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As our readers know, here at Commotion we do our best to write about those subjects that we’re passionate about — music, fashion, film, sports and pop culture.

While those subjects mentioned above are near and dear to us, and we certainly write about some more than others, there are countless ideas we encounter every day that we don’t get to explore in our proper posts. That’s why as of yesterday, we’ve launched a companion site at commotionmag.tumblr.com.  This new space will be a place for us to share the songs, pictures, videos and other minutiae that inspire us but we just can’t put into words.  This is by no means a replacement for what we do here on the big blog and the new site is in no way meant to compete with or interfere with the posts we make here.  This is simply another avenue for us to showcase those things we wish we could dedicate a full post to but for whatever reason, cannot.  Of course, we hope this will be another way to connect more with those of you who follow us loyally or those of you who just stop by every once in a while.

As always, thanks for reading Commotion.  Also, we’re looking for a name for the companion site — if you have any ideas, feel free to contact us.  We hope you enjoy the new site as much as we enjoy making it.

STS9 Giveaway

So right off the bat you should know that the dudes in STS9 are quite the philanthropic bunch.  Not only did they just release the oh-so-banging remix album  Peaceblaster: The New Orleans Make It Right Remixes (featuring artists such as Telepath, Count Bass D, Richard Devine and Ronald Jenkees with all proceeds going to Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation) but now they’ve been nice enough to give a little sumpn sumpn to you, the reader, for being so awesome.  We’ve got a sweet t-shirt and a pair of tickets to see STS9 in Atlanta to the first reader who makes a donation of $5 or more to Make It Right — all you have to do is be the first to send us (commotionmag at gmail dot com) a copy or screen shot of your confirmation email from Make It Right (please remove all private information except your name) and we’ll get your prizes off to you.  But what if you don’t live in Atlanta and still want to help out?  Not to worry, we’ve got a couple downloads of the album available and other goodies to give away to our readers dispersed throughout the states, just follow the same rules as above.

Good luck and thanks for your good work!

Brendan Benson + “Feel Like Taking You Home”

Wow.  Not sure how this one slipped under our radar, but it’s damn good to see that Brendan Benson is back doing his solo work.  I guess we got used to the silence,  after all it’s been four years since his last LP, the oh-so-delightful Alternative To Love came out and you can only listen to the Raconteurs for so long you know?

This new track “Feel Like Taking You Home” kicks off with an ominous keyboard refrain before charging into an almost post-punk intensity and bombast.  Not the usual power pop we’re used to from Brendan but definitely an interesting expansion of his usual sound and a welcome return.  Benson’s new record My Old Familiar Friend comes out 8/18

Brendan Benson – Feel Like Taking You Home

MSTRKRFT + Heartbeaker

This video proves the age old fact that male models can be such dicks. Especially when they invade your Mexican crafts and wares store. Good thing the song is awesome.  Featuring John Legend this is a nice little pop turn from MSTRKRFT who have always seemed a little cold with their music.   “Fist Of God” is out now.

MSTRKRFT – Heartbreaker

Neff + Michael Jackson Tribute Tee

Sometimes the best post is simply to let the product speak for itself.

Via Neff

Hot Rod + Converse Cons

These are niiiiiiiiiiiice.  Minimal and clean, these shoes are perfect for summer get togethers or just looking like a supreme badass.  Available at L.A.’s best, under-the-radar street wear shop, Hot Rod, you can rock these with a pair of jeans, shorts or khakis.  Now how’s that for a triple threat?

Bambu + “Quit” Video

Nice new video from up and comer, Bambu.

Great Lost Bands: Flying Nun

First, Flying Nun is a label, not a band (sorry if the title of the post led you to think otherwise).  Second, the New Zealand record company is responsible for some of the finest rock and pop of the last 25 years.  In the ’80s bands like The Clean, The Chills, The Sneaky Feelings and The Verlaines helped define the Dunedin sound and influence an entire generation of indie and jangle bands like Pavement, R.E.M., The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, Jay Reatard and others.  While we at Commotion tend to push the latest and greatest in music, it’s important to remember that getting acquainted with the classics is just as important as discovering those new bands.  What can we say except that we highly recommend you explore the sounds of the label and getting to know these bands.  Enjoy the videos and MP3 below.

The Sneaky Feelings – Husband House

The Verlaines – Pyromaniac

The Clean – Anything Could Happen

The Clean – Anything Could Happen

More videos after the jump!

Sacai + Asymmetrical Cardigan

I wear so many sweaters that I consider my middle name to be ‘cardigan’.  That’s probably not a good thing, I really need to get more friends.  Regardless, the Sacai Cardigan above is playful and just different enough from your run-of-the-mill cardigan to get cardi-philes like myself all shook up.  Pick it up at Colette.

Via Selectism

House Of The Gods T-Shirts

Honestly, it’s been a while since we saw any graphic tees that we’ve really liked and, while these aren’t particularly groundbreaking, we can definitely say that any of them would be a kick-ass addition to anyone’s wardrobe.  P.S., if you don’t know who’s face is on the shirt you don’t deserve to wear one.

Via TheSouthSider

Buy them here

Jay-Z + D.O.A. Death Of Autotune

From the forthcoming “Blueprint 3″ comes Jay-Z’s latest, and as he promised, it’s the killer of autotune.  I’m not immediately falling in love with this song, but hey, at least Jay admits it’s not a number-one record on the second verse.

Via The Life

Download here

Phoenix + Alternate ‘Lisztomania’ Video