Radio Free Hipster Ep. 144: Dork Harvest

With less than a week until Thanksgiving, one thing has become abundantly clear: 2012 is about tapped out. We've drained all the juice from this one, folks, and all that's left is to dispose of the husk and tap another.

But we can't do that until we settle the dirty business that is my final four podcasts. Onward!

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 144: Dork Harvest [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 64.2 MB Running Time: 44:25 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Let us all give thanks for my kick-ass theme song..

Track 1: Jesse Dangerously – "Pumpkin Spice Swag (cold and flu season)"
I believe Jesse is using what is commonly referred to as the "Pumpkin Spice Defense."

Z's 1st interlude: "That autumnal spirit."
You know the one.

Track 2: Mike Phirman – "Thanksgiving Dinner"
I've never actually had a family member come out during Thanksgiving dinner, though apparently that is a thing.

Track 3: Optimus Rhyme – "Anxiety"
It's been a while since we brought the Jackson 5 back.

Track 4: Chaz Kangas – "Check My Bags"
Nice Kaufman reference, Chaz!

Track 5: DJ Le Clown – "Stand on the Sledgehammer"
DJ Le Clown dedicated this particular track to the wrongfully imprisoned punkers of Pussy Riot.

Track 6: Schaffer the Darklord – "Cocaine"
Mark just had a birthday. I hope you bought him something nice.

Track 7: The Doubleclicks – "Imposter"
It's the saddest space robot song of ever.

Track 8: Mikal kHill & Vince Vandal – "Watch That (featuring MC Stealth aka Blak Angel)"
I still haven't played Retro City Rampage.

Z's 2nd interlude: "No, not really."
That alter call was totally fake.

Track 9: The Four Eyes – "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show"
From the Secret Center Sessions Vol.3.

Track 10: Adam WarRock – "SLVATION (f/ Tribe One)"
Eugene manages to include elements of both Rancid and the Ramones in a song backed up by… Vampire Weekend.

Track 11: 8 Bit Weapon – "Miami Dub Bounce"
The new 8 Bit Weapon Collection is massive.

Track 12: The Efts – "We Can Do Anything"
"We are The Efts / We have several life phases / We can put on different faces."

Track 13: AR Classic Records – "Game of Thrones"
Been sitting on this one for a minute.

Z's final interlude: "A tribute to FX comedy The League."
Which you should definitely check out!

Track 14: Beefy – "Taco Corp"
3 Penis Wine.

One down and three to go!

My December episodes will follow the prescribed themes – all inflexible and shit. The next 'cast, however, is wide the fuck open. Hit me with your song suggestions if you feel so led.

Radio Free Hipster Special Edition: I Want Your Parsecs (2012 Parsec Awards Sampler)

I'm pleased to announce that I was once again nominated for a Parsec Award for Best Speculative Fiction Music Podcast, and of course I have you to thank for it! I always stress way more than I should over putting together these 10 minute awards samplers, mostly because I feel like I only have 3 songs with which to show the full scope of what I've played throughout the previous year. This time around, however, I came at it a different way.

I realized that a lot of my favorites cuts, a lot of the very best songs, tend to blur the lines between nerdcore hip-hop and videogame music, electronica and geek rock, fantasy and fandom. And so I simply chose a trio of tracks that represent various facets of the geeky music meta-community all on their own.

Download Radio Free Hipster Special Edition: I Want Your Parsecs (2012 Parsec Awards Sampler) [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 14.1 MB Running Time: 10:23

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah - "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Not only a kick-ass theme song, but also appropriate back-up for my little spoken introduction.

Track 1: The BossFights - "The Cake is a Lie"
From RFH ep. 113, 7/12/11. I know there are strong undercurrents of hip-hop and VGM in this one, but I still hear it as a thrash song. And amazing, dynamic thrash song.

Track 2: Adam WarRock – "Leaf on the Wind (feat. Mikal kHill)"
From RFH ep. 117, 9/13/11. kHill's unique production managed to turn a rap song about Firefly into a pained, filk-style ballad, and the interplay between him and Adam still hits me hard every time I hear it.

Track 3: KABUTO THE PYTHON - "My Baby Left Me (for Skyrim) [feat. Schaffer The Darklord]"
From RFH ep. 124, 12/28/11. An electro country-blues banger about an RPG from two of the strangest cats on the more studious end of underground rap. What's not to love?

As I'm writing my little blurb for you regular listeners I am also uploading this sampler to the Parsec Award Steering Committee. So, y'know, wish me luck. With distinguished competition like The Bonebat Show, I'm definitely gonna need it!

Cellar Dwellers

One of my favorite Halloween releases from 2010 was an Insane Ian's collab with Kiki Canon, Devo Spice and Schaffer the Darklord entitled "We're All Gonna Die." It's a comical send-up of the classic slasher movie motif – which likely won't surprise you as comedy music is sort of Ian's thang.

While checking out his newest video (for the post-apocalyptic gamer anthem that's also the sort-of title track from his The Last Arcade album), I realized that a motion comic-style video for that song had also been released. Back in July. So, y'know, so much for me keeping shit current.

Still, it is an uncannily appropriate selection as we gear up for Halloween.

Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama

I'm leaving you, my tiny baby birds. I'm afraid you will be forced to fend for yourselves for the rest of the week while I take the fam on our regular pilgrimage to the coast.

Hush now. Don't cry. Your ol' Uncle Zack will be back before you know it. And if you really can't live without me you can follow my exploits via the Twitters. I will endeavor to regale you with tales of all the crazy shit my kids do. That'll keep you entertained for a bit, right?

Those of you in NYC, however, have a very special assignment in my absence.

This Saturday night (August 6), my good friends Schaffer the Darklord and the newly revamped Monsterface will be playing at… a bowling alley in Brooklyn? Wait; that can't be…

Yup. It's a bowling alley in Brooklyn.

I am counting on you Gothamites to head out there and support 'em. And to come back with a full report of the awesomeness that will assuredly ensue. And also to maybe bowl a couple of frames.

You have your mission. Godspeed, internet!

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 114: Fear and Loathing in Orlando

I have come to realize that the more nice shit you say, the less likely others are to actually believe it. Over-hyping something, even retroactively, is a cardinal sin. So I shall reign in my post-Nerdapalooza bliss.

I mean, I wouldn't go so far as to say Nerdapalooza 2011 was a religious experience, but it was extremely enjoyable and ultimately impressive. As a hardened critic, I was rather surprised when I sat down to collect my thoughts and everything that seemed to pour out was positive. But hey, I've already made that known.

This episode revisits the festival as an audio experience for all to (hopefully) enjoy. It boasts many of the acts from the event's expansive lineup, as well as my take on what each brought to the show.

It also features some live audio that I captured. It's far from perfect, but, given that I made zero effort to ensure audio fidelity, I think it came out surprisingly well.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 114: Fear and Loathing in Orlando [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 63 MB Running Time: 48:44

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
The title of this episode is actually a reference to a running joke between my friends GeekDad Curtis and funky49.

Track 1: Shael Riley drop / The BossFights - "Conspiracy Theory"
If you listen closely, you'll hear my friend Josh say something about Coast to Coast AM at the end of Shael's drop, thus the decision to start things off with "Conspiracy Theory." Though the fact that I love Bishop's riff certainly didn't hurt. 

Z's 1st interlude: "What I do remember recording was some bootleg audio."
I carried my H1 field recorder with me the entire weekend. Sadly, I only managed to turn it on a half-dozen or so times. 

Track 2: Inverse Phase - "Song 6502"
I've seen very few live chiptune performances -- so it's not like I have a lot to compare it to -- but I have to say Inverse Phase killed with his set.

Track 3: Dual Core - "Invaders Must Die (feat. Remington Forbes) [Live at Nerdapalooza 2011]"
That fucker that keeps screaming "Reeeemmmaaaaayyy" and ruining the audio levels? Me.

Track 4: The OneUps - "Something about Koopa Beach"
My 6-year-old recently discovered Mario Kart (thanks to a DS Lite promo bundle from Nintendo), so we've been listening to a lot of cuts from this particular OneUps album.

Track 5: The Protomen - "The Fall"
Am I the only one who gets confused as to when to first pump and when to heartbeat clap at a Protomen show?

Track 6: Schaffer the Darklord - "Battlefont"
In case you missed the related Twitter conversation, I have asked STD and Nelson Lugo to host my wake. And they have agreed to do so. Best. Death. Ever.

Track 7: I Fight Dragons - "Money (feat. Klopfenpop) [Live at Nerdapaloza 2011]"
After all these years I finally got to meet Brian from IFD! Admittedly it was only for about a minute and a half, but it still totally counts.

Z's 2nd interlude: "I hung out with him and Stevo and Larry Oji."
Though it lacked the foam sword fighting and booth babes of some other installations, the OC ReMix table was easily the most entertaining at Nerdapalooza 2011. Simply by virtue of including these three amazing cats.

Track 8: Adam WarRock - "I Believe in Harvey Dent (feat. Tribe One) [Live at Nerdpalaooza 2011]"
Early on in the weekend Adam WarRock became my true-blue homeboy. He's relocating to my region later this year, so I imagine we'll start having sleepovers and painting each other's toenails. #pillowfight

Track 9: Illbotz - "Transform"
Let it be forever known that DJ Samson runs shit!

Track 10: The ThoughtCriminals - "Return of the Antagonist (featuring Illbotz) [Untested Methods Remix]"
kHill and Sulfur drove down from Charlotte on Saturday and, though they also had to cut out a bit early, they more than made their mark on Nerdapalooza 2011.

Track 11: Insane Ian - "Harry Potter"
When I think back on the FuMP sets from this year's festival the first words that my mind conjures are "impeccable comic timing." These are followed shortly by "multiple guest star."

Track 12: Shinobi Ninja - "This is How We Do It"
If you get a chance to catch Shinobi Ninja while they're on the road promoting Rock Hood, by all means take advantage of the opportunity. They blend metal and hip-hop and soul and reggae rock, but mostly they exude an infectious brand of stage energy.

Z's final interlude: "I just wanna say thank you to everyone who hung out with me at Nerdapalooza."
It was so amazing to meet all of you! 

Track 13: Sci-Fried - "Fett's Vette [Live at Nerdapalooza 2011]"
I actually managed to record the entirety of the Sci-Fried set. I'm gonna clean it up and see what I can do with it.

Alright, I think I've said all I can and rightly should say about Nerdapalooza. I mean, except for revisiting that Adam WarRock interview I recorded. I should really do something with that.

But for the foreseeable future, at least, I'll shut the fuck up about it.

Because if you were there you already know what a magical weekend it was. And if you weren't then I kinda feel sorry for you.

Señor Superlatives

Last year I framed my post-Nerdapalooza coverage as a mock awards show. You know, for lulz. But folks actually seemed to dig it. In fact a screen shot of said post actually popped up on the monitors during the Sci-Fried set at this year's festival.

(Did I mention that them's my boys?)

So, as this blog is really just rote cleverly disguised as good-natured spontaneity, let us commence with dispensation of these wholly fictitious and delightfully sardonic awards.

/lights dim

The Chicken Salad Out of Chicken Shit Award: Scrub Club
The Scrub Club set at the pre-party should have been a disaster. It was a steamy southern Friday night performance in front of a heavily jetlagged crowd that had started drinking the moment their feet touched the ground. Practically the entire label was expected to perform in a slot time that could've easily been a tight fit even for a single act. Oh, and MadHatter's plane was delayed. Seriously delayed. But instead of folding, the crew dominated. In a rapid-fire set that not only showcased each of the Scrubs in attendance but actually saw the crew welcome some new blood, in the form of Torrentz and Soup or Villains, to the family, the Club once again made their mark on central Florida.

 

Pass the Mic: Insane Ian, Devo Spice, the great Luke Ski and Carrie Dahlby
While Dual Core's trademark freestyle session was off the proverbial chain at Nerdapalooza 2011, theirs was not the only guest-heavy set at the festival. The Funny Music Project crew managed to come correct across a trio of humorous sets that showcased both their immutable stage presence and their artistic cohesion. Even with copious notes I have trouble separating my memories of the FuMP's trio of top-shelf performances because each act featured so heavily across all three.

The Seamless Transition Award: Marc with a C and Sci-Fried
When I asked Sci-Fried's Dammit Jim what his band and geek rock troubadour Marc with a C had planned for Saturday's Power Hour, he just grinned. A performance that was, by the guys' own admission, nearly six months in the making proved an early highlight of the event. A glorious Marc with a C set wrapped with a rocked up version of his Alro Guthrie-esque "Nerdy Girls" with Sci-Fried serving as the backup band, and then Sci-Fried returned the favor with phenomenal live version of their collaborative track "Foiled Again." Marc also reappeared later to help cover Weezer's "Hash Pipe" as part of an appropriately raucous send-off.

Cover Song of the Year Decade: Sci-Fried/The Protomen
I think my cover song challenge has been irreparably broken. Between Sci-Fried's own pair of closing cover tunes (the aforementioned Weezer joint and mc's "Fett's Vette," for those who missed it) and a series of larger-than-life rock classics spread between both Protomen sets (my favorite of which had to be Sunday's "Total Eclipse of the Heart,") I'm afraid it will never be the same again.

Hit Me Baby, One More Time: Captain Dan
The talk of the town after Captain Dan and the Scurvy Crew's late afternoon set on Saturday was less about the performance itself and more about the tech, specifically Dan's new hands-free mic. Many an MC called him out on this unorthodox new addition, but I think we all know it was the ninjas doing the bulk of the smack talk. While it did admittedly make the Cap look a bit like an overzealous employee running a Long John Silver's drive-through, it also freed him up for more stage antics. Ere go I will call it an overall win.

Blow up the Small Stage: Illbotz/Adam WarRock and Tribe One/Dual Core/Mega Ran and K-Murdock
Like its predecessor, Nerdcore 2011 boasted a pair of stages: the larger NOS-sponsored main stage and a smaller GeekDad stage set around the corner from the main conference hall. The big stage was, for the most part, home to the more rock-centered acts while the GeekDad stage boasted the hip-hop. A few acts, however, seemed wholly unaware that they were on the "little stage." Roanoke's Illbotz, comic shop hip-hopper Adam WarRock and perennial favorites Random and Dual Core blew that fucker up with energetic sets that could scarcely be contained by the room's meager geography.

Them's My Boys: Adam WarRock/Stevie D
I joke that I go to Nerdapalooza to hang out and that the music simply provides for that primary activity a nice soundtrack. Sure, that's only partly true, but it seems like each year I spend the bulk of my time – both while watching performances and after hours – hanging out with a widening circle of friends. This year Adam WarRock and Stevie D joined the ranks of my true homies alongside previous Nerdapalooza acquisitions int eighty and Sci-Fried.

The Preternaturally Chill Award: The OneUps
I was a little intimidated by the prospect of meeting VGM legend and super producer Mustin, but I was delighted to find him to be an easily approachable, almost unbelievably chill individual. I can't properly quantify how much time he and I spent just talking between sets, but it would likely have to be calculated in hours. His band, The OneUps, brings that same sort of effortless cool to their performances. Even on a bill opposite brilliantly aggressive VGM acts like Arm Cannon, those guys truly shined.

Best Stage Banter: Inverse Phase
Already handicapped by holding down the chiptune scene almost entirely on his own, Inverse Phase was further stymied by receiving a lunchtime slot on Sunday. Everyone was hungry, tired and hung-over, but those who made their way to his performance found themselves treated to a uniquely enjoyable set of covers, originals and audience participation. His rousing game of Name That Tune will live forever in the annals of Nerdapalooza history.

Breakthrough Artist: Shinobi Ninja
Nerdapalooza 2011 introduced me to a number of new artists. Koo Koo Kangaroo filled a gap left by the longtime absence of Monsterface and Math the Band, while Beebs and Her Money Makers brought beards, kazoos and a dash of Florida ska-core to the table. My favorite, however, was blistering Brooklyn rock/hip-hop fusion outfit Shinobi Ninja. They offered not only one of the finest performances of the show, but also provided an ideal backing track during GeekDad Curtis's tattoo session.

Hosts with the Most(s): Schaffer the Darklord and Nelson Lugo
While they will always be primarily remembered for bringing many-a scantily clad woman to the Nerdapalooza stage, STD and Lugo managed to keep the train rolling all weekend long with an intoxicating blend of humor, insight and charm. They also do bar mitzvahs.

A Winner is You: Beaker
Those same gents hosted a weekend-long ThinkGeek raffle at Nerdapalooza 2011. From which my boy Beaker won practically everything. Remember, kids, you can't win if you don't play.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 101: Snowblind

I can't help but think that what our great nation – nay, the world needs is an irreverent and occasionally sexually explicit holiday podcast.

In fact, I've taken it upon myself to provide the citizens of Earth with just that. Because I am a giver.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 101: Snowblind [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 42.5 MB Running Time: 49:25 Subscribe to RFH 

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Tis the season for Baddd Spellah. #falalalalaalalalalaa 

Track 1: 30 Rock dialog / Catchlove – "It's Still Snowing (feat. Danny Dementor)"
Is it me or is Danny D channeling mc chris in this tune?

Z's 1st interlude: "Compliments of my fellow Christmas elf Dave the Knave."
Much seasonal love to Dave for the 30 Rock audio clips.

Track 2: Voicedude – "Fuck You, Santa!"
From the amazing new Santastic V: Snow, Man! comp.

Track 3: 30 Rock dialog / Billy the Fridge – "Bad Santa"
Billy the Fridge is the official nerdcore Santa.

Track 4: jmr – "Little Drummer Boy"
An OCR classic from 2007.

Track 5: Elliot Kimmel – "Mitosis in a Winter Wonderland"
Once again Church comes through with the holiday hook-up. 

Track 6: 30 Rock dialog / Anamanaguchi – "All I Want 4 Xmas Is U"
Yet another fine selection suggested by Dave the Knave. 

Track 7: Former Fat Boys – "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (The Joker Got Away)"
This track starts out pretty low-key before getting all freaky and disturbing. Such is the FFB way! 

Track 8: John Anealio – "Batman Smells (A Rebuttal)"
Available on John's new Season's Geekings EP.

Track 9: Sci-Fried with Marc with a C – "Star Wars Christmas"
Easily at the top of this year's holiday music offering is this little ditty from my southern brothers.

Z's 2nd interlude: "Let's take a look back at this year's very early Hanukkah."
Dear Jewish calendar: you really confuse me. Love, Gentiles everywhere

Track 10: 8 Bit Weapon & ComputeHer – "Hanukkah (Festival of Lights)"
From their own It's a Chiptune Holiday collection.

Track 11: Schaffer the Darklord – "Terror of the Bells"
Just like the Billy the Fridge track, this one is from the Shael Riley-helmed Come Down the Chimney. 

Track 12: 30 Rock dialog / TheCoop – "Algorhythmic Bells"
I swear I've played this one in a previous holiday special. :/

Track 13: Abra West – "Lonely Christmas Eve"
If you're unfamiliar with this fan series check out the awesomeness.

Track 14: 30 Rock dialog / Paul Slocum – "Up on the Housetop"
Side note – I have convinced my son that the words for the original song are as follows: "Up on the housetop, reindeer balls…"

Track 15: Go Home Productions – "High Tides and Blocked Peace Pipes"
It's a very Blondie Christmas!

Z's final interlude: "As long as you buy me a present."
Let's not forget the important things this year.

Track 16: Insane Ian – "Yellow Snow"
Big-ups to Ian for sharing this new single with me early.

With this measure of holiday merriment out of the way we begin looking toward year's end. I pretty much have the final podcast of 2010 all worked out, so I've got that going for me. Which is nice.

As promised I'll also be sharing another interview, a profile piece and my annual year in review post over the coming weeks.

What will 2011 hold? Only time will tell. But until then, happy holidays to you and yours!

Not Safe For Anywhere

His Satanic Majesty Schaffer the Darklord has a brand new video. It's for his lyrical exercise in overindulgence known as "The Bender."

Now, for those of you saying "Oh Z., I totally saw that video when Schaffer including it in his vidcast last year." I say, hold the phone, kid – this is a brand new production of the Manslaughterer classic. Also, don't back-sass me.

Yeah, you heard me.

Directed by Burke Heffner and featuring the talents of countless NYC burlesque stars (and my main Ghostbusting man Nelson Lugo), this bad boy is highly offensive and shouldn't be viewed by anyone ever. But that's not gonna stop you. On account of your admirable boldness. 

Obviously this joint glorifies sexual promiscuity and drug abuse and guyliner – y'know, because it's another track from a man whose claim to fame is humping his own clone – and even in its sanitized state it's still pretty raw. So maybe try not to watch it when the bossman is about.

If, however, you wish to support the unbridled American arts by viewing the original, uncensored cut, you can do so at www.thingstolookat.com.

You filthy little monkey you!

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 100: Centennial Man

I compare producing the 100th episode of a podcast to losing your virginity – you're really anxious and excited about it, but once it's over you're pretty sure you did it all wrong.

That being said, here's Radio Free Hipster episode number 100. I couldn't have done it without you, and I mean that in more ways than one. So kick back and enjoy.


Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 100: Centennial Man [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 53.1 MB Running Time: 58:01 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Fun fact – Spellah's RFH theme song premiered in episode #15. Does that necessitate its own anniversary show? 

Track 1: Baddd Spellah – "99 Balloon Flights"
Starting off the show is a cut for GeekOnABlog. 

Z's 1st interlude: "And pretty much did my job for me."
For serious.You did. 

Track 2: Parry Gripp – "Yub-Nub"
My brother Dave the Knave picked this one. A fine addition! 

Track 3: Dual Core – "Fantastic Four (feat. Beefy, YTCracker & Wheelie Cyberman)"
This one was sort of a catch-all. A lot of y'all wanted to hear it. And so did I. 

Track 4: Dave Ross voicemail / Captain Dan & the Scurvy Crew – "Shore Leave"
Thanks so much for the nice voicemail, Dave! 

Track 5: 10000 Spoons – "Astley Gone To Heaven"
This one is for Antisoc, without whom this podcast would be bereft of the bandwidth it needs to succeed. 

Track 6: POWERLIFTER – "Mr. Brightside (feat. Jeremy Spring)"
Oberon the Fool asked for some Scrub Club, so I delivered the new hotness. 

Track 7: Wordburglar – "Hermaphromic"
This podcast has only one rule – if Snipeyhead makes a request, I damn sure better play it. 

Track 8: The Mudbloods – "I Wish You'd Be My Witch"
My buddy Matt, who actually really got me into the Mudbloods, asked for this little jewel. 

Z's 2nd interlude: "You knew I'd play them anyway."
You guys know me so well! 

Track 9: Optimus Rhyme – "Click-Click"
Is it wrong to play my own request? Probably. 

Track 10: Schaffer the Darklord – "Club Destroyer (feat. Removal)"
For Tom B. I chose this amazingly rocked up joint from Manslaughterer. 

Track 11: Metroid Metal – "Prime Theme (MP)" / Bonehand voicemail
Steve was not only nice enough to have me on his own show to promote RFH 100, he even went so far as to leave me a congratulatory message. What a guy! 

Track 12: Random & K-Murdock – "Dream Master" / Seattle Geekly voicemail
Thanks to my homey funky49 for the request, and much love to my comrade-in-arms Matt (of Seattle Geekly) for the voicemail. Truth be told, the kind words of my fellow podcasters were the true highlight of this show for me. 

Track 13: Rivercrest Yacht Club – "Robot Jox"
Alex wanted to hear some Rivercrest Yacht Club. I chose this one because I love the trippy, Star Trek-style intro. 

Track 14: I Fight Dragons – "With You"
This one's for datavortex who wanted to hear an IFD song featuring the dulcet tones of former member Laura Trainor. 

Z's final interlude: "Turning you on to even more great shit."
Speaking of, big ups to my longtime friend Brux for the tailor-made background music. 

Track 15: Southside – "1010011"
Southside, just like Schaffer the Darklord before them, are the recipients of the coveted "See, I Told You They Was Dope" Award.

Guys, I've said it before and I'll say it again – this show wouldn't exist without you. For those of you who've been down with Radio Free Hipster from the beginning, thanks for your continued support. For those that are new to the show, thanks for giving it a chance. To my fellow podcasters, thanks for your kind words and for providing me with constant inspiration from your own unique undertakings. And to my crew – Church, Matt, Soc, Dave, Jason, et al – you guys are the oil, gears and animalistic grunts that keep this machine moving ever forward.

By this point y'all know the drill. December will see my annual holiday episode and a last musical gasp before year's end. If there's anything you'd like me to cover in either, don't hesitate to give me a holler.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 98: From Beyond

The second installment of the Halloween Crap-tacular is bittersweet for me. It always reminds me that I've made it almost entirely through yet another year, but it's also hard not to realize it'll be another 11 months before I can once again bust out some of my favorite candy-covered jams.

Le sigh. Such is life.

This episode is sort of a grab bag with songs about monsters and witches and a handful of out-and-out Halloween-y joints. May they find you in good health and prepare you for an evening of happy haunting.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 98: From Beyond [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 42.3 MB Running Time: 46:15 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
This Halloween I am going trick-or-treating dressed as Beef Thompson.

Track 1: Sticks Downey – "C.H.U.D."
In case you missed this slice of 80's horror schlock, you can score your very own copy of C.H.U.D. for, like six bucks. Seriously. 

Z's 1st interlude: "Just two away from my big centennial."
I am excited! Are you excited? 

Track 2: Chibibo – "Halloween"
A full year after its original release, I am still listening to Eightbreeders.

Track 3: voicedude – "Keeping Halloween Fly"
I'm not particularly fond of "Keepin' Halloween Alive" or "Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)," but damned if they don't sound good together.

Track 4: Dino-Mike – "Halloween Night"
Is it weird that I heard multiple "Fireflies" remixes, parodies and mash-ups well before I encountered the original song?

Track 5: John Anealio – "A Stormtrooper for Halloween"
John just dropped this track a couple of weeks back, so I had to include it just in case any of you missed its subtle genius.

Track 6: The Oceanic Six – "Monster Eats the Pilot"
Sometimes I really miss LOST, but mostly I mourn the fact that it never shaped up to be the supernatural freak fest that I originally mistook it for.

Track 7: Insane Ian – "We're All Gonna Die (feat. Kiki Canon, Devo Spice and Schaffer the Darklord)"
"I'm not gonna die before I've touched a boob."

Z's 2nd interlude: "A couple of tracks about witchy women."
My only regret is that I only mocked The Eagles once in this entire episode.

Track 8: Navi – "Bad Juju"
Navi seems to write a lot of songs about evil women, but this one sounds particularly sinister.

Track 9: I Fight Dragons – "Sorcery"
I snagged this one from the I Fight Dragons mailing list. That should be reason enough for you to sign up yourself. 

Track 10: Jack Black –  Be Kind Rewind dialog / voicedude – "Ghostbusters N Stuff"
Two voicedude tracks in a single episode? Yep, because they fuckin' slay!

Track 11: Sci-Fried – "Too Many Zombies"
I honestly didn't realize this was a Primus parody until the 3rd of 4th time I listened to it.

Track 12: Timbuktu – "X-Files (feat. Chokeules & D-Sisive)"
Another find selection from our neighbors to the north.

Z's final interlude: "Once you've finished your weekend haunting."
How bad does it suck that Halloween falls on a Sunday this year?!

Track 13: Marc with a C – "Shock Treatment"
Someday I really must remember to ask Marc who sings the exquisite harmony vocals on this track.

The next episode will be wonderfully theme-free. I've amassed a ton of amazing new tracks over the past few weeks, and I am itching to share them.

Of course I could also be persuaded to play a special request or two. You know how I do.

I promised myself I wouldn't bug y'all anymore for input into late-November's 100th episode, but, alas, I cannot resist. So please tell me what you wanna hear and leave me some nice listener voicemail.

Don't make me beg.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 97: Famous Monsters

Oh, Halloween Crap-tacular – how I adore you!

These horror-themed episodes were my very first regular podcast feature, and much of what Radio Free Hipster is today was shaped by this diversion into the macabre. It led to both my regular use of background music and to my heavy reliance on film and television samples.

It's one of the reasons I so love my two-part October special edition. Well, that and the fact that Halloween is the geekiest of holidays!

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 97: Famous Monsters [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 42.6 MB Running Time: 46:28 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Not a lot of people know this, but Baddd Spellah is totally a werewolf. It's a common affliction in Canada.

Track 1: John Anealio – "Lonesome October Night"
I misspoke. The Roger Zelazny novel is actually entitled A Night in the Lonesome October.

Z's 1st interlude: "Or not."
I try my best not to use time-sensitive greetings while recording the podcast. Shit, I have no idea when you're gonna be hearing this thing!

Track 2: Ghetto Lee Lewis – "Panic at Camp Crystal"
To my knowledge, this is the only OverClocked ReMix of a track from the Friday the 13th video game soundtrack.

Track 3: Kabuto The Python and Dr. Awkward – "Thinkin' Lincoln"
This episode features two appearances by Dr. Awkward. This is the first.

Track 4: Uncle Monsterface – "[feed mysterious creature]"
"You've been eaten by a chinchilla."

Track 5: Cheekyboy – "Busta Ghosts"
From this year's Monster Mash-Up double album!

Track 6: Darkest of the Hillside Thickets – "Space Ghosts"
How did I not toss a SGC2C sample into this?

Track 7: Grover – "Smell Like a Monster" / Vernian Process – "Monster Dance"
Best Old Spice parody ever!

Track 8: The Aquabats – "The Thing on the Bass Amp"
This one's a special request from my friend Dave the Knave.

Z's 2nd interlude: "Let me pause for a moment here to big up the creator of the background music."
virt is the shit.

Track 9: Schaffer the Darklord – "The Invisible Man (feat. Shael Riley)"
The narrative in this song has the sort of twist ending that could only come from the mind of STD.

Track 10: Tetrastar – "Skullcrusher Mountain"
I think Jaylyn really sells the role of mad scientist storyteller. Better, even, than JoCo.

Track 11: Mikal kHill – "The Walking Dead"
I dig that Mikal's zombie tale ends with the narrator giving up. It's an interesting take on the undead apocalypse.

Track 12: The Bossfights – "Left4Dead"
And this is Doc Awk's second appearance.

Track 13: DJ TOPCAT – "Grave Puppets"
I've never been a big follower of horrorcore, but there was always something really enjoyable about hip-hop supergroup Gravediggaz.

Z's final interlude: "A track both near and dear to my heart."
There are few things more beautiful and precious in this life than a Replacements parody.

Track 14: Illbotz – "Here Comes the Predator"
It saddens me to think that Illbotz are just far enough away to prevent me from actually seeing them live. :(

Obviously, episode 98 will also be Halloween-themed, so feel free to hit me up with your ghoulish requests.

After that we head straight-on into November with an un-themed episode (#99) and my all-important 100th show! I'm still taking song requests and begging soliciting for listener voicemails to play in-ep. Please do your part to remind me that I'm not just talking to myself in this podcast.

Seriously.

I'll be your best friend.