Here's the hawt new joint from Plan B with production by my bruvva-in-law Alexander "Shux" Shuckburgh. It debuted on Zane Lowe's radio show on Monday eve. It's only (!) got a paltry 89k YouTube views since Monday so I figured it's time it got an ickle ArchBlog boost!
Follow Shux on Twitter 'ere
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Can't effing wait for the Marley doc to drop
I'm hearing very many good things about Kevin Macdonald's documentary Marley, which recently world premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. As a huge Marley fan (I actually think he might have been a God) I canna wait to peep it.
On this rare occasion, I wholeheartedly agree with the promotional blurb about His Bobness: "Bob Marley's universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled ... From Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald (One Day In September, The Last King of Scotland) comes the story of a towering figure of musical history, whose music and message has transcended different cultures, languages and creeds to resonate around the world today as powerfully as when he was alive."
Magnolia Pictures will release theatrically and on VOD on Friday, April 20th.
On this rare occasion, I wholeheartedly agree with the promotional blurb about His Bobness: "Bob Marley's universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled ... From Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald (One Day In September, The Last King of Scotland) comes the story of a towering figure of musical history, whose music and message has transcended different cultures, languages and creeds to resonate around the world today as powerfully as when he was alive."
Magnolia Pictures will release theatrically and on VOD on Friday, April 20th.
South 2 West 8 Deer Camo Jacket
I'm not usually a fan of camo prints but this deer camo is different class. I'm not sure this South 2 West 8 Deer Camo Jacket would be ideal for stalking stags (bit loud) but that shouldn't do put off the deep-pocketed fashionista pack. I hope they do a seal camo print next. That would be my fave. Available from Nepenthes in New York.
Real UK hip-hop: "GYM" by Dave Neurotic, Young Zeus an The Duffinator
I've got a lot of time for this braindead, deadpan brand of rap music. Lyrics don't come much better than "my muscles are big, tough and toned, my biceps are large and kinda coned"
Via Prog Porn (see blog-roll)
Via Prog Porn (see blog-roll)
Friday, 24 February 2012
ArchBlog Holidays: Villa Angela, Istria, Croatia
One of my favourite ever holidays was to Croatia with wifey HanPicked. The highlight of the trip was a wonderful week on the remote and unspoilt island of Vis. It was a while ago (Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick for En-Ger-Land v Croatia when I was there) but we often long to go back.
Given my general hard-on for Croatia, it's no surprise that I was immediately captivated by Bry OB Ben Wilson's piccies of his family's drop-dead gorgeous 18th century stone house in the northern region of Istria, Croatia's northern-most peninsula on the Adriatic Sea. As you can see from the (reasonably) exclusive piccies I'm posting right here, the villa really is top, top banana.
While regular readers will be aware that ArchBlog isn't exactly an interiors blog (!), it is impossible to plug Villa Angelo without raving about the tasteful botanic prints, delightful eiderdown and satisfyingly 'beat-up' armchairs. I'm also a whopping fan of those 'trapped' lights in the bathroom. They remind me of the Prisoner of Conscience stained-glass window in Salisbury Cathedral (in a good way). And a special ArchBlog gold * goes to the artful way in which the hat is perched on that chair by the SMEG. Elegant.
Below the piccies, I've posted some Wilsonian blurb about the villa, the local town and what to do in the area.
*** VILLA ANGELA BOOKERS WHO QUOTE 'ARCHBLOG' MAY EVEN GET A SMALL % REDUCTION (LEAVE A COMMENT BEN!) ON THE PRICE (& I GET A PAT ON THE BACK) SO, DEAR READRS, IT'S TIME TO GET BOOKING ***
About the villa:
Villa Angelo is an early 18th Century stone house perched on a hillside in the scenic medieval village of Motovun, Croatia. South-facing and with a large terrace and loggia, the house has uninterrupted views across the valley below and offers guests spacious luxury with a personal touch.
The property has been lovingly restored using the best of local and modern materials. Attention to detail is apparent in every room. Whether in the Istrian limestone floors equipped with under floor heating, the custom-designed beds and cupboards built with reclaimed timber, or the handmade, tin-lined copper bath, each space has been carefully considered and artfully realised. Arranged over 3 floors across 250 square metres, the house accommodates 6 adults comfortably with 3 generous bedrooms (2 double beds, 2 single beds), a master bathroom, bathroom with shower, large living room, eat-in kitchen, terrace and loggia.
Decorated with a playful balance of modern and antique furnishings, the house is finished with the very best appliances for added comfort and convenience. The kitchen has a top-end Italian range cooker, stylish Smeg fridge/freezer, Miele washer/dryer and dishwasher. Wireless Internet is also available throughout the property.
Running the length of the house, the terrace is perfect for entertaining with an el fresco dining table, barbecue and outdoor shower for those hot summer months. Three sets of French doors open into the living room where guests can enjoy the tranquility of the panoramic views while making the most of the large open fire and comfortable sofas. There is also a flat screen television and sound system provided for further entertainment.
Children are welcome and pets may be accommodated with approval from the owners. Parking is free and the town square is a five-minute walk from the house.
About the town:
Motovun is located in the heart of Istria, Croatia’s northern-most peninsula on the Adriatic Sea. The town grew from the site of an ancient Roman city called Kastelijer and was ruled by the Bishop of Poreč in the 10th and 11th centuries. It was overtaken by the Venetians in 1278 and fortified with a perimeter wall which is still intact today and used as a footpath with singular views across the four corners of Istria. In addition to its ancient fortifications the town is linked with a network of towers, churches and city gates containing aspects of Roman, Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Today the town is home to nearly five hundred permanent residents and has everything visitors could need including several excellent restaurants, cafes and bars and a local hotel with a spa and swimming pool that can be used by guests of Villa Angelo. There are shops that offer the best of local truffles, olive oil, cheeses and other delicacies and stalls where residents sell their fruit, vegetables and homemade wines & liquors. There is even a daily fishmonger who delivers a variety of freshly caught seafood from the back of his van.
The annual Motovun Film Festival is a renowned independent film festival screening a wide variety of European and international films and attracting an audience of thousands. Described by The Guardian in 2007 as “a cross between Glastonbury and Sundance” the week of the festival is by far the busiest time of the year in Motovun. The outdoor screenings and accompanying celebrations make the festival the most popular event of the year so book early to avoid disappointment.
Given my general hard-on for Croatia, it's no surprise that I was immediately captivated by Bry OB Ben Wilson's piccies of his family's drop-dead gorgeous 18th century stone house in the northern region of Istria, Croatia's northern-most peninsula on the Adriatic Sea. As you can see from the (reasonably) exclusive piccies I'm posting right here, the villa really is top, top banana.
While regular readers will be aware that ArchBlog isn't exactly an interiors blog (!), it is impossible to plug Villa Angelo without raving about the tasteful botanic prints, delightful eiderdown and satisfyingly 'beat-up' armchairs. I'm also a whopping fan of those 'trapped' lights in the bathroom. They remind me of the Prisoner of Conscience stained-glass window in Salisbury Cathedral (in a good way). And a special ArchBlog gold * goes to the artful way in which the hat is perched on that chair by the SMEG. Elegant.
Below the piccies, I've posted some Wilsonian blurb about the villa, the local town and what to do in the area.
*** VILLA ANGELA BOOKERS WHO QUOTE 'ARCHBLOG' MAY EVEN GET A SMALL % REDUCTION (LEAVE A COMMENT BEN!) ON THE PRICE (& I GET A PAT ON THE BACK) SO, DEAR READRS, IT'S TIME TO GET BOOKING ***
About the villa:
Villa Angelo is an early 18th Century stone house perched on a hillside in the scenic medieval village of Motovun, Croatia. South-facing and with a large terrace and loggia, the house has uninterrupted views across the valley below and offers guests spacious luxury with a personal touch.
The property has been lovingly restored using the best of local and modern materials. Attention to detail is apparent in every room. Whether in the Istrian limestone floors equipped with under floor heating, the custom-designed beds and cupboards built with reclaimed timber, or the handmade, tin-lined copper bath, each space has been carefully considered and artfully realised. Arranged over 3 floors across 250 square metres, the house accommodates 6 adults comfortably with 3 generous bedrooms (2 double beds, 2 single beds), a master bathroom, bathroom with shower, large living room, eat-in kitchen, terrace and loggia.
Decorated with a playful balance of modern and antique furnishings, the house is finished with the very best appliances for added comfort and convenience. The kitchen has a top-end Italian range cooker, stylish Smeg fridge/freezer, Miele washer/dryer and dishwasher. Wireless Internet is also available throughout the property.
Running the length of the house, the terrace is perfect for entertaining with an el fresco dining table, barbecue and outdoor shower for those hot summer months. Three sets of French doors open into the living room where guests can enjoy the tranquility of the panoramic views while making the most of the large open fire and comfortable sofas. There is also a flat screen television and sound system provided for further entertainment.
Children are welcome and pets may be accommodated with approval from the owners. Parking is free and the town square is a five-minute walk from the house.
About the town:
Motovun is located in the heart of Istria, Croatia’s northern-most peninsula on the Adriatic Sea. The town grew from the site of an ancient Roman city called Kastelijer and was ruled by the Bishop of Poreč in the 10th and 11th centuries. It was overtaken by the Venetians in 1278 and fortified with a perimeter wall which is still intact today and used as a footpath with singular views across the four corners of Istria. In addition to its ancient fortifications the town is linked with a network of towers, churches and city gates containing aspects of Roman, Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Today the town is home to nearly five hundred permanent residents and has everything visitors could need including several excellent restaurants, cafes and bars and a local hotel with a spa and swimming pool that can be used by guests of Villa Angelo. There are shops that offer the best of local truffles, olive oil, cheeses and other delicacies and stalls where residents sell their fruit, vegetables and homemade wines & liquors. There is even a daily fishmonger who delivers a variety of freshly caught seafood from the back of his van.
The annual Motovun Film Festival is a renowned independent film festival screening a wide variety of European and international films and attracting an audience of thousands. Described by The Guardian in 2007 as “a cross between Glastonbury and Sundance” the week of the festival is by far the busiest time of the year in Motovun. The outdoor screenings and accompanying celebrations make the festival the most popular event of the year so book early to avoid disappointment.
Engineered Garments video lookbook
Check out this wonderfully psychedelic vid lookbook made by HARRYS to beat the drum for Engineered Garments' Spring/Summer 2012 collection of clobber. Achingly cool New York shop Nepenthes tweeted: "Enjoy (BEST VIEWED FULLSCREEN... and maybe on acid?)"
Via Nepenthes Twitter
Engineered Garments // SS 2012 from Harrys on Vimeo.
Via Nepenthes Twitter
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Horror in Homs: 'Bashar, You Are An Oppressor!'
'Mani' is a (ridiculously brave) French photojournalist who has spent the last month in Homs, the epicentre of the bloody Syrian uprising. He has risked his life to capture on film the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the city where President Bashar al-Assad's security forces are killing men, women and children. Channel 4 Nooze got hold of Mani's quite remarkable footage of urban guerrilla warfare at its most terrifying. Here it is:
ArchBlog approves: Bonsai treehouses
These Bonsai treehouses from Takanori Aiba are quite possibly the best thing I've peeped in 2012.
See more of Aiba's tree houses here.
Via I like it, what is it? blog
See more of Aiba's tree houses here.
Via I like it, what is it? blog
ArchBlog plug: Rock's Lane
Here's a sweet ickle vid from Mr Jeremy Riggall showcasing the ace Rock's Lane, Chiswick, 5-a-side footy league. Rock's Lane, which is run by Liz Bolton, has 3rd gen astro and is right next to Turnham Green tube. Judging by this vid, it's footballers are a friendly bunch who take playing fairly but not too seriously.
If you do pay a visit to the pitches do be sure to schedule in a pit-stop at the outrageously pricey yet worth it Theobroma Cacao chocolate shop. The service is a little shirty but they do the best hot chocolate in west London.
If you do pay a visit to the pitches do be sure to schedule in a pit-stop at the outrageously pricey yet worth it Theobroma Cacao chocolate shop. The service is a little shirty but they do the best hot chocolate in west London.
Spring watch: Albam wool overshirt reduced (a bit)
Albam is doing a temporary sale on its lovely wool overshirt. It comes in three shades - rust, grey and moss. I recks the grey is the pick of then bunch.
Here's some deets on the overshirt:
Constructed from English Jacquard wool and available in three muted natural shades, it’s been crafted near our Nottingham studio. We’ve used a soft bengal stripe quilted Italian cotton fabric for the lining for a bit of extra warmth and comfort, and added patch and hand pockets for…well y’know, keeping your stuff in. It really is a great outerwear piece: can be just as easily layered under a heavier jacket as over a favourite shirt or knit.
Here's the code:
To pick up an Overshirt for the reduced price of £180, either pop into one of our shops or enter the code ‘overshirt_promo‘ at the checkout, where the lower price will be applied!
Here's some deets on the overshirt:
Constructed from English Jacquard wool and available in three muted natural shades, it’s been crafted near our Nottingham studio. We’ve used a soft bengal stripe quilted Italian cotton fabric for the lining for a bit of extra warmth and comfort, and added patch and hand pockets for…well y’know, keeping your stuff in. It really is a great outerwear piece: can be just as easily layered under a heavier jacket as over a favourite shirt or knit.
Here's the code:
To pick up an Overshirt for the reduced price of £180, either pop into one of our shops or enter the code ‘overshirt_promo‘ at the checkout, where the lower price will be applied!
Man caught weeping while watching Whitney Houston sing in The Bodyguard
Warning: This video contains images of a man (yes, male human) crying while watching The Bodyguard. Call me half-Australian but this is entirely unacceptable behaviour.
England 2012 football kit (first images)
Images of the new En-Ger-Land footy kit have been released on the Umbro blog and I reckon it's pretty nice as far as footy kits go.
In a move which will no doubt delight the EDL, it's based almost entirely on the St. George's flag.
The collar is fairly unusual. Umbro explains:
"Probably the most eye-catching part of the new England home shirt is the collar. Featuring a smart, one button fastener, the collar is inspired by the look of a traditional shirt. With the collar down, players and fans will have a subtle dash of red along the top, recalling the flag of England’s patron saint. Under the collar, a more detailed stripe is revealed, which has been inspired by Sir Alf Ramsey’s iconic 1966 jacket and the St George’s flag, developed by Umbro into this tonal red design."
In a move which will no doubt delight the EDL, it's based almost entirely on the St. George's flag.
The collar is fairly unusual. Umbro explains:
"Probably the most eye-catching part of the new England home shirt is the collar. Featuring a smart, one button fastener, the collar is inspired by the look of a traditional shirt. With the collar down, players and fans will have a subtle dash of red along the top, recalling the flag of England’s patron saint. Under the collar, a more detailed stripe is revealed, which has been inspired by Sir Alf Ramsey’s iconic 1966 jacket and the St George’s flag, developed by Umbro into this tonal red design."
Cassetteboy vs The News
I'm a massive fan of mash-up king Cassetteboy. In his latest effort, a take on the news, there are some great lines.
"The government has said it has no plans to get the economy moving again"
"The British Prime Minister is a posh English Queen, he has his own dick up his arse"
"The government has said it has no plans to get the economy moving again"
"The British Prime Minister is a posh English Queen, he has his own dick up his arse"
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Interview with Nigel Cabourn, the master
Nigel Cabourn is Britain's finest designer of men's clothing. He's great 'cos he takes influence from pretty much everything other than fashion. I want to be buried in my duvet-like Cabourn down parka. Here's an okayish interview with him that all the blogs (Hypebeast, SlamXHype etc) have already flagged up.
Check Cabourn's Army Gym blog here.
Interview with Nigel Cabourn by Helmstyle from Helmstyle on Vimeo.
Check Cabourn's Army Gym blog here.
Monday, 20 February 2012
Fathering, North Carolinian-style
So, you're a dad from Albermarle, North Carolina, USA, who has discovered your daughter has posted a rude letter about her grandparents on her Facebook profile. You're mighty pissed. What do you do? Isn't it obvious? You go out into the yard, light a fag, record a you're-totes-busted video message and then shoot her laptop eight (8) times with a .45 pistol. To demonstrate you really are cross, you even charge her for the bullets. "These are about a dollar a piece."
Via The Periscope Post
Via The Periscope Post
Friday, 17 February 2012
Stay classy, Nando's
Here's Nando's EXTRA HOT new ad!!!
UPDATE: You thought the Nando's ad was crass? Well, it's not as tasteless as this Wodka ad currently enraging New York's Twitterati.
UPDATE: You thought the Nando's ad was crass? Well, it's not as tasteless as this Wodka ad currently enraging New York's Twitterati.
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
"Any guy besides someone like Newt"
This spoof vid is the best thing I've seen in ages. It deserves to go dangerously viral and is surely the final nail in the coffin of Newt "not an ethical shred in his oversized head" Gingrich's bid for the Republican 2012 presidential candidate nomination.
Via DC Hines
Via DC Hines
Dubai remembers Whitney Houston
Pretty much everything about Dubai is deeply naff. Think that's a bit unfair? Well take a look at the way in which the city remembered Whitney Houston ...
Frank Leder
ArchBlog is a big fan of German designer Frank Leder's 1920's-inspired spring-summer 2012 line. Leder's the one for you if you want to look like you've just emigrated to New York in the twenties.
Via Hypebeast
Via Hypebeast
Diemme x Slam Jam Movida Basket boot
Just peeped these crazy Diemme boots over at SlamXHype. They're what a poisonous toad would wear to go hiking. The boot features a hydro-repellent suede upper, gum toe, Vibram sole and white leather lining. Available with a double set of laces, you can grab these outdoor shoes only at Slam Jam for 200 Euros.
Friday, 10 February 2012
1950's dog man
Everything was better in the 1950s. Everyone drunk Old Fashioneds in elegant bars, wore beautiful watches and drove sweet cars*. And it was even considered socially acceptable to dress up a dog as a man and put a cat on his lap.
*Yes, I base my view of the 1950s almost entirely on Mad Men
Via the Black and WTF blog
*Yes, I base my view of the 1950s almost entirely on Mad Men
Via the Black and WTF blog
A West Virginian weekend
I like American football but I don't support a college football team. However, I do know who I want to lose every game for ever after having just watched this "I'm Schmacked" vid of West Virginia Mountaineer fans letting off a little steam.
Warning: This clip really does include images of a) people in t-shirts emblazoned with messages like "I love fat blunts" and "Jockfest" and b) jocks gunning cans of beer through their tiny insertions.
Warning: This clip really does include images of a) people in t-shirts emblazoned with messages like "I love fat blunts" and "Jockfest" and b) jocks gunning cans of beer through their tiny insertions.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Gone rogue
What's worse than a t-shirt that makes it look like you are covered in disgusting tats? "Nothing!" I hear you scream at the top of your voice. Well, you are wrong ... Howsabout an entire website almost entirely dedicated to, shudder, "tattoo apparel?"
Yup, I bring you Rogue Shirts, which was "born" in 2005. Over at Rogue, the brainchild of "Lead Designer Kevian," you can cop "the latest trendsetting designer T-shirts, designer hoodies, full cover printed tees, and the latest fashion apparel for men, women and kids."
So you don't have to, I have sifted through all the proddie on the site and come up with an ArchBlog top 9 Rogue items.
Yup, I bring you Rogue Shirts, which was "born" in 2005. Over at Rogue, the brainchild of "Lead Designer Kevian," you can cop "the latest trendsetting designer T-shirts, designer hoodies, full cover printed tees, and the latest fashion apparel for men, women and kids."
So you don't have to, I have sifted through all the proddie on the site and come up with an ArchBlog top 9 Rogue items.
The Savile Row fold
This advice might not deliver lasting peace to Homs, Syria, but that doesn't mean it's not worth paying attention to. I'm off to re-hang my suits.
Via Seedy Moorby
Via Seedy Moorby
Chuck out your cats and dogs
It's my birthday in a few days. This is top of my birthday list. In fact, it's the only thing I ever want.
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Superdenim has Nigel Cabourn goodies
Truly awesome British label Nigel Cabourn have recently launched a mighty fine samples and deadstock sale at York-based online outlet Superdenim. Here are the choice items (most of which are, sadly, no longer available). You can check all the garms at Superdenim's Perfect Aperture proddie blog.
Pure Brasseye: Sussex copper chases himself for 20 (t w e n t y) minutes
This just in from Yahoo News ....
A police officer chased himself for more than 20 minutes whilst on the look out for someone “acting suspiciously”, it has been revealed.
The probationary officer, from Sussex Police, was undercover checking out an area that had been hit by a spate of burglaries when he was alerted by CCTV operators to a nearby suspect. Unaware that the suspect was himself, the officer set off to track them down – chasing his own tail for more than 20 minutes.
The mistake was only realised after a sergeant inside the CCTV control room recognised the young officer, prompting mass hilarity. The pursuit came to light after a senior officer spoke of the incident to a magazine published by the Police Federation.
“Every time the man darted in to another side alleyway, the PC was turning immediately into the same alleyway, but every time the CCTV operator asked what he could see there was no trace,” the senior officer revealed.
“It was at this point that the sergeant entered the control room where he recognised the junior officer.
“With the sergeant's sides aching from laughter he pointed out to the PC that the operator had been watching him unaware that he was a plain-clothes officer – thus the PC had been chasing himself round the streets,” he added.
Sussex Police also managed to see the funny side of the incident. “Policing is often a serious business, so we all enjoy moments of light relief,” a spokesperson said.
“This story was shared anonymously with the Police Federation magazine, so unfortunately without the date or location, confirming the details and locating the officer is harder for us than it was for the CCTV operator.”
A police officer chased himself for more than 20 minutes whilst on the look out for someone “acting suspiciously”, it has been revealed.
The probationary officer, from Sussex Police, was undercover checking out an area that had been hit by a spate of burglaries when he was alerted by CCTV operators to a nearby suspect. Unaware that the suspect was himself, the officer set off to track them down – chasing his own tail for more than 20 minutes.
The mistake was only realised after a sergeant inside the CCTV control room recognised the young officer, prompting mass hilarity. The pursuit came to light after a senior officer spoke of the incident to a magazine published by the Police Federation.
“Every time the man darted in to another side alleyway, the PC was turning immediately into the same alleyway, but every time the CCTV operator asked what he could see there was no trace,” the senior officer revealed.
“It was at this point that the sergeant entered the control room where he recognised the junior officer.
“With the sergeant's sides aching from laughter he pointed out to the PC that the operator had been watching him unaware that he was a plain-clothes officer – thus the PC had been chasing himself round the streets,” he added.
Sussex Police also managed to see the funny side of the incident. “Policing is often a serious business, so we all enjoy moments of light relief,” a spokesperson said.
“This story was shared anonymously with the Police Federation magazine, so unfortunately without the date or location, confirming the details and locating the officer is harder for us than it was for the CCTV operator.”
You can get pretty much anything you want in the supermarkets these days
Via Prog Porn (see blogroll)
Orwellian society
I dread to think what Twitter captain @joey7barton would have to say about this ...
Santa Domingo Woven Summer Dress shoe
I'm a big fan of these woven dress shoes from Santa Domingo. Even if they do make the wearer look a touch like a Miami Cuban pimp, I recks they are totes the look for summer '12 (dahlin'). Inexplicably (or praps because they are near-impossible to wear with anything) they've been knocking around in the Garbstore sale section for donkeys. They are down from £415 to £207.
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