Allah-las

Image via Allah-las.com

My new fav up-and-coming band!  I first came across their retro California sound as their song "Long Journey" was featured in the most recent Rugby Ralph Lauren Spring '12 video.





The first pressing of their debut 45 single "Long Journey" b/w "Catamaran" from Pres Records is already sold out (and yes that's an actual 45 vinyl record, not an MP3).  As far as I'm concerned the Allah-lahs are doing everything right, from their catchy harmonies and lo-fi guitar-driven beats, to their collaboration with 60's R&B aficionado Nick Waterhouse, the songs is so wonderfully nostalgic.  The Pres Records website describes them perfectly, "The group sounds like bungalows in canyons; hidden deco stairsteps peeking from leafy hillsides; kustom kars and dovetails and chicks in OP shorts with long, long hair, like a Dennis Hopper photo come to life."

So until they release an EP on Itunes, dust off that old turntable and order the repress from Innovative Leisure Recordings.  Listen to the sigles at Bandcamp.

Family of the Year 2012

Image via IndieMusicFilter

Feeling rested and ready to tackle the new year?  Well I certainly am after my brief repose from posting, but I am back and excited to get things moving again.  And what better way to ring in the new year than with a dance party on the beach!  I've been listening to Family of the Year's newest and incredibly catchy single "St. Croix" a lot lately and it has a really cool Beach Boys inspired, retro beach themed video by Oscar nominated director Jessica Sanders. 


You may recognize Family of the Year by their song "Chugjug", which played in an incredibly catchy Advil commercial last year, and is also on my June Playlist.  Consisting of brothers Sebastian and Joseph Keefe, who grew up on Martha's Vineyard, James Buckey from Florida, and Christina Shroeter from Orange County, CA, the band takes advantage of their beachy roots for a nice mix of harmony driven, throwback surf pop.



And you can download St. Croix for FREE courtesy of Spinner.com!

Hats Off to the '70s

Fashion in the 1970s has often garnered a bad reputation.  However, aside from those bell bottoms and polyester hanging in the closet, this week the Mr. Porter Journal takes a look at some classic looks sported by several iconic men in Hollywood and "How They Wore the 1970's."

Image via Mr. Porter Journal

I love how the article gives advice on some subtle ways to hat-tip and cut the decade some slack when it comes to men's style.  One of my favorites is the tweed lined trench worn by Ryan O'Neal in Love Story.  They suggest a Ralph Lauren Purple Label trench, but for a fraction of the price, I think this Rugby one looks just as dashing.  It's a perfect example of a piece that just never goes out of style.  Check out the slideshow for the rest of these great retro looks.


Aside from this article, the entire weekly issue of the Mr. Porter Journal is dubbed "the Retro Issue," full of interesting head-nods and shop-able looks.  Read more here! 

Pan Am Prepares to Hit the Airwaves

September - a month of new beginnings.  It's back to school, fashion week, the autumnal equinox, harvest month, and the premiers of many long awaited TV seasons.  One in particular that caught my eye, was ABC's new period drama - Pan Am.

2011 ABC Inc.

Set in the glamorous "Jet Age" of the 1960s, the show centers on the lives and relationships of a group of young Pan Am airline stewardesses, with the exception of one, played by Kelli Garner...who is actually a US spy working undercover?!  Sounds like there will be a lot of storyline to cover, and I question whether the concept has lasting value, but I trust director Thomas Schlamme, former director of The West Wing and Sports Night, knows where to fly this plane.


Truthfully, I'm more excited about the overall look of the show.  Judging from the trailer below, it will be a welcome accompaniment, at least sartorially and atmospherically, to other similar period pieces i.e. Mad Men.  With a cast of uniform clad sirens including Christina Ricci, Kelli Garner, and Margot Robbie, and scenes set around the globe, there will certainly be plenty to please the eye.  


I also have a vested interest in watching the show, as my grandmother was one of the first airline stewardesses on the DC 3 by United Airlines back in the 40s, and I remember hearing stories and seeing pictures from her travels.  I'm looking forward to see this fresh take on 60s Americana, which hopefully won't disappoint!  Check it out on September 25th at 10pm.

"Passion, jealousy and espionage... They do it all—and they do it at 30,000 feet. The style of the 1960s, the energy and excitement of the Jet Age and a drama full of sexy entanglements deliciously mesh in this thrilling and highly-original new series."