Unfortunately I didn’t make it out to LA to see the I am 8-bit opening reception last night, but luckily they released what looks to be a pretty great book of 8-bit art. I am 8-bit is an annual group art show that aims to recapture the feeling of the 8-bit world many of us have burned into our collective consciousness– thanks to things like Pac-Man, Frogger, and Super Mario Bros. The book has more than 100 original pixeilated pictures for our enjoyment. The forward is also by funny man Chuck Klosterman (Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs), so this should be a good book.

I wouldn’t normally make big claims like I have ‘The Next Big Band’, because I’m not really into predictions– I’m more into scenarios. With that said, I’m going to walk out on a limb and say Portland-based band Climber, might indeed be the next big thing. I was absolutely blown away with the combination of radiohead-esque melodic elements, smart, mature lyrics, and downright bad-ass head nodding sound. The song writing reminds me of Ben Gibbard, the electro-pop sound of Postal Service– but they still seem to hold my attention with a unique and individual sound. As far as I can tell they don’t tour much past their hometown, but I really think it’s only a matter of time before we start to hear them a lot more– in fact some of their songs seem almost written for films. Theirs a 5 song EP on iTunes worth checking out, and lots of songs to download off their website. My current favorites: Escape, Always Right, Foxes, and Hornes.