On Passing

This is not a personal blog. But it is a blog about nerdy culture as filtered through my own personal experience, and, as such, sometimes my real offline life intrudes. This is such an occasion.

I had originally planned to favor you today with another edition of Nerd News in Brief. There have been interesting developments of late concerning mc chris and Barack Obama, MC Lars and YTCracker, id obelus, and my pal Anthony just to name a few: things that are, at least to my reckoning, solidly newsworthy. Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to write about these items at length at this time.

I was informed earlier this morning that my father has passed away. He and I weren't exactly what you call close, but he's my dad and I love him. A good bit of what I am today – both the bad and the good – is because of him. He instilled within me a love of music, a strong sense of self, and a penchant for profanity: the three pillars of projects like Hipster, please!

As I've stated, this isn't an ideal place for my personal emotional wallowings, so I'll simply leave it at that. Only to add that my planned vacation seems to've arrived prematurely and under less than ideal conditions.

Sincerest apologies to all those who have things in the works that I should rightly be promoting at present. I'll get back to the grind once I've had a chance to decompress, and you'll be at the top of the list.

That is to say I'll be back soon with more musings about geeky music, videogames, and Internet culture, and, in the meantime, don't worry too much about me. I'll get through.

Until then, stay well and be safe.

"'Cause we are not our parents, except that we are. So when you're losing what you're holding onto, you've got to let it go. You let it go. Oh, I know. And when I think about how much I didn't know before, it freaks me out to know how much I don't know now."

-- Uncle Monsterface, "Sparkle and Shine"

Wii60 and the Ways of the World

It’s been a while since I just, y’know, riffed around here, so this seems like as good a time as any. Truthfully, I’ve got a number of wholly unrelated things to talk about, so administering to these items a properly measured injection of snark sounds like the best way to tie them all together.

First, I recently acquired an Xbox 360 to keep my poor, lonely Wii company in the den. Yes, the pride of tech-heads circa 2005 – and a machine so delightfully flawed as to have an almost certain chance of revealing its catastrophic defect – is now mine. Huzzah! As such, I have also created one of those newfangled GamerTags that the kids are so crazy for. It is hipsterplease. Because I am not very creative.

Over the weekend I also had a chance to listen to one of those exclusive PAX pre-release editions of MC Frontalot’s new album Final Boss, a CD that not only possesses wicked cool back cover art by my pal Dennis but that was also declared the fucking wickedest Frontalot album to date by one Mr. J. Dangerously. (I know you’re wondering how I got my hands on a PAX release of this album when I did not, in fact attend PAX. The answer: I have covert agents in a variety of international stages of operation!) As per Jesse’s description, the album really is phenomenal. In fact, you should totally score a copy when it becomes available to the general public in the near future.

And speaking of Jesse D., after an almost laughable number of technical difficulties – centering around a primary email account that, as Church and Matt can attest, genuinely loathes humans – my interview with this lyrical titan from the Great White North is almost complete. We talk nerdcore, politics, and Alpha Flight. There also may be a bit in there about kidnapping Weird Al. I’m not at liberty to say. You’ll be able to enjoy the interview in its entirety when it hits the blog in early October.

Why October? Because your Uncle Zed needs a break.

Yes folks, Z. is going on a bit of a (well-earned) vacation next week. Unfortunately, this means there will be no second part to September’s Drunken Podcasting Month festivities. Between my real work, my writing for Wired.com, and all the stuff I do around here, I’m afraid I’m spread a little thin. And rather than rush through a bunch of stuff for the simple sake of getting it done, I’ve elected to cut back production for the next couple of weeks while I prepare for and enjoy my family holiday.

But fear not, for when I return all refreshed and whatnot it will be time for my annual October shenanigans! Yes, two spookerrific Halloween-themed podcasts plus an interview with Jesse plus Christ-only-knows-what-else! I am excited! Do you not see the indicative punctuation?!

Probably the Concussion Talking

I first became aware of Math the Band through their association with two other fantastic geek-friendly groups, Harry and the Potters and Uncle Monsterface. On the good word of the aforementioned – in this case, meaning that Math was joining Monsterface and the Potters on their summer tour – I checked them out, hoping for the best.

What I discovered amid scores of old (free!) demo tracks was a one-man minimalist synth punk machine that could be favorably compared with the likes of Atom and His Package and I Hate You When You’re Pregnant. But while Atom often focuses on slanted observances and personal recollections and IHYWYP plays performance art against ironic provocation, Math seems firmly rooted in making music that’s fun, accessible, and at times a little absurd.

The band that I discovered on stage at the Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo’s stopover at this summer’s Nerdapalooza was a variation on a theme: a three-person setup that transformed those bright, key-heavy numbers into a solid wall of rock ‘n’ roll aerobics. After getting my ass handily rocked off by the spectacle, I approached the trio to discuss the bewildering spectacle.

Apparently truthful flattery goes a long way with Math the Band, because I was treated to a free copy of their newest CD Banned the Math, which I’ll now explore in depth.

1. "Hey Dude! (A Predule)"
   Epic and sweeping, and maybe a little sinister, "Hey Dude!" starts the album on a note of classic misdirection. The sound of this intro track is (almost surely) intentionally misleading, but it’s such a perfect primer that the listener is halfway through the second song before realizing he’s been duped.
2. "Let’s Hear it for Capitalism"
   An amazingly smooth transition from the disparate lead-in track takes us into this fun, pulsing "merch song." Despite the fact that Kevin’s declaration that he doesn’t play instruments and doesn’t have much talent is a lie, this song is both lyrically and musically compelling. The synth lead is sharp and uplifting, and, as advertised, it makes you dance.
3. "LEEEETTTSSS GGGOOOOOOOOO!!!"
   Another silky transition and a well-layered intro, make up for the fact that "LEEEETTTSSS GGGOOOOOOOOO!!!" is a bit too similar to the preceding song. That being said, this is easily my favorite song about exercise. Ever. It skillfully alternates between breezy instrumentation and a good, old-fashioned group scream, lending a lot of power and energy to a song that’s less than two minutes in length.
4. "Blue Skies and Blue Jeans"
   "Blue Skies and Blue Jeans" changes the album’s tone a little, both musical and vocally. It stands out by being as low-key as Math gets (save one later instance). The fantastic instrumental breakdown around 1:10 mark gives this piece true depth, but the hooky, chirpy instrumentation and oddly touching lyrics will keep you interested along the way.
5. "Wear Wolf Fever"
   A full 360 degress from its predecessor, this song (which is one of my favorites from the old demos) could rightly be called a defining moment of the Math the Band sound. With its odd vocal timbre, layered refrain, frenetic music, and surreal lyrics, it’s a sub-two-minute-miracle that proves to be the acid test for determining who is and is not a fan of Math the Band. 
6. "My Algebra Teacher (Sold Heroin)"
   Another perfectly smooth transition leads to fun galloping "bass" and warm synth lead of "My Algebra Teacher." This is the first of two album tracks that contains a reference to the "bottom of the ocean," which is either a clever lyrical motif or an oversight. The classic chiptune feel and predictably fun vocals make it a treat, but the glitchy instrumental outro is its genuine strength.
7. "The Water Cycle"
   This is another standout track that manages to make edutainment interesting, if not wholly accurate. (To my knowledge, motorcycles have little to do with the water cycle.) The musical refrain is used to punctuate the vocals to a particularly interesting affect, giving it an almost call-response style. And while it probably goes without saying, you really can’t go wrong with synthetic handclaps. 
8. "Everyone is Embarrassing"
   Kevin introduced this track live at Nerdapalooza by stating that is was about "my sister who had lice and I love her." On all levels it's both earnest and laughable, and has proven another one of my personal favorites. It's also of note because it contains swearing. I like swearing. In the end, the lyric "nobody’s cool and I still love you" comes through as a candy-coated affirmation. It packs a lot of power for a song scarcely a minute and a half long.
9. "Following All the Rules Is Not a Crime"
   While the vocal delivery is totally unhinged, the musical backing of "Following All the Rules Is Not a Crime" is fairly subdued, which makes for a handsome contrast. The "chorus," as such, is almost touching. But mostly it's weird.
10. "You Can’t Spell"
    Another markedly brilliant song transition leads into what could be construed as the musical equivalent of Kevin losing his fucking mind. There are moments of lucidity, of course, but they merely punctuate the lyrical madness. Calling the project a "one-man band" may be a bit of an oversimplification with regard to the current project, but this is another great minute and a half of blissful chippyness.
11. "Four Square or Square Ball"
    "Four Square or Square Ball" is one of the few moments of the entire album that I find a bit lacking. The sound's simply a bit too compressed for my liking, although there's a great Super Mario World-esque breakdown mid-song that prevents me from skipping it. It also contains an inexplicable transition to "The Star Spangled Banner" in its waning measures. Yeah. At 3 minutes long, it simply serves to drive home the fact that I prefer my Math in short bursts of genius, as opposed to more lengthy musical meditations. Still, the final crisp snare hit leads perfectly into the following cover track.
12. "Upside Down From Here"
    An Atom and His Package cover wasn't exactly what I expected out of Banned the Math, but it certainly works. Boasting all the flavor of the original without quite as much camp, it actually shows a brand of restraint (both musically and vocally) from Math, which I’m opposed to in theory, but it works well in this instance. 
13. "The Alphabet Using Spellcheck"
    Hal 9000 samples, spacey instrumentation, and faint screaming make this the most experimental track on an album that’s nothing but experiments. You'll find the song has burned through half its track time before it really kicks in, but it’s an enjoyable, upbeat ride that must be heard to be understood.
14. "The Order of the Planets from the Sun"
    Another little piece of edutainment, "The Order of the Planets from the Sun" features some almost whiny keys that make this an incredibly fun track. It could be easily compared to the likes of the recent kid-friendly fare by They Might Be Giants, only without the borderline stodginess. Pluto’s orbit is eccentric, as is Math the Band. And yet I love them both.
15. "Homework Sucks"
    Lyrically, this song recalls earlier references to being "under the ocean" and robots, which might be recurring themes. Of course, I could just be paying a little too much attention to lyrical subtleties. In essence, this is anthem centered on the refusal to grow up. Maybe. Again, perhaps I’m paying too much attention. Still, at less than two minutes, it manages to achieve an oddly sweeping air. 
16. "Techno Machine (With a Laser Beam)"
    "Techno Machine" comes off a bit too nouveaux disco for my liking, what with the abundance of staccato vocals and harsh rhythm. It’s one of the few moments only the album that loses me, but at under a minute and a half, it’s a minor inconvenience at worst.
17. "Dinosaurs Were Made Up by the CIA to Discourage Time Travel"
    Another fantastic transition leads to a track boasting what is, perhaps, the best song title ever. It recaptures some of the inertia lost on "Techno Machine," and it integrates an odd stuttering click that’s maddeningly catchy. It also features equations – which only a band like this could get away with without sounding pretentious or totally preposterous – and another genuinely elegant ending. 
18. "Shoeless Wonder"
    "Dinosaurs" trails nicely into "Shoeless Wonder," a song marked by expertly implemented secondary vocals that punctuate and break up its sometimes thick sound. And while I’m glad I finally know "who put the bop in the bop shu bop shu bop," its jarring end is a little bit of a buzzkill.
19. "Third Sunday of October the First"
    Allow me to quote: "I thought that I’d try something different / my band’s gonna sound like a videogame… like The Postal Service but hopefully not as lame." With "keytars and electric beats" sandwiched between crispy layers of whimsy and odd echo effects, I can’t help but say that Math succeeds in the aforementioned task. 
20. "Shark Attack"
    An immediately engaging nonsensical tale, "Shark Attack" is another excellent introduction to the band’s sound that just so happens to show up at the end of the album. It’s got a catchy and capably created melody, a scream-along refrain, and an outro that’s a great in-joke in its own right.
21. "Shark Attack (Reprise)"
    This lilting piano rendition of "Shark Attack" is totally unnecessary and wholly charming. It really drives home what’s great about Math: their genuine enjoyment of the music-making process and refusal to take things too seriously. The vocals are a bit whiny, but it’s still a fantastic end to a fantastic album of fun-loving, absurdist genius.

Math is a band with a healthy disrespect for the standard conventions of pop music, and Banned the Math is a release often devoid of typical verse-chorus-verse structure. But somehow, despite all that, the songs manage to reach the very epitome of catchiness and harmonious charm.

The tracks are, more often than not, tiny nuggets of musical excellence, and through them Banned the Math succeeds on two primary levels. Not only are the songs themselves imminently enjoyable, but the project as a whole is cohesive, well-paced, and solidly engaging. It's one thing to make good songs, but arranging them into a proper album is totally different beast. Banned the Math proves unequivocally that Math the Band does both.

While obviously not for everyone, Banned the Math is easy to recommend to those who enjoy music for music’s sake, as well those with an appreciation for the unusual and the exemplary. I can’t make any guarantees that you’ll enjoy it quite as much as I do – which is a lot – but at $10 it’s a must-purchase for the geeky music lover in you. (EDIT: Looks like you can currently get the album and a t-shirt for $15 via Math’s MySpace. Get on that shit!)

In the end, with their humorous lyrical slant, well-crafted but never exaggerated instrumentation, and emphasis on music as a fun and engaging experience, Math the Band is an easy act to support. So take a moment to check out the album samples, and, if it gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling, kick a couple of bucks to some folks who really deserve it. 

And, if you get a chance, check them out live. It helps you develop a whole new appreciation their unique brand of musical mischief.

"I look around; there's no one left but me. / I take off my headphones."

Nerd News in Brief

So it looks like the Large Hadron Collider didn’t destroy the Earth.

(Or, at least it hadn’t when last I checked.)

So we got that going for us. Which is nice.

Despite the trappings of my simple southern raising, I don’t fear science. Nor do I, as a rule, embrace superstition and hokum. Don’t get me wrong, I adore superstition and hokum – I find them ceaselessly amusing – I just don’t exactly, y’know, believe any of it.

I guess I’m the worst brand of skeptic: the kind who wants desperately to believe in the fantastic, but just can’t seem to find sufficient evidence.

In the end, science is the foot that kicks magic square in the nuts.

• Earth-shattering in its Own Right: This week I interviewed Toren Atkinson of The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets for GeekDad. I’m a big Thickets fan and he’s been on my to-interview list for years. Thusly, it was a pretty fuckin’ awesome experience for me a as fan. Lemme know what you think.
• Beef up Your Musical Gamer Score: Attack Slug has just favored the nerdcore world with another release, and it features the additional talents of KABUTO, T.Y.T., and The Ranger. It is titled Achievement Unlocked, and you can pick it up the album and relevant a cappellas at his site.
• AKA Grover Kent: My pal Glenn Case has hipped me to a new project over at The 61. It’s a tribute of sorts to 61 scenester Supergrover, as well as to his favorite-band-that-no-one’s-heard-of For Squirrels. Thirteen years ago this week that promising group lost several of its members in an auto accident, and earlier this year ‘Grover was diagnosed with cancer. This one is for them and for anyone else who’s had a run of bad luck. Namely all of us. 
• To Beef or Not to Beef: Also helping out his fellow man is mc chris. mc has started a cystic fibrosis fund to gather money for research into the disease and its treatment. In celebration of chris’s birthday, YTCracker donated $33 to the cause. mc chris responded by saying that it was "the quickest possible way to squash beef with [him]. STC is the greatest. "
• Brooklyn Zoo: mc also shared a bit about his recent 60 Minutes interview. It has come to light that MC Frontalot was also involved in the piece, although Front has yet to say anything about the experience.
• Get Inoculated: What Front has provided is a little video preview of the track "Diseases of Yore" from his new album Final Boss. It features Jonathan Coulton. And is awesome.
• Formally Known Food Processor Magazine: You can see Frontalot, Random, and a rogues gallery of other featured artists from this year’s Nerdapalooza SE in this month’s edition of Blender. It has the Pussycat Dolls on the cover. That is counterintuitive.
• Game On: And on the subject of my friend Random, Church points out that Ran topped the charts in this recent Examiner list of the top 10 videogame sampling hip-hop tracks. Suffice it to say he finds himself in good company.
• BAHston: This week Uncle Monsterface returns to its old stomping ground. Sort of. On Thursday, September 11th several "Best of Monsterface Tee Vee" shorts will be featured as part of EXPERIMENTALLY ILL 2 : An Indie Showcase of Alternative Film at the Coolidge Corner Theater. And on Friday, September 12th you can catch UMF’s Marty playing a solo gig at Jamaica Plain's Midway Café. And don’t forget to pahk the cahr at Hahvahd yahd.
• Potter Ink: And thanks to Matt for providing ample information regarding this wicked cool Harry Potter Dewey Decimal tat belonging to librarian and WRock aficionado Becca. It turns out, unsurprisingly, that Becca is one of the Wizrockateers. What can I say? Matt has a marked interest in the naked flesh of Potter fangirls. You heard it here first!
• They Are the World: And lastly, HiTekElvis has just favored me with an amazing vid from this year’s PAX. Apparently, during the artist's panel Blak Lotus, suggested they all sing "We Are the World." And they did. So behold The Minibosses, Mustin from the OneUps, JoCo, Front, Blak Lotus, G Minor 7, The Categorical Imperative, Freezepop, The Darkness of the Hillside Thickets, and Anamanaguchi singing for the children. They are the ones who make a brighter day!
  

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 52: Just Drunk Enough

It's simple podcast math: The more individuals involved in a podcast, the longer it is. Further, the more you drink, the more you talk. These truths are invariable.

Thusly, this podcast is long as shit.

I'm serious.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 52: Just Drunk Enough [hosting provided by Antisocial] Size: 55.2 MB Running Time: 1:20:31

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
I hear Beefy was totally sloshed when he recorded these vocals. Maybe.

Track 1: Space Ghost Coast to Coast dialog / Mary Prankster – "The Bottle's Talking Now"
Matt picked out this most fitting intro track.

1st drunken interlude: "A fake holiday season of my own imaging."
In honor of Drunken Podcasting Month, Matt joined me via Skype and Church contributed via chat. They simply couldn't stand the thought of me drinking alone!

Track 2: Southside – "Vibrate"
Church mentioned that this song should be played before the feature presentation at movie theaters. I concur.

Track 3: Optimus Rhymes – "Obey the Moderator (Remix)"
You can check out the OR video footage I mentioned here.

Track 4: Strange Brew dialog / The Sprites – "Modern Gameplay"
Complaining about new school controller design isn't exactly unusual, but The Sprites sound good doing it.

Track 5: Strange Brew dialog (cont.) / Hayseed Dixie – "I Believe in a Thing Called Love"
I picked this one out. Surprising, no?

Track 6: The Mudbloods – "I Wish You'd Be My Witch"
It's hard not to love The Mudbloods. This song is the reason why.

2nd drunken interlude: "Will you drink to that?"
Of course they will. These boys will drink to anything!

Track 7: Jonathan Coulton – "I Feel Fantastic"
Didn't Matt do a great job introducing this song? Seriously. If I paid him he'd totally get a raise for that.

Track 8: Beefy – "Minimum Wage Slave"
Beefy no longer works two shitty minimum wage jobs, but he's still down for the common man.

Track 9: Doug Stanhope – "He's Just Drunk" / Computerization – "Collars"
Wait, are we implying that it's oaky to get drunk at work?

Track 10: Fountains of Wayne – "Bright Future in Sales"
Yes, I believe we are.

Track 11: Dual Core – "Unplug"
Nobody sings the programmers blues quite like int eighty.

3rd drunken interlude: "There were a lot of work songs in that set, wasn't there?"
Can you tell we're getting sloppy here?

Track 12: Eddie Murphy – "Drinking Fathers" / PC Speaker – "Scheduled Rhymes"
According to PC, nerds have the best drugs.

Track 13: Severely Snaped – "Petrified"
It's like a Black Sabbath cover band fronted by Severus Snape. Don't gimme that look; you're just pissed 'cause you didn't think of it first.

Track 14: No Kill I – "Tranya"
A repeat from episode 20.

Track 15: Eddie Murphy – "Drinking Fathers (cont.)" / myf – "Homebrew"
I am amazed at the number of people who don't know how to pronounce myf's name. It rhymes with "stiff."

Track 16: Catchlove – "Legacy of the Fallen Wizard"
Let it be known: there is no "the."

Final drunken interlude: "Y'all are now my official unofficial co-hosts."
They are. For realsies.

Track 17: nYgel – "1to3for" / Space Ghost Coast to Coast dialog
Feist + YTCracker? You wouldn't think it would work, but it does!

And there you have it, folks: my first official Drunken Podcasting Month podcast. I'd like to make this a yearly celebration, but only time will tell whether or not the concept strikes a chord with the general populace.

I'm hoping to get in another drunkcast before month's end, although my vacation plans may complicate matters. Still, if you want to hear more of my friends and me swearing, making gross generalizations, and otherwise babbling incoherently, just let me know.

We'll be glad to oblige.

Either way, thanks to Church and Matt for pitching in. Gentlemen, it was a pleasure!

The Best Things in Life

Writing reviews is hard.

It really is. You have to listen to the same songs over and over again with the specific intent of uncovering which succeed on multiple levels and which ultimately fail. It's a bit of a daunting task. But I continue to do it. Mostly because people ask me to nicely.

nYgel sent me a pre-release copy of his new mixtape Free To Good Home a while back. It wasn't totally complete, but the meat of the album was in there. In the ensuing weeks I've been treated to additional and revamped tracks, and a more sharpened listening experience over all.

Yet even from those earliest days, even from those less polished versions, the album proved to be an exhilarating experience.

In it's finished form it's truly the kind of thing that one needs to hear to truly understand. But those handful of you who'd like to know my thoughts are free to read on.

1. "First Song 4 Your Mixtape"
   nYgel kicks off the proceedings with a clever reworking of Brand New's "Mix Tape." It has an odd, ethereal feel that highlights the artist’s penchant for the fine art of the bootleg remix.
2. "S@rge (ft. Conyeezy, DJ Zap scratches)"
   The airy intro is followed with a straight-ahead nerdcore number featuring frequent collaborator Conyeezy. I'm a fan of Yeezy, but I admittedly gave him a little grief concerning flow on his contributions to the previous mixtape. So let me explicitly state that this track features one of his best performances to date. His delivery is measured and his swagger properly honed, which serves him well atop nYgel's sharp backing. While the beat is a little simple, the vocals and scratching dress it up nicely.
3. "The Hyphy Dance (ft. T.Y.T., Whore Moans, YTCracker)"
   After keeping things fairly textbook on "S@rge," nYgel again gets a little eclectic on this track, mixing hyper-active clubs sounds with nerdy hip-hop. T.Y.T., Whore Moans, and YTCracker all bring their A games, and it makes for an unforgettable song.
4. "World @ Large"
   By this point in the album, one can't help but notice the release's dual nature: Free To Good Home is both a hip-hop mixtape and a sonic experiment in the field of the underground remix. This song falls firmly into the latter, and takes one of my favorite Modest Mouse tracks in a wholly different direction. Though it's a little long, the only thing this track really has going against it is that it will surely serve to frustrate hip-hop heads who don't generally expect this sort of fare in their mixtapes.
5. "Get Fresh (interlude)"
   Rather than switch things right back to hip-hop, nYgel dwells in the realm of odd electronica for a few minutes more. It's a little strange to have two such lengthy tracks back-to-back on a release of this nature, but, other than possibly undermining a bit of the inertia the album's built up thus far, the song is well-textured and enjoyable.
6. "Rap Fanatic (ft. Jesse Dangerously, Ranger, LogicOne, DJ Zap scratches)"
   "Rap Fanatic" is a blissful return to rap, featuring excellent contributions by each of its featured artists. Once again, the backing sounds a tad thin, but I’ll simply chalk this up as a ploy by nYgel to highlight the featured rappers. While Jesse D and The Ranger both bring really enjoyable verses, LogicOne’s verse is slightly soured by overused vocal effects. And sadly, this song ends a bit too abruptly.
7. "Wicked (ft. Benjamin Bear, Id Obelus, DJ Bizkid scratches)"
   While I love the frenetic beat and I admire the styles of contributors Benjamin Bear and id obelus, this song also suffers from overuse of vocal delay. Still, it's enjoyable, and Bizkid's scratches are probably his most dynamic of the album. Overall it’s an enjoyable song that’s just a little messy.
8. "You Don’t Know About That"
   nYgel again does his best to desecrate a contemporary Billboard chart-topper – this time T.I.'s "What You Know" – to great effect. With a nice blend of sharps hooks, smooth backing, and good old-fashioned pitch manipulation, it’s a fun ride.
9. "1to3for (ft. ytcracker)"
   Easily the album’s thesis statement, "1to3for" is both a masterful cut-up and a legitimate hip-hop track. While some may see it as two songs lashed together, I say it’s the best of both worlds. It’s delightful change-up (between the Feist and YTCracker movements) and masterful use of stereo panning makes it enjoyable despite being a bit on the lengthy side.
10. "Take Your Time (featuring Whore Moans, Legendary Wizard, Conyeezy)"
    Honestly, this track doesn’t exactly kick off with Whore Moan’s best rhymes, but it’s fun and features tons of movement. Plus, it’s arguably a better use of the Jimmy Eat World hook than the original source track. ;) It sounds repetitive after a point and Legendary Wizard’s vocal doubling is a tad much, but Conyeezy comes through with another great contribution. In the end, it's the type of song that manages to make you love it in spite of a few shortcomings.
11. "Happy 2Gether (ft. Whoremoans)"
    Though this lo-fi Whore Moans joint seems a like a jarring change from its forerunner, it too is a keeper. Moans raps kind of fast and the beat is a little repetitious, but the whole track manages to be equally sharp and loose. It spotlights Moans’ exceptional storytelling abilities, and some crazy-ass drums in its final quarter help to kick it up a notch.
12. "Have You Seen Rain (ft. TYT)"
    Fulfilling a similar role as Conyeezy’s "The Wanderer" from Nature’s Outcasts, "Have You Seen Rain" is the emotional core of Free To Good Home. It’s a powerful heartbreaker tinged with hope that’s truly one of T.Y.T.’s best. Sometimes he gets a little ahead of himself with regard to flow – which is, I admit, my only genuine complaint about any of his work – but it comes together in every way possible. nYgel, T.Y.T. , and Fogerty are perfectly matched from the start, and the change-up at the 2:20 mark adds just the right amount of dynamism.
13. "Digital Lyfe (ft. Funky49)"
    An excellent transition leads in to this funky49 joint. While not my favorite selection from his Starblazer album, it’s a great follow-up that ably propels the album forward.
14. "Gayest Shirt (Killsaly remix of nYgel remix)"
    This remix of a remix doesn’t have all the style of The Grammar Club original, but it’s competent and catchy. Plus it features two of my favorite producers and one of my favorite bands, so I’m an easy sell.
15. "Sugar, We’re Slowin’ Down"
    Another amazing transition leads us into a brilliant reimagining of a mediocre radio hit. The way nYgel forces this mall punk number into a ska-flavored offbeat by slowing it down is truly ingenious. It’s a great cut-up with some wonderful glitch elements that may prove too long for some, but not for me. I see it as a testament to nYgel’s ability to wholly repurpose a song to his own diabolical design.
16. "Wake This Up"
    I’ve spent a sizable chunk of this review talking about song lengths, but this track stands out as the album’s longest. It certainly takes Green Day into new territory, but it suffers both because of length and because of its proximity to the all-too similar "Sugar, We’re Slowin’ Down." Still, it’s not without its charms, notably the injection of some totally unexpected mc chris at 3:45 and a very thematic fade-out.
17. "Hardly Tell (nYgel remix ft. Conyeezy)"
    This remix of a song from YTCracker’s new Serious Business EP is a fine note on which to end. It pairs YT’s vocal high end with Conyeezy’s low, which makes for a fantastic contrast. It's the perfect hate song on which to allow the listener to reflect in the mixtape's waning moments, and should prove a fan favorite.
    

In summation, Free To Good Home could be described as having a split personality. It is at once a nerdcore mixtape and a sample-heavy experiment in musical cut-ups, and it does both very well.

It is, in short, the kind of album that's incredibly easy to like.

My only recurrent complaints, things like leveling and pacing issues, are only noticeable when viewing the album as a whole. And even then only slightly so. When listening to it as a regular listener on a track-by-track basis – read: like someone not attempting to review it – you're simply apt to come away with a smile on your face and a few more solid additions to your most played list.

Free To Good Home is a mixtape that shows nYgel's musical growth, spotlights a number of notable contributors, and genuinely deserves your attention. There's something for everyone, and the more open-minded your view and eclectic your taste, the more you'll find to enjoy.

"Be right back, I got to be a man."

Nerd News in Brief

Earlier this week I was quoted by Wil Wheaton.

No shit; a veritable Geek God referenced me! How cool is that?

Now when I say "Geek God," I want you to know that I’m not speaking lightly. Wil is on a higher plain than us mere nerdlings.

Matt and Church asked if that made them a measly 2 degrees away from our dear Gordie Lachance, but I refused to hear it. We are all 1 degree from WFW. He is our benevolent deity of all things geek.

Thy Wil be done. Thy Wheaton come.

Wow. That sounded a bit grosser than intended.

• First Things First: I've made no secret of my sorrow over the break-up of Optimus Rhyme. I've also made no secret of the length's I'll go to in order to procure audio/video footage from their final gig. Thankfully, fellow fan CR_Gus was nice enough to post the entire set (sans encores) to Archive.org so that we all may enjoy it. And I didn't even have to do anything distasteful to see it!
• Return of the King: It is with great pleasure that I announce that my comrade in arms from the house of Nerdcore News has returned! It's so nice to see him again. Okay, not see, per se, as this edition of the vlog is audio-only, but you get the idea. Welcome back, Gabriel!
• Up and About: Also returning to the fold is MC Tanuki. After an automobile accident that put him out of commission for quite a while, Nook is back in the saddle again. Glad to hear you’re back among the lining, brother!
• Trekkies Wanted: Church asked me to put the word out on behalf of the Trek constituents that Floridian photographer Jon Fletcher is looking for Jacksonville area fans. I’m assuming he wants to take your picture. Although I suppose he may just want to use your skin to make a coat.
• When Nerds Collide: As announced at PAX, the soon-to-be released Rock Band downloadale content from MC Frontalot ("Livin’ At the Corner of Dude and Catastrophe") will be joined in a nerdy all-star song pack by tracks from Jonathan Coulton and The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets. Even better, the proceeds from the sales of the songs from launch to Holiday 2008 will be donated to the Child's Play charity. In a related story, I totally fuckin’ called it.
• Post-Punk Basic Cable Rap: At long last, MC Lars’s commercial from G4’s new "It’s a Nerd’s World" campaign has hit the airwaves. Very nice! All we’re missing now is Del’s spot.
• Murder in the 2nd: And while you’re kicking around at the G4 site, check out this little jewel. Church noticed that they have a piece about how Dr. Dooom has killed Dr. Octagon. Again. Y’know, ‘cause the first one didn’t take.
• In the Name of Gordon: My pal Antisocial has just completed work on his new album Anomalous Materials Laboratory. It will boast all of Soc’s Half Life-themed tracks, as well as a number of sci-fi-flavored instrumentals. It’s release date? "Sometime in October. Probably very early October."
• No Super-Ego, Just id: id obelus has a new project in the works. It's currently goes by the delightful title The Inevitable Crushing EP, and the touted release date is "soon." This one will feature id's trademark smart and occasionally snarky rhymes, as well as contributions from the likes of Nomar Slevik, Oblio, nYgel, Benjamin Bear, DJ Bizkid, Audio88, Noah23, and LogicOne. And I, for one, can't wait.
• Proper Pronunciation a Must: Also bringing some new hotness to the table is killsaly. Once again ks is putting his mark on an mc chris track, this time "Reese" from the mc chris is dead album. You are urged to take a listen.
• Still Your Medic: And Captain Spalding has added yet another track to his MySpace, “All Hands on Deck.” At long last, nerdcore gets nautical. Not really.
• Where’s Starbuck?: Thanks go out to Matt for turning me on to this delightful nugget of political precision. John McCain is a Cylon. Seriously.
• Meet Your Replacement: Word on the street is MC Loki will be filling the vacancy left in the wake of Shelshocker's departure from the Sinister Six. Now it's only a question of when. Yes, when will the long-awaited Sinister Six project come to completion? Until that time we wait. With baited breath.
• From the Heartland: Also from the mind of Mad Hatter and his Scrub Club compatriots comes the Midwest Nerd Fest. Slated for March 20-22 in Wichita, Kansas, this festival will feature music, games, trivia, and pretty much everything else you can think of. I had sort of been putting off talking about this project until the details had fully solidified, but, as Hatter just keeps adding more and more amazing shit to the mix, I figured it was well past time I mentioned it.
• The Cube, the Cake: Taking us home today is a fine selection from the PAX ’08 stage. It’s Jonathan Coulton and the lovely Penny… er, Felicia Day with "Still Alive." Enjoy.
  

Happy Accidents

I sometimes feel as though I stand alone – much like the cheese – with regard to my musical passions.

You see, I like it when, for lack of better phrasing, shit gets mixed up. I enjoy it when my hip-hop incorporates jazz breaks or my geeky rock borders on ska. I like sonic experimentation. It might not always work, but I admire those willing to take the chance.

nYgel is on a similar page. So much so that he's just released his second mixtape Free To Good Home, an album firmly rooted in the concept of combining fresh, new nerdcore with eclectic, sample-based beats from the most unlikely of sources.

How does this musical mad scientist approach his craft? Read on to find out.

-------

You first began to make a name for yourself in the Beastie Boys remix community. Would you say the Beasties are a primary musical influence? What are your other influences?

I suppose you could say they are the primary influence, though my music never really sounds too Beastie. A lot of my music really, to me, doesn't seem to sound like anyone else's. It's not like some genre I'm trying to copy; I have an idea and then I go with it. Some of these ideas come out better than others, but it's usually not based off of anything in particular. Though certain artists do make me wish I sounded like them: people like Ratatat and Justice. I sound nothing at all like them, but they really influence me. Of course other "nerd" music as well influences me. but mostly I usually just want to do something the others aren't.

What was your introduction to nerdcore hip-hop?

Well, I'd have to say mc chris. I only knew about MC P. Pants and such from Adult Swim but, that was it until this kid at my high school had me listen to "Evergreen" in gym class one day. I took my Beastie Boys remixing skills over to the mc chris board. Everyone was pretty accepting of me and my mixes, so I called it home for quite a while. But then I got banned and got called a talentless bad word by this DJ who was losing to me in a remix contest, but that's a different story.

My introduction to real nerdcore came when I mentioned on the BBMB that I was one of the few original remixers to still post, and in that post I mentioned funky49. I suppose funky49 checked out the boards, maybe searched his name, I don't know, and found it, felt flattered, and then told me about Rhyme Torrents.

I went there and was very unimpressed, but continued on. I hadn't heard anything really powerful there and was starting to turn away... until CSHC dropped their first single "Nerdcore is Dying." After that things picked up.

What producers and DJs do you admire within the nerdcore community? How about within the larger sphere of mainstream music?

Wow, that's a hard one. I really like killsaly. He's one of the few I would really like to listen to. I obviously enjoy DJ John and Baddd Spellah (though I hated his "Fett's Vette" remix, no offense if you're reading). DJ Inubito of CSHC I like a lot as well.

As for mainstream music I like the Beastie Boys of course, their other producers like the Dust Brothers, Mario C and Mix Master Mike. Ratatat and Justice I've already mentioned. Danger Mouse due to his work with Gorillaz and Grey Album.

Other DJs beside Mix Master I like are like Shadow and such, but I want to mention this now because he needs some recognition for it: DeeJay Zap does the scratching for my tracks, he's an old friend from the Beastie Boys community and he does great stuff.

Also a guy named dj BC. He's very talented too.

Oh yeah! I'm a big fan of dj BC myself.

Why did you choose the mixtape format as the basis for your recent projects?

Well, under my theory, which is probably wrong, it is because producers/DJs (whatever I am) don't release albums. They drop mixtapes. Also because mixtapes usually are more creative and "risky," I suppose you could say. And I think what my mixtapes can do is either give smaller artists a chance to shine beside bigger artists, or offer bigger artists a chance to sorta have fun. When these bigger artists drop tracks they usually put a lot of effort in them, and, to me , my releases are a place for them to let loose. (Take YTCracker's verse on "Hyphy Dance" for example.)

How would you say Free To Good Home differs from your previous mixtape Nature's Outcasts?

I feel FTGH is a big improvement. I don't know how, but it just is.

It is far more sample oriented, and that was my original idea. I was thinking about how the Beastie Boy's second album was roughly 95% sampled music - which actually caused a number of new sampling laws to come into effect - and I started sampling things. Then I decided I wanted everything on the new album to be very sample oriented. All but a few are like that.

Also I don't have many solo tracks, which I wish I had more of, really. I liked the mixture I got from "Last Call" from NO and wanted more like that. Just not with that many people. That'd seem like I was riding off my previous success.

Mostly I wanted to stand out and improve, but still bring what I brought before.

Both projects feature an interesting mix of traditional hip-hop mixtape fare (albeit with a nerdcore slant) as well as remixed and often heavily re-sequenced modern pop and rock tracks. Are you actively trying to redefine the concept of the mixtape, or are you simply trying to put your stamp on the art form?

Not entirely understanding the real concept of a mixtape, I would say I'm just trying to put my stamp on it. I like to give my work variety. If others are like me then they get tired of hearing the same things over and over, and I feel a lot of releases around the nerdy community fall victim to their own comfort zone. I don't really have a direct example, but I think most people find their style and call it that. I want to continually change up my style and still have it be my own.

Is there an underlying theme or concept that ties all the tracks of Free To Good Home together?

They were all made by me, lol. Really no solid concept, it's just the things I created in my final months in Indiana and a few that were leftovers from NO. Actually, I guess, like I said earlier, it's just about it being a heavily sampled mixtape. That was my hope from the start of it, even though some tracks don't follow this theory.

Mixtapes in general draw on a wide and varied group of contributors, and yours are no exception. Do you typically solicit contributors to rhyme over specific, pre-selected beats, or do you tailor instrumentation to match their vocal contributions?

It changes a lot. Last time I made a lot of beats and just hoped to get some people I really liked on it. This time I had a bit of an idea of who I wanted. Sometimes this was who ended up on a track, but mostly it wasn't.

I try to either make a song that really blends with a rapper's style, or, failing that, I try to put in someone who you wouldn't think of on a track. Then sometimes I get asked to remix tracks, like funky49. I usually reject remixes for various reasons. Mostly I don't have much time. (And now I don't have a program to remix with. Why is Sony Acid NOT Mac friendly?!)

You've worked with a number of notable artists on this album: YTCracker, Jesse Dangerously, T.Y.T., Conyeezy. With whom else would you like to collaborate?

Wordburgler! I tried to work with him on this release, but time was an issue. And MC Lars was supposed to be on Nature's Outcasts, but obviously that didn't happen. Both were time issues. Others I want to work with would be guys like Beefy (again). He turned down a track on this one. I can't remember why he did. Lucy Starkiller I want to work with. Which I sorta am. She was supposed to be on this album too. Frontalot and Shael also come to mind. But really most people I want to work with I got, or tried to get, on this one. In a month or two I'll probably have a few more that I'll want to work with.

If you could only pick one song from FTGH to serve as an example of your work to new listeners, which track would it be? Which song most clearly demonstrates the nYgel sound?

I think the "nYgel sound" is so vague none would demonstrate it too well. I really like all the tracks on the album, but I guess "Rap Fanatics" would work. It has a pretty good beat, nothing too catchy, but solid, and then three great rappers. I think any would work well. But again, my style is so varied in my opinion. Play "S@rge" and "Wicked" one after another and that kinda shows what I mean.

Lastly, nYgel, what truly inspires you?

My girlfriend. And you, Z. I want to be in the Nerd News in Brief and podcast more often.

-------

And so I find that nYgel and I share another commonality, one outside of our shared love of musical eclecticism: we both tread heavily in areas that we do not fully understand.

This is, in fact, sort of a mantra to me: do things that you do not understand.

But unlike my meager contributions, nYgel's musical experimentation charges on through uncertainty toward a kind of natural genius. Toward a brand of musical nirvana that can only come from making the music that you want to hear.

It may confuse neophytes and put off traditionalists, but to me it smacks of authenticity. It bears the true weight of substance.

nYgel, as an artist, is defined by a flagrant disregard for the conventions of popular music, and I, for one, wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy Drunken Podcasting Month

Yes, friends and neighbors, it's September, and thus it is also Drunken Podcasting Month.

It's a fake holiday season of my own design that exists, for the most part, to give me something to do during the interminably long month before the more legitimate Halloween season. Still, as observances go, you couldn't ask for a lower impact approach. All you need to do to participate is:

A) get drunk
B) record it
C) post it as a podcast

Yep, that's it. It is genuinely that simple.

(Okay, admittedly you need to be of legal drinking age in your nation of residence, but that's not too much to ask, right? Didn't think so.)

I actually recorded my first Drunken Podcast this weekend with my pals Matt and Church. The process was fun. The aftermath? A little head-achy, but well worth it. And there are even plans to record a second edition.

Not that you have to, mind you. One Drunken Podcast is all that's required to cement your membership in our loyal fraternity of the embarrassed and slightly hungover.

Nerd News in Brief

We're currently staring down the barrel of PAX weekend.

I'm not going, but I'm not jealous of those of you who are. Fuckers!

Okay, maybe I'm a little envious.

Still, since everyone else is in full-on PAX mode already, I'm gonna shy away from the subject a bit. I mean, y'all know the deal. But I just want to say if anyone comes around selling cookies while you're in line for an event, buy one. It's for a good cause.

• How Did We Get Here?: In his continuing mission to educate and enlighten, Church has found the following: A Short Illustrated History of the Nerd. Take a gander, and relive the history of our tribe.
  
• Risking His Life: A new video for Wordburglar's track "The Route" from his Burglaritis album has made its way onto YouTube. Check it out to get the skinny on the life of a Halifax paperboy. It ain't all sunshine and Arby’s coupons.
  
• More Mainstream Nerd Fascination: mc chris recently announced that he will be filmed at his September 7th show for a 60 Minutes piece on "nerd culture and nerdcore." Given mc’s anti-nerdcore stance of late, it seems an odd pairing, but I don’t reckon we can expect a man to turn down an appearance on 60 Minutes!
  
• HOLY FUCKING SHIT!: In what can only be described as great news, my pal Random‘s track "Granny Smith" (from his new release The 8th Day) was chosen as the underground track of the week at Hip-Hop Linguistics. In what can only be described as the new biggest news ever, Ran has also just announced that he will be opening for Common on September 13th at the Marquee Theater in Tempe, AZ. Yes, Common! And to sweeten the deal, Ran is pressing a limited edition Mega Ran 3.0 including new artwork and remixes that will be sold at the gig for $5.
  
• "Would you like french fries with that?": Another artist revisiting his old material is Captain Spalding. Cap has parodied his own Team Fortress 2 anthem "I'm Your Medic" as "I'm Your Sandvich." Even with the added carbs, it's still a good time.
  
• Number 1 with a Bullet: I have already spent some quality time with nYgel's newly released mixtape Free To Good Home. It is imminently enjoyable. So much so that I'll be reviewing it in the near future. In the meantime, check out the accompanying vid for his remix "Sugar, We're Slowin' Down." The delicate combination of deer people and mall-punk has never been more entertaining.
• The Joys of Secrecy: The concept of the clanDestine project is simple: release a new track under an alias. It’s an interesting undertaking for those looking to experiment, or simply gauge to audience reaction to a song itself rather than the name attached to it. So what’s your pleasure? Grignak? Deemeetree? Inspector Madshit? Why not check ‘em all out?
  
• Don’t Turn Your Back on the City: The Protomen have just released a demo for the recently leaked "Breaking Out." The song is described, in typical Protomen fashion, as "the opening track for side II of Act II (our upcoming sophomoric release). It debuts the second of the two themes of the album; the counterpoint to the whole of side 1. If side one is a Spaghetti Western gone Robocop, then side two is Streets of Fire gone Logan’s Run. A dirty 1980s future where Spandex is tough and an alleyway knife fight is the only justice a man needs." Uh... yeah.
  
• Fucked Up… In a Good Way: Shael Riley and The Grammar Club recently got a little love from Destructoid (along with a number of other ReMixers). The entire post is actually really entertaining, and it spotlights a number of great tracks you may’ve missed. (djpretzel’s "Hillbilly Rodeo" anyone?) So take a look. Hopefully followed by a listen.
• Wizards vs. Vampires: Last week Matt hipped me to this post at the ‘Pedia referencing an MTV.com piece on the feud between the WRock and Twi-rock scenes. (Personally, it seemed a little half-baked to me, as the first Twi-rock band I ever heard was actually fronted by a WRocker, but I digress.) Church then countered with two more references to the fan rivalry that proved a bit more character-driven. All this cranking over the best nerd fic series on which to center one’s musical creativity brings up a number of interesting questions, but, unfortunately, Lords of the Rhymes were unavailable for comment. ;)
• Trock You Like a Hurricane: In a quasi-related story, the answer to the question how could I love Wizard Rockers RiddleTM any more than I already do has been answered with the response if they started a Time Lord Rock band, you stupid bastard. Behold The Geek Chic Band (otherwise known as Victoria and Georgia) with "The Doctor." It makes my hearts skip a beat.
  

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 51: End of Summer Clearance Sale

Where has the summer gone?

And consequently, when, exactly, will autumn arrive in earnest?

Don't get me wrong; it's cooling down here in the south, but the specter of sweltering days and clammy nights still skulks about our humble hills. It simply waits for us to become comfortable. So that it might catch us unaware.

This late August edition of RFH is similar. It waits for you to settle into a groove, and then it catches you with your guard down. BOOM crazy pop remix. BAM emo-prog-geek-rock. BLAMMO acoustic cover song.

But still, I hope you find this auditory pummeling to your liking.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 51: End of Summer Clearance Sale [hosting provided by Antisocial] Size: 42.5 MB Running Time: 46:25

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
This song is like a cool drink on a hot afternoon.

Track 1: DJ Mashup – "Franchize Boys at Large"
Did you lean with it? Did you subsequently rock with it? No, I didn’t think so.

Z’s 1st interlude: "My end of summer spectacular."
Because, honestly, I reckon we all need more spectacular things in our lives.

Track 2: Beefy – "Olly Olly Oxen Free"
There’s a really simple charm to this track that I can’t help but dig. Word is, it’s actually got some age on it.

Track 3: Katy Perry – "Hot N Cold (feat. The Former Fat Boys) "
FFB do a lot of these bootleg rap remixes, and I’m actually a big fan of ‘em.

Track 4: Chef - "Simultaneous"
I, for one, was a lot more distressed over the loss of Isaac Hayes than the passing of Bernie Mac.

Track 5: Brad Sucks – "Fake It"
It looks like the fan video project for this track is complete, but Brad still wants more submissions.

Track 6: id obelus – "Unlucky"
This song really gets me excited about id’s new album.

Track 7: Kris Straub – "Paint the Line '88"
"Look into the dragon’s heart / Razor in the stingray spine / Ate a whole party sub / Paint the line."

Track 8: MC Router – "Greetings in Braille"
Apparently Router caught wind that I had misplaced my copy of "Unwired," so she sent me her entire discography, including this little gem.

Z's 2nd interlude: "They gave their lives for ping pong. They gave their lives for America!"
Honestly, I love when continuity makes its way into Penny Arcade. The results are always inspiring.

Track 9: Phoenix Jukebox – "We Goin' Down"
I tend to get a fair amount of hey-listen-to-this emails, and I'm glad I do. Otherwise I might miss cool shit like this.

Track 10: The Grammar Club – "Code Monkey"
If I'm not mistaken, this was the Club's last track with Glenn Case. It's a real beauty.

Track 11: Coheed and Cambria – "Blood Red Summer"
I know I'm gonna take a lot of shit from Coheed fans, but I really find a lot of their music rather pretentious. But hey, I ain't judging you. Different strokes for different folks, as they say. And besides, I find this to be a delightful little pop number.

Track 12: The Four Eyes – "Holiday Road"
Another delightful cover from our friends The Four Eyes! Don't it make you wanna head off on a road trip?

Track 13: Optimus Rhyme – "My Piroshky (reprise) (Remix)"
A moment of silence, if you please.

Z's final interlude: "The world is a dimmer place without Optimus."
And I mean it.

Track 14: YTCracker – "Summer Girls"
Having finally met YTCracker, I finally understand what folks like Beefy have been saying about him: amazingly nice guy.

With any luck I'll be recording my first ever Drunken Podcasting Month 'cast over the weekend. And, with a little more luck, I won't be doing it alone.

I've invited Matt and Church to sit in with me, and hopefully they'll both be able to play. Because, y'know, drinking alone ain't nearly as fun as doing it with friends.

In the meantime, thanks for checking out ep. 51. I hope you found a little something to help keep your spirits up as the days get shorter.

A Farewell to Kings

Last month I said that I wouldn't believe that Optimus Rhyme had broken up until I heard it from Wheelie himself, and, sadly, two weeks ago I did. Apparently I wasn't the only fan in denial, as the guys have just released an official statement confirming their dissolution.

Dearest Autobeat Allies,

After 8 years of making music together, Optimus Rhyme is calling it quits. We have had a glorious time battling those evil Wackacon forces and now feel our mission is complete. Thank you for coming to the shows, buying our albums, spreading the Autobeat Gospel, and, again, coming to the shows. Meeting many of you in clubs across the country was unforgettable and we hope to cross paths again.

We have a final batch of songs that we will have out by year’s end. We’ll keep you posted on when and where you can find them. In the meantime, come celebrate the finale with us at the High Dive in Seattle (513 N 36th St G, Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 632-0212) this Thursday night, August 28th. We will be sharing the stage with longtime friends The Goondocks, the Godfather of Nerdcore MC Frontalot, and heir apparent Beefy. Doors at 8pm, music at 9pm.

xoxo,
grimROCK, Powerthighs, Stumblebee, & Wheelie Cyberman

Optimus Rhyme was and continue to be a primary musical inspiration for all of my projects here at Hipster, please!, and their presence will be sorely missed. Thankfully, as the guys part ways we are all but guaranteed no fewer than 4 distinct musical entities to arise from the ashes. Moreover, they have now officially willed their empire to my pal Beefy, and with Autobeat Allies The Goondocks and Ultraklystron still holding down the homestead, Seattle is in good hands.

If you are in Sea-town this week pre-PAX, it is imperative that you check out their final gig. I won't be there, so please cheer extra loud for me. And in the meantime, let's all take a moment to reflect on the impeccable musicianship that will forever be Optimus Rhyme.

Nerdcore Rising at PAX

In addition to Nerdcore For life, the MC Frontalot documentary Nerdcore Rising will also be screening at this year's Penny Arcade Expo. Sure, Front and Negin could've just announced this through mundane, terrestrial means, but instead they went big and filmed this earth-shattering promo. Enjoy.

Better Than Monopoly

Beefy is what you might call a polarizing artist.

That being said, some folks have been anxiously awaiting his newest release since its official announcement so many months ago – a particularly vocal segment of these individuals have questioned me about its progress at every turn – while others probably wouldn't accept it for free.

And that's okay. Believe it or not, the world is big enough for both of these groups.

Most people, however, are just looking for interesting music. To these people I present my pre-review review. It goes a little something like this:

If you're looking for a well produced, fun, and sometimes challenging album with a sound that's cohesive but not tedious, Rolling Doubles is for you.

If you'd care to read my track-by-track breakdown, it's below.

1. "Olly Olly Oxen Free"
   "Olly Olly Oxen Free" opens with a sharp guitar lick that all but defines the more rock-centered slant of the album. At less than a minute and a half you scarcely have time to get into the track before it's over, but it sets off the album in a fashion all its own, and has proven, at least for me, to be an easy favorite. It exists to let everyone know that Beefy has come out to play, and it certainly accomplishes that.
2. "You Can Call Me Beef"
   Leaked ages ago, "You Can Call Me Beef" centers on a similar guitar hook to its predecessor. The call-back vocals could prove a bit much for some, but I think they work with Beefy's new rock star shtick. The guitar is coupled with hyperactive snare work that adds to the dynamism when layered against Beef's flow, which is as measured as ever.
3. "Tilt"
   Songs about pinball are a bit of a rarity in modern music, and while no one will mistake this for The Who's "Pinball Wizard," it does a good job shifting the album's tone. Router's rasp and a number of Beef's trademark stream-of-consciousness one-liners punctuate the track nicely, though, in truth, I prefer Mr. Thompson when he's rapping in a lower register. The heavily compressed pre-chorus (before the "Tilt" chant), however, is very satisfying.
4. "Table Top"
   From the lyrics to the flow to Tanner's expert production – boasting instrumentation that occupies an interesting space somewhere between guitar rock and old school chiptunes – this love song to game night is easily one of Beefy's best tracks. It manages to be both a sing-along anthem and to throw in enough verbal curveballs to keep the attentive listener interested. It's the kind of song that proves to be a highlight on this (or any other) nerdcore album.
5. "Play With Me [f. Bethzilla]"
   While relatively solid on its own merits, "Play With Me" suffers by its position on the album. "Table Top" is simply a hard act to follow. Outside of that, it's another fun loser love anthem from the house of Beef. Bethany's contribution is interesting, as is the production, but the whole song seems a bit pale in comparison to some of the album's more vibrant selections. Truthfully, this song, with its unexpected female vocal accompaniment, is a bit reminiscent of Dual Core's "Take it Back" from their Lost Reality release.
6. "Ball Pit"
   "Ball Pit," on the other hand, is perfectly placed as well as performed. Its glitchy intro belies its smooth verse beat and oddly poignant lyrics. Songs so steeped in nostalgia are often too syrupy and superficial, but Beefy manages to tap into a childhood slice of life that most fans, particularly those who came from less than rosy circumstances, can surely relate. There's some odd core of brutal truth that powers this understated number about a birthday at Chuck E. Cheese. It's cheer tempered with a touch of hopelessness as adulthood mourns the loss of innocence.
7. "Disconnect [f. YTCracker & The Former Fat Boys]"
   Beefy's made a number of stellar contributions to other artists' albums of late, so it's nice to see him rewarded in kind. "Disconnect" turns the melancholy of "Ball Pit" into borderline nerd rage with the help of YTCracker and $ucksex of Former Fat Boys. It also namedrops Hipster, please!, making it the best goddamn song in the world.
8. "Last Minute Gig"
   Beefy shines at story songs, and "Last Minute Gig" is exactly that. It has a fun, techy groove and a simple premise that easily charms. There's a subtle mc chris reference in there for fans in the know, and the chorus is sure to be a crowd-pleaser in the northwest. Lyrically, it's not his most challenging work, but it's fun. And fun is its own reward.
9. "Clueless"
   This song is not a musical tribute to the 1995 Alicia Silverstone film of the same name. Sorry to disappoint. It is, however, a one-minute monster that would sound perfect on your next nerdy mixtape. Beefy and Tanner are both in rare form, and it could easily be the thesis statement for this release.
10. "Turn Your Radio Off"
    Another foray into the glitchier side, "Turn Your Radio Off" is a familiar – but accurate – damnation of radio culture. Hardcore heads will surely be none too pleased to hear a nerd from Pasco's treatise on the evils of pop-rap, but that doesn't make Beefy's argument unsound. It has a much harsher sound than has been heard up to this point on the release, but it's Tanner's subtle insinuation of those same cut-and-paste production tricks that Beefy warns against that truly gives it teeth.
11. "Minimum Wage Slave [f. Shael Riley]"
    Despite it's flirtation with rock and electronica, Rolling Doubles is sorely lacking a danceable, poppy track. Until you hit "Minimum Wage Slave." The combined might of Beefy and Shael always yields interesting results, and this is no exception. While "work sucks" tracks are certainly not uncommon in the realm of nerdcore, this one has a nice give-and-take between its two lyrical contributors. Tanner delivers a great blend of both traditional and nontraditional backing. And again, my only real gripe is with Beefy rhyming in a manner slightly higher than is his comfort zone.
12. "Dork Date"
    While the lyrics are a little fast-paced for Beef, the chorus of "Dork Date" is an anthem all its own. Cocky Beefy plays well against the awkward MC from cuts like "Play With Me," and a squeaky, creaky beat moves things along swimmingly. Old fans should keep their ears open for a brief reference to Tube Technology's "wonderfulamazing."
13. "1337ology [f. MC Router]"
    Beefy's flow in this one is unique in that he blends both speed and smoothness in equal measure. Doc Pop and Tanner, who both contributed to the beat, manage to make an otherwise boastful track a little creepy and oddly surreal. And MC Router, in one of her final rap offerings, starts off on a high point but noticeably struggles mid-verse. Also, um, does anyone else hear a slight element of Missy Elliot's "Get Ur Freak On" in there, or is it just me?
14. "Story Time"
    Thus far I have refrained from referring to tracks as "personal," as this element of lyric writing is all but synonymous with Beefy's style. Now, however, I will state the obvious; "Story Time" is the type of uber personal reminiscence that is no less than heart wrenching. If you have any questions about the changes in Beefy's personal life since Tube Tech, this song answers them. Musically, this one looms large and menacing, which fits it to a T. It ends the album proper, but, of course, there's more.
15. "Table Top [tanner4105 Remix]"
    Tanner's remix of "Table Top" doesn't start off as strong as the original, but the rock accompaniment behind the verse is appropriately ferocious. It's a really interesting musical change of pace that fully embraces the album's rock leanings.
16. "Play With Me [dj John Remix f. Bethzilla]"
    Yes. This remix features the talents of the dj John. And while I did feel the original was enjoyable (if slightly misplaced) this reinterpretation is simply phenomenal. Everything, from the beat to Bethzilla's sing-song chorus, seems brighter and more electric. It is, in short, a fantastic note on which to end.

While I didn't mark quite as much experimentation with flow as in some Beefy's other, more recent releases, there is much more focus on overall musical experimentation inherent in Rolling Doubles, and I really found that refreshing. Tanner's influence is felt throughout the album, and this, at least to my ears, is a very good thing. Tanner is a talented producer with a genuinely compelling feel for the uncommon, and, particularly at this stage in Beefy's artistic development, I think they're both helping to compound each other's musical creativity.

Admittedly, on some levels I think I may have actually enjoyed the ramshackle, mixtape appeal of Tube Technology a bit more, but there is surely a level of cohesion on Rolling Doubles that must be applauded. Moreover, it undoubtedly features a number of Beefy's best songs to date, which, even on its own merits, is a triumph.

In summation: good album, high production value, fun lyrics, a nice build-up, and a few extra surprises. It's tough not to recommend this one, especially at $8,.

That's my opinion. Do with it as you will.

"Gotta check out Hipster, please! goddamnit!"