That’s Sam Fogarino from Interpol, wearing the new Jay Reatard Memorial Tee.

Photo taken by Reuben Cox.

Close to this time two years ago, Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr. (A.K.A. Jay Reatard) passed away in his sleep at the young age of 29. He recorded music prolifically, leaving behind an extensive musical legacy and a lasting impression on the world of indie rock.

To celebrate the memory of Jay and his contributions to music, we’ve commissioned this t-shirt, which depicts a Gibson Flying V; one of his trademark guitars. Jonathan Lindley drew this using a black pen on A2 paper, basing his design on a photograph of one of Jay’s guitars. He replaced the branding on the headstock with the initials ‘JR’.

All of the profits from the sale of this t-shirt will benefit the St. Judes Research Hospital, a charity chosen by Jay’s father, Jimmy Lee Lindsay Sr. This facility is known – amongst other things – for its policy of accepting people for treatment, regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

Photographs below are of musician Luther Russell and Catherine Herrick (of Matador Records). Catherine did publicity for Jay’s last album, Watch Me Fall. 

Photos were taken by Reuben Cox and Miwa Okumura, respectively.

If you don’t happen to be familiar with Jay’s music, we’ve put together this Spotify playlist for you to enjoy.

With the apocalypse in our rear view mirrors, uninhibited adoration for facial hair has reached new heights. Welcome to 2012, beardos.

This month’s post is going to be simple, and sweet – much like a well-kempt moustache. With the introduction of a new year, we give tidings to blessed, bearded men that are going to astound us (not only with their whiskers, but their musical talents, as well).

1)     Other Lives’ Jesse Tabish

Jesse Tabish, singer in Other Lives has not only extolled us with his both haunting and hypnotizing vocals, but his al-naturale head of hair and beard compliment. The perfect portrayal of the Americana ensemble (equally rugged and approachable in his facial hair composition) has easily made him my breakout beard of 2012.

On the Beardlesque Brittany scale, Tabish is a 9, a near perfect score.

Formally known as Kunek, Other Lives is not “new” in the slightest – however, their newest album, Tamer Animals (2011) and Tabish’s beard have been reprised on multiple occasions for their recent successes. This year Other Lives is expected at Coachella, a music festival in Indio, California, and is opening for Radiohead in their upcoming tour.

Beardlesque Brittany tip: Listen to their song Old Statues first.

2)     Dry the River

Each member of Dry the River, at one point or another, has boasted a beard, or the semblance of facial hair – and they haven’t yet even come out with their first LP. This folks, is talent in its most raw and rare form. We’re not only looking forward to their album “Shallow Bed,” but my hopes extend to the potential of their fuzz(es). My expectation is boundless considering the bass guitarist and back-up vocalist Scott’s bewitching (and untamed) bear of a beard. His torrent of hair is indescribable, and can only admired, much like their music.

Dry the River has received recognition from the Avett Brothers and also participated in the Yellow Bird Project’s Wilderness Sessions.

Beardlesque Brittany tip: Listen to their song “History Book” first – this was the inspiration behind the design of the Yellow Bird tee.

 Happy January,

Baby, it’s cold outside… So we’ve gathered together a playlist to keep you warm on the inside

You can listen to this playlist on Spotify and also add your own tracks!

Laura Marling – Goodbye England (Covered In Snow)

Iron & Wine – Faded From The Winter

Elliott Smith – Angel In The Snow

Belle & Sebastian – Fox In The Snow

Stars – What The Snowman Learned About Love

Kate Bush – 50 Words For Snow

The White Stripes – In The Cold, Cold Night

Ra Ra Riot – Winter ’05

Smith & Burrows – When The Thames Froze

Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal

Au Revoir Simone – Fallen Snow

The Leisure Society – The Last Of The Melting Snow

First Aid Kit – Winter Is All Over You

She & Him – Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Sam Roberts – The Canadian Dream

Malcolm Middleton – Cold Winter

Which song reminds you most of winter?

Animated by Adam Fraser
Produced by Jonathan Lindley