Although it was quite a triumph to win the stealth fighter contract, Gunther wasn't quite sure the new designer, Diana Prince, was on the right track...

Muse - Absolution

ALBUM REVIEW

Long live rock!

I can't help but feel that Muse is one of the bands keeping rock from slipping down the slippery slope of commercialism into oblivion.

There are the inevitable comparisons to early Radiohead. You know what? Early Radiohead kicks a lot of ass, so that's a good thing. As much as I enjoy all of Radiohead's albums, I sort of wish they would feel threatened by Muse, and come back with a really loud album. In the meantime, I'll just gobble this three-piece up like the delicious guilty pleasure they are.

Muse is fronted by singer Matt Bellamy's wonderful voice that can go from falsetto whisper to wail effortlessly. Their music is driven by classical oriented progressions shredded through walls of guitars. There's a very honest and emotional quality to each song, and they seem to put everything they have into each power chord.

This isn't a single influence in the songs on "Absolution" that I don't like. This band has become a bit of a high water mark for me personally, and I recommend their other two studio outings as well. With the volume cranked, and an open mind, let's dive in:

The album starts with an instrumental splash of some military marching drums, and then rolls right into the epic "Apocalypse Please". This song builds into a great crescendo, and gives you a good glimpse into what to expect throughout. It's loud and raucous, and almost too much.

"Time is Running Out" slinks out of the alley with a dirty, fuzzed-up bassline, and that's just for starters. The chorus punches in with mountains of guitar crunch, and the only thing that's strong enough to overpower them is Matt Bellamy's full throttle vocals. He's giving his all on this one, and you reap the benefit.

"Sing For Absolution" takes a slight break in the power angst, and comes across with a drifting vocal delivery along side of some organ that sounds like it's echoing down a haunted hallway.

Now I know what Nigel Tufnel meant when he described his amps going to eleven. "Stockholm Syndrome" starts with the guitars on high, racing along a pseudo-arabic vein, and swirling into space. The bass comes rolling in just as hard, and the drums get the skins pounded off them throughout. Just when you think this song is at it's absolute limit, it manages to crank it up harder than ever. It's hard to choose, but I think this may be my favorite of the album.

We travel next to the land of unplugged ballads, and we meet "Falling Away With You" there. It may not solve Pi, or do your taxes for you, but if you listen to the lyrics you'll find an achingly sweet song of regret.

Now, my theory on the interlude track before "Hysteria" (not to be confused with Def Leppard) is that they want you to hear the amps crying before they explode. When simple waves of feedback and hum give way to the track proper, you're immediately plunged into driving guitars that are racing all the way to the end. The licks here are as sweet as honey, and hit like the stinger's still in there too. Side effects may include dizziness and shortness of breath...

The strings come to visit on "Blackout", and make for one of the more beautiful melancholy songs I've ever heard. Matt uses his voice here like an instrument, at times almost playing the notes like another violin or cello. Truly wonderful stuff, if a bit too short.

We're back on the sweeping rock opera bus with "Butterflies and Hurricanes" that crawls along the underpinning bass plucking, and then rides the pianos and guitars home. There's a distinct focus on making the vocals easy to hear on this one, and with good measure, since it's really an uplifting and positive song.

There's enough attitude in "Small Print" to spread over a whole album. From the palpable sneer to the vocals, to that grinding guitar screaming along taunting you, this song bullies you into liking it while it's stealing your lunch money.

"Endlessly" is proof that Muse can do well even when they're not blaring at you. This subdued number is stripped down with snareless drums, and the pump of an organ's bass pedal. It's a love song, and it's clever enough to fool you into thinking it's tender.

"Thoughts of a Dying Athiest" is just a bit of silence. I suppose you can take from that what you will. I'm not going to chose now to jump into a philosophical discussion about religion. The album's almost over.

"Ruled By Secrecy" lifts us up to sweet heights, carried by a piano and voice. It's only fitting that a baroque opera of an album send us off with this wonderful morsel.

For all of it's sound and fury, this album gains depth in subsequent listenings. There are layers upon layers here (like parfait, I don't know nobody that don't like parfait), and picking out a new riff or melody is half the fun. Although you have to be mindful of the volume, this is also a very good album to listen to via headphones in the dark[act now, and we'll add instant dark - just close your eyes].

I don't know if you have some artists that you have found, and want everyone you know to have a listen to. I do, and Muse is definitely towards the top of my list. I don't even think this is my favorite album of theirs, but it's a great one.

Rating = * * * * out of 5 stars

TTFN

Although there are a lot of passings every day, I felt the need to mention that Paul Winchell has left us.

Although most known and loved as the voice of Tigger, Paul also voiced countless other animated characters from Gargamel to Dick Dastardly.

He was an accomplished ventriloquist, and also an inventor with 30 patents. One of those was for an early artificial heart design that went on to help develop the most popular model used today.

Although Paul officially stopped being the voice of Tigger in 1999, I'm sure things will be a little less bouncy in the 100 Acre Wood from here on in...

He's waxing his board, and shredding waves nice...Thrasher's for fries, and dinner at Grotto's for a slice...Santa Claus is going to town!

Remember The Time

While it may seem cruel, or odd to think of it right now, as we swelter this weekend in the sticky wonder that is the weather of the Delaware Valley, it's exactly six months until Christmas.

I'm still one of the biggest kids I know, and thrill to the idea of Christmas Day all the time. It's my favorite holiday, and I can't wait till we're back there again.

The truth be told, I still feel like last Christmas was just a little while ago. This year has been a study of Tempus Fugit. I just wish I could justify the speed because I was having so much fun.

That's just the bitterness of a 6-day, 18 hour schedule talking. I just need to write the word "Christmas" again so I'll smile.

If you'd like to read up a little on the official history of the Christmas holiday, then you can jingle over this.

Happy Holidays!

I can't see a "Power Glove" without thinking of "The Wizard". Damn you, Fred Savage...

Mindless Self Indulgence - You'll Rebel To Anything

ALBUM REVIEW

MSI's music is an acquired taste. It answers the question of "What would the jittery sugar-high punk rock of a kid off his meds sounds like"?

They are abrasive, and vulgar. Let's get that straight up front. If you're easily offended, then stick to James Taylor.

If you'd like to just try a taste of Atari-fueled madness, then come on in.

The album starts off typically enough with a healthy dose of self loathing in "Shut Me Up". It deflates any haters up front by letting you know that they're waiting for you to hate their music. Runner-up for best use of a whip crack in a song or composition.

"1989" is a manic rant that speaks of a simpler time, in a really loud and obnoxious voice. I like about half the songs on this album, and this isn't one of them.

I don't know if the parody is purposeful, or not, but "Straight To Video" showcases a really excellent Marilyn Manson delivery. Just latch on to the wonderful simile in the chorus about giving up, and going "like a bad girl, straight to video". Nice.

What can I say about "Tom Sawyer"? I'm a passing fan of Rush as a band, but a big fan of their music. What it basically boils down to is that I can't see the forest for the Lee. This cover crunches and speeds up the song itself, so the one thing I like is already gone. I'm not sure why MSI chose to cover this song, when I'm sure their humor and talents could have been put to better use twisting up something else.

The title track has some of the best lyrics I've seen the band produce. It strikes a chord with me. I'm so tired of all these bands making music about how messed up their parents treated them, and how awful life is. There are a crop of at least 30 or 40 of these pop punk bitches out right now that think if they smear enough mascara on, they can be Robert Smith while they play the X-Games and do a Mountain Dew commercial. Here's a sample of the chorus to give you an idea of what I mean: "Boo fuckin hoo you're not the only one whose life's a piece of shit
And yet miraculously somehow we all seem to deal with it". Great delivery, some nice start/stop touches make this sound more like what I'm used to from these guys. My favorite track of the album.

A little organ in the background on "What Do They Know?" makes the medicine go down. It's a little too "pretty" for my tastes, but not without merit.

Ahh, yes. We're back to lowest common denominator vulgarity. I bet you can't guess what the m & f stand for in "Stupid MF"? This track sounds like you're riding in an ambulance with the sirens wailing on it's way to Mercury. Lightning fast delivery, and a pause for refreshment right in the middle of the word "fucker" for the chorus. This may not suit my mood on a daily basis, but it brings a smile to my face when it does.

The hyperspace freakout that is "2 Hookers and an 8-Ball" will make your head spin. This track was actually performed live on their last record "Alienating Our Audience" too.

With "Prom", I've finally found the band that should have been playing for Carey White's little pig-blood party. I don't know if there's electronic horror camp as a defined genre yet, but I'm always ready for new things.

"Bullshit" is another one of my favorites from the album. Not only does it sound like it's a missing song from their first album, but Mindless Self Indulgence comes really close to a regular song at the beginning of this one. There's a really nice little guitar melody going before they put the spurs to her.

If the titles of the tracks, and my description of things haven't clued you in, this is not your average musical experience. This is pretty far out there in left field. The thing is, when they do it right, MSI can create some really fun and wonderfully loud decadence.

This album as a whole just sounded too produced. I prefer the gritty and smashed sound of their first studio LP "Frankenstein Girls Will Seem Strangely Sexy" (how's that for a unique title?). That record focused songs into vignettes that allowed for more impact, and furthered the feeling of ADD that epitomizes their style.

I'm all for getting better at the craft of producing, and getting better equipment, and things like that. I just hope that the next time around they realize that throwback isn't an evil word, and they can still make new with the old, and keep crazy folks like me smiling.

Rating = * * 1/2 out of 5 stars

Knock On Wood

If you're like me, (God willing in only this way, for your sake) then you really enjoy learning the origins of popular phrases.

Language is a wonderful thing, and although English is a mess, it does have some fascinating tidbits strewn about the place.

So, if you're at all interested in checking on some etymology, then you can check these out - thing one and thing two .

There are a ton of other sites, and more than a few books dedicated to this, but I thought I'd throw out a few sites to give you a good tour of the basics. These origins make for some better than average water cooler chit-chat, even if it does bring you dangerously close to the Cliff Clavin end of the spectrum.

It still makes for an interesting read though.

The Soviet Mind Game...

Coldplay - X & Y

ALBUM REVIEW

Coldplay's popularity is something that I personally believe is well deserved.

Are they pioneers, or visionaries....not quite.

What they do is take a solid foundation of a band, and continue to build upon it. This new album sees them adding more layers to their sound. At times it sounds a bit "over-produced" to me, but I like the depth and the concept overall.

If you've never tried a Coldplay album before, then you really should. Lead vocalist Chris Martin has one of the better voices in popular music, and makes the most of it on almost every song they make. Not to oversimplify what sets this band apart, but it's Chris' voice and the piano. Here is a band that's not afraid to add the sound of a piano (and we're not talking a keyboardist either). There have been many comparisons between Coldplay and Radiohead. While I think that those comparisons have some merit, I feel that it should be a compliment to both bands in question.

Let's take a look at the tracks this time around:

The album starts with what sounds to me like a not-so-subtle tribute to 2001 - A Space Odyssey, and begins in typical Coldplay fashion. Then, there's a U2 song inserted in the middle, including vocals, and then the song wraps up as a Coldplay song again. Aside from the schitzophrenic nature of the beast, I think that "Square One" is a nice start to things.

"What If" starts as a quiet piano song, and builds up into the crescendo that exemplifies Coldplay's sound. If it ain't broke, then don't fix it.

"White Shadows" should be one of my favorites off of the album, just based on the cool title alone. Unfortunately, for me, this is one of the songs that sounds like they're trying too hard. The canned drums and synthesized bassline don't really do the song any favors.

Coldplay is very skilled at making achingly touching songs. From their first hit "Yellow" they've proven that they can evoke tenderness and longing in a pop hit. "Fix You" is just such a song. It's very basic, and in the simplicity of the arrangement, all you get are the best nuances of Martin's voice. Definitely my highest ranked track on the disc.

Now, you may think I'm way off base here, but the guitar at the beginning of "Talk" sounds like bagpipes to me. I can close my eyes, and hear the sad timbre of the pipes in that opening lick. Although I usually tend to enjoy the more understated, and eclectic songs, this one is uptempo and brilliant. The Kraftwerk enthusiasts out there may recognize the influence on this track as well.

I wonder how many albums have good title tracks? That would be an interesting thing to study at some point. I would definitely have to include "X & Y" on that list. Not only do we have the melodies here, but we add the element of a string section that's here for real musical value and not just effect. It's not a symphony, but the way the guitar and the violins mimic each other is definitely good music.

It's long been the treasure of the fans that buy entire albums that they discover all the tracks that are leaps and bounds better than the radio single. This is almost always true. "Speed of Sound" may wreck the curve a little bit. This is a very well made song, and a good place for someone to get their first taste of the band. It's a good sampling of their best elements: that piano I love, the falsetto melodies, and the solid work of the band to bring it all together.

"A Message" is the song that would end up in the acoustic portion of a live performance, and be punctuated at the closing with the squeals of young ladies who think it's the sweetest thing they've ever heard, and jealous of Gwynneth Paltrow(singer Chris Martin's wifey). It's very soft and mellow, and the love ballad of the year thus far.

"Low" is another well made song. I enjoy the phrasing of the verses here, and the way lyrics are sort of casually tossed at the listener in an almost under-your-breath sigh. It's a love song about giving a damn.

The "Hardest Part" doesn't quite leave an impression on me. Lyrically, I'm sold, but the song just never really grabs me. Despite the piano to the fore, and everything, I just never seem to be won over with this one.

The sing-song nature of "Swallowed In The Sea" makes me wonder if it wasn't a lullaby from the new dad singer. When you get past the delivery, what you find underneath is a sweet song. The rhyming here may seem nursery, but the sentiment is post-graduate work.

We end things off with another song that gains momentum from quiet beginnings. "Twisted Logic" benefits from jangly guitars, and also the inclusion of a bonus track. "Til Kingdom Come" is a folksy country offering originally written for the late great Johnny Cash. While I would have loved to hear the Man In Black take it on, it's a nice little hidden send off here.

I think that this is another solid effort from Coldplay overall. Their albums tend to just get better each time you listen to them. While I still feel that "A Rush of Blood To the Head" is their best album running, this is a very good listen. I'm rating it based on the comparison to their other recordings, so please don't think that I'm not recommending it...

Rating = * * * 1/2 out of 5 stars

Given To Fly

Ahh, summertime and the livin' is easy...

Happy solstice to everyone. I wanted to take a moment here, and reflect on the higher ideals in life.

However, I was interrupted from that by one of those things that you want to believe is fake. Of all the commercials I've seen recently, this one seemed the most likely to be a parody.

The sad fact is that there really is a fledgling group of aircraft now being run by the Hooters organization.

It's just a sad state of affairs when a man can't just wait to get to his vacation spot to get his T & A, and feels the need to supplement that on his journey there.

If you don't believe me, or just can't help yourself, then click this .

Hiding his face in shame, Gerald realized that he had sealed his fate when he chose the Peter Lorre stool...

Beck - Guero

ALBUM REVIEW

If you are familiar at all with Beck Hansen's music, then this album should come as no surprise.

He's been the most dazzlingly funky white boy since he hit the scene with "Loser".

I love all his albums, and this one is no different. He continues to create musical tracks like fine cuisine. They may have some of the same ingredients as something he's prepared before, but they are each unique and delicious in their own right.

Although it may go against critical acclaim and thinking, I'm glad that Beck decided to steer back towards his roots on this album. His last outing, Sea Change, was not exactly something you'd want playing on suicide watch. Somber folk to the nth degree. Well done, but not really something you want to have in heavy rotation.

This album maintains it's fair share of samples and wonderful beats, courtesy of the Dust Brothers. It also manages to work new levels of musicality to the tracks. Even though by definition Beck's sound is the brainchild of the mixing table, there are songs here that you can really feel the band on.

With that, I'm sure this album will translate very well to the stage. If you've never had the treat of attending a Beck concert, please do so at your earliest convenience. You will not be disappointed. He is a consummate performer, and his DJ will make your head spin.

Let's examine each track along this trip by the barrio, through the backwoods, and into outer space discoland.

We kick things off with the radio single "E-Pro". It may not win any songwriter awards with it's na-na-na chorus, but the thing here is the beat. While it's courtesy of my favorite Beastie Boys song, it's tweaked here with some guitar crunch that goes down like a bowl of Boo-Berry on Saturday morning.

"Que Onda Guero" is straight from the street corner bodega. You can practically feel the dusty heat of the city, as Beck gives props to the latino backstreets. From the muted horns that sound like they're blasting from a circa 1982 boombox to the loping syncopation of the whole song, it's a gem.

"Girl" could easily be the very best musical bastard of the Beach Boys and Arlo Guthrie ever spawned. If you took the surf and the folk, and mushed them up with Beck brushing up on his croonerism, then there you have it. It's bright, cheery, and just generally a feel-good tune. (Not to be confused with feel-good movies, which I traditionally can do without)

Ah, yes. The cool breeze wafts past the cabana, and the smell of cocoa butter is only surpassed by pina colada, and here we find "Missing". With more bossa nova than a little bit, Beck dons an almost lounge delivery, and chalks up another favorite of mine. Although he doesn't go to this well too often, when he does, he usually comes through smooth. [see also "Tropicalia" from his Mutations album]

How often does something so white get so purple? If you don't believe in channeling, then you just might after hearing the way "Black Tambourine" puts Deep Purple's "Hush" in Beck's hands. There's something in the swagger of Beck's voice on this track that makes you believe he's the long lost cousin to the Rat Pack, and only the two of you know it. Toe tapping good times to be had by all.

"Earthquake Weather" breaks out the lava-lamp mack vibe. There's enough psychedelic bells and whistles here to give you a flashback even if you're sober. Just lay your head back in that beanbag chair, and mellow out.

There isn't one track on this album that I don't like something about, but this next one I like everything about. "Hell Yes" is as much fun as the title implies. It's 100% digital funk destined for cardboard and shelltops from here to Mars. Domo Arigato, Beck san.

For those who really did miss the Sea Change sound, "Broken Drum" is about as close as you're going to get this time around. It's lingeringly slow tempo is backed by the almost sleepy delivery of Beck's vocals. I know it may sound weird, but I think that his voice sounds good when he slows things down like this. Not my A+ favorite, but not a dud either.

Lyrically the strongest song on the album, "Scarecrow" has a echoing, eerie feeling to it. Self-examination must be hard to sing, but it seems Beck has found a way. Not exactly an uptempo number, but I think there's charm there if you're open to it.

Now, it's time to slide on down to the Delta, and visit the revival tent for some hand-clapping testifying. "Go It Alone" is a bluesy treat with certifiable badass lyrics. Not that Beck tends to strike me as a tough guy, but he sure can write like he'd like to be.

Nothing like a funeral song to get you going. Here, we find Beck with his cowboy hat on again, and amidst the dobro licks; you can hear the dust of the trail on "Farewell Ride".

Okay, now we have the pick me up track. If you ever wondered what would happen if Jimi was awakened by a Strawberry Alarm Clock, then check out "Rental Car". We've got the snazzy backup singers, and the organs, and a groovy sound that's really far out.

Although it's flavored with many things, "Emergency Exit" is at it's heart an old spiritual. The rhythmic pounding of the beat, and the melodies here speak to the songs of labor; of the field, the hammer, and the struggle.

Now, if you bought this at your local music chain, or pretty much anywhere else in the US for that matter, that's where your party ends. If you went for the deluxe treatment, then you can get the special 2-disc version of this album that snags you a DVD and some bonus tracks for your dollars.

If you don't want to quite go in for that because you think it's gauche, then you could just upgrade to the Japanese Import of "Guero" and come away with 3 very tasty bonus tracks.

The first of which is "Send A Message To Her" which finds Beck trying to convince you that Pete Best is a sucker, and he's really the missing Beatle. I challenge you to not find this song catchy.

Then we have a loud bunch of feedback freakout that would seem like a frenzied mess anywhere else. Maybe "Chain Reaction" is nothing more, but it's worth finding out for yourself.

Lastly, we have a show-stopper of a jungle beat with "Clap Hands". With the titular hand-claps within, this song can get the animals running better than Tarzan. I feel bad for any fan that doesn't have this Beck song.

So, there are some songs that I could skip over here if I was making a Beck compilation. That being said, there are also many that I couldn't think of leaving out. This isn't a perfect album, but it's a new experiment. Sometimes the science is in the method, and not every result. I would definitely recommend this album to you all, even if you've never bought a Beck album before. There are enough styles and subtleties layered within to provide lots of replay value for a good long time...

Rating = * * * * out of 5 stars

Everybody Have Fun Tonight

Okay, here's the thing.

It's not bad enough that someone decided to create a cringe-worthy experience for television like bringing one hit wonders back to sing their hits, and then a current pop song.

It's not enough that they called that show "Hit Me Baby One More Time", and then decided to have it hosted by a Tom Wellig wannabe,limey dumbass.

The worst thing is...I watch this show. My evenings at Comcast are such that we typically watch the usual primetime drivel. I have broadened my co-workers horizons by watching a block of Food Network in the afternoon, and some other good shows.

Watching tonight's show was quite a surprise. If I had a DVR box, or a Tivo, or even a VCR that was still hooked up, I would have wanted to catch tonight's show. Bravo actually plays the reruns on Sundays. Check your local listings, and brace yourself.

The format is setup so that each performer does their hit tune, and then comes back and does their version of a new popular song. Tonight, I was totally sucker punched by something that should have been the worst idea ever, and ended up being the high point of my night.

Wang Chung came out, and started the show by running through "Everybody Have Fun Tonight". It's wasn't great, but not too shabby either. Then, when asked what song they would be doing later on in the show, they came up with Nelly's "Hot In Herre".

That is not a typo(despite the fact that the song itself is spelled incorrectly, apparently to be more "gangsta").

What happens next is truly amazing. They come out on stage with backup dancers, and they proceed to rap through the song, and DO IT WELL!!

Now, I know that Nelly makes some of the whitest rap around, but you have to see this to believe it.

Two middle-aged, used-to-be's from London are on stage rapping better than any white boy has a reason to. (Not including Mr's Diamond, Yauch & Horovitz, with special exceptions also for MC's Paul Barman, Chris, and Serch.

It was a very surreal experience, and if any of you have a chance, please take the time to let it blow your mind too...

Yours Truly...

Eyes of a Child

Have you ever had one of those days when you wish you were a cartoon character?

If so, then you may want to indulge yourself here.

Even if you don't have weird thoughts like that, you owe it to yourself to check this out. You can use a bevy of simple tools to make a South Park version of you, or a loved one. I made up one for each person at my office, and it was received with an instant "dude, you have GOT to send that to me!".

The worst thing I can say is that you do have to just copy and paste your finished product into the graphic editor of your choice. The best thing I can tell you about this is that it's a lot of fun, and if you try out things, you'll be amazed at how uncanny the resemblance can truly be...

Not being satisfied with only one ripe fruit, Jack continued to search the guitar tree...

Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams

ALBUM REVIEW

I love music. It's only fitting that I add some music reviews to my blog here, and try to give you my opinion on some of the albums that I snag. We're going to start with something fairly recent, but don't be surprised to see entries in the future that run the gamut in both time and space.

Jack Johnson is a Hawaiian. The laid back current of that fact is present in everything he does. From his mellow vocal delivery to the overall vibe of relaxation across this disc, it's hard not to slip into the groove and hum along.

You can easily picture these songs being played on an acoustic guitar around a bonfire on the beach. Sometimes, there's enough blues flavor that you could see a song coming from a street performer huddled over his guitar case on Bourbon Street. There's also a lot of lines about love, and a gentle reminiscence to the delivery on a lot of the songs that make this album something you could fall asleep to (and I mean that in a good way).

The album starts off with the very catchy and sentimental "Better Together". A good sampling of what's to come for the remainder of the ride.

Next, we stroll into "Never Know", which rolls along on the rhythm of strumming guitar, and builds into one of the more contagious choruses around. The delivery on said chorus is almost self-parody, by drawing out each refrain into long, lingering notes, but you'll be hard pressed not to sing right along with them.

"Banana Pancakes" is a quirky love anthem of wasting a day in bed. It has some of the best lyrics of the album, and a wonderful playful side to it.

I'm not sure if there have been more than one single released from this album, but it seems to me that "Good People" is earmarked for that task. It has enough of the blues flavor going on, another top notch and singable chorus, and a viable question asking where all the good people have gone.

We next travel down an almost country road, with the lolling gait of "No Other Way". Once again, the simple arrangement of acoustic guitar to the fore, and a simple feel to the arrangement of the song creates a nice ride. I enjoy the lyrics on this one, because it almost sounds more like a poem being read, than a song being built.

The very accessible, and instantly enjoyable single, "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" isn't the best track on the album, but it's a lot better than most singles. Here's Jack Johnson with his blues turned on high, and the plaintive croon paying dividends on the chorus.

"Staple It Together" puts a spin on things, and actually has a better bassline than guitars for a change. Sort of an almost funky tune, but never taking it past radio-friendly.

Now, we have a vignette that seems a bit self-indulgent to me. "Situations" comes across as either an attempt to deliver a song by concentrate, or the germ of a song that was never fully developed. It feels sort of lost on the album, and could as easily leave you feeling the same way.

I've done my very best to point out the good, even on tracks that aren't really the stallions of the stable, but "Crying Shame" is really my least favorite track. Not only do the lyrics seem haphazard, but it's an attempt at a political/protest song almost by proxy. You can tell that it's put in there just to enhance the credibility of the "sensitive singer-songwriter". It seems phoned in, and I'd just as soon use caller ID, and wait for a better song.

In contrast to the last track, "If I Could" is one of my favorites. The guitar starts you off on a rhythm that you can't get away from, and the lyrics are poignant and interesting throughout.

There's a charming ache to the song "Breakdown" that I can't help but like. It speaks of losing time and touch, and it's playfully bittersweet through and through.

Now, next on the program we have another "snippet" of a song that actually does work. While I would prefer it to last longer, "Belle" starts off with some dexterous fret work, and then starts popping French. By the time you have your bearings again, it's already gone. It actually leaves you wanting more, and I think that's a good thing.

"Do You Remember" takes us on a journey. The arc of a relationship is caught in this time capsule, and you can almost feel the highs and lows of the whole thing. A very enjoyable song that almost sounds like something that should be played on someone's back porch.

We round out the disc with "Constellations" which is the closest thing to a lullaby I've ever enjoyed being awake for. There's a hushed tone to his voice here that just guides everything else, and makes for a very nice closer.

Overall, the best thing that I can say about this album is that I can almost listen to the whole thing through without skipping anything. The worst criticism that I think most people would level at it is that a lot of the tracks sound the same, and there aren't really any standout songs. Jack Johnson has always made music to chill by, and if you go into it ready to enjoy that, I'm sure that you'll be satisfied. You may end up being impressed by his chops, both vocal and guitar, but I think it's hard not to appreciate his effort for making a purely musical album from start to finish.

Rating = * * * * out of 5 stars

There Can Be Only One

In the world of martial arts cinema, that one is an unfamiliar name.

His name is Tony Jaa, and his film is Ong Bak.

It's an intense and raw movie. Tony is destined to become a household name. There's a fluidity, and authenticity to his moves. Most martial arts stars can actually do about half of the things that they perform in movies. With this movie, you almost forget that these fights are choreographed, and it's not real. Tony looks like he's really kicking people's asses.

If you'd like to see a small sampling of the wonderment, then put an elbow strike here.

If you want to see the whole thing, then you only have to wait until August 30th, when this becomes available on DVD. I broke down and downloaded an international copy of this about 6 months ago, and I'm really looking forward to owning a professional transfer...

A Dratsco Production...

My Name is Mok

I know this is short notice, but gentlemen, start your wallets!

This coming Tuesday heralds another cult classic of animation in a snazzy, two-disc special edition.

Welcome to the world of Rock & Rule!!!! (Thank you London, goodnight!)

If you know what this is, then you're probably really jazzed about this news. If you've never heard of this, but you're intrigued, let me try to tempt you.

Imagine a Bakshi-esque [don't know who I'm referencing, check here]anime-style romp. Think Heavy Metal, but not as heavy. Then, throw the music of Debbie Harry, Lou Reed, Cheap Trick, and Earth, Wind & Fire in the mix.

If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, then you don't know your oolong, buddy. For the rest of us, it's time to reunite with Angel and Omar's struggle, and dig on the "Hot Dogs & Sushi" good times...

Dark Night

for dusk to die in the ash of night
high flung cinder shines as moon
over all the clean linens in a dirty home
whose address is my own

long hailed by small audiences
short sold to his own desires
widely known to be a contradiction
thinly veiled in the trappings of a man

drawing flies and circles for line of sight
lines in the sand like high noon
learning enough to plot a tome
only wingless from the moment flown

the muses are at odds, furies infuriated
with the mold too sad for God to break
visit the hostel where love checks in phony
but every guest is ultimately ejected

here, the threadbare hopes once luxuriated
by the fireplace that burned all it could take
soft dreams waxed hard and stoney
and a defective soul has quietly defected

one path led to the abyss
yet one heart beat the opposition
now i stumble more than i walk at all
and wonder if i have wandered amiss

for the curse i bring in closeness
is the only way i can stay alive
if each embrace shatters both hearts
cry heaven to be mended

how can my indescribable bliss
haunt this darkness like an apparition
i rend and tear, and slip and stall
but point my mouth towards each kiss

my mind builds rooms with no lights
so my shadow won't be afraid of it's love
my young heart with childhood in tow
is terrified because i'm afraid of my dark

and in the whisper of these stygian nights
i shudder with what i'm most fearful of
no matter how hard I try, I'm still so low
what if that's why i miss the mark

some days, some nights, some live, some die in the way of the samurai...

Ni Ten Ichi Ryu

ANIME REVIEW - SAMURAI CHAMPLOO (VOLUME 1 & 2)

Samurai Champloo is brought to us by director Shinichiro Watanabe, creator of Cowboy Bebop.

Similar to that masterful jazz and blues infused series, this series has found a way to make the soundtrack integral, and the anime far greater than the sum of it's parts.

Our story is representative of it's namesake (champloo is a word used in Asian cooking to describe the combination of many items and flavors). It adds equal parts of frenetic martial arts combat with hip-hop irreverence. Our three main ingredients are: Mugen, a scruffy wanderer with a temper as short as his appetite is long; Jin, a stoic ronin with an ice-cold air of mystery; Fuu, a wild child of a waitress with a quest for revenge, and for keeping the boys from killing each other along the way.

Volume One contains the first four episodes. Here's a brief description for each:

Episode One - Tempestuous Temperaments - Two travelers mete out their own justice, and meet with swords drawn in the process. Only one girl can use her "womanly" wiles to save them...

Episode Two - Redeye Reprisal - A one-handed man's revenge is unleashed by way of a huge scythe-wielding monster. Also, never trust hotties serving sake...

Episode Three - Hellhounds for Hire (Part 1) - When Mugen and Jin decide to ditch Fuu, and split up, they end up at odds with one another once again as they work for opposing clans. All three have to do their best not to get screwed...

Episode Four - Hellhounds for Hire (Part 2) - As Fuu is doing her best to settle things peacefully, honor and duty are the key to ending the feud, not Mugen's rampage...

Volume Two contains the next four episodes. And here's a synopsis for each one:

Episode Five - Artistic Anarchy - Fuu becomes a model for an artist with questionable connections, and Mugen and a detective labor to rescue her. Jin plays a chess game in more ways than one...

Episode Six - Stranger Searching - We start with an eating contest, and end up with one of the funniest lines of the series. In between, you can cue up the Blur song "Boys and Girls" as boys who like boys watch boys dressed as girls...

Episode Seven - A Risky Racket - A boy's desire to help his sick mother pushes him to the wrong side of the law. Fuu falls victim, and ends up being a friend to the family...

Episode Eight - The Art of Altercation - One man's quest to take on a master with glasses puts him on a collision course with Jin, and all the beatboxing theme music in the world can't help him once they meet...

This series is a standard 26 episode affair, and although the stories have meandered a bit already, there's one constant - style. This series is all about style. It's not always over substance, but it's always cool. I'm looking forward to making the rest of this series a part of my collection, and I'm definitely trying to snag the soundtrack. From the opening theme of "Battlecry" to the jazzy "Song of Four Seasons" ending tune, it's all worthwhile.

If you'd like to take a closer look at some things, then please check any or all of these sites here: ichi - ni - san . If you're looking for the best place to snag the DVD's, then look no further than here for the best price on most domestic anime titles (and most DVD's in general, really)...

It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights...

The Rainbow Connection

One of the enduring wonders of my childhood is finally making it's way to DVD in full season format the way God intended.

In two months from now, you will be able to own the entire first season of The Muppet Show. This is definitely one of the top ten shows ever made, and something that I'm very happy about.

I'm quite the fan of pretty much anything that Jim Henson every put his hand to. If you're interested in a wonderful book to give the scoop on his work from the beginning, then I suggest you click here and enjoy. That book is too good to be piled in with other "coffee table" books of it's ilk. There are too many great stories, and wonderful photos. It's more like a scrapbook of family memories to me.

For a look at the official press release for this set, look no further than here .

Bonus of bonuses, I get the Vincent Price episode in this set too. Huzzah!

Tiger who?

Swingin'

Ahh, the zen-like tranquility of the course. The gentle murmur of the water as it cascades down the stones. The verdant breeze filled with honeysuckle. An iron club in my hand.

Yes, this Sunday found me enjoying the sunny weather playing miniature golf (because the "real" stuff with the carts and snobs can piss off).

Miniature golf makes me feel like a kid, even though I've played more of it as a young adult, and now an older adult, than I ever did as a child. While I don't pretend to be good at it, I still always have a good time playing.

It's rather a lot like billiards. While I understand the fundementals of the game, I lack the time to dedicate to practice and become proficient.

Miniature golf courses seem to be fading away in most places. They seem to only be able to maintain them down at the shore, and other tourist traps.

If anyone happens to know of a good, quality course around these parts, then let me know.

I received a report from my friend Doug. He let me know that a new course is nearly complete up in the Lancaster area. Since I tend to make semi-regular pilgrimages in that area (the outlets, and the Fuddruckers do call me so), we definitely plan on making a day of that in the near future.

Although I know the local forecast is a bit on the schitzo side this week; I would encourage everyone to go play a round of miniature golf soon. There's something transcendent about putting through a windmill...

Man In the Mirror

If what people say is true about everyone having a twin somewhere in the world, then I have an idea where mine may live.

Although I don't know if your twin is supposed to have opposite tastes, and interests, what I've discovered is a bit odd.

If you want to see what my first name's projects in Filipino music promotion looks like, then click here

If you want to see where my surname's twin would live, then click on over yonder to get a look at Remlap, AL.

It's a strange little world we live in, and I do all I can to prove it.

Random act of violets...

Here Comes the Bride...

I know that I haven't gotten around to writing up a list of some of my favorite films or directors as of yet. I will do my best to remedy that in the near future.

In the meantime, there is a project on the horizon (release date September 23rd) that I am most anxiously awaiting. To give you an idea, I'm a Star Wars geek, and THIS is the movie I'm most looking forward to seeing this year.

Tim Burton has taken on a classic and creepy Russian fairy tale, and is making a stop-action animated film of "The Corpse Bride".

It's no secret that I'm infatuated with The Nightmare Before Christmas. One of my top three movies of all time - bar none.

If you've been living under a rock that lives under that rock that people always ask if you live under if you haven't heard of something, then please go buy that movie and watch it 100 times. We'll all meet you back here in the five days that would take you.

Needless to say, I'm very happily counting down the months to this new film. If you haven't seen the trailer yet, then take the pause that refreshes here.

If that's not quite enough for you, and you'd like to get a nice synopsis of the plot, some in depth discussions about the whole process, and a few stills from the set itself, then check this out.

It's a report from Ain't It Cool News by Moriarity. He's Harry Knowles' (creator of said site) right hand man, and someone who's views and reviews on movies I trust.

From the tale itself, to the voice cast, and most importantly - the animation style and the hand that guides it all - I'm 100% on board. I can't wait for three more months to fly by at the speed that this whole year has zoomed so far...

Playin' the hits top to bottom 'cuz you know we got 'em...

How I Could Just Kill A Man...

Although I did warn you early on in my posts that this would be a scary place to visit, it appears that I may have frightened some readers by my post from last night.

I assure you that while everything in it was genuine, my resolve is steadfast. There's nothing to fear but fear itself.

Besides, "I haven't killed anyone since 1984".

Everything is cool.

What you witnessed there was akin to the whistling of a pressure cooker. It's a necessary vent. It prevents explosions, and that's a good thing.

No voy a matar a cualquier persona...ahora.

So, in conclusion, everything is everything. In the vein of my recent post, I have placed a calming image above to counterpoint my little caricature from yesterday (although there was a striking resemblance there). I could only hope to be as hip as Mel Mounds one day...heck, I'd just like to be half as cool as that afro...

We're gonna turn it on...we're gonna bring you the power...We're gonna light up the dark of night like the brightest day in a whole new way!

The Electric Slide

We're going to play a little phrase association. When I say, "HEY YOU GUYS!" what is the first thing that comes to mind?**

If you were a child of the 70's, with any access to a television, this probably conjures up fond memories of a world of silliness and Spiderman. The world of The Electric Company.

Although I'm still patiently waiting for the release of the old school Sesame Street shows that I grew up with (not the new Elmo-fied mutation), I have some very groovy news.

Apparently, we should have The Electric Company on DVD later this year. You can see the article for yourself right here


**Although predated by Rita Moreno by about nine years, the other acceptable answer would have been Sloth from The Goonies**

Jason currently feels: You want a smiley? Here's my f#cking smiley!!

Violent Mood Swings...

There are nights when the darkness isn't just an absence of the sun for me. For every good moment in a single day, I have a corresponding shadow.

There are some people that would think that my anger tonight boils up from some petty selfishness. I think it's something more.

I work 18 hours a day, and I don't exaggerate when I say that I miss my wife for all of them. Half of that time is here on the overnight shift. At least 2/3 of the time that I'm here, the two people that I share this shift with sleep. This is not an exaggeration. I brought this to management's attention in my first month working here. I was reprimanded for my trouble.

Now, I have to tolerate the uvulal cacaphony in stereo as both of my "peers" snore their night away. Knowing full well that if I made a similar lapse, it would be caught and reported...knowing that they are getting paid just the same...knowing that the excuses for supervisors here will never say a thing. Wishing for all the world that I could spend this time at home instead, and coming very close to sacrilege. So very close to praying for their deaths...

I've stated it before, and I'll reiterate it here for posterity's sake. My wife draws me to the better things in this world by her very nature. I make no mistake in understanding her role in my sanity and temperament. May God create in me a more loving man each day, and barring that, may he allow me to die before her.

Not that I would want to ever abandon her in any way, but so that I would never give in to the baser desires of what is essentially a heart of rage in her absence from me.

INSERT EXERPT FROM FLAWED FILM WITH SOME GREAT MOMENTS HERE:

Even now I can feel it, buried somewhere deep inside.
Watching me...waiting.

But you know what scares me the most?
When I can't fight it anymore, when it takes over, when I totally lose control...

I like it!

Experience the sleek European sports car stylings...

Geek USA...

I know this news is about a week old, but have you seen the sweetness that is the new Playstation3? (well, of course you have now, because the picture is right up above)

Not only does she look pretty, but as expected, the games that will be available for launch are much more impressive than it's rival. Although XBox gets the jump on the release, and should have Christmas to itself, it's still all about the Sony.

On top of all of that, peep the technical spec comparison

Things are tipped in Sony's favor. That doesn't even really take into account the fact that Sony's machine is being built on an entirely new chip platform made from the ground up by IBM. It also barely touches on the fact that NVIDIA is designing the graphics chip for the Sony as well. Now, from a PC standpoint, ATI has been the 800lb gorilla of the market for quite some time, but with the advent of NVIDIA's SLI breakthrough and a real attention to design, they've finally gotten the upper hand.

If you put all of that in perspective with the Blu-ray DVD trump card, then it would seem that the Playstation is still going to come out of this on top. Although they're a bit of a juggernaut themselves, I like the idea of them continuing to beat up on billionaire Bill.

For all of you XBox purists, please don't take any offense. I'm sure it's very rewarding to buy an entire game system just to play Halo...

Synchronicity...

Have you happened upon the subculture of audio mash-ups?

One of the more famous examples is the Grey Album. It's the product of DJ Danger Mouse, and it blends together Jay-Z's "Black Album" with the Beatles "White Album". While I think the album and the genre itself are a bit hit or miss at this point, it's a fascinating musical niche.

There are some truly bizarre combinations out there that would appear to be as grotesque as relish ice cream. Imagine crunching together The Rolling Stones and Biz Markie? It's been done. While the majority of the tunes do seem to pair something with rap, there are a wide range of goodies out there to be found. I won't kid you. There are some real failures, and painful dogs out there, but then again, there's plenty of those in any genre of music nowadays. I like the spirit of the thing, and even when they fail, you can usually see where the creator was trying to go.

Believe it or not, I said all of that to get to this. I stumbled over something that has the potential to be a wonderful mash-up of a different kind. Submitted for your approval, imagine a world where an afro-wearing samurai voiced by Samuel L. Jackson wreaked havok on a plethora of bad guys in a gritty, anachronistic anime? This is the next best thing to Jim Kelly in Black Belt Jones and Black Samurai! This is sort of a time-twister, alternatate reality version of what might have happened if Jules from Pulp Fiction went ahead and "walked the earth". If you'd like to get a glimpse at some of the art designs, and download some bitchin' wallpaper from the original promo manga, then here's your egress.

This one is definitely going on my radar, and I can't imagine it not ending up in my collection...

Istanbul(not Constantinople)...

The Provenance of Croissants -

Although a croissant still suggests "breakfast in Paris" to many of us, its origins are actually Hungarian. In 1686, Hungarian bakers working the night shift to prepare morning pastries heard Turkish invaders tunneling under the city. Thanks to the bakers' warning, the Hungarian army was able to rally and defeat the Turks. The Hungarian government rewarded the bakers with a mandate to create a pastry in the shape of the crescent symbol on the Turkish flag. Soon all of Europe was nibbling on the symbol of Turkish defeat...

Uncomfortable...

Part of my mornings involves making outbound calls to people early in the day (7am EST). While this in and of itself is a nuisance that I'd just as soon not be a part of, there are some things that I just refuse to do.

We have a client that is located in a particular city in New York. We're required to state that we're calling from that client if we get to speak to anyone or leave a message.

I refuse to work any of the cases from a credit union in Coxsackie. Who's bright idea was it to name a town this? Is this a Native American word for jock itch? Did someone have this unfortunate thing as a surname? Was their first idea for the town "Dickballs"?

What makes this even worse is the other item that I discovered. I have access to the internet, and a lot of free time, so I actually searched this place out. In the process, I found out that there's actually a coxsackie virus. It's transmitted by feces, and can develop into meningitis and encephalitis.

The next time someone asks me where I'm from (Delaware native), and I have to explain to them that it's not somewhere in Pennsylvania, I'll be thankful that I don't have all the colorful backstory that a Coxsackian can lay claim to.

Yeesh...

me

Give Me Sight Beyond Sight...

Cat Scratch Fever...

While this may be old news to those of you that are fanatical fans, it's wonderful to know that we're finally getting the Thundercats first season on DVD. Not only does it include 33 Episodes, but since it's the first season, we get to see Lion-O struggle through the trials with each of the other Thundercats. Although I haven't jumped on the bandwagon by buying some of the 80's cartoons that I love(Transformers, G.I. Joe, etc), this set really appeals to me. Just check out the cover art above...