If someone you know can't go more than a few minutes without diving back into their MP3 player, has a constant soundtrack playing in their heads, or is as obsessed with music news as you are with gadgets, then check out a few ways I'd wire the geeky music lover this year.
I recently discovered I have a love/hate relationship with wall decals. I am tempted to buy one, but have a feeling that I'll find one I love, spend all day applying it, then get sick of it shortly thereafter. Why take the plunge if you're already doubting your intentions?
Thankfully, I found one that I think I could live with: the Before Leaving Checklist from Hu2 Stickers. For around $22, you'll never forget the essential items you need during your day. I can't tell you how completely helpless I feel when I forget my phone, so having this little reminder stuck to the wall by my front door would be pretty invaluable. Of course, I could just make it a habit of tossing all my gadgets and essentials onto a simple charging station when I get home so I don't forget them on my way out. Decisions, decisions.
I'm the kind of girl that can appreciate the early days of technology and rock a vinyl record player next to a high-quality sound system. Urban Outfitters isn't the first place you'd think to get your tech fix, but it has been raising the bar when it comes to offering up retro gadgets like record players and old-school typewriters. Two of my favorites, natch. Check out a few of Urban Outfitters' latest offerings in the retro gadget arena below and tell me — do you ever buy your vintage gadgets from the chain store?
There's just something about sifting through stacks and stacks of records, finding a gem, and then taking it home to hear the crackle and amazing sound that a record provides. There's really nothing like it. And although I (and a majority of you) get our music digitally, old vinyl is making its comeback. Maybe it's the "full steam ahead to digital" momentum that makes people long for something a little less electronic, but I personally don't mind. I love music in all its forms, even when it comes on 45-inch discs. In honor of the record player revival, check out some of my favorites that I've found while skipping around the web.
I recently spotted this very cool sculpture, made from old record albums, on Make magazine's website. Titled "Sound Wave," artist Jean Shin melted and manipulated records to form this wave. I love the use of recycling in this sculpture, as well as the punny title. It also makes the observer reflect on the changes in media, and ponder the fate of all of the LPs and mixtapes sitting in thrift stores, closets, and garbage dumps across the world. It's nice to see a few, at least, being put to good use.
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I came across yet another furnishing for your man's hipster dude haven and couldn't resist sharing. No true hipster dude would willingly ruin a valuable record like ELO's Time, but if it were unusable, he might hang it on the wall as a clock. The Electric Light Orchestra Vinyl Record Clock ($25) gives new life to some good tunes too scratched to enjoy, with a handsome set of white clock hands. I particularly like how the clock hands mimic the yellow and pink spotlights on the record label (and I've always had a soft spot for ELO). What do you think? Would you give this clock the time of day or is it just not your style?
I spotted this DIY on How About Orange, and thought it was so cute and simple, so I decided I'd summarize it. The great thing about this project is that you can personalize it with any fabric, or by sewing or stitching an interesting pattern into the coaster. It's also a great housewarming gift that's inexpensive and can be customized to the color scheme of a friend's new home!
Supplies:
To hear the steps, read more
Recently, I saw that one of my favorite bands, the Magnetic Fields, would be releasing its full catalog on 12-inch vinyl records. I do actually own a record player, and yet I still couldn't decide if I really cared about hearing all the Fields' songs on vinyl rather than on the CDs I already have.
Some people are purists and believe that music just sounds better on vinyl. Others are totally content with hearing songs on CD or MP3. What about you? Are you a vinyl lover, or are you just fine with your albums coming in other forms?
Just as a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, a fanny pack made by any other material would still be a fashion no no. I don't care if this American Apparel Vinyl Fanny Pack ($17) is shiny, it's still tacky. I'd never wear it, would you?
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I went to one of the big name toy stores last week and noticed the shelves were close to empty. Clearly, plastic toys weren't banned from too many of Santa's wish lists. But, I am curious to know if wooden, cloth, vinyl, or other fabricated playthings were more prominent in your babe's loot bag than usual.
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