The Sky’s the Limit

Thanks to Random and director Johnie Tidwell (of Cartoon Mogul) for letting me know that the long-awaited video for Ran’s track “Fly” has made its YouTube debut.

Don’t let the “Part 1” in the title scare you; this is the video in its entirety. Johnie tells me that a second version (with additional special effects and graphics) should be made available in the foreseeable future, so I think we can safely assume that this designation exists to differentiate it from the future incarnation.

Take a gander below, and then make you way to YouTube to rate and comment.

EDIT: Also, that special edition of Random's The 8th Day that I mentioned yesterday is now available for purchase via more traditional means. Now you know.

Nerd News In Brief

It’s been one of those weeks at work where I feel totally unmotivated.

Actually, I reckon that describes all my weeks at work. What can I say? I am nothing if not consistent.

Thankfully, Matt has found a new position for me at a forward-thinking firm that values my unique strengths.

Graphs and shit are forthcoming.

• An open letter to Sanrio: You guys really need to put a stop to this shit. True, it provides Church with a never-ending supply of nerd ink links to hit me with, but I’m afraid it’s strayed into the realm of the ridiculous.
• Not nerdy, just news: Earlier this week I received a message from mash-up masterminds Phoenix Jukebox. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one, but that doesn’t make me love them any less. Hit their MySpace for samples, and sleep content in the knowledge that they’ll pop up on Radio Free Hipster soon.
• Cross-Wired: Last Saturday Wired’s Listening Post dropped an interesting interview with Dan Lamoureux about his Nerdcore For Life documentary. Be sure to check the comments for an additional measure of vitriol from both sides of the stylistic fence. Oh, and I’m expecting a diss track from writer Angela Watercutter for scooping her 4 days prior re: the PAX screening. It’s on like this.
• Clash of the Titans: Myf and SDX recently kicked off a 5 round rap battle at the new Rhyme Torrents. Dragon seemed to be the winner of the first round (by a slim margin), with the second coming… uh… soon? I sure as hell hope so.
• Heartbroken: Matt regretfully informed me that WRock outfit Ginny and the Heartbreakers have just announced their break-up. As the girls were among the first WRockers to agree to be on the Old Nerdy Bastard comp, I hold a special affection for the group. WRock just won’t be the same without ‘em.
• 8 days a week: With the release of Random’s The 8th Day a mere week away, Ran has announced a limited edition of the album. This rare DVD-case release is limited to 88 units, and boasts additional artwork, liner notes, and a poem. Plus, if you play your cards right, you can get it a bit earlier then the standard release. This is only open to members of Ran’s Yahoo! group, so join up and get in while the gettin’ is good.
• In a related story: If you’re looking for a taste of what this new album offers, check out Chicago hip-hop blog Fake Shore Drive for a leak of the track “Exhale” featuring Naledge of Kidz in the Hall and scratching by DJ Akshun. You have nothing to lose but your summertime blues.
• The gorilla, the gaucho, the cap’n, and the rest: For those of us outside their native Dallas-Forth Worth area, the dapper gents of the Rivercrest Yacht Club were nice enough to post videos of their latest gig to YouTube. Apparently the former MC Router was also performing at Lola’s on the evening in question. It’s a small world after all.
• He wants your whole set: And while you’re ‘Tubin,’ check out the latest submission from Doctor Popular. Doc has taken up the WuChess Video Challenge, and it demands your immediate attention. Be sure to give him ample love. The Ken Burns effect reference alone is worth some acknowledgement.
• Bead sprites, chiptunes, and other local delicacies: And now onto news of another doctor, Doctor Octoroc. Most of you know Doc Oc for his excellent chiptune contributions to various GM4A compilations (not to mention his phenomenal cover art for their Here Comes A New Challenger release), but did you know he’s also a crafter? Check out his newly revamped site for info on his beautiful, handmade bead sprites. Then head over to Etsy and buy stuff!
• Genghis Con: And if you find yourself at either of the major Baltimore geek conventions in the immediate future – Otakon (Aug. 8th–10th) or 32 Bit Genocide (Aug. 16th) – look for Octoroc plying his wares. He’ll be I attendance, what about the rest of you?
• Do you find yourself not knowing the words to songs?: This week’s closing video comes courtesy of Church. He found the following ad for RealWizardWrock.com over at blip.tv, and shared it with me. And now I shall share it with you. May the circle be unbroken.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 49: The Sky, the Stars, the Planets

In keeping with this episode’s outer space theme, you will hear me gasp for air throughout my spoke interludes.

Yeah, that’s the ticket!

I apologize in advance for the quality of said interludes; I’ve got some sort of weird, recurrent chest cold, and I had to crank my input volume to compensate for a hoarse voice. The result is rather Vader-ish.

Which, again, seems oddly fitting.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 49: The Sky, the Stars, the Planets [hosting provided by Antisocial] Size: 46.7 MB Running Time: 51:02

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – “Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)”
In space, no one can hear your theme!

Track 1: funky49 – “Starblazer”
I have video of funk performing this cut from his new album live at Nerdapalooza. Whether I ever get off my ass and upload it or not, however, remains a mystery.

Z’s 1st interlude: “Space, flight, and the heavens.”
I sometimes feel as though I’m kind of predictable with my song choices, so I tried to mix shit up this time around.

Track 2: Reality the Musical soundtrack – “This is Reality”
Case in point: this song is both about a fabricated lunar television show and modern reality “stars.” I am so very clever.

Track 3: Kool Keith – “Lost in Space”
And with this track, the streak ends! I’m made it a point over some 49 episodes to never play the same song twice. Different mixes of the same track sure, but never the exact same cut. I mistakenly thought I included “Livin’ Astro” on RFH 3, but it looks like I played this one instead. Witness my downfall!

Track 4: Boneless Children Foundation – “Carl Sagan”
I’m really loving their whole Stars For Anyone release. Check it out.

Track 5: MC Lars – “Space Game”
Lars has been talking a lot about his next album lately. I can’t wait to hear it.

Track 6: Ookla the Mok – “Cowboy Secret Space Detective”
I’ve been a little stingy with the filk of late. Please accept this Ookla as restitution.

Track 7: Math the Band – “Order of the Planets from the Sun”
I can’t say enough good things about Math the Band. I have tried but failed. There are still so many nice things to be said!

Z’s 2nd interlude: “You will not be disappointed.”
The UEE still has a few stops left. If it’s coming anywhere near you, GO!

Track 8: The Four Eyes – “Champagne Supernova”
The Four Eyes’ Dave Ninja is expecting a new baby any day now. Preemptive congrats to Dave and Mrs. Ninja!

Track 9: Xoc – “Rubles from Heaven”
The Heartcode compilation is pretty damned amazing. If you have any interest at all in chiptunes, you owe it to yourself to give it a spin.

Track 10: Girl Talk – “Like This”
We needed some sort of mash-up in this podcast, and Girl Talk delivered.

Track 11: Videogame Orchestra – “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Theme”
VGO is probably my favorite chip/electronic outfit at present. I just can’t seem to get enough. Much like Depeche Mode.

Track 12: funky49 – “Mostly Harmless (feat. Ham-STAR)”
Another track from funky49 to help celebrate 49 episodes!

Z’s final interlude: “I don’t know what I’m planning, but I’ll try and make it special.”
This month’s 50th episode is sort of a milestone for me. Not only does it put me half-way to the coveted 100th ‘cast, but it also means I’ve been doing these things for more than two years!

Track 13: Spheres of Chaos – “Skyward”
I know the concept of original VGM sometimes confuses people, but Spheres or Chaos are a perfect example of what happens when one infuses new creations with the spirit of classic game music.

So let’s talk episode 50.

I like the idea of a listener-created show. The question is: do enough of you actually care to request tracks? An average ep. has between 13 and 16 songs, so here’s hoping there are that many of you out there.

I’ll make a specific song request post later, assuming some of you seem interested. The only caveat I can see myself attaching is asking that you not request your own stuff. Make your friends do that. ;)