blogging away in LA - blogawayLA.com archives

blogging away in LA to move to Tumblr this week

2009-10-06T00:21:00.000-07:00

So it's come to this.

I've been posting more music over at my tumblr blog than right here. I'm sorry, but aside from reading friends blogspot's I spend more time on tumblr.

Not to say tumblr is perfect, but I do get a more 'community' feel out of using it. You can 'like' and reblog other posts, and follow people, and they can openly follow you! The major downside? It gets slow and the downtimes are constant. But when it works, it looks cool.

By the way, I am no longer listed in The Hype Machine, which is with merit as I haven't updated this blog in a long time now, mainly due to several factors which I would not like to get into right now.
To the bands, groups and management who reached out --thank you and I promise to get back to you all on the new blogawayLA.com --though until the process is complete it's called:

http://blogawayla.tumblr.com
Thank you and thanks to blogger.com for four very awesome years together. I'll post one last time here when the switch is official... and I'll always leave the Blogspot blog up at blogawayla.blogspot.com

--Ivan
email: ivan at blogawayLA dot com

James - Sit Down

The Traits - Nobody Loves The Hulk

Ramin Djawadi - Driving With The Top Down

Passion Pit - Sleepy Head

The Cure - Maybe Someday

Occasional Superheroine: A Word Or Two About "Twilight"

2009-08-14T03:36:00.000-07:00

Valerie D’Orazio talks about the narcissistic narrative of Twilight:
Occasional Superheroine: A Word Or Two About "Twilight"

Spock sings!

2009-05-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

In celebrtion of the new Star Trek feature film out now, today we'll look at one the ~~weirdest~~ great novelty songs, The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins. Written by Charles Randolph Grean and infamously performed by Leonard Nimoy in 1968 for his album The Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy. Today the song is a fine example of 1960's camp; along with the Adam West Batman tv series and "beach movies" like Gidget. C'mon everybody--- Do the Hobbit!

The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins
by Leonard Nimoy
from the album The Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy

RIOT GRRRLS & BOYS tonight at Kung Pao Kitty

2009-04-22T20:49:00.000-07:00

Another place to be at tonight! Let's see why this sounds like fun:
DJ Theresa Angelina spinning
$3 Tiger Beer
$3 Sake Carafe
$5 Jager Shots
$1 Mystery Midnight Shot and
No Cover/No List
...How can you beat that?!?
10pm - 2am at Kung Pao Kitty in Hollywood

Monophonic Shit
by Mr. Oizo
from the album Analog Worms Attack

Fixmer / McCarthy tonight at Synchronicity Melrose

2009-04-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

the show starts in less than an hour, you should go! Synchronicity Melrose

And Then Finally (Kiko Remix)
by Terence Fixmer/Douglas McCarthy

2009-04-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight's WWE WrestleMania XXV Pay Per View is live from Houston, Texas! Besides featuring the biggest wrestling matches of the year, the show also sports two AC/DC songs serving as their theme songs: "Shoot to Thrill" (Live) and "War Machine". Enjoy these songs below, and don't forget to order WrestleMania 25 tonight on Pay Per View!

Shoot to Thrill (Live)
by AC/DC
From the 1992 album AC/DC Live

War Machine
by AC/DC
From the 2009 album Black Ice

Big Media Cartel About To Punish Netflix?

2009-03-22T19:30:00.001-07:00

Hollywood studios and networks don't like the competition. "Netflix fans take note: A correction is looming."

read more | digg story

We Should Be Dead concert tonight in Downtown LA

2009-02-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

A little last minute, but excellent band We Should Be Dead are playing tonight in Los Angeles! The band takes the stage at 11, so if you're in the LA area tonight show up and have a good time!

21+ $8
Silver Factory Studios
915 Mateo St
Los Angeles, CA 90021

I Fell in Love with You
by We Should Be Dead
from the album Forget Romance, Lets Dance!

New File From Single File

2009-02-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

Former swing jazz band (!) Single File have a new album coming out April 7 titled Common Struggles on Reprise. Enjoy this catchy new song from the Westminster, Co trio.

Girlfriends
by Single File
From the upcoming album Common Struggles

Back in Action

2009-01-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

It's ~~2008~~ 2009. Sweet, an all new year. It feels like I've been baptized. Maybe I can complete it by being molested by a priest, again. Won't be the first time I've had something holy inside me!

*ahem* Well, I must explain my absence first. Ever since losing my money, home, and sanity in Hollywood, I decided to get take a break (i.e. I couldn't find any work, paid or unpaid) and focus on minor jobs to make some cash. When even that failed, I went back to blogging. You can also catch my musings on twitter and witness my more nerdy obsessions at my tumblr.

I spent the beginning of ~~2008~~ 2009 rearranging my music collection (as well as contemplating getting an iPod classic, you'll see why in a sec) when I noticed this:

That's quite a handful. Now you understand why I'm looking at that specific iPod classic. I have mentioned in the past that I ripped every CD I've ever owned, and now I only buy music from used from Amoeba, mp3s from Amazon, or the artists/band's websites. Sweet.

Well, expect to see more pretty soon. Enjoy this Rilo Kiley song to jump start 2009! :)

Silver Lining
by Rilo Kiley
From the 2007 album Under The Blacklight

Christmas in Heaven

2008-12-25T04:23:00.000-08:00

GOOD EVENING LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
IT’S TRULY A REAL HONOURABLE EXPERIENCE
TO BE HERE THIS EVENING.
A VERY WONDERFUL AND WARM AND
EMOTIONAL MOMENT FOR ALL OF US.
AND I’D LIKE TO SING A SONG
FOR ALL OF YOU.

It’s Christmas in Heaven,
All the children sing,
It’s Christmas in Heaven,
Hark hark those church bells ring.

It’s Christmas in Heaven,
The snow falls from the sky …
But it’s nice and warm and everyone
Looks smart and wears a tie.

It’s Christmas in Heaven,
There’s great films on TV …
“The Sound of Music” twice an hour
And “Jaws” I, II and III.

There’s gifts for all the family,
There’s toiletries and trains …
There’s Sony Walkman Headphone sets
And the latest video games.

It’s Christmas, it’s Christmas in Heaven,
Hip hip hip hip hip hooray,
Every single day,
Is Christmas day.

It’s Christmas, it’s Christmas in Heaven,
Hip hip hip hip hip hooray,
Every single day,
It’s Christmas day.

Monty Python - Christmas in Heaven

Buy Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life DVD today at Amazon.com

Friend in need

2008-11-07T19:24:00.000-08:00

Just as change will start to set upon the world, not all is well currently. Businesses are suffering, downsizing, closing. People are losing jobs, and it's now more difficult than ever to find one. Heck, I-myself as seeking work (and will take anything really; email me for a resume). But this ain't about me, it's for a friend.

Friend to music Angela Poe has recently lost her job. She very resourceful and knowledgeable in multiple fields. Here is a good example of her creativity--

Click on the image above or click here for her resume.

Kings of Leon - Knocked Up

Nine Inch Nails - Into the Void

New America

2008-11-06T19:49:00.000-08:00

Above is the new President of the US of A.
Behind him is the Man of Steel.

To US citizens, I hope you voted. I don't give a fuck who you voted for, but if you did. There are millions of people who are still without that honor, so we should take advantage of it like a drunken male/female whore at your friend's booze-filled party. To non-US citizens, uhh, sorry.

I don't think I've discussed the new url yet. After doing this for a few years, I knew I wanted to do more with this site. The new url and banner are just the beginning. I'm writing a new template right now, and will alos expand coverage on *sigh* nerdier topics like comics and movies because, well shit, I am a comic and movie nerd. You will also see a shitload more new bands and artists who I feel need a push, and since MTV and KROQ are focused on playing the same artists that suck over and over again, why not try something refreshing. Change. That's some Obama shit right there!

One more thing to add: there is a new email address to match the new blog url. ivan@blogawayla.com has a nice ring to it. Use that email addy to send what you think I and others will like. If you would like to just say hey or discuss comics and movies, my personal/pro email is located at the very bottom of the web page. Spam me and I'll DDoS attack your ass.

Bad Religion - New America

NO, WAIT: Colbert Loses To Obama

2008-11-05T21:29:00.001-08:00

New York City, November 5, 2008— The Daily Bugle is reporting that, despite winning the popular vote, Stephen Colbert did not win the United States Presidency in the Marvel Universe, with Democratic nominee Barack Obama triumphing.

When questioned by the media regarding the confusion, Marvel Comics EiC Joe Quesada said, “We completely forgot the Marvel Universe reflects what happens in the real world...Ooops, our bad.”

Stephen Colbert Wins!

2008-11-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

New York City, November 5, 2008—The early results are in and the Daily Bugle is reporting that Stephen Colbert has won the United States Presidency in the Marvel Universe. While many states still have yet to report their numbers, Colbert is already claiming a victory.

More on this story as it develops.

Joe Strummer - It's A Rockin' World

The Rutles - Number One

Kiss on my hand After dark

2008-10-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

I'm watching Goodfellas right now, after that it's Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, and Ed Wood. Not very Halloweeny, but fuck I felt like watching 'em. I liked posting some of my favorite Misfits songs yesterday, so tonight I'll be spotlighting some evil, vile, venomous Halloween tunes... oh, and burning crosses on a nigger's lawn, and I want to fuck, I want to fuck the dead. Interesting songs I hope you will enjoy! Happy Halloween!

Christian Death - Romeo’s Distress

TSOL - Code Blue

Ministry - Every Day is Halloween

Dead Kennedys - Halloween

A Misfits Halloween

2008-10-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

It's Halloween tomorrow. In a somewhat celebration of the damned, here is just a sampling of what those bastards could do back in their day, when they had Danzig to lead them.

American Nightmare from Legacy of Brutality

Die, Die My Darling from Collection I

Halloween from the unreleased 12 Hits From Hell

If you like what you hear, please take a look at The Misfits store on Amazon.com

Cyber Sunday

2008-10-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the fifth annual Cyber Sunday event from World Wrestling Entertainment, live tonight at 8pm (5pm here in LA) only on Pay-Per-View, from the US Airways Center in Phoenix, AZ. Every match on tonight's card features a stipulation/gimmick that is determined by fans (aka the WWE Universe) via voting by text message. Example: you can vote for the special guest referee for the World Heavyweight Championship match between Batista and World Champion Chris Jericho. Your choices are Shawn Michaels, Randy Orton, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Text HBK to 44993 for Shawn Michaels
Text ORTON to 44993 for Randy Orton
Text AUSTIN to 44993 for Stone Cold Steve Austin

Sadly, this voting format has a drawback: it costs .99 cents each time you text a vote. Lame, WWE.

Like with every monthly WWE PPV, the event has a theme song used throughout the night, and tonight it's the song Propane Nightmares by Australian group Pendulum, from their 2008 album In Silico. A rocking electronic tune, it meshes very well with the unique gimmick of the PPV.

Pendulum - Propane Nightmares

Two Can Play

2008-10-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

Released earlier this month on Dangerbird Records, Tempted To Do Nothing is the newest four-song EP from the band Eulogies. Think of this release is an appetizer; their upcoming full-length album, Here Anonymous, is due out Spring 2009. Featured here is the song Two Can Play, featuring Nikki Monninger from Dangerbird labelmates Silversun Pickups on guest vocals. Eulogies begin a US tour next month. Enjoy Two Can Play.

Eulogies - Two Can Play

Hush Now

2008-10-24T05:21:00.000-07:00

Indie-pop-shoegazers The Hush Now, from Boston Mass., have released their first single from their self-titled new album due soon. Traditions is an energetic track clocking in at four minutes and fifteen seconds. I hope to hear more from these guys in the future.

The Hush Now - Traditions

Vote for Rick!

2008-10-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

Pop singer and internet legend Rick Astley of "Never Gonna Give You Up" and Rickroll is up for Best Act Ever award at the MTV Europe Music Awards... FUCK YEAH. I've been a fan of Rick's before there was such a thing as Rickroll, having been raised on pop music of the '80's and '90's. Now, for those who live in another continet, there are altnerate ways to for ol' Rick. Check out my desktop screen sample above.

RickVoter, created by cliche for Best Act Ever will allow you to vote for Mr. Astley from your desktop without needing a web browser. Sweet.

Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up

We're no strangers to love
You know the rules and so do I
A full commitment's what I'm thinking of
You wouldn't get this from any other guy

I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

We've known each other for so long
Your heart's been aching but you're too shy to say it
Inside we both know what's been going on
We know the game and we're gonna play it

And if you ask me how I'm feeling
Don't tell me you're too blind to see

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

(Ooh give you up)
(Ooh give you up)
(Ooh) never gonna give, never gonna give (give you up)
(Ooh) never gonna give, never gonna give (give you up)

We've known each other for so long
Your heart's been aching but you're too shy to say it
Inside we both know what's been going on
We know the game and we're gonna play it

I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand

[Edit-- updated Rick Voter, thanks cliche!]

OMG! DHC FTW

2008-10-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

blink-182 approved.

Dance Hall Crashers - Triple Track from Short Music for Short People

A proud Slack-er

2008-10-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

The lovely Slackmistress Nina Bargiel is celebrating a birthday today.

Stop by The Slack Daily to read her exploits and wish her a happy birthday, and do also check out her husband Will, aka Be The Boy's blog which kicks as much ass.

The Beatles - Birthday

Jerry Finn

2008-09-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

On August 21, music producer/mixer Jerry Finn died. After suffering a cerebral hemorrhage in July, Finn was taken off life support on August 9, 2008 after never regaining consciousness. He was 39 years-old.

What Rick Rubin is to Hip-Hop and Hard Rock, Jerry Finn was to Punk Rock. Throughout the 1990's and early 2000's his method redefined the sound of punk, saying that musically it was OK to sound clean and polished and still get their message across to the listener. He mixed Green Day's first major LP Dookie and then followed it with Insomniac. He produced albums with Pennywise, Rancid, MxPx, Alkaline Trio, Tiger Army, AFI, and blink-182.

I came into contact with Mr. Finn almost five years ago through the Morrissey-Solo website. There was an article that was about Morrissey's then-new album being recorded and produced by Jerry Finn. My comment was about what we would expect, and I made the error of saying that Sorrow from The Process of Belief was mixed by Finn. My bad.

Moz
Tuesday, November 18, 2003 10:06 AM
From:
Jerry Finn
jerryfinn@mac.com
To:
this_charming_man_13@yahoo.com

Hi,

I was just reading your post on the Morrissey-solo sight and I really
enjoyed it. I wanted to correct one thing though. I didn't mix "
Sorrow " for Bad Religion. I only mixed one track on that album. It
was a tune called " Epiphany " and it was much darker than a majority
of the album.

Glad to see you liked "About Time" I wish they made them like that
still.

Thanks for your time, Jerry Finn

P.S. The new Morrissey album is going to be incredible. The band have
really outdone themselves. Not to worry.

We exchanged more emails after that, but not too many as he kept very busy. A great lad, gone too goddamn soon. His amazing work will never be duplicated, and the man himself is missed greatly.

Below is just a sample of his producing work.

Green Day - Basket Case

Pennywise - It's What You Do With It

Rancid - Journey to the End of the East Bay

Bad Religion - Epiphany

Morrissey - Let Me Kiss You

AFI - Love Like Winter

blink-182 - Not Now

The night is darkest just before the dawn

2008-09-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, what a shitty summer! Obviously, The Dark Knight was a real highlight... remember my promised-yet-undelivered review of the movie? I remain unsure of whether to post it or not. This has got me thinking... what kind of a blog is this? Is it a music blog? Is it a movie blog? LA blog? Is it even a blog?

I don't like to question myself, but really now... I think that this page still has some juice left. I've been managing web pages and blogs for almost a decade now, since I was a teenager. I will continue, dammit. There are thousands of blogs on the net, and you are here. Thank you.

Warren Zevon - Werewolves of London

John Lennon - Steel and Glass

oops, forgot this fella

Monsters Are Waiting Wanna Be Adored

2008-08-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

Local band Monsters Are Waiting from Echo Park covered the indie-classic (whatever the fuck that means) classic song (that's more like it!) I Wanna Be Adored by The Stone Roses. And... it's awesome. Seriously, I like it, and I love the original song (I could have said adored, but... y'know). More often than not cover songs sound exactly like their source material, nothing too original about it's new composition, none of that present here. Kudos to this excellent local band, and I hope to hear more from them soon.

Check out the band's official website and Myspace music profile for more about 'em

Monsters Are Waiting - I Wanna Be Adored

Westerberg is backerberg

2008-08-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

First came 49:00, then 5:05, and now 3oclockkreep, just released a few hours ago (!!!) by rocker Paul Westerberg, is available to download online from TuneCore. The two song album is $3.99, or purchase each song individually (Track one 3oclockkreep is $3.00 and over twenty minutes long; track two Finally Here Once is $0.99).

Thanks to Jodi from PaulWesterberg.net and iwilldare.com for spreading the good words!

In case you are not familiar with the works of the former Replacements band member, listen to one of his best "pop" songs Seein' Her.

Paul Westerberg - Seein' Her

The Dark Knight soundtrack

2008-07-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

"I believe whatever doesn't kill you simply makes you... stranger."

Reviewing a soundtrack to a film you have not seen yet is tricky. However, having been listening to this soundtrack for almost two weeks now, I couldn't resist since the day this disc arrived in my mailbox. A perfect epilogue to the previous Batman Begins soundtrack, this album is filled with large dark tones, combining synth and orchestral notes. Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard return for more, and build on the themes established with their previous collaboration. Intense and powerful. A great listen.

Buy the special edition of The Dark Knight soundtrack at Amazon.com on sale for $14.99

Why So Serious?

And I Thought My Jokes Were Bad

Introduce A Little Anarchy

And so I'm off to Hollywood's historic Cinerama Dome to meet with friends and catch a midnight screening of The Dark Knight... and then another showing at 3:30am with my brother. Even if you are not a fan of comic books, drama, adventure, go see the film regardless. It's a great way to enjoy two and a half hours.

Coming very soon: The Dark Knight review

Batman Begins revisited

2008-07-17T03:06:00.000-07:00

Jim Gordon: I never said, "Thank you."

Batman: And you'll never have to.

Batman Begins was released onto this world in June of 2005. I went with my brother and cousin to see the film at a midnight screening at the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Because the theater is general admission, we arrived early to get in line (a big one at that) and found a local radio station handing out free merchandise (we snagged some movie posters), the Batmobile was also on display. By 11:30pm we went inside, found some very nice seats, and braced ourselves for a new take on one of our favorite characters.

Throughout the film my eyes teared up. I'm not one to cry, but this film had me ballin' for joy. I cried because I finally saw Batman on film done right.

The music for Batman Begins, composed by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, was certainly different from the loud, almost cartoonish thrill of Danny Elfman and Elliot Goldenthal's previous Batman film scores. Abience was in. Environmental and mental moods, psycholigcal tones. The soundtrack, available on compact disc, has a running time of 60:26. One of my favorite soundtracks ever, from one of my all-time favorite films.

Click on this link to buy the CD from Amazon.com for only $11.99

Next time: The Dark Knight soundtrack, and final thoughts before heading to Hollywood to see a film that could very well change my life.

The Dark Knight: two days away

2008-07-16T03:18:00.000-07:00

This Thursday night/Friday morning in Hollywood I will be attending back-to-back screenings of highly anticipated motion picture comic book adaption opus The Dark Knight. I am very, very, very excited for this film.

I am horny for this film.

As I may have mentioned before, I am a big-time comic book and film nerd. When a new *good* comic gets released, I rejoice and glee. When a new movie comes out and kicks every sort of ass possible, I high-five myself. So far, those who have seen it have loved it.

Now, maybe I shouldn't listen to what the critics say. I mean, I make my own decisions and opinions. I ain't afraid of no ghosts! However, so many creative minds worked on this picture. The previews/trailers look incredible. The ingredients for the perfect comic book movie are there.

Later today in this blog I will discuss Batman Begins, and some some selections from its sountrack available. Thursday morning will have my final thoughts before leaving fro the midnight screening, as well as some selections from from the new The Dark Knight soundtrack. Friday morning will feature my review of The Dark Knight. Stay tuned.
For some minor updates thought the day, please visit out my new blog at Tumblr

New Joker poster for The Dark Knight!

2008-06-25T07:56:00.001-07:00

Creepy...

read more | digg story

Seven dirty words.. and then some

2008-06-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

George Carlin, one of the funniest yet thought provoking comedians of all time, died last night in Los Angeles at the age of 71.

My first exposure to them man was through the film Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure when I was a little boy. As a teenager I lost my complete faith in religion, and Mr. Carlin showed me that it was okay to look at life with a smile and a laugh.

Rufus you cunt, I'll miss ya.

Below is a song inspired by some pretty fucking cool words.

blink-182 - Family Reunion

A Reboot Of DC Comics Before Comic-Con?

2008-06-22T05:50:00.001-07:00

DC Comics Senior VP and Executive Editor Dan DiDio is in major trouble. Under DiDio's leadership, fanboys are disappointed with the directions of Batman, Superman, etc. Sales of the DCU line are down more than 20% from a year ago, and DiDio has lost a big chunk of existing readers in a year while deliberately failing to reach out to new ones...

read more | digg story

Superhero Party 1978

2008-06-04T23:15:00.000-07:00

The previous post was... quite vague. Below is the video I am referring to. Enjoy.

SNL: Superhero Party 1978

2008-06-04T23:10:00.001-07:00

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a punch bowl filled with booze. From a 1978 episode of Saturday Night Live.

read more | digg story

The future of comic book websites is here!

2008-06-04T00:02:00.000-07:00

Comic book news/features website ComicBookResources.com debuted a new look to its homepage and overall web page design a few months ago. It felt like a breath of fresh Web 2.0 air. Below is a snapshot of a recent homepage featuring headlines/articles: Last Night, rival comic news/features site Newsarama.com debuted their new look, the homepage below: There's something very familiar about all this. Web 2.0 is big business nowadays, and many sites that cater to certain groups like in this case comic book fans realize that sometimes it's not enough to be just a comic book website. I'll be posting my comic thoughts in due time, true believers.

The Draize Train

2008-05-31T03:32:00.000-07:00

"I was... asked to write words for... 'The Draize Train', which I thought was the weakest thing Johnny had ever done. Geoff Travis came to see me one day with the tape of it and said, 'It's the best thing Johnny's written and it's a Number One single if you put words to it'. But I said, 'No, Geoff, it's not right'. So, yes, there was pressure to write lyrics, but I thought they were better as they were."
- Morrissey, NME, February 13, 1988

"I've got an Epiphone Coronet with one pickup, and I string it with the high strings from a 12-string set. It's a really zingy, trebly guitar. I used that on a lot of things that people think are 12-string... I also used it on the studio version of 'The Draize Train,' along with two Rickenbackers. I was working with Alan Rogan, the famed English guitar technician. He said, 'Well, if you want a Pete Townshend sound, I'll bring down two of Pete's guitars.' I don't know whether Pete knows about that!"
- Johnny Marr, Guitar Player, January, 1990

Released internationally as a live track for the 1988 live album Rank, the original 1986 recording is not very common to find. Please enjoy this Johnny Marr composition.

The Smiths - The Draize Train

Morrissey - All You Need is Me

2008-05-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

All You Need is Me by Morrissey

The CD single is due in US stores on June 2.

Watch the new music video now on YouTube, or download it from the link below.

All You Need is Me music video (iPod video)

The New Frontiers & Denison Witmer On Tour Now!

2008-05-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

The New Frontiers tour with Denison Witmer officially kicks off tonight in Atlanta, GA until its end on June 18 in Nashville, TN. Here are some song samples of what you can expect, enjoy and support the artists by check out their websites and going to their concerts!

Denison Witmer - Los Angeles

The New Frontiers - The Day You Fell Apart

Denison Witmer official website

The New Frontiers online

Drive A-- young, raw, LA rock

2008-05-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

Drive A are from Los Angeles, and they have a gig at The Roxy on June 12, a warm up gig before they go on tour with the Californian leg of this year's Warped Tour. Check out their website below for more music.

Drive A - Everyday

Drive A website

Drive A MySpace

The Casual Fiasco - The Final EP (really, the last one)

2008-05-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Casual Fiasco are a band from Vermont, USA. Were, actually.

In August 2007 the band made the decision to quit touring after 800+ shows, but before hanging the touring boots, they recorded one last EP --five songs that were made with love.

You can all hear their last product FOR FREE at their website. Click the link below to listen.

http://www.thecasualfiasco.com/

The Return

2008-05-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

I'm back, and it feels good.

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Comics Universe confirmed!

2008-04-18T09:52:00.001-07:00

Today, Midway Games confirmed what had been rumored for a while: the first next-generation Mortal Kombat title, up until now called “Mortal Kombat 8″ by the community, is officially titled Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. As the title suggests, it will be a crossover with the characters and setting of DC Comics.

read more | digg story

Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad: nerdy kids show from the 90s

2008-04-16T23:30:00.001-07:00

"The evil Kilokahn lives inside computer circuits. With the help of Malcolm Frink, he creates mega-virus monsters to attack electronic systems. Meanwhile, a freak accident turned Sam Collins into Servo. His friends join forces in their Samurai attack vehicles. Together, they transform into the Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad!"

read more | digg story

"Princess": Matt Stone and Trey Parker's flash treasure

2008-04-13T06:31:00.001-07:00

From the creators of South Park (Matt Stone and Trey Parker) these two were contracted to do a series of 64 episodes of a flash cartoon for Shockwave.com. The two agreed, as long as "anything goes". Once Shockwave saw the first two episodes, they canceled the contract..

read more | digg story

Morrissey Greatest Hits review

2008-02-04T16:56:00.000-08:00

Morrissey. I've met him, one and half times. The half time was outside a record store in Covina that is now called Kaos Records but used to be Hot Rocks. He just smiled and walked past by me. The second time he was a complete asshole to me, very rude and didn't care to acknowledge my existence even though I had shook his hand. Yet, despite him being a shit person, he remains one of my favorite singers, and plus his music has helped me get laid, a lot, in the past.

He has a new record out tomorrow, a greatest hits compilation titled "Greatest Hits". The album is from label is Decca Records, the company that infamously turned down The Beatles for a record contract back in 1962, but has downsized in the past few years focusing on classic music, and is now owned by Polydor Records and corporate-parent Universal Music Group.

Greatest Hits is an odd title for a what it is. Are the songs hit songs? Yes, but are they, in both critical and commercial way Morrissey's greatest? Not entirely. His legendary tunes "Everyday is Like Sunday" "Suedehead" "The Last of the Famous International Playboys" and "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get" appear (are licensed from EMI) yet none of his later hits from Warner Bros. are not, and the rest of the album is full of newer hits from his past two albums from Sanctuary Records.

Two new recordings appear in the compilation, "All You Need Is Me" and "That's How People Grow Up", the latter also being released as a single with live-renditions of past songs as b-sides.

Now, unless you don't have a friend who has any Morrissey albums, or if you are new to Morrissey, you should check this album out. A lot of these songs are not very great, but its a fucking start.

For the Moz fans out there... come on now. You guys piss the fuck out of me personally, and that's usually why I don't like to publicly say I like the Mozzer. Don't buy this shit, you guys have these songs, multiple times damn it.

For new fans: 4/10

For fans: 1/10

Montreal Screwjob: 10 Years later makes front page on Wikipedia [PIC]

2007-11-09T11:58:00.001-08:00

A decade ago today Bret Hart was screwed out of his WWE World Title by Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

read more | digg story

Interlude

2007-10-14T02:15:00.000-07:00

Due to transfer problems from my new Helio and my computer, I won't be able to post any video footage or pictures from the 10/10 Morrissey concert @ the Palladium.

I will be working as a gaffer on a short film in a few hours, and after that I will return with a new post of sorts.

I'll be back.

Strangeways, here we come again!

2007-09-21T04:10:00.000-07:00

This Saturday night in Pomona Smiths/Morrissey cover tribute band Sweet and Tender Hooligans will perform the album The Smiths' classic LP Strangeways, Here We Come in its entirety, followed by a set of Morrissey/Smiths classics. Opening for the group are new grrrl-powered upstarts Girl in a Coma.

7PM * $15
The Glass House
200 W. Second St. Pomona CA
http://www.theglasshouse.us

Sweet And Tender Hooligans - This Charming Man [Live]

Girl In A Coma - Say

do the Bartman!

2007-09-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

I never saw The Simpsons Movie. I personally think The Simpsons are no longer funny, and haven't been since the early 2000's. I will be like Bart, and vow not to see the film until I am Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Ullman shorts, Christmas show,
Marge's fling, Homer's bro,
Bart in well, Flanders fails,
Whacking snakes, Monorail,
Mr. Plow, Homer in space,
Sideshow Bob steps on rakes,
Lisa's future, Selma's hubby,
Marge not proud, Homer chubby,
Homer worries Bart is gay,
Poochie, U2, NRA,
Hippies, Vegas, and Japan,
Octuplets, and Bart's boy band,
Marge murmurs, Maude croaks,
Lisa Buddhas, Homer tokes,
Maggie blows Burns away,
What else do I have to say?!

You'll never stop the Simpsons,
Have no fears, we've got stories for years like...

Marge becomes a robot,
Maybe Moe gets a cell phone,
Has Bart ever owned a bear or...

How about a crazy wedding?
Where something happens, and do-do do-do-do
Sorry for the clip show!
Have no fears, we've got stories for years!

under the cover - enjoy the silence

2007-09-20T01:29:00.001-07:00

Blogging away in LA is back, and this time I'm looking at the newest cover variation of the Depeche Mode classic tune Enjoy the Silence by hot band Division Day. In my opinion they have managed to create a unique sound as an ode to an aforementioned classic.

Back in 1998, the alternative rock band Failure released their cover as part of the Depeche Mode tribute compilation For The Masses. In 2004, Enjoy the Silence was re-released as a single for the Depeche Mode remix project Remixes 81 - 04, and was titled Enjoy the Silence (Reinterpreted) or, more simply Enjoy the Silence 04. The "Reinterpreted" version was remixed by Mike Shinoda, rapper/producer for Linkin Park.

Depeche Mode - Enjoy The Silence [Video Mix]

Depeche Mode - Enjoy The Silence 04 (Reinterpreted)

Failure - Enjoy The Silence

Division Day - Enjoy The Silence

the new bad religion album

2007-07-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

In stores July 9th, but I suggest you buy 'Generator' or 'Suffer' instead. Those albums rock hard as heck. "New Maps of Hell" sounds BETTER 'No Substance'. I shit you not.

I really LOVE that Bad Religion are actually trying to sound like Bad Religion again!

Bad Religion - New Dark Ages

picture me in ten years time watching

2007-06-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

It looks like Anton Corbijn's biopic based on Ian Curtis, titled Control, has finally ready to go, after a successful premier at the Cannes Film Festival this past May. This film, based on the book Touching From a Distance, by Curtis' widow, Deborah (who is also co-producer), follows the life of the late musician; from the beginnings and success with his band Joy Division to his 1980 suicide.

I first heard about the film a few years ago, and I'm glad to see it will be released later this year in the states by The Weinstein Company. In the mood, here are some samples of what to expect with a film of this nature.

Music videos directed by Anton Corbijn:

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Straight to You
Depeche Mode - Barrel of a Gun
U2 - Please
At The Drive-In - Invalid Litter Dept.

slowly getting thy grove back

2007-06-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Don't tell me it's been awhile?

Yeah, so far my transition from a nobody to a Hollywood nobody has been rocky, but nothing too bad. Changes I foresaw happening, like me no longer reading comic books and cease watching television, have all happened. Hell, I don't even watch as many movies as I used to. But hey, no real complaints.

I wish I could've updated this blog more often. We'll see how I hold up my end this time around. Enjoy.

Liz Phair - Supernova
Alex Chilton - New Girl In School
Fountains of Wayne - Denise

Return of the Jedi or Where have you been you jerk?

2007-04-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

Luke Skywalker was the worst Jedi ever. Yeah, he created his own Lightsabre, but so what? Jedi's don't kill and he blew up Jabba and co. up! And it's his fault Bobba Fett was eaten, too. That attack was planned by Skywalker.

Today is April 13, 2007. It has been 103 days since my last post on this blog. My entire life has changed in those 103 days. Before my last post, my usual day consisted of going to work at a restaurant in the morning till 8pm, then I would play video games or watch some TV, then maybe play some more games. Today, I'm at school all day, don't get much sleep (or, like this week has seen, no sleep) and then eat at Baja Fresh everyday.

I don't have time for playing games, or ironically enough, watch films anymore. If I wanna fuck around, the only time I have for that is when I'm in the shower.

I'm movin' on up. To the West side. I make pictures now. And time will tell if this is the best decision of my life, or, my biggest mistake.

Stay black, peoples.

P.S. Name the film from which the image above was taken from.

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas 1998

2006-12-31T23:58:00.000-08:00

The year is finally over, nothing much left but for me to post a new post. Best of all, its a radio rant: I haven't listened to KROQ for many, many years now, since all their music sounds too similar and boring. Even the legendary Rodney on the Roq has lost his ways. I did go to an KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas show, the first night, back in 1998. Bands that night of that year included Barenaked Ladies, The Cardigans, Reel Big Fish, Sugar Ray, blink-182, Hole, The Offspring, and closing the show, KoRn. The concert was held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, right next to USC.

As a final treat for everyone this year, I have for you the entire 24-minute set by blink-182, from that 1998 KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas show I attended. That was my first ever concert at age 13, and I still think it was a pretty damn good show. I will probably change that thought within the new year...

Pathetic
Untitled
Josie
Aliens Exist
I Won't Be Home For Christmas
Mutt
Dammit

House knows the code...

2006-12-18T00:03:00.001-08:00

...do you?

http://housecode.ytmnd.com/

Oh John!

2006-12-08T22:26:00.001-08:00

Part two of a special post, remembering John Lennon, a musical pioneer, murdered 26 years ago today. Post-Beatles, John went on to create even more personal music, often with the love of his life, Yoko Ono. Here is just a small sample of his solo contributions to music history. Goodnight, John.

Beatle John

2006-12-08T01:26:00.000-08:00

John Lennon was murdered on December 8^th, 1980. This was almost five years before I was born, but like many others younger and older than myself, John Lennon’s music helped me through may ups & downs, and life itself. Today I will be posting two sets of blog posts remembering John Lennon, the first consisting of his work with The Beatles, and the second, comprising of his solo recordings. If you've never heard the music of John Lennon with The Beatles before (I know there must be at least four of you out there) then you're in for a real treat. Peace.

Wii and Mii

2006-12-01T23:24:00.000-08:00

I have let everyone I know down. I have disappointed them beyond belief. And all I did was not play my Wii.

Wii's are not rare, but they sure are not common, either. Yeah, I haven't played my Wii so much since I got it, so what? Not like I'm getting rid of the damn thing anytime soon. I am very excited for the Wii, but not counting the Virtual Counsel games and Zelda, the only Wii game I've enjoyed playing is Marvel Ultimate Alliance --barely; the graphics are awful, and the game play while innovative gets repetitive doing the same moves with the Wiimote and Nunchuck over and over again!

I will play more games besides Zelda, when better games are released. In the meantime, I have to practice my fishing.

Koji Kondo - Overworld [A Link to the Past]

one week 'til I Wii

2006-11-11T21:08:00.000-08:00

Next Saturday night/early Sunday morning I'll be finally playing the Nintendo Wii (suck my ass, Cartman). It's been a few years since I have played home console games, as I retired from non-Game Boy gaming after beating Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask on N64. Next weekend I'm back for good, baby! I can't wait to play Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and later on Marvel: Ultimate Alliance and Trauma Center: Second Opinion.

Don't have a cow man!

2006-09-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

This week’s comic of the week was without a doubt, Bart Simpson’s Treehouse of Horror no. 12. A Halloween-time annual classic, the comic book version of Treehouse of Horror has stories by many acclaimed comic books creators from all over the field, telling their own hellish tales involving the vast characters from The Simpsons.

This years’ installment includes:
“Homer’s Ark” by Terry Moore
“Blood Curse of the Evil Fairies” by Kyle Baker
“Willie: Portrait of a Groundskeeper” by Eric Powell

You can pick up Bart Simpson’s Treehouse of Horror no. 12 at your local comic book shop –click here to find your nearest store!

Go Simpsonic!@ Amazon.com

Zombie Flanders!

can't escape the songs in my head

2006-09-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

I ahve a few songs bouncing around in my mind. I haven't heard them on any medium for quite a while but they're still hanging on in my brain. Without listening to them, I have them here for you to check it out:

[Edit: Songs are no more!]

Say, I might listen to these tunes after all! Song links expire in seven days (aka the 29th).

You can find these bands' respective records at your nearest record store or Wal-Mart.

my final Comic-Con was swell

2006-09-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

Back from my mini-vacation which had me working alot (had?!). My last post was just hours before I went to my tenth and final Comic-Con International. Unless there is anything good at next years Con (i.e. someting big DC or Marvel will cook up by then), this year was to be my last. On the upside, I met authors Brad Meltzer, Marv Wolfman, and even filmmaker Bryan Singer. Below is a picture of the Superman Returns director with my older brother and the penguin:

Yeah, Singer looks that good in real life.

Anycrap, Today's music comes from NES game-cover band The Advantage, from thier recent LP Elf-Titled. Very good stuff for fans of "old-school" gamming, like meee!

The Advnatage - Double Dragon II- Mission 5; Forest of Death
The Advantage - Castlevania II- Woods (aka Bloody Tears)
Buy Elf-Titled today at Amazon.com

Finally true believers, here is a picture of comics writer Geoff Johns with the penguin:

Next post:
I'm-a thinkin'..

A Scanner Darkly and Comic-Con

2006-07-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

I could be mur... dered.

This past Sunday night I watched A Scanner Darkly at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood. It was pretty good, but not a Linklater classic, like Slacker, Dazed and Confused, and Before Sunrise were. Now this here blog ain't a movie blog, so I'm skipping all of da details. It's playing in about a thousand movie theaters within the US, so go see it.

I'm, going to the San Diego Comic-Con, again. I'm leaving Thursday morning, arrive at the Con in three hours, then come back home Friday Night. Well, I'm off to San Diego. Before I go, here's some music from A Scanner Darkly:

From the trailer, which you can watch here:
M83 - Teen Angst

And music from the feature film:
Radiohead - Skttrbrain [Four Tet Remix]
Radiohead - Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors
Radiohead - Fog
Thom Yorke - Black Swan

Superman Returns

2006-06-26T23:05:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow has been almost ten years in the making; for me, anyway. Tomorrow night, Superman Returns opens in several movie houses, including the most famous movie palace in the world, Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

A long time coming, this film (in it's modern state) has been stalled for almost a decade, taking three vastly different directors, various-yet-similar storylines plotted, multiple actors attachted, and millions of dollars spent, all without never filmming a frame of the film. It was only the fall of 2004 when Warner Bros. finally attachted director Bryan Singer and his production crew to revamp Superman for the big screen, however, unlike most of the failed "Superman New Movie" ideas which featured a take on the post-Crisis Superman and also his death & return, Singer and co. decided to go with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" formula for the new Superman film and used the already established film continuity of the now-classic Superman: The Movie series starring the late Christopher Reeve.

Later tonite, I, along with several fine folks from BlueTights.net will be lining-up in front of historic Grauman's Chinese Theater, a full 24 hours prior to the Tuesday Night 10pm screening. I am quite excited, to say the least.

See ya guys later.

John Ottman - Superman Returns (Main Titles)

Sound of Superman

2006-06-13T01:22:00.000-07:00

There are 14 days remaining until the release of Superman Returns on Tuesday, June 27 at various worldwide 10pm screenings. The film, directed by Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men, X2) is the first Superman feature film in almost two decades, and stars acting newcomer Brandon Routh as the iconic Man of Steel.

As usual, there will be a scored soundtrack released to accompany the feature film: Superman Returns composed by John Ottman, which will be in stores June 27. In addition, there will be a various artists compilation released on June 13 from Rhino/Wea titled Sound of Superman. The comp features various modern alternative rock bands and artists playing songs about, er, Superman, or about what it takes to be a hero. Cool beans. Several cover songs of classic Superman-inspired tunes are on this album, which really are nowhere near up to par with their original recorded versions (see final two songs to judge for yourself). I have up a few selected tracks, which should last a week. There will be more Superman-related posts coming in the next couple of days, since he is my fav'rit. Enjoy.

American Hi-Fi - The Rescue
Plain White T's - It's So Easy
Maxeen - Save Me
Nightmare of You - Waitin' for a Superman (The Flaming Lips cover)
BONUS:
The Flaming Lips - Waitin' for a Superman

Additional info:
Superman
Sound of Superman @MySpace

Buy Sound of Superman:
@Amazon.com
@BestBuy.com

I Want An American Life So Bad

2006-06-12T02:56:00.000-07:00

With the exception of the title track and the James Bond song, American Life had great singles.
Next post: Sound of Superman review

Madonna - Hollywood
Madonna - Love Profusion
Madonna - Nothing Fails

Hollywood CD-Single@Amazon.com
Madonna @Amazon.com
Madonna.com

nunca sabes lo que va a decir cuando empieza a sonreír

2006-06-05T02:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday I posted some tracks and few thoughts on the music of Madonna. Well, I'm back for more!

Okay, first things first: if you like the music ya hear, then go out and buy the album. It will sound oh-so much better, I'm cereal. I don't suggest download sites like iTunes, mostly because their compression sucks and the result are lossy song audio. If you don't like the song, then just drag it to your Recycle Bin and fin.

Madonna's 2000 album Music is a catchy and poppy sequel to 1998's Ray of Light. The title track was the first single released,and had a crazy music video starring funnyman Ali G. Another song that had another crazy video, in literal terms, was What it Feels Like for a Girl. Violent and nasty, but nice to look at (isn't that all of Madonna's videos?). Lo Que Siente La M ujer is the Spanish version of the Madonna track What It Feels Like for a Girl. It's also one of the best songs NOT released on a Madonna album as it's olny available on the What It Feels Like for a Girl CD-Single (see link below). Enjoy.

Madonna - Music
Madonna - Lo Que Siente La Mujer

Buy the album Music @Amazon.com
Madonna: GHV2 @Amazon.com
What It Feels Like for a Girl [CD-SINGLE]@Amazon.com
More Madonna @Amazon.com

excuses, excuses, and whatnot

2006-06-03T04:14:00.000-07:00

Where the hell have I been at for the last two weeks? I worked. I rested. I worked, again.

I once said I was going to do this and that. Well, I'm putting this and that on hiatus, so I can clear my head and get back "into the zone" for blogging on this bloggy-thing.

Five minutes later...

Well that went rather well. Hi there.

Remember all that talk about politics and immigration and social commentary? Well, fudge that! I'm to tired of that shtuff... I think I can survive a few days not giving a rat's ass about who is doing what (even though I do plan on voting this tuesday).

Big things are coming along. Madonna is playing the Staples Center tonite in LA, a show which I am not attending thanks to work later this morning.

I have always been a Madonna fan, despite me having trashed American Life about three years ago (today one of my favorite songs is Hollywood). More Madonna shtuff on tomorrow's post.

Madonna - Amazing

Madonna @Amazon.com

RAW IS WAR

2006-05-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

Tonite WWE RAW is live from Anaheim, CA at 9pm on the USA Network.

I will be attendace for the show, and will include some murmers tomorrow on teh blong. Just before I leave, I want to post some 'TitanTron' theme songs from some WWE Superstars. Enjoy.

RAW theme song : Across the Nation
Shawn Micheals - Sexy Boy
John Cena - The Time is Now
Rob Van Dam - One of a Kind
Edge - Rated R Superstar
Mick Foley - Wreck
Triple H - King of Kings

WWE music

[UPDATE: What a shitty show. The Boy has some pics from the event here.]

variety of voice

2006-04-13T00:40:00.000-07:00

Variety is today's theme, and one I enjoy. Beacuse just listening to aging Irish vocalists is so 2004. Except Bono. I love Bono. Enjoy today's picks, and please, do check out the Amazon.com links to the original CDs.

from the audio version of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas:
Hunter S. Thompson - Strange Medicine in the Desert

and a classic tune overall:
Elvis Costello & the Attractions - High Fidelity

classic to be:
Jill Scott - Golden
[live @Dave Chappelle's Block Party]

[Edit: song file links are as dead as Thompson]

Amazon.com links:
Hunter S. Thompson
Costello CDs
the music of Jill Scott

Presidente Woofer

2006-02-21T01:50:00.000-08:00

A late entry, but a good one! A few hours ago marked the end of another Presidents Day, aka Washington’s Birthday (ha ha!).

This year, let’s look back on some of our lesser-known Presidents…

We are the mediocre presidents!
You won't find our faces on dollars or on cents!

There's Taylor

There's Tyler

There's Fillmore

And there's Hayes

There's William Henry Harrison:

“I died in thirty days!”

We...
Are...
The...
Adequate,
Forgettable,
Occasionally regrettable
Caretaker presidents
of the U-S-A!

And now, some patriotic music for all!

Bobby "Boris" Pickett – Monster Mash

Doggone it!

[Edit: Link as dead as the bastards above]

Buy The Original Monster Mash with other classics on Amazon.com!

Rebel Without a Pause

2006-01-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

[NOTE : The follow contains text which as of 02/06 remained inconclusive and dishonest.]

Tonite marks the first of a whole new year. Yay. I haven't posted as much on this blog recently, and much of the reason has to do with me not exactly liking the direction of the blog, if any.

Starting next week, blogging away in LA will literally be typed as bloggingawayinLA.blogspot.com
I will be updating it on a semi-daily basis, and will talk about my home away from home whom I call home: sweet lady Los Angeles. I will also venture into podcasting panel discussions in the future. I would also like to showcase more LA-based bands, past and present.

As for are-oh-vee.blogspot.com , this blog will be focusing more on bands featured on the long-running-yet-canceled-in-2001 music video showcase that was Are-Oh-Vee. I will be digging deep into my VHS video vault of this show (12 tapes full, including Punk-O-Rama, Launch Countdown, and BPM) and possibly try to post uploaded moments/videos of the series. I will also venture into the world of my other daily interests: comic books, film, television, and even pro wrestling. Woooo!

Thanks to everyone who supported me, and I'm sorry to the many I haven't gotten back to. I know I suck.

Starting the year with a bang: a song that is quite unorthodox at first, yet suiting. Still relavant 18 years later. Christ, I feel old.

[Edit: Link died]

Best of Public Enemy on Amazon.com
Fear of a Black Planet on Amazon.com
Do The Right Thing - Criterion Special Edition DVD

Tonite's (wrestling jargon) word of the day: Smark

So long and thanks for all the fish!
- Ivan

"it's been done."

2005-12-13T19:04:00.000-08:00

A song for his slained friend. One of the best songs from his 1981 classic LP Somewhere In England, featuring Ringo Starr on drums, Paul & Linda McCartney on backing vox, here for you to hear is All Those Years Ago.
EDIT: Link expired. Sorry folks! Buy the CD instead, it is well worth it!!

George Harrison - All Those Years Ago

Somewhere in England at Amazon.com
The Dark Horse Years boxed set at Amazon.com
List of Beatles songs written by George Harrison
George Harrison discography
George Harrison song lyrics

turn me on, deadman...

2005-12-08T18:53:00.000-08:00

It was twenty-five years ago today that John Lennon, the smartest, wittiest, and most eccentric of the ultra-popular/talented band The Beatles was murdered by Mark David Chapman in front of his appartment in New York City. Lennon was 40 years old.

As a Lennon fan, tonite's post seemed like a no-brainer. However, instead of posting individual Lennon/Beatle songs, I've remixed several of John's Beatles songs as one long mp3 file, in golorious mono.
[EDIT 12/11: Due to bandwidth issues, I was forced to take down the mp3]

The Beatles - Real Love/If I Fell/Misery/It Won't Be Long/I'm a Loser/No Reply/Nowhere Man/Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)/You've Got To Hide Your Love Away [Vocal Take]/It's Only Love

Here are some links for those who want to know a bit more on this man:

Lennon Lyrics
Bagism!
Lennon's FBI files (10 pages are still classified)
Another FBI file site without needing Adobe Reader
Lennon Quotes
1980 Playboy interview with John and Yoko

sing blue silver

2005-12-03T01:03:00.000-08:00

In 1982, Duran Duran were on top of the world, thanks to their self-titled breakthrough album, and that year's release of Rio, a record that broke all-new ground in the way pop music is defined, and as a message for those who thought this new style of pop music was a disco-throughback that it's here to stay, and we like it.

Duran Duran - The Chauffeur

[Edit: Link is no more.]

Buy the remastered Rio at Amazon.com

Tonite's (wrestling jargon) word of the day: SHOOT

Another Girl, Another Planet

2005-12-02T01:26:00.000-08:00

After a much needed time off to focus on school (I'm a college man, son!), I have returned with a new post, and maybe even a new format. Nah, funk that, same old format!

I've been listening to the song Another Girl, Another Planet quite alot lately. And in the strangest of the strange, the version I've been listeing to is by those former princes of tween-girl-fantasies: blink-182!

I used enjoy the blinks back in middle school, and the beginning of high school. Then I started listening to ...well, real music (the good stuff, man!). Jesus did high school suck. Anyhoo, this song was orignially performed by those forgotten greats The Only Ones, and was also covered by another great band: The Replacements (whom I will discuss in a later blog entry!).

This is a great song, but don't trust a demon like me, judge for yourself.

blink-182 - Another Girl, Another Planet

The Only Ones - Another Girl, Another Planet

[Edit: Links died a firey death]

Check out the music on Amazon.com:
The Only Ones - Special View CD
blink-182 - Greatest Hits CD

nice and soft

2005-11-08T23:16:00.000-08:00

New music! No joke! I actually like new music!

Yes, to me this is big news. I'm have been digging the new single by a [new] band called Soft.

Soft are formed from various regions of the US of A, and are the definition of an independent band. With no record label backing them up, these rockers have to get your attention the old-fashioned way: rocking your ass off live! Their live shows have been selling out beacuse of high-energenic performances nite after nite (come back to LA and we'll get some In-N-Out!). The band has recently stopped touring, focusing more on recording new material.

Soft's two singles 'Higher' and 'Droppin' have been getting some airplay on local radio station 89.9 KCRW .

Now it's time for you to judge for yourself. In my opinion, Soft is on their way on being the next great rock band, especially in a time like now where a band that is talented can stand out regardless of hype, but based on their talent.

Soft has that talent.

Soft - Higher
(Thanks to John of Soft for the mp3 hookup!)

Support Soft by buying their new EP at insound.com

Tonite's (wrestling jargon) word of the day: FINISHER

Crappy movie with Keen Music

2005-10-26T01:09:00.000-07:00

I hated Empire Records.

Such a bad film, horrible characters, horrible acting, and under the direction of a horse's ass*

I hated the film, but I sure love the soundtrack**.

As a music blogger, I am in a position to post one song from an album (soundtrack), explain why it's so neat, then to tell you to buy the album. I will only do one tonite (I wanna goto bed!!) and tell your ass to buy the Empire Records soundtrack for not only sampling such forgotten-but-good tunes, but for also owning a piece of 90's musical nirvava.

Empire Records:
The shitty feature film
The awesome soundtrack

Edwyn Collins - A Girl Like You

Tonite's (wrestling jargon) word of the day: GIMMICK

*Director Allan Moyle was also helmed Pump Up The Volume in 1990 which, despite Christian Slater, I enjoyed.
**Was originally going to include 'Til I hear it From You' by Gin Blossoms, but decided to wait it out for my special Gin Blossoms post in the near future.

now this is clean!

2005-10-23T23:32:00.000-07:00

Another Depeche Mode post. Don't worry, there will be more.

I recently purchased the DVD+CD version of Playing the Angel and wow, such a little thing makes a big difference. The DVD-A comes with the album mixed in Dolby Digital & DTS 5.1 Surround Sound. They both sound amazing, superior to the stereo CD version, although I am a bit more fond of the DTS.

Also on the DVD is a "bare" version of the song Clean, which was on 1990's Violator.

Clean is presented as a music video with band playing it in the studio durring the PTA sessions. Luckily, I ripped the video as a .VOB file, dumped the picture, and converted the audio to an mp3.

And now, for all of you who love non-album songs, Clean (bare).

Depeche Mode - Clean (bare)

PTA Deluxe Edition is only $19.99 at Amazon.com!

Today's (wrestling jargon) word of the day: HEEL

Next post: Not dM related, but sexy nontheless...

It's cold as shit

2005-10-17T01:05:00.000-07:00

Stephen Malkmus, you and I see eye to eye on things like this. Now, get back together with Pavement. Please?

What is up, lovers? This has been a wet-but-sunny weekend here in Southern California up until Sunday afternoon, when it started raining like gangbusters and has stopped only a few times to ctach it's breath (it has since powered up and is ready for more!)

As much as I hated the text of my last post, I really love those Huey Lewis & the News songs. Bitchin'.

Thunder's back. At least that sound is better than the gunshots I heard earlier. One day, I will explain the poitical struggle against "the high" and "the low" and how the Christian/Mormon city government wants residents like myself dead & gone and replaced by another Wal-Mart. One day...

Tonite/today's song of da day is Normal Like You by Everclear, from their sensational 1997 album So Much For The Afterglow. It's been eight years, goddammit! Wow, it still sounds so fresh. Great number, and will post some more 'clear songs soon.

Amazon.com sells So Much For The Afterglow for $14.99? Sweet.

Everclear - Normal Like You

Today's [wrestling jargon] word of the day: BOTCH

else

2005-10-09T23:02:00.000-07:00

back to 1999...

Hey, the new dM is just 12 days away. Oct.18 will be a date for me and the Pasadena Best Buy as I purchase Playing The Angel as well as the Batman Begins Two-Disc DVD.

I was listening to Built To Spill's 2001 effort Ancient Melodies of the Future earlier today, and I regret not listening to them before 1999. I don not regret me and other music nuts sharing BTS bit torrents a few months back. Check out TorrentSpy, they might still be running.

1999 was one of the greatest years in recent music history. 1998 looked like a hard year to beat, but 99 came in and gave 98 a run for its money. I write entire books on this, analyzing each record and comparing to previous and/or later releases. Maybe druing winter break.

Keep It a Secret by BTS was released in 99. Although 1997's Perfect From Now On is considered by more hardcore BTS fans as genuinely better in every aspect than KIaS, I am not a hardcore fan and like it better than PFNO. It's catchier. Yes, this is an album that will sound great of you mix every track in different orders.

Here comes my favorite part: the sample music track!

Don't be cheap! Keep It a Secret is only $10.99 at Amazon.com! Daaamn!
EDIT 11:02pm--- You could've bought the cd at Tower Records for $8.99 before today. Shit.

Built To Spill - You Were Right

dModed

2005-10-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

The new Depeche Mode album, Playing The Angel, is one of the finest new releases of the year, and also one of the most oddest. While it certainly sounds refreshing to hear this album, longtime fans will notice that almost every song on this album is similar to past Depeche Mode songs from past albums. Especially Ultra & Violator. All of this, and it still sounds fresh. Let's look into this.

1. A Pain That I'm Used To ---Sounds like an Exciter track that didn't make the cut, but reworked to a T.
2. John the Revelator --- Woah, now that's what I'm talkin' about! The band is smokin' to this heavy track.
3. Suffer Well --- it sounds like Behind The Wheel, only a bit softer-edged & remixed. Aahhh! No one will believe me!!!
4. The Sinner in Me ---Ultra all-the way. Bitchin' all-the way. Hard, witch leads to...
5. Precious ---This must be the best song on the album, it's certainly the most catchiet, and also the puzzling. This song feels out of place with the tracks it's inbetween with. It's too soft to follow Sinner in Me (maybe this is the beginning of side B?). The song reminds you of a hint of dM's greatest hits, which some will find great or stupid. For the longtime fans, it's either love it or hate it. I love it.
6. Macro ---Should've been a B-side. Out of play within the whole album. Maybe with time, it will feel right. At this moment, no...
7. I Want It All ---This should've followed Precious. Very good beat, soft, and could be a sleeper with the new fans and high school dances.
8. Nothing's Impossible ---Amazing song with only a bit of Dave's vocals. Another favorite.
9. Introspective ---Also sounds like it could've fit in either Violator or Ultra. Fine Instrumental.
10. Damaged Poeple ---Dave sounds weird. EDIT --12:12AM: It's Martin's vox, not Dave. Sorry!
11. Lillian ---This should be the next single to follow Precious. My second favorite off the album.
12. The Darkest Star ---This 6:38 min. closer is just what it sounds. It warps up this record and will make us wonder if the group will ever record another album. This is the message I got after listening to the song four times in a row.
*Free ---Old school dM in this bitch! This can be found as a B-side to the Precious single.

I like this album a lot, and although I have downloaded it, I plan on buying the Playing The Angel Deluxe Edition of the album on Oct. 18. Give it a listen, you'll love it or trade it in.

EDIT: 10/18/05--- The Precious sample track is now an mp3 file, and is safe for Podcasts.

For your listening enjoyment:

Depeche Mode - Precious
(as heard on Smallville!)

Buy Playing The Angel at Amazon.com for $13.49

dog on fire

2005-10-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

Tickets for WWE Monday Night RAW, on October 31, 2005, live from the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim on the USA network, are completely sold out. Good thing I bought three tickets at 10:02am this morning. Heh.

It has been awhile. I've been busy with school. I've also been reviewing my taped library of ARE-OH-VEE episodes (12 6-hour tapes total) which I will transfer to DVD-R in the near future.

Through some connections (not p2p! screw that!) I have managed to have the new Depeche Mode album. How is it? Well, I will be listening to the whole album a couple of times, and will have a detailed review of it by 6pm tonite.

Yes, and maybe the new dM single....

The Gay Messiah Strikes Again

2005-09-10T01:22:00.000-07:00

Rufus, you son of a bitch.

Why do you have to sound like an angel?
How can you make both the ladies and the fellas fall to their knees?

Two selections from Mr. Wainwright, tonite. The first is a cut from his 2004 masterpiece Want Two, called The One You Want. Yes, you can find the lyrics in the tagging of the WMA file. The second tune is from the soundtrack to the best film of 2004, The Aviator, directed by one of my top five favorite directors, Martin Scorsese, and staring Leonardo DiCaprio as billionare-loony, Howard Hughes. The tune is I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise, written by George Gershwin, and performed (covered) by Rufus for the film (he's in the feature as a singer at the Cocoanut Grove!).

Enjoy, and if you like what you hear, please support this sensational singer by buying his music & catching him on tour, currenty with Ben Folds and Ben Lee.

Rufus Wainwright ---

The One You Love
(Purchase Want Two CD+DVD two-disc at Amazon.com)

I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise
(Purchase The Aviator soundtarck at Amazon.com for $11.99!)

a sound of blunder

2005-09-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

I could write about my return to college, or about current events, or I could even write about why Duran Duran are amazing both overrated and underrated all at the same time.

I've been listening to alot of synth pop/industrial lately. Yes Loren, I have you to thank (the boy, as well!). It's a great thing, since I've been a Depeche Mode fan for decades now (it's twue! I'm almost 20! I can say that now!). I've rediscovered New Order, Joy Division, Bauhaus, Boingo, Gary Numan, and discovered the amazing sounds of Skinny Puppy, Einsturzende Neubauten, Fad Gadget, and Cabaret Voltaire.

I have Photography class later this afternoon. I really dig, our instructor is great, and my classmates are nice people. Yes, I'm finally enjoying college. Finally.

I have six New Order songs in my mp3 player [out of 32 song files]. Below is one of my favorites.

New Order - Round and Round

Purchase Technique by New Order at Amazon.co for only $9.99!

Amoeba and the Beatles

2005-08-24T04:30:00.000-07:00

I went with some pals to Amoeba Records (located on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood) to sell/trade some products that I no longer wanted to own (they were stinking up the house), which included a ton of Smiths & Morrissey CDs, DVDs, and Vinyl. All in all, it fetched me around $100 in store credit. Ha! Funny, I bought a vinyl Viva Hate from eBay for nine bucks and minutes later I saw it in a bin selling for twenty.
Bitchin.'

With that same store credit, I bought some Zepplin and Depeche Mode for my cousin, and Beatles vinyl and CDs for myself (tee-hee). I'm very happy about that. Happy as a warm gun.

And now to share the happiness:

The Beatles - Octopus's Garden
(yes, I know this isn't a White Album tune, but its still one of Ringo's finest!)
[UPDATE: Had to remove the song due to bandwith issues. I had it coming!]

Never heard the White Album? Shame on you. Buy it on Amazon.com!

WWE Summerslam 2005

2005-08-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

I like wrestling. I can explain why: when I was a lad, I found American sports very unappealing. Especially the sport that require the use of a team, or teamwork. I loathed basketball, football, the real footol, softball, all of that crap. During the beginning of the 1990's, I fell in love with Pro Wrestling, especially the WWF (now WWE). Unlike traditional mat and Olympic wrestling, the WWF and other wrestling promotions would showcase their wrestlers as "Superstars" and would have their own gmmicks.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has four huge Pay-Per-View events every year: Royal Rumble in January, Wrestlemania in April, Summerslam in August, and Survivor Series in November. The other RAW/Smackdown! PPVs are crap compared to the big four. This Sunday (tomorrow nite!) will be Summerslam, live from Washington D.C. Three meain-event matches are headlining this years: WWE Champion John Cena vs. Y2J Chris Jericho for the WWE Championship, World Heavywheight Champ Batista vs. the piece of crap JBL for thw World Heavyweight Title, and in an Lengend vs Icon match, the immortal Hulk Hogan will take on the showstopper, the Heart-Break Kid, Shawn Michaels. Today, we will look into the WWE Title match between Cena and Y2J, plus Hogan and HBK.

WWE Champ John Cena may not be a houslod name, but he's getting there. His title reign so far has been successful, although it would be a whole lot better if he wasn't fighting Carlito every week (dammit Creative, you can do better!). He defeated JBL for the WWE belt at Wrestlemania 21 in Los Angeles (I was there, natch) and soon after released a rap album. Did I mention that Cena's gimmick was that of a rapper? Oh, damn. Well, he is, and he's not that bad.

I don't think anyone who watches VH1 doesn't know who Chris Jericho is. If you don't watch RAW every monday nite at 9pm on USA, then you can catch Y2J every weekend on Best Week Ever. Yeah, that's him! He also has a metal band named Fozzy that sounds pretty sweet (free samples of Fozzy & Cena below!)

EDIT: On the August 22nd edition of Monday Night RAW, Chirs Jericho "was fired" aftre losing a WWE Championship rematch with John Cena. In reality, this was a work and Jericho needed some well-deserved time-off from wrestling. It is unkown when he will be back, but when he does, it will be with the WWE.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John Cena - The Time Is Now
Purcase You Can't See Me mp3s at WWE.com
Purchase You Can't See Me CD at Amazon.com

Fozzy - Enemy (Chris Jericho's band)
Purchase All That Remains at Amazon.com

(MP3/WMA File hosting provided by filefarmer.com)

For more Wrestling news and info, visit NODQ.com!

it's uselink

2005-08-07T02:05:00.000-07:00

Today was the day I remastered my Depeche Mode cds.Well, Kinda. My dMode cds are pretty bad shape, especially 81>86, which is a poor CD-R duplicate from the actual CD which was destroyed six years ago.

When I mean to say remastered, I mean to say that I extract each track at 44100 KHz 16bit WAV, then rework the equalization and adjust the volume if the original recording was "soft on the ears." I save the tracks as 192kbps mp3 files (as well as Variable).

One of these albums I worked on was 1997's Ultra, which I've owned since then and am proud to say that the disc has very minor scratches. It's really great to physically own theis album, not just for the sound, but for the wonderful photography of Anton Corbijn. Oh, and the songs are pretty good. Have a hear...

Listen for yourself! Get Depeche Mode's Ultra at Amazon.com today!

blurred out everything else not important...

2005-08-02T02:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Blur songs. That's all.

Blur - End of the Century
(EDIT: Host died)

Buy the album Parklife from Blur at Amazon.com for just $7.99!

P.S. Happy birthday, boy.

The Ground Beneath Her Feet

2005-08-01T02:41:00.000-07:00

U2 are one of the most popular bands in the world. As musicans, their work is diverse, distinct, and overall incredible. Yet, the thought of their greatest work has been quite challenging. Here's my two cents: The Ground Beneath Her Feet is their best song. Never heard of it? It's not exactly popular as Vertigo, Beautiful Day, or With Or Without You, but you can find it in two formats: The first in the U2 - Best of 1990-2000 DVD, as it's a featured music video. The second, and just as common (at like Tower and the Warehouse) is the soundtrack to the 2000 film The Million Dollar Hotel. The film, co-written by Bono and directed by veteran filmmaker Wim Wenders, was not a box office hit, or even remotely successful whatsoever (I blame Mel Gibson). Be your own judge and make it a rental next time your out. The Ground Beneath Her Feet, written by Salman Rushdie, and performed by U2.

From the 2000 The Million Dollar Hotel soundtrack:

U2 - The Ground Beneath Her Feet
(EDIT: Host died)

The End Is The Begining Is The End Is The Begining Is... The End?

2005-07-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

The Music of Batman ends with a bang tonite, as we look at the music of one of worst film of the last ten years (yes, there are worse than this…!) 1997’s Batman & Robin [* out of *****].

Originally, I was going to post a little something-something about how filmmakers like Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher forget or just ignore the main aspects of characters and/or their original reference material, but I realized it was going to be too long to write in a short time, and it’s been crazy researching all of this info. One day, promise.

Batman & Robin was the final film of the four-feature Batman franchise for Warner Bros., for obvious reasons. The Batman & Robin Soundtrack was actually a modest hit, mainly thanks to Jewel’s contribution track Foolish Games. My favorite songs include R.E.M.’s Revolution and Lazy Eye by the Goo Goo Dolls.

The first big Alternative singles from the Soundtrack were the now infamous Smashing Pumpkins songs; The End Is the Beginning Is the End, followed by The Beginning Is The End Is The Beginning, which was just a slower, more mellow version of the former. The songs are infamous for not going anywhere. The tunes, like the film were a bust, and to make matters worse (for the fans, anyways) Warner Bros. owns the masters to the tracks, not the Pumpkins’ label Virgin. That means the band can’t use it for compilations and the lot.

Purchase the Batman & Robin Soundtrack

Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, ______ Me

2005-07-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

The Music of Batman continues today with us looking at the Pop/Rock soundtrack to 1995’s Batman Forever [** out of *****]. This film sucked overall, but what is so interesting about this is that it might not have sucked as bad.

Wha? That’s right, as I discovered, there was originally a longer, much better cut of the film, which was shown once to preview audiences (uh-oh).

Here are just some that Schumacher & WB had to cut (thanks to IMDB for the info):

- The original cut shown in previews was too long, and a large sequence in the Batcave, explaining much of the plot including the Batman Forever title, was edited out. The original opening sequence depicted Two-Face's escape from Arkham Asylum. Dr. Burton arrives at Two-Face’s cell to find the ceiling blown away and the words: "The Bat Must Die" written on a wall. This scene was shot but cut. The original opening can be partially seen in the U2 music video Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me. In it the infamous "THE BAT MUST DIE" line is shown for a second written in a wall with bloody white letters.

- Large sequences of the movie were deleted to trim the movie down to two hours. The red journal that was left by Bruce's father contained words that deepened his guilt ("Bruce insists we see a movie tonight...") and made him feel responsible for his parent's death. After Bruce is knocked unconscious during the attack on Wayne Manor, he loses his memory and does not recall ever being Batman, but is haunted by a terrible guilt. To face his fear, Bruce ventures into the heart of the cave where the journal is, and reads the end of the sentence that cleanses his guilt ("but Martha and I have our hearts set on Zorro, so Bruce's movie will have to wait for next week") The giant bat then appears, and Bruce stands eye to eye with it. After his memory returns, Bruce triggers a hidden button that reveals a second layer to the Batcave, where the Batwing, Batboat, and the experimental sonar suit were kept (thus explaining why they escaped Riddler's wrath).

So it could’ve been good. Maybe, but Schumacher continued to disappoint, especially with Batman & Robin (next post!). In the meantime, a bit more info on Batman Forever: What Could’ve Been.

Dammit. Okay, lets get on with the soundtrack (yay, music!). Basically, this album is best known for having the Grammy-award winning song Kiss From A Rose by Seal, although it was advertised as having an exclusive U2 song, Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me at the time of the 1990’s U2, Zoo/Pop-related overexposure. The Album itself is pretty damn good, with plenty of great songs for people with different tastes. Yes, it lives up to the Soundtrack standard of a “various genres mix tape.” Highlights include Seal’s Kiss From A Rose, Nick Cave’s There Is A Light, One Time Too Many by PJ Harvey, 8 by Sunny Day Real Estate, and finally U2’s masterpiece Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me. Today, you my friend are in luck as bring you this tune in MP3 form. The song can also be found on U2’s Best Of 1990-2000 CD & DVDs, which is well worth it. Besides being a Batman fan, I am a U2 fan, and will post more U2-related crap in the near future.

Buy the Batman Forever Soundtrack

Next Post: Batman & Robin!

The Bat, the Cat, the Banshee

2005-06-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

I could go on for hours talking about Batman Returns. Hell, typing it all would take me days. The projects history, I have spent over ten years researching it.

One of my hobbies and would-be profession is being a film historian. I started back in high school, talking to my friends about the pictures. They would say something, and then, just being an asshole, I’d correct them (to this day I still do it). Impressive, to say the least. Not only to my friends, but also to myself. I had realized by the age of 17 I have seen over one thousand films. That’s incredible, considering much of my childhood was taken up by watching TV, playing with my Batman/JLA action figures, collecting/reading comics, and playing video games. Come to think of it, with the exception of the games, I still do all of that. I am almost 20, y’know…

Enough with the personal guff. Now on with the post. 1992’s Batman Returns (*** out of *****) is a very memorable film (I'll give ya that one, Burton), with some very memorable music. 1992 a lot was going on. Bush was going bananas, Tiny Toons and X-Men were the shit, and Bats made a comeback to TV, as well. Plus in the music world, you had Eric Clapton go Unplugged, Morrissey channeling T. Rex and mimicking David Bowie with Your Arsenal, R.E.M. had us going Automatic for the People, Sonic Youth was Dirty, Pavement went Slanted & Enchanted, Nine Inch Nails was Broken, and like every year, more shity soundtracks for films good and bad. One exception was the Wayne’s World ST, which I would pop in my older brother’s stereo system and play for hours. Queen were gods to me (I wasn’t an atheist back then). But fudge that, we’re talkin’ about Batman here. Danny Elfman’s Batman Returns Soundtrack was as moody, dark, as one would could only expect from the ex-Oingo Boingo frontman. He only improved with this one, reworking his original score form the 1989 Batman, adding some touches of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Edward Scissorhands, and even his yet-to-be recorded Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack and the very underrated Boingo. And yet, the real gem in this CD isn’t from Elfman, but of another “gothic legend.” Face To Face was co-written by Elfman, and co-written and performed by Siouxsie & her Banshees. With eerie arrangements conducted by Elfman and his orchestra, along with Siouxsie Sioux’s ghastly vox, and silent growling two minutes in the song, makes this track very interesting and quite unique (and yes, if you bother to stick around for the movie's closing credits, the song is the last one played at the end of the film).

Buy the Batman Returns Soundtrack:

Next Post: The music of Batman Forever. Natch.

Pavement post no. 2 of 4

2005-06-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the wondefully-titled Pavement post no. 2 of 4! Yes, I've once again uploaded another Pavement music video, this time of the song Range Life, off the now-classic 1994 LP Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain from Matador Records. I don't think there has been a music-related blog online that hasn't talked about Pavement, so I'm assuming you've heard of them. Yes, they are musicians...

Check out their page at the Matador (that means bullfighter en espanol!) site, which includes a full discography, bio, interviews, and even downloadable MP3s.

Click here to watch 'Pavement---Range-Life'

P.S. Don't get used to this, as I'm going to start writing more articles, critiques, and flat-out rants about stuff I dig. From time to time, I'll post a video or a song to download, but in the future it will be only because it has something to do with what I'm writing about. Peace, bitches.

! a Pavement music video

2005-06-12T04:26:00.000-07:00

just click below for the wondeful music video from Pavement

http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=Pavement---Gold-Soundz

(I'm recompressing a few more vids for upcoming posts...)

La Post Primera: Secret Origins

2005-06-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

My first blogger.com post. Well, for years I've seen these pages and said to myself, one day I'll join this bandwagon so I can start writing about things I find interesting. Things people don't remember about with the sole exception being myself and others who've I told, yet don't believe me. That's why I choose this title, ARE-OH-VEE.

It was a great music video show created by Scott Barrett that played videos from local bands from LA/OC/Inland Empire, as well as a couple of not-so local big-name bands, too. The finest alternative to MTV, in 1999 it moved to Friday nites at 1am on KDOC ch.56, where in 2000 it passed on with its 500th episode, with host Diana paying a vistit to local ska band Suburban Legends.

I have about 12 6-hour VHS tapes in my room of this show (recorded in crappy mono). Once ina while I'll pop one of these babies in and see a time when music wasn't so spoiled.

Hopefully, someone here will remember this show. Its far from forgotten, but its a show that is recognized by it's name and the general reaction of "Oh yeah..."

EDIT: Renamed the blog, now it's just blogging away in LA at www.blogawayla.com