This Video Has It All

Breakdancing? Check. White guys breakdancing? Check. Dude with prosthetic leg falling down? Check. Funky beats mixed with crunktastic lyrics? Check. The most quintessentially awesome 80's car ever produced from the extravagances of cocaine? You bet.

Dallas, Prepare To Be Laid Waste

It is truly a glorious day when word that the Mars Volta are coming to your town for a rare appearance. Thankfully, that word just came to Dallas residents' ears. The influential, prog-rock super group is coming to the Palladium Ballroom on Tuesday, April 8. If you happen to be in the area, go to this show without fail. If you happen to be elsewhere, then get yourself to Dallas ASAP. Check out the details here.

Random Thursday

Inmates Do Soulja Boy and Hammer - Watch more free videos
Oh those crazy Filipino prisoners are back at it, this time breaking it down to a little Soulja Boy and Hammer.

Sexman Is Back!

Here's his thoughts on the new movie Jumper. Let's hope they don't make a sequel.

New Ghostland Observatory :: Drops Today

Prepare to shake your freaking ass, people. With jams like this, how is it possible not to?

Dancin' On My Grave – mp3

The Listening Station :: Bon Iver

Sometimes, a record is quietly released, with little to no marketing. Slowly, gradually, it ends up on a lot of people's radar, gaining glowing reviews and positive word of mouth behind the increasing hype. Bon Iver is the epitome of this story. What started out as a solo project for Justin Vernon, with a small, self-released album, For Emma, Forever Ago, increasingly became noticed around the music community. A musician with exceptional skill and songwriting prowess, he decided to take a break from it all by escaping to a small hunting cabin in the woods of Wisconsin last winter. Through those 4 months of isolation, Vernon was struck with an unprecedented need to create, writing and recording material that was a departure for the artist. Fittingly, he dubbed it Bon Iver, French for "Good Winter". With its over-dubbed, haunting, falsetto delivered lyrics and beautiful arrangements, it echoes with a soul and character that one normally doesn't find everyday. Luckily, For Emma is being re-released, and has steadily become an internet sensation, appearing on many blogs (case in point) as a "buzz band" to watch this year. This may be one artist that can actually back it up.

Skinny Love – mp3
For Emma – mp3
Blindsided – mp3

Who's F*cking Who?

Recently, Jimmy Kimmel's girlfriend, Sarah Silverman, wanted to get one over on her boyfriend by making a little song incorporating Jimmy's "nemesis", Matt Damon. For the past year or so, Jimmy and Matt have had a "feud" going on, and this particular time, it looks like Matt got the best of Jimmy. Here's the original video, featuring Sarah and Matt.

Not to be outdone, Jimmy got his revenge in a big way....

Updates From Across The Pond

There's some good news today for fans of both Coldplay and Muse.

Looks like Coldplay is wrapping up finishing touches on their fourth untitled as-of-yet album. Set for an early summer release (May 19), it's being described by the band as "the most productive and rewarding experience they've ever had in the studio." As of now, it looks to be quite a progression for the band. Chris Martin and the guys began working on the album back in November 2006, with production help from Brian Eno and, rumors have it, man-of-the-hour Timbaland lending a hand. A North American and European tour are planned to follow in the summer.

The guys in Muse are getting ready to unleash a new live CD/DVD, entitled HAARP, on April 1. The performance was filmed during the trio's sold-out show at Wembley Stadium last summer. Encompassing their signature stage presence, which includes soaring melodies and grandiose instrumentations, this should be one to experience.
Tracks include: Knights of Cydonia / Hysteria / Supermassive Black Hole / Map of the Problematiqué / Butterflies and Hurricanes / Hoodoo / Apocalypse Please / Feeling Good / Invincible / Starlight / Time Is Running Out / New Born / Soldiers Poem / Unintended / Blackout / Plug In Baby / Stockholm Syndrome / Take a Bow

Cheers!

Coldplay – 'Til Kingdom Come – mp3
Muse – Stockholm Syndrome – mp3

Random Thursday

Captain Kirk sure knows how to treat a lady. This explains why Trekkies can't seem to get dates.

Tee hee hee....

Murder By Death :: The Best Band You're Not Listening To Which You Should Be

With so many bands out today, sometimes it's hard to know what you should keep an eye out for, and what you should just avoid at all costs. Luckily, ol' Craig is here to tell you about one you must check out. Murder By Death is a group hailing from Bloomington, Indiana that conjures up images of a long trek across Death Valley, bottle of whiskey in hand, with the Devil hot on your heels. Mixing both hauntingly eerie Southern gothic orchestrations with dark and often times sneering lyrics, the group excel in creating an atmosphere one would find in another time. After a listen, you can't help but feel the trials and tribulations that plague the characters throughout their ethereal stories. Luckily, the group is about to release their fourth full-length album, entitled Red of Tooth and Claw, out March 4. Definitely for fans of the Decemberists, Man Man, Devotchka, Arcade Fire and Dante's Divine Comedy. Here is the first single, Fuego, off of the new album, followed by a couple of other favorites.

Fuego – mp3
Dynamite Mine – mp3
Rum Brave – mp3

Here's the group's video for the song Brother:

The Black Keys :: Strange Times

Of all the bands I follow, only a few consistently put out fantastic albums. Out of those, only a handful continue to blow away audiences with their incredible live show. The Black Keys are one of those bands. This incredible blues-rock duo from Akron, Ohio is one to take note of. Luckily for all of us, they're about to release their fifth album, Attack & Release, on April 1. Produced by the infamous Dangermouse, the album has an old, roots rock feel to it, with Danger's signature flourishes sprinkled throughout. Here's the first single off of the new album:

Strange Times – mp3

Here's one of my favorite videos of the guys, playing their hit Your Touch.

Weekend Concert Series

Looks like another pretty great weekend for music around Dallas. Here's what's on the bill:

The pAperchAse @ The Sons of Herman Hall - Friday night
Local favorites the pAperchAse are making a rare live appearance at the Sons of Herman Hall this Friday night, and if it's anything like their previous performances, it should be one hell of a time. With a sound described as eerily dark and demented, these guys blow away the audience each and every time. John Congleton's unique voice and disturbing lyrics, combined with the frantic, staccato instrumentation, will keep the creepy crawly's lingering throughout the set.

We Know Where You Sleep – mp3
Said The Spider To The Fly – mp3

Bang Camaro @ the HOB: Cambridge Room – Saturday night
You ever feel like rocking out hard with a bunch of your buddies, getting drunk and pumping your fist to the music? If the answer is yes, which it damn well should be, this band is for you. Bang Camaro is a supergroup from Boston, Mass. that gets the party going wherever they happen to be. Consisting a group of guys from different bands, they have only one goal: To rock your f*ckin' face off. You laugh now, but wait till you experience the majesty of arena rock in a small club environment. If they're good enough for Guitar Hero, then by God they're good enough for your sorry ass. Throw those devil horns up, because it's time to thrash.

Push Push (Lady Lightning) – mp3

Happy Valentine's Day

Courtesy of the Bordeaux Twins.

Prepare To Wet Yourself

The new teaser trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has finally been released. After I initially shat myself and cleaned up, I watched it about a dozen times. As of now, it seems Indy is back and ready to kick some Nazi ass! So all you doubters out there can suck it. This movie will be the greatest film in the history of the world....ever. God will shine his grace down upon it and exclaim "You are the greatest of all my creations". Time to get my Temple of Doom bedsheets out of the closet and start practicing my whip skills with a jump rope.

Diary Entry #28: Relationships

Dear Diary,

Jackpot!


Note to Reader: If yelling from rooftop is heard, it's just me.

Feel The Burn

Meet Aditya 'Romeo' Dev. He's my new personal trainer. At 2'9" tall, he may look tiny, but he could kick your ass any day. They say big things come in small packages. And how!

Radiohead Live In Concert

This is it, folks. The band will be performing in Dallas at the Superpages.com Center on May 18. Tix go on sale this Saturday, Feb. 16. Get them here.

One Year Older But Certainly Not Wiser

Today's my birthday, suckas. Celebrations are in order. That is all.

Shreveport, Baby....SHREVEPORT!

With every marriage comes a time for reflection. A time where a man and a woman can look back at their times of single living and think to themselves, "What the hell did I get myself into?" As such, it is every friend's duty to send them off with one hell of a party before matrimony. Mike Coniglio, your time has come. The bachelor party awaits.
As the high rollers we are, Shreveport, Louisiana sounds like just as fine a place to get into some debaucherous shit as any. I, along with a handful of roustabouts, will head to this swampy den of sin on Saturday for a grand ol' time at the El Dorado Casino & Resort. The dice will be rolling, the chips will be flying and the booze will be a'swiggin' as I make Lady Luck my personal bitch. Big money you ask? Just ask my friends here. Wait a sec....on second thought...

Random Thursday

No more dog in bathtub? Sign me up.

Soooo.... not only did the men of the Justice League give their women STD's, but now I'm pretty sure Batman may be gay.

SXSW '08 Artist Lineup

Well folks, here it is. Organizers have finally released an initial list of performers for this year's South by Southwest Music Conference. There looks to be some pretty stellar showcases lined up, with a few standouts not to be missed, including R.E.M., The Black Keys, Vampire Weekend, Man Man, Sea Wolf, My Morning Jacket and even a showcase by our friends at the Hood Internet. To see a complete listing, head over here.

Top 10 All-Time Greatest 80's Anti-Drug PSA's

For those of us that grew up in the 80's, one distinct memory was that apparently, drugs were everywhere and rampantly tearing apart our youth. Go figure. And if you were like me, you were raised on Saturday morning cartoons and after-school specials. Growing up on the rough streets of suburbia Austin, Texas was tough for a precocious red-haired child like me. Thank God I had public service announcements instructing me on the dangers of marijuana, alcohol, crack, smack, heroine and cocaine. These are the best of the best.

10. McGruff the Crime Dog Sing-Along

Users are losers, and losers are users? Thanks for the sage advice Mac. Apparently, kids who love Ho Hos, orphan cripples and the skanks who dressed like Madonna are the real winners by just saying no.

9. The Snake Man

Holy hell, can you make a child purposefully piss themselves in fear any more than this spot? What happened to Lion-O and Snarff? Where did this come from? Not only do I NOT wanna do drugs, but I'm pretty sure I now have an intense fear of anyone who is not white thanks to this biased add.

8. The Diving Board

Having a dandy ol' time sounds pretty good to me. Wait a sec.... Where's the water? On second thought, no thanks. A dandy ol' time sounds horrible.

7. The Oncoming Train

Hey...what's going on? There's a train coming. Hey! Hey! Turn around you crazy bitch! There's a train coming right up on your ass! Turn arou....HEY!! HEY!! AHHHHH! DAMN YOU DRUGS!

6. Straight Up: The Greatest Anti-Drug Rap...Ever!

I love how they use "FREEZE" as a beat embellishment in this song. Quite possibly my first introduction into what would become hip-hop. Plus, drugs are for suckas, and I ain't no sucka, you dig?

5. Pee Wee's Lesson of the Day

Mekaleka-hi Mekahi...what the FUCK?! Talk about dropping a bomb on a young mind! So, crack cocaine is bad, but jerking one out in public is okay? Got it! Thanks Pee Wee.

4. A Lesson from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Joey has a real dilemma on his hands. Take the pot? Order a pizza? Or just say no? Good thing he made the right choice, and in doing so came up with the greatest line to ever be said to a drug dealer. Now if only G.I. Joe could get me to stop petting rabid, feral dogs on the street...

3. Skate Dance 80's Mega Mix Extravaganza

I probably saw this spot an average of 3 times a day. You know what I learned? I'll never be able to skate up a wall, drugs are radioactive and by just saying "No" to drugs, I have superpowers that can launch people through brick walls.

2. Like Father, Like Son

Finally! Let's put a little blame on our deadbeat parents for once. No wonder my father, who looks suspiciously like a porn star or an extra in some shitty cop movie, is always asking mom to bring home KFC for dinner.

1. The Infamous Egg

Ahh yes. Who can forget this classic? What better way to illustrate the dangers of drugs than making me hungry as hell for some fried eggs. Now what were we talking about?

The High Life's View On "Super" Spots

Now this is hilarious. Talk about getting some recognition without spending the dough to do so. A couple of posts down you'll notice some of my favorite Superbowl ads from this year's game. Well, not to be outdone or ignored, the folks at Miller High Life have done what they do best; make social commentary on the absurdity of our society. And why not? Steal a little of that thunder. And while you're serving up that "big ol' platter of common sense", how 'bout you pop a top for yours truly. Now that's living the high life.

The General Has Left The Building

Bobby Knight has finally, unexpectedly, called it quits after almost 43 years of coaching men's NCAA Div. I basketball. His career consists of 3 National Championships with Indiana, where he's an icon, 5 Final Four appearances, 28 NCAA tournament appearances and most of all, solidifying his legend as the all-time wins leader with 902 victories. Coming from a Red Raider, all I have to say about this is: whoopty-freaking doo.
Who cares? I'm not taking anything away from the guy. He was an incredible coach, maybe one of the best of all time. Not to mention he brought a lot of attention to our university and probably made some less than stellar players far better than they dreamed. But he was also an enormous asshole who commanded respect with an iron fist. However, if you played for him, you knew this going in, so it shouldn't come as a surprise. That's who he was, and for every guy that bitched about him, there were 20 ready to back him up. The team hasn't been doing so hot this season, but they're young. He turns the team over to his son Pat (whom I've heard is much more mellowed-out and accommodating than his father) with 10 games left in the regular season. This may turn out to be a blessing or a curse on our team, but one thing's for sure. His legacy will remain in college basketball and the South Plains for all time.

And now I give you the Top 10 Best Bob Knight Soundbites:

Super Ads

In between watching Brady get laid out on his ass by Strahan and Eli becoming the mouth-breathing Boy Wonder, there were some great commercials. For those that may have been in the pisser or on a beer run, here are a couple of my favorites:

Doritos – Mouse Trap


Tide – Talking Stain

Breaking News: Scientists Discover Alternate Universe In Phoenix, Arizona

For the 3 people in America who didn't watch the Superbowl last night, the New York Giants pulled off an unlikely defeat of the New England Patriots in what might be one of the biggest upsets in the game's history. Considering no one gave the Giants a chance in hell of beating the seemingly invincible Pats, Eli Manning (yes, you read that correctly) and his Giants rocked Tom Brady and Bill Belichump all the way back to Beantown with their heads in their hands. Latest reports have scientists observing the Phoenix area for wormholes and/or other-worldly dimensional portals, as such a victory is seemingly unheard of on our normal plane of existence. Stay tuned for the latest.

Of course, Carl saw this coming all along. Here's his analysis of how the game went down:

Biggie & DLR: An Unstoppable Force

The masterminds behind The Hood Internet, a site that takes various artists from the indie and rock world and does insane mash-ups with hip-hop and rap artists, may have concocted a new classic. With Biggie's unmistakable beats and David Lee Roth's signature wail, the sign of the times is here. World: prepare to be laid waste.

The Notorious DLR – by DJ STV SLV – mp3

Weekend Concert Series

There's a couple of great shows going on in Dallas this weekend, and you can bet I'll be at both.

Band of Horses @ the Palladium - Saturday night
This should be an excellent show, as these guys are making their first appearance in the Dallas area since blowing up in the indie music scene with their uplifting, spiritually soaring vocals and crunchy, Southern rock atmosphere. Here's a couple of my favorite tracks by the group:

Is There A Ghost? – mp3
The Funeral – mp3

Flogging Molly @ House of Blues – Sunday night
For anyone that knows me, the fact that I'm a lousy, drunk Irish mick should come as no surprise. Fittingly, Flogging Molly is a band that practically speaks my language. Playing a style of music that begs to be seen live, this seven piece Irish American punk band bring a swagger to the stage unlike no other. If you're not dancing, singing AND drinking till you puke during this show, then you must not have a pulse. That, or you're Italian. Here's a couple of favs:

Drunken Lullabies – mp3
Devil's Dance Floor – mp3

Top 10 Hardest NES Games

For those of you that owned a Ninentdo Entertainment System, this article will crack your shit up. If you were like me, there were games you kicked ass on, and games that cheat codes, long hours and prayers to God didn't seem to help you conquer. Regardless, you came back each time for more. More heartache. More frustration. If there was a way to win, you would find it. But instead you were just humiliated by a piece of plastic and a computer chip with 8-bits of misery staring back in your face laughing at your pathetic attempt to be a winner. Nope. You were a loser, and there was nothing you could do about it.

And now I give you the Top 10 Hardest NES Games.