Every once in a while a certain book, a new band, or a movie comes along – and it seems like it inspires everyone all at once. The new Italian movie called I Am Love, does just that. This stylish romantic/drama has the film, music, art and fashion worlds all abuzz.

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the movie tells the story of a wealthy Milanese wife and mother whose life changes drastically after a chance introduction. Starring the unique beauty Tilda Swinton (a friend to the Cinema Arts Society Houston) her look and performance perfectly epitomizes the meticulous, understated elegance of an Italian women of a certain age and class. The locations and wardrobe used in the movie are absolutely perfect.

Over the years I’ve had many friends that have moved to Milan tell me about how difficult it is live there – the ancient Italian city has a very closed off society and the levels of the social classes are very pronounced, especially to outsiders or foreigners. The movie portrays the contrasts between these worlds perfectly; how very attractive material things can be, and how false beauty combined with lies doesn’t lead to personal happiness.

The movie is photographed using very interesting different styles, and the dramatic score was assembled from music created by the minimalist American composer, John Adams. Even if this kind of movie isn’t your thing..it’s a great looking film, and the settings and fashions, are totally worth the price of admission.

Filed under: Movies, Music, Style by Stephen : 1 Comment »

Remember that certain Amy with that wild beehive hairdo? Ummm, its all getting a little hazy, right?

A little known fact was that the crazy singer named Amy had actually “borrowed” her sound…her backup band called the Dap Kings. The Dap Kings really seemed to be the magic ingredient that provided the Back in Black album with that raw, powerful, and perfectly rendered retro sound. The interesting thing about The Dap Kings was that they already had a singer, and a really great one at that…and her name is Sharon Jones.

Sharon’s the REAL deal and she’s UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME.

If you want to give your ears a treat…invite some friends over, fix up some cocktails, and throw on Sharon’s latest record called “I Learned the Hard Way“. It’s totally fantastic.

iTunes link: I Learned the Hard Way (Bonus Version) – Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Here’s a tune from her last record, 100 Days, 100 Nights

From the new record, the title track – I Learned the Hard Way

Filed under: Music, Style by Stephen : 1 Comment »

If you find yourself at home tonight in front of the TV be sure and tune in to PBS. The fantastic series of American Masters documentaries profiles legendary singer, and songwriter, Merle Haggard.

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Straight forward Texas rocker, Alejandro Escovedo has recently released a new album called Street Songs of Love to tons of major acclaim. The New York Times described it as “In another, less fragmented pop era, this would be the album of thoughtful but radio-ready love songs to finally get Mr. Escovedo the big national audience he deserves.” and The Washington Post wrote “Working again with glam-rock producer Tony Visconti, Escovedo proudly wears his musical influences – the Stooges, New York Dolls, all manner of punk – on his sleeve. Filtered through his scuffling yet tender-hearted persona, the result, yet again, is ageless rock-and-roll.”

To make this record Austin based Escovedo worked alongside the legendary rock producer Tony Visconti (Morrissey, Bowie, U2) and and called in friends such as Ian Hunter, and received a helping hand from little known musician named Bruce Springsteen. Alejandro Escovedo has created a classic record totally worth adding to your list of new summer music to check out.

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Starting next weekend, the Hamilton Shirt Company will be closing on Saturdays for the duration of the summer. We’ll be reopening on Saturdays in September. Plan ahead!

PS- this Saturday will be our last…the store will be open on the 26th.

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A remastered version of one of the best rock albums of our lifetimes, “Exile on Main St.” by The Rolling Stones has just been given a facelift and newly re-released. I’ve been listening to this new version non-stop and let me tell you – incredibly, they’ve improved upon a masterpiece.

Just like fine wines, The Rolling Stones seem to do nothing but improve with age. Famous for being recorded loosely in the South of France and Los Angeles, Exile on Main St. is simply a rock classic that no music collection should be without. The mixture of raw rocks sounds with touches of gospel, blues, country, and American r&b make this Stones album one of the best ever. Composed during the years 1968-72 its easy to imagine the glamorous times of living in Villefranche-sur-Mer, near Nice, with the incredible visitors dropping by, all the decadent drug usage, and the beautiful Bianca Jagger and Anita Pallenberg floating in and out during its recording.

This new version comes with an additional 10 songs, many of which have only been available as bootlegs prior to this release. You’d be crazy not to pick this one up.

Filed under: History, Music, Style by Stephen : No Comments »

There is a concert tonight at Jones Hall that just shouldn’t be missed.

In a very rare solo performance, Neil Young will be performing his classic songs, along with the special privilege of hearing brand new unrecorded songs for the very first time. Houston Press is reporting that each set on the “Twisted Road” tour includes over 20 songs and that some of the past shows have included “Down by the River”, “Ohio”, and “Cinnamon Girl”.

As of this morning when I checked, a few seats were still remaining for this chance to see this rock legend up close. The opportunity to see Neil Young doesn’t come around all that often, the last time Neil Young performed in Houston was back in 2003.

Check for tickets here. Go!

Filed under: History, Houston, Music by Stephen : No Comments »

Besides being a delicious Mexican aqua fresca drink made from water, rice, almonds vanilla, and cinnamon…Horchata is also a cool song from Vampire Weekend:

Horchata

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1/4 cup ground, blanched almonds or almond meal
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 6 cups water, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sugar

Put the rice in a blender and grind to a powder for a few minutes. Grind the mixture as smooth as possible. Combine the pulverized rice, almonds and cinnamon stick with two cups of water. Cover tightly and allow to steep overnight.

Remove the cinnamon stick and place the rice mixture in the blender. Blend for 4 or 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and no longer has a gritty texture. Add 2 more cups of water, and blend again for about 15 seconds.

Strain into a pitcher through several layers of dampened cheesecloth or even a coffee filter.

Add 2 more final cups of cold water, the vanilla and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. If the mixture is too thick, add some additional water. Horchata should have the consistency of milk. The drink is supposed to be sweet, so taste and add more sugar, if desired.

Cover and refrigerate. Horchata will keep several days, refrigerated. Serve it chilled in tall glasses over ice. Makes 1-1/2 quarts.

Filed under: Food & Drink, Music by Stephen : 3 Comments »

A 7/4 time signature for a springtime Saturday…and Happy May Day.

Filed under: Music, Televison by Stephen : 1 Comment »

Lately I’ve been working on putting together the upcoming Hamilton 1883 Spring/Summer 2011 collection and I’ve been listening to new band The Drums on repeat. The band has been garnering a lot of great press lately – they were chosen as one of the showcase artists at this years 2010 SXSW Festival in Austin. Not only do The Drums have a great sound, but I find their clean cut 1950′s look very inspiring. Their first release is a seven song E.P. called “Summertime!” and it really gets you in the mood for all the warm weather and fun ahead…

Here is the first single from the album called “Let’s Go Surfing”:

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