Three Artists One Song

Image via Converse.com

Converse's Three Artists One Song series delivers yet again with the new single "Warrior" featuring Mark Foster + Kimbra + A-Trak. Talk about a killer collab, the newest single to promote a new line of Converse sneaks is the perfect kick-off to summer.  Mark Foster, of Foster the People, delivers with an incredibly catchy chorus that really grooves with A-Trak's collosal beats and Kimbra's vocal talents, showing that she means business.  The quirky lucha libre inspired video, complete with stylized color explosions, is also really cool - get ready to hit repeat. 

And the best part - you can download "Warrior" for FREE right here!


You may recognize Kimbra as the female counterpart in Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" - the Kiwi singer with her newfound US fame just released her debut album "Vows" which is def worth a listen.


Check out some of the past Three Artists One Song singles from also available to download including "All Summer" by Kid Kudi + Vampire Weekend + Best Coast and a personal fave "My Drive Thru" by N.E.R.D. + Santogold + Julian Casablancas.

The Great Gatsby Trailer

Loving everything about The Great Gatsby official trailer released today.  Another adventure for the senses from Mr. Luhrmann...
 

Surf 'n' Turf Playlist

Surf 'n' Turf 4-5/12 from thesignetseal on 8tracks.

March Playlist: Canopache

Let's catch up...so much has happened since I've been away.  I thought I'd make it up to you with a playlist from March and the promise of another for April later in the week.  I knew you'd understand.  Also, I'm still trying to figure out the best way to legally share music, and I think 8tracks does a pretty good job.  Hope you enjoy and stay tuned! Promise.

Canopache 3/12 from thesignetseal on 8tracks.

P.S. I'm still posting to Spotify as well!

Moon Rise Kingdom Trailer

So long overdue, but if you haven't seen yet watch.

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.

Wardrobe File: The Duffle Coat

The name of the duffle coat originated from the heavy wool fabric manufactured in Antwerp, Belgium in the town of Duffel.  During World War I, the British Royal Navy issued a tan colored duffel coat for it's warmth and durability at sea.  The toggle fasteners were designed to be easily fastened and unfastened while wearing gloves, and the oversized hood helped accomodate a sailor's naval cap.

British Navy sailors sporting early Duffle coats, 1919
via Brian Wollaston, maritimequest.com

The British Army Officer Bernard Montgomery sported the coat during World War II, were it garnered the nickname "Monty Coat."  

Due to surplus coats after the war, the coat became a popular preppy item in the 50's and 60's and became popular in the sporting world, among Hollywood celebrities, and on college campuses across the country.  They were distributed mainly by the British company Gloverall, who still produce the original duffel coat today.

All images via Gloverall.com

No matter whether you call it a duffle, Monty, or toggle, the coat is an essential addition to any man (or woman's) wardrobe.  It's simple, practical, and can be dressed up or down, making it a great, versatile coat with nearly one hundred years of tradition.


Duffle bags share the same origin, as they were first made from the same woolen material.