I spent last night at the Johnson Public House in Madison, Wisconsin, trying to get some writing done. I was stuck.
Espresso. Still stuck. Sparkling water. Still stuck. A few 3 Floyds wheat ales. Still stuck.
All the while, this wonderfully ginormous painting by Natalie Jo Wright was staring down at me.
Sadly, in my case anyway, nothing happened.
But today will be different. Any moment...
If you occasionally like your art on the clever side, and yes, I occasionally like my art on the clever side, then the work of Francesco Vullo is worth a look.
The 22-year old Italian digital artist was featured recently in The Creators Project where he said: "My work is strongly influenced by events and contemporary culture and has many ironic nuances and messages of social criticism. I try to reveal irreverent visions of today’s world remixing classic paintings, objects or known personalities with ironic elements and show the negative side of social networks, politics, industry, and commerce."
Yup. I'd say that's exactly what he does. Here's a quick look at some of his work. His insta is definitely worth a follow. And his site is here.
This short but awesome animation, especially today, is bittersweet. But more sweet than bitter. (Yes, I realize I kind of quoted Big Head Todd & the Monsters there.)
Let's remember, always, the power of one voice in the room.
I've been bouncing around the country the past few weeks for work reasons. Starting to feel the miles.
But then, when I needed it most, I stumbled into Nahko Bear playing solo, just him and his acoustic guitar. In the middle of a tradeshow of all places. Sometimes life looks out for you like that.
This song is called 7 Feathers. It's always been a favorite.
Here's a glimpse at how he does it. Not a tube of super glue in sight.
Yesterday Charlie Parr played a lunchtime gig in our office. If you're familiar with Charlie Parr, you know how cool that is because Charlie Parr is freaking fantastic. I'm going write about Charlie another day when I have the time to do it right.
For now, I just wanted to share a handwritten sticker that he had on his guitar case. The line is from a 1941 Almanac Singers song called Talking Union. The Almanac Singers included Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie and goddamn that's a good line.
Justin Vernon mentioned this Stevie Nicks video in an interview I read recently. He sampled her vocal, straight from the video, for the latest Bon Iver album. He said it's his favorite YouTube video of all time, and I'll be damned if I'm not coming around to that same opinion.
It's Stevie casually singing Wild Heart while having her makeup done for a Rolling Stone cover shoot. I'm guessing the video was shot sometime in August 1981.
She sings like a bird here. Gliding and effortless and free.
Well here is something I haven't seen before. One day Colorado native Tim Linhart was in the mountains when he decided to carve an upright string bass made of ice. He loved the sound and went on to form Ice Music, a winter concert series in Sweden. The music is quite beautiful as are Tim's observations about human connection to water, frozen or otherwise.
You can learn more about the concert series here.
As for this particular video, it's part of the Buck The Cubicle series which is about people who find inspiration in their decidedly offbeat occupations.
The Shining Star of Losers Everywhere is a documentary about a racehorse. If you have absolutely no interest in documentaries about race horses, then this is the documentary about a race horse for you.
It definitely caught me off guard in a wonderful way. I know 18 minutes is a freaking life time these days, but it's worth a watch.
I've been on a bit of a tropicalia kick this summer. Gilberto Gil and all them guys. Although some of the music is pushing 50 years old, to my ear it sounds as fresh as ever. Perfect summer vibes that, unfortunately, don't make it onto too many summer playlists. Banished in favor of those two Zac Brown songs, the Marley Legend album, and It's 5:00 Somewhere.
But here comes Prince Paul and his Afro-Brazilian collective BROOKZILL! Prince Paul, one of my favorite producers of all time (De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising, etc.), has teamed up with Brazilian MC Rodrigo Brandao, Ladybug (from Digable Planets) and fellow Brooklyn-based producer Don Newkirk. PP's always been an eclectic dude, and it looks like he'll be bringing that sensibility to this project.
The album won't be out until October, but they're releasing three mix tapes in the meantime. The first, below, is inspired by Rodrigo. I'll post the others as they're released I have no idea how this will compare to the actual album, but I dig it.
Sao Paulo, Brazil MC Rodrigo Brandão
Bring Limes is dedicated to beaches, bonfires, vagabonds, and doing what you love.
