design

Wax Poetics dedicates their 41st issue to hip hop, hard to believe it took em so long but I guess they had a lot of other thorough crate digging coverage to get out of the way first. This issue comes in two different versions, West Coast (featuring Ice Cube on the front cover, Ice T on the back cover) and East Coast (Featuring KRS One on the front cover, EPMD on the back cover). The inside of each issue also features pieces on Souls of Mischief, DJ Amir, Peanut Butter Wolf, Latin Freestyle and plenty more. Note: cover versions will be randomly selected for online orders.

Oh boy... The Africa Issue. For some reason the Pro Squad thought I should be the one to write the review for this and then insulted me by suggesting that I am incapable of keeping a review succinct. Dammit, they're right!! I'm nerding out on everything from the table of contents down to the ads in this joint! How can I be brief about an issue of Wax Po with Fela (a rare press photo, there weren't many of him) on the cover and Tony Allen on the flip? Quickly describe two of the funkiest artists to ever walk the Earth? Casually mention that Fela is the creator of the musical movement called Afrobeat and that Tony Allen provided the rhythmic backbone of that sound? C'mon, son! Getdafuckouttaherewitdatbullshit. Actually that wasn't so difficult. And luckily, the articles have all the details that you want to dig into. Also in these beautiful pages are pieces on what is virtually a Tkat Dream Team starting lineup. Learn more about Voodoo Frank (you need his blog in your life), Shafiq Husayn (the mind behind one of my favorite albums at the moment), Soundway's new Ghana Special release (my favorite compilation label hands down), Rich Medina (one of my favorite DJs/NY nightlife personalities), Orchestre Poly-Rythmo (a sound so rich and so raw), Chico Mann ('bout to blow!!), and much more. I'll be brief and leave it there. Really, right there. Oh, and go see Fela! the musical next time you're in NY. Big love to Antibalas and the whole crew. Ok, I'll be brief and leave it there. Recommended. Purchase one.

Shuggie Otis and MF Doom grace the green-tinted covers for issue #31 of our favorite music rag going. Inside - in addition to our man Monk's great chat with the supervillain and a revealing Shuggie interview by Ronnie Reese - you'll find bits on Brooklyn funk/soul all-stars Menahan Street Band, legendary Brazilian weirdos Os Mutantes, Mikey Dread (RIP), J.Rocc, Slick Rick, Patrick Adams, Grant Green, Count Bass D and Chin Chin, plus the usual array of tributes and obscure diggery. 128 pages.

I know that Wax Po just came out with their anthology, but could it be that this is just as collectible? This is the first photo issue I've seen from Wax Po and it is HEAVY. Photo essays featuring the classic hip hop photography of George DuBose, Ernie Paniccioli, Janette Beckman, the B&W portraits of David Corio, and classic NY street photography by Charlie Ahearn, Jamel Shabazz (check our site for his full book), and Joe Conzo. Also check the thorough articles and rare photos on Miles Davis, the percussion stars of Brasilintime, New Orleans, and the early Beasties. Of course they wouldn't leave you hangin' without all their regular features, with spotlights on Malcom Catto's Heliocentrics, Sharon Jones and Max Roach. If you love the music, I'd even buy two! The full color pages would make for great mini-posters. Told you it was packed.

Eight years deep in the game and WaxPo has become one of the most respected music rags (sorry, "journals") in the world with its distinct mixture of vinyl archaeology and behind-the-scenes stories of artists both obscure and well-known. Anthology, Vol.1 focused on the first five issues, so it stands to reason that this new hardcover collection should bring us creme de la creme of Issues #6-10 (Fall 2003 - Fall 2004) in blown-up 8.5" x 11" format. Includes pieces on Sun Ra, 45 King, Incredible Bongo Band, Rev. Eugene McDaniels, Willie Mitchell, Scientist, Les McCann, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Roy Ayers, Eddie Bo (and so, so many more) along with a slew of rare full-color pictures and label scans. Hardcover; 240 pages.

This new one from Brian Coleman is tagged as "an updated and hugely expanded edition of the underground classic Rakim Told Me," but Check The Technique is really a book unto itself. Yes, 15 of the 36 chapters are taken from RTM, but the new material here is more than worth the price tag. ($16.95 for 500 pages - not too shabby.) Here, Coleman takes you behind the standard production credits found on hip hop albums' liner notes, speaking directly with the artists and other people involved in the creation of some of the most enduring albums of our time. Included are chapters on 2 Live Crew, Beastie Boys, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Black Moon, BDP, Brand Nubian, Common, Cypress Hill, Das EFX, De La Soul, Digable Planets, EPMD, Eric B & Rakim, Fugees, Geto Boys, Ice T, Marley Marl, MC Lyte, Mobb Deep, M.O.P., Onyx, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Pharcyde, Poor Righteous Teachers, Public Enemy, Redman, The Roots, Run DMC, Schoolly D, Slick Rick, Too Short, ATCQ, Wu-Tang and X-Clan. Whew. The revelations range from banal to mind-blowing; sometimes they straddle the line. Take Prodigy's explanation of "Shook Ones, Pt.II": "No one would ever be able to find that loop used for 'Pt.II' and do it over, 'cause it's not a loop. We took a record and chopped it up and did somethin' to it." There's some fascinating stuff here, tons of inside dirt that even the most astute head couldn't possibly know. Recommended.

From toys and clothing to various projects with global brands, Brian Donnelly aka KAWS is one of the most sought after names in the creative sphere. The KAWS Book takes a comprehensive look at the Brooklyn-based artist/designer's work. Subverted billboards, bus shelters, and phone booth advertisements as well as sculptures, skate decks, editorials, and prints are all included, and the hard cover features text and other contributions by Monica Ramirez-Montagut (curator at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum) and Germano Celant (art history and direct of Fondazione Prada in Milan). A necessary pick up for fans of contemporary/street art. 256 pages, measures 8 1/2" by 11".

Handy USB power adapter for use with Audioengine W3, W2, D1, or charge your iPod, iPad, iPhone and most other MP3 players and products that charge via USB.

• Output: 5V 1.0A/li>
• Input: 100-240V

Limited edition pendant from Brooklyn's ITSNONAME and Dutch artist Parra of Stones Throw/Rockwell fame. This classy silver pendant features Parra's signature hand style letters saying "Silver" on the front and "Welcome To The Back of This Pendant" on the back. Get your lady something unique and go for one of these. Comes packaged in a clear plastic cube. Only 50 made worldwide.

LAB POINTS

• classic Japanese headphone design updated with modern components
• sound output optimized for MP3 players and portable electronics
• wide frequency range: 10-24,000Hz
• single cable design, angled plug
• made in Japan

Ashida Sound Company (AshidaVox) has been designing highly acclaimed headphones for 60 years. For consumers outside of Japan, AshidaVox products have been hard to come by (we've tried several times over the years with no luck). With strict quality control, AshidaVox headphones are made in Japan in small batches with a fine attention to sound quality.

The TKM 62 is based on the cult classic AshidaVox ST-90. However, the TKM has been newly re-fitted with modern parts and construction. With great sound specs, the TKM 62 is designed to make your MP3 players and computers sound better. The singular cord and angled plug also emphasize the modern functionality. In contrast to its inner-workings, the retro, minimalist look (looks like something that Dieter Rams could have designed) is so refreshing, providing a classy foil to the color-centric trends of today. Recommended.

KEY FEATURES

• 40mm Drivers
• Audio Frequency Range: 10-24,000Hz
• Impedance: 40ohm at 1KHz・1mW

Limited edition collaboration between the Hundreds and G-Shock! For the GWM5600TH-1, The Hundreds gives a clean two-tone black and white design,to G-Shock's rugged and tough technical elements. The watch itself has all the advanced features you would expect from G-shock including shock resistance, 200M water resistance, MB6 atomic timekeeping, tough solar power, full auto EL backlight, world time (29TZ/48 cities + UTC), 4 daily alarms and 1 snooze, 1/100th second stopwatch, countdown timer, and 12/24 hour formats - all with the Hundreds sleek aesthetic. Comes in a Hundreds branded canister.

• Shock Resistant
• 200M Water Resistant
• MB6 Atomic Timekeeping
• Solar Power
• Auto EL Backlight with Afterglow
• World Time
• 4 Daily Alarms with Snooze
• 12/24 hour formats

The latest addition to the ever popular KRINK line of markers comes by way of the water based K-72. The water base inks are excellent for indoor use or anywhere where solvent fumes are undesirable (no one likes that strong marker smell) but still mark on almost any surface! The K-72 also features the same valve action and chisel tip as the best selling K-71, but comes in a smaller body that will fit in any size pockets - perfect for stealthy hit ups. Highest quality!

• highest quality marker
• water-base ink
• xylene free
• recyclable aluminum barrel

<i>Stunning 200-page hardback</i> from Soul Jazz, compiled by Gilles Peterson and Stuart Baker. The label's previous effort to collect revolutionary jazz music sleeves (<i>Freedom, Rhythm, and Sound</i>) garnered much praise, and <i>Bossa Nova And The Rise Of Brazilian Music In The 1960s</i> is another landmark publication showcasing the "radical and exciting idealism" found in the cover art design of Bossa Nova records. In addition to the outstanding visuals (more than 100 images of Bossa Nova sleeves), <i>Bossa Nova</i> contains essays and biographies on the genre and its progenitors, which provide historical, cultural, and social context to the movement. Measures 12" x 12", recommended.

This AC adaptor allows you to recharge your Chill Pill speakers in a standard wall socket. It also works with iPhones and iPods (you will need the USB cord).

The Hundreds' Swap Watch is a vintage-style plastic analog watch with a twist: it comes with five different wristband configurations (each with their signature "jags" pattern), so you can change the color of your watch on the fly. Comes packaged in a custom metal case.

• five different wristband configurations
• custom metal case

Exclusivo signed edition! 128 Beats Per Minute is a visual tour journal that follows Diplo around the world in his artistic ventures. Flipping through the book is inspirational... it makes you want to smash your TV and burn your couch. Whether it's DJing festivals, recording in the studio with a yet unknown band named The XX, flying down to Jamaica to meet up with partner Switch, or covering Carnival for Vanity Fair, Diplo just seems to be grabbing life by the sack and running wild. Photographer Shane McCauley does an excellent job capturing both the spontaneous and the epic with a strong nod to the DJ scene that surrounds Mr. Pentz. Writing is minimal here, but the captions, playlists, and anecdotes are wholly enough. Put it on a table, and it will slowly seep into your system, hopefully it will inspire you like it did me. Please note: all of Diplo's signatures appear differently. Limit 1 per customer, recommended.

• Limit 1 per customer, orders for more than 1 will be cancelled.

Toy Instruments comprises an eye-popping collection of musical toys made between the 1950s and 1990s. Created to excite children about learning how to play an instrument, the toys turned out to be very fun for adults as well. Just ask David Bowie; he used the Stylophone in his song "Space Oddity." Culled from author Eric Schneider's personal collection, Toy Instruments explores this niche of the toy industry, doing so with an informative and humorous approach that demonstrates how even in today's world of Guitar Hero and Wii, these musical toys are emblematic, and enigmatic, artifacts from bygone eras. As DJ Spooky writes in his introduction, "I think of the material that Eric Schneider has compiled as a kind of 'object' time machine, reaching back to the heart of what electronic music represented when it was new." Hard cover, 192 pages.

Claw Money pretty much runs things. Not only is she one of the few female graf queens (her infamous CLAW icon has appeared on walls in the East Village to LA to Amsterdam and Milan since the early '90s), she also designs her own clothing line (with lots of her CLAW icons of course), her own jewelry and accessory line, works as a fashion editor, a brand consultant, and still has time to put out a book. Bombshell is an up close and personal look at CLAW's life and crimes, as told through tons of photos, letters, sketches, designs and testimonials from her (in)famous friends. It's clear she's having a super-fun time being CLAW MONEY - rarely have I seen so many fashionable self portraits in a graf monologue (or party pics for that matter). All I gotta say is... Damn girl, don't hurt 'em! 128 pages, hardcover.

• turn your camera into a Fisheye camera
• includes adaptors to fit most cameras
• adaptors for 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm lens mounts
• includes special mount for Lomo's Holga camera model
• includes protective case and front + rear caps

Wherever you go, the Lil Buddy Cooler Bag - designed to hold a 12-pack (plus ice) and integrated stereo speaker system + amp with auxiliary input - goes. And that's huge, because when spring/summer comes around, a little bit of booze and good tunes will liven up any situation you get yourself into, whether it involves a beach, bbq, parking lot, or your mom's back yard. Drink responsibly, listen to good music, shop at TTL.

• 14L [13in x 11in x 8in]
• 420D Mini Ripstop Nylon
• 600D Polyester
• Bottle Opener Zipper Pull
• Compatible with 3.5mm Headphone Jack [Everything from 8-Track to iPods]
• Multiple Accessory Pockets
• Insulated Beverage Cooler Perfect for a 12-Pack
• Removable Cush Shoulder Strap
• 1.85 lbs

A revolutionary of visual culture, Seymour Chwast is one of the most influential illustrators of the last half century. Filled with hundreds of his distinctive illustrations, Seymour is a career-spanning volume, sure to be an indispensable addition to the libraries of illustration buffs, pop-culture aficionados, and Chwast's die-hard fans. As co-founder of Push Pin Studios, Chwast has produced a body of illustrations: "humorous, ironic, political, and utterly unique" that are as inspirational to designers and illustrators today as they were when they first came on the scene over sixty years ago. Seymour is a spectacular and extensive tribute to a monumental figure in American illustration.

• Hardcover, 9" x 11", 272 pages.

• revised softcover edition with 16 pages of new content
• special pack includes colored 7" vinyl (random color, only 500 pressed)
• side A: Geno Jordan: You're a Peachtree Freak On Peachtree Street (Tom Noble Edit)
• side B: IZ Army: Brainwash (Army of Shadows Edit)
• Chosen by Amazon as the Entertainment Book Of The Year
• Selected by the Village Voice as one of the 10 Best Books of The Year

You might be wondering about the title How To Wreck A Nice Beach and how it relates to that awesome lookin' vocoder on the cover. Well it's actually how the author misheard a vocoder-rendered phrase "HOW TO RECOGNIZE SPEECH," an easy mistake when trying to make sense of this crazy voice altering device! In this book, Dave Tompkins shares the incredible story of the vocoder - from how it was invented (by Bell Labs in 1928) to its usage by the military to guard from eavesdroppers during WW2, all the way to the 70's when it used by musicians and today when it is the ubiquitous voice of pop music. See this unlikely machine pop up in context next to JFK, Kubrick, popular science fiction, Nazis, and of course its musical context from Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Freestyle, Kraftwerk, Egyptian Lover, Cybotron, Afrika Bambaataa, Roger Troutman and Zapp. The history of the electronic voice (talk boxes, auto-tune, and even artifical larynges are covered as well) is traced in fascinating detail with tons of awesome photos & illustrations and entertaining personal anecdotes. I actually had the pleasure of sitting in on an interview with Dave Tompkins the other night (for the Mad Decent podcast) and let me tell you - this guy knows his stuff! 350  pages. Highly Recommended.

Brilliant framing innovation from Brooklyn's Soundscreen Design. The ReFRAME is a convenient, glassless poster framing solution that also happens to be very affordable (especially compared to traditional framing). The simply designed ReFRAME is constructed of basic materials - just steel, wood & magnets - and is very easy to put together and take apart, making it easy to swap out posters at will. This very modern, glassless frame will make any print or poster look great on any room in the house. Comes in three wood finishes and a variety of sizes and comes packaged in a 100% recycled cardboard box that doubles as a poster tube. Recommended.

A customer came in asking for "The Kit", and I explained to him that it was a case designed to hold snowboarding-related tools. He looked at me like I was the biggest tool in the world, and after a few click-arounds on the internet, I realized what this genius piece of accessory from Burton was really for. It features tools, slots, and compartments for easy transporting of all your smoking needs, and if you're still having trouble figuring out what The Kit is really for, try to remember why the US Snowboard Team got in trouble at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.

• snap-close compartment
• metal poker
• two custom slots

5 cans plus 1 in the Koozie on the shoulder strap - how cool is this insulated beverage sling from Burton? Ditch whatever you used to use to keep your personal stash cold, because compared to this cooler, everything else blows.

• 2L (26 x 3 x 3in.)
• 600D polyester

Another warm weather staple gets a subtle twist from Quiet Life. The QL sunglasses come in a classic wayfarer-like shape and feature a small moustache logo screen printed on the right side arm. Made of light blue plastic.

A super-simple and affordable laptop stand solution. The Elevator can be broken down into 3 parts (2 metal stands and 1 hard plastic connector), no screws necessary (it's quite genius, actually). It's incredibly portable and relatively lightweight, but sturdy enough for DJing, work, etc. The Elevator gives you approximately 5.25" clearance above the surface you place it on, and weighs 1.75 lbs.

KEY FEATURES

• works with all laptops
• breaks down into 3 parts, no screws
• extremely portable, weighs 1.75 lbs

Slim, foam padded notebook sleeve from Obey. This one features a decorative flower monogram pattern in a tan and black color scheme screen printed on both sides. Full zip closure with soft nylon interior.

• fits most 13" laptops
• Dimensions: 14" X 10.5" X 1"

Slim, foam padded notebook sleeve from Obey. This one features a decorative flower monogram pattern, in the usual creme, red and black color scheme screen printed on both sides. Full zip closure with soft nylon interior.

• fits most 13" laptops
• Dimensions: 14" X 10.5" X 1"

Slim, foam padded notebook sleeve from Obey. The Fire Escape desing features the iconic face on (you guessed it) a fire escape, in the usual creme, red and black colorscheme screen printed on the front. Keep your laptop safe while looking good during transport.

• Dimensions: 15" X 11" X 1.5"

This one is a must for wannabe vandals as well as experienced bombers. Measuring 6 inches long and 3 inches tall, the Chinatown Dream Truck features awesome, realistic details (tilting cab revelas engine compartment) and most importantly, a "canvas" you can tag up all you want.

LAB POINTS

• world's smallest portable turntable
• actually plays 33rpm 12" vinyl records, but more meant as a novelty
• built-in speaker
• powered by single 9V battery
• hand assembled in Japan
• antenna functions as on-off switch
• officially licensed by Volkswagon
• 5" x 2" x 2", 4 oz.

Firstly, the Soundwagon has proven to be hugely popular, however it is a novelty item; not a serious record player. That being said, there's something magical about this damned thing like watching dolphins reproduce or bears eating really good beef jerky. If you go into a relationship with the Soundwagon knowing that it's not your long-term or everyday turntable solution, you will have a beautiful time together (it might even get you some tang). As for sound quality, these new Soundwagons do feature an improved needle / speaker mechanism than vintage Soundwagons, however again, the sound is tinny and not fully accurate (also use it on common records, not your rares). Check the video and be mesmerized.

LAB POINTS

• world's smallest portable turntable
• actually plays 33rpm 12" vinyl records, but more meant as a novelty
• built-in speaker
• powered by single 9V battery
• hand assembled in Japan
• antenna functions as on-off switch
• officially licensed by Volkswagon
• 5" x 2" x 2", 4 oz.

Firstly, the Soundwagon has proven to be hugely popular, however it is a novelty item; not a serious record player. That being said, there's something magical about this damned thing like watching dolphins reproduce or bears eating really good beef jerky. If you go into a relationship with the Soundwagon knowing that it's not your long-term or everyday turntable solution, you will have a beautiful time together (it might even get you some tang). As for sound quality, these new Soundwagons do feature an improved needle / speaker mechanism than vintage Soundwagons, however again, the sound is tinny and not fully accurate (also use it on common records, not your rares). Check the video and be mesmerized.

Genius! For wannabe and seasoned graff people, this Dumpster acts as a mini canvas. It's also a functional desk organizer, capable of keeping pens, markers, paper clips, and other office supplies. Get one now and start bombing away!

Seven Years With Atmosphere & Rhymesayers is a 272-page book that takes a sweeping look at the Minneapolis group/label's steadfast existence in independent hip-hop. Photographer Dan Monick, who experienced the movement first hand, presents images of live shows (Japan, Australia, Europe, North America, etc), dedicated fans, and the artists themselves in behind-the-scenes settings in an unfiltered manner, successfully capturing the energy and intensity of the subjects. Hardcover, 10.8 x 10.7 x 1 inches.

• limited edition of 300
• signed and numbered
• 19" X 25"
• silkscreened
• flourescent ink

More show poster goodness from Mike 2600! Keen Lab heads should recognize this design from the sleeve of the Do It To It 12" released by Burlesque earlier this year, which featured remixes from Cosmo Baker, Mike 2600, Dave Nada, et al. This poster was originally created for a party that celebrated the release of that record, at which Dave Nada, Bird Peterson, Mike 2600, Stareyes and Bitch Ass Darius were among the special music selecting guests. Screened and numbered by hand.

• Dimensions: 19 in x 25 in.

Concert poster for The National's show at Tucscon Arizona's Rialto Theatre, which took place in October of 2010. It's Lab affiliate Mike 2600's design, for which he mixed up a bit of Americana with road trip imagery and his signature simple, appealing typeface magic. The black x metallic gold x silver color scheme is awesome, and Ben LaFond handled the screen printing process.

• 3 color print on French Whitewash paper
• 19" x 25"

Super 70s design by Mike Davis (aka Mike 2600) for a show that took place at the Los Angeles Amphitheater, featuring Kool & The Gang, Chic and The Village People.

• 19" x 25"
• Printed on high quality French paper

Poster for Arcade Fire's Los Angeles show, which took place in October of 2010 at the Shrine Auditorium. Wes Winship worked with technicolor slides of vacation memories to create a vintage, washed out look, and Ben LaFond handled the screen printing process.

• 4 color print on French Whitewash paper
• 19" x 25"

Simple Materials

The Ceramic Speakers are made from porcelain, cork, and Baltic birch. Each material is minimally finished, left to add its natural beauty to the design. The included amplifier is made from stainless steel sheet metal, with a cast iron base and paulownia volume slider. Aside from the electronic components, plastic is completely avoided in the system's construction.

Intense detail

Typical speakers are designed to play even the most compressed or poorly recorded track. They gloss over the details that give high-resolution music its depth. The Ceramic Speakers' custom-made drivers, porcelain and cork enclosures, and Tripath amplifier reveal every nuance. They will show the difference between lossless and mp3 files, and will unlock vinyl's richness.

Never Proprietary

Binding posts, 1/8" jacks, and banana plugs have been perfected through years of electronic design. It would be arrogant to replace these simple, effective standards with proprietary connectors. Due to their open design, the Ceramic Speakers work with nearly all high-quality components. The terminals also have a utilitarian beauty that the design emphasizes rather than hides.

Stacks gives you the whole gamut of their beetle designs.  Each bug features at least one little design element in the details.  Offset print on glossy paper, measures 18" x 24".

Iconic key chain from Mishka. Keep watch! 

Enjoi links up with the iconic Zippo brand for a flint-wheel ignition, refillable, windproof lighter. The classic snap-top designs remains intact, but Enjoi adds its touch by dipping the whole thing in white, then adding the "no enjoi" logo. Stay lit.

Street artist turned gallery star millionaire David Choe has teamed up with Upper Playground and Japan's Good Smile Company to bring you these toy versions of Choe's infamous whale character, "Munko." Munko first made his appearance long ago as drawings and doodles in Choe's sketchbook, on the LA freeway as graf characters, in paintings and t-shirts, and now as an awesome vinyl toy! There are 3 different variations of Munko - the standard Munko whale, the female Munkette, and Munkosaur who has evolved some legs - each of which comes in 3 colorways for a total of 12 different toys.

NOTE: This is a "blind box" toy, so the style and color will be completely random.

Rem Koolhaas, the master modern architect with the name to match, gets revealed in the always fascinating Conversations With series from Princeton Architectural Press. This book includes a verbatim lecture and a Q&A seminar from January 1991, plus an essay about Koolhaus by Sanford Kwinter. Softcover, 8" x 5.5". 95 pages.

Globe introduces the Bantam, the newest addition to its cruiser board lineup. The Dip Sticks measure 24" x 7" reminiscent of "boards of yesteryear," but they are stiffer, the trucks are wider, and the components will last longer than others in the market (backed by a 30-day guarantee on the board and a lifetime guarantee on the trucks).

KEY FEATURES

• slant trucks raw
• globe horizon wheels
• glove abec 7 bearings
• 24" x 7"
• deck: 7"x 24" heavy-duty molded plastic with s-trac grip pattern
• wheels: high grade 62mm/83a urethane
• trucks: slant 4.75" wide with reflexive 94a bushings

The House That Trane Built: The Story of Impulse Records Book Favorite jazz label of all time? Easy, right? It's Blue Note... but is it? Impulse released my favorite jazz record of all time (A Love Supreme) and maintained a tighter visual language throughout the years. This top notch book goes through the entire history of the label starting with the godfather, Creed Taylor, and moving its way through the various stages of jazz it helped promote. In addition, interspersed throughout the book, the author writes two page essays on approximately 40 Impulse albums from artist such as Ray Charles, Oliver Nelson, Freddie Hubbard, Coltrane, Archie Shepp, Charles Mingus, Ahmad Jamal, Sun Ra, Alice Coltrane and others (pretty impressive, huh?). Softcover, 338 pages, recommended if you ever admired an Impulse record.