Hanni El Khatib - Family

Yes...we know. We posted this before. Just a couple of weeks ago to be exact. However, that was before we saw the official video treatment for this hard chargin' tune. It's not the interpretation of family we were thinking of (70's era, Yakuza themed motorcycle gang), but we like this version better. As the saying goes, a friend will help you move, but a brother will help you move a body.

2015 Volkswagen GTI

Here is the first official press photo of the 2015 Volkswagen GTI. We have previously expounded on the virtues of the GTI, and it most likely being the greatest car in the world. VW has sharpened up the edges, and upped the power (220 horsepower in a small hatch) with the 2015 iteration, giving the purchaser the best bang for their buck in both value and performance. With value added features such as automatic climate control, touch screen multi-media, parking assist, and heavily bolstered racing seats, the GTI comes very, very well equipped. We are of the opinion that this is the most car one needs on public roads, and anything more is just over-compensation. The GTI will be making its official debut (in both 3 and 5 door variants) at the Geneva Auto Show which starts March 7th, or if you live in Europe you can actually get your hands on one later this year. The rest of us in the colonies will have to wait until middle 2014.

Deus Thomas Bexon x Harrison Roach

This is something, that if you're interested, you'll have to act fast on. Deus (yes that Deus, as in Deus Ex Machina), has paired up with friends and neighbours Thomas Bexon (Shaper) and Harrison Roach (Pro Surfer) and have come up with the "Harrison Roach Concept." Problem is, there are only four of them, of which you can see and learn more about here. Giddy up!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Sacrilege

We are so f@#$ing excited for the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs record, and our wait is almost over, as the new album, titled "Mosquito," is set to drop on April 16th. The above (very basic) video is for the first single titled Sacrilege...and in keeping with its title, has a bit of a gospel flavour. Oh how we have missed Karen O's siren wail. Available for pre-order on iTunes.

John Varvatos Artisan Double Lace Sneaker

If you've got a spare $600 to spend and want to cultivate you inner rock star, John Varvatos has a pair of kicks for you. To be sure, six hundred bones is a lot for a pair of sneakers, but being constructed of fine Italian calf skin leather, these aren't your basic pair of Chucks. That being said, we're not sure what is more rock'n'roll; these, or our ratty used black pair of Converse Allstars. You can see and learn more here.

Skull Tidy

Skull Tidy is an organiser for your essentials, or your everyday carry if-you-will. A place to store your shades, keys, change, chapstick, phone, etc... We love ourselves a good caddy, and if you've been following along, we love everything skull related...so this is a win on two fronts. You can get yours, and see more here.

Johnny Cash - Hurt

Today is the birthday of the late, great Johnny Cash. In memoriam, we give you the video for Hurt from his American recordings, and a cover of the Nine Inch Nails song of the same name. Possibly the most moving music video we have ever seen. Rest in peace.

Artifact Uprising Book

Are you amazed how great the photos you take on Instagram are? Perfectly capturing unique and special moments in time, somehow these camera phone snapshots elevate your memories to a whole other level and they probably deserve more than just a fleeting moment shared with friends. If you would like to make a hard copy, a tangible example of your artistry then check out Artifact Uprising which will take your Instagram photos and make a beautifully laid out soft cover book.

Superior Servers

Continuing a design aesthetic of combining vintage styling with modern detailing, this mixed set of Superior Servers takes stainless steel forks and spoons and dips the polymer handles in vibrant colours. A perfect way to introduce a bit of personality into your next dinner party. Available here.

The Japanese Higo Knife for Best Made Co.

Traditionally known as Higonokami, the "Higo" knife has been produced by Miyamote Manufacturing Co since the late 1920's. This style knife was developed in 1894 by the hardware wholesaler Tasaburo Shigematsu and the blacksmith Sadaharu Murakami, and soon after quickly rose to great renown in Japan. Over 50 manufacturers were known to be making the Higonokami knives, but by the early 1960's, popularity waned and many of them stopped production. Luckily, the Miyamoto Manufacturing Co has continued the tradition of employing that original forging techniques and has graciously stamped them exclusively for Best Made Co. However, don't get too excited. These are made in extremely limited numbers, and therefore BMC routinely sells out. You can get on a notification list here.

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Jubilee Street

Off of their 15th studio release titled "Push The Sky Away", comes a typically dark and downtrodden tune, of which there is an uncensored video online (google it), starring the incomparable Ray Winstone. We give you the censored one above, saving you from creating a YouTube account and performing an age check just so you can see a flash of nipples. Album out now on iTunes, and we will vouch for the album as a whole..dark, but good.

The Only

What? You thought we only professed our love for travel bags or luggage? Nope, we are equally enamoured with a great purse and we are even more excited that this one is by Vancouver designer Erin Templeton. Called The Only, this bag is made with locally tanned Bison leather and is large and versatile enough to live up to its name. Available here.

Cotton Braid Necklace

Ombre. In our circle of friends there is nothing as enticing in design or fashion as a good ol' ombre. Weird we know but the subtle gradation of colours pleases us to no end and this cotton braid necklace by LA based jewellery house Myrrh has it in abundance. Also mixing hand dyed cotton with a hand cut brass tube all put together with a slightly global aesthetic makes for one beautiful and unique statement necklace. Check it out here.

Warby Parker Hayworth Collection

Inspired by old Hollywood, the latest collection from Warby Parker pays homage to the classic cinematic characters like the private eyes and vamps from yesteryear. Retro styling, tortoise frames and fashionable beyond belief and of course we don't need to remind you all the good Warby Parker does do we? Peruse the limited edition collection here.

Juste un Clou bracelet

We don't make a habit of posting very expensive jewellery from iconic design houses like Cartier often, but nevertheless this bracelet warrants it. Designed in the 1970's by Aldo Cipullo who also created the famous Cartier Love bracelet, this 'Just a Nail' piece has been reissued so now it is available again for those discerning collectors. Available here.

Hello Again: Beck - Sound & Vision

What started as a simple cover of Bowie's awesome Sound and Vision, moved away from just an alternate version of the song and went in the direction of a more literal translation of the song title. Performed with 170 musicians, recorded in 360 degree binaural sound, shot in standard format as well as with three 360 degree camera's, and having interactive viewing utilizing the webcam on your computer to adjust the viewing angle based on your heads orientation; this is something truly special to behold. That, and Beck with 170 piece backing band do total justice to this classic, and we're sure that Bowie must be happy with the end result. We are sure we're not doing the explanation of how cool this is justice, so please move on to here to experience it all for yourself. A word of warning however...it's a big production, and will take a little while to load the HD version...and we recommend waiting it out for the HD content. Enjoy!

Inside Skate

We're not sure that these are any easier on the floor, walls and furniture than a standard skateboard, but we like the look none-the-less. Definitely a conversation starter at your next dinner party. You can see and learn more here.

Aether Skyline Motorcycle Jacket

We're generally the first to say that there is no replacement for leather when it comes to a riding jacket, but Aether makes such slick stuff that we may have been converted (to small degree). Starting with highly abrasion resistant field nylon (seam sealed of course), breathable mesh lining, and integrated D3O body armour, and you end up with a fairly indestructible cover. Blend in the signature modern and urban styling that Aether has become famous for, and you have a totally functional and fashion forward riding jacket. You can see and learn more here.

Pandora's Lunchbox by Melanie Walker

Do you know what is in your food? How does that processed cheese slice retain its shape, colour and texture for years? Investigative Journalist and author Melanie Warner asked the same questions, and in her quest to learn about the seemingly indestructible cheese, Ms. Warner uncovered the research labs, food science departments, and factories around the United States that over the last couple of decades, have made the cheapest, most abundant, most addictive and most nutritionally devastating food in the world...a full 70% of which accounts for diet of Americans. At book retailers everywhere.

Phoenix - Entertainment

This isn't an official video release from the band (rather a fan made lyric video) but it is the first time we get to hear a new track from the highly anticipated follow-up to "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix", titled "Bankrupt." The album should be dropping on April 23rd.

Trailer - Dead Man Down

Possibly our favourite thematic devices in film is blackmail, betrayal, and vengeance. It started way back in the golden era of film, and has carried on multiple times through out the years, with varying degrees of success. Watching the above trailer for the new Colin Farrell back-on-track vehicle shows proof that there's life in that old thematic gold mine yet. Film out March 8th.

Linen Bento Bag

These beautiful linen bags by Quitokeeto are being promoted as an alternate to plastic bags and while that may be a little hard to achieve, they are such a nice design that making them a kitchen staple will be easy.  Sold as a set of a three and hand made in California, check them out here.

Robin Red Breast Pillow

A couple of days of sun and warmer weather has got us counting the days until Spring. This pillow of a photographed Red Robin brightens the mood and would look great on the sofa too. Take a look here.

London Alexander Spring/Summer 2013

We had the pleasure of attending the runway show for both London Alexander's Spring/Summer 2013 and Fall/Winter 2013 lines a few days ago, and not only did we have a really terrific time, we were very pleased with what we saw. We don't want to taint the post with a poorly written review of of the lines, as we're sure we don't have the vocabulary, but rather will direct your attention here so you may sample the look-book yourself. 

The Zolas - Ancient Mars

 A really great, and super catchy track from Vancouver's own The Zolas. From their latest release, sharing its title with the above track. It's available now through iTunes.

thezolasmusic.com

Corter Leather Luggage Tags

Consider it a travel faux pas to accept the plasticoted paper bag-tags from the airline as being adequate. Time to upgrade perhaps...maybe to something a little more stylish and permanent? See more here and while you are there check out the rest of their product line. They make some pretty badass accessories...like wallets, belts and key hooks.

Trance - Red Band Trailer

Danny Boyle is a bit of an enigma to us, in that he is impossible to be pinned down, or rather labelled, as a director of a certain type of film. He is after all, the man who brought to life such diverse movies as Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, Slumdog Millionaire and 127 hours to name just a few. He has again apparently jumped around the map in terms of style and theme with his latest, yet to be released feature film, titled Trance. From what we can gather from the trailer, this may be a bit of a mind-f@#$. A word to the wise, this above is the Red Band trailer, so consider yourself warned...NSFW. In theaters April 5th.

HUF Joey Pepper Signature Shoe

We are always on the hunt for a new pair of casual sneaks, and have always gravitated to skate shoes...going all the way back to 1986 and our first pair of Airwalks. Since then, our tastes have evolved a little bit, which is why we are totally vibing on the Ivy League style of the new Joey Pepper Signature Shoe from HUF. It does come in a couple alternate colourways, but we love the navy pair above. If you'd like to see and learn more, you can go here.

Foals - My Number

Although this is a great tune, one off of Foals latest release titled "Holy Fire," it is the video that we want to talk about. The video was done with motion capture (think Avatar) and the band and their instruments were animated like a connect-the-dots puzzle. Very cool stuff. Incidentally, the album is available now through iTunes.

www.foals.co.uk

H&M x Brick Lane Bikes

Taking a page out of Levi's playbook, H&M is gearing up to release a line of wearables that keep the cyclist in mind. Collaborating with the UK's Brick Lane Bikes, who provided useful input into design features and additions to the clothing: like a giant loop in the trousers to store your lock, a d-ring for your keys, smartly positioned and placed pockets for easy access to the things you need, etc... The above video does a pretty good job showcasing the features as well as the fashion side of things...and sorta video lookbook if you will. The line is expected in stores on March 7th.

Anna-Wili Highfield Paper Sculptures

Paper sculpture is such a beautiful form of art and Anna-Wili Highfield takes this method to the next level. By painting, then tearing and finally stitching archival cotton paper together, she creates beautiful animal forms which are both abstract and hauntingly realistic all at the same time. Take a look through her creations here.

AARK Collective White Peach Watch

By now you know we have a fondness for simple, minimalist watches that tend not to break the bank and we like to think that even if we came into a gross amount of money, we would still choose these types of watches.  A great example of what we love in design is evident in the AARK Collective's Classic line. Minimalist, sleek and not to mention, how many watches do you see that come in such a pleasing shade of peach? Available here.

The Herbert Bail Orchestra - Bullet

Here is a band that you most likely haven't heard of, but that is totally deserving of your attention. With members hailing from all over different parts of the US - Herbert Bail acts as a collective identity for a band of schemers and dreamers now based out of LA. The above track is from their self titled EP released in the fall of 2011, and they have a new full length album that was recently released in December. Go here if you'd like to learn and see more. We recommend checking out their Youtube Channel, as they do a barely recognizable rendition of the Tragically Hip's "Locked In The Trunk Of A Car." EP and album available on iTunes.

Between The Lines Leather Phone Lanyards

It's amazing to us that we haven't seen the phone lanyard as a thing until now. It seems like a simple and smart enough idea, but here we are looking at the first iteration of this idea that we have seen yet. To be honest, we would have to have used it first to truly know if this is something that we can get behind...but the theory is definitely sound. We even like it from a fashion point of view. You can see and learn more here.

Replaceface Prints

We have been struggling to put to words why having an iconic celebrity put in Russian military regalia and displayed like a classic palace portrait is cool, but alas, we are at a loss. The only thing we can come up with is...it's Bill F@#$ing Murray! BFM is not the only one available however (just our favourite) as there are plenty more...like David Bowie, Frank Zappa, Chuck Norris and Patrick Swayze to name a few. You can see and learn more here.

Made By Jimmy

We're pretty much done with winter, having turned our gaze forward to longer days and warmer weather. Very shortly, your favourite fashion retailers will be dumping their fall/winter stock in favour of the new spring/summer line. We are already in the mode for some news T's, lighter trousers, and yes...even a new swim suit. And who better to make your new swim suit than an Aussie...after all, their populace, and therefore their culture, lives almost exclusively around the water. We came across Made By Jimmy, an Australian maker of fashion forward swim trunks, a little shorter than the standard board short, and a little longer than the bermuda...just right if you will. Our favourite is the red fade of the above short, named the Daffy. You can see and learn more here.

Stussy x Vans Sk8-Hi Year of the Snake

We searched pretty high and low to showcase some product or art that celebrated the 2013 Year of the Snake and we lucked out with a Stussy and Vans Sk8-Hi collaboration. This special edition release features a black and white snakeskin pattern with additional snake graphics on the tongue along with an iconic bright red stripe and sole. Good luck hunting!

Faceted Woodblock Side Table

So you can't afford a Brent Comber original but you love the modern woodsy aesthetic, what to do, what to do? We bet you didn't think of looking at Urban Outfitters where you will in fact find a great faceted woodblock side table that won't blow your budget. Take a look here.

Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Expert

Who doesn't love a good spy thriller...and what's not to like? You've got suspense, you have plausible real-world fears, your have intrigue, and you have action. The only possible thing that could make a spy thriller any better is having the stories be true. Ghost may read like a spy thriller, but we assure you, Fred Burton's memoir is all true. Essentially, Mr Burton was a key figure in American spy craft, who has now emerged from the shadows to not only reveal who he is, but the work that he did and the threats that lurk. Available a book retailers everywhere.

Hayden - Blurry Nights

From Hayden's latest release, titled "Us Alone." A quick review of the album as a whole: it's awesome, and you should get it. Also...see him live if you ever have the chance. He's great live! Album available through iTunes.

Hubbawelcome Creepy Valentine's Day Card

If you are truly, truly in love: the kinda love that let's you see past all the faults and idiosyncrasies: a love so strong that you have compulsions to do things that border on obsessive. If these statements describe you and your significant other, then man...do we have Valentine's Day cards for you. Rarely does one find a card maker that has the ability to sum up perfectly personal sentiment. You can learn more here, and there are more pics after the jump.

Marquee Heart Light

In keeping with the occasional theme of posting Valentine's ideas and gifts, this one comes as a sort of vintage inspired marquee sign in the shape of a heart. You could really wow someone with this but we just think it would be a nice piece of art keeping a warm glow in the corner. Buy it here.

Mineral Dress

We had our first real glimpse of warmer weather to come today and that has us inspired. Having it lighter out in the morning, seeing a little sun in the afternoon and coming home with a fabulous sunset at our back put us in a good mood and left us wanting more. So with the feel of Spring around the corner, we were inspired to find the perfect good weather dress and happened upon Kelly Wearstler's Mineral Dress. The lines, colour and pattern scream "sunshine's coming!" and we would be happy to yell that all day long wearing this. Available here.

Alex & Chloe Heart T-Shirt

Just in time for Valentine's Day, give the gift of an Alex & Chloe Heart T-Shirt and donate to the Human Rights Campaign all at the same time. Available here.

Hanni El Khatib - Family

We posted "You Rascal You" by Hanni El Khatib about a year ago, and here we are a year later posting another new Hanni El Khatib track. It is a rocker, that is for certain, and to quote one particular Soundcloud member named Paperbagmatt: "Holy shit! I just ripped a tree outta the ground with my bare hands because of this song." If that isn't a ringing endorsement for a rock song, we don't know what is. But that being said, what truly peaked our interest is that Dan Auerbach (the same Dan Auerbach that is the song writer and front man for the Black Keys) handled production on Hanni's forthcoming album "Head In The Dirt." We have a bit of a wait however, as the album doesn't drop until April 30th. In the meantime, head over to iTunes and have a listen to Hanni's last effort, "Will The Guns Come Out."

hannielkhatib.com

Irving Harper: Works in Paper

Irving Harper is an iconic yet surprisingly not very well known midcentury design legend responsible for the marshmallow sofa, ball clock and various Herman Miller textile designs to name a few. What apparently was even less known was that he has created over 300 extensive and unique sculptures varying in materials ranging from toothpicks to paper that are only now being displayed in this book. In addition to the varied commercial and artistic creations, the authors have documented his home which also promises to delight any modern design lover. Available here.

Blood, Bones & Butter

So we're sitting here watching the new cooking reality show competition called Taste. You know the one....it's with Anthony Bourdain and in between trying to figure out why he would do this show and hating ourselves for loving acclaimed chef Ludo yell at the cooks, we have discovered Gabrielle Hamilton and her memoir Blood, Bones & Butter. Well known as the chef & owner of New York restaurant Prune, she has written a witty, intimate and well accomplished memoir documenting her life as a chef. Bourdain even wildly endorses it as "Simply the best memoir by a chef ever. Ever." Check it out here.

Citizen Eco Drive Stealth

As a rule, Citizen watches are not cool. To be sure, they are fine time pieces, but cool they are not. When have you ever heard about someone coveting your Citizen, or saving their pennies so they can go out and get a new Citizen? We'll tell you when...never! With the new Stealth version of their line-up staple Eco Drive, that's about to change. We ourselves are actually thinking about ponying up the little over $130 (you read that right) and getting ourselves one. To quote the master lyricist Jay-Z, "black cards, black cars, all black everything." You can find the watch a various locations, as well as Amazon.

Minimal Float Wall Desk

Do we even need to explain why this is cool? If you are hard-up for space...say, an apartment dweller, this just may be the desk for you. And the timing for this could not be better, as it is on sale! You can see and learn more here.

Guards - Coming True

Guards is described as "alternative doom new wave power pop rock n roll New York," which is a newly discovered sub-genre that has yet to fully catch on, and until it does, you can simply search iTunes under "alternative." We have had a critical listen to their newly released full length album titled "In Guards We Trust," and we must say that there are some real gems in there. We have a real soft spot for the tune above, but we are also right smitten with Ready To Go and Silver Lining. We are hoping that Guards is something that you will be seeing and hearing much more of. Some relentless touring, fortunate promotion (ahem), and a radio DJ with some originality and forethought and Guards is ready for some bigger and better things. As previously mentioned, available through iTunes.

inguardswetrust.com

Unit Portables Overnight Bag / Units 05 - 08

The fact is, the most used bag in your quiver of luggage pieces is your overnight bag. It is by far the most versatile, being perfect for that day or two business trip, and then pulling double duty as a carry-on for the longer vacations. In the vein of versatility, we present to you the Unit Portables Overnight Bag (Unit 05), which can be ordered complete with a travel pouch (Unit 06), a 13" or 15" laptop sleeve (Unit 07), and a cable bag (Unit 08), making the combo the most organized overnight bag on the planet...and at only around $135 for the entire set, one of the best deals around. You can see and learn more here.

Selectism's Guide to Being More Like 1970's Michael Caine

We don't want to take away any of Selectism's thunder, so we'll keep this brief, but we will say that not only is this post clever and informative...but completely true. You can see it here.

The White Stripes - The Hardest Button To Button

We rediscovered the White Stripes album "White Blood Cells" this weekend. A total classic. Sounds just as fresh today as it did when it originally dropped, which was 10 years ago last week. We can't pick a favourite tune off of it though, but the above is our favourite video from the album. Pay close attention at the 2:27 mark...Beck makes a cameo.

Crash Baggage

The Ramp Rat, better known as a baggage handler, is one of the most violent species known to mankind...and they exhibit that nature on a daily basis on your checked bags. That is why that shiny new Rimowa won't be shiny and new for long. Industrial designer Francesco Pavia observed the Ramp Rat olympics one day, and decided that would be a good place to start in designing a suitcase. Crash Baggage comes new with all the dents and dings from years of Ramp Rat abuse already in place, alleviating the worry of checking that new bag. Relax and enjoy the Skymall catalog, what can they do to it that hasn't already been done? You can see and learn more here.

Kott Motorcycles - Café Cowboy

For many, many years now, we have have wanted to get ourselves a custom motorcycle. We have simple and classic tastes in this regard, and in searching for the perfect bike build, we discovered Dustin Kott. We are pretty much on his website every other day, as he's doing exactly what we we're looking for. Dustin is passionate about the British café racer styling, but uses classic Japanese bikes as the donors for his masterpieces, specifically Honda CB's from the 70's. They are cheap, and they are plenty, so his parts pool isn't going to dry up anytime soon. Filmmaker Benedict Campbell put together this great short film about Dustin and the bikes he builds. If 2013 is going to be as good to us as we hope, we will be meeting with Dustin in person sometime later this year. If you'd like to see and learn more about Dustin Kott's motorcycles, go here.