Editor Brent DiCrescenzo’s picks for the music geek.
1/5Pop art Displaying albums as fine art is nothing new. Problem is, the common LP frame is more of a vault: Once you hang it, you can�t play the record. How did it take science so damn long to come up with this, Art Vinyl�s Play & Display Flip Frame ($53)? Now you can guiltily slip on Weezer�s Raditude, even though you tell friends you own it only because the cover is hilarious. Available at artvinyl.com.
2/5Pop-open art Kanye is free to show up at Occupy Wall Street rallies, but we all know he�s more concerned with Parisian couture. The Kanye West x George Condo x M/M silk scarf ($300) features the gaudy-beautiful art from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Now Yeezy can make an ascot out of himself, too. Available at RSVP Gallery, 1753 N Damen Ave (773-770-6666).
3/5Finger licks are good The Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer ($59.99) features the guts of the classic MS-20 keyboard, yet fits in a pocket. Which means you can play Daft Punk�s �Da Funk� with a fingertip and not spend four figures on vintage gear. Or you can just annoy the shit out of people on road trips. Available at shop.korgusa.com.
4/5Clothes to 11 Slip a little Spinal Tap into your formal wear with this volume knob lapel pin ($20). Chatty people, beware. Some sarcastic dude will try to turn you down. Available at the MCA Store, 220 E Chicago Ave (312-397-4000).
5/5Chimney Chimney Ya This holiday season, no manger scene is complete without Big Baby Jesus. Folks could debate which is the best Wu-Tang solo album for ages, but it�s more fun to just accept Ol� Dirty Bastard�s Return to the 36 Chambers as the clan�s batty apex. Get On Down�s swank Dirty Version deluxe edition ($29.99) almost doubles as an ODB disguise kit; it comes with a yellow leather wallet and a replica of his food-stamp card, as seen on the album�s cover. Available at undergroundhiphop.com.
