Did you catch Sezio’s show at the Boat House? We were delighted to partake as artists in this one-night takeover, and we were in quite good company too. Here are some shots of our eucalyptus bearded piano man – we hope you enjoyed him. Peep some more event pics including works by Mike Maxwell, Niko, Exist 1981, Tocayo, and so many more at Flickr. Thanks to Mr. Brian Deppe for the photos!

Installation by Set & Drift’s Stacy and Sean Kelley

These are some songs that have been swilling in my head for the past few months. They’re not particularly slow, and they’re not particularly fast. So, just sit down. Put on your headphones. Take a deep breath, and plant yourself. You’re exactly where you need to be right now.

Can’t help but finding Jules Buck Jones’s artwork interesting and endearing.

Heard of Kickstarter? He’s posted a project to document his artist residency in Everglades National Park in a multi-media art book. His stats as of today, Feb. 20:

+Raised $4,947 of the $7,500 goal

+42 backers

+82 days to go

How does it work? You give him money, and he makes a kick ass book to unleash on the printing press. You support creativity unadulterated and straight from the source, plus you get something in return. ($50 scores you a copy of the final book and an audio CD).

Kickstarter is a great way to gather small amounts of funds from various backers to get these projects off the ground. If the goal isn’t met, your donation is reimbursed. Set & Drift collaborator Acamonchi has a project for Sketching New York City going as well – check it out.

Browse the projects and be a patron! Your fellows will thank you.

Music is universal. Love, hate, happiness, sadness, joy and wonder are universal. Music is life. Songs create the soundtrack to our lives. Music is essential to my being and has changed my life in many ways. Originally I was going to make a CD that was the soundtrack to my life then add songs from my favorite soundtracks. The new year has arrived and I decided to put together the mix that created itself on shuffle while I was on my hour walk. It’s a new year and time to live in the present and not always have everything planned or figured out. Enjoy the mix and share it with your friends. Joie de vivre!

Jen Correia
KGTV Helicopter Reporter
Music News Reporter
X1FM VJ

Blog: http://thefullservicereport.tumblr.com/
Twitter: @jencorreia

—

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

>> Right-click here << and save this mix on your iPod/iPhone.

1. Across the Universe: Fiona Apple
2. Man Ray: The Futureheads
3. Ready Steady Go: Generation X
4. Investigative Reports: Genius/GZA
5. Kevin is Gay: Giant Drag
6. Transmission: Joy Division
7. Waltz for Koop: Koop
8. The Body Says No: New Pornographers
9. Shady Lane: Pavement
10. Insistor: Tapes N’ Tapes
11. Grow Up and Blow Away: Metric
12. Fences: The Soft Pack – RMX Phoenix song
13. Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space: Spiritualized
14. Destination Venus: Rezillos
15. Ca Plane Pour Moi: Plastic Bertrand
16. The Greatest: Cat Power
17. It Was a Good Day: Ice Cube
18. Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?: She and Him
19. Pictures of Houses: Tilly and the Wall
20. DJ: Amanda Blank
21. Stand and Deliver: Adam Ant

Feat. Mike Maxwell, Niko, Exist 1981, Tocayo, Kelli Murray, Brent Sandor, Carly Ealey, Wes Bruce, Sean Kelley, Stacy Kelley, Sean Ward and Jane Weibel

More details from Sezio here, and the Niko/Mike Maxwell collab time lapse video here. 6-10pm // Musical acts include The Paddle Boat, Black Mamba & Dr. Popsicle

Here’s a peek at what’s going on over there right now.

Below: Sean Kelley’s piece

A collab by Carly Ealey & Brent Sandor (left) & Sean’s work in progress (right)

Tocayo, work in progress

Love this one by Exist 1981…

And this one…rar.

By Wes Bruce. (We have been up late…)

Hope to see you Friday!

Sweet Sixteen – the birthday that lots of teenage girls celebrate with a massive party…but me, well I celebrated by getting my very first electric guitar. Though it’s been years since I turned 16, the Sweet Sixteen lives on in an annual challenge I most look forward to: pick my favorite albums from the year, choose my favorite songs from those albums, put them all together in a neat little mix, package them up with a dorky album cover and distribute to both willing and unwilling friends. It’s pretty typical for these songs to end up being very tied to certain times and places in my memory, so in the end, each Sweet Sixteen mix serves as a really good reminder of what happened over the course of that year. 2009 was one of my favorite years in music to date. I’m excited to see what 2010 has in store. Happy New Year!

—
Lauren Daniels
SeattleGraffiti

—

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1. Two Weeks – Grizzly Bear
2. Heart Skipped A Beat – The XX
3. Turn Me Well – Micachu
4. Coast of Carolina – Telekinesis
5. Fables – The Dodos
6. Just The Same But Brand New – St. Vincent
7. i am the changer – Cotton Jones
8. This Tornado Loves You – Neko Case
9. When We Swam – Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
10. Maybe So, Maybe No – Mayer Hawthorne
11. French Navy – Camera Obscura
12. Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
13. Lalita – The Love Language
14. I And Love And You – The Avett Brothers
15. Sirens – Grand Hallway
16. 1901  –   Phoenix

Attention all artists and designers…

THE HAITI POSTER PROJECT
Just launched: A collaboration of artists and designers from around the world, benefiting victims of the earthquake in Haiti

Moxie Sozo, the organizer of the 2005 Hurricane Relief Poster Project, is teaming up with Josh Higgins, the organizer of the 2007 So-Cal Fire Poster Project to produce the 2010 HAITI POSTER PROJECT. We’ve had the great fortune of collaborating with San Diego based graphic designer Josh Higgins through Set & Drift events (remember his fantastic prints…) and we’re excited to spread the word and keep you updated. The deadline for submissions is March 15:

All designers and artists, please step up! THE HAITI POSTER PROJECT seeks limited edition sets of posters from artists, designers and design firms from around the world. The donated posters will be sold online to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. As designers, we have the collective ability to do what we love, AND to create a difference. THE HAITI POSTER PROJECT has been conceived as a collective effort by the design community to unite and effect change through our work. In order for this project to be successful, we are counting on designer participation.

Our goal is to raise at least $1,000,000 for Doctors Without Borders. Please help spread the word.

Website: thehaitiposterproject.com
Twitter: @haitiposters
Facebook: become a fan!

Josh Higgins prints from Set & Drift projects:

Set & Drift has moved to Barrio Logan — we’re sharing a studio space with mi-workshop {object & space design}. We opened the studio up the other night and are looking forward to hosting future events! Here are some shots, including our golden chihuahuas and a film screening of Jean Painleve’s Science is Fiction in the workshop {below}. Keep in touch for details on upcoming happenings.

Above: The Salk Institute {La Jolla, California}

What’s it like to be part of the design scene in San Diego (proclaimed “small but vibrant” by Dwell Magazine)? We could tell you, but we’ll give Dwell the honors since they’ve called upon local architectural talent Aaron Anderson to run through the stand out architecture of the city in this month’s issue. Congrats to our studio-mate Miki Iwasaki of mi-workshop for a shout out in the feature!

Below: The beloved Las Cuatro Milpas Mexican eatery, blocks away from the Set & Drift studio in Barrio Logan

Tired bicicletas. These guys made the trek from the San Diego neighborhood of South Park down to Tijuana. (We gave them a break on the trolley on the way home.)

On 05 of December 2009 we set out by bicycle — joined by Jay, Katie, and Michael of North Park farm-to-table restaurant The Linkery — in the direction of Suzie’s Farm, an organic farms that supplies The Linkery with some of its produce.

Set & Drift also happens to be part of the Suzie’s Farm CSA program. Every two weeks we pick up one box of whatever is in season at the farm (from Grant’s Marketplace in South Park – oh so convenient). To give you a sense of what’s inside, we laid out a December box on our table.

So beautiful. Such variety. Building recipes based on what’s on hand is a new creative challenge.

Suzie’s Farm owner Robin was generous with the taste tests. We were also excited to hear that strawberries will make their way into the CSA box in early spring.

They’re trying out growing heirloom tomatoes in the greenhouse. Farm owner Lucila explained that sometimes it’s good to be rough with tomatoes. Perhaps if they think they’re on their way out, they’ll make babies faster. And those are some delicious babies.

Suzie’s farm is not far from the U.S./Mexico border. So close, in fact, that we decided to take the bikes across. We ended up at Tijuana ceviche restaurant Erizo: amazing. The quail egg was a nice touch.

After many shared plates and a few bottles of wine we decided to link up with Derrik on his Turista Libre outing. We found ourselves at TJ bar Garces, a fantastic lounge that pays homage to Mexican actor Mauricio Garces — fully outfitted with gold upholstered booths and mirrored tables. We spent a good amount of time with the Turista Libre crew, admiring their loot from the Tijuana shopping spree, before hitting the road.

So sore the next day but so worth it.

2009 was a fine year for Set & Drift, as we followed the compass eastward and trekked it over to New York City. October in NYC was host to the Feast conference: an inspiring gathering presented by All Day Buffet that is definitely worth putting on your calendar. It’s an interdisciplinary happening of open dialogue and presenters that explores how creativity impacts business in a positive way.

We checked out the Ace Hotel (above). It was inspiring to see the creators behind this hotel putting artists to work to create individualized and soulful scenes behind the beds. Back at home in San Diego, we have been equally excited to see the work of up and coming artists grace the walls of local establishments (like the Tocayo murals featured at local eatery El Camino). We experience creativity in the everyday when business leaders in the community make conscious decisions to showcase it. Got to support that.

Which is why we loved this DIY ice cream truck kicking it in Brooklyn… Unicorns and hot pink bow tie included.

Another highlight was The High Line. The city reclaimed an elevated rail from the 1930’s and with the help of a talented team of architects converted it into a mile and a half long public park.

East Coast driftage…

And an undercover shot from the museum.

Set & Drift is proud to support The 2009 Gingerbread Collective: a charitable showcase of gingerbread houses built by over a dozen San Diego architects and designers. The event benefits local non-profit Second Chance, which provides job training and housing opportunities to assist with employment and self-sufficiency. Set & Drift’s Sean Kelley experimented with a little baking to design the event’s tasty 3-dimensional graphic (above). It’s a tricky material for us creatives, and we are super excited to see the masterpieces that come out of this multi-discipline exhibition of creativity and collaborative networking.

Above: Sculptor Matt Devine’s mid century modern “Case #22 Inspired Gingerbread House”, feat. a frosty pool, edible shrubbery, and some seriously creative furnishings.

Below: Furniture designer/architect Miki Iwasaki of mi-workshop unveils COLLECTIVE LANDSCAPE, which considers how we live on our landscape and what it means to be a collective. He’s crafted some reclaimed hardwood remnants to stand amongst a community of sculpted cookie and surreal candy living spaces.

A public showcase happens at Arclinea — a modern Italian kitchen design showroom — Thurs/Fri 12/10 & 12/11 from 6-9 pm.  Or, if you want a more intimate viewing, gather with the builders for a cocktail gala the evening of Saturday 12/12, where the jury will announce the winners and guests can bid on houses to call their very own. Gala tix are $25 with 100% of proceeds benefiting Second Chance. Added bonus: tasty treats from spots like Starlite, Cucina Urbana, & Stone Brew will be served up at the gala as you meander through the maze.

One of our favorite artists, Matt Stallings, unveils his show After the Bomb Popped at Subtext Gallery in San Diego this month. We’ve located an interview // photo preview of his work –> Muchas gracias to Sezio for the diversity of questions and the entertaining format, and for letting us ask him what his power animal is.

And so we tell you of the wonder-fulness that is Matt Stallings and remind you to meet him on your computer, and at Subtext, if you are in the area 12.11.09.

Matt Stallings’s DNA =

Coffee + Television + Fruit Loops + Cartoons + Bear Suites + Nostalgia + Comedy + 1+1=3 + Madonna Gap tooth + Beer + Kids + Tabloids + Love + Wife + Family + Red Beard = White. Medium height. Slightly hairy human.

Photos via Fecal Face (including one below), and watch the studio tour/interview by Sezio. (And if you really want to get crazy, there’s a preview of the upcoming show here.)

-buckminster fuller

::via Toxico Cultura

If there’s anything consistent about us creative types, it’s that we need inspired space — for architectural models, for interdisciplinary think tank meet-ups, for gallery shows, for filming. etcetera. We’ve seen a surge in the collaborative workspace concept here in San Diego, and over in London, they’ve created a non-profit version.

Village Underground is an innovative coupling: ex London Underground tube train carriages have become creative studios, piled above the expansive raw space of a restored Victorian warehouse below, which can be transformed into a flexible and multi-functional arena.

This Friday, October 2nd, San Diego based artist Mike Maxwell opens his new La Jolla studio to the public for the first time. Join Mike for drinks and hors d’oeuvres on the rooftop lounge over looking the Cove above his studio. And take a gander at his blog for the latest.

Make sure to mark your calendars for next Friday’s opening of Cereal Killer at Subtext, which promises a tasty exhibition of breakfast-mascot-inspired paintings by Patrick Ballesteros. There is mischief in those eyes, and as Stephen Colbert reminds us, bears are not to be trusted!

This is a brief mix of music I might take with me on a desert island. I picked it fast and decisively, as if someone was forcing me to leave abruptly, saying I might never come back. I tried to choose different genres and moods of music for my purposes of trying to live life apart from the rest of the world. In the end if I found that I had this list of songs around I might be content for a long time. Some songs just keep getting better…..

Heather Ace
San Diego House Parties

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1. Murderer – Barrington Levy
2. Pimper’s Paradise – Bob Marley & The Wailers
3. Stella Was A Diver And She Was Always Down – Interpol
4. Hair Down – Cold War Kids
5. Take Five – Dave Brubeck
6. The Beast – The Fugees
7. Hit Me! – The Sounds
8. Silent House – Dixie Chicks
9. Your Heart Is An Empty Room – Death Cab for Cutie
10. Sullivan Street – Counting Crows
11. I Only Have Eyes For You – The Flamingos
12. Lose Control – Missy Elliott
13. Digital – Joy Division
14. Weed Party – Band of Horses
15. The Long Way Around – Dixie Chicks
16. Sunday Morning – No Doubt
17. Supermix – The Notorious B.I.G.
18. Brothers On A Hotel Bed – Death Cab for Cutie
19. Minha Galera – Manu Chao
20. Lovesick Blues – Patsy Cline
21. Brand New Colony – The Postal Service
22. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out – The Smiths
23. Here I Dreamt I Was An Architect – The Decemberists

Photo credit: HighContrast

Get down to the Kava Lounge tonight at 9pm to kick off Fall the right way – with hip-hop. The Fall Hip-Hop Showcase, presented by San Diego House Parties, will feature live performances by K The I ??? with onepersun, Edword Sizzamouf, and M-Double-A-L, and the Afta Shock Dance Crew will also be on hand.

Half biomimicry, half psychogeography, Jarbas Agnelli’s response to this photo of birds sitting on telephone wires is a simple but provocative idea. The composer interpreted the image into musical notes using the positioning of the birds. It’s a nice little tune as well!

Read more on Agnelli here. Found via Utne Reader.

We recently visited the Lux Art Institute in Encinitas for the opening of Elizabeth Turk’s artist residency. The residency and show is a coming-home of sorts for the artist, who grew up in Orange County but until now has been working in New York. The Lux space seems to fit her work well, as the modern lines of the architecture and sculpture blend with the inherent organic atmosphere of her conceptual queries and the surrounding landscape.

Elizabeth’s stark white marble forms look convincingly skeletal, offering an inverse to the dark bio-mechanical world of H.R. Giger.

She’s a slender lady, but unleashes a plethora of power tools to create her intricate sculpture from such a hard material. Elizabeth grinds the marble with a wide range of diamond and carbide-tipped tools, from large power grinders to small metal files and dental instruments.

The corner of the gallery space will act as Elizabeth’s makeshift studio during her stay.

The studio space is filled with studies, images of inspiration, and notes on patterns in nature, evolution, and psychology.

One of Elizabeth’s sculptures is made from an immense marble slab, resting on the floor. These stalagmite-like water droplet forms had us glancing up at the ceiling… for what I’m not quite sure.

Elizabeth has created a series of collars that are intended to be “delicately monumental.” The time and physical exertion takes it’s toll on the artist, motivating her to find relaxation in graphite drawings. I’m not sure how relaxing it was to draw these highly detailed hair-like strands on two 45 foot rolls of vellum – I guess it’s all relative.

Elizabeth also creates intricate drawings and prints, mixing flora and fauna into semi-recognizable but otherworldly patterns.

In addition to the opportunity to interact with the artist and her art, the Lux property itself is most definitely worth the visit. The Lux building, which was recently LEED certified (the first art museum in California with that distinction), is nestled into a native California chaparral covered hillside just north of San Elijo Lagoon. Elizabeth will be working in residency at LUX through Oct. 3, but her work will be up through 10/31.

There are only a few spots in each city that define its culture, create neighbors out of strangers, and become a weekly part of life for everyone from grandpa to high school emoboys and girls. Lou’s Records, which has been around since 1980, is one such institution in North County San Diego. It’s part of what I like to call the Holy Trinity of Leucadia, which includes The Pannikin, Ducky Waddles and of course, Lou’s.

Record shops infamously employ some interesting characters and Lou’s is no exception. Neil McLean, the creator of this installment of Minstrel Fridays (and a loyal Lou’s employee), is from England, stands about eye-level with me (6′7″), and shares music knowledge with a humble and thorough passion. Never aloof, always generous, and naturally jovial, Neil is one of a kind. After walking – yes walking– 6 miles to attend one our Sanctuary143 art events, he waltzed into the gallery with a smile and proceeded to jot down about 30 or 40 bands he suggested I check out. His hand-writing is shitty, but that list was like a gold mine for me.

But Neil McLean is more than that – he’s also a creative genius who’s hard at work creating a stop-motion animation series in his garage. This “televisual situation comedy” entitled DUNGEON is 6 years in the making, and the disturbingly funny trailer shows signs of greatness with Adult Swim written all over it. Like any creative pursuing an ambitious feat (or what he calls “my idea”), Neil has moments of doubt about the project, stemming from his lack of funds to the validity of spending 6 years building animatronic puppets and miniature sets.

That’s where you come in. This mixtape is obviously a shameless plug for Lou’s, keyword shameless. Many of you will recognize several tracks, but there are plenty of obscure gems that only Neil could dish out. Enjoy the mix, support a noble record store, and in the process, Neil’s project!

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

So where’s the tracklist?

It’s up to you to uncover the tracks! We’re giving away a Josh Higgins print for the first person to get the entire tracklist correct. Take a guess in the comment field below. Or go visit Lou’s and ask Neil… he’s always happy to share.

Winner’s Choice!

The winner gets to choose between these two limited edition hand-screen prints by Josh Higgins. Both are out of print and impossible to find.

It is the pleasure of Set & Drift to publish this interview with Oliver, we hope you enjoy his images and insight.

S&D

What draws you to photography?

OW:

Photography, in my quite personal style, has become my elixir of life. It gives me strength and it makes me happy. Every little moment is important in itself and every photograph has its own little story in my head. The photo is not in the foreground but rather quite a lot of human interactions and meetings that originate from it.

S&D

Could you tell us the story behind one of your photos? How do you begin a conversation with the people you photograph?

With this man, I spent almost a whole afternoon in his modest home. I was invited by him, and we drank tea and entertained ourselves with our hands and feet. In the end I asked him if I could take a picture of him. What I want to say is: there are situations in photography which need time. In other situations, you have to be more quick.

This is a typical street scene. The group of children passed me. Here I was able to make eye contact with a child. Within seconds, there it was, the photo.

As a general rule, I drift along on the streets; things don’t come to me at a hectic pace or in a rush. Photography is not actually at the forefront of my mind, rather it’s about having a lot of human interaction. The image through the viewfinder creates a sense of eagerness in me, as well as a sense of relaxation at the same time. All events condense around me in one moment. Then it’s a matter of capturing it in such a way that it becomes something special. My photos aim to reveal deep insights into human lives. The situations embody what develops while watching people’s lives and tell unmistakable small stories. I’m never an outsider to the story. Photography is, for me, a picture language that everyone all over the world can understand. This makes it valuable as well as inimitable and this is why I love it so much.

What brought you from Germany to your current home in the Canary Islands?

My work as a doctor.

You are like a modern storyteller, documenting the lives of others through photography and human interaction. Why do you find this an important role for today?

Thank you for the “modern storyteller”. In our crazy world, there is such a hurry and bustle.
Since 2002, I’ve pursued photography, if you want to put it this way, seriously. The so-called “street photography” has arisen through my creating different cycles. It comes to life through spontaneity and the feelings and recognition of situations and moods. You never know what will happen next. The art is to use foresight to grasp the right moment and take the picture. Once the moment is over, it is lost for good. If you have managed to capture this unique moment that makes you rest for a moment, then the picture has its justification.

If you were a mythological creature, what would you be?

Honestly I have not given this much thought. So I took a test on the Internet.

The result: I would be a Griffin: “Loyal hardworking, winged beast, the fierce griffin is a trustworthy friend. One of the more famous creatures, you should be proud of scoring this. You are valued as a tough fighter but are also dexterous in the ways of the world. You will look to the light to know what to do. You can become sulky and secretive if left without guidance though.”

What is inspiring you this week?

I am inspired by the crazy world we live in day to day.

What would your dream assignment be? Where would you like to go next?

I would like to make a picture story about my neighbor, a man who lives a very modest and hard working life. But he is happy and content with his life. Perhaps I will manage to carry this happiness through in my pictures. I will go out today and ask him…

What more do you feel you need to accomplish in this life?

My vocation is being a doctor, and my passion is taking photographs; the two together is my dream combination. There is nothing better than connecting work and hobby. The one can’t be without the other for me. For me personally, there is no absolute “need” to accomplishing something in my life. I am content as long as I have ideas in my head and the power to implement the ideas.

You can see more of Oliver Weber’s work on his website.

All photos © Oliver Weber – from the series Marrakech and other collections.

Los Angeles artist Megan Whitmarsh has a show coming up on September 12th at K___R____E_T___S, an art gallery/project room in Malmö, Sweden. KRETS shares our common vision, seeking to show contemporary art in a way not bound to the conventional and commercial art market. KRETS works with diverse media and happenings, such as art exhibitions, workshops, film screenings, and music performances.

The upcoming show, “YETI CRYSTAL RAINBOW”, is up through October 11, 2009, and includes an opening with the artist on September 12th. The exhibit features Megan’s signature embroidered canvasses, soft sculpture, and a site specific wall mural, communicating her desire “to synthesize an optimistic vision of the future with the detritus of modern life.”

Not in Sweden? We hear ya. Check out her embroidered yetis and other fanciful creations here.

Pictured below – (Not necessarily in this show but one of our favorites nevertheless) –

King Kong Shares Kit Kat

San Diego’s Subtext Gallery+Bookstore celebrates its third anniversary this Friday, September 4th (6-10 pm), with “Wanderlust”: new works by Art Center colleagues Brody Albert and Demetrius May.

It seems like human nature to hold onto our youth, continue exploring, and to pursue paths not yet traveled. Yet, in true human fashion, we process these emotions in different ways...

Thank you for the memories, Subtext, and cheers to many more to come!

<The exhibition will be open by appointment September 4th-27th, 2009.>

-Harry Bertoia

Acamonchi is moving to NYC next week! As a tribute to Acamonchi’s creative influence on San Diego, we asked him to create a mixtape. Rock out to it on your way to Streetscene or as a pre-Critical Mass warmup.

A big thanks to Acamonchi for giving back to the community through punk, bicycles, art, and positive messages about food (he’s vegan). You will be missed!

Connect with Acamonchi: Website | Facebook | Flickr

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1. The Misantroph – Neoangin
2. Dog Days – Matthew Dear
3. Actionist Respoke – Mouse On Mars
4. Strateface/Kcl0 (07/10/99) – Lackluster
5. Tanino – Latinsizer
6. La Torre Y el Diablo – Ford Proco
7. Bad Natured (Vocal Reprise) – Styrofoam
8. Brothel Trainbox. – Sindri
9. Pax Romana II – Si.Da
10. Out There Somewhere (Part 2) – Orbital

I guess you saw the first wall painting.  But it wasn’t finisched stage.  So here comes its entire picture.  Also I’ll write down each word.
I can tell you the meaning, too. Here is a list of the word.

1 Eichhornchenschwanzspitze
The very first word I got from a visitor.  “tip of the tail of a squeal.”

2 Oberschenkelknochen
I can’t remember the meaning.  rather short, but good practice.

3 Telekommunikationsdiensteleisungen
Someone found this word on an old phone bill.  So this word is legit.

4 Betaubungsmittelverschreibungsverordnung (2-bit a)
regulation requiring a prescription for an anesthetic

5 Muhlenstillgugsdurchfuhrungsverordnung (2-bit u’s for the first and fourth)

6 Konstantinopelitanischerdudelsackspfeifenmachersgesellschaft
From Mark Twain’s Connecticut Yankee.  He invented this word as a magic spell to scare people at King Arther’s Court.
Bagpipe Maker’s Union in Constantinople

7 Niedergeschwindigkeitswidkanalversuchsergebnis
Results from low-speed wind tunnel testing

8 Rindfleischetikettierungsuberwachungsaufgabenubertragungsgesetz
Specially mentioned at Germany’s word of the year ceremony. This is a legit legal term, regarding to regulations on labeling on beef.

9 Donaudampfschffahrtsgesellschaftskapitan
Every German knows this or other variations. Danube Steamboat Company Captain

10 Schneckengrunerfeuerwehrdrehleiterverantwortlichrinreservestellung
Someone told me, or just made up in front of me.  Something about a position at a small village’s fireengine, or something like that.

There are some misspelling, which I can’t remember where.  And  can’t keep mentioning “2-bit” this time.  It became way too cumbersome.

And the last but not least, here is a quote from Mark Twain again.  It’s nice reading, and my last work is from this anecdote. Here goes.

A Dresden paper, the Weidmann, which thinks that there are kangaroos (Beutelratte) in South Africa, says the hottentots (Hottentotten) put them in cages (Kotter) provided with covers (Lattengitter) to protect them from the rain. The cages are therefore called Lattengitterwetterkotter, and the imprisoned kangaroo Lattengitterwetterkotterbeutelratte.

One day, and assassin (Attentäter) was arrested who had killed a hottentot woman (Hottentottenmutter), the mother of two stupid and stuttering children (Stottertrottel). This woman, in the German language, is entitled Hottentottenstottertrottelmutter, and her assassin takes the name Hottentottenstottertrottelmutterattentäter. The murderer was confined to a cage – Beutelrattenlattengitterwetterkotter – whence a few days later he escaped, but fortunately was recaptured by a hottentot, who presented himself at the mayor’s office with beaming face:

“I have captured the Beutelratte”, he said.

“Which one?”, asked the mayor, “we have several”.

“The Attentäterlattengitterwetterkotterbeutelratte”.

“Which Attentäter are you talking about?”

“About the Hottentottenstottertrottelmutterattentäter”.

“Then why don’t you say at once the
Hottentottenstottertrottelmutterattentäterlattengitterwetterkotterbeutelratte”?

Here’s an excerpt from his always hilarious emails:

This is painting of “Data Matrix,” or 2D barcode, which encodes German text translated from my following Englisch writing.

In German
Every letter has right and duty
Every word is pronounced as it should be
Let Knopf be Knopf

In German
Typeface is as black as a night at a forest
No legal limit is set for word length
Let them call for Mississippi Steam Boat Company Captain (this would be one long hell of a word in German) in the dark

In German
Vowels have crowns (or 2-bit in my own term)
Consonant are strong and clear
Don’t let me say a German word
I’ll spit in your face

97″ x 97″ acrylic on the wall
no more straight lines on uneven walls!

Alice laughed: “There’s no use trying,” she said; “one can’t believe impossible things.”

“I daresay you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was younger, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast…”

-Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Gracias once again, Toxico Cultura

Sezio has officially launched their Artist Exchange Program and is getting the party started by bringing Brooklyn-based artist Morgan Blair out to San Diego. A recent RISD graduate and Brooklyn-based artist, Morgan Blair is spending the week living and working at the Luce Loft in downtown San Diego.  The exhibition will be opened up to the public both Friday and Saturday nights with “Brain Glamor – Morgan Goes Pacific”. Check out Sezio’s interview with Morgan here!

When: August 14th & 15th (6-10pm)
Where: Luce Loft (1037 J. St – SD, 92101)
Details: Free & All Ages

Many of you may have heard about Manivela, San Diego’s first food bike delivery service. We haven’t tried it yet, but have been reading good things from Jay Porter at the Linkery so it’s only a matter of time…

Sezio sprouted from a group of artists and musicians living in a white house on Ebers street in Ocean Beach, Ca.  The creative, collaborative mindset of its residents spread contagiously to visitors and passer-bys.  At any given hour there was screen printing in the garage, painting on the front porch and a jam session in the living room or on the roof.  Luckily, Andrew Heine’s Pro Tools was running around the clock, and almost all of it was recorded.

This group of tracks has shaped my current musical taste.  The warmth of the house combined with the organic sounds of plane engines and doors creaking make you feel like you are sitting in the room… and I was.

Track Listing:

01 – “Wish You Well” by Andrew, Jim & Leah
02 – “Lay Back Down (It’s Easy)” by Dogcatcher
03 – “All At Once” by Dogcatcher
04 – “Morning Smile” by Pretty Too Bad
05 – “Pictures And Such” by Pretty Too Bad
06 – “An Ocean Beach Afternoon” by Brian Holwerda
07 – “Battle Hymn Of My Republic” by Brian Holwerda
08 – “Firehouse House Fire 1939″ by Demasiado
09 – “The Mean We” by Demasiado
10 – “Boogie” by Wade Youman

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Track Notes:

01 – This song was written and recorded in an afternoon.  Andrew and Leah share the spotlight here, but as always Jim Hughes is nailing perfect harmonies.

02,03 – Dogcatcher included Andrew Heine, Damon DeLaPaz, Jim Hughes and Brian Holwerda.  Andrew’s music always took a back seat to his art and playing in other people’s projects (Blackout Party, Irradio).  Now that he’s in the Bay Area, I’m hoping for a solo record sometime soon.

04,05 – Pretty Too Bad is a side project of Clayton Edward (Demasiado).  The initial piano-based tracks he recorded at Ebers have been in my iTunes rotation for a while.

06,07 – Brian Holwerda has been a good friend for a long time.  I’ve had the privilege of seeing him develop as a musician and songwriter for the last decade, and over that time this group of tracks stick out in my mind.

Amy Stein describes the photographs of her “Domesticated” series as “modern dioramas of our new natural history.”

She observes and captures certain “artificial spaces” that she considers as both a “passage and barrier between domestic space and the wild.”  The concepts for her photos are based on news and stories of human-animal interactions, and most of the animals shown are stuffed.

As humans, Amy says, we seem to “at once seek connection with the mystery and freedom of the natural world, yet we continually strive to tame the wild around us and compulsively control the wild within our own nature.” :via Amy Stein

–Friedrich Nietzsche

Vienna-based art collective Gelitin crafted the rabbit and has classified the project as a solo show, spanning 2005-2025.  After almost 5 years of knitting, the straw-stuffed toy rabbit has found its home in the Italian Alps. Visitors are encouraged to climb on the comfy 200 foot rabbit (which has been spotted by Google Earth).

The artists explain, “Behind a hill, as if knitted by giant grandmothers, lies this vast rabbit, to make you feel as small as a daisy.” See their full project description below.

Rabbit from the sky:

Rabbit under construction (with visitors):

The creators, Gelitin:

“The things one finds wandering in a landscape: familiar things and utterly unknown, like a flower one has never seen before, or, as Columbus discovered, an inexplicable continent;
and then, behind a hill, as if knitted by giant grandmothers, lies this vast rabbit, to make you feel as small as a daisy.
The toilet-paper-pink creature lies on its back: a rabbit-mountain like Gulliver in Lilliput. Happy you feel as you climb up along its ears, almost falling into its cavernous mouth, to the belly-summit and look out over the pink woolen landscape of the rabbit’s body, a country dropped from the sky;
ears and limbs sneaking into the distance; from its side flowing heart, liver and intestines.
Happily in love you step down the decaying corpse, through the wound, now small like a maggot, over woolen kidney and bowel.
Happy you leave like the larva that gets its wings from an innocent carcass at the roadside.
Such is the happiness which made this rabbit.
i love the rabbit the rabbit loves me.”

-Vienna-based art collective Gelitin

-Albert Einstein

Introducing…

MUSTACHE MAYHEM!

The Silent Comedy is in the thick of creating a new album, and they’re reaching out to the community for help. Here’s how it works:

1. Participants submit a photo of themselves with a mustache (real or fake), along with a donation toward the band’s recording fund.
2. In recognition of the support, the band will include the photos in the jacket of a limited edition pressing of their new full length record.
3. In addition, each contributor will receive gifts ranging from a copy of the new record to a hand painted box loaded with limited edition artwork, merchandise, and rare recordings (depending on their level of contribution).
4. Details, submission forms, and guidelines can all be found at www.thesilentcomedy.com.

MUSTACHE PARTY

To kick off Mustache Mayhem, the band is hosting a Mustache Party at El Dorado Cocktail Lounge on Wednesday, July 29th. Attendees are encouraged to wear mustaches (real or fake), and prizes will be awarded to the best mustache (male and female).

Some of the Mustache Party fun will include:

• On site photographer (and provided mustaches) to help you submit your Mustache Mayhem photo.
• Giveaways from various individuals and organizations (including Sezio.org, Set & Drift, a signed print of The Silent Comedy photographed by Rebecca Joelson, and more). Each partygoer will receive a ticket for the drawing free of charge.
• “Pin the Mustache on Justin” game where participants attempt to correctly place the mustache on a photo of  Silent Comedy banjo/mandolin player, Justin Buchanan.
• A brief acoustic performance by The Silent Comedy.
• Party favors (including mustache decals and chocolate mustaches).

It’s going to be a fun night, and all in the name of getting a rock-album created by one of our favorite bands. See you there!

Mix tapes make me nervous. When Sean and Stacy first asked me to participate in their Minstrel Fridays series, I said yes and then never got around to it. Even though I’ve been writing about music for nearly a decade in this town, I’m very protective of my personal taste. Sometimes it’s questionable. And I don’t have a database of obscure knowledge stored in my scatter-brain, nor an astounding collection of music, though I try.

But it’s not just that. I wanted there to be a story behind this compilation. Nothing too literal, mind you. Perhaps more of an air than a story. An optimistic attitude. Some of the songs have personal meaning; some just cheer me up.

By the way, the current chapter of my real-life story has a happy ending. I’m in love and I’m moving to Seattle with my man after spending my entire adult existence in San Diego. Talk about new and exciting. Life-affirming, really. It was a long wait, but here it finally is. So I decided to make a mellow mix that reflects this mood of love, nostalgia, melancholy, and adventure. You won’t find the latest, coolest indie tunes, if that’s what you’re looking for. Just my heart.

I’m skipping town on July 30. I hope I’ve said goodbye to everybody. I’ve complained about it a lot, but I’ve also loved it in San Diego. To my family, friends, and the people who have inspired me with their creative and intellectual feats heroic over the years: Thank you. I will miss you. Please don’t forget me.

xo,
AnnaMaria
www.uccellinimedia.com

1. “Summertime” by Jesca Hoop
2. “Love” by J Dilla feat. Pharoahe Monch
3. “Via Con Me” by Paolo Conte
4. “Sunshine” by Matt Costa
5. “Flying High” by Brisa Roché
6. “Quiet Houses” by Fleet Foxes
7. “My Baby Just Cares for Me” by Nina Simone
8. “We’re All in the Dance” by Feist
9. “May This Be Love” by Jimi Hendrix
10. “He Needs Me” with Shelly Duvall (from Popeye), arranged by Jon Brion

There’s a north county happening this Saturday that has the makings of a legendary event. The Burning of Rome is playing live at Speakeasy Studios with guests Judgement Day, spoken word by Ed Dekker & live art.

But that’s not all…

The darkhorse of the evening is a puppet art show from the mind of visionary North County-import Neil McLean of the UK. While at Lou’s Records in Encinitas, we picked up a limited edition DVD sneak preview of Neil’s “televisual situation comedy” DUNGEON that he’s making in his garage. There aren’t many left so hurry over. Your purchase will be made under the watchful gaze of one of the puppets from DUNGEON, who resides on the wall behind the register.

Keep a weather eye on a Minstrel Fridays mixtape from Mr. McLean, coming soon to the Set & Drift blog!

Though freshly baked goods are delicious, no rice to eat sucks.  There is tiny Asian store and buy Tofu, but a little old.  But when there is no other choice, I buy old tofu with a little sour taste. I work in old distillery.  Dark and dump, but no long skinny legged spiders and other crowlies.  Try to go for walk in the morning, otherwise I’m confined in that building in a small area of not much larger than 0.125 sqare mile.  Which is central part of Hann. Munden (period after 2nd n, and 2 dots over u)
No Starbucks, but many Cafes.  No tattoo parlor, no check cashing service, but so many cell phone stores.  I mean So Many, 5, 6, or 7 stores on main street of 1/4 mile long.
Someday I’ll go to Berlin to see wild hogs, or maybe Knoot or whatever polar bear.
TV without Billy, Paris, and all the juicy celebrity crap is boring.  Not much music choice, neither.  I’ve been listening Classic FM station.  Bach, Mortzalt, Beethoven and so on all day and every day.  I can’t wait to spend another fabulous day on the ladder to make fuckin’ cunst!

The first few days were warm and humid, then about a week of cold rainy days followed.
Now I see sun shine again, and I can heal my vitamin D deficiency.  I should probably go for walk to McD in 5 kilo from my resident.

Also into this painting by Kevin Taylor.

I’m often asked who my musical influences are, what kind of music I like and listen to. These days I’m inclined to answer with the Duke Ellington statement that there are only two kinds of music, good or bad. I’ve been surrounded by music my entire life and have had the good fortune of being exposed to a wide variety of artists from an early age; my dad listened to Caruso, my mom cranked “Abbey Road” and the Platters every Sunday doing housework, my sisters had 45’s of James Brown, The Sweet and Ian Dury, my brother rocked Santana and Clapton. Thanks to them my ears have been wide open ever since. Music is the friend that’s always been there for me. It comforts, consoles, excites, envigorates and enlightens. It gives me everything I need and asks nothing in return. This small mix of songs is merely a glimpse into the ever growing library of music that I love.

I’ve called the mix Well what do you thrash? – a nod to my skating days via Thrashin’ the movie.

- Adrian Demain

Catch Adrian at an upcoming show: www.myspace.com/adriandemain2

1. Attitude Song \\ Steve Vai
2. Shadrach \\ The Beastie Boys
3. The Caterpillar \\ The Cure
4. Strange Meeting \\ Bill Frisell
5. Sand \\ Jules Ah See
6. I’ve Seen It All \\ Björk
7. Skating \\ Vince Guaraldi Trio
8. Nobody’s Hero \\ Stiff Little Fingers
9. Galloping Guitar ‘49 \\ Chet Atkins
10. Airegin \\ Wes Montgomery
11. You Look That Good To Me \\ Joe Clay
12. Come Fly With Me \\ Frank Sinatra

If anyone’s down for a nautically themed art show, it’s the crew over here at Set & Drift. Cruise down this Saturday to see new work by several Yeller artists at the Wharffice.

Get a preview of the show plus directional coordinates here.

UPDATE: Poster deadline extended to Monday, August 10, 2009. Submission info here.

Here’s an excerpt from ParkerWhite’s call for entries:

The donated posters will be sold exclusively online, and all profits will go directly to the San Diego Food Bank. Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 to help feed the hungry.

The theme is “Help End Hunger.” We are looking for uplifting art that will help educate the public about hunger-related issues.

Set&Drift in conjunction with AIGA San Diego and Subtext is proud to present Objectified, a documentary film by Gary Hustwit.

If you haven’t already heard, Gary Hustwit’s latest documentary Objectified is coming to town July 10 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla. The film dives into the world of products we’ve surrounded ourselves with, and the designers that create them. It’s a must see for any creative, so get it on the calendar.

Hustwit also directed Helvetica, a documentary about graphic design and the typeface that’s become a ubiquitous part of human visual communication across the globe. Judging from his directorial debut, Hustwit’s films should probably be required watching for all humans. So if you haven’t seen it yet, rent Helvetica as a warm-up to Objectified.

And as if the screening wasn’t enough, Subtext Gallery is bringing some added radness with an after party featuring a live performance by El Ten Eleven (who rock the soundtrack for Objectified and Helvetica).

Believe you me, this screening will sell out. Get your tickets now and we’ll see you July 10!

-Rene Magritte

These songs are special to me in many ways but mostly because they all remind me of travel, long drives, walking around, seeing different places. For many years thoughts about going places have been just as valuable as actually leaving, since I couldn’t afford the time or money it took to go. So you could say I’ve been traveling in my head. Each song has specific parts that remind me of this:

1. (bare voice)
2. And the hands of hobo fishermen, they fish off the city bridges, the city bridges.
3. You can’t go home again; each time it’s different.
4. Please don’t confront me with my failures; I had not forgotten them.
5. (harmony)
6. I’m headed for a land that’s far away, beside the crystal fountains.
7. Get up from your old couch, with your heart full of flowers – you’ve been broken far too long.
Pass the guy with the heart so blue, he’s got nothing for you to use; it’s all bound to get better. Everyone always misses you when you’re gone, every time you just pick up and run. Eyes black and blue from the war, you’re defeated by your own army.
8. (layers 3:46)
9. (strings 2:04)
10. I’m challenging you in the stormiest sea, each wave is as high as a building. I have a golden sword in my hand; twelve ships are waiting.

- Steph Walker
www.walkersteph.com

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Our friend Linsey snapped this shot in NYC this week… enjoy.

-Edward Abbey

-Andy Warhol

We’ll be cruising down to Subtext this Friday for the opening of Origins. The show features new work from Kyung Soon Park, Francis Vallejo, & Austin McCormick, focusing on their interpretation of heroes/heroines.

See you there!

The good people over at City Heights Farmer’s Market are celebrating their first birthday this Saturday in grand and tasty style. Read their invite below…

9 am to 1 pm // The corner of Wightman & Fairmount

If you (think) make the *BEST* tamales in town, or if you (think) you know someone who makes the *BEST* tamales in town, send them our way. $275 in Cash Prizes will be distributed to the makers of the BEST tamales!, we are especially encouraging City Heights residents to participate. And of course, I expect to see many of your smiling faces at the Market on June 6th, participating in the TAMALE CONTEST TASTING!

Interested tamale-makers should contact Morgan Congdon at the IRC, 619-641-7510 x 279, or morgan.congdon@theIRC.org

Photo by Mexicanwave.

- Sarah Vowell

We took a trip to north county last week in hopes of finding some native new world Cacti and drought-resistant old world succulents – we were not disappointed.

Jeff at Solana Succulents hooked us up with a wide range of plants for our Native Curiosities installation at the Thread Show, including several cacti species native to the Southwestern US and Mexico.

In addition to native species, Jeff also offers a plethora of drought-tolerant succulents from Africa and Madagascar as well as some rare species from isolated ecosystems like the Canary Islands. Let’s be honest – San Diego is a desert region importing 80-90% of its water (a majority of which is used up by residential landscaping), and these plants are a rad alternative to water-hungry lawns.

Cruise by and visit Jeff next time you’re in North County for some xeriscaping help. You’ll lower your water bill, help San Diego conserve water, plus you can hit up Pizza Port, which is just around the corner!

A big thanks to Miriello Grafico for hosting Set & Drift as we prepare for the Thread Show this weekend. MG was kind enough to provide space in The Logan warehouse to stage our Native Curiosities installation this week.

Here’s a glimpse at the staging that began on Saturday…

In addition to housing Miriello Grafico’s design studio and LJG, The Logan will soon be home to video production company DV creations, rounding out a strategic partnership anchored in Barrio Logan that forms an incredibly capable creative powerhouse.

Set & Drift is honored to have the support of the San Diego Natural History Museum in presenting the Native Curiosities installation at the upcoming Thread Show on May 30/31. The installation will feature several specimens from the museum’s collection that are native to the Southwestern United States, including the Red-tailed Hawk (shown above).

More specimens from the collection and info from the museum below…

NATURE TO YOU Loan Program

Bring nature into your classroom, art studio, and home by becoming a member of the Museum’s Loan Program. Membership allows for a year of unlimited access to the program’s collection—over 1300 specimens that represent the biologic and geologic diversity of the southwestern United States, Baja California and the world. Call 619.255.0236 or email loanprogram@sdnhm.org.

Founded in 1875 by a small group of citizen naturalists, the San Diego Natural History Museum is the second oldest scientific institution in California, third oldest west of the Mississippi. A bi-national museum, its mission is to interpret the natural world through research, education and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California; and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment.

- Michael Pollan

-Marcel Duchamp

Here’s a preview of our installation at the upcoming Thread Show on May 30/31 in San Diego. This old school silo in the Wonderhaus is our blank canvas.

The inverted cone on the inside looks like something from the set of THX-1138.

See more photos of Native Curiosities at FLICKR

A big thanks to Carly and Zack from Sezio…
… for cruising up to Oceanside for the Native opening at Swiv Tackle Circus. Carly took some great photos and wrote up a review of a fun night filled with art, music, and urban garden-grown snacks.

We’ve also uploaded some tasty photos of the urban garden bounty, and a short video featuring Tocayo’s NATIVE sign painting.

Native will be up at Swiv Tackle Circus through May 23rd, including this Saturday for THE COLOR INK BOOK, ISSUE 3 release party, so check it out if you missed the opening!

Photo credit: Carly Ealey

Here’s a little footage behind the sign that Tocayo created for the Native exhibition at Swiv Tackle Circus in Oceanside, CA. Stacy and Sean Kelley of Set & Drift helped paint out the sign lettering while Tocayo built up the black edges of his dream-catcher illustration.

Photo credits: Carly Ealey, Tracy
Music by Orishas, from the Tocayo Time mixtape.
More info on the exhibition here.

The Color Ink Book is the third installment of a coloring book series with some rad illustration. Check it out this Saturday, May 16th at Swiv Tackle Circus for live art, music, drinks, eats, and giveaways!

And if you missed the NATIVE opening, this is a good time to see the exhibition before it’s gone on May 23rd!

-Frida Kahlo

SET & DRIFT will be at THREAD San Diego Saturday – Sunday May 30-31st! Join us at the Native Lounge in the flour silo at the old Wonderbread Bakery in East Village for a collaborative art installation set amongst indie fashion designs, live screen printing, drinks, music, and good times! Visit THREAD for more details and to RSVP before May 15!

See photos of Native Curiosities at FLICKR.

We love this project going on in the streets of Berlin.

Born out of a reaction to recent changes regarding Berlin’s vandalism laws, Papergirl rallies artists and cyclists to distribute rolls of paper art (posters, prints, etc.) to unsuspecting Berliners.
Read the entire review at SEZIO and watch the paper-berliners in action in the film above.

If you’ve been paying attention, San Diego is celebrating beer with a passion. Show some love by voting for your favorite Beer City in the states and show Charlie Papazian (homebrew hero and founder of the Brewers Association and the Great American Beer Festival) what’s what.

Thanks for the heads up from one our favorite watering holes, Blind Lady Alehouse, part of an impressive microbrew corridor along 30th St. & Adams Ave. that includes Hamiltons, The Whistlestop, Sea Rocket Bistro, The Linkery, Ritual Tavern, Toronado, Jayne’s Gastropub…

Did I miss anybody?

The Michael Jackson auction at Juliens was cancelled by MJ at the last minute, but it is now on public display. Our friend Lizzie in Portland found a great post from the Stranger with some mind-blowing images of the exhibition. We love designing art/design cross-over exhibitions here at Set & Drift, but this one, my friends, would be a challenge.

Make sure you sit down before the jump – these images are crazy.

Another chance to see the NATIVE exhibit (up thru 5/23) — tonight is Stencil Nation @ SWIV.

Thanks so much to all of you who helped and came out to celebrate at NATIVE Saturday night! There was great energy, and we are so thankful to SWIV for their creativity and positivity and for hosting us in their amazing gallery space. The exhibit is up through May 23, so stop by and check it out!

Check out some great photos at King Bee, and we’re updating our flickr set in the next couple days. Send your photos our way if you have ‘em.

xoxo SET & DRIFT

It’s clear the magic that California holds.
She is the muse to many musicians around the world.
I think all of us can relate to a little California dreamin’

enjoy this mix with a cold Corona!

xo-sj

Shaney jo Darden
Keep A Breast

1. California \\ Rogue Wave
2. Hotel California \\ Eagles
3. California Dreamin’ \\ The Mamas and the Papas
4. Dani California \\ Red Hot Chili Peppers
5. California Stars \\ Billy Bragg & Wilco
6. California \\ The Kooks
7. California \\ AB O’neill
8. California \\ Pretenders
9. California Sun \\ The Ramones
10. California Girls \\ David Lee Roth
11. California \\ Joni Mitchell
12. California \\ Rufus Wainwright
13. Leaving California \\ PJ Harvey & John Parish
14. (More Bounce In) California \\ Soul Kid #1

We’re beginning to reap quite the harvest from SWIV’s urban-community garden, a collaboration amongst SWIV, Hill Street Cafe (next door), and some obliging neighbors. We’re excited to share the booty at NATIVE, as well as some tantalizing fresh squeezed juice from locally grown blood oranges, courtesy of Hill Street.

Tocayo

a Skate Stool and Spare Time Clocks, Miki Iwasaki

The mix tapes of Minstrel Fridays live on… This time around we’re blessed with the musical stylings of a talented collaborator, graphic designer-musician Josh Higgins. Listen below and read about his power animal here.

Life is changing around us and the tiny oars of our boats don’t always seem to be enough in battering seas. If we keep rowing we may never reach land but eventually we’ll row out of the storm. Music is the one thing that helps me weather threatening skys and shots across the bow. Enjoy.

-Josh Higgins
joshhiggins.com

1. Re-Ignition – Bad Brains
2. We’re Only Gonna Die – Bad Religion
3. Part One – Band of Horses
4. Fairies Wear Boots – Black Sabbath
5. Switch – Boilermaker
6. Skinny Love – Bon Iver
7. In Debt to the Heart – Born In The Flood
8. Hate – Cat Power
9. Hello, I’m In Delaware – City and Colour
10. Everything Sucks – Descendents
11. I Better Be Quiet Now – Elliott Smith
12. Independence Day – Elliott Smith
13. See You Dead – Helmet
14. Oyster – Jawbreaker
15. The Boat Dreams From The Hill – Jawbreaker
16. Boilermaker – The Jesus Lizard
17. Air Traffic Control – Jets To Brazil
18. Iron Fist – Motörhead
19. Charades – No Knife
20. My Arrow’s Aim – Rocket From The Crypt
21. Everything – Smile
22. Hey Jigsaw – Tanner
23. Stranger On The Town – The Damned
24. Buddy – The Lemonheads
25. Release My Heart – The Black Heart Procession
26. Way Of The Ocean – Three Mile Pilot
27. Hush – Tool
    

Below: One of our favorites, Josh’s design for the Hurricane Poster Project, a project that encouraged collective action from the design community to ignite change. All proceeds from limited run posters went directly to Red Cross to assist those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Josh in turn established the So Cal Fire Poster Project, which compiled designs donated by designers and artists around the globe. Funds from these poster sales have gone towards Salvation Army for the victims of the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties.

You’ve established yourself as a musician — as bass player for fluf — and as an award winning graphic designer. How do you balance it all?

It seems to be pretty easy. i think because i love every minute of each thing so it does not seem like a “job” and because i dig it i am motivated to be better and try harder. organization and scheduling is the key. i got lucky with that gene as i feel i am pretty organized and have good time management skills. that helps balance it all.

Best creative memory?

oh man, thats a tough one. as a musician it was touring with Jawbreaker, one of my all time favorite bands and got to spend many weeks with them, became good friends that still talk and hang to this day, plus lots of high-jinks ensued. as a designer, it was getting a job at miriello grafico. i had wanted to work there since i was in school and 6 years later, Ron gave me a chance. there are many others but those stick out the most.

What’s inspiring you this week?

Car print ads. i am working on Yamaha’s 2010 campaign/collateral. we have a photo shoot coming up and i am being inspired by car photographers’ lighting techniques. beautiful.

What has being in a band taught you about approaching graphic design and vice versa?

i think the band taught me to be organized. i was always in a “manager” roll as well as a bass player and marketing a band is much like marketing any other product or service. i don’t think design has helped the music – just hurt it as i play less now.

What’s your power animal? Explain.

Ferdinand the bull ::  Because I would rather smell flowers than fight in bullfights.

What would your dream assignment be?

i have always wanted to figure out how to earn a living doing non-profit work. (hurricane poster project, so-cal poster fire project) my dream assignment would be to do great work while helping a cause i believed in.

What do you feel you still need to accomplish in this life?

A bunch. i am constantly learning and never feel content with my abilities. until the day i do, i will have something to accomplish.

In Roman mythology, individuals were said to have a “genius”, a guardian spirit that granted them intellectual and creative powers. Do you have a little guy?

no. i wish i did. i could really use him or her right now. i just have my dog “Fender” who i think is genius.

Who do you admire most?

Designers? Reid Miles because he was one of the most underrated designers ever: the simplicity and exercise of restraint. The use of type was very progressive for its time. The photo cropping creates a single focal point in the composition. His record covers defined a whole genre of jazz with a look. In his time, he completely defined visually a music style. His cover design for Blue Note Records blended modernism and photography. His most memorable covers incorporated dynamic typography with Francis Wolff’s eloquent photography. His cover for a Freddie Hubbard album was the first of his covers I ever saw. Even after buying every book on his work that I could ever can get my hands on, it remains my favorite. and Paul Rand because his work was simple, innovative and rebellious. He employed a wide variety of design techniques including typography, collage and photography.  This combination of elements produced distinctive design across many media, such as a poster design, editorial design and corporate identity. But simplicity was the common element across everything he created, no matter what the medium.  in general, people who are driven. i am inspired when i see people with a mission and are doing whatever they can to make it happen.

Words of advice on being a creative human being?
never be satisfied. always seek to learn. give until it hurts. and remember, what comes around goes around.

If you could board any ship any time, what’s the date and destination on the ticket?

the date would be June and headed for Hawaii. Maui in particular. my favorite place on earth.

While we’re working hard on the NATIVE show at Swiv Tackle Circus on April 25, we wanted to dish out a preview of one of the artists from the show.

Hit play and delve into the work and life of designer/architect/teacher Miki Iwasaki. Through an intimate series of introspective ponderings, Miki explores how the small objects in our life shape the big picture of how we live. Check out more of the work from his studio, Mi-Workshop.

This beautiful little gem of a film, entitled SCALE: furniture/architecture/society, was shot and directed by filmmaker Jeffrey Durkin of Breadtruck Films, and debuted at the Pearl Hotel in February. We’ll have a mini-theater setup for the film at NATIVE.

Make sure to cruise up to Swiv on 4/25 to see the latest wood works from Miki.

La Milpa grows organic vegetables, herbs, and greens and boasts a super cute handful of goats, chickens, and kittens. They’re at the farmers’ markets (Oceanside, Vista, La Mesa, Hillcrest) so say hi to them and buy some stuff. They’re doing it right over there.

{They’re also hosting their monthly potluck/movie/wood fired pizza gathering under the big oak tree at the farm April 18th at 5:30 pm…another good time to join in a toast to their dedication.}

Chickens plus chick and chocolate mint sampling

We bartered some time weeding stinging nettle out of the beet plot for a handful of perky fresh cut cilantro. The resident bread and pizza making guru Barry generously donated a bit of sourdough starter he’s been cultivating for 10 years to get our first batch of pizza dough rolling.

The Session 1 Eat Easy served up Sean’s ‘New Mexican’ pizzas – corn, peppers, onion, poblanos, pine nuts, goat cheese, and farm fresh sourdough and cilantro. Taking a cue from our Berkeley obsession Cheeseboard, we ditch the typical tomato sauce. We go for a fine layer of chopped ristra chiles in its place. Delicioso… and much love to our new farm/foodie friends.

Check out the photo gallery and bask in the glow of what we can accomplish with a just a few drinks and a bit o’ teamwork at Holiday Matinee.

Just heard this track at El Camino and couldn’t resist entering it into the Google Machine. Luckily, Mr. Herb Alpert had an incredible art director back in ‘79. You’ll find yourself exploring the studio space with Herb and his lady friend, eventually ending up on the beach with a hoard of dancers following close behind.

Not much else to say. Found via the excellent ISO50 blog. Thank you Scott!

Introducing “SET & DRIFT” – an interdisciplinary creative studio. The literal meaning of these words is the speed and direction of the current under a sailing ship.

Recently, in a serendipitous twist of fate, our paths crossed with a dusty pile of vintage science manuals. As designers and artists, we’re drawn to the beauty of their yellowed pages…not to mention their simple instructions on piloting a ship. (The companion book Man In Space breaks down for us the particulars of space travel, musing about the day when man will walk on the moon).

We’ve noticed a parallel here between the navigation of the high seas and our navigation of the cultural landscape. After all, what we hear of many a time in creative endeavors — that “happy mistake” that graces our process every so often — brings to mind the age old tendency of seamen to invite in the unforeseen, allowing the tides and winds to carry us to sought-after uncharted territories.

As a studio, we see ourselves as just one part of an entire crew of creative individuals and forces. So here we set sail, dedicated to collaboration and unearthing creative treasures to share. Hop aboard!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 25th!

SWIV TACKLE CIRCUS and SET & DRIFT present NATIVE:
An exhibition about our evolution as natives to Southern California and as humans native to planet earth…

FURNITURE, FILM, ART, and BIKES By Miki Iwasaki, Jeffrey Durkin, Josh Higgins, Stacy Kelley, Tocayo, Sean Kelley, Jeff Black, Shaney Jo Darden, and Thatcher.

More details soon — Sign up to receive all the latest!

Opening reception: 6:00-10:00 pm
530 South Coast Highway >> Oceanside, California

Speaking of transcending space and time…here, so-called “humorist” John Hodgman goes off (in his delightfully geeky way) about aliens, physics, and falling in love.  (Also worth a peek: Elizabeth Gilbert’s (of Eat, Pray, Love) ponderings on creative “geniuses” and an intriguing bit on green design by Cradle to Cradle author/architect-designer William McDonough.

Join us at San Diego’s Starlite Lounge tonight and help some kids get clean water.
Get more info from the evening’s organizer Holiday Matinee here!

There is something fascinating about closing your eyes and imagining how a song might feel when accompanied by film. Radiohead’s famous title track from this mix represents one of these powerful moments in film, and it got me thinking about soundtracks ever since. Certain songs began to stick out from the rest. They seemed to hold some element that I couldn’t put my finger on, but that undeniably conjured images in my mind of hypothetical scenes from movies that didn’t exist.

I am a sucker for those incredible moments when the marriage of song and film nears perfection, one of my favorites being Nico’s cover of These Days (which Jackson Browne apparently wrote when he was 16 years old! I love wikipedia.) in The Royal Tenenbaums. I’m pretty sure this is why I love Wes Anderson movies… he pulls that shit all the time.

This mix is the first of many imaginary soundtracks that are floating around in my head. If it sparks any ideas for movies or even single scenes, drop a comment below.

Sean Kelley
Co-founder, Set & Drift

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I love all kinds of music, but I love certain kinds more. And here they are. This type of mix is what gets me through my day, and inspires me to practice being a good person and make fun art.

Hope you guys enjoy it. Sorry I don’t know how to make sweet blends and fabulous DJ techniques. So take time to enjoy the silence between the tracks too

Tocayo-
elgrantocayo.blogspot.com

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1. Mistica – Orishas
2. Nag Champa (Afrodisiac For The World) – Common
3. The Light – Common
4. 2 AM – Slightly Stoopid
5. Oh Yeah – Foxy Brown
6. Mi Confesión – Gotan Project Feat. Koxmoz
7. Don’t Do Drugs – Danger Mouse &#38; Jemini
8. Dying To Live – Diego Roots
9. This Ain’t Living – G. Love & Special Sauce
10. Charlie’s Kids – Gram Rabbit
11. Heartless – Kanye West
12. Wordless Chorus – My Morning Jacket
13. Bobby James – N*E*R*D
14. Shove It (feat. Spank Rock) (Album) – Santogold
15. Cotidiano – Seu Jorge
16. What a Bum Bum – Sister Nancy

The mix came from my love and desire to tell the world about the talent we have here in San Diego.

- Tim Pyles
www.thelocalpyle.com

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1. Afterparty At Jimmy’s – Anya Marina
2. Flash’s Theme (Bonus Track) – Louis XIV
3. Can’t Don’t Want To – Anna Troy
4. Classics Never Die – Da Bears
5. Days Go On – Greg Laswell
6. Warship – Manuok
7. Blood Drops – Writer
8. Tijuana Sound Machine – Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich + Fussible
9. Goose Egg – The Pocket
10. Throwing Up – The Powerchords
11. Dick On A Dog – Rocket From The Crypt
12. Foundation – Scarlet Symphony
13. This Bike Is A Pipe Dream – Vena Cava
14. Death By Discotheque – The Burning Of Rome
15. Ghost Rider – Crocodiles
16. Wavves – Wavves
17. California Goth – Wavves
18. Sub-Atomic – Apes Of Wrath
19. Hot/Cold – Apes Of Wrath

I’ve been thinking about death a lot lately. Not in a morbidly compulsive, Woody Allen-like way, nor in a mid-life, “what-does-it-all-mean?” kind of way. Rather, after a recent health scare and being let go by a soulless media corporation, my work on the first novel started to take a rather melancholic turn, which, incidentally, is exactly what it needed.

Within the unshaven, all-night, booze- and stimulant-fueled last few months, and the iTunes pretty much screaming at me to give Zoloft a chance, I found myself compiling a mixtape that I wanted to be handed out at my funeral. A 32-song examination of my life via the sounds and lyrics that have most moved me the last 30 years, but with a rather morbid emphasis on the two things I’ve loved the most in my life: myself and women. Most of the songs are somewhat sad in nature even if they border on solipsism, but the fact is that when you make a mixtape—even if it’s compiled for someone in particular and might or might not get you laid (as the awesome Dave Brown cleverly points out)—it’s still an exercise in egotism much in the same vein of googling one’s own name.

Below is a heavily abridged version of that playlist. I took the title from my favorite songwriter, Leonard Cohen. Anyone half as familiar with Cohen as I am knows that the Phil Spector-produced Death of a Ladies Man is his worst album, but certainly the one with the best title. The accompanying picture is a photograph of Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell at some festival. I actually have the poster version near my bed. Mitchell has this extremely jubilant, teethy, Kool-Aid smile, but you can’t see Cohen’s face, just his back facing away from the camera.

Unlike my fellow players below, I hardly have the time to fantasize about jet setting off to far-away environs, whether tropical or tundra. I’m just stuck in America. Stuck with the same ghosts that haunt Thom Yorke in “Pyramid Song.” Stuck in the same moment that Leonard probably was on many other occasions. Embracing the women I love with my back to the camera.

Seth Combs
The Last Blog on Earth

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1. The Man Who Loved Women \\ Tom Petty
2. I Will Kill Again \\ Jarvis Cocker
3. Not Dark Yet \\ Bob Dylan
4. I Want Love \\ Elton John
5. Do You Realize?? \\ The Flaming Lips
6. How \\ Badly Drawn Boy
7. Hell Yeah \\ Neil Diamond
8. Lucky Man \\ The Verve
9. Pyramid Song \\ Radiohead
10. It’ll All Work Out \\ Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
11. Dead Flowers \\ The Rolling Stones
12. One Man Guy \\ Rufus Wainwright
13. Sometimes \\ DMX
14. The Message \\ NaS
15. A Change Is Gonna Come \\ Sam Cooke
16. In My Life \\ Johnny Cash
17. Tower Of Song \\ Leonard Cohen

17 years ago a mixtape dramatically changed my life.

This angry looking girl who sat across from me in art class was always wearing knee-high red Doc Martens and changing her hair color.  At the time I was a semi-clueless sophomore jock.  One day we started rapping about music.  She was like, “oh if you like so and so you should listen to this and that.”   A week later, bam, she slaps a mixtape on me. 90% of the bands on the tape were totally new to me.  It rocked.  I listened to the tape relentlessly.  Six months later I bought my own pair of giant Doc Martens.

The Dinosaur Jr. track #8 is a tribute to my long lost art class friend.  It was on her original tape from 1991.

I hope you enjoy this odd mix of psych/indie/folk/rock. The only common denominator here is that when I hear any these tracks in my car, I turn the volume way up.

-Nate
Urbanist Guide

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1. Hello – Mr Oizo
2. Noam Chomsky Spring Break 2002 – Department Of Eagles
3. Milk Skates – Black Moth Super Rainbow
4. Ifa – The Benders & Tunji Oyelana
5. Mary Susan – Blood On The Wall
6. I’ll Believe in Anything (Album) – Wolf Parade
7. Sleeper Hold – No Age
8. The Wagon – Dinosaur Jr
9. What I See – The Dirty Projectors
10. Second Chance – Liam Finn
11. Low Gravity – The Acorn
12. Lay and Love – Bonnie “Prince” Billy
13. Heartbeats – Jose Gonzalez
14. The Wolves (Act 1 & 2) – Bon Iver
15. Crap Kraft Dinner – Hot Chip

The day’s drive starts at a red light alongside a curved cement fortress, a corner store painted in the likes of a green-and-yellow checkerboard. Cactus leaves for sale on one side, a man spraying fire from his mouth on the other. When green comes, I’ll know what to do. I could do it every day. Race through cobblestone roundabouts, circular kingdoms ruled by sword-wielding Aztecan giants and dead presidents. Fly over sidewalkless bridges that cover the concrete river. Dodge mammoth potholes that lurk along the pockmarked boulevards, avenues lined with women made of both clean white plastic and tarnished brown putty and square trees trimmed to look like the landscaping of an 8-bit video game. Brake, gas, brake, gas, brake, my eye all the while waving at the monstrous eagle flag waving at me from afar. Scale the rolling hills of urban sprawl, each its own tidal wave disguised as a wall of Technicolor confetti. Count the specks as I feel myself climbing into the sky. Follow the fence westward through whiffs of sewage and street food, to where the line between “here” and “there” switches from rusted panels to a roofless cage made of railroad tracks before trailing into the sea. There, in the shadow of the bullring, pause in the company of the coconut shacks, cotton candy peddlers, divided families and the falling sun, and know that the long night ahead, wrapped in neon-streaked disco twilight, will close with another slow dawn that I’ll dedicate to not letting the fear of gunfire keep me from driving the same lap tomorrow. Welcome to my Tijuana taxicab.

Derrik Chinn is a permanent tourist.  See for yourself at derrikchinn.blogspot.com.

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1. “Sex City” // Van She
2. “Wake Up” // Lo-Fi-Fnk
3. “Vamos a La Playa” // Righeira
4. “Moonlight Affair” // Silent Circle
5. “Fashion Victims” // Zemmoa
6. “Time Stands Still” // Cut Copy
7. “Double Shadow” // Junior Boys
8. “I Want Your Love” // Chromatics
9. “Life After Sundown” // Glass Candy
10. “Pegaso” // Professor Genius
11. “Neverland” // Silent Shout
12. “Lady Operator” // Mirage
13. “Caught By Surprise” // Laban
14. “Sunlight In Electric Wires” // San Serac
    

I’d like to pretend I’m cooler than I am and my musical tastes are more obscure than they are, but this mixtape is me.  I like folk music and alt country, mainly, and the more melancholic and beautiful the better.  I tried to put together a playlist that represented the type of music I actually listen to on a daily basis. Neutral Milk Hotel, the Decemberists, Bon Iver, Sam Amidon and Bonnie “Prince” Billy is the music I fell in love with in the last decade — some within the last few months. And I grew up on bands like The Allman Brothers, The Kinks and The Band (thanks mom and dad).

I’ve been in San Diego for almost six years now, and local bands like Transfer, The Album Leaf and, more recently, Calico Horse and Joel P. West, have made me proud to be a part of the San Diego cultural scene.   I included Bostich + Fussible (of the Nortec Collective) because I’ve lived in Tijuana for the last two and a half years, and the songs they make are such a perfect representation of the chaos, fun and excitement of my beloved TJ.  Hedwig and The Angry Inch is on my list, too, simply because the song is freakin’ awesome. Plus, musicals make this world more enjoyable, don’t you think?

Kinsee Morlan
San Diego CityBeat + Adapta Project
http://tijuanatales.wordpress.com/

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1. Two – Headed Boy    Neutral Milk Hotel
2. Pale Green Things    The Mountain Goats
3. Skinny Love    Bon Iver
4. For Every Field There’s a Mole    Bonnie “Prince” Billy
5. The Breeze    Dr. Dog
6. Random Rules    Silver Jews
7. Saro    Sam Amidon
8. The Crane Wife 3    The Decemberists
9. Hoppípolla    Sigur Rós
10. The MP    The Album Leaf
11. Melissa    The Allman Brothers Band
12. The Weight    The Band
13. Well Respected Man    The Kinks
14. 28th & NE Davis    Joel P West
15. Gold    Calico Horse
16. Everybody In    Transfer
17. Papa Was A Rodeo    The Magnetic Fields
18. Origin Of Love    Hedwig & The Angry Inch
19. Tijuana Sound Machine    Nortec Collective presents Bostich + Fussible

Back when pagers were out, 143 meant “I Love You.” Based on that I picked the songs that speak to the different ways I have felt about Love. From the best feeling in the world, to a time when it hurt more than anything I can ever remember. So my 143 playlist is about the best and worst parts of love. The things that love will make you do.

- Jacques Slade aka KU
Kustoo.com and Vajraband.com

1. I Can’t Stop Loving You -  Kem
2. Happy Feelings (Live) -  Maze Feat. Frankie Beverly
3. 143  -  Musiq (Soulchild)
4. My Own Zero  -  Zap Mama
5. Love T.K.O.  -  Teddy Pendergrass
6. Assumptions Ft. J-Luv and Soleux  -  KU
7. Shit, Damn, Motherfucker  -  D’Angelo
8. Goodbye My Lover  -  James Blunt
9. Smoking Cigarettes  -  Tweet
10. Love Song for No One  -  John Mayer
11. Nothing Even Matters  -  Lauryn Hill

I grew up in house where my dad would play the sax along to some old Charlie Parker albums while my mom was steady rocking to LL Cool J and Run DMC. So it’s really no surprise that this mix is laced with jazz infused hip-hop tracks from start to finish. This is a re-recoding of a mix that was first played during my Sunday afternoon dj sets at Le Papagayo restaurant in Leucadia, Ca. Enjoy!

WILL REDD
willredd (at) gmail (dot) com or facebook

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1. Passing Me By (Fly As Pie Remix) – The Pharcyde
2. Take The D Train – Pete Rock
3. Ramsden Road – Charlie Tate
4. The Language Of Music – Jaywalkers
5. Suite For Beaver PT 1 – People Under The Stairs
6. A Little Soul – Pete Rock
7. Get Involved – Pete Rock
8. Hai Pinga – Colossus
9. Afros In Ya – J Boggie
10. Morning Mist – Jaywalkers
11. Try Me (People Under The Stairs Remix) – J Boogie
12. Dogg Starr – Ladybug Mecca
13. Cali Spaces (Lazy Day Mix) – Mark Farina
14. Chocolate Distance (Hot Chocolate Mix) – Karuan
15. Movin To My Beat – J Boogies Dubtronic Science
16. Ohhhh Ma Ma Ma – Laird and John Pickett

Few things have me whipping out my Visa faster than an airfare sale on Travelzoo, but ever since those little green pieces of paper called “dollars” all but disappeared from this American life, the only travel I’m doing these days is strictly imaginary.

This mix is the soundtrack to my post-recession world tour, starting with a trio of sexy Spanish-language singers. Next, it’s over to Europe for jazzy flamenco duo Bebo & Cigala and Parisian chanteuse Keren Ann, then South America, with the Brazilian Bia and two amazing Argentines: now-L.A.-based Juana Molina and composer Lalo Schifrin (better known as the genius behind the original Mission: Impossible theme).

Back to Eastern Europe we go, getting gypsified in the Balkans with Koçani Orkestar, followed by a pretty Russian folk song (from a mix CD given to me by my mom) and a great cut by Moscow-born Regina Spektor. Lily Allen and The Kinks represent for the UK, while Scandinavia shows up strong via Stockholm’s Ane Brun, Iceland’s Emiliana Torrini and Norway’s Susanna and the Magical Orchestra, whose haunting Joy Division cover kills me every time. We hit Canada (sort of) when Madeline Peyroux covers a stellar Leonard Cohen number (he’s from Montreal, btw), then we bring it home with a beautifully lonely little tune from the Synecdoche, N.Y. soundtrack by L.A.’s Jon Brion.

No passport required.

Amateur Hour stemmed from a conversation I had with a friend in which he sarcastically asked me, “What is this…? Amateur Hour?” I replied, “Yes, it is.” It’s become a running joke between us, and anytime we do something that we’ve never done before, we say, “What is this…?” As for the choice of music, I grew up listening to hip-hop, and I’m a sucker for heavy beats that make your head bop. This set is sure to do that, so turn up the volume and get to it!

- Dylan Jones from Subtext
subtextstore.com/blog

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1. Night of the Living Basheads // Public Enemy
2. Beats to the Rhyme // Run DMC
3. The Militia // GangStarr
4. Ducky Boy // Jurassic 5
5. Squat! (feat. Mike D & Ad Rock) // De La Soul
6. If It Ain’t Rough // N.W.A.
7. Ugly People Be Quiet // DJ Cash Money & Marvelous
8. Sound of Da Police // KRS-One
9. Se Acabo (feat. Method Man) // The Beatnuts
10. Shimmy Shimmy Ya // Ol’ Dirty Bastard
11. Root Down (free zone mix) // Beastie Boys
12. Coolin’ // 2 Live Crew
13. A Day at the Races (feat. Big Daddy Kane & Percy P.) // Jurassic 5
14. Say Yeah Boy // Rodney O. & Joe Cooley
15. Don’t Stop the Rock // Freestyle
16. Children’s Story // Slick Rick
17. Red Hot // Jurassic 5
18. He Comes (feat. Ghostface) // De La Soul
19. Paid In Full // Eric B. & Rakim
20. Ghetto Superstar // Pras Michel (feat. ODB & Mya)

We are honored to present the musical musings of the inconspicuous DJ Meow Mixx with Savory Gravy, the latest mix in our Minstrel Fridays podcast. Hit play and enjoy this eclectic mix during your respective winter solstice celebrations.

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1. ’49 – The Silent Comedy
2. Turn On, Burn On – Grand Ole Party
3. People Get Mad – Amy LaVere
4. Brothers In A Bind – Mr. Tube and the Flying Objects
5. Through the Roof ‘n’ Underground – Gogol Bordello
6. It’s Been Raining – Kimya Dawson
7. Top Yourself – The Raconteurs
8. All Night Diner – Modest Mouse
9. John Saw That Number – Neko Case
10. And Darling – Tegan & Sara
11. Got To Let Go – A Band of Bees
12. The Moon and the Bread – Transfer
13. Frantic Romantic – Rayleigh Scattering
14. Pigeon – Stone Gossard
15. The Mess We’re In – PJ Harvey Feat. Thom Yorke

It’s a tradition that started about five years ago – friends compiling mixes of songs from our favorite albums of the year and trading them with each other. It has become so personal, mailing musical interpretations of the last 365 days across the country for others to hear, to give insight as to how life has unfolded. Songs often say what you wish you could, in more perfect ways than any Hallmark card. Welcome to my 2008. I’ve got my eyes set on the new year.

- Lauren Daniels
seattlegraffiti.blogspot.com

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1. New Country – The Walkmen
2. Give a Little Love – Noah and The Whale
3. Blue and Gold Print – Mates Of State
4. Last Day of Magic – The Kills
5. I’m A Lady – Santogold
6. Lately – The Helio Sequence
7. Hiphopopotamus & Rhymenoceros – Flight of the Conchords
8. Young Sensualists – Throw Me The Statue
9. Kids – MGMT
10. Dance, Dance, Dance – Lykke Li
11. Blue Ridge Mountains – Fleet Foxes
12. Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? – She & Him
13. Inní mér syngur vitleysingur – Sigur Ros
14. Lover’s Day – TV on the Radio
15. Old Old Fashioned – Frightened Rabbit
16. It’s Okay – Land Of Talk