanticised modernization of medieval armour. Check out the pictures below and also take sometime to explore each artists myspace page, give the music a listen to. http://www.myspace.com/jaguarloveband http://www.myspace.com/plastiscine http://www.myspace.com/livingthings http://www.myspace.com/officialpatrickwolf The Plastiscines Living Things Patrick Wolf

I've Been Going Through My Old CD's...

Mr. Banning — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:00:00 +0000

I love this song, "This Way" by Dilated Peoples featuring Kanye from the album Neighborhood Watch released in 2004. Wow, 2004, numerically it doesn't look that long ago, but in almost feels like a lifetime ago to me. Like Whoa! Enjoy the song, and the video. They are both great. In fact I will even post my picture of me and Rakaa Iriscience (one of the MC's in Dilated) at the 2000 Glastonbury festival. SICK GUY!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbo9QlcLcX8&hl=en&fs=1&]

Hilarious!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:30:00 +0000

You have to watch this! It is seriously hilarious! I was cruising Kanye's blog and he posted it, I watched it and I had to re post it. It is very well done. It is called Darth Vader in Love and that is exactly what it is about. The story of the Dark Sith Lord falling in love. I had to do a little bit of internet digging but I found out where this vid is from, because the production value is way to good to be made in someones basement, it is taken from the Peter Serafinowicz Show, a British comedy. He has quite the resume in voice work when he isn't doing his own shows, but most notably and contextually relevant is that he was the voice of Darth Maul in the Star Wars film Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and Darth Chef in a South Park episode. Funny!

Watch it, you'll enjoy it.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK5CTd0OVLw&hl=en&fs=1&]

Beautiful!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

I really like these. I have a pair of jeans and a sick t-shirt that would look ridiculous good accompanied with these gorgeous kicks. These are the Nike Terminator Hi in a heather grey jersey upper and black taped seams from the Fall 2009 Collection. Beautiful!

Neat!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:10:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

I just finished listening to a 14 part lecture series on Dinosaurs, so it only seems appropriate that at the height of my Renaissances/love affair with everything Dino that I scope these cartoon collaborated Big Nike High Flintstones inspired kicks. The shoe boasts a white leather and orange/black animal pattern over most of the upper inspired by the iconic outfit of Fred Flintstone. The Nike logo on the back/heel of the shoe is written using a cool bone font. Cooooooooool

This is Cool!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:45:00 +0000

On Friday of last week I upgraded my iPhone's software to the 3.0 platform and I am lovin' it! I have had my iPhone since the first day of their official release in Canada, and I have yet to grow even a smidge disenchanted with it. Now with the much needed added features and functions that the upgrade offers it is like that first day all over again. *siiiiigggggh* So with the new software and the new functions I am going to cop sick wood grained case by Incase and lean the fuck back. I love the faux wood grain, seriously there is something that calls to me about this Incase and Huntergatherer collaborated, and curated by Arkitip product. Lovely. There is also a matching laptop sleeve to completely the ensemble. Personally I think having both would be going to far, but I like that there are options.

Yeeeeeaaaah Boi!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:00:00 +0000

Click to download the new Wale mixtape with production by the legendary 9th Wonder, presented by LRG clothing... SICK GUY!!! I am pretty sure that I have expressed my recent love for Wale, as well as Kid Cudi, who's mixtape, A Kid Called Cudi I also can't get enough of. Oh man, when these two albums actually drop I am going to be in heaven! Here is to hoping they don't suck. HA! Check the tracklist below and download the mixtape!

I Love this Quote... It is Brilliant

Mr. Banning — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:30:00 +0000

“ I’ve been making a list of the things they don’t teach you at school. They don’t teach you how to love somebody. They don’t teach you how to be rich or how to be poor. They don’t teach you how to walk away from someone you don’t love any longer. They don’t teach you how to move on when the one you love walks away from you. They don’t teach you how to know what’s going on in someone else’s mind. They don’t teach you what to say to someone who’s dying. They don’t teach you anything truly worth knowing."

- Neil Gaiman

Some Times Dreams Do Come True....

Mr. Banning — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:30:00 +0000

This was emailed to me this last night, and when I saw it I almost passed out from the sheer excitement of it. A mini Draught Keg of Newcastle Brown Ale, one of my all time favourite beers. For $23 USD, probably about $30 CAD you can get this wet-dream of a pressurized mini-keg. Just like the Heineken version it serves up 10 pints of draught beer, and will stay fresh for 30 days with that wonderful on-tap tastiness. This badboy is due to hit select markets some time next month. Shoutouts! to Blaze for the heads up and making my day, and also a Shoutout! to Newcastle for showing us that dreams do actually come true!

Very Cool!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Last week I went to the Nylon tour concert series featuring a splendid array of musical talent. A couple of days after that Nylon released their Nike Sportswear x Nylon Magazine Dunk Hi Collection. Sold exclusively at Nike Sportswear Store at 21 Mercer Street in NYC, while the pink and green colorways were exclusive to UrbanOutfitters.com, and have already sold out, the orange, blue and yellow pairs were released a couple days after that and have also sold out. Posted below is a behind the scenes video from the photoshoot for the sneaker, with the photos from the shoot Of the Nike Sportswear x Nylon Magazine Dunk Hi posted below. In my opinion they are very cool looking, but I suspect that the nylon canvas used to assemble the shoe is nowhere near durable enough for the type of city-street walking I put my kicks through on a regular basis. They are still very very cool... Check it out.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-6GYAqfuUI&hl=en&fs=1&]

The Fade...

Mr. Banning — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:30:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

Well take a look at these bad boys! I love the faded effect in the colour pattern. As part of the Nike Fall 2009 Collection the Terminator High Basic “Fade” series shoe comes in three distinct colourways. I like the subtly of the fade on this shoes, as for the most part of sneaker is actually solid colour with the fading happening towards the ankle. Take a look at the pictures below for a nice closeup of the shoe and the fade effect. I really like all three colourways a lot. Like a lot a lot.

Splatter Tops!

Mr. Banning — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:30:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

The oldest pair of kicks I have in my closet are a really beautiful pair of Nike Dunk Mid's that I bought about 6 years ago. They are amazingly comfortable, and surprisingly durable. I have climbed mountains (up gentle paths), across at least three different metropolitan cities, and numerous trips to the cottage. Because of this and so much more, the Nike Dunk is without a doubt my personal favourite in all of the various Nike styles of shoes. To further add to my point check out the two new colourways of the Nike Dunk Hi's from the Summer 2009 Collection. The uppers come in black or red/grey leather with a black paint splattered heel panel. The black model, which is my favourite sports an awesome neon yellow accents on the otherwise singular tonal shoe.

D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)

Mr. Banning — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Check it out! The new single and video from Mr. H to the Izzo himself, Jay Z. This track is cleverly titled D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune) and Jay seems to be going back to his ol' school roots on this one. The production is handled by legendary hip hop beatsmith No I.D. with co-production from Kanye West. I find it interesting and hopefully significant that Yeezy was involved in this track when his last album was all auto-tuned out, but then again the argument was that 808s and Heart Breaks was a singular piece of work centered around a particular theme and troubling time in Kanye's life. More importantly it though in recent months the verses Kanye has been dropping of been sicker then the N1H1 virus so it looks like his new album is going to be an actual hip hop album. However, that is besides the point, this new video from Jay Z is pretty good, LOTS of cameo's in it, as per usual, and I really like the grimey looking quality it has, the song isn't all that bad either. Now, I am a firm believer that Jay Z can do anything... but the idea of LeBron getting scored on by him is a hard one to accept. It is cool if they actually play ball together though. Sick!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z13AjI8n4I&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Watch Out!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:10:00 +0000

I love my watch. It is big, metal, cool as fuck! I have had it for many many years and it has withstood some serious abuse. It is beautiful and all of you out there who know me, know me with my sick watch. The point is... I love my watch, but these aren't bad either. Check out the Nixon Rubber Player watch on sale by 80s Purple for about $170 USD, so probably about $200 CAD, not bad. I really like the purple one, I have a shirt and jeans combo that would look way to fresh with it.

Happy Canada Day!!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:30:00 +0000

In celebration of our lovely and beautiful country I decided to post a brief column written by actor and writer Rick Moranis about Canada courtesy of the New York Times, published yesterday June 30, 2009. This brief piece is part of a Canada Day special feature in the Times in which 11 Canadians living in the United States share what they miss most about home. This one was the most interesting/funny. Enjoy!

"UNTIL 1982, Canada Day was known as Dominion Day. I always thought that had more of a ring to it. Beyond the zippy alliteration, it reminded us citizens that our domain of orderly domesticity was graced by the dominant power of our “Dominus.” And the rights granted therein to us by the glorious English crown through her colonial appointee, the right honourable governor general.

There was another problem with Dominion Day. Dominion was the name of a national grocery store chain. It would be like calling the Fourth of July D’Agostino’s Day. Independence (now there’s a great name for a day!) came slowly to our country. In 1965, we dumped the old, staid British ensign for our own new flag. It’s the one with the big red maple leaf in the middle. A simple, sweet leaf! We also have moose and beavers on our coins. And we call our dollars loonies because the coin has an image of a loon in flight. Another old bird, the Queen of England, is on the other side of the coin. I remember singing “God Save the Queen” every morning in school. “Long live our noble Queen!” we belted, thousands of us tubby little obedient Canadians. I guess it worked. She’s still alive. Now they sing “O Canada” in schools and at most sporting events; usually in French and English. Around the time we were changing anthems, dumping ensigns and renaming holidays, the official use of both languages became mandatory, except in Quebec where the required use of English is a bit fuzzy. Canada Day comes and goes modestly every year. Sure, there are retail sales promotions and a long weekend. But there isn’t bluster or commodity in Canadian celebration. Canada isn’t big on bunting. Or jet flyovers, fireworks, marching bands or military pomp. Canadians defer. We save our loonies and don’t jaywalk. It’s illegal, eh. We stand on guard at red lights, even when there is no traffic. We wait for clear, green governing lights to signal our turn and lead us on. Then we tuck our heads down, under wooly toques and worn-out scarves, one eye barely open, squinting headlong into the harsh prairie wind, cautiously, quietly, demurely Canadian."

— RICK MORANIS, a writer and actor

New Bloc Party Video/Song!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0000

"One More Chance" debuted this week on MTV UK and it is a great song! It really is, I am not just saying that because of my incredibly odd man crush on them. I like the video, it is in their customarily dark, cultural critique-y fashion. "One More Chance" will be officially released on August 10 on Wichita Recordings. I suppose this means the new album is on its way? YAY!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOm5z2KIDJg&hl=en&fs=1&]

Coool.... Something Special.

Mr. Banning — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:59:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

I rarely post kicks on this blog, that aren't Nike's, so it is a pretty special occasion when I do. Check out these subtly sick kicks by Emerica collaboration with skateboarder and artist Pontus ALV. The Tope Pontus ALV sneakers come in a light gray colourway, shown above and below with an exquisite turquoise accents and lining. Yes, exquisite. Pontus ALV pays tribute to his deceased father with a picture of him on the inner sole.

Check out the different angles of the shoe in the pictures below. Also checkout the skate video of Pontus ALV, it is a good vid, and the music is pretty awesome too, Joy Division's "She's Lost Control" and "Disorder" awesome!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icKSq7QdW_U&hl=en&fs=1&]

The Best I Ever Had....

Mr. Banning — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:00:00 +0000

The looooooong awaited video for Toronto's own Drake's first official single "Best I ever Had" from his debut album Thank Me Later, is finally here. The video is directed by Kanye West, and is awesome... I love the first thirty-odd seconds of the video, but then again I love bosomy girls running in slow-mode... Yes I am a sleaze ball, but at least I am honest. Hurray! for school spirit!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb0KowdtK6Y&hl=en&fs=1&]

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane....

Mr. Banning — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Off to New York tomorrow! Seven days rocking out in NY and taking Brooklyn by storm. My schedule is ridiculously jammed packed! It is going to be off the hook. If any of you out there are in NY or BK give me a holla!

My New York Playlist...

Mr. Banning — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Here is the playlist I custom crafted for my little trip to NY. Go ahead and click on the picture to enlarge the image and find out what you should be listening to while I am away. Holla!

AMAZING!!!!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:44:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

Look at this! Two of my favourite things. Throw in a half naked girl in lingerie rocking these kicks and we are good to go (remember this post?). Today, Nike introduced a limited edition set of three performance basketball shoes commemorating the worldwide premiere of the Transformers film sequel. This amazing collaboration includes the Nike Zoom Flight Club, Nike Zoom FP and Nike Sharkalaid each with special packaging, retro graphic boxes, and some vibrant colourways.

Apparently Nike worked closely with Hasbro on this special project. No detail went unnoticed when Nike began the design process. The shoe packaging mimics the original Hasbro toy boxes complete with original Hasbro graphics AND the decoder profiles on the back of the original boxes that highlight each robot’s powers. I am not really that into the shoes themselves but I like the idea and concept behind this collaborations, the Transformer characters represented in this series are Megatron, the Nike Zoom Flight Club, Soundwave, Nike Sharkalaid, and Bumblebee, Nike Zoom FP.

New Yorkers

Mr. Banning — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:45:00 +0000

As all know, I am in New York for the next week. As you also know there are a lot of stereotypes about people out there in the world, a little preconceived notion action going on... especially about New Yorkers. Shocking! I know. However, today I had an encounter that dispelled and silly type of prejudice I may have had. Let me tell you a tale. While I was waiting for a train to take me from uptown to downtown a young skateboarder dude asked me a question about my shirt while we stood on the platform. It was a causal question "where'd you get your shirt? It's cool..." I shrugged and looked down and said, "some tiny ass town in the middle of the Canadian Prairies. It's an online shop called Single Second, it got some cool stuff. Check it out." The train arrived and we got on the train.

We chatted some more. It was hilarious, and he was a cool dude. He asked if we lived in town, I said "no. But wouldn't that be grand" and laughed. He laughed and said he figured we lived in Williamsburg... and as all you hipster's know, that is the place to be. I liked this kid already. I asked him where he lived, "a couple blocks away." He told us about what he gets up to in general. Him and his boys"skateboard and pick up chicks. So you have to stay fresh." Oh the life! I asked him what he was listening to on his iPod. Yeah I am a nosy mother-ucker.. M.I.A. "good beats to ride to" The train pulled up to his station, he said we were very happy people, I told him he wasn't what I expected of a New Yorker. He asked about Toronto and said he would like to go one day. Then he hopped off the train. His name is Carl and he is my favourite new New Yorker.

Food...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Wondering around the meat packing district, window shopping, people watching, and looking for a place to eat we stumbled upon a somewhat hidden gem. Corner bistro. I had heard a rumour (via my hero Heron Preston) highly recommended this joint but I was actually looking for a nice Italian place. But as we passed the corner of West 4th and Jane Street in West Greenwich Village, I saw two decked out girls walk in to a dingy dive. Hawley, my partner in crime, Pointed and exclaimed. We went in, they only take cash but have the best, biggest burgers around. Couple that with some cheap beer and your golden. We stood in line for about ten minutes and I pounded back a couple of the $2.50 pints. Finally we were seated, we ordered, only burgers and fries and literally a minute later, not even our food was served. Amazing! So delicious!

Things to Do/ Cool Shit!/In New York

Mr. Banning — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:25:00 +0000

I like this shirt... it made me laugh. Brooklyn company Mishka gets together with Toronto's own hardcore band Fucked Up on a collaborative t-shirt. Being mutual fans and supporters of each other’s works, the Mishka design team worked closely with Fucked Up front man Damian “Pink Eyes” Abraham to ensure the shirt signified everything they love about Mishka and New York. Both Mishka and Abraham threw caution to the wind taking Milton Glasser’s timeless “I Love New York" design and fusing it with the well known logos of both Mishka and Fucked Up. The special t-shirt will be released at the FREE Pool Partiesʼ Fucked Up show on Sunday July 12th, which is being held at the East River Skate Park. Damian’s going to be chucking them from the stage! Then look for an Mishka in-store and online release the following Monday, July 13th. I don't really care so much for Fucked Up, but I love the shirt and I love free shit... so.... I may just make an appearance.

Today's Adventures.

Mr. Banning — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:30:00 +0000

One of my main goals for today was to make sure I found a good, strong cup of coffee. Since I have arrived here in NY, I have found it hard to find a good cup o' Joe. There is a lot of places to get coffee, almost any and everywhere but not good. Today's agenda was a busy one. Jammed packed full "to do's." The empire state, the Guggenheim museum, Soho, and the old Fulton fish market to see a show. I needed my coffee. Thank goodness that the base of the Empire State building is surrounded by Starbucks. I got my morning grande bold and strolled. The coffee still wasn't up to par but... sometimes you gotta make do.As we strolled around the Empire State building base, my spidey senses went off. I looked around and spotted a comic book shop cloaked behind some scaffolding and decided to explore and proceeded inwards. It was glorious! The store was huge, especially by the standards I have become accustomed too. I was able to find every single thing i could think of. In fact I started just thinking up titles I wanted or had been meaning to find and found them... Within ten minutes my arms were full. I had to put some down. It was great! and the whole time I was in the store the Made In the Dark album by Hot Chip was playing. I was able to drink my reasonably enjoyable coffee and browse the comics. Just like my usual Sunday post-brunch afternoon back home. YAY!

Oh, we didn't end up go up to the top of the Empire State building. It is $20 per person, and I could think of a hundred things I would rather spend my money on, especially when I am afraid of heights. Terribly afraid. Instead we proceeded onwards to our next destination, the Guggenheim museum. Which is absolutely which is breath taking. The collection that is housed at the Guggenheim is a really solid assortment of particularly rare pieces. Or, at least seemingly so. They have a couple of really nice Picasso's, "A Woman Ironing" is strikely beautiful. There is a really awesome Pullock, in a style I have yet to see from him. A well rounded collection of Kandinsky's. The Monet is, alright. Don't get me wrong it is beautiful but I tend to find Monet a touch on the banal side. The main attraction though is an extensive collection of the blueprints and concept drawings of Frank Lloyd Wright in celebration of the anniversary of him designing the Guggenheim.

From the Guggenheim we taxied down to Soho. Soho was Soho. Fun! Shopping, beautiful, trended people. Afterwards we went to Pier 17, the former Fulton fish market. That was spectacularly awesome! What a view! We found a beautiful/wonderful/amazing Italian restaurant/deli grocery. It was so very amazing. The chef kept giving us food to taste and I had the best cheese and some type of incredibly tasty deli meat, Delicious! The bread was phenomenal. Instant heaven. What a gastronomic experince!

The concert/ show was alright. It was free so that helps. Ribbons, Zaza, and the Pains of Being Pure of Heart. It was alright. I was tired by this point and ready to sit. Plus after drinking a lot of cheap beer the night before, $6 dollar bottles was a hard one to swallow. But at least we were outside. The buildings scraping the sky behind us and the sun setting on Brooklyn in front, as the back drop to some decent music.

Check out the pictures below.

Holla!

Ribbons

Zaza

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

When In Rome

Mr. Banning — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:45:00 +0000

Everyone here in NY rocks the classic Yankee fitted. I mean everyone...! Now I never wear fitteds anymore, and if on the rare occasion I do, it is only Toronto hats, because you gotta represent for your hometown. However the draw to get a NY hat is overwhelming. I went into two different hat shops. The first didn't have my size. The second did. In every style. I reached for my size in the NY hats and noticed sitting right next to it was a Brooklyn hat. It looked sick! and I figured, since I am staying out in BK i should rep my home away from home, so.... Check out the new hat. Don't mind the picture.

Today's Adventure

Mr. Banning — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:30:00 +0000

Today was a low key adventure day. After several days of jammed packed NY fun, I needed something far less busy, so we decided to cruise Chelsea. Chelsea is a very nice neighbourhood. Not my personally favourite but certainly quaint. As you know I am on a desperate search to find a good cup of coffee here in New York, and I had done some research and discovered what could potentially be that special cup I had been looking for. However, before this cup could be sampled, we had a pressing date with a flea market. The flea market is appropriately named the Garage, as it is housed within the first two levels of an actual, functioning parking garage. Apparently during the week it is rammed with cars, but on the weekend they can afford, or perhaps not, to have the spaced used for other means. After spending a good hour slowly cruising and perusing the various stalls and finding most of it kitschy and quaint we decided it was time to find that cup of coffee.

The coffee spot I had decided on is called Cafe Grumpy, and apparently is notorious for their negative attitude and hostile welcome to people who set up shop at coffee shops with their lap tops. It is also equally as notorious for their amazing cup of coffee. This makes sense to me. En route to my desperately needed cup O' Joe we were waylayed by a group of people congregating around some small art gallery where a show of various local artists was taking place. After much promising I agreed we would come back after we got our coffee and proceed onwards. We eventually discovered Cafe Grumpy and I eagerly rushed in. The spot was clean, decent music was playing, and the locals were friendly. I walked up to the cash saw they had some beautiful baked goods, and ordered my cup. As I sat waiting for my coffee I realized this was taking much longer then it should to simply poor me some coffee, it was then I saw that each cup, each order was being ground and brew fresh. Freshly brewed coffee. What a novel idea! I took my first sip and was in heaven! They saw you never forget your first time, and it is true. I will never forget the first time I had a good cup of coffee in New York. After my stellar cup of coffee was doctored appropriately to my tastes we cruised back towards the art gallery we had been ambushed at early and took a quick cursory glance around. The art was nice, nothing overly amazing or breath taking. I did enquire as to the price of some pieces and found them shockingly expensive. It is hard for me to assign monetary value to ones art, but lets just say I would not ever pay that kind of money for these pieces. From their our day was almost over, we cruised Chelsea some more ducking in and out of the various little niche stores and made our way to Union Square where we were to meet our friend. The intention of meeting at Union Square was that there is a farmers market held there every Saturday and we were on the hunt for some food to make dinner with. It was a wonderful market, lots and lots of different vendors with an assortment of different products. We picked up some wonder fruit and vegetables, as well as some delicious and taste cheese. I am not usually a Havarti fan, mainly because I find it lacks flavour, but the Havarti we picked up was gastronomically astounding. I was very impressed. After our little shopping excursion we headed back to Brooklyn and made the most exquisite dinner. Very delicious! I am off to bed because tomorrow is another one of those days chalked full of things to do and see. Holla!

Spotted!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Look who we spotted on West 14th and 9th Avenue, world famous graffiti character Monsieur A, by French artist, and Belvedere vodka bottle designer André. Very cooooool

Tired!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:11:00 +0000

I am exhausted!

Today Was Hot!

Mr. Banning — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:25:00 +0000

To was hot! Like real hot. I think I have a sun burn on the back of my neck. My forehead is also a bit red.

Today was went from Brunch at Balathzar, it was delicious. I had the scrambled eggs in puff pastry. However, I have to say that I did find the service at it's sister restaurant Pastis much better (shout out to Goodyear!). Our waiter was a bit of a jerk. Oh well. That's life. Then we spent the rest of the day doing nothing except shopping, ugh. It was a weird kind of tourist shopping though checking out stores we don't have at home, Top Shop. And exploring the little shops that we all hear about all the time. And even a vintage market. We even went into an American Apparel. Yup, we did. Everything is the same price in USD as it is in CAD but in American dollars, which sucks, but they have a lot more. The motto of this fair and wonderful country. More! They also had sizes! All sizes and plenty of them. It was weird. I couldn't actually bring myself to buy anything. That would have been ridiculous. We did go to the Alife Rivington Club store, an awesome whole in the wall shop that you have to get buzzed into. They recently opened a secondary shop across the street as well as an art gallery next door to the second shop. We got to chatting with the dude working at the second store and he started to tell us of his adventures in Toronto. It was funny. He said he liked Toronto, it was like New York but cleaner, and without all the stuff, (that made me laugh out loud). Most of the days was spent walking around in the hot sun and I am exhausted I am going to bed now. Oh and the picture above is of a sticker from the English rock band the Cazal s debut album. Interestingly after spotting monsieur A we came across this sticker , and in the Cazals recent music video Monsieur A is featured. It was a neat coincidence. Check out the rest of the pictures. Alife Rivington Club store placard. The Rivington Club Art Gallery. This was all vintage. It was amazing! All women's but the selection was mind blowing!

I Miss My Bed

Mr. Banning — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:34:00 +0000

Oh my god! I miss my own bed. Today we went to the statue of liberty, had a picnic on Ellis island and visited the museum. That was interesting, then saw ground zero, looked into Century 21, sought out the Woolworth building so I could gaze at it, then to the MoMA, again. I love that place. Then to Brooklyn Heights for dinner and drinks. All very touristy without a doubt, but stuff I really wanted to do and see.

I miss my bed, my shower. New York is the shit! Awesomeness personified, but Toronto is home and I am thankful for that. I love Toronto! I am drunk and going to bed. One more day and I am home tomorrow night. Check the pictures. Manhattan from the ferry. The Woolworth Building From Brooklyn Heights

I Love Brunch!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:18:00 +0000

I love being on vacation. I can eat brunch at 11:30 on a Tuesday. Today we are in the Lower East side, at Clinton St. Baking Company. I just ate some of the best pancakes of my life. They are honestly only rivaled by my momma's homemade pancakes. I ordered the banana walnut stack and Hawley got the wild blueberry stack, with a side order of sugar-cured bacon and fresh avocado. They came with a very tasty maple butter/syrup concoction.

Sooooooo delicious!!!

Art and the Things I've Seen...

Mr. Banning — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0000

(July 13th 2009)

One of my favourite things about New York is that everywhere you go you see some brilliantly awesome pop-up art. On my last trip, not the most recent I went to this amazing piece by native New Yorker [Correction], Haring is a native of rural Pennsylvania, Reading and Kutztown and art legend Keith Haring, pictured below. This time I went to see it again and noticed it was gone... I was a little shocked because, well... where did the piece go?

Well the piece that is there now, shown above, is done by Brazilian artist duo Os Gemeos. I was there yesterday and watch the dynamic duo put the finishing touches on the mural in New York, and it is finally done. This new piece was commissioned by Deitch Projects, and awesome collective with an awesome webpage. Check it out. Holla!

(May 03 2008)

Back In the Day Kinda Love!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Two of the biggest and most influential hip hop albums of my youth were Smif N Wessun's Da Shinin, and Black Moon's Enta Da Stage. Both were released in the early to mid 90's Enta Da Stage in 93 and Da Shinin in 95 and set the precedent for the grimy east coast rap that was coming out of New York at the time. I can honestly still remember the first time I heard Da Shinin, on tape no less and it blew my mind. I still consider it one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. I never got the chance to see them perform this album live, and by the time they came back to Toronto on tour they were then known as the Cocoa Brovaz, and they were not very good at all. So you can imagine my ecstatic joy when my buddy B-rad called me up to say that they were coming to town with Black Moon to tour their first classic albums. In fact I was speechless... which is a rarity for me. Then I asked him to clarify, because I didn't want to see either of the two groups perform anything but their first albums. He handed me the flyer, shown above, and I was set. I am so stoked, I can hardly contain myself!

Check out the videos by both artists below. Holla!

Smif-n-Wessun - Sound Bwoy Bureill Black Moon - I Got Cha Opin

Black Moon & Smif N Wessun Tribute To Classics - Trailer

Mr. Banning — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:10:00 +0000

Here is a video trailer for this amazing concert. The trailer is directed by TQ Elenteny & Sayael, and gives an up close and intimate look at Black Moon and Smif N Wessun on the opening night of this Tribute To Classics Show Series, featuring a live performance strictly of their debut albums Enta Da Stage and Da Shinin' backed by a live band. SICK!!!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcmR-hLx-aE&hl=en&fs=1&]

I Like This...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0000

I wish I had a bumper to put this sticker on! Here's the info. "New! Dangerous! Metamorphic! It’s really only fair to let other drivers on the road know that your car, truck, boat, bus, jet, biplane, jetski, locomotive or motorcycle could at any time turn into a huge fighting robot. Red and black on white vinyl, professionally silkscreened. 8.5″ × 2.75″. $2.99" Neat!!!

Lady Gaga and V Magazine!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:00:00 +0000

I don't care much for Lady Gaga's music... It doesn't really do it for me. However, I do enjoy this photo shoot for V Magazine . Yes I do....

What to Do With A Giant Eye Sore?

Mr. Banning — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:30:00 +0000

That is the question. What to do with the Gardiner? That horrendous monstrosity of civil engineering that runs threw our fair city. Well first things first the resulting overflow of traffic that removing a highway/expressway will cause needs to be dealt with, but then after that what to do with the actual, physical structure. Well one solution offered up by Quadrangle Architects is to turn that seven kilometer long stretch into a green space with parks, pedestrian trails and bike paths with access from variously/strategically placed ramps and stairwells. The renovation project is called "Green Ribbon" and seems like a novel and wondrous idea and solution. I do hope it gets the go ahead because I think it would be a lovely addition to our water front (ish) area.

Moreover, when I was in New York I went to something similar in the meatpacking district in which a former above ground railway was converted into a pedestrian walkway and parkette, offering a stunning view of the water front and city proper. Shout out to Blaze for the heads up! and check out the pictures of the NY version.

I'm Ron Burgundy...?

Mr. Banning — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0000

via kicksonfire.com

I like these? I am not sure. I have looked at these kicks a couple of times and I am not sure how I feel about them. These Air Force Ones in a metallic silver fish scale print are part of the Nike Fall 2009 Collection and come in the above shown three colourways. From afar they look sick. Up close... I don't know. Like I said, I am not sure if I like them. I guess I will just have to wait to see them in person before I make my final decision.

Watching You!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.comThese watches look siiiicccck!!! These three new styles come via Nixon from their Fall 2009 collection. I like Nixon watches, they are always very slick, and there isn't many other cool watches in this price range and does a great job keeping this niche of mid priced. The three models offer a minimalist design and are called The Chronicle, The Mellor and The Newton Digital. I love the colours of the digital model, I love the green and white.

I LOVE this SONG!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:55:00 +0000

I am loving off Kid Cudi right now! Seriously he is giving me faith in hip hop again. I can't stop listening to his mixtape A Kid Called Cudi mixed by Plain Pat and sponsored by one of my favourite clothing brands 10DEEP, which you can download in its entirety by clicking here. I can't wait for the full length LP Man on the Moon, it is one of the few hip hop albums I am truly excited for. One of the tracks that has surfaced on iTunes recently from the upcoming full length is "Make Her Say (I Poke Her Face)" featuring Kanye West and Common with cuts by A Trak. It is a great song and they utilize a nice little sample courtesy of Lady Gaga. WEEEEEELLLLL the video for this wonderful track is now here, and it is REALLY good! I mean who doesn't love balloons!?!?!?! Also each of these dudes is dressed sick guy! I need more money!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKadumQvnWk&hl=en&fs=1&]

The Other Night! Oh What A Night!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:00:00 +0000

The other night I went to a hip hop show that I had been waiting 13 years for. This of course was the Smif N Wessun / Black Moon "Tribute to the Classics" concert that I have been "talking" about for the last couple of days. Well it was incredible! I was not overly thrilled that it was a Thursday night and that I would have to go to work on Friday but I came to terms with the fact that I would be destroyed and was ready to party. After meeting up with my boys and indulging in a lot of beers we made our to the Opera House. I was stoked that this show was at the Opera House, because for its size, small ish and intimate ish it has the best sound system, which meant that we would get the full effect of the awesomeness that was this show.

We got there just a head of the torrential downpour of rain and glided through security. I knew this show would be somewhat different then your average hip hop show. Because it was a tribute to the classic debut albums of these artists it was going to draw a much older audience, people my age and older. People who have been yearning for this show since the first time they heard these albums 13 years ago. I was right. As soon as we were in the door I bumped into a tone of people I had gone to high school with. People I use to chill with sitting in the park listening to this album and smoking blunts and drinking 40's of Ol' English. It was a trippy flash back. I said my what up's, gave props, pounds, and high fives where appropriate and made my way into the thick of the crowd. We posted up mid way to the stage with a clear view of everything. The DJ, legendary disc jokey Evil Dee was cutting up some classic hip hop tracks, building momentum for the immediate arrival of the dynamic duo on stage. And then it happened, Tek came on stage spitting hot fire, followed by Steel and within a second they were dropping the hits. I was blown away. It was a dream come true. Everyone in the crow cheered and got down to groovin' and rockin' the fuck out! After doing several tracks Buckshot of Black Moon came on, flawlessly transitioning into a Black Moon track and continued to carry the enthrallment. It was great, such a good vibe, such great energy. Smif N Wessun too the stage again and continued with Buckshot joining in continuously. I only took a few pictures, some of which are pretty decent but it was really hard for me to WANT to take my attention a way from the show to snap a shot. The show was so incredible that even when I was clicking some pictures I was regretting not rockin' out. I remember at one point I looked around to my buddies and they were all singing along and grooving, then I looked at the surrounding group of people clustered around me and they too were singing along. It was a great atmosphere of communal enjoyment, musical bliss. When the show was done it was some what surreal. It was like waking up out of a dream that was so great you try as hard as you can to go back to sleep, but know with some sadness that you won't be able to get it back. Yeah it was sort of like that. A touch less dramatic though. A great show! All you hip hop heads out there, if you missed this show, shame on you. You missed a classic. Holla!

Buckshot

19th Century Sensibility

Mr. Banning — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Imagine if we still dressed and decorated our according to the Victorian aesthetic? I suppose it would look a lot like this. This computer and many many more come courtesy of the Datamancer who takes modern conveniences and retro fits them with Victorian pomp. Many of his pieces have been sold on eBay as there seems to be a rather large following to this throwback trend, of do-it-yourself (DIY) garage-hacker aesthetic commonly known as "steam punk." I assume it is the opposite of the mid 90's future-forward "cyber punk". Either way it is cool and has a very antique charm. Which is the point of course.

This computer is encased in an intricately hand-crafted wooden case and features an elaborate display of clockworks under glass, engraved brass accents, claw feet, an antiqued copper keyboard and mouse, leather wrist pads, and customized wireless network card. The machine turns on with an antique clock-winding key by way of a custom-built ratcheting switch made from old clock parts. Very Coooooool

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters

Mr. Banning — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Following up on the instant success of the literary classic mash up of Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice with Zombies comes Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. Due out in September is the next Jane Austen classic to be re-imagined and upgraded with "all-new scenes of giant lobsters, rampaging octopi, two-headed sea serpents, and other biological monstrosities." Wicked! Yay! for Quirk Books for once again making a literary classic actually fun and enjoyable to actually read.

These Are Wonderful!

Mr. Banning — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

I don't know what it is about these kicks but I am in love... Seriously my heart skipped a beat! I tend to lean away from the canvas shoes, I don't see them aging well. HOWEVER, these new Nike Air Force 1 Mid Canvas with the black canvas upper, yellow nylon tongue, and strap look ridiculous! I will actually purchase these when I find them.

Overheard In New York.

Mr. Banning — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:00:00 +0000

I was going through my notepad on my iPhone today and came across this hilarious cellphone conversation I overheard while waiting outside of a rummage sale at a American Apparel. I wasn't really paying attention at the time, I was sort of hanging on the other side of this closed off street while Hawley surveyed the discounted offerings. While I was standing on the street I could hear this girl having a animated conversation with someone on her cell. I she sort of walked in front of me and this is what I overheard of the conversation. It was so hilarious I had to write it down at the time. Now that I have rediscovered it, I had to share it.

Girl out loud - "look at these savages. God." To person on phone "so yeah. I dunno he said it. Whether he means it or not he said it. But I am scared, cause he is like a sex addict."

Out loud to a girl rummaging "move bitch"

Pause. To person on the phone "That's what he said" Pause "like all the time" Pause. To person on phone "so yeah. Maybe I should get tested"

AMAZING!!!

Environmentally Sound!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Once again I am thoroughly impressed by Nixon, with the creation of their first rechargeable, solar powered watch. 11 years in the making (Nixon's age) the semi-transparent dial allows sunlight to pass through to the solar panel below which charges the watch’s battery. HOWEVER! it is not just sunlight that powers this lovely watch any light source will suffice and serve as a power source to recharge your watch. It comes with two different bands, one made of molded polyurethane and a double stitched Italian leather band.

Tron Legacy Trailer

Mr. Banning — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:01:00 +0000

This looks awesome! Tron Legacy (aka Tron 2, Tr2n) coming in 2010 via Disney and in 3D starring Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wild, Bruce Boxleitner. Directed by Joseph Kosinski. AWESOME!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1IpPpB3iWI&hl=en&fs=1&]

What If Pot Were Legel...?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

via fastcompany.com

Not that I endorse or condone said recreational pass time, but imagine if smoking weed was not illegal? First off, the government would be raking it in. Do you guys remember the numbers that popped up after it was announced that the LCBO (Liquor Commission Board of Ontario) was going on strike? In one day over 17 million dollars in sales, which they said was more then double their usual sales average for that particular time of the year. That means that the LCBO sells about 7 Million (give or take) dollars worth of alcohol a day throughout Ontario. That is in sane! Moreover they said during the time that the profit from that 7 million of alcohol is about 5 million. WOW! Now imagine if you could legally buy some pot. In is interesting to think about.

Well Print Magazine didn't just want to think about it they asked four designers to imagine what a legal pot package might look like. The one show above is from design team The Heads of State, a Philadelphia duo comprising Jason Kernevich and Dustin Summers. They liked the illicit connotations of the drug, pointing out that to eliminate that bad-boy rep is to do a disservice to the product (and it's various brand connotations). So they kept the whole "bag of weed" concept, and branded the various strains with funny stickers.

The 80's/I Love this Song!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:00:00 +0000

I love Bryan Ferry, both his solo career and his early work with Roxy Music. Roxy Music was an incredible group who, although some what short lived, had three highly successful albums and ten singles entering the top ten charts in the United Kingdom. This song/video "Don't Stop the Dance" comes from the 1985 Bryan Ferry solo album Boys and Girls. I love this song, I love this album. Just look at how 80's this video is, the girl dancing, the slightly upturned smile/snarl on Bryan Ferry's lips... Amazing! Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W7hpm0MP6k&hl=en&fs=1&]

Nike Dunk "D'uh"

Mr. Banning — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

Nike has release a new colourway for their Dunk Hi, that is being toted as the Homer Simpson, every one's favourite cartoon dad. The Voltage Yellow and Midnight Blue upper, and perforated side panels, are intended to call to mind the native Springfielder. Personally I like the colourway but in no way whatsoever do they remind me of Homer Simpson.

A Finger In Everything!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:15:00 +0000

Ever since I visited the amazing Parisian super cool super store Colette, I simply can't get enough of everything they do. I remember being thorough impressed with the architectural lay out of the store, as well as the concept they were boasting. I didn't buy anything because most of it was ridiculously expensive and can be purchased here in Canada for less, but I did sign up to their monthly newsletter. Well today when I received the monthly newsletter I was perusing the interesting and cool stuff they have to offer and came across this Leica C-Lux 3 digital camera. This isn't just any ordinary digital camera, this one comes in a special collaborative version with Parisian artist Andre and Colette themselves. We all remember Andre for his non stop work ethic, his collaboration with Krink markers, Belvedere vodka, Monsieur A, in the Cazals music video, and my very own Monsieur A sighting in New York in the Meat Packing district. He is a busy man. The camera comes in black and white and features an illustration of Monsieur A on the front. Each colourway is limited to only 30 and will be available soon in the Colette online store.

Free Shit!/Tonight!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:30:00 +0000

I am going to see La Roux tonight. Hawley won some tickets so we are going for free. SICK! Check out the video for "Quicksand" below. I love this song, at one point in was in three different mixes, playlists on my iPhone. Great song. I will let you know how the show is. Holla!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lDEwN7pYAo&hl=en&fs=1&]

Last Night

Mr. Banning — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Last night we went to see the quickly raising English electro-sensation La Roux at Toronto's El Mocambo. The show has been sold out for some time, but as I mentioned previously, Hawley won some tickets so were were able to see this overnight sensation first hand, for free. As I have already mentioned I had only really heard one of their singles earlier this year and a short six months later an entire album was released. So whirlwind was this rise that I hadn't even had a chance to listen to and absorb the album before going to see them. Well, there was no need because their energy is contagious and with in a matter of a couple of songs everyone was dancing along. For the songs I did know, everyone seemed to as well. You gotta love the digital age. I find it remarkable to see a concert in which the album was just released but the entire audience is singing along word for word. It was a great show, and I was very pleased I got to see them, they will not be playing at an intimate venue like the El Mo again, they are on their way up! Oh also, she has amazing hair! I strongly recommend that you all check them out, watch the video posted yesterday and check out their myspace.

Pretty!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 03:20:00 +0000

These are nice... the new colourway for the Nike Court Force Hi has been released for Fall 2009. Grey/white/red colourway with silver accents on the ankle padding and tongue with woven two-tone laces add a nice premium look to this sneaker. These are siiiiiicccccck guy!

Fantastic Mr. Fox Trailer

Mr. Banning — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:00:00 +0000

'Fantastic Mr. Fox' looks FANTASTIC!!! Directed by one of my favourite directors Wes Anderson and featuring a star-studded cast of the usual suspects, Owen Wilson, George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, and Bill Murray, tells a tale of Mr. Fox's adventures. Here is the synopsis of the film. Mr and Mrs Fox live an idyllic home life with their son Ash and visiting young nephew Kristopherson. But after 12 years, the bucolic existence proves too much for Mr Fox's wild animal instincts. Soon he slips back into his old ways as a sneaky chicken thief and in doing so, endangers not only his beloved family, but the whole animal community. Trapped underground and with not enough food to go around, the animals band together to fight against the evil Farmers -- Boggis, Bunce and Bean -- who are determined to capture the audacious, fantastic Mr Fox at any cost. The film opens November 13th 2009. ENJOY the trailer!!!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJbY3QrIifE&hl=en&fs=1&]

Why Not?

Mr. Banning — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:00:00 +0000

via swipelife.com

Now, I don't ride bikes, but when I saw these I realized I am a fool. Almost everyone I know rides around town on their bikes, saving huge dollar bills on both taxi's and public transportation. After seeing these bicycles designed by James Perse, best known for celebrity-rocking clothing, has created a bike intended for leisurely city driving and beach cruising. The Custom Built Vintage-Style Beach Cruiser, made with a steel frame, billet aluminum stem, and hand-aged leather seat and grips, is limited edition, and available only at James Perse boutiques. Sadly, there are none in Toronto.

Eagles of Death Metal - Last Night...!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:00:00 +0000

The other day my buddy Blaze called me up to ask me what I was doing on Sunday night. I said nothing. He responded by saying "Wrong Answer!!! We are going to see EAGLES of DEATH METAL!!!!" I laughed out loud and said "FUCK YEAH!"

So Sunday night we went to see the Eagles land once again. It was a great show, better perhaps then the last time we had seen them back in February. I will once again say that if you have not been to see these guys perform, you are missing out on a great rock concert! Checkout the pictures.

New Jay Z Album Cover Released

Mr. Banning — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Here is the cover for the up-coming Blueprint 3 due out on September 11 via Roc Nation/Atlantic. September 11? Jay does have a flair for the dramatic! Checkout Jay Z's website to listen to "Run this Town" featuring Rihanna and Kanye off of the new album.

Last Night/Live Music - America's Most Wanted Tour

Mr. Banning — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:00:00 +0000

The entire day was dreadful. It was dark as night for the better part of the day punctuated only by the continuous lightening and thunder and the constant tapping on the window of the torrential down pour of rain. Throughout the dark day I continuous looked out my window, checking the weather network on my computer, and hoping that the rain would let up before the day ended. The thing about the Molson Amphiteatre is that it is an out door venue and thus "severe weather warnings" equals soaking wet, pneumonia-ridden concert goers. Luckily for me, I had the foresight to purchase seats instead of general admission, lawn tickets. Regardless, I didn't want to be wet going into show. I dislike being uncomfortable. However, as I was saying to a friend at work, I have not yet seen a show at the Amphitheatre in which it hadn't rained before the show, then stopped. I continuously looked out the window.

The other thing that came up literally the night before the show was that Drake, Toronto's own rising star had hurt himself on the weekend and there was the strong possibility that he was not going to be performing. However, I had also read that in place of Drake, Wayne had asked Chris Brown to take the stage. Remember him? So I had some serious mixed emotions. It would be interesting to see Chris Brown, but I really was dying to see Drake. In the end it all seemed to work out. The rain stopped, the sun emerged. We got to the show just in time to see Young Jeezy take the stage. His set was awesome, it inspired me to re-listen to his albums. Then the sky darkened naturally as night fall, and was suddenly lit on fire as fireworks, and pyrotechnics exploded, welcoming Lil Wayne on to the stage. As soon as he took the stage I leaned over to my sister and said "this dude is a superstar" and then pointed to the jammed pack venue as they went nuts! Wayne's set was great, almost two hours long and full of all his hits. I was surprised by how humble a guy he was as he continuously thanked the crowd, and showed the pictures on the big screen of the people who are on the tracks with him, but who were not there for the tour. He stopped at one point and said that he lived by three important things, "first thank god for his blessings. Second, I ain't shit without you. And third, I AIN'T SHIT WITHOUT YOU!" which made the crowd go nuts. Finally Wayne introduced and brought onto the stage his Young Money crew and let them all spit a verse, and then he said "Time to clear the stage" and the lights went down. Everyone, and I mean everyone knew what this meant, and when the lights came back up, Drake was sitting down with a cane in hand, and started to spit. The audience went nuts, I meant thousands upon thousands of people screaming, shouting, hooting, and hollering. Showing love like nothing I have ever seen. Drake performed two songs, "Best I Ever Had" being the second, and said in between that he has to leave the tour because of his fall, but there was no way he could miss Toronto. Again the crowd went nuts. if possible loud then before. I know I was shouting at the top of my lungs and you could see the big ass smile on his face as well as Wayne's. He left the stage with his cane and Wayne continued with his superstar performance.

Wayne continued and rocked the fuckout for the better part of two hours, he brought back his Young Money crew to perform "the YOUR song" "every girl in the world" and to give a brief tribute to Michael Jackson, the "the king of pop." It was an awesome show, and I am very happy that I had the chance to see it.

During the show, I went to get more beer managed to sneak past security so that I was up real close to the stage. I managed to snap a bunch of pictures. Once satisfied I went back to my seat and enjoyed the rest of the show. In total I ended up taking over 1,700 pictures on my little Sony camera. I know it sounds like a lot, but honestly of the 1,700 only about 20 turn out decent and only like 5 turned out awesome. Check out the pictures... I turn my SUPERZOOM on so they do look a touch pixelated, but they are still sick as fuck!

Alife High Tops!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:30:00 +0000

I LOVE the Alife Rivington Club in NY, as you all know from my continuous posting live from New York, but I have never been all that big a fan of the actual Alife shoes. Until now. The first bunch of kicks from the Alife Fall 2009 Collection have started to make there way into the stores. So far this years collection does seem to be a touch more subtle than previous drops, and the shoes seem to be getting better quality-wise as well. All the sneakers come in premium leathers with nice colour accents. I like these a lot!!!

New Clipse Song/Video

Mr. Banning — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:30:00 +0000

I have been in LOVE with Clipse since they dropped their debut album Lord Willin' back in 02. Since then there has not been much in the way of product being put out by these dudes, but what they do release I always enjoy. What I am also enjoying is that rapper Malice and Pusha T have put aside their differences and reunited with Pharrell and The Neptunes for production on their upcoming LP release Till the Casket Drops. Although this is the second single released in the last couple of months from these guys “I’m Good” is the official lead single off the forthcoming album. I like the song, I like the video. I do hope the album is off the hook. Holla! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXIAaKN3bT4&hl=en&fs=1&]

I Am Not Entirely Sure About These....

Mr. Banning — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:35:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

... at first glance they look cool. Upon a closer inspection, less so. Then I left and ran some errands and when I came back and saw them again I liked them. Now as I right these I am not sure I do anymore. Maybe that is good? Maybe not... I don't know. These Nike Dunk Lo SB “Asparagus” come from the September 2009 release and have been available in Japan for some time already. The colourway is certainly interesting and they do work for Fall... no clashing here. I like the speckled ankle parts and red accents are cool, the rough suede side-panels and black leather toe box are also neat. I am just so conflicted about my feelings on these shoes!!!

Bo Knows...

Mr. Banning — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

There is a guy in my office who's last name is Bowen, and thus by the laws of laziness he is know as Bo. Throughout the course of an average day of work I must say "Bo Knows" about fifteen times (15x) and every time I do say that I think of the old commercials featuring Bo Jackson. Remember? "Bo Knows" from the late 80's and early 90's, with him attempting to take up every single sport ever, and Bo Diddley playing blues and saying to Jackson "You don't know diddley!" Amazing! Well in honour of Nike and Jackson's relationship comes the Sky Force Hi "Techmo Bo" high top sneakers in the raiders black, with silver metallic accents and a pattern over the side-panels. Awesome!

Oh Glorious Day!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:45:00 +0000

Here is a preview of the album art for Kid Cudi’s debut released entitled Man On the Moon: The End of Day. This album is loooong overdue for release, initially it was pushed back due to several issues one of which being the album art. However, this highly anticipated (by ME!) album is locked down for a September 15th, 2009 release. Man On the Moon: The End of Day will come in two versions, a standard CD release and a Deluxe Edition DVD, both of which will feature differing artwork. If I actually purchased physical albums, I would be at the HMV under my office on the 15th at 9:55 impatiently waiting for the doors to open at 10 so I could cop the deluxe album. Luckily for me, I just by everything on iTunes, and will get it when I wake up! It is going to be an awesome day, I can just tell.

Cool/Weird -Converse Moonwalk

Mr. Banning — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:50:00 +0000

This is one F**king weird shoe! Although it looks very very unreal the Converse Moonwalk is an actual shoe. The Moonwalk features a lace up heel, rubber cap in the back, toe to ankle seam and a flipped up logo plate on the toe. The “No Good” “No Star logo” parody logo on the side. Very neat. The Moonwalk lands at the Alife Rivington Club, and will sell out super quick, guaranteed.

The Way I See It.

Mr. Banning — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 22:25:00 +0000

This album is fantastic! I seriously listen to it at least once a day since I downloaded it, and then purchased it. Most of you out there should know who Raphael Saadiq is but if you don't here is his brief bio. Saadiq's professional music career started out with a bang as part of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! who had a procession of number one (#1) hit's in the late 80's and early 90's, their most famous and my personal favourite song "Feels Good" but also had multiple other hits many of which went platinum. After Tony! Toni! Toné! Saadiq joined forces with other legendary R&B/ rap greats Dawn Robinson from En Vogue, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad from A Tribe Called Quest to form the supergroup Lucy Pearl. Lucy Pearl put out one self-titled album which was magnificent. Since then and also during all this work Saadiq released solo albums AS WELL AS producing numerous tracks for everyone from D'Angelo, Joss Stone, LeToya Luckett, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, The Isley Brothers, Teedra Moses, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, Angie Stone, Snoop Dogg, Devin the Dude, DJ Quik, Kelis, Q-Tip, Ludacris, The Bee Gees, Musiq Soulchild, Jaguar Wright, Chanté Moore, Lionel Richie, Marcus Miller, Noel Gourdin, Nappy Roots, Calvin Richardson, T-Boz from TLC, Floetry, Leela James, Amp Fiddler, John Legend, Young Bellz, Anthony Hamilton, Babyface, Ledisi, Goapele, Ginuwine, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Bilal, and many many more. I know that was a long list but I feel it is important for you to know how great and prolific a musician Raphael Saadiq is so that you will instantly upon reading this go and get this album. The albums has the feel of R&B legends without feeling out of place, forced or contrived. You absolutely have to listen to it now. I guarantee you will love it.

These Are Nice...

Mr. Banning — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:00:00 +0000

We are already half way through August and here in Toronto it feels like summer has only just begun in earnest. It is lovely outside, but you know that it will disappear just as quickly as it arrived and we will be neck-deep in winter soon enough. So it is will great hesitation I show the new Lanvin High Top "Jersey" Trainer. perfect for fall! They feature the usual Lanvin exclusive rubber sole, metal eyelet pieces, and calf skin lining and have a perfect colourway to accessorize with any winter ensemble. So dig deep, real deep into the crevasses of your sofa to start collecting your pennies because these bad boys will run you $820 USD and are available at Aloharag.com. Yessir. That is the price for couture.

Spotted!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 22:14:00 +0000

I was walking along Baldwin street in Kensington Market when I spotted a little monster looking at me from a wall just out of arms reach. I immediately stopped and took a picture. If you are unfamiliar with the work of We Kill You, shame on you, however you can remedy it immediately by click on the link or the pictures and learning more. Also if you don't know it means you haven't been paying attention. I am disappointed! Nah' course I am not, I love you all! Holla!

Bapes I actually like

Mr. Banning — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

Generally speaking I don't really care for Bape clothing and accessories. I like the idea of them more then I actually like them. For some reason I have always leaned more towards Pharrell Williams' BBC (Billionaire Boys Club) more, even though they are the same for the most part. Also the shoe template that the Bape Sta shoes use is pretty much the Nike Air Force 1 Low, and the Nike Air Max, which I never thought was cool of Bape to do. However, when I saw these Bape Sta Tigers in a grey white colourway with the comic tiger on the heel I actually saw something in them worth appreciating. The metallic foil finish Road Sta's are also pretty nice, especially the red and blue pairs. Both of these shoes come courtesy of the Bape Fall 2009 Collection. The Bape Sta Tiger only comes in the grey/white colourway with tiger graphic on the back, whereas the Road Sta Foil comes in 6 different colourways. Both sneakers are available online or at the Bape stores.

Like Whoa!

Mr. Banning — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:05:00 +0000

Check out this dirty ass video by Major Lazer for their single “Pon De Floor." This video is something else, I feel like I should be ashamed for watching it and enjoying the video. Whoa! Directed by Eric Wareheim of Tim and Eric Awesome Show.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2nmgcVbfKE&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]

Miike Snow "Animal" Music Video

Mr. Banning — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:45:00 +0000

First off I want to say that I am in love with the Miike Snow self titled debut album. I love the jackalope (rabbit with antlers) on the cover. I love the quasi-reggae vibe/sound that they have, it is very much like the quasi-reggae of Sting during his years with the Police. Same kinda sound. Very awesome. Made more awesome by the fact that literally for days before I first listened to Miike Snow I had been listening to Police albums. The mood was right, the timing exquisite. I really suggest that you all watch the video, check out the myspace, and listen to this album, you will not regret it. Also if end up loving the album, which you will, be sure to check out the show at Wrongbar on Wednesday September 23.

I also have to give a big shoutout to my homie Matt Weed for insisting that I check them out. Thanks buddy. Holla!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLHjKgQt39s&hl=en&fs=1&]

New Jay Video "Run This Town"

Mr. Banning — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:30:00 +0000

Here is the video for “Run This Town” by Jay-Z, featuring Rihanna and Kanye West, the second single from Jay's upcoming The Blueprint 3 album, due out September 11... It is sick guy!! The video is really really good. It looks so dark, and grimey, they obviously had a big budget for this one. Rihanna is looking amazing, take my breath away. Jay And Kanye are looking slick as usual. Watch the video, you will love it! It has made me appreciate this track all over again.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVA-xTBeHyM&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Nike's Robots Would Wear

Mr. Banning — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:35:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

Check out these cool metallic Nike Royal Mid's. I am not the biggest fan of the cut of the shoe, I do personally prefer a chunkier show, but I LOVE the multicolor metallic colourway. The different panels come in different metallic colors, including silver, grey, blue, red and gold as you can see. These should be released any day now.

Britney Spears Looking Good In A Bikini

Mr. Banning — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:40:00 +0000

Check this out. Britney Spears is reading the Top 10 on Letterman, in a Bikini. She is looking wonderful! I am not entirely sure why she is doing this, let a lone in a Bikini but I am not going to argue. Good job Britney!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baUx42qs1xU&hl=en&fs=1&]

Size Matters....

Mr. Banning — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:15:00 +0000

I have a Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) and as all of you who know me personally out there know, I didn't pay one red cent for it! I was momentarily caught up in the Matrix and when I emerged I had a free PS3, yes folks this did actually happen. So needless to say I love my PS3, I find it hard to find any fault with it, I mean after all it was free. HOWEVER, if there was one thing I would find fault with it is the fact that my PS3 is the size of a printer, it is massive, and it heats up like a motherf**ker. Well it seems that the people at Sony were paying some attention to the what happenings of the world and have just announced the new much smaller, much lighter PS3, conveniently dubbed the PlayStation 3 Slim. The new model also eats up way less energy and contains more memory than the original... AWESOME! and is available this September starting at $300 USD for a 120GB model. Rumor has it that they are also set to release a 250GB version of the slim in the very near future. Coooool....

Nike Sportswear x fragment Design All Court Premium Leather

Mr. Banning — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Lately I have been feeling my age. As a result I have been wearing more of my demure shoes with my more "grown-up" outfits. I look great! The only problem I have is that other then my incredible Nike Air Force 1/Dunk/Terminator collection I do not have any comfortable demure shoes. All three are incredibly uncomfortable and not really as cool as they should be, considering I am the one rocking them. Now if only Nike made a pair subtle kicks that I could rock in my age-induced-angst that I am wallowing in. Wait a minute!!! Take a look at the upcoming Nike Sportswear collaboration with Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design. If you don't know Hiroshi Fujiwara is an incredibly popular Japanese musician, trendsetter, producer, and designer known locally as the godfather of Harajuku culture. He is the pioneer for Nike's cool-as-F**k "HTM" line, and the "Fenom" line for Levis. Oh yeah, you may also remember him from his appearance in Lost in Translation. Yessir... the man is a genius and it shows in these incredibly slick looking kicks. I love the subtlety of the All Court Premium Leather kicks with the black and white premium leathers, embossed Swoosh and fragment logo placement on the heel. These beautifully perfect for my collection sneakers have only been released in Japan so far, so here is to keeping our fingers crossed that they make their way across the Pacific.

New Raekwon “House of Flying Daggers” Music Video

Mr. Banning — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Raekwon comes correct in this music video "House of Flying Daggers" from the forthcoming album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II, in stores September 8th, 2009. This awesomely animated single features Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah, GZA and Method Man over J. Dilla beat. Remember folks, Wu Tang is for the kids. Holla!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHVCQc6cbSw&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]

These Are Very Cool...

Mr. Banning — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

The Nike Auto Flight High QK LE “LA” in the strikingly obviously/cool Los Angeles Lakers colourway. This wonderful sneaker has LA stamped onto its heel. The upper comes in varsity purple, the lining comes in yellow, matching the LA font on the heel and are slated for a September release date.

I Need An Iconic Outfit!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Holy Shi*t! Look at these amazing pictures of French Electro-House Gods Daft Punk's iconic attire, taken by photographer Mitch Feinberg. Look at the craftsmanship put into those masks! The matching gloves, leather jackets, and sneakers are also shown below. Incredible! These guys are legends unto themselves. Cool...! Check out the article in which these pictures appear from Whitewall magazine. Also check out the Whitewall digital magazine. It is pretty cool. Like seriously! I love magazines, they are so multipurpose. Flip through them, look at the pretty colourful ads, read the articles, start at the beginning, start at the end, randomly open it up. However, I just can't bring myself to actually spend the five to ten ($5-$10) to buy the actual thing, which I know will inevitably sit around my apartment when I am done, because I can't bring myself to throw out the stupid thing. Then it sits there eating up valuable space in my microscopic apartment... Sorry. Digital magazines are neat.

Spotted! Some More...

Mr. Banning — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:00:00 +0000

We Kill You has struck again with their pop up art spreading throughout Toronto faster then a breakout of the bubonic plague. Yes the bubonic plague, the black death, the blue illness, (all are synonyms) I know that seems a little dated a reference but only but a month or two a go there was an outbreak of this 13th century disease in Libya... So yeah! In the same day, as I traversed the wonderful city of Toronto I encountered two We Kill You Pop Up art pieces, and so I immediately snap a picture with my iPhone so I could show you all. The first piece is in Kensington Market, and the second is a long queen street. Both are placed clearly in view, which makes them actually harder to see. You know that saying, "the best place to hid something is in plain sight..."well here it is. Shoutout to the Ghost for continuing to make great pieces!

These Are Cute...

Mr. Banning — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:00:00 +0000

These are soooooo awesome! Check out the new version of iconic Bounty Hunter Kumaro Kun, just released. The new version of the toy now comes with a fur upper and is a touch larger than the previous version. Check out the Bounty Hunter site, it is pretty cool.

Sooooooo 80's

Mr. Banning — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:10:00 +0000

Check out the latest update from the classic Nike Dunk High. These kicks come in a nylon upper and leather swoosh with a wild acid washed throwback ’80s pattern. These freakishly nostalgic kicks are set for release in January courtesy of Foot Locker.

Remember This Song?

Mr. Banning — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Do you remember this song? "Keep Ya Head Up" by Tupac Shakur from the 1993 album Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.??? I remember the first time I heard this song, mind mind was blown away. I was a young impressionable teenager and remember thinking to myself that this way a powerful song. I wasn't a hundred percent sure why exactly, except that of course you need to respect women, but that was something I knew from my mom, I think it had to do with the fact that this was a hip hop song. I still wasn't sure what it was until I got older and came back to this song after years of misogynist, gangsta and sometimes mindless rap this song would stand out for its incredibly powerful message.

Also the song musically is phenomenal. The beat is sampled from Zapp & Roger's "Be Alright" and the chorus is sampled from The Five Stairsteps' "O-o-h Child" with Pac's incredibly charismatic rhymes. Perfection! The video opens up with the words "Dedicated to the memory of Latasha Harlins, "it's still on", in reference to the L.A. Riots, and did you notice Jada Pinkett Smith in there. Yeesir! Mrs. Will Smith herself. I miss Tupac.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm7aCPa-_ew&hl=en&fs=1&]

Alright...

Mr. Banning — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:40:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

I don't usually care for Reebok shoes. I don't find them comfortable and I have always heard that they are not made using the greatest of care. Whether that last bit is true or not I am not sure but the fact remains you will probably never catch me rocking a pair. I do however like the look of these Reebok collaboration with Atmos on the Ex-O-Fit Hi Strap. I like the look of the double strap on the hightop body, but mostly I like the galaxy inspired black/white dot upper. The white dots on the upper and the white outer sole both glow in the dark. Siiiicccck!! This very cool looking sneaker comes in a black/blue and a black/red colourway and is available today from Atmos.

Spoon - "The Underdog"

Mr. Banning — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:45:00 +0000

This is a great song, and a great video. I recently heard it when I was watching I Love You Man for the sixth time and finally threw on my Spoon Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga Album. What a great album! All the Spoon albums are great. I know you all agree, and if you don't shame on you. And if you don't know who they are... well, watch the video and then do your homework.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1hZVDLkJDc&hl=en&fs=1&]

I Need A Financial Backer

Mr. Banning — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:55:00 +0000

I really need to get myself off of this colette mailing list. Serious once a week around lunchtime I get an email showcasing all the newest, coolest shit. I instantly fall in love with something, and the curse that I am at work and not cruising the shops and boutiques of Paris like some globetrotting millionaire. Reality bites, as they say. Anyway today's sinful delight was the costumed designed, colette edition of the Rolex Milgauss. This stunningly beautiful watch comes with a black case and wristband and the face dial is the signature colette blue. Be still my beating art! I really need a financial backer willing to invest in my cool.

Purple...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 02:00:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

I like these. I don't care what anyone else says, they look sick! These purple kicks are half of an interesting Nike Air Force 1 collaboration, the other half is shown below. These two very different sneaks are courtesy of DJ Clark Kent and with Eddie Cruz. The Eddie Cruz designed ones are the purple ones and as I have already stated are sick! DJ Clark Kent kept his subtle, a very autumn colourway. Both sneakers will be released October 1st.

I Love My iPhone!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:15:00 +0000

Look at that picture! It looks like the main operations center for the CIA, or some super secret super awesome government agency. Well as you can see when you look closely, it is in fact AT&T's main network monitoring operations center... yeah cell phones! I just read an article from impactlab.com that essentially states that the super slim and sleek iPhone is comparable to the Hummer of cellphones when it comes to data. This makes complete sense to me, I view and treat my iPhone as a mini version of my MacBook at home. As such both myself and every other iPhone user out there downloads applications, streams music and videos and browses the Web at higher rates than the average smartphone user, and as such uses ten (10) times the network capacity then the average smartphone user. Again this makes sense to me. The result is that the AT&T network can't handle it and everything is slowing down, and dropping calls. That is not cool! According to AT&T the "majority of the nearly $18 billion it will spend this year on its networks will be diverted into upgrades and expansions to meet the surging demands on the 3G network. The company intends to erect an additional 2,100 cell towers to fill out patchy coverage, upgrade existing cell sites by adding fiber optic connectivity to deliver data faster and add other technology to provide stronger cell signals." Not to sound unsympathetic, but cellphone companies, especially those up here in Canada pretty much rob use senselessly every month, especially when it comes to the iPhone, which unlike our American counterparts we can not buy outright the phone. Meaning you can't buy the phone , legally that is, without signing a three (3) contract. That is lame sauce boss... Read the article iPhones Overload AT&T, Angering Customers to get the complete lowdown. Holla!

Yuuuummmmy!!!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:45:00 +0000

How much do you love bacon? I personally love it a lot! Sadly my love of bacon has prevented me from converting to Judaism... sad. The upside of course is that if and when the Apocalypse comes and/if the Zombies raise up (pun intended)I will be able to continue to indulge my lust for high-sodium nitrate addiction with Tactical Bacon.

Yes bacon in a can. Apparently Tactical Canned Bacon is the very best canned bacon out on the market, it comes as actual strips and because of the magic of preservatives will last over 10 years in the can. Craziness!!!! checkout thinkgeekto order and stockpile this marvelous quantum leap forward in canned foods also check out the nutrition facts posted below.

INCREDIBLE!!! I LOVE JAY!!!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Look at this Rhapsody commercial in which Jay Z re-enacts the photo shoot for each of his album's cover art which he flawlessly flows from one to the next. Absolutely amazing. It made me check out Rhapsody.com so it certainly is effective! Also you can listen to the Blueprint 3 on Rhapsody.com so I highly recommend you check it out. This is just in time for the release of Jay's Blueprint 3 on September 11th. Yes Friday September 11th, which is never done as albums are always released on Tuesday. This was obviously done for the impact and significance of the date. D'uh! It is also the same date that the Blueprint was originally released.Check the video.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM1mPXJ95vc&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]

More Jay Z

Mr. Banning — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Well the rumour mills are in over drive in regards Mr. H to the Izzo as it was announced yesterday a whole string of concert dates in support of his soon to be released Blueprint 3 album. Originally slated for a unprecedented Friday September 11th release, apparently it has been push UP for a Tuesday September 8th release. Interesting... probably to stave off rampant bootlegging. Along with the concert date announcement (see below) the rumours immediately started to circulate that Eminem would be along side Jay as a opener or possible c0-headliner. In all honesty that would be off the F**king hook! but since it was not confirmed it is probably just rumour... but a boy can dream. Either way there are a lot of Canadian dates on the up coming tour so be sure to start saving your pennies, because you know this show is NOT going to be cheap.

Holla! Tour dates: 9/11 New York, NY - Madison Square Garden 10/9 University Park, PA - Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State University 10/10 Highland Heights, KY - Bank of Kentucky Center 10/13 Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place 10/14 Calgary, AB - Pengrowth Saddledome 10/15 Kelowna, BC - Prospera Place 10/16 Vancouver, BC - General Motors Place 10/17 Seattle, WA - KeyArena 10/21 Ypsilanti, MI - Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center 10/24 Providence, RI - Dunkin Donuts Center 10/25 Amherst, MA - Mullins Center 10/27 Baltimore, MD - 1st Mariner Arena 10/28 Columbus, OH - Value City Arena Ohio State University 10/29 London, ON - John Labatt Centre 10/30 Montreal, QC - Bell Centre 10/31 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre 11/1 Ottawa, ON - Scotiabank Place 11/12 Champaign, IL - University of Illinois 11/19 Albuquerque, NM - Tingley Coliseum 11/20 El Paso, TX - University of Texas El Paso / Don Haskins Center 11/22 Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center Arena

Holy Bananas Boston!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000

One of my favourite online stores is Karmaloop located in Boston, because they always seem to have to coolest new ish around. The cover all the essentials in cool to, from unique and boutique clothes to some of the sickest kicks around. Well in conjunction with their super coolness Supra has release a super bright yellow version of the popular Skytop, hi-top sneaker.The release includes a matching t-shirt which of course is sold separately and features a winged version of the shoe printed on a black body. More then likely both the shirt and shoes are sold out already. Shame.

Sweet Action Jackson!!!

Mr. Banning — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:10:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com Like Whoa! Look at these! Nike x Mighty Crown Dynasty Hi Premium from the Nike Sportswear Holiday 2009 Quickstrike collection. This cool-as-fuck sneaker is a collaboration with Mighty Crown Japan. I love the black, I love the added studs to the ankle strap and the graphic on the outer sole. If your heart skipped a beat like mine just did you can order these sneakers from Bobos, you just have to know how to read Japanese.

VERY COOL!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:01:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

These are very very cool shoes! I mean look at them! Celebrating their 10th year anniversary Japanese rap duo Nitro Microphone Underground hooks up with Nike, King of the Shoes for a special collaboration. These Air Force 1 Mid come in a black/gold with a slick texture to the black and the gold just POPS! Along side these shoes comes a rather blahzay-looking matching t-shirt. Very cool!

What I Am Listening To... What You NEED To Be Listening To

Mr. Banning — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:30:00 +0000

The last couple of months I have been struggling. Struggling to make sense of things. Usually when I am struggling a good album really helps. A solid soundtrack can really make or break a situation. When the going gets tough and you need to seat back in a dark room to collect your thoughts and try and figure things out, the music reaching out to you from the speakers needs to connect. I was finding it extra hard because this essential element was missing. That is until Hawley put me on to a phenomenal singer. She is a clever one that Hawley, she avoided the tell-tale way to guarantee I will NOT listen to something new, by telling me I should listen. I don't respond well to being told what to do. Instead she simply put it on, and it reached out to me through the speakers.

The singer was Mayer Hawthorne and it hit me like a cold rush to the head, it was a modern Motown sound and I was in love. It was a weird experience because it was fresh and new but felt familiar and comforting. What struck me also as weird/cool was that Mayer Hawthorne is on Stones Throw Records home to the legendary Peanut Butter Wolf and recently departed and equally as legendary J Dilla. What?!?! A hip hop label is progressive enough to put out a modern Motown album? I suppose so, Raphael Saadiq just dropped The Way I See It a classic album and homage to a bygone era of soul music. Honestly you could have called me Black Rob, because I was "Like Whoa!" I must of listened to the two double songed EP's a dozen times each, and once the debut album A Strange Arrangement became available on the internet I pumped that even harder. Don't worry folks I am a strong supporter of supporting artists who deserve it, therefore this morning when A Strange Arrangement dropped and I immediately purchased it on iTunes and put it on to my iPhone so I could rock it all day. If you have not yet done so, please click on the boy Mayer Hawthorne's myspace and listen to some tracks. Also watch the video below. It is insightful to Mayer Hawthorne. After watching this video I think I loved the album even more.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96D8jhiVKw8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]

Mayer Hawthorne - Just Ain't Gonna Work Out

Mr. Banning — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:45:00 +0000

In case you lazy fuckers need more convincing. Don't you love the heart shaped record? Yeah you do. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQklopXpQGA&hl=en&fs=1&]

T Shirts for the "Day N Nite"

Mr. Banning — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0000

In celebration of Fashion’s Night Out this upcoming weekend in New York, urban apparel guru Bape got together with emo-hip hop raising star Kid Cudi and created the Kid Cudi x Milo T-Shirt. The t-shirt will be released in black on September 10th at 6pm at the Bape NYC store.

Slick!

"Day N Nite" the Extended Version

Mr. Banning — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:15:00 +0000

To continue the trend of posting T shirts that feature Kid Cudi, we present here the Kid Cudi Pinball Concert and Moon Face Concert Tee from karmaloop.com. Both shirts are made from 100% cotton and features a screen print celebrating Cudi's hit debut single "Day N' Nite." These shirt are not new as the are in honour of the release of Cudi's "Day N Nite" single but I thought it was fitting especially after the previous post.

Free Hat!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:30:00 +0000

Click on the picture above to enter to win a Yacht / Fader / New Era collaboration fitted hat. These rather awesome looking cap is white canvas with a big black anchor embroidered on the front. For those of you who don't know Yacht is a post-pink electro beat making duo signed to DFA records, home to the magnification LCD Soundsystem, and nouveau-disco greats Hercules and Love Affair, and this hat is in honour of their new album entitled See Mystery Lights. Click on the hat above and leave a comment with your favorite body of water and why, your hat size because they are fitted and register with your real email and you could win this beauty.

New LV Kicks

Mr. Banning — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:45:00 +0000

Following the overwhelmingly ridiculous success of the Louis Vuitton collaboration with Kanye West comes a nice new low top sneaker from the Fall/Winter 2009 Collection. The sneaker comes with a leather/suede upper and a strap over the laces. I love that the branding is almost non-existent, that makes me happy. These kicks will be released very soon and costs about $600 USD.

No Homer's... We Will Only Take 1!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:00:00 +0000

The Simpson's have been around for the majority of my life, and as such has left a huge impact on my psychology and world view. I am sure this is the same for a lot of your out there as well. Even more to the point, with their two decades worth of material a whole plethora of guests have lent their voices to the Simpsonizing effect of Matt Groening. There is literally a huge cache of celebrities but most importantly for all you hip hop fans out there Format has come out with a collection of all the hip hop artists, featuring Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, Flava Flav, Eazy E, Andre 3000, Eminem, and Fat Joe alongside iconic O in the middle of Homer with a unique representations for each artist.

Designed by local Toronto group Moxy Creative the posse shot is available as a 11.75 x 15.75 limited edition (100) print for $45 USD including tax and shipping. Special orders for individual artist shots are available at $55 USD by e-mail (editors@formatmag.com).

It's A Fam(ily) Affair!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +0000

In a collaboration between famed Singapore-based sneaker customizer SBTG and skater apparel DC Life comes a collection of collaborative gear under the Royalefam umbrella. Inspired by SBTG’s childhood skate gang, Circus of Mutants, the shoes come in a black and green colourway with familiar SBTG details and an abundance of Fly imagery.

DIDDY & DIRTY MONEY "ANGELS"

Mr. Banning — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Here is the new song and video for Diddy & Dirty Money's "Angels" from the forth coming album Last Train to Paris. The video is directed by Hype Williams, so you know it will be quality and this track also features two verses from Diddy's meal ticket the Notorious B.I.G.. The song is decent but I have a couple of bones to pick with it for starters, the beat is a straight rip off of a classic Jay-z beat, it features old verses from Biggie, and when Diddy sings it is through the autotune. Nothing about his song is real or original, in its stand alone facets. However, this is Diddy, and this is what Diddy does. He took a sick beat, a sick verse and the of-the-moment-cool-thing-to-do autotune and sings like everyone else is and has been doing for some time, and he pulls it off. I suspect that if anyone else tried to pull this, it wouldn't fly and they would be ripped to shreds, but hey, that is the charm of Diddy... "Take hits from the 80's, yay, yay, and make them sound so craz-y, yay yay!"Check it out.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flX509t4qHQ&hl=en&fs=1&]

Remember History Class?

Mr. Banning — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Take a look at this history nerds wet-dream from the upcoming Maiden Noir Fall 2009 “Quadrupeds of N. America” Collection. The brand presents a series of t-shirts, based on the artwork of John Audubon. For those of you who don't know, John Audubon was a French/American ornithologist, naturalist and painter who cataloged, and described the birds and wildlife of North America in a way far superior to what had come before. His images became synonymous with the new nation of the United States of America and Canada. Each t-shirt will be released in four different colourways, white, army, grey heather, brown heather. A portion of all sales from this collection will be donated to the good cause of the Audubon Society whose mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. Very cool!

The animals depicted on the shirts are the wolf, the beaver, the mountain lion, and fox... maybe?

Another Kanye West Moment In History

Mr. Banning — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Last night (September 13th) during the MTV VMA's Kanye West jumped on stage during country singer Taylor Swift's speech for Best Female Video. Kanye's outburst and lack of decorum was brought on by his apparent disgust with Beyonce NOT winning this award, by saying "Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time! of all time!"Maybe so, but still the outburst lacked a certain tack. I feel really bad for Taylor Swift, poor girl, she looked so lost after Kanye left the stage. Imagine being embarrassed by Kanye West in the middle of one of the most important nights of your career. Not cool. I hope he invites her to do a song with him later on. The upside is that after Beyonce had won an award, being the super nice woman she is, had Taylor Swift come up and give the rest of her speech. Oh Kanye, you are great at everything, now if you weren't do great about making an ass of your self!

Watch the clip, it is horrifying! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yOOPHe3QHU&hl=en&fs=1&]

Kanye's Response

Mr. Banning — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:28:00 +0000

This comes directly from Kanye's blog,

"I feel like Ben Stiller in "Meet the Parents" when he messed up everything and Robert De Niro asked him to leave... That was Taylor's moment and I had no right in any way to take it from her. I am truly sorry." At least he has some sense of social decorum.

The Cinematic Intro & Outro to The Beatles: Rock Band

Mr. Banning — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:00:00 +0000

When I first heard that Rock Band was doing a special edition tribute to the Beatles I was a touch skeptical. Could a video game really pay due-tribute to the band of bands? Well after seeing the intro and outro to the game I am convinced that the game did in fact pay the innovators of rock their due respect. Checkout both of these clips. They are fantastic!

Intro [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSLLxRmR3nY&hl=en&fs=1&] Outro [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGzfhcnrB7Q&hl=en&fs=1&]

More Kanye...

Mr. Banning — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:43:00 +0000

Kanye West just apologized live on Jay Leno's new show. It was a heartfelt apology. Which is good. I was surprised that Leno get right to the point and asked Kanye what he was thinking and what he thought his mom would have said. It was powerful, Kanye was choked. It was intense.

The performance of "We Run this Town" featuring Rihanna and of course Kanye was off the hook. Of course.

Delta Force

Mr. Banning — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:00:00 +0000

The new Nike Delta Force High AC looks rediciolous! The Black colourway are beautiful and the Bordeaux would look great with a pair of dark jeans. The upper is made of leather and mesh with everything aside from the sole being tonal on the dark red colourway, the black colourway features additional white detailing. Both will be released in November, just in time for the holidays.

Thunder Strike

Mr. Banning — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:10:00 +0000

I am loving the cool titles! Here comes the new Nike Dunk Hi’s from the Holiday 2009 collection. They are not bad at all, I enjoy the navy/sliver colourway with perforated and suede leathers, as well as purple accents. Very cool.... I am not sure if I like them more then the Dunk Hi “Thunder Strike” which are the black/yellow below. Both are sweet. I think the purple would be a lot harder to pull off. Maybe with that same pair of dark jeans I said would work with the Bordeaux Nike Delta Force's previously posted about.

Kid Cudi

Mr. Banning — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:30:00 +0000

Well the day has arrived. The official release of the Kid Cudi debut album Man On the Moon: End of Days. As you all know I have been fiending for this album since I first heard "Day N' Nite" and the proceeding mixtape A Kid Called Cudi months ago and even went so far as to put all my hip hop eggs in this one basket. I actually first heard the album in its entirety on Saturday night and was both irked and excited to be listening to it. Irked because I wanted my first time to be ideal, you know candles, a little wine some Sade playing in the background, oh no wait that was my first time for something else. Sorry. But yes, I wanted my first listen to this album I had been longing for to be under my terms. Excited because, well this long awaited album was finally here. After a cursory listen I went home and acquired the album for myself. Since then I had listened to it 5 times in its entirety. But you all know me, big fan of supporting good music, so naturally this morning when I woke up the first thing I did was purchase it on iTunes. What a great album! It is certainly not your typical hip hop album and that is something the causal listener will have to come to terms with right away. This albums plays more like an "indie rock" album with very poetic verse interlacing the catchy hooks. There is next to no featured guests beside verbal interludes from Common, and "indie rock" wonder-boys MGMT and electro's Ratatat, the rest of the album is carried simply by Cudi's talents. To great success. I strongly suggest you click on the link, and download this album immediately.

The Official veryREALLY Trailer

Mr. Banning — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:54:00 +0000

Checkout the official trailer to the veryREALLY (a snowboard movie) that is about to drop in the next couple of months. I love these guys, they manage to hit up some spectacular spots around the world. Incredible.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VePzFnLAXQ&hl=en&fs=1&]

Smashing Pumpkins Announce New Album...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:57:00 +0000

... and is entitle Teargarden By Kaleidyscope. What is more, the new album will be available for FREE, YAY! But wait, there's more this new opus will include 44 songs. SAY WHAT!?!?!?! Oh yes it is true. According to Billy Corgan's blog on the Smashing Pumpkins homepage, the plan is to release eleven (11) four-track EPs around Halloween or what Corgan is calling “mini-box sets.” All the songs will be free to download but for all you dedicated fans who want the physical album in your hand you will be able to purchase it from your locale audio retailer, or directly from the Pumpkin's site. What an epically ambitious endeavour, but I suppose they had to do something to top the incredible double-disc Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Here is what Corgan had to say about the whole adventure. "Recording began yesterday, September 15th, 2009 on the new record which will be entitled Teargarden by Kaleidyscope. The album will feature 44 songs, four of which are now being recorded. My desire is to release a song at a time beginning around Halloween of this year, with each new release coming shortly after until all 44 are out. Each song will be made available absolutely for free, to anyone anywhere. There will be no strings attached. Free will mean free, which means you won’t have to sign up for anything, give an email address, or jump through a hoop. You will be able to go and take the song or songs as you wish, as many times as you wish. We will however sell highly limited edition EP’s (of 4 songs each times 11), and details of how those EP’s will be made available are still being worked out. Because the songs themselves will be free, the EP’s will be more like collectors items for the discerning fan who will want the art itself, along with the highest possible audio quality available. The EP’s will be more like mini-box sets rather than your normal cd single. We may also offer other variations for sale, say for example a digital single with a demo version of a song. The commitment that is most important is the one I’m making to you: that the music of Teargarden by Kaleidyscope will be available for free to everyone. All 44 songs: free for ALL. When the entire album is finished, it will be compiled into a deluxe box set which will also be made available for sale. Those who have bought the EP’s need not worry, as the box set will not be a recompilation of the limited edition pieces. The story of the album is based on 'The Fool's Journey', as signified in the progress of the Tarot. It is my intention to approach this by breaking down the journey of our life here into four phases as made by these different characters; the Child, the Fool, the Skeptic, and the Mystic. The music of Teargarden by Kaleidyscope harkens back to the original psychedelic roots of the Smashing Pumpkins: atmospheric, melodic, heavy, and pretty. I already have 53 songs written for the record, so I am quite confident that I already have much of the material that I would need to undertake such an extensive project. I am very committed to seeing this album through to its completion and very, very excited about the prospect of delivering new Smashing Pumpkins music to you in a unique and exciting way."

Ked's for Opening Ceremony!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:43:00 +0000

Hurray! Much to all you indie-nerds delight, the first batch of Keds for Opening Ceremony have arrived. This limited collection is inspired by the United States and incorporates emblems of classic Americana such as bandana prints, denim, chambray and bright primary colors with nautical striped laces. Very Cool...! Ked's are great shoes, and have been around for almost a hundred years now. Moreover they are cheap! Unfortunately these limited edition kicks are a touch more expensive then the usual runofthemill pairs, coming in at $65 USD, which is still an awesome deal.

Out Now!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:45:00 +0000

Checkout the video below celebrating the release (today, Friday September 18th) of the Nike collaboration with English grime/rap artist Dizzee Rascal for the new Air Max 90 ‘Tongue N’ Cheek’ sneaker. This shoe is sold exclusively at Nike’s 1948 store in London’s Shoreditch, just days ahead of the release of Dizzee’s fourth LP, Tongue N’ Cheek.

This special promo video has been created to celebrate these two releases, shoes and album. The art was directed by Drury, shot by photographers Tim & Barry who are the same creative team behind the album artwork, also includes the skills of up and coming director/animator James Copeman. Set to "Chillin Wiv Da Man Dem" a new track from the upcoming album and fuses elements of the album artwork with additional footage. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPAwIj5Qr0I&hl=en&fs=1&]

Hero Worship!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Earlier this week I showed you the intro/outro to the Beatles edition of Rock Band, and since then I have been getting a ton of messages talking about just how awesome they are. They are, aren't they? Well keep up with the trend of showing you clips and cut-scenes from video games here is a clip from the new DJ Hero game available in stores October 29th. This clip features the extraordinary skills of French electronic duo Daft Punk, who have been included in the upcoming DJ Hero game and will include 11 exclusive mixes from them. 11 EXCLUSIVE MIXES!!! I know, I am also giddy with excitement.

Watch the trailer below it is awesome and also produced by the Daft Punk boys themselves!

Drake & Trey Songz - "Successful" Music Video

Mr. Banning — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:51:00 +0000

Here is the official Drake and Trey Songz video for "Successful"! Filmed here at home in Toronto. Great song, great video. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Douya-S6fGk&hl=en&fs=1&]

Drake feat. Trey Songz - "Replacement Girl"

Mr. Banning — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:58:00 +0000

It seems like it is Drake and Trey Songz day. The reason if you are wondering is that I was chatting with a buddy of mine earlier in the day and we got on to the topic of these two rising stars from Toronto. It only seemed appropriate that I show them some love and give all of you out there the chance to get involved. HA!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bALk7WdD4e8&hl=en&fs=1&]

Some Funny Ish!!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:06:00 +0000

My buddy linked me this today at work, and even though it is old and I have seen it before this is classic and you should all watch it. Aries Spears transitions flawlessly while impersonating LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, DMX and Jay Z rapping. It is awesome. Watch it! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utXh-U8zHVg&hl=en&fs=1&]

Cassette Playa vs. Nike

Mr. Banning — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:25:00 +0000

Beautiful! Check out these lovely hi top kicks designed by London based "art collective" Cassette Playa in collaboration with Nike. These Nike Dunk Hi Premiums come with the classic, I use the term loosely here, Cassette Playa signature psychedelic eyeball, and a transparent swoosh that loops the around the back and healthy sprinkling of black. These kicks are on a select run basis and have already gone up for sale at the always on point atmos-toyko. Coming to a North American shop soon.

Take My Breath Away...!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:25:00 +0000

Checkout this phenomenal promo for the new Lebron James DVD More Than A Game: The Tour, set in my favourite city in all the world, next to Toronto of course, Paris France . Moreover and probably of equal importance is the epic Drake track "Forever" featuring lil Wayne, Kanye West and Eminem that plays in the background and is part of the films soundtrack. All I have to say is Epic. Watch the video. It will take your breath away.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M3R8Mq87Ac&hl=en&fs=1&]

Drake "Forever" featuring Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem

Mr. Banning — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:57:00 +0000

Here is the OFFICIAL video for Drake's "Forever" featuring Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem from the Lebron James film More Than A Game: The Tour. Phenomenal!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeH_jdUpfp0&hl=en&fs=1&]

Throw Up Some Dubs!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:33:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

"With so much drama in the L-B-C It's kinda' hard bein' Snoop d-o-double-g."

Well with these Big Nike High Long Beach California tribute kicks, there will be "No More Drama" like Mary J. Blige, which is probably not true either, but I'm on a roll here! These lovely high tops come in black, white and purple, in a shiny patent leather with diamond-shaped perforated holes on the side panels. In place of the big NIKE usually found on the back of the shoes has been replaced with the infamous LBC. These are sweet.

FINALLY!!!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:21:00 +0000

Thank you to pitchfork.com for finally letting us poor schlubs know who is opening up for Jay Z on his upcoming North American tour. I was wondering this for sometime now myself and this very topic has been discussed extensively around the water-cooler since the concert was announced. Well here it is kiddies, and it's not in the least bit disappointing, N.E.R.D. and Wale, with Jay's new out of no-where protégé J. Cole rounding out the bill. Not a bad choice with N.E.R.D. who recently did opening-act duty for Kanye West on his Glow in the Dark tour. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a "I Just Wanna Love U" guest-vocal cameo from Pharrell. This will be great for D.C.'s raising star Wale who has been tapped along with Kid Cudi as being the next generation of hip hop, although he has no arena experience under his belt so we'll see. I am most interested in seeing what J. Cole has to bring to the tour.

There you go, hopefully you all have your ticket already and if not, this should be just about all it takes for you to rush out and get one.

Kid Cudi Numbers!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:59:00 +0000

Check it out! The final sales numbers are in from HitsDailyDouble and Kid Cudi’s debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day has sold 104,419 copies in its first week. Not bad, for a dude who is making real and progressive music. Also considering his album debuted the same week as Jay Z, who, for those who want to know, debuted at number 1 with 475,670 and 300,998 in its second week. Almost platinum. It would not be right if I didn't mention that Drake's EP, So Far Gone, debuted in the 6th spot with 72,104 copies sold. Also not bad! This news makes me happy, and this is why I still purchase music that I believe is worth my hard earned money.

"Treat Me Like Your Mother"

Mr. Banning — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:24:00 +0000

I was cruising through one of my favourite record shops today (as is to be expected) with my buddy talking about music, when we came across The Dead Weather record. My friend leaned over and asked if I had heard anything from it or about it, and I answered honestly, "no", I tend not to care so much for the Jack White classic-rock-feeling projects. My friend, lets call him Matt, told me that he tended to agree, but that he loved The Kills because of Alison Mosshart's voice. I thought about this, and decided to let my prejudices slide for a minute and give them the quick once over. Not bad.

Since I had a revelatory experience today, I am going to share with all of you and post this awesome video/short film "Treat Me Like Your Mother" for The Dead Weather directed by Jonathan Glazer. Glazer is a very well-known and successful commercial director and has a slew of very cool music videos under his belt, working with the likes of Radiohead, Thom Yorke, Massive Attack, Blur, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. He even has two very successful films to add to his credentials, and this video/short film certainly adds to his vast repertoire of well done cinematography.

Checkout the video and give The Dead Weather's debut album Horehound a listen. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7QSkI6My1g&hl=en&fs=1&]

Nike x Cassette Playa Dunk Hi Premium - OFFICIAL RELEASE

Mr. Banning — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:11:00 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

Last week I posted about the Nike x Cassette Playa Dunk Hi Premium kicks, soon to be released. Well, as often happens, the official design release of these shoes has changed somewhat dramatically and if I do say so myself, the change is for the better. The difference? Well the shoe comes with a black nylon upper, contrasting white stitching, red outer sole and graphics on the toe box. It still has the clear Swoosh, and now the Cassette Playa graphic is on the tongue tag. Cool!

Fever Ray "When I Grow Up" Music Video

Mr. Banning — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:00:00 +0000

I was recently told by my friend to check out this video by Fever Ray. So heeding his advice I youtubed it immediately on the street with my iPhone and was shocked by how distressingly disturbing I found this video. For those of you who don't know, Fever Ray is the solo project of Karin Dreijer Andersson one half of Swedish electro act The Knife. This remarkably distressing video was directed by fellow Swede Martin de Thurah.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F-CpE73o2M&hl=en&fs=1&]

Home(country)town Love!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Check this out, Canadian sneaker boutique Goodfoot has released a very slick looking series of New Era caps for Fall 2009 featuring their classic G logo. The hat series comes in seven different and unique colourways. Shoutouts to highsnobiety.com for getting the drop on this one.

Mayer Hawthorne & The County

Mr. Banning — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:00:00 +0000

There is nothing quite as moving as a love ballad, especially if you are standing about five feet away from the singer. Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to witness the musical talents of Mayer Hawthorne and the County. I was blown away! I had been eagerly anticipating this show for weeks now, as I have been playing A Strange Arrangement, his debut album, non-stop. There is just something that gets me about the sweet sound of his falsetto voice as he delivers his modern Mo-Town rendition of new music. One of the key factors to Mayer Hawthorne and the County's success, other then the beautiful music they make, is their full dedication to it. The entire band came out dressed in black suits and black ties and jumped right into the music. The sound is perfect, the look is flawless and the music they make is beautiful. Transitioning from song to song, they never miss a literal or proverbial beat. At one point the County performed the Slum Village classic instrumental "Fall in Love" whilst Mayer gave memorial shout outs to hip hop greats DJ AM, and fellow label mate J Dilla. The chemistry between the band and Mayer was gracefully evident, and they came off as more than simply a working relationship. Considering that four of the five band members including Mayer come from Ann Arbor Michigan, it makes sense. Even when Mayer would stop singing to interact with the crowd, asking everyone to take a step closer to the stage, to get involved and dance, the music continued uninterrupted. Moreover, this will come in handy for their extensive North American and European tour which will take them into December. The theme of the night and thus the tour is "The Lonely Hearts Club" so love was the topic of the night. What a great topic to make the overarching theme of your music. If you like Mo-Town, soul music, or simply good music you and have not yet listened to Mayer Hawthorne, then do yourself a favour and check him out. You'll love him and how can you argue with Love? Check out the pictures.

The Musical Sounds of Tristan’s Mind: A Podcast

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:06:27 +0000

Audio Culture: My Cultural Capital

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:06:43 +0000

Artistic Vibrators, and Aerial Antenna’s

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:07:00 +0000

of All the Things I’ve Learned.... None Can Be Usefully Applied....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:07:16 +0000

Where is My Royalty Cheque...?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:07:33 +0000

the Weather Outside is Frightful ...and this Podcast is so Delightful...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:07:49 +0000

The Bordello Room

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:08:06 +0000

The Cross Over 07-08

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:08:22 +0000

This is How We Do it...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:08:39 +0000

2 New Batteries in My Back... and I’m Ready to Bust A Move...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:08:56 +0000

The Matrix Taught Me to Dance  Like a Robot

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:09:12 +0000

the Rain Falls... the Snow Falls... and then My Pants Fall...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:09:28 +0000

Secret Weapon #3: Spicy Tuna Hand-Roll

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:09:44 +0000

"No One On the Corner Has Swagger Like This..."

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:09:45 +0000

Winter Indie House Party...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:09:46 +0000

Interchangeable Ninja Accessories...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:10:02 +0000

Santogold

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:10:03 +0000

Graffiti

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:10:04 +0000

Graffiti

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:10:20 +0000

Meet and Greet

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:10:21 +0000

Meet and Greet

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:10:37 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:10:53 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:11:09 +0000

Free Shit

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:11:24 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:11:25 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:11:41 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:11:42 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:11:58 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:12:15 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:12:31 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:12:46 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:13:02 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:13:03 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:13:19 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:13:22 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:13:25 +0000

Fashion etc...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:13:43 +0000

Tonight!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:13:59 +0000

Last Night - continued

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:14:14 +0000

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:14:31 +0000

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:14:49 +0000

Guest Writer - Thoughts and Musings

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:15:05 +0000

Free Shit - WinterCity

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:15:06 +0000

Free Shit - WinterCity

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:15:21 +0000

Free Shit - WinterCity

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:15:22 +0000

Free Shit - WinterCity

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:15:38 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:15:39 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:15:40 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:15:55 +0000

Designer Toys

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:16:11 +0000

Designer Toys

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:16:14 +0000

Designer Toys

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:16:30 +0000

Designer Toys - continued

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:16:46 +0000

Designer Toys - continued

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:17:01 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:17:02 +0000

Designer Toys - continued

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:17:02 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:17:18 +0000

Making Music

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:17:19 +0000

Making Music

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:17:35 +0000

Making Music

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:17:51 +0000

Making Music

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:17:52 +0000

Making Music

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:17:53 +0000

OMFG!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:18:10 +0000

Mobile Art Gallery

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:18:11 +0000

Check This Out

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:18:12 +0000

A New Nike

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:18:28 +0000

A New Nike

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:18:44 +0000

Brand Whore

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:19:00 +0000

I Want This!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:19:16 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:19:32 +0000

A Day Away From the Office

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:19:33 +0000

A Day Away From the Office

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:19:34 +0000

Family Day

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:19:35 +0000

Family Day

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:19:36 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:19:37 +0000

The Perfect Cup!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:19:53 +0000

What I Am Listening To

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:19:54 +0000

I Want This!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:20:09 +0000

Sick...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:20:10 +0000

Tonight!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:20:27 +0000

Tonight!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:20:42 +0000

Tonight!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:20:59 +0000

Tonight!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:21:00 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:21:01 +0000

Last Night - Oh what a night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:21:02 +0000

Last Night - Oh what a night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:21:18 +0000

Last Night - Oh what a night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:21:34 +0000

Last Night - Oh what a night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:21:51 +0000

Interesting Day - Winter

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:22:07 +0000

Interesting Day - Winter

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:22:23 +0000

Interesting Day - Winter

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:22:39 +0000

Books

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:22:40 +0000

What I Am Listening To...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:22:56 +0000

Saaaaaaaay What!?!?!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:23:11 +0000

Saaaaaaaay What!?!?!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:23:27 +0000

Saaaaaaaay What!?!?!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:23:28 +0000

Saaaaaaaay What!?!?!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:23:29 +0000

Hometown Love!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:23:45 +0000

Hometown Love!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:24:00 +0000

Hometown Love!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:24:16 +0000

Making Music

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:24:32 +0000

Just Finished Reading

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:24:48 +0000

Just Finished Reading

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:25:04 +0000

Brunch

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:25:20 +0000

Brunch

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:25:36 +0000

Brunch

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:25:51 +0000

Art - Hanging On My Wall

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:25:52 +0000

Art - Hanging On My Wall

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:25:53 +0000

Best of Both Worlds

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:26:09 +0000

I Want These... Beautiful!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:26:25 +0000

I Want These... Beautiful!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:26:26 +0000

What I Am Listening To... Album Recommendation

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:26:41 +0000

What I Am Listening To... Album Recommendation

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:26:42 +0000

A Night Out

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:26:43 +0000

A Night Out

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:26:58 +0000

Showing Off - The Wall

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:27:15 +0000

Sign of the Times

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:27:31 +0000

A Spring Day

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:27:32 +0000

A Spring Day

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:27:47 +0000

A Spring Day

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:27:48 +0000

I Want These...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:27:49 +0000

CMW - The Gladstone

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:27:50 +0000

CMW - The Gladstone

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:28:06 +0000

CMW - The Gladstone

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:28:22 +0000

CMW - The Gladstone

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:28:23 +0000

CMW - The Gladstone

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:28:38 +0000

CMW - The Gladstone

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:28:54 +0000

CMW - The Gladstone

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:28:55 +0000

CMW - The Gladstone

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:29:11 +0000

Mobile Art Gallery

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:29:13 +0000

Mobile Art Gallery

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:29:29 +0000

Mobile Art Gallery

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:29:30 +0000

CMW - The Horseshoe Tavern

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:29:46 +0000

CMW - The Horseshoe Tavern

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:29:47 +0000

CMW - The Horseshoe Tavern

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:30:03 +0000

CMW - The Horseshoe Tavern

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:30:04 +0000

CMW - The Horseshoe Tavern

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:30:05 +0000

CMW - The Horseshoe Tavern

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:30:20 +0000

Bloc Party

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:30:36 +0000

Bloc Party

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:30:52 +0000

Bloc Party

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:31:07 +0000

Bloc Party

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:31:23 +0000

Sneak Peak

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:31:39 +0000

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:31:55 +0000

Yummy...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:31:56 +0000

I Want These... Kanye Inspired Nike's

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:31:57 +0000

Last Night

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:32:13 +0000

Last Night

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:32:29 +0000

Last Night

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:32:45 +0000

Last Night

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:33:01 +0000

Shit You Need Be At...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:33:17 +0000

What to Wear

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:33:33 +0000

What to Wear

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:33:49 +0000

What to Wear

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:34:05 +0000

Hot Shit!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:34:21 +0000

I Called this One!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:34:37 +0000

I Want These...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:34:38 +0000

I Like These... For the Ladies!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:34:39 +0000

Beautiful!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:34:55 +0000

Best of Both Worlds

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:34:56 +0000

Best of Both Worlds

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:34:57 +0000

Best of Both Worlds

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:35:12 +0000

A Killer Look!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:35:28 +0000

WTF?!?!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:35:44 +0000

WTF?!?!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:36:00 +0000

Just Read and Now You Should....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:36:01 +0000

Shit You Need Be At & Music Videos!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:36:16 +0000

One of My Favourtie Movies.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:36:17 +0000

Free Shit

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:36:33 +0000

Free Shit

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:36:48 +0000

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:37:04 +0000

Be Still My Beating Heart!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:37:20 +0000

Be Still My Beating Heart!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:37:36 +0000

Sick Kicks Yo!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:37:37 +0000

Up Coming Events... That You Have To Be At!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:37:38 +0000

Up Coming Events... That You Have To Be At!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:37:39 +0000

Up Coming Events... That You Have To Be At!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:37:55 +0000

Hometown Love!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:38:10 +0000

Mobile Art Gallery/ Misc. Art

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:38:26 +0000

Mobile Art Gallery/ Misc. Art

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:38:42 +0000

Mobile Art Gallery/ Misc. Art

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:38:58 +0000

Cool Shit!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:38:59 +0000

My Hood

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:39:00 +0000

My Hood

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:39:15 +0000

And Then There Was Four...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:39:32 +0000

My Hood

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:39:32 +0000

Tonights the Night

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:39:33 +0000

Seriously?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:39:34 +0000

Last Night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:39:50 +0000

Last Night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:40:06 +0000

Last Night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:40:22 +0000

Last Night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:40:23 +0000

Last Night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:40:39 +0000

Last Night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:40:40 +0000

Last Night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:40:41 +0000

Last Night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:40:42 +0000

In the News/ Bad News

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:40:43 +0000

Neat...? Maybe?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:40:59 +0000

Here they Are...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:41:00 +0000

Here they Are...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:41:15 +0000

Here they Are...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:41:31 +0000

Here they Are...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:41:46 +0000

Update.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:42:02 +0000

Yeeeeeaaaah Boi!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:42:04 +0000

Yeeeeeaaaah Boi!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:42:19 +0000

My Interests....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:42:20 +0000

My Interests....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:42:21 +0000

My Interests....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:42:36 +0000

Support Your Local Artist

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:42:37 +0000

Support Your Local Artist - pt.2

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:42:39 +0000

Support Your Local Artist - pt.2

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:42:54 +0000

Support Your Local Artist - pt.2

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:43:10 +0000

Support Your Local Artist - pt.2

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:43:25 +0000

Support Your Local Artist - pt.2

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:43:41 +0000

Support Your Local Artist - pt.2

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:43:42 +0000

Support Your Local Artist - pt.2

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:43:58 +0000

Support Your Local Artist - pt.2

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:44:14 +0000

Support Your Local Artist - pt.2

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:44:30 +0000

Last Night/Live Music - PB&J

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:44:46 +0000

Last Night/Live Music - PB&J

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:44:47 +0000

Last Night/Live Music - PB&J

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:44:48 +0000

More Yeezy Colourways

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:44:49 +0000

Wow... This Is Scary!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:45:05 +0000

Wow... This Is Scary!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:45:21 +0000

Wow... This Is Scary!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:45:22 +0000

Wow... This Is Scary!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:45:37 +0000

Cool...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:45:53 +0000

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:46:09 +0000

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:46:10 +0000

The Things We Do...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:46:11 +0000

The Things We Do...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:46:27 +0000

The Things We Do...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:46:42 +0000

Cool...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:46:59 +0000

Cool...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:47:15 +0000

Cool Shit/ Things to Do!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:47:16 +0000

Cool Shit/ Things to Do!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:47:17 +0000

As A Rule of Thumb

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:47:33 +0000

Toronto

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:47:49 +0000

Free Shit/New Music/Coldplay/Live Music

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:48:05 +0000

... And Knowing is Half the Battle...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:48:06 +0000

Childhood Memories/Cinematic Extravaganza/Awesome Toys

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:48:22 +0000

Here We Go Again!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:48:23 +0000

Free Shit/For the Kids

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:48:39 +0000

Free Shit/For the Kids

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:48:55 +0000

A Good Cause... I Can Dig It

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:49:11 +0000

A Good Cause... I Can Dig It

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:49:27 +0000

Room With A View/ Through the Window

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:49:43 +0000

Room With A View/ Through the Window

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:49:59 +0000

Room With A View/ Through the Window

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:50:15 +0000

In and Around the City

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:50:32 +0000

Wolverine Vs. Sabretooth

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:50:33 +0000

For Real...? Neat....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:50:49 +0000

Free Shit

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:50:51 +0000

The Things I See All Around Me....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:51:07 +0000

The Things I See All Around Me....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:51:22 +0000

Here They Are... Sort Of.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:51:38 +0000

A Good Cause...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:51:39 +0000

A Rockin' Good Show...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:51:55 +0000

A Rockin' Good Show...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:51:56 +0000

A Rockin' Good Show...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:52:12 +0000

A Rockin' Good Show...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:52:28 +0000

Goodmorning...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:52:44 +0000

Designer Food!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:53:00 +0000

I LOVE This/ Funny Shit!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:53:16 +0000

Got Wood!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:53:32 +0000

Got Wood!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:53:33 +0000

I Want These... Yes, They Are Shoes.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:53:34 +0000

STUNNING!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:53:34 +0000

STUNNING!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:53:35 +0000

STUNNING!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:53:51 +0000

These Are Very Cool...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:54:06 +0000

These Are Very Cool...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:54:07 +0000

A Field Trip Abroad... Sort Of.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:54:08 +0000

A Field Trip Abroad... Sort Of.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:54:09 +0000

A Field Trip Abroad... Sort Of.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:54:25 +0000

A Field Trip Abroad... Sort Of.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:54:41 +0000

A Field Trip Abroad... Sort Of.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:54:57 +0000

I Love Long Weekends!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:55:13 +0000

Free Shit/New Music/Coldplay/Live Music - Reminder

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:55:30 +0000

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:55:31 +0000

I Want These... Beautiful!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:55:32 +0000

A Recession?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:55:48 +0000

These Look Sick!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:55:49 +0000

I Love this Video!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:56:05 +0000

Last Night...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:56:20 +0000

Last Night...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:56:36 +0000

Last Night...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:56:37 +0000

Last Night...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:56:38 +0000

Last Night...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:56:54 +0000

Last Night...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:57:09 +0000

It's Hot!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:57:10 +0000

Out and About In the City

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:57:26 +0000

Out and About In the City

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:57:42 +0000

I Love Fashion!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:57:58 +0000

An Electric Shiver

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:58:14 +0000

An Electric Shiver

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:58:30 +0000

An Electric Shiver

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:58:46 +0000

The Real Tuf...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:59:02 +0000

The Real Tuf...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:59:17 +0000

The Real Tuf...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:59:33 +0000

The Real Tuf...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:59:34 +0000

The Real Tuf...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:59:49 +0000

This Evening...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:05 +0000

This Evening...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:21 +0000

This Evening...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:37 +0000

Shirt Shopping...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:38 +0000

Warm Weather = BBQ

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:39 +0000

SICK YO!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:55 +0000

Sick Kicks Yo!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:56 +0000

Sick Kicks Yo!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:01:12 +0000

Tickles My Fancy...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:01:28 +0000

Last Night - Oh what a night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:01:29 +0000

Last Night - Oh what a night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:01:30 +0000

Last Night - Oh what a night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:01:45 +0000

Last Night - Oh what a night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:01:46 +0000

Last Night - Oh what a night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:02:01 +0000

Fashionable Edibles

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:02:03 +0000

Do I Like These?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:02:19 +0000

Hipster Cool...?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:02:34 +0000

What I Am Reading...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:02:50 +0000

Around My Hood...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:03:06 +0000

Around My Hood...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:03:22 +0000

Some Creepy Shit... 1984 Anyone?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:03:23 +0000

Some Creepy Shit... 1984 Anyone?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:03:24 +0000

Cool Sauce Boss...! Stuff Made From Paper

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:03:40 +0000

Cool Sauce Boss...! Stuff Made From Paper

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:03:56 +0000

Cool Sauce Boss...! Stuff Made From Paper

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:04:11 +0000

Cool Sauce Boss...! Stuff Made From Paper

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:04:12 +0000

Cool Sauce Boss...! Stuff Made From Paper

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:04:13 +0000

The Are AWESOME!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:04:14 +0000

Thingds to Do In the Bathroom

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:04:15 +0000

Thingds to Do In the Bathroom

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:04:30 +0000

Thingds to Do In the Bathroom

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:04:45 +0000

Only In Japan...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:05:01 +0000

Only In Japan...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:05:17 +0000

Only In Japan...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:05:33 +0000

Only In Japan...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:05:48 +0000

The Good Old Days....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:06:04 +0000

Road Trip? Anyone?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:06:20 +0000

I Like These

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:06:21 +0000

The Things You Do When You Find Yourself Irrelevant

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:06:37 +0000

Last Night - Wolfgang Amadeus PHOENIX

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:06:38 +0000

Last Night - Wolfgang Amadeus PHOENIX

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:06:39 +0000

Last Night - Wolfgang Amadeus PHOENIX

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:06:40 +0000

Last Night - Harlem Shakes & Passion Pit

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:06:41 +0000

Last Night - Harlem Shakes & Passion Pit

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:06:57 +0000

Last Night - Nylon Concert Series

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:07:13 +0000

Last Night - Nylon Concert Series

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:07:14 +0000

Last Night - Nylon Concert Series

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:07:30 +0000

Last Night - Nylon Concert Series

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:07:31 +0000

Last Night - Nylon Concert Series

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:07:32 +0000

Last Night - Nylon Concert Series

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:07:33 +0000

Last Night - Nylon Concert Series

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:07:49 +0000

Last Night - Nylon Concert Series

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:08:04 +0000

Last Night - Nylon Concert Series

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:08:20 +0000

Beautiful!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:08:21 +0000

Neat!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:08:22 +0000

After Work Beverages

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:08:23 +0000

I'm Confused...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:08:39 +0000

This is Cool!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:08:40 +0000

Yeeeeeaaaah Boi!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:08:55 +0000

Yeeeeeaaaah Boi!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:09:11 +0000

I LOVE IT!!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:09:27 +0000

Some Times Dreams Do Come True....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:09:28 +0000

Very Cool!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:09:43 +0000

Very Cool!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:09:59 +0000

Very Cool!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:10:00 +0000

Very Cool!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:10:01 +0000

Summer Days

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:10:02 +0000

Caught in the Rain...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:10:03 +0000

The Fade...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:10:19 +0000

The Fade...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:10:35 +0000

The Fade...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:10:36 +0000

Splatter Tops!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:10:52 +0000

Splatter Tops!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:11:08 +0000

Watch Out!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:11:23 +0000

Watch Out!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:11:24 +0000

Oh Canada!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:11:25 +0000

Oh Canada!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:11:41 +0000

Oh Canada!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:11:42 +0000

Oh Canada!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:11:57 +0000

Oh Canada!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:12:13 +0000

Oh Canada!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:12:14 +0000

Sunny Days

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:12:15 +0000

Sunny Days

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:12:31 +0000

Coool.... Something Special.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:12:47 +0000

Rotate This...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:12:48 +0000

Coool.... Something Special.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:12:48 +0000

Brunch...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:12:49 +0000

This is How We Do it...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:12:50 +0000

This is How We Do it...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:13:06 +0000

Dress to Impress...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:13:07 +0000

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:13:08 +0000

My New York Playlist...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:13:24 +0000

AMAZING!!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:13:40 +0000

AMAZING!!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:13:55 +0000

AMAZING!!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:13:56 +0000

AMAZING!!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:14:11 +0000

New Yorkers

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:14:13 +0000

Food...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:14:14 +0000

Things to Do/ Cool Shit!/In New York

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:14:29 +0000

Today's Adventures.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:14:30 +0000

Today's Adventures.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:14:31 +0000

Today's Adventures.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:14:47 +0000

Today's Adventures.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:14:48 +0000

Today's Adventures.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:15:05 +0000

Today's Adventures.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:15:21 +0000

Today's Adventures.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:15:22 +0000

Today's Adventures.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:15:37 +0000

Today's Adventures.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:15:38 +0000

When In Rome

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:15:39 +0000

Today's Adventure

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:15:55 +0000

Today's Adventure

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:16:11 +0000

Today's Adventure

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:16:12 +0000

Today's Adventure

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:16:13 +0000

Today's Adventure

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:16:29 +0000

Today's Adventure

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:16:30 +0000

Today's Adventure

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:16:31 +0000

Spotted!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:16:32 +0000

Tired!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:16:33 +0000

Today Was Hot!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:16:49 +0000

Today Was Hot!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:16:51 +0000

Today Was Hot!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:17:06 +0000

Today Was Hot!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:17:07 +0000

Today Was Hot!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:17:08 +0000

I Miss My Bed

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:17:09 +0000

I Miss My Bed

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:17:25 +0000

I Miss My Bed

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:17:41 +0000

I Miss My Bed

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:17:57 +0000

The Last Day

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:17:58 +0000

I Love Brunch!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:18:14 +0000

I Love Brunch!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:18:15 +0000

I Love Brunch!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:18:30 +0000

Art and the Things I've Seen...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:18:46 +0000

Art and the Things I've Seen...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:19:02 +0000

Back In the Day Kinda Love!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:19:18 +0000

The Colours!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:19:19 +0000

The Colours!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:19:21 +0000

The Colours!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:19:36 +0000

The Colours!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:19:52 +0000

I Like This...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:19:53 +0000

Patio With A View

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:19:54 +0000

Lady Gaga and V Magazine!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:20:10 +0000

Lady Gaga and V Magazine!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:20:11 +0000

Lady Gaga and V Magazine!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:20:26 +0000

Lady Gaga and V Magazine!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:20:42 +0000

"Everyday is Like Sunday!"

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:20:43 +0000

"Everyday is Like Sunday!"

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:20:44 +0000

Down an Alley!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:20:45 +0000

Down an Alley!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:20:46 +0000

What to Do With A Giant Eye Sore?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:21:02 +0000

What to Do With A Giant Eye Sore?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:21:03 +0000

What to Do With A Giant Eye Sore?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:21:04 +0000

What to Do With A Giant Eye Sore?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:21:20 +0000

What to Do With A Giant Eye Sore?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:21:36 +0000

I'm Ron Burgundy...?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:21:37 +0000

I'm Ron Burgundy...?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:21:38 +0000

I'm Ron Burgundy...?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:21:54 +0000

I'm Ron Burgundy...?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:22:09 +0000

The End is Nigh...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:22:10 +0000

Watching You!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:22:10 +0000

Watching You!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:22:26 +0000

Watching You!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:22:27 +0000

Watching You!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:22:42 +0000

Watching You!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:22:58 +0000

Watching You!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:23:13 +0000

Watching You!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:23:14 +0000

Watching You!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:23:29 +0000

Watching You!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:23:45 +0000

Sarcasm?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:24:01 +0000

I Am A Fool...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:24:02 +0000

Cool....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:24:18 +0000

The Other Night! Oh What A Night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:24:19 +0000

The Other Night! Oh What A Night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:24:35 +0000

The Other Night! Oh What A Night!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:24:51 +0000

19th Century Sensibility

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:24:52 +0000

19th Century Sensibility

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:25:07 +0000

19th Century Sensibility

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:25:08 +0000

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:25:24 +0000

These Are Wonderful!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:25:24 +0000

Environmentally Sound!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:25:40 +0000

All Cleaned Up

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:25:41 +0000

What If Pot Were Legel...?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:25:57 +0000

What If Pot Were Legel...?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:26:12 +0000

What If Pot Were Legel...?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:26:13 +0000

What If Pot Were Legel...?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:26:28 +0000

Nike Dunk "D'uh"

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:26:44 +0000

Nike Dunk "D'uh"

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:27:00 +0000

A Finger In Everything!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:27:16 +0000

A Finger In Everything!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:27:31 +0000

A Finger In Everything!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:27:32 +0000

Last Night

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:27:48 +0000

Last Night

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:27:49 +0000

Last Night

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:28:04 +0000

Last Night

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:28:05 +0000

Pretty!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:28:21 +0000

Pretty!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:28:36 +0000

Why Not?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:28:52 +0000

Why Not?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:28:53 +0000

Why Not?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:29:09 +0000

Eagles of Death Metal - Last Night...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:29:26 +0000

Eagles of Death Metal - Last Night...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:29:42 +0000

Eagles of Death Metal - Last Night...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:29:58 +0000

Eagles of Death Metal - Last Night...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:30:14 +0000

New Jay Z Album Cover Released

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:30:30 +0000

Last Night/Live Music - America's Most Wanted Tour

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:30:46 +0000

Last Night/Live Music - America's Most Wanted Tour

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:30:47 +0000

Last Night/Live Music - America's Most Wanted Tour

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:30:48 +0000

Last Night/Live Music - America's Most Wanted Tour

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:31:04 +0000

SICK!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:31:05 +0000

I Am Not Entirely Sure About These....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:31:21 +0000

Bo Knows...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:31:37 +0000

Cottaging...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:31:53 +0000

Cottaging...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:31:54 +0000

I'm Back!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:32:10 +0000

I'm Back!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:32:26 +0000

I'm Back!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:32:27 +0000

Oh Glorious Day!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:32:28 +0000

Oh Glorious Day!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:32:43 +0000

Cool/Weird

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:32:59 +0000

Cool/Weird

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:33:15 +0000

The Way I See It.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:33:30 +0000

These Are Nice...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:33:31 +0000

Spotted!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:33:47 +0000

Spotted!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:33:48 +0000

Bapes I actually like

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:34:04 +0000

Bapes I actually like

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:34:20 +0000

Bapes I actually like

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:34:36 +0000

Bapes I actually like

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:34:52 +0000

Bapes I actually like

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:34:53 +0000

Bapes I actually like

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:09 +0000

Pics From the Phone

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:10 +0000

Pics From the Phone

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:11 +0000

Pics From the Phone

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:12 +0000

Rest in Peace

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:28 +0000

Nike's Robots Would Wear

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:29 +0000

That Was A Very Big Storm!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:31 +0000

Size Matters....

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:32 +0000

Nike Sportswear x fragment Design All Court Premium Leather

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:33 +0000

These Are Very Cool...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:48 +0000

These Are Very Cool...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:49 +0000

These Are Very Cool...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:35:50 +0000

I Need An Iconic Outfit!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:36:06 +0000

I Need An Iconic Outfit!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:36:21 +0000

I Need An Iconic Outfit!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:36:22 +0000

I Need An Iconic Outfit!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:36:37 +0000

I Need An Iconic Outfit!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:36:38 +0000

WHOA!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:36:54 +0000

Spotted! Some More...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:37:10 +0000

Spotted! Some More...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:37:26 +0000

These Are Very Cool... pt2.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:37:41 +0000

These Are Very Cool... pt2.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:37:57 +0000

These Are Very Cool... pt2.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:37:58 +0000

These Are Cute...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:38:14 +0000

Sooooooo 80's

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:38:30 +0000

Nerdfest 2009

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:38:46 +0000

Nerdfest 2009

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:38:48 +0000

Alright...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:38:49 +0000

Nerdfest 2009

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:38:49 +0000

Alright...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:39:05 +0000

Alright...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:39:21 +0000

I Need A Financial Backer

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:39:22 +0000

Purple...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:39:23 +0000

Purple...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:39:39 +0000

I Love My iPhone!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:39:55 +0000

Ink!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:40:11 +0000

Yuuuummmmy!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:40:27 +0000

Holy Bananas Boston!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:40:43 +0000

Holy Bananas Boston!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:40:59 +0000

Sake to Me...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:41:00 +0000

Sake to Me...!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:41:01 +0000

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:41:02 +0000

Sweet Action Jackson!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:41:17 +0000

Sweet Action Jackson!!!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:41:33 +0000

VERY COOL!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:41:34 +0000

VERY COOL!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:41:50 +0000

VERY COOL!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:42:06 +0000

What I Am Listening To... What You NEED To Be Listening To

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:42:22 +0000

T Shirts for the "Day N Nite"

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:42:37 +0000

"Day N Nite" the Extended Version

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:42:53 +0000

"Day N Nite" the Extended Version

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:43:09 +0000

Free Hat!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:43:10 +0000

New LV Kicks

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:43:26 +0000

No Homer's... We Will Only Take 1!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:43:27 +0000

No Homer's... We Will Only Take 1!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:43:43 +0000

No Homer's... We Will Only Take 1!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:43:58 +0000

No Homer's... We Will Only Take 1!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:44:14 +0000

No Homer's... We Will Only Take 1!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:44:15 +0000

No Homer's... We Will Only Take 1!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:44:31 +0000

No Homer's... We Will Only Take 1!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:44:46 +0000

No Homer's... We Will Only Take 1!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:45:02 +0000

No Homer's... We Will Only Take 1!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:45:18 +0000

It's A Fam(ily) Affair!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:45:19 +0000

It's A Fam(ily) Affair!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:45:34 +0000

Remember History Class?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:45:50 +0000

Remember History Class?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:46:05 +0000

Remember History Class?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:46:21 +0000

Remember History Class?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:46:36 +0000

Delta Force

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:46:52 +0000

Remember History Class?

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:46:52 +0000

Delta Force

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:47:08 +0000

Thunder Strike

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:47:09 +0000

Thunder Strike

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:47:24 +0000

Kid Cudi

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:47:41 +0000

Smashing Pumpkins Announce New Album...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:47:57 +0000

Ked's for Opening Ceremony!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:48:12 +0000

Ked's for Opening Ceremony!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:48:28 +0000

Ked's for Opening Ceremony!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:48:44 +0000

Ked's for Opening Ceremony!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:48:59 +0000

Ked's for Opening Ceremony!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:49:15 +0000

Ked's for Opening Ceremony!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:49:30 +0000

Ked's for Opening Ceremony!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:49:46 +0000

What We're Talking About...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:50:02 +0000

Hero Worship!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:50:03 +0000

Cassette Playa vs. Nike

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:50:04 +0000

Cassette Playa vs. Nike

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:50:20 +0000

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:50:21 +0000

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:50:22 +0000

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:50:38 +0000

Throw Up Some Dubs!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:50:39 +0000

Kid Cudi Numbers!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:50:55 +0000

Nike x Cassette Playa Dunk Hi Premium - OFFICIAL RELEASE

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:51:11 +0000

Home(country)town Love!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:51:27 +0000

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:51:43 +0000

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:51:58 +0000

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:51:59 +0000

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:52:14 +0000

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:52:15 +0000

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:52:31 +0000

Mr. Banning — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:54:08 +0000

Fame Certainly Kills... Tours!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:55:53 +0000

Yesterday I received an email announcing that I could buy my Kanye West and Lady Gaga pre-sale tickets. I took a quick peek and for $149 plus applicable service charges I could get General Admission tickets around a somewhat circular, walkway-like stage. It looked interesting. Since then I have been seriously considering coughing up the cash to go. Well it seems the decision has been made for me. According to CNN.com Kanye has canceled the Fame Kill's tour. There is no official reason for this somewhat surprising turn of events, however, Kanye did mention on the Leno show that he wanted to "take time off to think about his life." The tour was to be a three-month, 34-show across Canada and the United States. For those of you who actually purchased tickets, Live Nation said that they would issue refunds at the point of purchase. Well Fame certainly Kills...

cropped-img_0006.jpg

Mr. Banning — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:07:39 +0000

http://streethustle.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/cropped-img_0006.jpg

This Looks Awesome!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:06:22 +0000

Keeping up with the trend of classic horror-movie remakes (Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday the 13th) Michael Bay is pleased to present the latest offering in this sub-genre with the cult classic A Nightmare on Elm Street. Directed by Samuel Bayer, and staring Jackie Earle Haley, of Watchmen fame, as Freddy Krueger. From what I can see there seems to be a couple of changes from the original, Freddy's facial appearance, and his protestations of innocence, but otherwise it does seem to be a literal reinterpretation. This could obviously go either way... obviously!Regardless the trailer does look pretty cool!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97h_Oj6PotM&hl=en&fs=1&]

Day of the Dead

Mr. Banning — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:40:43 +0000

via highsnobiety.com I like these a lot! Nike Dunk Hi from the Day of the Dead Pack, which includes an Air Max 90 as well as a Dunk Lo. I love the light green Swoosh and orange contrasting stitching, but most of all the purple embossed graphics that run along the majority of the upper part of the shoe. The graphic on the sole is awesome too, but it will more than likely never ever be seen, shame. These shall be released soon.

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:06:47 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:06:55 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:07:00 +0000

Day of the Dead pt.2

Mr. Banning — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:24:27 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

The thing about the dead is that, well, they are dead. You just can't get rid of them. They're like that pesky cat who came back the very next day. After showing you the "Day of the Dead" Dunk High kicks from the Nike “Day of the Dead” series, I'm excited to show you the Dunk Low from the same pack. The colourway is different but the idea is the same, white base, green Swoosh and purple embossed details. The contrast stitching comes in orange and further details follow on the insole. Not bad really.

2012 - Official Canadian Trailer

Mr. Banning — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:43:41 +0000

I know I already posted a trailer for 2012, but since I got nothing but love for Canada, I thought I would go ahead and post the "official Canadian" version. I have to tell you that no matter which "version" of this trailer I watch, I am always left feeling incredibly unsettled and distressed. I hate seeing civilization being destroyed by anything, except aliens. I know I may be over-reacting a touch... but watch the trailer and tell me you don't feel a smidge unsettled. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De2lmUxvNHQ&hl=en&fs=1&]

safecss

Mr. Banning — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:29:14 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:39:19 +0000

Daft Punk is Playing At My House...

Mr. Banning — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:56:56 +0000

via highsnobiety.com ... or rather, I am playing with Daft Punk at my house with the Medicom Toy 1000% Kubricks in the likeness of legendary French electronic duo standing at about knee height or that of an adolescent. Curated by Silly Thing these 1000% Kubricks come with the Daft Punk Logo printed on their backs and adorned with the corresponding iconic stage gear. The lower leg is marked with the Silly Thing logo and comes packaged in a co-branded Silly Thing and Daft Life Ltd. box. Released October 1st, 2009 at select high-end retailers, this duo will cost you about $1650 USD.

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:27:39 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:28:14 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:28:31 +0000

Killa Beez Y'all!

Mr. Banning — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:42:57 +0000

via radcollector.com Building upon a momentum of recent Wu Tang Clan solo project releases, Raekwon, U God, and Ghostface comes the Dekline collaborated special “Killa Beez” Belmont. The "Top Shelf" kicks are sweet, made from vulcanized full grain leather and are a must have for any True Wu Head. However, like with all things fantastic, there is a catch. There will only be 500 pairs made for this super exclusive run, and to complicate it further they will only be on sale at select retailers.

drakecity

Mr. Banning — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:44:48 +0000

UFFIE “Pop the Glock” Video

Mr. Banning — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:30:06 +0000

Check out the new and somewhat sleazy video for "Pop the Glock" by Ed Banger Records prodigal daughter, Uffie. Uffie, born Anna-Catherine Hartley, has quickly become the euro-Princess superstar with her electro-rap club bangers. After watching this video, several times I decided I would go ahead and actually learn something about Ms Hartley, and was not surprised in the least to find out that she is an international globe-trotter from Miami who settled in Paris to study fashion... Check the American Apparel ad for a video. Oh and yes that is French graffiti artist André Saraiva drawing his world famous Mr. A on her back at the end of the video. Uffie's debut album, Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans will be released in early 2010. The video was directed by Nathalie Canguilhem. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1v2PtoxwNo&hl=en&fs=1&]

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:07:15 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:08:13 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:08:51 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:09:37 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:17:34 +0000

Your Majesty...

Mr. Banning — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:28:03 +0000

via highsnobiety.com

Allow me to present the Nike Dynasty High. Celebrating a recent comeback with numerous editions and unique colourways, the Dynasty High is set to take the high-top world by storm. The silver/white/black/pink and blue/black/silver/pink colourways presented here are due out this week at Japanese mega-cool awesome store Atmos.

Picture 3

Mr. Banning — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:29:26 +0000

Just READ!

Mr. Banning — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:44:02 +0000

There are so many amazingly awesome things going on in this picture. First off, David Bowie. Amazing! Secondly Mr. Bowie is rocking a vintage 1980's Roots jacket (yes, that was when Roots gear was actually made in Canada, and was actually cool). And Finally because he is indulging and and encouraging reading. This slick pic comes from a 1987 American Library Association (ALA) ad campaign. I really want an actual copy of this poster. Bowie is greatness personified. If you want to suggest, or recommend your favourite celebrity you can send an e-mail to graphicsmarketing@ala.org with “READ Poster Suggestion” in the subject line. Cool huh?

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:17:30 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:19:54 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:20:12 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:20:44 +0000

Cassette Playa!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:00:20 +0000

via slamxhype

Remember those really cool Cassette Playa Nike colabo sneakers I showed you a couple weeks ago? Well thanks to slamxhype we can see the entire fall line from London based designer and stylist Carri Munden's Cassette Play’s collaboration with Nike as a part of the new Nike Sportswear Rivalry Collection. I love Cassette Playa t-shirts and I am loving the baby-blue one in this spread. I'm also in love with the bomber jacket, and the slogan on the back is F'in' awesome! In fact, the whole line is pretty ridiculous, from the hat to the kicks. Shoutouts! to writer Adam Bryce for slamxhype.

New York, New York.

Mr. Banning — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:00:33 +0000

via highsnobiety

I love living in Toronto, but there are days when I wish I was in New York. Today is one of those days. Fashion designer extraordinaire Marc Jacobs has commissioned graffiti duo Mint and Serf, known collectively as MIRF, to do a series of window displays for his NYC store. This comes on the heels of being featured in the background of a Juergen Teller Marc Jacobs ad (shown below). I do wish I could see the store in person.

Juergen Teller Marc Jacobs ad

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:17:15 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:18:38 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:19:12 +0000

Oh My!

Mr. Banning — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:36:42 +0000

via swipelife

Australian starlet Isla Fisher, the "crazy girl" from Wedding Crashers, and star of Confessions of a Shopaholic recently got together with Allure Magazine for an interview and photoshoot. The end product of this shoot speaks for it self, as it shows Fisher in a new, stunning light. Shoutouts to Swipelife for giving us the heads up and bringing us these stellar pictures, click on the link to see the rest of the series. Oh and can you believe she's married to obnoxious funny man Sacha Baron Cohen? Seems a little odd to me. Oh well, good for him!

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:26:05 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:26:30 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:27:19 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:45:00 +0000

"The Internet" By James Murphy

Mr. Banning — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:29:29 +0000

I love James Murphy. I love LCD Soundsystem. I love DFA records. I love that James Murphy is passionate about music and cares about its overarching reach and affect. Today whilst I was cruising LCD's myspace I noticed that Murphy had posted a new blog message, entitled "the Internet." I read through it thoroughly and I must say I love Jame Murphy even more. I know it goes against the entire purpose of his post, but I am reposting the bulk of the text below for you all to read. Enjoy!

"the internet is funny. i avoided all of it for a long time because it seemed gross and lame. i mean, i fought with my label not to have a myspace page at all in the beginning because, well, because i'm old and weird and buy vinyl records and do things like write letters, and it all seemed too strange. so they made one anyway, and i avoided it.

when i came back from the last tour, i found something insane like 13,000 messages in the lcd inbox (after wrangling the access passwords and crap from capitol) and felt pretty badly that there was so much personal mail from people that went totally unanswered, then set out to answer as much of it as i could without giving up my life completely, and did.

anyway, i've noticed lately that almost all my myspace messages come from other things promoting themselves, and less and less from people reaching out, so it's less interesting, for sure. but then i found out that the label had started a facebook (and, of all things, "twitter") account "on my behalf", and i grabbed the access to them, as well. i mean, if people are going to think stuff is coming from you, then it might as well be coming from you, you know? so there.

this is still the better place to write these longer things, for sure, but i noticed that the facebook page is more idiotic and hilarious. twitter... well, i don't quite get it.

anyway, i'm making a record, as previously blathered about, and this means that my horrible, useless website is getting redone by my friend sonya. i mean, it sucks, which was my choice. i was like "can this look more horrible?" i wish i was kidding, but i happen to like crap. i just do. but she's promised to work with me to make sure it's still unwieldy and awkward, which is good preparation for everything else lcdish, and i promise to be less grumpy about things actually being “useful”. it’s just that things that are too “useful”... well, i don’t entirely trust them. i kind of like useless things. for instance—and this is a pretty facile and simplified metaphor here—art is useless, and nazis made lots of useful things. i like dumb meandering things that make me happy and confused, and don’t particularly like “effective marketing tools designed for maximum accurate data capture” blah blah blah. it all sounds so sad and functional. i don’t like the idea of people sitting in a room talking about the best way to word things to get the right reaction from a base of “users” etc. i don’t like thinking that those people used to love to do something, or wanted to be something, and would up measuring the best way to manipulate other people. i honestly don’t judge them, but i feel weird, and sort of sad—not FOR them, in a pitying way, as i have no idea how they fell, for fuck’s sake, and i’m a ridiculous person by the measure of a pretty deep cut of the population—but ABOUT them.

anyway, marcus (shit robot), my friend and dfa artist, is coming over to have an espresso and a shot of tequila (not mixed) before he goes to santos to dj with the holy ghost guys. marcus has a kid, which i think is totally amazing. he’s a great dj and here to get his album done with me. lives in germany now, so just visiting. and here, on this weird thing, i can just say “marcus is coming over for an espresso” and it goes from simple, personal fact that i might tell nick from holy ghost in a text (in fact, just did) to a weird other-meaning thing that exists here... or everywhere. i’m not so used to this personal as media shit. but, on the other hand, what’s the difference really between this and a song about something personal?

oh, right. you can’t sing a blog."

Dubstep 1,2.

Mr. Banning — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:30:14 +0000

Tonight we are hitting up MOD Club to see world famous Dubstep artist/DJ/Producer Rusko. I am superstoked for this, I love the heavy bass. There is something about that pulsing vibration that makes you just have move your body. Check out the songs and mini mix posted below. You know you'll love it! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWQukgO1X6c&hl=en&fs=1&] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc1g1cApst0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]

Shoes... As Per Usual.

Mr. Banning — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 02:44:33 +0000

via highsnobiety Now here is a pair of Bape kicks that I really like, and just in time for the autumn season. Coming from the Bape Fall 2009 Collection the Bape Sta 88 Wood Land pack in four new colourways. The subtle beige/green kicks shown above are very nice, and would work perfectly in my already extensive collection. The black and green colours are real nice, and although the neon colors are a loud contrast to the other shoes they work nicely within the Wood Land pack.

Some More Bape....

Mr. Banning — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:18:15 +0000

via highsnobiety

How could I resist posting these kicks, especially after the last post? These premium oestrich leather version of the Bape Bapesta low top sneaker from the Fall 2009 collection and comes in three unique colourways. The fresh and clean look of the white on white is really doing it for me, but I would happily have any.

Rusko 1,2.

Mr. Banning — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:09:23 +0000

On Friday night international dubstep dj/producer/artist Rusko touched down at Toronto's Mod Club. Blowing up Mod Club's new Friday night feature, ARCADE with the glorious, heart pumping sounds of dubstep. For all you kiddies who are in the know, you are already aware that dubstep is the "next big thing," like Drake, and you are just waiting for everyone else to catch on. I heard proof of this at least three times shouted from one friend to another over the pulsing bass. In fact, I heard one guy tell his buddy that "dubstep is the next rap." I don't know if that's the case but people are certainly talking like it's fact, so I guess we'll wait and see. I was stoked for the show mentally, but physically I had to fight hard to overcome the exhaustion of the 9-5 work day coupled with the lethargy that comes with the dreariness of the less than stellar weather we've been having here in Toronto. After some beer, and a Redbull beverage I was ready to roll out, giddy with great excitement for the show, yet also some trepidation of the impending claustrophobia that results from the Mod Club's size to humans-touching-me-a-lot ratio. With tickets in hand the night began. The Mod Club was bustling on the outside. There was a line for people who were not fortunate enough to get tickets and boy was it ever a long one. I did not envy these people. However, I didn't dwell on it too long as I bypassed the sad and glaring faces and cruised on in. It was rammed. People dancing and grooving the F**kout like it was no buddy's business, and to be honest it was no buddy's business, the only business worth dealing with was having a good time. As I said early I constantly heard people shouting about how Dubstep is going to be huge, Godzilla-like proportions. At the time, and in the moment, I couldn't have agreed more. When Rusko took the stage the club went insane! I had run into a bunch of my friends and continuously lost them throughout the night, it was just too hectic. As the wave of people pulsed and moved, gyrating all over the place I would occasionally catch glimpses of my peeps, and throw up a "what up!" to let them know I was still around. Most of them I never saw again that night. Don't worry though nothing adherent happened, we linked up by text the next day. All agreed the show was intensely awesome! The only thing I would have to say is that I am a smidge disappointed in Rusko's tour manager. Before the show I checked out the myspace page and was shocked by the seemingly nonsensical route of the tour. Crisscrossing all over North America and back to Europe and back to N. A. The carbon foot print must be shockingly horrific. Regardless of the carbon foot print Rusko is sick and you should all check out his mixes on the myspace.

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:46:15 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:47:06 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:47:53 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:48:28 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:15:02 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:15:52 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:16:12 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:38:17 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:15:11 +0000

http://streethustle.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/dsc02889.jpg

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:54:44 +0000

http://streethustle.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/balcony-posing-edit-pt-1.jpg

Good Music

Mr. Banning — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:05:37 +0000

I love this song! Snoop Dogg's "Beautiful" featuring Pharrell Williams from the 2003 Paid the Cost to be the Bo$$, a summertime classic. This track was one of the first times when Pharrell's off-key croning really garnered him success and really helped to legitimize him as a singer, rapper and super producer he already had under his belt. This video also highlights some of the lovely sights that Brazil has to offer. After seeing this video I wanted to go to Brazil so badly. Soooooo badly! Checkout the video, you all know the song! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFfb_CwBma0&hl=en&fs=1&]

Arcade Fire in the Box

Mr. Banning — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:24:06 +0000

A couple of days ago I had some friends over for drinks, conversation, and good times. During the course of the evening many topics were covered but as happens with all of my conversations we circled around music the most. The question was asked "what ever happened to Arcade Fire?" Now we all know that a two year break between albums isn't actually a very long time, but when you release a stellar album like Neon Bible, the fans just want more. I know that Arcade Fire had been a very vocal proponent of the Obama campaign but other then that what have they been doing all this time? Well, I am pleased to say A LOT! Arcade Fire's Win Butler, Régine Chassagne and Owen “Final Fantasy” Pallett have been hard at work scoring filmmaker Richard Kelly’s newest cinematic offering, The Box. You all know Richard Kelly from his cult classic film Donnie Darko. From the looks of The Box, it too will be cultivated in the same category as Donnie Darko. The score is apparently 80 minutes and is prominently featured throughout the film. Also accompanying the Arcade Fire are songs by Eric Clapton, the Grateful Dead, Scott Walker and the Marshall Tucker Band. The film is set for a November 6, 2009 release and I strongly urge you to check out the trailer below. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFHa-ygkF_M&hl=en&fs=1&]

More Snoop....

Mr. Banning — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:57:22 +0000

I am on a bit of Snoop Dogg/ Neptunes kick right now. Check out "Drop It Like It's Hot" featuring Pharrell Williams aka Skateboard P from the 2004 album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece. I love the simplicity of the beat, and much like "Beautiful" I am sure you all know and love this song. Also the video is equally cool in its simplicity, check it out. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTLoEr21raA&hl=en&fs=1&]

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Mr. Banning — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:16:09 +0000

Anyone else curious?

Mr. Banning — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:56:14 +0000

Since the announcement that cartoon super-mom Marge Simpson, was posing for Playboy Magazine I can't help but hear a time honored question, even from my mom! "Does the carpet match the drapes?" Please forgive the crude and crass natured question but you might be surprised how often I have heard that comment in the last couple of days. Seriously! Well we'll soon find out when the "Special Collectors" issue is released, making Marge the first animated character to appear in Playboy. The feature spread will mark the ever-present cartoon's 20th anniversary, and will appear in the November 2009 issue. I know it's a totally creepbag thing to say, but I am totally purchasing a copy of the magazine when it's released. I also suspect many other people will also and I predict that this issue will have record making sales. Mark my words here kiddies.

Playboy Marge Simpson

Mr. Banning — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:57:16 +0000

In this photo released Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, by Playboy Magazine, the cover of the November 2009 issue featuring Marge Simpson is shown. It's a first for the magazine, which has never featured a cartoon character before. It will hit the newsstands October 16. (AP Photo/Playboy Magazine)

That time of the year.

Mr. Banning — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:32:13 +0000

via highsnobiety

It appears that Mother Nature has decided there will be no having autumn, instead the weather has decided to fast-forward right into winter. This morning when I left the house to go to work, it was zero (Celsius) outside. That is appalling! This means that it is time to go get your winter boots, and to make this transition easy for us all is Toronto's own Ransom's collaboration with Adidas Originals. The collection consists of four styles: the Creek, the Summit, the Pier, and the Dune and all come in several colour and material variations. I have to say that I really like all the boots, but I am really drawn to the Black pair from the "Summit" collection. Siiicccck!

No Pastelle...

Mr. Banning — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:07:30 +0000

I honestly do not think that Kanye's VMA outburst was really that big of a deal. Seriously, and the ensuing barrage of Kanye interruption jokes are lame at best. So with that said, lets move on. I am sad to announce that Kanye's long-rumored Pastelle clothing collection is not going to be released. With over a years worth of work invested into designing this line, only four pieces have been officially produced. Which is strange because several pieces have been seen being worn by Kanye, and the other day a series of images from the Pastelle look book leaked onto the web. So why the sudden about face? Well there is no official word as of yet but I really like the hypothesis that New York magazine came up with... "Perhaps Kanye is the kind of creator who is never satisfied. The kind of creator who never sees the genius in his own work. Karl Lagerfeld may dash off sketch after sketch and produce outfit after outfit, but maybe Kanye torments himself over every detail, never able to reconcile his vision with the resulting physical product. And so he has scrapped that which will never be good enough — in his eyes. Either that, or this is just some elaborate hoax to drum up more press and excitement for the line Kanye's reps say he will eventually launch. Martin Margiela may be retired, but Kanye can keep us guessing." [via nymag.com] There is talk however that the line will be released in some form under Kanye's name, so we'll have to see what comes of it.

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:17:30 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:17:50 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:21:45 +0000

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Bedroom Covers

Mr. Banning — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:58:12 +0000

Check this pretty solid cover of Kid Cudi's "Day N' Nite" by Britain's fastest rising star V V Brown. If you don't know who she is yet, you will soon. Do your self a favour and watch the impromptu bedroom session. Shoutouts! to the Music Slut for getting the drop. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp71uFPqAUA&hl=en&fs=1&]

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:12:04 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:19:12 +0000

Mad (wo)Men

Mr. Banning — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:26:53 +0000

Take a look at January Jones from the hit television show Mad Men, for the November 2009 issue of GQ Magazine. The 31 year-old actress plays Betty Draper wife to Don Draper, and many exclaim her to be the most complex, mysterious woman on television today. The pictures are great. I love the Mulholland Drive feel to them all. Read the entire interview at GQ.com.

shwood-sunglasses

Mr. Banning — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:30:33 +0000

Shade Your Eyes

Mr. Banning — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:40:10 +0000

via uncrate

When you become rich, you need to make sure that everything in your life is wood grain. From the dashboard on your car, to the paneling on your guitar(????), so what better way to fully wood grain out your apparel then by rocking these Shwood Sunglasses. For $95 USD you get a pair of handcrafted glasses made from actual wood. They're available in two basic styles, and can be ordered in a variety of different woods, with your choice of Carl Zeiss lenses. SAY WHAT!?! Yes not only are then made from wood by hand but the lens in the super awesome frames are from a world famous lens company.

Renegade DJ

Mr. Banning — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:01:37 +0000

This game is starting to look like something I am going to have to own. The musical line up is ridiculous! After announcing the 93-song-in-game tracklist for DJ Hero, the tracklist for both Eminem & Jay Z’s Renegade compilations that will accompany DJ Hero: Renegade Edition has been released. Each song was hand-picked by the artist themselves. Jay Z's list is a mix of his hits and singles while Eminem picked mostly overlooked or rarer favourites, and a new track. The unreleased track in question is called "Taking My Ball." Check out the tracklisting below, it looks crazy! DJ Hero Renegade: Jay Z “Ain’t No Nigga (feat. Foxy Brown)” “Where I’m From” “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” “Jigga My Nigga (feat. Ruff Ryders)” “I Just Wanna Love U (Give it 2 Me)” “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” “03′ Bonnie & Clyde (feat. Beyoncé Knowles)” “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” “Show Me What You Got” “Roc Boys (And the Winner Is…)” “Brooklyn Go Hard (feat. Santigold)” “D.O.A. (Death of Auto Tune)” DJ Hero Renegade: Eminem “Taking My Ball” “Say Goodbye to Hollywood” “Soldier” “The Re-Up (feat. 50 Cent)” “Rabbit Run” “Get U Mad” “Bad Guys Always Die (feat. Dr. Dre)” “Public Enemy No. 1″ “Say What You Say (feat. Dr. Dre)” “Lose Yourself” “Hey Lady (feat. Obie Trice)” “One Shot 2 Shot (feat. D-12)”

20091010-RENEGADE

Mr. Banning — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:48:44 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:22:13 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:23:18 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:23:36 +0000

More Boots

Mr. Banning — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:24:37 +0000

via highsnobiety

The weather seems to be set in its ways, and that way(s?) is freezing! So with the constant impending threat of winter lurking just around the corner it seems only appropriate that I post some more boot options. Coming from Bape's winter 2009 collection comes the Mountain Soldier Boots. The hiking boots come in black and brown leather, as well as a beige suede option. I like the black ones.

Calvin Harris and His Human Synth

Mr. Banning — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:02:50 +0000

This is really incredible! My Buddy linked me this video, and after watching it I have to say I am thoroughly impressed. Scottish electronic musician Calvin Harris got a bunch of half naked women, painted them with ink and had them perform his new single "Ready For The Weekend." It may sound a little strange but after watching the video I believe the correct word is awesome! Basically what happened was 15 bikini clad models painted with Bare Conductive, a new skin safe ink which conducts electricity safely across the body and when the performers touch the connection completes a circuit, triggering a sound. The unique instrument setup consists of 34 pads on the floor which have also been painted with the conductive ink and connected to a computer. The project is the result of a collaboration between Calvin Harris and masters students from the Royal College of Art's Industrial Design Engineering program. Bare Conductive was developed by RCA students Bibi Nelson, Becky Pilditch, Isabel Lizardi and Matt Johnson. The custom electronics and software for the project were created by Matt Johnson, employing two Arduinos and the graphical audio programming tool Max MSP. The performers, floor pads, Arduinos and Max MSP combine to create a giant MIDI controller which is used to create music which is sequenced and quantized with Ableton Live. COOL! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IObPkUFq0hg&hl=en&fs=1&]

New MGMT Album

Mr. Banning — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:19:05 +0000

According to a whole slew of confirmed sources (Pitchfork and NME) MGMT's new album is called Congratulations. FUN!! As most of you know MGMT rose to fame with the hipster crowd with the songs "Electric Feel," "Kids," and "Time to Pretend" including various high profile remixes of these tracks. Also checkout the video for "Kids," it is really rather terrifying, starting with scenes of monsters scaring a child, then a televised puppet show, and as the final segment a psychedelic cartoon. The band appears briefly in silver garb and facepaint, which is their thing. According to MGMT no children were harmed in the making of this video. Although I am feeling a little messed up after watching this, poor kid. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otjSmlAeBb4&hl=en&fs=1&]

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Welcome!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:25:50 +0000

It is with the greatest of pleasures that I introduce all of you out there to the newest member and contributor to Sidewalkhustle.com the lovely and effervescent Hawley. I am super stoked about this newest addition to the site, for Hawley will be bringing her unique sense of style, her exquisite take on fashion, and her remarkably keen and uncanny sense of what's hot to the Hustle. So once again please all join me in welcoming Hawley to the Sidewalk Hustle.

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Hawley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:13:22 +0000

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Hawley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:14:34 +0000

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Hawley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:15:08 +0000

This One's For the Ladies

Hawley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:19:37 +0000

We all know and love the voice of Mr. Banning, especially his delicious daily fair, but ladies, I must ask, aren’t you feeling a wee bit left out? Keep checking sidewalkhustle.com for a new swing on yummy womens gear and other materialistic beauties such as these gorgeous Christian Louboutin heels from his Fall 09 collection. I’ve been craving heels and ankle boots ever since the temperature prematurely dropped this month. I’m loving the Fifre leather ankle boots ($1,195.00 US yikes!) with concealed platform, silver buttons, and elastic loops (they also come in sueded grey, brown, and maroon, oh my!). Also, these glitter sling back heels are amazing if you’re looking to put a bit of bling in your step this fall, they also come in Marine Dark Blue, and Oxblood Marroon. A very reasonable $775.00 for these beauties. But bling aside, I’m absolutely smitten with these understated suede python pumps, yours for a whopping $1,225.00 US (that’s right girls, suede python doesn’t come cheap!). And let’s be perfectly frank with one thing, no matter the weather, I’m always craving heels! Especially when the pickings are as scrumptious as Mr. Louboutin’s creations! Photos via Bergdorf Goodman

Rain Machine

Mr. Banning — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:51:38 +0000

One of the saddest things I heard all year, next to Michael Jackson's death, was that one of my favourite bands, TV on the Radio was taking a year long hiatus to pursue their individual interests. I was sad because it meant that I would have no awesome follow up to 2008's Dear Science, which was an album that rocked my world. It is still on heavy rotation in my iTunes to this day. Now I know that I shouldn't be too torn up about it because each individual member of TV on the Radio is exploring their own artistic interests and passions. This of course will inevitability led to a better, well-rounded musician, who will grow and develop into something greater then he already is, but selfishly I am very very upset. Lucky for me, I was saved from throwing a temper tantrum when I heard that Big-bearded singer Kyp Malone was releasing a solo side project under the name of Rain Machine. No sooner had I learned about this side project, I discovered that the album was set to be released in a matter of weeks and that the obligatory tour would shortly follow suit. Fast forward a couple of weeks to September 22nd and here we have Rain Machine's self-title debut album, and tour. Don't worry if you are feeling a little out of the loop on this one, it really did spring out of nowhere. I will honestly tell you that I am half and half on this album. Literally. The first half of Rain Machine’s self-titled debut is pretty solid. The songs feature the off-kilter rock-soul rhythms of Kyp Malone and lack the multilayered density of TVOTR. Some of the songs you should check out are ‘Give Blood’, ‘Smiling Black Faces’ and ‘Driftwood Heart’ which are finely crafted and could easily compare in quality to the work of TVOTR. Bold I know, but check them out and get back at me. Then there is the second half of the album which for a lack of a better word bores the shit out of me. Sorry Kyp, I really really am, but it comes off as pure, self-indulgence. But then again how can I argue with musical self indulgence, that is how artists grow? With the incredibly quick turn around time from the moment that the tickets for the concert went on sale and they actual performance I expected the hype for this band to be through the roof. Lee's Palace is a great intimate venue that can hold about 500 people and offers up some great musical performances but nothing could have prepared me for what awaited upon my arrival. Showing up causally and fashionably late, I expect to have to fight my way to the bar as the band took the stage, so you can imagine my shock when I was faced with about 50 people, give or take, and seemingly vast and never-ending emptiness where the crowd of fans should have been. It was shockingly horrifying, I was embarrassed. I felt bad for the band. However, all this aside the remarkably intimate concert was stellar! Before hitting the stage Malone walked among the people gathered at and around the bar, exchange pleasantries and minimal small talk, saying hi to us as he passed. The inter-song dialogue was pleasant and interactive, but most important the music was phenomenal. When Kyp Malone sings it is a beautiful thing, when he opens up he really let's loose. The band had a really nice harmony with each other and seemed to really get a long. At one point during the interludal banter Kyp gave a thank you to everyone, expressing his gratitude for everyone's patience as the band was still learning a lot through trial and error. Considering they have only been playing together for less than a month, that isn't at all surprising. However it is a testament to their compatibility that they played for the better part of an hour and a half. The performance was magnificent and made me crave more. I listened to Rain Machine's album twice throughout the day today, and although I do have a new perspective on the band, my opinion still stands on the album. It would have made a phenomenal EP. Seeing the show last night also inspired me to listen to my TVOTR discography, and although I am happy that the band is pursuing their own artistic interests, I am still patiently waiting for their musical reunion. Check the photos.

Free Tickets! It's Frightening!

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Hawley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:40:30 +0000

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Hawley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:44:02 +0000

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Hawley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:29:25 +0000

this one's for the ladies: a follow up

Hawley — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:51:31 +0000

Well ladies, you guested it! You can get those beautiful Loub soles I posted yesterday signed tomorrow at Bergdorf Goodman (the 5th Avenue flagship in NY, but of course!). The catch this time girls, is that only shoes that have been purchased in-store from the Fall 09 Collection may be signed by the shoe god, Quel Dommage! So you crafty people out there who purchased your Loub's from the Barney's Warehouse sale are out of luck. Best to stick to pure class this time anyway. The legendary Monieur Christian Louboutin will be signing his iconic red soles on the 2nd Floor Shoe Salon from 2-6pm. If you plan to attend be sure to RSVP for the event by clicking here because space is extremely limited (or send an e-mail to event@bergdorfgoodman.com or call 212.872.2646)! An extra tip is to place the shoes you desire on hold NOW, enabling you to jump the line, which I'm sure will be excessively long!

The xx "Basic Space"

Mr. Banning — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:06:13 +0000

I am loving this band right now! The xx are a South London band who are strongly influenced by modern R&B, Electro, and Moody Rock to bring a fantastically crafted sound. Their self-titled debut album is on heavy rotation on my iTunes, and I am stoked to say that I will be seeing them open for another band who is getting a lot of play, Friendly Fires. Tickets to this show are selling quickly so get going on this, and since MOD club (Correction) Phenoix Concert Theatre (Thank you Cher!) is a tiny venue this is a show you do not want to miss. Seriously! Enjoy "Basic Space" by The xx. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHZVGqqf3gg&hl=en&fs=1&]

Jimmy Choo X H&M

Hawley — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:26:42 +0000

If you haven't already heard Jimmy Choo is taking on the world of affordable fashion for H&M next month, yuppie! His line will include everything from cloths to accessories and of course shoes. Yesterday I was reminded of the release when The Cut released some beautiful photos of the shoes and clothes along some other news of the suede and leather used to create the line. That’s right ladies (and men!) real suede and leather!!!! Who would have thought? Affordable fashion for the masses detailed with natural fabrics and materials! I’m not such a huge fan of suede clothes, but the one-shouldered gray sculpted dress in the photo above is both wearable and flattering (unlike most suede clothes I’ve seen), and I’m sure the price will be reasonable as well. I have to admit I’m not loving everything I’ve seen so far in the collection, it seems he really tried to cater to a wide range of buyer demographics. But let’s be honest here, as far as I’m concerned, he can design whatever he wants as long as we get some of those yummy shoes! Check out my picks of the upcoming like below. Most of the shoes are absolutely breathtaking for H&M standards (real leather thigh-high boots for $299 US), let’s hope there all they’re cracked up to be when I get my hands on them next month! Oh, and don’t worry men, Choo’s got you covered as well with an equally lux collection of menswear including shoes, and accessories! Choo’s new line is set to drop on November 14^th in Toronto and select stores. Anyone want to line up with me? Photo's Via The Cut

Mr. Hudson "Supernova" Featuring Kanye

Mr. Banning — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:08:00 +0000

Check out the video, it is really good. Mr. Hudson, is a rising star, trust me on this. His sophomore album Straight No Chaser, just dropped and I have to say I am really enjoying it. However! I do feel that it is a couple months to late. Why you may ask? Well, the majority of the songs feature auto tune in someway or another and even the tracks featuring Kanye are a little to 808's and Heartbreak. Auto tune is so last January, and we're all past that now. So at times the album does feel like it is about 6 months late. I suppose that is the down side to signing to a small label like Mr. West's G.O.O.D. music, you have to make sure that each of your artist get equal promotion and hype and you have to stagger the releases so as not to overlap too much. So 808's at the beginning of the year, then Common, then Kid Cudi, and now Mr. Hudson. Perhaps this is the problem with modern music distribution everything moves so fast that an album that came out 10 months ago is such old news and the style is already redundant. Sometimes I think about our somewhat distant past and think about how long it would take for a new Mozart piece to be disseminated amongst the general population. I doubt anyone was saying, "oh this is so last January." Other then that the album is really enjoyable and I strongly suggest you all give it a listen and checkout the video below. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtVYtH-s_Zc&hl=en&fs=1&]

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Hawley — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:02:12 +0000

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Boozy Party Times

Hawley — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:53:40 +0000

Well, all you people out there who didn't make it to the Vice Party last night at the Burroughes Building certainly missed a crazy 15th anniversary celebration. Vice is notorious for throwing the coolest party's that showcase the magazines general awesomeness by providing a spread of free alcohol, live up and coming bands, and one of the hippest crowds I've ever seen. We managed to scam our way in through the much shorter VIP line and after a short ride up in the century old elevator we cruised over to the open bar to get a few free beverages. On our way over we were handed some Harajuku Lovers and ckfree perfume samples from girls dressed in black playsuits. I wish I had a camera to show you how crazy this party was. At one point I was stumbling over to the bar to get another Asahi and a pretty black man grabbed my shoulder and literally (and rather rudely I might add) shoved me out of his way, who I later realized was Toronto's K-OS. I suppose Mr. OS had forgotten that lovely ride back to the city from V-Fest 2007 we shared so many years ago. To this day I still shiver when I think of the amount of Old Milwaukee I consumed that weekend. I must admit once this party was fully underway (everyone working it as best they could whilst being completely intoxicated) with Toronto's Anagram and LA's Dum Dum Girls playing some tunes, I started to recognize the quasi famous faces around the room. The likes of Sarah Nicole (her friends are prettier than yours), Hannah Krapivinsky and Joe Elaschuk of Toronto's Foxfire, and of course the ever lovey, and somewhat inebriated Mr. Banning. Check out some photos on the 6th floor of the Burroughes Building in Toronto below. Try and envision it filled with just about every hipster in Toronto (free drink in hand, some double and triple fisting) wearing boyfriend blazers, jumpsuits, and the usual 80's garb.

LCD Soundsystem

Mr. Banning — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:11:11 +0000

I got an email this morning from my buddy telling me to go to the LCD Soundsystem homepage, to download their latest single. Since, I was at work I told him I would do it as soon as I got home. Well what my dear friend neglected to tell me was that the song was only being offered to the first 20,000 fans. Sadly by the time this was announced and the time I got home the quota had been filled. Sad... But the track is posted on the bands myspace and you can give it a listen there. I did, and it is great! The track is a cover of Alan Vega's "Bye Bye Bayou," and was originally slated for a November 7 release, "Well, 'Bye Bye Bayou' totally leaked everywhere," Murphy wrote on the site, adding, "which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, since anything that exists is essentially all over the internet in five minutes." Which is completely true. The third LCD Soundsystem album is set for release in March of next year, although "Bye Bye Bayou"is not expected to be featured on it, but at least we know they are in the lab working on making some more classic tracks. For your entertainment watch "All My Friends" from LCD's massively successful and awesome album Sound Of Silver. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2V_ZT-nyOs&hl=en&fs=1&]

More Hiatus's!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:42:31 +0000

According to NME.com Bloc Party, one of my favourite bands, is set to go on a "hiatus" after their current tour. This makes me incredibly sad, because I am in love with their music. However, if it means that their next album is more in-line with Silent Alarm and/or Weekend in the City as opposed to Intimacy then I am okay with this. But wait! There's more! Apparently there are even more rumours circulating about drummer Matt Tong suggesting that he will quit the band, he had this to say; "I definitely don't think this will be the last you'll hear of the people who make up Bloc Party," he said. "Kele is an insatiable workaholic and creating is something he is so connected to, so you'll definitely hear from him again, along with Russell [Lissack, guitar] and Gordon [Moakes, bass]. As for me, I don't know, I wouldn't mind trying something else for a while." NOOOOOOOO! But wait! there's even more! Apparently, Tong told BBC Subculture the band hope their hiatus will leave them revitalized. "We definitely need to have a break and gain a bit of perspective on life outside of the band," he said. "Hopefully if we do reconvene at some point in the future we'll be refreshed and have so many ideas to bring to what it is we do." This is all very confusing, and emotionally stressing! I may have to go on hiatus myself to recoup!

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:56:31 +0000

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Hawley — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:08:28 +0000

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Hawley — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:10:06 +0000

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Hawley — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:11:11 +0000

Purple, je t'aime!

Hawley — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:50:24 +0000

Oh the French. So sexy, so stylish. Nothing like a good old lesbian fashion orgy, the french really do do it better! Rather risqué and ever provocative french fashion magazine Purple has been noted by New York Magazine this month in their roundup of The Best and Worst of October Fashion Magazines. I really love the way Purple paints their subjects (especially celebrities and fashion icons) in a very different light (often nude) than we're used to seeing them on the catwalk or red carpet. It makes for exciting and textured fashion editorial that promises to always be interesting, not to mention sexually charged. Yesterday, The Cut named Terry Richardson's photo-shoot the most graphic girl-on-girl of all October editorials, which features models Abbey Lee Kershaw, Eniko Mihalik, Freja Beha, and Magdalena Frackowiak, instead of the musicians and actors Purple usually highlight. As per Richardson's signature style, the 30 page spread features a few shots of himself with the nude models, which according to Purple "happened organically" during the shoot. I think the clothes are incredible and the models chemistry really sells this sexy spread! Also you gotta love dirty ol' Richardson getting in there with thumbs up for the fully nude shot! Happy ogling darlings!

The Raveonettes - Live

Mr. Banning — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:00:28 +0000

As all you probably have noticed, Sidewalk Hustle has been expanding its roster by adding new writers and contributors in an attempt to take the hustle up a-notch. Well today I would like to present you with one of our latest acquisitions, Mr. Chris Goodyear who has graciously taken a step down from his ivory tower (I am not even being facetious, he works in an ivory tower!), to give us his take on things. Please join me in welcoming him to the Hustle.

Enjoy!

If you were lucky enough to have been at the Phoenix last night, you would have been witness to a fantastic performance by a great Danish rock outfit – The Raveonettes. Hailing from Copenhagen, the Raveonettes have been around for almost a decade, and with the release of ‘In and Out of Control’ earlier this month, have released five studio albums (including EPs). For those of you who have never heard the Raveonettes, their sound falls somewhere between the Everly Brothers, the Beach Boys and the ‘noise’ or ‘noise punk’ genre of music that gained popularity in the late 80s and early 90s, with many of their songs characterised by a juxtaposition of soft harmonic melodies and blisteringly loud guitar feedback and looping. Before discussing the main act, an honourable mention should go out to the Black Angels, a band out of Austin, Texas that supported the Raveonettes on their tour. The Black Angels have a sound that seems to blend the Doors and the Secret Machines, and their set was surprisingly good. The Raveonettes took the stage at the scheduled 10:15pm, without any of the standard off-stage delays designed to build the crowd; Sharin and Sune simply said hello to Toronto and began their set. Unfortunately, a majority of the crowd did not seem to know who the Raveonettes were (judging from the blank expressions and shrugging of shoulders), and seemed happy to simply be at a concert. This led to a slow start to the performance, to the point where after the fourth song Sharin commented “thanks, it is very nice to play to applause” (seriously Toronto, when did it become cool not to dance or move during a concert). By the end of the concert, the entire crowd was jumping or doing the twist, and the applause was deafening. In terms of the set list, the Raveonettes played a good mix of new and old songs, although one of their early classics ‘Attack of the Ghost Riders’ was sadly missing. Perhaps more interestingly, the concert only highlighted that the Raveonettes’ are one of those of bands whose music is only truly done justice in a live setting. Indeed, when listening to a Raveonettes album at a normal volume you could be mistaken for thinking that it is a soundtrack to a film set in 1950’s America where Johnny kisses Peggy Sue after the last dance. However, when you see the Raveonettes play a live performance, the songs are some of the most intensely energetic rock songs you have ever heard, with the guitar solos reaching a point where feedback becomes pure noise punctuated by subtle melodic shifts. In this sense, the Raveonettes would benefit from a collaboration with a producer like Steve Albini, who produced In Utero and is a master of capturing the raw sound of a band by recording songs with little or no production tools. All in all, it was nice to attend a performance by a band that has a unique sound and is not from Brooklyn or LA. If anyone is interested in sampling the Raveonettes’ sound, check out the awkwardly titled ‘Boys Who Rape (Should All be Destroyed)’ off their new album, or ‘Do You Believe Her’ and ‘Beat City’ off of the EP ‘Whip It On’. - Chris Goodyear

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:39:07 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:39:37 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:39:57 +0000

Kanye West to Serve Community Service

Mr. Banning — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:41:00 +0000

According to TMZ, Kanye West's lawyer Blair Berk, has managed to get all 3 misdemeanor charges dismissed if Kanye serves 50 hours worth of community services. The three misdemeanors charges steam from an incident that took place last September in the Los Angele's Airport when Kanye and his manager/co-defendant Don Crowley smashed two cameras belonging to some paparazzi. Such a dirty word! The decision and turn of good fortune came as the judge pointed out that both West and Crowley had enrolled in an anger management program, and that West paid for the camera he broke. Furthermore, after receiving the cheque from West TMZ let the charges drop. The judge agreed and the charges would dismiss the charges after both the defendants had completed their 50 hours. However, the judge added that Kanye's conduct was not acceptable. Not bad, all things considered.

More xx

Mr. Banning — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:15:11 +0000

When I wake up in the morning on the weekends, I like to drink my coffee and chill whilst I collect my thoughts from the night before. When I do this I usually through on some music to help me regroup. This morning I threw on The XX's self-titled album while I did this somewhat standard ritual, and I have to say I am falling deeper and deeper in love with them. I know there is a lot of talk about these guys, a lot! The internet hype machine is working in overdrive, coupled with a stellar review from the on-line hipster bible Pitchfork and these guys seem destined to sky-rocket to the top. Of course like most people, the moment I hear all this hype, and the obligatory "pitchfork says" comments, I shy away immediately. As a friend of mine put it "the pitchfork cultural is both good and bad for a band, because all the mindless drones follow their words like it is a religious text without any sense of personal taste. Fundamentalism is bad no matter who you are." I could agree with him more. Fundamentalism is a very dangerous thing, and the hype can backfire and give a bad who has no talent an unfair advantage and can even be detrimental to a really good band because of the pressure of that hype. Regardless of all this I do have to say that there is something very moving in The XX's music. It was the perfect soundtrack to my Sunday morning, and I really must insist that you all check them out, you will not regret it. And don't forget to get your tickets to see them perform live at the Phoenix Concert Theatre when they open for Friendly Fires. Watch the video for "Crystalised" below. The track is awesome! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pib8eYDSFEI&hl=en&fs=1&]

jack

Mr. Banning — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:23:45 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:23:53 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:29:04 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:29:40 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:39:25 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:42:28 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:46:56 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:47:32 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:48:01 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:48:26 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:49:07 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:49:39 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:50:02 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:50:22 +0000

Sea of Shoes X Urban Outfitters

Hawley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:19:58 +0000

0094

Mr. Banning — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:22:23 +0000

SPOTTED!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:34:18 +0000

I was curious to see what debaucherous pictures had emerged after Thursday nights open bar fiasco aka the Vice 15th year anniversary party presented by Fred Perry. So first I checked the Fred Perry blog as they had posted some choice photos, and much to my pleasure I spotted Sidewalk Hustle's latest team member Ms. Hawley! I must admit I was over come with joy to see the ever stylish fashion vixen, and editor at large working her magic. To see more photos of that night, check out the plethora that Vice has posted up.

Boozy Party Times: The Aftermath

Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:00:42 +0000

Holy Mother Effing Moley! Did anyone else have the pleasure of making my acquaintance last Thursday at the Vice 15th year anniversary party presented by Fred Perry? I think about two other lovely (and stylish) people (with vintage cameras in hand) snapped a photo of me getting sloppy on Thursday and I have no idea who you are... Dear dear Mr. Slootsky, you do have a way with that camera of yours! See the face of one too many Asahi's below in Mr. Banning's last post! Excuse me Asahi? Have we met?

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:16:52 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:17:55 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:25:43 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:27:11 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:08:12 +0000

Picture 1

Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:28:27 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:40:05 +0000

Nothing Comes Between Me and My Louboutins

Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:56:53 +0000

Picture 2

Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:51:32 +0000

Hellz Yeah!

Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:13:07 +0000

Believe it or not ladies, there' a little sprinkling of gansta' in all of us! Check out these sick Hellz Bellz shirts I scored for cheap last weekend at a sample sale on Richmond! Both are from the Fall 09 Style Warriors collection, the one above features a gorgeous pair of spiky Louboutin's and reads: "Nothing Comes Between Me and My Louboutin's". The one below (far left) has some red lips for nipples and says: 'We Want Madness To Make Change'. Gotta' love the cheeky images and slogans Hellz Bellz is so well known for!

Motocross jacket

Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:53:12 +0000

Motocross Jacket 2

Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:54:22 +0000

Motocross 3

Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:54:51 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:05:53 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:13:13 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:14:02 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:14:23 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:35:33 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:36:08 +0000

Classic Flare Coat

Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:36:37 +0000

Parka

Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:37:49 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:41:53 +0000

Cheap Thrills at Forever21

Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:44:43 +0000

I have to admit, I haven't been inside a Forever21 store since I was about 13 on a trip to Florida with my friends. I think I bought a pair of stretch denim jeans with silver studs down the sides, talk about barf! I still haven't managed to make it down to the Dundas Square location, probably because my first purchase so many years ago was absolutely horrendous. Times have changed since then and Forever21 is up there with H&M and Zara for their cheap and trend worthy thrills. I can't help but love these two motorcycle jackets and may actually venture down (instead of avoiding the area... I'm afraid of tourists and fanny-packs) to obtain the cream and red one! It just screams Canada and Hudson's Bay!

Chris Brown "I Can Transform Ya" Featuring Lil Wayne

Mr. Banning — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:10:08 +0000

Controversial back-story aside, this Chris Brown song and video is really cool. A good friend of mine who lives out on the Left Coast, aka Van City, aka Vancouver, linked me this song about two weeks ago, saying that he couldn't stop listening to it, the beat is sick and Swizz Beatz is killin' it and that it reminded him of me. Awwww, thanks Noah! I listened to the track and loved it immediately. Yes it most certainly had something to do with Wayne's reference to Optimus Prime and Voltron, but also because it really is a good track. I strongly suggest you give it a listen/watch. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Sxeji2ClQ&hl=en&fs=1&]

main_9784_1-Peplum-Coat_Red1

Hawley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:25:34 +0000

Papercraft-Nikes-By-David-Brownings-1

Mr. Banning — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:18:22 +0000

papercraft-nike-sneakers

Mr. Banning — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:20:55 +0000

blue

Mr. Banning — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:28:30 +0000

marshall1

Mr. Banning — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:29:42 +0000

More Paper

Mr. Banning — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:44:51 +0000

via Collected3D

I've been sitting at my desk, staring at the computer screen trying to think of something witty to say about these papercraft Nike shoes and I've got nothing. Sorry gang. I mean what witty tale could I weaver about these delicately crafted, exceedingly detailed, miniaturized paper versions of athletic footwear perfection? Nothing that the pictures don't show for themselves. Bristol illustrator and artist David Brownings is the master-crafter of these papercraft Nikes is working his hustle whilst putting himself through school at UWE. For the reasonable price of £30 + p+p ($45-50?) Brownings will design a pair of custom paper shoes in your favourite colourways, complete with shoebox. Brilliant!

Pendleton, Meet Opening Ceremony

Hawley — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:18:10 +0000

Is anyone else sick of the usual cashmere wool blend toggle coats in boring grey and black? How about the plethora of Canada Goose coats out there? I know they're super warm and cozy, but really, do we all have to look the same? Shake off your winter blahs this year by making a true statement with a coat from Opening Ceremony. They've teamed up with Pendleton, an Oregon based woolen mill that's been around since 1909 producing Native American inspired 100% pure virgin wool clothing for men and women as well as beautiful blankets and home products featuring the ancient designs. The line is appropriately named Pendleton Meets Opening Ceremony and features some of the famous Yavapai, Navajo, and Standing Rock patterns. I love the way Opening Ceremony took the classic Pendleton patterns and mixed them with their own signature cuts and styles. The Motocross Jacket for example, juxtaposes the emblems of America (above $500.00 US), while the Tight Peplum Coat flatters the feminine frame with a frilly bottom (below left, $675.00 US). They even designed a Classic Flare Coat which is perfect for fall with its high collar and cropped sleeves (below middle, $500.00 US). Rock any one of these gorgeous coats with this delicious, not to mention affordable Optimum Fridge Bag from Nasty Gal (only $58.00 US).

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:50:44 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:51:04 +0000

Friendly Fires "Skeleton Boy"

Mr. Banning — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:44:39 +0000

I am totally loving off this album by Friendly Fires. I am totally loving off this video! Remember to check them out! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyA8zfouG4Y&hl=en&fs=1&]

Nike vs Spike Lee

Mr. Banning — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:46:51 +0000

via highsnobiety

Check out the new Big Nike High and Big Nike Low “Spike Lee” kicks, inspired by the classic film Do the Right Thing. The two shoes styles come in the two colourways shown above. The silhouette is the same used this past summer in the Nike Wolverine Pack. The side-panels feature a soft pattern on the upper and the glasses logo is placed on the tongue tag. Very cool.

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:54:13 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:54:39 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:31:39 +0000

I Really Like This - Timberland Utility Jacket

Mr. Banning — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:50:04 +0000

via uncrate

Check out the straightforward, not to flashy Timberland Utility Jacket. I like the look of it, subtle and yet elegant, with a rugged cotton twill outer, nylon polin and polyester fleece lining, a front zipper with button flap cover for added wind protection, dual snap-close side pockets and two cargo-style chest pockets, slightly distressed details for a worn-in look, and stitched down shoulder epaulettes. Yay! I could see myself rocking this with a nice pair of dark denim jeans and not to flashy pair of Nikes.

Gucci Gucci Everywhere!

Mr. Banning — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:02:53 +0000

via highsnobiety

It seems that everywhere I go Gucci is following me. I recently got a new glasses, I had been holding off because I wanted the perfect pair. In my minds-eye I knew exactly what I want, I had even come up with some catchy descriptive phrases to drop when talking about them. The day I went I knew exactly what I wanted, int he span of 1o minutes I tried on 11 pairs, all of similar style, and colour, but with just the slightest, minute differences. The one pair I set aside and kept coming back too were just right. I knew as soon as I put them on, but I went through the motions of eliminating the options. When I had exhausted the available selection, I put the pair I had set aside back on, looked in the mirror and said "I'll Take Them!" and the deal was done. When I came to my sense from the adrenaline rush of fast-paced glasses shopping I looked over the pair more carefully and was shocked (not really) to see that they were Gucci's. The perfect pair of glasses. I say all this so that I can say, check out the Big Nike Low making use of the iconic Gucci green/red color combination, and utilizing premium exotic leathers on the upper and giving the Nike logo on the heel a bit of a crackled look. Cool.

I love Girls

Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:59:58 +0000

San Francisco's Girls are my new favorite band. I have been looping there debut album, Album, since I noticed their pretty album cover at Rotate This last month. Yesterday I fell deeper in love with them when I saw the official video for their single 'Lust for Life'. Even though the uncut version of this video is garnering a lot of interest due to the hefty amount of carefree nudity it contains (watch it here), the official video is possibly a more stimulating representation of their true talent and style. The album has infectiously catchy songs like 'Laura' and 'Summertime' that make me want to jump up and down on my bed, while songs like 'Hellhole Retrace' and 'Ghost Mouth' remind me of memories and daydreams you wish you could hold onto forever. The bands origin story is so unthinkably sad (seriously, look it up) that you'd think it would overshadow their music, but on the surface Girls sound quite light and happy, probably because they recorded the album high on a jumbo sized grab-bag of pills. Fuck, I'd need pills too if I had a past like frontman Christopher Owen had. But beside the sadness surrounding Owen's early life, a lot of overwhelmingly lighthearted energy comes through on this album. It's no wonder the band, which incidentally has no girls in it, has already transcended their local success, and lets be frank, after Pitchfork gave their album a stellar rating of 9.1, what band wouldn't!? They're touring their debut album now across North America hitting up Manhattan's Bowery Ballroom, LA's Troubadour, and luckily Toronto's El Mocambo next month (Yay!). To make their stop off in Toronto even more exciting, Jersey's Brooklyn based psychedelic-pop buzz band Real Estate will be opening! I also have a minor crush on them and trust me, they're certainly a band to watch..."Budweiser Sprite, do you feel alright?" Check out Girls' video for "Lust For Life" from their simply named debut album, Album. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuoTjYYqe4c&hl=en&fs=1&]

Candy Corn

Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:57:38 +0000

Gummy Brains

Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:58:30 +0000

Tootsie Rolls

Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:59:04 +0000

Gummy Fangs

Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:25 +0000

Caramels

Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:01:11 +0000

Lola Ruffle Booties

Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:26:03 +0000

Dayton

Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:38:22 +0000

Yvette Cut Out bootie

Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:40:19 +0000

dress up, eat candy!

Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:07:27 +0000

Well it's nearly Halloween and one things for sure, I'm madly craving CANDY!

If you aren't eating candy somewhere right now, here's some eye-candy courtesy of Dylan's Candy Bar to get your stomach in gear for a sugar (and booze no doubt) overload!

They've got all your old fashioned favorites: candy corn, gummy brains, gummy fangs and lets not forget the caramels!

GoldenFieldDariaWerbowy1

Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:23:35 +0000

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Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:26:20 +0000

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Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:27:05 +0000

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Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:27:47 +0000

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Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:29:01 +0000

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Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:29:42 +0000

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Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:30:51 +0000

Loeffler Randall = I die

Hawley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:43:32 +0000

I've been in love with Loeffler Randall ever since a stylish girl in Holt Renfrew excitedly mistook my slouchy vintage boots (from Sweet Tater NY) for a pair of these classically beautiful shoes. I must admit I much prefer my vintage pair to most of the boots this season at LR. What's with this knit leather combo thing? I hate it when girls pull their sock up above their boots, how did this awful fashion faux pas become a trend? I am however absolutely smitten with the beige goatskin Lola ruffle booties ($625.00 US), they're a nice alternative to all the lace up heels around at the moment (pictured above). I'm big on the cut out trend right now as well while the weather is still pleasant, and the Yvette cut-out botties perform double duty this fall to include the colourblocking trend. These booties are made of heavenly soft calf suede and have a heavy gold zipper at the back of the shoe (below left, $575.00 US). I also like the sleekness of their Dayton lace-up zip bootie just featured in LR's 2010 Resort collection. Made from vachetta leather with antiqued metal eyelets and hooks that almost remind me of figure skates, although I suppose you wouldn't wear them in the winter (below right, $695.00 US).

AVATAR - Trailer

Mr. Banning — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:48:51 +0000

This movie looks Bananas! B. A. N. A. anas! Yes that just happened! This film looks crazy! Titanic director James Cameron has spent the last 4 years working on this film, inventing new technology to make it all happen. The story goes something like this, in the future, a paraplegic war veteran is brought to the planet Pandora which is inhabited by the Navi. The Navi is a humanoid race with their own language and culture, but the people of Earth find themselves at odds with the Navi and go to war. And from the looks of it the paraplegic dude gets mind-transferred into the body of a Navi to infiltrate them perhaps? Sure why not. Either way this film looks like a dream come true for any science-fiction nerd... *ahem* and film goer. Set to be released in theatres December 18th. Very cool! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1_JBMrrYw8&hl=en&fs=1&]

New Spoon Album & Tracklist!

Mr. Banning — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:59:31 +0000

HURRAY! I am so happy about this, I recently thought to myself as I worked my through the last five albums of the Spoon discography one lazy Sunday that they are really due for a new album. Well here we have it! According to Pitchfork, Spoon has announced their seventh LP, entitled Transference and it is set to drop January 26. The record will contain 11 songs produced by the band, and includes the recent single "Got Nuffin." Checkout the rest of the tracklist below as well as the video for "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb" from the album Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Enjoy! Transference: 01 Before Destruction 02 Is Love Forever? 03 The Mystery Zone 04 Who Makes Your Money 05 Written in Reverse 06 I Saw the Light 07 Trouble Comes Running 08 Goodnight Laura 09 Out Go the Lights 10 Got Nuffin 11 Nobody Gets Me But You [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkA-L3mK7q8&hl=en&fs=1&]

GoldenFieldDariaWerbowy4

Hawley — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:57:17 +0000

GoldenFieldDariaWerbowy5

Hawley — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:00:15 +0000

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Hawley — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:01:08 +0000

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Hawley — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:02:39 +0000

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Hawley — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:03:38 +0000

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Hawley — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:08:32 +0000

Daria, Girl of the Golden Field

Hawley — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:20:48 +0000

Top model Daria Werbowy posed nude for Dutch fashion photographer duo Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin in the November issue of Vogue Nippon. It's no secret that these dutch geniuses love shooting the Canadian talent, much the same way so many other industry professionals herald Canada for their likable, drama-free models. Styled by George Cortina, who is also an associate fashion director at the japanese magazine, the shoot is set in a chilly wheat field and showcases some of this Fall's fabulous knits, furs, and outerwear, not to mention a blatant amount of nudity. My favourite fun fact about Daria is that we sort of used to have fashion class together in high school! Well not exactly... she had a few years on me, but I used to hang out in the fashion room listening to Bob Dylan while making use of the sewing machines, and she was there most of the time doing the same. The shoot is entitled Girl of the Golden Field and can be seen in it's entirety at Lookbooks.com. I thought this would be particularly appropriate for Halloween because of the mysterious Signs-ish feeling the photos portrays. Take a look at some of the photos below, they're the ones with the least amount of nudity.

Jay-Z "Empire State Of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys

Mr. Banning — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:41:27 +0000

Here is the video for "Empire State Of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys directed by Hype Williams. This track is phenomenal and the video is equally awesome. Well if you enjoy a plethora of iconic pictures of New York, but how could you not? I also thought it was fitting to post this video since Mr. H to the Izzo is in town (Toronto) tonight, with Wale, and N.E.R.D. as his openers. It is going to be a crazy show. Happy Halloween!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UjsXo9l6I8&hl=en&fs=1&]

nike-terminator-high-premium-brown-1

Mr. Banning — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:24:35 +0000

bbc-so-ambitious-black

Mr. Banning — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:25:27 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:28:02 +0000

So Ambitious!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:01:43 +0000

via highsnobiety

Today BBC/Ice Cream has released the black colorway of the “So Ambitious” t-shirt, paying tribute to Pharrell Williams latest collaboration with Jay Z from the recently released Blueprint 3. The shirt has the classic BBC space theme with the astronaut on the front and the three red stripes on the sleeve denoting and representing the Blueprint 3. The shirt is available from 11am at the the NYC flagship and from 12pm online. This is a great move and a smart collaboration. Speaking of which during the Jay Z concert last night, hip hop rising star, and opening act, Wale was decked out, almost entirely in BBC and Ice Cream clothing. Very cool!

More Boots... Sorta

Mr. Banning — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:05:56 +0000

via highsnobiety

I love the look of these new Terminator High Premiums from the upcoming Nike Holiday 2009 collection. The high top sneaker/boot comes with brown premium leather upper, embroidered Swoosh, red laces and black accents on the heel. These probably wouldn't hold up well in the cold, wet, and harsh Canadian winter if used as a boot, but the worked-in leather that is used on the shoe gives them a real rustic look. I really like them... a lot.

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Hawley — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:24:21 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:05:52 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:10:45 +0000

Take A Seat On Something Stylish!

Hawley — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:29:28 +0000

After a night of heavy drinking, I'm sure everyone is planted on their respective sofas right now eating candy and drinking Gatorade in hopes of remedying a killer hang over.

Here are a few stylish seats (and a bed too if you're really messed up still..) to get you settled. Chaircouture takes fine antique furniture and reupholsters them with custom designed textiles to give them a facelift. Their new line, Green, incorporates French Antiques and bold modern textiles that are inspired by nature. Each fabric is custom designed by Chaircouture specially for the particular piece of furniture and therefore each piece stands alone as truly one of a kind.

Meet Joy and Joy (above), a pair of slipper chairs circa 1890 upholstered in chartreuse and yellow flecked fabric to compliment their original gilt patina.

The pair of elaborately carved French Bergères chairs below, aptly named David and Edward from the 1900's are upholstered in a gorgeous fresh grass pattern.

The luscious looking 1930's bed below it, named Marianne, is truly French Country both in design and in the lovely dandelion field pattern it's upholstered with.

Classic, modern, yet playful: Chaircouture!

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Hawley — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:36:23 +0000

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Hawley — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:55:27 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:49:42 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:52:18 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:52:47 +0000

Bright Like Neon....

Mr. Banning — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:01:48 +0000

via Factory 413

Check out these vibrant neon kicks from Supra. Not intended for a public release the good people at Supra have decided to drop a limited run of 600 pairs of the TK's in each colourway. Meaning of course that these kicks will be gone even before the go on sale. Check Factory 413 for updates and news on these 80's inspired badboys!

Meet Albert Maysles

Hawley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:14:10 +0000

Albert Maysles, the iconic cameraman behind such controversial documentary films as Grey Gardens, Gimme Shelter, and With Love From Truman (to name only a mere few) has long been regarded as the best American filmmaker. Albert has worked closely with his brother David since the 60's when they became the leading force behind non-fiction film and direct cinema. The Maysles Brothers earned their prestigious reputation for being among the first to capture the dramas of human life unfolding behind the camera without the use of scripts, narration, or sets. After David passed away in 1987, Albert carried on making films for many years and later founded the Maysles Institute, a nonprofit organization providing apprenticeships and training to underprivileged individuals. Albert is currently working on his own autobiographical documentary, and most recently collaborated with eye-wear label Barton Perreira, to reproduce a line of shades and glasses similar to the iconic pair Albert has been wearing since the 60's. The frames come in Cloud, Black, and White and are available exclusively at Barneys New York. Albert will be in attendance for the release in New York, Chicago, and Beverly Hills (click here for details and to RSVP). The nifty glasses go for $350 US (sunglasses are $365), and with $25 of each sale going to the Maysles Institute, how could you go wrong? These specs are fresh, understated, and positively smart!

Jimmy Choo X H&M Part Deux

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Hawley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:01:55 +0000

The Smith Westerns

Hawley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:37:11 +0000

Their name sounds like an item from a Brunch menu, but these garage band rockers fill you up more than a toasted western ever could! The Chicago youngsters (all between the ages of 17 and 19) take influence from Phil Spector style teeny-pop, 70's glamour rock, Nuggets garage-punk, as well as other vinyl's that no doubt came from their parents attic. It's truly amazing how well The Smith Westerns play and manipulate their sound. Yet, the amateur production values on their self-titled album add a certain something to their dexterously raw style. It's a mix of vintage inspired thrash pop, along the lines of early Born Ruffians, The Clash, Japandroids, and The Bicycles. Simple love lust lyrics throw back to countless episodes of "Freaks and Geeks" and tracks like "Gimme Some Time" and "Diamond Boys" remind one of how epic a high school romance can seem. "Imagine pt.3" truly shows The Smith Westerns can do more than drum up a bunch of rockin' thrash sounds. I love the way the synth guitar blends with the unpolished vocals making it all at once memorable, interesting, and deliciously intoxicating! Pitchfork even compared this song to The Beatles, that's right, I said it! And for kids that are barely legal, The Smith Westerns show brilliant promise. They're currently finishing up a tour with Girls, whom I absolutely love, (as I'm sure you've read here) and hopefully The Smith Westerns will make a stop off next week in Toronto when Girls and Real Estate play El Mocambo. To take a listen on The Smith Westerns Myspace page, click here.

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Hawley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:04:10 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:08:53 +0000

New Hot Chip Album

Hawley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:17:41 +0000

That's right darling's, according to Hot Chip's website they're just finishing up a new album which is set to drop February next year (you can pre-order it here). They also announced over a dozen UK tour dates with the promise of US and European dates to follow. Let's hope that includes Canada, as I'm sure we all would love to see them live again! Meow!

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Hawley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:37:22 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:39:21 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:52:06 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:57:24 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:20:44 +0000

Clipse "I'm Good" & Remix

Mr. Banning — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:49 +0000

This video is awesome and I am fully loving off this song. However, more importantly I am overjoyed that my boys Malice and Pusha T (Clipse) have once again reunited with long time friend and creative collaborator Pharrell Williams and The Neptunes. “I’m Good,” the first official lead single off the forthcoming album Till The Casket Drops, is silly good, but I have to say that the remix featuring Mr. Rick Ross "The Boss" is off the hook! Watch the video and tell me this isn't a good combo. Check out both videos for both versions below. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXIAaKN3bT4&hl=en&fs=1&] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4Sp-ipUvsY&hl=en&fs=1&]

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:46:06 +0000

Jay Z in Concert

Mr. Banning — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:59:36 +0000

via Kanye

The Jay Z concert on Saturday night was insane! When it was all over I had to pick the pieces of my mind off the floor, and wall behind me, because it had been blown away. It must have taken me five minutes to collect myself. But first, lets explain how we got there... ... Many months ago when it was announced that Jay Z was going on tour to support the release of latest opus the Blueprint 3 I swore with great emphasis that I would be at that show. However, being somewhat of an old dog at this, concert going that is, I knew the best, general admission seats would be virtually unobtainable, and I would either have to settle for mediocre tickets at an astronomical, extortionist price, or a take the nosebleeds at premium price. You can probably already tell that I wasn't pleased with either outcome, but I had sworn an oath, in front of witnesses that I was going to this show so I had little choice. I decided to break from convention and my usual gut instinct and wait. I waited and watched the "good" tickets get snapped up, followed by the somewhat decent seats, and slowly but surely all the tickets disappeared. What was I thinking? You might ask, well I was watching the bidding war being waged on Craigslist, and this my friends is where the really scandalous side of concert goings happens. Tickets for general admission that were not even on sale to the public, but are given away were being sold for up to $500 a ticket. Seats that were not even so great to begin with, that originally sold for $100 were now being sold for up to $200 a piece. Even crappy, super far away from the stage nose bleed seats were going for unreasonably high prices. I was both shocked and appalled, but still I waited. I knew that if I held out until the day of all the show, something would surface. Well my patience was rewarded when not but two hours before the show was scheduled to begin did the answer to my problem emerge. Some unfortunate soul had been suffering through the flu, and was unable to go, and wanted to get rid of his ticket so that he at least came out of the venture without completely losing his money. He offered to sell his reasonable and decent ticket to me for $20 less than what he paid if I could meet up with his friends who had the extra ticket with them, in the next hour. I agreed. En route to the rendezvous the unfortunate fellow texted, asking if I knew anyone else who could use a ticket as another friend of his was also unable to attend. Same price, seats next to each other. I thought about it for a second and made a phone call. Within twenty-five minutes I had two tickets to see Jay Z, I had met up with my buddy and we were heading inside to take our seats. We had arrived just in time to catch the last two songs from up-and-comer J. Cole, who had been tapped by Jay Z as his protege. He wasn't bad. Although I haven't heard any of his music and wasn't able to get fully immersed in it, from what I did hear, I can certainly tell he has potential. Next up was Wale, and I was eager to see him. I have been thoroughly enjoying his two mixtapes, The Mixtape About Nothing and Back to the Feature, for the last couple of months and have been rather vocal in my tuting of his talents. Needless to say I wanted to see if his live performance held up to expectation and he did not disappoint! Wale controlled the stage and even took his seemingly endless supply of energy into the crowd, several times. Rocking several tracks from his November 10th debut album ATTENTION DEFICIT, I really got a taste of what he had to offer, and at one point he even rapped over a Justice and Nirvana mash up flawlessly. He was really good! Then came Pharrell Williams and N.E.R.D. and boy can they move the crowd. The energy was off the scale, the whole stage was bouncing. The audience was rocking out like crazy, and man, can Mr. Williams ever make the ladies drop it like it's hot! I was happy I had come early. Then the main event! Rising slowly out of the middle of the stage floor, wearing the white Jason Voorhees mask from Friday the 13th in celebration of the Halloween show, was Mr. J to the Z. From that moment on the madness ensued. The show was incredible, people were singing along word for word to every single song. I was so caught up in the moment I didn't bother to even try and take pictures, which I'm sure you know is a first for me. It was an amazing sight, an entire stadium of 16,000 fans bouncing, singing and high-fiving each other. It's no wonder Jay Z couldn't stop smiling. That type of adoration must be extremely addictive. The show was phenomenal, continuously accompanied musically on stage by a live band and his ever-present former protege Memphis Bleek, Jay worked his way through his vast and extensive collection of hits. In fact he played two tracks off the new Blue Print 3 album and then proceeded to perform over an hour of older material before returning to the newer songs. It was at this point that Pharrell Williams returned to the stage to lend his vocal talents to "So Ambitious," a song which he is both produced and is featured on. This got me thinking about who else might show up on stage to help perform tracks off the new album with Jay, I mean there is one featuring Toronto's own Drake after all. Well, my suspicion was quickly sated when Jay Z handed over his microphone to Drake, allowing him to perform his own single "Successful". It was an interesting touch, rarely do people allow others to perform unassociated songs during their concerts. The audience went nuts, and just about lost their minds. By the end of the show, during the encore Jay Z started up a song letting the audience sing along and get into the groove before switching to another instantly recognizable classic track, over and over again. At one point he laughed and stated "I can do this all night, I got a million of these!" and it wasn't until he got to the classic 1999 track "Big Pimpin' that he stopped switching up the tracks, and instead after about 30 seconds of the melody he stopped the beat and said "you can't treat Big Pimpin' like that," he paused, and continued "It's a cultural phenomenon, every one knows where they were when they first heard 'Big Pimpin!''' At which point people once again lost their proverbial shit and went nuts, swinging their jackets, sweaters and shirts in the air "like a helicopter", creating a rather pleasantly cool breeze. I once again high-fived the guy in front of me as we both got into the groove and bounced along with the song. Overall the Halloween Jay Z concert was amazing, if possible it was better than the last time I saw him accompanied by Mary J Blige. The energy and excitement was more tangible and the people were a lot more into it. I don't know if the difference in energy was caused by anything in particular, but I am going to venture to guess that it's because the album being toured, The Blueprint 3 is a lot more user-friendly than his previous movie themed album American Gangsta. Either way the show was incredible, and was hands down one of the best I have seen in a very long time. And despite it being in a stadium setting, I am very happy I was able to wrangle the tickets I did.

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:42:30 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:42:52 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:43:50 +0000

Gotta' Love Bodkin!

Hawley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:19:25 +0000

Bodkin's Spring Summer 2010 lookbook is architectural modernism at its best. After the success of the 09 Spring Summer collection that featured Lykke Li, it isn't at all surprising that the new collection shot by Tina Tyrell is equally stunning. Functioning as an exploration in sustainability, Bodkin is a women's line that strives for good design with a conscious. Keeping in mind production methods and materials, Brooklyn-based designer, Eviana Hartman uses mindfully sourced elements such as organic cotton and wool, recycled polyester, deadstock fabric, and artisanal dies to construct the collection which is manufactured entirely in the US. Bodkin's forward thinking has not only won the support of the fashion industry but most recently the Ecco Domani Sustainable Design Award. It's no surprise that the woman behind Bodkin is more than just a talented designer, Hartman is also a working writer (she was editor at NYLON, and worked at Vogue and Teen Vogue), modern dancer, and is even the drummer in an up and coming Brooklyn-based band, Open Ocean, comprised of I Heart owner Jill Bradshaw, Teen Vogue Accessories Editor Sarah Frances Kuhn, and Dirty Librarian Chains designer Susan Domelsmith. Hartman also collaborated with Built by Wendy designer Wendy Mullin on the Sew U series of books. My my, what a talented lady she is. Take a look at some of the styles from Bodkin's Spring Summer 2010 collection. I love the playful yet demure nature of the clothes and models against the stark white backdrop of the industrial loft in which the lookbook was shot.

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Hawley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:29:22 +0000

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Hawley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:18:13 +0000

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Hawley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:19:15 +0000

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Hawley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:23:47 +0000

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Hawley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:26:59 +0000

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Hawley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:29:10 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:39:24 +0000

There's A Little Ninja In All Of Us!

Hawley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:39:40 +0000

This fresh line of mens and women's t-shirts from ToyNinja just dropped today and man are they cool! Get to know New York's hand pressed bear mascot that will soon be seen on everyone, from Buzz Lightyear, to to the Bathing Ape logo, to the kid from Where the Wild Things Are. The designs are pressed onto either purple or black and go for about $28 US each. Check out the iconic ToyNinja along with a few other icons in action below! I love the Monroe Moss splice!

Converse All Star Rain Boot

Mr. Banning — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:03:13 +0000

via Uncrate

In the last couple of years the rubber boots have been making a serious comeback, from being an essential part of the farmer/Glastonbury concert goer uniform, to the key piece of every hipsters fall outfit. It also helps that the originators Hunter Wellington, or Wellies, are an extremely durable quality product, making them a solid investment. Well since the recent resurgence in popularity every designer and shoe manufacturing house has tried their hand at making a pair, from Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, to Roxy and now Converse. The Converse All Star Rain Boot, sold at Urban Outfitters stays true to its roots with a simple lace-up design and Chuck Taylor insignias. The rain boots feature a green rubber upper, attached tongue to prevent water from seeping in, corded laces, a reinforced toe, partial canvas lining, and a durable, grippy sole. Coming in under $100 these boots are a pretty solid competitor for the rubber boot market.

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Hawley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:12:20 +0000

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Hawley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:53:18 +0000

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Hawley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:55:33 +0000

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Hawley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:56:50 +0000

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Hawley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:59:45 +0000

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Hawley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:18:30 +0000

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Hawley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:20:40 +0000

Fashion Gone Strong - Vogue Italia

Hawley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:45:56 +0000

There's something in the air this fall: an outbreak of FASHION! This is not your average virus, it's much much more contagious! So run and hide! Somewhere! Anywhere! By the pool!?

In Vogue Italia's latest issue Rianne ten Haken has got something pretty toxic, which she no doubt caught from the photographer, Steven Meisel, a Vogue Italia regular.

I'm not sure how I feel about fashion melding with current events, but in this case I think it works. I love the 80's styling on the cover and the urgency the background crew has against Haken's often passive poses. Take a look at some of these infectiously fashionable photos.

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Hawley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:20:49 +0000

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Hawley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:26:02 +0000

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Hawley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:47:09 +0000

Afro Samurai vs XLarge

Mr. Banning — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:00:51 +0000

via highsnobiety

Xlarge LOVES Afro Samurai! I mean who doesn't? The weed smoking, master swordsmen, and revenge-seeking samurai voiced by Mr. Samuel L. Jackson is the culmination of hip-hop culture and its bizarre fascination with Eastern marital arts. This is the second time Japanese clothing and urban culture company XLarge has worked with the Afro Samurai, and this time they're celebrating the second season of the animated series – Afro Samurai: Resurrection. The t-shirts are set to drop in December and comes in the two colourways below.

Miles Davis: The Complete Columbia Album Collection

Mr. Banning — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:50:17 +0000

via Uncrate

Considered one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was a man synonymous with his musical genius and greatness. Davis's influence has a far-flung reach and many well-known jazz musicians made their names as members of Davis's ensembles, including John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Cannonball Adderley, Gerry Mulligan, Tony Williams, George Coleman, J. J. Johnson, Keith Jarrett and Kenny Garrett. Greatness! To celebrate the exhaustible musical genius Columbia Records is releasing The Complete Album Collection by Miles Davis. For the seemingly insufficient price of $320 USD, the set includes 52 albums spread across 70 CDs, a previously unreleased DVD of Live in Europe '67, featuring performances by Miles, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams, a 250-page color book with a biography, annotated discography, and song index, tons of unreleased and rare audio recordings, and a ton more. This collection is a must have for any music fan.

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:05:14 +0000

Think About Life

Hawley — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:37:37 +0000

Montreal indie pop rockers Think About Life are really starting to create a lasting buzz with their rockin' new album Family, released last month across the US and in Canada this past May. Shortly following the US release of the album came an excellent track review of "Havin' My Baby" on Pitchfork, labeling the song best new music and giving the track a solid 8. They also said that this track is possibly one of the best in 2009 which is good news for Think About Life, who recently blogged about how harsh Pitchfork usually is towards their music. The blog post anticipated jokingly that their new album would probably receive a low rating of 2.1, no doubt in reaction to the 5 Pitchfork gave their EP back in 2006 (not as harsh as 2.1, but still). If I had my way I would've given "Havin' My Baby" a 10 because it's such an amazingly layered soulful track! They're currently on tour with indie darlings You Say Party! We Say Die ! across Ontario and Quebec and will be in Toronto later this month for the Steam Whistle Presents show at Phoenix along with their tour mates as well as Toronto's Little Girls who recently graced the cover of Now Magazine. The show promises to be pretty freakin' amazing (three great bands for 12 bucks! come on guys, talk about value!) and I'd highly recommend checking it out (and drinking as much Steam Whistle as you possibly can), get your tickets here! I wish I could post up a video for "Havin' My Baby" but unfortunately they have yet to release one! For now you will have to settle for "Sweet Sixteen" off the latest album. Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AKW0Q-TVeY&hl=en&fs=1&]

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:16:47 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:24:40 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:26:03 +0000

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Jimmy Choo X H&M part trois

Hawley — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:01:55 +0000

Is it just me or does seeing the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection on celebrities and models make you want them more? The photos and videos from the launch party in LA from earlier this week kind of make my mouth water! Who knew that gorgeous dotted sparkle dress had such a striking plunging back-line!? Check out the videos on Nitrolicious to see them in all their glory! Only 8 more days to go!

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:46:07 +0000

Toronto Love...

Mr. Banning — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:05:57 +0000

First off, look at these sick Toronto Blue Jay/ New Era baseball hats. I love these two colourways, simple yet demanding of our attention. I love Toronto hats, other than a few exceptions to the rule, I only rock caps that represent my hometown. We here in Toronto, may not have the best sports teams in any league, but we certainly have the most dedicated fans. Moreover since Toronto is home to Canada's only Basketball and Baseball team, they are not only the city's team but the whole nations. What better way to exclaim our love for this great country we live in then to support Canadian industries and Canadian content. Sorry gang, I know this sounds a bit like a commercial but I say all this because I believe it, and so do the good lads at Canadian Talent Farm, who are the ones that sent me the picture above. Canadian Talent Farm provides a service much needed in this wonderful country of ours by sticking to three simple objectives: 1. To provide free publicity to talented Canadian artists in all disciplines. 2. Create a site where art lovers can go to visit and discover different artists in various forms of art. 3. Promote Canadian talent. Succinct and to the point. I love it! If you or any one you know is a talented Canadian send them this link, and lets make the art community in Canada an unstoppable force in the world.

Hello Kitty...

Mr. Banning — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:18:20 +0000

via highsnobiety

Why Hello Kitty! In celebration of Hello Kitty’s 35th Anniversary, Sanrio, makers of the world famous pussy, have enlisted a widespread range of brands to work on collaborative releases. These very cool and somewhat scary?? shirts come courtesy of fellow Japanese compatriot Secret Base. These shirts scream Halloween, however, are slated for a December release.

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:28:10 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:29:15 +0000

Carrousel du Lourve

Mr. Banning — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:31:14 +0000

via highsnobiety

I am not entirely sure what is going on over in Paris but it seems that they are having some sort of Apple Renaissance, because there has been a plethora of products streaming out of the City of Light geared towards housing and protecting your beloved iProducts. This time around it Incase has produced a limited capsule collection of cases, commemorating the opening of the new Apple store at Carrousel du Lourve in Paris. The inspiration was derived from the triangular shaped Lourve pyramid, thus each piece is adorned with bright geometric graphics. The collection includes a Messenger Bag, 13″ Macbook Pro sleeve and an iPhone 3GS slider case. Available exclusively at the Carrousel du Lourve Apple store, which officially opens this Saturday (tomorrow) November 7th at 10am. I am jealous, I want the slider case!

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:07:54 +0000

An Apple A Day...

Mr. Banning — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:09:59 +0000

via Uncrate

One of the strangest things to transpire since the advent of the digital medium as the standard format of acquiring new music, is The Beatles (or who owns the estate of) refusal to allow their music to be sold and distributed digitally. Perhaps it was so that they could remaster their old music and re-release the CD's, as the did a couple of months ago, however it is still a slightly mind-boggling stance to take. Well it seems that someone finally woke up to the fact that the 21st century is already ten years deep, and as decided NOW would be a good time to enter the new millennium, with the release of The Beatles USB Apple Collection. Coming December 8th for roughly $300, you will receive all of the remastered goodness of the fab four's Stereo Box Set, including 14 albums in lossless FLAC and 320 Kbps MP3 formats, 13 mini-documentary films, replicated UK album art, rare photos, and expanded liner notes, all delivered on a specially-designed 16GB USB stick that fits into a Apple Corps-shaped green apple adorned with the band's logo. This digital collection is being released in a limited capacity of 30,000 copies, and for some bizarre reason is more expensive than actually purchasing the box set. I suppose now is better then never, but I would still love for someone to give me a definitive answer on why it took them so long to do this.

Jimmy Choo X H&M Part Quatre

Hawley — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:12:55 +0000

I am literally counting the days. I know in previous posts I have been all about the shoes, but this time I am lusting after some bags. Specifically the ones below. Now, I know that last thing anyone needs is a clutch (example: "I need this clutch to make sure I have my lipstick with me", "I need this clutch. Hopefully I can fit my iPhone in it"). I myself have over 25 of these fashion accessories, so don't get me wrong, I love them, but they certainly aren't utilitarian enough for everyday use. Nonetheless I am still going to seriously consider grabbing at the $70 lipstick container on the 14th (photo, left)! The right one is completely leather (oh la la Mr. Choo, you shouldn't have!), I love the huge tassel and the gold zipper detailing. I must note that this bag is the exact opposite of the aforementioned clutch, however it is completely leather, and costs more than four times more ($300). It also comes with more logical justifications as to why one might need this bag (example: "I need this bag because it can hold 50 lipsticks and my iPhone too!"). Hopefully it will look as chic up close in person on November 14th! The middle one is my back up incase I can't get the other two! It's also leather and costs about $180. Happy grabbing girlies!

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Mr. Banning — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:27:38 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:28:01 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:28:17 +0000

Bapesta URSUS... Yay!

Mr. Banning — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:39:40 +0000

via highsnobiety

I really really like the look of these kicks from the URSUS Bape collection, cleverly called The Bapesta URSUS. Leaning heavily on the design and style of the Bape Bapesta sneaker, with a couple of minor changes. These come in the grey/navy and a purple/navy colourways and will be released as part of the Holiday 2009 collection, or available now from Japanese clothing store Cliff Edge.

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Mr. Banning — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:40:32 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:24:14 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:38:08 +0000

Everything You Need At Your Local Bodega...

Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:40:39 +0000

via highsnobiety

... Not exactly a true statement, but Boston's boutique shop Bodega has everything you need to look fresh this winter with their new holiday 2009 collection. The collection consists of t-shirts, toques, New Era caps and also a backpack. Now I don't normally rock a backpack, but I really like the look of this one. Also the blue-plaid patterned hat, and the toque I would happily add to my wardrobe rotation. All of these cool pieces can be purchased on-line or in store.

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:37:43 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:38:07 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:45:08 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:56:36 +0000

Superstar II - Ghostface Killah

Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:14:37 +0000

via sneakerfiles

Wu-Tang may be for the kids, but these limited edition Adidas Superstar II's designed by Ghostface Killah are for the refined palette. Released as part of a collection of Ghostface branded merchandise, these black-and-gold shell toes come with ‘PRETTY TONY’ emblazoned on the heel, fish scale pattern stripes, an embossed ‘G’ on the heel panel,vand a black-and-white image of Mr. Tony Starks himself on the tongue. These kicks pay homage to both the now classic 2006 Ghostface album Fishscale and can be purchased in the signature colourway now at select Adidas stores. Very nice!

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:18:08 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:18:27 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:18:43 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:18:58 +0000

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Trailer

Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:22:01 +0000

All you video game enthusiasts out there will be pleased to hear that the latest game-to-film adaption Prince Of Persia: The Sands of Time is slated for release on May 28th 2010. Taking the classic 1980's video game, Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer motion pictures has given this film an incredibly star-studded and talented cast, including Jake Gyllenhall as the prince and the beautifully vivacious Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace, Rock N' Rolla, Pirate Radio) as the princess, Alfred Molina as Sheik Amar, and Sir Ben Kingsley as Nizam. From the trailer, this movie looks to be as breathtakingly fantastic as the game, and with Jerry Bruckheimer behind the production board, you know its going to be an epic adventure of special effects, lavish costumes, amazing cinematography, and probably plenty of explosions. Thank you Jerry. Checkout the trailer below.

via Swipelife.com

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgEt-4L3fKQ&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:37:08 +0000

OMFGG, Plastiscines!

Hawley — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:43:56 +0000

If you didn't already notice "I Can Rob You" playing at the beginning of last weeks episode of Gossip Girl, you'll surely notice tonight when the lovely Parisian Plastiscines make their TV debut! Taylor Momsen (aka. Little J) will "rock out" to a few tracks from their new album About Love, watch the confusing and always suggestive preview for tonight's episode here. The french teenage chick rockers are signed to Nylon Records (the labels only band to date), and cite The Kinks, The Strokes, The Libertines, and Blondie as their influence. They are also associated with a movement in Paris called les bébés rockers which some might say comes with some negative connotations. The French press makes the groups of bands (les bébés rockers) comprised of high school kids seem like spoiled rich children taking influence from their bohemian parent's record collection rather than their french heritage, proclaiming themselves rock-stars at the mere age of 16 or 17. I saw Plastiscines open for Patrick Wolf during NXNE this past June and I didn't really feel that these girls looked very privileged, although they were beautifully dressed in rocker chic attire. The girls seemed to have a somewhat limiting sound, but to their credit Patrick Wolf's drunken screaming from the balcony of the Mod Club was almost deafening and they did close with a Nancy Sinatra cover. I say, good for them for taking advantage of their privileged upbringing by learning to play their instruments (while doing homework no doubt) pretty well. And come on, who doesn't love the mere idea of an all female pop rock band from Paris that look like beautiful teenage Barbie's! Je t'aime Plastiscines! Check out the video for "Barcelona" below and don't forget to watch them on Gossip Girl tonight at 8pm on the CW network. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMy7DRLlDaE&hl=en&fs=1&]

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Mr. Banning — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:13:19 +0000

Retro Like the 80's

Mr. Banning — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:52 +0000

via sneakerfiles

My oh my, these are some sweet kicks, they are giving me nostalgic flashbacks to my youth. Nike has taken it upon themselves to re-issues the classic Air Jordan I Retro High in a very slick patent leather edition. Available in a black-and-white or tan/golden colourway, these Jordans come with the classic Jumpman logo on the tongue and heel, as well as the newer Air Jordan Wings logo on the sides. What really draws me to these kicks is the patent leather, which I usually find to be a miss rather than a hit for my taste, but I find that it really works here. Very nice....

Life Is Sweet! Nice to Meet You.

Mr. Banning — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:01:42 +0000

via Pitchfork

Hurray! According to Pitchfork former Test Icicles member Dev Hynes aka Lightspeed Champion has announced the release date and track-listing for his sophomore album Life Is Sweet! Nice to Meet You. Hynes as Lightspeed Champion turned heads, and impressed everyone when he released Falling Off the Lavender Bridge in early 2008, with his radical departure from the Dance-Punk sounds of his former band to create a very soulful, acoustic guitar driven album, heavily influenced by the musical stylings of the American Mid-West. This may not seem like all that big a deal until you factor in that Hynes is from London England but moved to Omaha, Nebraska to record his debut album with Saddle Creek producer Mike Mogis, most famous for his involvement with the band Bright Eyes. One rarely sees a shift from a global metropolis to Middle America for cultural influence, but hey, if it works, why not? Whatever the motive for the musical genre shifting, the choice paid off and Lightspeed Champion is ranked highly in my iTunes, and continues to be in heavy rotation. Life Is Sweet! Nice to Meet You, features 16 tracks recorded and mixed with Ben Allen, who recently worked with Animal Collective and Gnarls Barkley. According to a press release, “Lightspeed’s early leaning towards American country dressings is traded here for a palette that draws on classical music and even musical theatre... joltingly '70s guitar and synth sounds, classical piano, Greek choruses shouting reprisals, and at least one ukulele-driven moment.” The album's lead single, “Marlene,” will be released on January 25 and the full album will be out February 1. Life is Sweet! Nice to Meet You: 1. "Dead Head Blues" 2. "Marlene" 3. "There's Nothing Underwater" 4. "Intermission" 5. "Faculty Of Fears" 6. "The Big Guns Of Highsmith" 7. "Romart" 8. "I Don't Want To Wake Up Alone" 9. "Madame Van Damme" 10. "Smooth Day (At The Library)" 11. "Intermission 2" 12. "Sweetheart" 13. "Etude Op.3" 14. "Goodnight Michalek"" 15. "Middle Of The Dark" 16. "A Bridge And A Goodbye"

Very Cool - Sonic Fabric Ties

Mr. Banning — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:44:43 +0000

via Uncrate

Remember the carefree 80's and 90's? When you could drive your car down the freeway, tossing your garbage out the window, laughing away at the greatness of Regan's America? When you like a girl or boy you would sit at home for hours making the perfect mixtape to give to them, deeply embedded with musical subtext and feelings of unrequited love. Then came Al Gore and his Global Warning, and everything the 80's and early 90's stood for went straight out the window, much like the McDonald's french fry container. Now with the impending death of our planet we can look back on those carefree days and curse loudly! What do we do with all those boxes full of mixtapes? throw them in a garbage dump hoping that some future generation finds them and understands our teenage angst and longing? Probably not the best solution. Well designers Julio Cesar and Alyce Santoro have come up with an alternative that may just be as cool as recycling, the Sonic Fabric Ties. Made from 50% colored thread and 50% recycled audio cassette tape, these stylish accessories not only look slick, but can actually be played by running a tape head over them, playing sound collages from Alyce Santoro's CD Between Stations. According to site the idea behind the tie is that "the wearer becomes a beacon for other-dimensional, intangible, subtle forces of good…much in the manner of a superhero. only this part of the superhero garb can be worn on the outside in the most conservative environment without detection!" The ties come in three colours: dark brown (woven with brown tape and black thread), black (black thread, black tape), and light gray (gray thread, black tape) and cost about $90 USD.

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Mr. Banning — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:23:02 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:23:22 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:17:52 +0000

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Hawley — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:19:01 +0000

Hellz Bellz Holiday 2009 "Cult Classic"

Wale - Attention Deficit

The Blake Wright

Hawley — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:50:09 +0000

Dallas-based graphic designer and self proclaimed sexual deviant Blake Wright reminds one of the humor we often find in everyday humility. Wright's blog, The Blake Wright, focuses on honest hilarity within an artistic mode. Not the usual for most blogs, Wright uses sketches, paintings, and pen & ink pieces to contribute to the overall lighthearted, yet slightly morbid and often sexually charged themes of most of the pieces. Check out more fashion focused doodles below, and to see some of the more pornographic art click here.

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:37:49 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:42:29 +0000

Clipse - Til The Casket Drops

Mr. Banning — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:40:01 +0000

via nahright

Here it is ladies and gentlemen, the official artwork and tracklisting from the forthcoming album Til the Casket Drops from hip hop sibling duo the Clipse. After releasing several singles with cover art by KAWS it is not really surprising that that he was tapped to do the final product. The album art is alright, nothing really groundbreaking, but it is the tracklisiting that I am really stoked about. I know I said it in a previous post, but I am really happy that the boys from Virgina have resolved their differences with fellow state-mate Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes, because when they work together they make magic. Yes I do have high hops for this much anticipated album, which will hit stores December 8th. Tracklisting for Til The Casket Drops: 1. Freedom (Produced By Sean C & LV) 2. Popular Demand (Popeyes) feat. Cam’ron (Produced By The Neptunes) 3. Kinda Like a Big Deal feat. Kanye West (Produced By DJ Khalil) 4. Showing Out feat. Yo Gotti (Produced By The Neptunes) 5. I’m Good feat. Pharrell (Produced By The Neptunes) 6. There Was a Murder (Produced By DJ Khalil) 7. Door Man (Produced By The Neptunes) 8. Never Will It Stop feat. Ab-Liva (Produced By Sean C & LV) 9. All Eyes on Me feat. Keri Hilson (Produced By The Neptunes) 10. Counseling (Produced By The Neptunes) 11. Champion (Produced By The Neptunes) 12. Footsteps (Produced By DJ Khalil) 13. Life Change (Produced By The Neptunes) 14. I’m Good (Remix) feat. Rick Ross (Bonus Track)

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:28:07 +0000

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Hawley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:17:45 +0000

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Hawley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:41:17 +0000

Keller is Killer

Hawley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:55:16 +0000

Brooklyn-based designer Kelly Clark is the antidote to fashion excess and the name behind the newish brand Keller. Grounded in simplicity, the line began in 2008 with the intent to create pieces that were both effective and subtle. Clark's diverse background in multi-format visual art and design translate with ease into the fine construction of each garment and shoe.

Clark began sewing at the tender age of 12 after years of observing her mother stitch her costumes. A Philadelphia native, Clark attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and later went on to manage garment development and production in a small Manhattan firm with such notable clients as J.Crew and Marc By Marc Jacobs.

Keller's collections are usually limited in size as Clark believes that bigger isn't always better. They are beautiful, light, and east to wear, but most of all Keller promotes an honest effort each collection, which is a rarity in fashion these days.

Check out some of the beauties from this seasons collection below shot on location at Capricious Space in Williamsburg.

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Hawley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:04:36 +0000

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Hawley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:43:32 +0000

Turn Back the Hands of Time...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:00:33 +0000

via Uncrate

Please allow me to present you with another reason as to why you need a better job. The TAG Heuer Grand Carrera Chronograph Watch which retails for about $6,900 USD, features a stainless steel case with titanium carbide coating for a smooth black finish, a black dial with chronograph, tachymeter, and date functions, water resistance up to 100 meters deep, and a black alligator strap with red stitching and a folding clasp closure. Oh yes, you read all that correctly, this watch is the key piece to all your success. Forget a positive attitude, with this watch you will run things. Oh and I love this!

More and More of The XX

Mr. Banning — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:05:39 +0000

This is the third video I have posted from UK band The xx. The reason for all these posts is because of my continual and deepening love for these guys. I listen to this album all the time, at least once a day and as I said I love it more and more. I am super stoked for when they open for Friendly Fires here in Toronto, so much so I am not entirely sure who I am more excited to see. These guys really are garnering a rather profound following amongst listeners, as I have yet to read a review or hear any one say they do not enjoy them. In fact this weeks free single on iTunes is "Islands" by The xx, which will only help spur on their continued success, click here to download the track for free, and click below to watch the video.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjcKXBFLOeo&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Peter Bjorn and John

Hawley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:11:03 +0000

I was lucky enough to be treated to Swedish delights Peter Bjorn and John a second time last night at Phoenix. They surprised me yet again with their excellent musical abilities, crazy stage presence, and of course their cute outfits! But this time it wasn't just their crazy talent which impressed me, but the friends they brought along with them! Touring with best friend Sarah Assbring (El Perro Del Mar), who warmed up the crowd with her beautiful love songs and came back a second time to do the female vocals for "Young Folks". Later they played a song they had never before in Toronto (the name escapes me, I'm horrible with track names) calling up five other equally talented musicians to help out. Calling them onto the stage one by one, first their stage manager on guitar, a trumpet player, a clarinetist (I'd love to tell you his name, darn their cute Swedish accents!), a blonde haired cow bell player, and one of the members of Au Revoir Simone who sat playing a tiny keyboard. It was quite amazing to hear seven musicians play together from such diverse backgrounds (Peter announced where they were each from as he called them out, but damn the reverb, I couldn't make it out). For the last song in the encore, they did a cover song and brought out some Toronto band (a really skinny guy and a pretty skinny girl), but unfortunately I was unable to understand their Swedish accents yet again, so the name shall remain absent. I really wish I could give you more specifics from the show, (and perhaps it's all the drugs I'm on at the moment) but unfortunately all I can say is that Peter Bjorn and John and all their friends were truly rocked last night!

Girls: "Morning Light" Not so Live

Hawley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:43:08 +0000

So I missed Girls and Real Estate on Tuesday night and sadly not because I couldn't get tickets (Mr. Banning gave me some for my Birthday last week, how sweet) but because I was sick at home with some sort of flu-ish gross virus and unable to go! I really hope they'll come back soon because the show sold out completely! Until then I'll have to enjoy watching their haunting music videos. I like "Morning Light" because it's short and sweet and there's lots of head banging! Enjoy Cough Cough! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymop5IaNst8&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

More and More Boots... Sorta

Mr. Banning — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:54 +0000

via highsnobiety

Again here is another pair of shoes from the Nike Holiday 2009 collection, in which I can not tell if these RT1's are meant to be boots or shoes. They are probably best suited for being worn on a dry day during the winter, rather then trudging through mounds of snow. The RT1's come in the wheat colourway with brown leather details around the ankle. The upper comes in a mix of suede, leather and mesh. Set for release December 2009.

I'm not crazy

Hawley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:00:51 +0000

A few weeks ago at a clothing swap my friends and I laughed hysterically at what we were each getting rid of from the back of our closets. There was particular emphasis on a pair of gold sparkly flats I was getting rid of and I thought of the shoes today while looking through noted fashion blog B ecuase i'm Addicted. I should probably note how horrible everyone thought my shoes were, but somehow I think there was some ounce of fashion in them at some point, much like these Christian Louboutin glitter lace up flats.

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Hawley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:05:58 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:32:52 +0000

Oh NOoOOOooooO! The xx Lose a Member

Mr. Banning — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:47:37 +0000

According to Pitchfork, The xx, have lost a member of the band, keyboardist-guitarist Baria Qureshi, due to exhaustion. This is no surprise when one takes a look at their touring schedule, which has The xx traveling all over the world playing a different show each night. Rumours had been circulating for a couple of weeks now, when The xx canceled a series of shows due to Queshi's absence, however it was confirmed last night at New York's Bowery Ballroom when Qureshi was again absent. The band's label rep confirmed Qureshi hasn't returned to the band, and they're now a trio. For the time being the banf is still scheduled to tour heavily between now and March, so as long as they make it to Toronto in a couple of weeks I am cool.

More Patent Leather...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:49:31 +0000

via highsnobiety

It must be the flavour of the season, because everywhere I look I see patent leather snickers. This time around it is the Holiday 2009 Bapesta kicks from Bape, dropping in two new patent leather colourways. One pair is grey scale colors on the upper, the other one comes in a white/pink colourway. Both of which are very slick looking, I am not sure which I like more, and both are available anywhere Bape products are sold, including online.

Clipse “Doorman” Music Video

Mr. Banning — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:03 +0000

Check out the brand new video from Virgina rap group Clipse directed by fellow mates-of-state IllusiveMedia.com / Re-Up Gang Films from the forth coming album Til The Casket Drops. I warn you in advance that this is a rather long video and contains a lot of gratuitous scenes of drugs, but don't let that put you off, because it is an enjoyable video, and the somewhat grimy, low budget quality of it lends to the suspension of disbelief. Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OohEjlFyNjM&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

The Carter - the Movie

Mr. Banning — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:18:18 +0000

When it comes to Lil' Wayne, I have extremely mixed feelings. Self-proclaimed as the "greatest rapper alive," Lil Wayne both gets me pumped and makes me wish I was getting my stomach pumped. However, when I saw him in concert I learned something about him, that no matter my feelings or anyone elses, he is a terrific entertainer. Coming November 17th 2009, The Carter, directed by Adam Bhala Loughan, and debuted at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, takes an in-depth look at the life of Dwayne LIL’ WAYNE Carter Jr, will be released. The film promises to be filled with comprehensive and personal interviews with both Lil’ Wayne and those closest to him, allowing the world to finally get to know the history surrounding one of the most prolific artists of this generation. I know that I am pretty interested in seeing this, but also a little worried that after wards I am really going to dislike Mr. Dwayne Carter. I suppose only time will tell. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDo92CxqxlU&hl=en&fs=1&]

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:32:16 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:33:59 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:35:26 +0000

Android Homme Propulsion Hi

Mr. Banning — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:41:56 +0000

via highsnobiety

I really really like these kicks from LA-based Android Homme from their new Holiday 2009 line-up of sneakers cleverly called the Propulsion Hi. These patent leather high tops come in two colourways, grey and turquoise, shown above. The only thing I do not particularly enjoy is the suede uppers, but of course I love the patent leather, which is everywhere is so hot right now... yeah I did just say that! These kicks are now available from Wish for $229 USD.

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Hawley — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:55:41 +0000

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Hawley — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:59:25 +0000

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Hawley — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:04 +0000

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Hawley — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:14:14 +0000

Tom Scott Spring Summer 2010

Hawley — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:31:06 +0000

Tom Scott's latest Spring Summer lookbook has a case of the Mondays, and come on, we've all been there before, haven't we? Scrambling to find the perfect outfit du jour - combing the depths of your closet for the perfect outfit, taking a break to water the plants or have something to drink. If we counted the number of outfits we try on in the morning before finally figuring out what to wear we'd probably have at least a lookbook's worth of different outfits, some days more than others I'm sure! Tom Scott's designs are just the perfect thing to pull on in the morning to make your outfit pop. His beautiful day-glow pinks last season were an absolute must, and this coming season it will be that gorgeous cut out dress and ruffly tank top. A Pennsylvania native, Scott learned to hand-knit and crochet from his grandmother, who was a Scottish lace maker. Scott studied textile design in Philadelphia and later transfered to the Scottish College of Textiles where he obtained a degree in knits. After stints working as a freelance designer for Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren Collection, Scott launched his own line of knit accessories in 2001, adding clothing in 2003. He later was awarded the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award in 2007 and in 2008 was named a finalist for the International Woolmark Prize, resulting in an exhibition of work at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. This past September Scott opened up his very first flagship store in Manhattan's Lower East Side where he is based. This season Scott's unusual yet wearable designs take the cut out trend to the next level while still managing to maintain a feminine silhouette. By placing the wide selection of models, (which is nice for a change since most lookbooks this season centre on only one or two models), in various household places the clothes seem even more wearable and comfortable. I especially love all the old fashioned kitchen items and bathroom shots! You've done it again lassie!

Neon Indian

Hawley — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:58:51 +0000

Alan Palomo and Alicia Scardetta of Neon Indian are warping and blurring my memories of Summer on there debut album Physic Chasms. I remember listening to "Deadbeat Summer" at my cottage this summer on the last sunny weekend we had. I remember thinking that the song was a perfect fit for the moment as I melted away under the sun. Physic Chasms is the continuation of that sound and is an interesting artistic experiment with layered electronic synth sounds and samples that have been compared to Atlas Sound, MGMT, Chromeo and The Tough Alliance. In Pitchfork's review of the album, which talks more about the genre bending of this particular type of music than the music it self, they gave the album a solid 8.6 last month and named it Best New Music. This will be Palomo's third musical identity following the ongoing VEGA and the short lived Ghosthustler. Both projects seem to be present in the new music and are even sampled in at least two of the songs. The tracks on the album are shorter than most totaling to about half an hour, with some songs acting as musical interludes of synth arpeggios, video game sounds, and electro Korg riffs. I really love this album, because it's a nice chilled out version of the techie electronic stuff out there that can be annoying after a while when it's a bit too fast. You'll definitely play this album more than once and you can tell a lot went into this album because each song is so heavily layered with different beats, samples, and even bird sounds. Check out the video for "Terminally Chill" off Physic Chasms. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rza1GBTx0ts&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

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Hawley — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:14:28 +0000

Today is Chooday!

Hawley — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:15:26 +0000

Today the Jimmy Choo for H&M line will be hitting select stores! If you aren't already camped out there, you might want to consider getting there extra early to avoid the massive mob of people you will no doubt be confronted with. To see some of the line up, check out my previous posts about this line: here, here, here, and here. Good luck Choo hunting everyone!

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Hawley — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:55:29 +0000

Choo-day, more like zoo-day!!!!!!!

Hawley — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:58:24 +0000

I just got home from shopping the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection. Shopping is really the wrong word to use here, more like waiting for two hours in the cold only to get inside and be pushed around by crazy ravenous vultures towards the empty shelves and naked mannequins. Let's pull back for a minute though. So, I called the store last night around 6pm to see if there were already people lining up, and despite the press event there were already about five people in line getting ready to stake out their space for the night. I decided it couldn't really be that bad if I went a bit later on in the morning, I figured I'd at least get in to have a look at something. I arrived at 8am sharp to get in line, only to get to Bloor and Balmuto and find the line almost half way down the street on the side near William Ashley's. I could see that there was no hope, but I waited anyway until the H&M staff came around to speak to us. By the time they arrived passing out the flyer you see below, they said there were already 160 wrist bands given out for the accessories area (including bags and shoes), and each group of people would be given 10 minutes to shop with their wristband. I was out of luck at this point for shoes, but I figured I'd still have a chance to get some of the clothing if I waited till 10 when they started letting people in. I was dead wrong, by the time I was inside, the shelves were empty, we are talking completely cleaned out, mannequins stripped of their clothes shiney black and naked. And still people seemed to be shoving and pushing to get up the escalator, I went along upstairs to see if I could get a look at any of the stuff. Hurrying to where the crowd was, the people were pushing and yelling to try and get inside, but only those with the right colour and time corresponding wrist bands were being let in. At that moment I felt somehow sad as I stared helplessly at the pink clutches and leather bags sitting untouched on the shelve behind the patrician. I decided it was probably best to just call it time wasted and head out, so that's what I did. On my way out I heard the security guard talking about the pieces in the window being available to the public on Monday. I'm not sure if it will be worth going just for those pieces and who knows how many people I will have to fight through to get any, let alone a look at any of it. What did I learn from all this, that I hate H&M even more than ever, and that I would much rather save up my money for years to buy a real pair than be a part of the hype. After everything I got to see only about two pieces of the collection and about as much crazy as I can take in a month in the span of two hours.

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:53:35 +0000

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Nike Terminator Boots... sorta

Mr. Banning — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:01:16 +0000

via highsnobiety

New for the Holiday's comes the Nike Terminator Hybrid, featuring new materials and technologies. The Holiday 2009 pack consists of a black and a brown colourway and both come with tonal outer soles and a hiking boot inspired lacing system. I really don't care for the black boot at all, it just doesn't gel well in my mind, there is something I do not like about it. Maybe it is to blah? I do however, really really like the way the brown boot looks, very sleek... except for the black on the back. What is that for? What were they thinking? Save for that bit this boot would be the perfect winter footware, now, less so.

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Mr. Banning — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:24:54 +0000

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Cherry Pick

Mr. Banning — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:30:24 +0000

via kicksonfire

These kicks are certainly one for the ladies... I hope. These extremely detailed and flashy designed shoes are from the Nike Sportswear Cherry Pack. I am not really sure what to say that the picture doesn't already. Are they cool? Would anyone actually wear them? I suppose only time will tell.

Lady Gaga "Bad Romance"

Mr. Banning — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:48:46 +0000

As all of you out there know, I am not the biggest fan of Lady Gaga, so it is with great reluctance that I post a video of hers. However, after watching this video I could not resist. I am not a big fan of this song, but the video rocks! It is creepy and uncomfortable to watch and is an awesome example of music video cinematography. I have actually watched the video several times before posting it, and even as I write this the song is playing and there is something in it that I find worth noting. Before the song gets to the bridge, which is your stereotypical top 40 in sound, the rest of the song as a feel similar to German metal band Rammstein, with a bit of Marilyn Manson in the mix. In watching the video you can see these influences as well. I think Lady Gaga, just garnered some respect from me. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACm9yECwSso&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

I Think I Found My Winter Boots...

Mr. Banning — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:00:30 +0000

via highsnobiety

I really like these boots by Reebok from the Ex-O-Fit Plus Hi Trail Pack as part of their Holiday 2009 Collection. The high top sneaker with ankle strap comes in a very nice brown and in black leather, featuring a hiking boot inspired lacing system, including the laces and eyelets and contrasting stitching to give it a remarkably clean look. I hope these boots are warm because I am seriously going to be rocking them this winter. Mark my words.

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:02:15 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:03:41 +0000

Nikes For Robots!

Mr. Banning — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:04:28 +0000

via cnet / kicksonfire

It always gives me great pleasure to know that other people out there in the world are deeply and passionately in love with Nike sneakers, to the point that it carries over into their professional life. Whether it be origami simulacra of the iconic shoes, or pieces of discarded technology Nike sneakers have left their mark on our cultural conscious. There is no better example of this then Gabriel Dishaw, a junk-metal guru who turns trash into artwork. His most recent pieces were inspired by his love of Nike shoes, as he created five different styles of kicks, including dunks and high tops salvaged from computers, typewriters, and metal scraps. Each unqiue piece takes up to several weeks to complete one pair of shoes and comes with an accompanying carrying case for storage. The pair shown above, entitled Blazer Pentium 1.0, named for Intel chips, weighs 15 pounds. Very Cool...!

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:12:45 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:16:06 +0000

Rain Machine - "Give Blood"

Mr. Banning — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:58:07 +0000

Oh JOY!! Check out the first official single and video from Rain Machine entitled "Give Blood." You all remember my post but seeing Kyp Malone's solo project live, and now you can actually see and hear what I was talking about. I really love this track, and yes I am fully aware that the reason behind it is that it sounds a lot like TV On The Radio. From what I can tell of this somewhat low-budget video, Kyp filmed this in one of his hotel rooms during his current extensive tour with Rain Machine. I do enjoy that the rest of the band eventually shows up to jam, as well as a mini army of claymation figures doing a rain dance... perhaps? Check it out!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CUsPALIA18&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

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Mr. Banning — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:06:02 +0000

GQ Magazine – Gangsta Killers: Kid Cudi, Drake & Wale

Mr. Banning — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:19:29 +0000

via datnewcudi

Oh look at this, three of the most highly touted artists in the hip hop game today. You are all aware of my love for Kid Cudi, and my growing admiration for Wale, as for Toronto's own Drake, well Drake is Drake and I got nothing but love. So what better way to celebrate these three rapidly rising stars then by featuring them in an article in GQ Magazine, cleverly entitled "Gangsta Killers." I love the title, it makes sense to me, as these three are single handedly changing the rap game. Because the print is tiny above I have it in readable font size below. Enjoy!

Have you been listening to hip-hop this year? If not, we’ve got good news: The gangster persona is finally dead, and these are the kids who killed it. One song at a time, they built a new era in which duct-taped kilos, exotic firearms, and freaky girls are out and real life is the focus. That can still mean trumped-up egos and battle raps, but it also means family, drama, vicious hangovers, and regular chicks who will make good love to you, then stomp out your heart. (Weed? Weed is always in.) Wale is as famous for his live shows as for the slick-witted lyricism of his debut, Attention Deficit. Kid Cudi is the cutup who scored with the stoner anthem “Day N Nite” and his album Man on the Moon. And then there’s Drake, who found himself turning down multimillion-dollar offers after his single “Best I Ever Had” exploded. (It helps that the girls like Drake. A lot.) Drake’s debut, Thank Me Later is easily the most anticipated album of 2010 So what do these underdogs thing about being cast as gangster slayers? “The dope boy is going to be a fixture of black culture as long as “thug” is a legitimate option alongside a job” Drake says. But I’m not going to rap about how much crack I’ve sold.” Cudi also laughs at the idea of talking tough. “Anybody from Cleveland will tell you I wasn’t in the streets” he says. “Ask them! They’ll say, ‘Scott was the goofy class clown.”

Deadly Ponies

Hawley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:53:17 +0000

New Zealand design duo Deadly Ponies are genius! Their beautiful fully leather bags combine high fashion and function with a bit of whimsy. Started by Liam Bowden and Katie Smith at University when they realized the common love of tactile design and sculptural arts and crafts they each had. Both Bowden and Smith have worked as graphic designers for corporate companies for many years but have always spent their weekends creating one off pieces for friends and family. Their collections are grounded in the quality of materials and are expanded by creating precious items that define their label. So far, they have three collections of bags and accessories under their belts and have been featured in Vogue, Wallpaper, and Fashion Quarterly. Check out some of their unique bags below.

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Hawley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:26:06 +0000

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Going outside with Peter Som

Hawley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:38:22 +0000

Although we've been graced with many warm sunny fall days, Winter is beginning to creep up on us. And you know what that means, it's time to transition from fashionably fall into winter warmth! Meet Peter Som's fall 09 collection. Providing us with many items to warm your cockles and still maintain a fresh fashionable appearance in the dead of winter. Here are a few colourful looks that could easily be paired with a pair of wool leggings, gloves, and overcoat for optimal warmth. I really love the fur collar that works so well with almost every piece in the collection and adds a splash of colour.

Lady Gaga X The Blake Wright

Hawley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:49:37 +0000

I posted up some funny fashionable drawings by Texas illustrator and graphic designer Blake Wright last week and this week I thought with all the action Lady Gaga has been getting lately this drawing would be particularly timely not to mention hilarious. Check it!

Ga Ga for Gossip Girl

Hawley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:38:52 +0000

While tonight's episode of Gossip Girl brings us the latest developments of the usual scandals, the musical guests have yet again gone Ga Ga! Lady Gaga that is! That's right, the girl with the vagina made of gold will be performing "Bad Romance" (in case you didn't see the video we posted yesterday, click here) in a huge 30 foot long red dress. The tenth episode of the season entitled "The Last Days of Disco Stick" which will feature Blair (Leighton Meester) trying to impress her way into the hearts of her fellow NYU classmates by promising a live show with Gaga, and Blair undoubtedly delivers. According to People, Gaga reportedly thinks that her performance was innovative and exciting... But you be the judge! I personally already favor last weeks episode with The Plastiscines as the musical guests because I dislike Lady Gaga immensely and I also think they fit the scope of Gossip Girl a bit better. Check out the preview featuring Lady Gaga below, or watch the one posted up on the CW Network's website, which featured the negative repercussions of Dan's threesome last week, here. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q70d5dQRO6I&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

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Hawley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:43:12 +0000

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Proenza Schouler

Hawley — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:35:43 +0000

Some of this seasons hottest accessories, you'd do anything to get your perfectly manicured hands on them! From Proenza Schouler!

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Clipse “Popular Demand (Popeyes)” Featuring Cam’ron

Mr. Banning — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:01:33 +0000

Ch-ch-check it out! Another video from Virgina rap duo Clipse's forth coming album Till The Casket Drops, featuring Cam’ron and entitled “Popular Demand (Popeyes)." These guys are pumping out the video's like crazy, as I posted "Doorman" last week, I suppose there is only one real way to get exposure, and that is by mass saturation. Good for them. "Popular Demand" was shot on location in Brooklyn, New York, and was directed by Rik Cordero. Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi6vCxsEs9Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

My Favourite Kind of Retro

Mr. Banning — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:03:43 +0000

via highsnobiety

I will happily admit that one of my favourite shoes is the iconic Nike Air Safari, there is something about the pattern that I love. Well I am not the only one who loves this shoe, for on December 1st Nike will be re-releasing the classic kick, the ‘87 Retro which will feature the original colourway with just the slightest of improvements. For the 2009 edition of the shoe, the orange is a little more red and contrasting neon stitching on the upper has been added. They look so sweet.

Wilco Haiku Contest

Mr. Banning — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:05:07 +0000

According to Greg Pratt at Exclaim Magazine, indie alt-country band Wilco have announced a rather interesting way to get their fans involved: a haiku contest. With plans to head back to the studio in January, Wilco wants their fans to write Wilco-related haikus, with the grand-prize winner gets a signed Gibson SG, and the runners-up a set of Wilco figurines and some other goodies. If this inspires you to put pen to paper, you can send your haiku via email at haiku@wilcoworld.net or through Twitter with hashtag #wilcohaiku, where you can also go right now and read other people’s haiku's and see the competition. The contest ends on November 27 so get that creative juices a pumping! via exclaim

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Hawley — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:18:58 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:08:23 +0000

Duskin Spring 2010

Hawley — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:56:17 +0000

Williamsburg-based designer-cum-blogger Stephanie Tran has been in fashion for a long time. Before her first crack at design, she worked as an editor at Vogue, so it's no wonder her third collection is garnering so much interest from designer friends like Gryphon’s Aimee Cho and Doucette Duvall’s Annebet Duvalland, who Tran says are her best customers. You can find Duskin at Steven Alan in New York. Take a look at some of the styles from the Spring 2010 lookbook.

Model as Muse. Olivia Rubin SS10

Them Crooked Vultures

Mr. Banning — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:17:41 +0000

Today is the day many of you hard rock fans have been waiting for, the official release of music supergroup Them Crooked Vultures self-titled debut album. Them Crooked Vultures, or TCV for short, is composed of rock heavy weights, drummer Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana, and Probot),vocalist and guitarist Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss, and Eagles of Death Metal) and bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) the album is without a doubt amazing! Rumours of this stellar collaboration of musicians as been circulating for years now, but it wasn't until this past August that they took the act on the road and started touring their songs. Tickets for these shows were nearly impossible to acquire, even without anyone hearing a single song, knowing the potential of greatness was guaranteed. Well as I said, the album officially dropped today and it does live up to its potential, I strongly suggest that every rock fan out there go give it a listen, you won't regret it.

Hot Chip and the xx to Tour Together!!!

Mr. Banning — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:04:49 +0000

OMFG!!!! My heart literally just skipped a beat!!!! According to Pitchfork, Hot Chip will be touring their upcoming album, One Life Stand, due out February 9 with fellow Brits, everyones favourite new love affair, the xx as their opening act. The two bands will only be covering a five-night North American tour together, and guess what, Toronto is one of the destinations (April 20th) as well as Oakland, Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC. Hurray! Along with this great news, Hot Chip has also released the tracklist for their forth coming album One Life Stand, check it out below: 01 Thieves in the Night 02 Hand Me Down Your Love 03 I Feel Better 04 One Life Stand 05 Brothers 06 Slush 07 Alley Cats 08 We Have Love 09 Keep Quiet 10 Take It In

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Kitsuné Fall Winter 09

Hawley — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:52:05 +0000

I love Kitsuné Maison. I remember when I was in Paris a few years ago how excited I was to visit the little boutique on the quiet Rue de Richelieu. When I got there I surprised to find that everything except the vinyl's and cd's cost about 400€. They had a very simple line of some of the most beautiful cardigans and polo shirts I have ever seen, all with the cute little Kitsuné fox embroidered on. They even had a few pairs of simple mens suede lace ups to complete their mannequins. This fall, Kitsuné brings us a fresh take on preppy sensibility putting a sexy french allure on blazers and button downs. Aren't french people pretty!

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:16:15 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:16:40 +0000

Paul Smith x Audio-Technica

Mr. Banning — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:59:11 +0000

via highsnobiety

For your listening pleasure, please checkout these beautiful headphones by designer Paul Smith in collaboration with audio sound wizards Audio-Technica. This pair of ATH-A50 full-size stereo headphones are a limited release featuring a gold .... aluminum housing inscribed with Smith’s signature and come packaged in a Paul Smith suiting fabric travel pouch. These incredibly stylish audio components are available directly from Paul Smith for the meager price of £ 140.00.... For all you audio geeks out there, check out the technical specs below: Type: Dynamic Driver: 40mm Neodymium magnet Frequency Response: 10-25,000 Hz Maximum Input Power: 1,000 Mw Impedance: 34 ohms Weight: 120g Connector: 3.5mm gold plated stereo mini plug Cable: 1.2m/OFC/Y-type

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:16:38 +0000

Louis Vuitton Shines the Sunlight

Mr. Banning — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:23:28 +0000

via highsnobiety

As the cold weather starts to set in and we brace for winter, Louis Vuitton has released the new Sunlight Sneaker from the Fall/Winter 2009 Collection. This wonderfully slick low top sneaker comes in two colourways and features a mixed patchwork upper and contrasting stitching, matching laces, mesh tongue and lining. I know you all are loving this shoes so if you have an extra $600 USD, just head on over to your local LV boutique. Nice shoes though.

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Mr. Banning — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:35:19 +0000

Doucette Duvall Spring 2010

This one is for all you Vampire Weekend fans out there who, I know, are itching for their new album Contra to drop but just can't wait until January 12th for some new tunes. Check out the somewhat comedic video for "Cousins," directed by Garth Jennings (Son of Rambow, and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) in addition to "Horchata" which was released earlier last month. The track is available now digitally via XL for your listening pleasure. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuOR3BQFB0k&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:44:44 +0000

Reebok Pump's 20th Anniversary

Mr. Banning — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:08:00 +0000

via highsnobiety / stolenriches

Oh boy oh boy oh boy!!! As of tomorrow, Friday November 20th the incredibly iconic Reebok pump will be celebrating its 20th birthday. In celebration of this, Reebok has commissioned designs from leading sneaker stores from all over the world to create their own interpretation of the shoe, and let me just say this now, there are some pretty mean looking kicks! The shops and designers tapped for this global event are some of the worlds heavyweights including Europe's: 24 Kilates, colette, Hanon, Patta, Size?, Solebox and SNS. From Asia: Atmos, Espionage, Juice and Kasina. And from North America: A.R.C., Bodega, Commonwealth, HUF, Packer Shoes, Kicks-Hi, St Alfred, Undefeated and Canada's own Stolen Riches. For each shops uniquely designed shoe, only be 31 pairs of each will be made, and will become one of the hottest kicks of the season, guaranteed! Starting tomorrow and ending on Saturday night, super exclusive parties will be thrown in almost every major city across the globe to debut the shoes, as well as have a good ol' fashioned jam. Not to toot my own horn, but Sidewalk Hustle has been invited to the Toronto party which will feature a short film, exclusive looks at the shoes, an open bar, and performance from hip hop legend Pete Rock! Don't worry my lovely's I will make sure to regal you all with the highlights, and since it is an open bar, lowlights of the evening.

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:55:50 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:15:31 +0000

Lego Nudity...

Mr. Banning — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:23:22 +0000

via Kanye

In my younger, formative years, I used to LOVE playing with Lego. I could spend hours upon hours building the most intrictly designed creations. Spaceships, castles, tanks, buildings of all sorts, the only limit to my building was my young imagination, and the amount of Lego pieces I had. Well let me just say that my pre-pubbescent imagination never ever thought of anything as intrinicate and somewhat creepy as life sized naked women. If it had, well... I don't think I'd need to finish this thought. Thanks to photographer Jean-Yves Lemoigne, stylist Yang Hartono for Amusement magazine we have this unique look at what a grown mans imagination and endless time could create if left to its own devices.... No I am just joking, this is far less weird then you might think, what actually is going on here is real women have been photographed and rendered in a blurred, pixelated way to give the appearance of Lego. Very Cool....

Chanel Iman x Vogue Deutsch

Hawley — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:56:23 +0000

Chanel Iman is a busy girl. She recently said in an interview that she would rather work for nothing than not work at all, and I'm guessing these days the paid modeling jobs are few and far between, especially since she recently did an episode of America's Next Top Model. But recession be damned, Chanel Iman sees the light! She plays a perfect looking Mini Mouse in the next months Duetch Vogue! Shot by Mark Seliger on location, they created this magical jungle lookbook! Check out the shots below or see them all here.

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Hawley — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:29:07 +0000

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Hawley — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:50:35 +0000

New Plastiscines Video: "Bitch"

Hawley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0000

After their latest appearance on Gossip Girl (read the post about it here) Plastiscines have released a new video for "Bitch", shot on a night out in Manhattan. Directed, shot and edited by Bridget Palardy, the video features the girls after dark drawing on people with chalk and performing other bitchy acts. Check it out! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSeZr3AvzHA&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

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Hawley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:58:59 +0000

All I want for Christmas is Dior

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Hawley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:30:55 +0000

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Hawley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:31:35 +0000

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Hawley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:39:56 +0000

Depeche Mode "Fragile Tension" Video

Mr. Banning — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:03:58 +0000

Checkout the brand new video from Depeche Mode, from their up coming double-A-side "Fragile Tension" / "Hole To Feed" release. This is the third single from the recently released Sounds Of The Universe album. Enjoy!

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More Chanel Iman

Hawley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:18:20 +0000

I'm sure you've all seen the Holiday windows and heard the music playing in the shopping centers... arg! Well here's a little holiday cheer with a jovial touch! Chanel Iman and the ever mischievous photographer Terry Richardson team up in the winter issue of H&M magazine! Styled by George Cortina with tones of chunky jewelry and accessories,"Effets de Surprise” makes the holidays seem a bit exciting for once!

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:09:40 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:11:39 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:11:58 +0000

Carhartt x Vestax Handy Trax USB Turntable

Mr. Banning — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:21:07 +0000

via highsnobiety

With little less then a month and a half away from Christmas, Carhartt and Vestax have teamed up to create the perfect gift for the music connoisseur, the Handy Trax USB Turntable. This wonderfully designed deck is not the first of its kind out there on the market, but it is the first (that I have seen) to thoroughly think out all the details. It comes surrounded in a tough plastic casing with the capability to operate at angles of up to 90 degrees, with a stereo line-out which allows you to hook it up to your stereo system at home, easily and a mini line-in jack to connect external MP3 players. Furthermore, the Carhartt x Vestax Handy Trax USB Turntable allows you to transform your vinyl music collection into binary code via the newly integrated USB port. Sweet!

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:36:35 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:43:24 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:44:33 +0000

i-D Magazine Winter 2009

Hawley — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:48:59 +0000

This Winter, i-D Magazine teams up with Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen, and Eva Herzigova for a revealing look at some of the most famous models in the business. Shot by Kayt Jones and excellently accessorized by stylist Pippa Vosper, the shoot gives younger more inexperienced models a run for their money. No wonder these older broods can demand the big bucks, the smizing in these shots is off the charts. See all the shots on Fashion Gone Rogue.

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:06:14 +0000

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Mr. Banning — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:08:14 +0000