ElectricSun

I don’t think I really need to introduce the concept of Top Trumps… the popular pocket-money pastime for boys hit our playgrounds in 1977 and stuck around until the early nineties. They were then relaunched in 1999 and are still in the shops today – there’s even an iPhone app.
This pack, available from Magma, are for the typophile with an inner child. Compare typefaces on criteria such as year of release, cost, number of cuts, legibility and of course, the ‘special power’. They aren’t official Top Trumps, but who cares? Perfect for playtime at the agency.

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These have been around a few months now, but have only just come to my attention (bit slow). Modeled on the retro classic ‘Rolf Harris’ Stylophone, this is a mini drum machine which has three different sounds; beatbox (with sounds recorded from beatboxer called MC Zani, apparently), drums and Stylophone bass. Those sounds are controlled by the 13 keys (or pads) with the use of the stylus, just like the original.

There’s also a hilarious video showcasing the this machine (linked above right), featuring former Britain’s Got Talent contestant, Brett Domino. Along with his friend, he cranks out Yorkshire-flavoured megamix of hip-hop classics. Proper Bo, I tell thee.

“It shimmers around the soul and brings you up slowly but surely. Once you’re up, it’s a pure gliding experience for at least an hour. The tracks commonly start linear with layers building up to create reinforced walls of blissed-out dreamstate psychedelia.”
Northern Star Records

Psychedelic indie pioneers Sunray chose to work with Electric Sun (previously React Design) to design and create the artwork for their album release in 2007. Having previously released a series of 12″ vinyl and CD singles which were well received on the underground scene, their second long-player was met with critical acclaim from the likes of Uncut, Wire and Record Collector magazines.
A transparent jewel-case was chosen to allow for more imagery inside and the booklet was printed printed 4 colours plus silver. The CD face was printed in a single colour on a white background.
To check out more about Sunray at their website and their myspace page.