Black Rucksack - The Gear, The Lifestyle and The Pastimes of Men » music

Logitech Ultimate Ears 700

J. A. — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:00:35 +0000

Finally, ear buds that are actually comfortable...

Earphones, specifically ear buds, have come a long way in the past few years and recently they’ve taken another big leap. The Logitech Ultimate Ears 700 skillfully blend comfort and performance into one small bundle.

These headphones use silicone ear-cushions to accomplish noise isolation and provide a nice in-ear fit. Most ear buds that claim to be “comfortable” and to “fit well” are just BS’ing for their marketing literature. The Logitech Ultimate Ears 700′s however, really are comfortable.

Unless you’re an audiophile, it can be hard to justify spending more than $50 on any set of headphones. But, if you’re looking for a set worth every penny, then check out the Logitech Ultimate Ears 700.

Logitech Ultimate Ears 700
$230

Apple iPod Shuffle 3rd Gen, 4GB

J. A. — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 04:00:14 +0000

Super small Shuffle...

After owning each previous version of the iPod Shuffle, the newest third generation shuffle has certainly piqued my interest. The first Shuffle was shaped like a pack of gum and was the first iPod without a screen. The second generation Shuffle shrunk to a clip-shaped design while the capacity increased. Apple has yet again shrunk the Shuffle and increased the capacity, this time to 4GB.

The shape of the third generation iPod Shuffle is essentially a smaller flatter clip. Its dimensions are 1.8″ H x .7″ W x .3″ D and it no longer has buttons on the iPod itself. Instead, the buttons have been relocated to the right earbud cord and Apple’s VoiceOver feature has been built-in. So, by just pressing a button, the iPod will tell you what song is playing and the artist. This interesting move by Apple has prompted a lot of debate though, consumer reception (while critical) seems positive.

Apple iPod Shuffle 3rd Gen, 4GB
$79

Life On Mars

J. A. — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:00:50 +0000

Photo By: abc.go.com

Editor’s Note: This is Black Rucksack post 25! If you have any suggestion for us, e-mail us at rucksack |at| blackrucksack |dot| com!

There are very few television series that actually strike me. In fact, generally I avoid watching television so I can focus on other hobbies… grillin’, gear, hockey, etc. One television show, however, causes me to stop what I’m doing every Wednesday at 10pm… Life On Mars.

The premise of Life On Mars is that in 2008, Detective Sam Tyler was hit by a car and knocked-out. When he awoke, he found himself in 1973, without any idea of how he got there. Now, he struggles episode by episode with trying to get back to his own time, while working for a tough boss, old style cop Gene Hunt, at the fictional 1-2-5 precinct in New York City.

The show is mostly a cop drama that is intense and unforgiving though, there are some minor sci-fi elements. Life On Mars also covers dirty cops, mobsters, hate crime, fast women and hot rods. One other addicting feature of this show is its understanding and appreciation of ’70s rock and beyond. The series premier featured music by David Bowie, The Who, The Sweet and the ‘Stones… perfect, right? You can find a list of music from every episode at the Life On Mars website. Watch this show… you’ll be glad you did.

Life On Mars
Wednesday at 10pm EST on ABC

In This “Day & Age”…

J. A. — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:00:22 +0000

A dustland fairytale...

The new, third studio album by Las Vegas quartet The Killers has something for just about everyone. In a follow-up to their highly regarded second album, Sam’s Town, The Killers take a few bold steps into funk dubs and spacey grooves while maintaining their rock roots. “Human”, the first single from the band’s third album Day & Age, starts in the realm of electronica and ends up on the edge of alternative rock. The second single, “Spaceman”, is pure alternative rock and one of the best singles of 2008; definitely a song for future jukebox heroes.

“A Dustland Fairytale” is an ever-building rock yarn with a dash of ballad and is by far my favorite on the album. The lyrics, by The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, were written specifically about the young romance of his mom and dad when they first met in their teens. Flowers describes his dad as “some kind of slick, chrome American prince.” This song ends with an orchestral flurry that leaves you screaming “ENCORE! ENCORE!”

A few other notable songs: The even groove “This Is Your Life”, the bold reverie “Neon Tiger” and the unbashful “Tidalwave”.

4.5 out of 5 Rucksacks

The Killers – Day & Age
$11