TURNTABLE LAB

Andy Howell
Art, Skateboarding & Life Book

This books offers a look at the entire career of skater slash designer slash artist Andy Howell. The book is presented in a very personal way, there's a good amount of text and the layout borrows styles of old skate zines and skate mags. The story begins with his youth days in Virginia Beach, his early influences, and his rise to pro skater. These stories are illuminated by quotes, vintage photos, old skate products, and skate mag excerpts. If you grew up in the same period, this stuff is quite incredible. For the designers, the book really picks up with the chapter on New Deal skateboard company. Howell provided the visual direction for this super-influential company (recognized as one of the forces that shifted skate graphics to more of an urban direction). The book proceeds into a lengthy section on Howell's paintings. And just when you think it should end, you've only gone halfway through the book. The book gets deeper into Andy's drawings, early urban skating in nyc, starting new companies, and much more. This book is much more than a design book, it's more like an well illustrated manual on the DIY life. And if that's not enough, the book comes with 2 accompanying DVDs. Hardcover, over 300 pages.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Barry McGee
Barry McGee Prada Book - Deadstock

deadstock find of rare book

DEADSTOCK FIND: This is Barry McGee's most desired book and regulary goes for well over $100.00 for new condition copies (check Amazon if you don't believe us). These copies are in new condition. LIMIT 2 PER CUSTOMER.

A hefty and beautiful retrospective that accompanied Barry McGeeÌs one man show at the Fodazione Prada in Italy. The bookÌs layout is exceedingly simple with the main beef (the pictures) arranged in the same sort of haphazard, yet engrossing way that he presents his gallery work. Image descriptions, dates and other info are thankfully stored way in the back, along with a 5 page interview. The work here presents the full spectrum of TwistÌs environment, history and art including installation work, tags and piecing, sketches, paintings and photographs of all sorts- his friends, street scenes, random oddities and more. ItÌs beautiful, at least 300 pages, and limited.
reviewed by mgmnt

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Beautiful Losers Book

This book was made in conjunction with the massive art survey of the same name, currently showing in San Francisco's Yerba Buena center. If you caught Tokion's genre-defining "Disobedients" issue, Beautiful Losers is like a continuation of that thought line, the summation of many years of gallery shows, art projects, and publications that have been related in spirit. It features just about every "big" name that is associated with that movement- Barry McGee, Chris Johanson, Mike Mills, Mark Gonzales, Tobin Yelland, Margaret Kilgallen, Spike Jonze, Espo, Geoff McFetridge, Kaws, Ed Templeton, Shepard Fairey, Harmony Korine, Phil Frost, Ryan McGinness, and many others. Yeah, that sounds like they're casting the net a bit wide, but this mass of information and artwork is presented in such a thoughtful manner that it comes together without a hitch. In addition to showcasing the artwork, the book consists of informative articles that give us the background on how this loosely related conglomeration of people and styles came to be. This consists of an impressive collection of images + stories that speak about the social scene, past gallery shows, collectives, and the influences of the preceding generation (things like Dogtown and skate photographer Craig Stacyk, and the early 80s NYC scene); thankfully devoid of art school interpretations of what it all "means." The result is the most comprehensive piece we've seen thus far, and if you're gonna buy one book in this genre all year, this should be it. Softcover, about 275 pages.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Collection Agnes B Book

Every art-minded person dreams of amassing an art collection that will grow to outlive their life on earth (ooh that's heavy). Agnes B is one of those people that has fulfilled that dream. Known equally for her business and her art world prowess, Agnes B has put together a one of kind collection, strong in photography and modern art (especially NYC art(. Seriously, as you flip the pages, you'd think this was a museum book, not a personal collection. But this is way too cool for any museum. It might be the coolest thing ever. Features work from Man Ray, Richard Avedon, Henri Cartier-Bresson, William Eggleston, Andy Warhol, Larry Clark, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Nan Goldin, Robert Frank, Ryan McGinley, Futura, and many others. Hardcover, 7.25" x 9.25", 365 pages. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Gilles Peterson & Stuart Baker
Freedom Rhythm & Sound: Revolutionary Jazz Original Cover Art 1965-83 Book

compiled album covers from radical jazz musicians

Soul Jazz, who've long been killing the game with their compilations, make their first foray into print with this book compiled by legendary radio host and music historian Giles Peterson and Stuart Baker, who also pens a very nice and info-packed intro for the book. The artwork compiled here comes from the covers of albums by "radical" jazz musicians from both America and abroad, musicians who were often vocal about the Civil Rights Movement during the 60s and 70s. The artwork included is taken from albums by Don Cherry, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Sun Ra, The Oneness Of Juju, Roy Porter, Melvyn Price, Pharaoh Sanders, Gil Scott-Herron, Les Walker, and many, many more. In addition to the artwork, they also took time to include short bios for many of the artists involved. There's a wealth of information here, this is pretty much a mandatory coffee table adornment for any jazz fan. Measures in at 12.1 x 12.1 x 0.9 inches, hard cover, 178 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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Giorgio Moroder
Extraordinary Records Book

massive collection of records, picture discs and colored vinyl

This original collection features some of the most impressive vinyl artifacts ever produced: a connoisseur's selection of records in a plethora of colors, shapes, and forms, imprinted with extraordinary effects and images. Produced in collaboration with Colors magazine, this book showcases over 500 of the most exceptional records owned by leading collectors Alessandro Benedetti and Peter Bastine with little blurbs about each one. Compiled with the help of Iatlo impresario Giorgio Moroder the collection features records from Pink Floyd, Queen, the Beatles, Prince, Michael Jackson, Kraftwerk (The Man-Machine on red vinyl!), Bumblebee Unlimited and tons of others from every genre imaginable (from metal to pop and back again). This is an excellent reference of rare and sought-after records in countless designs (including a section on nudie pic discs for the pervy dudes out there) and colors and an astounding variety of shapes. With the way those limited edition Serato Pressings seem to sellout before we even get them this book is more than timely. Soft cover, 432 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by Michu Meszaros

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Hamburger Eyes
Hamburger Eyes: Inside Burgerworld Book

Hallelujah! After years of slanging zines (and creating the awesome Photo Epicenter), the Hamburger Eyes crew has finally come around to putting out an official book! We've been praising with these guys for a while, carrying their early xeroxed issues and doing a show at our LA store. When will people finally get the message: Hamburger Eyes destroys monotony! If you're not aware of the movement, just think about every time you saw some cool, inexplicable, or completely random that gave you a jolt of brain juices. Seconds later you say to yourself: "Damn, I wish I had a camera..." Well, Hamburger people always have their cameras with them, shoot old school film rolls, and capture the most beautifully random moments evah. Hardcover, approximately 200 pages, black and white. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Hamburger Eyes
Issue #12

What's left to say about the almighty Hamburger Eyes? Every issue is packed with some of the most raw, beautiful and straight "wtf" inducing b&w photography you'll see in this day and age. In addition to the usual random shots from around the globe, this issue includes the short features "Hello New York" by Tobin Yelland and "All The Punks Think You're Dumb" by Ricky Adam. So what are you waiting for? 90 pages. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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Hamburger Eyes
Issue #13

contemporary B&W photography from around the world

The always-dope Hamburger Eyes crew is back with their 13th edition, featuring more of the weird B&W photography that we can't get enough of around here. Contains work from Wayne Levin, Jason Roberts Dobrin, Zack Canepari, Ray Potes and many many more. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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Jamel Shabazz
Seconds Of My Life Book

"Seconds Of My Life" marks the fourth book featuring the prolific work of Jamel Shabaaz. By now you all are familiar with Jamel's honest and straight-forward photography featuring people's day to day life in urban communties, but where as his previous books - "Back In The Days" and "A Time Before Crack" were very specific about the time and place of his subjects -"Seconds..." delves deep into
the photographer's archives and features a broader spectrum of work from all over the world spanning back 25 years to the present. From the favelas of Brasil, the hills of Jamaica, the Buddhist monks of Bangkok, the immigrants of France, or the black urban landscape of DC, Chicago, Philly and NYC, Shabaaz is able to confidently capture the confidence of the people from all races, genders, and classes. This hefty book also features photos of many famous musicians and icons from the black community including Grandmaster Flash, The Roots, Grover Washington Jr., Pete Rock, Common, Mos Def, Kanye, Russell Simmons and more.
Harcover, 224 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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James Jarvis
Vortigern's Machine Book

I've been familiar with James Jarvis' work for sometime now (the funny, potato-headish characters that have an alternative Simpsons-like quality) and his shit always cracks me up. You've probably seen his various toy/design projects (like the ICWF wrestler guys, the King Ken toys, and his stuff for SILAS), but It's cool to see him go all out in comic book form (I see you comic book heads!) and give context to his funny characters. With Vortigern's Mansion, Jarvis illustrates the story of two unsuspecting young dudes who go on a "magical" adventure that takes them from the streets of the city to the ends of the universe and back to uncover some of life's most pressing metaphysical questions. Sound a little trippy? Yeah, it is - but if you wanna see some uber-cool drawings and read a very fun story, then this one's for you. It's got everything from Patwah speaking Brits, a mysterious mansion, psychadelic substances and alternative realities, strange tribes and weird rituals, a cyclops and more good stuff. I hope they make this into a cartoon. 48 technicolor pages.
reviewed by snackmaster

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Jazz Covers Book

highly recommended, substantial book on jazz record cover design

Firstly, this book is pretty massive. It almost mirrors the actual 10 inch record format (9.5" x 9.5") and is nearly 2 inches thick. Compiled by avid jazz collector, Joaquim Paulo, this book features over 650 jazz covers. The selection will delight the collector and designer as Paulo has selected both the rare and the iconic. Each entry is meticulously documented with year, designer, photographer, art director, etc., and many entries have a short description about its history and design. There's some great bonus material too like interviews with Creed Taylor, Rudy Van Gelder, Bob Ciano, and others; plus top 10 lists from Gilles Peterson, King Britt, and others. Softcover, 494 pages, highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Kerry William Purcell
Josef Muller-Brockmann Book

Can you ever have enough Brockmann books? No. Phaidon presents their tribute to the grid master with the largest and most comprehensive JMB book to date. The inner-jacket claims this book to be "most definitive JMB monograph," and it's hard to argue against it. I personally own most every JMB title printed in the last 10 years, and I can tell you that this book features a large amount of exclusive material. Whereas most books spotlight his signature poster work, this book tells the entire story of the man, starting from his teens, continuing through his early formative professional days, and ending with his later corporate work. What is most interesting is that the book presents his early drawings, paintings, and designs, and attempts to decipher his influences. Did you know that JMB was a skilled illustrator and painter? A stage designer? Had a Picasso-influenced period? Designed a typeface for a typewriter? Even if you own every JMB book, this book will spark your imagination as much as the first time you saw one of his posters. His progression is fascinating, as his body of work represents a movement from the complex and painterly to the simple and mathematic (think about that for a second). 275 pages, hardcover. Measures 10" x 12" x 1.25". Highly recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

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Lesley Arfin
Dear Diary Book

Trying to write anything funny or cute about this book without reading and digesting every page of it would be a mistake. I can say this: Dear Diary is a totally unique, totally addictive (n.p.i.) little book from Vice contributor Lesley Arfin. If you're not a regular Vice reader, Dear Diary is where Lesley publishes excerpts from her 13 years of meticulously kept diaries (ages 12 to 25), then responds to each entry with the benefit of hindsight, even interviewing the people she loved / hated / talked shit about in the entries. There are innocent chapters, less innocent chapters, totally fucked up chapters and then some - but Lesley pulls them all off with a tone that's just right, not too serious, not too light. I tried to just do the cursory review-skim of this book but got sucked in and ended up reading half of it at my desk. This hardcover first printing comes with a neat magnetic snap "padlock" on the front, with a cool cover shot from Richard Kern. It's also got pictures throughout (B&W sketches and color photographs) and a foreword from Chloe Sevigny. 288 pages. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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Neckface
The Devil Made Me Do It Book

monograph from twisted artist

Neck Face's second book shows why everyone still sweats him. It's impressive to see the progression this guy has made in his art, both in technique and intensity. It just seems a matter a time before he takes his show to video / film, paper and objects can't hold him down. This 156 page book features Neck Face's drawings, paintings, installations, sculptures, random photography, self-portrait series, pee-ing on toilet paper series, and much more. Highly recommended.

- hardcover, 9" x 9", 156 pages
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Otl Aicher Book

This is the kind of book that gets the "recommended" in the front of the review. German designer Otl Aicher ranks up there with Brockmanns, the Hoffmans, and the Rands in the hierarchy of modern design. His branding of the 1972 Munich Olympics stands as one of the best major design jobs in the history of mankind (I'm serious). It also resulted in the easily the best iconography the world has ever seen (you've seen some variation of his sports icons somewhere). This chunky monograph includes those aforementioned works and reveals a rarely-seen, comprehensive retrospective of his work. This is the kind of stuff that has a powerful humbling effect (you are a design peon!), and makes you want to work even harder. Hardcover, 240 pages. Again, highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Paul Gorman
Reasons To Be Cheerful: The life and work of Barney Bubbles Book

genius graphic design, editor's pick

You're at Blockbuster (that place that rents DVDs). You can't find anything, so you rent one of those classic films that everyone sweats. After viewing this film, it blows your mind and subsequently opens up new alleyways in your brain. It is your steez. Ditto this. You can instantly add Colin Fulcher aka Barney Bubbles (1942-1983) to the my personal top ten list of favorite designers of all-time. Although I may have unknowingly admired some record cover work, this book collects it into one mammoth home run of juicy cheeseburgers, amateur porn, exquisite wines, and high grade drugs. Yes, it's a revelation. A sufferer of bipolar disorder, Bubbles was a radical designer who brought so much creativity to the design field (but with a foot firm in strong design and type). His mark is all over the fringe (and sometimes mainstream) music scene including iconic work for Hawkwind, Stiff Records, Elvis Costello, Ian Drury, Devo, Depeche Mode, and many others. This monograph collects his musical work, drafts, sketches, art work, and rarities; plus lots of words about this remarkable talent. Hardcover, 224 pages, 9" x 11". Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Ryan McGinness
No Sin / No Future Book - SIGNED

LAB EXCLUSIVO: these first batch of books is personally signed by Ryan McGinness. And it's not just a one-liner, Ryan fills up most of the page with doodles and quotes!

Ryan McGinness drops another limited edition book to document his mind spray aka the visual free jazz. This book looks like Ryan's brain threw up, but unlike a commoner's throw-up, Ryan's comes out in expertly splattered vectorizations, pixelations and flourishes. There's no concrete rhyme to the book, it's a mish-mash of snapshots, sketches, and scans from Ryan's studio. 2500 copies. Hardcover, 168 Pages, 216 x 279 mm. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Seymour: The Obsessive Images Of Seymour Chwast Book

light-hearted illustrations from Push Pin co-founder

A revolutionary of visual culture, Seymour Chwast is one of the most influential illustrators of the last half century. Filled with hundreds of his distinctive illustrations, Seymour is a career-spanning volume, sure to be an indispensable addition to the libraries of illustration buffs, pop-culture aficionados, and Chwast's die-hard fans. As co-founder of Push Pin Studios, Chwast has produced a body of illustrationsâ€"humorous, ironic, political, and utterly uniqueâ€"that are as inspirational to designers and illustrators today as they were when they first came on the scene over sixty years ago. Seymour is a spectacular and extensive tribute to a monumental figure in American illustration. Hardcover, 9" x 11", 272 pages.
reviewed by label review

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Vince Aletti
The Disco Files 1973-78: New York's Underground, Week By Week Book

definitive chronicle of disco, 2000+ rec reviews, 484 pages

Essential reading for anyone with more than just a passing interest in disco. If you are a disco dj, collector (or nerd) then you already know what this is (especially if you frequent DJHistory.com). Danny Krivit sums it up well - "The most accurate documentation of the birth of disco in existence!." That's the truth. This much anticipated book is THE definitive chronicle of disco written by Vince Aletti, the first writer to cover NY's emerging disco scene in the 70's. His weekly review column was circulated among all the top DJs and record labels at the time (photocopies of which are sweated as holy grail disco collectables) and The Disco Files collects ALL of them in book form! With over 2000+ record reviews, 800 club charts from the time, unpublished photos, classic magazine articles, and stories, this book is an invaluable source of information on disco culture. 484 pages, Highly Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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Wax Poetics
Anthology, Vol.1 Book

collection of articles on vinyl culture

Ahh, the choice pick for the collector's collector. Wax Poetics has been feeding our wax fetishes from their first issue in 2000. In fact, they started up right after TTL, and in many ways, we've grown up with them. From the small "heads only" mag at the height of the crate digger era, to the respected record connoisseur magazine it is today, you can definitely say they've come a long way. Since back issues of this mag are hard to find and in high demand (they're all shelved in the bosses' room), Wax Po put together this official hardcover anthology book, covering the prime articles from the first 5 issues. If you're avid WaxPo reader, you'll love the change to the large format. The pictures are just as priceless as the stories behind them, and when they're blown up this nice, it becomes that much harder to put down. 8.5 x 11", 240 pages, with 480 color plates. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

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Wax Poetics
Cover Story: Album Cover Art Book

visual collection of rare album covers

The connoisseurs at Wax Poetics get brilliant on this one. The concept gathers some of the magazine's most esteemed contributors to pick out 20 of their most personable albums and pair them up according to their individual significance. The result is a combination of rare record art, classics and funky music juxtaposed in an intriguing order. Kinda like a random assortment of "Desert Island" picks, if you will. The only text is in the preface and intro, but besides that the mystery of the pair ups are as subjective as the music locked in the grooves. The covers range from comedic, funky and outrageous, to refined, poetic and thought provoking(see detail pics) but all of them carry a timeless quality. Because this indirectly highlights the working artist before computers, I highly suggest this for anyone interested in graphics for music. I think you'll agree that the old methods were less fleeting. Recommended.
reviewed by Cmish

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WIWP
Now Showing (Movie Posters Re-Designed) Book

modern interpretations of vintage movie posters

Pocket-sized book from Madrid's Blur Editions documenting the Now Showing poster show from the Summer of 2008 in London. 40+ Creatives were given the task of creating their own interpretation of a cult, classic or obscure film poster from the past, whether it be a literal or abstract solution. Designers / artists include: Cody Hudson, Siggi Eggertsson, Michael Gillette, Mr. Ian Wright, Pure Evil, Hellovon, Build, Non Format, Corey Holms, Grandpeople, Marian Bantjes, Tomer Hanuka, Nathan Fox, James Joyce and many more. Films covered include Blow Up, Faster Pussycat, Super Vixens, Metropolis, The Birds, Planet Of The Apes, The Lost Boys, Rear Window, 2001, Alphaville, Midnight Cowboy, and many more. Softcover, 64 pages, 12 x 16cm. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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