Artists Awarded Millions in 5Pointz Case

A victory for the group of artists whose work was painted over back in 2013, a judge has ruled in their favor in their case against real estate developer Gerald Wolkoff. Sadly, the $150,000 for each of the 45 pieces (a total award of $6.75 million) doesn’t reverse the whitewashing of the iconic 5Pointz building in Queens—which was a “temple” for artists and an inspiring …

Dita Von Teese and Sébastien Tellier: Porcelaine

For her debut self-titled album, Dita Von Teese has enlisted the sublime talents of Sébastien Tellier, who wrote and composed the entire record. Tellier says that the super-dreamy “Porcelaine” is about Von Teese’s skin: “too perfect to be real.” The track is synth-infused and sweet, with the two exchanging verses in French. Sounding a little like a throwback tune from the ’80s, it’s a pretty …

Frank Ocean: Moon River (cover)

There have been hundreds of covers of “Moon River” since the original (performed by Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”) but Frank Ocean’s surprise version—released today—is certainly one of the most beautiful. Pared-back and relying mostly on Ocean’s divine vocals, the track is (in Ocean’s style) both celestial and haunting. This serene cover is more evidence that seemingly everything Ocean touches turns to gold.