A quick one before I go...

A new Pearl Jam song "World Wide Suicide" from the forthcoming album has leaked...kind of, you can download a 15 second clip here:
http://www.theskyiscrape.com/
Rawk!

What was the #1 song in the U.S.A. the day you were born?
For me it is 6/18/73 Paul McCartney & Wings "My Love"
What makes this freaky is that McCartney's birthday is also 6/18...oooooh creepy.
https://home.comcast.net/~josh.hosler/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

Finally, A Kurt Cobain movie/documentary that may be worth watching...

"As reported earlier by this website, and by NME in December 2005, a new Kurt Cobain documentary is in the works. It is rather unique as it will be 'narrated' by Kurt Cobain himself - based on more than 25 hours of interview tapes recorded by author of Come As You Are: The story of Nirvana, Michael Azerrad, between December 92 and March 93."
http://www.nirvanaclub.com/indexsm.php

Jeff Tweedy interview on WBUR from Boston
http://www.here-now.org/shows/2006/01/20060131_17.asp


More Later,
HelperMonkey

Did you lose the Monkey? He gave you back aches and now you slouch

If you want to go up against the iPod why not hire the firm that created the iPod. That's what Samsung has done for it's Z5

The floats in this Years Mardi Gras don't shy away from Katrina.

George Harrison's spiritual journey. The new book is called Here Comes the Sun.

Bono drops 14 F-bombs at NME awards show. Is this how a Nobel Peace Prize Nom should be talking?

The Cure's redoing their last reissues. Or re-reissued. I think.

PFA reports:
Britain’s prodigious rock band Gomez will come to the U.S in March for a promo tour set to unveil songs from their May 2nd release “How We Operate” (ATO Records). The promo tour will kick-off with the full band (Ben Ottwell, Tom Gray, Ian Ball, Paul Blackburn and Olly Peacock) in Austin, TX at SXSW for a midnight performance at Stubb’s on March 16th. Gomez’s three principle songwriters (Ben, Tom and Ian) will then embark for the first time in the U.S. as an acoustic trio for select shows in Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. I am definitely looking forward to this. Gomez is one of my favorite bands to come outta the 90s.

If you ever feel bad about how you look just look at this website. Famous People aren't that good looking they just have really good computer people to fix them up. Also if you have a teenager this might be a good forward as it will help them realize that the world is fake. I just can't believe what they do. They cut women in half. Even Jessica Alba who is always ranked in the top of the Hotties.

More later
Bro

The title is from the insanely catching "Radiation Vibe" by Fountains of Wayne. Man I haven't listened to this tune in ages. It still gets the blood flowing and strangely Hem has just covered this song. Strange because Hem is very mellow and country-ish. It works though I prefer the "I'm still not too old to rock" version.

She...only...loves me...when she's drunk

Not since Independence Day have I seen a movie and just been...well pissed. At least with that film Will Smith was funny. War of the Worlds is just terrible. I will start with the ending. Worst Ending... Ever. Seriously the ex-wife and her family in Boston look like they just finished Thanksgiving Dinner. The son survives? Come on Stevie grow a pair and the little robot girl (who everytime I see her interviewed scares me--I think cult for some reason) that almost literally screams through out the entire film should just go away. I just want to know if any of you saw this film. If so why didn't you warn me.

On the other hand someone did tell me to watch Serenity and the series Firefly. The TV show is at worst-- good and at its best--Excellent. The movie was the perfect ending to the cancelled show. Well done. I loved the score too. Pitch perfect. The theme song was ok but the score was brillant. So if you're jones-ing for some sci-fi get the series and the movie in your queue. Its The future meets the Western with a bit of Chinese thrown in.

In fact, after watching the whole series one after the other on DVD I will have to say that I really enjoyed watching it that way. I found myself addicted to it and was constantly craving the next show and bam there it was. It was a wonderful experience.

Also another DVD experience over the past couple of weeks I have enjoyed was listening to Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson chat up Wedding Crashers. They are a couple of guys that having beers with has got to be a good time. They talk about filming but also add their thought's on Football, Living in LA, and dating. I am Looking forward to their next project.

Billy Corgan treats Italian fans on the street to a cover of AC/DCs Long Way to the Top. via YouTube. Also another BC treat via YouTube. I am not a fan of wrestling but this is just too cool. Billy on ECW.

I linked to an Editors tune a few days ago and hopefully you enjoyed it. Now you can hear them in the flesh with Stellastarr*

Guster finishes up new CD now a tour.

TMZ reports:
Rock stars Bono and Bob Geldof were nominated for the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize along with Indonesia's president, a former U.S. secretary of state and a Finnish peacemaker.
Geldof, former leader of the Irish punk group the Boomtown Rats, was nominated for organizing last year's Live 8 benefit concerts, while another Irish singer, U2 frontman Bono, was proposed for his fight against world poverty.

Melodicrock is reporting
VH1 has begun taping a new reality show tentatively titled Supergroup this week in Las Vegas. The premise of the show is to lock several musicians in a house for 10 days and get them to write and record some new original music. The line-up is: Scott Ian (Anthrax, guitar), Ted Nugent (guitar), Evan Seinfeld (Biohazard, bass), Sebastian Bach (ex-SKID ROW, vocals) and Jason Bonham (Bonham, UFO, Foreigner, drums).

The end is near people start saving canned goods and bottled water
The Daily Star reports that Kanye West has collaborated with Coldplay singer Chris Martin on a song called 'Homecoming'. A source revealed that the song "sounds like a Coldplay song with a beat, which is exactly what [Kanye] wanted."

Have Einstein write whatever you want on his blackboard.

The title is the countryish indie rock song "When she's drunk" by the Giraffes. Fun, quirky folk rock.

Cat you rock

and so does Cookie Monster...well in a very disco way. This is just pure Friday Fun. Enjoy.

New Charlatans from the UK. It's a preview of the new cd on their myspace.

Yahoo thinks music should be sold without DRM. Somebody gets it. Give the people who do things legally a break.

New Dylan and Springsteen.

Franz Ferdinand rocks in so many ways. Read the article about how he feels about American Radio. Brillant and when I say he I mean the lead singer Alex not the late Former Archduke whose death started WW One.

and this is great. Anybody but Hummer. Bands are turning down big bucks from Hummer. They will sell out but only so far. I've said it before and will say it again--If you drive a Hummer you only care about yourself and that means you suck.

iTunes passes one billion downloads. Yeah I don't think this download thing is going to last...probably said by the same guy that turned down signing the Beatles with a quote along the lines of--that guitar thing isn't going to last. I bet he drives a Hummer too.

Bring'em Home Benefit. Concert with Stipe, Bright Eyes, Fisherspooner and more.

Info about the Jammys. Awards show for Jamband type bands ie Moe, My Morning Jacket and the like

MTV reports:
"Rock of Ages," the Los Angeles musical that pays homage to hair metal and stars Tenacious D's Kyle Gass, has been extended through March 18.

Zen parables or koans. Sorry I didn't mean to make you think on friday but these are pretty cool.

More later
Bro

Red

Blog Hog

Unlike my previous rant about lesbians, masturbation and corporate rhetoric, this is a slightly more controlled and less hostile rant. Nonetheless still entertaining I hope, but something a little more substantial to ponder….or not.

“Domestic Retards”
This train of thought is dedicated to those of us who are single. Married people—and I’m talking to you, feel free to read on as there will be no marriage bashing or domestic sarcasm (I don’t think), but rather a philosophical wax, if you will, for the single kids. Here’s my take on the quandary we call “single hood”…we are conditioned from birth to believe that when we grow up we should get married and have a family.

We do this why? Because it is what our parents did and it is what they have taught us to do—a shared belief that we will quantify and define ourselves through the ritual of marriage under God with kids. We are programmed to believe that we will be more productive, functional and achieve greater wisdom through this right of passage. Without it, we are nothing more then social outcasts, black sheep, and lonely only to be pitied or nurtured. Married couples and parents alike consider us “lost”.

Now I can deal with all that crap, but what I can’t deal with is the condescending tone that we, as single people have to choke down from our domestic comrades and accept their opinion that we know nothing about or can not appreciate marriage or parenthood without this experience. As if we have suddenly become domestic retards. Why? Because we have not met anyone yet, done the marriage thing, and spent a “big” day at Bed, Bath and Beyond and Home Depot (time permitting).

I feel that this is nothing more then social and parental conditioning inflicted on us to desire the same destination for our lives as they did for theirs. A misconception brilliantly constructed to wrangle us “singles” into the relationship world, so they (married folks) don’t have to be alone. Kind of ironical.

“Single Hood” or Hoodwinked?
I could go off into a whole single/married comparison thing taking cheap shots at married folks and what not, but that is not what this is about. This is about asking ourselves (single people) this question…Single hood or hoodwinked? I should have prefaced this question by setting up the scenario or state of mind by which we consider the idea of “single hood”, which is in the context that it has a negative connotation. That those of us who engage in “single hood” (like unprotected sex, which happens from time to time) that we are of the minority or the unfulfilled or undesirable. Furthermore we do not exist in the land of the young, the beautiful and the free, but instead lurk down in the trenches among our own where love is a battlefield.

So let’s just say for argument’s sake that we buy into this crap that married life is great and better then single life and we are nothing without it—just what our parents and married friends want us to believe. So we embark on our journey to self actualize and self epitomize who we are. A painful and boring process I think, but one that is none the less necessary when looking in the mirror and determining who we are. Are we skinny, fat, hairy, short, tall, muscular, light skinned, light eyes? Do make over 50k, enjoy walks on the beach or consider tattoos a turn off? All in preparation to fill out our match.com profile. Question after question after fucking question until we are exhausted and confused about our answers and have been virtually through cyber technology beaten into submission with the questioning so much that we just want to get it over and done with. So, as a final step and to end the pain, we pull out our credit card and pay the $12.99 for six months (because it’s cheaper then the one month membership) all the time reasoning in our heads that this is an effective and valid medium by which we can actually pursue and meet other single folks. We ARE domestic retards.

So what we’ve done in essence is open ourselves up to the self-doubt and lonely ideology inflicted on us by our domestic peers, which leads deeper into the world of anxiety…and there we lay, naked and confused and vulnerable. So we succumb to that burning, motorized feeling of anxiety and allow ourselves to get caught up in “waiting” to get married while still engaged to single hood. Otherwise known as the “time” that hovers over us like a funnel cloud where we contemplate our physical appeal and talents or lack there of to the opposite sex. Being human AND single, we naturally and instinctively project inward and turn on ourselves asking the question “What’s wrong with me?” We literally begin to spiral downward right into a life we now consider as bad. We wonder to ourselves, how did we arrive here? How did this happen? And once again begin with the fucking questions now only motivated by our own desire to determine not only who are we, but how we got here. Single people, I hope you’re laughing, because this IS meant to be funny and if you’re not…seek medical attention immediately.

So I ask myself again, why? Why would we or should we feel bad because we are single? Are we morons? Yes, we are and here’s why.

"Blotto "
So last night I went to see Blotto at a bar in West Chicago, great show, good kids, good vibe, couple of drinks and then some water to prepare for the safe drive home to my friends house where I crash. I wake up with a slight headache, pop two Advil and stop at Starbucks for a grande latte on the way home. I walk into a quite, peaceful and inviting apartment. There’s a slight overcast, but still some sun peeking through the clouds. I step out on the patio for a smoke and savory sips from my latte. I stretch out, take off my shoes, flip on my computer, turn on my speakers and listen to Phish stream. I begin to look over my check book calmly and without interruption, I balance it to the cent, and prepare my tax papers for my return. I have a couple of more smokes and realize that it is only noon and I still have the entire day to do whatever I want.

I open a can of Campbells chunky with the convenient pop top and feast on a variety of ingredients that encompass all of the major food groups. Fast, hot and ready to serve. My diet literally consists of that of a 9 year old—chicken nuggets, easy mac and soup; ketchup is the only condiment of choice. I live on the first floor for the single purpose of not having walk up and down stairs to walk the dog. I am the laziest pet own ever and I can afford to take all of these little short cuts in my life because it’s just me. I have one job and that is taking care of my self. Make sure I eat, sleep, put gas in my car, go to work, pay bills, have enough smokes, ensure my DSL and cable are working properly and treat myself to an occasional shopping bender when possible. I think it’s fair to assume that even married people reflect once in awhile and remember how satisfying single life was for them.

I love my apartment, my independence, my entire bed to myself except for having to share it with Jake, which I love because he’s soft and warm and only weighs 15 lbs. The life that I have carved out for myself and my dog is the only life I can image living right now. No pressing social, spousal or partner events to attend, no grocery shopping, home maintenance or family obligations…don’t have to take the kids anywhere or contend with anything that can induce stress, senseless spending, time management or rushing and I still have the entire rest of the day all to myself. Inspired by this experience I begin to write and here I am.

“Definitely Hoodwinked!”
Single hood is totally under rated. Answer to the question proposed earlier is, in my opinion, “hoodwinked”! We, as single people, for some retarded reason do not appreciate the glorious schedule we have arranged for ourselves in our lives. We just don’t celebrate it enough, if at all! And we should! My life summed up in three words—rent, lease, cellular. Draw whatever conclusions you will about those words, but frankly I don’t care that I’m not building equity in my property or getting tax breaks because I rent. I don’t care that I lease a car because I can afford to lease a nicer car then buy one out right. I don’t have a LAN line with an answering machine attached to it because I don’t want to be endlessly solicited by credit card companies or retired civil servants looking for donations. I have designed my life to be mobile, transferable, unencumbered in this way. I appreciate the unknown of what’s to come in the next few days or weeks because I have no agenda, no schedule and no responsibilities other then the ones I have to myself.

Now, I’m not saying that I don’t desire the domestic life, I do, but I just don’t see the necessity in subscribing to the idea that single life sucks. Indeed there are some single folks out there that do not desire the relationship world, but in a bar at the end of the night who is left standing? The unmarried, the divorced and the segment of our beloved demographic who want to get married. I don’t know the statistics on this one, but as a general rule, the fewest left standing are the married couples. A) Because they are too wasted to stand or B) Because they have left early to get something to eat. You know, pulling an all nighter at the bar is just not necessary for them anymore because they are not looking. They can stay home, watch a movie, have sex and go to bed.

We know this because we’ve all been there. We, as singles, have wandered out of our habitat and engaged in couplehood and we know that it can be satisfying, but just the same have its’ drawbacks too. Let’s face it, if couplehood was all that it is cracked up to be, we would still be there.

“Inspiration”
It’s such a fallacy and we literally become disillusioned by our own state of consciousness and feel hopeless, helpless and minimized. So, what do we do? We turn to internet dating, speed dating, date-opalooza and ridiculous mediums by which our own peers have devised for us to meet other single people rather then just leaving it to fate. We have become impatient with fate and dissatisfied with excitement of the unknown. Let’s, for a moment, remember that life changes on a dime, throws us a curve and shakes us up on a very regular basis. It IS the rollercoaster of life (lame metaphor I know), but it’s free and we all get to ride it and experience all the beautiful possibilities for love, sex, marriage, money and Blotto. We as humans are, by design, programmed to do this? So why do we do it?

Whether we are inspired by the journey and that drives us to our destination or inspired by the destination that drives us through the journey, it is still simply just that—inspiration. Whatever it is we desire, need not freak out, we’ll get there soon. I leave you with this. Jerry Garcia wrote the music for only one song out of pure inspiration—Terrapin Station. Hunter wrote the lyrics and they speak for themselves.

Counting stars by candlelightall are dim but one is bright:the spiral light of Venusrising first and shining best,From the northwest cornerof a brand-new crescent moon crickets and cicadas singa rare and different tune

Terrapin Station the shadow of the moon Terrapin Station and I know we'll be there soon
Terrapin - I can't figure outTerrapin - if it's an end or the beginningTerrapin - but the train's got its brakes onand the whistle is screaming: TERRAPIN

Love Monkey a go-go

It wasn't a bad show and had promise. this was seriously the biggest and worst mistake of the year so far when CBS yanked the fairly excellent new show “Love Monkey” after three episodes. Witty dialogue, music industry plots, and a decent set of characters. Plus it had cameos by Ben Folds, James Blunt, and Aimee Mann. How cool is that?
I think part of the problem was the main "new music find". He looked and sounded just like John Mayer. We already have one of those thank you very much. Although he is doing the heavy blues thing now...interesting. Come to think of it that's what wrong with record companies. They just give you the "next" whatever is selling at the moment. Grunge is in get me anyone in flannel. Boy Bands are in then get me a group of good looking teens and we will write their songs and make them dance...and we'll make millions. Anyway Teddy wasn't "hip" enough for me. Hell they should have broken Death Cab for Cutie or how about the Arctic Monkeys.
So, if you did see Monkey and want to protest, sign the “Save Love Monkey” petition. Next, if there are any network programmers out there, please explain to me why quality shows keep getting yanked after less than five episodes. I’m not talking about “Emily’s Reasons Why Not.” I’m talking about the herd mentality that killed the promising dramedy “The Book of Daniel,” about Jesus as the buddy of a Vicodin-popping priest, which dropped last month after four promising episodes. And, of course, the “Arrested Development” craziness. These fickle decisions don’t appear to be confined to one network. Right there you’ve got NBC, CBS, and FOX. Thank God HBO is still in the game to rescue truly original programming.
One other thought: If the networks can’t find a way to promote their own shows and ensure their success, could they at least just make them all available on demand? That way, at least viewers could decide the shows’ fate for themselves. I hope that eventually all eight episodes of Monkey, including the five unaired ones, make it onto iTunes.

and for the Monkey...banana art.

Contact Music reports:
Animated band GORILLAZ have abandoned plans for a world tour, because it costs too much money to bring the cartoon characters to life on a regular basis

TuneLab reports:
The Vines have revealed the track list for their upcoming new album 'Vision Valley', which is due out on April 3rd, check it out below:
01. Anysound
02. Nothin's Comin’
03. Candy Daze
04. Vision Valley
05. Don't Listen To The Radio
06. Gross Out
07. Take Me Back
08. Going Gone
09. Fuk Yeh
10. Futuretarded
11. Dope Train
I haven't heard any of it yet but if they return to the "Highly Evolved" sound then sign me up as excited.

The Killers are being sued by ex-manager. It's the oldest story in the book. Well definitely an older story for sure. The oldest being that it takes 10 years to be an overnight success.

conqueroo reports:
The four original members of Translator will reunite for a show at SXSW 2006. The lineup includes Steve Barton (guitar, vocals), Robert Darlington (guitar, vocals), Larry Dekker (bass) and Dave Scheff (drums).
The band will play three shows while in Austin Including their official SXSW showcase on Thursday, March 16 at Elysium, 705 Red River, Austin; the SX South Austin Showcase on Wednesday, March 15, 9 p.m. at Café Caffeine, 909 W. Mary St. in Austin; and the Pop Culture Press Party on Saturday, March 18, 3 p.m. – Dog & Duck, 406 W. 17th St. in Austin

More later
Bro

I hope you come to see me soon cuz I don't want to go alone

New PJ people. Smile
TuneLab reports:
New music from Pearl Jam will be hitting radio on March 14th. The track titled "World Wide Suicide" will be the first single from their still untitled J Records debut. The album is scheduled for a May 2nd release.

Check out the video stream for “Crooked Teeth”, the second single from Death Cab for Cutie’s album Plans? This video, directed by Ace Norton, is the finest use of claymation, since Peter Gabriel’s groundbreaking “Sledgehammer”.

band promo pictures that aren't too good.

Not a good time to rock. Rockers keep your day jobs.

Contest: Take real photos and shop them into shapes. Some very cool pics.

Enron the Musical.

Remind me again why I don't live out West. NIN sign on for Sasquatch.

Reuters reports:
Depeche Mode's two shows the weekend of February 18 at Milan's Filaforum were recorded for a live DVD that is expected to be released in September

antiMusic reports:
We promised to keep you updated on this story, here is the latest. The admin of Jerry Cantrell's official website posted an update about the Alice in Chains reunion. Although he doesn't spill the beans about who will be taking over vocal duties for the late Layne Staley, he does confirm that the band will reunite for the Nova Rock festival and drops a hint that more shows may be booked. Here is his posting:
I hate to keep on saying, this but as most of you have heard Alice will be performing at Nova Rock in Austria. This is true. Alice is back.
Europe is a long way to go for just one show, so I feel that we are going to have a lot more to do.

More later
Bro

Title is from Ben Harper's "Waiting on an Angel" See him live and look for a new double cd soon. Did I mention you should see him live. Amazing.

She moved in ways that kept her there in our minds for days and weeks and months

You knew this was coming. Cheney's got a gun. Move over Janie. and I love comment number 9 on this site.

MP3s for the love

The Minus 5 "Retrieval of You" The idea: recruit some formidable talent (Peter Buck, Ken Stringfellow, members of Wilco and the Decemberists) to act as session players and bring to life Scott McCaughey's endearingly sarcastic rock songs.

Deadboy and the Elefant Man "Ancient Man"They're a roots-punk duo with a boy on the guitar and a girl on drums--Sound like White Stripes--well yes and they rock hard too.

Editors "Dust in the Sunlight" dark and brooding sounds--a bit of Interpol as well as a pinch of Echo & the Bunnymen. A Band to watch.

and Man and/or woman does not live on music alone. Check out the Drunk.

Shameless plug number 596. Check out The Weekend Version of Good Morning America's blog. Yes the mainstream media is jumping on the grassroots thing. Yes it's about time. This is a pretty cool way of expanding on their show. Now if I could only get them to get good bands to play on their show.

More later
Bro

The title is from the Arctic Monkeys "7". They set all kinds of records in the UK and yes the cd is good and yes all the cool kids have known about them forever. Relive your youth and get the cd.

It was a good vacation but getting back to NY was not so fun.

Hello again boys and girls. Or is it boy and girl. Delays at the airport suck but with two kids it sucks in a much worse way. On top of over-tired kids--always fun for the whole plane--there was a pee accident and puke. Always a great combo. We packed an extra outfit on the way out but for the trip home? No of course not. Any accidents on the way out? No. Why because we were prepared. The best part was when my little guy started to hurl I couldn't get to the bag--in fact that didn't even cross the mind. NO the thing I did was catch it with my hand. Luckily a wonderful lady saw I was in trouble and handed me a bag. My hand will never be the same. The puke happened as we where landing so my wife got yelled at over the intercom to sit down. NICE. Anyway...Monkeys rock(or chimps). This we all know. That is why I love the careerbuilder commercials. I can't help it. So here's your chance to send a Monk-e-mail.

Using google for evil. Don't blame them blame yourself. They just make it easy to find passwords.

XM is spending too much. Really? I really do hope one or both of them survive. Both would be good even though I know many people that love the Sats I am still waiting for my internet radio everywhere day. that will be a good day.

Amazon to take on iPod. This should be interesting. Maybe they could get the price down below 50cents. That would be sweet.

Jazz fest gets just a few big names to play at this years fest.

Finally a number one album I can get behind. Jack Johsnon's OST for Curious George is on top. and also for the kids: Teach your children well. How to play music via software.

BrokeBack Willie. Mr Nelson releases a gay cowboy tune. Download it because you will not hear that on your local radio station.

ContactMusic.com (www.contactmusic.com) has issued the following report:
Rocker OZZY OSBOURNE and his wife Sharon have sold the Hollywood mansion that featured in their reality TV show for $10.8 million (GBP6 million).

(Capitol) Capitol recording group the Redwalls have announced plans to accompany Oasis on the Britpop giants’ upcoming U.S. tour. The acclaimed Chicago-based rock ‘n’ roll foursome will team up with Oasis for a series of March concerts, including much-anticipated shows in Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and Nashville.
Redwalls w/ Oasis
MARCH22 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theatre
23 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre
25 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre
26 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
28 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater
Further dates will be announced shortly.

More later
Bro

Oh and I can't believe that Whittington is apologizing to Cheney for being shot in the face by him. Now that is messed up. If ever a Parent named their kid the right name--they nailed Cheney. Well done P's.

and they always forget their bathsuits for the shoot. I hate when that happens. SI special issue.

Please leave a message at the beep

I will be at the beach. Hopefully the others will play nice and you wouldn't even notice I'm gone. Does this count as bringing up fake lesbians again?

So a dem pretends to be a repub and comedy ensues. Some good video.

Now this a great concept. I love the internet. Does my a$$ look fat in these jeans? People send in a photo to find out.

This blog isn't always about the good songs. I present the singer of songs. Don't feel too bad because he sounds better than me.

If You want a hit song be popular first. Imagine that... popularity breeds popularity. Maybe this partly explains AI...actually it doesn't.

Kinky? I'd vote for him. Only in Texas.

These might be the coolest photos I've seen on the interweb in a long time. I have a love/hate relationship with creative--really creative--people. I feel so small and These photos are cool in much different way. Sock Monkey P*rn.

Review of Neil Yound Doc from NYTimes.

Contact Music reports:
Former THE VERVE frontman RICHARD ASHCROFT has vowed never to reform the band that brought him fame and fortune.
He says, "You're more likely to get all four BEATLES on stage."

the Who's "The Kids are Alright" for PSP.

Glide mag's 10 to watch. Not a bad list.

When in doubt put "wolf" in your moniker.

For my money the dumbest headline this year. Can MTV stay cool? When did MTV get cool again? I guess it's because I'm older than 11 that I don't realize it. Maybe Logan's Run was right. I was going to link to the imdb info page on the "Logan's Run" movie when I hit search and came up with a 2006 release that is in pre-production? Really? I thought the Island was the remake?

Want to learn how to play. iPlay music is for you. I think this is how Yellowcard got their start.

More later
Bro

The Grammys don't Matter...They only have themselves to blame

Grammy winners. Sorry didn't watch. Why? Because the Grammys don't matter. Why? Well lets think about this for a bit. There are a few items. I realize we all make mistakes but The Grammys have made a few that are unforgiveable.

1988. Best Metal Album? Jethro Tull's Crest of a Knave. Over Metallica's ...And Justice for All. That's right boys and girls they are telling us that nothing rocks harder than a flute solo but that is not it. OH No-- we are not even close to their last mistake...

1962. Best new Artist? Robert Goulet. What so bad about him you say? Well also up for new artist that year? Bob F*cking Dylan. Nice.

You want more?...I know you do.

1980. Album of the Year. Christopher Cross. Also released that year. AC/DC's Back in Black and The Clash's London Calling. See I told you the Grammys don't matter. Still don't believe me. OK how about

1991. Another Album of the Year mess up. Natalie Cole's Unforgettable over Nirvana's Nevermind and REM's Out of Time. I will of course save the best for last.

1990. Best New Artist. Milli Vanilli. Game over. Grammys you lose.

The Olympics start tomorrow. Get ready to play along. Olympic Drinking Game.

Ways to protect your MP3 playing devise.

Floyd is dead. It's probably for the best. Just as long I get to listen to Meddle it doesn't matter that much anymore.

Classic Rockers to be webcast. This should be very cool. and more classics to be performed. Actually Old Classic Rockers, The Who, will release new CD soon-ish.

A bunch of news from the The Police's Documentary to Eddie Vedder dj-ing on Sirius.

Gigwise reports:
Bob Marley’s home is set to be made a national monument in an official ceremony. The home is currently being used as a music studio with many tourists flocking to it every year, but as the BBC reports, plans are under way to make it an official shrine

More later
Bro

Humans Rock

or not...Leave up to us to start WW3 over a cartoon. I just don't get it and don't even get me started on the Crusades. Holy War? There is no bigger oxymoron(well maybe Jumbo Shrimp). Oh the things we do in the name of all that is holy. I hope there is an after life if only so that all these fools get taught a lesson. Why can't we all just get along?

I should have saved this for Halloween but just in case you are jones for some role play. I don't judge I just present. Now you can look like your favorite A-Team character. I take it back sometimes humans do indeed ROCK.

Just when you thought you had it all for your iPod. It's the Tune Buckle. Nevermind people don't really rock. Just like I thought. If you need further proof, well besides a riot over a cartoon, just look at the billboards number one. Barry Manilow sings the greatest hits of the 50s. C'mon people with all the good stuff that came out this week?!? Sometimes I sit in a dark room and just weep.

Wait there's hope. More cool kids music. Thanks indie dudes. Faith in man restored.

What they didn't make enough the first time around. Cream to play more dates. A scalpers dream.

Not everyone is buying online tunes.

Cornerstone reports:
Built To Spill's new album "You In Reverse" hits stores on 4/11. It's their first album in about 5 years, and their evolution is flawless! It's definitely the band's best collaborative effort, while keeping their organic feel.
Here is the track listing: 1. Goin' Against Your Mind 2. Traces 3. Liar 4. Saturday 5. Wherever You Go 6. Conventional Wisdom 7. Gone 8. Mess Wtih Time 9. Just A Habit 10. The Wait-

More later
Bro

We are criminals that never broke the law

iTunes is counting down to a billion. Yes a billion. Pretty cool prize for the lucky winner of that download too. Just watch those numbers fly by.

and speaking of downloads and/or buying cds. A ton out today. Get Belle and Sebastian and Jason Collett for sure. I have at least 6 cds this week to buy.

If you thought it took me awhile to get my best of list out the Village Voice just released theirs?!? It the pazz and jop of 2005.

If you thought Brittney Spears was dumb and/or stupid you now have your proof. Check out these photos.

Everything you thought you knew about car salesman is correct. Good read.

DIY ringtones. Don't pay for it if you don't have to. Thanks Wired.

Real Beatles tunes will be used in upcoming movie. It only cost him 5 mil.

Dylan in NY to start recording.

Contact Music reports:
Longtime PSYCHEDELIC FURS frontman RICHARD BUTLER is planning a solo trip across America to promote his debut album.
The PRETTY IN PINK singer will play solo dates in March and April (06), beginning with a show in Chicago, Illinois. I love his singing voice. First off I wish I could sing secondly I wish I sounded like R Butler.

AOL Music reports:
AOL Music is streaming the new Hawthorne Heights album "If Only You Were Lonely" starting THIS WEEK even though it doesn't come out until 2/28!!!
AOL Music is the only place you can listen to the album in its entirety on the web!

More later
Bro

Title is from the insanely beautiful Talking Heads tune "Sax and Violins" From the OST Until the End of the World. Bad movie. Awesome soundtrack. It can also be found on Once in a Lifetime. A boxset. Their greatest hits called Popular Favorites (2 cds) Good for most people. If you are T Head-head then if you don't have it you are saving up your hard earned pennies for Brick. It also on Naked and a very cool live cd of David Bryne called Live at Union Chapel. Very Nice.

I don't think the best team won

but the best team that night won. Congrats to The Steelers and all their fans. Big Ben didn't score that TD. It was a very weak call on the offensive interference and it should have been a TD. I don't think it was holding but when they needed it Pitt came up huge. The 76 yd run. The trick pass.

The Right have fun with numbers and gloat about how long non-rockers live. Sorry but this argument just doesn't hold any water and all I need is two words to prove them wrong: Keith Fu*king Richards. Sorry you lose. Plus there were Notable omissions:
John "Stumpy" Pepys, Drummer -- died in 1969 in a bizarre gardening accident.
Eric Childs, Drummer -- died 1974, choking to death on someone else's vomit.
Peter "James" Bond, Drummer -- spontaneously combusted on stage in 1977.

Be nice to your beer don't mircowave it.

More Later
Bro

one after 399

Super Bowl Sunday. Hope your team does well. I want Seattle but if I were a betting man I would go with Pitt. If your team isn't doing that well relax zen-like with sand falling flash fun. Honestly I could do this for hours.

Sex Pistols reunion? Why? The money stupid.

Stipe gets others together for Charity EP. Everybodys covering Joseph Arthur's "In the Sun". A doc to follow naturally.

File Under WTF? and Please No. U2 thinking about hip hop.

SMASHING PUMPKINS are rumored to be a primary target for a headliner at this year's Lollapalooza festival, which will return to Hutchinson Field at Chicago's Grant Park, with dates tenatively set for Aug. 4-6, according to Billboard.com. Also rumors about that the Kinks are thinking about getting back together too.

BBC reports:
Arctic Monkeys sell more than 360,000 copies of their album, making it the fastest-selling debut in UK chart history. Again this is good not this good. It will probably make my top 50 of 2006 but still like Franz and Bloc Party a bit better. JOMHO--just one man's humble opionion.

AP reports:
Rolling Rock beer is ending its Rolling Rock Town Fair, a one-day music festival that drew large rock acts to western Pennsylvania since 2000. Instead, the brewer is teaming up with Little Steven Van Zandt for a series of shows nationwide to be called "Garage Rock."

Noble PR reports:
On 22nd May 2004, Morrissey returned to his hometown of Manchester to play a very special comeback show. Celebrating his 45th birthday with 20,000 well-wishers from the city, which has provided years of lyrical inspiration; "Who Put The "M" In Manchester?" Morrissey of course! The live in concert UMD entitled "Who Put The "M" In Manchester?" will be released by Sanctuary Visual Entertainment on 27th March 2006.

Reuters reports:
Four women rockers who took on the music of Led Zeppelin are driving club audiences to a frenzy and, offstage, whipping up speculation over their sexual tastes with the name of the band: Lez Zeppelin.
They're among a small but growing number of all-female tribute bands Spin Magazine recently referred to as "Chicks with Picks," and include the playfully dubbed AC/DShe, Cheap Chick and The Ramonas. I guess this story could just be my update on the Lesbian theme that Cat started.

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Bro

Chock Full Of Music News Goodness...

Video Q and A with Ray Manzarek
Click on each question and you will get a video response.
http://msnbc.com/modules/take3/dec/default.htm?s=4&p=2




The Flaming Lips new track off the forthcoming "At War With The Mystics" album
The W.A.N.D. http://www.musicremedy.com/audio/4938



London Calling
Yutaka has put together an incredible guide about things to do in the city. He focuses on stuff that isn't touristy, and has created a virtual tour of different destinations in the city, all available with a single click.
http://www.yutakaloveslondon.com/




Pearl Jam album rumors...
http://www.theskyiscrape.com/




Smashing Pumpkins Reunion Is A Go
http://www.cmj.com/articles/display_article.php?id=9547214





Most of you know about Last FM and LaunchCast
Here is another radio interface that suggests music based on your preferences
http://pandora.com/




WXRT Chicago Listerner Poll Results
No big surprises here...
http://www.93xrt.com/program/poll/archive/ghqp13xl.html





I think Cbro posted this already...but here it is again...
For all you people who said that Jack White should have a full proper band...
Jack White, Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler are The Raconteurs. To quote Jack, " It's a whole new band - a dual attack with dual guitars, dual vocals, and dual songwriting".
http://www.theraconteurs.com/


More Later,
HelperMonkey

I love the way your verses are all filled with curses

here it is...perfect Friday Fun. R rated 80s band. Not safe for work unless you work somewhere special. Then lucky you. Let me put it this way the only non-swear word is "The". Love the outfits too. Sometimes I do miss the 80s. Only sometimes.

Are downloads ruining catalog sales? As someone said in the article towards the end: "People are fans of "Eye of Tiger" not Survivor." That is one of the funniest/scariest statements ever made by a human. Plus I can't believe how many times "Ice Ice Baby" has been downloaded. No wonder AI is breaking records.

Man sueing Apple over iPod ruining his hearing. Next you'll tell me that someone will sue McDonalds because their coffee was hot and they put it between their legs while driving then it spilled on them.

The Pretenders Box Set. 4 cds and DVD. Nice. Plus a mini tour. Life is good sometimes.

I leave you with one more Funny. Brokeback to the Future.

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Bro

Title is from a Chicago boy named Chris Mills. The tune is "You are my favorite song" from the Wall to wall sessions.

Just a Thursday type of post

Holy cr*p. Since we already took on fake women lovers how about fake poop.

Any good poop stories people?

My best, off the top of my head, is from my little guy. He is 3.5 and is proudly taking on the potty. No matter where he is-- he let's us know in a very loud and proud voice "Mommy (or Daddy) I went poopy." The best is if we are in a restaurant--oh the looks we get. We, of course, have to be excited and give him a high five or some knuckles for an attaboy. Also when I pick him up from school and ask him how his day was-- he informs me that he peed standing up. What a big boy! and what a life when peeing standing up is one of the biggest hurdles in your life.

There was a time in college that a roommate video recorded himself doin number two on tape made for another roommates parents. Priceless.

Is Ashlee Simpson the new David Lee Roth?

More later
Bro

Special treat tomorrow. Greatest 80s band ever. You will want to check that out.

that I drink too much and smoke too fast

Bonnaroo lineup for this year. Again another great lineup. Radiohead and Petty headline plus Death Cab for Cutie, Elvis Costello, My Morning Jacket, Clap your hands and say yeah and about 70 more artists. Tix onsale on Feb 11 at 10 am est.

I know Neil first mentioned the Raconteurs. Now I am excited. Hit their website for two songs (very War Games like kudos.) In case you are not up to speed. The Raconteurs are Jack of the White Stripes and Brendan of Brendan Benson. Album of the year? Maybe.

Is Indie Music dead? The majors no longer want to develop bands so they let the indie labels bring them up and the Majors come in after that. See the Death Cab for Cutie story. I don't think indie has died.

Robert Randolph doing his best Santana with an allstar guest list on his next album. This should be a killer.

Press Release reports:
ATO Records will release the forthcoming full-length album How We Operate from prodigious British rock band Gomez this May. How We Operate marks the quintet’s seventh album and is the first studio release for ATO records, following last summer’s two-disc live set Out West.
How We Operate finds the band not only working with the support of a new label but also with producer Gil Norton (Pixies, Foo Fighters). For the five members in Gomez - Ben Ottewell (vocals, guitar), Tom Gray (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Ian Ball (vocals, guitar, harmonica) Paul Blackburn (bass, guitar), Olly Peacock (drums) – the recording process tends to unfold in the studio and incorporates each of its members equally in writing, producing and playing their music. On How We Operate, the band approached this process in an entirely different way. Please Please Please be awesome. I don't doubt them but since I love Gomez there is always too much buildup in my brain so...we will see. Can't wait for May.

Press Release reports:
You can view the second video from Directions, “Soul Meets Body”, directed by video director Cat Solen (Bright Eyes, Cake), on the band's website this week.
A new video from the collection will be unveiled on the band’s site each week prior to the DVD release of “DIRECTIONS” on April 11th.

Gigwise reports:
Shock rocker Marilyn Manson is set to take up the role of Lewis Carroll in a new movie about the writer’s life according to reports.
Manson, who hopes to direct the film he wrote himself, will play the 'Alice In Wonderland' author in the film entitled ‘Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll’ Screen International reports. This could be great or like a train wreck that you have to slow down and look at. By the way people stop doing that when I am late for work (which is every day).

Contact Music reports:
New Zealand rockers SPLIT ENZ have reformed for an arena tour in Australia - 22 years after they first split.
The group, founded by CROWDED HOUSE star NEIL FINN and brother TIM FINN, recorded hits like I GOT YOU and HISTORY NEVER REPEATS before splitting in 1984

askmen.com's top 99 desirable women.

More later
Bro

Title is from Emiliana Torrini's "Heartstopper". Think of her as a normal serene Bjork. This was a top 20 cd of mine. Think of this cd as the perfect Sunday Morning cd.