The Coop/Conan Post.

-  Isn’t it obvious?  I’m with CONAN on this one.  Especially because it’s NBC.  They’ve been putting out such garbage for so long that it’d be hard to side with them even it was Fallon we were talking about (whom I dislike-dislike).  Then again we are, aren’t we?  We’re talking about all those fools.  The real loser of the bunch turns out to be Carson Daly, who through no fault of his own (besides maybe being far too relaxed for even Late Night) is going to FOR SURE lose a show.  He’s boring, sure, but he genuinely cares about the music on the show and doesn’t cater to anyone really.  My dream scenario (as I’ve been telling everyone I know):  Conan gets a late-night style interview show, just like Tonight or Late Night, at 11 PM CST after The Daily Show and Colbert Report on Comedy Central.

-  Photography of COOP.  Been a while since I’ve posted some good old fashioned — not in the literal sense — art around this place so I’m linking to and posting some photo’s from an LA’ian who simply goes by “Coop”.  He started the Photography Thread over at WhiteChapel this month and his stuff is worth mentioning.  Mostly back and white, it seems.  I don’t know how to describe the style well enough to do it justice.  So here:

LINKS:

POSTIVE APE (WordPress Blog)

COOP-STUFF (Merch)

ART (Not Photos)

…and finally FLICKR

-SonnyW.

A Hero Likeness.

More Rock Band/Guitar Hero idiocy.  The CEO of Guitar Hero, Inc. recently released a statement that the usage of a certain dead musicians likeness was perfectly legal.  Let me back up.  Months ago Nirvana fans – as well as Kris, Dave, and Miss Love – were outraged to find out that the newest version of Guitar Hero featured the unlockable character/skin of the legendary Kurt Cobain.  It didn’t take long for the ex-bandmates and ex-wife to threaten legal action.  The trio claimed Guitar Hero had absolutely no right to use Cobain’s likeness and told the creators they should stop using the dead man’s likeness immediately (of course, sold copies would always have Mr. ‘Bain as a playable character… unfortunately).  Guitar Hero refused.  In a public statement, CEO Dan Rosenweig had this to say:

“I do know that there’s absolutely a contract, and we know that the check has been cashed. I can only deal with the facts. It’s very clear what the terms are.  It’s really not ‘Guitar Hero”s confusion. We went and spoke directly to the estate and made it crystal clear, got the rights, paid for the rights, and really we’ve done what we’ve always done. The fact that the rest of the band and the estate did not communicate – I’m not aware of those facts [about their communication].”

Well yeah, you dumb asshole, it’s maybe technically LEGAL (though it may not be), the problem is it’s extremely bad taste.  Course, as long as there are dipshits spending enough money on the game – the same game it’s been since it’s original debut back in 2005 – they won’t change a goddamn thing.

- Over on Stephen Colbert’s ColbertNation.com visitors cans stream the upcoming Flaming Lips album in its entirety (yes, all 18 tracks!).  The album comes out on October 13th, it’s called “Embryonic“.  Here’s the performance from The Colbert Report, by the way the song’s called “Convinced of the Hex” and it is pretty heavy.

-Sonny W.

The Vinyl Bin: Steady Diet of Nothing.

I just threw on Fugazi’s 1991 album “Steady Diet of Nothing” (their second studio album).  Another record I picked up in Chicago, this time at Permanent Records. Apparently the album title was taken from a line from the late Bill Hicks, who’s comedic material reflected Fugazi’s musical philosophy (or the other way around).  As a footnote, Bill Hicks appeared as a character in the Garth Ennis controversial comic “Preacher”.

Exit Only (this is three minute access) – The moment the introduction feedback hits, and it’s right off the bat, anyone with a taste for noise is hooked to this record.  There’s something very bold about naming the first song off your album “Exit Only”.  But like the end/last line of American Psycho, “this is not an exit”.  It’s only just the beginning.  Some cool guitar riffing going on here between the lead and rhythm, good dynamic there.

Reclamation (no one here is asking) - The lead guitar of the second track really highlights this song, and takes it to another level beyond dark rhythmic Rock.  In fact, the lead guitar on this song perhaps exemplifies what bands like Fugazi, the Pixies, etc were all about.  It’s sloppy, it’s repetitive, it’s awesome.  Another aptly titled track when taken in context of the industry at the time of release.  These bands were reclaiming Rock & Roll from the excessive shit which had taken it over for the past decade.

Nice New Outfit (sorry about the mess) – “In your nice new outfit… Sorry about the mess.”  This song employs a remarkable loud-quiet-loud dynamic (which was popularized by a little band called Nirvana).  This time around the lead guitar is spot on, rhythmically and dynamically, which is a nice contrast from the second song of the album.

Stacks (language keeps me locked & repeating) – Ahh… one of the more relaxing songs on the album (if that’s possible).  I’m not quite sure what “stacks” he’s referring to.  The first line to the coda is “America is just a word but I use it”.  Which, towards the end, repeats as “but I use it.  But I use it.  But I use it”.  Some interesting symbolism going on there, and I get the feeling that line is MUCH more patriotic than anyone would imagine.  Especially considering the band’s “do it yourself” (DIY) attitude.  This song also uses some creative production techniques by a little bit of sampling.

Latin Roots (it’s time to meet your maker) – Holy cow this song is HEAVY.  Back in 91, 92, I’d venture to guess this song was a favorite for slam dancing and body surfing (well, what Fugazi wasn’t, you schmuck??).  Another title which, when taken in context, could refer to the end of what Rock & Roll in the 80′s meant.

Steady Diet (there are no words) – Wow, the tricky tinkering work of the guitars on this song is heaven on the ears.  And yes, the subtitle is “there are no words” because this is an instrumental track.  A great idea, by the way, to have your instrumental track off an album be wordless.  This would be a fun one to cover and just jam out, I’d think.

Long Division (I’m not your reason to crack & divide) – A wonderful transition here from “Steady Diet” to “Long Division”, which also just happens to be the Side One/Side Two change-over point.  Here, we’re treated to a fade in of the noise from the instrumental track.  It builds to a climax and stops abruptly to a smooth base-line and an introduction to the 7th song on the album.  This song features CLEAN guitars, shockingly, and it’s perhaps the most pleasing to the ears (not that “unpleasing” is bad) on the album.

Runaway Return (out of the ashtray, into the ashtray) – The lyrics, especially in combination with the riffs, of this song are very powerful.  They finally take on that Descendents-y quality about the working man American phenomenon.  Honestly, this song wouldn’t be out of place on the “Office Space” soundtrack.  “There’s nothing waiting, there’s nothing given.  Weekender gives in, puts on his working suit”.

Polish (this is your portion, please don’t share) – If any song on the album has shades of Metal, it’s “Polish”.  The guitar riffs are dark dark dark.  With rests, bends on the low registers, dissonant power chords, and Metal type beats.  With that said, when the band finally comes full circle towards the middle of the song, it turns into a Metal-ish version of screamy yet melodic, dirtied, Rock music Fugazi plays.  “Please don’t share”??  Really?  Okay.  I’ll keep this album to myself, mostly.

Dear Justice Letter (your sorry lungs are leaking) – The opening line of this song refers to the Eisenhower appointed Supreme Court Justice William Brennan, Jr.  Here Fugazi shows their Sociopolitical-Punk side at an early stage of their career, remember this is album number 2.  But with quotes like “it’s not your fault”, and with Brennen’s philosophical leanings on individual rights against the state and “often favoring criminal defendants, minorities, the poor, and other underrepresented groups”, perhaps this song was more a tribute to the band than anything.  I suppose only Ian MacKaye will ever know for sure.

KYEO (silence is a dangerous sound) – That it is.  The last track on the album is one filled with irony.  “Just be quiet tonight” sung by one of the loudest bands of their time, of any time (though they’ve still got nothing on the MC5).  More interesting guitar tinkering towards the breakdown, which takes off into a full on assault in the albums final moments.  That’s that.

-Sonny

eCola Observations.

Why the hell didn’t anyone tell me there was such a thing as Spaceballs: the Animated Series?  I’m watching right now; my version of Sunday morning cartoons.  It’s fairly adult.  In one scene Mel Brooks’ President Skroob is interrupted, like in the movie, via “wall communicator” by his sexy assistant.  Interrupted doing what exactly?  Nothing much, just fooling around, possibly banging, a BLOW UP DOLL.  In another, Dark Helmet (who’s extremely tiny in the show, about the size of a midget) is trying to fit his giant dome through a tent opening to view a quarantined section of Planet Moron.  This simulates very graphically, in cartoon form, vaginal sex.  Apparently the quarantine stemmed from too many people drinking the latest soft drink, “eCola”.  It is delicious and the company employs amazing marketing, meaning everyone buys it and drinks it.  However, it makes everyone vomit.  Even worse, if one is vomited upon by an eCola drinker, he/she gets the virus.  Yeah, the show’s pretty awesome. I can’t wait til this damn election is over with.  I hope I don’t have to wait in too long of a line on Tuesday.  I’m going to miss Atmosphere tonight.  Sucks.  Blueprint is one of the openers too.  Shit.  That’s ok, I’ll just have to get even more beligerant when the Giraffes come into town the following week.  I need some food.  NOW.

-Sonny

Aftifacts: New and Old, Upcoming and Declining.

I was told of an excellent blog yesterday by the acting Head of the MCTC Aviation Center.  He couldn’t remember the name of it, though.  I thought I remembered him saying “pelican something or other”; I was wrong though, because I don’t see any Controllers blogs under that pseudo-name.  Air Traffic Control seems to be one of the best fields to “blog” from (short of possibly brain surgeon).  Every day is something different.  The ups and downs.  The experiences.  I found several good web-logs chronicling the industry, but this one (Day To Day Events and Ups and Downs of ATC) really stood out from the rest.  This site will link visitors to other excellent ATC and Aviation related web-logs via the “blogroll” displayed on the far right side of the main display.  This is maybe something I should look into when, and if, I get a job.  Apparently on the FAA application you’re allowed to name a STATE of your choosing, but not a particular center.  Chicago Center peaks my interest, though, they’ve completely phased out paper Strips and now do everything digitally.  Minneapolis Center is in the midst of this.

I had a great conversation yesterday with a guy in my class about the state of music in Minnesota and Minneapolis specifically (speaking of).  He was at his buddy’s practice space this past weekend.  This space sits in a large complex where about 5-6 other bands practice regularly.  He said it’s a great time on a Friday or Saturday night; all the groups are very friendly with one another, you can walk into any different space and hear a different band, it’s all very loose.  This is perhaps the shining characteristic of music in the Twin Cities.  It could be Minnesotans general nature, but it isn’t a very competitive scene.  Bands are all very supportive of one another; everyone wants to see everyone else succeed in their own way.  In fact, one would be hard pressed to find a “Battle of the Bands”.  Even if one did, lots of times a winner isn’t even declared!  93X Battle of the Bands notwithstanding.  A couple years ago I knew a guy who was playing in one of those (93X sponsored BotB) at a local club.  I was so infuriated that people chanted their favorite band’s name DURING other band’s sets.  These folks are minority, though.  And their predictable, bland favorite radio station is dying a slow, painful death.  Reminds me of Mr. Orange from Reservoir Dogs.

Will Tarantino’s new WWII flick be his masterpiece?  Or simply another cool-ass tribute to genre films (this time War films)?  I don’t really give a shit, frankly.  Just like Kill Bill was his tribute to films like Lady Snowblood, and The Bride Wore Black (and many many other films), Inglorious Bastards will be his tribute to the likes of The Great Escape, The Dirty Dozen, and of course Inglorious Bastards. The temptation was far too great when I was researching this flick a month or so ago when I came across a link titled “Inglorious Bastards Script Torrent”.  I downloaded it and it has been taking up space in my “RANDOM” folder.  Is it real?  Well- I don’t know because I haven’t read ANY of it.  But I have scanned through it, and it looks to be legitimate.  I probably won’t ever read it until, ironically, AFTER I see this film next summer (hopefully).  I love the fact that Tarantino has cast German actors to play the German characters.  It’s just too bad that his flick about THE VEGA BROTHERS probably isn’t ever going to happen.  Graphic adaptation??

I finally got in the mail yesterday Walking Dead #52.  It continues Rick and Carl’s new search for a safe place.  The return of one of coolest characters in the book’s history make me giddy inside.  Not only that, but two other people from the book’s past have shown up as well.  I’m not sure what’s going to happen with this new crew of people #53 looks to be introducing; but Rick still looks to be loosing his mind.  At some point in the future, I could see him becoming the antagonist of the story.  It isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

Yesterday I finally bought a copy of TV On The Radio’s “Dear Science”.  Hard for me to talk too much about it thus far, I’ve only listened to it about 3 times total.  I do like it.  I’ll most likely post a full review of the album in some time.  I should maybe just wait until I see the band at one of two back to back shows at First Ave.  Review the show and album together?  I don’t fucking know.  I posted about this album over on The H Board for anyone who’s “sick of weekly STP threads”. I don’t mean specifically Stone Temple Pilots, but all these fucking 90′s Alternative bands.  Look, I realize that this IS the Local H Board.  But Christ.  And it isn’t that I DON’T like these bands.  I like STP, the Toadies, Blur, Foo Fighters, Nirvana.  They’re all great bands.  But there’s so, SO much music out there.  There are so many different TYPES of music.  To limit ourselves to the band of said site’s genre is just… limiting.  It makes me feel trapped.

“Trapped In The Closet” was one of more ballsy South Park episodes of the last few years.  Will all this complete and utter bullshit going on with this 2008 Election, I really hope the show goes BACK to political satire when they return to finish up the current season.  I’d love to see them tackle this election, or especially Sara Palin.  But I am still waiting for them to do a show about all the kids getting into “social networking” sites.  That time may be already passing though.  Why the hell did the Simpsons sign onto three more years?  This show’s getting uglier and uglier.  They should have just quit after 20 seasons (this coming season, I think).  That would’ve been perfect.

Hopefully some Alternate-Universe Noir coming…

-Sonny