TASTES GOOD

March 10, 2010

I finally got around to picking up a six pack of the new YUENGLING BOCK last night and here are my thoughts.  1.) This beer’s label (pictured above) absolutely rules.  2.) it’s extremely drinkable.  3.) it beats the pants off similarly priced MICHELOB AMBERBOCK aka The Official Beer of Getting Kicked out of Bars in Helen by Fat Rednecks.


Back to that label… Why do some of the best craft beers in America have the crappiest art on their labels?  I’m looking at you DOGFISH HEAD.  Look at how awesome that YUENGLING label is.  And don’t give me that “it’s what’s inside that counts” bull.  If that’s so, ideally you’d want to lure more superficial people into tasting your non-superficial beer and discovering a whole new world right?  So put a damn ram drinking from a chalice on your label and be done with it.


BALMORHEA :: CONSTELLATIONS

As many of you are aware,  our workload has reached epic proportions….  and we couldn’t be more excited about it.  We’ve got so many projects underway: another HAWKS game, new websites coming, a new company, multiple collaborations with really rad folk, a presence at SXSW next week in Austin, and so much more.  No doubt, this Spring / Summer is going to be amazing… but amidst the phones ringing, constant chatter, record-setting texting, deadlines, revisions, meetings, attorneys, computer-mashing, and event planning, i had to stop the BAD BRAINS blaring from my stereo and put something on that would, well, diminish the anxiety and paranoia of a schedule that packed, not add to it.  Having been a fan of their previous work, I picked up BALMORHEA’S new album CONSTELLATIONS last week and I’ve been listening to it nonstop since.  Post-rock gets a bad rap for being melodramatic and self-indulgent, but there is something far more honest, more driving, about BALMORHEA’S music.  And, the attention they dedicate to their craft is constantly inspiring as we work on ours.



BALMORHEA - Bowspirit (mp3)


DID YOU THINK THEY’D BE TURNED ON?

This made gave me a good laugh this morning.  I’m known for my highbrow sense of humor.


(via PROBABLY BAD NEWS)


ALEON CRAFT :: WONDERLAND :: PROLOGUE PT. 1 LEAK

March 9, 2010

Today the second leak from our highly anticipated collaboration with SMKA & ALEON CRAFT arrives with new art from yours truly.  We couldn’t be more excited about how this project is going and we’ve got oh so much in store for your eyes and ears.


HEAD ON OVER TO SMKA FOR THE DOWNLOAD AND INFO ON THE TRACK.


TONIGHT! COME ON DOWN

March 8, 2010


RUBE GOLDBERG X FIRE

Everyone’s talking about the new OK GO video for their single THIS TOO SHALL PASS, so I’ve finally posted it above to demonstrate a point: RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINE’s are cool, but you know we were all thinking the same thing when we played MOUSE TRAP as kids:  there’s just something missing……


FIRE.


Below is a video created by PETER FISCHLI and DAVID WEISS, two SWISS artists that have been creating kinetic sculptures since 1979.  And yes Daniel, we know, the SWISS have the best designers in the world, and the BRASILIENS have the best soccer players in world.  And yes, we know you have citizenship in both countries.  And yes, I used an “S” in “BRASILIENS” just to make you happy.  The clip is actually from a 30 minute video entitled THE WAY THINGS GO.  Really rad stuff.  Courtesy of KITSUNE NOIR.




US SOCCER JERSEYS RELEASED

NIKE has just released the new US MENS SOCCER uniforms as well as many others for this years WORLD CUP starting in June.  This new design is a nod to the 1950 World Cup match between the US and England.  The US and England will also be playing each other in their first match Saturday, June 23 at 2:30pm…..hmmm….Esperanza event might be in store. Stay Tuned.

Support the US team and purchase your jersey HERE


ANGRY OLD MAN MAKES JOKES

March 6, 2010


I would say Lewis Black is one of my favorite comedians in the past 10 years and he is here tonight. He reminds me of a pissed off old man and maybe that is because he is a pissed off old man. Regardless, the guy is unique and hilarious.

CREATIVE LOAFING WRITES:

Not since The Incredible Hulk has anyone gotten as much mileage out of getting angry as comedian LEWIS BLACK. His “Back in Black” segments on “The Daily Show” – which, remarkably, date back to 1996, when Craig Kilborn hosted the Comedy Central show – have made Black synonymous with eye-popping, spittle-flying indignation. Expect him to unload on everything from life’s little annoyances to major issues on the world stage when he brings his trademark apoplexy to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. $40.50-$73. 8 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway. 404-817-8700. www.ticketmaster.com.


HOLOGRAPHIC PERFORMANCE

March 5, 2010

Check out this video courtesy of FLUX.  I love this kind of creativity! Keep in mind that what you are seeing is live and unedited….and awesome!

Chris Cairns’ Holographic Performance

Neurosonics Live from Chris Cairns on Vimeo.


DISTANT RELATIVES

March 4, 2010

The joint album by NAS and DAMIAN MARLEY , “DISTANT RELATIVES” has been pushed back time and time again and every time it’s happened a small part of me has died. There was even the rumor late last year that it was canceled, nnnnnnooooooo!  But this duo’s record appears to be actually coming together, with a release date set for April 20! A snippet of “AS WE ENTER” appeared on the web last summer and Esperanza was stoked about it then, but now the full version is HERE!!!. I can’t imagine every track on the album will be like this with NAS and MARLEY trading bars, though I can certainly dream. The whole “passing the mic” aesthetic happens too rarely these days. And it doesn’t hurt that the beat, driven by slightly distorted bass and organs, is freakin dope, too.  Listen to the whole track at 2DOPEBOYZ and get ready for the whole album, it’s going to be a doosy!


MORE LIKE HOLY PORK BELLY TORTA

A great friend of mine, whom I haven’t seen in way too long, was in town from Oakland this week and we finally managed to link up last night at HOLY TACO in EAV for dinner, drinks, and tons of chatting.  The conversation, as always, was highly engaging and kinda went like this: quick catch up / hand crafted bourbon / rebirth of the speakeasy and prohibition styled cocktails / people who ask for cocktails with names like “the Wet Pussy” / grow projects in the Bay Area aka Smokeland / coffee in the Bay Area / how  you don’t need an expensive french press, just one that works / food that ought to be presented with an elaborate song ala that episode of the SIMPSONS in which Moe turns the bar into a family restaurant and serves fry baskets on his head / RED HOUSE PAINTERS / Mark Kozelek / MAD MEN / the spank machine / how creepy some women can be about breast feeding / Chicago / Zooey Deschanel / friends / families / the end.  There was a whole lot in between, but you get the gist, and while the dialogue was the star of the night, it was very nearly upstaged by the food….  I’ve heard a lot about HOLY TACO’S PORK BELLY TORTA and finally decided to give it a ride.


Upon the PORK BELLY TORTA’S arrival two things hit me: 1.) this is most definitely what it smells like in heaven and 2.) it’s too hot to eat.  Now that I think about it, I honestly can’t remember having food served to me in a restaurant that must cool down quite that much before eating.  This was not a bad thing though, no, there’s something really nostalgic and comforting about it, maybe a relic from mom-cooked meals of past and the cautionary words they were served with.  Regardless, the wait it necessitated also built anticipation… and when something smells as good as that torta did, it better damn well live up to the billing.


Long story short, that sandwich is not only one of the best things served in our fair city, it may be one of the best things I’ve ever tasted period.  Crispy, fatty, smoky, house cured Berkshire pork belly served piping hot with pickled jalapeños, lettuce, onions, tomato, mayo, lime, and in a stroke of pure brilliance, radish, all on a soft ciabbatta roll.  I can’t quite explain the rush of the first bite, but I’d say it’s pretty much the sensory equivalent to piloting a jet fighter or killing a bear.  This is the kind of food that makes me pity my vegetarian friends.  And somewhere last night, right around the time of my second bite, ANTHONY BOURDAIN stopped dead in his tracks and slowly looked around.


The torta is obviously way too decadent for regular consumption, and my heart needs a few weeks before my next one, but you can be sure I’ll be back to attack this thing again.  HOLY TACO?  More like HOLY PORK BELLY TORTA.

In searching for a picture online I found the one above taken by DEBORAH WHITLAW LLEWELLYN for the ATLANTA’S KITCHENS: RECIPES FROM ATLANTA’S BEST KITCHENS cookbook that features HOLY TACO and this torta.  Please go to the restaurant for the real deal, and then get a copy of the cookbook so you can destroy you and your friends’ waistline at home!


THIS MONDAY :: MARCH 8 :: DBA BARBECUE

March 3, 2010

It’s no secret that SXSW in AUSTIN, TX is one of the biggest music festivals in the country.  As it has grown over the years, the key to it’s success has been the level playing field it presents artists in all genres and the minimal barriers to entry.  Just as the growth of social networking and grassroots music hubs on the internet have afforded bands a platform to share and market their music, so does SXSW provide them a common place to be seen by crowds from all over the world and industry execs alike.  Being bootstrappers ourselves, it was only a matter of time before we got involved with an ATLANTA presence at the festival.  This year we’ve teamed up with some amazing people to present a showcase to the crowds in AUSTIN solely comprised of artists that we feel best represent ATLANTA’s burgeoning scene.  In order to do so, though, we need to raise money to lighten the financial burden these artists are faced with in getting there.


This MONDAY, MARCH 8th, we’ve teamed up DBA BARBECUE to guest bar tend from 6PM - TIL, serving up the cheapest beer in the city.  $1 DRAFTS OF YUENGLING LAGER.  All the tips we receive during the course of the evening, as well and any other generous donations, will go directly towards sending the artists you see listed below to SXSW, so drop a few on us people, seriously, this is cheaper than buying a six pack at GREENS.  Our good friends and SXSW performers, OCHA LA ROCHA, will be there for a live set which will feature material off their soon to be physically released EP, “STEALING TIME.”  In addition to the OCHA boys, more of our artists and presenters will be there for you to meet and mingle with and learn a little bit more about the “what’s” and “why’s” of our involvement in SXSW.


Oh, and we absolutely urge you to come hungry….  Cause we’re debuting the FIRST ESPERANZA-INSPIRED MENU ITEM in ATLANTA…………..  THE ESPERANZA DOG. This thing is gonna make MAN VS. FOOD look like tea time with ANGELA LANSBURY.


SIMON PAGE IS KILLING ME

Late last year I put up a post on designer SIMON PAGE and the highly lauded prints he did for THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY…  Well, SIMON didn’t stop there.  He instead decided to unleash a steady stream of awesomeness that’s like a laser, leveling the confidence of all designers in its path.  A new set entitled BEYOND THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY was unveiled, followed quickly by a study in FUTURISM titled AN ODYSSEY IN CONTINUITY.  Absolutely incredible work, and it looks as if this is only the beginning of what he has in store for 2010…  but SIMON, seriously dude.  Stop it.  You’re killing me.  And my wallet.

Oh yeah, and outside of the three sets mentioned above, would you believe that the rest of his PORTFOLIO is just as devastating?  Well, it is.  For me, looking at it is kinda like being punched in the stomach.


WHO’S GONNA HELP US PUT THE “A” IN AUSTIN?

March 2, 2010

TONIGHT at LENNY’S, 4TH WARD HEROES is hosting the first of three artist meet & greet fund raisers for our WE PUT THE A IN AUSTIN SXSW ATLANTA SHOWCASE.  Come out to support your local representation at one of the biggest music festivals in the country.  These artists aren’t household names just yet and we need your support to get them all out there safe and sound and full of drugs.


NEXT MONDAY, MARCH 8TH ESPERANZA will be hosting a meet & greet fund raiser at DBA BARBECUE in VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS.  We’ll have $1 draft served by yours truly, ESPERANZA GUEST BAR TENDERING, a live performance by OCHA LA ROCHA, and the debut of THE ESPERANZA DOG… more info coming very soon.


ALEON CRAFT :: THE WAY YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO

ESPERANZA & SMKA PRODUCTIONS are proud to present the first track off of our highly anticipated collaboration with ATLANTA up and comer, ALEON CRAFT.  This project promises to be a three-headed monster of design, production, and artistry showcasing one of the scene’s most unique personalities.  Head on over to THE SMKA EXPERIENCE to download the track and get a little background on it.


A GEM FROM THE SPORT OF DOWNHILL SKIING

February 26, 2010

In the spirit of the Olympic Games, I thought I would share this video. Unfortunate turn of events for the skier, followed by spot on commentating.


TYLER JEWELL :: MENS PARALLEL GIANT SLALOM

TYLER JEWELL, brother of longtime ESPERANZA associate ED JEWELL of DANGERPRESS notoriety, competes for the good old US of A tomorrow in the VANCOUVER WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES.  His event is the MENS PARALLEL GIANT SLALOM and it begins at 10am.  Now I know you’re thinking this must be a really easy event after looking at the picture above, but c’mon guys… the guy has a really inspiring story and he’s the closest thing we have to a vested interest in the games.


ESPERANZA wishes TYLER the best of luck tomorrow.  Be relentless and bring home the gold man.


And as an aside…. While I was typing this a funny story came to mind.  My family moved from CONNECTICUT to ATLANTA right around the time the city was named host of the 1996 SUMMER OLYMPICS.  Even amidst the conflicting feelings of leaving our hometown, friends, and family, we were thrilled to be moving to a city where such exciting things were taking place.  While we regularly made trips back north for the holidays, the OLYMPICS provided us the perfect opportunity to invite our loud, nasally, pasty white, northern relatives we missed so much to see our beautiful new city and have a once in a lifetime experience here.  I will never forget when my father called my Grandmother to explain the significance of ATLANTA being named OLYMPIC host city and she cantankerously responded, “where the hell are they gonna get all that snow?”


VAGINAS AT THE CLERMONT

February 25, 2010

NO: that blog post title was not a declaration of the obvious…. Our buddies THE VAGINAS - the band - are actually performing at the CLERMONT LOUNGE tonight.


YES: there are several thousand jokes that can be made on that premise alone.


YES: the band will likely end up being the most naked people in the bar at some point during the show.


NO: our collaborative shirt with the band will not be available tonight, but soon VAG FANS…  and that’s a good thing, cause you’d lose it anyway.


YES: you will be extremely hungover tomorrow.  so much so in fact, that you might even get fired.


YES: it will be worth it.


DRE DAY 2010 via BURLESQUE

Design collective, and all around purveyors of awesomeness, BURLESQUE OF NORTH AMERICA have been celebrating Dr. Dre’s birthday aka DRE DAY, FEB. 18, in fashion that’s been unseeable for years now and 2010 was definitely no exception.  Once again, they threw a massive party last Thursday night at THE TRIPLE ROCK SOCIAL CLUB in West Bank, Minneapolis with carols from THE CHRONIC, festive 40’s, and gangster chic…  but some of the favors they created for the event this year were absolutely brilliant.  See below.

BEST PHOTO BOOTH EVER.


If you’re upset you didn’t get to celebrate DRE DAY properly, fear not, DJ JIMMY TWO TIMES who played the event, put together the official mix and its still available for download HERE

Tracklisting below:


1. Jimmy2times – Dre Day Intro
2. Blackstreet f/Dr. Dre – No Diggety
3. 50 Cent f/Mobb Deep – Outta Control(Remix)
4. Dr. Dre f/Snoop Dogg – Tha Next Episode
5. Snoop Dogg – What’s My Name
6. Dr. Dre f/Snoop Dogg – Deep Cover
7. Snoop Dogg – Tha Shiznit
8. Dr. Dre f/Knoc’Turnal – Bad Intentions
9. Dr. Dre – Let’s Get High
10. Snoop Dogg – Gin & Juice
11. N.W.A. – Gangsta Gangsta
12. N.W.A. – Fuck the Police
13. The D.O.C. – It’s Funky Enough
14. Dr. Dre f/Snoop Dogg – Little Ghetto Boy
15. Dr. Dre – Let Me Ride
16. Snoop Dogg f/Xzibit – Bitch Please
17. Dr. Dre – What’s the Difference
18. Dr. Dre f/Hittman – Ackrite
19. Snoop Dogg f/Tha Dogg Pound – Doggy Dogg World
20. Mary J. Blige – Family Affair
21. The Game f/50 Cent – How We Do
22. Snoop Dogg f/The Lady of Rage – G Funk Intro
23. Dr. Dre f/Snoop Dogg – Still DRE
24. Dr. Dre f/Kurupt, RBX & The Lady of Rage – Lyrical Gangbang
25. Busta Rhymes – Break Ya Neck
26. Eminem f/Dr. Dre & 50 Cent – Crack a Bottle
27. Snoop Dogg – Lodi Dodi


…And now it seems others around the country are catching on and joining the movement… In fact, ESPERANZA associate and partner in crime, BLACK DOMINOES contacted us and attempted to throw something together last minute for ATLANTA representation this year…. alas, it did not work out, but definitely next year KELLEN, cause DRE DAY 2011 falls on a FRIDAY.


SOULPHONICS & RUBY VELLE

February 24, 2010

Atlanta R&B kingpins THE SOULPHONICS, led by the lovely RUBY VELLE, released their new single “FEET ON THE GROUND” via ELEMENT RECORDS on iTunes yesterday and you can check it out by hitting the link below.  Be careful now, it’s a hot one.  And don’t forget to check them out in person and celebrate the release SATURDAY MARCH 6TH at THE EARL!


SOULPHONICS & RUBY VELLE :: FEET ON THE GROUND :: iTunes LINK