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, for it to sink in with me, but when it did I realized how much of my love for music comes for my appreciation for him during my childhood. I was there for all of Michael Jackson as a world-dominating force, and despite the decline in the last 10 or 15 years of his life, he really was a reigning champion.

So let's all learn how to moonwalk!

A Look At Teddy Boys

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 1950s and still has a rather strong following. Ben Watts is a photographer who showcases some of the most hardcore of its members. "Some groups of Teds formed gangs and gained notoriety following violent clashes with rival gangs, which were often exaggerated by the popular press." The Wikipedia article continues, "The most notable was the Notting Hill riot of 1958, in which Teddy Boys were present in large numbers and were implicated in attacks on the West Indian community."

Another choice cut: "The early 1990s saw a revival of the original Teddy Boy style by a group of men known as The Edwardian Drape Society (T.E.D.S). Based in the Tottenham area of north London, they were concerned with reclaiming the original style that they felt had become bastardised by pop/glam bands such as Showaddywaddy and Mud in the 1970s. They have been the subject of a short film, The Teddy Boys, by Bruce Weber, which premiered at the Cambridge Film Festival in July 2006."

More from Ben Watts: Teddy Boys

Rough Waters For Wavves

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 regurgitate, start here: Wavves Self-Destruct In Barcelona


Also, this is brilliant. I lol'd :D

Afghan Star Is Born

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 first encounter with democracy. This timely film follows the dramatic stories of four contestants as they risk all to become the nation's favorite singer. But will they attain the freedom they hope for in this vulnerable and traditional nation?

Website: Afghan Star

Summer / Supply

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, much of our updated will be stemming from a gorgeous area of Long Island, better known as Fire Island. Over the last few weeks, as much Internet research on Point O' Woods possible has been made, but the private community is fairly...well, private. Imagine a country club that is an entire town, rather than a gated, oversized restaurant/golf course combo. The NY Sun feature on real estate and POW was very informative, but before my eyes graced this paradise (where cars are not allowed!) that is only accessible by private ferry I read the NY Times expose from 1988 and fell in love a bit.

Lastly, you know how much I love stupid products, and whilst searching for a 4-cup coffeemaker on the Bed Bath website, I came across THIS complete waste of money. I thought the nob was for inflation, which is always good for space-saving, but...a reading light?

When have you EVER found yourself on a train, plane or automobile and thought "Man, I really wish my pillow had a BOOKLIGHT IN IT."? Truly...come on now. If someone sat next to me on a flight and had this, I would surely tell the first friend I saw and in a very snarky fashion.

Christ: Flight-Light Ergonomic Travel Pillow