G U E S T P O S T

Today we have a special post by our NEW YORK guest contributor, LEE OKANON. He’s a current graphic design student at PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN (his work can be viewed HERE). He is a huge Killers fan and he’ll be reviewing THE KILLERS new Album, DAY & AGE.

"After listening to an advance copy of THE KILLERS new album, DAY & AGE for over a week, I can honestly say, it is one of their GREATEST albums to date. They experimented with a variety of different genres and in turn created something truly unique. DAY & AGE seems to be very much influenced by a barrage of current and past artists, ranging from MADONNA (whom producer Stuart Price worked with of Confessions) to HOT CHIP, not to copy their music yet to create a sound that is truly their own.
The album starts off with the dark yet fun LOSING TOUCH. The song in its entirety is very experimental, with a mix of melodies that change continuously. This one is sure to please.
As the album’s first single, HUMAN seems to define the feel of the record. Stuart Price’s influence is nowhere more apparent than in this dance infused single. With almost two dozen remixes already being circulated, HUMAN is quickly becoming a dance staple just as READ MY MIND was for Sam’s Town. As with other songs on the album, Human’s lyrics at times can be ambiguous, “are we human or are we dancer?” yet this was exactly Flower’s intent, letting the listening interrupt their own meaning into the songs.
The second single, SPACEMAN (which is my personal favorite) is by far the perfect mix of rock, electro, and pop. The Killers made a huge mistake by not releasing Spaceman as the first single; with its fast tempo and vocally driven beat, it would have solidified the band as major chart-toppers once again. (This song needs to be on everyone’s ipod, download link at the bottom)
JOY RIDE is one of those interesting songs that are completely unexpected, but hook you on after a few listens. It has a very 80’s sounding undertone and the chorus is eerily similar to LIKE A VIRGIN by Madonna. Definitely recommended.
Quickly becoming one of my all time favorite Killers songs, A DUSTLAND FAIRYTALE, is exactly that, a modern day fairytale. If anyone questioned what happened to the American power ballad, it’s back, and it rocks. The track starts off with a great slow introduction that slowly drags you in until Brandon’s powerful echoing voice dominates the track and then you’re hooked! Juxtaposing the ambiguous lyrics on the album, Fairytale is a true narrative that takes you on a wonderful journey of highs and lows leaving you completely enamored at the end. 10/10.
THIS IS YOUR LIFE is a very true Killers track. Directly influenced by SAM'S TOWN, the song is very much vocally driven, but who’s complaining, with Flower’s great booming voice. A very powerful sound, most likely will be a fan favorite.
I CAN'T SAY is a great fun track. This song is very reminiscing of a variety of Hot Chip songs and not just because the chorus keeps repeating “In the Dark”. Listeners who are familiar with both bands will hear great similarities with songs such as One Pure Thought, Hold On, & a little of Shake a First.
Probably the next single, Neon Tiger has been making the rounds at Killer’s performances for a while. They cite MGMT for being an influence in developing the lyrics and sound for Neon Tiger; a great story of a neon tiger that just wants to be free. This will get stuck in your head for a long time!
THE WORLD WE LIVE IN is probably my least favorite song on the album, although it is where the title Day & Age stems from. It’s a harmonious slow track with not many interesting factors, I felt that is was kind of a filler track.
GOODNIGHT, TRAVEL WELL is a very dark, very personal, and very emotional track. You get a sense that this song means a lot to the band as they rarely present truly personal songs, delving slightly into it with Andy, You’re a Star and Uncle Jonny. The journey through this song is truly amazing, slowly rising until Flower’s voice is almost on the verge of screaming from the intensity; just amazing. Definitely deserves a listen.
There are two BONUS tracks on the album, which I think should have been included indefinitely. If A CRIPPLING BLOW were on the album, I would consider it my favorite track. It continues right where SAM'S TOWN left off and is a pure American style classic. Combining a melody of influences, Brandon Flowers’ astonishing voice, BLOW is The Killers at their Best! 10/10
FORGET ABOUT WHAT I SAID is a fast paced narrative driven track, which I’m surprised didn’t make the cut it’s worth a listen.
Ultimately DAY & AGE is an album showcasing The Killers ability to make purely great music. They undeniably continue to produce wonderful songs, which resonates with a variety of audiences."

B L A C K F R I D A Y

THE WHITEST BOY ALIVE is a four-member (Erlend Øye, who is also the frontman of KINGS OF CONVENIENCE, Marcin Öz, Sebastian Maschat, and Daniel Nentwig) BERLIN based group who formed in 2003 & released their debut album in 2006 called, "DREAMS." The band "started as an electronic dance music project... It has slowly developed into a band without any programmed elements." With Øye's voice being so uniquely mellow, delicate, convincing, and instantly recognizable, if another artist were to sing the material, it would in no way measure up. His voice truly transforms any melody or lyric into a beautiful, wistful, soothing, and creative piece of work, with guitar talent to match. DREAMS by TWBA demonstrates a clean-cut, (no special, altering studio effects) simplistic, indie-pop album done right. You really need to experience the music for yourself, so download "GOLDEN CAGE" & "INFLATION" from DREAMS below, as well as the "GOLDEN CAGE REMIX" by talented French producer FRED FALKE.

-Golden Cage
-Inflation
-Golden Cage Remix by Fred Falke

P I L G R I M S & I N D I A N S

Celebrate by downloading some of our favorite songs by MYSTERY JETS (a great English indie group): "YOUNG LOVE ft. Laura Marling," and "HIDEAWAY".

-Young Love ft. Laura Marling
-Hideaway

I N C I T I N G & I N V I T I N G M E

If you haven't yet listened or heard of JUSTICE, ...it is:
1.) quite hard to believe
2.) we have to say, a definite loss on your part

The French electronic-rock, grammy-nominated duo have released their first documentary, "A CROSS THE UNIVERSE," which is available on iTunes with the purchase of the live CD that was recorded at the Concourse Design Center in San Francisco back in March (Available everywhere December 9th). The 17 song live set truly makes you feel like you're within the crowd, experiencing the phenomenon that is JUSTICE. The hour long, uncensored documentary, shot and produced by SO ME & ROMAIN GAVRAS, follows XAVIER DE ROSNAY and GASPARD AUGE on the road of their first 2008 U.S. TOUR through their crazy adventures of being music royalty (aka: lots of music, sex, drugs, and alcohol). One of us actually had the privilage of witnessing their set on the final night of COACHELLA 2008, and words cannot describe the live, up-close experience. They truly live up to the hype that everyone rightfully gives them, and this documentary / CD will have to suffice until you can see them on tour.

Download PHANTOM 1.5 & D.A.N.C.E. PART 2 from their live CD below, along with NEW JACK from their album CROSS, and be sure to buy CROSS & A CROSS THE UNIVERSE to hear the rest of their incredible tracks.

-Phantom 1.5
-D.A.N.C.E. Part 2
-New Jack

S P R I N G 2 0 0 9

With a little break before work, we're just sitting here admiring some of the SPRING 2009 creations. Here are a small fraction of the designs/looks we absolutely love & are impressed with:

YVES SAINT LAURENT

DOO RI

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

THREEASFOUR

ALEXANDER WANG

LA PERLA

....want want want.

T W O - T O N E D

This weekend we happened to be in BEVERLY HILLS doing a few errands, and when we saw the RODEO DRIVE street sign, we could not resist taking a stroll. Most of the shops were closed upon our arrival, but window shopping would have to satisfy our needs for the night. Of course we passed by our favourite store, CHANEL, to view their always amazing window display. The first thing that caught our eye were the CHANEL "TWO-TONED TIGHTS". CHANEL never fails turn heads, and thats exactly what they've done again. They are amazingly slimming, due to the two-tone color contrast, and can add an interesting, unique touch to any outfit you choose (dressed up or down). These tights completely embody the always classy & chic brand with the modern & edgy, lines. Now try getting your hands on a pair!

W E E Z Y .F. B A B Y

LIL' WAYNE'S highly anticipated DEDICATION 3 came out last friday, so we're a bit late on posting on it, but better late than never! We wanted to listen to the album a few times before giving it a review, and the numbers are in: DEDICATION 3 is a success! One of us is a much bigger hip hop fan than the other, but nevertheless, this MIXTAPE deserves a shout-out. Although we cant say it was Weezy's best work, it is definetly something to be noticed. 3 words we would use to best describe this mixtape are: NATURAL, CLEVER, and KINKY. Something we found especially enjoyable were Wayne's say-somethings between songs. He always brings out a laugh and somehow finds a way to make a completely serious statement into a humorous one. Just listening to Wayne's voice and the different tones are amusing and we are always interested in what he has to say. 3 of the STANDOUT tracks are: DEDICATION 3, THE OTHER SIDE, and MAGIC. For the skits, we found A DEDICATION and DO'S AND DON'TS to be quirky and hilarious, and YOU LOVE ME YOU HATE ME to be quite insightfull. Overall, we gave this mixtape 3.5 out of 5 stars. We were a bit dissapointed that JULEZ SANTANA wasnt featured in any tracks, because these two make a great combination and always bring it hard...guess we'll have to wait for next time. One thing is fersure about Weezy: he just keeps us wanting more! Cop it below.

-DEDICATION 3

D I N O D A M A G E

MINIATURE TIGERS is an amazingly witty indie-pop, alternative band currently based in Phoenix, Arizona. Fronted by founder Charlie Brand, Daggrr on guitar, Lou Kummerer on bass & vocals, and Rick Schaier on drums, the four joined together in Los Angeles to create their relatable lyrics, playful melodies, and endearing vocals that are both charming and cleverly simple. Within your first listen to their extremely catchy first full length album, "TELL IT TO THE VOLCANO," you'll be singing and humming along with their memorable hooks and adorably captivating songs such as "LIKE OR LIKE LIKE," & "CANNIBAL QUEEN" (downloads below). Support the great "MT" and visit their MYSPACE and WEBSITE to buy their CD, learn more, and to find live shows near you. You will definitely see us at their next LA show!

-Like or Like Like

-Cannibal Queen

J U S T L I K E A C I R C U S

While driving down Ventura Blvd. today in the Sherman Oaks/Studio City area, we happened to pass a local Starbucks that seemed to be flashing with countless bright lights in the windows. We drove closer to spot 15+ paparazzi having a field day, and automatically knew who it was. With a dramatic, "TURN AROUND, TURN AROUND," we made it less than 10 feet away from BRITNEY SPEARS and her little entourage. It was completely hopeless trying to snap a quick picture, (the picture above is from one of the paparazzi) with the poor girl barely having enough room to walk to her car through the shameless photographers ("KILL THE LIGHTS"). She looked amazing minus a hat, that we have to admit, wish would have been replaced with the infamous pink wig. Nonetheless, it was surprising & very exciting to see her in person, and we can't wait for her world tour in 2009! Download PHONOGRAPHY from her new album below!

-Phonography

T O U C H

THE HUMAN TOUCH by HEADS WE DANCE is on GOLDSKULL repeat this week. Something about this song that stood out to us was it's ability to change mood and emotion. For us, HUMAN TOUCH accomplishes exactly what DAFT PUNK'S Around the World accomplishes: It puts us in a zone where we feel free and energetic, and that's what's so empowering about it. HEADS WE DANCE are a group from the UK (Leeds based) who got their start by DJ-ing in popular electro clubs. Their track, THE HUMAN TOUCH, provides the perfect combination of upbeat, flowing melodies that get you yearning for that "human touch" and feeling as if for that one moment, everything is perfect.

"The Human Touch highlights Heads We Dance's exciting crossover between melodic, dance-influenced pop and futuristic dancefloor-fillers."

Download THE HUMAN TOUCH below and don't forget to visit their MYSPACE where you can hear more of their ADDICTIVE BEATS.

-The Human Touch

G U N M E T A L

SEQUINS are becoming more and more prevalent on fashion runways and fashion icons around the world. They give a luxurious feeling with the nostalgia of decadence, and usually aren't too expensive. When done right, you can go on overload and add a burst of pure SHINE to any outfit. If we could absolutely splurge, and by splurge we mean $825.00, The LES CHIFFONIERS Sequin Single Breasted Jacket is the perfect example of such an item we would love to own. It is surprisingly versatile and is not only being worn in the night scene, but casually during the day as well. If you're interested, FRED SEGAL and MADISON LOS ANGELES carry this sparkling gem, so even if you dont live in LA, you can luckily find one online.

M Y G O D I S F U L L O F S T A R S

IMAGINARY FOUNDATION is an eccentric, "free thinking" company that designs creative and wonderfully odd T-SHIRTS and SWEATSHIRTS. Each specific design seems to whisk one into their own world with the individual themes, vivid colors, and inspiring artwork. The whimsical designs have underlying meanings as well, such as: "The Fabric of the Universe" and "Creating the Future," which accompany the designs on some of the T-shirts. Not only are these shirts extremely unique & very much affordable, but they are well worth the purchase to stand out and possess a shirt that will get the viewer interested and thinking. "IF" doesn't have their own store, but can either be ordered online or purchased at VARIOUS RETAILERS around the country. For LA readers, here are a few of the retailers you can visit to view IMAGINARY FOUNDATION.

Backside Records
139 N San Fernado Rd, Burbank, CA 91502
Black Market
2025 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
SURU on Melrose
7662 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90048

I T S B R I T N E Y B I T C H

We haven't had a lot of time over the past few days to update so as a gift and the ending of the week, we leave you with new BRITNEY!

"Love me, hate me, can't you see what I see? All the boys and all the girls are begging to If You Seek Amy..."
-If U Seek Amy

"I'm like the ringleader, I call the shots. I'm like a firecracker, I make it hot, when I put on a show..."
-Circus

"Watch me apply the pressure, all it takes is lace and leather..."
-Lace & Leather

"I like it and I do what I like and then you do what I like and you like it..."
-Mannequin

T I M E T O B L I N K

One GOLDSKULL classic track is BLINK by JOHN DAHLBÄCK. Both the original and the DIM CHRIS REMIX are equally amazing. We have yet to hear this track, not to mention, artist at any of the clubs we have been to. We would have especially thought that the boys over at the HEIST, with their musical expertise, would have at least played snippets of the song during their DJ sets, but so far, we have yet to hear it. It's definitely a crowd pleaser and will get everyone moving. DAHLBÄCK deserves more publicity than that of which he has now, at least in L.A. Sample the original and the remix below!

-Blink (Dim Chris Remix)

-Blink (Original)

C H A R I T A B L E S H O P P I N G

Something we cannot wait to get our hands on are the silver, and as soon as we get our next paycheck, the navy glitter TOMS (these are our favorite colors within the "GLITTER TOMS" line). These shoes can definitely add SPARKLE to any outfit, whether you're at school or going out for a night on the town, and will without a doubt, get you noticed. We personally have purchased a pair of the black WRAP BOOTS and absolutely love them! Not only are these shoes fashionable, fun, and inexpensive, but when you buy a pair, TOMS will donate another pair to a child in need. "In 2008 TOMS plans to give 200,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world."

R E P E A T

For all you EUROPEAN electro/indie junkies, a song we haven't been able to stop listening to is Dawn of the Dead (Station X Remix), by DOES IT OFFEND YOU, YEAH?. There's something about this track that is somewhat calming, but also extremely catchy. It's also nostalgic, like something we would listen to while driving to the city on a friday night. If you like this track, you can check out their Myspace to sample more music. And if you like them as much as we do, support them and buy their music! Their tracks are available on iTunes and Beatport. Check out the Dawn of the Dead (Station X Remix) below, and another GOLDSKULL favourite by them: We Are Rockstars. Enjoy!

-Dawn of the Dead (Station X Remix)

-We Are Rockstars

F A S H I O N

One fashion obsession we just cannot get over: CHANEL MIAMI VICE HEELS. These babies will only set you back $2,200...what recession!? They come from the CRUISE 2009 collection that made its debut back in May, but won't be available until next year. If you want a pair, better order them now because they will sell out before even making it into stores. Inspiration for the shoes came from an image of a gun that UNKLE KARL saw. We want these so bad!