Reviews

Mr. & Mrs. Smith: A Collector’s Guidebook

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is not a spy duo making music on the side, it's actually the pet project of model and songwriter, Hollis Smith. The album is a very low key folk record that's perfect for bundling up beside the fireplace on a cold, winter day. This 10 track album is only one of several compilations already released by the artist. Although the songs are quite simple, there's a certain mysterious aura that circles most of the tracks. It's this beauty that makes the album worth listening to over and over again. Play it as background music as you read or as you work, it's certainly a wonderful piece to complement your day.

BlockShooter

BlockShooter is the latest game from Milk Corporation and the company claims that their game is so good that it'll make you want to "touch yourself" (their words not mine.) Not quite sure whether it's THAT good but it's pretty addictive and entertaining nevertheless. The game is offered with two dimensional graphics and even though you might prefer smooth or lifelike rendering, the graphics doesn't hinder you from having a great time. Ultimately, the game is still worth checking out. Grab the game at the Milk Corporation website or you can click on the Download Game link towards the left.

Gunther Brown: Gunther Brown

Gunther Brown and his songs belong to some indie coming-of-age movie or television series soundtrack. It's not just the expressive voice but the acoustic electro sound as well as the melodic vibe definitely makes this one an A++ indie folk pop record. More often than not, you'll see Gunther Brown as a duo comprised of Pete Dubuc and Evan Chase. Occasionally, they do transform into a 5 piece crew, with Eric Heintz, Ethan Gamage, Derek Mills and Chris Devlin as additional members. This self-titled compilation is a collection of EPs and singles the band has released in their previous records.

K-3D

Modelling in 3D has never been simpler thanks to K-3D. This amazing software is a free program that'll help you render and create 3D masterpieces. The program incorporates various helpful plugins as well as "visualization pipeline architecture" to help users create stunning 3D images. It was developed by Timothy Shead and released just last April 2010. So far, it's been winning a lot of critics thanks to its useful interface and easy to use tools. It's designed for use by professional artists but even those that are still getting a feel for 3D rendering can easily use it. K-3D is available as available for free download and licensed under a GNU General Public License.

Max Tannone: Ghostfunk

Dubbed as a "producer who can do no wrong," New York native, Max Tonnone releases his latest project, Ghostfunk. For those who aren't familiar with the DJ/producer, he's known for his eloquent and interesting mash ups. His first foray was a combination of Jay-Z's raps with the music of alternative icons, Radiohead; producing "Jaydiohead." The project even caught the attention of the rap king himself. Since then the producer has worked with the likes of the Beastie Boys and has released countless mash-ups featuring his cool skills. This time around, he's set his eyes on another prominent rapper, Ghostface Killah from the Wu-Tang Clan; mixing his skillful rhymes with awesome old-school African funk, high life and psychedelic rock to create this wonderful gem.

15 Minutes

If you're a big fan of Jack Bauer and his exploits, then you might want to try out 15 Minutes. This cool game is a humorous take on the hit action TV show, 24. The game was created by Tim Hengeveld, an animator, storyteller, game developer and artist all in one. It was created especially for the MAGS monthly AGS competition. The competition is open to all amateur game developers. Participants have to create a game under one month and following the rules set by the previous winner of the competition. Even though the game is a bit short, it's certainly entertaining and lots of fun. Check it out.

JR’s TED Prize wish

JR, a semi-anonymous French street artist, uses his camera to show the world its true face, by pasting photos of the human face across massive canvases. At TED2011, he makes his audacious TED Prize wish: to use art to turn the world inside out. Learn more about his work and learn how you can join in at insideoutproject.net. From TED.com

The Matt Kurz One: Debt Sounds

One man band, Matt Kurz, knows how keep the drums on a steady beat, the guitars wailing and the bass guitar slappin'. He also knows how to add his signature growl and keep everything interesting. Perhaps the biggest draw is that this guy can actually play all these instruments at once! Debt Sounds is the first album from this multi-intrumentalist/one-man-band who dubs himself, The Matt Kurz One. It's a mix of old school rock and roll with some upbeat indie hipster feel. Each track is quite catchy, making you want to head bob or tap your feet. The record is available as a free download at Quote Unquote Records and it's licensed under creative commons. Give it a listen.

MyPaint

If you're an artist and you're looking for a program that will allow you to paint and create your artwork without any problems, then give MyPaint a try. This handy software was especially created with the painter in mind. Featuring a simple, bare bones layout and tons of brushes emulating specific types of media; the software ensures artists can easily get down to business without the hassle. It was made especially for digital painters in mind. The program is an open sourced project that's available for free download on Mac, Windows and Linux.