BAROKE CLOTHING

Pop Not Soda...Told You So!

2009-07-01T15:54:00.003-05:00

This is brilliant! It's being submitted to PepsiCo, so it doesnt actually exist yet, although I sure hope it does. Collector's item much?

The idea came from an L.A. based artist who created this not for profit --
"I am excited to share this idea with the folks at Pepsi as either an art piece to compliment their vast collection within the Pepsico headquarters or as a limited edition run of cans leading up to Michael Jackson's funeral. Not as a money making idea but as a way of expressing the power of icons and the art of a big idea."

It's a win for the midwesterners (except Wisconsin) who call pop, pop and not soda, cuz when you open a can of pop, it goes pop, not soda!

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

- baroke v

Louis Vuitton Don

2009-06-30T17:36:00.004-05:00

The Kanye West shoes hit Louis Vuitton stores tomorrow! Please chill the hell out though, cuz if you didn't go put yourself on the waiting list 3 months ago, you're shit outta luck! You just saved yourself $1000. Trust me, I know.

- baroke V (not looking forward to work cuz of these)

Ran-D-om

2009-06-29T16:13:00.003-05:00

My weekly love it, hate it, cringe it, smile it post.

(Thanks to FFFFOUND)

/br

US > Spain

2009-06-25T13:19:00.004-05:00

I worked yesterday and that sucks. Not because of the beautiful summer (finally, enjoy the three weeks we'll get!) weather that we have at the moment, but because I didn't get to watch the US Men's National Team beat Spain 2-0 in the Confederations Cup out in South Africa. Work also put the cabash on attending the US MNT's win over Honduras a few weekends ago at Soldier Field. Paying rent is good though. Alas, today I am watching Brazil play South Africa to determine who will play the US for the cup. I for one hope it will be a rematch against Brazil (who beat us 3-0 in this same tournament). Go US! *Scratch that, South Africa has been playing beautifully (currently in the 26th minute) and another David over Goliath seems to be in order*

In more local news, the Sears Tower is getting a $350 million dollar greening. Wind turbines and solar panels and such. This comes just a month or so after they announced the glass walkways that are being installed on the Skydeck. Those will be available for use early July. Click on that link to see all of the pictures of the Sears and the 50 story zero energy hotel that will be built next door.

BTW, this is all being headed by architect Adrian Smith, a graduate of UIC who also has built the world's tallest building, Burj Dubai.

PEACE!
Dave

i love cake! even in the shape of Air Yeezys.

2009-06-23T13:21:00.004-05:00

pass me a piece of shoelace.

Woohoo...1st Official Day of Summer!

2009-06-21T21:58:00.004-05:00

(you can really buy this)

Something else to want

2009-06-21T19:25:00.003-05:00

I love this bike! I'm going to need everyone and their mother to clear Baroke out of its inventory so I can buy this American made (Oregon based Brammo) electric motorcycle. The bike is a plug-in that charges in about 3 hours, goes up to 55mph and has a 40+ mile range. Perfect for running around the streets of Chicago (especially if you pick up one of those solar powered chargers). I'll take 2 please.

Music I Listened to 10 years ago...

2009-06-18T05:17:00.009-05:00

So, it is early on a Thursday. I work nights so this doesn't matter to me. I am allowed this time to think and do whatever I want, which always results in me going through music in my iTunes.

I have been high as a kite on Mos Def. The new album: The Ecstatic, is flipping amazing! Ever since Black On Both Sides, I have been awaiting an album worthy of the attention and acclaim I had initially given the Might Mos. I remember a few years ago midway through a 1200 mile trip from Chicago to Tampa I popped in BOBS and followed it up with Black Star. It made the rolling hills of Alabama all the more interesting.... or interesting in the first place. That got me thinking about what kind of music motivated me in my earlier years.

Mos Def - "Casa Bey" - The Ecstatic - 6.9.09

I think Mos stole the idea from these guys:

I wasn't fortunate enough to have grown up within the city limits of Chicago. I grew up in the Western Suburbs. One year, my parents brought me and my sisters down to the city to enjoy the usual tourist bubble offerings. I was 13 or 14 years old and I was fascinated with architecture. I decided during that trip that I would move to the city when I was 18. I ended up doing just that.

My soundtrack then was an album I would happily apply to any present lazy summer's day walk around the land of corruption that is Chicago: Saturday Teenage Kick by Junkie XL. The album is amazing and I happened upon it through unusual circumstances: I had watched the movie Blade and loved a song during the opening dance club scene. I bought three albums looking for that song. The second album was Saturday Teenage Kick. Junkie XL was just like me: a happy mistake. Do yourself a favor, sit back, close your eyes. Imagine that the year is 1998. The stock market is a raging bull and making your parents' pensions fat as a Kentucky homemaker. You are resting in a pre Millennium Park, pre Trump Tower, pre Green Movement Grant Park in Chicago. It is the Pax Americana at its best. Great beats to put you in a great mood.

here is a somewhat hilarious video:

STAY UP!
-Baroke David

WOW!

2009-06-16T12:25:00.001-05:00

/b.r.

Intriguing.

2009-06-15T14:15:00.001-05:00

Alright, let's be honest. Who has done this before?

/b.r.

A Laid Back Sunday

2009-06-14T20:05:00.003-05:00

It is a delicious day here at Chicago. What a perfect day for a laid back sunday meeting.

And a little visitor came by.

/b.r.

Random Post of the Week.

2009-06-11T12:52:00.003-05:00

Here goes my random post of the week. Things that make me laugh, smile, question, etc.

Hope you enjoyed these as much as I have.

/b.r.

BAROKE IS NOW ON TWITTER!

2009-06-08T13:52:00.001-05:00

TWEET TWEET! Follow us at twitter.com/BarokeChicago! Get latest updates, news, and special deals!

Our Permanent Autumn

2009-06-08T00:54:00.001-05:00

The Baroke team had a meeting tonight. On the walk into the meeting I saw my breath. It's flipping June 7th, so that's emotionally unacceptable. What can I do though, right?

Well it's not all bad. The ideas are brewing here at Baroke and good things will follow in the form of some of the most original design ideas I've ever heard. We shall keep you posted.

I for one started the day with a bacon infused Scotch Manhattan from Bristol and am ending it with Bob Dylan and Don Julio. They make a good team, I find. This is Dylan drunk and annoying with Lennon:

While perusing Gaper's Block, I found a story about a guy from Valparaiso that repossesses planes, helicopters and yachts. He's got some pretty crazy stories and nets between $600,000 and $900,000 per job.

Today will be the first day I get to sleep before 4am in a little under a week. Looking towards tomorrow, St. Vincent performs at Millennium Park's Pritzker Pavilion, with local Mexican-American 3 piece Alla opening. That shindig starts at 6:30. I'll be at work, so if you go, take pictures or video and we'll post them here at Baroke.

WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS!

2009-06-04T14:50:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends.

It has been quite a great while since we all talked. I hope you are doing well and enjoying this "summer" weather here at the Go'. I just got back from a great vacay not too long ago. I had the privilege to visit Key West, Cozumel, and Belize. I got to do many things and one of them was ATV'n in Cozumel. This video will explain more:

Wow. Do I really sound like that? Forgive me for sounding like an idiot, it was really difficult maneuvering a ATV and recording myself. It was definitely a much needed break.

Now that I have done my 2 minute update on myself, I want to share a band with you guys. I heard about them from El Oso. They are called We Were Promised Jetpacks. There is more information if you follow the link to El Oso's blog.

Anyway, check them out! They have been on repeat on my playlist for awhile now. Ya dig?

Thats all for now. It's time to brace some more work.

Keep it windy.
baroke randy

Creepy? Maybe.

2009-05-28T00:02:00.003-05:00

Amazing? Yes.

Great song. Great Album.

Grizzly Bear. Veckatimest.

-baroke daniel

So Fresh So Clean

2009-05-22T01:24:00.001-05:00

No Swine Flu. Wash your hands obsessively like me, Chromeo, and the Yo Gabba Gabba gang.

- Baroke v

Photos and Graham Cracker

2009-05-05T11:38:00.006-05:00

Hello world...

My friend and fellow designer/photographer Tracy Graham, has recently launched the first part of his portfolio.

These are my favorites...

Green Collarism

Above, reminds of me of this! Which Tracy also happened to be the source of.

Meat-etarians, psh.

Back to the photos...

Major Tom

Sunshiney Bubblegum

Tracy designs and makes his own sets, shoots almost any kind of scenario, and writes a food blog. Contact him for info, work, or to talk about the best burrito in town.

Check out and check back to his site for more updates.

-baroke daniel

Repeat 3-Overtimes?! ^____^

2009-05-01T16:55:00.007-05:00

So even though I'm a born and raised Chicagoan, who ooze Chicago-ness in every way (i promise), I've never been to a Bulls game...until last night! It's pained me for years, so I feel pretty legit now. Gooooo Bulls! Best game I've ever been to!

I was so hot and tired by the uhh...3rd overtime (geebus!), but I was told that I had to wear red, so I didn't take my cardigan off ever!

I was all the way on top, but still feel lucky that I was there. [Baroke Randy was purty close though.] Gr.

- Baroke V

Reflection Eternal!

2009-04-28T12:31:00.003-05:00

Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek are back....

New Reflection Eternal album this year. Now all we need is a new Black Star album.

-baroke Daniel

Thought Full

2009-04-21T19:03:00.003-05:00

Howdy Baroke Peoples,

School is almost (ALMOST!) over for me. I'll be sure to post my senior thesis for everyone - I know that's what you come here for- but in the mean time, check this out:

What with manana being earth day and all, I thought I should share a clever and earth friendlier take on selling water that I came across at FastCompany. Boxed Water Is Better is a company selling, well, boxed water. This uses less oil in their product's overall production and enables decomposition after the packaging is disposed. While I personally feel that water from the faucet is better (by way of a Brita, that is), at least this will get you around the Chicago bottled water tax. I feel that is a good tax though.

The company says that their paper comes from well managed forests (not the Amazon, like the soybeans fed to what grows up to be your McChicken). All in all I think this is a great solution, but it needs to be taken a step further and become a portable box of water, rather than the milkbox it comes in now.

Get your boxed water on, if you live in Michigan.

Tell Me This Makes You Smile Just a Little...

2009-04-17T14:12:00.007-05:00

A lil Harry Potter-ish...except the sex lube.

Busting ghosts.

Warm weather hurry up!

This is like my childhood dream.

What the hell... y not?

[Thank you Ffffound.com for the entertainment always.]

Baroke Victoria

Busy Busy Day

2009-03-30T11:18:00.002-05:00

This is the start of everyday...

See more here.

-baroke daniel

Be Jealous

2009-03-26T15:07:00.004-05:00

My little cousin Kayla, is a Baroke baby.

-baroke daniel

Sigur Ros.

2009-03-24T09:38:00.002-05:00

Found this on pitchfork.

Sigur Ros - Við spilum endalaust - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

This was pretty amazing. Enjoy.

b.r.

Aw Man...I Just Felt Inadequate.

2009-03-22T23:07:00.018-05:00

Just because I'm in a professional funk right now, doesn't mean I can't celebrate and wallow in the happiness of other young people's success. I'm thrilled that Lil Wayne is allowed a few words and noises in every single song alive and that Highschool Musical was such a freakin hit.

If only I had an identity earlier in life, like this little 12 year old girl. The middle-schooler writes one hell of a fashion blog. I mean her knowledge seems indepth and her photos of herself are cool. AND the best part? She's from Chicago! If you read, you'll forget she's 12 and then once you remember, you might feel a little inadequate (warning). Worth a gander if you find yourself with absolutely nothing to do.

The New Girl In Town.

- baroke v

The Love of My Life...

2009-03-20T19:49:00.003-05:00

First off, unrelated to the title I spent all of three seconds to come up with, my friend's television show: Green Screen Adventures won a very prestigious award of some sort. I have no idea what the award is called, but apparently only 5 shows across the nation receive one. Green Screen Adventures takes stories, poems and illustrations done by Chicago Public School students and translates them into television productions, acted out by a cast of characters who perform them in an energetic and creative way. So, well done to the entire cast, and congrats! Their show is on at 7am on Channel 12 the U Saturday mornings. If you have some rascals running around your house, sit 'em down and see to it that they are entertained. Alternatively, if you find yourself still drinking at 7am on a Saturday, then you could join in the fun yourself!

If you prefer child enriching entertainment of the live kind, then head over to the Neo-Futurist Theater to see Barrel of Monkeys! They too take stories written by kids and act them out in a hilarious display of creativity nurturing euphoria. Tell them Baroke sent you. You won't get a discount or anything, I just want them to look at you like you're an idiot.

Now, to the original intent of my post and inspiration for its now seemingly irrelevant title: Chicago. Sure, she is corrupt, she betrays her own general well-being by fixing the park district potholes first, sure she privatizes her parking, her parks and her airports - but she is gorgeous. Now, via gapersblock.com, I have found The Windy Pixel. A site for high res images of the City of Big Shoulders. Go and remind yourself why you put up with all the other crap.

Cudi or Carson

2009-03-19T16:04:00.003-05:00

Carson Daley isn't a person that I am really fond of but as I was channel surfing last night, I stumbled upon his show feat Kid Cudi.

I'm really glad that I got to see Cudi on there but I'm currently torn. On one side Cudi killed it but on the other, it was on the Carson Daley show. Sigh. Bittersweet. GG Carson.

On another note, I just wanted to take this time to give out a shout out to all those blogs that featured our recent line (google "baroke clothing"). Thanks for all the support ya'll.

baroke Randy

Outrage and Doing Something...

2009-03-17T21:11:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I started a campaign to unite all sim city 4 users in boycotting user rendered AIG buildings from use in game play.

Not really...

That would be dumb.

I did, however, finally take the time to watch the Jon Stewart interview with Kramer. Now, these days I'm usually not a Daily Show watcher. I recall, however, when Stewart first made headlines with his argument on CNN's Crossfire. News is transitioning in this country, and that's natural. Newspapers will continue to die and be replaced by online webzines and blogs, but the TV has reigned supreme for a good long while now, and I don't see that stopping anytime soon. Could be proven wrong by Steve Jobs, but for now that's my view on things.

Stewart apparently got into a spat over comments he made about CNBC's lack of forsight and responsible reporting in the years leading up to the recession. I expected to see a couple of jabs and zingers but was pleasantly surprised with Stewart's straightforward questions and angered at Jim Kramer's bumbling red-faced responses. Watch & see for yourself:

A lot of these big corporations handle business the way Donald Trump handles real estate. Trump will take out large amounts of money for projects so lavish that he owns the bank. The banks then have a vested interest in seeing to it that the investment succeeds. AIG, it has been said, is a company so large - and an underwriter to so many - that both Bush and Obama have seen it necessary to infuse large amounts of taxpayer dollars into it and other companies like it.

Now I'm not a crazy hippie corporation hater. I like my Nike shoes, long for a MacBook and even the dreaded McDonald's. Hell, I even have the long term goal of owning a development firm and the short term goal of molding Baroke into a clothing company different from any other before it (and maybe, make a profit). While I am no dynamo - yet - I do know that it takes a lot of guts and courage to start your own business, and then a lot of hard work if you want to grow it into something you can live off of. It pisses me off that while our money is being lent to these cumbersome giants, there are no loans for people who want to start their own piece of the still freest market in the world. One of the goals of all this TARP and recovery spending is to free up credit to provide capital. I'm hoping that the public outrage will make the banks think twice about doing anything really dumb with their taxpayer dollars, and get some of this credit flowing.

I'm not an economics expert or anything - but that's just the point - these news outlets (especially the financially specialized ones) need to be told that we expect sound advice and responsible reporting. Not the speculation and sensationlism that has fueled so many bubbles in our nation's history. I guess what I'm getting at is, you could sign the petition (here: http://fixcnbc.com/) and perhaps make a difference. Hell, it works when the Evangelicals call the FCC over boobies!

No Winter For Me!

2009-03-15T20:20:00.017-05:00

So I've had this blogging complex and haven't been able to get myself to blog on Baroke like I said I would. I suck. But Baroke Randy helped me sort it out, so here I am now! Finally.

Since my last blog, I've done a bit more traveling. Besides Hong Kong, I also went to the Mainland a.k.a China (Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai). And you know what? It's everything Americans think it's not or rather, it's not everything that Americans think it is. The transformation China has gone through is insane! From what I witnessed, recycling is highly encouraged! I was even thanked for protecting the environment when I declined a plastic bag for my purchases at a store.

Don't get me wrong though, I'm not trying to say things were perfect in China or Hong Kong. But upon my arrival into the states, I was greeted with racism. And not a day has gone by since where I've been frustrated or bothered by the inefficiencies of our systems -- from our public transportation to McDonald's. Once upon a time, people wanted to live the "advanced" lives of Americans. But now we are lagging behind...fast. How have Americans gotten so comfortable to the point where they're simply lazy? The changes that need to be made here aren't solely the responsbility of our goverment either. Each and every American citizen needs to pick up their pace and open their eyes just a little bit more. Adapt quicker and actually welcome the fucking change. For example: Don't hate the new Facebook layout just because your lazy ass isn't used to it. Just embrace that Mark has done the research to give you what you want, before you even know you want it.

So....on a lighter note, I just got back from Costa Rica. It's beautiful. It's relaxing. I ziplined in the rainforest. Jetskied with the dolphins. Jumped off a waterfall. Salsa danced with the locals. Ended my trip on the beach under a sky full of stars. AMAZING!

It seems that I've basically missed the entire Chicago winter. =P

- baroke v

For my 9 to 5-ers

2009-03-10T23:47:00.003-05:00

This doesn't pertain to me yet...but one day, yes. I kind of get this feeling at work now, small room, four designers. Moving on, this site is called My Life in a Cube. Shane Johnson draws comics on office supplies, and posts them daily. They are pretty clever.

Check him out.

Oh yeah...these people should be punched/slapped.

-baroke daniel

currently listening to: Mims - Move....yes I said it...okay...or grizzly bear

Don't Jump Daniel!

2009-03-04T13:18:00.001-06:00

-Baroke Randy

Nintendo is the way to go.

2009-02-26T18:10:00.005-06:00

Hello friends.

I stumbled upon this very creative marketing tool that a MC from Detroit used. I won't get into too much detail but trust me, just finish the game and you'll see.

How can it get any better than that?

baroke randy

Weather

2009-02-25T23:12:00.004-06:00

Twas a fantastic day today. Spring feels like its right around the corner.

Keeping on the weather topic...check out this site.

It is a analog way of looking at the weather. Pick your city (Chicago!) or just look at the imagery in the about section. Check it out.

ps. Why does Kanye have to ruin all that is good in music?

-baroke daniel

currently listening to: the Clips (the band not rap group) - Space Kidz

Song/Video of the Week

2009-02-19T22:38:00.008-06:00

Okay...we've been busy.

Yet, never to busy for new music.

Friendly Fires are from St Albans, Hertfordshire. UK kids. The self-titled CD is not brand new as you can tell by their 4 or 5 videos. The first video is song is called Paris. The next video was featured in a Wii commercial so you may recognize it.

I can't stop listening to this album. If these guys don't get you moving, I don't know what will.

Back to work.

-baroke Daniel

Song of the Week

2009-02-12T00:13:00.007-06:00

This song comes from Casiokids. They hail from Norway and this song is damn catchy. Damn catchy.

-baroke daniel

ps. I hate this new Youtube star rating on the video screen. Thoughts??

Surfing is Creative

2009-02-05T22:19:00.004-06:00

Like most people...we at Baroke spend a lot of time surfing the web for inspiration and/or laughs. They come in all different shapes and forms. We will start with Christoph Niemann.

Christoph is a great illustrator and graphic designer. You can see a lot of his work on his website. He also writes for the NY Times, where he wrote a blog about legos and their simplicity. It's great.

Another hilarious thing...maybe not to all people. A kid had some dental work done and was completely gassed out. I had this feeling when my wisdom teeth were removed. My mom said I was talking crazy. I can relate to this feeling.

Thanks to our industrial design friends for that video.

Laters

-baroke daniel
currently listening to: foals - red socks pugie

For the Graphic Designer in you...

2009-01-29T11:18:00.004-06:00

That title sounds funny.

Anywho...

As a lot of graphic designers or GDers, my interest in the subject came from CD covers. As the hard copy of CD becomes obsolete, maybe not so much for me anymore. There are still people who do it well. Example below...

One of my favorite album covers of the last few years is Maximo Park's "A Certain Trigger."

Thanks to FFFFound, I recently came across the design firm that is responsible. Yes, not only designed the cd but all the records and singles. They are amazing.

One more thing to share. In honor of the Superbowl this weekend, the New York Times had an web article about Alternative Super Bowl Logos.

This is my favorite as a designer. As a football fan, I don't think they work. Within 5 years I think they will head in this direction. Simplicity that is.

Go Steelers.

-baroke daniel
currently listening to: Matt & Kim - I'll Take Us Home

Daft Punk vs. Adam Freeland

2009-01-20T10:51:00.003-06:00

Not that Obama needs any more hype. I found this enjoyable. It's a stop motion piece by Gold Greendot.

-via Pitchfork

Happy Inags

-baroke Daniel
still listening to: Animal Collective

Icy.

2009-01-20T00:16:00.005-06:00

While Baroke Victoria is having a steady 65 warmth, we got...

I think we got the better deal, no? All of a sudden, 20 degrees sounds amazing.

stay icy,
-baroke randy
currently listening to Amadou & Mariam - Sabali

I'm in the HK!

2009-01-15T13:23:00.008-06:00

Hello hello HELLOOOOOOOO from HOOOOOOONG KOOOOOOOONG!!!

This place is a non-stop shopping, eating, walking, smoking, drinking, shopping, eating, walking, shopping, eating, walking, smoking, drinking, shopping, eating, walking, shopping party. Whew! And I’m only half way through my trip! (been here 3 weeks, will be here for about another month)

Here’s the breathtaking skyline of Hong Kong (a part of it at least)!

Here’s one of the many many Nike stores! (they all look different too)

Here’s the entrance to one of my favorite dessert places!

Here’s a street I really like to shop on: (Granville in Tsim Sha Tsui if you must know)

Here’s a panda! Have you really ever seen a panda?

And here’s me at Ocean Park on a Gondola lift overlooking Hong Kong!

Just a quick peek. There’s really so much going on here, it's overwhelming. I’ll be back shortly with more thoughtful info! Stay posted!

Till next time,
- baroke victoria

Albums of 2008...kind of

2009-01-13T23:06:00.023-06:00

I was debating for about 13 days whether to write this blog or not. I figure I wouldn't do a top 10, but a 2008 listeners guide of sorts. CD's I feel should be listened to in a semi-particular order. Well, the first 3 are my tops of the year, after that it's random.

The Dodos - Visiter
The guitars will blow you away, drums will shock you, and the live show is the sh_t. It sounds like a full band and really it's only 2 guys.

Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles
No album of '08 compares to this. If you like videos games, dancing, and heavy metal influence, this is it. Don't let that scare you, cause anyone can like this band.

Ra Ra Riot - the Rhumb Line
Probably the poppiest of my choices. Think Arcade Fire meets Vampire Weekend (or something happy). Catchy hooks, violin, and a cello, what more can you ask for.

Santogold - Santogold
When I first heard the album I thought it was pretty good, not great. After listening to it again and again, I realized that I listened to it all the time. It's that good.

Kid Cudi - A Kid Named Cudi
I am coming to the point where I've given up on caring about hip-hop. Sorry Sage. I don't care for hatred of mainstream and fun rap anymore. I embrace it, sort of. Kid Cudi balances on the line of conscious, hip, and radio rap. Something is different about it.

Q-tip - the Renaissance
Call it a comeback. People didn't like Vibrant Thing, I did. People liked the Renaissance, okay we agree there. Where Murs failed with generic choruses, Q-tip nailed it. He manages to sound oldschool in this modern day.

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
David wins this one. I saw this band at Pitchfork Music Festival. All I could think was...yawn. After finally being in the mood for some soft, down south rock, this album had me at White Winter Hymnal.

Flying Lotus - Los Angeles
There are few hip hop instrumental artists I can take. Prefuse, RJD2, the Avalanches, Dilla, and now...Flying Lotus. 17 tracks of creative, classic and yet progressive beats. Also, if I gave out a "Best Band Website," he would win.

the Walkmen - You & Me
If you would have told me last year I would have the Walkmen on my list, I would have said something like, "Ummm...no." The Walkmen remind me of a modern day Velvet Underground. This album is different than the previous I've dabbled in, so it makes the cut. You win Aaron.

No Age - Nouns
Sometimes everybody needs a little noise rock, and a little political noise. No Age has blasted their punk ways onto the indie scene, so get in touch with your roots Britt.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yelstin - Pershing
I waited a long time for the follow up to "Broom." I was kind of shocked at how poppy and Beach Boys-y it was. This is one of those sit down and listen bands where it may take a while. Think Weezer if they used acoustics and never turned out lame.

MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
This is that "not for everyone" type of album. Super dance-y at times and really mellow at others. I'm down with falsettos, and you should be too. So relax and watch their wacky antics.

Beck - Modern Guilt
I think our favorite Scientologist has finally found his groove again. Guero and the Information had too much fluff, this one hits the right strides. Danger Mouse does it again.

Honorable Mention
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Technically I had this last year but it was the Blue CD-R then. No matter who you are this album is good.

Ratatat - LP3
You were so close Ratatat. So close to great album.

TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Half the cd was great, the rest okay.

Cadence Weapon - After Party Babies
Fun at times, weird at others.

I know I forgot something. We'll see. Feel free to comment/hate/love.

I have a "Do Not Listen" list as well, maybe I'll post that.

-baroke Daniel
currently listening to: Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

GASP!

2009-01-13T19:27:00.003-06:00

NEED I SAY MORE?!?!?!

(picture taken from bbc)

ME WANT!!!!

Stay icy,
Baroke Randy
currently listening to animal collective - bluish(Unofficial video)

Welcome Oh Nine

2009-01-06T16:53:00.004-06:00

I was going through my normal design blogs and came across these photos by an artist named Markus Hofko

Apparently this was done for Adidas. I highly recommend going to his site to check out his other work: http://www.rainbowmonkey.de.

I also came across this awesome shot of a good friend of mine, Jon, rocking the baroke noob shirt.

I think its safe to say that he really does pwn noobs all day everyday with that controller and headset. So if any of you guys want to PWN noobs like Jon here:

1st: Get yourself the Baroke Noob Shirt Here
2nd: Get some l33t skills
3rd: If you can't get yourself some skills, get yourself some H4X0RS.
(If you don't understand anything I just said then you my friend are a NOOB)

enjoy the warm 30 degree weather chicago,
baroke randy
currently jammin' to green velvet - shake & pop

3 Things

2009-01-02T22:59:00.005-06:00

First...

Happy New Year! Thanks for all the support through this past year. Hopefully this will be another great year for Baroke.

Second...

Our good friend Aaron visited New York this past week. He shared his stories of New Years Eve in Time Square, and the mass amounts of people. Also other stories that included seeing Ryan Seacrest, The Jonas Brothers, and Bill Clinton. Quite the array of interesting people. I guess. Here he is representing us proudly.

Third...

I recently came across this Nikon Cake. Just getting a DSLR for Christmas, I thought I'd share this with my fellow photographers.

Via Toxel

Fourth...

Good Day

-baroke Daniel
currently listening to: Ra Ra Riot (the whole cd)

El Oso's 6th Annual Best Records of the Year

2008-12-22T23:07:00.004-06:00

It's that time again. Our good friend Bill aka El Oso has put out his best records of 2008.

1. Frightened Rabbit – Midnight Organ Fight
2. Royal Bangs – We Breed Champions
3. Hush Arbors – Hush Arbors
4. American Princes – Other People
5. Dr Dog – Fate
6. Blitzen Trapper – Furr
7. The Broken West - Now Or Heaven
8. British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
9. Jay Reatard – Matador Singles '08
10. No Age - Nouns
11. M83 - Saturdays = Youth
12. Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer
13. The Uglysuit – The Uglysuit
14. Brendan Canning – Something For All of Us
15. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
16. James Blackshaw – Litany of Echoes
17.Foals – Antidotes
18. All The Saints – Fire on Corridor X
19. We Were Promised Jetpacks – 3
20. Glasvegas – Glasvegas
21. Jack Rose – Dr Ragtime And His Pals
22. Nomo – Ghost Rock
23. Popular Workshop – We're Alive And We're Not Alone
24. Santogold – Santogold
25. Fennesz – Black Sea
26. The Dodos – Visiter
27. Parts and Labor – Receivers
28. Sun Kil Moon – April
29. The Gaslight Anthem – The ’59 Sound
30. Cheap Time – Cheap Time
31. The Dutchess and The Duke - She's the Dutchess, He's the Duke
32. Bill Frisell – History, Mystery
33. Quinn Walker – Laughter's An Asshole / Lion Land
34. El Guincho - Alegranza
35. The Sea and Cake - Car Alarm
36. Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks - Real Emotional Trash
37. The Constantines – Kensington Heights
38. Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele
39. Bound Stems – The Family Afloat
40. Koushik - Out My Window
41.Wavves – self-released cassette
42. Plants and Animals – Parc Avenue
43. Box Elders – Hole In My Head
44. Young Knives – Superabundance
45. Tallest Man on Earth - Shallow Graves
46. White Denim - Workout Holiday
47. The Ruby Suns – Sea Lion
48. Fucked Up - The Chemistry of Common Life
49. Love is All – A Hundred Things Keep Me Up at Night
50 Endless Boogie - Focus Level
51. Parsley Flakes – Dead Living
52. Deerhunter – Microcastle
53. Charlie Haden Family & Friends – Rambling Boy
54. Quiet Village - Silent Movie
55. Allá – Es Tiempo
56. Sloan - Parallel Play
57. Paul Westerberg – 49:00
58. Chad VanGaalen - Soft Airplane
59. Neon Neon – Stainless Style
60. The M's – Real Close Ones
61. Jolie Holland – Living and the Dead
62. Catfish Haven – Devastator
63. Girl Talk - Feed the Animals
64. The Rural Alberta Advantage – Hometowns
65. Boris – Smile
66. Tall Firs – Too Old To Die
67. Dan Friel – Ghost Town
68. Amadou & Mariam - Welcome to Mali
69. Suicide Note - Empty Rooms
70. Ratatat – LP3
71. Torche – Meanderthal
72. Joan Of Arc – Boo Human
73. The Week That Was
74. Hayden - In Field and Town
75. Shugo Tokumaru – Exit
76. Oxford Collapse - Bits
77. Fuck Buttons - Street Horrsing
78. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
79. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
80. Times New Viking – Rip It Off
81. Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
82. TV on the Radio - Dear Science
83. Mystery Jets - Twenty One
84. Beck - Modern Guilt
85. The Walkmen - You & Me
86. High Places - High Places
87. Helios – Ceasura
88. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
89. Crooked Fingers – Forfeit / Fortune
90. Calexico - Carried to Dust
91. Hercules and Love Affair
92. Have a Nice Life - Deathconsciousness
93. Paavoharju - Laulu Laakson Kukista
94. Titus Andronicus – The Airing of Grievances
95. The Futureheads - This Is Not the World
96. She & Him - Volume One
97. Mudhoney - The Lucky Ones
98. Metallica - Death Magnetic
99. REM – Accelerate
100. Mercury Rev – Snowflake Midnight
101. Guns and Roses – Chinese Democracy

What's your top albums of 2008? Feel free to leave a comment whether you agree or disagree?

-Baroke Randy
currently listening to the citizens of chicago screaming their lungs out because the Bears just won an amazing game!

I Want to Be at This Party

2008-12-21T23:35:00.003-06:00

Seriously...sick commercial by Adidas

I did some research on the song because it's a jam. It's a remix of a old school song by Frankie Valli and the Four Season called Beggin'. The remix is by Pilooski, a French DJ.

Want the song? Here. Thanks to the blog Mashup Town for that one.

On the subject of commercials, our friend Tim was telling me how he has the Bulls 3 peats on cassette tapes at home. He then reminded me of a certain commercial. How many people remember Neon Deion?

Now, who remembers this commercial?

Recognize the actor? It's Mighty Mos. Filmed in '96 this was before his rapping career took off and bigger acting roles.

That's all.

Oh yeah... its negative 5 right now in Chicago, and Baroke David is in Florida. Send him hate e-mails.

Good Day

-Baroke Daniel
listening to Poolski...c'mon, obviously

I Dream of Summer... ALREADY!!!

2008-12-15T12:50:00.004-06:00

So, much of the Baroke team has recently finished up another semester of schooling, and have collectively inched towards the day when we each will enter real life. Besides continuing on with Baroke and design goodness, I will be *fingers crossed* entering grad school for urban planning. I recently completed a paper that involved a lot of bike planning and in my research I found streetfilms.org, a site that deals with urban street design and use.

There are tons of films here, displaying innovative street use around the globe, and I found some awesome examples of how to use streets more efficiently while providing a more egalitarian setting (rather than making way for SUVs and placing token bike lanes along the parking margins, Chicago).

We here at Baroke aren't restricted to clothing when it comes to design. Good design helps to improve quality of life in whatever field you may find yourself in. The built environment is perhaps the design exerting the most significant impact on each and every one of us. Still, entire towns are constructed haphazardly with little regard for individuals who live a way of life that either refuses or cannot afford the luxuries of seclusion that American ideals call for today. Streets in America are the most prevalent form of public space, yet they reflect our inability to provide for the common good in that they provide for the luxury of the automobile over the safety, accessibility and diversity of all individuals who may care to use them.

I thought it would be cool to list a few of the videos that I found most interesting and insightful:

-Baroke David
Listening to: M83 - before the dawn heals us

Me want this...

2008-12-09T10:14:00.002-06:00

via Swissmiss

Buy Here

-Baroke Daniel
listening to Cadence Weapon

Baroke Head

2008-12-04T22:58:00.004-06:00

I just received a few dope pictures pictures that I want to share with you kids.

Big shout out to Kevin from Chicago. Now thats how you bring your fixed gear to another level.

If any of you have creative Baroke pictures, please feel free to send them in to me. Show us love and we will show you some love.

stay icy,
Baroke Randy
currently listening to jayz - brooklyn

Take a Second to be Emo

2008-12-03T23:50:00.004-06:00

As always during our downtime at Baroke, we surf the net. My surfing last night led me to an article on Yahoo which discusses how horrible some band names are. Included in that article is a link to a Emo Band Name creator. My band name is "Sunnyday Helicopter Drug." I need a bassist, drummer, and teen angst, who's in? Your time spent on that site depends on how many friends you can think of.

That made me remember a certain video from a couple years back. My friend Christina had shown me a video on how to be emo. It's 21 minute mock-umentary, on how to make the change. Well worth the time.

A simple google search brought me to this site. Hopefully, it's a joke.

It is a serious subject.

The scene should be dead soon, so make sure to laugh before it's over. Until then we will have to deal with the new King of Emo.

-baroke daniel
currently listening to: Something Happy

Broken ankles and Dance-y Songs

2008-12-01T22:27:00.004-06:00

I had two separate things I wanted to post, but I decided to do one mega post.

Randy and I were talking about Derrick Rose and his cross over on Andre Miller.

Watch here...

Then anger yourself by reading the mindless comments people write.

We will end with this...Click Here

Common featuring Pharell on the new track Universal Mind Control. I didn't know Hype Williams had skills with lazers and robots. Any who, the song is sick.

Youtube won't allow embedding on this song. Friggin' Geffen.

Common's new cd comes out in a little over a week. The album has been done since summer but Common is a movie star and was filming so it wasn't released. There is also a commercial on his site in which Afrika Bambaataa and Common discuss influences for the song.

I think the Zulu Nation needs a web designer.

out.

ps I play songs like these on this RADIO SHOW. Tuesdays 10am-12pm. UICradio.org

-baroke daniel
listening to: Common (as one would guess)

Er?

2008-12-01T00:59:00.006-06:00

I was looking through one of my daily inspiration blogs and stumbled upon this image.

Could this truly be a place where dreamers such as I could live out a fantasy of becoming a superhero? Or is this just a sick joke that shatters children's dreams? (Not inferring that I am a child but rather that I seem to have childlike tendencies)

Please chime in and leave a comment if you know more information about this place. If you are in the Brooklyn area, can you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE shine some light upon this mysterious yet delightfully fantastical establishment.

Be COOL, buy shirts.

happy december,
-Baroke Randy
currently listening to Grizzly Bear(Another fantastic Brooklyn creation) - Two Weeks

Posturing?

2008-11-30T17:15:00.003-06:00

This:

Is different than this:

Is a lot different than this:

And yes, she looks good with that eyeshadow.

Gotta love the Castles. And last night at work the DJ played Kid Cudi, who in my opinion you also must love. Check it out, and GO BEARS!

Buy Baroke.

-David of Baroke.

Bling'd Out.

2008-11-29T01:47:00.006-06:00

I saw these pictures posted by my friend Stephanie and thought I'd show a little love for having an unofficial "Matching Baroke" day.

Baroke Status shirt + Gray jeans = Delicious. Thanks for the support!

(Dave, Stephanie, Kevin)

Baroke Randy
currently listening to - Clipse - Big Dreams

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-27T21:25:00.002-06:00

Baroke wishes you all a happy thanksgiving. Eat well friends.

-Baroke

Should we take 'em to court?

2008-11-24T10:50:00.005-06:00

Last week during my blog surfing/procrastination/downtime, I found this site Let me Google that for You. Funny, yes. It is also a good thing to have if someone asks you for a site or something that is 10 seconds away from finding it on google. After I actually googled Baroke, I found this....

Nothing like cheesy 3D effect, 4 color, 3 font, anti-liberal t-shirts. You be the judge. Here.

-baroke Daniel

currently listening to: something liberal

On A More Serious Note, aka Dave rants...

2008-11-20T19:17:00.007-06:00

So, we here at Baroke have been blessed to the point that we still have jobs, pretty much have school wrapped up, and are able to make ends meet - by the way, thank you for supporting us as always, but especially in such a vulnerable time for small business. Thanks :)

That said, I have been staying in tune with Congress and corporate America at such a pivotal time for our nation. One thing that has irked me of late, is the auto companies' seeking $25 billion. We made a shirt this line, 'the suburbs are killing us,' and that shirt speaks to the physical environment in which the majority of Americans live in today: the suburbs. The suburbs have quite a history- and I want to TRY and stay on topic, so I'll only discuss what's relevant to the video below for now.

During the 1950s, auto makers like GM did things like buy transit systems. They then proceeded to drive those transit systems right into the ground. Why? Because they wanted those riders on the trains and trolleys to become drivers on the highways that they would later cause to be built (with your tax dollars, of course).

Next, the suburbs kept growing (due to de-industrialization and racist FHA neighborhood ranking systems that denied loans to specific neighborhoods, as well as racist realtors). The suburbs grew further and further away from the city center, and as time progressed, it became an absolute necessity to own a car in order to live in these enclaves and low-tax bedroom communities. People lived less and less densely, with McMansions sprouting along the periphery of the region, leeching off of the city proper. These homes need cars, and cars need roads. As I mentioned a moment ago, the residents insist on paying some of the lowest taxes in the entire world. So who pays for those roads and firemen and policemen and water pipes and schools to be built? EVERYONE WHO DOESN'T LIVE THERE! They get the money from the taxes that the general public pays, and then wealthy people move in, taking with them the taxes they paid in their former hometown.

This means that schools on the inner core get less money, and neighborhoods that were formerly populated by the haves fall into squalor for the have-nots. Many automobile and oil producers have squashed electric car development and successfully lobbied congress to repeal the miles per gallon standards that were put in place by Nixon and Carter. My point....

The autoworkers are people I feel for. The auto-ceos are a bunch of shortsighted idiots who leech off of our money and feed us products and habitats that are unremarkable and wasteful. I was taught in 4th grade - and yes, I lived in the suburbs - that we would have oil shortages by the year 2000. That happened, gas prices went up, and people stopped buying SUVs. Gas prices are only low now because of low demand for all the products - i.e. plastics, gasoline, etc. GM's CEO said he didn't see it coming.

So when these morons who we've given too much money to already are asking for more, I say only give them loans if they build air compression or electric powered vehicles. If it wasn't for the jobs (and the fact that I was raised by a mechanic), I would say screw 'em, and let some companies who know what they're doing come in and take their market share. Let the people who deserted their city bring back their tax dollars. I'll shut up now, here's the vid:

-Baroke "hippie idealist" David

tv show for the hipster child

2008-11-19T15:07:00.014-06:00

A 3 year old buddy of mine, Alex, introduced me to Yo Gabba Gabba! this summer -- an over-the-top colorful tv show with no purpose and unclassifiable characters. I can't really describe the content...couldn't tell what was going on to be honest. It's just no Mr. Rogers thats for sure, but it gets kids moving and grooving?! what? yah i dont know either. They have a deejay - DJ Lance Rock.

Anyway, I was doing some research so I could hook this kooky kid up with some Yo Gabba Gabba! gear for Christmas and realized that they collab w/ Kid Robot and Paul Frank. Geez, finally these companies are hitting the right target market!

Their website is fascinating...like artistically, graphically kinda cool. Pretty colors! I can see why any hipster child or cute-things loving person would eat this shit right up! Its fascinating the kinds of visual stimluation our munchkins get today!

I chose to share this link. There's something really therapeutic about this. Just let it load first. Color Garden

p.s. I know I don't blog much, working on that...this is my start.

eekers.
Baroke Victoria

2008-11-19T14:35:00.002-06:00

More procrastination goodies!!!

Finals are coming up right after Thanksgiving for 3/4 of the Baroke tribe. For that reason, I bring you Fleet Foxes and a cute little French girl.

First, the Foxes:

La Blogotheque has a pretty flippin awesome video of the Fleet doing their thing. Also, since the winter makes me think about the Shins for some reason, I'll throw them in too!

Fleet Foxes - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo.

I want to have a little French daughter one day. Enjoy Wednesday.

Cookin' Something Up...

2008-11-16T23:38:00.005-06:00

I think today was the first day that Chicago finally got some real snow on the ground. What better way to celebrate such an occasion except with a Baroke meeting. Wheeee?

Just in case you all didn't know, we are quite busy people. Individually, we all have other projects and jobs outside of Baroke so getting together is a rare commodity.

Occasionally we allow Baroke Victoria to sneak in some grub.

Lucky for us we got to document such commodities.

Baroke Randy
currently listening to - M.I.A. - What I Got

Things to ponder about...

2008-11-15T18:11:00.005-06:00

I received an interesting msg the other in the most odd place.

To whoever did this: Quite clever my friend...quite clever.

Baroke Randy
currently listening to - qtip - life is better

Should be studying but...

2008-11-13T17:35:00.003-06:00

I found this awesome site! Just meandering about the internetting today when I came across fabchannel.com, a site that has tons of concerts for you to watch on it. For free! So far I've watched the Black Keys, SpankRock and some Arcade Fire. Time to check out the Presets show! Then I'll get back to the studying.

-Baroke David
currently listening to: the presets - girl and the sea

Crowder.

2008-11-10T21:27:00.009-06:00

One of my favorite bands (David Crowder Band) came into town. Luckily I had my trusty camera so I thought I'd share the wealth:

Speaking of pictures, here is Baroke Randy's picture of the day: A very candid Baroke Daniel.

He's going to kill me. Alright, back to work. You Snooze You Lose. Buy a Tee!

Baroke Randy
currently listening to - Mint Royale - Show me

Refreshed from Camp Anawanna.

2008-11-05T22:47:00.012-06:00

Yo!

Randy checkin' in. It's been awhile guys, hope all is well with you. Yes, you the reader who is currently reading these words. Mmmm. I must say, we have been getting some crazy weather around here. There are times when I forget that it is November with this September temperature.

Anyway, I got the chance to get away from the maddness this past weekend. I headed up to Lake Geneva, WI for some much needed rest. I took some time out to shoot some night photos and thought I'd share one with you guys.

It was quite beautiful out there. Alright, don't flame me but...this past weekend was the first time I have ever seen a shooting star. Yeap, I've been deprived. And for you photo heads, that picture was taken at ISO 100 with a 20minute exposure. Yes, it was pretty cold standing in the middle of nothingness.

So with all this talk about Obama and the future it made me take a step back and think about the good old times. Not that thinking about Obama and the future of our country is a bad thing, but just all this future outlook made me think about my childhood. Anyway, to my point. I was recently talking to Daniel and our friend Mary about a past tv show that we all used to watch when we were kids. This may go past some of you younger ones heads but we were discussing the classsic, Salute Your Shorts.

Please don't mind that random guy who comes on every so often. I couldn't find the original version of this but no worries, the words that he sings is the original words that were sung in the introduction. Doesn't this bring a blast of memories? Man, good times. Alright, enough of this reminiscing, time to get back to business. Just wanted to warn you all. IF YOU HAVE NOT GOTTEN YOUR BAROKE SHIRTS YET, DONT COME CRYING LATER WHEN THEY ARE SOLD OUT. WE DO NOT REPRINT. I REPEAT, WE DO NOT REPRINT. Happy buying kids!

Baroke Randy
currently listening to M.I.A. feat Blaqstarr - Way Down in the Hole

Hope Change Anything Please

2008-11-05T11:01:00.001-06:00

So the response to the new line has been awesome! We're all so happy to see our hard work paying off, and truly appreciate the interest shown in Baroke.

Today, however, the world is bigger than Baroke, and unless you've been kept in your basement your entire life by your crazy hillbilly grandparents, you know it was Obama vs McCain, and the United States chose its future (if you didn't vote you still chose). We at Baroke let our shoulders lean to the left for the most part, but regardless of your orientation, I'm glad our voices were heard. So long as you were well informed, that is.

A lot of amazing artwork has come out of this election season, and I wanted to share a few of our favorites here at Baroke.

For more posters and art work check out Design for Obama. If you have McCain art work feel free to post in the comments. These are some that I enjoyed.

Also check out Design Bay for their study of logo design and politics.

On a final patriotic note, I would implore everyone to give a listen to Malcolm X's "Ballot or the Bullet" speech. It emphasizes the need to support local businesses.

-baroke David
listening to: the Dodos - Red and Purple

BAROKE the vote...

2008-11-04T09:33:00.005-06:00

Okay that doesn't work that well I know, but you get the point.

The 4 Baroke-ians have all voted, have you? This is a very important election and the whole world will be watching. So make the right choice! I am sure we will all be watching the votes getting counted all night.

With all this going on be sure to check out our newest line. Which features our shirt entitled "Anything Please." The entire shirt is made out to read, "Hope, Change, Anything Please." Our shirts are perfect for this fall weather.

Happy Voting!

-Baroke daniel
listening to: the Black Lips - O Katrina!

change clothes....then go

2008-10-31T02:35:00.001-05:00

We got flashy again. Meaning our main website is all flash and we are back on this blog. It works out for us because we get to hear your comments again. Check out the new site which launched with the help of our good friend Sonny.

We have launched our long awaited new line of shirts. 5 new tee's and they will go fast. Trust me. You can see our look book at our site baroke clothing.

The four of us are very proud to present this line to you, and we always want to thank those who have helped and supported along the way. So...thank you.

Ummmm...enough, with the precious moments, go tell your friends, neighbors, and mother's that we sell shirts at BAROKE CLOTHING DOT COM.

Check back daily and comment below!

Did I mention our site?

Word.

-Baroke Daniel
listening to Kid Cudi