I’ve always been a fan of video game soundtracks– spending time playing the likes of Tetris (I have the standup arcade game), Mario Brothers, etc. is definitely one of my favorite pastimes. After learning a whole bunch about the Cool Hunting, I just couldn’t wait for the 8-bit Operators album to come out. The album is out now (from a few weeks ago) and is mostly the music of Kraftwerk performed on vintage 8-bit video game systems. Don’t miss the head-nodding, smile enducing remixes of our favorite tracks like Pocket Calculator and Computer Love from artists as diverse as the Receptors, Bit Shifter, 8-Bit Weapon and more.

With a few free hours on my last rain filled afternoon in Amsterdam I made it over to Droog@Home, the design gallery, shop and offices of what some are calling the Dutch design super-humans. Having seen dozens of pictures of their designs in the past, it was really a treat to see such a wide range of their innovative design in one room. They’ve been going since ‘93, and currently the collection features 300 designs by nearly 200 designers. The studio showed off everything from lighting and furniture to random accessories– designs are witty and idiosyncratic, while still remaining incredibly functional. Describing all the products I saw would be impossible– but let me just say that the Milk Bottle Lights and Joris Laarman’s beautiful ceramic radiator were much better than I would have imagined in person. If you’re a designer or a design fan– this shop is a must see stop while in Amsterdam.

We have to admit we’re going to miss our friend Chean Wei Law’s old portfolio site– but the new one is just as impressive. If you don’t remember Undoboy, he created those super-fun Super-bastard box figures. His new identity is solid and interface is simple and sexy– it helps further deliver his simple message about life: Design Brings Happiness. The new site of the NY based designer shows off some of his awesome work for folks like Mini Cooper, Coke Zero and Volkswagen. Congrats on the new site, Undoboy!