From The Vinyl Crate

Herbie Hancock has always been a favorite of mine. His seemingly endless talent spans not only the ages, but also the genres. Today's track is a funky jazz piece named "Chameleon". It is the first of four tracks on arguably one of Hancock's best records (#498 in Rolling Stone's Top 500), Head Hunter. The track is a lengthy 15:48, but interestingly starts and ends at the same tempo, peaking at a significantly faster pace about halfway through the song. If you haven't heard of Herbie Hancock before, I suggest you check him out. He has quite an impressive discography and I can personally say I am yet to hear an album by him that sounded mediocre. Grab the entire Head Hunter LP for cheap at Discogs.

From The Vinyl Crate

Let me preface this by saying I really don't know that much about Hip-Hop. Honestly, I barely know the difference between Rap and Hip-Hop. Fortunately, there is one thing I know, and that's a good song. This track comes from my favorite Hip-Hop (am I being politically correct here?) album of all time: "The Unseen" by Madlib alter-ego, Quasimoto. You may have noticed the pitched up vocals and well placed sampling. Well, without trying the analyze the musical qualities of the song and their undertones, I can say that this entire album (all 22 tracks) was produced and recorded within a week long shrooms binge. That being said, just listen to the track, and purchase this entire album when you're done, you won't regret it. Purchase from Discogs or iTunes.

Acne Ryan GD Shirt

So the past few weeks I have been thinking about what my next purchase will be. Something that I feel is relevant for the winter is a heavy duty cotton shirt. This army-inspired shirt by Acne might just do the trick. With two chest pockets and two hip pockets, it seems to be a little more than a shirt, yet a little less than a jacket. Find it at Norse Store. 

Visvim Varsity Jacket in Goat Suede

This beautifully constructed varsity jacket is made by Japanese brand Visvim. Although extremely pricey, Visvim elevates design and implements a unique view on the most basic garments. What really caught my attention about this jacket was the deep color, almost a redwood tree type feel to it. It comes in two different colors and is available at Union Los Angeles. 

Tricker's for Norse Store The Zug

Seems as if every fine shoemaker is coming out with textured leather shoe, but few do it as good as Tricker's. If you are looking for a sturdy, chunky-soled shoe these just might be for you; there's word going around that sleek is making a comeback, but that just a rumor. These brown cap toes are real pretty looking and they would look good in anyone's-- or maybe just my-- closet. Get these at Norse Store.

Dries Van Noten Time Sweater Camel

I think that the V-Neck t-shirt may be on its way out but the V-Neck sweater is here to stay. I'm a fan of nearly every piece that Dries creates and this season he delivers once again. The color and the weight of the fabric really have me sold. It real lightweight blend that has a certain drape that sits really well right about the wrists. Dries manages to keep clean lines on this one which I also like. Buy that at Tres Bien

From The Vinyl Crate

I don't really know how to label this one, I guess it's house music because of the 4x4 beat, but it takes about 10 seconds of listening to know this has more intelligence than your average house track. I think it's the flute that gives it that southern jazz feeling to it. Anyways, today's track is called "Fresh Noodles" by Mr. Scruff and Kaidi Tatham. Kaidi, interestingly enough (as you may also know him as Agent K), is on the flute in this track. Both being men of great talent, this track is very exemplary of their production potential in that it maintains a jazzy and housey feel without being tied to the constraints of either genre. Grab the digital or vinyl release of this track alongside the likes of Motor City Drum Enseble and Andres from Boomkat.