Rock That Font
We all know the stories behind classic album covers for the likes of Nirvana's Nevermind or the Clash's London Calling, but usually our curiosity begins and ends with the image. Here, the obsession is with the fonts selected by bands, and what choosing Helvetica Condensed over Times New Roman says about an artist. The right font sends out the right message: the designer of the Black Keys' Brothers would know that the Beach Boys used the same type on Pet Sounds, while Vampire Weekend's most recent cover font is the same as that which Stanley Kubrick insisted on for his movies. Meanwhile, we learn that Peter Saville created his own unique lettering for his iconic Joy Division sleeves.
Gypsy Creams
Armed with a scanner and a box of women's magazines from the late-60s, Tanya Jones brings us the print ads of yesteryear alongside her brilliantly entertaining commentary and comments from followers. Rather than wallow in nostalgia, she treats the ads as bizarre communications from a lost dimension. Advertising wasn't as sophisticated as it is today, but neither it seems were people's bullshit detectors (did you know Doublemint chewing gum helps tone facial muscles?). They were, however, quite experimental. Heinz salad cream apparently "isn't just for salads"; the copywriters suggested we tried it with bacon and sliced apple. Meanwhile Super Wate-On powder advertised itself with the question: "Left out of seaside fun because you're too skinny?"
Blog roll: Graffiti
Portal with free street art mags, videos including the IKS crew in action and the graffiti artist inspired by Gustav Klimt and Hugh Hefner.
Unseen tube train redecoration, a feud with Banksy, forums and the occasional music promo from leading London site.
Banksy location map and masses of pics of famous walls, plus burnt-out cars and old punk bands.
Live art championships as graffiti artists from across Britain and the world battle for supremacy.
Naughty chap who enjoys doctoring the occasional billboard.
Excellent blog with daily graffiti snaps including ingenious street art inspired by Back To The Future, Charlie Brown and The Simpsons.
What we learned on the web this week
KITT is the coolest anthropomorphic car
The greatest band name of all time
Where to watch a street recreation of France v West Germany at the 1982 World Cup
Michael Stipe was a big Rocky Horror fan
Where to have a Twitter ego war
Snoop Dogg has a thing for Sookie Stockhouse
One trillion midges are on the loose in Scotland
