Talk to Me?

An art exhibit entitled Talk to Me: Design and the Communication between People and Objects is showing at MoMA in New York between July 24 – November 7, 2011, and it deeply pains me to be missing it. I implore any New Yorkers who stumble across this little place to take the time to stop by.



About the exhibit:

Talk to Me explores the communication between people and things. All objects contain information that goes well beyond their immediate use or appearance. In some cases, objects like cell phones and computers exist to provide us with access to complex systems and networks, behaving as gateways and interpreters. Whether openly and actively, or in subtle, subliminal ways, things talk to us, and designers help us develop and improvise the dialogue.


The exhibition focuses on objects that involve a direct interaction, such as interfaces, information systems, visualization design, and communication devices, and on projects that establish an emotional, sensual, or intellectual connection with their users. Examples range from a few iconic products of the late 1960s to several projects currently in development—including computer and machine interfaces, websites, video games, devices and tools, furniture and physical products, and extending to installations and whole environments.



The Department of Architecture and Design is documenting the process of organizing Talk to Me from its early stages through its opening in July 2011 and beyond via an online journal. The site features projects we are currently studying and some we have already selected, along with relevant references and feedback and suggestions from designers and writers. Since we always cast our nets very wide and count on suggestions and opinions from the design community, this step comes very naturally. Besides, communication is what this exhibition is all about. Visit the online journal at wp.moma.org/talk_to_me/.



Visit the exhibit site online:
http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2011/talktome/

Splitscreen: A Love Story.

Winner of the 2011 Nokia Shorts competition, directed by JW Griffiths:



Absolutely brilliant.

The Horrors :: Still Life.

Their new album 'Skying' will be out this month.

Hurry up, I must be dreaming.

I first discovered the French electro-dreampop god M83 (aka Anthony Gonzalez) back in 2005 with the release of his Teen Angst EP. Suffice it to say, I fell head over heels with his uniquely electrifying stylings - and every day since, I continue to fall further. Much to my overwhelming excitement, it was recently announced that M83 will release his new double (that's right, I said double) album, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming on October 18, 2011. For a taste of what's to come, I suggest listening to the track below, which it just so happens, that you can also download the track 'Midnight City' for FREE right here, right now.

M83 (aka Anthony Gonzalez) will release his new double album, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming on October 18, 2011.

Oh, and to my fellow Los Angelinos, M83 will be playing at the Music Box on November 9th...you can bet your sweet buns I'll be there.

Midnight City by M83

If you keep spinning the dime...

Eventually it will land heads up.

This, unlike many other things, will never, ever grow tiresome to me.

Going Awol.

Aaron Bruno, formerly of Under The Influence of Giants and a founding member of Home Town Hero, has thrust himself into an indie rock solo project he calls Awolnation.

2010 proved to be a good year for Bruno, between signing to Red Bull Records and touring with both Weezer and MGMT, while releasing his first EP, Back From Earth. In February 2011, the band's first single, "Sail," debuted at #30 on the U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs chart and by March, Awolnation had dropped it's first full-length, entitled Megalithic Symphony.

The album boasts an incredibly impressive mixture of influences: electronica, hip-hop, and punk rock, whilst peppered with a persona of pop that is only to be countered by the gritty wails of Bruno himself. Don't be surprised when you find yourself dancing, fist-pumping or even scratching your head as you try to make sense out of this auditory genius...

C.

AWOLNATION - "Sail" (Official) from AWOLNATION on Vimeo.

AWOLNATION - "Burn it Down" (Official) from AWOLNATION on Vimeo.

Where I'd rather be.

Hooray, indeed.

Every once in a while an indie band of this caliber goes undetected on my radar for longer than I can appreciate. Hooray For Earth, an indie quartet hailing from the east coast, surprisingly had it's beginnings all the way back in 1996, though the current lineup has only been together since 2006. I came across them last year after the release of their EP entitled "Momo," specifically with their track "Surrounded By Your Friends."

Hooray For Earth with be touring with Architecture in Helsinki this summer and their new full length LP is set to release next month.

In case you were wondering what you've been missing...

Space Age (i) Love (this) Song

I've always loved The Kills. My l'ove affaire continues.

Don't ever say I never gave you anything.

I haven't posted in a while, so I knew that whatever my return post would be, would have to be a good one. But then I got distracted by this.



You're welcome.

Not Sowwap.

Relatively speaking.

Would you care to meet one of my most recent favorite bands? Of course you would.

Back in September, Shaking Through did an episode on Twin Sister. This is that episode.

And here comes a song I really like, too.

Papercuts: Future Primitive.