New music, new gadgets, old games and even serving trays you can play with at dinner instead of your food. Check out this and more stuff we're into in this week's OnMilwaukee.com Recommends.
Erland & the Carnival – Nightingale (Yep Roc) – Earlier in the year I raved about this British trio's modern Monochrome Set quirkiness built around solid and inventive songwriting and arrangements. The group – which includes The Verve guitarist Simon Tong – released its debut U.S. full-length (there was another self-titled U.K.-only LP released in 2010) in spring and although my earlier Bid references seemed out the window on the 13-song record's first two tracks – "So Tired in the Morning" and "Map of An Englishman" – the ones that follow, especially "Emmeline" and "I'm Not Really Here" lead me right back to the Monochrome Set. With a cinematic feel (think a funky cool '60s Swingin' Soho film soundtrack), nods to British folk and psychedelia, these songs will suck you in and hold you in rapt attention. I know I'm hooked. – Bobby Tanzilo
Steve Mason and Dennis Bovell – Ghosts Outside (Domino Recording Co.) – This collaboration between The Beta Band founder Steve Mason and living legend of British reggae Dennis Bovell is built on the foundation of Mason's 2010 solo disc, "Boys Outside." But it's not a straight-up dub record, even if it sounds like one. Rather, Mason and Blackbeard (aka Bovell) hit the studio and used the tracks from "Boys" as kindling and added new instrumentation to create a more distant hybrid. It's quite clear that Bovell was (ahem) instrumental in more than the mix. Many facets, most notably the horn charts, are straight out of the Linton Kwesi Johnson/Dennis Bovell playbook. The result is a modern dub record that marries the best of Bovell's past and Mason's solo debut to new technologies and sounds. – Bobby Tanzilo
Griffin Beacon Universal iPhone Remote Control – I kinda can't believe it took this long to be invented, but the new Griffin Beacon is an amazing little device. Without adding any bulky IR attachment to your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, this new universal remote uses a free app and Bluetooth to connect to a small battery-powered base station. What that means is that you can now control tons of devices, like TVs, cable boxes, DVD players, audio equipment and about 200,00 more units with your always-at-your-side phone or tablet. Set up is a breeze, and the Bluetooth can be paired to multiple devices – which might set up some interesting living room battles. The controls are a little touchy; when I press "1" it tends to input "11," but with a built-in TV guide, you can set up favorites and more. Universal remotes are nothing new, of course, but packing one inside the mighty iPhone makes the Beacon that much more cool. At about $52 at Amazon.com, its price is definitely in line with other high-end universal remotes. This one seems just a little more fun. –Andy Tarnoff
Bamboo Puzzle Party Platters – We're always looking for decent-looking serving trays and things whenever we host at home and there never seems to be enough. These platters are thin (and so easy to stack away in the cupboard), attractive, lightweight and they fit together like puzzle pieces. They look good on the table and the "male" part of the puzzle piece serves as a handle. I like that they're environmentally sustainable bamboo and that they're quick and easy to clean up at the end of the evening ain't half bad, either. They come two to a set and retail for about $15. TotallyBamboo.com – Bobby Tanzilo
Newman's Own Lighten Up Balsamic Vinaigrette salad dressing – I'm not usually a "reduced fat," "lite," or "low calorie" person. I generally subscribe to the idea that if it's bad, it'll find a way to kill you regardless of whether or not it's less potent. I take issue with salad dressings, though, because usually the only reason they're high in calories or fat is because they're oily. Newman's Own's "Lighten Up" version cuts these numbers in half, but still tastes exactly the same as their original balsamic. It's a great alternative, especially for people (like me) who prefer a little salad with their dressing. – Renee Lorenz
NBA Harwood Classics on NBA TV - The Brewers are occupying most of my sports viewing these days. But while my favorite sport retreats in its lockout, I'm also enjoying old school hoops on NBA TV. "Hardwood Classics" feature great NBA games from all generations. You can watch Bob Cousy help the Boston Celtics win the 1963 NBA championship and then check out the killer shorts, moves, looks and personalities of the NBA in the 70s and 80s. Great stuff. Full schedule on NBA.com. – Jeff Sherman
Lucy Brand workout clothes – Activistas not familiar with the brand will be lured by lucy's combination of body conscious style, function and incredible fabrics. I fell for lucy back in my LA days when one of their flagship stores was across the street from my daily workplace. They'd put their orange and white "SALE" sign out and I was drawn into the doors to clean the place out. As the next couple months glide into fall, I'll be adding the lucy X-Training Bermuda Short and Distance Jacket into my closet.
The X-Training Bermuda short takes the longer short trend to a practical level for us fitness freaks looking for a little more coverage. Stopping just above the knee, the cut is super flattering, yet relaxed and practical for cooler temperatures. Made from lucy powermax fabric, these shorts wick moisture and provide a bit of compression for a flattering silhouette.
Top off your new shorts with the sleek Distance Jacket. Wear this awesomely cut topper for cooler morning runs, to and from the gym or at the beginning of a yoga class to warm up. Constructed from smoothing lucy tech, this jacket zips up, but never rides up. I'm obsessed with the longer sleeve complete with thumb holes for hand coverage and sleeve wrangling! Plus, it has reflective striping for super safe night time treks.
Shop lucy.com and be sure to sign up for their email newsletter to learn about their latest collections and be clued in on their amazing sales! – Lindsay Garric
La Estacion – Climb aboard this Mexican restaurant in Waukesha that's right on a railroad track and still utilizes some of the old cars. (The "party room" inside one of the boxcars is amazing if you can muster a large group.) The food is affordable and decent – we had delicious fish tacos and so-so shrimp soup – but really, a visit to La Estacion, 319 Williams St., is more about the experience than anything else. And if you, like me, have a train-loco kid, La Estacion won't disappoint. -- Molly Snyder
FINISH Powerball Dishwashing Tabs – Over the last few months, I've noticed more and more that my dishes had a nasty film on them when I removed them from the dishwasher. After a little research, I learned that a reduction in phosphates in dishwashing detergents was to blame. For awhile, I sucked it up and accepted it, then moved on to hand-washing everything. But when I saw the FINISH tabs on sale at Target, I figured it was worth a shot. The results are pretty solid: my dishes have never been cleaner. If you're sick of white film on your glassware, try 'em. I think you'll be pleasantly satisfied. – Andrew Wagner
