Kristen Stewart's Cringe-Worthy Live Chat + The Olsens Win Another Award in Today's Style Scraps

October 19, 2012, 10:45 am

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Congrats to Sally Singer! After leaving T Magazine a few weeks ago, she's landed a gig as the Creative Director of Digital at Vogue, a position created for her. [via The New York Observer]




There is so much to cringe at in this live chat Kristen Stewart did for Florabotanica. If you don't have the energy to watch the whole thing, just skip ahead to the 12-minute mark, where shit gets crazy. [via The Cut]


Things we don't need but desperately want: these Nike Snowboarding Air 180-Inspired Zoom Ites boots. [via HypeBeast]


More evidence that Abercrombie & Fitch is a cult: a 47-page manual on how staff must conduct themselves in the CEO Mike Jeffries' corporate jet was leaked and the rules are bananas! Highlights include seating instructions for his dogs, temperature-specific outfits, and a complete ban on "fingerprints." [via Huffington Post]

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson won the WSJ. Magazine 'Innovator of the Year' award for their label The Row. [via Just Jared]


Just in time for Halloween, here are some X-Ray Bone Tights from Nike. Perfect for that skeleton costume and the exercise enthusiast we're all trying to find in ourselves. [via High Snobette]


Karl Lagerfeld called French president Francois Hollande an "idiot." Same old, same old. [via Reuters]

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Trailer Trash: Save the Date

October 19, 2012, 11:00 am

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Lizzy Caplan and Alison Brie play two very different sisters with two very different comfort levels when it comes to marriage. While Brie's character, Beth, appears very secure in her engagement to boyfriend Andrew (played by a very hunky-looking Martin Starr, whom many may remember as über nerd Bill Haverchuck on Freaks and Geeks), Caplan's Sarah is your typical "manic pixie dream girl" (or "indie dream girl" if you prefer), filled with angst about her own relationship with boyfriend Kevin (who, it should be noted, is played by Geoffrey Arend who's married to Brie's Mad Men co-star, Christina Hendricks). An engagement proposal goes awry, a new man enters the picture and by the end of the trailer, we're still left guessing who winds up with who. Though we're super picky about our rom-coms, this actually looks cute and seems like it could follow in the footsteps of other well-liked 'hipster flicks' (god, did we just say that?) like Garden State or 500 Days of Summer.  Watch the trailer above.

Save the Date opens with a limited release on December 14

PAPER's NYC Weekend Guide

October 19, 2012, 11:30 am

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  Friday, 10/19

Chelsea Clearview delivers an evening of double-D spookiness at a screening of the cult classic film about everyone's favorite nightmare maven, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, hosted by New York drag queen favorite Hedda Lettuce. Enjoy Hedda's hilarious commentary as you watch Elvira fight off ghouls, win over a town of conservatives and perform a Flash Dance number. [Village Voice]

A three-day-only art fair and sale called "Art of Men by Men" opens tonight, October 19, 6 to 8 p.m. at 127 Prince Street.  It's in the old space that once housed Leslie Lohman's Museum of Gay & Lesbian Art -- now over on Wooster Street -- and that's who curated this sale.  There will works by tons of artists including Rob Clarice, JC Etheredge, Shungaboy and more.  

Chicago's storied talent booking agency, The Windish Agency, is holding several CMJ showcases this week including a cool one tonight at Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg) with Philly rockers Free Energy, Icona Pop, Born Ruffians and Penguin Prison (DJ set only). See our complete guide to CMJ here.

Looking for a good old-fashioned autumnal time? Luckily, New York City is in the dead center of Cider Week, a ten-day marathon celebration of hard cider that will be more than likely to leave you with a pleasant, seasonal buzz. Tonight, check out a free cider and cheese pairing at BKLYN Lader, fronted by Ezra Sherman of Eve's Cidery to enjoy the brisk weather and sweet drink. [Time Out]

Saturday, 10/20

We told you to put it on your calendar! The Tompkins Square Dog Parade is upon us! Dogs as celebrities, dog as cars, dogs as pumpkins, and of course, dogs as hot dogs. It's gonna be awesome and is from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your four-legged friend, or just go and check out the pups.

Get down at New York Night Train's incredibly popular Soul Clap & Dance Off, an all-night shindig with soul tunes spun by DJ Jonathan Toubin. If that's not enough to peak your interest, you can take part in the night's dance contest, with an odd mix of notables like MGMT's Andrew Van Wyngarden and Green Party Vice Presidential Candidate Matt Gonzalez acting as judges. [Flavorpill]

We've already done a ton of CMJ filtering for you in our guide to the massively huge and overwhelming marathon, but there's one showcase happening tonight that we can promise will be top-notch and take you to the dark side, its Pitchfork-sponsored Show No Mercy, an evening of metal, metal and more metal with bands like Car Bomb and Primitive Weapons. [Flavorpill] 

There will be over 200 different kinds of cats and dogs on display at AKC Meet the Breeds, an animal lover's paradise today at the Javits Convention Center. Included will be a feline fashion show for all of you cat lovers looking for a Tompkins Square Dog Parade alternative, and a tennis ball relay for the pups. [Time Out]

Sunday, 10/20

Since we last filled you in on Ladyfag's Pop Souk, it has only gotten bigger, with a fresh lineup of DJs, including Greg K, Valissa Yoe, to play as you peruse the additional vendors. Participants include Bond New York, Zana Bayne and Zone 6, which have added to the downtown bazaar held at The Standard. [Pop Souk]

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Beat Junkies, featuring master DJs Melo-D and the famous 2001 "Word of Mouth" tour headers Rhettmatic, J. Rocc, and Babu, tonight at the Brooklyn Bowl. [Flavorpill]

The Brooklyn Curry Experiment, an amateur cooking competition, will be offering a variety of imaginative curried delicacies, covering every meal from breakfast to dessert. Sample it all and then cast your vote for which curry dish you liked best. Our money is on the curry milkshake. [Time Out]

If you're a fan of the undead, the Zombie Film Series at Observatory will be screening the granddaddy of all zombie films, George Romero's horror classic, Night of The Living Dead, tonight. Join a rag-tag group of survivors in a secluded farm house as they battle with a wave of flesh eating ghouls, and get treated to some top of the line, old-school, low-budget film making. They're coming to get you, Barbara. [Time Out]

Portland Songstress Alela Diane Models Swanfield Boutique's Look Book

October 19, 2012, 12:30 pm

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We love this lookbook for Swanfield Boutique's latest collection featuring Portland songstress Alela Diane as one of their "Swan Muses," a collection of creative women that inspire Swanfield. The photos, shot by Guy Stephens, feature Diane wearing clothes by independent designers and labels like Cecilia Hammarborg and Electronic Sheep among tropical, vintage illustrations on location at the Pacific Social Club. Check out a few of the lookbook shots above and below. 

Friday Vibez Courtesy of Kanye Wes

October 19, 2012, 1:05 pm

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Frankly we're surprised it's taken someone this long to make a Kanye West-Wes Anderson mash-up meme. Enjoy.

The Royal Tenenbaums x "Way Too Cold"

Moonrise Kingdom x "Birthday Song"

Rushmore x "Can't Tell Me Nothing"

The Life Aquatic x "Monster"

The Royal Tenenbaums x "Love Lockdown"

The Royal Tenenbaums x "All of the Lights"

Moonrise Kingdom x "The Good Life"

The Darjeeling Limited x "Gone"

The Royal Tenenbaums x "No Church in the Wild"

[Kanye Wes Anderson via World's Best Ever]

Chatting With Shaker Naini, '21' Club's Fashion Policeman

October 19, 2012, 2:00 pm

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Keeping up with the times, the storied '21' Club has undergone some nips and tucks, most recently a nearly $2 million remodel of a private event space upstairs. The modernized Bar '21' features a lower-priced small plates menu and a relaxed dress code. One thing that hasn't changed since 1978: Shaker Naini, the dapper gentleman graciously greeting guests. Shaker has now been here the longest, following the retirement of a waiter who started in 1967. He stepped away from the door for a bit to talk about sartorial policing and the celebrities he's had to turn away.

How different was the dress code when you started working here in 1978?
We were very strict. We'd tell people to fix their tie if it's too loose. I told Mick Jagger once to fix his tie. I told Ted Turner. To this day, he comes to the door and says, 'My tie is okay?'

Did Mick Jagger argue with you?
No, no, he fixed his tie politely.

And now men don't even have to wear a tie here.
No, you don't, but most men still do. Jeans, shorts and sneakers are still not permitted. There was a time when women couldn't come here in pants. Katharine Hepburn was the first woman allowed to come in with pants.

I read this is Ricky Gervais' favorite restaurant in New York.
He's been coming for the last ten years.

And George Clooney is a regular.
He's been here many times. I had to give a tie to him once. A lot of movie actors are more casual and relaxed than you'd expect.

So you'd keep ties on hand for them.
One time I gave a tie to Richard Burton to wear over his turtleneck.

You met Richard Burton?
I've met everyone. Richard Burton was in a Broadway show at the time and used to come to '21' between three and five before the show. One night they had to cancel because he was here.

He was drunk?
I won't say. But he was here.

Did he come in with Elizabeth Taylor?
No, she came in with Mr. Malcom Forbes. She was very nice, polite. She still has wine stored down in the wine cellar.

Is there anyone famous you've had to turn away?
One time Burt Lancaster came here in jeans. We could not take him. Andy Warhol once came in jeans.

Did he change and come back?
No, he didn't come back. Bette Midler came in jeans and we couldn't take her. Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn came in jeans and we couldn't take them.

Do you ever get intimidated by someone famous or powerful at the door?
No, never. When people walk into '21' -- especially in the late '70s and early '80s -- they are nervous. It's a big thing.

Have you had a favorite customer?
Frank Sinatra was a very good customer. He was a regular, always with an entourage of people and his wife Barbara Marx. When he walked in, he used to call everyone by name. He knew the doorman's name, my name, the head waiter. He was very connected with the staff.

I've read he was a good tipper.
Yes, he'd give $20 or $50 to everyone. He was a good man.

You've seen several presidents come through the door, right?
Clinton was here many, many times. He has had parties upstairs and had a birthday party for his daughter when she turned 17, I believe. He left a bottle in the wine cellar for her to have when she turned 21. Jimmy Carter was also here after he left office. I had to give him a tie.

Has Obama been here?
Not yet.

Are there any nights over the years that stand out for you?
One night President Gerald Ford came in with his wife for a pre-theater dinner and they were seated at table 10. After they left, President Reagan came in with his wife and they sat at the same table.

I was here for my birthday recently and pleased to see a lot of young people.
A few years ago you would have seen people who were 65, 70 to 80 years old on average. Now our clientele is much younger, especially in Bar '21.'

I wonder if the Mad Men phenomenon has helped bring it back.
The bar menu is very affordable, and the more casual dress code helps. People like the mini hamburgers. Young people come in and want to know about the history when it was a speakeasy.

Do you like what people are wearing here today?
Lately, yes. People are much more skinny. The women wear tighter dresses and the men are wearing very slim shirts and pants.

You're here greeting people for almost every lunch and dinner. What do you like to do when you're not working?
I'm a political junkie. I watch MSNBC.

Does Rachel Maddow come in? I've heard she loves a good cocktail.
I love her but I haven't seen her here. Chris Matthews comes in.

You're very good at recognizing people.
I watch a lot of movies. I read the New York Times, the Daily News, the Post, Entertainment Weekly. I know what's going on. You have a great magazine. It's been around since 1984.

'21' Club
21 W. 52nd St.
212-582-7200
www.21club.com

Photo credit: James Knapp

Leo Villareal's "BUCKYBALL" Is Moving In!

October 19, 2012, 2:20 pm

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Walked home through Madison Square Park yesterday and noticed that Leo Villareal's BUCKYBALL is almost ready to go. The 30-foot-tall sculpture -- supposedly it can generate infinite patterns and colors -- is near the south end of the park around 23rd Street, next to Shake Shack. It's going to be turned on next Thursday, October 25, and then will be up until February 1, 2013.

Director Ry Russo-Young On Her New Film, Nobody Walks

October 19, 2012, 3:00 pm

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Director Ry Russo-Young had just finished speaking to a class of film students at Columbia when we called to chat about her new movie, Nobody Walks. "I really enjoy talking to classrooms and students and being motivational because I came from making movies with nothing, not that long ago," she says. "I remember just being like, 'How the fuck am I going to make this happen?'" Russo got her start making largely improvised, lo-fi films with her childhood friends from St. Ann's school (a style we described as 'hazy vérité' in a 2009 piece onthe filmmaker). Though Russo-Young gained attention for 2009's You Won't Miss Me, starring Stella Schnabel as a woman struggling with mental illness, Nobody Walks, co-written with Lena Dunham (also a St. Ann's alumnus), is destined to be her breakout. Starring Olivia Thirlby as an attractive young filmmaker who moves into the guest house of a sound editor, played by John Krasinski and his therapist wife, Rosemarie Dewitt, the movie explores infidelity, sexuality in your early twenties and being a grown up. We talk with her about the film below.

You wrote this with Lena Dunham, whom you went to school with growing up. And you both went to Oberlin. Did you know each other as kids and in college?
No. I had met her at a party in New York when she had just graduated from Oberlin. This was before she wrote Tiny Furniture, and I just thought she was super-smart and was super-talented and had a really original voice and we both wanted to work together. So we sat down and started riffing and thinking about what it was like to be a young female artist and how we would try to show that. We wrote the movie and then we workshopped it at the Sundance Lab. 

The character of Martine felt very real. She's in her early twenties and is this attractive, sexy girl and you get the sense that she both knows that but is also sort of naively unaware of her presence. It doesn't come off that she's necessarily being coy, either, though maybe she is at times.

Yeah. I think at that age you're not aware of your own sexual power. I don't think Martine is aware of that. I just think at that age in general, girls aren't aware that when they walk into a room that they make guys nervous. Or even that guys are thinking 'I want to fuck her' or might might be thinking about them naked. I don't think girls are conscious of that at all. I don't think like that ever, when I'm talking to a guy. I might think 'Oh, he's attractive,' but I don't think that people ever see the way that others truly see them. I think that's especially true of young women around her age. That said, I think she does, in some ways, know her own sexual power. She realizes it enough on an instinctual level enough to manipulate it. And to get what she wants. Like she really does think she might have to sleep with someone to get what she wants or to get ahead. But she doesn't necessarily realize the repercussions of thinking that way or the power that she yields.

You don't know how to navigate those situations when you're that age.

I really think that's where the movie came from. It was certainly the experience that I had, not knowing how to deal with older men. When you're in your early twenties, suddenly you sort of become fair game to all men. Men in their 50s will come on to you. You sort of have to ask yourself 'Is this the kind of relationship that I want to have? Is that a mentor relationship that's really good that I can learn from? Or is that just someone being a creepy older man?'"

The movie dealt with infidelity, and how complicated it can be, in a very straight-forward way. It wasn't necessarily about villainizing any of the characters but more about adults making bad decisions.

That's what the movie is sort of about -- coming of age, no matter how old you are. I think that when you're younger, you expect there to be this moment of 'Oh, I got it! I know what I'm doing. I finally know how to handle myself.' I think that the big secret is that that never happens. You're maybe more confident or more mature in some ways, you might feel more settled. Like, right now, I'm in love. And I feel like, 'Oh, thank god, I've finally found the person who I want to spend the rest of my life with.' And that's a relief. But there's still so much that's unsettled and unknown. And there are mistakes that I'll make along the way, I'm sure. I can't wait for that.
 
Rosemarie Dewitt is a therapist in the movie but there's this past hinted at, that she was part of this cool circle of women who Martine really admired. But, then again, she betrays this idea of 'a girl code' or maybe an unspoken rule, if there is one, that you don't go after someone's significant other.
 
Yeah, I think it is breaking some kind of girl code in some way. And I think Martine does idolize her and is afraid of her and does respect her. I think as women, we're always sort of struggling with our alliances and our competitiveness over different men. I'm a big fan of the sisterhood and sticking together with other women. But, then again, if some girl shows interest in my guy, it's like 'Get the fuck away!' And what is that?

Rosemarie Dewitt, in so many words, does say'Get the fuck away' to Martine.
 
She knows in the long-term scheme of things that Martine doesn't mean anything to the family. She's not a threat. And I think there's a confidence and an elegance to that. She's not actually threatened by her. It's more like, 'You did something. It's over now. Go away.'

And Justin Kirk was perfectly sleazy and intriguing as the flirty Hollywood screenwriter.
 
He's such an amazing actor. We were shooting a scene and a truck went by. He just stopped in the middle of his sentence and was like, 'I'm gonna let that truck go by' and then jumped back in to character. He's that honed and skilled. He's such a good dude.

Nobody Walks is in theaters today.

Photo by Kava Gorna

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Pink House Blues + Tom Hanks Says the F-Word = Today's Eight Items or Less

October 19, 2012, 4:04 pm

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1. The new owners of one of our favorite quirky buildings in New York, the Pepto Bismol-pink brownstone on Garfield Place in Park Slope, are going to paint it brown. This is like if someone bought the leaning tower of Pisa and straightened it. NOT COOL. [via Brooklyn Paper]


2. Tom Hanks said the F-word on Good Morning America today. [via Seattle PI]

3. A writer at Grantland spent a day eating all the pumpkin-flavored items from Trader Joe's.

4. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel got married in southern Italy today. [via Reuters, image via EmmaDot]

5. There's a job opening at Russ & Daughters! [via Jen Snow]

6. Here's next week's New Yorker cover, featuring chronic position-changer Mitt Romney. [via New Yorker]

7. Another reason we don't like him: He doesn't know how to hold babies. [via Bat Country World]

8. D'oh! Look at this Homer Simpson-like figure who appeared in a 1949 Icelandic cartoon!  [via BuzzFeed]

The Morning Funnies: Larry David Looks Crazy + Stefon Returns to SNL

October 22, 2012, 7:16 am

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No, this isn't a lost member of Crosby, Stills & Nash; it's Larry David, on the set of his new movie Clear History. [via BuzzFeed]


Turns out Rob Reiner's mother was a bit of a handful... in these lost takes from When Harry Met Sally. [via Vulture]

Stefon! Bark Ruffalo! An abandoned whitefish factory in Little Israel! Sidney Applebaum! Fraisans! Yes'm!

Meanwhile... yessssss. [via Pop Culture Brain]


Remember Mitik, the orphaned baby walrus who recently arrived at the New York Aquarium? Turns out, he enjoys sticking his head in buckets and resting. [via New York Times]

Don't cry for me, Argentin-pug! Gothamist has a round-up of cuteness from the Tompkins Square Park Halloween Costume Parade.
 
 
Twofer Tuesdays. [via Imgur]



Oh, Azealia. [via Scary Butthole]

 These ducks want their five-dollar-foot-longs and they want 'em now! [via Dick Is My Middle Name]



This chair is made from a shopping cart! [via Lost at E Minor]

Preach! [via Lalalulzz]

The worst of Mitt Romney, courtesy of Larry "Ratso" Sloman and Vin Caccione of Caged Animals.

Snap snap. [via Grottu]

Nicki Minaj Featuring Cassie's "The Boys" Is Our Music Video of the Day

October 22, 2012, 8:30 am

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Pay attention now: "The Boys" is the first single from the upcoming re-issue of Nicki Minaj's second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded -- the Re-Up. And this is the video directed by Colin Tiley. The all-pink world inhabited by Nicki -- and her playmate Cassie -- is packed with weird motorcycles, big lips, pink balls and a hair salon. Nicki's lack of flame-thrower training, however, sadly brings their rosado beauty parlor days to an end. Let the motherf***er burn!

PAPERMAG Premieres Club Chrissie Featuring Maxine Ashley

October 22, 2012, 9:00 am

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Last week we introduced you to Club Chrissie -- the cuckoo new talk show-meets-crafting tutorial from Sophomore designer and Friend of PAPER, Chrissie Miller -- and today we're excited to exclusively premiere episode two, featuring special guest, singer Maxine Ashley (whom you can read more about in an article from our Summer Music Issue HERE). After Ashley enters the club, the twosome get to work tie-dying sneakers but make sure to save time (and energy) for a little dance party when they're finished. Watch the episode above and catch the rest over at i am OTHER.

Come back next week to watch episode three!

Prabal Gurung Is Making A Collection for Target + Azealia Banks Boycotts Dolce & Gabbana in Today's Style Scraps

October 22, 2012, 10:45 am

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Prabal Gurung will be the next designer to collaborate with Target! The clothes will hit stores in February and everything should be $12.99-$199.99! Color us excited. [via The Cut]

 Former PAPER cover girl Azealia Banks entered the debate over Dolce & Gabbana's "blackamoor" earrings, also Tweeting that "whoever designed that racist ass collection deserves a swift kick in the mouth." [via Complex]
 

This "Internet" sweatshirt = the new PAPERMAG web department uniform. [via HypeBeast]


Princess Stephanie of Luxembourg got married in an Elie Saab couture wedding dress with a gigantic train. Seriously, it would take up most of the floorspace in our apartment. [via Tom + Lorenzo]


Vera Wang, on almost getting shot by Hillary Clinton's body guards: "Once, after a dinner for Hillary Clinton, there were two vans outside. I jumped in one, and three of the handsomest guys I ever saw drew guns. I said, 'Oops, wrong van!' But that's how Hillary rolls too." [via Fashionista]

 

Well, scratch that: Karl Lagerfeld didn't really call French president François Hollande an idiot. [via WWD]


Helena Bonham Carter is looking ready to par-tay in this Vivienne Westwood gown at the London Film Festival premiere of Great Expectations! You can view the trailer here. [via The Evening Standard]

Lavender Diamond's Tour Diary, Part 1: East Coast Jaunt

October 22, 2012, 11:30 am

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Lavender Diamond, the wistful L.A.-based folk band helmed by Becky Stark, recently hit the road in support of Incorruptible Heart -- their first album in five years -- making stops in Manhattan, Philly, Brooklyn and Boston where they caught up with friends, saw some inspiring street signs and hung out at a Masonic Lodge. Check out Stark's photos and read her tour musings below.

The best part of touring is seeing long lost friends. And making new ones! We had a party on our day off in New York at my friend Leah Tinari's Lower East Side restaurant, Fatta Cuckoo!!


Later, I saw my dear friend Tennessee Thomas!

We walked through the Village and saw a beautiful open door.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia the signs were crazy. From Mystical Towing...

...to Land of Make Believe for Gentlemen.

Here's a shot of Philly under the bridge.

I made a new friend. Notice the license plate says "personal."

I got to see my old friend Vivian!

Back in NYC, we caught a shot of the spooky Brooklyn sugar factory sky.

I saw some beautiful Brooklyn murals.

In Brooklyn heaven with Olivia!

We had the best empanadas of our lives at this Cuban bakery called Pilar!

In Boston we met Steve [Gregoropoulos's] cousin Jonathan! And Meredith!

The amazing artist Jim Drain came to see us!

Taking pictures at the Masonic Lodge in Boston...

At the end, we went to Steve's ancestral home on the lake.

And here's a picture of Steve's mother on the wall!

CBGB Festival Returns In 2013

October 22, 2012, 12:00 pm

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Though it seems like the first one just took place, we're happy to announce: The Second Annual CBGB Festival. The 2013 edition is scheduled for May 15-19 in New York City, of course, with many of the original components returning next year, including the emerging artist showcases, film screenings etc.  One thing new that's being added is a one-day Spirits Festival and by "spirits" they mean booze and not ghosts.  No word yet on which acts will be on the line-up but we've got a suggestion: Why not a big Cro-Mags reunion with all of the original members? C'mon guys, hug it out for CB's!

Photo from CBGB

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Lena Dunham, Alexa Chung, Miranda July + More In Get Out the Vote PSA

October 22, 2012, 12:45 pm

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With the election nearly two weeks away and the third -- and final -- presidential debate tonight, there's no better time to be reminded of the issues and how much is at stake. While we're encouraging everyone to go watch the debate (check out our NYC debate-watching guide!), sometimes a PSA full of awesome women (Lena Dunham! Sarah Sophie Flicker! Alexa Chung! Carrie Brownstein! Tavi Gevinson! Miranda July!) lip syncing to one of our all-time favorite songs -- Lesley Gore's "You Don't Own Me" -- is more informative than watching Obama and Romney bicker over tax reform for an hour and a half.

Sarah Sophie Flicker got together some of her lady friends (including those mentioned above) to make a Get Out the Vote video focusing on women's issues in this election and encouraging voters to support President Obama on November 6th. Flicker writes in an email:

A bunch of us gals, including Maximilla Lukacs, Tavi Gevinson, Alia Penner, Tennessee Thomas, Alexa Chung, Rebecca Fernandez, Leith Clark, Erika Spring, Karen Elson and I had all been horrified by the news, the repeated attacks on women's rights, and the anti-women sentiment pouring out from the GOP generally. We decided we wanted to make a PSA.

Personally, I'm struck by the fact that we are teetering dangerously close to a situation where my daughter won't have the same rights I've enjoyed my entire life and that scares the heck out of me. Women constituted 60% of last elections voters. We can win this thing. We just have to agitate, motivate, and get out the darn vote!

And the best part? Lesley Gore herself endorsed the message.

"I had been obsessed by "You Don't Own Me" for so long and have been performing it with The Citizens Band. Tennessee had interviewed Lesley Gore a few months back and reached out to her. Lesley emailed back immediately, she couldn't have been more amazing! She is very active politically and just got on board," Flicker writes.  

You can watch the cute video above and catch Flicker performing "You Don't Own Me" with the Citizens Band at The Abrons Arts Center on October 24-27 (she'll be joined, we hear, by a "VERY special guest"). Fingers crossed it's Lesley Gore!

Full list of PSA participants (so you don't blink and miss 'em!):

Alexa Chung
Alia Shawkat
Amy Rose Spiegel
Ana Calderon
Anna Fitzpatrick
Arrow and Ada
Barb Morrison
Becky Stark
Brodie Lancaster
Carlen Altman
Carrie Brownstein
Cassie Carello
Chapin Sisters
Courtney Hall
Courtney Martin
Elle Wagner
Erika Spring
Hannah Johnson
India Menuez
Judith Iocovozzi
Kate Nash
Kate Urcioli
Katy Goodman
Kime Buzzelli
Krista Bachmeier
Kristina Uriegas
Leah Siegel
Lena Dunham
Lesley Gore
Lisa Mayock
Lucy Moffatt
Madelyne Beckles
Mae Whitman
Mallyce
Maria Valencia
Meg Olsen
Melissa Coker
Mia Moretti & Caitlin Moe
Mia Lidofsky
Miranda July
Natalia Czajkiewicz
Natasha Lyonne
Petra Collins
Rachel Antonoff
Rain Phoenix
Ruby Karp
Ryan Roche
Sarah Sophie Flicker
Shae Detar
Sia
Sophie Buhai
Tavi
Tracee Ellis Ross

Head over to the "You Don't Own Me" Vimeo to read more about the issues and about the PSA.

5 Under $50: Bloody Bathmat + Bunny Ears Ring

October 22, 2012, 1:12 pm

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And... we're back! After a brief respite, our 5 Under $50 series is back and in full effect. Here are five treats for under 50 clams or less that you can spend your allowance on. Enjoy!

 
1. The Blood Bathmat, by Spinning Hat, $19.32, here.

2. "Have a Nice Day" necklace, by Lazy Oaf, $26, here.

3. French Lavender Aromatherapy Cat Eye Mask, by Naomilingerie, $26, here.

4.  Gold Bunny Ears Ring, $39.90, by TheRogueAndTheWolf, here.

5. The Best Made Bar of Soap (pack of three), $30, here.

Where to Drink and Watch the Final Presidential Debate in NYC

October 22, 2012, 2:15 pm

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President Obama and Mitt Romney face off tonight in the third and final presidential debate and, much like the Oscars and the Super Bowl, we happen to think it's always more fun to watch this sort of thing in the company of others (and a few cocktails). To that end, here's our guide to where you can go watch/cheer/heckle all the action (not to mention snag some election-themed drink specials, games and goodie bags) in New York City. Just remember to drink up every time you hear "doubling down," "stimulus bill," "bailout," "job creation" and, of course, "freedom."

Manhattan

Housing Works: Aside from watching Obama and Romney duke it out, the Soho bookstore's got debate bingo and cafe specials planned for the third and final round. If you've been coming since debate numero uno, you'll even be given a free bucket of PBR on election night. We give that a Jennifer Granholm wink of approval. 126 Crosby St., Soho [via Housing Works/Flavorpill]

Head over to The Stand where Yannis Pappas will be hosting a Presidential Smackdown. You'll be able to watch the debates streamed live as Lauren Francesca moderates comedians Nate Bargatze and Dave Smith's humorous commentary, perhaps over some tater tot nachos or a debate specialty cocktail crafted by bartenders from Minetta Tavern. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased HERE. 239 Third Ave., Gramercy

Sister bars SideBar and Village Pour House conclude their ongoing political rivalry at tonight's debate, with Romney supporter's shacked up at the former, and Obama fans taking over the latter. Each will have their own drink specials, with Republicans being plied with "Rum-ney" shots and Dems with "Barack O-Bombs". SideBar: 120 East 15th St;
Village Pour House: 64 Third Ave.. East Village

Obama supporters will be gathering tonight at The Hill to cheer like this, and if the debate goes really well, maybe even do this. 416 Third Ave., Murray Hill [via My Barack Obama]

Brooklyn

Brooklyn Winery: Cozy up to the debate with a glass of wine (or three) inside the restaurant's snug Parlor (though seating is limited).
213 North 8th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn [via Brooklyn Winery/Flavorpill]

Pine Box Rock Shop: The Bushwick bar right off the Morgan L stop hosts the last of its "Three Sheets to the West Wing" debate-watching parties. On the agenda: raffles, bingo and drink specials. All the funds from the parties are going to Obama for America. 12 Grattan St., Bushwick, Brooklyn [via Brokelyn]

Galapagos Art Space: The DUMBO performance spacee boasts a 14 ft. x 12 ft. big screen where you can watch all the action with a couple of cocktails in tow. Doors open at 8:30pm.  16 Main St., DUMBO, Brooklyn [via Galapagos Art Space]

Mo's: All are welcome at this Ft. Greene pub to watch the candidates tussle over issues of foreign policy and partake of $6 Romney and Obama red and blue drink specials. We hear they'll be serving a Blue Hawaiian in honor of the POTUS but they wouldn't reveal just yet what they have in mind for his opponent.
80 Lafayette Ave., Ft. Greene, Brooklyn [via Brooklyn Paper]

Pacific Standard: The Boerum Hill spot will air the debate on a big screen -- donkeys and elephants, equally welcome.  
82 Fourth Ave., Boerum Hill, Brooklyn [via Brooklyn Paper]

Spike Hill: Something tells us the Bedford Avenue bar/music venue might have the most raucous debate watchers for miles.
186 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn [via Brooklyn Paper]

Flatbush Farm:
The locavore restaurant will be opening its doors -- and its bar tabs -- for those seeking a classy spot to watch the final presidential debate.
76 Saint Marks Ave., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn [via Flatbush Farm]

The spacious and laid back Matt Torrey's will have the debate on their 96" screen tonight for your viewing pleasure. 46 Bushwick Ave., East Williamsburg, Brooklyn [via Brokelyn]

Have a couple of drinks and get your candidates crossed at Pete's Candy Store tonight with their Baracktail Obamney Debate, complete with raunchy drink specials like the Yes, Wee Can and the (Heterosexual) Sex on the (Private) Beach (And Only With Your Wife, For Procreation). 709 Lorimer St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn [via Brokelyn]

The Unadorned Woman

October 22, 2012, 2:30 pm

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On her first two album covers, British musician Natasha Khan, better known as Bat for Lashes, appears surrounded by fantastical imagery, wearing glitter, body paint, elaborate costumes and layers of gold accessories. But on her latest, out October 22, three days before she turns 33, Khan stands naked, wearing only a simple neck- lace and a nude man draped over her shoulders. As the black-and- white photo (shot by famed photographer Ryan McGinley) suggests, The Haunted Man is Khan's most revealing release yet.

"Early in the process of writing the record I turned up the vocals without using much reverb," says Khan, whose atmospheric goth rock takes inspiration from Björk and Kate Bush. "And I love reverb and washes and layers. So stripping back was a bold move. It put me in a vulnerable position. But it was also empowering."

Unlike her last album (2009's critically acclaimed Two Suns), Khan conceived The Haunted Man in her native U.K. "I wrote the last record while touring and living in the U.S.," says the one-time resident of Brooklyn. "I was adrift. But for this one, I stayed in England. I visited places I hadn't been in a long time. I looked back at family events that have haunted me."

Although the emotional core of the new album lies in its title track -- which couples snare drums and a cappella arrangements, conjuring soldiers returning from battle -- its highlight is "Laura," a grand 1970s-esque ballad featuring Khan's amped-up voice, accompanied by understated piano and strings. Khan, who wrote "Laura" after a "very personal night with a close friend," also composed its equally stunning video, down to location, wardrobe, choreography and casting. In fact, nearly everything in the Bat for Lashes universe is Khan's conception -- including The Haunted Man's cover art. "I wanted to see if I had the confidence not to adorn myself -- if I could communicate something deeply emotional without dressing up," says Khan. I'm not Photoshopped. I'm not wearing makeup. I'm not hiding behind anything."

★ The Haunted Man is out October 22nd. ★

Bat for Lashes: The Unadorned Woman

October 22, 2012, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Beyoncé + Jay-Z's "Blue Ivy Trademark" Denied + Smoked Water Craze = Eight Items Or Less

≪ Previous: The Unadorned Woman

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On her first two album covers, British musician Natasha Khan, better known as Bat for Lashes, appears surrounded by fantastical imagery, wearing glitter, body paint, elaborate costumes and layers of gold accessories. But on her latest, out October 22, three days before she turns 33, Khan stands naked, wearing only a simple neck- lace and a nude man draped over her shoulders. As the black-and- white photo (shot by famed photographer Ryan McGinley) suggests, The Haunted Man is Khan's most revealing release yet.

"Early in the process of writing the record I turned up the vocals without using much reverb," says Khan, whose atmospheric goth rock takes inspiration from Björk and Kate Bush. "And I love reverb and washes and layers. So stripping back was a bold move. It put me in a vulnerable position. But it was also empowering."

Unlike her last album (2009's critically acclaimed Two Suns), Khan conceived The Haunted Man in her native U.K. "I wrote the last record while touring and living in the U.S.," says the one-time resident of Brooklyn. "I was adrift. But for this one, I stayed in England. I visited places I hadn't been in a long time. I looked back at family events that have haunted me."

Although the emotional core of the new album lies in its title track -- which couples snare drums and a cappella arrangements, conjuring soldiers returning from battle -- its highlight is "Laura," a grand 1970s-esque ballad featuring Khan's amped-up voice, accompanied by understated piano and strings. Khan, who wrote "Laura" after a "very personal night with a close friend," also composed its equally stunning video, down to location, wardrobe, choreography and casting. In fact, nearly everything in the Bat for Lashes universe is Khan's conception -- including The Haunted Man's cover art. "I wanted to see if I had the confidence not to adorn myself -- if I could communicate something deeply emotional without dressing up," says Khan. I'm not Photoshopped. I'm not wearing makeup. I'm not hiding behind anything."

★ The Haunted Man is out October 22nd. ★