Friday, March 28, 2008

SCOTS :: Live In Texas

Boy howdy! This Sunday, appearing live at the Sons of Hermann Hall in Dallas, Texas is the always entertaining trio known as Southern Culture on the Skids. Straight outta Chapel Hill, North Carolina comes this rockin' and-a rollin' group of misfits, with the ability to get a place stompin' to their signature Southern rockabilly swing in no time. So tell grandma to whip up some banana pudding while I fry up some chicken. This here is gonna be one helluva hootenanny. Yeeeeee-haw!

Thursday, March 27, 2008

The Raconteurs :: Consolers of the Lonely

When it comes to side projects, there's none better than the bluesy-rock supergroup known as the Raconteurs. Consisting of members Jack White (of the White Stripes), Brendan Benson and Greenhorne members Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler, this foursome rocks out with some serious soul backing it up. Jack White's distinct vocals and Benson's wailing guitar work make for an instant classic, best heard on vinyl cranked all the way up to 11. Their debut album, Broken Boy Soldiers, was a surprisingly well-received album, garnering fans both old and new to their sound. They've just released their new album, Consolers of the Lonely, this week in a surprising move, literally announcing the release 10 days prior. This took most everyone by surprise, considering most folks had no idea they were even writing new material. By releasing the album in all formats (vinyl, CD and digitally) on the same day, it helped prevent any leakage of their work beforehand, not to mention stirring up a bit of buzz. Thankfully, it looks like this "side" project is here to stay for a little while.

Salute Your Solution – mp3
The Switch and the Spur – mp3

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Yo Joe, Indeed

Son of a bitch. I think I have to go change my pants after seeing this sneak peek at what the stealthy, silent killer Snake Eyes is going to look like in the new G.I. Joe movie set for next summer. Ray Park, the Scottish martial arts badass who portrayed Darth Maul in Star Wars and Toad in X-Men, is suiting up for the iconic role. Out of all of the characters, Snake Eyes was the absolute coolest muthafucka to ever give Cobra a beatdown. Even though the movie may suck some serious donkey dick, this at least just sold one ticket. And knowing is half the battle.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Typography In Motion

As a designer, I love the use of typography to tell a story. Even with the simple use of letter forms, you can illustrate a mood or feeling instantly. This site offers some great examples of typography in motion, set to some very memorable scenes in movies. Even with no visual other than type, the moment comes to life, capturing the essence of what makes it dynamic in the first place. Check out some of the others.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Justice Rats


Too good.

50 Most Controversial Album Covers Of All Time

Check out what this site deems to be the 50 most controversial album covers of all time here. Some I would have to agree with. Others, I'm not so sure about.

Hint: As for the above album, a small photographic error sent people into an outrage when a simple slip of the back hand by the gentleman on the far left made people think they were seeing a different type of male appendage. So lame.

We Don't Need No Stinkin' Eyes


Even blindness won't stop Brazilians from continuing to dominate the sport. What are we going to try next? Taking their legs?

Thursday, March 20, 2008

The Greatest Show On Earth

Ladies and gentlemen,

I have now witnessed quite possibly one of the greatest spectacles to be seen in this lifetime, and it was good. Very good. For those that may not have heard of the force known as Gogol Bordello, do yourself a favor and find their albums immediately. Then listen to them over and over again. That funny feeling in your leg? That's just the extreme euphoria taking over your body as you listen. These guys brought down the house last night here in Dallas and succeeded in doing what not many bands have had the honor of doing, and that is breaking into my Top 5 Best Concerts In the History of the World....Ever! Welcome Gogol, and enjoy your stay. You deserve it.

Wonderlust King - mp3
Start Wearing Purple - mp3
Think Locally, Fuck Globally - mp3

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Man Man :: Rabbit Habits

Have you ever gone to a concert, ready to see your favorite act storm the stage and play those songs you love, and show up in the middle of the opening act's performance? Who hasn't? But has that opening band ever left your mouth agape, completely blown away by what you just saw, leaving you with a yearning for more? That's exactly what happened to me the first time I witnessed the manic, quasi-Vaudevillian style of Man Man as they opened up for Modest Mouse.
This Philadelphia, PA bred five-piece blends an exuberant, carnival-like gypsy-punk aesthetic into their sound, with a stage show that has to be seen in person. Wearing all white and donning "war paint" on their faces, these guys get the entire place rocking, whether it be a small dive with 30 people hanging around the stage or an amphitheater filled with hundreds, all foot-stomping and hand-clapping to the music. It's hard not to smile when watching these guys. With their eclectic use of varying instruments and phenomenal harmonizations, Man Man are set to take the main stage where the rightly deserve to be. Thankfully, their brand new album, Rabbit Habits, should do a fine job propelling them into the big time. Have a listen, and be sure to catch these guys live. You won't be disappointed.

Top Drawer - mp3
Black Mission Goggles - mp3
Van Helsing Boombox - mp3
10lb. Mustache - mp3

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Tropic Thunder :: Trailer


This looks hilarious. Robert Downey's part alone sold me.

This Chimp Will Kick Your Ass


Whatever you do, do not spank this....well, you know....

Monday, March 17, 2008

Happy St. Patty's, You Bastards

Here's to the greatest damn holiday all year. Raise a pint, you drunks. Cheers! Let's get ready to stumblllllle!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

SXSW...Here I Come.

It's just about that time that I make my semi-annual trek back down to the homestead for the always insane SXSW Music Conference in Austin. There looks to be some kick ass showcases this year, and as always I'll be braving the crowds and hitting up as many free shows as possible. Can you blame me? With wristbands going for $180 and up, I have no problem mooching as much free booze, food and swag as possible while I'm down there. And in doing so, I get to see some fantastic bands and discover a few new gems amongst the hundreds of bands performing. In case you're heading out there as well and need some help on when, where and who to see, you'll notice just to the right a link taking you to the day-by-day lineup. Looks to be a good time. And with that, I leave you. Keep on rockin'.

House Hunting? Look No Further...


The old boss man is trying to sell his home, and what better way than to creatively do it via an online viral video? Take it from me when I say this house is all that and a bag of chips. All potential buyers with fat wads of cash and/or credit, go to www.7001millsbranch.com for further details.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Runnin' With the Beatles


This experiment didn't really work out, with David leaving the band and the British foursome pursuing another path. Fortunately for both parties, they each had fairly productive careers.

Piñatas Are People Too




This new ad for chocolate-flavored Skittles is the shit. Random, but still the shit.

Monday, March 10, 2008

2080 :: Take Away Show


Over at La Blogtheque they've posted a new Take Away Show, featuring the awesome Yeasayer performing their hit 2080. It's pretty rad, considering it's in a tiny Parisian apartment and sung acoustically with the help of a makeshift choir of local hipsters. Check it out.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Random Thursday

The most intense and supremely rad cover of the Final Countdown you will ever see.

Anyone who says cellos are gay, just bitch slap the hell out of them.

Mister Rogers pwning Donkey Kong.

First off, Mr. R is getting a little too "touchy" on Brandon. Second, way to go ruin my childhood illusions by bringing in Keith the repairman to show me how the game really works. I don't give a shit about the technical side of DK. Unless Keith can show me how to get my quarter back or how to get to the kill screen, then back off. Billy Mitchell be damned...Fred Rogers is the new King of Kong.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Swayze Is The Man


Roadhouse could have been so much more if they just had given it more thought.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Gnarls Barkley :: Run

The awesomely fantastic duo of DJ, instrumentalist and producer extraordinaire Danger Mouse and crooning master of rhymes Cee-lo Green, otherwise known as Gnarls Barkley, have just released the new video for Run, the first single off of their brand new album, The Odd Couple. As in typical fashion, it's pretty nifty.

Flipping Burgers Is Anything But Whack


This 80's era Wendy's employee instructional video makes me wish I was standing over a grill right about now. Who knew a busted microwave could kick out such tasty jams? Frrrrreshhhhh!