Tech Review: Olympus' EVOLT E-520 DSLR

I had to pull some very, very tough strings to even get my hands on this camera (ah, I love press privileges), and I must say that there are very few defects that I can point out with this unit.

Keep in mind, there was an earlier unit of a similar caliber that was reported to have several defects coming along with it. A setback like that would cause any prominent camera company to take their flagship product back to the drawing board.

Considering the fact that it would seen difficult to convince a novice photographer to pick up this camera without becoming a tad bit intimidated, the fact remains that the Olympus is a perfect model for those who may seem more than anxious to hold such an advanced piece of technology in their hands for the first time.

-BJW

New Music Review: The Streets - "The Escapist"

I haven’t heard from this character since, ‘You’re Fit’ and quite frankly I am kind of relieved that he has finally mustered up the energy and courage to release a brand spankin’ new album. On the unfortunate side, The Streets has a very definite UK release set for September 15 but there I absolutely no stateside release slated—well, as far as I’ve heard.

I have always been a fan of The Streets ever since I first heard him and this newest release has absolutely flaws from hat I can tell. The music video alone has the title rapper coasting through the French countryside to a very menacing beat. The same kind of beat that you would be likely to find on a Dizzie Rascal or a catchy Timbaland-produced track.

Either way, I am very excited to see what The Streets has in store for the greater population; even if that means me having to swim across the pond to see what all the fuss is about this time around.

-BJW

DubiousCraves: The Technics SL1200 MKVI Turntable

Nostalgia at its very best; turntables have been staples of the both hip-hip and techno/rave music genres since the mid-1980s. Since then, over 350,000 units have been sold worldwide which is pretty impressive for a device that required elbow grease (and ample amounts of patience), to operate.

The SL1200 MKVI Turntable with Direct Drive Technology, $699, panasonic.com

Not until recently have I gained, lost and then regained an unexplained appreciation for vinyl. Moreover, I couldn’t figure out why until I was promptly reminded by my mother not to long ago, “You know nothing about this music right here!” she said. She was beyond right, not withstanding. She possessed a collection that spanned decades and included the classics (The Temptations – Motown Hits), the unexpected (Public Enemy – It Takes a Nation of Millions…) and the downright obscure (Hiroshima – Providence).

Either way, her bounty was the stuff legends were made on. This was until a minor flood claimed almost 95% of her precious stockpile. Years and years of history and memories down the drain—literally.

With that inspiration, I have set myself on a life quest, of sorts, not only to restore her collection to its once pristine condition, but to add this turntable as kind of the icing on the cake. Granted, she probably won’t have the capacity to appreciate the increase in torque or improved vibration dampening technology like most professional DJs, but I have a feeling that what she’ll lack in overall techno-savvy will be made up for in sheer exhilaration when it is all said and done.

-BJW

DubiousPraise: All's Well That Ends Well

A few things:

1. I wanted to take some time and thank everyone (men and women, surprisingly enough), who have made the perilous trek to and from my blog. From the die-hard fans to the one-night standers, you are truly the glue that holds this rickety, old ship together. Merci, beaucoup.
2. As always, if there is anything that you would like me to feature more--or less, for that matter--do not hesitate to let me know at bri4579@gmail.com.
3. I am happy to report that DubiousOne surpassed the 2,000-page-views mark a few days ago with the addition of nearly 300 new visitors in the last three weeks. In layman's terms: Great Success!
4. Lastly (shameless plug alert!), if you know of anyone who would find my content even remotely appealing, do not be afraid to give them the head's up. Think: Pay It Forward.

-BJW

The Manual: The Perfect Pair--of sunglasses, that is...

Like taking a thorough shower every morning, you also need a quality pair of sunglasses to get you through the unforgiving rays of the summer sun. Many people fail to take the proper steps towards securing a reliable and stylish pair of shades usually opting for something far less superior located on the plastic, revolving kiosks found in ‘beach’ shops en route to the shore.

Before you fall victim to the vicious cycle of that dreadful machine, take some time and familiarize yourself with these high-quality examples of the ‘perfect pair’:

The Perfect Throwback – ‘Wayfarer’ by Ray Ban, $109, rayban.com

Yadda, yadda! Before all the eye wear impresarios start flapping their gums about this model making the list, take heed: I am not including the ‘Wayfarer’ out of some unspoken deal with the Devil (or Ray Ban, whichever you prefer). This is simply an attempt to pay homage to one of the most iconic pair of shades to grace everything from the silver screen to the walls of the Smithsonian and everything in between.

Wear them with anything else in your closet that you may deem a ‘favorite’. I assure you, no matter how bad the rest of your outfit might look; your sunglasses will be absolutely perfect…

The Perfect Tortoise shell – Rectangular Sunglasses by Persol, $360, persol.com

What may seem like something geared more towards the ‘hipster’ crowd, the rectangular version of Persol’s legendary frames have been created with special attention paid to detail. This devotion to quality has allowed wearers of all facial types to walk the Earth with a better sense of both style and self.

The Perfect Aviator – ‘Hawkings’ Aviators by Tom Ford, $490, shop.nordstrom.com

If you purchase nothing else this summer, be sure that you at least invest in a sleek pair of aviators that you can easily carry over into the just-as-humid-but-not-as-hot fall months. Tom Ford is and was the front-runner for the Gucci fashion house and knows a thing or two about making men look invariably sexy without compromising their masculinity, so it is only fitting that the ‘Hawkings’ takes the cake for the perfect pair of aviators.

-BJW

Tech Review: The Apple iPhone 3G

Half the price. Twice the upgrades. Those are the two most important things that I wanted to get out as far as the newest iPhone release is concerned.

There is not a phone on Earth right now that could stand up to the capabilities that the new iPhone is willing to offer right now. Along with push e-mail pretty much coming standard, the newest addition to the Apple family boast real-time GPS in conjunction with the Google Maps application as well as faster download times when it comes to surfing the Internet.

In essence, the iPhone 3G is practically everything we’ve been hoping for and more with all the capabilities of some of the most sophisticated Smartphones at nearly half the price of all of them.

-BJW

New Music Review: Santogold - "L.E.S Artistes"

For some reason when I first heard this track, I was eerily reminded of Tegan & Sara circa "Walking with a Ghost”. Now, I’m not exactly sure if this is a good thing or what but I would like to think that Santogold has a lot of promise with her latest album. Oddly enough, many people would be surprised to find out that Snatogold has been in the singing/songwriting business since 1993, which makes her even more of a wild card at this point.

Santogold - L.E.S Artistes. Directed by Nima Nourizadeh.

All in all, I have a very good outlook for Ms. Santogold but keep in mind that if she doesn’t establish her individuality among the younger crowd as soon as possible she mind end up falling in the ranks somewhere between M.I.A and Tracy Chapman, and that is a level a purgatory I don’t think Dante himself would want to be stuck in.

-BJW