Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Studio Soundtracks:
Black Magic
With the final days of summer drawing near, we’ve been noticing our closet and tunes taking a turn toward the dark side. To get you in the mood for the return of sweater weather, we rounded up the tracks we’ve been playing on repeat, from ’60s psychedelia to lo-fi perfection.
“Believer” by John Maus
“By far one of my favorite tracks from the last year. I’ve never heard anyone make an organ sound so dreamy, ethereal, and moody at once. If you’re not already hooked on John Maus, it might be time to change that.”
“Dark Pleasures” by DUST
“This awesome electro number sounds almost like it’s from an old Atari video game. Even cooler, the video features crazy visuals compiled from vintage horror films!”
“Marian” by The Sisters of Mercy
“An eternal favorite of ours, this song usually pops up when our producer is in charge of the studio playlist. It’s from the Sisters of Mercy’s debut album, First and Last and Always, and is kind of one of those definitive songs for your goth side.”
“Wicked Woman” by Coven
“This is a classic from the ’60s psychedelic band, Coven. Though they were known for their controversial music at the time, there’s no denying that they definitely know how to rock.”
“Fright Night” by Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti
“This is my favorite track off Ariel Pink’s album, Before Today. It’s a humorous, lo-fi track that’s perfect for a hot summer night. If you wanna amp it up a bit, give the remix by Dam Funk a listen. I like it almost as much as the original!”
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Studio Soundtracks:
Digital Underground
With one of our loudest vintage collections ever coming your way tomorrow, we thought it was only fitting to make a soundtrack for the 90′s club kid-inspired finds. So if you have a weakness for rainbows, black lights and Spice Girls, this one’s for you.
“Creature” by Kim Ann Foxman
“Kim Ann Foxman of Hercules and Love Affair released this amazing single a year or two ago. The video has some serious Nineties house beats, amazing vogue choreography, and don’t even get me started on the leather harness creations by one of my favorite bloggers-slash-designers, Zana Bayne.”
“3 A.M. Eternal” by KLF
“If you went out to a club in 1990, you probably didn’t go anywhere without hearing tracks from Black Box, Snap!, and one of my personal favorites…KLF! This is their 1991 hit, “3AM Eternal”, which is a sick mix of Nineties techno, house, hip hop, and R&B.”
“Take It All” by BLOK
“These guys have been dropping beats around LA clubs for awhile now. This single from their “Grow” EP is the perfect blend of hip hop, soulful melodies, and house. What else could you ask for in an after-hours track?”
“My Love Grows In The Dark” by SSION
“Okay okay, so the moment I heard this song I literally played it on repeat in our studio like a billion times. The video has a technicolor cast of club staples ranging from Kansas City to San Francisco. It has a groovy little beat that you can’t help but dance to!”
“Who Do You Think You Are?” by Spice Girls
“Last but not least, I had to throw in something from the fab five of the Nineties, the Spice Girls. I don’t know anyone who didn’t secretly love them back in the day, and still serve as style inspiration for the likes of Jeremy Scott and our newest vintage collection with Niki Takesh. GIRL POWER!”
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Studio Soundtracks:
Cali Love
Since our weekends have been filled with sun, sand, and scoping surfer babes lately, we thought it was only fitting to share some of our favorite tracks dedicated to California. From Joan Jett belting out a love letter to Hollywood to the strange adventures and lo-fi jams of Ariel Pink, this one’s for the Best Coast.
“Hollywood” by The Runaways
“I have an obsession with the music and style of the Seventies, and The Runaways nailed both. This is a track from their second album, Queens of Noise, and I think it perfectly embodies LA rock ‘n roll vibes to this day.”
“Life In LA” by Ariel Pink
“One of my favorite odes to our weird and wonderful city by Ariel Pink. Let’s just say it’s an anything but typical day in Beverly Hills.”
“Walking In LA” by Missing Persons
“This Eighties classic makes the truest statement ever – nobody walks in LA! I love finding videos of live performances because, like all of my favorite leading ladies, Dale Bozzio always wore the coolest stuff on stage!”
“Under The Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Red Hot Chili Peppers were my favorite band growing up, and nothing was better during those teen angsty moments than “Under The Bridge”. This video brings me back to the days where MTV actually played music videos.”
“California Love” by Tupac & Dr. Dre
“What would an ode to Cali be without a little “California Love”? It’s one of those songs will forever be able to bring a party back to life!”
Friday, July 20, 2012
Studio Soundtracks:
Around The World
This week’s soundtrack is jam-packed with some of our favorite beats from around the world to get you ready for the weekend. There’s something old, something new, something borrowed, and Nina Hagen is decked out in blue!
“Settle Down” by No Doubt
“If you grew up in the Nineties like me, you probably had a slight obsession with No Doubt. I’m stoked they decided to make a comeback with this new single, “Settle Down”. So what can we expect from our favorite Orange County kids? A blend of what they do best – ska, reggae and world beats.”
“Jan Pehechan-Ho” by Mohammed Rafi
“Keeping on the whole East-meets-West vibe is this amazing clip from the 1966 Bollywood film, Gumnaam. It was featured in one of the cult classic, Ghost World, and has a dance routine that rival Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”!”
“Bamboo Banga” by M.I.A.
“I’m sure everyone’s seen M.I.A.’s epic video for “Bad Girls”, but lately I’ve been bringin’ it back a little with one of my all-time M.I.A. favorites, “Bamboo Banga”. This track seriously builds up and breaks like no other, and is still one of my favorite dance floor bangers!”
“New York, New York” by Nina Hagen
“Our Creative Director mentioned Nina Hagen the other day, and I immediately had to watch this out-of-control video of hers from the Eighties. Her style is crazy in the best way possible, and her voice just as unique.”
“Holiday” by Madonna
“I had to end with this Madonna classic, because it’s summertime and I think were all in the mood for a little rest and relaxation. This video features some insane dance moves and some sweet monochromatic outfits!”
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Studio Soundtracks:
Let’s Disco
It’s definitely no secret that we have an undying love for all things disco, but today we’re taking a trip out of the Studio 54 era and into the Eighties, where the dance-ready tracks were infused with a little bit of punk and grit. Brace yourself – this isn’t your mama’s disco.