Remix Rush: Don't Save Us From the Flames

Todays remix comes from an artist who I have nothing but true respect for, M83. The remix comes from the CD single "Don't Save Us From the Flames", and has been reworked by Superpitcher. The original track was realesed on M83's breakthrough album "Before the Dawn Heals Us". Superpitcher gives the song a much more upbeat sound which is not quite dancable, but more of just a head-bob. A good one to add to the remix collection.

M83 :: Don't Save Us From the Flames (Superpitcher Remix)

Sold Out in France

Sold Out is a webstore created by France's stylish La MJC and Colette. It showcases different urban brands that are popular the world over such as Stussy, 2K, Ice Cream, and Lucien Pelat-Finet to name a few. Sold Out's goal is to showcase the best of the international street and urban scene while assuring its customers a secured payment system. From time to time, La MJC and Colette will collaborate to create rare products while Sold Out will also feature limited edition products. So residents of France, rejoice. This is definitely something that'll make you shout OUI!!!

Vice's Chromeo Mixtape

Talk about a cool-ass way to promote on of your artists, Vice Records has just released a very limited edition cassette tape that includes every remix done for funk masters Chromeo from the album "She's In Control". The mixtape is a 2-sided cassette with 3 songs on each side, and is signed by Dave 1 and P-Thugg. The release includes remixes by Bloc Party, DFA, Whitey and more. They only made 50 of these babies, so if you want one you can enter to win at Vice's Blog, the songs are also available to download there for free.

Drew Flaherty is the Truth

Don't be fooled, the fact that we share the same first name is not the only reason I find Drew Flaherty's artwork so awesome. From his paintings, to identity work to his beautifully colored digital collages, the Australian's work is true genius. Drew displays the quote on his website from Pablo Picasso - "We all know that art is not the truth, art is a lie that makes us realize the truth." His work may just make you realize.

Books Actually

Books Actually isn't just a bookstore. It's heaven. This was one place I knew I had to go to once I arrived in Singapore. It was rather hard to find at first but I assure you, you won't regret it. Think of it as a treasure hunt and in the end, you'll know the hunt was worth it because everything there is so damn nice! The books are really actually worth reading and the people are actually worth meeting (puns intended). Once you go up the second floor of the shophouse where the store is located, you are teased with bits and pieces of literary foreplay. The walls are lined with paragraphs written on tape and photos of books are mounted on the wall. There is a little corner with a green chair with a dunce cap playfully awaiting customers. An army of toy soldiers are displayed on a ledge (I don't know the literary significance of soldiers but they work) just beside the main entrance. Once you enter, everything is a dream.

Books Actually is at 125A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068594. Look for Karen or Kenny.

Jack Purcell : A Classic Revived

I was in Hong Kong a couple of months ago and was surprised to see a lot of stores carrying the classic Jack Purcell sneaker by Converse. On my last day, I picked up a copy of my favorite Hong Kong magazine, Milk, so that I could update myself with the trends that were going to be popping up in 2006. To my surprise, a whole page was dedicated to the Jack Purcell sneaker and different artists and fashion houses were reinventing it. Some notable ones included Mihara Yasuhiro, Comme Des Garcons, and Undercover. These collaborations may excite or appall you, but rest assured, the Jack Purcell's classic look is still retained.

Diesel's Plus Plus Cologne

On my last trip to Los Angeles my friend LiHui shared one of her favorite fragrances with me, or rather I found it while snooping through her bathroom. After wearing Diesel's Plus Plus Masculine cologne I had to get some for myself. The fragrance is for guys, but smells more unisex to me making it good for both guys and girls. Not only does it smell good, but the packaging is genius. I just recieved mine today in the mail and had a hard time opening the package simply because it was too cool to destroy.

Available here at Amazon.com

Paul Frank Calculator Watches

Oh the good ol' days of tater-tots for lunch and cheating on math tests in school with calculator watches. Paul Frank is bringing those days back with his new line of totally awesome retro-style calculator watches. Available in both black and white this 80's-comeback-calc-watch is sure to make your friends drool.

Available here at Amazon.com

Sweden's Service Records

What better way to bring your street cred back on top than by good music nobody knows about. Yes, a little music elitism never hurt anyone so why not join in on the fun? Service Records is Sweden's little gem waiting to be discovered. It is a record label with acts so good and so obscure you'll never want anyone else to find out. But here at The Dopefiend, we're all about sharing. So be thankful! (Just kidding.)

Service Records houses some of the greatest talents in Sweden's pop scene. These talents include the sensational crooner, Jens Lekman, the ultra-addictive, 80's fuelled The Embassy, and electrofiends Cat5. Be sure to check out the website for more information and drop by the iTunes store while you're at it. All the records are available there.

Remix Rush: Lose Control

As I see it Missy Elliott is one of the greatest female entertainers hip-hop has ever seen. Not only are her vocal and rapping skills unreal, but Missy has been writing music and producing for other artists for years. So lets face it, the girl kicks ass. Her recent hit "Lose Control" was among my favorite singles released by Missy, and this track done by remix master Jacques Lu Cont takes it one step further. Chalk another one up for Jacques, this remix is dope.

Missy Elliott :: Lose Control (Jacques Lu Cont Remix)

Humans by Mike Mills

For some strange reason, I cannot upload photos right now so please bear with this entry. I know things look a lot better with something visual, especially here at The Dopefiend. But right now, I'm itching for an update and I cannot wait until later in hoping that I can upload a photo.

Humans is a wonderful project by Mike Mills that has been around since last year. Nevertheless, it is never too late for me to share and tell you all about this wonderful project. The products range from t-shirts to bags to posters with a very human aesthetic to them. Behind the artworks are lessons to be learned and emotions that are genuinely very human. Mike's art and products show us that nothing lasts forever or sometimes a dumb drawing is just a dumb drawing and that in itself is beautiful. The website also contains a blog updated by Mike himself and information on his latest film, Thumbsucker.

Shady Kids

If you are like me when it comes to sunglasses you don't like spending a lot. I have a hard time spending $300.00 on a pair of sunglasses just to have someone sit on them and break them. But when I saw Shady Kids it made me rethink my view on expensive sunglasses. They have a wide variety of authentic vintage sunglasses ranging from $89 to $295. After looking at their collection some of these shades make me want to drop a few bills right now.

B6: Opening Shanghai Eyes

In the time I have spent in Shanghai, I have found it very difficult to find live music, or any music for that matter that was able to catch my attention. Recently while browsing that unavoidable tool of the devil (Myspace), I came across an artist by the name of B6 living in Shanghai. His music goes way beyond any electronic act I have heard in Shanghai, particularly his recent EP entitled "My Post Rock Yard". It's great to see music like this introduced in a place where it is so new and untouched. I am excited to see where B6 and his crew take this scene, and how well it catches on. I do know next time I visit Shanghai I will be sure to check him out.

Listen: B6 - My Post Rock Yard (Sho Mix)

M3 Miami '06

For those of you living on the East Coast unable to make it out to California for Coachella, you may feel a little left out. Well, the answer for you is Miami's M3 Music Festival. M3, as I see it, is in many ways better than Coachella. I used to see the M3 festival as more of an event for your typical "club-goer", but over the years it has become more eclectic. Featuring not only DJs and electronic acts, but also hip-hop and rock such as the Strange Fruit Project and She Wants Revenge. Advantages over Coachella would be that the event lasts for not two days, but four. It takes place on a sunny beach, not a sun scorched polo field. And the real advantage being that it costs half as much, tickets are onlt $99.

Ryan Waller

Ryan Waller of Thingmaking, in my opinion, is a funny man. His art is humorous, fresh, and somewhat naughty which is perhaps why I find him funny. My personal favorite is his D.I.Y. poster (pictured) and I think it is sheer genius.

For more information on Ryan Waller, check out The Drama for a short interview that discusses his artistic influences and source of inspiration among other things. His works can also be seen at the website along with his picture that never fails to make me laugh. Special thanks to my friend Caleb who told me about the talented Mr. Waller.

Milosh - Meme

I have said it before, but I am not much a music reviewer. I know what I like, and I know good music, but when it comes to critiquing it I will leave that to the pros. However, I am all about sharing the music I love. An album I have been listeing to non-stop since it's realease on the seventh of this month is "Meme" by an artist named Milosh on Plug Research. The second album by the Toronto native has 11 tracks (12 with the iTunes exclusive) of warm electronic beats and vocals sure to please any lover of The Go Find or the Postal Service. Favorite tracks of mine would be "It's Over" and "Couldn't Sleep", but the entire album should be listened to without a press of the skip button.

Listen and purchase

THECAST of the Lower East Side

You may have noticed the lack of updates since both Drew (I think!) and I have been busy for the past few days. I am in the process of sending out resumes, re-decorating my room, and spending time with friends I won't be seeing quite often because of work. Anyway.

Chuck Guarino and Ryan Turner are the guys behind THECAST, a t-shirt label from New York. THECAST t-shirts are designed to please all t-shirt fiends the world over and to redefine what is good and what sucks. If you're sick of seeing XXXXXXXL shirts that go past the knees and stupid logo tees that read MY GIRLFRIEND IS OUT OF TOWN, then you should check out THECAST because, well, it doesn't suck. It's as simple as that.

Prickie: Get Your Button On

Whether it be on a bag, hat or your favorite hoodie a button always makes for the perfect accessory. Prickie brings you a huge collection of button bagdes designed by a variety of talented artists. You can mix and match your orders of the handmade buttons, most of them priced at around three bucks a peice. Prickie not only sells cool buttons, but they also offer the invitation to artists to submit and sell designs of their own and make a little extra cash.

Kamenoko Tawashi

24-year old Shunsuke Iwata is responsible for the beautiful photographs found in his website. The photos are in themes, ranging from beautiful scenery to delicate portraits. The photos also have a very clean, immaculate feel to them due to the brightness and use of natural sunlight. Style, solitude, and an understated happiness radiate from the photographs and these will make you want to go back to the website over and over again.

Remix Rush: Seat Yourself

It seems like everywhere you look these days you can't help but running across something of Diplo's. I know the last "Remix Rush" was also done by Diplo, but I couldn't pass up posting this track. The song is "Seat Yourself" from the "Awfully Deep DE/EP" by UK labelmates of Diplo, Roots Manuva. The combo of Diplo's heavy-hitting beats and the smooth flow of Roots Manuva makes for a very tasty treat.

Roots Manuva :: Seat Yourself (Diplo Remix)

Dope Bins

Who is that weird guy in the hoodie sitting beside a trash bin? A hobo maybe? Nope, it's design genius Philippe Starck. Mr. Starck collaborated with renowned Danish company Vipp, famous for their trash bins, soap dispensers, and other household necessities, for a benefit to generate money for the children in Mozambique who are affected by the AIDS virus.

Other artists who have personalised the classically designed trash bins include fashion royalty Agnes B. and Christian Lacroix, and Parisian design duo, Les Sismo. Believe me, trash bins never looked this good.

WESC World Travel Guide

The folks over at We Clothing have decided that there dope-ass clothing just isn't enough to please. Therefore the Weactivists around the world have joined forces to come up with the WESC Travel Guide (kind of like a cooler version of Lonely Planet). From Stockholm to Los Angeles, from Melbourne to Tokyo WESC is bringing you the lowdown on what's happening around the world. Find the best tapas in Barcelona, know the best skate spots in Vancouver. Whatever it is WESC gives you the real stuff you need to know about these cities before visiting. Hard copies are also available at your local dealer. So if you are headed to Chicago or Hong Kong, make sure to peep the guide first.

The Bold And The Beautiful

Bold & Beautiful is the project of Ezra Petronio, editor-in-chief of Paris' ultra-hip magazine, Self Service. The book features polaroids of some of the most influential people in fashion and the film industry. Perhaps this book will enable all the fashionistas and budding stylephiles out there to put a face to the name of their favorite designers such as Agnes B., Kim Jones, and Jean Touitou of A.P.C. If you're someone who is into fashion, photography, and art, what are you waiting for? Go grab the book now.