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August 30, 2004
Outta My Head
Man, do I dislike Vincent Gallo. Not even the story about him hexing Roger Ebert's colon can make him interesting.
I do, however, love me some Robbie Fulks: "Well, from first grade to third grade, I got in trouble for chasing girls around the playground at recess and pulling up their skirts with a stick. I stopped once I was put into this great rehab program called 'spanking.'" {Via largehearted boy}
There is something about Mike Watt—despite the flannel shirts and facial hair, he's just cool. {Via largehearted boy}
For those of you who have been curious what the new William Shatner album sounds like, you can preview Has Been here.
Gibby Haynes—that weird guy that fronted the Butthole Surfers—just released a new album. Who knew? Certainly not me.
Scientists at the University of Leeds have developed two methods for extracting hydrogen from sunflower oil.
If your iPod + Linux mix isn't working, check out the unofficial guide to using an iPod with Linux. {Via largehearted boy}
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 30 August 2004 at 12:19 PM | Comments (0) | | Link
August 26, 2004
Potluck Surprise
Paste Magazine has a story about the "The Rise, Fall and Redemption of the Redneck Warrior Poets of Rock 'n' Roll"—meaning the Drive-by Truckers. {Via largehearted boy}
Patterson screams the chorus into the mic as the crowd—hippies, indie rockers, frat boys, clean-cut adults, bikers and every other demographic you can think of—sings along, fists pumping, PBR longnecks held high in defiance. This is mass catharsis. All the pain, failure and shortcomings of the past year mean nothing now—they’ve been temporarily erased by this reckless, unapologetic rock 'n' roll.
As the Republican National Convention descends upon New York City, the GOP plans to court favor among delegates from Tennessee by holding a party at toney auction house Sotheby's in honor of Johnny Cash. While I'd normally be keen on the idea of anyone honoring the Man in Black, it seems more than a bit ridiculous for the landed gentry to celebrate the legacy of a man who was born in a shack and fought for the poor and downtrodden all of his life. Some like-minded activists in NYC have the same objection, and are calling on New Yorkers to Defend Johnny Cash.
In a disgusting—yet fitting—display of ridiculousness, Converse (owned by Nike) is releasing a special edition John Lennon shoe. An undisclosed amount of the proceeds from the shoe will be donated to charities that promote peace.
As opposed to past efforts to besmirch his good name, Yoko is now officially walking all over the causes Lennon held dear. Score one for Phil Knight.
When I finally get an iPod, I am definitely going to need one of these. {Via Coolfer}
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 26 August 2004 at 01:05 PM | Comments (0) | | Link
August 25, 2004
Ummm, Yeah
The folks over at slatch.com are hosting the Jewelboxing Celebrity Playlist Prediction Contest, where entrants supply a fictional iTunes playlist for a celebrity that does not already have one. I think mine is a stroke of genius.
Celebrity Playlist: Yngwie Malmsteen
01. Jimi Hendrix - Little Miss Strange
02. Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze
03. Jimi Hendrix - Foxey Lady
04. Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower
05. Jimi Hendrix - May This Be Love
06. Jimi Hendrix - Have You Ever Been To Electric Ladyland
07. Jimi Hendrix - The Wind Cries Mary
08. Jimi Hendrix - Little Wing
09. Deep Purple - Highway Star
10. Jimi Hendrix - Star Spangled Banner
Hear songs from the new Mastodon album here.
Check out the Gawker interview with the ever-wondeful Ted Leo:
So yeah -- it hurts a bit, but I'm not going to tell people to not do it, it would just be nice if we could put all our cards on the table and forego some of the unproductive rhetoric that surrounds the issue. The RIAA can go fuck itself for all I care -- my interaction with that world is almost nil, and I really don't care if so-and-so has to put that last piece of bling they bought into hock. I'm just saying that there are people out there trying to do it righteously who could use a bit more support, and a good way to show it would be to give them something in return for what they give you. A musician can't download a guitar, you know?
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 25 August 2004 at 10:11 AM | Comments (0) | | Link
August 24, 2004
Empty Bottle, Broken Hearts
In sad news, legendary Chicago punk mecca The Fireside Bowl has gone the way of the PCH Club, succumbing to long-standing whispers and closing its doors for good.
In happy news, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last Thursday to uphold the decision that P2P services are not responsible for illegal usage of their software.
What do you get when you combine rock bands and licorice-flavored alcohol? The Jägermeister Music Tour, featuring Slayer and Mastodon.
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 24 August 2004 at 01:20 PM | Comments (0) | | Link
August 20, 2004
Ho-Hum Doldrums
Get an eyeful of the trailer for Wes Anderson's new film, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
It appears that Ash will be opening up for The Darkness on their upcoming tour.
New Green Day album dropping this fall, as well as a new Blood Brothers album. Both have songs available for download now.
In continuing coverage of how far the mighty can fall, Van Halen is suing the Orioles because they pulled out of a deal to have the band perform at Camden Yards next month. {Via Silent Uproar}
Speaking of how the mighty have fallen, isn't it sad when the bands opening for you are better than you are? Every Time I Die and ZAO have been tapped to open for the formerly great Dillinger Escape Plan on their upcoming tour.
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 20 August 2004 at 09:50 AM | Comments (0) | | Link
August 18, 2004
Can of Chili, Free iPod
Patterson and Jason of the Drive-By Truckers give a song-by-song analysis of the lyrics on their new album, The Dirty South. {Via largehearted boy}
SF noisemakers Erase Errata have lost their guitarist—and gained a male vocalist. Quoi?
Part Two of the Prefix interview with pop phenom AC Newman.
The Daily Trojan posted a terrible article on record stores in LA, which I rebutted over at LAist. {Via largehearted boy}
So I finally saw the movie—which was moderately good—but I thought I should continue with my coverage of Zach Braff and Garden State by posting the link to the Zach Braff/Garden State blog. Dove milk!
While busily reading Wired News, I found this article on freeipods.com. I figured it was a scam, but after reading the article I thought I might as well give it a go and see what happens. It takes five people for each account to become active, so share some love and sign up—scratching each others backs and whatnot.
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 18 August 2004 at 10:24 AM | Comments (0) | | Link
August 17, 2004
Brownie Crumbs
If someone named "The Boss" were working against me, I might be worried enough boycott him, too.
Despite the fact that Pitchfork sucks, they did report on the new Boredoms album and Hayden on tour.
Pedro the Lion is offering free downloads of shows along their tour.
In more downloading fun, check out The Stills' "Lola Stars and Stripes" video.
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 17 August 2004 at 12:55 PM | Comments (0) | | Link
August 16, 2004
Drums and Shotguns
I just spent the last hour deleting five hundred (500) comment spam messages. I am not in a good mood.
If you are a spammer, I hope you rot in fucking hell for all eternity.
Interview fun with Bill Murray.
Blender, also known as one of the worst music magazines in the world, did a long profile on the Drive-By Truckers, including an interview with Patterson Hood's father. {Via largehearted boy}
Neat little interview with Jake Burns of the Stiff Little Fingers.
Part One of the Prefix interview with pop phenom AC Newman. If you don't own The Slow Wonder, you should.
Time in Malta have lost their lead singer, Todd. I heard the last album wasn't so hot, but it's too bad just the same.
In useful links: How to use BitTorrent in five easy steps. {Via largehearted boy}
What could be better than the last season of "Bands Reunited"? The season where they reunite New Kids on the Block!
I guarantee that there are more ridiculous examples, but this list of the Top 10 Most Ridiculous Black Metal Photos is pretty funny. Be sure to catch the shot of Dani Filth. {Via largehearted boy}
Polish poet and Nobel laureate Czeslaw Milosz passed away this week. {Via largehearted boy}
Click here if you're interested in his poetry.
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 16 August 2004 at 05:30 PM | Comments (0) | | Link
August 13, 2004
Auxiliary
In more Craig Wedren goodness, Aaron from Out of Focus interviewed him for Gothamist.
I suppose being stupid has its highs and lows, just like everything else—that is, until you manage to light enough candles to burn down a recording studio and all of your intruments, a la the Black Eyed Peas.
You know you've done it too—meaning exposed your pathetic side, trying to woo a member of the opposite sex with a mixtape.
Of course it's juvenile and asinine (no pun intended). That's what makes it funny! {Via donewaiting.com}
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 13 August 2004 at 10:51 AM | Comments (0) | | Link
August 12, 2004
Let It All Out
Listen to songs (completed and in progress) by the ever-so-talented Craig Wedren.
Everyone's favorite druken, disorderly alt-rocker, Paul Westerberg has settled down in the past fifteen years. After his recent slew of outstanding releases, he is now turning to composing film scores, a more stable option than the life of a touring musician which allows him to spend time with his son. Aw. {Via Coolfer}
The new UNKLE album is forthcoming, and includes collaborations with Ian Brown and Mani from The Stone Roses, Brian Eno and Jarvis Cocker, Josh Homme, and Ian Astbury of The Cult.
Also forthcoming is the new Social Distortion album, Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll.
Brian Wilson has finally announced the tracklist for Smile.
Short reviews of the new Steve Earle and Caviar albums.
In sad news, Dave Davies—brother of Ray and founding member of The Kinks—suffered a stroke in January which has left him partially paralysed. He can still hold a guitar, but there is no word yet on plans beyond his recovery.
Have a good laugh at the expense of the pompus, bloated and generally ridiculous men who made it to the top of Something Awful's list of the The Worst Rock Stars Ever. {Via largehearted boy}
The (hopefully) future President's motorcade passed me Wednesday on my commute home—not a significant note, but one that segues into this article from Salon. Did anyone else notice the unfortunate choice of Kool & the Gang's "Celebration" playing after Kerry's speech at the Democratic National Convention?
For my fellow book readers, have a look at Salon's piece on the new translation of Thomas Mann's Death in Venice. It's amazing what a new translation can do for a book.
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 12 August 2004 at 05:12 PM | Comments (0) | | Link
August 10, 2004
If You Like Fighting
Even Salon is taking note of how completely awesome Six Apart and Movable Type are.
The first DVD featuring never-before-seen footage of the Ramones, aptly titled Raw, will be released this fall.
Official release date set for the new Ted Leo album, Shake the Sheets: October 19.
Most of you probably don't know who Shai Hulud are, nor would you probably care, but for those who do: Shai Hulud have lost their lead singer and changed their name to (ugh) The Warmth of Red Blood.
Another good band, down the fucking toilet. Will it never end?
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 10 August 2004 at 11:23 AM | Comments (0) | | Link
August 06, 2004
Google Hack
This news is a few days old, but I thought it was worth mentioning anyway: as reported via Stereogum, Google has added a number span search feature. On the surface, this seems like a helpful idea—that is, up until the point where you can search for a range of numbers that would appear on a credit card and receive all the information Google has cached for the numbers in the range, including the names, addresses and telephone numbers of some of the cardholders.
Danger, danger, online shoppers!
Posted in Private Eyes Are Watching You | 6 August 2004 at 05:24 PM | Comments (0) | | Link
Friday is Hawaiian Shirt Day
In the newest of a string of Broadway blasphemies, the unholy trinity of Harv & Bob Weinstein and Tommy Mottola are banding together to produce Pink Floyd's The Wall for the stage. The only possible saving grace is that Floyd member Roger Waters will be working on the production, but the only good I see coming from that is that the show won't sink like a cement block—more like a sponge, slowly absorbing water until maximum density is reached and it rockets to the bottom.
RightRightRight Films will debut Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?, a feature-length documentary on the Christian rock scene, at the Chicago Underground Film Festival later this month. {Via slatch.com}
The RIAA is getting a little bit out of control. Sure, they're up against a wall of opposition on the file-trading thing, but barring people from a concert because they were carrying cameraphones? Doesn't that seem a little extreme?
The unbeatably sublime Neko Case is readying two new albums, one of which will be released this fall, and includes covers of Loretta Lynn, Townes Van Zandt and The Shangri-Las.
Wander over to Mundane Sounds for a free cocktail of internet-only mixes of unsigned artists.
Canadian indie-folk-pop duo Tegan and Sara are recording a new album with ex-Weezer bassist Matt Sharp on keyboards.
The Moz-ster is at it again, this time sticking his coif into the stagnant career of Nancy Sinatra. Moz persuaded her to return to the studio to record a new album, due in September, which includes sonic collaborations with Morrissey, Jarvis Cocker of Pulp, Bono, Pete Yorn, and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth.
199 bottl—er, photos of Mergefest! {Via slatch.com}
As you might have heard, Bruce Springsteen has thrown his hat into the political arena by openly endorsing a candidate in the upcoming race for the Presidency—the first time Bruce has ever done so in his 30+ year career. The folks over at donewaiting.com have an excerpt and link to an interview where he explains his decision and discusses the current political situation.
Record Store Democracy has posted an interview with Drive-By Truckers frontman Patterson Hood.
The Suicide Girls interview with Mark Mothersbaugh is pretty neat.
Discover the secrets of success according to Rhett Miller of the Old 97s in this interview with the New York Daily News.
Go figure, another interview! This one is with Caitlin Cary on her new(er) band, Tres Chicas.
Cool fact: her husband's first name is Skillet.
Why doesn't California get a PBR Prom? {Via largehearted boy}
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 6 August 2004 at 02:26 PM | Comments (0) | | Link
Superfreaky No More
All the years of hard living, life finally caught up with Rick James. From CNN.com: "Singer Rick James was found dead in his home Friday by his caretaker, a Los Angeles police department spokesman said."
Update: CNN.com now has the full story. The cause of death has been attributed to "existing medical conditions," but one of James' producers said it was a heart attack.
Earlier this week, Mr James was preceeded into the afterlife by reknowned photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson.
This really isn't a blog about death, but following up on that stupid case where the victim's parents blamed the videogame "Manhunt" for their son's murder, it has been revealed that the game belonged not to the accused, but to the deceased.
Posted in General Nonsense | 6 August 2004 at 12:40 PM | Comments (0) | | Link
August 03, 2004
State Bird: The Mosquito
In my continuing coverage of all things Zach Braff and Garden State in the media, check out this article in the LA Times.
Truth is stranger (though not necessarily as scary) as fiction: the true story behind Open Water.
An obsessive, REALLY in-depth analysis of the Donnie Darko soundtrack. Just when you thought you'd seen everything.
Avant garde composer and pianist Philip Glass will be on tour this fall.
Everyone else is covering it, so why shouldn't I? The Beta Band split up, not like anyone listened to them before High Fidelity anyway.
I need to hear the bluegrass cover of "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" by The Darkness. It's a moral imperative.
In Apple news, CEO Steve Jobs underwent surgery over the weekend to remove a cancerous tumor from his pancreas. Jobs is reported to be well and recovering at home until the end of August.
Posted in A/V Dorkout | 3 August 2004 at 01:31 PM | Comments (0) | | Link
