Sony just introduced this new “ultra-compact” interchangeable lens DSLR at PMA in Anaheim and I think I’m in love. The concept combines clean lines, economy, and the ability to take DSLR quality images. No word yet of release date. [via Engadget]

We love coming across bands that have the vibes to match their jams and I feel confident in saying The Ruby Suns is one of those. Hailing all the way from Auckland, New Zealand, they combine a distinct freak element (think Animal Collective) with something more melodic and tonal (think The Microphones) to produce one of the most pleasing and unique sounds I’ve heard in a while. Nestled alongside fellow Sub Pop artists Fleetfoxes and Beach House, The Ruby Suns find themselves in good company musically with a serious future ahead of them internationally. It’s real refreshing to get ahold of something new that is really worth appreciating. Then, as if these three guys weren’t good enough, they told us the two things they’re most excited about right now aside from the release of their second album Fight Softly and immediately ascended two notches.

1. My 1999 Dodge Ram 15 Seater Van.
I just got this baby for real cheap. It only needed minor repairs, but that’s all sorted now. It’s smooth, spacious, and, carbon footprint aside, awesome! Considering there’s going to be 7 of us travelling together on this next tour, it’s going to perfect. This is the first vehicle I’ve ever bought in the states which is sort of funny because I live in NZ. We rent a vehicle every time we come to the states to tour and I was about to rent a van for 5 weeks when I found my burgundy beauty for cheaper!

2. Chipotle Cholula.
This stuff blows me away. Chipotle has been a real buzz word in the states for a while and it seems like you can get chipotle anything…. but not many people know about chipotle peppers/sauces in NZ. My friend found this stuff in a supermarket in wellington (nz) hidden behind some kaitaia fire (NZ’s BEST hot sauce). We were eating felafel kebabs and I had to have this stuff on every bite. SO GOOD!

So now that we’ve got you all excited, here comes the best part. They’re on tour, and they’re playing in San Diego on the 13th at the Loft at UCSD. You should really come by if you get the chance, it promises to be something special.

There’s nothing more refreshing then seeing good innovative design in an industry not known for its creativity really. That industry I’m talking about is condoms and more specifically, Durex condoms. Durex just unleashed their new ad campaign and much to our pleasant surprise, it’s centered entirely around typography and, well, you know.

Now I’m a sucker for anything that has a Millennium Falcon in it, but this manipulation photography by Fred Perrot is really quite exceptional. I can’t imagine how in the world he does it, but it’s incredibly clever to say the least. [via Looks Like Good Design]

Dwell Magazine just recently did an interview with our founder Dave Brown and we wanted to give it some notoriety because the only thing we love more than Dwell is shameless self-promotion. JK. The article traces Holiday Matinee from its music industry roots all the way to I Swear To Good You Are God At This. Dave talks about his process in writing the book and how jazzed he is to release more products in the near future including some possible collaborations with Furni and Baggu. Anyway, give it a read if you have any questions about what the hell we’re actually doing around here.

The Hardgraft aesthetic is just ridiculously cool and I almost lost it when I saw there new 2UNFOLD bag. I mean, there’s laptop bags and then there’s hardgraft’s bag. Each handmade and individually numbered bag can be either a briefcase, messenger bag, shoulder bag, or backpack with a few minor changes. This is really great because it combines the quality we look for in specialized apparel with fantastic design and versatility.

I really love seeing that old world care and skill in our modern world of convenience and outsourcing, which is why I like Brooklyn Tailors so much. Their custom shirts and suits could not be cooler and you can really feel the quality in the stuff they make. Besides, if you’re into the slick Mad Men-esque style like I am, their shit is a no-brainer. Check ‘em out, it’s companies like this one that the apparel world needs right now.

Given the upcoming release of our book I Swear to Good You Are God At This, we’ve been on the lookout for other great design literature and have stumbled upon designer Cody Hudson’s book Thanks For Nothing. 30 pages of incredible design and great inspiration make this book a must have for any creative mind.

Steve Powers’ latest project A Love Letter for You really brings murals into the modern age of clean design and vector drawing. Basically the premise is 50 murals covering 20 blocks around Market street in Philadelphia, all centered around the theme of a love letter to and from West Philadelphia. Now comes the best part, you don’t have to fly to Pennsylvania to see it because the whole process has been put into a book. Check out Cool Hunting for more pics and info.

So Craigslist is great if you’re looking for an apartment or a camcorder made in the early 90’s, but it comes up rather short when you’re trying to find say, an Eames Lounge Chair. This is where Lushpad.com comes into play. Basically, it’s a posting board for people looking to buy/sell expensive furniture and art at a marked down price. Again, Craigslist for the yuppy of discerning taste and limited resources.