New Artist Alert: Broken Bells

This may not be your typical "new artist" due to the established credibility of the individuals that comprise the group—Danger Mouse from Gnarles Barkley and James Mercer from The Shins /* Font Definitions */
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—but Broken Bells is nonetheless a new collaboration, and therefore yet to prove themselves. Synergy is a hard resource to come by and not all teams are better than the sum of its parts; thus, we are hesitant to anoint this a formidable duo until we hear auditory evidence of a harmonious connection. If these two can harness the goods offered by Gnarles Barkley and The Shins (which propelled both to early fame) and omit the bad (which expelled both from the realm of sustainability), then they should at least present some worthy material for the iPod (or iPad). So, we at Soul Reflecksions are not vouching for Broken Bells quite yet, but we are warning you to keep an ear out for the new duo.

Debut Album: Broken Bells [self-titled]
Singles: "The High Road" and "Vaporize"

Official "The High Road" Video:

Pretty Lights

Noteworthy trilogies are rare. That is, for those of us that don’t live in a basement and and name our dog Gollum, noteworthy trilogies are rare. However, on Tuesday, Colorado based producer Pretty Lights (a-k-a Derek Vincient Smith) released the first EP of the Trilogy he plans on completing throughout 2010.

Pretty Lights uses a variation of electric sounds, broken beats and vintage samples to elegantly produce tunes that have made him a SoulReflecksions can't-miss amoung sumer touring artists. You can check out his beats at PrettyLightsMusic.com or catch him and drums/ visuals man, Corey Eberhard, on tour this across the country. The second and third legs of the Trilogy will drop on June 15th and October 12 respectively.


Below, Download "I can see your face", a track off the newly released EP: Makng Up a Changed Mind.

Pretty Lights - I can see your Face

How To Make It In America: LNA

Following Episodes 1 & 2 we were beginning to have our doubts with the new HBO series and started to believe Rosta Monsta had a better chance of making it in America. However Ben & Cam gained a little momentum in their pursuit of happiness and launch of Crisp NYC. This week Ben and Cam were able track down a pattern designer to create their prototype ("1970 denim"), while Rene looked to buy out his Rosta Monsta marketing partners with an offer they better not refuse. The series has picked up a little steam both internally (script) and externally (viewership)... let's just hope they stay on a parallel path.

"In movie terms the series was zipping down the wrong track ... one that would make "Ben Stiller" scream, but with the help of a hustling CAM and a kid who chose not to spread his wings; the show has begun to back the tracks right up and head down the path its producers had designed"

Each week we have continued our commitment to recognize established/up & coming fashion moguls who strive to "Make It In America." (See Below)

How To Make IT In America: LNA

Designer: LNA ( Lauren Alexander and April Leight )

Founded: 2007, Los Angeles

History: LNA was founded in the summer of 2007 by California natives, Lauren Alexander and April Leight. Started with the simple idea of creating the perfect men’s tee for women, LNA began as a basic T-shirt line that focused on fit, color, and the perfect cotton. That summer, the first collection launched at Barneys New York, Madison, and Henri Bendel. After receiving press in magazines such as Vogue and Nylon, along with a celebrity fan base that included Nicole Richie and Mischa Barton, Alexander and Leight decided that it was time to expand the line. “It was a natural progression for us”, says Leight. “Our idea behind the line has always been to create perfect basics with some edge”, says Alexander

The Look: “Our focus is always finding a new way to put our own spin on basics. Every season comes new inspiration and a new twist”

Bonus:

Kid Cudi - Know Why

"I Thought They Were Black?!"

This past year one of our favorite ReFlecktors put us on these natives of California. Since then "The Cataracs" have seen DJ's throughout the world show them "love in the club." Now Campa and Cyrano have teamed up with Greg Street to deliver a new mix tape filled with hyphy beats and feel good R&B jams.

Cataracs - "I Thought They Were Black?!"

Electro-Funk Soul Rock

We know you don't wake up bobbing your head and pumping your fists. Even if 'morning people' are the dominant bio-type, and set the attitudinal precedent for our daily culture, most still need a trip to Starbucks to get going. For those of you that prefer decaf, we have the Austin, TX duo 'Ghostland Observatory' as a healthy substitute. Yesterday, KTCL Radio announced the headliners for the Westword Music Showcase in Denver; CO. Alongside the impressive cast of The Dirty Projectors and Neon Indian, Ghostland Observatory will be leading the harmonious charge. Comparable to the space-rock melodies of Daft Punk, and the smooth oddity of Prince; these guys are definitely worth the storage space on your IPod.

Ghostland Observatory - Sad Sad City

Ghostland Observatory - Silver City

Ghostland Observatory - Dancin on my Grave

Ghostland Observatory - Midnight Voyage

Ghostland Observatory - Freeheart Lover

Bonus Track:

Notorious B.I.G. vs Ghostland Observatory - Nasty Boy (Dave Wrangler Mashup)

How To Make It In America: John Varvatos

Last week How To Make It In America debuted to suspect reviews and this week was no different. How to Make It in America Episode 2: “Crisp” followed Ben and Cam around the city in search of a damn denim manufacturer. Whatever the underlying motivation is... "How to Make It in America" is off to a slow start and barring a dramatic leap in quality we might be following in Rachel's footsteps and "moving on to bigger and better things."

In fashion terms the series is following a familiar pattern and none of the threads really add up to much. This weeks highlight was a guest appearance by Detroits' own "John Varvatos" just in time to help wrap up NY Fashion Week.

How To Make IT In America: John Varvatos

Designer: John Varvatos

Founded: 1999, New York

History: John Varvatos started out as a designer for Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein (where he pioneered the boxer brief), and launched his own line in 1999, combining Klein's sense of shape and Lauren's curatorial sensibilities into a rock 'n' roll-inspired collection of suiting, denim, and edgy knits. Varvatos won CFDA awards in 2000, 2001, and 2005, and also maintains a successful ongoing collaboration with Converse. In 2007, he was named GQ's Designer of the Year.

The Look: Sinatra meets Slash (Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Look Book)

Bonus:

Gorillaz - Stylo (Chiddy Bang Remix)

Alan Palomo: Neon Indian

'80s loving culture vulture does his best to make pop music music weird ... The mexico born Texas raised Alan Palomo delivers a laid back electro sound that will have you reminiscing about the summer. With hazy beats and dusty sounds Neon Indian is an upgrade to long time favorite of Soul Reflecksions MGMT.

Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer

Neon Indian - Mind, Drips (Mirror People Remix)

Neon Indian - Terminally Chill

Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer (Database Remix)

Neon Indian - Should've Taken Acid With You (Future Rock Remix)

Bonus:

Au Revoir Simone - Another Likely Story (Neon Indian Remix)

Grizzly Bear - Cheerleader (Neon Indian Remix)

YES!

Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (YES Giantess Remix)

Bonus:

Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (YG's Return of the King Remix)

Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (Alan Wilkis Remix)

Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (Curtis & Vodka Remix)

Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (Dirty South Remix)

Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (Cagedbaby Remix)

Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (Evil Nine Remix)

Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (Doorly Remix)

How to Make it in America

After months of hearsay, HBO’s ‘How to Make it in America’ premiered last night with a bang. Quickly being dubbed the east coast version of Entourage, this new sitcom has more than just executive producer Marky-Mark in common. The show follows the lives of two friends in New York trying to hustle their way to the top. (Think Vince and Eric pre-Hollywood, lacking a quirky fat friend and utterly worthless brother of course). A third cast member of note is A Kid named Cudi. He initially takes on a purposeless ensemble role that will presumably blossom. If nothing else, he should direct a noteworthy soundtrack. The show still lacks identity, but is without doubt deserving of your Sunday night viewership. And don’t forget to turn the surround up for this one.

Along with the premier, HBO teamed up with Kid Cudi, DJ Green Lantern & Broke Mogul (DECON) to create “How to Make it In America: The Mixtape”. Hosted by Cudi, he chimes in through out the mixtape discussing the show, cast and his acting aspirations.The mixtape features a variation of music including Dan Black with Cudi, Phoenix, Lupe Fiasco and more. Download (below)

How to Make it in American - The MixTape

David Guetta ft. Kid Cudi - Memories (David Guetta's Fuck me I'm famous remix)

2010 Winter Olympics: The 5-Ringed Circus

Excuse the cynicism and the seemingly bitter tone of this bout of antagonism, but the Olympics are nothing more than a modern day version of a Barnum and Baily 3-ring circus (on a much larger scale, of course). Let me start by pointing out the monies squandered on the Olympics. Earlier this month, the total expenditure on this worldly event was estimated at 6 billion dollars (600 million of that is coming from taxpayers, yeah, that's you and I). Thirty to 40 million of that total was poured into the opening ceremonies that finished up last night and can be described as an anti-climatic and overly exorbitant calamity that featured multiple lit-up bears, the cast of the Nutcracker, and an embarrassing cauldron malfunction. I'm not even going to comment on the much more deserving outlets that 6 billion dollars could have been redirected at with extensive benefit...

Professional's Toolkit (Part 1): Writing in Style

If you've recently jumped the one-in/one-out line and entered the potentially lucrative but oh so overrated world of Club 9-2-5 then I'd recommend doing so with style. Fashion statements at work come few and far between but one dimension that allows you to individualize yourself and express idiosyncratic flavor is through your writing utensil. A pen you may ask? Yes, however lame it may seem, equipping oneself with the right writing utensil is a statement of prestige and sophistication. It's time to drop the Bic that you found in the back of your desk and upgrade to a fine writing utensil that carries with it an air of "I'm about my bui'ness" mentality. A samurai has his sword, a general has his firearm, and the savvy businessman has his pen. So, we've provided below several different tiers of writing utensils that range from up-and-coming businessmen, to mid-level shot-callers, to the elite C-suite executive. Although it's not necessary to pick up MontBlanc's Limited Edition Mystery Masterpiece ($730,000), every businessman or entrepreneur should consider an upgrade immediately. So, what's your weapon of choice?


Up-and-Coming: MonteVerde, Cross, Parker, Shaeffer

On the Precipice: Versace, Waterman, Visconti, MonteGrappa, Delta

The Executive Suite: MontBlanc, S.T. Dupont, Cartier, Omas

What happened to beer pong?

With fair weather and free spirit around the corner, an abundance of music festivals have recently unveiled their prized lineups to the general public. We’ve seen Coachella and Bonnaroo garnish a majority of the attention, but what may be equally as impressive, is what lies in Nashville, Tennessee at Vanderbilt University. The Rights of Spring Music festival continues to play the part of David amongst multiple Goliaths. Following up a 2009 lineup that featured The Flaming Lips, Okkervil River, and N.E.R.D., Vanderbilt University students will ditch the frat parties, keg stands and late night runs to Taco Bell to hang with Ben Harper & Relentless7, Drake, Phoenix, Passion Pit, Cold War Kids, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, and Doug E. Fresh for the 2010 show. If you’re looking to take a campus visit, we’d recommend April 23-24.

Passion Pit - Sleepy Head (Spenncer Remix)

Cold War Kids - Audience

Super Bowl Victor: Doritos or Saints?

Those that flipped the traditional TV script and watched the Super Bowl as the "commercial break" while TiVo'ing the commercials as the main source of entertainment are probably in the majority. The viewership that this media frenzy amasses (nearly 100 million) is impetus for an incredible price tag due to public attention that spurs subsequent traffic and brand saliency ($3.1 million for a 30 second ad slot!). Thus, we ask those that were able to sit from the start to the finish (and somehow make it through The Who), who the real winner of the Super Bowl was?

The Nexxxt Generation of Fitness: The Shake Weight

I'm an advocate of working out and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, but whatever happened to doing it the old fashioned way (healthy diets and standard workouts)? America's obsession with quick fixes (try to find an infomercial without it saying "quick", "easy", fastest", etc.) and overreliance on paying for results has created a market for pseudo-scientific fitness products. Economics 101: Where there is market demand, opportunistic entrepreneurs and businesses are sure to surface with supply. Mix this with the sex sells mantra and some odd products are sure to hit the market. First came Carmen Electra's Aerobic Striptease, then came the Stripper Pole workout, then came Flirty Girl Fitness, and now this...

[Maturity test: Watch without laughing and we will send you an autographed bag of Swedish Fish.]

DL: Fish n' Stix Vol. 2.6 ("Beatin' Up The Beat")

Fish n' Stix Vol. 2.6(Beatin' Up The Beat)

SoulReflecksions on Site

Knowing you wouldn’t workout with Rosie O’Donnell, let Stevie Wonder walk you across the street, or take skin care advice from a greasy sixteen year old; we don’t expect you to look to us for music insight without knowing where we gather our Intel. Last night SoulReflecksions was on site in Tempe, AZ to see Indie rock standouts Phoenix. Having better things to do than listen to subpar openers we arrived just before Phoenix came on; the venue was marketed well with a Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix backdrop and band displays at every corner. The crowd was midsize, about 3000 deep, comprised mainly of rowdy college students, indie rockers and alt-rock enthusiasts.

Weekend ReFlecksions: 002(Grammy Re-Cap)

The Grammy's were held last night and we've got you covered better than a Beyonce "You Oughta Know" piece. Hopefully you were doing better things and able to find some interest in David Garrard Quarterbacking the NFC Pro Bowl team or strapping up for a high-speed affair with Cole Trickle & Nicole Kidman as CMT premiered the 1990 blockbuster "Days of Thunder." Diplo of Major Lazer kept many entertained on his twitter page with choice moments like "jeff beck needs to break his guitar over his own head" and his Major Lazer release of Halo. My favorite performer of the night was the 8 seconds Jamie Foxx's sister came out for a slashing performance... unfortunately she couldn't "blame it on the goose." At any rate there were few performances that I really liked(e.g. Zach Brown Band).

As the 2010 Grammy weekend comes to a close we are left with the BET Music Awards and our Weekend ReFlecsions .... take your pick.

Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed (Ft. Theophilus London)

Hussle Club - I Have High Expectations For What I Want ...

J. Cole - Top Of The World

Jay-Z Feat. Rihanna, Bono, The Edge - Stranded

Calvin Harris - Girls(Groove Armada Edit)

Dragonette - Pick Up The Phone(Van She Remix)

Ray Mang - Look Into My Eyes

Barresto - We Wont Stop(Redial Remix)

Stephen Marley - Hey Baby(Feat. Mos Def)

Miami Horror - Make You Mine(Codebreaker Remix)

So Shifty + Ward 21 - Wine(Them Jeans Edit)

Amanda Blank - Get It Now(Digiraatii Remix)

Digital Freq - Disco Falls

MillionYoung: "Be So True"

Mike Diaz aka "Million Young" released his new EP this past week. The Ft. Lauderdale native's aching, arching and over the top vocals continue to make our stomachs shift .... but in a beautiful way.

Check out the new EP "Be So True"

MillionYoung - Feel The Same

MillionYoung - Mien

MillionYoung - Cynthia

Bonus:

Memory House - To The Light House(Millionyoung Remix)

G.O.O.D. Music

After being deemed the best thing since sliced bread by Kanye West; Benjamin Hudson McIldowie, known publicly as Mr. Hudson, has just released his 2nd U.S. single ‘Anyone but him’. This track features the previously mentioned Kanye West mirroring his role in Hudson’s debut single ‘Supernova’. Much of Hudson’s acclaim revolves around his label G.O.O.D. Music and Mercury records (founded by Kanye), but having worked with Jay-Z and Dizzee Rascal while touring with SoulReflecksion favorite: Calvin Harris, we’ll give Mr. Hudson a shot. I will note, we are far from ready to agree with Kanyes’ quote: "I believe Mr. Hudson has the potential to be bigger than me, to be one of the most important artists of his generation", though, we have had an eye on this song since July when the unmastered, “dirty”, version was floating around YouTube. Like Detroit Red, this hits’ been cleaned up. Check it out --->


Mr. Hudson (feat. Kanye West) – Anyone but Him

Mr. Hudson (feat. Kanye West) - Supernova

Spirng/Summer 2010 (Common Projects)

Common Projects Achilles (2010), The sneaks come in white, black and are capped off with gum outsoles. It looks like the Spring/Summer 2010 release should hit retailers towards the end of January.

Common Projects come from the French collaboration of Flavio Girolami and Prathan Poopat. Constructed from Italian leather the sneakers follow in the same "footsteps" of their ancestors minimalistic approach .

Flavio Girolami and Prathan Poopat Interview:

Bonus:
Uffie - MC's Can Kiss

Apple Tablet: Gadget of the Decade?

The week that gadget lovers, computer nerds, and tech savvy businessmen have all been waiting for is finally here: The week of the Apple press event and the unveiling of their "latest creation." This "creation" is believed to be the much ballyhooed Apple tablet that has reached mythical status after months and months of conversational hot topic in the rumor mill. Perhaps the most credible rumors to this point have come from financial analyst Gene Munster, who posited that the tablet will be around $600, be available in early 2010, and bring Apple $1.2 billion in revenue. However, due to locked-lips and contractual confidentiality, Steve Jobs and crew have kept us all in anticipatory angst about the actual design, features, and realization of what could be the most innovative product in recent history. If you received an official invitation to this invite-only Apple release party then lucky you, if not then stay tuned because we'll keep you updated on what could be the next product that Americans cannot live without.

[the photos are speculations and not the actual Apple tablet]

COMPANY OF WE ("Recession Friendly Fashion")

manshion.net
"you're lucky I gave you this link ... gold mine."

With very little press the "Company of We" is about to blast off into the fashionsphere. This past summer Jayzel Samonte and Christopher Crawford released their first collection under the "Company of We" label. The collection was inspired by and designed for men who "aren't about to drop $700 for a pair of shorts" states Crawford. The goal is to offer products of "high fashion" at economical prices.

Since the first collection went online they have sold out of 90 percent of their stock. Spring/Summer 2010 Collection Coming Soon! (Fall/Winter Look Book)

Company Of We: The Interview