Desert Island Dress-Sense.

Desert Island Discs, while being fun, is a bit meh because it's been done to death. That's why I invented a game called Desert Island Dress-Sense, which I play in my imagination on a regular basis.

The premise is you have to take the clothes mentioned by a particular disc and wear them on a desert island. There's a special place in my heart for songs with good sartorial referencing anyway, but since it's a desert island, it's sometimes a good idea to pick the more outrageous lyrical get-ups that you wouldn't get away with in public. With that in mind, my current pick is 'Keeping The Faith' by Billy Joel:

"We wore Matador boots,
Only Flagg Bros had 'em with the Cuban heel;
Iridescent socks with the same-colour shirt
And a tight pair of chinos.

Oh, I put on my sharkskin jacket,
You know the kind with the velvet collar
And ditty-bop shades...
Oh yeah!"

A Lot Less.

VIDEO: Historics music video (Matt Hensley tribute) by Patrick O'Dell.

Since writing my post A Whole Lot Less about the rare and beautiful instances when Dr. Martens touch griptape, I've found this cover video directed by the fantastic Pat O'Dell. While it has fuck all to do with DMs, it's one giant reference to the tricks, spots and styles of classic H-Street videos and Matt Hensley, particularly his mid-tops, tube socks, cargo shorts and chainwallet shtick.

Best thing about it is the opening titles. You either get it or you don't. If ever I owned a speakeasy, I'd make people blow into the intercom with a lens cleaner to gain entry.

Young Observer Has Been Reporting on Street Fashions Again...

Vintage Young Observer cover. This is what my eyes see on occasions when I'm feeling old at ska gigs. (Via Fuckyeahskinheads).

I love it when Young Observer reports on street fashions.

The Head And The Heart.

VIDEO: 'Backstage Pass: The Head And The Heart' by Black Rainbow for Spin Magazine. 

Here's a quick featurette Steve Bliss and I made for US music magazine, SPIN. It follows Sub Pop indie-folk band The Head And The Heart as they prepare for an unusual symphonic performance at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall.