Radio Free Hipster Ep. 146: Larry, Did You Know?

Season's greetings, faithful listeners. Apologies for delaying this particular episode, but things have been… complicated.

Unlike the Halloween eps, which I see as a treat, these Christmas shows always strike me as a bit of an obligation. But that being said, this one is probably the best I've done so far.

I hope you dig it, and I further hope it helps you through this most joyous season. Which always seems to come bundled with its own unique complications.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 146: Larry, Did You Know? [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 65.6 MB Running Time: 45:07 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
I probably should've looped a jingle bell sample behind this one, right? That's the poor man's holiday podcast theme.

Track 1: MisCast – "Christmas Don't Be Late"
Jay shared this cut with me early, and I marked it as this show's opener weeks ago.

Z's 1st interlude: "We say 'the holiday season' around here."
Because, y'know, of all the holidays

Track 2: Chaz Kangas – "A JCVD X-mas"
Nothing says the Christmas quite like Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Track 3: Doctor Octoroc – "Super Jingle Bros."
Doc's 8 Bit Jesus is a holiday classic.

Track 4: Uncle Monsterface – "Jingle Bells"
This one is a favorite of my four-year-old.

Track 5: TXL and dj BC – "Rock the Jingle Bells"
A holiday hip-hop track like no other.

Track 6: The Doubleclicks – "Happy Holidays, Too"
My thoughts are with all you poor bastards currently suffering through the hazards of air travel.

Track 7: DJ Flack – "O Chanukah Dubstep Bassline Remix"
Happy belated Chanukah, guys and gals!

Track 8: Paul and Storm – "Backward Santa"
P&S as TMBG.

Track 9: Helen Arney – "Christmas 1994"
In the Dark Ages before DVR.

Track 10: dj BC – "8-Bit Hip-Hop Christmas (Black EL vs Bit Shifter)"
Another inspired dj BC cut.

Z's 2nd interlude: "Let's keep the holiday mash-ups coming."
If you don't already have Santastic 7 in your collection your yuletide playlist is sorely lacking.

Track 11: lobsterdust – "Sister Christmas (Silent Night Ranger vs. The Temptations)"
Pretty much the best title ever.

Track 12: 8 Bit Weapon & ComputeHer – "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
'Tis the season for vocoder.

Track 13: Mega Ran – "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"
This one runs a little long, but it just felt right in the show.

Track 14: John Anealio – "Winter Day"
Probably one of my favorite Anealio tracks. Not as Christmassy as the rest of the EP, but so beautifully textured.

Z's final interlude: "At month's end for 2012's last hurrah."
I already have some quality tracks lined up for this one.

Track 15: Kirby Krackle – "Baby it's Cold Outside (Hoth Version) feat. The Doubleclicks"
Fact: The Doubleclicks make everything more awesomerer.

I ain't gonna lie to you, guys; I have likely never felt less like dispensing seasonal pleasantries in my life. But any way you slice it this is the season of giving, and the least I can do is give y'all some tunes to help you through your own holiday hassles.

With that in mind, I'd like to point out that the name of this episode – while continuing my tradition of bad jokes – references my good friend Datavortex. We've been homies online and off for a long time now, and he and the Missus recently sent me a gift that once again helped me level up my podcasting rig.

Happy Crimbo, Larry!

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 138: The Newsroomate

I'm no kinda newshawk, but being online all the damn time goes a long way to keep me abreast of current events. Well, I mean, my version of current events.

And that's what this episode is all about.

Much thanks and respect goes out to my friends Dave and Tim for giving me the idea for this one, and for helping me build it into a proper episode. Because your homies are there to do the heavy lifting when inspiration itself fails to materialize.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 138: The Newsroomate [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 64.6 MB Running Time: 41:52 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
These cats are never old news.

Track 1: Illbotz – "Chick-Fil-A"
I honestly wonder if Stevie D is gonna do a rewrite of this one in light of Dan Cathy's recent statements.

Z's 1st interlude: "Something a little closer to home."
I was a little surprised no one requested "MC Chipmunk" last episode.

Track 2: Optimus Rhyme – "MC Chipmunk"
Whether you agree with the lyrical sentiment or not, you gotta admire the gorgeous noise made by rhythm section Stumblebee and grimROCK on this joint!

Track 3: The Doubleclicks – "In His Honor (Don't Be a Dick)"
Another amazing selection by my two favorite ladies from that blessed intersection of filk and geek rock.

Track 4: Dj RoboRob – "Ressurrection (feat. Doc Awkward)"
As I mentioned, RoboRob was recently welcomed into the Scrub Club fold.

Track 5: Sci-Fried and Warp 11 – "A Good Day to Die"
This track is the musical equivalent of From  Dusk till Dawn; halfway through it totally switches shit up.

Track 6: r_garcia – "The Maestro"
I was really honored to have this guy on my new comp, and this song still totally blows me away.

Track 7: DJ Earworm – "Mama"
I actually missed the Olympics' opening ceremony. And pretty much the rest of the Olympics too.

Z's 2nd interlude: "Is that wrong?"
I actively try not to shamelessly self-promote, but Nerd Up the 90s was such a great experience for me and it featured so many amazing songs that I kinda have trouble not crowing about it.

Track 8: Fiction – "Lay My Love"
There is never a time when I don't want to be listening to this cover.

Track 9: Uncle Monsterface – "This is (STILL) an Adventure"
I've been anxiously awaiting the sound of the new Uncle Monsterface for a while now. It's quite different, but it does not disappoint.

Track 10: Childish Gambino – "One Up (feat. Steve G. Lover)"
I dig the hell out of this song, but the leveling is abysmal.

Track 11: The Hood Internet – "Nuthin' But a Journal Thang (Dr. Dre vs. Class Actress)"
Seriously, y'all; the hell is this?!

Z's final interlude: "The fragile state of the world we live in."
There's nothing like an election year to make you lose your faith on humanity.

Track 12: Sweatshop Union – "John Lennon"
I feel as though I owe a debt to Ryan Singel. Because I really wanted to play this song.

Earlier this week a friend who's been going through a bit of a rough patch hit me up to tell me how much the podcast had helped lift his spirits in these troubled times.

I don't even have a fuckin' snarky comment to go along with that, as it's pretty much the best compliment I've ever received.

So let me just end by wishing good fortune, good music and nerd love to all.

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!

"Ah, Super Crap!"

I am a veritable magnet for eccentricity. That is to say that like attracts like and I have a lot of weird friends with a number of strange hobbies and vocations. My buddy Marty, of Uncle Monsterface fame, sells sock puppet portraits in Central Park, which is odd enough on its own, but he recently made the leap to soap operas. Sock puppet soap operas.

Sock Puppet Manor tells of "the trials and tribulations of pickle-canning moguls the Lollybottoms as they cope with, conspire against, and marry the upstart pickle-canning entrepreneurs, The Durtlingers." And like all soaps there are ample opportunities for sex, intrigue and murder. With sock puppets.

Episode 1 (entitled "The Pickle") just became available via the Uncle Monsterface YouTube channel, and I struggle to describe it save to say that it is absurd, surreal and instantly enjoyable. It's like Soap, only with puppets. Make that only with more puppets.

Peep the embed below for your first taste. And, um, don't watch it at work. I can't imagine most workplaces would abide sock puppet fornication, implied or otherwise.

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.

20-Sided Rhymes

Dave the Knave is a genius!

If I had any credibility at all, the 20-Sided Rhymes project would've blown it to hell. You see, this compilation hasn't been in the works for weeks or months, but for years – two of them, in fact. And like most things, what it ultimately became was not what I had initially intended.

The original idea that I pitched to a close circle of friends shortly before Nerdapalooza 2008 involved little more than a tribute album to the classic role-playing game (a la Dungeons & Dragons). But as tabletop gaming proved a bit of a limiting concept for our friends in the video game music scene I soon expanded the scope to include the electronic games that were the direct successors of pen-and-paper RPGs.

Since I was projecting forward it only made sense to also look back, and so the piece was altered again to encompass not only the more modern and technological flavors of role-playing but also the literary roots that inspired this entire movement in interactive entertainment.

But somehow that still wasn't enough. So in the end, 20-Sided Rhymes, this clean and simple concept that I thought I had totally hashed out years ago, somehow became something bigger. Because at some point I realized that the iconic die role and the eternal plight of Hyrule's green-clad hero and even the simple nerdy pleasures of seeing The Lord of the Rings series competently brought to life on a big screen weren't in and of themselves what I was looking to capture.

These were, if you'll allow me the luxury of hyperbole, merely manifestations of the true spirit of nerdom.
The thing that excited me about this project was the same thing that excited me about D&D and comics and sci-fi/fantasy and all the other trappings of my geeky adolescence – it all hinged on the ever-so appealing concept of losing yourself in a character.

Call me crazy, but I believe that we as nerds game and read and write and create more or less for the same reason. These activities are all about stepping outside ourselves, they are about exploring other lives and worlds and personalities. Some would likely attribute this to a sense of innate self-loathing, to the worst kind of escapism, but I have learned that playing another part or latching on to the experiences of a fully rendered external character actually serves to help me gain a firmer grasp on what it really means to be me. It allows me to further quantify my own motivations and reexamine my ideas and my attitudes.

From Nate's lament of his healer's lack of physical prowess to ZeaLouS1's gangstalicious take on CCGs, and even to Marc's rejection of the D20 in favor of a little transgender theatrical cosplay, 20-Sided Rhymes represents the musical equivalent of the fantastical character-driven narrative. Some of said characters may not belong to these performers outright, but the stories are all theirs. And that's the important part.

So please enjoy this fine selection of rarities, remixes, re-releases and more than a couple of tasty originals with my compliments. If you enjoy this project, please spread the word and support the artists represented.
As usual, I offer this compilation to you free of charge, although this time around I do ask that you consider doing one of the following:

Should any or all of the songs presented herein remind you of that magical journey you once took in the purely metaphorical shoes of another character, consider treating yourself to a new game or film or novel. And feel free to lose yourself within the power of an enchanting narrative. It's healthy.

You proceed to the local bazaar to gather supplies... 

More to the point, you could also donate a couple of dollars to the Child's Play charity to afford a sick kid that same opportunity to escape the drudgery of real life for a few scant moments. It's what a Lawful Good character would do!

You choose the path of righteousness...
 

And now that I've said my piece, on with the show.
---
Download 20-Sided Rhymes in its entirety
 
All songs mixed/mastered by The HT at Studio 6, Port Orange, FL except where otherwise indicated.
Individual track downloads:

1 – Videogame Orchestra – "Conan the Barbarian – Riders of Taramis"

2 – Beefy – "20-Sided Rhymes (feat. Snake Eyes)"

3 – The Four Eyes – "Painting Guys"

4 – My Parents' Favorite Music – "Rambo MacGyver (feat. Snake Eyes)"

5 – Spheres of Chaos – "Random Encounter in the Cereal Aisle"

6 – Glenn Case – "D&D at the Public Library (feat. Adam!)"*

7 – ZeaLouS1 – "I Get Mana"

8 – Nate Trier – "The Healer's Song"

9 – MC Frontalot – "Hassle the Dorkening (8 Bit Weapon Remix)"**

10 – Shael Riley and the Double Ice Backfire – "The Great Marbulu" [EXPLICIT]***

11 – The Ranger – "Stat Sheet (Massive DMG remix by Zen Albatross)" [EXPLICIT] 

12 – Brian Mazzaferri (of I Fight Dragons) – "Offering"

13 – Sinister Six – "Roll the Dice" [EXPLICIT]

14 – Uncle Monsterface – "LOTROMG"

15 – Epic-1 – "Sun Gem"

16 – Marc with a C – "Don’t Know a Thing about Role Playing"

17 – Krondor Krew – "I Play D&D (The HT Remix)" [EXPLICIT]

18 - Superpowerless – "120 Seconds to Save the World"

19 – Elfonso – "Retirement from Hyrule"

20 – Dual Core – "Natural 20s"

* Mixed and mastered by Adam! and The HT
** Mixed and mastered by 8 Bit Weapon
*** Mixed and mastered by Shael Riley and Ty Guenley

Amazing cover design by the one and only Dave "The Knave" White:

Wicked-awesome front cover

Equally wonderful back cover

Tiny little thumbnail

And don't forget my ridiculously lengthy liner notes!

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 85: The Wilder World

This edition of Radio Free Hipster was created by committee. Okay, so maybe that's not wholly accurate, but it's theme was chosen democratically.

So, y'know, this shit is your fault. ;)

In all honesty, I think this episode came out pretty well, and I do appreciate the listener input.

It always serves to liven up the proceedings.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 85: The Wilder World [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 40.1 MB Running Time: 43:47

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
They are not animals; they are human beings!

Track 1: Unleashed dialog / The Reborn Identity – "Shake Doggy Shake"
Go and check out Britpop Rebooted. Now.

Z's 1st interlude: "Democracy is a muthafucker."
For those who missed the audience poll that fathered this particular edition, I used a little application called Poll Everywhere. And I think I'll be using it again in the future.

Track 2: MC Frontalot – "Fresh Dog"
I swear I've played this track before, but damned if I (or Google) can remember when!

Track 3: mc chris – "Robot Dog"
MC Frontalot's real dog > mc chris's robot pooch.

Track 4: Tullycraft – "Fangs on Bats"
Thanks again to Matt for turning me on to Tullycraft.

Track 5: Big Bang Theory dialog / Glenn Case – "My Singing Bird"
Another jewel from the Glenn Case songbook.

Track 6: Jonathan Coulton – "Furry Old Lobster"
The story behind this track is fuckin' hilarious. Read it here.

Track 7: Uncle Monsterface – "Lobster Building"
"KARATE PILE-DRIVER!!!"

Track 8: Mazedude – "Safari"
K.K. Setlist is another freebie that would make an excellent addition to your collection.

Z's 2nd interlude: "One of my favorite games of all times."
This podcast took a swift, relatively early turn toward the realm of Animal Crossing. I honestly consider it one of the most compelling series of all time.

Track 9: Fourteen Year Old Girls – "Animal Forest"
From way the fuck back in RFH #2!

Track 10: My Parents' Favorite Music – "When Animals Cross"
And again I lament the loss of MPFM. :(

Track 11: Comptroller – "Crossover Dragon"
Comptroller was nice enough to hip me to the release of this new self-titled LP, and I will now direct your attention toward it as well.

Track 12: Order of the Phoenix dialog / The Whomping Willows – "I Believe in Nargles"
Fact: Luna Lovegood is the shit.

Track 13: Americans UK – "I, Ape-Man"
Haven't played AUK in a bit, and I felt like this one fit so very well.

Track 14: 8 Bit Weapon – "M.U.L.E. (Bitblaster Mix)"
Same goes for 8BW. I can never get enough of their stuff!

Track 15: The J. Arthur Keenes Band – "Catfish Lagoon"
I have yet to hear a track from J. Arthur Keenes that isn't gold.

Z's final interlude: "Also known as Blak Lotus."
For those who don't know, while not seeing to his duties as MC Frontalot's bassist, Brandon is an indie rock superhero.

Track 16: Brandon Patton – "Coelacanth"
Yes, coelacanth is also a reference to Animal Crossing. And big thanks to Snipe for turning me on to this track!

I can't help but notice that my voice-overs come through a little strong in this one. Sorry for any temporary deafness that may happen as a result.

I actually had a really good time pulling this one together, so expect more audience polls. I've been working a lot with what are often termed "audience response systems" at my day job, and this seemed like a cool way to leverage such technology.

Expect the next episode of Radio Free Hipster to be all free-form and stuff. I've had a lot of new tracks come into my possession that require your attention, with not a common thread between them.

But don't fret; I'll work that Star Trek themed episode up in the near future.

Nerd News in Brief

A lady from human resources once had the audacity to ask me the color of my parachute. This is a rather asinine inquiry, as one can learn so much more about me by simply asking my DEVO color.

Seriously.

It is red. That means I have a fiery personality and inherent love of energy domes.

• S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y: This weekend the world will tremble as a direct result of the NYC premiere of Uncle Monsterface performing with a real, live drummer! Attendants can also bask in the glory of the live debut of the song"Heart" featuring Jocelyn Mackenzie of Pearl and the Beard! Come on down to Brooklyn's Death By Audio, and bring a fiver.
• Hip-Hop, Feminism & Nerds: On the more scholarly end, this weekend's Society for Photographic Education conference will include a panel entitled "Potential Feminist Performances of Masculinity in Music: The Hip Hop Subculture of Nerdcore." The Message Is in the Music: Hip Hop Feminism, Riot Grrrl, Latina Music & More is hosted at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, and is both free and open to the public.
• A Decade in the Making: This year marks the 10th bandiversary of seminal VG rockers The Minibosses. The guys celebrated this landmark by talking about the ten favorite gigs of their career with The Phoenix New Times.
• Spoiler – Wear Deodorant: Meanwhile, our own MC Frontalot compiled a list of 5 indispensable survival tips for PAX East. It’s a comprehensive piece for the potentially ill-prepared masses.
• Artichoke: Also on the subject of PAX, my literary homey Lev Grossman recently interviewed the Gabe and the Tycho for a piece over at Techland. Give it a read.
• (Ack)Bar None: The first of Church’s outlandish contributions to this edition of NNIB is news of a student initiative to replace Ole Miss’s potentially offensive rebel mascot with a far nerdier alternative. It’s a Trap!
• Old School: Also from Church comes news of NPR’s recent blurb about filk. Not exactly an earth-shattering piece, but a nice nod to perhaps the oldest nerd music community.
• Fear the Beard: Big ups to geeky academic Jason Tocci, who recently talked about his dissertation research concerning nerd identity with Technically Philly. Sadly, there’s no plug for Hipster, please! therein, but even Jason needs to take a break from pimping my projects every once in a while. ;)
• In Space: I did, however, get a plug – of the self-induced variety – over at John Anealio's Sci Fi Songs blog. There I contributed to John's new "Interstellar Jukebox" feature, writing about my favorite space song.
• Nerd Ink, Supplemental: I would similarly like to congratulate this gentleman. You win at nerd ink!
• Comedy, of the Highest Order: I don’t even have a witty accompanying line for this piece on geek chic, so allow me instead to quote: "Geeks are the most important natural resource the world has ever known. Without them gravity would be nothing more than a shitty John Mayer song."
• Underwhelmed at the Helm: Last month at London's Millennium Bridge, a new Guinness world record was set for the largest gathering of people dressed as Star Trek characters. The magic number? 99. Way to aim low, British Trekkies!
• Who's Better, Who's Best: Still, Church is quick to point out that UK nerdlingers easily redeem themselves in this Guardian piece concerning the SFX Weekender. All it took was a little Tom Baker!
• Bazinga!: Back on this side of the pond, my pal Raz was nice enough to hip me to a site specializing in the dorktastic wearables featured in the Big Bang Theory. There's even a page dedicate to Howard's belt buckles.
• New YT/Old YT: Closing us out today is a pair of videos featuring the incomparable YTCracker. As YT will be shaving his head for charity later this month, it seemed only right to let him take us home. This first is a new video directed by Irina Slutsky and featuring Doc Pop and Unwoman. The second is a portrait of the artist as a young man.

Nerd News in Brief

Today is, of course, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a time to reflect on the life and accomplishments of a true champion of civil rights and nonviolent activism. I'll save my snark and smartassery for the post itself, and instead use this intro to plug Random's track "306." Ran's stated many times what a hero and motivating force Dr. King has been throughout his life, and this is certainly a fitting tribute. Give it a listen.

And now, on to my regularly scheduled foolishness.

• The Bestestest: MC Lars was among those who shared their picks of 2009 with the MTV Music Blog. K.Flay made his list, as did STD and Bowling for Soup. Not exactly surprising choices, but solid props across the board.
• You're the Tops: Also making appearances in Best of '09 lists were The Protomen's Act II: Father of Death album and Rivercrest Yacht Club's single "The Tuck." Robots and transsexuals, that about sums up the past 12 months.
• The Brown Recluse: Looking forward to this year's releases, none have me quite as excited as Navi's GRAYSCALE. Set to drop digitally tomorrow (January 19th) and physically in the near future, it's the triumphant return of a cat I've been following since the earliest days of Rhyme Torrents. The former Myf was nice enough to hook me up with an early leak, and I think it'll easily please both nerdcore fans and hardcore heads alike. Check out the RT announcement thread for a taste.
• Skins: For the first time in the history of the band, Uncle Monsterface will perform with a live drummer on Thursday, January 21st at The Church in Boston. Come out and welcome Spooky Old Eric to the Monsterfamily!
• C-O-N-spiracy: Is there a link between the Harry Potter series and franchise movie director Christopher Columbus's Young Sherlock Holmes? This blog post from 2005, drudged up by our own Church H Tucker (by way of Irish Independent News) claims just that. The game is afoot!
• Fangirl and Chum Chum: Speaking of Potter, Total Film's 2010 Blog Award for Best Sci-fi/Fantasy Blog has seen a lot of WRocker and Twi-fan love/hate. Thankfully, at present at least, that bastion of all-around geekiness Io9 seems to have pulled ahead in the polls.
• Never-Ending Story: And also on the WRock front, Matt lets us know that The Whomping Willows is putting together a street team to help him transition from library-based touring to straight-up DIY house party gigging. Also looking towards the future, it was also announced that, upon graduation, Lauren Myrtle will be joining him on a never-ending tour.
• Wooly Bully: This is turning out to be the year of the gamer sweater. Witness the glory of the 8-bit Mario sweater-vest. Only to be rivaled by this collection of wearable hand-made arcade classics.
• Love by the Numbers: Did you know you can apply the Drake equation to discover why you don't currently have a girlfriend? Peter Backus does, and he even shared his findings.
• Dream Job: In case you somehow missed it, Penny Arcade is hiring an associate designer. If you have the relevant skills and live in/would be willing to relocate to WA, get on that shit. Oh, and Tycho, if you want to start a music netlabel and need an A&R guy, holler atcha boy!
• Keep on Keepin' On: Back in the reality, the Rhyme Torrents community has just dropped the 9th iteration of its ongoing compilation series. Two discs strong, this one continues in the proud tradition of including the guys you know as well as the cats you'll be talking about tomorrow.
• Kombat Kore: Somewhere, Shael Riley is writing a stirring ballad about this cat's tattoo.
• Bigger on the Inside: Next month, the 21st incarnation of Gallifrey One, North America's native Doctor Who convention is all set to rip up LA. And, among guests like Bob Baker and Nyssa, homegrown VG Rockers Tanuki Suit Riot will also be on hand.
• Basic Pleasure Model: While most of us assume that all the real tech news of this month came from CES, ABC Australia reveals that the weirdest development came from the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo. Ladies and gents, a true futuristic sex robot.
• I'll Hold Out for 16: Meanwhile, Kotaku reports that a new Toyota concept hybrid was shown at Detroit's International Auto show that was designed specifically for "the 8-bit generation." I find this new marketing moniker charming, confusing.
• Pixelated: Chip music fans and artists would do well to turn their attention to the forums at ChipMusic.org. This new community, built on a bedrock of inspiration and encouragement, should prove a welcoming home for seasoned vets and newbs alike.
• Mum Mum Mum Mah: Closing out this first NNIB of 2010 is none other than my pal (and recent collaborator) Superpowerless. It's the video for Supe's Lady Gaga cover. It was directed by FL artist Jaylyn Coffin, and features Oliver and B-Type lightsaber dueling and rocking the fuck out in public places. If only you could read their poker face!
  

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 80: The Uplift Mofo Party Planner

In all honesty, I am rather glad to see 2009 go. It has been a truly nasty year. An outright bastard!

But I will concede that it has seen its fair share of top-shelf music. Surely no one can deny the subtle charms of Songs from the Pit or good-natured fan service that is Jokey Jingles.

The great music has come fast and hard in 2009, and, try as I might, a gaggle of excellent songs managed to elude me until this, the last moments of the year. So sit back and enjoy a collection of year-ending ditties sure to please.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 80: The Uplift Mofo Party Planner [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 57.9 MB Running Time: 1:03:15

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"

Should old acquaintance be forgot, but theme songs remembered forever.

Track 1: Southside – "Runnin' Low"
Looking forward to 2010, I am positively giddy imagining what will come from the Scrub Club camp!

Z's 1st interlude: "Though admittedly not as low as the late Patrick Swayze."
2009 = weirdest celebrity deaths ever!

Track 2: One Republic – "Secrets (feat. Former Fat Boys)"
Apparently the YouTube vid for this track was pulled down right after $ucksex posted it. Not sure how a free fan remix is a threat to one's intellectual copyright, but what the fuck do I know.

Track 3: The Office dialog / YTCracker – "Underground Sewer"
Chrono Nurga is another amazing freebie from the Mighty YTCracker. Go snag it.

Track 4: Philip T. Ridlin – "Mario Kart Love Song"
This track has been sitting in my collection for months. I think it was the first song I tagged specifically for this episode.

Track 5: Schaffer the Darklord – "The Other Devil"
Manslaughterer is an amazing LP, and this is easily my favorite track on the whole album.

Track 6: Heroes dialog / Elfonso – "Parody Us"
Big up to my brother T.Y.T. the White Shinobi for capturing that Heroes clip for me. Where would we be without our friends?

Track 7: Shael Riley and the Double Ice Backfire – "Asian Kids Have All the Best Moves (Solo Piano)"
There's something about Shael's songwriting that has always appealed to me. After months of soul searching I have decided it hinges on his lyrical vantage point. Shael always writes in the voice of exquisitely flawed humanity.

Track 8: Saskrotch – "Warming Up"
Seriously, if I gave an award for best album title, Saskrotch would win.

Track 9: Supercommuter– "Itty Bitty Pigeons (Klopfenpop Mix)"
Much love to both Klopfenpop and Supercommuter for letting me include this joint. I can not wait to hear more such remixes!

Z"s 2nd interlude: "But enough of my sentimental melancholy."
Sorry if my interludes are a bit of a downer this time around.

Track 10: The Reborn Identity – "Here Comes Your Man, Finally"
CeCe Peniston has the word "penis" right there in her name. I'm just sayin'.

Track 11: Uncle Monsterface – "Like a Prayer"
I have been on Marty and Dan to get me a studio version of this song for ages!

Track 12: Allister – "Fraggle Rawk"
Between Matt Ryd, Kanye and Allister, there is a lot of Chi-Town in this episode.

Track 13: Dale Chase – "Sniped"
Truly the Queen of the Douche Nukers and inventor of the Atheist Cock Punch deserves no less.

Track 14: My Parents' Favorite Music – "ALLYOURBASEMENT"
MPFM fill a very important niche in the nerdcore ecosystem. Steffo makes enjoyable, smile-inducing music like no other.

Track 15: Carl Sagan – "Glorious Dawn (Cosmos Remix feat. Stephen Hawking)"
This Symphony of Science project was that rare YouTube sensation that genuinely lived up to the hype.

Track 16: Matt Ryd – "Poker Face"
Matt joins Shael and Glenn Case in the holy triad of solo singer-songwriters that make me painfully envious of their talent.

Z's final interlude: "So thanks for that."
It sounds cliché, but I genuinely mean it; having you guys listen to and comment on this podcast really adds a new dimension to the experience. It makes it positively therapeutic for me.

Track 17: djBC – "Everybody's Everyday Girl" / A message from YTCracker
YTCracker is all about the science. Even now he is in his secret lab cooking up a cure for wackness.

I've still got a proper year-end post in the works, but let me go ahead and preemptively thank everyone who helped make Radio Free Hipster possible this year.

Thanks to Antisoc, my longtime host, supporter and friend. And much love to all those who guested on this show (like my boys Matt and Church) and who asked me to sit in on theirs (What up, Jarvis!)

The most sincerest of thank yous go out to all the artists that let me share their songs on the podcast, especially those who went out of their way to send me the new hotness. And I graciously bow to all those who didn't clear me using their tunes, but were still nice enough not to sue me.

And, once again, I really wanna say how much I appreciate all of y'all listening, commenting, requesting songs and suggesting new artists. The internet is a big, scary place, but you always make me feel welcome and appreciated.

You truly kept me safe, sane and entertained throughout a turbulent 2009.

Stoke the Fire

The message began simply enough:

"So, let's do a Xmas compilation, huh?"

That was the subtle manner in which my pal Shael Riley launched the project that came to be known as Come Down the Chimney. That email arrived in late October, but, if memory serves, Shael had secretly mentioned it to me a week or two prior. Casually.

But, like everything Shael does, it was a deceptively serious affair.

His direction was minimal; he merely requested that all participating parties record a holiday-themed original or cover, but it was his sole caveat that defined the comp. He advised participants to craft something that they would like to hear on a holiday album. And I think that's the real difference.

Come Down the Chimney is Shael's brainchild, but, with the combined effort of cats like I Fight Dragons, Billy the Fridge, Schaffer the Darklord, Uncle Monsterface, The Double Ice Backfire and Zircon (who mixed and mastered the whole thing), it's a veritable Christmas present for nerdy music fans across the board.

It's a concept album, and the concept is holiday fun. I know all the guys are really proud to be a part of it, and I hope you enjoy listening to it half as much as they enjoyed making it.

So untie the bow and shred the paper. No need to check the label; it's to you, from a bunch of geeks who appreciate your support and attention.

Head over to the official web presence of Come Down the Chimney to snag your copy.

Experience Nerdapalooza (All Over Again)

Word from the Nerdapalooza camp – and by "the Nerdapalooza camp," I mean my boy Hex – is that the live album from this year's festival is all set to go.

Priced at a scant 10 bucks and boasting some 19 tracks from everyone from MPFM and Doc Awkward to The Megas and Uncle Monsterface, it's a sweet-ass deal in its own right. Of course, when you factor in that all proceeds from the sale benefit Child's Play, it becomes even more of a must-buy!

And since Hex is all about giving back to the community, he also opted to provide a second disc worth of additional promotional tracks even to those bastards too cheap to spring for the album proper. This 9-tracker is available for free download, with an additional 10th song to be made available when/if you purchase the aforementioned charity comp.

Track lists and links are provided below, so as to whet your musical appetite:

Nerdapalooza Live CD 2009

1. My Parents Favorite Music - "Just a Game"
2. Devo Spice - "Platform Wars (ft. the great Luke Ski & int eighty of Dual Core)"
   
3. Captain Dan & the Scurvy Crew - "Yo Ho Ho"
4. Marc with a C - "Nerdy Girls"
   
5. Dr. Awkward - "Geekquilibrium (ft. Scrub Club) "
6. Krondor Krew - "Sneaking"
   
7. 3P!C-1 - "Sungem"
   
8. The Megas - "Annihilation of Monsteropolis (Airman)"
   
9. YTCracker - "Meganerd"
10. MC Frontalot - "Tongue-Clucking Grammarian"
    
11. mCRT - "Penis Monologues"
    
12. Emergency Pizza Party - "Zombie Jesus (ft. Funky49)"
13. Dual Core - "Hostage Down"
    
14. Fred Lives & the House of Black - "The Bleep Out Song"
15. ZeaLouS1 - "Headshot (ft. Benjamin Bear)"
    
16. Uncle Monsterface - "Lobster Building"
    
17. The Grammar Club - "Red Cyclone"
    
18. Schaffer the Darklord - "The Bender"
19. MC Frontalot - "Nerdcore Rising (ft. Beefy & MC Lars)"

Nerdapalooza Live Free Sampler

1. Scrub Club - "Nerd Party"
   
2. HDNinja - "FatFoot (ft. MC Wreckshin)"
   
3. The Spork - "Scoundrel"
   
4. MC COOL WHIP - "Hellen Keller in Space"
5. Dual Core - "Magnificent 7 (ft. Remmington Forbes, Beefy, YTCracker, Schaffer the Darklord, MC Lars, & MC Frontalot) "
6. UUDDLRL :: MAJA
7. Beefy - "You Can Call Me Beef (ft. Shael Riley & the Double Ice Backfire)"
   
8. MC Lars - "Bruce Campbell (ft. YTCracker, Schaffer the Darklord, & ZeaLouS1)" unlockable upon purchase of Nerdapalooza Live CD 2009
9. Shael Riley & the Double Ice Backfire - "Publishing Rights (ft. Schaffer the Darklord)"
   
10. Uncle Monsterface - "Triforce Mike Theme (Live from Nerdapalooza Southeast 2008)"
    

Nerd News in Brief

Apologies for the scant number of posts over the past couple of weeks, folks. It's crunch time at the old day job, and that, unfortunately, means cutting back a bit on other activities. Essentially I had to choose between scaling back my writing here at the blog or dropping one of the final four podcasts of the year.

Suffice it to say I elected to reign in the blogging a bit as opposed to denying you another opportunity to hear my delightful voice. ;)

• Technological Singularly: Congratulations to my Sea-town homies Southside, the winner of Scrub Club's Versus Mode competition. It was a hard-fought victory, but one that I feel will truly be beneficial to both camps.
• Our Glasses Are Too Thick (to Get Laid): The Amplified Bard recently directed me to this interesting piece from OK! Magazine. Apparently gamer guys are far less likely to cheat on their significant others than our non-gaming counterparts. Monogamy like whut?!
  
• TeacherRapperHero: Late last month Random got a nice write-up in the Phoenix New Times. Give it a look to learn the importance of "Freestyle Fridays."
• The Other Mr. B: From Matt comes a link to this blurb from Boing Boing about chap-hop pioneer Mr. B. While it's not entirely unexpected to find that the Gentleman Rhymer has charmed BB staffers, it is a pleasant turn of events.
• I am Your Neighbor: From reader Joshua comes news of a series of chip covers of pop songs by YouTube user bobbyfish1029. Check out his take on "Hey Ya!" and then peep the rest.
• 8-Bit Dreams: On the new release front, I highly suggest checking out the newest project from chip artist Jay Tholen. Danny's Incredible 8-Bit Voyage, Jay's 2nd concept album, describes itself as "an epic prog-tinged psychedelic chiptune extravaganza." Give it a listen, and embrace the inconceivable.
• Shit Gets Real: MC Lars recently announced that a track from his This Gigantic Robot Kills album has been licensed for use in the new season of MTV's The Real World. In related news, who the fuck knew that show was still on the air?!
• One of Us: Church brings us news of Wade Yandall, a 6 feet 4, 295 lb Carson High School football lineman who is also a self-avowed nerd. How's that for defying conventions?
• Think, Geeks!: Among Church's latest geek chic roundup comes a nerdy affirmation from another high school student, news of Central Piedmont Community College's recent Geek Fest and the announcement of the movement's ultimate demise… which we can assume has been greatly exaggerated.
• Ghay'cha': For the record, I fear the Klingon youth brigade. For reals.
• An Honor: Big up to Lance for making me the subject of his latest sketch request from artist Bob Raymond. You'll likely remember both Lance and Bob from the previously discussed piece of nerdcore fan art. Also, someone please make me a giant "NC" ring!
  
• Mine, Yours, Ours: For an interesting take on ownership culture within the confines of the nerdy music community, I'd like to point out Grace "Snidget" Kendall's "On media ownership, and sort of on Wrockstock." It's available at Snidge's Facebook, and it's proven itself worth multiple reads from yours truly.
• I'll Take You There: In case you missed the release of their stellar covers EP Jokey Jingles Ultimate Dance Party Mix Volume 3, Uncle Monsterface has also released a companion video. It features Marty's interpretative dance routine to the Monsterface version of Madonna's "Like a Prayer." (NSFW due to brief instances of a boxer-brief clad angel.)

My Favorite Monster

I try not to post album announcements. Really I do. I understand that they are unfair. Exploitative. A veritable cock-tease.

I talk about a release and how it's gonna be awesome and I get you all hot and/or bothered, but then I make you wait.

Shame on me.

Shame on me big time. 'Cause I am about to do it again.

You see, Uncle Monsterface has been teasing their forthcoming release, an EP of cover songs, for several months now, doling out information in bite-size chunks. This week, however, they let the entire cat out of the bag.

(Did mixing the "bite-size chunks" and "cat in a bag" metaphors seem unnecessarily creepy to anyone else?)

The project in question, previously known only as Jokey Jingles but now officially dubbed Jokey Jingles Ultimate Dance Party Mix, Volume 3, will contain five tracks. They are as follows:

• "Toxic" – Britney Spears (a previously released track)
• "Blue Rosebuds" – The Residents
• "Little Girls" – Oingo Boingo
• "Worms Make Dirt" – The Aquabats
• "Like A Prayer" – Madonna (a staple song of the group's live shows)

But more important than the EP's contents is its release date: Monday, November 2nd. Yes, in less than a week you will be treated to more Monsterface-y musical goodness, not to mention the premiere of the music video for their unique interpretation of the aforementioned "Like A Prayer."

And how much would you expect to pay for such a treasure?

Guess again, taintmeat, 'cause it's free!

Well, free to subscribers of the of the band's official mailing list. So get on there. Like, now.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 73: Eat, Drink & Be Scary

And so we find ourselves once again in the very throes of Drunken Podcasting Month (better known as September). It is an occasion I can't help but be proud of, despite how reprehensible the entire affair truly is.

Just like last year, my pals Matt and Church join me for the festivities. Drinks in hand, we make our way through over an hour's worth of music, supplementing it with nearly half that time in intoxicated banter.

Notice, if you will, how we begin slightly sloppy and easily distracted, and devolve further into slurring, marble-mouthed buffoons. Why I actually call Church "Chuck" at one point.

Shameful!

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 73: Eat, Drink & Be Scary [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 82 MB Running Time: 1:29:38

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Beefy was totally trashed when he recorded the vocals for my theme song. It's a fact that I just made up.

Track 1: MC Lars & K.Flay – "It's A Party Y'all"
I reviewed Single and Famous last week. Check it out.

1st drunken interlude: "To celebrate this auspicious occasion."
How hard is it to convince Matt and Church to get drunk with me? Not particularly.

Track 2: Dr. Awkward – "F.U.F." / Scrubs dialog
As if you couldn't tell from our constant gushing, we all really dig Doc's Next Generation.

Track 3: Mr. B – "Sherry Monocle" / Scrubs dialog
Many thanks to La Bete for turning me on to the Gentleman Rhymer.

Track 4: Hidari – "ChocolaTommy"
Hidari's Wine and Chocolate is an amazing album, even for listeners unfamiliar with the language.

Track 5: Wilbert Roget II – "Chicken Tenders"
My favorite song about chicken tenders ever!

Track 6: The Bloodclan – "Vampire Party"
This track was a special request from Matt. It's from a collaborative project including MC Loki and MC Diabeats.

Track 7: Selfhelp – "Drunk Last Night"
No episode of Radio Free Hipster is complete without the inclusion of at least one Canadian.

2nd drunken interlude: "What are your respective poisons."
One of these years we really need coordinate our drinks. I'm just sayin'.

Track 8: Mattias Holmgren – "Legend of Zelda Zelda Heineken OC ReMix" / Scrubs dialog
This OC ReMix stills blows me away, despite the fact that I've been listening to it for months.

Track 9: mc chris – "Pizza Butt"
Confession: I totally chose this song so I could also include that "drunk on cheese" bit from Scrubs.

Track 10: English Pete – "Killing in a Gay Bar"
Because everyone loves a "Gay Bar" mash-up.

Track 11: Beefy – "Table Top (tanner4105 remix)"
RAWK!

Track 12: Uncle Monsterface – "Bring Back the Eggplant Wizard (Song for Gunpei Yokoi)"
I am currently playing through Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters, and I gotta tell you those Eggplant Wizards are motherfuckers!

Track 13: People Within – "Lovesick"
People Within features Optimus Rhyme's Broken English.

3rd drunken interlude: : "The refined English version of our own beer goggles."
Brits are just fancier than us.

Track 14: Superpowerless – "Jizz In My Pants (Remix)"
Superpowerless does some of the most amazing covers and remixes I've ever heard, and he is crazy prolific.

Track 15: YTCracker – "Over and Over"
This I consider one of YT's best, an often overlooked gem from Serious Business.

Track 16: Jonny Nero Action Hero – "Back Porch" Scrubs dialog
Check out a special message from Jonny at the end of this episode.

Track 17: Billy the Fridge – "Cadillac Rollin' Fat"
I've been waiting for months for just the right time to expose the listening audience to Billy the Fridge. At last, that time has come.

Track 18: Billy Mays – "Breakin' Your Back"
Is it in poor taste to include this track in a show about overindulgence? Probably.

Track 19: Dual Core – "Give Me Wings (Remix)"
Nobody does better Dual Core remixes than their own c64.

Final drunken interlude: "I am eternally in your debt."
Let it be known that Hipster, please! truly couldn't exist without the help and support of Church and Matt. Them's m'boys!

Track 20: Glenn Case – "Glutton"
I can not even begin to express how excited I am for Glenn's forthcoming album Throw Money!

Bonus: A Message from Jonny Nero
Be sure to express your thanks to Jonny by checking out his Epic Default podcast!

This is usually the space where I recap the episode or talk up the following show, but this time I'm not gonna do that. Instead I just wanna take a moment to remember Jim Carroll.

He passed away earlier this week at the age of 60, but it was greatly overshadowed by the death of Patrick Swayze. Not that I'm bitter; I mean, Jim's lot in life was to remain largely unnoticed.

For me, Carroll held personal significance. Not just because we battled similar demons, but because of what he symbolized to me. While Updike showed me that it was okay, even interesting, to write about the exploits of unremarkable people, Jim Carroll showed me that it was also perfectly acceptable for us unfortunate freaks to put pen to paper ourselves. To record our own histories.

And now he finds himself, however fittingly, among the people who died.

Jimmy, this drink's for you.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 72: Where a Kid Can be a Kid

Themed episodes of Radio Free Hipster are becoming fewer and far between, but this one was a request, of sorts, so I took the plunge. Plus, it's always fun to have my son help put together the song lists. Even if now he is more interested in Phineas and Ferb than in recording with his old man.

Still, talking about youth and childhood is a double-edged sword, because it also opens the door to talking about aging and the long, rough road of maturity. I tried to hit on both this time around. I hope you're happy with the results.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 72: Where a Kid Can be a Kid [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 39 MB Running Time: 42:42

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
This theme song keeps me young.

Track 1: Go Home Productions – "GHP Goes Bananas"
Looking back, those Sid and Marty Krofft shows were genuinely fucked up.

Z's 1st interlude: "I decided that today's ep. should be kinda chill."
Yes, since the next show will be a drunken podcast, I figured this time around I should keep shit low key.

Track 2: Chiptots – "ABC"
The only person who loves this cover more than Li'l X. is his dear old dad!

Track 3: Math the Band – "Homework Sucks"
Math has a new album out. You should buy it.

Track 4: Dave Chappelle dialog / Uncle Monsterface – "Baby Blip"
I long for the day when my own kids will make me macaroni jewelry.

Track 5: Jonathan Coulton – "Rock and Roll Boy"
"When I was born I was a young boy. / Now I'm grown, I am a old boy."

Track 6: Beefy – "Ball Pit"
This song makes me wistful. There's just something about the quality of Beefy's voice in this one that always gets me.

Track 7: Tenacious D – "Baby"
Sometimes it just feels good to follow a Beef Thompson joint with the D.

Track 8: McVaffe - "Yoshi's Lullaby"
Can you imagine how difficult it must have been to raise a young Mario and Luigi?!

Z's 2nd interlude: "I am ceaselessly amazed by the power of music to take me back to the days of my youth."
It is purported that smell is the most important sense trigger for memory recollection, but for me it's always been sound. When I hear a song, I can often immediately recall the very moment when I first encountered it.

Track 9: Lynn Ahrens – "A Noun is a Person, Place or Thing"
Originally played back in episode 18.

Track 10: My Parents' Favorite Music – "Sticks and Stones"
I think "Sticks and Stones" was the first track an artist ever let me feature on the site.

Track 11: Southside – "War Games"
It's really hard not to love a song that cribs its beat from the Fat Albert theme.

Track 12: Xoc – "Doors/Warp Zone/Rescue Jingle" / Shael Riley voicemail
Feel free to send me messages via my Google Voice widget. I'll even try and work them into future podcasts!

Track 13: Uncanny Valley – "Ladybugs' Picnic"
DJBC's Muppet Mashup album is really an amazing project. For those of us who grew up in the golden age of edutainment, it's the perfect nostalgia trip.

Track 14: Metaforce – "Intermission (feat. Onni)"
The theme music from Taxi still makes me misty-eyed.

Z's final interlude: "Maturity is not a process so much as a battle."
Seriously; adulthood lurks around every corner awaiting the perfect opportunity to strike. Sometimes it beats you down, but never give up the fight!

Track 15: Funny or Die – "The Ballad of G.I. Joe"
Just watch the video. It is well worth the time.

This show turned out a good bit different than I originally expected. It's shorter than usual, obviously, and it also took on more of a somber tone, but with good reason.

I think we as adults tend to think of childhood as being simple, when really it's anything but. Kids feel things differently than grownups: more intensely. Therefore, their victories are twice as sweet and their failures wholly crushing. That's not to say that the life of maturity is effortless, of course. Both are fraught with difficulties, but in totally different ways.

Having kids of your own really drives this home.

But in the end, the magic of childhood is that it is uniquely your own. And the power of memory allows you to rewrite that fucker any way you wish. Maybe that's why it's better that we don't get the chance to revisit all of the cherished touchstones of youth. They often age far less gracefully in real life than in our recollections.