Lead singer, Jack Barnett of These New Puritans, declares the bands original inspiration to their ‘art rock’ sound came from hip-hop big boys Wu-Tang Clan. It’s easily noticed throughout their first album Beat Pyramid that the Clan’s graveled sounds were used as a key influence. The group was also influenced by the electronic edge of Aphex Twin, as well as the infamous cartoon series, The Smurfs. ‘We want war’ is the leading single from Hidden, the bands newest album.

http://www.myspace.com/thesenewpuritans

This weekend, certain “in crowds” in New York City will kick-off the summer in the Hamptons, originally made famous by the Great Gatsby and now just as famous for inhabitants like Madonna and Sir Paul McCartney. Yet, one artist always associated with the Long Island Sound, Ross Bleckner, an East Hampton resident, will contribute ceramic dishes that he’s painted for charity. Miracle House, which hosts a kick-off party on Saturday in Bridgehampton, will auction off dishes painted by  Bleckner and UK art darling Damien Hirst, so that patients afflicted by AIDS and other serious illnesses, can receive temporary housing and meals during treatments.

For me, Bleckner’s paintings, seen here from his Spring show at Mary Boone Gallery, bursts out almost subversively because his flora is so beautiful and encompassing. To note: Bleckner was also appointed as a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Goodwill Ambassador last year. To mark that commendation to this UN component that fights human trafficking worldwide, Bleckner collected two hundred paintings from child soldiers and little girls who had been abducted in Gulu Uganda and auctioned them.

For those out in the Hamptons this weekend who would like to attend the Miracle House charity event, check out their website: MIRACLEHOUSE

All little girls dream about a knight in shining armor. But in this day and age, with knights few and far between, a lass must be well-armed. I’m not suggesting she carry a sword but a nice piece of IMK jewelry by creative girl about town Rebecca Schiffman could do the trick. You might have spotted Schiffman strumming her guitar and singing at Pianos on the Lower East Side. Or perhaps you spied one of her paintings, often profiles and my favorites, post coital couples in comfortable intimacy. Her jewelry is simple, and cool, and kick-ass. One piece speaks a thousand words, but being a storyteller, Schiffman evokes a certain historical inspiration:

“IMK is named after The Ill-Made Knight, Lancelot’s epithet in T.H. White’s version of the Arthurian legend The Once and Future King. IMK designs are inspired by the art of medieval armour as well as art deco artifacts and post-apocalyptic science-fiction.”  Whatever the case, we like it!  FYI: I’m thinking a chained belt wrapped around a Hudson tank or some chain cuffs. To place orders, contact: IMKJEWELRY

Spotted around town…. ABOVE

The street is always the place to gleam trends and in New York City, the party circuit of “in crowds” offers the best fashion clues around. Above, you’ll notice that girls are wearing a lot more backless dresses sometimes topped with bangle bracelets. Shades of blue, especially burnished turquoise, are popping up everywhere. Julie Ragolia is the brunette in the Maria Cornejo dress.(Note: Julie made the cover of the Sartorialist look book and she’s always on point.) She wore the deep blue frock  to an art opening. Ditto for the backless blue dress worn by artist Rachel Feinstein, seen here with drop earrings.  (Rachel, a former Marc Jacobs muse, is featured in this month’s Vogue.) Note: shiny silk , the material seen everywhere, in tops and halters, work well with Hudson jeans. Tanya Selvaratnam, an actress/playwright associated with the Wooster Group, wears a beaded vintage top with a Commes des Garcons grey skirt but she could easily pair it with some Hudson skinnies. Despite wedges popping up for Spring, stilettos are still the favorite heel. Girls with hippie vibes like Sarah Sophie Flicker (seen above) can rock a cool Spring head scarf with a feminine blouse and a pair of jeans. I think a nice pair of Hudson flares would really top her look.

‘Wild Palms – Over Time’

‘Wild Palms’ are a British, post-punk, electro band who are finally being heard. Their songs provide great staccato guitar and lad-ish booming vocals, almost as if the 4some just walked out of Joy Division school!