Julian Casablancas, "I Wish It Was Christmas Today"
From 2009, here's Julian Casablancas with "I Wish It Was Christmas Today."
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Graham Parker, "Local Girls"
From 1979, here's Graham Parker and the Rumor with "Local Girls."
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Top 20 Albums Of 1995
For this week's Ranked!, we ranked our favorite albums of 1995. Did we get it right? Let us know in the comments!
20. Poe, Hello
I'm not gonna lie, I really loved this album when it came out, starting with the song "Angry Johnny" because I had just been in a stupid college break-up and, well, angry chick song. It's an eclectic mix of electronic, hip hop, and a little bit of a jazzy rhythm and had all kinds of geeky references. I'm actually bummed she's only ever released two albums because she had a lot of potential for some interesting stuff.--Archphoenix
19. Foo Fighters, Foo Fighters
Dave Grohl gets it. Perhaps alone among his peers of musicians that emerged in the '90s, Dave Grohl seems to know he has an effortless grasp of the essence of rock and roll. How else to explain the emergence of the Foo Fighters from the long shadow of Nirvana to become of the greatest rock bands of the last 20 years. I was skeptical of their debut album when it came out--he was just a drummer, wasn't he?--but damn if Foo Fighters didn't hit that perfect balance of raging guitars, killer hooks, and middle-finger-in-the-air attitude. While other bands wrung their hands with teenage angst or sweated to prove they were "alternative," Foo Fighters seemed to want to crowd-surf and drink beers backstage like the rest of us. Isn't that what rock is all about?--CroutonBoy
18. Ani DiFranco, Not A Pretty Girl
Angry girl with guitar, scathing wit, and musical talent? Sold. The big song on this one is, of course, "32 Flavors," but her song "Shy" is pretty fantastic, especially live.--Archphoenix
17. Joan Osbourne, Relish
I love love LOVE Joan Osborne's voice. It's smoky sexy folksy and delicious. The big song, "One of Us," got a ton of airplay at the time, but for my money I love "Spider Web," "St. Theresa," "Ladder," and her cover of Bob Dylan's "Man In The Long Black Coat" isn't half bad.--Archphoenix
16. Green Day, Insomniac
Not as funny as its predecessor, Dookie, Insomniac was still a great album by the Berkley trio. Still to this day, I crank the radio extra loud when "Brain Stew" bleeds into the chaotic "Jaded."--Chris
First Look: Pacific Rim
So a teaser trailer was leaked yesterday. And you do get to see bits and pieces of monsters.
Consider yourself teased:
Consider yourself teased:
Alphabeat, "X-mas (Let's Do It Again)
From 2012, here's Alphabeat with "X-mas (Let's Do It Again)."
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
James Franco, Cats, And Grease: Why Didn't This Video Break The Internet?
And it's all set to the musical stylings of R.E.M.
So for this week's Your Say Hump Day, your assignment is to explain what the hell they were thinking with this video. Go!
So for this week's Your Say Hump Day, your assignment is to explain what the hell they were thinking with this video. Go!
Cee Lo Green, "All I Need Is Love"
From 2012, here's Cee Lo (with a little help from the Muppets) performing "All I Need Is Love."
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Pod-Fascination: Get Up On This And You Had To Be There
Each week on Pod-Fascination, I recommend my favorite podcasts.
Get Up On This
Get Up On This hosts Jensen Karp and Matt Robinson are the self-described "cool kids" who know about all the cool stuff you haven't heard about yet. Each week, a guest from the world of comedy, film, or music join the two hosts and share something they think people should "get up on." It may sound like there's a lot of douchebaggery that can come of this. On the contrary: the podcast is like the opposite of an annoying hipster. While a hipster would say "Oh, I can't tell you what I'm listening to/watching/reading because you've probably never heard of it and are not worthy of it," Jensen Karp’s basic philosophy is "I happen to know a lot of things, let me share my knowledge so that you, too, can be a pop culture connoisseur." It's really humanitarian if you think about it.
Karp does know a thing or to, at nineteen he had a major label record deal as rapper Hot Karl and now owns the amazing Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles. He has the ability to namedrop, but it's just enough to make it interesting and not obnoxious. Many of who Karp brings to the table is upcoming rap artists, which is not my cup of tea, but the enjoyable rapport he has with guests still makes it an interesting listen. Co-host Matt Robinson usually counteracts with rap/hip-hop by mentioning a novel or board game, so there's something for everyone. In general, the dialogue among hosts and guests flows easily and always provides an interesting insider tidbit about the entertainment industry, which is the fastest way to my heart.
Get Up On ThisGet Up On This hosts Jensen Karp and Matt Robinson are the self-described "cool kids" who know about all the cool stuff you haven't heard about yet. Each week, a guest from the world of comedy, film, or music join the two hosts and share something they think people should "get up on." It may sound like there's a lot of douchebaggery that can come of this. On the contrary: the podcast is like the opposite of an annoying hipster. While a hipster would say "Oh, I can't tell you what I'm listening to/watching/reading because you've probably never heard of it and are not worthy of it," Jensen Karp’s basic philosophy is "I happen to know a lot of things, let me share my knowledge so that you, too, can be a pop culture connoisseur." It's really humanitarian if you think about it.
Karp does know a thing or to, at nineteen he had a major label record deal as rapper Hot Karl and now owns the amazing Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles. He has the ability to namedrop, but it's just enough to make it interesting and not obnoxious. Many of who Karp brings to the table is upcoming rap artists, which is not my cup of tea, but the enjoyable rapport he has with guests still makes it an interesting listen. Co-host Matt Robinson usually counteracts with rap/hip-hop by mentioning a novel or board game, so there's something for everyone. In general, the dialogue among hosts and guests flows easily and always provides an interesting insider tidbit about the entertainment industry, which is the fastest way to my heart.
First Look/Listen: Prince, "Rock And Roll Love Affair"
Look! Prince released a video on the scary Internet!
SpongeBob SquarePants, "Santa Won't Let You Down"
From 2012, here's SpongeBob SquarePants with "Santa Won't Let Your Down."
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
We Are All Lindsay Lohan
Last night was the much anticipated premiere of Liz & Dick, the biopic of Elizabeth Taylor and... one of her husbands. It doesn't matter, because all eyes were on Lindsay, and not in a good way. Early word was that the film is dreadful, and so is Lindsay's performance. You all know that I love Lindsay and just want the best for her. Was she really that bad? Seriously, this is a Lifetime made-for-TV movie. Let's be realistic with our expectations. Vulture, my go-to site for reviews, already pegged it as horrible and not in a good way:
The contrarian in me would love to tell you that Liz & Dick is not that bad – that it has redeeming qualities, or that it's a parody of mediocre TV biopics. Alas, no: it's just bad-bad. Specifically, it's retro-bad – a compact yet still lumbering TV biopic that, back in the day, might have starred Kate Jackson and Richard Chamberlain and been filmed on whatever Dynasty sets were available that month.Let's all realize that it's a Lifetime movie! Of course she is going to ham it up! Let's blame the awful screenwriter, not Lindsay!
I fear that Lindsay will never be given a chance. She tries to do satire like Machete, she doesn't catch a break. She does something sublime and meta like The Canyons, people are already predicting failure. Here she is doing something that is a snarky hipster's dream, something that can become a cult classic, and she's being panned.
I think that everyone wanted it to be bad because we could get some clever live tweets about it. It's not about her, it's about who can be the most clever. Here are some highlights from Twitter. Although clever, my heart dies a little bit every time I laugh. Here are some of the best from my timeline:
First Look: The Host 2
I wasn't even aware they were making a sequel to The Host (which we named our fifth favorite sea monster movie of all time). Judging by the footage below, it looks like it's ready to go (and it also looks awesome and intense).
New Edition Do The Soul Train Awards
Last night, New Edition received the Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award and treated the crowd to a medley of "Candy Girl," "Mr. Telephone Man," and "If It Isn't Love."
The Deadline Shakes, "Don't You Be Too Cool"
Love the song? Click the Download link to snag it for free!
The Rescues, "Everything's Gonna Be Better Next Year"
It's the day after Thanksgiving, so what does that mean? That's right! The start of The Holiday Song Of The Day at Culture Brats!
From now until Christmas, we'll publish a Holiday Song Of The Day in addition to our usual Song Of The Day. To kick things off this year, we've got The Rescues with one of those classic taking stock of everything that's happened during the year and hoping like hell the next year will be better.
From 2012, here's The Rescues with "Everything's Gonna Be Better Next Year."
Enjoy!
From now until Christmas, we'll publish a Holiday Song Of The Day in addition to our usual Song Of The Day. To kick things off this year, we've got The Rescues with one of those classic taking stock of everything that's happened during the year and hoping like hell the next year will be better.
From 2012, here's The Rescues with "Everything's Gonna Be Better Next Year."
Enjoy!
Adam Sandler, "The Thanksgiving Song"
From 1993, here's Adam Sandler with "The Thanksgiving Song."
Happy Thanksgiving, guys!
Happy Thanksgiving, guys!
Gin Wigmore: The Culture Brats Interview
The first time I heard Gin Wigmore, her voice woke every nerve in my body. I cannot remember the last time I was so affected by music. On October 30th, she released her Man Like That EP in the United States. Consisting of four songs, three from the upcoming Gravel & Wine ("Man Like That," "Black Sheep," and "Kill Of The Night") and one from 2009's Holy Smoke ("Don't Stop"), Man Like That serves as a great introduction to this amazing artist, one that will make you fall in love with her raspy and sultry voice with just one listen and leave you desperately wanting more. I recently spoke with Gin about her voice, her recent swing through the U.S., Daniel Craig, the EP, the upcoming album, Butch Walker, and her dream music festival.
How are you doing today?
Doing really well! Nice to be back in Sydney and having a bit of a chill out for a minute.
At the risk of making the rest of this interview awkward, I've just got to tell you that I love your voice and I think it's one of the most unique voices I've ever heard.
Oh wow.
When did you first realize that you had something different from everyone else?
Probably about fourteen, actually. I was writing these songs to get out my angsty teenage youth and put it onto paper. I think my mom was sick of me whinging about how horrible my life was that she bought me this notebook. I was putting simple chords, C and D chords, to these lyrics. I was singing, and I think it was then that people starting coming up, "Wow, that's kind of a weird voice. That's so weird." When I tried out for the school shows and things like that, I'd never get in. I always blamed it on my weirdo voice. I think I'd always kind of known that it wasn't your regular lovely trained beautiful voice.
You've had a busy past few months here in the U.S. You've done tons of publicity, touring, a guest spot on Revenge, and a live performance on Leno. What was your favorite moment?
I think Leno was pretty cool. Maybe it was because it was right at the end and I knew I was going home so I could relax afterward, but it was also quite a high to me, playing something that is going to reach so many people that you feel, "Whoa. This is just the icing on the cake."
First Listen: Camper Van Beethoven, "Northern California Girls"
Alternagods Camper Van Beethoven will release La Costa Perdida, their first album in nine years, on January 22nd. To whet their fans' appetites, they released the first single from the album, "Northern California Girls."
Exclusive Download: A Girl I Know, "Bang Bang Bang (Dirticow Remix)"
Hey gang! We've got something really cool for you today: a download of A Girl I Know's "Bang Bang Bang" remixed by Dirticow. But first, a bit about the track and the artists:
So give a listen to A Girl I Know's "Bang Bang Bang (Dirticow Remix)" below and then hit Download to grab the mp3!A Girl I Know, the group consisting of actress Carolina Hoyos and actor and musical partner Kenneth Franklin, along with the help of Jeremiah Bitsui (known from the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad), join forces with the infamous Dirticow, who remixes the third in the series of their debut hit, "Bang Bang Bang." Dirticow has worked with Tiesto and Crystal Method as well as created music for movies, TV shows, and video games such as Fast And Furious, Saturday Night Live, Behind Enemy Lines, and more. A Girl I Know has been gaining a great deal of critical attention and have already gone viral with their colorful new video for the original track. With a sound that blends Hoyos's pop-perfect voice with beats reminiscent of the lovechild of M.I.A. and Beck, Dirticow takes the song to a whole new level. Smooth tones fill the room as this stunning remix will quickly grab the attention of your ears. The combination of Dirticow and A Girl I Know is one word: lethal.
A Girl I Know, the group consisting of actress Carolina Hoyos and actor and musical partner Kenneth Franklin, along with the help of Jeremiah Bitsui (known from the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad), join forces with the infamous Dirticow, who remixes the third in the series of their debut hit, "Bang Bang Bang." Dirticow has worked with Tiesto and Crystal Method as well as created music for movies, TV shows, and video games such as Fast And Furious, Saturday Night Live, Behind Enemy Lines, and more. A Girl I Know has been gaining a great deal of critical attention and have already gone viral with their colorful new video for the original track. With a sound that blends Hoyos's pop-perfect voice with beats reminiscent of the lovechild of M.I.A. and Beck, Dirticow takes the song to a whole new level. Smooth tones fill the room as this stunning remix will quickly grab the attention of your ears. The combination of Dirticow and A Girl I Know is one word: lethal.Marky Ramone: The Culture Brats Interview
It was during a long hot New York summer, that we liked to refer to as our own little patch of hell, that I discovered the Ramones. After seeing the kind of effect the music had on our friends when we played it at our lame parties or how much it improved long trips into the city to see unknown bands in dingy dive bars, it became the soundtrack of our lives.
Today we sat down with Marky Ramone, the drummer and lone surviving member of the iconic and much loved band and chatted about fame, fans, and why he'd be great to have over during a cookout at your house.
Hi Marky, how are you today?
I'm great, how are you?
Doing well, thanks. I'd like to start off talking a little bit about this virtual autograph session (via IMAGE Personal Experiences) that's taking place this Friday. This is fascinating to me. It's like the fourth wall has come down and you are engaging directly with your audience. Tell me how this is going to work, because I'm sure there are many rabid fans out there that would love to get a face to face with you.
Definitely. Well, how's it going to work? I wish I had a really concrete answer to that but it's definitely the fifth dimension here. I think what they do is call in with some sort of video service from the internet, they Skype basically. Then I sign the autograph to the fan and then they have it and they absolutely know it's me signing it because I'm there in front of them. I guess at that point what I signed gets sent to them.
What's interesting about this is that there are so many bogus autographs out there circulating, that this whole process takes the guess work out of it.
That's right, because I've been a victim of that and other people have been duped thinking they got my autograph and it seems to make it more legitimate.
First Look: Bad Kids Go To Hell
This is what would've happened in The Breakfast Club if Claire hadn't taught everyone how to put on lipstick with their boobs.
Exclusive First Listen: Flannel Mouth, "You've Convinced Me"
On Thanksgiving, Flannel Mouth is giving a gift to their fans: a free download of new single "You've Convinced Me" along with a cover of Murder By Death's "You Don't Miss Twice (When You're Shavin' With A Knife)." As a special treat for you all today, we have the first listen of "You've Convinced Me."
Here's the press release followed by the exclusive first listen of "You've Convinced Me:"
So give the song a listen below and then make sure you hit Flannel Mouth's bandcamp page on Thanksgiving to download it and the Murder By Death cover for free!From the plains of central Illinois comes an announcement from Peoria-based American Underground band, Flannel Mouth, regarding the release of their digital 7", featuring the single "You've Convinced Me" and a cover of Murder By Death's "You Don't Miss Twice (When You're Shavin' With A Knife)." Due out November 22, 2012 via SwitchBitch Records as a free digital download, "You've Convinced Me" offers an eclectic and thematic preview of the band's still-germinating full length, and their spin on "You Don't Miss Twice" showcases the band's knack for catchy melodies and dynamism in their songwriting.
Flannel Mouth has been a staple in Central Illinois for five years now, and is now threading the Midwest with its perception of rock and theatrics, fronted by Luke Myers on vocals, guitar, and piano. Zachary Hartman provides the band's instrumental hooks on guitar, piano, trumpet, accordion, and almost any other instrument you can name, and while Ryan Batalon rounds out the wavelengths with his vocal harmonies and bass guitar, percussionist Tyler Jamsa provides the booms and bangs to punch the songs right through the listener.
These fine young gentlemen were quickly recognized by musician, studio, and label owner Michael Abiuso who signed Flannel Mouth to SwitchBitch Records in early 2012. Flannel Mouth recorded and released their debut EP Pull In Your Horns on March 8, 2012. There are many reasons and means to give thanks, and this is their way of giving back: a free download of their digital 7" on Thanksgiving 2012. These tracks were performed, produced, and recorded by Flannel Mouth at Dr. Swigburn's Palace of Debauchery in Glasford, Illinois, and mixed/mastered by Mike Abiuso at SwitchBitch Studios in Boston/Brooklyn, USA. "You Don't Miss Twice (When You're Shavin' With A Knife)" was composed by Murder By Death (Vagrant Records, 2010).
From the plains of central Illinois comes an announcement from Peoria-based American Underground band, Flannel Mouth, regarding the release of their digital 7", featuring the single "You've Convinced Me" and a cover of Murder By Death's "You Don't Miss Twice (When You're Shavin' With A Knife)." Due out November 22, 2012 via SwitchBitch Records as a free digital download, "You've Convinced Me" offers an eclectic and thematic preview of the band's still-germinating full length, and their spin on "You Don't Miss Twice" showcases the band's knack for catchy melodies and dynamism in their songwriting.Rocking Your Balls Off: Our Interview With Sister Sin's Liv Jagrell
It occurred to me once that women who rock don't just take the road less traveled, they spend their days running twice as fast down the path, while dodging slings and arrows from brutal critics and narrow-minded fans. Many years ago, someone challenged me to name more than five women who "really rocked" and after I'd finished firing off a list that would have filled ten sheets of paper from top to bottom, I swore to always acknowledge the unsung heroes of music: the ladies.
Liv Jagrell, the dynamic front woman of Sweden's Sister Sin, has never needed the distinction of being treated like a delicate flower. Her stage presence and explosive rock vocals speak for themselves.
There are plenty of women in rock these days but I always maintain that plenty is never enough. Are you more conscious that you are out there with the big boys of legend and does it inspire you to give them a run for their money?
Yes, absolutely. As you said, in my experience it is like that. I have to fight so much harder and I have to work my ass off to earn that respect. Women are out there getting more jobs but they have to work harder and you get a thicker skin from that. When you play with other bands, I go out there and show them that even though I am female I can rock the balls off of them too. You have to have that comfort and confidence in yourself.
Your live shows have people talking and you are getting ready to hit the road in the US with Doro to support your new album Now And Forever. You are from Sweden and I know you've toured extensively in Europe and the States. What are the biggest pros and cons about touring close to home as opposed to the United States which is a whole different kettle of fish?
Absolutely, I think it's maybe a little bit different for us since we had Victory (record label) from our first record, which is our American label. The first tour we did after we released the record with Victory was the US tour and not Europe and not so much in Scandinavia, so for us we actually built a fan base in the US pretty much first. Now finally we are getting more attention here in Sweden and of course now with the last album, too. I feel that we have more attention from them now than we did before and I think that's because we have matured so much and feel comfortable touring here but before that, I strangely felt more comfortable touring in America than Sweden. There are so many good bands here in Sweden it's so much competition, the musical styles and the talent! Touring in the US can sometimes be bad because they don't understand the music sometimes because it's hardcore metal music. It's also good because it's old school metal but it's somewhat new for them now. Here in Europe and Sweden, there are so many bands who play this kind of music.
First Look: The Heat
I was waiting for the dancing scene, knowing there must be one... and then at 1:46, vindication.
Top 20 Albums Of 1994
For this week's Ranked!, we ranked our favorite albums of 1994. Did we get it right? Let us know in the comments!
20. Bad Religion, Stranger Than Fiction
Stranger Than Fiction takes off from "Incomplete" and doesn't stop to breathe until ten songs later. That it was Bad Religion's first major label album is almost an afterthought, so well does it fit in with the rest of their work. The title track shows their knack for packing entire paragraphs of lyrics into an incredibly catchy two or three minute song. Great lines fly by at steady clip. "Life is the crummiest book I ever read." "You're clear as a heavy lead curtain." They blend fierce intelligence with melodic sensibility and serious guitar. "Slumber" is another highlight, the rise and fall of its melody matching the gentle urgency of the lyrics. Just the thing to listen to when nothing is going well. Then there is the eerily accurate "21st Century Digital Boy," declaring "I don't know how to read but I got a lot of toys." Even if things are a bit too strange, Bad Religion can always see through it.--Amanda
19. Daniel Johnston, Fun
There is something so utterly naive and laid-bare-on-the-floor pathetically genuine about Daniel Johnston's music, the way he sings with his unaffected vocal tremble as if any moment he might break down and cry. Within the childlike simplicity of lyrics like, "I've got to really try/try so hard to get by/and where am I going to?" we discover a universal and profoundly heartbreaking sense of truth. It reminds me of this one quote from a David Foster Wallace short story called "Oblivion:" "What goes on inside is just too fast and huge and all interconnected for words to do more than barely sketch the outlines of at most one tiny little part of it at any given instant." And somehow Daniel Johnston seems capable of doing this, of gathering together the infinite weight of the world and delivering it back to us in the simplest of melodies. In Fun, however, we see less the tortured soul he exhibited in earlier albums/uneven homemade cassette tapes and more the kind of Daniel Johnston that likes to have fun. His first major-label moment (while sounding very un-major label), Fun is one of Johnston's most upbeat albums. Don't let this shift in mood fool you, however. Fun is definitely a Daniel Johnston at his best.--Jacqueline
18. Liz Phair, Whip-Smart
Exile In Guyville gets all the accolades, but Whip-Smart was more fun. "Supernova" kicked in the mainstream door (or at least the alterna-mainstream) and introduced Phair to a larger audience. Favorite tracks: "Dogs of L.A.," "Cinco De Mayo," and the title track with its strange music video.--Chris
17. Portishead, Dummy
If I were to have blindingly passionate mind-altering sex, it would probably be to this album. The sultry hue of Beth Gibbon's voice, Adrian Utley's masterful guitar work, and Geoff Barrow's heart-dropping beats pull me in to a world where all sensory experience becomes feverish and synesthetic. Choice songs to be played under the sheets include: "Mysterons," "Sour Times," "Roads," and "Glory Box."--Jacqueline
16. Various Artists, Reality Bites Soundtrack
This is another one of those albums that I strongly associate with college. You'd walk through the dorms and would inevitably hear someone blasting "My Sharona." Ben Stiller's film perfectly captured the twentysomethings of the day and set it to a killer soundtrack.--ArchphoenixCue the Axel F in 5, 4, 3...
A long long time ago we reported that there was a Beverly Hills Cop TV series in the works. I hadn't heard anything about it in ages so I thought it was dead. Until yesterday when it was announced that Brandon T. Jackson (who played Alpa Chino in the film Tropic Thunder) was signed to play the lead role in the upcoming TV series. Brandon will play Aaron Foley, Axel's son, who was born and raised in Detroit but moves out to California to fight crime in Beverly Hills. Eddie Murphy is slightly involved in this and will reprise his role of Aaron's dad Axel in at least the pilot.On the one hand, I think Jackson is a terribly funny guy. On the other hand, do "son of" movies/tv shows ever succeed? And will the "Axel F" theme be tweaked for the next generation? But mostly, I say no Judge Reinhold, no show. Would you tune in to watch Beverly Hills Cop, the PG-rated TV show?
SmackTalk Victim: Ke$ha, "Die Young"
Hello and welcome to SmackTalk, where we attack mock critique a music video or movie trailer. This week, we're taking a look at the music video for Ke$ha's "Die Young." Hope ya love it!
Robin: Great! I love "Seven Nation Army!"
Chris: True story: I almost bought a light blue-colored hearse back in my younger days. My then-girlfriend talked me out of it.
Chris: Is Ke$ha dead? Or is this some sort of really weird tour rider?
Archphoenix: This is like some weird San Francisco Day of the Dead Pride parade. So yes, I kind of love it.
Chris: C'mon. There's no way Ke$ha can be a member of the Illuminati, right?
Archphoenix: I think Illuminati have to wear pants, Chris. So no.
Robin: Great! I love "Seven Nation Army!"
Chris: True story: I almost bought a light blue-colored hearse back in my younger days. My then-girlfriend talked me out of it.
Chris: Is Ke$ha dead? Or is this some sort of really weird tour rider?
Archphoenix: This is like some weird San Francisco Day of the Dead Pride parade. So yes, I kind of love it.
Chris: C'mon. There's no way Ke$ha can be a member of the Illuminati, right?
Archphoenix: I think Illuminati have to wear pants, Chris. So no.
Culture Consumption: Sapient, Leogun, And LOLwork
Hello and welcome to Culture Consumption, my weekly look at the best of pop culture!
Do you remember rock 'n' roll? Sure, there are still indie bands that strum a guitar or two, but do you remember balls-to-the-wall, in-your-face rock 'n' roll? Leogun does! On their debut EP, they showcase the talent that spurred Yamaha to sign Leogun as the very first act to their new record label. You'll hear nods to Zeppelin sprinkled throughout the EP, but make no mistake: Leogun has a sound all their own that kicks you in the mouth and demands your attention, led by Tommy Smith's killer vocals. This EP has me eagerly anticipating their full LP in 2013.
Consume Now: All four tracks, but "Let's Be Friends" and "End Of The World" rock the hardest.
I know it's probably premature to gush about a reality television show that's only aired one episode, but I love Bravo's LOLwork. The show is about the staff that runs the I Can Has Cheezburger? website. While the website itself does absolutely nothing for me, the staff certainly does.
Now I realize that the devil is in the editing and these people might not be portrayed onscreen the way they are in real life, but my two favorite people on the show are Sarah, who I think has a crush on fancy-haired Forest and may also be a real-life version of April Ludgate, and Will, who appears to be a misanthrope that not-so-secretly drives the rest of the staff crazy.
Here are some of Will's best lines from the debut episode:
LOLwork airs on Bravo on Wednesdays at 11:00 PM and is repeated throughout the week.
Song Of The Week: Sapient, "Shotgun In My Spaceship"
Album Of The Week: Leogun, Leogun EP
Do you remember rock 'n' roll? Sure, there are still indie bands that strum a guitar or two, but do you remember balls-to-the-wall, in-your-face rock 'n' roll? Leogun does! On their debut EP, they showcase the talent that spurred Yamaha to sign Leogun as the very first act to their new record label. You'll hear nods to Zeppelin sprinkled throughout the EP, but make no mistake: Leogun has a sound all their own that kicks you in the mouth and demands your attention, led by Tommy Smith's killer vocals. This EP has me eagerly anticipating their full LP in 2013.Consume Now: All four tracks, but "Let's Be Friends" and "End Of The World" rock the hardest.
TV Show Of The Week: LOLwork
I know it's probably premature to gush about a reality television show that's only aired one episode, but I love Bravo's LOLwork. The show is about the staff that runs the I Can Has Cheezburger? website. While the website itself does absolutely nothing for me, the staff certainly does.Now I realize that the devil is in the editing and these people might not be portrayed onscreen the way they are in real life, but my two favorite people on the show are Sarah, who I think has a crush on fancy-haired Forest and may also be a real-life version of April Ludgate, and Will, who appears to be a misanthrope that not-so-secretly drives the rest of the staff crazy.
Here are some of Will's best lines from the debut episode:
- Sleeping is cute. Dead? Not cute.
- The less hair a cat has, the more likely you are to see its genitals.
- Dogs hump your leg. Do I have to give any other reason why cats are better?
- Oftentimes people tell me, "Wow. Your cat's like a dog." I tell them to shut up.
LOLwork airs on Bravo on Wednesdays at 11:00 PM and is repeated throughout the week.
First Look: Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie
It's about a group of nerds trying to find where Atari buried all those unsold copies of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. So yeah, my demographic.
Her Haunted Head: Our Interview With Concrete Blonde's Johnette Napolitano
As Concrete Blonde readies a December trek along the East Coast, I was fortunate to sit down and chat with singer and bassist Johnette Napolitano about the tour, the possibility of a new album, Kickstarter, ghosts that help her write music, ghosts that want to see her naked, the five songs that define Concrete Blonde, and what could possibly be the world's most expensive copy of Lou Reed's Transformer.
How are you doing today?
I'm doing great. I've actually had a really, really good morning. I was out with the horses all morning and they're on the porch right now. I'm working on the tour with my tour manager who is in Austin. We're working together to put the nuts and bolts together, travel accommodations and all that stuff. The devil is in the details. It's the kind of stuff I like to get knocked out of the way first so we can get to the party.
That's what I want to talk to you about. In December, you're going to embark on a short tour of mostly East Coast dates. What can fans expect from these shows?
We've taken it up a notch. We're doing some new things, obviously, the two new ones from the vinyl single. We have things people like and they know. We've got a lot of songs. The last couple of years since the reunion tour, we've been trying to go back over our music and rotate the setlists. If we played everything we knew for everybody, I think we'd probably be up there for five or six hours or longer. The set now is about two hours long. We can play every single thing, and someone can find the one song, "You didn't play...!"
We're trying to rotate and put in a couple of new things. We have a really good stage. We've got a great light guy that we love that we're really happy to have on this tour. It takes it up a level.
If everything goes well, are there plans of expanding the tour in 2013?
We know we have to get back to Europe so that's pretty much what our priority is next year. We haven't been to Europe in about twelve years or so. We've been on and off throughout the States the last couple of years. I've had a lot of stuff going on at home, so I had made it a policy not to leave home for more than a week at a time. I can't really do that anymore because it just doesn't pay but also because we missed a festival in Brazil that was really important because I fell off my horse and I broke my ribs.
Oh wow.
Yeah, two days before we were leaving. It was fucked. I was still going to try to go, but the doctor goes, "You can't." My lung was punctured. He goes, "You can't go on a plane. You can't do this. You're crazy." And I'm just like, "NO! I'VE GOT DO IT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!" So that put me in bed for two months. I got to do a lot of thinking and I need to make up for some stuff.
I'm grateful that I can still do it. No lie. I shouldn't be walking right now. I should be on a Christopher-Reeve-in-a-wheelchair level. You break four vertebrae and four ribs, you get a lot of chance to think. The future isn't this endless thing that you see in front of you anymore. It's actually a piece of time, and you're got a certain amount that you want to get done. Physically, if you're able to do it, that's a really important thing. Cliche as it sounds, you gotta have your health, man.
We did a couple of local gigs and they were great and I just want to get back into the show, which I used to be. But a funny thing happens: early in your career, you're really into everything, hands-on everything. I paint everything, I shoot everything, do everything. And then you attract more and more people. Somebody said in an analogy, some comedian: "You start attracting more and more people like lint." And then it becomes everybody else's job to do the thing that made you want to do it in the first place. And now it's this person's job to do the cover, this person's job to do the video, this person's job to tune my fucking guitar. And I end up sitting there, "Okay. What am I going to do now?" Too much downtime isn't good for my head.
Book Review: New Kids On The Block: Five Brothers And A Million Sisters
If you were a tween girl at the end of the 1980s, there's a good chance that you were obsessed with New Kids On The Block. And I mean obsessed. We;re talking bedspread-owning, VHS repeat watching, huge button wearing, cassette tape wearing-out obsessed. It's unbelievable how huge NKOTB was at the time, even by today's standards. When individuals make it so big so young, we assume that they are going to crash hard, end up in the tabloids, or even worse, Celebrity Rehab. In some ways, we even wish for it; the schadenfreude makes us feel better about ourselves.All five members of the New Kids On The Block, however, have remained upstanding guys from their days as kids from Worcester through today (in their mid-forties!) as chronicled in New Kids On The Block: Five Brothers And A Million Sisters, an authorized biography by Nikki Van Noy. The author correctly realizes that the story of the New Kids On The Block is not just Jordan, Jon, Danny, Donnie, and Joey’s story; it's also the story of the dedicated fans. Stories of encounters and concert experiences pepper the book throughout, and many of them are quite relatable. (Although I never got to see the New Kids live back in the day. Sniff sniff.)
Van Noy's book gives insight into the formation of the group. Contrary to assumption, the members of the NKOTB, notably Donnie and Danny, made their own music before they joined the group. True, Maurice Starr had a large hand in propelling the guys forward, but each member had musical aspirations, and luckily, all their parents were supportive. (Did you know that the parents even had their own meet and greet and signings with fans?!)
The jump to pandemic stardom was so quick, I am actually surprised how well the boys handled it, considering they were only teenagers. Sure, there was the usual squabbling, the egos clashing, and the temper tantrum behavior. But, at some point, NKOTB was not about the individuals. If there was merchandise that their picture could go on, it was made. The boys had no involvement and had no clue that kitchen spatulas had their faces on it. I'm kidding, I don't think there were NKOTB spatulas. Wait, was there?
Some Questions I Have For Nicole Westbrook
Patrice Wilson is either insane or is a genius. There really is a fine line. You may know him as the mastermind behind Rebecca Black's instant classic ode to the days of the week, Friday. Despite being ridiculed, it racked up a gazillion hits on YouTube. Hey, if your business model is not broken, why fix it? This time he's back with the magnanimous Nicole Westbrook celebrating every tween's favorite holiday. You must watch. Go ahead, I'll wait.
Naturally, this video brings up many, many questions:
- Nicole, have you ever danced til dawn? Isn't that past your curfew?
- Thanksgiving is your favorite, really? That fourth of July party looked fun.
- Where are your parents? Or do you live alone and have wayward orphans over for the meal?
- If your parents were there, do you think they'd let you invite a grown man in a turkey suit into the house?
- What do his tattoos mean? Did he get those in prison?
- Was the rap "Gotta be grateful/can't be hateful/mashed potatoes on my table" influenced by classic rap groups?
Why Doesn't MTV Play Music Videos Any More?
Finally, an honest (and hilarious) answer to the MTV question. (Some of the language is NSFW so you've been warned!)
First Look: Silent Night
I didn't know they were doing a semi-remake of "Silent Night Deadly Night."
After watching this trailer, I wish I still didn't know.
After watching this trailer, I wish I still didn't know.
First Look: Green Day, "Stray Heart"
If you like your Green Day videos without the Green Day but with little heartmen, today's your day!
Pod-Fascination: Ronna & Beverly And Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend
Each week, I recommend two podcasts that are worth your time, as well as plug my own podcast.
Ronna And Beverly
To me, the most impressive type of comedy is character-driven. The ability to embody a developed character and to be put in any situation and to react in character takes a special talent. Right now, there's no better example than Ronna and Beverly. Played by thirty-something actors, Ronna and Beverly are older Jewish women in their sixties living in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Elderly Jewish women? Like Linda Richman in Coffee Talk? No, not even close. Instead of relying on one-liners and your typical yenta stereotypes, Ronna and Beverly are fully developed characters with deep backstories and psyches that motivate their actions.
Ronna, a wealthy widow, is the voice of reason of the two. She enjoys the luxuries in life and makes sure she tells others how they should be living their best life. Beverly, on the other hand, is often inappropriate, drama-fueled, and often has a dark side. There are the expected idiosyncrasies of Jewish stereotypes, including their stifled racism, love for food, and obsession with telling people how to behave in relationships. As a longtime listener, I can't help but get wrapped up in the world that have created. One in which Beverly talks about her twin daughters, the beautiful one and the "heavy" one, her ex-husband, guidance counselor Aaron Ginsberg, and the drama she has with the Sisterhood of her local synagogue (their friends, known as the "Barbaras").
Each week, a comedian/director/actress is interviewed, rather, bombarded, by Ronna's drilling over how they should quit show business and get a real job, forced to talk about their sex life with Beverly. Generally, the more game the guest is to be berated by the duo, the funnier the results. It's all in good fun, except when Marc Maron shows up, for a delightfully uncomfortable episode. I look forward to the inevitable moment of each episode when Beverly turns on a guest for not supporting Israel, or uses her special power of seeing men as a unique animated inanimate object. Or Ronna's incessant use of "Isn't that funny? Isn't that cute?" as a self-congratulatory phrase.
Ronna and Beverly is more than a podcast. To me, it's a transformative experience. This is where great theater and great comedy combine. Jamie Denbo and Jessica Chafin, the women who play the characters, deserve so much more acclaim than they have. Although they do have a show that currently airs in the U.K., I hope they get more recognition in their homeland soon. And, for those of you (un)lucky enough to live in the Los Angeles area, they have a popular monthly show at the Upright Citizens Brigade.
Ronna And BeverlyTo me, the most impressive type of comedy is character-driven. The ability to embody a developed character and to be put in any situation and to react in character takes a special talent. Right now, there's no better example than Ronna and Beverly. Played by thirty-something actors, Ronna and Beverly are older Jewish women in their sixties living in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Elderly Jewish women? Like Linda Richman in Coffee Talk? No, not even close. Instead of relying on one-liners and your typical yenta stereotypes, Ronna and Beverly are fully developed characters with deep backstories and psyches that motivate their actions.
Ronna, a wealthy widow, is the voice of reason of the two. She enjoys the luxuries in life and makes sure she tells others how they should be living their best life. Beverly, on the other hand, is often inappropriate, drama-fueled, and often has a dark side. There are the expected idiosyncrasies of Jewish stereotypes, including their stifled racism, love for food, and obsession with telling people how to behave in relationships. As a longtime listener, I can't help but get wrapped up in the world that have created. One in which Beverly talks about her twin daughters, the beautiful one and the "heavy" one, her ex-husband, guidance counselor Aaron Ginsberg, and the drama she has with the Sisterhood of her local synagogue (their friends, known as the "Barbaras").
Each week, a comedian/director/actress is interviewed, rather, bombarded, by Ronna's drilling over how they should quit show business and get a real job, forced to talk about their sex life with Beverly. Generally, the more game the guest is to be berated by the duo, the funnier the results. It's all in good fun, except when Marc Maron shows up, for a delightfully uncomfortable episode. I look forward to the inevitable moment of each episode when Beverly turns on a guest for not supporting Israel, or uses her special power of seeing men as a unique animated inanimate object. Or Ronna's incessant use of "Isn't that funny? Isn't that cute?" as a self-congratulatory phrase.
Ronna and Beverly is more than a podcast. To me, it's a transformative experience. This is where great theater and great comedy combine. Jamie Denbo and Jessica Chafin, the women who play the characters, deserve so much more acclaim than they have. Although they do have a show that currently airs in the U.K., I hope they get more recognition in their homeland soon. And, for those of you (un)lucky enough to live in the Los Angeles area, they have a popular monthly show at the Upright Citizens Brigade.
Book Review: Kicking & Dreaming: A Story Of Heart, Soul, And Rock & Roll
When I was offered the chance to review the book by the sisters who make up the band Heart, I jumped for it, not because I'm a huge Heart fan but because I wanted to read the story of the women who were pretty much the first hard rocking lady band in rock and roll. And I wasn't disappointed because their stories are pretty fascinating.The book details their struggles in the '70s (when they were referred to as "Led Zeppelin with tits") because, let's face it, the '70s weren't really all that free of sexual harassment for ladies, especially ladies trying to break in the rock business. At one point their defunct label put out an ad basically implying that the Wilson sisters were incestuous lesbian lovers. These aren't the kinds of stories that you hear from men in the business. It was pretty fascinating/horrifying to see some of the blatantly sexist crap these women have had to put up with over the years.
The book covers a lot of ground and goes into some messy stuff: major drug use in the '80s, Ann's issues with her weight and body image, Nancy's fertility problems, and a bit about her failed marriage to director Cameron Crowe. There's some pretty great stuff in there. And it's not all depressing - there's a hilarious story about stalking Paul McCartney.
If you like rock memoirs then this is definitely worth your time. It's available in tons of places now, including Amazon. The Wilson sisters really paved the way for women in rock and tell their stories, warts and all. Now if you will excuse me, I need to fire up iTunes and start downloading some Heart albums.
Fun. Does Saturday Night Live
In case you missed it, fun. was on Saturday Night Live this week. They performed their current hit, "Some Nights:"
They also performed their future hit, "Carry On:"
They also performed their future hit, "Carry On:"
No Doubt Pulls New Video Due To Public Outrage
They took it off YouTube, Vevo, and issued a public apology, but it still exists on Daily Motion Vimeo. Here is the video to "Looking Hot:"
Nena, "99 Red Balloons"
This is one of my favorite songs from the early '80s, a song that is damn near perfect.
From 1984, here's Nena and "99 Red Balloons."
Enjoy!
And if you'd rather have the O.G. version (Original German), here ya go:
From 1984, here's Nena and "99 Red Balloons."
Enjoy!
And if you'd rather have the O.G. version (Original German), here ya go:
Seven Questions In Heaven With The Venetia Fair
We've featured The Venetia Fair as our Song Of The Day a week ago and on Monday, featured an exclusive download a few of the guys recorded with The Wicked. Today, we're spending Seven Questions In Heaven with singer Benny Santoro as he fills us in on their kickass Kickstarter, Mr. Chark's hair collection, and "Rock Lobster."
Describe your music for our readers who may not be familiar with you.
We are very loud and Mike uses distortion on his guitar so we are a rock band. But we try to play around with a lot of different styles because rock music can be very boring sometimes and we would rather be dead than boring. It's got a fairly theatrical vibe to it and we use a lot of piano, but we're not pussies so it's also very loud (as I've said).
Who are your musical influences and idols?
We all listen to a lot of different things and we always make fun of each other for what we like. The thing that they make fun of me for is that I only like The Blood Brothers and The Beatles and that I only listen to talk radio in my car. We all like "Rock Lobster" by The B-52s though.
What was the first album, cassette, or CD you bought with your own money?
The first cassette that I bought, and I couldn't make this up if I tried, was an MC Hammer single of "Addams Groove." I bought it from a local video rental store from which I would later buy Star Wars action figures and Pokemon cards. A short time after that, I bought my first CD: Green Day's Dookie.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
