Blog: Onward Charles

I don't purchase many books or CDs anymore, and that is due to the fact that I move often. My CD and (later, additionally) books collections have always been very important to me. If I had "all the money in the world" I'd have libraries in my apartments...as I'd purchase several of modest sizes in a handful of my favorite cities.When I buy a book or CD, it's often a big deal now because I think

I am astounded by Red Bull Cola's sampler design. I've worked with some of the reps in the Boston area, and really respect the sort of attitude that Red Bull has towards taste and identity as a brand. While I'm not the biggest fan of the original drink, I do love the cola. Yes, the fact that it's using mostly organic and natural products is widely part of the appeal, but I think it tastes great.

I absolutely love The Big Pink, and while it's not going to be able to knock Ben Klock's One out of the #1 slot for my favorite album of 2009, it's definitely aiming for the top five. They've finally released A Brief History Of Love and Pitchfork not only gave it an 8.2 rating, but it's a well-crafted review. I love the production and brooding ambiance on the record, and am thrilled that they are

If I could go back to any point in time to Michael Jackson's career, it would be the Bad era tour. He was so incredibly on his game, and it was shortly before the early 90s where he was at an absolute peak. Also, while I've never found him to be very attractive, I think he hit his height in the looks department at that time. Nevertheless, he really is the King of Pop. It took a few days, really,

While rockabilly isn't as gentrified into mainstream fashion as punk - as an idea - there are still bits and pieces in so much on the forefront of modern subculture. Over in England, however, there's an interesting twist that's been going on for many years, and more removed from music than what we are most familiar. The "Teddy Boys" are a resurgence of the Edwardian Period, which started in the

Please let this be an example that hyping bands way too soon, before they even hatch, is a bad idea. We all KNOW this, but the industry pumps it out and the fans continue to consume. Pitchfork, who drove a lot of Wavves hype (also, when did they drop a "v" from their name?) from the get-go, should have known better. Why? Did lo/no-fi need a surge? Was there a lack of "it" genres?Rather than

Spin-offs of spin-offs in the Reality TV realm often induce painful groans, but upon hearing about Afghan Star, my ears perked. A winner at this year's Sundance Awards, the premise is magnetic.After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, pop Idol has come to Afghanistan. Millions are watching the TV series 'Afghan Star' and voting for their favorite singers by mobile phone. For many this is their

Is it wrong that I'm far too excited to be getting a Facebook URL come the end of the week? Please don't tell anyone...Onward Charles does, in fact, have a Facebook presence, but it really should be updated more often. It's rather bare, but this is definitely a part of Facebook that hasn't been given much love on the design/aesthetic sides. Still please feel free to become a fan here.This summer,

As the well-known brick 'n mortar record store monsters close, one by one, a new era of music commerce has been budding. The Internet is going strong, and I don't think anyone can really say where all of this is going. Print publications and record stores are slowly going out of business, and while I'm thrilled to see some of the most memorable/important American independent record stores thrive,

As the well-known brick 'n mortar record store monsters close, one by one, a new era of music commerce has been budding. The Internet is going strong, and I don't think anyone can really say where all of this is going. Print publications and record stores are slowly going out of business, and while I'm thrilled to see some of the most memorable/important American independent record stores thrive,

I'm usually not impressed by celebrity shots, but I've got to admit this pic posted on the always-pleasing What Would Tyler Durden Do? (a staple of my RSS reader) is really breathtaking.Guess who...See more here: Is that someone famous?

I'm usually not impressed by celebrity shots, but I've got to admit this pic posted on the always-pleasing What Would Tyler Durden Do? (a staple of my RSS reader) is really breathtaking.Guess who...See more here: Is that someone famous?

So good. My current obsession.The Whitest Kids 'U Know

So good. My current obsession.The Whitest Kids 'U Know

I feel kind of weird - a little too nerdy - to be staring at a showerhead with soft "ooohs" and "ahhhs" accompanying my exhales. Still, this new Flipside handshower from Kohler is making me want to spend a long time in the bathroom. $125 seems a little steep for a showerhead, but the more I contemplate it the more I think it might be worth it.Dear Kohler - please feel free to send me a free

I feel kind of weird - a little too nerdy - to be staring at a showerhead with soft "ooohs" and "ahhhs" accompanying my exhales. Still, this new Flipside handshower from Kohler is making me want to spend a long time in the bathroom. $125 seems a little steep for a showerhead, but the more I contemplate it the more I think it might be worth it.Dear Kohler - please feel free to send me a free

I haven't particularly been a fan of Absolut Pears simply because I am not a fan of mixing it with ginger ale, soda water or tonic. Anything else with bubbles I'm wholly uninterested in drinking, period. A new (?) recipe has come along that seems to be a nice spin with a twist of risk. Glad to see the recipes for pear-infused vodka getting more love.Jalapeno-Pear Caipiroska2 oz. Absolut Pears

I haven't particularly been a fan of Absolut Pears simply because I am not a fan of mixing it with ginger ale, soda water or tonic. Anything else with bubbles I'm wholly uninterested in drinking, period. A new (?) recipe has come along that seems to be a nice spin with a twist of risk. Glad to see the recipes for pear-infused vodka getting more love.Jalapeno-Pear Caipiroska2 oz. Absolut Pears

I've done zero research, but have looked through every comic on this site. Absolutely brilliant. In addition to the above we have this and this.Enjoy.

I've done zero research, but have looked through every comic on this site. Absolutely brilliant. In addition to the above we have this and this.Enjoy.