Strange Brew: Kaws x Dos Equis

File this under unexpected collaborations. Graffiti artist Kaws has paired up with Dos Equis for a limited edition bottle available only in Mexico. This begs the question, does The World's Most Interesting Man know how to tag? If it turns out this grandma isn't Banksy, maybe it's The World's Most Interesting Man! In any case, if you like Kaws and you like Dos Equis, you might have to get yourself down to Mexico to snag one of these limited edition bottles.

via High Snobiety

Wonder Woman's 21st Century Update

While some might categorize this as a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" blunder, DC Comics has gone ahead and given Wonder Woman a new look a new back story in honor of issue #600. In the words of Michael Straczynski, the new writer of the comic, quoted in The New York Times:

“She’s been locked into pretty much the exact same outfit since her debut in 1941,” Mr. Straczynski wrote. “If you’re going to make a statement about bringing Wonder Woman into the 21st century, you need to be bold and you need to make it visual. I wanted to toughen her up, and give her a modern sensibility.”

Fair enough. At the very least, the new outfit is probably a bit more practical for the needs of a crime fighting Amazon. And of course, Wonder Woman will still be sporting the standard ridiculous superhero anatomy. So while it's a bit more covered up, that just means more is left to the imagination for the fan boys. It's probably unlikely however that if/when Wonder Woman is made into a movie the studio will scrap the old-fashioned outfit in favor of "modern sensibility."

NPR's First Listen: Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse & David Lynch's 'Dark Night of the Soul'

Danger Mouse aka Brian Burton continues to forge into the arena of alternative rock with another kickass alliance. March saw the release of his awesome collaboration with The Shins' James Mercer under the name Broken Bells. Now, a project with Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous and filmmaker David Lynch titled 'Dark Night of the Soul' drops next week:

Danger Mouse and Mark Linkous (a.k.a. Sparklehorse) first came up with the idea for Dark Night of the Soul while working together on the 2006 Sparklehorse album Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain. Linkous had written a number of songs he wasn't comfortable singing, so Danger Mouse suggested getting someone else to do the vocals. The result is an all-star cast of guest artists on Dark Night, including The Shins' James Mercer (who most recently worked with Danger Mouse on the Broken Bells album), Julian Casablancas of The Strokes and Iggy Pop, each of whom offers his own interpretation of the Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse songs.
-NPR

The entire album is currently streaming on NPR.

Wu-Tang vs. The Golden Phoenix

HT: Vulture

Chiddy Bang - Opposite of Adults

Have Mercy!

I've always kind of cringed at McDonald's commercials featuring everyone enjoying a Big Mac while freestyling at a block party. Ads like these by Mickey D's and others have always come across as inauthentic and sometimes almost cynical. It was interesting then to read The Big Money's annotated slideshow, Have Mercy! A History of African-American-Targeted Advertising. The slideshow showcases some awkward moments like McDonald's 1970s copy: "On the real side, kids can really dig gettin' down at McDonald's." It also contrasts African-American targeted ads with "general market" ads that happen to prominently feature African-Americans. It's at times funny, and others just painful, but definitely an interesting read throughout.

Lollapalooza Day 1 Recap

3G issues put a damper on liveblogging day one of Lollapalooza, so before I head out to catch Arctic Monkeys, Ben Harper and more, a few quick thoughts on yesterday.

Best Throwback Act: Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears: I previously only knew Black Joe Lewis from his song "Bitch I Love You" which was featured in Esquire's 50 Best New Songs of 2009 in it's March issue. His brand of throwback, country-fried funk and blues was spot on yesterday, and a great start to the day.
Most Bender-Inspiring Lead Vocals: The Heartless Bastards: Unfortunately I was stuck trying to decide between The Heartless Bastards and Bon Iver. I compromised, leaving after Erika Wennerstrom electrified the crowds with just a few songs. Wennerstrom's voice is like a rougher, more damaged Karen Oh that will make your hair stand on end.
Best Audience Banter: The Fleet Foxes: This was the second time seeing Fleet Foxes and an entirely different experience from the intimate concert hall venue at Palace of Fine Arts in SF. The Fleet Foxes adjusted their act perfectly to fit the festival mood. At the same time one of the highlights of boths shows was the Fleet Foxes' funny, self-deprecating conversations with each other and the audience.
Worst Audience Banter: The Gaslight Anthem: Although I'm kind of a fan of these New Brunswick guys, they proved they weren't quite ready for the big time with their awkward audience interactions which included a lame attempt at showing knowledge of Chicago history (Wasn't one of Capone's guys at the Congress Hotel? That's scary.) and a comment on the efficiency of the Lolla organizers that unintentionally evoked Nazi Germany.
Most Self-Indulgent Set: The Decemberists: I've heard that The Decemberists complete performance of Hazards of Love was a hit at SXSW, but on the Budweiser Stage at Lolla, it just hit the wrong notes. When The Decemberists are good, they're good, but when they're bad, they're real bad.
Worst Weather: Nonstop Rain: It finally let up when Andrew Bird came out, but during the hour wait between Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes, my spirits definitely hit a low. It was a dark time...

Day 2 highlights should include Los Campesinos, Arctic Monkeys, Santigold, TV on the Radio, Ben Harper and the Relentless7 and um, Tool.