Rest in Peace.

John Winston Ono Lennon.

9 October, 1940 - 8 December, 1980.

"Imagine there's no heaven..."

Arguably John Lennon's most famous and finest solo single, "Imagine" is a fitting tribute to the man who tragically departed us thirty years ago. While the moments where his solo work matched the quality of his Beatles efforts were few and far between, "Imagine" is one song that can hold its own with any Beatles track.

The lyrical content of the song goes hand in hand with Lennon's political views at the time. Promoting the idea of a "one country, one world, one people" existence, Lennon believed such a utopian view wasn't outside the realms of possibility. He said, "Can you imagine a world without countries or religions?" It's the same message over and over. And it's positive."

The song is so great due to the brilliant melody and tone that carries it. Its composition on the piano as opposed to the guitar enabled the song to have a much gentler mood to it than much of Lennon's previous solo work.

Often considered one of the greatest songs ever written, artists as musically varied as David Bowie and Lady Gaga have covered the song at one point in their careers. Noel Gallagher even shamelessly (though rather brilliantly) ripped it off for "Don't Look Back in Anger." The song remains an undoubted classic.

Recent Purhcase - Universal Works Mountain Jacket

We're well into winter now and with it, well into big jacket weather. This little offering from Universal Works is the latest addition to my wardrobe. As with the vast majority of the Universal Works range, the design itself is simple enough. Clearly the inspiration for this jacket has been drawn from the functional 60/40 mountain parkas first produced by the pre-eminent American outdoors brands of the 1970's, yet the detailing and quality propels the jacket into a league of its own.

If you're after more information on the Universal Works label, check out this interview with their main man David Keyte.

The Big Picture.

Above are some choice from photographs from the annual photo contest run by the National Geographic. Touching and beautiful in many different ways, I'd strongly recommend visiting the Boston.com website for a wider selection of these truly breathtaking images.

Ben Sherman: Modern Classics - A Return to Form?

"Why should I have any interest in Ben Sherman?"

This is a question many of you may be asking yourselves. The label, while originally both exclusive and innovative, suffered the overkill that plagues many success stories and has seen the company reduced to little more than catalogue fodder. However with the imminent launch of the 'Modern Classics' range, does this brand merit a place in your wardrobe once again?

Having founded the company in 1963, Ben Sherman began making shirts himself in a small Brighton factory and with it laid the foundations for a clothing company that would become essential wear for many youth subcultures, from the mods to the skinheads. With the launch of Modern Classics, Ben Sherman hope to use over fifty years of knowledge and experience in order to update and reproduce some of the classic items of menswear.

There's chambray shirts, button down collars, fisherman's jackets, naval knitwear, chinos, bobble hats and scarves. All classic items, all given a modern twist whether it be through a new interpretation or an updating of fabrics. There's a clear influence from the likes of Saint James and Albam and from what we've seen it looks pretty decent indeed.

To promote the range, whet our appetites and provide a different slant to that of their usual products, Ben Sherman went to Kilchoan, arguably the most remote place in the UK, for a photo shoot. The following photos are a choice selection from that shoot.






More information about the Ben Sherman Modern Classics range can be found at their official website.

Retro Advert of the Day

A great retro advert, full of fifties vibes.

Winterweir

I recently acquired this bobble hat from the fine gentlemen over at the Casual Connoisseur. With winter getting closer and temperatures falling at a rapid rate, it's bound to become a staple part of my wardrobe as I look to keep my head warm over the coming months.

Christened "the Weir" due to the late Scottish broadcaster Tom Weir's love for bobble hats, this is the Casual Connoisseur's third run of this geeky cool bit of headwear. The hats, one of the label's most popular products, were limited to a run of just fifty in each colourway and unsurprisingly flew off the shelves.

Fortunately, I was quick enough to grab myself one in time – and the quality is immediately apparent. The hats are made of double layered acryllic which allows for warmth but reduces bulk and itchiness, whilst all the manufacturing takes place right here in England. Furthermore, they are designed so as to allow them to stretch to fit bigger head shapes, something that has come as a great relief to me and my oversized napper. More information about these hats can be found here, over at Sabotage Times.

For those who weren't rapid enough to get one before they sold out, never fear. Realising the huge demand for these bobble hats, the chaps at the Casual Connoisseur have come up with a new design which should be available by December time. Click here for more details.