Cool Hunting
| 28 November 2007view entries from: this week | this month | view previous day | view next day |
David Shrigley: Worried Noodles
by Ami Kealoha
Glasgow-based artist David Shrigley, perhaps best known for his humorous line drawings, recently released Worried Noodles, a book and concept album that features Shrigley's original lyrics (39 songs in all) performed by 39 of today's brightest musicians. The set, based on the songbook that Shrigley published alone in 2005, consists of a two-CD set and book and includes songs by Scout Niblett, Psapp, Dirty Projectors, Liars, Casiotone, Tussle, Trans Am and Hot Chip, to name just a few.
Like most concept albums, the concept wins out over the album but the bands hold their own, interpreting Shrigley's words with their own style and talent. Artists like Yacht, Islands, David Byrne and Deerhoof seem to naturally do a little better with the faux naivete of the subject matter and simple structure of the songs. Franz Ferdinand (old schoolmates of Shrigley) make it work by turning the song "No" into a driving rock anthem/chant. Others—Grizzly Bear, Dirty Projectors (no strangers to the concept album) and Final Fantasy among them—channel their distinct sound and avant garde approach so strongly that what's being said becomes secondary.
Overall, for any fan of today's music scene or Shrigley's art, the album is worth a listen (check out his MySpace page for a preview). You can buy it from Insound, Tomlab and Amazon or download from iTunes.
If you're in NYC 5 December 2007, catch Yacht and Islands headlining a show at Knitting Factory.
Ding 3000: Pimp my Billy
by Leonora Oppenheim
Three young designers from Germany, taking issue with Ikea's rather bland Billy shelving units, reinvented the furniture in a series of designs that repurpose the unit. Called Pimp my Billy, the collection of design interventions cheers up a cheap bookcase to no end!
Billy Wilder takes the form of green branch growing across the Billy Bookshelf (above right). Billy Heidenreich is a shelf with a lectern attached for displaying your most beautiful photography books (below left), while the Stütze functions as an extra leg to tilt the bookcase at an angle so there's no need for book ends (below right). All the designs are beautifully made and will probably last longer than your Ikea shelving unit.
Carsten Schelling, Ralf Webermann and Sven Rudolph, all graduates of FH Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, make up the design collective that is Ding 3000. Check out the rest of their sleek, but entertaining furniture and product design on their site.
14 Laptop Bags
by Ami Kealoha
by Christene Barberich and Piera Gelardi
Every six months it seems, our laptops get sleeker, smarter and faster. But along the way, the cases that conceal and carry them haven't quite kept the same standards. But there's hope on the horizon—and it's a whole lot better looking than that sad messenger bag hiding under your desk. After a hearty search, we found a range of new laptop bags that finally give your laptop an overcoat it deserves—protective, thoughtfully designed, and way easy on the eyes.
Above left: Barbour Waxed Leather Briefcase
Tough times is
nothing for this durable design, as its perfect for
inclement weather and loads of road travel. From JFK to Charles
DeGaulle…bring it on.
About $160, available at Elm of Burford.
Above Middle: Acne Jeans Steele Bag
This future-perfect tote
exhibits the understated Scandinavian spirit that
Acne is known for. An ideal match for the design connoisseur, through and through.
$749, available at Acne Jeans
Above Right: Mismo Doddle Bag
Sharp and inconspicuous, this
neat and clean case does wonders to make
anyone look super professional.
€165, available in Copenhagen, Sankt
Regnegade 1-1110; +45 (0) 3393 0014.
Above left: Laura Dawson Helmut bag
This designer-to-watch
offers an uncomplicated unisex case chosen for
its collegiate charm with relaxed, soft edges.
Leather bag, $216, available at
I Represent Fashion
Above Middle: Filson Canvas Padded Laptop Bag
This fine
example warrants raves for its earthy aesthetics and
streamlined functionality. Sort of the professor bag with a high-style alter ego.
$275, available at Design Within Reach
Above Right: Carga Industrial Wool
Felt Laptop Bag
Here,
conscious means carefully designed. We love the use of industrial felt fabric, light
but still just as tough and functional as leather.
$245, available in Los Angeles at All
Purpose, 144 South Flores Street; 323-866-1828.
To see all 14, go to Refinery29.
