Crossed Combs - retro stuff, rhythm and blues, tiki and all that jazz.

Coast to Coast Album Covers: Classic Record Art from New York to Los Angeles

Soon to be released, Coast to Coast Album Covers: Classic Record Art from New York to Los Angeles, is yet another coffee table book about record covers. And we're not complaining, au contraire. Along with Blue Note records, the Prestige, Atlantic, Contemporary and Pacific and Riverside Labels were the chief providers of America's East and West Coast sounds on vinyl. The hard-edged, straight ahead playing of New York's jazz musicians was perfectly reflected in the moody, monochromatic photography, quirky graphics and bold typography of the record covers: the look, like the sound, was intelligent, disciplined and sophisticated. On the West, the bright colours and playful themes expressed the funky sounds of the US's cool, california cool. For the first time ever, Coast to Coast Album Covers brings the two together under one very cool roof.

Pre-order Coast to Coast Album Covers: Classic Record Art from New York to Los Angeles

Case Study Houses from Taschen

Case Study Houses is an intensive retrospective of post-war home design in California. The project, which took place between 1945 and 1966, saw the design of 36 prototype homes, conceived by such luminaries as Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Neutra and Eero Saarinen, that have defined what we now think of as the mid-century modern home. The book is a mammoth tome, packed with photographs from then and now, as well as original documents, extensive floor plans and intricate sketches of each of these iconic buildings. A fascinating insight into one of the most exciting periods in modernist architecture. If you're into these things, don't miss this huge book!

via www.retrotogo.com

Prem-I-Air Retro Style Desk Fan

If you're feeling the heat at work then why not invest in a Prem-I-Air Retro Style Desk Fan to keep yourself cool?

via www.retrotogo.com

Buy yours from Amazon, using this link:
Prem-I-Air Retro Style 6 Inch Desk Fan

Por Tables tableware by Ella Doran and Kavel Rafferty

Ella Doran and Kavel Rafferty have joined forces for a very special, vintage vinyl-inspired pop art project. Ella and Kavel have used portable record players from their own homes and from their music aficionado friends to create this irresistible tableware collection. Drawing influence from the textures, colours and simple style of these classic mid-20th century designs, Ella and Kavel fuse these classic forms with lost and found formica for a modern-retro feel to make anybody’s table – music fanatic or not – sing. Available to buy from mid June. Keep an eye on Kavel Rafferty's blog for more details.

Tiki Drinks

If you're looking for a book about Tiki drinks, why not get one that is illustrated by Shag? Tiki Drinks by Adam Rocke is just that. The book contains 70 recipes, a mixture of Tiki classics and some more unusual concoctions. It also gives a comprehensive list of the equipment you need for your own well-stocked cocktail lounge.

Get Tiki Drinks by Adam Rocke from Shagmart

Via RetroToGo

again with blue note

We mentioned Blue Note Records the other day. If you enjoy looking at the covers of Blue Note albums, don't miss the Vintage Vanguard website. With splendid attention to detail, they provide scans of both front and back! Also, they list personnel and recording dates. If you're into design and album artwork, it's Christmas.

Tiki Magazine winter 08/09 issue

If you love the Island Lifestyle, Tiki, Hawaiiana, Polynesian Pop Culture or swaying palm trees, Tiki Magazine is for you.

Even if you're far away from the islands or coastline. Tiki Magazine will bring the islands to you and provide the escape you need to get you through the day. The magazine feature events, people, art, music, cocktails, food, and the latest in collectible merchandise.

The winter issue is out now, available from Sivletto and other stockists. Investigate!

Cycle Zombies Cut n Peel art show

Friday night. December 19. 7-11 pm: Cycle Zombies Cut n Peel Art show.
Hurley skate park. 1945 Placentia Ave. Costa Mesa. CA 92627.
Bands, art, bikes, good times.

Wouldn't you want one for your birthday?

Artist Kavel Rafferty now offers bespoke artwork of your favorite 7″ single, hand drawn and printed, then mounted on to a modern 8″ square architectural block. A fantastic present for any record fiend.
Each piece made individually to order and signed. Follow this link for more info!

Kavel Rafferty - retro style illustration

One of our favourite designers, Kavel Rafferty, has now made some of her nice stuff available thru Etsy. Pictured to the left is the hand printed 'beep beep' greetings card.

Kavel Rafferty is an English commercial artist living and working in Stockholm, Sweden. Kavel produces sophisticated illustrations and prints with a retro feel. Combining print techniques, drawing, found imagery, painting and collage to create her unique images. Kavel's drawings are thoughtful and occasionally funny, sort of happy sad.

Visit Kavel's Etsy shop here.