So here’s the deal, I need you guys’ help with this, a little class participation, if you will. As many of you well know, over the last few months I haven’t exactly been known for my frequency in posting new articles. As it just so turns out, these last few weeks I’ve had a serious case of writer’s block. I’m itching to find something incredible and type up something special, but there just hasn’t been much that’s caught my attention lately.
Which is where you guys, the readers, come in. I’m just testing this out, so we’ll see how this works, but if any of you guys know of any great stories you’d like to see on the blog, do me a favor and shoot me an email (mpmunford [at] gmail.com). You know the deal with the blog. The aesthetic is that whole classic/timeless/authentic type deal, so if you know of any under the radar brands and labels, bands and musicians, shops and boutiques, artists, authors, photographers, etc. that you think would fit within the general theme of COE, I would absolutely love to hear about these individuals and brands. So be on the look out and send me over an email if you happen to stumble upon anything cool. Thanks guys!
-Paul
Btw, stay tuned to an announcement in the coming weeks, I’m involved in an incredible new project launching soon featuring an all-star collection of some of the most respected young bloggers and creatives out there. It’s going to be major! Surely can’t wait to share it with all of you…
I don’t know jack squat about this fellow except for the fact that this dude knew how to play. After spotting the incredible artwork (seen above) for his 1969 album I Love You on FFFFound!, I did a little Googling and downloaded Mr. Takehiko Honda’s album. Immediately, one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long, long time, let me be the first to tell you.
Mr. Honda displays brilliant pianist ability throughout the five-song-gem of an obscure jazz album that is I Love You, and he’s got Vince Guaraldi (the Charlie Brown guy) written all over him. What makes this find that much more intriguing, however, are the facts that not only was this guy a Japanese jazz pianist, but I also can’t find any information on this guy, at least not in English. Indeed, type in “Takehiko Honda” and aside from the obvious “pianist” and “I Love You” results that pop up, Google is at a loss for information. And so be it. During an age when information is literally in your face at all times (and if not, just a quick Google search away), it’s good to just live in the moment and soak up great obscure music in which you know little to nothing about. After all, ignorance is bliss. If you’re interested, you can download the whole album from the link below.
Well documented throughout this blog is the fact that I am in every facet a lover of all things music. I breathe it, live for it, can’t imagine life without it. That being said, I’ve found the last few months a bit difficult. Something’s been missing, and until this week, I’ve just realized what it was: a complete lack of great music releases that wow me. I don’t know about you, but I find this lack of fresh, inspired musical material particularly disheartening. During a time where the recession has made life a bit tougher for everyone, one would imagine and hope that artists would rediscover some sort of invigoration amid any jadedness they may have. You would assume that these hard times would find the majority of these artists buckling down to refocus, refine, and produce musical jewels of recession-repealing albums and songs, yet this doesn’t seem to be the case. Cudi’s demeanor says it all; the current state of music is leaving us a feeling a bit dejected. Follow the jump to read on.
Constantly on the search for creative individuals and the stories behind their creative projects, I learned about the Close Up & Private project a few weeks ago and, like many, thought it an intriguing concept. After seeing a round of posts by various bloggers highlighting the project, I decided to contact Sergei Sviatchenko, designer and founder, for an interview in hopes digging a little deeper. Turns out this Ukranian-born artist who moved to Denmark in 1990 to run his own studio (www.sviatchenko.dk) under his own name (and who also owns and runs Senko Studio, a non-profit for emerging and promising artists) really knows a thing or two about Ivy League style and it comes across as genuine. You get the sense that this is the type of stuff Sergei actually wears throughout the week. For more on Sergei’s story and Close Up & Private, follow the jump.
Big fan of Jeremy Enigk. The guy’s voice is one of a kind, very distinctive, and strangely relaxing. For those unfamiliar, Enigk’s music can often be moody, somewhat emotional, but powerful just the same. Here’s his first video from his new album Ok Bear. Gorgeous video, definitely good stuff. Probably want to watch it in HD. Just saying.
etsy find & interview | repurposed vintage bow ties by laura plouzek
If the creatives, aesthetes, and craftsman of this country have their way, handmade, custom, and batch produced products will never die. I, like many people who share in this belief, appreciate products with a personal story to share. I appreciate them because while they may be eclipsed on a broader scale by advances in technology and by means of cheaper mass production, it is the slow, methodical production processes and the sentiments and stories behind these crafts that I believe will keep them alive in the face of modernity. That’s why when all is said and done, I’m willing to bet there will always continue to be a niche market for handmade products that take time, expertise, and care to make.
In the case of craftsmanship, vintage materials, and the continuation of a classic men’s accessory, Laura Plouzek (herself a creative and a craftswoman), qualifies as one such person doing her part to ensure this niche market is supplied. Laura re-purposes vintage and unwanted fabrics from her home in Pensacola, Florida, turning them into fresh new bow ties for the modern man. I stumbled upon Laura’s bow ties through her Xoelle Etsy shop a few weeks ago, and immediately I was struck with the word “sentimental.” It is a theme that runs deep throughout all of Laura’s work. She stitches her ties with the same sewing machine she’s had for the last eighteen years; she recreates new bow ties from old, often discarded fabrics that still have stories to tell; and she even packages her bow ties in a fabric sleeve made specifically for each particular tie (complete with directions on how to tie a bow tie). Simply put, this is a woman whose creativity runs deep, and who cares immensely about the creations she sells on Etsy. For more on Laura Plouzek and her fantastic vintage bow ties, follow the jump.
A great song on a classic album. Yea, it’s not the most talked about song on The Battle of Los Angeles and it definitely wasn’t a single, but you’re crazy if you don’t think this song is legit. My vote for sleeper song of the album.
Etsy is not exactly the most prolific online marketplace for handmade masculine products. It’s a successful concept that manages to make the online marketplace experience a bit more sentimental, but for men it often takes some pretty serious searching to find that handmade item that hasn’t been washed over with a feminine aesthetic. Fortunately, the handmade items made with guys in mind tend to be both high quality and unique, so when you do find what you are looking for the quality and the sentimental value of the item makes the search that much more worth it.
Over the weekend, I stumbled upon this handmade waxed cotton duffle bag at The Porter Street Bags Etsy shop, which is owned by Dan Ondrusek. It’s a find that is a sterling example of the high quality handmade products guys can discover on the on Etsy. I was instantly reminded of the THE Duffle Bag for THE Collection by (y) created by Tannis Hegan, minus the expensive price tag. Porter Streets Bags is a very small Etsy shop, each bag personally handmade by Mr. Ondrusek in his own Boston apartment. These are sentimental bags individually made by someone who cares. Follow the jump for the story on Porter Street Bags, Mr. Ondrusek, and the handmade waxed cotton duffle bag.
Nothing big, just a little taste of what I’ve been jamming to today.
1. Thom Yorke | “The Clock” — Classic Thom Yorke. Love the ambient elements.
2. Mickey Factz | “It’s OK” — Great chill song from up-and-coming rapper Mickey Factz.
3. Jay-Z | “So Ambitious” — The saving grace from Jay’s underwhelming Blueprint 3. Leave it to Pharrell to save the day.
