Sunday, December 27, 2009

some of my current favorite songs

Some of my current favorite songs:


1. "No One Knows I'm Gone" by Tom Waits
This is a song that creeps me out as I think how many people lie under the ground I stand on, and no one knows they're there. I really like Scarlett Johansson's version of this song as well. She nailed it.



2. "Parting Glass" by Emer Kenny
This song is part of the legendary Putumayo album series, from "Celtic Crossroads." I have many versions of this song, and they are all good. But this version is the best.




3. "Crystal Ship" by The Doors
This isn't a typical Doors song at all. It has a quality more consistent with classical music than anything. I don't think I have ever listened to this song just one at a time. I always repeat it.



4. "Has Been" by William Shatner
In this song, Shatner has a spagetti western theme song as he speaks. He makes an excellent and thoughtful argument that 'has beens' are better than their critics. "Has been was. Has been, might again." Meanwhile, you and me are critical of other's fame, and we have nothing to show for it. Just listen to the song.




5. "Portland, Oregon" by Loretta Lynn and Jack White
Aside from the fact that I am moving to the Portland area, this is a great song. Loretta and Jack are great. I hope they continue to collaborate. I also hope Jack White collaborates with other old time musicians that are ready for a comeback. It's very Rick Rubinish.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

functional art

Once upon a time I wanted to create bizarre furniture for a living. These were the days before I was practical and realized it wasn't for me. I had an idea of opening up a store in a ritsy part of the country, catering to the extremely rich and weird. I now have a new dream and this one is -the one-. But a look back on my old inspirations is fun too.

http://www.theblogismine.com/2009/08/12/the-best-garden-bench-ever-spaghetti-bench/

The Spaghetti Bench by Pablo Reinoso is a combination of a piece of art and a functional piece. Many people question whether or not his Spaghetti Bench is practical, but it is sure not simple or discrete. The impressive design is outstanding, and no one could ever pass by it without laying an eye on the piece. It is shaped like a bench, but shape changes as the wooden pieces extends and twists into an interesting form which resembles a tree giving the wooden bench some life. Pablo Reinoso has created this bench as a part of a normal cell and spaghetti. And the result is absolutely fantastic. Awesome work, Pablo.

Some words about Pablo. Pablo Reinoso is an artist and a designer that lives and works in Paris since 1979. He designs scent bottles and furniture. He also creates fabulous works of arts such as sculptures, installations, and videos. Many of his works were displayed in galleries and attracted many admirers. He has shown an interest in furniture since he was 6 years old, and has drawn, made, and bought them as part of his collection at a young age. Pablo Reinoso is known for taking normal everyday furniture, and recreates them into something extraordinary. His projects have misleading appearances that seem unreal. [PabloReinoso via Toxel]