Monthly Archives: April 2010

STEVIE WONDER

Friday: April 16, 2010 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Photography Leave a comment

Stevie Wonder

One of the greatest to do it, Stevie Wonder.

BLACK WIDOW

Friday: April 16, 2010 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Photography, Rock Leave a comment

Black Widow

Sometimes we just want to step outside of ourselves, and leave life’s ills, bills and everything in between…behind! This is one of those tracks that helps you to escape, even if only for a brief moment. Enjoy…

Black Widow / An Afterthought

BACK AT IT

Thursday: April 15, 2010 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Sidenote 5 Comments

Razauno

“B” is for Back At It! After my site was hacked about two weeks ago (and shut down by Google for safety reasons), I’m back with a slightly refreshed look and some new content. Everything is back to normal, so continue to check back for updates…and be on the lookout for a special collaboration project that’s soon to come!

Credit / Illustration by Razauno

Back At It / April 15th Theme

SOUL CURE

Thursday: April 15, 2010 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Sidenote Leave a comment

Soul Cure

Observe this one, it’s hands down one of the best album covers ever. Obscure funk/soul group representing the UK, The Power Pack. This cover is from their 1969 release Soul Cure.

HISTORY

Thursday: April 15, 2010 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Video 2 Comments

I spotted this video while browsing through the Creative Control website. Mos Def has always been one of my favorite artists, on this “History” record, he puts it down over a classic Dilla banger from the Dilla Beats 3 beat tape. Not only is the song great, but I’m also feeling the color treatment of the video. Enjoy…

MEMPHIS JACKSON

Thursday: April 15, 2010 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Jazz 1 Comment

Milt Jackson

Review / Impulse! is one of my favorite jazz labels, so this album was appealing to me the moment I spotted it. I wasn’t that hip to vibraphonist Milt Jackson, but I figured I’d give it a listen. It’s not a “knock your socks off” type of album, but it’s very chill, at times giving up MAJOR groove, and upbeat blues overtones. Honestly, once I zoned out to “Enchanted Lady”, I was sold on this record.

Design / I’m really digging this one because of the layers. It’s simple, a toy train set where the train is seemingly pulling into a Memphis train station. Up on one of the buildings is a very high contrast black and white photograph of Milt Jackson and Ray Brown, I really dig the bright colors contrasting the black and white. As for the typography, it’s a good use of a tightly-kerned Helvetica, positioned at the top left creating a nice tension.

Info / Artist: Milt Jackson with the Ray Brown Big Band / Album: Memphis Jackson / Year: 1969 / Label: Impulse!

Milt Jackson / Enchanted Lady

Milt Jackson / Memphis Junction

Milt Jackson / Uh Huh

HUTSON

Wednesday: April 14, 2010 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Soul 2 Comments

Leroy Hutson

Review / This was the first of the “Hutson” series. By far my favorite, Leroy put together a very soulful LP about love, borrowing influences from the funk and jazz genres. The production is superb and the lyrics are relatable. Hutson had a ground-breaking sound that went overlooked, the instrumentation and arrangements were razor sharp, and the sound held up very well for not having been constricted to one genre.

Design / Another great cover, from the type, to the graphic photography of Leroy and his lady. Check out the styling on both individuals (peep that cane w/ the mean lean!), it’s right on! Although posed, the stance is very believable. The warm color palette is working well here, set off nicely by her bright white fur coat and dress. Two thumbs up on this album cover.

Info / Artist: Leroy Hutson / Album: Hutson / Year: 1975 / Label: Curtom

Leroy Hutson / It’s Different

Leroy Hutson / Cool Out

Leroy Hutson / Lucky Fellow

Leroy Hutson / All Because of You

FALLING

Wednesday: April 14, 2010 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Video 1 Comment

Another amazing Prelinger Film Archive edit by Tallulah. This time she matches up some vintage footage with the likes of Dudley Perkins, and his song “Falling”. Powerful visuals, powerful lyrics. Enjoy…

THE SUPREMES

Wednesday: April 14, 2010 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Photography Leave a comment

The Supremes

Soul sisters, The Supremes (The post Diana era).

THE TEMPTATIONS

Wednesday: April 14, 2010 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Photography Leave a comment

The Temptations

Legendary soul group, The Temptations.

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