GEAR GRID

New York - Addis - London: The Story of Ethio Jazz

Mulatu Astatke is widely considered the father of Ethio-Jazz. Born in the western Ethiopian city of Jimma in 1943—and still kickin’—Astatke’s was trained in NYC, London, and Boston, where he combined Jazz with his traditional sounds from Ethiopia. This week’s featured vinyl is a combination of jazz, funk, and soul. It’s worldwide music, that is only made possible when we allow ourselves to be influenced by other people, countries, and ethnicities. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our world, toss Mulatu’s music on your airwaves and think peace, think love, think creatively.

Happy New Year,

CYTIES

Cabin Fever

Winter means it’s time to book a cabin getaway. Cabin Fever is the perfect book to help inspire this kind of trip, featuring a broad look at remote retreats that are designed to make the most of their wild surroundings.  Inside the pages reveal rustic cabins on stilts, mirrored pods in the woods, and other off-the-grid cabins that set the bar for what it means to be “out there” today—toss it on the coffee table for the winter months ahead.

Stuart & Lau Redux Gym Bag

You’re going to hear it for at least the next couple of weeks, “New Year, New You” and that new you comes with trips to the gym with this Stuart & Lau Redux Gym Bag. Jumping back and forth from the gym and travel, this Redux Bag is made from Waterproof DuraLite fabric, has a dedicated pocket for a laptop, and a ventilated compartment for your shoes. The 30L of carrying capacity means you can pack more than the essentials and an “add-a-bag” sleeve makes this bag ideal for helping get your steps in at the airport. New Year, New You, New Bag… just make sure it’s the Stuart & Lau Redux Gym Bag.

James Brand Redstone

If you’re EDC ain’t on point then your style ain’t sharp. Though with the James Brand Redstone clipped to your pocket or pack, then your EDC and style points elevate to a whole nother level. This knife with a drop point blade has Polypropylene scales on the handle, a blade made from Sandvik 12C27 steel, and measures a tad over 6″ with the blade drawn. The formed wire clip and lightweight paracord add some nice carry options, and Phosphor Bronze washers help to seal the deal. Day or night, streets or trail, this James Brand Redstone is vital to your adventures.

Mission Workshop D21 Down Jacket

The Mission Workshop D21 Down Jacket has set the bar for all to fall in line behind. The D21 is made with a Bluesign Certified Pertex shell and stuffed with Recycled Downlite insulation. Its design is function-first with style pouring out the 2 chest pockets, 2 handwarmer pockets, and an internal mesh pocket for the essentials. The D21 packs down tight if it needs to be thrown in a bag and because all Mission Workshop goods are built for the SF streets, you know this puffer will perform through the NorCal winter weather. It’s nothing but the best with comfort, performance, and style stitched into this Mission Workshop D21.

Arcade Belt Co. Ridge Belt

This Arcade Ridge Belt is not your average pant hoister. The built-in stretch will keep your pants where they’re supposed to be and when it’s time to kick it into 3rd gear, this belt moves with you. It can be used as a gear strap to tie down the extra and bigger goodies and if the weather turns or a hot tub enters the picture, this belt is water-resistant and quick-drying. And the metal-free design is perfect for cruising through TSA lines. This Ridge Belt is made for those who appreciate the active lifestyle and simultaneously like to dress to occasion hours later.

DUER No Sweat Jogger

Nobody said you actually have to jog in these No Sweat Joggers, but to #hittheconcrete with oh so much swag, that is a must. Made to get things done in, these DUER joggers are made from natural TENCEL fibers offering a breathable and technical pant with next-level comfort. And because no one leaves the house without their phone, DUER added the perfect zippered thigh pocket. An active casual pant that can dress to the part if needed, look to the DUER No Sweat Jogger.

Miles Davis - At Fillmore: Live at the Fillmore East

Nothing like some jazz on a winter Saturday. Comprising 4 sides edited down from 4 nights, this rare lineup is from Miles Davis at Fillmore West in 1970. The album was recorded live in NYC, thus trapping an iconic night and vibe within the recorded soundwaves. Throw it on to travel back to the ’70s for some energetic, avant-garde, dense, and surreal beats.

Hip Hop (And Other Things)

Penned by Shea Serrano, Hip Hop (and other things) is 2 lbs and 250 pages of hip hop greatness. Containing illustrations, essays, and factoids, this hardcover is perfect for a gift or coffee table read.

SeeVees Mammoth Boot

Ready to take your everyday boots from the streets to the trail and back again? The SeeVees Mammoth Boots offers a water-resistant lace-up boot made from heavy-duty oiled leathers with a fleece lining to keep your feet toasty warm. The raised wrapped sidewalls and a gusseted tongue with sealed seams help prime this boot for wet and wintery adventures. The Mammoth Boot offers the flexibility of adventure weaving in and out of city streets and perfectly pairs with an unexpected night on the town.

Sony Wireless Headphones

Next level sound from a truly wireless experience is what expect from Sony’s WH-1000XM4s. These headphones have industry-leading noise-canceling technologies, up to 30hrs of playtime, speak-to-chat technology that automatically reduces volume during conversations, and wearing detection that pauses your music when you take them off. The fit is over the ear and all about comfort, the sound is superior, if you choose to answer the call the person on the other side of the line will hear every word you say clearly. These S0ny WH-1000XM4s will bring your aural experience to new levels while traveling, working, or just straight chillin’.

Topo Designs Work Cap

Yeah, it’s a black beanie, but differing from the rest, this Work Cap is ‘stamped’ with the logo of Topo Designs. Knit from acrylic yarn, this beanie is tightly knit for durability and a fold-over style offers up all the style points. It’s perfect for keeping you warm on any one of your adventures, in the timber or when it comes time to #hittheconcrete. Built for warmth, oozing with style, this Work Cap shall be your one and only beanie.

Old Whaling Co. Bar Soap

Let’s ditch that run of mill, any soap in an arm’s reach will do for the Old Whaling Co Bar Soap. Handmade in Charleston, South Carolina, this bar soap cleans the hands and full body, if required. This soap is cruelty-free while offering scents of grapefruit and bergamot. And because soap should be simple, this soap is made from olive oil, water, coconut oil, soybean oil, lye, fine-grain pumice powder, and essential oil. Old Whaling Co.’s Bar Soap offers a full body cleaning experience, with the peace of mind that you’re walking away without any lingering harmful sudz or residue.

Moment Rugged Sling

Life on the move requires the necessary gear to make it happen, and when you #hittheconcrete the Moment Rugged Sling has got your back… and your essentials. Available in both 6L and 10L carrying capacities, this sling has an easy access main compartment, padded wingback for a comfortable carry, and integrated key clip. And the dedicated iPad/tablet pocket helps to keep you connected wherever you may be. When you’re cruising with the Moment Rugged Sling, life will need to catch up with you.

Spoon - Girls Can Tell

In a last-ditch effort to find success after a few studio albums didn’t find success, Spoon put out Girls Can Tell. Britt Daniel had recently returned from NYC after working temp jobs following the lack of success from the previous album and came up with an idea to create an album that took stock of all the things they had done previously and do them differently.

25 years later, the moral of the story is don’t give up on your dreams. And if you do, then just write about them on an album and sell 100,000 copies. Spoon also released two new tracks this last week, turn it up.

Carchitecture - Houses with Horsepower

We’ve all seen vehicles influence style. Style influence our rides, whether it’s aircraft, sea cruisers, on 4-wheels. But have you ever wondered how your ride influences the four walls that surround your chimney? With 142 pages, Carchitecture dives into vehicles and homes worldwide and how the luxury vehicles we’ve obsessed over have impacted our homes. A book of books for the home of homes.

Greenlight means go!

Seiko Prospex "Arnie" Watch

Like looking to an old sundial for the time, this Seiko Prospex “Arnie” Watch charges its battery with solar power, and once charged this watch will run up to 6 months. The design is inspired by a 1982 diver’s watch with modern updates including water resistance up to 200 meters and a one-way rotating timing bezel to keep tabs on your dive time and other time-sensitive matters. All said and done, this Prospex Watch is styled for the city streets and built to explore the dark abyss.

Proof 72-Hr Merino Sweater

It’s called the 72hr Sweater because it’s built to stay fresh for 3 days. Designed to be worn around town – cruising the streets or dialing up for a night on the town, this waffle-knit is built from merino wool and nylon blend for a comfortable and stylish look. A ribbed hem on the cuffs and hem keep this sweater looking and fitting the same as the day it arrived at your door. This 72hr Sweater is like that everyday tee you’ve been looking for but with the added bonus of sleeves, a hood, and the option to wear for days on end.

Espacio Handmade Leather Wallet

The Espacio Handmade Leather Wallet offers up the opportunity to not only cover your buddies’ tab but also leave them in awe once they catch of glimpse of your leather goods. This wallet has 3 pockets, 2 for your cards (holding a combined 4-6 cards) and one for cash. Hand-stitched in Austin, Texas, this slim design easily fits into your front pockets (if that’s how you ride) and brass accents help to elevate this cash carrier. Look to this Espacio Handmade Wallet to keep your cash flow in check and excite those on the other end of the bill.

Persol PO3265S Sunglasses

The sun is still shining bright and if you think it’s wise to leave your spot without these Persol PO3265S Sunglasses, you’ve got another thing coming. The polarized Barberini lenses are met by architectural and modern designs with Persol’s token arrow on the hinges. They are handmade in Italy from the finest craftsmanship. And while some sunglasses sole purpose is to protect your eyes, these PPO3265S Sunglasses are meant to be seen in… especially when it comes time to #hittheconcrete.

Fox Knives B. Key Knife

Just 4″ long, this pint-sized blade is sure to sharpen your EDC collection. The B. Key Knife is a folding knife with a locking mechanism, pocket clip, and lanyard hole. The blade is made from 440 stainless steel and matched with an anodized aluminum handle. Small enough to add to your keychain but big enough to make an impact when it counts, this B. Key Knife is a sure-fire addition for any and all day-to-day adventures.

Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City

A Weekend in the City is the second studio album by indie rock band Bloc Party, released in ’06. It expanded the sound of the well-known band from London, offering a more emotional depth to the vocal set of Kele Okereke. The album was a step in a different direction catching many Bloc Party fans off guard, but pleasantly surprised many with its beautifully ascending choruses and cracking drumbeats. A perfect Saturday Spin for, well, a weekend in the… you get it.

Camera: A History of Photography from Daguerreotype to Digital

Cameras are one of the greatest inventions ever created,  while the technology stays ever-changing, the ethos behind the machine has remained intact—to capture still images. This book, in collaboration with the world-famous George Eastman House, starts 200 years ago, at the infant stages of the camera, and moves through time like stills in our mind.

Filson Original Boot Oil

If you’re putting in the work, then your boots are going to need a little love from time to time and the Original Boot Oil from Filson is 100% doctor prescribed. Made in the USA, this boot oil aids water-resistance rejuvenation and deters your leathers from cracking. Its made from natural beeswax, that when combined with oils extends the permanence of the recent treatment and the included wool dauber certainly helps with application. This Filson Boot Oil is guaranteed to keep your boots looking fresh with that right out-of-the-box style points.

Warp + Weft ALW Shacket

The hybrid of what will be your favorite shirt and jacket, the Warp + Weft ALW Shacket delivers with oh, so much style. This shacket has a durable and rugged look that’s ready to #hittheconcrete, but beyond looks, the production of this shacket focuses on recycling both fabrics and water, minimizing the impact on the environment. The collar will pop upon request, the metal hardware nicely offsets the denim, and if you’ve got a thing for pockets, this shacket has them. Warp + Weft responsibly built this ALW Shacket to be worn on repeat, day in and day out.

Everyman Cowan Carabiner

Your EDC will never be complete without the proper carrier for your keys. The Cowan Carabiner from Everyman was built for the long haul, no matter how many sets of keys you go through. Built from stainless steel with a brass locking wheel, this carabiner weighs a mere ounce. And it’s 2.4″ in length, capable of holding a plethora of keys with standard key rings or cable wire, it easily attaches to belt loops and packs. Keeping your keys in your pocket is a thing of the past, to keep up with the times a Cowman Carabiner is a must-have.

Danner Bull Run Moc Toe 6"

You should know that any boots coming out of the Danner warehouse are dang good, but in case you didn’t, why not start your relationship with the Bull Run Moc Toe? Made in the USA, these boots are all about putting in the work or very least, presenting yourself as if you did. They simultaneously have the durability to handle the payload and the style to #hittheconcrete. The Danner Bull Run Moc Toe Boots are 100% crowd-pleasers, with the quality craftsmanship and all-day comfort that we’ve come to expect from Danner.

Fellow Carter Move Mug

Oh, that cup of morning coffee just got a whole lot better now that you can be sipping from the Fellow Carter Move Mug. Made for those on the move, this mug features a one-of-a-kind 360 degree spinning top that allows you to sip from any angle. Within the lid lies a magnetic pop-top for easy cleaning and ultimately keeping the best tastes and smells coming. And this mug will keep your drink hot or cold up to 3hrs thanks to the 304 18/8 insulated stainless steel shell. The Fellow Carter Move Mug offers the portability to take your drink wherever the paths lead, with the style to get past the front door.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Push The Sky Away

Push The Sky Away was recorded at La Fabrique in southern France, with producer Nick Launay. When describing the band’s fifth studio album, Nick Cave said “if I were to use that threadbare metaphor of albums being like children, then Push The Sky Away is the ghost-baby in the incubator and Warren’s loops are its tiny, trembling heart-beat.” And if that’s not enough to pique your interest, nothing is.

Dieter Rams: As Little Design as Possible

Less is more, and when it comes to Dieter Rams, that is an understatement. His work is perhaps some of the most influential, and simple industrial design to ever be created. To complement this notion, this book is as little book as possible. It is a clear, comprehensive, and beautiful presentation of Dieter Rams’ life and his work. It highlights his genius when it comes to his extraordinarily prescient ideas about the correct function of design in this messy and loud world we inhabit today. Here at CYTIES we think about digital design often, and his ideas even echo some of our decisions for our publication. Perhaps less is more is even in the future for CYTIES 2.0….

Stuart & Lau Capstone Backpack

Now, this is what a pack is supposed to be. The Stuart & Lau Capstone is an urban dweller and travelers dream come true. This minimalist pack has a carrying capacity of 25L, matching wing access panels with multiple organizing sleeves, and a dedicated laptop sleeve. The full grain leather handle, straps, and trim add some seriously sophisticated style, while a waterproof DuraLite fabric exterior fabric protects your goods. And when it’s time to head to the skies, this pack has a pass-through sleeve for your roller luggage handle. Take note, this is the Stuart & Lau Capstone and it certainly deserves to be strapped to your back, ready to #hittheconcrete.