Massive Attack's "Angel" featured in new Watchmen spot

One week to go until Watchmen hits theaters and I hear it's tracking really well. We were lucky enough to checkout a press screening of it last week and the movie is a pretty kickass interpretation of the classic graphic novel (Looks like the consensus on Rotten Tomatoes is similar as well...). My favorite part of the film was the use of music to represent the various decades that the film takes place in (the story spans the 1940s-1980s). Not only is the music supervision in the film great, but the TV spots and Trailers have been on-point as well. While you're counting down the days until next Friday, checkout this spot featuring one of my favorite songs of all time, Massive Attack's "Angel":

Five Four Spring 2009 Coats and Jackets

The dudes over at Five Four seem to be continuing in their tradition of releasing modern yet chic coats and jackets with their Spring 2009 Collection. The pieces shown here are a comfortable blend between formal wear and street wear, a niche which I think they're smart to be dealing with, seeing as the times we're living in force us to make our purchases as multifunctional as possible. Speaking of the times we're living in, checkout this feature on Five Four that the Wall Street Journal recently featured. (if you're in the mood for a great deal after that read, take a look at this trench that's currently on sale)

We're down with the original work the brand continues to release and always down to support our fellow 'SC alum... Checkout a selection of Five Four's pieces here and you can checkout the rest at their online store.



And finally, I found this new release while perusing Five Four's blog... While you're there, checkout their dopetastic shoes/socks ensemble of the day posts....

(Spring Collection "Grand" Jacket)

Source- Selectism

Vans keeps it simple - Kingdom Plaid Pack

(Era Kingdom plaid pack)

With their new Kingdom Plaid Pack, Vans once again proves that the K.I.S.S. mentality is one to follow- less is usually more. The model above is the classic "Era" and the following is the "Chukka" style boot- both feature a timeless plaid pattern. You can grab these and several other Vans styles at Japan's Essense online shop :

(Chukka Boot Kingdom plaid pack)

(Chukka Boot in white croc)

(Chukka Boot in black leather/suede)

Source- Sneaker Maniac

FoundTrack's Winter '09 Collection (Track 6/22) - Starfucker - German Love

Starfucker - German Love (Track 6/22)
Album - Starfucker (Sample/Purchase)
Label - Badman
http://www.myspace.com/starfuckerss



Starfucker is the synthesis of three multi-instrumentalists from Portland but their simply irresistibly melodious notes takes form in a galaxy of their own invention with live drums, drum machine, keyboards, guitars, and turntablism. The group is led by home recording superman Josh Hodges, building the band on a foundation of philosophical discoveries found after a 10 day meditation retreat in Thailand and a common brotherly love for basketball. Their inspired commitment to this playful spirit generates an unpredictable live experience, especially when Ryan Biornstad is flaunting his polished dance moves crunched between both drum kits before making his way to record scratching, keys, vocals and guitar. Go to KCRW's CMJ page for a sample i was able to capture in the basement of NY's cake shop. Here's a video from one of their standout tracks, "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the second", named after a close friend of Josh's who hypnotized him and relinquished his anxiety and hopelessness, before his spiritual journey to the far east. The video features animation and direction by Andrew Sloan (Monstrous Media).



Starfucker are about to embark on a nationwide tour. They come to the echo with master shredder Marnie Stern on March 25th. Check their myspace for the complete list of dates.

New Hyper Crush Video "Robo Tech" directed by Mickey Finnegan & produced by Six29 Entertainment

Our good buddies Emile and Jamie at Six29 Entertaiment just sent over the new music video they produced for Hyper Crush's "Robo Tech." The band rocked it out at our February '08 FoundTrack Fiesta and we hear they've been doing big things recently (getting signed to Universal anyone?). Props go out to director Mickey Finnegan, Justin Krook who edited it and did the After Effects work, and Lawson Deming who did the 3d work on this thing:

Robo Tech

(Rockin' it out at FoundTrack's February Fiesta in '08)

Kid Cudi's "Day N' Nite" Music Video directed by So-Me

Super caliente music video director So-Me is back again with a seriously dope music video to Kid Cudi's single "Day N' Nite." Some of you might remember So-Me's style of signature motion-graphics heavy material in breakthrough videos for Justice including "D.A.N.C.E." and "DVNO" AND Kanye's "Good Life." Kick back and enjoy:



Source- Eat Skeet (DJ Skeet Skeet's blog)

"Found Poem: A True Story"...

FoundTrack friend Robbie Reaves (renaissance man of web design, painting, photography, AND scribbles) just shared this funny little "Found Poem" he encountered while sitting in cafe. Long story short he heard a very random and interesting conversation and began to transcribe it... turns out the conversation ended up making quite the poem.

Source- Cat Soldier

Bill McMullen's "Hype, Hustle, Rip-Off" @ The Constant Gallery

A bunch of the galleries on La Cienega held openings this past Saturday to take advantage of the expected foot traffic from the KAWS opening. One of these spaces that I'm super glad we stumbled upon was The Constant Gallery and the opening they were hosting for artist Bill McMullen. McMullen, an apparently super talented (and clever) designer and illustrator displaying a very cheeky collection of work entitled "Hype, Hustle, Rip-Off." I'm so pumped up for this work, it's nuts! While KAWS work is awesome, McMullen's show ended up being the highlight of my evening as his work is kinda more in line with my style.

Be prepared for some brilliance, sarcasm, commentary, and enjoy:



Hopefully we won't be unravelling as a country for TOO long...


This piece was carved ENTIRELY out of wood... INSANE!!!:



One of my funny faves:


I want this for my personal court one day! (only in purple of course...)


You can catch Bill McMullen's show until March 28th:

The Constant Gallery
2573 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90034


And Finally, this WASN'T at The Constant Gallery, but I thought it was rad and was painted on the outside wall of another LA Cienega Gallery down the street:

KAWS Recap from Honor Fraser

Artist KAWS (of Original Fake, album cover art, magazine graphic design, etc, etc fame) had his LA opening this weekend at the Honor Fraser Gallery this weekend and if I'm not mistaken, the entire population was trying to get in... Checkout this line!:

After a bit of ninja jive talking, we were lucky enough to walk right in and enjoy the artist's funky and colorful pop art pieces. His style is super clean and it's amazing that he does this all by hand. Enjoy a few of his paintings and three dimensional pieces below, and make sure to stop by between now and April 4th to check it out in person:

Honor Fraser
2622 S LA Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles,


KAWS uses colors that would kinda invoke a "WTF?!" if listed next to each other, but somehow or another he makes them work on the canvas:





Apparently the decision to have one of his self-portrait busts fallen to side was a last minute decision by KAWS himself:



It's like a life sized version of one of the Original Fake characters!:

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk x Jay-Z

"You draw, better be picasso, y'know the best." - Friend Or Foe
"Perfectly like a Picasso, Rembrandt and Rocco's." - Maybach Music
"Cop Rembrandts, hang 'em, pay the lot." - I Know What Girls Like

From the jump, Jay-Z has been giving props to the masters of the art world. Well the art world has returned the honor. The above piece of Jay-Z is done on canvas, instead of paint the artist choose to keep in the the tradition of Hip Hop and used LP's - that's right vinyl records!

The Jay-Z piece was on display at an exhibit in Downtown LA - every second Thursday of each month the art district in downtown opens up its doors to everyone for the event known as the Downtown Art Walk. The streets are filled with activity - commercial art galleries, museums and various art venues are open, street vendors and performers fill the sidewalks.

A FREE Art Walk shuttle moves visitors around the Gallery Row portion of the Downtown Art Walk from 6-10 pm. Pickups and stops are available on demand — just wave to the vehicle to stop or alert the driver to exit. The shuttle is a vintage retrofitted 1940s school bus, and is hosted by Kim Cooper and Richard Schave of Esotouric, who curate it as moving performance venues. The shuttle is called The Hippodrome. Shuttle performance schedules are here. The Art Walk Visa is now available! A great way to navigate the Downtown Art Walk using your smartphone or web enabled phone. *Note: I checked this out on my iPhone - i highly recommend it - navigate through the scene and act like you got the area on lock.

This artist mixes art, religion and pop culture to produce this piece. Cop it like Jay-Z cop's Rembrandts - price of shown piece $10,000 vs. price of Rembrandt etching $275,000!

Source: BGFA

Hips and Hair Spring '09 Collection

Our homie Jonathan over at Hips and Hair just sent us this peek at their Spring '09 collection. Some of you might have seen the first post we featured on them a few weeks ago, but for those of you who missed it, the idea behind the brand is that each t-shirt is a unique piece of art limited to very low quantities. Take a look at these new pieces and make sure to keep an eye on the Hips and Hair blog for up to the minute info and limited edition pieces. Our readers can score 20% off purchases at the online store by entering coupon code "spring." OR, for those of you that are online shopping averse, stop by the new Apartment 3 location in Los Feliz.

You can click on any of the t-shirts below to get to Hips and Hair's Spring '09 Lookbook and get the story behind each piece...

(When My Heart Bled Dry)

(Spray On Inspiration)

(Dead Marilyn)

And Last but certainly not least, my favorite piece from the current collection:

(Jazzy Jasmine that Sloot)

Foodie Fridays: Vinoteca Farfalla

Abby and Shevin initially bonded over their mutual love of boba during their freshman year at USC and have since been dining together and enjoying all of LA's wonderful culinary offerings. They both love to travel, explore, and most importantly eat!

It seemed like a great idea for FoundTrack to introduce a food column. Let's face it, those of us who enjoy art, film, fashion, and music usually have a soft spot for great dining experiences as well. So now, these two young Angelenos will have the chance to share some of their favorite tasty spots in LA with all of you fun people through Foodie Fridays.

If you have any recommendations you think should be considered for the column, please send an email to foodiefridays at foundtrack dot com. Eat on!

(Your Foodie Fridays Host and Hostess, Shevin & Abby)

Vinoteca Farfalla
1968 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 661-8070
Map

Sandwiched between the upscale Italian Trattoria Farfalla and the casual Brazilian eatery Tropicalia, restaurateur John Borghetti has combined the best of both worlds into his third creation, Vinoteca Farfalla. It fills a culinary void on the Hillhurst restaurant row in Los Feliz, providing an intimate, urbane wine and tapas bar at a price point only slightly above the more casual neighborhood spots like Home and the Alcove. It’s the kind of place where you and a friend can order a couple glasses of wine and some tapas to share without getting dirty looks from the waiter for not ordering entrees and dessert.


Vinoteca Farfalla is small by LA standards but uses its modest size to its advantage by creating a cozy ambience more common to New York or San Francisco. Candlelit tables are placed close together and even the bar usually fills up, but this adds to the energy of the venue without becoming too overwhelming.

An impressive selection of wines and beers is offered. Specials are listed on a charming chalkboard above the bar. What I (Shevin) enjoyed most was their approach to sangria. Unlike at other bars and restaurants where chunks of apple, orange and grapes are overly soggy from floating in pitchers for hours, pieces of fresh cut fruit are served over ice in glasses, with the waiter later pouring in the delicious sangria.


While you’ll find plenty of traditional Italian tapas like imported meats, fried calamari and caprese salad, Vinoteca differentiates itself from the pack by offering several dishes with northern Brazilian influences. We tried a delicious platter of appetizers that complimented our sangria. All of the vegetables, including artichoke hearts, onions, and bell peppers were cooked and marinated just right for my (Abby’s) liking. It also included various sampler empanadas, dipping sauces, and an assortment of Brazilian meats and cheeses. This platter is perfect for a group of friends. There is something for everyone and you get to taste a variety of Italian and Brazilian flavors. However, if you’re looking for a heavier meal, head next door to Tropicalia.


TIPS:

If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, make sure to call ahead for reservations: (323) 661-8070.

There is only one table for large parties so reserve early!

It’s also great for a first or second date spot, (intimate setting, good lighting, and most importantly it’s not a three-course commitment; wine and tapas will do).

The manager is from the northern, afro-Brazilian part of the country, which is famous for seafood gumbo. This is the dish they’ve mastered!


NEXT TIME on Foodie Fridays: Umami Burger in Miracle Mile...