playremix

Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang

urbanexplorer — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:31:55 +0000

Chelsea Handler’s latest book starts off with her sexual excapades as a pre teen and it’s leaves you laughing, uncomfortable, intrigued and wanting more. Her stories are down right irreverent and poignant; she adds so much color with her distinctive vocabularies and analogies- a witty and commentary of life. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang is an enjoyable page turner that is filled with tons of great content and personality.

http://www.amazon.com/Chelsea-Bang-Handler/dp/0446552445

Transsiberrianisms

urbanexplorer — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:24:40 +0000

I picked up Transsiberian, really anticipating an average run of the mill thriller. What I got is a deep, thoughtful, mysterious story, infused with quiet suspense and beautifully haunting setting. Plus, Ben Kingsley can do no wrong. Along with the brilliant Eduardo Noriega and the electrifying Emily Mortimer, the film takes you to experience angst, lust, alienation all at once. To add, Woody Harrelson impressed me the most with his diligent portrayal of a vulnerable and naive American husband, such a contrast to a lot of characters he played in the past.

The cinematography of the Siberian train ride and the surroundings sets the tone of an almost ghastly and spiritually ominous Russian countryside. An American couple who are on this trip of self discovery and in a mission to fix their marriage, met 2 strangers. One thing led to another, their lives collide into an intense drug trafficking scandal, murder, & roller coaster of cat and mouse chase with an ex KGB corrupt cop played by Kingsley. As bizarre as the movie story line may seem, the events are threaded seamlessly and filmed hauntingly, that it makes you hunger for more. A definite thumbs up.

Whimsical Wong

urbanexplorer — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:21:25 +0000

Emily Goodwin Wong is a super talented graphic and textile designer with a knack for the vintage and the eye for unusual patterns. She has created beautiful textiles and designs for Project Runway winner Jay Mccarroll. From concept to product, Emily combines strategic vision and inspirational spark. Whether the project is an upholstery print, a Flash-based web site, or a children’s T-shirt, the creative focus is the same: a strong sense of color, a thoughtful use of type, and efficient, elegant solutions to engage the customer. Check out her site for more of her work.

http://www.goodwinwong.com/textile.html

Emiliana Torrini

urbanexplorer — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:02:06 +0000

We first heard of Emiliana Torrini at a small cafe and we were drawn by her sweet voice and gleeful lyrics. Particularly, the song “Big Jumps” is a definite gem. Reminding me of a happier version of Kate Walsh.

Following on from her critically acclaimed sets ‘Love In The Time Of Science’ and her first for Rough Trade ‘Fisherman’s Woman’, the forthcoming ‘Me And Armini’ (released 8th September) sees her working once again with her long time producer/collaborator Dan Carey resulting in what we feel is destined to be one of the albums of 2008.

‘Me And Armini’ is a hugely ambitious and aspirational pop record with Emiliana’s soaring voice centre stage, bolstered by a rich gamut of musical styles. From the summery skank of the title track (released 18th August on limited 7 inch vinyl) to the yearning, spine-tingling single ‘Big Jumps’ (due mid October) to the surging, breathless ‘Jungle Drum’ and much more in between ‘Me And Armini’ is a truly fantastic album.

http://www.myspace.com/emilianatorrini

Art for the Masses

urbanexplorer — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:50:29 +0000

Tons of people out there who want to sell their art and a lot of people who’d like to buy it. They just have a hard time finding each other. 20×200 is the perfect place to bring those people together. 20×200 introduces two new pieces a week: one photo and one work on paper. Most images are available in three sizes. When it first launched, the smallest size was reprinted in the largest batch — an edition of 200 — and sold at the lowest price — $20. Hence the name 20×200. (200×20 just didn’t sound as good.)

(limited editions × low prices) + the internet = art for everyone
http://www.20×200.com/

Down Alice Goes… The Rabbit Hole

urbanexplorer — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:41:57 +0000

One of the most anticipated movie of 2010 is also one of the most dissapointing. Surely, Tim Burton’s dark and mysterious touch on the classic tale is nothing but spectacular in vision, but the movie lack a connection to engage the audience consistently. At times, it was downright odd and over the top weird. Just because you make a movie weird and goth, does not mean it’s a winner. Truly, the biggest star of the movie (Johnny Depp) was overshadowed by the ferociously brilliant Helena Bonham Carter who plays the Red Queen and the newcomer Alice (Mia Wasikowska); a rather unexpected and disappointing to millions of Johnny Depp fans who were so uber excited to see him in action. To me, his character lacks credibility and at times reminded me of Depp’s take of Willy Wonka with an inconsistent Scottish accent. On top of it all, it was a 2D movie distributed as a 3D, a cheap shot at creating the magic that is Avatar.

http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/aliceinwonderland/

Lady Gaga Barbies

urbanexplorer — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:11:17 +0000

Who knew Lady Gaga would make such impressive Barbies. Flickr Barbie artist- Veik11 taps into the imagination and created these brilliantly kitschy mini Lady Gaga

View his entire collection from Lady Gaga’s costumes in her new Telephone video to her controversial MTV performance.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/veik11/sets/72157621855594581/

Sick Beats by Groove Armada

urbanexplorer — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:05:10 +0000

Synthesizing exuberance mixed with funk is how I would describe my latest obsession- Groove Armada. Groove Armada is an electronic music duo comprising Andy Cato and Tom Findlay from England. Founded in the 90s, their library of work range from chill out to upbeat rhythms. One of my favorite songs- “I wont kneel” feat. Saint Saviour harkens to a New Order-esque 1980s sentiment. While their song- Love Sweet Sound is an energetic pulsation of joy in the dance floor- fun beats to accompany while doing “the robot”.

http://www.myspace.com/groovearmada

The Enchantment of Shutter Island

urbanexplorer — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 06:25:54 +0000

Shutter Island is riveting with polished acting by Oscar’s golden boy- Leonardo Dicaprio and noir inspired plotline filled with intricate twists and turns. It is simply a breathtaking interpretation of a mid century detective/cat and mouse game, only as viewers, we’re left to wonder who is the cat and who is the mouse. The cinematography and visually haunting kaleidoscope of hallucinations by the lead character only enhance the overall chilling experience of Shutter Island that intensifies and lurks to surprise. After watching it the first time, you’ll want to re-watch it again and again to look for clues and further explore the movie’s themes; only a testament of the genius of Scorcese at turning a what seemingly a cheeky genre of film into a complex and haunting tale gets everyone talking.

http://www.shutterisland.com/