90's, Electronic, Indie, Music, Punk, Random, Rock

Sitting Here While Everyone Eats Pie…

27 November, 2008 Brian Mc Leave a comment

I don’t want you to feel sorry for me at all because I am working today. It comes with the territory I suppose and in the end I will actually gain something after sitting in my cubicle for 8 hours…2 days off in December. I am ok with that.

The one thing about today that differs from the other days I am here is that it is not that busy. People are being safe today or just waiting until tomorrow to call in for assistance. Anyways, slow days mean I get to use the iPod. That keeps me entertained.

A couple of songs popped up that reminded me of my past throughout my shift. I guess you could say they are jems from my past. Has anyone heard of any of these? If so what do you think?

“Just Another Victim” – Helmet & House Of Pain (Judgement Night Soundtrack)
I loved this soundtrack when I was a teenager. The movie was ok but the soundtrack was just awesome mixing up rock with rap. Who would have thought this CD could have started such a trend? House of Pain AND Helmet? Awesome.

“Not The Same” – Dinosaur Jr.
I was always a huge fan of Dinosaur Jr. except the time I saw them live. Worst show ever.

“You Make It Easy” – Air
I remember I picked up Moon Safari at World Music in Columbus when I was CD shopping alone. I was looking for something new and different from all the metal and punk I was involved in. I sampled this French band called Air and have been a fan of their work ever since.

“Where It’s At” – Beck
Whoever does not like this song in some way or sort has issues. I only wish Beck would record material like this again.

“(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” – Minor Threat
In my opinion they are one of the best punk bands out there to this day. Even if I was not stright edge when I listened to them in the past I respected them and wished I could have seen them live just once.

“Tonight, Tonight” – Smashing Pumpkins
Still one of my fav Smashing Pumpkins tracks ever. The video alone blew me away when it was over played on MTV. I guess I liked the classic style that was portayed. I also liked Billy’s top hat.

Well that is all I have for now. I should get back to work…as if there is any…

I hope everyone enjoys their holiday today!

DIY, Hip Hop, Live Shows, Music, Music Video

MC Chris Putting On The Brakes???

26 November, 2008 Brian Mc 1 Comment

I saw this yesterday on one of MC Chris‘s daily bulletins on MySpace (click the picture to go to his MySpace profile):

Looks like the one man show is going to be taking a break. Rightfully so, the guy has been touring mad crazy ever since I have first heard about him. In the last 3 years I have seen him 3 times and was supposed to see him just a few weeks ago but could not get off of work.

Are you wondering who I am talking about? The best way to describe MC Chris is nerdcore even though the artist tries his hardest to stay away from that scene. Nerdcore is hip hop beats with nerdy lyrics. Imagine a sweet beat layed with rhymes about Star Wars or robot dogs and you have a hint of nerdcore. Mind you not all of MC Chris’ songs are in fact nerdcore, but still many associate him with it. Aside from songs MC Chris also likes to throw in a few little comedy skits and trust me some of it is hilarious. It’s hit or miss, you love it or hate it, and of course I love it.

The one thing I admire about the man is that he has done it all by himself. He used to work on the Adult Swim show Sealab 2021 as well as on Aqua Teen Hunger Force and opted to leave to persue his own passion, music. He tours with just a merch guy and handles everything himself. One man show indeed.

He has released 6 CDs since 2001 and not one has been on a record label. He is an internet addict posting blogs daily and is very personal with his fans. I love reading his blogs as he just talks about random things from dates he went on to the newest Xbox 360 game he got sucked in to. He is real and does not act like a rock star at all. Yet another reason why I like this guy so much.

Hearing he is taking a break is good and bad at the same time. It’s good because I know he was at one time was trying to have his own show of sorts on Adult Swim. Details about his project are unclear but I know it will be entertaining as his music.

Also if you are wondering what Black Friday 2 is, it is MC Chris’ sale of the year for his merch on his very own website. Head over to www.mcchris.com if you want to buy some gear at pretty good prices.

Here’s a bad quality video I took at him at one of the shows I was at (WARNING: Cussing Will Happen):

To clarify what was going on in the video: There was a drunk kid who was being drunk and dumb and MC Chris asked the kid to come up on stage and stand in the corner. When said drunk kid kept dancing and mocking the main act, MC Chris helped the kid exit the building. The quality of the video was crap, but it should give you a small taste of the sold out show that night…

Music, Music Video, Rock

The Vines Announce Cancelled Shows Due To Frontman’s Illness

22 November, 2008 Brian Mc 1 Comment

Taken from guardian.co.uk:

Australian rockers the Vines have canceled their live commitments due to a deterioration in their frontman’s mental health.

In a disarmingly frank website post, the band confirmed that they were withdrawing from live and festival appearances indefinitely.

In 2004 Craig Nicholls was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism, after his behaviour became increasingly erratic. He received treatment and the band were able to continue recording, even returning to the road.

But the situation appears to have deteriorated. The band wrote: “It is with a great deal of regret that the Vines today announce that they have cancelled all of their Australian festival appearances – Homebake, Pyramid Rock and Big Day Out – and their forthcoming Japanese tour, scheduled for late November. Craig Nicholls’ mental condition has deteriorated to the point where he requires immediate help over an extended period of time.”

According to the NME, drummer Hamish Rosser added: “On behalf of the Vines, we would like to extend our sincerest apologies to those of you who have bought tickets to see us perform and will not get to do so. We are all absolutely devastated that we’ve been forced to cancel all our upcoming shows as there’s nothing we love more than playing on stage before an enthusiastic audience.”

I don’t know about you, but I loved The Vines’ debut release Highly Evolved. There was a certain high strung energy felt from the lead singer Craig Nicholls throughout the whole mainly 90’s alt rock inspired CD. I had no idea that he was suffering from such complications. The fact that he did not give up when he wass first diagnosed is amazing yet I can only imagine how hard it is now for Craig Nicholls now that he finally has to take a break for the time being. The band was touring for their latest release Melodia that was released earlier this year.

Art, Artist, Cleveland, Derek Hess, Movies

American Artifact Movie

21 November, 2008 Brian Mc 1 Comment

I don’t know about you, but I am excited about this. I love rock concert prints. This movie/documentary looks to be real interesting…

Cleveland’s Derek Hess is in it as well (w/ Jose the dog). Sweet. I see Coop & Frank Kozik are in it as well. I love all three artists so needless to say I can not wait till this comes out.

For more info check out http://www.americanartifactmovie.com/

Music, Music Video, Pop, Punk, Reunion

Blink 182 Might Be Back

20 November, 2008 Brian Mc Leave a comment

This morning during my morning ritual of reading random blogs and just catching on on current events I found myself checking out +44‘s lead/bassist Mark Hoppus’ blog site. The former Blink 182 member had updated it for the first time in months. He explained where he has been, what he has been doing, and most of all reconnecting with friends from the past, more specifically Blink 182:

in the midst of everything else that has happened lately, tom, travis, and i have all spoken together. first through a number of phone calls, and then a couple of weeks ago we all hung out for a few hours. they’ve all been great, very positive conversations. we’re just reconnecting as friends after four years of not talking. it’s a good thing. obviously the first question for a lot of people will be “does this mean a blink-182 reunion?” the answer is none of us know. we haven’t talked about it at all. right now it’s just good for the three of us to see one another, reconnect, and let the past be the past. the events of the past two months supersede everything that happened before. life is too short.

Two months ago Travis Barker was involved in a terrible plane crash that left four dead. I posted a blog about it the day after it happened as I as a fan felt terrible about what happened. He luckily survived along with pal DJ-AM but it was still a horrific event and a real eye-opener for many. Seeing Mark Hoppus’ blog just proved more how the crash started to make people think about life and values of friendship.

It’s great to hear that the three members of the once power pop punk rock act are speaking. Blink 182’s break up was just dumb in my opinion. The guys had a good thing going and tossed it to the side for the sake of what seemed personal stardom. Each side had their story but once Blink 182 broke up it was clear that the three were not what they used to be. I would love to see Blink 182 reunite not for the music aspect but just to see the three together again. The band was a group of close friends and I myself liked them more because of that.

Whether they actually start up Blink 182 is still to be determined but at least they are hanging out again as friends.