August 2007 – dots and spaces

statistics

Posted on August 21, 2007 by dots and spaces

Super Furry Animals – Hey Venus!

Posted on August 16, 2007 by dots and spaces

Only around ten days to go until the release of the new SFA record Hey Venus! – the single Show your hand is already available from record shops and download. But really you’re missing out if you only download it. You’ll be missing out on gorgeous cover art from Keiichi Tanaami who is the first person not called Pete Fowler to do some artwork for them.

I know that hardcore fans will be a little disappointed, but from early reports, its a good move as the album is a little gentler and homely than recent releases, signifying a slight chance of pace and a show of maturity. I don’t know much about Mr Tanaami, but I hear he’s a cult figure in Japan, where his art is much admired.

The furries sent him a letter, saying they were fans and wondered whether he might be able to help them. Apparently he neither spoke to them or heard them, and the project was veiled with secrecy, surreptitious emails and messages. There’s a little more about this enigmatic artist in this clip from Japanarama with Jonathan Ross. Also check out the SFA site for downloads, widgets, more artwork and latest news. I can’t wait.

I also just wanted to say, that when all is said and done, for every cool new band I hear on the radio, Super Furry Animals are my favourite band in the world – and they always will be.

Trackosaurus Rex and Tweed

Posted on August 8, 2007 by dots and spaces

Tweed

Photo – Kit Oates – full set here.

I don’t even think I qualify as a fakenger, maybe a wanna-be fakenger? There seems to be plenty of internet chatter about the rise of courier culture – fixies, bags, rolled up jeans, rapha caps. I stand guilty as charged. In fact I’m still saving up for some of these things. I don’t think they notice me so much here on the south coast, but fakengers have infiltrated the London scene and are even turning up to messenger events…and even winning. I also wear Vans, but don’t have a skateboard. That’s pretty awful too isn’t it?

Anyway, I wanted to have a run around some of the cool sites that I’ve found whilst searching for the chic that’ll make me look good on a bike. (I need work). Trackosaurus Rex is a great site, with tons of videos of people doing crazy stuff on bikes and the low down on new bits and pieces – wheels, clothes, frames etc. I’m also dipping into City Cycling which has a load of issues of its on-line mag with great articles about bikes (of all kinds).

I’m also waiting in eager anticipation of The Tweed Cycling Club, I’ll be on the lookout for a dapper pair of plus-fours. In fact there are some fantastic videos of the former tweed wearing cycling masses. Go seek at thebikeshow.net – these were originally posted at The Chap – purveyors of fine moustache themed gentlemanliness.