Saturday, May 31, 2008

PJ + Foo = The Who




How sweet is this news? Slick and I are just hoping that this will air on MHD so that we can catch all the rawking in spectacular 1080HD goodness.

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

PEARL JAM, FOO FIGHTERS AND THE FLAMING LIPS PAY TRIBUTE TO LEGENDARY ROCK BAND THE WHO IN THIRD ANNUAL “VH1 ROCK HONORS” PREMIERING THURSDAY, JULY 17 AT 9:00PM* FROM THE PAULEY PAVILION
IN LOS ANGELES

TICKETS TO GO ON SALE SUNDAY, JUNE 8 WITH PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE EFFORTS OF MULTIPLE CHARITIES

The Night Will Also Feature An Unforgettable Live Performance By The Who

NEW YORK, NY, May 21, 2008 – VH1 has just confirmed that critically acclaimed, multi-platinum rock bands Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters along with the Grammy Award-winning rock band The Flaming Lips will perform at the network’s third annual “VH1 Rock Honors” celebration honoring legendary rock band The Who.

This year’s event will deliver a night of high-voltage tribute performances by the three bands all leading up to the spectacular grand finale performance by The Who as they rock the stage. Additional performers, presenters and special guests will be announced as they are confirmed. As a result of The Who’s revolutionary and era-defining influence on rock music, this will be the first “VH1 Rock Honors” that salutes just one band.

Taping in Los Angeles at the Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA on July 12, “VH1 Rock Honors: The Who” will premiere on Thursday, July 17 at 9pm* on VH1, VH1 Classic and MHD. VH1.com will also offer select performances from the show leading up to and following the on-air premiere at Rock.VH1.com. The Who’s monumental legacy will be celebrated with a 2 – hour tribute that will salute the music and the lasting impact of this groundbreaking band. The influence of The Who will be felt through spoken tributes, filmed packages and performances by some of today’s premiere rock acts as well as the legends themselves.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Goodbye, Farewell....


Joke's on Joker, I guess, because I'm posting about an hour after the end of the show.
So another season of LOST comes to an end, and an exciting one at that. This season has been fantastic--with a defined ending in sight, the clarity of the storytelling has improved greatly and led to every episode fitting into the larger puzzle in a much more natural way than during the second and third seasons. Bravo.

Now, let's talk specifics. (That means I'm going to discuss the finale episode in detail. I'd give a spoiler warning, but I'm trying to disabuse the Internet of the notion that it's still a "spoiler" after the show has aired in its primary time slot. So I'm giving you a...fact warning. How 'bout that?)

Obviously, the big news is that Locke came to the U.S. nearly three years after the rescue of the Oceanic Six, calling himself "Jeremy Bentham" and insisting that they return, and that he died while there. What does this mean? I don't know. If the island wouldn't let Michael die, why would it let Locke? Had his usefulness as leader run out? Had he somehow defied the island (perhaps in paying his debt to Matthew Abbadon)? This will be an interesting mystery to unravel in season five, which it does now appear will be about the "really bad stuff" that went down after the Oceanic Six left, and about the attempts to get the Six (and Locke) back to the island. I'm definitely game to see what happens next. (Hopefully, what happens next is Jack removing that hideous fake beard. Dear goodness, that thing is awful.)

The rest of the rundown (what's fresh in my mind, at least, less than an hour after watching):


  • Structurally, I loved the episode beginning with the ending of last season's game-changing finale. They had my mind blown from the first second. Kudos to them.

  • Desmond and Penny have reunited! I've been a sucker for their story since it was introduced two years ago, and find myself very happy to see their reunion. Dramatically speaking, it was well-earned (and due; with Penny as his "constant," Des's flashes were not likely to recur, making him a little less special a character than he used to be). Of course, we have to wonder how things will go when Ben's attempts to find and kill Penny a year from now take place. Will they bring Sayid--as Ben's muscle--face-to-face with his friend and his rescuer?

  • The apparent death of Jin--and Sun's reaction to it--was heartbreaking. I predicted Jin would die by season's end, if only because of the apparent "get a traffic violation in Hawaii, get killed off the show" policy, but it was still a shame to see it happen. Yunjin Kim is to be commended for her performance in the scene, which really sold the emotion of the moment. I'm interested to see the angle on her new hardened personality (she was Jason Bourne-esque in dealing with Widmore in 2007), and hope that we haven't seen the last of Jin, at least in flashbacks.

  • What's the meaning behind the appearance of Christian Shepherd in Michael's last moments, saying "You can go now?" Was that the island releasing Michael to finally die? Or was Christian bringing Michael into the "Island Apparition" fold, as he apparently did with Claire? It had a definite "Terence Mann is going out into the corn with the ballplayers" vibe.

  • What happens next to the people who stayed on the island? Why did Miles want to stay? What's this new info about Charlotte (was she born on the island)? Have we seen the last of Daniel Faraday, or did his raft full of redshirts get to "move" with the island, too?

  • So now we know why Ben was wearing the parka, and how his arm got lacerated, but how did he get flung into the Tunisian desert when the island moved?

  • That bit with Hurley playing chess against a (presumably) nonexistent Mr. Eko was creepy, but also kind of sweet (hey, that's what the ladies say about me!).

  • Nice to see they found a way to utilize a three-years-grown Malcolm David Kelley.

  • Never let it be said that this show can't bring the funny. The entire Orchid Station sequence, with Ben gleefully filling the chamber full of metal objects while Locke watched a video that said repeatedly, "Whatever you do, don't do that," was a bona fide hoot.

I must say, I was satisfied with the season as a whole, and the finale in particular (the season's other biggest highlight was probably the Desmond-centric "The Constant," if I get a vote). And now we wait, until next January or February. See you then!

Wow. Just Wow.


There is no way to do this episode justice, although Slick and I will attempt to try over the next couple of days. It may take us a while to collect our thoughts after this one. Until then, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section. Maybe all together we can figure this thing out.

Wow, wow, wow. How are we supposed to sleep tonight after this? Thanks, LOST!!!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The Countdown, May 26

Today's featured artist has been making music since the mid 1980's, but did not hit it big until 1995 when he and his band released Whatever and Ever Amen. Ben Folds broke through as the front man for The Ben Fold Five and scored a series of hits including "Brick", "Battle of Who Could Care Less", and "Song for the Dumped". The fondest memory of Ben Folds Five was the quote that I read from Folds himself when he called the group "punk rock for sissies". Gotta love the man for his honesty!!! He subsequently went solo after the trio broke up and continued the hits with today's featured song, "Rockin' The Suburbs".

It's said that Folds is preparing new songs from his upcoming September release for this years Bonnaroo. I don't know too much about the disc, but I've got a feeling that any song entitled "The Bitch Went Nuts" might just be a winner.

Enjoy "Rockin' The Suburbs".

Ready for the finale?

Friend of the Outfield cameronjr9 pointed us to this Lost quiz, billing itself as "The Hardest Lost Quiz Ever." I took it, and scored 1686 (though I don't know what that means as far as how many I got right, since I didn't keep count). The posted high score was over 3,800. How will you do?

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

The Countdown, Day 25


Today, Joker has handed the reigns of the Bonnaroo countdown to me, so I can introduce you to a band I love, about whom he knows very little. It's the Icelandic group Sigur Ros, who will be playing a late-night tent set on Saturday (when we'll be coming down off a Pearl Jam high). The band has made a name for itself with soaring, strangely beautiful music that is hard to categorize. They've been featured on film and TV soundtracks as disparate as Vanilla Sky and 24, and have done a good job solidifying themselves as electrifying live performers. Their sound is largely ambient, though it can straight-out rock, and the fact that the lyrics are entirely performed either in the band's native Icelandic or in "Hopelandic"--a gibberish language created by singer Jonsi--make this excellent background music, good for chilling out in the late night, so their set should be well-received at the festival.

Today's sample song is a live rendition of "Staralfur," from their breakthrough album Agaetis Byrjun:

Monday, May 26, 2008

Brian K. Vaughan is My Daddy

Well, not literraly, but the man does rock my socks off. For those of you who are wondering just who the heck Brian K. Vaughan is, let me take a moment to point you to our Links section where you will find a link to BKV.TV, Vaughan's own excellent website. BKV has been writing comics gold for over a decade, having recently wrapped the greatest maxiseries that I have ever read in Y The Last Man. He has also received critical acclaim for his other creator owned series Ex Machina and for his creation for Marvel, Runaways. Along the way he has also penned tales for Marvel's X-books (Ultimate X-Men, Mystique), Spiderman, & Doctor Strange as well as for DC (a small sampling of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman & Green Lantern issues).

Now BKV has his sights set on Hollywood. Back in 2006, Vaughan joined the inner circle of the LOST writing staff and penned such classic episodes as "Catch 22" (the excellent Desmond episode from Season 3) and "Confirmed Dead" (the second episode of Season 4 where we get introduced to the four new characters from the freighter). He has also optioned Y The Last Man as a major motion picture to New Line Cinema with DJ Caruso (Disturbia) set to direct. (The debate over how much better this would be as a one hour series on HBO is a future blog discussion waiting to happen).

Now BKV has announced that Marvel Studios will be sending his creation, Runaways, to the silver screen in a couple of years with Vaughan himself already at work on the script. You can read the full story here.

Fanboys all across the world are champing at the bit to see both Y and Runaways in their 60 foot glory. As for the rest of you, just remember that you first read about BKV here. You didn't think you'd like Spiderman, X-Men, Batman Returns, or Iron Man either, but you just didn't know any better. Now you know about BKV. You've been warned - prepare yourself. You can thank me later.

The Countdown, Day 24

Happy Memorial Day everyone! I hope you are enjoying your holiday & gorging yourself on grilled meats as most fine Americans do today. So what does the countdown have in store on this American holiday? A Canadian band. Of course! Canucks rule. I figure if the America can take the Stanley Cup finals hostage (go Penguins - we here at the Outfield hate Detroit), then we can let our friends to the north hog the Memorial Day spotlight.

Broken Social Scene is an indie rock super group currently including nineteen members and was formed in 1999 in Toronto, Ontario. All of its members, except for founders Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning and drummer Justin Peroff, currently play in various other groups and solo projects, mainly based around the city of Toronto. According to Wikipedia, the group's sound could be considered a combination of all of its members' respective musical projects, and is usually identified as baroque pop, whatever that means...

Most people are more familiar with one of Broken Social Scene's female members, Leslie Feist, who has since left the band and blown up he-youge. Recording as simply Feist, she scored big with her album The Reminder and the hit single "1,2,3,4" which you could not avoid hearing on the radio or on an Apple commercial in the last year. Still the band is well known in the indie rock world and are critical darlings.

Today's featured song is the first one that I can recall hearing and liking from Broken Social Scene. This is "7/4 Shoreline" from their 2006 eponymous release.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

The Countdown, Day 23

Georgia native Cat Power is our featured artist today on the Countdown to Bonnaroo. Best known for her minimalist stlye, Power sings with an sometimes earthy, sometimes ethereal voice on tracks that feature light guitar and piano. Hailed by critics, her live shows have been somewhat chaotic in the past according to all the information I have read about her, mainly due to her bouts with alcoholism. Over the last couple of years, however, everyone says that Power has gotten her act together and is polished and enjoyable in concert.

Today's selection is her single "Could We" from 2006 release The Greatest. This was Power's seventh release and the first not to feature any cover songs. Perhaps not coincidently, it was her highest charting album and best received.


Saturday, May 24, 2008

The Countdown, Day 22


Ozomatli is a multi ethnic nine piece band (although they have had as many as ten members, and as few as six), playing primarily Latin, hip hop, and rock. Formed in 1995 in Los Angeles, they are known both for their vocal activist viewpoints and their wide array of musical styles - including salsa, jazz, funk. & reggae.


Slick is holding out for a Chali2na appearance as he did the rap vocals on their self-titled 1998 debut album. Me too, as the current Jurassic 5 member is right now set to perform a 3:30 AM show and I cannot guarantee my aging, out of practice rear end will make it that long.


Today's track from Ozomatli is "Magnolia Soul". Enjoy!



The Countdown, Days 19-21

Well it's a long three day holiday weekend, so how appropriate is it that I hit you up with a long three artist Countdown to Bonnaroo post? I got a little sidetracked this week with the Countdown posts because the official schedule to the festival was released and Slick and I have been busy scouring over it, mapping out our 4 days, and scowling over the conflicts (Death Cab for Cutie playing at the same time as Robert Plant & Alison Krauss for example). It's also sad to say that one of our featured Countdown artists has already fallen off of the festival as The Whigs were nowhere to be found when the official schedule was released. That's a shame.

One of the dilemmas Slick and I are faced with during Roo is the decision of seeing Jack Johnson versus Kanye West. In an odd and not well thought out decision, the Roo mindset has decided to schedule two of their top billed acts AT THE SAME TIME ON OPPOSITE STAGES. Yeesh. Since this may be our only real opportunity to see Kanye, it looks like one of my favorites will fall by the wayside when we skip over Jack. Perhaps he will join in on the Super Jam the same night and I won't have to miss out.

While he really needs no introduction, Johnson is a former professional surfer turned singer-songwriter. The Hawaiian native has developed quite the following over the last 8 years thanks to his accessible laid back style, ear for catchy guitar hooks and lyrics, and relentless touring and production schedule (5 CD's and 3 movies). Today's offering from Jack is a cover of The White Stripes "My Doorbell" from an in-studio radio performance. I love the way that he can make this song his own while still staying true to Jack White's sound.









Chris Rock also needs no introduction, but I have to take a moment to congratulate him in advance for having the ginormous grapefruit to take the stage in front of 80,000 people. Not only would this be a record for stand-up, but this has got to be the WHITEST crowd that Rock has ever performed in front of. Think about it -- 90 degree Tennessee weather, 80,000 drunk and stoned white hippies, and an hour long set. This will either be the greatest thing ever or a wonderful train wreck. If I was a betting man, I wouldn't put it past Chris Rock to pull it off. He might be the only man who could.

So let's start the celebration early with the classic "No Sex (In the Champagne Room)" and since it's just too funny, let's do it up with a video this time. Plus, you get to see the late, great Gerald Levert.









Our last artist is Mark Ramos-Nishita (aka Money Mark); a producer and musician who has collaborated with the Beastie Boys many times. This is how Slick and I came to know him, but he has been a star on the underground and DJ scenes for years now. While my knowledge of his work away from the Beasties is virtually none, but I have loved most of what I have heard. Slick's love of the Beasties transferred over to Money Mark and he digs the Money Mark discs that he owns, so perhaps he will chime in with a few recommendations. All I need to know is that Mark is running a midnight show at Roo and we will be posted up to see it.


Money Mark's selection is "Tomorrow Will Be Like Today" which has an Elvis Costello meets Badly Drawn Boy vibe. I dig it - maybe you will too.





I'm Turning Japanese

So, my dog woke me up really early this morning and I cannot go back to sleep. So why in the world do I find myself trolling the interweb looking at craziness? Because it is just so insanely weird. Take the Japanese for example. Only in Japan could we get some of the clips featured below.

This first clip is amazing because this guy can undress in two seconds. And, no, this still isn't as fast as Slick with the ladies.



I cannot believe that anyone can consume liquids this fast. It's just not possible. And I have been drinking with Graven on many of nights...



I love the fact that this guy is trying so hard all the while wearing his business suit. Is this the Japanese Barney? Suit up.



I guess there is not much explanation required for this one - talk fast or get hit in the nuts.




And just for the heck of it, let's end with a little Hasselhoff. I am not sure what's more impressive, this girl or the Hoff's reaction. No one - I repeat NO ONE - can overact as well as the Hoff. The Germans would be proud.

More Kobe Goodness

First it was "jumping" over a speeding Astin Martin. Now, it's joining with a portion of the crew from Jackass to jump over a kiddie pool filled with snakes. While Kobe's jump is obviously doctored, this newest installment of Nike's Hyperdunks commercials is worth it just to see Kobe's reactions to snakes and the Jackass guys landing in the pool.

Plus, we get Wee Man. You've got to love Wee Man.


Dude

You know what? Sometimes you just have to step forward and admit it when you love something embarrassing. To that effect, I have to admit that I actually love the new Bud Light Campaign. Dude!

If you have not seen what I am talking about, check out the video clips below. Fact is, most of us have either been this guy or know this guy.







In the spirit of these Bud Light commercials comes this parody from our friends over at Barely Political.com. Nicely done.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Pork and Beans and Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

Outfield favorite Weezer has unleashed their new music video, a tribute to the fifteen-minute superstars of the Interweb:



See how many viral sensations you can identify!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Sweep the Leg Johnny!


I ran across this picture today and had to stop when I recognized Billy Zabka. As the main man of Cobra Kai, Billy Lawrence - Zabka kicked all kinds of ace in the 1980's. So how great is it to see him participating in the Totally Rad 80's Night for the Fresno Grizzlies. Minor League Baseball fever - Catch it!

I recommend you read the full article here, but I have to post the highlights of some of the upcoming promotions:

• Internet Safety Night With Erik Estrada. Saturday, May 24. Potomac Nationals (Class A Carolina League). You'll be pleased to know that Poncherello is now a spokesman for the Safe Surfin' campaign, which educates youngsters on the dangers of surfing the Internet. Of course the fact that you're here means that Ponch has already failed. They're also giving away "Internet safety-themed literature," which seems like an oxymoron.

• Tap Dance Day. Sunday, May 25. St. Paul Saints (Independent American Association). The Saints break new bobble ground when 2,500 lucky fans will receive the Sen. Larry Craig Bobblefoot doll. The toy features a bobbing foot extended below the partition of a bathroom stall, meant to commemorate the day that Sen. Craig was arrested for tapping his foot at an undercover police officer in a Minneapolis airport bathroom. I can hear Robert Klein singing I Can't Stop My Leg as clear as anything.

• We Love The Drake. June 12. Ft. Myers Miracle (Class A Florida State League). Help the Miracle celebrate the TV sitcom Seinifeld, which left the air 10 years ago this month. Serenity now!

• Bobblehead Of The Moment. Pat Sajak Bobblehead Giveaway. Sunday, May 25. Bowie Baysox (Class AA Eastern League). I must have this item! Mr. Wheel of Fortune himself makes his first public appearance at Prince George's Stadium, and will sign autographs. Pat Sajak will sign body parts!

UPDATE: Since we were called out about not having this in the comments, let's drop a little more Zabka goodness on you.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Hump Day Links

Here are some of the cool things that we found over the last couple of weeks. Things that you need to be aware of too.

-- Entertainment Weekly has a feature entitled "Comic Books: The One that Hooked Me!" that features some of the greatest creators in comics today talking about the issue that brought them into the four colored world of comics for good.

-- Holy flying penises, Chessman! Why in the world would someone do this to Gary Kasparov?

-- Netflix wants you to know that your neighbors love bad movies. Let's just hope you aren't surrounded by folks clamoring for Battlefield Earth or Ernest Scared Stupid.

-- Who doesn't just love watching meltdowns from news people? Gawker comes through with this montage of angry moments. (NSFW).

-- My wife is addicted to Ghost Hunters on the Sci Fi network. In honor of her and the new season which begins next Wednesday at 9:00 PM EST, here are two videos of the best video evidence of paranormal activity from the show (Part 1 and Part 2). Whether you are a believer or not, you have to admit that this stuff is crazy.

-- Move over Moons over My Hammy, here comes rock band menus from Denny's.


 

Trapped in the Courtroom

Well, after six long years, a burst appendix, a pregnant prosecutor, an injured judge, the rise and fall of Chappelle's Show (largely built upon the comedy inherent in the life of the defendant), and more legal motions than you can shake your pee-pee at, the R. Kelly child pornography trial is underway.

I point you to Slate's Josh Levin for a take on the proceedings that is both humorous and frightening. After hearing the details of the sex tape, I have two conflicting emotions:

1. Abject horror -- after all, this is, allegedly, a sex crime perpetrated against an underage girl by a thirty-something (at the time) man, which is the lowest of low. (Add to it the demoralizing nature of the acts committed on the tape, and it's even worse than just straight sex with a minor.)

2. Hilarity -- if you divorce yourself from thinking about the victim, you can really get to laughing at the idea of Mr. "I Believe I Can Fly" urinating on a woman's breasts and face in stops and starts. I mean, really? And if you start narrating the action to the tune of one of his songs, it gets even funnier. But don't just take my word for it:




I mean, "R. Kelly's Doo Doo Butter?" How can you not laugh?

And if that's not enough, let's remix it for ya:




Let's face it, whether he gets jail time or not, there's a new, courtroom-themed chapter of "Trapped in the Closet" somewhere in our future. Can't wait!

The Countdown, Day 18


M.I.A

I am feeling lazy today. L-A-Z-Y. Maybe it's all the carbs at dinner, maybe it's the long walk the family took in the woods after dinner. More than likely, I am just fat and old. That said, I point you to that great bastion of journalistic integrity - Wikipedia - if you want to know more about today's artist M.I.A.

What I do know is that she is from Sri Lanka, was an accomplished artist before turning herself into an alternative rapper, and was lauded by Blender and Rolling Stone as having the best album of the year about 2-3 years ago. I don't quite feel her, but today's song "Boyz" gets decent airplay on XM.

Give it a listen and tell us what you think.

The Two Great Tastes that Taste Great Together



Comics and Baseball. Well if this story is a match made in heaven for this blog, I don't know what is. What you are looking at is the cover to the May 26 issue of Sports Illustrated. It appears that SI tapped fan-favorite artist Mark Bagley (Spiderman, DC's Trinity) to do a "Bizarro" cover to accompany Tom Verducci's piece about this upside down season in MLB. Yankess, Tigers, & Mariners in last place? Check. Top 5 records in baseball belong to the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Marlins, Rays, and Twins (as of last Friday?) Check. Someone call Jerry Seinfeld because we are definitely in the Bizzaro World.

(Forgive the meandering here, but I loved this exchange...

Jerry: Yeah. Like Bizarro Superman. Superman's exact opposite, who lives in the backwards bizarro world. Up is down, down is up. He says "Hello" when he leaves, "Good bye" when he arrives.

Elaine: Shouldn't he say "bad bye"?

Jerry: No, it's still goodbye.

Elaine: Does he live underwater?

Jerry: No.

Elaine: Is he black?

Jerry: Look, just forget the whole thing, all right.





Best known for his work on Marvel's Spiderman books, Bagley has recently signed an exclusive deal with rival DC and will be handling the art chores on the weekly Trinity book that will prominently feature DC's "Big 3" of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Nice to see that DC also tapped Bags for this high profile gig for SI.

And who doesn't love seeing Derek Jeter getting a rectal exam? I defy you to tell me that this doesn't look like it hurts! Makes me wander if Man Hands is around.

To quote Fletch: "Moooooon River. Whew, ever serve time, Doc?"

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The Countdown, Days 16-17


Another "two-fer". Today we hit on two performers that are long rooted in the recording world. First up is the son of Bob Dylan and former lead singer of The Wallflowers, Jakob Dylan. Jakob has struck out on his own and will be backed by a new supporting band at this year's Bonnaroo festival. His first ever solo album has already gotten good word of mouth from PASTE magazine and I am excited to hear it when it drops this summer.

Today's track from Dylan is his contribution to the Save Darfur disc - "Gimme Some Truth".






The second act to be highlighted today is Aimee Mann. Perhaps most successful as part of 'Til Tuesday ("Voices Carry"), Mann has been a critical darling for years now as a solo artist. Many people came to appreciate her work based on the soundtrack to the movie Magnolia. From that disc, here is her Grammy nominated "Save Me".


I Hate Snakes and Bad Sequels


Hopefully, a bad sequel is not in the card's for this week's top release, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. So far, Rotten Tomatoes has the film rated at 78% fresh, but that's with only 65 reviews having been accounted for at this time.

If you listen to my sister in law - herself an avid Indy fan and Harrison Ford lover - who caught an advanced screening this week, the movie is so-so and seems more like one long chase scene. Uh-oh.

Not promising at all, considering this is the woman who went out of her way to win these tickets and was so influenced by the Indiana Jones trilogy that she majored in Museum Studies. Yikes!

Anyway, here comes a positive review from the geek world that makes me feel a little bettter. Newsarama has this spoiler filled review that gives me hope.

Let's all keep hope alive.

Joker's Recommendation


Hello, it's the resident comic book geek here. I just wanted to take a moment to link to an interview from Newsarama with Robert Kirkman, author of The Walking Dead. Kirkman holds a special place in my heart because he is a fellow Kentuckian and a true success story. His creator owned series Invincible and The Walking Dead have spring boarded him into successful (and surely better paying) gigs for Marvel Comics (Ultimate X-Men, Marvel Team Up, Marvel Zombies). But it's the Walking Dead that is the focus here. This is the little book that could, starting out selling less than a couple of thousand copies of the initial issues and then growing into a strong selling, critically acclaimed series that is now ready to hit issue #50. Not too bad for a fellow from Richmond! Plus, he's a nice guy to boot.

It's just this simple when it comes to The Walking Dead. It's a great book. I am not a horror person. I do not watch these types of movies and I have never loved zombies. But I cannot get enough of this book. Everyone I know that has given it a shot has grown to love it as well, even if they are not comic book fans. If you know me in real life outside of the interweb and want to read this, give me a shout. I am more than happy to loan out the first trades.

UPDATE: Here is part two of the interview with Kirkman where he discusses the evolution of the series.

Where are my Conspiracy Theorists?


As the NBA is currently drooling over the possible revival of the league's greatest rivalry of all time in the Lakers versus Celtics, here comes a development that is poised to have many a fan and reporter alike calling collusion. The Chicago Bulls have won the NBA draft lottery.

Easily one of the top 3 most well known franchises in the NBA (thanks MJ!), it appears David Stern is going to get be a happy man now that the Bulls get to choose either Memphis State's Derrick Rose (a Chicago product and sure fire ticket seller) or Kansas State's Michael Beasley (the workhorse superstar that the Bulls truly need). As a Bulls fan, I couldn't be happier. As an observer however, I think it is odd that the Bulls just happened to win the draft lottery when they only had a 1.7% chance of landing the top spot. Either Jerry Reinsdorf and John Paxson are living right, or the NBA just got what it wanted.

If you see the Lakers and Celtics in the NBA finals instead of the Pistons versus the Spurs, the NBA revival is in full swing...just like David Stern planned.

Click here to read ESPN's take on this story and thanks to them for the picture.

My Wife's Worst Nightmare


Those of you who know Slick and I should be aware of our love of the late 90's show "Sports Night". You probably also know of my wife's immense hatred of the show too.

Created by Aaron Sorkin and Tommy Schlame of West Wing and Studio 60 fame, this was a show way ahead of it's time. According to TvShowsonDVD.com, Shout Factory will bring us the definitive Sports Night box set to mark the show's 10th anniversary. Those of you in the know are aware that Shout Factory has also brought us the wonderful Freaks and Geeks boxset, the Greg the Bunny Film Parodies set, the complete My So Called Life, and Undeclared amongst others. As you can see, they don't mess around.

If you missed the show the first time around, do yourself a huge favor and check this set out when it hits stores this September. Wonderful acting from Peter Krause, Felicity Huffman, Robert Guillaume, Josh Charles and Josh Malina highlight this smartly written and clever look at a big time ESPN-esque sports conglomerate. It's not a show about sports - it's a show about people and it's just damn good. Plus, there is a great William H. Macy reoccurring guest role and that's just jelly to anyone's peanut butter.


Click here for more information.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Bill Hader Rules

So this week's Saturday Night Live season finale had it's ups and downs, but that is par for the course for this show in the last few years. The absolute highlight was the Digital Short for the week where we get a sneak peak into the "Japanese" version of the "original" The Office. Spot on from Hader and Wiig in this one. And God bless Ricky Gervais for blessing this piece.

Without further adieu, here we go...

Sunday, May 18, 2008

The Countdown, Day 15


Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

No, we are not talking about truck and tractor pulls today. Instead we are talking revolution. O.A.R. (...of a Revolution) to be exact. This band has been together for 12 years, first at The Ohio State University where they took Columbus by storm before taking their show on the road. The popularity has been fueled by their live performances and the tape trading scene. From what I can tell, they have not gotten too much in the way of mainstream radio airplay nor are they a satellite darling either. If you have heard O.A.R it's probably because you have heard one of their better known songs "Lay Down", "Love and Memories, "That Was a Crazy Game of Poker", or "Wonderful Day". They are one of these bands where I like them when I hear them but I haven't loved them - yet. Everyone I know that likes them tells me just wait until I see them perform live, so the pressure is on for them to win me over at Roo. I hope that doesn't keep them up at night...

Their new album is coming out July 15th and they are hitting the road this summer in support, starting with their appearance at Bonnaroo. Today's selection is actually another cover, this time O.A.R. is joined by the previously covered Robert Randolph on a simply fantastic rendition of the Led Zeppelin classic, "Fool in the Rain".

Saturday, May 17, 2008

The Countdown, Days 12-14

Well, life and sickness got in the way of the countdown the last couple of days, so here we are with a triple shot of Countdown to Roo goodness. A "triple play" if you will. For this selection, I decided to go with three powerhouses that really don't need a heck of a whole lot of explaining.

First up is blues legend and guitar god B.B. King. The track selected is a live cut of "How Blue Can You Get".





Next is the legendary Phil Lesh, formerly of The Greatful Dead. Here is Lesh, a staple of the Bonnaroo festival, performing a great cover of "Midnight Rider" from a 2007 Red Rocks show.




Finally, we wrap with heavy metal rockers Metallica. I have never been a big fan of the group myself and am quite shocked they are playing Roo to be honest. I do dig their cover of Bob Seger's "Turn the Page" however. While it might not be a prime example of their "sound", it's the selection I choose to share with you today.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

The Agony of it All


The first time I mentioned the Cubs and their recent run of success, I was greated with a massive flame out and a fall to third place. But, this is a blog that covers sports and LOVES THE CUBBIES, so we have to point out that the Northsiders are playing really well right now. Thanks to today's 4-0 victory over the visiting San Diego Padres, the Cubs are 25-16 and in first place in the NL Central.


The problem is that we also signed Cub-nemesis and ex St. Louis Cardinal, Jim Edmonds. I mean, I truly HATE this guy. HATE, HATE, HATE. I am so torn right now. He had better play well or they can cut his rear end FAST.
(Thanks to ChicagoSports.com for the picture)

Masters of Their Domain


Joker brought to my attention that it was ten years ago yesterday that Seinfeld went off the air for good, after nine tumultuous seasons of being "a show about nothing." I'm nothing if not nostalgic, so I thought I'd offer a bit of tribute.

But where to begin? With Jerry, the supposed straight man, who was as neurotic as the rest (and a bad actor constantly cracking up through his lines for nine years)? With George, who began as a Woody Allen clone, then became a down-on-his luck nebbish, and finally emerged as an obsessive, single-minded sociopath? With Elaine, who began life as a cute, sweet-natured nineties liberal gal with an optimistic streak a mile long, and wound up embittered and annoyed by everything anyone did in her presence? Or with Kramer, who started out weird and only got weirder?

I could always mention the revolving door of recurring guest characters: Morty and Helen Seinfeld; Frank and Estelle Costanza; David Puddy; Newman; Mickey; Kenny Banya; Tim Whatley; Babu Bhat; Mr. Wilhelm; Mr. Morgan; Ping; Rachel; Kruger; Steinbrenner; Peterman; Jackie Chiles! Or the string of gorgeous girlfriends had by Jerry and George, including Suzanne Cryer, Courteney Cox, Jessica Lundy, Lauren Graham, Chelsea Noble, Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Debra Messing, Jennifer Coolidge, Lori Laughlin, and so many more. Or Elaine's boyfriends, who included David James Elliot of JAG, Scott Patterson of Gilmore Girls, Cary Elwes of The Princess Bride, and John Michael Higgins (of the Christopher Guest mockumentary ensemble). Or the occasional one-off weirdos, like the Soup Nazi, the Low Talker, the High Talker, the Close Talker, Man Hands, Alec Berg, Ramon the Pool Boy; Bubble Boy and his parents; Kramer's intern, Darren (possibly my favorite one-episode character); alcoholic James Spader, Keith Hernandez.

I could talk about the catchphrases: "Yada yada," "Master of my domain," "re-gifting," "refunding," "de-gifting," "A Festivus for the rest of us," "Shiksappeal," "Spongeworthy," "muffin tops/muffin stumps," "hipster doofus," and "Hellooooooo!"

I could just quote Elaine: "Lazy and stupid I understand!" "No, I mentioned the bisque!" "I haven't had sex in a week, and I don't know no portuguese!" "Fake, fake, fake, fake!"

Or George: "It's not a lie if you believe it." "Jerry, you know I always wanted to pretend to be an architect!" "I'm bursting, Jerry!" "So from now on, when you answer the phone, say 'Vandelay Industries'!" "Cooooo-Stanza!"

Or Kramer: "You know, if you'd told me twenty years ago that I'd be standing here, about to solve the world's oil problems, I'd have laughed in your face. But here we are. Now, let's push this giant ball of oil out the window." "Yama-hama, it's fright night!" "My face is my livelihood, Jerry!" "I'm at the corner of first...and first. How can a street intersect with itself? Jerry, I'm at the nexus of the universe!" "Well, that would explain Little Jerry's poor egg production." "I'm out there, Jerry, and I'm lovin' every minute of it?" "In my mind, I'm already gone."

Or Jerry: "That's a shame." "Oh, this can't miss." "I'm not taking him to the airport!" "But I don't wanna be a pirate!" "She has this laugh, like Elmer Fudd sitting on a juicer." "Let's go watch them slice this fat bastard up." "Newman!"

I could talk about any one of those things. But in tribute to the show's greatest driving force, the core of every episode, I'll simply say...nothing.

Tonight


Okay folks, tonight is the first part of the 3 hour season finale of LOST. As many of you know, my speculation about this show since they announced that there were 3 more season left to go has been this:

Season 4 (the current season) – We see how the Oceanic 6 get off the island.

Season 5 – We see their attempts to get back to the island, why it’s so important they get back, and why it’s so difficult. We also see what is happening on the island.

Season 6 – We see what happens when they finally get back to the island and head toward Cuse and Lindleoff’s ultimate endgame. What that is, I have no idea.

So far, I’ve been pretty much right with how this season has unfolded. Sure, it’s a pretty big generalization and I by no means have a clue about specifics, but it’s nice to have a rough idea of where you are headed and then actually see it play out. Knowing all the details would ruin the ride and the rampant speculation is a major charm of LOST. That said; let me speculate a bit more.

- I think what we will see tonight has been laid out in the preview. It’s clear we are headed to the standoff/showdown between Keamy’s freighter crew and the Oceanic survivors/Ben. It also appears that we will have a flash forward to the Oceanic 6 getting back to civilization, so I would imagine that the next 3 hours of LOST will slowly bridge that gap.

- I have no idea who the show will revolve around tonight, but it would only make sense if we get a Claire/Christian Sheppard storyline either tonight or as part of the 2 hour finale in two weeks. The writers need to bring the sibling relationship between Jack & Claire to light to at least Jack (so that he understands that Aaron is his nephew). It would also be nice to start giving us answers as to why Claire went with Christian so willingly two episodes ago and why she appeared with her father in Jacob’s cabin last week. You could use a Claire episode to address both characters. Plus, it would make sense to explain Christian’s remark last week about why Aaron is not supposed to stay on the island.

- Speaking of Christian Sheppard, what is his story? Alive? Dead? My belief is that he is the method/vessel the island is using to communicate with the 815 survivors. This would be similar to using Charlie to talk to Hurley, Dharma worker Horace talking to Locke last week, etc. The problem with this theory is that we have not seen any of the others interact in a physical manner and Christian obviously did that when he held Aaron. So, this leads to the possibility that the island actually brought him back to life after the plane crash.

- Deaths. What is LOST without deaths? From the Jack flash forward a couple of weeks back, it is clear that Sawyer is safe since Jack referred to Sawyer making his choice to remain on the island. But is anyone else safe? I would hope Rose and Bernard are as it makes sense for her to want to stay since her cancer is apparently in remission on the island. Lots of people expect Jin to buy the farm after the flashback/flash forward episode he and Sun shared this season. Desmond? I hope not, I want to see a Penny/Dez reunion, but who’s to say we won’t see that in the next 3 hours, only to have the show pull the rug out from underneath us? Speaking of which…

- It’s clear that the freighter crew will not be doing the rescuing. So how does the Oceanic 6 make it home? I believe it will be Penny’s crew, leading to her reunion with Desmond. Given this belief, might we see either Dez or Penny die in the rescue attempt? That would break a lot of hearts if it comes to fruition.

- Finally, I wonder if these last 3 hours will be the last we see of LOST’s “flash” structure. If the show is structured over the final 2 seasons the way that I anticipate, you won’t really need the “flashes” as a story telling device. The concurrent on-island/off-island stories can play out simultaneously and be told in real time.

Your thoughts? Feel free to speculate in the Comments section below and join us back her after the show tonight and tomorrow for more commentary.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Separated at Birth




Do yourself a favor and click here to read this Tale of the Tape from SI.com's Cory McCartney where he sizes up Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy and his lookalike, Ron "The Hedgehog" Jeremy.



It makes Slick and I smile that finally some one from the mainstream media would go out of their way to point out what we have known for years.

The Countdown, Day 11


Another short and sweet entry today as I try to finish recuperating from this nasty stomach bug that has absolutely wrecked me the last couple of days. I thought today's song - "Daydreamin'" by Lupe Fiasco - was appropriate since that is about all I've been able to do for some time now.

Still, I do find myself dreaming about Bonnaroo and seeing such diverse acts as Lupe Fiasco. As mentioned earlier this week, Lupe is currently on the Kanye West Glow in the Dark tour and will follow Mr. West to Manchester for the festival. Given the fact that his first hit was the skateboarding masterpiece "Kick, Push", I shouldn't be surprised that Lupe was up for performing a set for the Roo crowd. I look forward for to seeing his show as I liked his debut album Food & Liquor quite a bit. If you like the slick production of a Kanye mixed with the "alternative" rap of Jurassic 5, you should like Lupe Fiasco.

"Daydreamin'" was a Grammy winner for Lupe and collaborator Jill Scott at this years awards. It's also a "hey, I know that song" winner due to it's use in a current cell phone campaign. Today, I offer it up as a download. Don't say I never gave you people anything!

Daydreamin' - Lupe Fiasco

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Times Like These


It's time like these that I know that I love Dave Grohl. And I am not talking about a "he's kind of cool, I bet we could hang" kind of love. I have full on bro love for the guy. C'mon, in the last week alone he calls out Metallica and tells basically tells them not to put out another shitty album and that he is available to record the drum tracks (take that Lars, you pompous son of a gun!) And today, the Smoking Gun website posts this hilarious rider from the band.

Do yourself a favor and read it. Experience the hilarity and develop your man love crush on Dave and the Foo too.

The Countdown, Day 10


Keeping it short and sweet today, kind of like the song we are featuring. Today's artist is Rilo Kiley, brainchild of two former child actors - Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett. Never heard of them? Me either, until every article on this band mentioned their thespian background. The band broke out this year with their album Under the Blacklight and today's song is their second single from this disc, "Silver Lining". Enjoy.


Links, Links, Links



Ah, it's Tuesday so it must be time for another batch of links. This time, I am fighting through the worst case of food poisoning/stomach flu that I have ever experienced in order to bring you want you want. You can thank me later.


It appears to be official. One of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood is out and Jimmy Fallon will be stepping in Conan O'Brien's massive shoes as host of "Late Night" when NBC finally puts Leno out to pasture in 2009. I have no doubt that Conan will be successful on "The Tonight Show", but Fallon? Who knows?


Thank goodness that the CW didn't blow it. "Reaper" has been renewed!


So I got an email from Slick yesterday about this turd being green lighted by Hollywood. Seriously? "Hot Tub Time Machine"??? I guess Slick and I need to get cracking on that long gestating screenplay of ours because movie studios are sounding desperate.


Narrow Stairs, the new disc from Death Cab from Cutie, drops today in a store near you. Want to hear it before you buy it? Thanks to AOL, you can listen to the whole album. Sounds like a winner to me.


It's official. John Mayer is officially a male gigolo. He and Jennifer Aniston are a couple according to E! Let's look at his lists of conquests, shall we? Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Simpson, Nicole Scherzinger, "Friday Night Lights" Minka Kelly. Whether you like his music or not, the dude is a player! And who knew that he had a sleeve of tattoos?


Speaking of Jessica Simpson lovers, Tony Romo should keep his day job. This performance at Wrigley on Sunday made even Mike Ditka sound like Pavarotti.


You know after the often silly and – dare I say it – boring aspects of the last 3 Star Wars movies, I should not be excited for this. But, darn it, once I hear John Williams' score, the little kid in me comes alive and the fanboy in me resurfaces. Plus, I love the look on my 3 year olds face when he sees Yoda.


Oh good Lord! Sex and the City's Cynthia Nixon might be gay, but her girlfriend is definitely a DUDE.


And finally, I am digging the ingenuity shown in the Dick Trickle All-Stars. Yahoo put together the list of MLB players with names that belong on the NASCAR circuit. Buck Coats and Jimmy Gobble have got to be straight out of Darlington.



I Want to Believe

I think the tag line for the new X-Files movie pretty much sums up my thoughts on it. I want to believe. It's not that I want to believe in aliens, monsters, and ghosts. I just want to believe that this movie sequel is not going to be a waste of my time. I mean, it comes ten years after the release of the first movie and a decade is a long time. It comes 7 years after the show went off the air. Still, I want to believe. I want Duchovny and Anderson to still have that chemistry. I want the movie to still creep me out. I want this not to be a waste of my time.



But what I think I want more than anything is not the closure that some fans are looking for from this franchise. I simply want a good X-Files story. Give me something on par with The Fluke Man or the creepy inbred family. Give me some meat and potatoes - something that will creep me out and leave me entertained. Give me a reason to remember why I LOVED this show, before it got consumed in the muck and the mire of it's own conspiracy theories and red herrings. Make me believe.

Anyone excited for this?

You know, maybe it has been way too long since the finale of the abbreviated "Season 2" aired, but I am just not excited about the new teaser trailer for "Heroes".





Is it really a good idea to do something like this in May? I know it was created and disseminated in order to keep the brand name out in the public eye, but 1) it's not that good of a trailer, 2) it's still 4 months from the fall debut, and 3) it doesn't do anything to pique the viewers curiosity. Perhaps Tim Kring, Jeph Loeb, etc will rope me back in with superb story telling a la LOST last year, but I have to admit to being "meh" about the show right now.

Your thoughts?

Monday, May 12, 2008

The Countdown, Day 9


"George Bush hates black people."

Man, oh man, our featured performer of the day has never lived down those post Katrina words in the eyes of most Americans. His political ranting aside, Kanye West is part of what makes today's hip-hop great, especially to white America. And let's face it, he will be performing (a bold choice, I might add) in front of a 99% white crowd at this year's Bonnaroo. Currently on the road with his "Glow in the Dark" tour, Kanye and tour mate, Lupe Fiasco, are making a detour to Manchester after the tour wraps up in Cincy on June 13th.

No matter what you think of him and his eccentric ways, Mr. West has done nothing but bring the hits since his debut album (and even before that, as a producer on Jay-Z's The Blueprint). And, from all accounts, his current tour has to be seen to be believed. Filled with enough laser lights to make stoner Pink Floyd fans happy, the glow in the dark extravaganza is one the I look forward to experiencing.

Today's track is "Good Life" from his current album, Graduation.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

The Countdown, Day 8


How in the world do I follow up near kiddie porn pictures of Scott Baio, you might be asking yourself. Well, how about we go 180 degrees and head to Texas. The father of "outlaw country" will be gracing Bonnaroo with his presence this year. Willie Nelson - who is 75 years old this year (and finally the age that he looks) - is still going strong and will be on stage to show all of us neo-hippies what a real hippie and Texan is made of.


Willie has lived a full life (4 wives and 7 kids) full of lots of touring, boozing, and weed but also of accolades (10 Grammy's), success (21 number one hits), and honors (the man has a Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor named after him for crying out loud!) For our selection today, I thought I would show Willie's diversity. The man that written for Patsy Cline, Julio Iglesias, Dolly Parton, and Ray Charles is no stranger to trying new things, but this tune was unexpected when he put this cover on his 2006 Ryan Adams produced disc Songbird.


Here is his creative take on the Leonard Cohen classic, "Hallelujah".

Saturday, May 10, 2008

The Countdown, Day 7

The end of the first week of the countdown to Bonnaroo and we thought we would highlight another young and up and coming band, Vampire Weekend. Hipsters, their magazines, and their blogs fell head over heels in love with this New York City group who met while attending Columbia University. The bloggers first hailed Vampire Weekend as the next big thing and SPIN magazine followed up in March 2008 by naming them "The Year's Best New Band". To me, the best thing about the band is that the bassist, Chris Baio, is the nephew of Scott Baio. Chachi rules!

If you caught them on Lettermen or SNL, you might recognize this tune. This is their third single, "A-Punk". Not bad, not great in my opinion - tell me what you think in the comments if you feel so inclined.










Who ever said that a little Chachi doesn't brighten your day?