Justin McIntosh is editor of Columbus Alive. These are a few of his favorite things.
Numero, Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label
Available at Spoonful Records, 116 E. Long St., Downtown
Numero’s Eccentric Soul compilations are treasure troves of mostly forgotten soul classics. This first release, which I picked up at Spoonful Records, is of particular note to Columbus music fans. Featuring 19 tracks from our own Capsoul label, founded in the 1970s by Bill Moss, a local singer and DJ, collects some of the strongest soul music ever recorded. Featured are tracks such as Marion Black’s “Who Knows,” which was used in a Blackberry commercial and in TV shows “Weeds” and “Queer as Folk,” along with cuts that have been sampled by Big K.R.I.T., Curren$y, Pretty Lights and Wiz Khalifa.
Feedly app
Available via iTunes and other digital outlets
I was devastated when I learned of Google Reader’s demise earlier this year, but my reaction was premature. I’ve since discovered Feedly, an RSS reader with a mobile and web interface that’s as delightful to use as one of my other newly discovered favorite apps, Flipboard. Set up was simple and quick, too. Log in to Google through Feedly and, yea, that’s actually it.
“The Massive” by Brian Woods
Available at Laughing Ogre, 4258 N. High St., Clintonville
Stripped of any fantastical end-of-the-world plot mechanics (such as zombies or vampires), “The Massive” shows us just how terrifying and swift our demise would be when brought about by topical factors such as a global economic collapse and/or extreme weather conditions such as tsunamis and earthquakes. Completely terrifying and yet oddly gripping for the same reasons.
Invisible Shoes
Available at invisibleshoe.com
My summer happiness is often contingent on how unshod my feet are. I’m not a fan of flip-flops, and Chaco sandals are too bulky. But this DIY, huarache-like sandal is magnificent. Basically, you send the company some foot measurements, and they send you back custom Vibram soles and some laces. I barely took them off last summer, even though they’re kind of ugly (you can change the color of the laces and rubber) and offer scant protection. Still, for an old hillbilly, this near-barefoot state is near bliss.
Growlers
Available at Savor Growl, 2991 Indianola Ave., Clintonville
I’ve resisted the growler trend for a while, mostly because I can barely make it through an entire jug before the beer starts to go bad. But after buying one from the newly opened Savor Growl in Clintonville prior to a Saturday night bonfire, I’ve come around. Growlers, quite simply, excel in the social environment of a party, where sharing fresh local draft beer would otherwise never happen.
