Beat Box: OK Go For It
So you’re sick of all your music and ready for some new tunes to rock out to? Have no fear, Culturcosm is here to rescue you from your funkless funk with the latest sounds from the music scene. Listen up.
What would our world be without YouTube? The internet’s most popular user-generated video site has spawned a new kind of hit parade. Aside from the nearly unrelenting supply of adorable (but also completely unnecessary) kitty videos, musicians have found a new outlet for fan manipulation. And it’s working. Remember “Single Ladies”— the marvel that launched a thousand copycats?
OK Go, aka the band that rocked the treadmill, created a record-breaking internet sensation for us in 2006 with a catchy song and cleverly-choreographed video. As expected, they’ve only just begun to wow us. They’ve enlisted the help of Syyn Labs to commemorate their new single “This Too Shall Pass” with one of the most elaborate Rube Goldberg experiments ever. Ok, now you’ve got our attention.
—Michael
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Beat Box: Poom, Let’s Go Back To My Room
So you’re sick of all your music and ready for some new tunes to rock out to? Have no fear, Culturcosm is here to rescue you from your funkless funk with the latest sounds from the music scene. Listen up.
Everyone appreciates a little nostalgia. Turning the clocks back helps us understand where we’ve been and informs where we’re going. And, if nothing else, we get a kick out of reliving our dependance on Aqua Net.
It’s no secret that we’ve had our time machines tuned to the ’60s for a while. From Mad Men-inspired capsule collections to the Oscar-nominated film “An Education,” we’ve all but resurrected the Mashed Potato. Enter “Rollercoaster,” the new single from French sensation Poom. Its playful arrangements of banjo, harmonica and keyboards combine the best of folk and electro/pop. And its video, a showcase for the best of 1960s style. Director Côme de Bouchony animated his stars into layouts from of-the-era French music magazine “Salut les copains.” Ya dig?
—Michael
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Fancy That: Gaga for Kitty-chan
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Michael fancies character reinvention and none seem to manage it quite as proficiently as the enigmatic shape-shifter Lady Gaga. No stranger to risky wardrobe choices and her affinity for Muppets, Gaga revels in her skillfully-orchestrated ex-club kid persona and proves that pop culture relevance is as closely tied to a playful appearance as it is to catchy tunes.
To mark the 35th anniversary of Hello Kitty or (as she’s known in Japan) Kitty-chan on November 1st, Lady Gaga posed as the Sanrio leading lady for celebri-photogs Markus Klinko & Indrani. She even got into character for a recent appearance on a morning talk show in Japan, where donning a bit of cosplay evidently ensures you unlimited pokes and prods from your band of interviewers.
Still debating how to dress this Halloween? Take a cue from Lady Gaga— go big and go glam.
Lady Gaga kicks off her world tour The Monster Ball in November. She performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on December 13th.
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Culturshock: a seismic event celebrating the best of Bay Area art & design
On November 5th, Culturcosm will host its first event benefiting its carefully-curated roster of local talent. Held at the acclaimed Space Gallery, the event will feature a bevy of independent artists and vendors showcased over a 2-level 1600 square foot venue, with full bar service.
Participating Artists include:
ReMade USA Handbags
Litter Jewelry
Kurt Manley Photography
Quando Belts by Genaro Vergoglini
Tomgirl Jewelry by Taryn McCabe
Cuong Ta Ceramics
Artwork by Hilary Williams
Artwork by John Wood
Vanessa Gade Jewelry
Spray Can Artworks by FuryOne
My Dutch Bike
Nate1 of New Skool
Shop our recommended best in Bay Area art and fashion, boogie down with DJ ExtraLars and marvel at surprise live entertainment planned throughout the evening.
Join us from 6 o’clock on and support the movers and shakers of the Bay Area!
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Beat Box: Sugar and Spite, That’s What GIRLS Are Made Of
So you’re sick of all your music and ready for some new tunes to rock out to? Have no fear, Taylor, our Bay Area woman on the beat is here to rescue you from your funkless funk with the latest sounds from the music scene. Listen up.
It’s not everyday that you hear something so totally new and yet so derivative and reminiscent of simpler times. Girls’ Christopher Owens and long-time band mate Chet ‘JR’ White have created a unique sound that balances beautifully somewhere between good pop music and gritty low-fi cool.
Their debut album Album sings of California beaches, the streets of San Francisco (where they met and consider home) and of course, love lost and found. They attack with vigor, and some sense of irony, themes that you and I have pondered our whole lives through, and it’s impossible not to find some solace and understanding in Owens’ sweet lyrics. ‘Hellhole Ratrace‘ begins as a slow almost Beach Boy-ish ballad that ultimately ends as a balls-to-the-wall hipster anthem that exclaims “I don’t wanna cry/my whole life through/yeah I wanna do some laughin’ too/so come on, come on, come on, come on and dance with me.” Owens goes on to sing “I don’t want to die without shaking up a leg or two/I wanna do some dancin’ too.” Call it a case of impeccable timing but damn, the first time it played I felt as though Owens was reading my mind.
I suppose the true testament starts and ends in my truck, which has become my travelling music reviewer’s laboratory. Honestly, I haven’t hit the eject button once since inserting Album into my awesome Chevy sound system, over a week ago. I can’t help it, I keep hearing new nuggets and gems worth savoring and something about Album makes being on the California road feel like the best place on earth to be! In fact, I’ve nearly overshot work twice now on purpose just to hear the song go on…
Girls is playing at Bottom of the Hill on November 21st. You’d be a fool to miss it.
—Taylor
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Beat Box: The Smaller The Better
So you’re sick of all your music and ready for some new tunes to rock out to? Have no fear, Taylor, our Bay Area woman on the beat is here to rescue you from your funkless funk with the latest sounds from the music scene. Listen up.
It’s safe to say that when it comes to the stage, size DOESN’T matter. And as this month’s SF Outside Lands approaches, no truer words have been spoken.
The anguish I felt when it was announced that The Beastie Boys would no longer be the closing night headliners was compounded by the supremely disappointing news that Tenacious D would be their replacement. Say wha?? But as is often the case with large music festivals it’s really not about the so-called big names but rather the lesser known and equally (if not more) talented little guys. Listen up people, this festival will not disappoint—just remember, the smaller stages are the place to be. Take a gander at a couple of next weekend’s little gems as you prepare to get your groove on, HUGE!
What can I say about The Duke Spirit? Well, you best believe I’ll be leaving work early to make sure I don’t miss their Friday afternoon set. My desk chair will be spinning as I hotfoot it out of the office and race to the sounds of Leila Moss and her talented supporting fellows. Think Pixies meets Sonic Youth and you sort of get the idea. T.G.I.F. indeed!
Saturday, is a slightly mellower affair. I’m not going to lie, when I first reviewed Saturday’s line-up I kind of wanted to put my 3-day ticket back up for sale. I just wasn’t feeling it. Some time having passed and a bit more MySpace research done, Saturday’s now the day I’m most pumped about. Here’s one of many reasons why…
The tall trees and endless sky surrounding Golden Gate Park create a perfect stage for the ethereal Natasha Khan of Bat for Lashes. Her song ‘What’s a Girl to do?’ has long been one of this girl’s go-to ditties. Her music is both haunting and extremely comforting at the same time. With the April release of her second album ‘Two Suns’ one can only feel like she’s just getting started and man does she have my ear.
Whether you’re into the big-stage headliners or you’re an indie-loving equal opportunity listener, this year’s SF Outside Lands is sure to sing to you, so don’t miss out!
—Taylor
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Beat Box: The Dead Weather
So you’re sick of all your music and ready for some new tunes to rock out to? Have no fear, Taylor, our Bay Area woman on the beat is here to rescue you from your funkless funk with the latest sounds from the music scene. Listen up.
“You know when a bear comes out from behind a tree and does two swift collection pulls towards itself…swoosh, swoosh?!?! You know what I’m talking about.”
–Jack White describing the sound of his new band for a perfectly quirky video interview The Dead Weather: Their Oral History and Future Plans.
Let me tell you, brothers and sisters, Mr. White’s intriguing description is spot on. Horehound, released on July 14th, is a study in gritty and sometimes fierce independent rock. The songs ferociously assert themselves, no excuses.
This surely comes as no surprise to anyone who has followed the individual members of The Dead Weather in their additional musical pursuits: Alison Mosshart (vocals/guitar) of The Kills; Jack Lawrence (bass/drums) of The Raconteurs; Dean Ferita (guitar/piano) of The Raconteurs and Queens of the Stone Age; and of course, Jack White (vocals/drums) of The White Stripes and The Raconteurs.
One thing’s clear, these fellows can attack a song and beat it until it’s cool. They obviously found their muse in Alison Mosshart who manages to make her raspy, cigarette smoking voice sound downright healthy. Bottom line, the whole thing works. Although a couple of songs get a bit severe for this girl, I’m better off for having listened and I look forward to hearing more.
Catch The Dead Weather live, Sunday August 30th, in Golden Gate Park at SF Outside Lands, along with Band of Horses, Matt & Kim, M.I.A., Modest Mouse, and many more artists you love (or love to hate). Advance single-day tickets are still available for a mere $89.50.
—Taylor
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Taylor’s got the beat
Culturcosm has always marched to the beat of its own drum. Our new raving reporter and jam jockey Taylor Davis will prove that we have the rhythm to back it up.
Lover of music and all things live, Taylor is the Bay Area’s woman on the beat. Her eclectic taste forms a unique sound spectrum—equal parts indie, hip-hop,
and electronica.
She discovered the seduction of salsa while studying in Venezuela, and Steely Dan or The Rolling Stones still remind her of sitting on the bathroom counter, watching her mom do her hair. Now she can be found wherever funky things play.
Find your groove with Taylor starting this Thursday!
Fancy That: The Noisettes
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Michael fancies the infectiously danceable pop of The Noisettes. The London-based trio, originally imagined as an indie rock group, burst onto the music scene earlier this year with a fresh new sound that’s shot them to the top of the UK charts. Their nouveau Motown styling on singles “Never Forget You” and “Wild Young Hearts” delights, but it’s “Don’t Upset the Rhythm” that’s fast becoming the most likely summer anthem of 2009.
Singer and bassist Shingai Shoniwa defines The Noisettes appeal. And much like another famous chanteuse from across the pond with whom her voice bears comparison, Shingai has found her signature in her hair. Could the heart-shaped afro be the new faux hawk? Only time will tell.
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Fancy That: King of Popping Hot Jackets
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Sara fancies adidas Orignals LD 80s windbreaker for men. Guess why. Perhaps because it channels 1983 and the video that helped launch MTV and the world of pop/rock/hip-hop/R&B music and culture as we know it; one of the best-selling singles of all time, and the song that defines my memory of Michael Jackson in his brilliant, innovative glory—Beat It.
Sure, you can snag a vintage replica of the red leather you remember, complete with metallic mesh panels, on eBay for $2,000. But adidas was an iconic brand back when the father of the moonwalk, the god of a new generation of Top 40 artists, was born. If there’s a jacket that has the magic to inspire moves like MJ, this has to be it. You know it’s bad.
The world has lost one of its greatest loves, but his music and his style will never be defeated. Rest in Peace Michael.
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About
Culturcosm is your online authority on the climate of trend throughout the Bay Area. Your roving reporters are taking to the streets and chasing down the real story. Be it stormy or serene, torrid or just plain tragic, we will break it down before you hit it up. Stay tuned. There's a new trend breaking every minute.
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General Inquiriesinfo@culturcosm.com
Michael, founder / editor-in-chiefmichael@culturcosm.com
Kay, founder / contributing editorkay@culturcosm.com
Sara, trendcaster / managing editorsara@culturcosm.com
Heather, social commentatorheather@culturcosm.com
Taylor, music trendcastertaylor@culturcosm.com
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