The Coolness

So I’ve been reading a crap ton of blogs lately and I thought I’d share them. Usually I read/look at them just for photographic inspiration, fashion trends and other things that are cool.

• A Continuous Lean – pretty much so the staple for men’s fashion and related inspiration.
• All Plaid Out – Somewhat similar to ACL but feels a little less commercial.
• Secret Forts – Lots of stuff here to look at. I like how minimal it still feels with the amount of content.
• The Impossible Cool – Photography. Fashion.
• The Sartorialist – Pretty much so the best street wear photographer in NYC.

Enjoy. Bookmark. Read. Daily.

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Ryan Strong Kansas City Fashion Photography

Finally launched my own website for my photography. My website features me as a photographer for fashion, beauty and portrait. Take a look… http://www.ryanstrong.net – Ryan Strong Photography – Kansas City.

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Kings Of Convenience – Declaration of Dependance

Speaking of Art Garfunkel visiting the Kansas City Symphony, Kings of Convenience released a new album. Perfected production of recorded acoustic and vocal Kings of Convenience release their follow up to Riot on Empty Street, which sold over 400,000 in Europe, with the beautiful and hushed Declaration of Dependance.

I don’t think I’ve heard matched harmonies like Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe since Simon and Garfunkel. If you are unfamiliar with the Kings they are like an indie Bossa nova band. Sounds boring? No its not, its beautiful music. While Riot on Empty Street had I’d Rather Dance With You (click to watch the video, its quite comical in a Napoleon Dynamite way), a perfectly fine song for a house dance party, Declaration of Dependance loses the drums and is a bit quieter, yes it’s possible. Go out and buy the album, its the best in its genre this year.

Listen to their single Mrs. Cold…

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Fashion Is Genius

I was pushed in to the deep end when it comes to fashion. Before I started work as a fashion photographer for Standard Style I didn’t really care much about fashion. I cared about my look but not really about “fashion”. But lately I’ve found that its OK to enjoy what you wear. From my perspective Ryan Adams puts it best in this little make shift video. I’m not 30 nor was I ever a rock star, but it does give you the idea coming from a rocker or coming from someone that realized that its OK to grow up and be sober that its OK to wash your hair.

Here’s an amazing quote from the video…

… I think the punkest thing I could be besides being sober and dealing, is actually enjoying myself, and just accepting that there’s just some stuff I like. And some of that stuff is shallow. And I don’t care… – Ryan Adams

*Warning* There is definitely some foul language…

So there you have it. What I’ve been loving lately is the latest trend in men’s fashion – Americana. Going back to the roots of mid-century America. Where its all about being a man. Throw away, or better yet, burn your Ed Hardy and True Religions and replace them with classic woven dress shirts, raw fitted denim and match them with a pair of work boots or dress shoes. Here’s a little glimpse for this from A Continuos Lean (an amazing men’s fashion blog, might I add)…

(via Sleep Better - A blog by Ryan Strong)

NEON INDIAN – New Album

There really isn’t an official name for the style of music that is currently emerging out of bands like Neon Indian or recently reviewed Washed Out. It’s basically music that is synth-based, 80’s sentiment, psychedelic in nature and produced out of a basement studio.

One stand out is Deadbeat Summer that is super catchy with oohs and ahhs, synths lines and a laid back beat. As with most of these new dream-pop albums there is always a coming-of-age theme to them – wether or not the lyrics speak that, its the general feel I get from the album. Songs like 6669 has the back and forth kick snare beat that keeps the head moving side to side, Mind, Drips opens up with a space ship taking off that reminds me of some old Nintendo game and has a nice back beat groove. The album is short, only about 30 mins, but there is so many good songs that the album is sure not to disappoint any 80’s sentimental geek.

Listen to NEON INDIAN – Deadbeat Summer

(via Sleep Better - A blog by Ryan Strong)