ScubaKooba

Part 1. of the Fairfax series, 'Family' bookstore releases book on 7 inch records and some stories behind the art of making one.

There's a small strip of concrete that has caught my attention.
Fairfax Avenue.
Part One of The Fairfax Series: Family Bookstore

Recently I got an invite to a book release at
the 'Family' bookstore on Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles.
With no preconceived notions on what type of bookstore it was,
Emily and I decided to brave the rain and check it out.

"Touchable Sound", is exactly that.
Imagine an in depth look into how album covers are created.
Rather than just one artist creating the work
then digitally printing it out on a conventional record cover,
artists and bands take the responsibility of pressing a creative
record cover into their own hands.

'Family' invited the authors, artists and contributors for the book,
"Touchable Sound",
to their store to tell us a more in depth story about the book and the records.

"Touchable Sound", 2010 Cover.

'Family' bookstore has all types of rare creative finds.
When you are entering their store, you see original artwork like this one below.

Prints from 'Family's' current photo exhibit,
"Victory Over Darkness" photos by D.V. Devincentis
On show through October 22nd.

Staircase style displays show some of 'Family's' rare books, zines, and music.

Window reflection outside 'Family'.

Window reflection outside 'Family' with Emily.

SoundScreen Design member Mike Treff, and three other contributors
led a powerpoint discussion on the making of the book.
They explained that this book takes the art of making 7 inch records
and the stories that follow, from across the country.

Brian Roettinger, Graphic Designer. One of the record designers and artists.
Check out his work here.

Britt Brown and a friend I don't know the name of, but was there that night.
Britt is also one of the record designers and artists.
Look further down this post to see the jacket he was wearing that night.

Justin Pearson, musician, record design and artist.

Here are some examples of the 7 inches.
Series of "Bored Fortress" records.

This album was made with silver ink.

Velcro to seal the record cover up.

I told you that jacket was the best.

That's not the shape of my heart.

Special thanks to: Blue Dream, New York pizza, Dan Patrick, an earthquake-less summer, Nocturnal 2010, Kevin Sorbo, Jazz Liberatorz, Emily, SoFax, 25 cases of free 35mm film, there's more where that came from. See you soon.

January 5th, 2010
Bavarian Inn
Holga Camera
Ronkonkoma, NY

April 10th, 2010
Ceres Boys Rooftop
Diana Camera
Downtown, Los Angeles

March 28th, 2010
Ill Gates Warehouse Party
Diana Camera
Downtown, Los Angeles

May 1st, 2010
Ceres Boys Rooftop
Downtown, Los Angeles

Just Another Day on the Row

Thursday May 6th, 2009.
There was blood on the curb today.
Apparently these guys are in charge of cleaning it up.
Gun - shots I think.
Biohazards. Grey pales.
Downtown.

What posture and grace he has with the pale of blood.

I'm pretty sure they're twins.
I'm smelling a new CSI series.

Check out the opposite corner.
Another happy citizen.

Two Self Portraits

Emily

Special Thanks to: broken lenses, breakdancers, Guru, Ill Gates, the Bwomp Crew , Sinning In LA.com, Fresh & Easy, Kenneth Walker Whiskey, F*** you Bayless, John Locke, Diana, Holga, and DFRNT.

Guru - R.I.P. April 19th, 2010

Dear Guru,
I first saw you rock out before Rage Against The Machine in Long Island.
Traveled all the way to Philly to see you once,
even saw you in New York City.
Waited outside a record shop for two hours in the summer sun just to give you daps.
For whatever reasons, you are gone now. Not forgotten.
The first time I played Moment of Truth, or the last time I put a needle to the Guru groove,
you were an inspiration.
Thanks for the memories
Sincerely,
Upperhands

Guru and DJ Premier signed the poster below for me
at an in- store performance in
Long Island, NY
Circa 2003

Madlib Moment #2- Flight to Brazil

Number 2 in the Medicine Show Series
Madlib - Flight to Brazil

A combination of Beat Konducta, Shades of Blue,
Medicine Show, and the Mamao : Jackson Conti albums,
Flight to Brazil is a 9 - track mix of
what I call, Brazil's reaction to American music in the
1950's, 60's and 70's.
Madlib uses his intricate sampling skills to blend
samples of old Brazilian music with
Brazilian airline advertisements,
and that patented Madlib style.
Brazilian style Jazz, funk, and soul,
this album will make you reminisce about a long lost love,
while keeping your ass shaking for days.
Please visit Stonesthrow.com for more info.

Actual album cover...
notice the beer bottles on the ground.
Killer!

Compact Disc has a two page illustration by contemporary artists:
by Jeff Jank, Currier and Ives.

Disc image

Side view of Madlib - Medicine Show Volumes One and Two

Please purchase at Stonesthrow.com!

Madlib Month!

Welcome back everyone.
I've been away from my blog duties for a few months now,
but I'm back and better than ever.
The month of April on Upperhands is dedicated to the one and only:

Madlib

The first installment of Madlib month is his newest release:

Medicine Show No. 3 - Beat Konducta in Africa

A 37-track instrumental hip-hop album produced & mixed with
Madlib, featuring J. Rocc.
This album does not disappoint, it actually follows
right along with Madlib's previous productions...
Dope beats, dope samples, a taste of Africa and a mixing ability like no other.

Go cop it at Stonesthrow.com today!