Brixton hats

I had a great stumble upon moment about a year ago in San Diego. My brother had recently moved so he and I drove his car from KC to SD. I spent an afternoon in La Jolla and stopped in a local boutique. There on the hat rack was a fantastic hat, by Brixton. I picked it up and then couldn't take it off for about a week.

This happenstance started my love with Brixton hats. Started in 2004 by three southern California friends Brixton blends traditional and modern together brilliantly. Not to mention that the quality and detail is fantastic, especially for the price. My current favorite is the straw castor in natural, with a great silk lining, it's becoming my summer hat for sure. (you can buy Brixton hats on their website or just google it.)

I know what you're saying, "I can't pull that off", and I said the same thing. This is a look for everyone, that includes you girls. It's refined but masculine, old but new, dressy but casual. I'll even give you a styling tip, wear it with a simple fitted button down shirt or t-shirt, and jeans. My advice is keep it simple. Then wear the hat with the front of your hair line showing. I promise you'll look effortlessly cool. As with anything, you look good when you feel good, so love what you wear.

dc

Bringin Back the Pager

Last March, Daniel and I made a trip to Chicago to catch a Clipse show.  Not to brag, but we were first in line at the show, stood right up against the stage, and got mad love from Pusha and Malice.  That night was, unknowingly, our first encounter with The Cool Kids.  At the back of the stage, quietly taking it all in was Mikey Rocks.  It's true, he's cool.  Actually, we saw him roll up and go into the show while we were standing in line and thought, "Who's that?"  I'll bet Daniel could even remember what he was wearing - skinny jeans, dunks, and a leather hoodie I think, with a Bulls flat bill...I may be a little off.

The Cool Kids represent the next wave of hip-hop.  Young.  Intelligent.  Creative.  In some ways, they're a blast from the past, but in most ways they're brand new.  Their Bake Sale EP, which just came out on iTunes today (in stores in June), is going to be my summer jam.  Have fun.  Listen to The Cool Kids.  Or just do what you want, because it's cool to be yourself.

- Joel

Black Mags

All I Wanna Do Is Ride Around Shining...

People ride around in a black car and play acoustic versions of their songs.  What a fun idea!  Check it out.  If it's good enough for Ben Gibbard, Brit Daniel (Spoon), and A.C. Newman (New Pornographers), it's good enough for me.

The videos on this site take a while to load.  Don't worry, it's not your computer.  

Black Cab Sessions

Originality

Which version of The Office is better, English or American?  I've participated in this debate recently.  It's hard to argue that anything but the original is best.  This goes for a lot of things - Beatles songs, the movie Home Alone, Apple's operating system (which Microsoft ripped off and called Windows), Borat's character on Da Ali G show, etc.  According to this sketch from last night's SNL, both versions of The Office ripped off ideas from someone else.

Last night's Saturday Night Live was, in my opinion, the funniest since Justin Timberlake hosted two Christmases ago.  Steve Carrell's opening monologue had me laughing out loud.  Speaking of J.T., there used to be a big debate over who was cooler, Timberlake or Usher.  It's no longer a valid debate - Usher is now strange and awkward.  His performances last night were completely uncomfortable to watch.

- Joel

Here's another recent SNL Digital short that I found pretty funny.

Do you need backup?

I bought a MacBook today. I can't tell you how exciting it is to walk out of the Apple store with a product in hand. This has only happened twice in my entire life (once was getting an iPhone a month ago and the second was today). Props to my friend Cassie for the moral support throughout all the excitement.

A few thoughts for today...Death Cab For Cutie will never top Transatlanticism. That album, in my opinion, should be considered one of the all time great independent records. I'm done comparing Death Cab's subsequent work to Transatlanticism. (Also, We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes is a great record) Instead, I'm taking their music at face value. And I really like the song "Bixby Canyon Bridge" off of the new album.

Second thought, Kanye's new Nike shoes are nuts. I will most likely buy a pair when they come out. Below is a picture of the shoes. Kanye is completely obsessed with himself, but he is definitely one of the more creative minds in the pop world right now.

Finally, I've started watching How I Met Your Mother on DVD. It's really funny.

- Joel

Remix

A couple remixes to check out. These are just links to other places to listen to these tracks.

- Joel

Lollipop (Remix) - Lil' Wayne feat. Kanye West

Everyone NOSE (Remix) - N.E.R.D. feat. Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, & Pusha T

Drivin' Down the Block (Remix) - Kidz in the Hall feat. Bun B, Pusha T, & The Cool Kids

Shipley & Halmos

I never thought I would ever say this, but I can barely stop wearing khakis. Everyday I feel like I have to pry myself away from slipping on those tan colored pants and it's thanks to two men. Sam Shipley and Jeff Halmos are co-creators of the appropriately named Shipley & Halmos. Shipley and Halmos aren't new to the industry though, they're two of the creators of what is becoming a super line Trovata.

Spring 2008 Shipley hit stores with a more refined quirkiness than the former Torvata, and for me the signature piece is the khaki. Even a few months ago Khaki was a swear word in my world of raw denim but spring has seen the rebirth of casual preppy. These aren't your dad's pants though, with the perfect slim cut, white salvage hem, and slight wax coating. They defy the mainstream ideas of the chino.

So, here I am out of the khaki closet...my name is Daniel and I love my Shipley & Halmos Khaki pants.

dc

Ode to Booker T.

Here's a rhyme for you, will you hear it?

Pay attention to Miss E until the year ends.

Don't be lazy, keep the flow keep the hustle

put some meat on that blog, give it muscles.

Keep it comin', yeah keep it real

Or do like Pusha says and keep it trill.

The trillest has got four hummers wrapped round his neck,

Booker T.'s the same, so I show respect.

Always holla at ya photo whether in high school or college,

and remember if you want power you gotta have knowledge.

F-F-F-Fresh (that's for Ali G)

Check out Booker T's photo blog here.

Lars and the Real Girl

Please watch Lars and the Real Girl. I never made it to see the movie in theaters but bought the DVD by recommendation of Daniel. It has now become one of my favorites. Ryan Gosling is the best actor no one knows about. Ok, people know who Gosling is because of his role in The Notebook, but he is racking up quite a resume. According to Daniel, and I would have to agree, Ryan Gosling is the best actor of our generation. Please watch this movie.

- Joel

Trailer:

Pro Bono Pro Bongo?

When Daniel and I were roommates, we were one of the first people to have Tivo.  Actually, Daniel got Tivo and I reaped the benefits.  We happened to record a show called "John Mayer Has a TV Show" on VH1.  Take a look.  It's an all-time classic...plus it reminds me of one of the funnest years of my entire life.  Daniel and I have lots of stories from that year.  Below is the show.  YouTube has it broken into two parts, but it's really just one episode.  Check it out.

Part 1:

Part 2:

The Republic Tigers

Want to impress your friends?  Ask them if they've heard of The Republic Tigers.  Most likely, they haven't.   Maybe they have if they like local, Kansas City, indie pop.  But how many people look to KC as a breeding ground for indie popsters?  Not many.  The Republic Tigers just came out with an album called "Keep Color."  I've known about them for awhile but could never find their EP in any stores.  Now they've released a full length and I think it deserves attention.  Their first single is called "Buildings & Mountains" but my favorite song (I don't even have the album yet so it's my favorite song of the few that I've heard off the album) is "Made Concrete."  You can find it on iTunes.  Check them out.

- Joel

Buildings & Mountains video:

Get Familiar!

The Bait Shop has been in hibernation for the winter.  Neither Daniel or myself have put much time into the blog.  But we're back.  It's time to strike up the chorus that is "the things we like."  Maybe you'll like the melody and sing along.  There are things we like that we think are worthy of the attention of others.

Opening Thought

I DVR American Idol every week but haven't watch an episode in more than a month.  If David Archuleta wins, is there any doubt that his short career with consist of guest appearances on Nickelodeon and a role as minor character on High School Musical 4?  

What To Buy

Nothing is more worthy of your economic stimulus money than an iPhone.  If AT&T/Cingular is your service provider, get to the Apple store the same day you get your check in the mail.

What to Watch

LOST - the most important show on television right now.  We live in a world dedicated to participation.  LOST can only truly be appreciated by a steady, intensifying obsession.  Do yourself a favor and watch Seasons 1-3 on DVD this summer, Season 4 when it is released in the Fall, and set your Tivo to record and save every episode from now on.

What to Read

I've always been into old, well-respected novels.  These are the two I've read lately.

Harper Lee - To Kill A Mockingbird - my all-time favorite book

Truman Capote - In Cold Blood - a well articulated, true story of murder in small-town Kansas

What to Listen To

I can't figure out how to actually load songs onto the blog so each one is linked to a Myspace page or music video.

The Dodos - "Fools"

Cut Copy - "Lights & Music"

The Cool Kids - "Black Mags"

Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown - "No Air" - I don't care if this is on the radio once an hour.  It's one of my jams right now.  Normally I'm not one to get into American Idol Stars

Upcoming Albums Releases

Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs 

Everyone's favorite "no-longer indie" band drops their second major label release; out May 13th (or you can just listen to one of the many radio stations around the country and their "exclusive" preview of the album this weekend)

Cool Kids - Bake Sale EP

The long awaited EP from the Chicago duo; out on iTunes May 20th and in stores June 10th

Mates of State - Re-Arrange Us

Indie-darlings, husband/wife, originally from Lawrence, KS, this will be a fun record; out on May 20th

- Joel

The Scout

If you live in Kansas City (or you have ever watched a Kansas City sporting event), you probably recognize the view of downtown from the base of the Scout Monument, located in Penn Valley Park just south of downtown. Yesterday I decided that the Scout is my favorite place in all of Kansas City. The Scout represents a Sioux on horseback returning from a hunting trip. It was conceived in 1915 by Cyrus E. Dallin for the Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, where it won a gold medal. Originally, it was headed to another location to be installed, but scheduled a brief stop in K.C. On its way back east, the statue was exhibited on a temporary basis in Penn Valley Park. The statue was so well received that $15,000 was raised in nickels and dimes through a campaign called The Kids of Kansas City. The statue was dedicated in 1922 as a permanent memorial to local Indian tribes. The limestone base is 8 feet 8 inches tall. The sculpture itself is larger than life -- 10 feet 3 inches tall -- and weighs 13/4 tons.

Our city is the most beautiful city in the whole world, and the view from the Scout is the best vantage point from which to view the city. I took the above picture back in May on a "field trip" around Kansas City with my youngest brother and cousin. That's another thing I recommend - a trip around town to visit some of the famous and historic sites our city has to offer. This blog is about things we like. Kansas City is something I like (or love). The Scout, and its place in the park, is something I love as well. Visit The Scout, or just give him a salute as you drive by on I-35.

- Joel

2007's Best Albums (According to Joel)

Before I begin, I must preface my list with a little explanation. I consider myself an avid fan of all types of music. I try to give most everything a chance. I read Pitchfork's website a lot, so my taste may slant that direction at times. I also love rap music, so I'm always trying to find the next album to rival "Hell Hath No Fury" (see previous post). Yet at the same time, I'm so fickle when it comes to music. I'm moody. I listen to music according to the mood I'm in. Music has to hit me at the right time, or I cast it aside. I've tried hard to catch up on the "big" albums of the year (according to everyone else) here at the end of the year to give my top 10 list credence. But all this catching up has worn me out. So here's what's not on my list that others may think was absolutely incredible:

Lil' Wayne - Da Drought 3 - For some reason, as hard as I tried, I couldn't get into this. I don't think I've given it enough of a chance.
M.I.A. - Kala - Other than "Paper Planes", there was no song I really wanted to listen to again. In three months I'll probably love this album, but not right now.
Burial - Untrue - I received this album for Christmas but haven't had enough time to get a good feel for it. At first listen, it's a little too inaccessible.
Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? - Their lead singer is so weird. I like the music, but his naked show in Las Vegas turned me off to this album.
The Field - From Here We Go Sublime - I bought this album expecting it to be good, but, in my opinion, it didn't live up to the hype it got from Pitchfork and others.

Also, I was really looking forward to two albums in particular this year: Bloc Party and The Shins. They both really disappointed me.

Here is my list of the best albums of the year:

1. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver - James Murphy is the coolest guy of 2007. This album is sick. It's the album of the year on so many levels. I have had more fun listening to this album than anything else this year. That's really what music is all about, isn't it?
2. Panda Bear - Person Pitch - If the Beach Boys were indie and still made music today, they would have made this album. "Person Pitch" has a unique sound, and that's what makes it so great. "Comfy in Nautica" is probably my favorite song of the year.
3. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - This is Spoon's best album. It seems to be constructed so simply. Maybe that's why it is so good.
4. Radiohead - In Rainbows - Over the past 3 weeks, this album has grown on me. I really think it deserves a spot in anyone's top 5. Plus, Radiohead let the customer pay whatever they wanted for the music and still made more money than had they signed with a major label. That's legit.
5. Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block - This album was actually released internationally in 2006, but it didn't drop in the U.S. until 2007. I'm counting it as a 2007 album.
6. Kanye West - Graduation - This is another album that grew on me. The Graduate Mixtape may be better than the album, but I appreciate the honesty Kanye brings to his music. I'm guessing, after the death of his mother, Kanye's next album will be his best. Rap music is at its best when it conveys raw emotion.
7. Feist - The Reminder - A lot indie fans are down on Feist because the iPod commercials have garnered her a lot of "un-indie fans." I agree, a lot of people say they "love" Feist but couldn't tell you her first name (it's Leslie) or name a song other than "1 2 3 4." Yet, Feist's vocals are probably my favorite of anyone right now. I really do love this album.
8. Ben Rector - Twenty Tomorrow - Not many people outside of Fayetteville, AR or the Kanakuk world will have heard of Ben. I think his music is catchy. I've probably listened to this album more than anything else this year. "Disarm" is a legit track.
9. Jay-Z - American Gangster - Jay-Z flopped in "Kingdom Come" which made me skeptical of this album. "American Gangster" put him back on the map (not that he was ever off the map with his involvement in Def Jam, 40/40, and the New Jersey Nets). He's getting older, but this album is reminiscent of his glory days. He's still no Pusha.
10. Band of Horses - Cease to Begin - Musically, there are probably a lot of other albums better than "Cease to Begin." But for some reason, I identify with Band of Horses. This album isn't as good as their first album, but I still listened to this album on repeat for a long time.

One more thing - the end of 2007 found me listening to a lot of mixtapes. These aren't all new, but check out these mixtapes:
Kanye West - Can't Tell Me Nothing Mixtape Kanye West - The Graduate Mixtape
Lupe Fiasco - listen to all three volumes of the Fahrenheit 1/15 mixtapes
Clipse - We Got It For Cheap Volume 2
Lil' Wayne - Da Drought 3
Danger Mouse (The Beatles/Jay-Z) - The Grey Album - yeah, it's old but I listened to it the other day and was once again blown away.

STCK UP

I'm currently obsessed with a new T-shirt line out of Kansas City called STCK UP (Pronounced Stack up). It's designed and basically entirely made by 19 year old Ian Flowers. Right now it's exclusively at Standard Style Boutique. These tees are legit, and I don't say that about many new lines. My favorite is the MAKE MNEY tee, there's just something about the mixture of florescent colors with a hip-hop phrase and the missing O. The screens are awesome, fit is great, overall a great new line...check it out and STCK UP.

daniel

The Nutcracker

Tonight I went to see The Nutcracker Ballet at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, TX. I was skeptical going in, but I must say this: everyone should see The Nutcracker at least once in their lifetime. It was certainly an experience. The dancers were nimble and impressive. Ballet really is an art. But actually, I most enjoyed the music. The ballet was good too, but I would have enjoyed simply listening to the musicians just as much. For some reason, it made me think of Sigur Ros and the strings on their Takk album. Very enjoyable. Also, if you're in Fort Worth for an extended period of time, check out Bass Performance Hall. It is absolutely beautiful and a great place for entertainment.

That's all.

- Joel

I just finished reading "The Tipping Point" by Malcom Gladwell today. I have tried unsuccessfully twice before to finish the book, and I completed the task today. The third time truly is a charm. Here's my quick and dirty review of the book (and Malcom Gladwell in general):

I like it. I've read both "The Tipping Point" and "Blink" by Gladwell and came away thinking the same thing after both reads. Gladwell's overarching points in both books are very accurate and useful. In "The Tipping Point" he argues that little things often make a big difference in terms of trends and epidemics. If we reorder our thinking, we can often have profound effects or see significant improvements as a result of incremental (aka small) change. Gladwell argues there are certain aspects of people, messages, and context that have can lead to epidemic-type effects. I agree.

This is where I get frustrated with Gladwell. His books are like stepping up to a smorgasbord of research. Gladwell references research from social scientists, psychologist, biologists, etc. etc. etc. However, I find the research sometimes takes away from his arguments. He tries too hard to manipulate the research to prove a point and often extends the researchers' conclusions out of context. Often I found myself thinking, "Malcom, you didn't have to go there." He bends the research too far to fit what he is trying to say. So even though his broad points are excellent, his "out-of-context-research-support" leaves the specifics of those points a little messy.

So, "The Tipping Point" - good book. It makes you think. It's overall message can be practical regardless of your industry or point of view. Don't get too caught up in the research. Look at the book with a critical eye, form your own conclusions, and you'll enjoy the read.

By the way, I'd consider myself a Translator and Daniel an Innovator. We make a good team. Also, if you're interested, Gladwell has a blog at gladwell.com.

- Joel

4 8 15 1-18-08 16 23 42

I'm on JJ Abrams overload. I think my brain might explode with the combination of Lost Season 3 on DVD, Lost Season 4, The writers strike, and Cloverfield. It's to the point where I'm considering watching Alias and re watching Felicity (yes my wife and I own all four years)I need some new Abrams. I mean all the Cloverfield stuff is awesome but I need more than 4 minutes. Maybe I'll watch Felicity cut her ratings, I mean hair, off tomorrow just for kicks then go have some Dean and Deluca...who knows.

daniel

P.S. Speaking of shows I shouldn't like yet I love look for an upcoming OC themed post...possibly a Joel and Daniel Collabo who know.

Hot Chocolate and Hot Lines

This post is dedicated to two things that I like. First, Quik Trip hot chocolate. I could devote the entire post to relishing the majesty that each Quik Trip drink possesses, but I will refrain because that post could take years. That's how good Quik Trip drinks are. So today I will focus on one - hot chocolate. I'm not a coffee drinker, so Starbucks has a limited appeal to me. I only like their hot chocolate. Yet, I've noticed a rapid decline in Starbucks hot chocolate over the past few years. It isn't as thick as it used to be - too much water not enough chocolate. Plus, I don't want to pay $3 for hot chocolate. Enter Quik Trip. For $1.25 I can enjoy 24 ounces of hot chocolate heaven. If you can't drink that much, don't worry, they offer 20 oz. and 16 oz. sizes as well. So instead of going to Starbucks, paying $3, and requesting my drink "extra hot" just to insure it is warm, I'll go to Quik Trip and leave with a piping hot drink and a friendly "See ya later."

Thing #2 that I like: datpiff.com. I'll admit, I was a little late to the mixtape party, but I've become obsessed with rap mixtapes. This site is the place to go. They're all free, and you can find pretty much anything you could ever want. Right now I'm hooked on Lupe Fiasco (I still haven't gotten into Da Drought 3, sorry). Datpiff may perform the ultimate feat as well - getting my youngest brother into rap music. After hearing some of Lupe's mixtapes, he is finally warming to the notion that rap is worth his time. Check it out, datpiff.com, the best place to go when you're waiting for the next big album to come out. Plus, you can always find Lil' Wayne's mixtape of the week. By the way, I just saw Clinton Sparks, Mr. Get Familiar, on E! - totally not what I was expecting.

- Joel

Youth without Youth or really just without chili

This is the map of the central US right now, and you better believe Kansas City is about to get hit with a big ice storm, and I'm interested in what it's really going to look like. Here's what I do know, currently I'm on break eating chili I made the other night and it is fantastic.I loved almost everything about my childhood, except the chili. In my brain chili equals hearty, to my mom it meant more soupy. She didn't make it with the intention of it being hearty and it was runny, she really made a chili soup thing. I openly hated it and now that I'm an adult I make hearty chili.

I suppose of all the things I could have mid-twenties Garden State parentally induced angst about chili is one of the, if not the very, least severe. Here's to me hoping we don't lose power at our house tonight!!!

Daniel