Walking Out Of Stride

2006-12-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

I was lucky to get a couple tickets for the Beck show on Saturday. This was a warm-up gig at a small club called the Echo in Silverlake. A bigger KROQ show followed Sunday night. Funny that I've never seen Beck before and getting to see him in an intimate setting made it that much sweeter. Highlights included "Hell Yes", "Paper Tiger", and "Black Tambourine". Here's a few pics.

2006-12-03T21:59:00.000-08:00

It's been a while. Things are good in California. Anytime you can hit the beach on December 3rd with your shirt off is a good thing. I first want to say congratulations to the Ohio State Buckeyes as they will take on the Florida Gators in Glendale, Arizona on January 8th for the college football national championship. Now all I need is a ticket. Troy Smith will pick-up his Heisman trophy next Saturday and attribute it to the guys up front. Hopefully he will be raising another trophy consisting of crystal and shaped like a mini-football soon.

Also a shout out to the big man Greg Oden for making it back from the wrist injury a month ahead of schedule for the #1 ranked Buckeye men's basketball team. Things are about to get real interesting on the hard-court.

Top 10 Albums of 2006
10. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Show Your Bones
09. Badly Drawn Boy - Born In The U.K.
08. Muse - Black Holes & Revelations
07. The Kooks - Inside In/Inside Out
06. The Futureheads - News & Tributes
05. Dirty Pretty Things - Waterloo To Anywhere
04. Bob Dylan - Modern Times
03. The Fratellis - Costello Music
02. We Are Scientists - Love & Squalor
01. Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

Here are a couple pics from the Noel Gallagher and Gem acoustic show here in LA in late October. Noel and Gem have been touring in celebration of Oasis' greatest hits collection Stop The Clocks. Fans have been waiting for a Noel acoustic tour for 12 years and of course, it was a special night as the Chief pulled out favorites including bsides "Listen Up", "Fade Away", and "Half The World Away" among classic acoustic versions of "Slide Away", "Cast No Shadow", "Don't Look Back In Anger", and "Wonderwall". Noel played acoustic guitar while Gem strummed an electric, George Harrison like, while playing a little organ too. The show took place right up the hill from where I live in Brentwood. We actually walked to the show which is unheard of in LA.

2006-10-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

The last week has been a whirlwind of concerts, work, and thinking about Ohio State playing in Glendale on January 8, 2007. It started last Wednesday with the Badly Drawn Boy concert at the Troubadour.

I never walk out disappointed from a Badly Drawn Boy show. You're mesmerized by the tunes, comforted by the wooly hat, and entertained by the inner anger that fuels the indie, coffee house singing, Manchester native. Why is it that two of my favorite artists come from the industrial English city? I know, they not only make great music, but bleed confidence. Two qualities that mix well in rock-n-roll.

The next song is "Degrees of Separation" which leaves you stone footed. The beat in "Journey From A To B" will be in your head for weeks. This tune is reason enough to stop by the merch table on the way out to fork over your hard earned money for the new album Born In The UK. You know you have a good album in your hands when each week a different track is your new favorite.

The classics "Further I Slide" and "Silent Sigh", complete with a "Like A Virgin" piano-driven opening, fill-out the meat of the show. Finishing out the first set were first album highlights "The Shining", "Once Around The Block", and "Disillusion". Amid sounds problems that BDB described as "Fucking atrocious", the crowd assured him they were hearing only sweet music.

As Damon left the stage in a pissy mood, the crowd could see in the box above (that is the "backstage") that he wasn't happy, throwing a tirade over the sound problems. He declared he wouldn't return for the second night of two sold-out shows unless it was figured out. Twenty minutes later he graciously returned for an encore that included "Fall In A River", "Everybody's Stalking", "Pissing In The Wind", "Magic In The Air", and finally b-side favorite "Golden Days". I was lucky enough to get the new album's booklet signed by him outside the venue as he smoked a cigarette before the show.

On to Friday as the Two Gallants played to a packed house at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. The bluesy two-some rolled through songs from their first two albums and EPs with a calmness that was opposite to the melee with police only nights earlier in Houston, that included taser guns. If you don't know this band, pick-up The Throes.

Tuesday night came along with the one-off club show for the Beastie Boys at the Henry Fonda Theater. Equipped with patented orange jump suits and Mix Master Mike spinning the beats, the Beastie Boys restored the urban, old school hip-hop that only they can produce these days. They stormed the stage with opener "Root Down". The floor was bananas with a mix of crazy dancing, sing-alongs, hand waving, and clouds of smoke. "No Sleep Till Brooklyn", "So Whatcha Want", and "Egg Raid On Mojo" filled out the middle part of the 80 minute set. The show peaked with the lyrics from "Intergalactic", "...I'll stir-fry you in my wok". The BBoys shook the walls with a frantic version of "Sabotage" to close the set.

It's great the see the boys on a smaller scale. Although I don't think they have the greatness they once possessed to control an arena, the small venue gave an intimate feel that was all love. MCA is full salt-n-pepper up top, with Ad Rock showing no signs of aging, including three straight screw-ups that warranted a time-out in the corner from Butthead look-a-like Mike D. The Beastie Boys left LA with everyone thinking it was off the hizzee.

Wednesday night rolls around with the first LA appearance for the Brighton band The Kooks at the Spaceland in Silverlake, CA. We showed up early as tickets were gobbled up by industry types, establishing a spot stage right in the small, 200 person capacity venue. Although the crowd was irritated by an 11:15pm take to the stage, only to be attributed to an in-store appearance, The Kooks rolled through their first album with a swagger. "Sofa Song", "She Moves In Her Own Way", "Eddie's Gun", and "You Don't Love Me" highlighted the set. The crowd chanted for album favorite "Jackie Big Tits" before the last song but were denied for some odd reason. Although a short set and no Jackie, it's always inspiring to see a good, young English band come across seas with much-hype and deliver an exciting set.

I know my bed time tv watching is spent on nightly, dual reruns of Scrubs. Don't forget that new episodes of the quirky, hospital comedy start November 30.

Also, professional golf legend and OSU alumnus Jack Nicklaus will be dotting the "i" during the half-time show of Saturday's Ohio State game against Minnesota. He joins former Ohio State President Novice G. Fawcett, actor/comedian Bob Hope, former Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes and OSU ticket director Bob Ries as only the fifth non-member of TBDBITL to the accorded the honor. Go Bucks!

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Kings Of Leon San Francisco, CA 10.15.06
Badly Drawn Boy San Francisco, CA 10.15.06
Beastie Boys New York City, NY 10.04.06

2006-10-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

I'm still buzzing from the Kasabian show last week at the Fonda Theater but I'll slow things down folk-style tomorrow night as Damon Gough, aka Badly Drawn Boy makes his way to Los Angeles' Troubadour for two sold-out shows. The last time I saw BDB I was at the Grog Shop in Cleveland with my mom warning her that his temper could blow at any time due to the hooligans in the back of the club talking over the wooly-wearing singer. Sure enough, BDB left the stage and made his through the crowd, who mostly only saw his bobbing stocking cap go by, and confronted the annoyance. A few smashed beer bottles later out of the hands of the hooligans, BDB stormed off the stage for a 45 minute delay. He returned, apologized and continued the show with a hilarious story about his first encounter with "The Boss", Bruce Springsteen. We left around 12:30am to head for home as he continued his marathon set.

Hopefully the show tomorrow night goes a bit smoother, as the BDB hits LaLa land to celebrate the release of his fifth album, Born in the UK, which hit stores Tuesday. It's his most personal album to date and is growing on me with every spin. It's mid-tempo rock at its best that will warm the chilled feeling of the coming of winter. Stand-out track and first single 'Nothing's Gonna Change Your Mind' finds BDB singing in a higher pitch that can only comfort the soul.

Click here to hear the new album, or here to listen to the AOL Sessions, or here to download a few live shows and sessions.

Click here to see the excellent new animated Oasis video for 'The Masterplan'. Oasisinet.com describes the video as follows:

"The animated video sees Oasis transported into a stunning world based entirely on the paintings of legendary northern artist L.S Lowry including subtle modern day twists and detailing."

Oasis will release a new EP entitled Stop The Clocks EP on November 13. It will feature two non-album classics 'The Masterplan' and 'Acquiesce' along with a demo version of 'Cigarettes & Alcohol' and a live take on 'Some Might Say'. The greatest hits collection Stop The Clocks will be released one week later on November 20.

Ah, an album to look forward to in the early new year. Sondre Lerche will follow-up his Duper Sessions with a new album entitled Phantom Punch due February 6, 2007. Lerche, who splits time between Norway and NYC with his wife model Mona Fastvold, promises that the album will pull the sounds of Brazil and psych-disco. Sounds fascinating.

On the metal front, Metallica will release a new DVD '2 of One' on December 4, featuring all of their promotional videos. Previously only available on VHS, the tracklisting is as follows:

'One'
'Enter Sandman'
'The Unforgiven'
'Nothing Else Matters'
'Wherever I May Roam'
'Sad But True'
'Until It Sleeps'
'Hero Of The Day'
'Mama Said'
'King Nothing'
'The Memory Remains'
'The Unforgiven II'
'Fuel'
'Turn The Page'
'Whiskey In The Jar'
'No Leaf Clover'
'I Disappear'
'St Anger'
'Frantic'
'The Unnamed Feeling'
'Some Kind Of Monster'

Extras:
'2 of One' (Introduction)
'One' (Jammin' Version)
'The Unforgiven' (Theatrical Version)
'Metallica : Some Kind Of Monster' (film trailer)

With all of the annoying Kevin Federline stories, appearances, and pathetic attempts at an RnB, or rap career, this gives me pleasure to present you with something I never thought could happen. Click here to see WWE Champion John Cena punish K-Fed with his finishing maneurve, the FU, from Monday Night Raw. I'm now a fan of Cena.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
The Black Keys Paris, France 10.05.06

2006-10-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

The last time I saw Jet they were opening for Oasis and were three years into touring their debut album Get Born. You could tell that they didn't have a whole lot left. It's understandable though in today's music business. There are very few bands that can succeed in the worldwide manner that Jet did after just one album. They were running themselves into the ground while making fans wait for them to even get in the studio to record a follow-up.

They hit the stage at Henry Fonda Theater in West Hollywood with new energy. They were tight and the new songs sounded like old favorites. The brothers stole the show as Nic belted out the lyrics while brother Chris banged away on the drums like Animal. It's good to see the band back in form, even if I felt there was still something missing after a good show.

We watched from the owners box which meant free drinks and a great view. Luckily the owner and my friend Mark have patched things up and from now on, that's where will be for shows at the Fonda. Speaking of that, Kasabian is tomorrow night. Can't wait for that sold-out show. Too bad I can't snap any pics but rules are rules and I don't want to push it, considering there are $70 bottles of red wine sitting around, and a private bathroom.

Click here to watch the eye popping video for Kasabian's second single "Shoot The Runner".

Click here to see The Raconteurs new video for "Broken Boy Soldies". Make your New Year's Eve plans early as the band just announced they will be playing The Riviera in Chicago December 30-31.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Muse Seattle, WA 10.04.06
Strokes Kansas City, MO 10.01.06

2006-10-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

Click here for the trailer for the new Christopher Guest film For Your Consideration. He's the mastermind behind the great fake-documentary films Waiting For Guffman, Best In Show, and A Mighty Wind. He also played guitarist Nigel in the hilarious Spinal Tap.

I'm headed to the Jet show tomorrow night at the Henry Fonda Theater in Hollywood. Hopefully the new tunes sound real sharp live. You can hear their new album Shine On right here.

Click here to hear the new Beck album The Information.

Click here to listen to the new debut solo album from Albert Hammond Jr., the sick guitarist from The Strokes.

Click here to watch the new Gnarls Barkley video for "Gone Daddy Gone", the Violent Femmes cover.

The Magic Numbers will be releasing a new album November 6th entitled Those The Brokes. Click here to view the video for first single "Take A Chance".

Best of Today's BitTorrent
The Black Keys Cleveland, OH 02.25.06
The Smiths Bristol 02.24.84 (SBD)
Elvis Costello Brookville, NY 03.03.78 (FM SBD)

2006-09-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

I made it thought the LA traffic last night to get to the Staples Center for the bronze medal fight and finale for ESPN's The Contender. We had great seats not too far from where the fighters enter the arena which were better than a dude from the Black Eyed Peas. The first fight went all 8 rounds with both fighters throwing haymakers throughout. Even though my favorite and underdog Grady "Bad Boy" Brewer won the $500,000 prize, the fight lacked the energy most had hoped for in the finale. Either way it was a good time. Celeb sighting include Sugar Ray, a ton of boxers, Marlon Wayans, Storm Large from TV's Rock Star Supernova, Luke Walton, among other b-level stars.

The Fratellis are a new band from Glasgow that could be destined for greatness. With a mix of post-Libertines (of course) and 60s rock, The Fratelli's hooky debut album Costello Music is in heavy rotation. The band is comprised of singer Jon, drummer Mince and Barry on bass. No word on a US release date but they should be heading overseas soon. To check them out for yourself, click here for "Chelsea Dagger" and here for "Henrietta". Enjoy!

Click here to stream the new Sean Lennon album Friendly Fire. It's his first album since 1998's Into The Sun.
It seems Sean's long layoff has paid off in a more mature album filled with heartfelt lyrics and moody sounds.

Overrated? Although I'm not a fan of The Killers, and I'll admit I'm hoping for a failure, click here to listen to their sophomore effort Sam's Town and decide for yourself. I know the band have been worshipping Bruce Springsteen over the past couple years but come on, it's just too much.

Don't forget that My Morning Jacket released their first live album Okonokos this past Tuesday. The double album captures their captivating and moving live show including personal favorites "One Big Holiday" and "Mahgeetah".

Best of Today's BitTorrent
The Raconteurs Atlanta, GA 09.19.06
Badly Drawn Boy Oxford 09.13.06
TV on the Radio KCRW 09.22.06

2006-09-25T18:53:00.001-07:00

I'm headed to ESPN's The Contender boxing finale tomorrow night at the Staples Center. I'm pulling for Grady "Bad Boy" Brewer. Hopefully they allow photos because it should be a star studded event. Catch is live on ESPN at 10pmEST.

After 44 years in the biz, it's hard to imagine that Bob Dylan can still make incredibly great music these days, but he keeps rolling with his new album Modern Times. This makes three solid albums in a row with this material standing up against all of his back catalogue. Dylan's voice shines through in this bluesy mix of fresh songs that also highlight his ever evolving songwriting. Pick it up next time you're at your local record shop.

Also spinning in the cd player is Kasabian's new album Empire. Their debut album had spots of brilliance but it lacked a flow. Their live shows made up for this as they lit the stage opening for Oasis on the 2nd leg of their last US tour. A lot of cocky, brash, English bands don't deliver the punch for their sophomore effort but Kasabian break free, find their voice, and produce a wall of sound that is hard to resist. Click here to stream their new album.

I haven't bought the new Scissor Sisters album Ta-Dah but from what I've heard it's hot. Click here to stream the album or click here for an MP3 of their first single "Other Side".

The season premiere of The Office left me laughing and shaking my head. Click here for deleted scenes from the episode. Looks like the "Big Tuna" is coming back this Thursday.

Best of Today's BitTorrent and MP3
The Strokes Atlanta, GA 09.22.06
Sondre Lerche New York City 09.20.06
Depeche Mode "Martyr" (MP3) New song from Singles Collection

2006-09-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

It's hard to imagine that Nirvana's "Nevermind" came out 15 years ago. This week, NME magazine celebrates the anniversary of the groundbreaking album. While I respect the fact that Nirvana changed music for the better during the late 80s and into the 90s, I was never a huge fan of the band as I was still experimenting with metal. Their music will forever live on though, like the Beatles, as our kids will wear Nirvana tshirts and blare "Bleach" saying they're the first of their friends to discover the album.

For the first time, a Nirvana DVD will be released. Set for a November 13th release date, "Live! Tonight! Sold Out!!" will include their infamous set from the Reading Festival among other goodies. Most of the material contained in the DVD was released on VHS back in 1994.

Click here to view the new Badly Drawn Boy video for "Nothing's Going to Change Your Mind". It's the first single taken from his forthcoming album that I've mentioned numerous times. Born In The UK hits shelves October 16. Can you tell I'm waiting with great anticipation? Hopefully I'll have the album in hand before his two shows here in LA, October 18-19 at the Troubador.

Click here for Beck's new video "No Complaints" from his new album The Information, hitting all good independent record shops October 2.

Best of Today's BitTorrent and MP3
Eric Clapton Chicago, IL 09.20.06
The Raconteurs Dallas, 09.15.06
Bob Dylan Columbus, OH w/Eric Clapton 08.13.06
Jet "Come On Come On" (MP3)

2006-09-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

It's been over three weeks since I've updated my blog so I apologize for not keeping you up to date on your pop culture news and myself. I'm going to try to update the site on a daily basis. So....here's some things to get you and me started.

For those of you who don't know, I moved to Los Angeles last week. My dad and I hit the road last Sunday, a day after the Buckeyes small win over Texas. Four days, nine States, three large Hampton Inn breakfasts, and 36 hours later we pulled into sunny Los Angeles. Highlights of the trip were New Mexico, Arizona, and driving through the mountains in San Bernadino, California. My favorite stop was Flagstaff in Arizona. You're surrounded by a forest of the largest contingous of Ponderosa Pine trees which was beautiful. We had Howard Stern on Sirius, an iPod, and two cases full of cds to pass the time. Below are a few pictures of the open road.

St. Louis Arch

New Mexico

Arizona

Arizona Sunset

When I'm not analyzing data and building spreadsheets at my new job in El Segundo (just South of LAX), I will be spending my weekends watching the Buckeyes and at the beach. I'm living with my friend Mark and his girlfriend Mia in West LA until I find a place. Below are some pics of the Ohio State vs Northern Illinois game including quatruple script Ohio. Also included are pics of the beach just North of Santa Monica. The waves are pretty massive.

Fight the Team Across the Field!

O!

H!

I!

O!

My first weekend in Los Angeles had some celebrity sightings. Cheryl Hines, from Curb Your Enthusiasm, was looking sexy in a booth at dinner Friday night. The black cop from Reno 911 was spotted at the bar at the Cirque du Soleil show at the Staples Center Saturday night. Lastly, rapper Master P was spotted buying basketballs at a sporting goods shop Sunday afternoon. I really can't recommend Cirque du Soleil due to too much song and dance and not enough acrobatics. I can recommend the film "Little Miss Sunshine", which I saw Sunday night. It's too bad more of these films aren't made these days, instead filmmakers seem to worry more about the big budgets.

If you missed The White Stripes on The Simpsons, click here to see a clip.

Sorry Jones but HBO's Lucky Louie won't see a second season.

Fox is remaking the 80s classic comedy Revenge of the Nerds. There was an open casting call for Dudley Dawson, or Booger at July's Comic-Con in San Diego. More than 1,700 aspiring Tri-Lams applied.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Supergrass Seattle, WA 02.25.06
Neil Young & Crazy Horse Saratoga, NY 08.10.97
Bob Dylan Rochester, MN 09.07.06

2006-08-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

As I make my way back to Columbus this afternoon from Los Angeles, here are some topics to get you through the day.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the classic 80s film "Pretty In Pink" is releasing a new DVD entitled Pretty In Pink (Everything's Duckie Edition). It features interviews, a "making of" the movie, plus extra features. Sadly it does not include the original ending but does include a feature regarding it.

The U.S. basketball team stayed undefeated by beating Germany and Dirk Nowitzki late last night, 85-65, with get this, defense? On a poor shooting night for both teams, the U.S. clamped down on defense, especially on the usually unstoppable ReDirkulous, to gain the quarterfinal victory and a spot in the semifinals against Greece Friday at 3:30amEDT.

What doesn't The Ohio State University have these days? I guess it's their own cereal. The university-licensed product entitled Buckeye Heroes is a honey-nut flavored oat cereal featuring three mascots, former Buckeye linebackers and NFL rookies, A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, and Anthony Schlegel. It hits stores before the No. 1 team in the nation take the field this Saturday against Northern Illinois in the Shoe. Look for a 14 ounce box in your Kroger stores as soon as tomorrow for $3.49. Sounds like the perfect breakfast before mass beer consumption on football Saturdays.

Former Libertines frontmen Pete Doherty and Carl Barat have collaborated to record The Clash's "Janie Jones". Although they did not record the track together, both have contributed the lyrics. The song was recorded for Strummerville, the music charity set up for the late Clash frontman Joe Strummer. The album includes other artists but no release date has been set.

Radiohead's set from Bonnaroo could see the light of day on DVD. As quoted from BBC 6 Music, Thom Yorke explains.

"We did this festival called Bonnaroo. We did 2.5 hours. And there's 80,000 people, admittedly they've been smoking the sticky green all day-- probably wouldn't go anywhere anyway. It was just amazing. We played loads of new stuff. We did whole sections of quiet piano songs and it sounds like the most grotesque, self-indulgent nonsense, but it probably is my favourite gig for years and years and years. It was a really mellow evening. Actually it's all being filmed, but we're sitting on it because there's loads of new stuff on it. Because we're mean like that. It will come out eventually."

2006-08-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

The Emmy Awards air Sunday night at 8pmEDT and are hosted by Conan O'Brien. Below is a list of the main catagories along with my predictions for the winners (bold) and who I think deserves to win (italics).

Comedy Series
Arrested Development
Curb Your Enthusiasm
The Office
Scrubs
Two and a Half Men

Drama Series
Grey's Anatomy
House
The Sopranos
The West Wing
24

Reality Series
Amazing Race
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
Survivor

Actor in a Comedy Series
Steve Carell, The Office
Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm
Kevin James, King of Queens
Tony Shaloub, Monk
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

Actress in a Comedy Series
Stockard Channing, Out of Practice
Jane Kaczmarek, Malcolm in the Middle
Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback
Debra Messing, Will & Grace
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, The New Adventures of Old Christine

Actor in a Drama
Peter Krause, Six Feet Under
Dennis Leary, Rescue Me
Christopher Meloni, Law & Order: SVU
Martin Sheen, The West Wing
Kiefer Sutherland, 24

Actress in a Drama
Frances Conroy, Six Feet Under
Geena Davis, Commander in Chief
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU
Allison Janney, The West Wing
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

The USA basketball team finished group play with a 5-0 record at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan. They now enter the elimination round of 16. It's either won or done as they face Australia Sunday at 12amEDT. It's time for the US to reclaim their status as the best in the world. It won't be easy but if the US can clamp down on defense and hit some outside shots, the championship could be coming home.

Click here for new information regarding the long-awaited Shins album. The release date has been pushed back yet again to January 2007. Hopefully it's worth the wait.

Below is your preview for Sunday night's Entourage season finale on HBO at 10pmEDT.
"Sorry, Ari": Vince and the guys evaluate new opportunities with the help of Drama's point system. Ari scrambles to save the Ramones project (and himself) from getting the axe.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Dirty Pretty Things Pukkelpop Festival, Belgium 08.18.06
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club St. Louis, MO 02.25.06
Muse St Austell Eden Sessions 08.22.06

2006-08-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

Looks like those rumors regarding Weezer's breakup were make believe, according to a posting on their website weezer.com a few days ago.

..A Public Service Announcement from the weez: We right here!
(except for Pat who's on a family vacation right now)

this PSA has been brought to you by the fine guacamole dip at Scott Shriner's house, co-sponsored by a ring of fine cheese, and a dish of fresh figs from the back yard. Now please, take those "weezer split?" headlines and place them firmly into the "Don't believe the hype" bin. And have yourself a fine afternoon now.

Keane frontman Tom Chaplin has entered rehab for his drink and drug habit postponing their US tour that was supposed to kick-off September 7 in Chicago. The band had already cancelled a few dates in the UK to to exhaustion.

Click here to see yet another new Beck video from his forthcoming album. This one is called "Motorcade".

Click here to read about Zach Braff and the upcoming remake of "Fletch". Will he or won't he star in the film?

Best of Today's BitTorrent
The Clash York, UK 05.09.85 & Newcastle, UK 05.11.85
Elvis Costello Dallas, Texas 01.28.78
Babyshambles Lewisham, London, UK 08.16.06
Kaiser Chiefs Belfast 04.04.05 FM

2006-08-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

The AT&T Blue Room has updated their site with highlights from their Lollapalooza webcast. Check out The Raconteurs, Editors, Ben Kweller, and Sleater Kinney among others.

The USA basketball team kicked off the world championships in Asia late last night against Puerto Rico. After a sluggish start and actually a small deficit throughout the first half, the team cruised to a 111-100 victory. The team was led by Carmelo Anthony's 21 points, LeBron James' 15, and point guard Chris Paul's 11 points, 9 assists, and 5 steals. USA will have to toughen up on defense and play four quarters if they want to win their first world championship since 1994. Next up is China early Sunday morning.

Click here to stream the new Kasabian album Empire.

Click here to watch The French Kicks show from Henry Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles. The indie group from New York City are a blend of post punk and pop. They released their third full-length album earlier this year entitled "Two Thousand".

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Muse Belgium 06.30.06 FM
The Smashing Pumpkins Athens, Greece 06.09.98 SBD
Elvis Presley Lake Tahoe 05.24.74 SBD
The Mars Volta Santa Cruz, CA August 08.07.06

2006-08-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

While "The Illusionist", starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, and Jessica Biel, opens in select theaters this weekend, three other films open nationwide that I have no interest in seeing; the start-your-own college film "Accepted", starring that dude from the Apple Computer commercials, "Material Girls" starring the Duff sisters, and the much-hyped "Snakes on a Plane" with Samuel L. Jackson. I think I will finally check out "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" this evening as I am in need of a good laugh. If you've already seen Will Ferrell's new film, go with "Little Miss Sunshine", with Steve Carell, Greg Kinnear, and Toni Collette, which is getting a wide release this weekend. Word-of-mouth finally got this movie into more theaters.

Per their official website, The Smashing Pumpkins have reunited to start recording a new album, their first since 2000. They, being frontman Billy Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, have pulled in Roy Thomas Baker to produce the album. Baker is known for his work with Queen and The Cars. It is unclear at this time who else will complete the lineup.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Smashing Pumpkins Dublin, Ireland 05.11.96
Wilco Vancouver 08.31.02 (SBD)
The Kinks In Concert 1974 Various SBD
Black Crowes Columbus, OH 08.01.06

2006-08-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the brand spanking new video for "Born In The UK" from the forthcoming Badly Drawn Boy album by the same name. The album hits shelves October 23 in the UK.

Babyshambles is set to release a new album. Entitled Back On The Bus-What Goes On Tour Stays On Tour, the album is a compilation of songs chosen by the band. It hits shelves September 18. It includes an acoustic version of "What Katy Did Next". The rest of the tracklisting is below.

The Creation - "Making Time"
The Clash - "Jail Guitar Door"
The Littlan's - "Their Way"
Love - "Your Friend & Mine"
Dennis Brown - "Money In My Pocket"
Cazals - "New Boy In Town"
The Social - "To The Bone"
Johnny Thunders - "Chinese Rocks"
Devendra Banhart - "Chinese Children"
St Etienne - "Only Love Can Break Your Heart"
Esther Phillips - "Just Say Goodbye"
Graham Collier - "Aberdeen Angus"
Belle & Sebastian - "Mornington Crescent"
Bert Jansch - "Needle Of Death"
The Stone Roses - "Going Down"

As The Black Crowes continue their US tour through September and October, the band will release two albums. The first album, entitled The Lost Crowes, is a collection of unreleased tracks taken from the Tall album sessions and the Band sessions in 1997. Showing their depth and range, this double disc is full of gems that will sting any Crowes fan. The release date is August 29.

The second album accompanies their most recent DVD showcasing the boys in San Francisco at the Fillmore Auditorium in August of 2005. Entitled Freak N Roll into the Frog, this double-disc is chock full of Crowes' classics. The release date is set for September 19.

To hold you over until those releases, click here for an MP3 of "Stare It Cold - Give Peace A Chance" from March 3, 2006 at Shepherds Bush Empire.

Looks like the Darkness could be "Stuck In A Rut" as frontman Justin Hawkins has entered rehab in a state of depression among other things. Since their sophomore album bombed, their popularity has come and gone like Quiet Riot, Ratt, or Winger back in 1980s. They're on the verge of being dropped by their record label. I guess the comeback of spandex and falsetto metal are gone for now.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Gnarls Barkley Boston, MA 08.11.06
Queens of the Stone Age Glastonbury Festival FM/SBD 06.28.02

2006-08-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

Long live the King! As thousands of fans gather in Memphis, Tenn., others from around the world are honoring the 29th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. Presley died of heart disease and prescription drug abuse at his Graceland mansion on Aug. 16, 1977. Or did he? Just kidding. To celebrate his legacy, click here for a 1973 video of "Suspicious Minds", my favorite Elvis Presley tune.

If you're looking for a DVD to rent this coming weekend, try "Brick", a film noir set in modern times. It follows a teenage loner as he investigates the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend. This journey leads him into an underground teenage crime ring. The indie film contains some very stimulating dialogue that is often comedic, which adds some light to the dark, hallucinogenic feel of the movie. You'll know the main character Brandan as Tommy from 3rd Rock from the Sun.

Click here to listen to the debut album from The Young Knives, the tweed-wearing indie trio out of Oxford that combine a bit of new wave with punk. Lead guitarist Henry Dartnall and bass playing brother, House of Lords (Thomas Dartnall), cut edgy guitar licks and jerky vocals that are head-bobbing indeed, reminiscent of their past tour partners The Futureheads. Voices of Animals and Men hits stores August 21. If you like what you hear, head over to their official site to listen to songs from their 2005 EP, a couple acoustic songs from radio sessions, and watch some video.

The boys from Brighton, The Kooks, will head out on their first ever US tour in September. If they haven't made it into your playlist as the soundtrack to your summer, you're missing out. The tour dates are below.

Los Angeles Safari Sam's (September 24)
Club NME, Los Angeles Spaceland (25)
San Francisco Pop Scene (26)
Brooklyn North Six (28)

Best of Today's BitTorrent and Downloads
The Raconteurs Lollapalooza 08.04.06 (MP3)
Be Your Own Pet Lollapalooza 08.05.06
Guns 'N' Roses / Metallica RFK Stadium 07.17.92

2006-08-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that production company Morgan Creek is developing a new "Ace Ventura" film. The third film in the series will focus on Ace's son taking over the family business. As everyone knows, the first two films launched Jim Carrey into global movie stardom. Sadly though, the new film will not feature Carrey which makes this sequel sound totally lame. L-osers! All right! Take care now! Bye-bye, then!

Indie rock band Pinback return with their first material since 2004's Summer In Abaddon with Nautical Antiques on September 5. It consists of rarities, demos, and B-sides previously unreleased in the States from 1998-2001. If you haven't heard this solid band from San Diego check out some of their music below.

"Byzantine" from the new album
"Concrete Sounds" (demo) from the new album
"B" from Offcell EP (2003)
"Manchuria" from Some Voices EP
"Lyon" from first album This Is A Pinback CD

Best of Today's BitTorrent
My Morning Jacket Live On KCRW FM 11.10.05

2006-08-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

Dirty Pretty Things will release their third single "Wondering" from their debut album, Waterloo To Anywhere, on September 25. In addition, the band will release their first DVD entitled "Puffing On A Coffin Nail - Live At The Forum" on October 16. The DVD features a 12 song set from their show at London's Kentish Town Forum back in May. The DVD also includes 17 other live recordings from various places around the world.
The Forum songs are:
'Deadwood'
'Doctors And Dealers'
'If You Love A Woman'
'Wondering'
'The Gentry Cove'
'Blood Thirsty Bastards'
'You Fucking Love It'
'Gin & Milk'
'The Enemy'
'Last Of The Small Town Playboys'
'Bang Bang You're Dead'
'B.U.R.M.A'

The alternative playlist is:
'Deadwood' (Rome and Proud Gallery)
'Doctors And Dealers' (Kings College)
'If You Love A Woman' (Kings College)
'Wondering' (The Vaults)
'The Gentry Cove' (The Vaults)
'Blood Thirsty Bastards' (The Vaults)
'You Fucking Love It' (Kings College and Proud Gallery)
'Gin & Milk' (Kings College and Paris)
'The Enemy' (Rome and Paris)
'Last Of The Small Town Playboys' (The Vaults)
'Bang Bang You're Dead' (The Vaults and Proud Gallery)
'B.U.R.M.A' (The Vaults)

Last night's Entourage episode saw Turtle lose Saigon, his rapper extraordinaire, while Vince and E fell into a Ramones biopic script through an old, lonely producer. With only two episodes left, what will be Vince's next film, will Ari break, will Johnny Drama's pilot be a success? What about the film Medellin? Below are the previews for the rest of season three. It will make a lot of people happy to know that they are already filming season four. Howard Stern's Artie Lang and Pauly Shore are set to make guest appearences.

"What About Bob?": Eric, Ari and Bob pitch the Ramones film project to the studios which causes a power struggle between Ari and Bob. Turtle wants a pair of limited edition shoes which Vince tries to buy for him. Drama begins filming his pilot.
"Sorry, Ari": Vince and the guys evaluate new opportunities with the help of Drama's point system. Ari scrambles to save the Ramones project (and himself) from getting the axe.

ESPN's new Monday Night Football premieres tonight. While I'm certainly not interested in the actual preseason game between the Raiders and Vikings, I am intrigued to hear one of the show's new hosts, Tony Kornheiser. Some of you might know him from the half-hour sports talk program Pardon the Interruption, which I watch every day after work at 5:30pmEST. Kornheiser's intelligence is not limited to sports, and I love his brand of humor. He should bring something fresh to the program, unlike the mess that was Dennis Miller a few years ago. I don't know about you but I'm glad I don't have to hear John Madden talk about food or his RV anymore on Monday nights.

Best of Today's BitTorrent and Downloads
Badly Drawn Boy Live on Transmission TV UK (audio zip/video zip)
Elvis Costello "Little Boxes" theme song from Weeds (mp3)
Tapes 'N Tapes KEXP FM Seattle 03.25.06
Gang Of Four Live On KCRW FM LA 10.19.05
Death Cab For Cutie Live On KCRW FM LA 09.23.05
Joe Strummer Portland Acoustic 11.02.99 SBD

2006-08-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

Amidst the terror plot foiled by the British on Thursday, the only movie opening this weekend that deserves a mention is Oliver Stone's "World Trade Center" staring Nicolas Cage, Michael Pena, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Maria Bello. It centers around two police officers who rush to the WTC on 9/11 to help with the rescue mission, only to find themselves trapped and fighting for their own lives. Certainly a sensitive issue, Stone seems to find the right chords to strike with the audience. A filmmaker attacking this subject can only do so with total respect of this event that has shaped our world as we know it. Stone accomplishes this with restraint. Prepare for a full-on emotional roller coaster in the end.

The Austin City Limits Festival takes place September 15-17 in Texas. There is an excellent blog by Janet that showcases performers every day along with downloadable MP3s. Go here to check out the artists and bands that are performing and download some tunes.

In case you haven't noticed, I've added a new section to my blog entitled "Playlist". Look to the right to find five albums that are in heavy rotation on my iPod and car stereo.

Here's a totally not unawesome pic of the this year's talented Ohio State backfield sporting the new look jerseys. Pictured left to right are Antonio Pittman (25), Chris "Beanie" Wells (28), and Maurice Wells (34). Thanks to Dave for the pic.

After last week's bust-up with Seth Green's possy at the stripper competition in Las Vegas, and too much Johnny Drama massage fetish, here's your preview for Sunday night's Entourage episode. Only three more episodes counting Sunday.
"I Wanna Be Sedated": On the day of a record signing for Saigon, Drama and Turtle make an attempt to find him when he fails to arrive. Ari dumps an old-school agent on Eric who may have Vince's next project. Vince may be given the opportunity to star as the lead singer in a film about a legendary punk band. Eric just needs to figure out how to sell the idea to the producers. Meanwhile, Vince coincidentally runs into a woman at a bookstore and learns he was on her "list".

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Pixies Carhaix 07.23.06

2006-08-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while dominating the HBO trivia game, I briefly mentioned that everyone is hoping for a sixth season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. HBO has officially announced that a new season will start production as early as this September and all of our favorite cast members are back. HBO made no mention of the sixth season being the last.

Click here to view all of the videos from the excellent debut album Blame It On The Youth, from Columbus natives The Sun. This album was easily one of my favorites from last year. The "video album" seems to be the hip thing to do these days in the music industry (see Beck, Death Cab, among others). If you like what you see and hear, head over to their Myspace site. Or if you're in Columbus, look me up and I'll take you to one of their shows. I like them so much I even saw them in Hollywood.

Click here to view 'We Dance Alone', another video from Beck's new album.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Red Hot Chili Peppers Lollapalooza 08.06.06
Sonic Youth Lollapalooza 08.05.06
Dave Chappelle Columbus Funny Bone 04.14.04
Johnny Cash Guthrie Minneapolis 03.20.89 SBD
Death Cab for Cutie Studio X Chicago 08.09.06

2006-08-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Click here to play the new HBO trivia game and test your Curb Your Enthusiasm knowledge. It covers all five seasons. Hopefully it will cover a sixth season one day.

Dave Chappelle has scheduled a cross-country tour through August, hitting a dozen cities along the way. Dates and venues are below:

Wed 08/09/06 San Francisco, CA Punch Line
Fri 08/11/06 Norfolk, VA Chrysler Hall
Sat 08/12/06 Richmond, VA Landmark Theatre
Sun 08/13/06 Pittsburgh, PA Chevrolet Amphitheatre
Tue 08/15/06 Wallingford, CT Chevrolet Theatre
Thu 08/17/06 Buffalo, NY Shea's Perf. Arts Ctr.
Fri 08/18/06 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
Sat 08/19/06 Rosemont, IL Rosemont Theatre
Sun 08/20/06 Cleveland, OH Tower City Amphitheater
Mon 08/21/06 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
Tue 08/22/06 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
Wed 08/23/06 Boston, MA Agganis Arena
Thu 08/24/06 Washington, DC Warner Theatre
Fri 08/25/06 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel / Casino
Sat 08/26/06 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel / Casino

I guess it's time for Ohio State to take a black eye or two before the college football season kicks-off early next month. Starting tight end Marcel Frost has been suspended for the year for violating team rules. He will remain on scholarship and be eligible to return to the team next year. Sophomore Rory Nicol will likely get the nod as the starter.

In news that doesn't surprise anyone, former OSU running back Maurice Clarett was arrested this morning after police chased his SUV for 10 minutes after an illegal U-turn on the freeway. They found a loaded rifle along with three other loaded hand guns. The police had to use mase to subdue Clarett. A stun gun was ineffective since Clarett for some reason was wearing a bullet-proof vest. This after ignoring numerous attempts to exit his vehicle. Clarett spit and kicked at the officers once he was in the paddy wagon. Stay clear of this guy as he is obviously armed and dangerous.

Click here to listen to Jet's first single entitled 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is' off their new album Shine On, out October 3.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Thin Lizzy Bristol, Locarno 04.14.74
Pixies Vieilles Charrues, Carhaix 07.23.06
The Raconteurs Cleveland, OH 08.06.06

2006-08-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish my nephew Liam a Happy 1st Birthday and also my good friend Jason Bogniard a Happy 30th Birthday!

It looks like Lollapalooza was a great success this year and the weather was cooperative. Although I wasn't in attendance I enjoyed watching online sets from The Raconteurs and Wolfmother among others. The Flaming Lips seem to atop most lists. Below are some video highlights from the three day festival in Chicago. As usual, the AT&T Blue Room will be posting highlights from their webcast in the coming weeks. I still haven't heard anything regarding The Shins set which I thought would be a highlight of the weekend.

The Flaming Lips - 'Race For The Prize'
The Flaming Lips - 'Free Radicals'
The Raconteurs - 'Intimate Secretary'
The Raconteurs - 'Crazy'
Gnarls Barkley - 'Smiley Faces'
Editors - 'Bullets'
Wolfmother - 'White Unicorn'

Dirty Pretty Things frontman Carl Barat broke his collarbone in Taiwan last week. This on the verge of their first US tour. However, no dates will be cancelled as they will call on Josh Hubbard of The Paddingtons to take over on guitar, while Barat will continue to sing. They kick-off the tour tonight in Los Angeles at Henry Fonda Theatre. Their superb debut album, Waterloo To Anywhere, hits US shelves today!

Former White Zombie singer Rob Zombie is set to remake John Carpenter's classic 1978 slasher film "Halloween". He will begin work on it shortly with a scheduled release date of October 2007. Zombie is known for his previously directed films "House Of 1000 Corpses" in 2003 and "The Devil's Rejects" in 2005.

Click here to view the new video for the Arctic Monkeys single 'Leave Before The Lights Come On'. The one-off single is a brand new studio recording not available on their debut album. It is released August 17 and includes two bside covers, the Little Flames' 'Put Your Dukes Up, John' and the Barbara Lewis soulful tune 'Baby I'm Yours'.

Beck will release his new album The Information on October 3. The album comes with a bonus disc of videos, one for each track, and a sheet of stickers to decorate the blank sleeve.

Click here to see the trailer for Tenacious D in "The Pick of Destiny". The film opens November 17.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Beck Dallas, TX 06.21.06
The Raconteurs Ann Arbor, MI 08.05.06
The White Stripes Columbia, MD 09.27.05 FM
Bloc Party San Diego CA 08.05.06
Elvis Costello Berkeley, CA 7.17.82

2006-08-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

Lollapalooza is rocking Grant Park in Chicago this weekend and as I'm getting live text updates from my friend Emily, don't forget that the AT&T Blue Room is broadcasting sets from each day of the three day festival. It sounds like The Raconteurs stole the show last night which certainly isn't a surprise. Today's action includes sets from Wolfmother, Nada Surf, Common, and Kanye West. Tomorrow includes Chicago's own The Redwalls and Wilco.

Click here to see the Will Ferrell decathlon. View 11 of his greatest clips including scenes from "Anchorman", "Elf", and "Old School".

Click here to view the hilarious full trailer for comedian Sacha Baron Cohen's film "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan". It hits theaters November 3.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Arctic Monkeys Koeln, Germany FM 01.17.06
Frank Sinatra "Sinatra Unreleased" 1960-1988
Radiohead Berlin, Germany 07.04.00
Ryan Adams Nashville, TN SBD 08.01.06

2006-08-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

The preseason USA Today Poll just came out and guess who is #1, that's right, The Ohio State Buckeyes. Texas is #2. That sets up a pretty small game in Austin the second week of the season. The rest of the poll goes like this:

Week 1 USA Today Poll
1. Ohio State (28) 0-0 1,487
2. Texas (11) 0-0 1,378
3. USC (1) 0-0 1,348
3. Notre Dame (9) 0-0 1,348
5. Oklahoma (13) 0-0 1,320
6. Auburn (1) 0-0 1,206
7. West Virginia 0-0 1,202
8. Florida 0-0 1,054
9. LSU 0-0 1,037
10. Florida State 0-0 874
11. Miami (FL) 0-0 839
12. California 0-0 798
13. Louisville 0-0 785
14. Georgia 0-0 784
15. Michigan 0-0 778
16. Virginia Tech 0-0 591
17. Iowa 0-0 519
18. Clemson 0-0 493
19. Penn State 0-0 406
20. Oregon 0-0 373
21. TCU 0-0 270
22. Nebraska 0-0 261
23. Tennessee 0-0 216
24. Alabama 0-0 210
25. Texas Tech 0-0 198

Four movies open in wide release today and for once, they are all attracting good reviews, even the dime-a-dozen horror film. By now everyone knows about "Talladega Nights", unless you've been living in a cave with Bin Laden for the past month. Of course I know there are Will Ferrell haters out there, so this movie is a personal choice due to his comedy. Those who know him as "kind of a big deal", like myself, think he's a hoot.

Horror film "The Descent" is surprisingly tingling with audiences, or should I say, terrifying. It's a story of six girls on their annual caving trip, but this trip goes wrong in the Appalachians as a rock falls and blocks their return to the surface. Of course a giant creature emerges from the depths to wreak havoc. Now I know what you're saying, what girl goes on a caving trip with her girlfriends, ever? Should they not be heading to the salon or a resort? I believe it's girls not guys because lovely ladies screaming scared and running in horror films is much more interesting than macho guys.

Robin Williams hits the big screen this weekend in the psychological thriller "The Night Listener" based on late-night radio show host Gabriel Noone. I enjoy Williams in his dramatic roles these days over his tired comedic turns. He enters an intense relationship with a young listener and his adopted mother. Things start to spin when question arise regarding the boy's real identity. Plus it stars Toni Collette ("The Sixth Sense", "About A Boy") who is good in just about everything.

"Barnyard" is pretty self-explanatory with talking animals acting like humans when the farmer is away. Kind of a tired subject but none-the-less, is being received well for young viewers. Personally, I would recommend popping in the DVD "Babe", which is a hilarious premise.

It's good to see the USA men's basketball team shaping up as they bulldozed past Puerto Rico , 114-69 last night with stifling defense in the exhibition game. They got rid of nazi-coach Larry Brown for Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski and it seems, hopefully, that the team has the right mindset. Led by the talented threesome of Cleveland's own Lebron James, Miami's Dwayne Wade, and Denver's Carmelo Anthony, the team is deep, athletic, and fast. USA continue their exhibition tour as they head to China, South Korea, and Hong Kong. Their next warm-up game is Sunday, August 13 against China and possibly Yao Ming. The World Championship tournament starts August 19 against Puerto Rico from Sapporo, Japan.

Click here to listen to the new Kasabian single "Empire" from their new album by the same name that hits stores September 19. After the first listen I have to say it could grow on me. I saw them open for Oasis a few times on the last tour and sometimes I feel them, other times I don't. They certainly aren't at a loss for words on how good they think they are, which is pretty common these days for UK bands.

Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., will release his first solo album entitled Yours To Keep. The 10-track album features guest spots from Sean Lennon, Fountains of Wayne's Judy Porter, Ben Kweller, Sammy James Jr., Mikki James, and band manager Ryan Gentles. The album was recorded at New York's Electric Ladyland Studios with Josh Lattanzi on bass and Matt Romano on drums. Former Thin Lizard Dawn vocalist Greg Lattimer has produced the album. The album is out on October 9.

UK Health drink Lactofree surveyed 2,000+ adults for the 100 Most Annoying Things In The World. Check out who is at #4, James Blunt. Blah! He's worse than hangovers, farts, and stepping in dog shit. He was banned by radio station Essex FM last month following "listener pressure".

THE 100 MOST ANNOYING THINGS
1. Cold callers
2. Caravans
3. Queue jumpers
4. James Blunt
5. Traffic wardens
6. Tailgaters
7. Brown nosers
8. Chantelle and Preston
9. Ex-smokers
10. Noisy neighbours
11. Hangovers

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Raconteurs KCRW FM Los Angeles, CA 08.03.06
Oasis Frankfurt, Germany 10.27.05
Ryan Adams Norfolk, VA 07.22.06

2006-08-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

It's almost time! Only 30 days until the Ohio State Buckeyes kick-off their 2006 campaign against Northern Illinois at 3:30pm on ABC. To get everyone in the spirit, here are three compilations guaranteed to run chills down any Buckeye fan's spine.

Buckeyes Thunderstruck
It's Coming....Ohio State Football
Ohio State, Traditions of Excellence

Also, CSTV will carry 12 hours of Ohio State programming beginning at noon Sunday in what the network is calling "Buckeye Sunday." The coverage will feature the 1975 Rose Bowl vs. Southern California, the 1986 Ohio State-Michigan football game and the 2006 spring game. The block begins with the Best of Ohio State Total Access and concludes at 9:30 p.m. with the 1986 Michigan game. The day also will feature One2One with Jim Tressel and the Ten-Year War: Woody vs. Bo.

CSTV "Buckeye Sunday" Broadcast Schedule
Noon-1 p.m. Best of Ohio State Total Access
1-2 p.m. Ten Year War: Woody vs. Bo
2-2:30 p.m. One2One Jim Tressel
2:30-4:30 p.m. Retro Football: 1975 Rose Bowl Ohio State vs. USC
4:30-7 p.m. CSTV Spring Football - OSU 2006 Spring Game
7-8 p.m. Best of Ohio State Total Access
8-9 p.m. Ten-Year War: Woody vs. Bo
9-9:30 p.m. One2One: Jim Tressel
9:30-Midnight Retro Football: 1986 Ohio State vs. Michigan

CSTV can be seen on channel 580 for Time Warner in Columbus, channel 151 in Canton, channel 610 on DirecTV, and channel 152 on Dish Network.

I believe one of the most talented actors in Hollywood is Edward Norton. How he didn't receive the Oscar for Best Actor in "American History X" is beyond me. Thing is, lately it seems he isn't in any films. He took almost a two year layoff between 2003 and 2005, releasing only one film during that period. Norton stepped back into the limelight earlier this year with the Indie film "Down In The Valley" starring himself and Evan Rachel Wood ("Thirteen"). Although the film received mediocre reviews, I believe it was not due to the two talented actors, but the script. Luckily, Norton is back on the big screen with two films to be released by the end of 2006. "The Illusionist" is released August 18, and "The Painted Veil" in October.

"The Illusionist" stars Norton, Jessica Biel ("Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "Blade") and the greatest current character actor, Paul Giamatti ("Sideways", "Cinderella Man"). Norton plays the amazing stage magician Eisenheim in turn-of-the-century Vienna. When the Crown Prince's intended (Biel) assists Eisenheim onstage, the two begin a love affair. The Prince calls upon the Chief Inspector (Giamatti) to expose Eisenheim. It will take his greatest illusion to clear his name. Click here to watch exclusive clips from the film including the first six minutes.

"The Painted Veil" stars Norton and Naomi Watts ("King Kong", "The Ring") in a love story set in the 1920s.

Click here to watch the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform for AOL Studio Sessions. Songs includes 'Dani California', 'Californication', 'Scar Tissue', 'Desecration Smile', and 'Tell Me Baby'.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
The Futureheads Toronto 07.26.06
Tapes 'N Tapes Toronto, ON 07.26.06
Eagles Of Death Metal Atlanta, GA 07.27.06
Bright Eyes Black Sessions Paris 03.07.05

2006-08-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

Two new tracks will appear on the Oasis retrospective album of cuts chosen by the band. Title track 'Stop the Clocks' and 'Boy With the Blues' will be tracks 17 and 18. 'Stop the Clocks' was written by Noel and 'Boy With the Blues' was written by Liam. In other Oasis news, next Friday will mark the 10 year anniversary of the legendary Knebworth gigs in 1996 when Oasis played to 250,000 people in two days. At the time, it was an outdoor record. NME magazine will be celebrating the event with a special issue devoted to those shows which had many highlights including John Squire of the Stone Roses joining the lads onstage for 'Champagne Supernova'. Click here to enjoy the classic bside 'Acquiesce' from the second night.

Last night The Black Crowes played a 170 minute set at the outdoor venue, The LC, in the Arena District here in Columbus. To our surprise, there wasn't any openers, hence the set as long as the Oscars. Luckily this show was much more enjoyable. The first set was acoustic with the band kicking things off with 'Wiser Time' and 'Jealous Again'. With a patchouli fog machine, Chris Robinson was in full-hippie mode with long hair, thick beard, and a floppy hat. The second set was electric highlighted by 'Ballad of Urgency' and 'Thorn In My Pride', before the sing-a-long 'Remedy' closed out the second set. The band came back out for a one song encore playing the Jerry Garcia original 'Sugaree' for the first time. The band sounded tight behind Rich Robinson's stellar guitar play. The heat wasn't a factor as good times were had by all. The night was topped off with a late night burrito from LaBamba.

Click here to download The Raconteurs covering Gnarls Barkley's 'Crazy' from the Warfield in San Francisco.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Pixies BBC Studios 09.08.98
Strokes Sydney 11.23.05
Stone Roses Manchester 07.26.87

2006-08-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the new Beck video for 'I Think I'm In Love' from his forthcoming album scheduled for release sometime in the Fall. The new "hip-hop" album is produced by Nigel Godrich, who is known for his work with Radiohead.

Click here to listen to the first single from the new Black Keys' album entitled Magic Potion which hits stores September 12.

Click here to view the artsy new Thom Yorke video for 'Harrowdown Hill' from his solo album The Eraser.

The official Badly Drawn Boy website is up and running with more details regarding his new album Born In The UK, to be released October 23. Click here to hear a stream of the title track which sounds like classic BDB. The first single from the album 'Nothing's Going To Change Your Mind' will be released in September.

Click here to see various clips from the hilarious Will Ferrell in his new film "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby". It opens this Friday, August 4.

It's been announced that Heath Ledger will play the Joker in the next Batman movie. I'm not a fan of Ledger, nor do I think he can play a comic book villain. On the other hand, Topher Grace will become the villain Venom (left) in the next Spiderman movie. This is in an interesting choice that I think could work.

Johnny Drama's caffeine induced tirade and Ari's cockiness carried Sunday night's episode of Entourage. Here's a preview of next week's show entitled "Vegas, Baby Vegas!": Vince and the entourage head to Las Vegas for a vacation and for Vince to make a special promotional appearance for $100,000. Seth Green insults Eric with remarks about Sloan. Drama misleads a masseur after showering him with compliments.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, the biggest band in the US without a record label, will tour the States in September and October. Tour dates are as follows:

September
23 - Baltimore, MD - Virgin Festival
26 - Boston, MA - Avalon
28 - New York, NY - Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
30 - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
October
01 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
02 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
03 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
04 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue - Main Room
06 - Englewood, CO - Gothic Theatre
07 - Boulder, CO - Boulder Theater
10 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox
11 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox
12 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
13 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theater
14 - Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theatre
15 - Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theatre

Finally, tonight I'll be heading to the local venue, LC Pavillion, to see Chris and his brother Rich, The Black Crowes, tear through some standards, and hopefully a couple new songs. Robert Randolph and Drive By Truckers are opening. Hopefully I'll get some decent pics to post tomorrow with a review. I have to remember to get a couple cheap $5 tickets to see Eagles of Death Metal in early September.

Best of Today's BitTorrent & Mp3s
Wilco: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Engineer Demos
Bloc Party: 'Waiting For the 718' (non-album track live at Coachella)
Bloc Party: Tulips (non-album track)

2006-07-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

I'm going to miss the Futureheads and Tapes 'n Tapes show tonight in Columbus because I'm currently in steamy LA. It's supposed to cool down the rest of the weekend. I had an interview this morning at UCLA. It went well and I should probably hear something next week. To hold me over until I get another chance to see this great band, click here to view the entire Futureheads show from the Henry Fonda Theater here in LA. Hopefully my roommate Eric in Columbus gets the crowd going at the Basement this evening.

Three big movies opening this weekend and surprise, I'm not too keen on any of them. Dark thriller, TV-to-movie remake "Miami Vice", starring Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell has actually been getting okay reviews. The high school comedy "John Tucker Must Die", featuring actors who are way too old to be in high school, is getting awful reviews. Big shock there. The animated feature, "Ant Bully" is getting decent reviews. If I had to choose a movie to see this weekend it would be the dark road comedy "Little Miss Sunshine", starring Steve Carell and Greg Kinnear. You can't go wrong with that pair. It's a limited release right now so hopefully it's playing in your area.

Best of Today's BitTorrent and MP3s
Babyshambles "The Man Who Came to Stay" (mp3) from B-sides
Pixies "Head On" (mp3) Jesus and Mary Chain cover
Raconteurs 07.23.06 San Francisco
Elliott Smith Chicago 02.26.00

2006-07-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you is in order for Brian McBride who has retired from international soccer. Known for his fearless effort in the air, McBride was the face of the Columbus Crew from 1996 to 2003. He often left the field a bloody mess or with large, grotesque head bumps. He played for the US in 3 World Cubs and 95 games in 13 years. He is also the only US player to score in multiple World Cups. McBride is currently with Fulham in the English Premiere League.

More information is out on the White Stripes appearing on The Simpsons next season. There will be a parody of the music video 'Hardest Button to Button' as Bart attempts to become a jazz drummer. There will also be a hangout session between Meg, Jack, and Bart.

Click here to watch the new video 'Hands' from The Raconteurs. A bit of magic and sign language for you.

Click here to watch Billie Joe Armstrong and Elvis Costello perform the excellent acoustic version of Green Day's 'Good Riddance' from the much talked about VH1 Classic Decades Rock Live.

Floyd Landis, winner of this year's Tour de France in spectacular comeback fashion, tested positive for high levels of testosteron after his stage 17 win. He has been suspended from the team pending results of a second sample, which will made public Saturday, August 5. People were calling his win even bigger than Lance Armstrong as he is in need of a hip replacement. He suffers from a degenerative hip condition. This certainly raises questions regarding his victory less than a week ago.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
The Shins Berlin, Germany 04.09.04 (SBD)
Nada Surf Ludwigshafen 07.13.06
Ryan Adams Norfolk 07.22.06
Secret Machines Baltimore 07.22.06
Robbie Williams Amsterdam 06.25.06

2006-07-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

It's all ball bearings nowadays. After what seems like years of rumors, the Fletch prequel looks to be a go as Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence has signed to write and direct two films. If all goes as planned for Lawrence, Scrubs star Zach Braff will play the bumbling young journalist in "Fletch Won", an adaptation of Gregory McDonald's 1985 best selling comic-mystery novel.

There had been talks in the past that Jason Lee, from the TV show Earl, would play the part of Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher, Fletch F. Fletch, Jane Doe, Dr. Rosenpenis, Dr. Rosenrosen, Dr. Rosen, Frieda's boss, Arnold Babar, or Mr. Poon. Kevin Smith was also linked to the project as director. I think the team of Lawrence and Braff will be perfect for the film which is set to start shooting in April after the new season of Scrubs is complete. Hopefully we find out how Irwin Fletcher becomes Fletch.

Comedian Sasha Baron Cohen's film "Borat" will make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Directed by Seinfeld alumnus Larry Charles, the film follows Kazakhstani reporter Borat Sagdiyev as he travels from his native country to the United States to make a documentary that explains Americans to his country. "Borat" is set for a November theatrical release.

Click here to watch Wolfmother, the Australian psych-rock trio, blow the roof off the AOL Studio Sessions. My favorite is 'White Unicorn'.

Metallica has finally entered the digital era. It's been six years since drummer Lars Ulrich delivered names of a thousand illegal Napster users to a California courthouse. It seems the band now see that this is the future of music, and they'll get paid for it, which was their beef from the beginning. All 10 Metallica albums were made available yesterday on iTunes, including exclusive live tracks on some albums.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Widespread Panic Athens, GA 07.21.86 dsbd
The Cure Wembley 07.22.89
Pixies Hollywood Palladium 12.22.91 FM

2006-07-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Oasis are set to release a new collection of songs entitled Stop the Clocks on November 2. Although the band denies it's a greatest hits, the handpicked 18-track double album will draw from all of their albums and singles. Songs include 'supersonic', 'Wonderwall', The Importance of Being Idle', Acquiesce', and 'Half the World Away'. There's been rumors for years that Noel Gallagher has written his best song to date called 'Stop the Clocks', even playing it live at a local pub, but it's yet to be determined if this "gem" will make the album as the title track.

Metallica and The White Stripes will appear on The Simpsons next season. Metallica is scheduled to make their appearance on the season premiere airing September 10. The White Stripes are scheduled to appear a week later on September 17.

Click here to watch Muse perform their blistering new single 'Knights of Cydonia' for Live @ Yahoo Music.

As Pete Doherty enters rehab again, he is recording a solo acoustic album with the working title The Implant Sessions. He and his band Babyshambles are also recording the follow-up to their debut album Down In Albion.

Jeopardy! whiz Ken Jennings, who took in $2.5 million after a 74 game win streak, has blasted the show and its host Alex Trebek.

"Nobody knows he died in that fiery truck crash a few years back and was immediately replaced with the Trebektron 4000 (I see your engineers still can't get the mustache right, by the way)."

Jennings must of felt bad about his comments as he then offered a sincere apology.

"We regret the insinuation that Mr. Alex Trebek is a robot, and has been since 2004. Mr. Trebek's robotic frame does still contain some organic parts, many harvested from patriotic Canadian schoolchildren, so this technically makes him a `cyborg,' not a `robot.'"

He then took aim at the show's format.

"You're like the Dorian Gray of syndication," he says. "You seem to think `change' means replacing a blue polyethylene backdrop with a slightly different shade of blue polyethylene backdrop every presidential election or so."

Good stuff Jennings.

ESPN baseball analyst Harold Reynolds has been fired due to a sexual harassment charge. No big loss here as I believed his comments were always very elementary. Hey ESPN and ABC, how about a chain reaction by firing Brent Musburger, Dick Vitale, Joe Morgan, Bob Davie, Terry Bowden, John Saunders, Mark May, and Bob Griese? Thank you.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
The Smiths Rarities
Talking Heads Sun Plaza Hall Tokyo 02.27.81
The Replacements Warfield San Francisco 01.16.91
Morrissey Live From Belfort 07.02.06

2006-07-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

Jet Jet Jet! Three years since their debut album Get Born and endless touring, the Aussie rockers Jet will return with a new single entitled 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is'on September 18. The new album, Shine On, is produced by Dave Sardy and hits shelves October 2. Other tracks include 'Stand Up', 'That's All Lies', 'Holiday', and title track 'Shine On'. Drummer Chris Cester describes it like this, "The first album was written for pubs. This one is written for stadiums!" One can only hope the long layoff will payoff, killing any sophomore slump doubts.

If you didn't catch Elvis Costello and friends over the weekend in the VH1 Classic program Decades Rock Live, you still have some opportunities over the next two weeks. Although I'm biased to everything that is Costello, to see him on stage with the likes of Fiona Apple, Death Cab for Cutie, and even Billie Joe Armstrong was amazing, as were the spine tingling performances. Not only did the guests help out on some classic Costello tunes, Costello helped them out on their own songs. The highlight of the program was Costello and Fiona onstage for a duet of 'Shabby Doll', from Costello's 1994 album Imperial Bedroom. Both singers' performances were intense and emotional. Lead singer and songwriter Ben Gibbard joined Costello for an acoustic version of 'I Will Follow You into the Dark', which is off Death Cab's most recent album Plans. Billie Joe Armstrong jammed with Costello on 'Pump It Up' and 'No Action', then sat down to help out on an acoustic version of 'Alison'. Don't miss these moving performances especially the spastic movements and stare downs from the beautiful Fiona Apple.

Indie giant Bright Eyes will release an album of rarities entitled Noise Floor on October 9. Recorded between 1998-2005, the album contains songs that are unreleased, collaborations, covers, and one off singles. The vinyl release will contain four bonus tracks. Bright Eyes in currently recording a new album with a scheduled release date in Spring of 2007.

Although I didn't think last nights episode of Entourage was on par with the rest of the season, I still enjoyed it. Some fans are upset that the show is focusing too much on Ari, and not enough on Vince. I think the writers and directors are playing to the strong suits of the show. Either way, this season has definitely been the best of the three. With only 5 episodes left, what's going to happen? Below is a preview of next week and the titles for the remaining episodes.

"The Release" (July 30, 2006): Vince and the entourage receive news that "Queens Boulevard" will be receiving a nationwide release. Ari must compromise with a rival to avoid threats from a group of aggressive agents. Drama is nervous about an important audition and begins to take his anger out on everyone.
"Vegas, Baby Vegas" (August 6, 2006)
"I Wanna Be Sedated" (August 13, 2006)
"What About Bob?" (August 20, 2006)
"Sorry, Ari" (August 27, 2006)

Is anybody else wishing they would of kept the top on Chappelle's Show: The Lost Episodes? The flavor isn't there without Dave's lead-in nor the skits as funny. I like Charlie Murphy and Ashy Larry, but it's somewhat depressing watching them do something that doesn't seem right.

Tenacious D, consisting of Jack Black and Kyle Gass, hit the bigscreen November 17 with "The Pick of Destiny". The film follows JB and KG as they create the world's greatest band. This won't be easy so they set out find a magical guitar pick. Directed by Liam Lynch, who you know from the song 'My United States of Whatever', the film has cameos from Meatloaf, Tim Robbins, and Ben Stiller. Click here for the official website where you can see three updates from the Hell O'Clock News and an on-the-set exclusive.

The Streets, British rapper Mike Skinner, is making the longest video ever to celebrate MTV's 25th anniversary. The 20 minute video is being made by five MTV viewers who were given a video camera and told to record whatever they want. It will beat the previous record holder 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson which clocks in at 13 minutes. The song is a yet untitled new track.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Tapes 'N Tapes 06.05.06 Cambridge, MA
Pantera Milton Keynes Bowl UK 06.20.98
Editors Vieilles Charrues France 07.22.06 FM
The Raconteurs San Diego, CA 07.19.06
The Replacements Houston, TX 08.01.83

2006-07-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Of the four big movies that are opening this weekend, "Clerks II" is receiving the best reviews. "Lady in the Water", M. Night Shamalayan's new film, is getting slammed by critics although it stars one of my favorite actors Paul Giamatti. Some reviews are going as far as saying the director has lost all credibility. Then again, if people pay to see "Little Man", the film will certainly make money this weekend. "Monster House" is receiving mixed reviews. I think anyone could of predicted the reviews for "My Super Ex-Girlfriend". I saw a preview for this movie before "Superman" and seriously thought it was a joke or a commercial. In other words, just another normal weekend in Hollywood where self-absorbed directors are more inclined to stuff their pockets than actually making a decent film, except for Kevin Smith, even if it is built on dick and fart jokes.

The embarrassment continues as these clips have been making the rounds on TV and the internet. It's our fearless leader President Bush. First, click here to view his inappropriate massage of German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the G-8 Summit. Second, click here to view and hear Bush literally shooting the shit with Tony Blair.

Stylus magazine ends their countdown of the 100 best videos ever made with YouTube links. Click here to view numbers 1-20 where you will find stellar, ground-breaking videos from Talking Heads, Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Beastie Boys, REM, Chemical Brothers, Dr. Dre, Fionna Apple, Daft Punk, The Replacements, A-Ha, Joy Division, Johnny Cash, and Peter Gabriel.

On Tuesday, August 1, the US finally get a certain DVD release from the "only band that matters", The Clash. "The Clash: Rude Boy-The Movie" is part-documentary, giving the audience a look into the boys everyday life, even a political demonstration. But the meat behind the punch comes from the various concert footage.

As an avid Cleveland Indians fan, although it's been hard this season, I bid adieu to six-year closer Bob Wickman as he leaves via trade to Atlanta. He might of made you sweat through every ninth inning save but you have to respect someone who stays late after every home game signing autographs and taking pictures. I hope Bob continues to "light the wick" in Hotlanta the rest of this season.

Finally, award for the weirdest onstage collaboration goes to Taylor Hicks....and Snoop Dogg? The American Idol winner returned to his home state of Alabama for a music festival in Birmingham. After playing with his band early in the day, he was lucky enough to jam on harmonica with the legendary southern rock band The Allman Brothers for 'One Way Out'. The surprise came at the end of the night when he appeared on stage with the the smooth and mellow D-O-Double-G. I know this is hard to believe but the harmonica was once again put to use on 'Gin and Juice'. What's next, Fantasia dueting with Courtney Love?

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Elliott Smith Metro Chicago 05.26.00
Nirvana 01.01.90 Music Source Studios Seattle

2006-07-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Former Libertines' frontmen Pete Doherty and Carl Barat were seen chatting over a few pints at a bar in Camden Tuesday night. Hopefully the two were trying to reconcile their differences and mend what once was an inseparable friendship. This was their first meeting since last year.

These videos are really getting good. Stylus magazine continues their countdown of the 100 best videos ever made with YouTube links. Click here to view numbers 21-40. Highlights include Smashing Pumpkins with 'Tonight', Blur's 'Coffee & TV', Weezer with 'Buddy Holly', and Pharcyde's 'Drop'.

Les Claypool's new video 'Phantom Planet' is an animated short from German illustrator and animator Derek Roczen. Click here and scoll down halfway to view the excellence from the bassman.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Costello & Toussaint 07.18.06 New Orleans, LA HOB
Les Claypool and his Fancy Band 07.10.06 Atlanta, GA
The Shins 07.06.06 Hollywood Bowl Los Angeles, CA (new songs!)
The Beatles Pepperland: The Alternate Sgt.Pepper's album

2006-07-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Badly Drawn Boy, real name Damon Gough, will return with his fifth album entitled Born in the UK on October 23. The album is said to be inspired by Bruce Springsteen's classic album Born in the USA. This is his first album since 2004's One Plus One Is One. Tracks include 'Degrees of Separation', 'Nothing's Going to Change My Mind', 'Promises', 'Times of Times', and title track 'Born in the UK'. I can't wait for this one.

This Friday, VH1 Classic will present "Decades Rock Live" featuring Elvis Costello and friends. Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day, Death Cab for Cutie, and Fiona Apple are among the talented musicians who will be paying tribute to one of the greatest songwriters and performers of all time. The premiere is scheduled for 8pmEST and runs at different times throughout the weekend.

To tie fans over until their next album, Kings of Leon have released a download only EP entitled Day Old Belgian Blues. The six track EP includes songs from their first two albums Youth & Young Manhood and Aha Shake Heartbreak The download is available through their official website (although it looks like the link is not working right now). KOL is currently in the studio recording their third album with an expected release in 2007.

The tracklisting is:
'Taper Jean Girl'
'The Bucket'
'Soft'
'Molly's Chambers'
'Four Kicks'
'Trani'

Stylus magazine continues their countdown of the 100 best videos ever made with YouTube links. Click here to view numbers 41-60. Highlights include Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game', Talking Heads with 'Wild Wild Life', Jamiroquai's 'Virtual Insanity', and Radiohead with 'Karma Police'.

The online movie seller, CinemaNow, is now offering a new service, download-to-burn. For a price starting at $8.99, you can download a movie from their website to play on your computer or burn onto a DVD that can be played on any standard DVD player. The downloads include covers, menus, and extras just like what you would buy in the store. Download times vary depending on connection speed but an average download will take a few hours. The download is limited to one burn to protect against piracy.

Click here to listen to the much-hyped Minneapolis buzz band Tapes 'n Tapes album 'The Loon'. The album is a strange mixture of songs without a lot of structure but none-the-less pull you in with melodic harmonies and riffs. If you like what you hear, head on over to the official website where you can download a few songs from their album and debut EP. Do Tapes 'n Tapes have something original here. That is certainly up for debate. I'll make my true judgement of them when they open for The Futureheads here in Columbus a week from Friday.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
The Stooges & MC5 Soldier Field Chicago, IL 07.18.70
Thin Lizzy Reading festival 08.27.77
The Strokes 07.17.06 Lyon, France
The Kooks Nuke Festival Austria 07.13.06

2006-07-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

The nominations were announced this morning for the annual Nationwide Mercury Prize. The award celebrates all that is UK music, promoting 12 albums of the year from British or Irish artists. Last year's winner was Antony & the Johnson's, I Am A Bird Now. Past winners include Franz Ferdinand's jerky self-titled debut in 2004, PJ Harvey's brilliant Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea in 2001, and Badly Drawn Boy's sublime debut The Hour of the Bewilderbeast. The award is given at a ceremony September 2 with the winner receiving around $36,500.

Nominees are:
Arctic Monkeys, Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan, Ballad of the Broken Seas
Editors, The Back Room
Guillemots, Through the Windowpane
Richard Hawley, Coles Corner
Hot Chip, The Warning
Muse, Black Holes & Revelations
Zoe Rahman, Melting Pot
Lou Rhodes, Beloved One
Scritti Politti, White Bread Black Beer
Sway, This Is My Demo
Thom Yorke, The Eraser

Two of my current favorite bands, We Are Scientists and Art Brut, will record a split single together before heading out on a co-headlining US tour. We Are Scientist will record Art Brut's 'Bang Bang Rock N Roll', while Art Brut will record We Are Scientist's 'The Great Escape'. Click here to hear We Are Scientist's album With Love and Squalor in its entirety. It's a scorching 35 minutes of punk-pop and catchy lyrics about booze and birds.

Here's a link to an article about "Clerks II" which opens in theaters this Friday.

Stylus magazine continues their countdown of the 100 best videos ever made with YouTube links. Click here to view numbers 61-80. Highlights include Nirvana with 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', Bjork's 'It's So Quiet', OutKast with 'Hey Ya', Lisa Loeb's 'Stay, (I Missed You)', and Michael Jackson with 'Beat It'.

"You Got the Touch...You Got the Power....Yah!" Click here to see the hilarious clip from the film Boogie Nights as Dirk Diggler belts out 'The Touch' from his short lived music career. Keep rockin and rollin.

Hot off their #1 UK album, Black Holes and Revelations, Mercury Prize nominee Muse has a new video for their epic album finale 'Knights Of Cydonia'. Click here for the riotous affair. You won't be disappointed.

The Cribs are a band of three brothers from Wakefield, England playing sharp indie pop. They have two albums out including one of my favorite albums from 2005, New Fellas. Check out their website for downloads and videos. As for their live show, click here to see for yourself as they roll through some of their hits at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago.

Blender music magazine counts down the 25 Biggest Wusses...Ever!. From Robert Smith, N'Sync, Paul McCartney, Barry Manilow and Kenny G to Nick Lachey, James Taylor and Boyz II Men. I'm kind of disappointed to see Chris Martin at #9 because I think he should be a lot higher. What a wuss.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Beastie Boys The Netherlands, 11.5.87
Allen Toussaint New Orleans 11.18.78
Spoon NYC Webster Hall 6.9.05
Ryan Adams Philadelphia Electric Factory 5.20.05

2006-07-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

Filming is underway for the Ian Curtis biopic, "Control", based on his widow Deborah's book, Touching From a Distance. The movie about the Joy Division singer is expected to hit theaters in 2007.

Stylus magazine is counting down the 100 best videos ever made including YouTube links for each one. You can view numbers 81-100 here. Kicking it off are The Geto Boys with 'Mind Playing Tricks on Me'. Also included are Nine Inch Nails with 'Closer', Duran Duran's 'Hungry Like the Wolf', Bright Eyes with 'First Day of my Life', Peter Gabriel's 'Shock the Monkey', and Radiohead's dreamy 'Fake Plastic Trees'.

Click here to watch the trailer for "Rocky Balboa", the sixth film in the series. Sylvester Stallone stars and directs. Rocky comes out of retirement for a couple low-profile fights until, surprise, he is approached to fight the current heavyweight champion. It is set to hit theaters December 22, 2006. I'm not sure how I feel about this but it can't be any worse than "Rocky V".

The Observer lists The 50 albums that changed music history. The Velvet Underground and Nico's self-titled 1967 release tops the list. The Beatles' 1967 classic Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band finished second.

For those of you who enjoy sports-themed movies or love soccer, "Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos" is now out in theaters. The film tells the true story of the team who brought Pele to the United States, their hollywood lifestyle in the crime-ridden streets of New York in the 1970s, and the downfall of the NASL in the early 1980s. It was a time when the Cosmos were putting more fans in the seats than the Jets or Giants.

Former professional wrestler Nikolai Volkoff is running as a Republican for State Delegate in Baltimore, Maryland. He has enlisted his former tag team partner, The Iron Sheik, to lead the campaign. Will Nikolai follow in the footsteps of Jesse "The Body" Ventura, or get booed right out of the his red Commie boots like his old renditions of the Russian National Anthem?

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Grimeys 2.24.2006 FM
Arcade Fire Hollywood Bowl 6.26.05
Belle & Sebastian 07.15.06 Summercase Festival Madrid
Elvis Costello and The Attractions Ipswich 09.26.82
The Police Cleveland Agora 1.21.80 FM

2006-07-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

My dad and I arrived at Blossom Friday night to a monsoon, literally pouring. We had to crash VIP to catch cover, which was okay because the beer was cheaper there anyway. Elvis hit the stage to a half-empty pavillion but Blossom is always beautiful and this is actually how I like it. 2 hours and 40 minutes later, my dad and I are rushing to the restroom. It's that feeling you get when you just can't take yourself away, no matter how bad the bladder problem.

A drunk girl wonders over as I'm standing outside the men's bathroom and asks, "Is he coming out soon?" I think for a moment and ask "Costello? This is the men's bathroom." The buses warm-up in the background as the man and his band of extremely talented and spirited New Orleans' musicians move on to their their last two stops on the tour, Atlanta then "The Big Easy", which is the inspiration for their album and tour. I think to myself, "Wish my dad and I were going." Moving...yes, memorable....to say the least.

A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, 59-year-old English man who made his mark in the late 1970s punk movement sharing a stage with another Hall of Famer, a 68-year-old-man who made his mark as a producer, bandleader, and songwriter including 'Working In A Coal Mine'. They're old friends doing what they love to do best, playing live.

2006-07-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

The Sopranos concluding episodes are being pushed back two months from January to March 2007 due to James Gandolfini's knee surgery. Gandolfini was struck by a cab riding his scooter in New York. Although it is minor surgery, HBO executives did not want the Sopranos up against the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl. HBO Chairman Chris Albrecht tries to calm the storm by saying "I know the story lines for the final eight, and I am absolutely positively certain that when the curtain comes down on `Sopranos,' the vast, vast, vast majority of people will say it's one of the great things of all time."

At a recent check-up, Bob Barker's dermatologist found skin cancer on his ear and back. But not to worry, an incision was made to remove the tissue and after a biopsy it looks like all is clear. Set your TiVo tonight as Bob will appear on The Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

Ed McMahon has been named the top sidekick of all time according to the new issue of Entertainment Weekly hitting newsstands on Monday. Rounding out the top five are Robin from Batman, George Costanza from Seinfeld, Chewbacca behind Han Solo, and Ethel Mertz.

Legendary NYC club CBGB, where The Ramones and Talking Heads got their start, will close in September due to a conflict among owners, its founder, and the current tenant. However, there are plans to relaunch the club at a new home in Las Vegas in 2008.

The signature gold chains around the neck of Mr. T are a thing of the past after witnessing the Hurricane Katrina devastation and spending time with its victims. To continue wearing the chains would be a "sin against my God", said Mr T., whose real name is Lawrence Tero. In October he will host a new show on TV Land appropriately titled I Pity the Fool, advising viewers who are battling life's many problems.

On August 22, Pixies are set to release a new DVD of their acoustic performance at the 2004 Newport Folk Festival containing 22 tracks with a behind-the-scenes rehearsal session.

Kiss frontman Gene Simmons has a new reality series on A&E entitled Gene Simmons Family Jewels. Think of Hogan Knows Best but with Simmons, partner Shannon Tweed and a 17-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl. It should be interesting to see his parenting skills. Hopefully more interesting than his band's silly makeup, stage act, and second-rate songs as the most overrated band of all time.

Best of Today's Downloads and Videos
Led Zeppelin - tons of live shows (rar)
Collection of Covers feat. Arcade Fire, Beck, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Ben Folds, Elliott Smith, Wilco (mp3s)
The Strokes, 'You Only Live Once' (video)
The Futureheads, 'Worry About It Later' (video)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, 'Cheated Hearts' (video)

2006-07-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

The "Man In Black", the late Johnny Cash, has the #1 album on Billboard's Top 200. American V: A Hundred Highways, produced by Rick Rubin, is a collection of original material and covers. The songs were recorded just months before his death in September of 2003. It's been four decades since he topped the album charts with the 1969 classic, Johnny Cash at San Quentin, which is in my top ten albums of all time.

My Morning Jacket will release a double live album with accompanying DVD entitled Okonokos: Double Live Album. No confirmation on a release date but hopefully the material is close to their storming sets at Coachella and Bonnaroo this year. Catch them August 4th at Lollapalooza in Chicago (just added today) before they head to Europe for two months.

Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy continues to be one of the most diligent artists in today's music scene. Click here to listen to the new album Another Fine Day, from his side project Golden Smog, consisting of Tweedy, members of the Jayhawks and Soul Asylum.

In news that will excite both of my sisters, Third Eye Blind will release Collection: The Best of Third Eye Blind, next Tuesday, July 18th. Click here to stream the album. This is their first release since their third album, 2003's Out of the Vein. I was a big fan of this band in the past but this seems a bit premature. Seventeen of the nineteen total tracks appear on previous albums. It would seem to me that fans of this band would already own this material so I'm not sure of the motivation behind this release. Although the rumor is they are currently working on their fourth album which could be their last.

Here is a list of the top 30 game-show hosts of all time. I certainly don't agree with No. 1 considering I've seen No. 2 in person and he is by far the best; just ask my Papa Bob. Anne Robinson from Weakest Link? I'd put her atop my most annoying game-show hosts. Check out the picture of Alex Trebek. He was probably as big a pompous ass back then as he is now.

It must be juvenile movie day for me as I turn to two films. Opening tomorrow is "The OH in Ohio" staring Parker Posey, Paul Rudd, Danny Devito, and Mischa Barton. Posey and Rudd together in a sex comedy has to equal some good-size laughs. Plus I hear it paints a positive picture of Cleveland.

After a poor U.S. showing at the World Cup, here's your new favorite team. "Beerfest", opens August 25th. The premise is underground beer drinking Olympics set in Germany. Our heroes, five Americans out to defend family and country.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Talking Heads 8.24.79 Boston MA FM SBD
Noel Gallagher 1989 Demo Tape (pre-Oasis)
Costello & Toussaint 6.8.06 Philadelphia, PA World Cafe FM
My Bloody Valentine 10.5.88 John Peel Sessions

2006-07-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

I've questioned why it is taking so long to release one of mine and my sister Heather's all-time favorite shows The Wonder Years on DVD. According to this article, it is due to all of the great original music. The good news is we could see a release within the next couple years.

Is Weezer 'Undone'? Looks like it's over according to singer, and recent Harvard graduate Rivers Cuomo. This doesn't come as a huge surprise considering their last album Make Believe was trashed by critics and their live show had become lackluster and stale. If it is the end, at least we still have their groudbreaking first and second albums, Blue and Pinkerton, that will continue to influence artists and the ears of music lovers for years to come.

The White Stripes' song 'Seven Nation Army' has become an Italian national soccer anthem after their World Cup win last Sunday. Italians chanted the beginning bass riff "Po-po-po-po-po-poo-pooo and continue doing so referring to it as "that Detroit rock song".

I just received my 5th row seats for the Elvis Costello and Allan Toussaint show at Blossom this Friday. In anticipation for this joyous event, click here for a sparkling review of Monday night's show at the Beacon Theatre in NYC, the first of two sold-out nights.

"No More Mr. Nice Guy"! Do you think Alice Cooper deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? His fans have put together a petition to persuade the Foundation. Sign it unless you think Marilyn Manson, Glen Danzig, GWAR, and Slipknot are original.

More Bonnaroo updates have been added to the AT&T blue room archives including performances by moe., My Morning Jacket, and the Superjam. Also, an interview was added with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs regarding their new album, Show Your Bones, plus a backstage tour.

Best of Today's BitTorrent and Downloads
Costello & Toussaint Beacon Theatre, NYC 07.10.2006
Thom Yorke 07.11.2006 KCRW FM
Coachella Festival 4.29.06 Day 1
Pink Floyd Rotterdam, Netherlands 11.13.67 (feat. Syd Barrett)
Adult Swim Chocolate Swim EP - free mp3 download

2006-07-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Syd Barrett, co-founder of Pink Floyd in 1965 has died at the age of 60. The cause of death is yet to be determined but it's been reported that it was either a complication with diabetes or cancer. Syd played a large role in the band's early days, writing and playing guitar on the the 1967 critically acclaimed album "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn", only to leave the band one year later due to his erratic behavior from the use of LSD.

On a lighter note, the "Chief" Noel Gallagher, Oasis' main songwriter and lead guitarist, has announced a one-off show for charity. A rarity when it comes to Noel playing solo, he'll play the KOKO in north London on November 2. He will be raising money for Focus12, which deals with drug addiction, along side other great musicians and comedians that night.

Arctic Monkeys have revealed the reason behind ex-bassist Andy Nicholson's depature, putting it down to touring. Nicholson did not join the band on their US tour a few months back and was sacked after the band returned from that tour. Nick O'Malley is now on bass.

Rolling Stone released their list of the greatest second albums of all time and for once, I agree with the magazine. Three of my favorite albums of all time made the list and are in bold below. What are your favorites?

Nirvana, Nevermind
The Stooges, Fun House
Elvis Costello, This Year’s Model
Led Zeppelin, II
Radiohead, The Bends
Oasis, What’s the Story Morning Glory
Blondie, Parallel Lines
Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP
Talking Heads, More Songs About Buildings and Food
Public Enemy, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Bruce Springsteen, The Wild, The Innocent, The E Street Shuffle

Keeping up the momentum, the beautiful and talented Natalie Portman will appear nude in her next film.

Any fans of The Office? Cast members from the British original will appear on the American version at some point next season.

Click here for a recent performance by Thom Yorke on The Henry Rollins Show.

Anyone thirsty for a brain freeze? To celebrate 7-Eleven's 79th birthday today, free SLURPEES!!!

Best of Today's BitTorrent
The Kinks 3.7.87 Chicago FM
RUN DMC The Apollo NYC 1985 SBD
The Strokes 3.15.06 Edmonton
Bob Dylan Carnegie Hall 11.4.1961

2006-07-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Italy for winning the 2006 World Cup in a thrilling match ending in penalty kicks. Italy took advantage of France losing their two best strikers for the shoot-out after Thierry Henry was replaced late in the match, and star Zinedine Zidane received a red card after throwing a vicious head butt of WWF proportions in the second overtime. This is Italy's fourth World Cup putting them only behind Brazil's five Cups.

Johnny Depp's "Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest" sabotaged the box office by taking in $132 million over the weekend setting the three day record formerly held by "Spider-Man" which took in $114.8 in 2002.

Nominees are in for Canada's 2006 Polaris Music Prize, which is given solely on artistic merit. My choice would be Apologies To The Queen Mary, by Wolf Parade.

VH1's new tournament style gameshow The World Series of Pop Culture premieres tonight as teams get a chance to show their superior knowledge of music, tv, and film.

This Friday I will be traveling with my dad to Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio to see the brilliant Elvis Costello play alongside New Orleans' Allan Toussaint. We'll be in the first five rows so I'll have my digital camera ready and post a review and photos after the show.

Best of Today's BitTorrent and Downloads
Pixies Reading Festival 1990-08-27
Elvis Costello feat Allen Toussaint Niagara Falls, ON 2006-07-08
The Rakes Black Cat Washington DC 07-07-06
Badly Drawn Boy Charlotte NC Instore at Manifest 2002 SBD (Zip)
Rooney New Single "Tell Me" (MP3)

2006-07-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

After making Cleveland Cavaliers' fans sweat for a week, I'd like to personally thank LeBron James for agreeing to a 3 year, $60 million contract extension that will keep him in a Cavalier uniform through the 2009-2010 season. With the Indians being the biggest disappointment in baseball this season, at least some good news is coming out of Cleveland sports this summer.

I saw "Superman Returns" last night and have to say it was very entertaining and would recommend it. The special effects were intense. Relatively unknown actor Brandon Routh, who plays Superman, does a superb job. There was never a moment he wasn't believable which is an important part of playing a recurring super hero role, especially when there's only been one original on the big screen. Kevin Spacey is smart, ruthless, and cold, as villian Lex Luthor. The film was a bit long but the length didn't take away from the compelling storyline.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Bob Dylan Acoustic Carnegie Chapter Hall NYC 11.4.61
Daft Punk 2006-06-30 Eurockéennes de Belfort
Radiohead 2006-06-29 Greek Theatre LA

2006-07-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

In honor of tomorrow's World Cup final between France and Italy, here are some interesting facts about each country.

Population: 63.6 million people makes it the largest country of Western Europe
Capital: Paris is the capital of France and home to 2.1 million people.
Currency: Euro coins and banknotes completely replaced the French franc in 2002. $1 = $0.78 Euro.
Climate: Average temperature in January is 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Average temperature in July is 69 degrees Fahrenheit.
-France is the top destination in the world for tourists accounting for 11 percent of all tourist arrivals worlwide.
-The Eiffel Tower was built between 1887-1889 as an entrance to the International Exhibition of Paris. It was the world's tallest building until 1930 when New York City's Chrysler Building was completed.
-The Tour de France occurs each summer as 100 cyclists from around the world compete in a 3 week, 2,000 mile race.
-Wine is often served free with every meal like water. Beer and soda are looked at as special requests. Unless you ask, it is assumed you will drink wine and water with every meal.
-France's only World Cup win came in 1998 against Brazil, blanking them 3-0 in front of their own country. Leading France into the final is captain and midfielder extraordinaire, Zinedine Zindane.

VS.

Population: 57.5 million people
Capital: Rome is the capital of Italy and home to 2.5 million people
Currency: Euro coins and banknotes completely replaced the Italian lira in 2002.
Climate: Average temperature in January is 47 degrees Fahrenheit. Average temperature in July is 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
-Italy is the 4th most visited country in the world
-Italy is home to several volcanoes, including one active, Mount Vesuvius, which is considered one of the most famous in the world.
-The Leaning Tower of Pisa, obviously intended to stand vertically, began leaning soon after construction started in 1173.
-The Vatican City, home of the Pope, is considered its own independent city-state.
-Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel in Rome lying on his back for 4 years.
-Italy is a 3 time winner of the World Cup. Back-to-back wins came in 1934 and 1938. A 2-1 victory came against Czechoslovakia in 1934 in front of their home country. A 4-2 victory came against Hungary in 1938. Italy's last win came in 1982 with a 3-1 victory over Germany. Leading Italy into the final is captain and center of defense, Fabio Cannavaro.

Muse is back with a spectacular new album entitled Black Holes and Revelations. Hear it here before it hits stores this Tuesday, July 11th.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
The Clash-San Antonio, TX 5/22/83
Bright Eyes 02.18.05 World Cafe Philadelphia WXPN FM
John Lennon 1973 Mind Games Sessions
John Lennon 1970 Plastic One Band - Home and Studio

2006-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm happy because it's Friday but also because one of my favorite sites is back up and running - It Came From The Underground, the Badly Drawn Boy fansite. To celebrate, the site is offering two free BDB concerts in zip format. Hopefully we'll be hearing more on his new album and a possible tour by the end of the summer.

Click here for Carl Barat's band Dirty Pretty Things raucous and uncensored video for their new single Deadwood featuring the band among some scantily clad dancers.

Click here to see Bill Maher interview director Kevin Smith in regards to the much anticipated "Clerks" sequel. Click "Show Playlist" to the left of the volume to choose the interview. "Clerks 2" hits theaters July 21, 2006.

AT&T blue room has finally added live archives from their Bonnaroo webcast. Scroll over Bonnaroo and click to see a few songs from the sets of Ben Folds, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, and Les Claypool among others.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
The Ramones Northwestern University Oct. 13, 1979 SBD
Wolfmother 2006-06-30 Open Air St. Gallen, Switzerland FM
Elvis Costello feat Allen Toussaint Hyannis, MA 2006.07.05
Belle and Sebastian 2006.03.20 KCRW FM
Wilco 2006-07-05 Summerfest Milwaukee, WI
Radiohead 1997-08-24 Philadelphia

2006-07-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

Emmy nominations came out today and suspense drama "24" and medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" lead the way. I'm happy to see some recognition for my favorite show "Scrubs" and also "The Office". "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives", top winners from last year, were not nominated in the best-series category which is a taunt.

The nominations in top categories are:
Comedy Series
Arrested Development (too bad it was cancelled)
Curb Your Enthusiasm
The Office
Scrubs
Two and a Half Men (who watches this?)
Drama Series (no CSI?)
Grey's Anatomy
House
The Sopranos (crap season)
The West Wing (was this on last year?)
24
Reality Series
Amazing Race
American Idol (barf)
Dancing With The Stars (this is what Jerry Rice does now)
Project Runway (never heard of it)
Survivor (come on, really?)
Actor in a Comedy Series (where's Zach Braff?)
Steve Carell, The Office
Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm
Kevin James, King of Queens (huh?)
Tony Shaloub, Monk
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men (what?)
Actress in a Comedy Series (solid lineup here: sarcasm)
Stockard Channing, Out of Practice (the chick from Greece?)
Jane Kaczmarek, Malcolm in the Middle
Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback (pretty long comeback)
Debra Messing, Will & Grace (will this show please go away)
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, The New Adventures of Old Christine
Actor in a Drama
Peter Krause, Six Feet Under
Dennis Leary, Rescue Me (never heard of it, does he smoke in it?)
Christopher Meloni, Law & Order: SVU
Martin Sheen, The West Wing
Kiefer Sutherland, 24
Actress in a Drama
Frances Conroy, Six Feet Under
Geena Davis, Commander in Chief (yah, okay)
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU
Allison Janney, The West Wing
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

I've been spinning the debut album Inside In/Inside Out from a band called The Kooks. Out of Brighton, the anthems from this foursome will give you a perfect soundtrack for the summer. They'll hook you in with their catchy lyrics and 60s west coast sound. Throw in some rasta and you'll be ready to call them your new favorite band. They've already released five singles in the UK to critical acclaim. It looks like they'll be touring the US this summer so look for a proper stateside release in a month or two.

Arrrrr, early reviews are in for the new "Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest" and they are mixed. I'm thinking it really won't matter as it should swashbuckle its way to the top of the box office.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
My Morning Jacket Chicago, IL 2006-07-04
The Clash Wichita Falls 5/19/83
Muse Maida Vale Studios, London 05-07-06
Dirty Pretty Things - Ricoh Arena Coventry 2nd July 2006
Beastie Boys, 2004-12-14, Amsterdam

2006-07-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Pete Doherty speaks on Carl, The Libertines and kicking his drug habit in an interview with Jonathon Ross to be broadcast later this week. Although this seems to be a lost cause, one can only hope that he cleans-up his act and gets back to his brilliant song-writing and stage presence. How drugs can pull you away from once being in the greatest rock-n-roll band in the world is beyond me, but I guess all you can do is....pray.

2006-07-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

"Chappelle's Show" returns on Comedy Central this Sunday at 9pmEST with a three episode season, but without Dave. Looks like Charlie Murphy and Donnell Rawlings (aka Ashy Larry) will be hosting. Click here for a sneak peak at the new, and possibly last season and episodes.

The Raconteurs, Jack White's new band with Brendan Benson and members of The Greenhornes, are featured on Live@Yahoo! Music this month. Check out studio performances of Hands and Steady, As She Goes.

Click here to watch Conan O'Brien ask his audience to out help MC Hammer by buying his new single.

The next book on my list is Graham Greene's cult classic Brighton Rock.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Beastie Boys 1996-06-16, Tibetan Freedom Concert, San Francisco
Art Brut Furia Festival, Cergy Pontoise, June 25, 2006
Elvis Costello Warfield Theater 10.9.86
Keane 2006.06.22 KCRW FM
Pantera 3/11/97 Santiago FM
The Raconteurs Malmö, Sweden, July 3, 2006

2006-07-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

Next Tuesday, Thom Yorke, frontman of Radiohead will release his first solo album entitled The Eraser. Hear it here before it hits the shelves.

2006-07-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Below are some of my pics from the Radiohead show Friday night at the Greek Theatre. Each show was unique but Friday was more upbeat than the Thursday show. Highlights were My Iron Lung, Climbing Up The Walls, Myxomatosis, Bones, and a sing-a-long to Fake Plastic Trees. Closed down the VIP with the freak that is Marilyn Manson, the White Stripes' drummer Meg White, and Adrian Grenier aka Vinny Chase from HBO's Entourage. Set list is below.

6/30/06
1. Airbag
2. The National Anthem
3. There There
4. 15 Step
5. Exit music
6. Bodysnatchers
7. My Iron Lung
8. Nude
9. Videotape
10. I Might Be Wrong
11. Climbing Up The Walls
12. All I Need
13. Pyramid Song
14. Spooks
15. Idioteque
16. Myxomatosis
17. Bangers 'N' Mash
18. Bones
-Encore-
19. Like Spinning Plates
20. Fake Plastic Trees
21. Down Is the New Up
22. Paranoid Android
-Encore2-
23. House of Cards
24. True Love Waits/Everything In Its Right Place

I finished Frank Portman's King Dork on the plane ride back to Columbus yesterday. I have to say it's one of the most enjoyable books I've read in some time. I haven't read a "young adult" book in years as one usually tends to think of Cather In The Rye which I never got into growing-up. This book is somewhat of the anti-Catcher as Portman might put it. It's a mixture of "how to survive in high school" and the Hardy Boys rolled into one. It's sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll on a 10th grade level. It's full of surprises that can range the emotion from dejected and frightening to anxious and hilarious. It leaves you with that uplifting feeling of satisfaction that finishing a great book should do every once in a while.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Radiohead Greek Theatre, LA 6.30.2006
The Smiths Manchester, England, July 19, 1986 (FM)
Gang Of Four, NY, 9/9/79
Oasis London Astoria, 18th August 1994
Beastie Boys 1992 Sea Bright, NJ SBD

2006-06-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

Great show from Radiohead last night. The Greek Theatre was boogying. New songs came off well as they played seven. Tonight's show is the last date on the tour so I think everyone is hoping for the band to pull-out all the stops. Leaving in an hour or so and we don't know where are seats are going to be so we're crossing our fingers for pit. Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy walked right by us last night in VIP but neither Mark nor I spotted them. I guess I'll have to keep my head more on a swivel tonight. Mark did spot Haley John Osmond, the actor from Sixth Sense. He looked a bit older these days which was amusing. Setlist is below.

06/29/06
1. You And Whose Army?
2. The National Anthem
3. 2+2=5
4. 15 Step
5. Morning Bell
6. Arpeggi
7. Videotape
8. Kid A
9. Dollars And Cents
10. Street Spirit
11. All I Need
12. Nude
13. Paranoid Android
14. Bangers 'N' Mash
15. The Gloaming
16. Idioteque
17. Follow Me Around
18. Everything In Its Right Place
-Encore-
19. There There
20. Down Is The New Up
21. The Bends
22. How To Disappear Completely
-Encore2-
23. House Of Cards
24. Lucky

2006-06-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

Fresh off their gigs opening for Radiohead, Akron Ohio's own, The Black Keys, will return with a new album on September 4th entitled Magic Potion. This is the follow-up to 2004's Rubber Factory. The tracklisting is below. There will be a small, six city west coast jaunt in early September before heading to Europe through mid-October.
Magic Potion
-Just Got To Be
-Your Touch
-You're The One
-Just A Little Heat
-Give Your Heart Away
-Strange Desire
-Modern Times
-The Flame
-Goodbye Babylon
-Back Door
-Elevator

2006-06-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

Made it LA okay. Flights were decent except for the chunky monkey who decided to sit in the middle between myself and another dude. She pulled out a giant ziplock bag full of fresh, cut-up pineapple ten minutes into the flight. Needless to say it stunk and her hands were all sticky without a napkin to help. Who brings fresh cut-up fruit on a three and a half hour flight? I guess there's a first for everything.

Getting mentally prepared for to the Radiohead show tonight. The Greek Theatre is supposed to be an excellent place to see a band. Although, I think Radiohead could play anywhere and people would flock. Rumor is that the VIP area has free alcohol. That could make things a bit hazy. Have to take a run, get some more sun, hit the liquor store, and start hitting the sauce.

2006-06-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

Packed up with a updated iPod and ready to head to LA after work. Tomorrow I'll be blogging by the pool in beautiful Beverly Hills.

Early reviews are in for the new Superman movie and look to be better than average. It stars Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, James Marsden, Kevin Spacey and Parker Posey.

Listened to the debut album from Welsh buzz band The Automatic last night while packing. It's entitled Not Accepted Anywhere. It packs a punch with scorching backing vocals from the keyboardist. Whole album flowed well with some really good tunes highlighted by what I feel could be the single of the summer called 'Monster'. Not sure of a US release date but a good site to buy imports for around $15 with free shipping is CD WOW.

Also picked up Deerhoof, who is opening for Radiohead, but have yet to listen to it. Watched an old Clash dvd that featured a '77 concert from New Jersey. It's always amazing how that band sounds so fresh and still relates to this day.

I'll be reading Frank Portman's King Dork on this trip. I've also been meaning to read the entire Smiths article from NME issue celebrating 20 years since their classic album, The Queen Is Dead.

Any Libertines fans out there? Of course there are. The Albion Arks moved some things around recently so go here to download not only audio and video from The Libertines, but also Babyshambles, Yeti, Dirty Pretty Things, and some interesting solo work from Carl and Pete.

Can't get enough of those Sheffield youngsters Arctic Monkeys? Go here for mass quanities of audio and video.

Best of Today's BitTorrent
Pixies - Bone machine - Live 1989-07-31 Lido Beach
Beastie Boys Pauls Boutique Demos
The Replacements April 8, 1986 Newport Music Hall Columbus, Ohio
Radiohead - Embarcadero Marina Park South, San Diego CA 2006-06-26

2006-06-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

Music wakes me up in the morning, gets me through the day,and puts me to sleep at night. I try to get to at least 4-5 shows a month and I'm always listening to new music. I'll be posting reviews of new albums, old albums that I've discovered, the shows I see and the adventures that come along. I'll post pics and clips to hopefully give you more of an intimate feeling.

My first trip to be reviewed on my new blog will be from Columbus to Los Angeles to see Radiohead back-to-back nights at the Greek Theatre. Should be ace.

I also take an interest in movies, books, sports, and culture in general. I'll post what I've seen and read, if it's good or not, and whatever else I've heard that's not on my list.

I think small lists are always a good way to start. I always find it interesting wondering what someone is reading on the bus or train or what's playing through their headphones.

6 Albums Spinning In My Car
-Dirty Pretty Things, Waterloo To Anywhere (US release date looks to be August 8th)
-Muse, Black Holes and Revelations (US release date is July 11)
-Badly Drawn Boy, A Collection of Bsides (2 discs)
-Futureheads, News and Tributes
-We Are Scientists, With Love and Squalor

Jogging (could be a silent j) On The iPod
-Art Brut, Bang Bang Rock & Roll
-The Libertines, Legs 11
-The Rakes, Live from SXSW
-The Sun, Live from WOXY

On the Stereo/In the Basement (pumping iron)
-Eagles of Death Metal, Death By Sexy
-Supergrass, I Should Coco
-The Clash, Live From Bonds Casino
-Elvis Costello, Live at the El Mocambo

2006-06-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

This is my first post on my new blog entitled Walking Out Of Stride, which is a reference to the Badly Drawn Boy song off his second LP, About A Boy, the soundtrack from the film. I guess I'm starting this blog to give my thoughts and reviews on music, movies, sports, books, and culture. Who knows if anyone wants to read or listen but I like to think I have an influence on family and friends when it comes to these topics.