Alcoholic Faith Mission

I just like this song. The video kinda gets edgy there for a second. Watch out. Great jam though.

A Cabin In A Loft

I came across these pictures a while back and hadn't put it up for some reason. Pretty neat concept. Read all about it from the website The Design Ark.

The Stars

The Stars as Viewed from the International Space Station. Pretty stellar. Credit goes to Eric Lawrence for pointing this out to me. Thanks buddy.

The Anniversary

This takes me right back to high school. The gal in this band dated and married the bassist of The Get Up Kids. I always thought that was interesting. Pretty catchy tune with a pretty silly video. I still like it though.

Salt Lake Blue

Snapped this while walkin' around some back ally ways.

Cloud Nothings

From what I understand the lead singer of this band is only about 21 and he has three albums under his belt. This last one calld, "Attack on Memory" is pretty good. Here are a couple of my favorites. These guys came through and played a killer set at Kilby Court a few days ago. It was enjoyable.

Haruka Nishimatsu

During my lunch break at work yesterday I read an article (click here to read it) about a guy who was just about to resign after over a decade at Goldman Sachs. He wrote his letter of resignation as to why he was leaving and decided to have it published in a The New York Times article. He indeed makes some good points. I don't think everyone at Goldman is having the same experience he is having but one thing is for sure: the investment banking world needs some change. His letter brings up some good talking points while at the same time made me a bit curious why he lasted as long as he did over there. I enjoyed reading this article as well because it brings up some good points as far as reforming the bankings system in general. I usually try and find opinions from several sides of a topic when I read the news, or at least try to understand an opposing view on something I feel is worth my time reading. I don't think Goldman Sachs is any more worse than Bank of America or most any banks out there, I'm not trying to single them out. I have friends that work or have worked in the past at Goldman Sachs and have heard various opinions about the company. In general I think there should be some intense scrutiny and reform inside and out of the banking system. I would feel better if there was more transparency because I think we can avoid another recession like the one we are in/recovering from right now if simple steps are taken and old habits are changed.

In closing, one of the biggest issues I have with not only the banking world but in the corporate world as well, is the intense rift between top executives and common employees. Not just a rift in wages, but a rift in culture, values, integrity and many other important characteristics. I'm not asking for everything to be equal. Not at all. I just think the example of Haruka Nishimatsu and Japanese Airlines is one to recognize and take note of. This little video clip will help make your day. Promise. Happy Aloha friday.

*video was found on Fitted Hawaii's website. Check out their gear.

Keeping things Urban.

Here are a couple more pics I snapped while walkin' around the city last weekend. Found this stencil of a deer on a busted up yellow dumpster. Neat. Not too far from that there was this old water tower on top of this derelict building. I think this little back ally is my favorite (so far from what I've seen, and I haven't even scratched the surface of downtown Salt Lake yet).

Birdy-1901

Birdy got some attention for another cover she did a little while back. This song is one of my favorites by Phoenix so naturally I figured I would enjoy hearing another rendition. I thought it was well done. The video is a bit dramatic but I think the director did a pretty good job of telling a story. Hope you enjoy.

Norway

This video is short and simple but it instils at least one main thing; the desire to get me to Norway quick. It has been on my list of places to go for some time. I need to see the fjords among many other things. I'll have to plan a time when my friend Ingunn heads home for a visit.

Sharon Van Etten-Leonard

I'm going to get my tickets to see her play at The State Room on March 27th. I like this video. makes me want to go out and take a drive.

Ava Maria

The other day I decided to take advantage of the slightly warmer weather and go out for a walk around the city. I am still getting my bearings around this new town and want to make it a habit to just get out and walk and explore. I came across this mural while out and about. There is some more information you can read up on along with a video right here. If you have a chance to walk around Salt Lake City be sure to trek on over by 150 South and 200 East and you'll be sure to see it.

Polica


I've been listening to Polica quite a bit lately. These two songs on their album "Give You The Ghost" are my favorite. They hail from Minnesota. Here is some more information.

Sunbeam Motorcycle

I would be pleased to own one of these classics. Found this here.

EGYPTIAN

I was first made aware of this duo by Jeff Frazier over at Definitive Media and I'm glad he recommended them to me. I think you'll be seeing a lot more from these two musicians. Keep your eyes peeled for more. Thanks again Jeff.

Here is a link to their fb page.

Triple Threat

Earthly Bodies

Listened to this song on the way home from work yesterday. It was quite therapeutic. Plus, as annoying as it is to have an entire youtube video up on the web log with only a picture, at least it has a hawk in it.

SPARKS- Short Film

I'm not gonna lie, I enjoyed this short film. It was directed by Jason Ho. I think it was the attention given to the lighting that really made this stand out to me. I know it's quite sappy but you have to admit the song is great and it was well done regardless.

Plus my fantasy lifestyle is to drop everything I have going on and work in a shop tinkering with old cars, motorcycles, and creating old looking lamps out of car parts. Don't make fun of me. Give me a grinder, some socket wrenches and a task to do and I'm in heaven.

My Father

My Father is a stud. Second to none.

Kimbra-Two Weeks/ Head Over Heels

This gal has gotten a lot of attention for a certain duet she did but I enjoy this song quite a bit more. Pretty much any variation of Grizzly Bear's "Two Weeks" will get me pretty pumped.

Waterton Lake

Snapped these during the excursion I took up north with my brother Brad, Sister Michelle, and future brother in-law Jordan. It was cold but worth it. Next time I go up I'll use my semi-real camera instead of my iPhone.

Towers


You've already seen this most likely but it doesn't mean you can't give it another whirl. Plus this Karma Kid remix is pretty darn neat.

Cool Nike Advertisment

I most likely won't buy these shoes, although I do have a greater respect for the advertising department at Nike. Pretty neat way to show movement with string.

Bear & Wolf

If you hate this we can't be friends.

Grandparents

My grandmother's wall. Keeping it simple and sweet.

WAYFARER- Kanye West Medley

Pretty neat medley. I must admit I am looking forward for more material. They have a record coming out in the spring so get ready.

Owls are Rad

This video proves it.

Red Wing Boots continued...

I got my boots back. I'm quite happy with them. They now have new soles, a new layer of polish on them, and some crisp clean laces. I'm gonna have these things for the rest of my life, no doubt about it.

The Jealous Sound

I got to re-live the good 'ol high school days and see one of my favorite bands fromt that era. They recently released a new album called, "A Gentle Reminder". I really like it. The first track proves they haven't moved away from their classic sound. Nate Mendel who you might know from Sunny Day Real Estate (original basist) and The Foo Fighters (current basist) played base on the record. He is busy winning grammy's so he was only involved with the recording and not the subsequent tour. I like how all the old school bands I liked back in the day are intermingled and intertwined and linked. I should make some flow charts to show where everyone went and the overlap between bands. Could be neat. Anyways, the show was great. The drums hit hard, the vocals were just what you would expect, and overall it was great to hear those songs played live.

The Shins- Simple Song

Pretty rad video. The concept was very well executed. I'm stoked to be seeing these guys at the Red Butte Garden Amphitheater in May. Just so happens to be the place my little sister Michelle is having her reception a couple weeks earlier. Even though there are all new members of the band except for James Mercer I'm really looking forward to this next record. Jessica Dobson is not only hitting it hard with her other band, Deep Sea Diver, but really expanding her talents by joining The Shins.

Laurel Leaves for Argentina

My little sister Laurel took off on a journey that will take her to Argentina. She will be going through some training for the next month or so before heading out to Buenos Aires. I'm really proud of her for making the decision to serve others for a year and a half. She will do great. To learn more about what she is up to click here. She will be missed but we know what she is doing is important and worth it. I'm just glad we got to live in the same place for a couple months before she took off.

Deep Sea Diver- In Black & White

I'm not gonna lie, since seeing them and receiving their latest release, I'm quite into these folks.

Icon- Derelicts

So I've had my eye on the Los Angeles based company called Icon. They are best known for their work with the FJ 40 Landcruiser (my favorite vehicle of all time) but have really expanded over the past few years in which they also restore Broncos as well now. Jonathan Ward started the company with his wife and since 1996 they have been rebuilding Landcruisers from the ground up. This video is neat because it shows another side of Mr. Ward's passion for vehicles. I've always been drawn to the different patinas and rust colors associated with old classic cars. I would really like to put one together for myself sometime in the future. Working at Icon would be a dream come true. Photo credit and a link to a really good article with lots more pictures can be found here.

Siblings

Got together a few days ago with my brother and two sister and had a little sibling bonding time. With all our crazy schedules its hard to get everyone together even though we all live within and hour of each other. We really wanted to get together before Laurel takes off to Argentina. We had a great time walking around downtown Salt Lake, getting a bite to eat, and scoping out some cool places. Michelle even got to use her camera here and there. I'm excited to see how her film turns out.

A Story for Tomorrow

I've been nothing but impressed with the quality of work Gnarly Bay Productions have put into their videos. I eagerly look forward to each video they post on their Vimeo site. This video is no different. I'm glad it caught on like it has because they deserve every bit of exposure. If you want to check out another one of their videos, click here. This video makes me wish I went to Patagonia, Peru, and Argentina with Ted and Ian last month. I really should have done it. Ahhhhh.