It's the most simple ideas that are usually the most genius. While this isn't the most simplistic idea ever, it's definitely one that takes something very simple -- scent -- and throws a curve ball with it.

"Wode, the revolutionary Art Fragrance from BOUDICCA, explores further the myth around Queen Boudicca (aka Boadicea). Legend has it she and her tribe wore a cobalt blue war paint on their skin that gave them a ferocious and mythical look when advancing into battle. When finally defeated by the Romans, Queen Boadicea killed herself by swallowing hemlock, an extract of which is included in Wode."

"When Wode is sprayed a vibrant cobalt blue mist appears and settles on the skin or clothing. Whether touched or not, the Wode paint begins to fade and within seconds or minutes disappears completely leaving only the scent behind."

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While they're very big in Japan, Graniph isn't a household name in the US yet. It's my goal to change that right here, right now.

Based out of Tokyo, Graniph is a t-shirt company that works in collaboration with artists from around the world in producing cool, high quality, affordable t-shirts. I'd compare it to a US retailer, but there aren't any I know of that use the model that Graniph uses. With nearly 100 stores in Japan and a handful elsewhere -- Australia, Taiwan, Australia, and Singapore -- Graniph in a force to reckon with. Find a store here.

Checkout the list of artists who design tees for them.

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Just so you know: I haven't picked last week's winners yet, as my computer crashed over the weekend and my data is sitting on a computer at the repair shop waiting for me to get it this weekend. In the interim, please checkout this week's giveaway.

While lounging on custom made denims settees listening to the indiest of indie bands at the Fader Fort last week, my good friends from Levi's and I chatted about my affinity for the 514's, which they were cool enough to give me 2 pairs of ($54 retail value each) to give away this week. * They gave me three pairs actually, but Graham The Super Intern gets a pair for all his hard work.

If you're not familiar with the 514, it's the new slim cut style by Levi's -- not to be confused with skinny jeans -- with a straight leg that I won't shut up about. Classic Levi's style with the perfect modern twist that allows it to compete with jeans that cost $200+. Since I found the 514's last Spring, I'd never pay that much for jeans again. At $54, you can buy 4 pairs for the price of 1 pair of premiums and have some money left over to get yourself a pair of Vans.

Click here for your chance to win.

Art lovers mark your calendars: Deitch has a show coming up entitled Down, featuring the work of LA native New York-based painter Kehinde Wiley, that opens 11.01 and runs through 12.20.08.

"This exhibition consists of four new large-scale paintings. Initially inspired by Holbein's painting The Dead Christ In The Tomb as well as historical paintings and sculptures of fallen warriors and figures in the state of repose, Wiley has created an unsettling series of prone bodies -- some a product of the ravages of war, some contorted into erotic revelry, while others embody the majesty and severity of entombed Saints. Epic in nature, Down, is Wiley's most ambitious series to date. These figurative paintings, which extend up to 25 feet in length, have grandeur and gravity seldom seen in contemporary art." Checkout the full press release for the show here.

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For some reason, art relating to drugs never gets old, especially when it comes to cocaine. There's just something about that white powder that continues to fascinate me, except the actual powder that is.

If you haven't checked out Other Criteria, the website and recently opened store (36 Bond Street, London) owned by Damien Hirst, do so now. There are some really hot editions and prints that I'd love to own, including a customized version of Snowblind: A brief career in the cocaine trade, a semi-autobiographical novel about the life of Zacharie Swan written by American author Robert Sabbag in 1976.

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The site is back! I learned my lesson on Sunday downloading a crack for Flash: don't download illegal stuff ever ever ever.

On to more important things: Wu Tang plays Hammerstein Ballroom two days before Christmas. Ticketmaster explicitly states "There is an 8 ticket limit per person.". I think that means it's going to sell out.

Except ODB, one of the founding members of Wu Tang, all 9 MCs are alive and kicking. I'm not sure if they all show up at every show,but I'm guessing for their hometown, they're going to pull out the punches. It's sure to be a crazy fun experience.

Before researching Wu Tang, I thought I knew what these guys were about, but I've realized I didn't know much at all.

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At a time when people are uncertain about everything money related, covering Rick Owens' DRKSHDW line might seem a bit out of touch, but in the true spirit of frugality, it's always best to get 1 or 2 quality pieces that will last more than 1 season. In that respect, DRKSHDW fits the bill perfectly.

Unlike other pieces I've seen from the collection, which will date quickly, the pieces that have just arrived at Oak (click here for women's and here for men's) will definitely carry you through next spring and fall. The colors: black, black, black, and a few pieces in charcoal. In addition to the fact that black never goes out of style, it's also the perfect pre-Depression wardrobe color to stock up on.

The cuts are super slim, which is de rigeur for Owens, so be careful if buying online. The fabrics (distressed and overdyed) and the treatments (coated cotton and slightly tattered) are done to perfection.

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When times get tough, the tough go to the movies!

With the craziness going on in the world right now, I think it's time to hark back to more simple days. Days when having a possessed baby could be scary.

Film Forum's showing Roman Polanski's Rosemary's Baby for 1 week beginning 10.31 and running through 11.06.08. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the classic horror flick that stars a very young Mia Farrow and the one and only John Cassavettes.

"Despite their fab new Upper West Side apartment in the venerable Dakota, nice kid Mia Farrow's career-obsessed actor husband John Cassavetes is still looking for that big break. But then a Broadway lead looms when the star mysteriously goes blind, and Farrow gets in the family way after an evening of wild love-making — but wait...was that hubby, or some sort of horned beast?" Read the full synopsis and get show times here. Don't forget to checkout this 2003 NY Times review of the film and get your tickets online now!

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There's a new home magazine out called Apartamento that fills a much-needed void in the world of home interiors.

"Apartamento is a new international editorial project dedicated to the world of interiors, born to tell the story of personal experiences and lifes through the spaces where we live and work. Everyday stories, seen without the usual masks of look-a-like interiors perfect to the millimeter, because in real life the variables are infinite and unpredictable, since every environment has got its own dynamics and peculiarities that make it special."

Unlike every other magazine of that genre, these folks show the real spaces that people like you and me live in day in and day out. So simple, yet so genius.

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In covering the Comme des Garcons Printed Matter exhibit at Dover Street Market last week, I was introduced to the work of Argentinian art collective Mondongo, and in the interim have become slightly obsessed.

"Mondongo emerges onto the Argentine art scene amidst the splatter of cultural alternatives and proves to be one of the more positive results of the recent crisis. They espouse a group aesthetic, working closely; almost incestuously, together; sharing ideas, playing with them, pushing them around, abandoning them, and then putting into practice whatever passes the test – literally a three-pronged test that satisfies their intellectual concerns with regards the history of the medium of painting and the production of images in a society such as our own."

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One of our favorite stores in the world--super cool Miami store BASE--has hooked up this.hearts.on.fire. once again with their Album Club Picks. The picks are a very well-curated set of some of the sexiest, coolest music anywhere. I love it because it's so different from my usual taste and always introduces me to new artists that I would not have heard otherwise. You can listen to samples and buy each album by clicking on the links below.

10. STOLEN FROM STRANGERS (JUN MIYAKE) / Tokyo-native Jun Miyake's new Cd, Stolen from Strangers is gorgeous, melodic, whimsical, and a must-hear from start to finish, mixing all styles and genres, from French lounge to Brazilian samba.

9. BETO VILLARES / Sao Paolo's Beto Villares's debut album is a thoroughly modern and futuristic take on Brazil's rich musical past, with a great collection of well thought out, and beautifully crafted songs.

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LA-based clothing line Cavern has hooked me up with two unisex tees (retail value $94) to give away this week.

"Born mid-2005, Cavern is the ongoing collaboration of ideas between Los Angeles based artists, Adam Tullie and Angeline Rivas. Primarily focusing on original, hand-drawn graphics, Cavern has now grown their product offerings into a full collection."

You can find the line at Fred Segal Man and American Rag in Los Angeles, Odin and Oak in New York, TNT in Canada, and at Beams and American Rag in Japan.

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Mark your calendars: I'm having an all out dive bar election night celebration party from 9pm - midnight or later at Lucy's in the East Village. I'm celebrating an Obama win, so if you're of the other persuasion, come at your own risk. Of your pride that is.

If you're not familiar with Lucy's, it's hands down the best dive bar in town. The owner is the sweetest lady named Lucy, who mans the bar every night with the help of a few other gals and maybe Marko, if he's behaving. The jukebox rocks and it's not trying to be anything other than a place to get a good stiff drink. The decor is straight outta the 70s with no frills and no apple martinis.

Signup for the this.hearts.on.fire. Facebook group and RSVP for the event so you'll be updated on any changes to time or location.

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Bruce LaBruce's latest film -- Otto -- has finally made its way to New York, premiering next week at MoMA.

"A young zombie named Otto appears on a remote highway. He has no idea where he came from or where he is going. After hitching a ride to Berlin and nesting in an abandoned amusement park, he begins to explore the city. Soon he is discovered by underground filmmaker Medea Yarn, who begins to make a documentary about him with the support of her girlfriend, Hella Bent, and her brother Adolf, who operates the camera."

You gotta love Bruce La Bruce. Read the full synopsis here.

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Saturday@Phillips is back with another installment of Contemporary & Urban Art, Photographs, Design, Jewelry and Toy Art.

If you missed the sneak preview last night -- featuring a trapeze performance by Lollo Birgitta, WASP-inspired cocktails and hosted by tastemakers Hamish Bowles, Humberto Leon & Carol Lim and Everard Findlay -- you can get your own sneak peek on now through Saturday morning.

There's some amazing work by Kara Walker, Murakami, Marilyn Minter, Ryan McGinley, Roy Schatt, Faile, BAST, KAWS, Taylor McKimens, Jeff Koons, and, of course, Andy Warhol. Checkout the catalog here.

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She's hot. She's indie and she can sing. I know artists come and go these days, but if she plays her cards right, this girl's going to be huge.

That's what anyone who sees Swedish singer Lykke Li will take away from her live performances during CMJ. She's got that whole sex kitten thing going on too, which never hurt anyone. And hey if things don't work out, she's got a great porn name, but you didn't hear it from me.

Our timing couldn't have been any better. We got there, got a drink and Li took the stage. She sang 5 or 6 songs -- a mix of ones I know and others I didn't -- and was done. Short and sweet, as she was performing later at Bowery Ballroom.

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There just can't be enough music this week.

There's a hot underground (literally!) party that I just got an invite to that you should know about. It's called BEast and is held in the downstairs private lounge of LES vegetarian restaurant Broadway East. (B-East, get it?!) Organic cocktails will be served.

This week it's being hosted by Raven with none other than hipster artist/designer Kenzo Minami on the turn tables. I just emailed Kenzo to see if he'll give us a hint on what his set will be. Stay tuned.

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3. Fred Perry lovers listen up: there's a sample sale 11.04 thru 11.08 @ 547 West 27th St. 3rd Floor (between 10th & 11th ave.). It'll be open weekdays from 10am-7pm and on the weekend from noon-6pm. Bring your Benjamins. This one's cash only and, unfortunately, pieces from the Fred Perry/Raf Simons line won't be included in the sale.

2. Hot new LA men's boutique Legion is set to showcase new merchandise from KZO's Autumn/Winter collection and a sneak preview of the Spring/Summer 2009 collection at a special pop-up shop that will be open from October 23rd to the 27th. If you haven't stopped into Legion yet, now's the time. It's located at 141 1/2 North Larchmont Blvd. Los Angeles in LA. Other lines carried: Rogan, BBlessing, Rag and Bone, Paul Smith, and Engineered Garments.

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It's the perfect week for me: music music music with a hint of art. My two favorite things.

In the midst of all the CMJ craziness, take a moment out of your busy schedules to checkout an amazing panel discussion at the Art Director's Club called Art is Communication - It is the Ability to Manipulate People, which "takes it name from the 1989 quote from world-renowned artist, Jeff Koons, and addresses the projects of emerging artist Yazmany Arboleda creator of The Keller Gates Project."

The Keller Gates Project, which will be on view at the ADC from 10.22 - 10.24.08, is the latest from the artist who stirred up so much controversy and discussion with his The Assassination of Hillary Clinton and The Assassination of Barack Obama shows last Spring.

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Not to sound like a broken record, but CMJ is coming CMJ is coming CMJ is coming!!!

If you've been to SXSW, you've probably stopped into The Fort which is one of the hottest spots to chill and checkout some of the best emerging bands at the festival, brought to you by The Fader and Levi's. Well, guess what folks? There ain't much in the world that we can't get our hands on here in New York and The Fader and Levi's are bring The Fort here for all of us who haven't been lucky enough to check it out at SXSW. It runs from 10.22 to 10.25.08.

"The Levi's/FADER Fort NYC will be located on the Lower East Side with performances including Friendly Fires, Passion Pit, Crystal Stilts, The Muslims, Sebastien Grainger, and School of Seven Bells."

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As I'm sure you're aware, CMJ is almost here and that means lots of music and lots of music related events going on around the city.

I just got word from my friends at PUMA that Berkeley-based indie rockers The Morning Benders will be playing a special set tomorrow at 8pm at the PUMA store in SoHo.

If you're not familiar with the band, checkout their official site, which is slightly outdated, so checkout their blog and their MySpace also, where you can test drive a few songs.

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It's time for another 10 songs that you can't live without.

First, if you've never heard Patti Smith's opus Horses, you've been missing it. It's Smith at her best: poetic, brooding, sweet, and tender.

Someone sent me a zip of a bunch of Hot Chip remixes. Despite the fact that they really suck live (as evidenced at Diesel's xXx party) Hot Chip serves it up like no other in the studio. The MIA Galang remix rocks and I can't stop playing their remix of Gorillaz's Kids With Guns.

Police On My Back from the Clash Live @ Shea Stadium LP is rockin rollin. The sound quality isn't great, so crank it up!!

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There's a shoe line out of the UK called F Troupe that I'm really digging lately.

"F-Troupe loves to use British historical and functional influences to make footwear that has an international appeal but is quintessentially British. Founded by Mick Hoyle, F-Troupe is a small, directional footwear brand based in London that has established an international following."

The line is unisex, but I'm not crazy about the women's styles at all. Apart from a few designs labeled as unisex, there seems to be little crossover between the men's and women's styles.

Even within their men's line, my love for the line isn't an all-consuming love, but rather a selective love for a handful of styles, which artfully combine casual and cool while perfectly complimenting a dressed-down or dressed-up look.

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I just got an invite to a very hot music event that V is hosting during CMJ, which runs from 10.21 thru 10.25.08. Looks like CMJ is having a bit of a resurgence this year after being a little under the radar for a while, which rocks. They're also a film festival now, which is news to me.

The editors of V have chosen 4 breakout artists that will be featured at a party on Tuesday, 10.21.08. I'd tell you the details, but this one is invite only.

Who's playing? Lykke Li, who I love and have covered on the site before, Hayes Peebles, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, and Lizzy Trullie.

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Danielle Levitt in conjunction with powerHouse Books is set to release a book of photos entitled We Are Experienced.

I've just flipped through the PDF version sent by the publisher and the pics are amazing. Remmeber how important you thought everything was when you were a teenager? How invested in everything you were? Levitt nails it.

"Danielle Levitt arrived at her distinctive photographic style capturing street fashion, pop culture, and celebrity for countless publications. While producing this commercial work, Levitt also pursued her passion for documenting American youth. The result is We Are Experienced, Levitt's first monograph, a series of portraits depicting adolescents in a variety of urban, suburban, and rural settings, as individuals and in groups, loaded with signifiers both mainstream and marginal."

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LA-based menswear line K.Z.O has hooked me up with a t-shirt ($65) and a sweater ($305) from their Fall/Winter 2008 line to give away to you this week.

"K.Z.O is the cause and effect of not being able to find the types of clothes we desire to wear with high attention to detail, fabrics, fit, global quality and point of view."

"Located in Downtown Los Angeles' Arts District, K.Z.O wishes to capture global excitement, mystery and cultural understanding with a documentary/cinematic mindset and emphasis on quality, design, product, art, photography, soundtrack and multimedia."

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Stop by Anna Kustera tomorrow for the opening of Dirty Pretty by Pakistani artist Ambreen Butt.

"Educated in the precise technique, saturated colors, and storytelling tradition of Mughal era (1526-1857) miniature painting, she combines that style with a modern sensibility to convey the terrible effects of tumultuous current events."

"Haunting female figures appear in every beautifully detailed work, seducing viewers with decorative and figurative imagery into examining the scenes more closely. Closer scrutiny reveals that alongside these passive and idealized subjects of long ago are women of today, women actively and vociferously asserting themselves, raising their hands and voices at the risk of beatings and worse in an unstable world. Butt chose the exhibition's title Dirty Pretty to describe the disturbing juxtaposition that makes her emotionally charged works so compelling."

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As I'm sure you're all well aware by now, I'm a sneaker man. I own 1 pair of shoes that I wear 1-2 times/year and only if I'm looking for freelance work and have to go meet with some suits.

I was doing my daily check of Oak's new arrivals last week and found a pair of boots that made me think twice: the Kaiser Boot by British footwear line H by Hudson. Check them out here. If you're not familiar with the line, it's part of London-based footwear company Hudson, which was started in 1990 with the goal of making innovative mens shoes with a painstaking attention to detail.

"Launched in 2004, H is our errant younger brother, pioneering, subversive, and rebellious. With H, we offer an ecclectic product mix from the much imitated modern day Espadrille to sharp formals. With our finger on the pulse, H can be expected to lead the way in footwear trends."

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I'm not really sure what to make of this, but a tipster sent me a link to a blog entry on an Arkitip's site in the Intelligence section.

Here's what I do know: the blogger is Head of Ed Banger Records. The entry is on Arkitip's site/blog. 21 Mercer Street is the location of a Nike Sportswear store. I'm sure it will be good, but not sure if it's a collaboration with Ed Banger + Nike + Arkitip. A party for Arkitip by Nike DJ'd by Ed Banger. Anyone know anything else? Email me!!!

I guess a little mystery never hurt anyone.

21 Mercer st., NYC
October 30th
5pm, BE THERE!

It's that time again folks: Odin's rotating flagship store Den is set to change the guards yet again. Out goes Engineered Garments General Store. In comes Shipley & Halmos.

"Former members of the successful Trovata label, Jeff Halmos and Sam Shipley for which the brand is named, debut in Spring 2008. The two designers endeavor to combine simplicity and quality in the collection, with a focus on fit, materials, and accessibility rather than mere trends. In May 2008, Shipley & Halmos received the inaugural Young Designer Award from the National Arts Club."

"The concept of the store reflects the fall and winter 09 S&H pesentation. Inspired by the 1920 German expressionist silent film, The Cabinet of D. Caligari, the space is minimally dressed, except for the distorted checkered board floor and the video projection of Shipley & Halmos' animation short. A suspended open doorway allows one to enter into the dreamstate-like space consisting of stacked white books and scattered white chairs."

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Not to be confused with Printed Matter in New York, Dover Street Market in London just opened a show up called Commes Des Garçons Printed Matter. It runs now through 11.22.08. When I first saw the name, I thought CDG and Printed Matter had collaborated, but soon found out that's not the case!!

"Through the medium of specially constructed rooms on each of the six floors of Dover Street Market, nearly 40 years of strong creative vision is displayed, from images taken from SIX magazine up till our most recent work featuring Mondongo from Buenos Aires and many many others."

"Rei Kawakubo has never only designed clothes, she designs the company called Comme des Garçons. This company has therefore never wavered in its quest to express its core values of creation by whatever means it can."

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If you're a fan of Japanese noise rock band The Boredoms, you'll want to stop by the Anthology Film Archives tonight to catch one of two screenings of 77 BOADRUM.

"On July 7th, 2007 at 7:07pm, Japan's musical innovators The Boredoms orchestrated a performance by 77 drummers in New York City. This momentous event was documented by artist Jun Kawaguchi, showing the raw musical force of the instrument and the unique vision of The Boredoms as they brought their experiment to fruition. 77 BOADRUM is the result, and a captivating one at that."

Read more about the film and the festival here. Showtimes for 77 BOADRUM are tonight at 7pm and 9:15pm. Click here to get tickets for the early show and here for the late show.

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Paul Stolper Gallery in London has a show up at the moment that would make Duchamp proud.

"Paul Stolper is pleased to announce Accessories to an artwork, an exhibition by Peter Saville. Peter has designed and fabricated a white cardboard flat-pack plinth, a number of which will be distributed throughout the gallery. Made of white centred display board, and in a prototype edition of 200, the plinth measures 96cmx35cmx35cm and replicates those conventionally made from wood. He has invited 22 others to place anything of their choice on a plinth."

"Traditionally the plinth functions inside the museum or gallery as a pedestal for displaying sculptural works or objects. Peter's 'flat-pack' plinth recognizes the public's own ability, and transfers to them the power of curatorial decision, allowing anyone now to pass judgment on what is worth looking at. It acknowledges a changing audience, and their will to consume art."

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Graham -- my new intern who's been working here for the last month -- recommended that I see a 2006 film Candy -- based on Luke Davies' novel of the same name -- starring the late Heath Ledger, Abbie Cornish, and Geoffrey Rush.

"A poet (Ledger) falls in love with an art student (Cornish) who gravitates to his bohemian lifestyle... and his love of heroin. Hooked as much on one another as they are on the drug, their relationship alternates between states of oblivion, self-destruction, and despair."

Read more here. While there have been numerous movies dealing with the topic of heroin addiction, my fascination with the topic has yet to be satiated, and I'm not sure it ever will be.

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Everyone's feeling it these days, and if you're not feeling it yet, you will be soon. So listen up.

In case you're not aware, the East Village is one of the best places in the city for happy hour specials. It's rare to go into a bar and not have at least a 2 for 1 deal going on. If you do go into a bar and they don't have happy hour, leave. Or, better yet, go to one of the following places and you're guaranteed to drink on the cheap.

5. Holiday Cocktail Lounge / All drinks cost between $2.75 and $4. Beat that.

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If you like the Spotted Pig, you're going to love the Wild Boar.

I ran into a friend who works at the Spotted Pig on the L train the other day and she told me that the owners of the Spotted Pig were in the process of opening a new hot spot in the Ace Hotel (New York) called the Wild Boar.

Rumor has it that the food will be heartier at the Wild Boar, but the culinary attention to detail, the lush interior, and the chic crowd will be the same. If the Ace Hotel (New York) is as cool as the original in Seattle is, there's no doubt about that.

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Phillips de Pury has an auction looming on the horizon. Photographs, a large, varied body of photos, is on view at their 15th Street space now through 10.15. The auction is set for 10.16.08.

"Robert Mapplethorpe: Photographs from the Collection of Lisa Lyon features an exceptional selection of eighteen images from Mapplethorpe's celebrated series Lady Lisa Lyon. Between 1980 and 1982, at a pivotal moment in Mapplethorpe's artistic practice, the photographer produced this intimate series of black and white portraits of the pioneering 1970s female bodybuilder Lisa Lyon." Read more here.

I'm not crazy about this body of work. Most aren't particularly interesting in terms of composition or content. His interests were purient and his work that deals with S&M, nude men, and sexual deviance are much more compelling, except of course this pic of Lyon geared up in true Mapplethorpe fashion. Even his still life photos of flowers are more interesting.

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Hardcore fans listen up: Bad Brains is playing four (4) shows in November: one in DC, two in New York, and one in Austin. Get tickets now. The shows will sell out!!

"Bad Brains are a highly influential American all-black hardcore punk band, originally formed in Washington, D.C. in 1979. They are widely regarded as being among the pioneers of hardcore punk."

"The band was first founded as a jazz-fusion ensemble called Mind Power, with singer Sid McCray, in the mold of bands such as Chick Corea's Return to Forever and John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra. In 1978 McCray introduced the rest of the band, who were already interested in bands such as Black Sabbath, to punk rock, including the Dickies, the Dead Boys, and the Sex Pistols."

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My friends at Mosley Tribes have been so kind as to hook me up with two pairs of Paladinos (retail value $180) from their latest collection to give away to you this week. You'll remember I went crazy over a pair of flip ups by Mosley from their Resort/Spring 09 collection that comes out in December called the Gates.

The line, created by famed eye glass designer Larry Leight of Oliver People's fame, was created in 2005 and has continued on its upward ascent ever since. With styles that range from classic to sexy to trendy, Mosley Tribes has a pair of sunglasses for everyone. Keep your eye on Mosley.

Click here for your chance to win.

I really hate to have to post this again, but it seems as though some people got duplicate copies of the newsletter just now.

I'm not sending it out twice!! There is a tech problem with my web host that is causing the newsletter to go out two or more times to every email address. I've asked them to address multiple times. They assured me last week it'd been fixed, but clearly it hasn't.

My apologies again for this problem. Hang in there!! I'll get it fixed. Promise.

I was just going through my "pending" box of tips and such to see if there was anything I'd overlooked in the past few weeks and low and behold I found something. Experimental music geniuses Brian Eno and David Byrne have teamed up for their first collaboration in 30 years!

"The name of the new record is Everything That Happens Will Happen Today. For the most part, Brian did the music and I wrote some tunes, words and sang. It's familiar but completely new as well. We're pretty excited."

When you've got David Byrne on vocals and Brian Eno making the music, you really can't go wrong, which you'll find out as soon as you listen.

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I've just received word from Italy about new US stockists for D.A.T.E. sneakers.

In case you missed my post on D.A.T.E. a few months back, you can check it out here. D.A.T.E. is a new Italian sneaker company that's putting out some of the coolest sneakers out there. (See pics below).

They've just entered the US market and, before now, were only available at Bloomingdale's in New York. Look for the line to pop up in the following stores over the next several months!!

Kitson (Los Angeles)
Barney's (New York)
J.C. Shoes (Las Vegas)
Vinnie's Styles (Brooklyn)

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Oxycontin -- better known in certain parts of the country as hillbilly heroin -- is the title of the latest body of work by Swedish photographer Hannah Modigh that is on view at TTC Gallery in Copenhagen now through 10.25.08. If you're lucky enough to be in town, stop by and check it out.

"Trailerparks and poor white trash Americans are the motives in this portrait of a piece of America, tucked away between misty mountains and magnificent scenery. Between ramshackle trailer homes, shotguns and pickup trucks, wretched dreams and persistent poverty Hannah Modigh has found the intimate, close, lonely and desperate moments and portrayed them in a series of photographs that in a dream-like light find their balance between the beautiful nature photography and the harsh raw portraits documentation."

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Coachella announced the dates for 2009: April 17th, 18th & 19th, 2009. It's their 10th Anniversary! Unbelievable.

Maybe I'm losing it, but I can't find a place on the site to signup for a newsletter. I'm already signed up, but you should too if you want to get the latest info on tickets, lineup, etc. Well, become their friend on MySpace, where they post lineup and other relevant info as it becomes available.

There's also a section in the MySpace blogto submit your wish list of acts. Let's see: who would I pick?

Michael Jackson (for real!)
Patti Smith
Ben Harper
Fugazi

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If you haven't gotten your ticket to what will end up being one of the best parties of the season -- Diesel's xXx -- you're probably going to have to sit this one out or party at home while watching it online.

"An around the world party touching Tokyo, Beijing, Dubai, Athens, Paris, London, Barcelona, Milan, Munich, Zurich, Copenhaguen, Oslo, Helsinki, Amsterdam, Sao Paolo and New York. And guess what, you are ALL invited!! Pick your city and get going down to your nearest Diesel store to get details on how to get invites."

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Feel confident knowing that you will always get the best available rate at Creators Inn by Elvine. If you find a rate lower than zero, simply submit a Best Rate Guarantee Claim by emailing us and we will honor that lower rate. -- Creators Inn

My friends at Next Century Modern have teamed up with Swedish streetwear brand Elvine on a project called Creators Inn, free accommodations for creative in hip Gothenburg. Not a shocking project for socially minded Swedes, but a bit prophetic given the current worldwide financial meltdown.

"Partnering with different local independent organizers Creators Inn by Elvine offers visiting creators short-term accommodation during their stay in Gothenburg. Totally free. No hidden fees."

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New York jeweler Nina Stotler has just introduced her latest collection, INDUSTRY, alongside a re-launch of the website for her VonKottwitz line of women's jewelry.

"Inspired by industrial imagery in the work of Ed Ruscha, as well as the stark, lush visuals of artist Banks Violette, the fourth VonKottwitz collection has a fresh and directional style extending throughout the fourteen pieces. Using a mix of bright silver, gold, crystal strands and hardware nuts, the hand-crafted looks are aggressive and textural, unique and evocative."

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Don't forget!!

London's got a hot new art fair coming up called Kounter Kulture. Like every other town and all other art fairs, things tend to get a little boring with the status quo. The big guns muscle their way into position and nothing changes much year in and year out. Move over Frieze, there's a new kid in town and he's ready to stir things up.

"A refreshingly edgy and exciting art fair bursts onto London's arts scene this October. Kounter Kulture, an Opus Art production, offers a launch pad for new and established international talent. Kounter Kulture is all about the art, the artists and a sense of discovery - bringing the essence of London's arts week back to its roots."

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If you haven't stopped by PONG -- the conceptual pop up opened between PUMA and Grand Opening -- yet, the 2008 LES Cup this evening is the perfect reason to check it out before it closes.

"The members of PONG have been competing against each other for the past 3 months for a chance to advance to the championship finale. The 18 top-ranked players from the PONG club ladder will battle it out at the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center (107 Suffolk Street, 2nd Floor) to discover the true Lower East Side table tennis champion."

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My sincere apologies for all of the emails from the mailing list.

There is a problem with my web host, which is why 2-4 copies of yesterday's weekly email went to everyone. I called to have them address the issue.

They worked on it today, not by creating a dummy email list to test, but by using the existing email list! I can't believe it. From what I hear, people have just received FIVE!!! test emails -- just 1 day after getting 2-4 of the newsletter.

Please accept my apologies. I'm on the phone with the tech people now asking that they a) fix the problem and b) never send out another test email to an active email list.

Sorry!!!

Think you've heard everything by The Clash? Not so fast! There's a new LP coming out on 10.07.08 called The Clash Live @ Shea Stadium that's a must-have for die hard Clash fans.

"Live at Shea Stadium has its flaws: Devotees will rightly quibble with the set list, which is light on rarities and cuts from the Clash's brilliant debut. But the album captures a rousing, crystalline-sounding Clash show, featuring stone classics like Tommy Gun and Spanish Bombs.

A handful of great cuts illustrate what made the Clash so exciting: On Career Opportunities, Strummer wittily rails against corporate hegemony, and when the Clash segue from the protopunk-funk Magnificent Seven to the reggae jam Armagideon Time, they prove they've got big ears and bigger ambitions. The playing is tight, if not as ferocious as when Headon manned the drum kit."

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Highend DVD fashion magazine Fly has major news for the world: they're launching a new web portal -- FLY 16X9 -- where their art and fashion films can be accessed online.

"Beginning October 2008, our art and fashion films will be released and distributed digitally to our global network of subscribers. Each month our subscribers will have the unique experience of viewing these exquisite art and fashion films on the web. Each month new films will be released, and complimentary viewing links will be provided to our members. Membership is free."

Collectors need not despair: Fly will continue to produce something you can hold onto in the form of an exclusive limited edition DVD featuring a collection of original art and fashion inspired short films, interviews, documentaries and music videos.

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Music fans, take note!

This week I have 2 copies of Radio Silence: A Selective History of American Hardcore Music ($30 retail value).

Radio Silence documents the ignored space between the Ramones and Nirvana through the words and images of the pre-Internet era where this community built on do-it-yourself ethics thrived. Authors Nathan Nedorostek and Anthony Pappalardo have cataloged private collections of unseen images, personal letters, original artwork, and various ephemera from the hardcore scene circa 1978-1993. Unseen photos lay next to hand-made t-shirts and original artwork brought to life by the words of their creators and fans.

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What do Phillip Lim, Burberry Prorsum, Costume National, Maison Martin Margiela, Neil Barrett, and Rick Owens have in common?? They've all teamed up with Hong Kong mega retailer Lane Crawford to create one-of-a-kind pieces for online highend retailer 20ltd.

"20ltd is exclusively collaborating with Lane Crawford in the final stage of The Collective: Synergy in Fashion, their innovative design project celebrating the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. From October 1-20, 20ltd are offering for sale six one-of-a-kind designer outfits. 100% of the proceeds will go to Special Relief Funds for Children affected by the Sichuan Earthquake established by Unicef under its Driving Dreams project."

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I stumbled upon one of the rawest films I've seen in a while -- Made In Britain -- the 1982 film by Alan Clarke. Wow. That's all I'll say. Move over Larry Clark characters, Trevor will fucking kill you.

"Tim Roth (in a startling debut role) plays Trevor, who on first impressions is of a young thug who is nothing more than a menace to society. Trevor is to appear in court for a racist attack on a local man. Because he is a minor, he is placed in a residential home for young defendants. Trevor's Post-Corrective advisor, Harry (played by Eric Richard - from The Bill) warns him of the consequences of his actions while driving him to his new home. As soon as Trevor arrives at the home he starts going on the rampage including throwing a brick through the local job centre's window, stealing cars with one of the other boys, and attacking the chef at the home."

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It's been a while since I've seen an Elizabeth Peyton show. I think the last time I saw her work was at Gavin Brown around the turn of the century. Being a big fan, I was excited to find out that the New Museum is showing over 100 works by Peyton starting on 10.08.08 in a show entitled Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton.

"From her earliest portraits of musicians like Kurt Cobain, Liam Gallagher, and Jarvis Cocker to more recent paintings featuring friends and figures from the worlds of art, fashion, cinema, and politics including Rirkrit Tiravanija, Matthew Barney, and Marc Jacobs, Elizabeth Peyton's body of work presents a chronicle of America at the end of the last century."

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There's more Joy Division coming your way 10.07.08. The manager of everybody's favorite "obscure" indie band from the 70's kept a diary that will soon be available for all to read.

"1 Top Class Manager is a collection of Rob Gretton's working notebooks kept during his time as Joy Division's manager."

"It condenses twenty-odd notebooks into one volume, and also contains posters, letters, invoices, diaries and studio notes, dating from August 1978 to late 1980. It is a full-colour, 220-page softback, with a foreword by Jon Savage."

"The book will be released on October 7th 2008 and will be available to buy through this website priced at £20 + P&P, or over the counter at Vinyl Exchange."

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