Two Door Cinema Club

Fun video for the new Two Door Cinema Club's single 'What You Know' from their debut album 'Tourist History'

Released on 7th February 2011.

Morris Dancing

Don't know how I've never seen this until now, but it's worth the wait. Four Tet's track 'As Serious As Your Life' - Morris dancing, in one fell swoop, became cool... almost.

We Are From L.A.

I first saw work by We Are From L.A. a few months ago with this video for Yelle's track, La Musique. Great stuff on their site for Cassius too. I predict big things for these guys.

Pumping Iron '74

I got hold of this 1974 copy of Pumping Iron magazine for a friend's birthday and it totally pained me to post it to him. It had signs of wear, but was generally in great condition and full of amazing shots of people like Mr Schwarzenegger in his Mr. Olympia heyday.

For the design geeks among us, it's designed by Martin Stephen Moskof and it's 205mm x 275mm, 221 pages and a softback publication.

Thanks to Celine at Counter-Print.co.uk for great service, careful packaging and general loveliness - if you have the two key ingredients of good sense and a little spare money, you'll head over there right now and buy something amazing.

Cami

I've been meaning to post something about Bristol-based Cami for a while now. She's part of the Versus exhibition at Start The Bus Gallery in Bristol from 11th-18th November, as well as Inkygoodness collective exhibition at the same venue from 10th-30th December, 2010.

The Black Keys At Brixton

Went to Brixton this evening to see The Black Keys who were, frankly, awesome. One of the best live bands I've seen and can't stress enough how you have to make the effort to see them and if you haven't even heard of them, listen to them. Sorry about the crap phone photo...

Kraggy's Pope Band

There's a nice selection of diverse work on Kraggy's website and this doodle he did on the train made us laugh, so it made the cut. Enjoy...

There, I Fixed It...

This just made me smile today...

James Bond Contact Sheet

I tidied a drawer the other day, which is a pretty rare thing. Almost as rare are these images which are 007 promo shots. I think they're from the first Bond film, Dr. No. If I had the original contact sheets as opposed to a crap photocopy of a crap photocopy, I'd probably auction them off and retire.

Jason Freeny Anatomical Views

Big shout out to Jason Freeny at Moist Production, who's created some great images and hand customised vinyl toys showing the anatomy of various well knowns. From Mr Potato Head and a Lego man, through to Kidrobot's Dunny, and others like Qee, Domo and more. You can buy some of his stuff on his site and, if you're quick, a hand customised Nemo is up for grabs on Ebay until 21st September...

McBess

There's a great body of jolly lovely work over at Matthieu Bessudo's site - aka McBess. Above is an illustration for his collective, Salle Polyvalente, from ages ago, but I always like something with a stuffed animal on the wall, so you'll have to head over to Matt's site to see newer stuff.
He's got a black and white, 24 page, paperback book for sale, Malevolent Melody, which looks awesome. It's an edition of 3,000 and has a 7" vinyl in the back featuring music from his band The Dead Pirates. All for just over a tenner.

Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2010

A truly stunning photograph, by Rogelio Bernal Andreo taken in California, has won the deep space prize in this year's Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2010. It's a panorama of part of Orion, including the famous three-starred belt. Apparently, it's also got the Horsehead nebula and the Orion nebula.

Just looking at it for a while sets my imagination racing and kind of helps put things in perspective a bit. We are mere specks, aren't we?

Photograph: Rogelio Bernal Andreo/National Maritime Museum

Escher Ants Print

This is an Escher print I haven't seen since I was about 4. I think it's supposed to be oriented portrait but it was hung on the dining room wall like this so, bizarrely, it's now the only way I like it. Fits on the blog better this way too, sorry Escher...

Mike Rea Wooden Sculptures

Wonderfully crafted and intricate sculptures, for want of a better word, are the product of Mike Rea. I love this piece, titled "A prosthetic Suit For Stephen Hawkin w/ Japanese Steel" from 2007, which is massive and actually accommodates a real size human. His website is a bit small and faffy, but well worth a look around. I'm totally in awe of his work.

Eric Testroete 3D Head Model

For his Halloween costume last year, Eric Testroete used a bunch of programs like 3DS Max, Photoshop and Pepakura to make a wire-frame look version of his own head, inspired by the big-head mode from video games. Freaky, but totally excellent.

Bristol Balloons

Walking around Bristol and the balloons started taking off.

Max Abadian Shoots Doutzen Kroes

Max Abadian has worked with the likes of Lady Gaga & Dita Von Teese (and a bunch more on top of that) and has just shot Doutzen Kroes (Dow-tzen Crew-s) in NYC for the cover of Canadian fashion mag Flare. The shots are a messed up, mixed up version of classic Brigitte Bardot style images.

Deth P. Sun Illustrations

I've been keeping an eye on Deth P. Sun's work for a while now, so it's about time it got a post. If you're in San Francisco between now and 9th September drop by the current exhibition at Double Punch.

Drench Cubehead Ad

The new spot by Ed Edwards & Dave Masterman, creative directors at CHI&Partners,for Drench kinda freaks me out a bit. But I like it. Directed by Ulf Johansson through production company Smith & Jones with post at MPC.

Anthony Burrill - Read This

One of the many good things available through Counter Objects, this screen printed tote bag by Anthony Burrill is a good way to stop using plastic bags without using your tote bag as a way of making a statement about the fact you're not using a plastic bag. It's a tenner, but it's limited edition which makes it a steal. Doesn't it?

Even if you don't think so, you really should stop using plastic bags. It's horrifically bad for the environment and I'm getting really tired of having to scowl at you in the supermarket.

Poster Boy NYC

Poster Boy uses a blade to cut up and mix up subway posters.

Adidas Ad

Like a lot of people my age, I've watched Star Wars IV in excess of a thousand times and all three films from the 70s and 80s hold a special place in my heart. It was appalling when they added in the extra scenes with the crass special effects for the DVD release of the original trilogy.
I'm by no means a Star Wars geek, but I just couldn't help my chin hitting the floor when I saw it, shortly followed by some totally irrational but well deserved screaming.
There are some things that should just not be messed with. That said, I actually enjoyed this spot for Adidas Originals. The quality of the post production and the humour spot on, as well as a good mix of people from different worlds which is perfectly fitting. But you still shouldn't have messed with it and for that I want to slap you all in the face. Really hard.

Crazy Drumming

I think I'll watch this video if I ever have a day when I'm struggling for motivation. If we all put the same level of effort and enthusiasm into the things we do as the drummer does from Rick K. and the Allnighters, well... we'd get a lot more done. And probably be a bit thinner and sweatier.

Toilet Paper

Personally, I don't get it. It's a toilet, which isn't a particularly nice place to be at the best of times, more so if you're sitting on it. So why does anyone choose to read there? In and out in 3 minutes max. Shit, wipe, read in the living room.
I've researched this in the name of good journalism and, frankly, good dinner table conversation and ice-breakers at parties and there seems to be a lot more people than I would ever have believed that read in the khazi. This bin from Snowtone is for you guys. You freaks.

Blek Le Rat

It's been over three decades since Blek Le Rat started stenciling around Paris. Without a shadow of a doubt, he's the pioneer and, looking at his back history it's interesting to see where the medium developed from. It's a shame so few people even know of him, in comparison to the other B word anyway.

He's got an exhibition on at White Walls Gallery in San Francisco which is on now and finishes on 5th June 2010.

I'd also recommend getting his book, "Blek Le Rat - Getting Through The Walls" which is out through Thames & Hudson. I got my copy signed by Blek Le Rat when he was promoting the book at London Graphic Centre and, amazingly, there was virtually nobody there.

Audi R8 Ad

I've just seen the new Audi R8 ad from BBH, directed by Sam Brown. There's a behind the scenes making of short film as well which is worth a look. Pretty much everything was shot in camera with virtually no CGI.

Mark Khaisman

Amazing images by Kiev born Mark Khaisman, who now resides in Philadelphia, and creates his works by layering brown packing tape.

Google Earth Alphabet

Google Earth Alphabet made only from locations in the Netherlands.

via @danielmather

Urban Outfitters Edinburgh

I've just seen the stairs in Edinburgh's branch of Urban Outfitters on Princes Street and, being a bit of a ply fanatic, they're well worth a quick blog post.
I love the fact they've been designed by laminating numerous layers to produce what can only be described as an awesome thickness of ply. The diagonal grain means any glorious angle you look at these treads from, all you see is end grain. Nice, huh? If you don't understand the beauty of this, shake yourself and try again...

Time Flies

"Time Flies" is a little stop frame animation of a two hour budget flight condensed into seven seconds. I've just cobbled it together for now, if I can think of a real use for it I'll commit a bit more time for proper grading and transitions as it's a bit raw right now. I tried to capture as many interesting clouds, wing tilts and flap movements as possible to cram as much difference into a short space of time as I could.

Pixels

This short film, Pixels, by Patrick Jean is getting posted, blogged, tweeted and generally bandied around like wildfire. And rightly so. It's totally awesome.

A Decade Of Playboy Centrefolds

This is what a decade of Playboy centrefolds looks like. It's 1988 - 1997, in case you're an aficionado on such things, and it's a work by Jason Salavon where he's used "...point-by-point mathematical averaging..." to produce the image.
via @Booooooom

The Beatles x Sei A

A Day In The Life by The Beatles, uploaded to Sound Cloud by Sei A. If you like the Beta Band you'll love it. And there's a version of Sgt. Pepper too.

MoviePeg

Pretty simple design, pretty simple purpose. The MoviePeg retails at just under a fiver and puts an end to the problem of having to either hold or find the right newspaper, book or beermat to prop your iPhone onto watch a movie.

Lazertits

Task: take image of old pin up or good shot of a lady. Add laser effects to her breasts. Lazertits. A totally pointless website, but worth a butchers.

via Neil Mason Studio

McFaul x howies - ABM Event

A Beautiful Machine is a two-week event curated by McFaul Studio and howies and is running from the 26th March to 9th April. A combination of art, talk and ride based above the howies store in Bristol.

With over 50 artists from around the globe, 15 incredible speakers, a bicycle treasure hunt and a special bicycle auction it's going to be a whole lot of fun.

Spike Jonze - I'm Here

The preview of director Spike Jonze's new short "I'm Here" is online.

Min-Kyu Choi UK Plug

Great news about Min-Kyu Choi, winner of the Brit Insurance Design of the Year 2010, and his folding plug. Another example of an idea you look at and kick yourself you didn't think of it, which just goes to show we're all guilty of not spending enough time thinking about the world around us and how we can improve things. I can't believe we've been using the clunky big plug design, apparently the biggest household plug in the world, since it's conception in 1946.

I do hope Min-Kyu makes the money on this before a big corp finds a way round his patent... All of the entries are on show at the Design Museum, London.

The Work of Christoph Niemann

Christoph Niemann is well worth a mention, his work has a nice sense of wit. He's got a new book out which is "A playful homage to New York" and shows aspects of New York depicted through the medium of photographed Lego bricks. The above image is taken from a n Abstract City series which are well worth a look.

Peskimo vs. Chris Dickason

Peskimo and Chris Dickason join up to bring us Tease Made - and exhibition of prints, paintings and doodles running from 19th March to 11th April, 2010 in Bristol. It's an exhibition at Start, a new art space in Bristol, and is based around all things to do with having a nice cup of tea. Sounds like my kind of place.

Colour Acuity

Just got a zero score on the Colour Acuity Test which means I have perfect colour acuity. Good job really in my vocation... And no, I didn't retouch the score.

Journey To Work

This is a shot through the windscreen on my journey to work this morning.

Eric Testroete's Japan Stop Frame Video

This stop frame video by Eric Testroete of his photos from a trip to Japan is really well put together and, partly because it's Japan, enchanting to watch. Anyone who's been there will fleetingly recognise so many of the flashes of places and thoroughly enjoy the video even more.

Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer

Spiffingly ruddy brilliant, Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer. Influences include Chuck D, Terry Thomas and George Formby. There's a load more stuff on his MySpace site too...

Stormtrooper's Day Off

I love these shots of Stormtroopers on their day off. If they weren't so good, I'd say someone has too much time on their hands, but some of the poses are so perfectly positioned it's a high quality project well worth the hours that have been invested in it.

Mini Me

Just got hold of this copy of me and my brother when I'm probably about 3, back in the days when photo booths didn't do colour shots (Holy crap, that was about 30 years ago). I'm the good looking, quizzical one on the right. I got the brains too.

00-Weird

I'm too busy laughing right now, but I'm going to have to watch The Spy Who Loved Me again now, just to find out where the big fish featured in the story. And what's that? Lovers Fishie Club? I'm very confused now. At least Gary Wilmot, err, sorry, Roger Moore, is ready for settling down with his Lotus Esprit estate. See the original American version of the poster and more movie posters from Ghana over at Empire.

EXOvault iPhone Case

I don't seem to be able to make a cup of tea without coming back to see someone else writing a blog about the iPad, or tweeting about a blog about the iPad. So I'm posting something good about the iPhone.

These cases are handmade by EXOvault, a small, artist-run company in Brooklyn. Machined from two solid blocks of either aluminium, titanium or brass, they fit the iPhone 3G or 3GS like a glove so your beloved iPhone won't even be scratched.

Spiders

Unlike many people, I'm a fan of spiders and never kill them. They're good for controlling the pests in the garden and lets face it, they're pretty stunning when not squashed under your size 10 boot. Thomas Shahan's amazing up close and personal photography with some eight-legged friends makes you realise just how wonderful they are.

Infra Red Photography

Pretty striking stuff. Original post from Abduzeedo

Helvetica Biscuits

Nope, your eyes do not deceive you. You can get Helvetica cookie cutters and then, presumably, be the envy of everyone you know as you have t with your tea (he says, avoiding the other obvious "Can i have a p please Bob" jokes)

Graffiti Analysis

If I ever have the time, I'll do this - graffiti analysis, showing there's a lot more that goes into a tag than might meet the eye...

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett join forces once again for the Gorillaz next outing to Plastic Beach. The single "Stylo" will be released in a couple of days on 26th January with the album following on 9th March. Stylo features Bobby Womack and Mos Def makes a couple of appearances on the album as new character "Sun Moon Stars."

Russian Photography Group

Ok, so. If you're ever bored, get into a photo club like this, shown on the English Russia website. This photo is from the project where the community have to construct and shoot the following scenario:

“A Zombie: A man, rolled up in bandages should crawl on his stomach at a pedestrian crossing. He should have a knife sticking out of his back. Another guy should chase him with a working chainsaw”

Others include a waiter up to his waist in a refuse chute - that one is well worth checking out. This is now one of my favourite websites.

Drag Racing Bus

Yeeeeeeeeeah...

Mr Bingo x Haiti Disaster

Mr Bingo is producing a couple of prints which are up for sale though his site - a mere fiver each to you, but a hell of a difference to the disaster fund. So you get a damn good print and a damn good feeling too. Every penny is going to charity, GFSmith have supplied the paper free of charge and K2 Screen have produced the screen prints FOC as well. Dig deep everyone...

Basco5

I've liked Basco5's work for ages, just never got round to posting any until now.