The Model

Kraftwerk, The Man Machine (Kling Klang, 1978)

Very excited to find Die Mensch Machine digging for records in Hamburg a few years ago. Strands of Constructivism, Futurism, Bauhaus...the best of the avant-gardes.


Señor Coconut, "We Are The Robots," 2008

For those of you who still need to know...Señor Coconut's El Baile Alemán (Emperor Norton, 2000) was among the more creative homages to the aforementioned groundbreaking Kraftwerk album - the classics reworked with Latin instrumentation and rhythms.

Fashion Plates

British Vogue, November 2008

Loose yourself in the glossiest, most au courant fashion coffee-table books. By Harriet Quick

"So you've got the Rodarte dress and the Shaun Leane diamond vulture-skull brooch, but perhaps you lack the academic credentials to be a true urban goth? If so, start with Gothic: Dark Glamour (Yale University Press, 2008). One half of this dark tome is devoted to fashion, the other to rock music, so slide on that Sisters of Mercy album and a Rick Owens jacket, and let your nerves be tingled."

Temptation - Live, BBC Radio 1

New Order, "Temptation" (Factory Records (FAC 63), 1982)

Touched by the hand of God: Dave Simpson's memories of New Order...poetic memories recalled against the backdrop of rumors of the band's split in 2007. "Temptation" is one of my favorite tracks of all time.

"Tonight I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home"

Probamaburg

2008 U.S. Presidential Election Aftermath. Celebrating in the hood. Thank you fellow Americans...you have restored my faith in democracy.