My Chocolate Post...

So, just to give some background, I've had about a three-year Chocolate kick. Starting in probably my senior year, Chocolate could seriously do no wrong in my eyes. This was around the time Devine had just gotten on and was blowing up big. They'd also just gotten Pappalardo, which practically blew my skate-nerd brain at the time. Their graphics always seemed impeccable to me, and the whole feel of the company just killed me.

Now, though, I can't help but think how stale everything feels. With the exception of Vincent Alvarez, there's been no real new blood for a few years now. It seems like Justin Eldridge, Chris Roberts, and Devine Calloway all sort of had this crazy coverage that they never really followed up on. Like they were supposed to take a strong position as the team's identity. Sounds a little stupid, I know. But it makes sense. There's no real Chocolate vibe anymore. It's just a bunch of skaters who ride the same boards. Like, Gino is Chocolate. Justin Eldridge isn't, really. Plus, honestly, the latest graphics are pretty fucking boring. I've not followed who's in charge of art direction too closely, but it seems like there's been a lull in creativity. And they really don't have to try very hard to impress me. I still think the Chocolate chunk is one of the best looking skate logos ever.

I guess that, in the end, it doesn't matter too much. The same thing happened with Alien Workshop, who had been the absolute bees' knees to me from the time I saw Photosynthesis as a tiny chittlin until I was about thirteen.. But I do sorta feel like this latest change in opinion is indicative of skating as a whole right now -- there's just too much of everything out there right now, so it's pretty hard to be heard over the fray. For the moment I'm backing Roger, just because it's so small that it almost seems like a forgotten entity. No superstar team, no previous history (really) to bank off of (Plan B, Stereo, what the fuck?), just great graphics and ads that actually represent the true smart-ass spirit of skating.

Oh, and for the record, I still love the fact that Pappalardo's on Chocolate.

Good day so far.

Got up and had a nice little morning sesh at the skatepark. Then I came home to a particularly rad Gino episode on Epicly Later'd. Extra-long, Italy trip with a Pappalardo interview, funny-ass Reda commentary, and Gino's dad. It was also cool hearing Federico talk about Gino. All-around just sick. I'm so glad for what Epicly Later'd has turned into. So sick.

That's Good Marketing

The friendly folks over at Lakai are gonna make me buy the same video twice. I knew this would happen, but after this trailer they don't really have to twist my arm to get me to do it. If nothing else, I'm excited to see an Anthony Pappalardo interview. Anyway, should be a good one. Maybe for Christmas.

Van Wastell R.I.P.

Van Wastell was always so fun to watch skate. Very unique trick selection, good style, just the type of guy you want representing skateboarding. He'll be missed for sure.

Cliche, De Ja Vu

Wow, what a disappointment. I know it's just a free remix video, but I always enjoy Cliche productions. Maybe I expected too much, but I thought it would be at least watchable. How did all those editors manage to make watching that rad team so boring? A lot of it seemed pretty half-assed. I did enjoy Andrew Brophy's part. Ty Evans' edit of Lucas Puig was ridiculous and makes me fear for the future. After a minute-and-a-half of hoping for an end to the slow-mo, I stopped the video and actually said out loud, "Wow, Ty Evans sucks." Never thought I'd say that. I realize the video has to feel a little jumpy because there are different editing styles throughout, but there are many amateur editors out there that could have done MUCH better. Weird, I guess. What a turd. By the way, who the heck am I writing to anyway? I think this is the lowest of internet lows. Skate nerd enraged at a free online video vents on blog. Awesome. Anyway, something to cheer me up.

Roger That!

Good title, right? I'm excited for Roger Skateboards. It sort of reminds me of old World Industries stuff just in that it's not afraid to make fun of skateboarding as a whole. I never really got to be around for the Rocco era, so I guess I'm just making assumptions here, but nevertheless it's something new and funny. Check out the website to see their ads. Also, the sticker team idea is fucking great! Michael Sieben's definitely put his time in as a skate nerd and it shines through in his ideas and artwork. Good job, I just wish I could get my hands on one of their decks. Here's the website as well as a cool Slap interview with Michael Sieben.

Roger Skateboards
Slap Interview

Addendum to "HD Worries"

I really hope Ty doesn't fuck around with Popps' footage on the Chocolate video, too. Pappalardo's too good a skater and too perfect a fit on Chocolate to not get the respect he deserves for a second time. It's also worth mentioning that I have great admiration for Ty Evans' work ethic and it's obvious how influential he has been in the skate video arena; I just think his videos need to work for the skaters and not the other way around. On another Chocolate sidenote, I'm really liking Vincent Alvarez. His whole style reminds me of the Girl and Chocolate dudes in the "Mouse" days. Really fast, smooth, and loose. Here's his first official Chocolate footage.