Monthly Archives: April 2008

After posting my reviews on the Kanye experience the other night, I still gotta say that in the big-budget concert realm, that certainly took the cake. But then I got to thinking about the shows I grew up going to, and what a more intimate show venue and scene could provide in terms of memorable concert experiences. If you ever had the opportunity to see Refused or At the Drive In (and their anti-slam-dancing crusade) live when they were making the rounds a decade ago, you would’ve clearly remembered this. Unforgettable.

by bobbyhundreds

This morning, I received an advanced copy of “BUYING IN: The Secret Dialogue Between What We Buy and Who We Are,” Rob Walker‘s new book, published through Random House. Walker has already established a name for himself as a respected branding analyst (through his work as a columnist for The New York Times Magazine and his blog Murketing) and this book investigates why we buy what we buy by dissecting popular brand-names like iPod, American Apparel, and Livestrong. From the press release:

“Why have Ramones T-shirts outsold their albums ten to one? How did Timberland boots evolve from functional footwear at a New England factory to desirable hip-hop fashion?”

And what’s more, Walker riddles the book with The Hundreds’ story, designating chapters that delineate our brand’s history and philosophy. I may be biased, but it’s a pretty entertaining and thought-provoking read (even without any Berenstein Bears making cameos).

Mike (Ludwig) also sent me BITCHES BREW, which was his prior brand SUBFREAKIE’s graphic anthology. You may have seen it around a half-decade ago. A blast from the past, essentially cryogenically frozen in this inflatable pillow thing. These guys have got the packaging thing down.

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photos by vito
by bobbyhundreds

I thought our neighborhood looked a bit different lately…

Last Saturday, Canvas debuted “Skull & Sword,” an art exhibition showcasing the work of the Skull & Sword family and various members of The Seventh Letter, curated by Norm (AWR/MSK). Favorite names like Todd Noble, Lango, Shawn Barber, and Saber pepper the roster, but I gotta admit I was most stoked to see Civ’s work in Canvas for the first time. Surprisingly, a lot of the best art is still up for grabs.. and please remember that web photographs don’t do these pieces nearly enough justice when it comes to size, dimensions, texture, and overall artisanship. So visit Canvas to take in the experience on an up close and personal level, and afterwards, enjoy the show that continues outside of these walls.

by bobbyhundreds

It seems like everyone has a decided opinion on the Ape’s move to L.A.  Personally, I never thought I’d see A Bathing Ape open up shop so close to home, let alone a stones-throw from my doorstep.  The brand that I had followed and admired closely almost a decade ago while living in Japan, and now to have access to the same glass-and-neon fortress a couple blocks from our own Store here in California, I can’t lie.  It’s pretty nuts.  Get ready Hollywood, you’re about to go Ape.

by bobbyhundreds 

I want to thank everyone who came out to USC on a late Tuesday afternoon to hear Ben and I speak about brand-building, the story of The Hundreds, and pursuing your passion. Good luck, work hard, and have fun.

You only live once.

photos by vito
by bobbyhundreds

I’ve always been convinced that I have the best job in the world. But after attending his show tonight, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I envy Kanye West’s 9-5.

Pretty much the most dynamic concert experience of a lifetime (with N.E.R.D., Lupe, and Rihanna to boot),.. I can’t really compare it to anything else I’ve witnessed. He performed for a hour-and-a-half straight (broken up by a 5-minute Journey interlude), a futuristic fantastic voyage to space and back.. and what makes it best is that the mindbending set design was schemed up by Kanye himself.

Let’s just say that for the first time in a long time, something actually surpassed its attributed hype. Thanks to Ibn for the passes, thanks to Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie for keeping our girls entertained, and no thanks to whoever kept farting around us.

Don’t stop believin’.

by bobbyhundreds

by bobbyhundreds

Johnny Cupcakes is in town from Boston, in preparations for opening his Melrose-based boutique over the next few months. We got a good look at some of the concept sketches and initial renderings today..plenty of bells and whistles, and that’s just the icing on the cupcake.

Spanky’s been pretty busy lately, as Kanye West’s drummer for the Glow In The Dark tour. Apparently, this is the traveling musical experience of the eon, .. Spanky remarked that he has a difficult time paying attention to his drumming because he’s so caught up with all the onstage excitement. And by onstage excitement, I think he meant RIHANNA.

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While I un-jetlag myself, be sure to check out Ask Yasi..

and There’s Neek !

Good night. Or good morning. Whatever.

by bobbyhundreds