Mood Board | Backpack Attack!

We’ve caught wind of a really nasty rumor spreading through the lanes of Melbourne, it is, to wit: Backpacks Are Just For Camping. Wowzerz. We don’t know which anti-hipster scum have been spreading these lies but despite our store being situated in the camping-shop district of Melbourne (also known as Little Bourke Hill) we’re going to fight these nasty untruths with a mood board and a history lesson.

Backpacks (as pictured above in a multitude of different styles) were initially designed as a form of hunch. It’s quite famously documented that the Hunchback of Notre-Dame was a real ladies man, so men at the time tried to emulate his sexy-arched-posture by wearing packs on their backs.

Quickly the same men realised that said packs were perfect for transporting small children, dogs (see above) and tiny models of the Eiffel Tower. The French, forever setting fashion trends, slowly adapted their Hunch Packs (as they were called in the early 19th century) into different fabrics and colours. Ooh La La Quasimodo was a famous Parisian retailer at the time who encouraged these trend-setting lads to wear their packs a touch lower as it was “slimming”. And thus the modern day backpack was born.

The 21st century has seen a worldwide backpack revival with thanks to the ever present “music festival” and desire to transport ones cellular phone and Discman with comfort and ease.

Here at Comeback Kid we sell one backpack style that comes in three colours. So whether you’re looking for a more hunched back, a place to put your dog (see above Mood Board) or simply somewhere to dump your goods when you’re dancing in fields we’ve got the ultimate backpack for you.

Historically Yours,
Comeback Kid

Hear Me Now | Parklife Brochure of Knowledge

Easy Diplo! He likes turtle(necks).

If we could change the format of our blog for this one post into a Parklife specific brochure we would. Sadly that seems a bit drastic but what we’re trying to get across is that we’re Parklife Pros. And if they required a brochure to be written up on how to make the most of your day at said festival, well, I’d suggest they hire us. Without further ado here are our Parklife tips to ensure you have a wicked day. Sharpen your pencils kids:

Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)
…and we suggest that you do. Despite Melbourne’s weather reading “partly cloudy and 18″ for this Saturday (which are also elements of how you could describe a big night out) you can still get burnt.

Pack Your Nuts
Unless you have a nut allergy and then pack something with equal sustenance. Also take earplugs and headache tablets. Your friends (and often strangers!) will love you for it. See your doctor if symptoms persist.

So where will you find us this Saturday? Here are our picks from the wicked (and mostly clash-free) line-up:

Yacht Club DJs | 2pm | Kakadu Stage
Key Track: Well it’s not about key track with these kids, it’s a bit more complex than that!
Yacht Club DJs could easily close the show, rather than open it, as they’re potentially Australia’s best party DJs without question. Famous for mixing major party tracks, with musicals, with TV show themes (and more!) last time we saw them on stage they dropped this track from The Lion King and shit got real.

Little Dragon | 2.45pm | Atoll
Key Track: Ritual Union
Since seeing them support the Gorillaz in December last year we’ve been proud members of this bandwagon. To be honest, I wasn’t sold on their sound before seeing them live but Little Dragon have stage presence to boot. And vocalist Yukimi Nagano is out of this world. Just ask Ricky…

Santigold | 5.45pm | Sahara
Key Track: Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win – Beastie Boys Feat. Santigold
Alright I’m gonna say it: Santigold is the new M.I.A. but potentially… better. OK, OK that’s a big call but I get the feeling that she’s literally picking up where M.I.A. left off. She’s more consistent and reliable and that leads me to believe she’ll be around (and therefore more relevant) for a lot longer. We’ve never seen her live so we’re pumped.

Diplo | 6.30pm | Sahara
Key Track: Dangers Not A Stranger – Gucci Mane (Diplo Remix)
Speaking of M.I.A. her ex, Diplo, hits the stage straight after Santigold AND WE ARE TOO EXCITED. We became Diplo fanatics at a Parklife three years ago following a random purchase of his mixtape I Like Turtles because it looked cool. And it was cool. So yeah we wandered into a tent to see if this guy was “any good live” and we were subsequently blown away. We’ve closely followed his career from that point but haven’t seen him live since he did a surprise Major Lazer show at The Corner Hotel. Twas epic. We’re hoping for some Moombahton magic come Saturday arvo.

The Gossip | 7.30pm | Sahara
Key Track: Love Long Distance
You guys BETH DITTO. Our iTunes count for Music For Men suggests that we’re going to like this set.

Lykke Li | 8.45pm | Atoll
Key Track: Get Some
Sometimes it’s more fun to end your festival day on a calming note, rather than a mental party high. Cue: Lykke Li. Blissful sing-a-long pop perfection, grab a beer, take a deep breath, check out the crowd and relax. This will be a good one.

Yours,
Comeback Kid

PS. We also made this Parklife mix back in June. Click HERE to listen.

On The Shelves | Spring Swag

Limedrop Black and Grey Two Toned Singlet $66, Handsom Mustard Corduroy Shorts $115, CBK Vintage Forest Green Baseball Cap $20 and CBK Red and Khaki Contrast Backpack $59

Comfort is key with these pieces. We’re loving corduroy everything at the moment so we’ve hit the ground running with Handsom’s take on cord shorts. Team it with Limedrop’s simply cool two-tone tank and finish it with CBK cap and backpack. You’ll be good to go!

Spring Swag,
Comeback Kid

Hear Me Now | Sounds Good

Hello readers. Let’s talk new music (or should that be let’s hear new music?) and get all excited about what will be dragging us to the d-floor in weeks to come. Hit play:

Oliver Tank Last Night I Heard Everything In Slow Motion
Massive Attack Teardrop anyone? There’s a song I never need to hear again. Why did I decide that had to be some sort of anthem for my teen years?! Doh. Anyway, this track from Sydney-sider Oliver Tank is quite nice if you like your music slow (the title doesn’t lie) but if you like your music fast wait for the remixes to be released.

Lana Del Rey Blue Jeans
Since we last spoke about Ms Rey shit has hit the conspiracy theory fan and the collagen has gotten out of the bag. So to speak.  Apparently, the-next-big-thing-in-indie-singing-ballad-ness is the product of some record label dollars and a serious makeover. If indeed her lips have been pumped then it’s sad to know that out there some mad person is urging people to change their appearance drastically for potential success. Also sad to know that Lana fell for it; her voice is strong enough without a couch on her face. But we’re gonna side-step the drama for a moment as we’re eagerly awaiting the release of her album because we’re loving all the singles so far.

DJ Shadow Give Me Back The Nights
Serious confession: I once fell asleep on the floor at Prince Bandroom during a DJ Shadow show ***head bowed in shame*** I had worked a ridiculously long week but, sigh, I have never forgiven myself. DJ Shadow is set to release his fourth studio album The Less You Know, The Better at the end of this month and his new tracks are already hitting the interwebs. If you’re not familiar with his work I suggest you get your hands on the brilliant film Dark Days for which Shadow did the score. Actually I insist you watch that film. It’s fascinating.

Das Racist Michael Jackson
Well this is stupidly awesome (what more could you expect from the people who brought us THIS) and it’s also a pretty fun re-working of MJs classic video clip for Black or White. Which is also a pretty apt choice considering how a good chunk of Das Racist’s schtick is rapping about race, your Puerto Rican cousin etc. Yeah. They’ve just released an album called Relax and I’m ready to sink my teeth into it.

LA Vampires & Zola Jesus No No No
Wow this track is wicked. Spotted this one over at the Breaking and Entering blog and it’s really something. Funnily enough I was listening to the original on my way into the store this morning as it’s a favourite track of mine but this super paired back, slowed down, spaced out version is tickling my fancy too. Always nice to have an update to an old favourite. Try not to get too hazy now ’cause out in the street they call it merther when rhythm spacing out your head…

Yours,
Comeback Kid

Just In | In The Bag

CBK Contrast Backpack in Red, Green and Navy $59

This Monday saw the launch of our latest CBK accessory: the humble backpack. You might’ve already noticed that we’re pretty obsessed with backpacks here at Comeback Kid and for good reason too! Nothing is more practical or easy to carry around when you’re on the move with a-whole-lotta stuff so we decided to introduce the ultimate backpack in store. Our CBK style is the essence of basic (and water is the essence of wetness yo) no branding, no fuss, just sturdy practical goodness. We’ve added colour for a dash of fun and YKK zippers for extra sturdiness. This backpack is made for overnight outings, festival time, day-to-day use or somewhere to live if you’re the smallest person in the world.

They’re available online (free shipping for the win) and in store now.

Yours,
Comeback Kid