Has it really been five years since Maximo Park actually toured America? Well, we have obviously seen what has happened to this country during that time period. We have dealt with Mit Romney’s nonsense, and the Kardashians never disappear from our feeds. How dare Paul Smith remain absent from our shores! What a travesty!  Fear not though my great countrymen (and women), Maximo Park are returning with a new album this summer, and they are even playing a few gigs.  Sadly, none of them are near me. Go figure.

The last time I tried to see Maximo was in 2005. That is right. SEVEN YEARS AGO! They were opening up for the Bravery in Dallas, Texas, and I flew there in the hopes of finally seeing them live. Sadly, a hurricane jeopardized their flight out of Dallas, and thus, their remaining tour. They cancelled the Dallas date in order not to cancel on the world. Yes, the selfish nineteen year old me was devastated, and dare I say it, heartbroken.

However, I soldiered on, and I would like to think I am a well rounded individual because of it. Not to mention, I met a a crazy docent lady at the Dallas Museum of Art whose advice (“You have to be bolder than a man. Don’t ever tell them your techniques. Don’t ever share with them your secrets. That’s the only way you will succeed as an artist”) led to me studying art history in Memphis. So you never know what will happen. If you live near any of these cities, tell Maximo Park I’ve relocated, and I would like to redeem my hurricane…rain check.

9/10 – Middle East Downstairs – Boston, MA
9/12 – World Cafe Live Downstairs – Philadelphia, PA
9/13 – Webster Hall – New York, NY
9/15 – U Street Music Hall – Washington, DC
9/17 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL
9/20 – Slim’s – San Francisco, CA
9/21 – El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, CA

You can stream Maximo Park’s new album “The National Health” here:
http://maximopark.com

It mostly is an isolationist form of life, doing books, doing pictures. And it’s the only true happiness I’ve ever, ever enjoyed in my life. It’s sublime. To just go into another room, and make pictures. It’s magic time. Where all your weaknesses of character, and all the blemishes of personality, and whatever else torments you, fades away. It just doesn’t matter. You’re doing the one thing you want to do and you do it well and you know you do it well. And you’re happy.

Maurice Sendak was one of the first illustrators to ever influence my imagination. As a child, his stories and pictures took me to so many places, and I still find joy in them now. He will be greatly missed.

THE LOVED ONE
Hannah Metz is one of my favorite ladies on the interwebz.  She and Elvia Lahman started The Loved One in 2009 as a vintage wholesale business, and it has now expanded into the world of retail.  My favorite bit of The Loved One is the collection of vintage and American made lingerie.  Granted, I don’t own garters, but I adore The Bed and How to Make It, which features a control top waist with a gorgeous lace bottom and built-in garters.  I would gladly pay for these beauties!

On Monday, you can use the coupon code found in the graphic above and save 20% on all your orders.  If fancy panties aren’t your thing, never fear!  The Loved One also has vintage items available on Etsy, and they’re reasonably priced like this stunning Autumn Hued Silk Vera Scarf for $18.

For more:
The Loved One’s Website

JAMES ANTHONY APPAREL
A couple of years ago, I bought a shirt from James Anthony Apparel off of Etsy.  It featured a screen print of The Death of Marat.  To this day, it’s one of my favorite shirts!  Last year, I noticed that fellow Memphian Justin Timberlake blogged about James Anthony Apparel.  HOLY SMOKES, YOU GUYS!  JT and I have the same taste in fashion.  Well, I’m not as stylish as Justin, but at least, I was ahead of the curve.  Now, you can be too!

James Anthony Apparel offers handprinted Men’s and Women’s apparel and accessories featuring antiquated art and mixed ephemera.  On Saturday, you can use the promo code SBS11 and receive FREE SHIPPING on all domestic and international orders.  This is one day only though so act fast.

For more:
James Anthony Apparel’s Website

20×200 ART PRINTS

One of my favorite websites for prints is 20×200.  I love browsing through the massive collection of artwork by a variety of folks from around the world.  I really love the prints by Trey Speegle, Hollis Brown Thornton, and Christine Berrie.  Also,  you can pick up a few extra prints by one of my favorite ladies ever, Kate Bingaman-Burt.  Most of the prints range from $20 to $50, and I’m almost certain they would look great on your wall.

There’s a special 20% off sale on all Black and White Art for Black Friday. It ends at Midnight though.  Just a few hours left!

For more:
20×200′s Website

Do you have a list of must have American made items?  If you have suggestions for gifts, feel free to leave them in the comments!

To learn more about the Gospel of Good Taste, click here.  If you would like to contribute, please do so.

Thanks again for reading my little blog.  Let’s keep this going!

We’re as fabulous as Catherine and Francois.  Obviously.

Endless praise is relevant.

(via Raymond M.)

]]> http://lemonochrome.wordpress.com/2011/05/27/25-letters-das-racist/feed/ 0 hayley Das Racist dasracist http://lemonochrome.wordpress.com/2011/05/26/25-letters-friends-past-present-future/ http://lemonochrome.wordpress.com/2011/05/26/25-letters-friends-past-present-future/#comments Fri, 27 May 2011 04:14:46 +0000 hayley http://lemonochrome.wordpress.com/?p=976 ]]>

(photo via freeparking)

p.s.  Can we be as cool as these guys one day?  If you know who they are, then you’re my best friend for life.