10 Definitive Nerdcore Tracks

Things move in cycles.

I know that’s not a particularly profound statement, but stay with me here.

When Hipster, please! first morphed into its current form I was often asked by interested passers-by one pressing question; what is nerdcore? My answer was fairly canned back then. Simply put, it's rap. By nerds. A cultural manifestation of geek pride. It's funny but not always a joke.

Over time, this question became less frequent from these now regular spectators. The news had spread, and people were starting to get it. And then a new crop of outsiders began to take note.

A different group of people – now other bloggers, print reporters and even the occasional scholarly researcher – asked the same thing; what is nerdcore?

For them the answer was slightly different, as was the question. They were looking more for an underlying cause than some loose definition of a musical movement. Essentially, what they were truly asking was why is nerdcore.

That’s really a question for far more learned individuals than myself, but I did try to point out to the best of my limited abilities that nerdcore hip-hop is, like other related scenes and musical communities, symptomatic of the evolution or, perhaps, the genuine emergence of nerd culture.

Now, more recently, I am being asked by our fellows – those involved more directly in the related strata of the Wizard Rock, chiptune or VGM scenes – what is nerdcore?

But what they’re asking is more tangible. They understand the concept of geeky music for geeky people. They know that it exists to affirm and to enlighten and to celebrate. So what they are asking seems to be more along the lines of what is the sound of nerdcore.

It is this iteration that I find truly fascinating.

Because nerdcore is not a genre but a movement, a style, its earmarks are indistinct. To take a leaf from the book of our venerable MC Hawking, it is, as he mentioned in the Nerdcore For Life documentary, akin to Potter Stewart's definition of pornography; I can’t tell you what is it, but I’ll know it when I hear it.

To that end, I set out to catalog 10 musical examples of what nerdcore hip-hop is: 10 individual songs that, to me, define nerdcore in a manner most functional.

This time, I asked myself what is nerdcore. And I limited my answer to the first 10 songs that came immediately to mind.

• Dual Core – "Hostage Down"
  "Nickname 'dead-eye,' loaded and cocked / my Deagle sends a round through the scope on your AWP."
  Some of the earliest MCs to find themselves classified as nerdcore actually self-identified as "CS rappers." Many of these computer science devotees, however, were not exactly the most adept with regard to lyrical delivery. But Dual Core's int eighty is a perfect example of a contemporary, tech-minded rapper who can still flow. Though "Hostage Down" (from their 2007 debut Zero One) is about gamer culture, as opposed to, say, programming, eighty brings the fire with a nod to the more technical aspects of Counter-Strike atop one of c64's fiercest beats to date.
• MC Lars – "iGeneration"
  "We sat at our laptops and typed away / and found that we each had something to say."
  Like "Hostage Down," Lars's 2004 Laptop EP single "iGeneration" can be rightly characterized as anthemic. While the term itself doesn't explicitly belong to Lars, never before have the lives of the Internet generation been so succinctly outlined as in this musical meditation. Like all MC Lars's best work, it is topical, literate and thought-provoking. And while it transcends the boundaries of nerdcore – and even those of his own designation as "post-punk laptop rap" – it also exemplifies what the movement should be.
• YTCracker – "Dugdig"
  "Warwick Davis was Willow and an ewok / Leonard Nimoy was Galvatron and Spock."
  YTCracker has been rapping – more often than not about his past in the hacker underworld – for longer than most would realize, but it was his 2005 solo debut Nerdrap Entertainment System that put him on the map. For many, this 9-song masterpiece was their first true taste of what would come to be called nerdcore, and this piece of our musical history can still be downloaded freely from YT's site. In 2008, the hook from "Dugdig," complete with its epic 8-bit beat, was licensed for use in the videogame review show X-Play, adding to the work's continued legacy.
• Maja – "Transformer"
  "Why you runnin' on gas? My core pumps Energon / With that crystal blue, Hypnotiq hue."
  Though not officially released as a part of his 2007 album The Amalgam Project due to an abundance of uncleared samples, "Transformer" is no less a defining example of Maja's sound. Blending sci-fi storytelling, a fascination with Japanese culture and a genuine affinity for hip-hop, Maja is the hardcore lyrical otaku. He's also the only tri-lingual rapper on this list, which is pretty goddamn nerdy in its own right.
• Optimus Rhyme – "Super Shiny Metal"
  "It's Mr. Cyberman at your service / I got the tightest band backin' me up to make these rappers nervous."
  Optimus Rhyme is often characterized as a Transformers-themed rap outfit, and this is rather shortsighted on both ends. Musically, Optimus is a blistering funk-rock hybrid fronted by an exceedingly talented hip-hop lyricist, and thematically they are more directly concerned with the interplay of the organic and the technological. Nowhere is this more apparent than on this standout track from their School the Indie Rockers LP. It's a cyber-punk love story with a sing-along chorus.
• Random – "Metalman (The Megas Remix)"
  "Hey yo, you'd do best to recognize who I am / It's Mega Ran; you better devise a better plan."
  Similarly, Random's collaboration with game rockers The Megas elevates nerdcore by pushing the boundaries of the style into exciting new realms. This track is both an urgent rock 'n' roll boss battle and an elegant verbal sparring match rolled into one. Random, who had previously proven his mettle in the hip-hop underground, bravely waded into the waters of nerdcore in 2007 with his Mega Ran concept album, but instead of being ostracized or branded an insincere outsider he charmed nerdcore enthusiasts and helped to push the community as a whole toward a more refined musical aesthetic.
• MC Frontalot – "Nerdcore Rising (feat. Jesse Dangerously and MC Hawking)"
  "The nerdcore could rise up, it could get elevated. / Oh, and wouldn’t all of those tough rappers hate it."
  What would become the rallying cry for the second wave of nerdcore hip-hop artists actually began as a joke. MC Frontalot, joined by a pair of esteemed colleagues, ironically rhymed in this title track to his 2005 debut about the joys of a world where rapping nerds can find genuine acceptance. Four years later, in a musical landscape in which Random raps for Capcom, YTCracker has appeared on MTV and Front himself can be seen on a commercial for G4, that proposition no longer seems quite so laughable. As definitive nerdcore songs go, this one is a shoo-in. Plus it gives me pause to reflect on not only the greatness of Frontalot, but that of the wholly fictitious Hawkman and the only-vaguely-nerdcore-but-still-undeniably-awesome Jesse D.
• Wordburglar – "The WB"
  "I break it down like osteoporosis / like Claudio and Moses, it's costly to oppose this."
  Like the aforementioned Mr. Dangerously, SJ the Wordburglar is both a Halifax-based MC and an artist who only roughly fits under nerdcore's capricious umbrella. Still, with Burg's simile-heavy style and the song's constant references to comic books and dorky pop culture, "The WB" can be seen as both an introduction to an artist and to the undeniable charms of the nerdcore style. It's also an ideal gateway drug to the wonderful world of Canadian hip-hop featured on 2006's Burglaritis.
• The Grammar Club – "Balloon Flight"
  "Well let me see ya crouch, crouch forward, walk a little, then punch / Serving all these kids hadoukens for lunch."
  In a post-Limp Bizkit world, it has become hard to defend the once noble concept of rap-rock. Thankfully, the nerdcore meets geek rock combination of The Grammar Club stands on its own. A veritable supergroup composed of Shael Riley, Adam!, Beefy, DJ Snyder and Glenn Case, their debut EP Bremelanotide was easily one of the finest independent efforts to be released in 2007. Since then the group has seen some personnel changes, but recent contributions to the Child's Play CD 2008 charity compilation and the soundtrack to Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix prove that The Grammar Club is still breaking new ground with its intoxicating hybrid nerd rap.
• mc chris – "Fett’s Vette"
  "I'm a devious degenerate defender of the devil / Shut down all the trash compactors on the detention level."
  mc chris is not nerdcore. In fact, his relationship with the style and its adherent community can be characterized as tumultuous at best. Still, many a geeky MC will tell you that his first exposure to the underlying concept of nerdcore was this selection from mc's 2001 debut Life's a Bitch and I'm Her Pimp. It has been featured in Sealab 2021 and Kevin Smith's Zack and Miri Make a Porno, and has been the subject of countless fan remixes and videos. Though mc chris has managed to incorporate countless other musical styles, lyrical motifs and song concepts into his repertoire in the subsequent eight years, he will forever be intrinsically linked with the iconic bounty hunter.

I'll ask you all to notice the lack of the definite article in the title of this post. This isn't "THE 10 Definitive Nerdcore Tracks." It's just "10 Definitive Nerdcore Tracks." As I see them.

This list is, of course, merely my interpretation of the sound, the feel and the spirit of nerdcore. Your miles will (and should) vary. For some ZeaLouS1’s "Headshot" is the epitome of nerdcore swagger. For some it’s the late 1337 Geek Beat’s "Emulation Station." For others it’s Beefy’s "Internet Celebrity." And for others, still, Schaffer the Darklord's "Nerd Lust."

There are no wrong answers, only personal ones, and these are the songs that I truly feel embody nerdcore hip-hop at its most recognizable.

If you'd care to share yours, I'd love to hear them. What songs define nerdcore is a question that can only be answered subjectively. And the Internet is nothing if not a true bastion of subjectivity.

Method to the Madness

I typically try and save all new release announcements for my weekly Nerd News in Brief round-up, but since this album was the high-point in an otherwise unremarkable weekend (DSi notwithstanding), I figured I would be remiss if I didn't hip y'all to it immediately.

Due to the fact that my workload, at least with regard to blogging and podcasting, has doubled in the past year, I no longer spend as much time around the Rhyme Torrents forums as I did back in the proverbial day. Typically I just lurk once or twice a week in a desperate attempt to keep my ancient ass somewhat in the loop as to what is going down.

As always, I give props to DON VITO for keeping the Rhyme Torrents dream alive. He'll likely read this and say that's all thanks to the community itself, but DV is good people and his particular flavor of Rhyme Torrents has continued to attract some top-shelf talent. One such individual is New Orleans-based producer and electronic musician Untested Methods.

Earlier this month, Untested Methods dropped a mixtape-style collection of recent nerdcore remixes. It includes some stuff already in my collection – like a pair of unforgettable Grammar Club tracks – and some work that is new to me but no less epic. Easy highlights include the Slow Drive mix of Random's "Shadowman" and the STREAM remix of K Flay's "I Rap nice," which really highlights the fact that her flow in that song is delightfully similar to that of a certain Canadian burglar of words. But honestly, from YTCracker to KABUTO to Futuristic Sex Robotz, UM does some truly amazing work.

As is the case with any good remix, some of these selections are as likely to shock as they are to amaze. Untested Methods is not shy about deviating from any given track's original course, and this is how it should be. Though hearing classics like "Balloon Flight" cut down to their component parts and then reassembled atop a thick electronic backing may seem blasphemous to some, UM does so with such obvious affection and such a keen eye for detail that open-minded fans can't help but be impressed.

In summation, Remix Casefiles Vol. 1: NERDCORE is not to be missed.

Cop it immediately from Nerdism.net, and, once you've giving it a proper listening, go hear more at MySpace, Pure Volume and the official Untested Methods site. You can even throw some money at UM for his recently released debut electronica album Cryptology 101, which is available via Amazon MP3.

Listen. Love. Share.

Nerd News in Brief

The Internet has fostered many changes in the life of contemporary man, but perhaps none as stark as his observance of April Fools' Day. Let's face it; that shit was a lot less complicated when we only had to worry about crank calls and TPed lawns.

Interestingly, Church pointed out that a couple of this year's most industrious pranks were perpetrated before April 1st.

Oh, Internet, you so crazy!

• An Odd Brand of Legitimacy: Also from Church comes news that Wizard Rock is now an official subject heading in the Library of Congress. A pair of dedicated librarians were able to navigate the all-too treacherous red tape to have the term officially adopted. Of course, probably the coolest part of this is realization that there are actually WRock CDs cataloged in the Library of Congress!
• The Same Coin: Also on the WRock tip comes this post from the 'Pedia about the rivalry/bleed-over between Wizard Rock and Twilight Rock. Give it a read to discover the unlikely vampire-wizard collaboration that is this year's AccioCon.
• What's Your Anti-Nerd?: You know what I'm sick of? The nerd vs. geek debate. Still, I am not so sick of it as to let this link pass by. The folks at io9 want to know if it's time to retire the word "nerd." Feel free to resume your regularly scheduled semantic nitpicking over there.
• The Roster: Arguably the biggest news in nerdy music circles this week was Hex's announcement of the first round of acts to be featured at this year's Nerdapalooza. The list includes festival alumni Schaffer the Darklord, Krondor Krew, mCRT, Rocket Propelled Geeks, and marc with a c, as well as newcomer My Parents' Favorite Music. Rock!
• Case in Point: And since I stole that closing interjection from my pal Glenn Case, let me point out that he's recently launched a new podcast. Case No Point is 24 minutes of musical awesomeness that occurs at random intervals. Hit up the show's site for an episode list and the all-important RSS feed.
• Dope Rhymes for Smart People: You should also peep the new project from my Aussie brother The Ranger, who has assembled an amazingly skilled cabal of nerdy MCs under the banner Nerdy Rotten Scoundrels. The site exists to "showcase a stable of underground hiphop artists, some who identify themselves as part of the Nerdcore genre and some who do not, but all producing quality music." The site will be updated with weekly playlists and tons of free downloads, so check back often.
• Psssssssssst!: Did you know that volume 3 of Game Music 4 All's Hey! Listen! Monthly mixtape project dropped last week? Did you know it is fucking awesome? See for yourself.
• Gameboys! Music! Interesting Hair!: Thanks got out to Zen Albatross for letting me know that the playlist from WFMU's recent chiptune event Solar Bits on the River is now available for download. Explore the chippy goodness.
• Classically Trained: You can also score some live audio from the University of Maryland's Gamer Symphony Orchestra via their site. Seriously, dude, you kind of need to class up that tired-ass iTunes playlist of yours anyway.
• Slayer!: And rounding out this triad of live game music, you can hear I Fight Dragons' semi-acoustic set from their recent Live in Studio 11 show here. They are unplugged… and yet still plugged in.
• Guitar tab is not Punk Rock: MC Lars has assembled a collection of guitar tabs for a number of his songs. He is sharing them freely via his site, as Lars is always about sharing things freely.
• Gruesome Twosome: Lars is also great about freely sharing information. (See what I did there?) He even let me know that he and fellow MC Jesse Dangerously have recently begun work on their new album. In fact, they've already seen to the important task of "picking beats and stuff." If you loved the two-pronged approach of The Digital Gangster LP – and I know you did – then this one will surely not disappoint.
• Touching is Good: This weekend I will finally receive my new DSi, and to that end I have already had to order a replacement flash cart. If you too are rocking the homebrew, Doc Pop has a suggestion for you; the DS Kama Sutra.
• The Same in French: Canadian hip-hopper the Wordburglar has dropped a new pair of videos at YouTube. The first is for the posse cut "We Have Come for Your Children" featuring More or Les, Ghettosocks and several other high-octane contributors. The second is a live version of "Yo Canada" from CBC Radio's GO, which, being that I am a wannabe Canadian, will close out this week's NNIB. With true patriot love.

Brilliant Gameologists Podswap Bonus Sode 11: Clip Show 01

There comes a time in a man's life when he must step back and take stock of where he is, where he has come from and where he is to go. This is such a time.

Radio Free Hipster episode 64 is a look back at some of my favorite tracks from previous podcasts, but it is also a restatement of my core purpose – to promote nerdy culture through music – as well as a slightly off-kilter primer for the kinds of artists the show exists to support.

Essentially, this edition again explores nerd music as I define it: by content, intent and origin. Of course, I don't exactly go about it the easy way. So you won't hear any "Nerdcore Rising," any "Fett's Vette" or any "Skullcrusher Mountain." Instead, I elected to ramp up the difficulty number by limiting myself to the kinds of songs you won't likely hear anywhere else. But it's okay; I have a +10 to podcast.

Your quandary, my friends, is where to find this delightful retrospective. For, you see, it ain't here.

In honor of April Fools' Day the Brilliant Gameologists and I have podswapped, meaning that to hear my show you must explore their site (and vice versa). But this is a good thing.

You see, the BGs create one of my very favorite podcasts, and I think you'll like it too. Head over there to snag RFH 64, but be sure to check their stuff out as well. You won't be disappointed.

While there are anime nerds and Trek nerds and computer nerds, any geek worth his salt has surely served a season as the devotee of at least one board, card or roleplaying game. Gaming is very much at the core of the nerdy experience, and no type of gaming is more unabashedly social or more blissfully open-ended than the tabletop experience. It is a tie that binds. 

The BGs celebrate such gaming in all its forms, but the show is seldom explicitly instructional. More often, they simply invite you into their own private chat session wherein they dispense humor and knowledge like so much honeyed mead.

Whether you are an avid boardgamer, a backslider who has recently returned to the fold or even an RPG virgin, Brilliant Gameologists will surely prove a valuable tool.

With that in mind, please enjoy the following clip show. It will give you an idea of what kinds of gaming-related (and distinctly non-game-related) issues the series covers, as well as shed some light on the delightfully profane way in which Zeke, Meg, and Josh do their thing.

Trust me; it's a keeper.

Download Brilliant Gameologists Podswap Bonus Sode: Clip Show 01 Size: 13 MB Running Time: 18:57

EDIT: And don't forget to subscribe to their feed! They will love you long time.

EDIT AGAIN: Because you demanded it (Matt!) here’s the track list from RFH 64:

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

For those keeping score at home, I've been rocking this bad boys since RFH episode 15.

Track 1: MC Frontalot – "Gonna be Your Man" 

Originally included in RFH episode 10.

Z's 1st interlude: "I tend to cast a wide net."

The reason I tend to have such a loose definition for what constitutes nerdy music is that our culture is amazingly malleable. Nerds, despite the often narrow constraints of the outside world, are delightfully varied.

Track 2: Optimus Rhyme – "Train in Vain (Live)"

Originally included in RFH episode 6, and available free on the Nerdcore Under Cover compilation.

Track 3: The Fine Print – "Strawberry Jam" 

Originally included in RFH episode 29.

Track 4: Totally Radd!! – "Shark Attack Day Camp"

Originally included in RFH episode 12.

Track 5: Cheapy D – "Ass & Tetris"

Originally included in RFH episode 30.

Track 6: Southside – "Vibrate"

Originally included in RFH episode 52.

Track 7: The Sprites – "George Romero"

Originally included in RFH episode 32.

Track 8: The Weasel King – "Luna"

Originally included in RFH episode 38.

Track 9: Snake Eyes – "Transformer (Sara Connor's Wild Ride Mix)(Maja vs. Lou Reed vs. Traci Chapman vs. Brad Fiedel)"

Originally included in RFH episode 40, and available free on the Old Nerdy Bastard compilation.

Z's 2nd interlude: "My favorite songs are often those that mix a lot of these elements together."

It's one thing for a song to be nerdy because it's created by nerds or because it references cultural touchstones or even because it employs a tech-heavy means of creation, but it's quite another thing for a song to be nerdy for all those reasons.

Track 10: e. gibby and slackmaster d – "10 year Old (Lullaby Dub)"

Originally included in RFH episode 33.

Track 11: Harry and the Potters – "Blood of Prince"

Originally included in RFH episode 48.

Track 12: Computerization – "1.14me"

Originally included in RFH episode 45.

Track 13: Jonathan Coulton – "First of May"

Originally included in RFH episode 43.

Track 14: Elsonso – "The Geomancer"

Originally included in RFH episode 37.

Track 15: The Grammar Club – "Balloon Flight"

Also originally included in RFH episode 37.

Z's final interlude: "A look at the cultural manifestation of nerdy music from the proverbial trenches."

Which are much tidier than the actual trenches.

Track 16: Jay-Zeezer – "Bonnie and Clyde and El Scorcho"

Originally included in RFH episode 1.

Hey Zealousy

Most days my penchant for checking my various inboxes first thing in the morning is a veritable gateway to mediocrity:

Spam. Spam. Facebook message. Email from a PR lackey that hasn't even read my blog about "a hot new band" I'll "surely love." Spam. Play Asia affiliate report that shows I've earned absolutely no money. You get the idea.

This morning, however, I received a most pleasant surprise.

ZEAL, an Australian indie-pop songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, hit me up with some information regarding a track he had made using a game console. The strange part is the console in question was a PS2.

ZEAL's found a handy exploit that allows him to sample directly into MTV Music Generator 2 using nothing but a Singstar microphone. Though the USB sampling kits originally intended for use with the game are hard to come by, the title handily mistakes the mic for its own tech. One can then manipulate the imported sounds via Music Generator's sequencer.

There's a small, dedicated group of artists already making music with this game, but how many of you have a well-worn PS2 and a Singstar mic array in your collection? As used copies of this title are both easily available and laughably affordable, this could open up some interesting creative avenues.

Peep the video below for ZEAL's sampling primer, and then check out his site for step-by-step instructions and a snazzy ringtone crafted from his demo project.

Oh, MTV, you may redeem yourself yet!

Nerd News in Brief

For the record, I have nothing of consequence to add to the recent "SyFy" debate. But that won't stop me from speaking my piece.

I mean, we all realize that this is a shitty idea, right? In a world where being a nerd is slowly but surely becoming an asset, the Sci Fi Channel wants to distance itself from the hard-line geeks that have kept the ship afloat for some 17 years. Whatever. That's a little insulting, but not so much as the network's complete and total misunderstanding of our culture as a whole.

I dunno, it just seems to be an odd approach even considering that disconnect. If SyFy wants to reach a broader audience, perhaps it should realize that nobody watches those awful goddamn original movies. That would be a nice start.

• How Does He Breath?: My pal Beefy has a brand new EP free for the taking. It is entitled The Adventures of Beef Thompson: IN SPACE, and it's a collection of fun freebie tracks from the past year.
• Like Darryl Hannah: In case there was ever any doubt, Jarod is the fucking man! He has made his amazing recording of Optimus Rhyme's farewell show available at Archive.org. Listen and cry like a baby as an era comes to a close.
• MinMaxed: Also on the free music tip comes the debut solo album from Aussie MC The Ranger. 12-tracks strong and featuring the additional talents of T.y.T., Super Dragon X, DJ Snyder, Random, and Jesse Dangerously, The Cook-Up is an easy recommendation. Trust me; you want this shit!
• Game On: There's also been a pair of interesting game-related releases getting some press in recent weeks. Antisoc hipped me to the Ocarina of Rhyme mash-up, and the great Larry Legend to Jesse Tugbout's 8-bit hip-hop medley.
• Color me Depressed: On a related note, the latter of those two albums was recently profiled by a blog called ChristWire. Okay, maybe "profiled" isn't exactly the word I'm looking for. Defamed, maybe? Mischaracterized? Suffice to say that, as a native of the rural south, it takes a fairly impressive level of racially insensitive bullshit to phase me. This is it.
• We Don't Serve Their Kind Here: Church was kind enough to turn me on to yet another free music find. It's a digitized version of a promo sampler from a funky post-grunge Star Wars rock outfit called Twin Sister. Cop it from Other Poison Devils.
• He' s very Superstitious: Also from Church comes this little jewel: The Top 5 Geek Rock Stars. Frontalot and The Protomen made the list, as did some interesting selections from the mainstream.
• In the Dork of the Night: Dorkgasm has a really nice review of the Nerdcore For Life documentary that is both even-handed and insightful. Give it a read.
• Girls Gone Wild: Jason, of Geek Studies, found this chart that shows the virginity rates among students at Wellesley College. It is sorted by major, with the more studious seemingly tending to hold onto their v-cards longer. Let me spell it out for you, guys; if you're in Massachusetts, try and find a Wellesley studio art major. That seems like what we call a sure thing.
• More Punk Than You: MC Lars was recently interviewed by the UK rockers at Trash Pit Magazine. Give it a look, and admire Lars's excellent Wesley Willis t-shirt.
• The Last Two Are Lies: What can we expect from the new album from the lovely Marian Call? Weird instrumentation. Quirk. World music influence. Better production. Dogs and cats living together. Mass hysteria.
• On the Free: Gugger Fane alerted me to the fact that the We Are Wizards documentary is now available for free viewing from Hulu. This is easily six kinds of awesome, and I all but demand that you check it out.
• Game Music 4 Most: Reader Drystan Knight would like for you to turn your attention to Games Radar's list of 23 Amazing Game Soundtracks You Don't Remember. I'll be damned… I really don't remember some of those.
• All Science, No Fiction: funky49 got some press for his recently released Rapbassador EP from his native Tampa Bay Times. Just follow the link, choose the March 20th edition and hit up page 42. There he be.
• Maybe, Baby: funk also let me know that his previous release Starblazer will be featured alongside other geeky masterpieces in cdbaby's Nerdcore Hip-Hop collection beginning April 6th. From the forwarded message from cdbaby central: "The geek shall inherit the earth. Or at least invent his/her own brand of hip hop, reliant on clever wordplay and bitingly esoteric themes. You're about to get schooled." Get excited!
  
• Insert Coin: If you are already excited about the second installment of Game Music 4 All's Here Comes a New Challenger series – and I truly believe you are – check out the GM4A MySpace for a sneak preview of the track "Untitled." It's so fuckin' cool it doesn't even need a title.
• Coming to Your Ci-tay!: Random needs your help. The big man wants to tour the country this summer, and he's looking for venue suggestions. Give it some thought and then holler atcha boy.
• OMC: mc chris has announced his tour dates for April and May of this year. He will be playing all over the goddamn place. You should go see him.
• Chip-tastic: To wrap up this week, I present this great vid from our new friends I Fight Dragons (who will, I am told, be opening for DragonForce in Milwaukee next month!). It's a bit of a primer that explains how the band uses various controllers and videogame peripherals to perform their unique blend of electronic pop-rock live on-stage. Get enlightened.

Impromptu Awesome

Last night my friends Shael Riley and int eight (of Dual Core) rocked Bababudans in Cincinnati. At one point Shael put eighty on the spot and asked him to freestyle over the riff from Grammar Club banger "Balloon Flight." Thankfully, there was a camera on-hand.

Arm Yourselves

In polite society, one always concludes old business before proceeding to the new. It should come as no surprise, however, that I am not a member of polite society.

To put it more bluntly, I still have two reviews left over from 2008 that have yet to make it to post. What sucks is that these are reviews for two of the most interesting VGM albums of the year.

I know, I know; that kind of stuff is more in Anthony’s sphere than mine, but sometimes you have to step up your game.

The first of these "lost" reviews is for Confidential 2.0 by eclectic electronic duo 8 Bit Weapon. While most chip musicians tend to exist well outside the mainstream, 8BW has managed to garner much recognition via a series of shows and projects attached to such recognizable names as Microsoft, E3, Nokia and Disney, and founder Seth Sternberger has recently announced that Sony will be releasing 8 Bit Weapon’s A Chiptune Odyssey loop library later this year.

With all this high profile attention, one may be tempted to dismiss the band. However, after thoroughly digesting the album in question, I can say with certainty that the artistic output truly surpasses the hype. 8 Bit Weapon is that rare example where the interest - the "buzz," if you will - is wholly deserved.

Don't believe me? Read on.

1. "Times of Lore Intro (Remix)"
   Confidential 2.0 opens with a track from the original Confidential 1.0 release (circa 2003). This short, drum-heavy attention-grabber is hard to resist, and it makes the perfect jumping off point for the album to follow.
2. "Neuromancer Ending (Warhol Edit)"
   "Neuromancer Ending (Warhol Edit)" is another carry-over from the original release. Through the expert use of stereo panning and a totally solid groove, this one makes for another accessible chiptune. It's cerebral without being exclusionary, and serves as further proof that SID-based music can be just as engaging as any club cut.
3. "M.U.L.E. (Bitblaster Mix)"
   This third track also harkens back to Confidential 1.0, but it’s a sharp, danceable number that’s somehow simple without being simplistic. The melody is instantly engaging, and the overall dynamics of the track makes it an early high point.
4. "Inspector Gadget (GOGO Mix)"
   This glitchy, frenetic meditation on what is certainly one of the most iconic television melodies forever engrained in the psyche’s of those in their 20s and 30s, "Inspector Gadget (GOGO Mix)" respects the source material without ever hesitating to bring in original elements. As the first of 6 previously unreleased remixes to grace Confidential 2.0, it should serve to elevate the album even to those familiar with the its former incarnation.
5. "Crazy Comets (Orbital Decay Mix)"
   Alternately dark and chirpy, "Crazy Comets" may alienate those seeking lighter musical fare, but when it kicks in at the 47 second mark it is an undeniable disco juggernaut. At almost 5 minutes in length, this classic still manages an elegant wind-down that leads perfectly into "Chimera."
6. "Chimera (Miles Mix)"
   With "Chimera (Miles Mix)" and its predecessor being the only songs from the original Confidential that still retain their relative placement, it is no surprise that the two work so well together. This song recalls the best of 80s electronica, with elements that smack of retro jazz-house and yet somehow possess a futuristic, almost otherworldly musicality. Smooth but sharply punctuated, even five years after its debut, this song is still a highlight.
7. "Spy vs Spy II (Drunk n' Basement Mix)"
   Originally released on the back-end of Confidential 1.0, this track wraps up the first third of this album well. While minimalistic and slightly ambient, it also harnesses a sense of urgency. It tells the listener that the journey is far from over.
8. "Bards Tale II - Sanctuary Score (Ybarras Mystic Mix)"
   Ably capturing the spirit of classic gaming, this mix is a loving tribute to the soundtracks of old. The heavy emphasis on deep drum sounds, however, lets us know that the song is no simple piece of background music.
9. "Defender of the Crown (Royalty Remix)"
   An easy favorite of mine, "Defender of the Crown (Royalty Remix)" has a similar spirit. It is expertly rendered, but, sadly, a bit too short.
10. "Movie Monsters Game (Disco Terror Mix)"
    This throwback to Confidential 1.0 marks a distinct change of pace. It sports a far more dissonant melody, but is not without its merits. It can be summed up as elegant yet challenging.
11. "I.G.U.S.T.R.A."
    This new addition offsets what could have been a slightly too lengthy intro by expertly employing a drum track to create emphasis. Its warbling lead is undeniably rave-inspired and makes the song strong enough to stand proudly next to any piece of more traditional house music. Herein 8 Bit Weapon plays with voicings and genuinely crafts something epic while obviously relishing the task at hand.
12. "Commodore C64 (Bit Blitz Mix)"
    The old school minimalism of its early measure give way to a crushing dance groove. Another easy high point, "Commodore C64" summarily squashes any criticism of chip music (and, for that matter, broader electronica) as un-relatable or distant. 8 Bit Weapon’s mastery of tempo shines through, and makes for a most enjoyable track.
13. "Boulder Dash (Dubby Dirt Mix)"
    Another exclusive, "Boulder Dash" is cool and mellow, if not particularly dubby. It’s got a simple, delicate power, though.
14. "Acidgroove (Orchestral Mix)"
    With a frenetic drum push and a fantastic build, this track combines very organic sounds with those that are undeniably artificial to great effect. It’s eerie and surreal - I described it in my review notes as "like a nightclub shark attack" - but also robust and compelling.
15. "Arkanoid (Bonham Beat Mix)"
    This dirty, chippy masterpiece demands much of the listener, but the discriminating ear will find it well worth the effort. As tight, dense and drum-heavy as the title implies, don’t discount the ability of its lilting lead (which is, oddly enough, way in back of the mix) to add extra depth.
16. "Mars Saga (MrJetlands Slow Jam Mix)"
    Very laid back and almost sinister, "Mars Saga (MrJetlands Slow Jam Mix)" is a relatively slow and steady head-bobber.
17. "Defender of the Crown (On the Romance Tip)"
    Sharp and sorrowful, this mix features what could arguably be an annoying high end. Still, I find it well-balanced and infectious.
18. "Times of Lore Title (Epic Hendrix Mix)"
    This song is, as the title implies, epic. A 7-minute opus that takes us from the wind-swept plains, to bustling city streets resplendent with movement, into the undeniable danger of a subterranean dungeon, and ultimately to the eye of a raging (yet somehow doleful) storm, it is an amazing piece that serves as one of the finest closing tracks I’ve ever experienced. Notice that I didn’t say heard; I truly mean experienced.

From start to finished, Confidential 2.0 is an inspired, thrilled-packed ride. Though not necessarily for non-chip-heads, it features enough undeniable gateways to this peculiar world of electronica to keep even the more hesitant properly placated. For true fans of VGM, however, there is truly nothing to dislike about the album.

It is alternately simple and complex, accessible and esoteric, but it is never disappointing.

Though this tardy review means that many have already purchased this release – and are, no doubt, anxiously awaiting its follow-up – Confidential 2.0 is an easy recommendation for even the most discriminating fan of SID-based electronic music. It is available via both iTunes and Amazon MP3, which puts it well within the grasp of all interested parties. And if I can impart one piece of wisdom to you as I close out this post it is that each of you should rightly be interested.

Podswap 09 - Fool Me Once, Shame on You

For those of you still interested, let me just put out a friendly reminder that Podswap 09 is set to go down like so many tons of bricks in just over a week. So, if you'd like to expand your podcast audience (while simultaneously fucking with your regular listeners), pair up with a fellow podcaster and trade shows.

This can be as simple as recording your regularly scheduled podcast and then merely swapping file and feed links with your partner, or as delightfully convoluted and literally trading hosting duties. That all important decision is left up to the individuals, my beloved compatriots. I trust your collective judgment.

And let's face it; the worst than can happen is nobody else plays and I end up swapping podcasting duties with myself. In which case, wackiness will surely ensue.

Hidari press kit: CDs vampire fangs toys & Pocky!

Japan is a land of madness and mystery. Hidari represents the best of both these aspects.
--Z.

EDIT: And yes, that is Ultraman's Mom. Apparently she has her own action figure.

Apparently, Your Mother is a Horse

While I have been dragging feet with regard to my forthcoming compilation, my pal Anthony and the Game Music 4 All crew have been charging ahead like a horde of cranked-up Mongols. In addition to the recently launched Hey! Listen! monthly EP project, GM4A has just provided a sneak peak at the next installment in their Here Comes a New Challenger series.

Pairing game rockers and chip artists with nerdcore hip-hoppers, HCaNC is, at least to my mind, nigh synonymous with the Game Music 4 All blog. Though the more traditional VGM compilations are closer to the site's wheelhouse, the fantastic juxtaposition of styles and forms inherent in the previous Challenger album truly redefined what a geeky music comp could and, indeed, should be.

With an all-star lineup composed of outrageous musical hybrids like Doctor Octoroc vs. Zombies! Organize!! and Shael Riley vs. Bizarro Stylus, this promises to be another can't-miss collection. Look for a full primer at Game Music 4 All later today, but, in the meantime, peep the promo trailer below.

Really a Revolutionary

mc chris is the favorite nerd rapper of many and probably also the least favorite nerd rapper of a sizable number, but he is undeniably one with which most have a genuine familiarity. And love him or lump him, mc always has something interesting going on. Through his decade-long musical evolution he has experimented with punk, breakbeat and guitar pop, but has eternally remained the same high-toned honky.

Over the weekend, I spent a good deal of time listening to the latter half of his discography, most specifically 2006’s Dungeon Master of Ceremonies and 2008’s mc chris is dead, and I came to the staggering conclusion that I actually prefer his more recent work. (I fully realize that this runs counter to the most exclusionary, esoteric leanings of asshole music fans everywhere, but I say true!) So, when I was offered a chance to hear the first volume of mc’s new EP project, I was happy to do so.

Part Six Part One – which we can at least assume will be a six-part collection, though, knowing mc, we certainly can’t be surprised if it is not – picks up where his previous full length left off. mc chris is still dead, and he finds himself in hell. In typical mc style, this concept runs through the albums 3 skits but doesn’t necessarily bleed over into the EP’s 4 new songs. That being said, there is a topic that does seem to regularly crop up and bind the project together.

P6P1 boasts an urgent, glitchy dance track about how mc chris likes to fuck ("Awesome Fucker"), an epic spy-themed rocker about fucking ("006") and even a skit about fucking the devil ("Dirty Dick") and also abortion. But while this album goes out of its way to be filthy, it does have more to offer than just dirty talk.

Though my thoughts concerning skits are well known by this point, the dialog in two-parter "Deep Space Travel" and "Rocky’s Robot Butler" seemingly serve as the bedrock for the Part Six series. In the style of Dante Alighieri, mc strikes a deal with the Great Infernal One: should he be able to traverse the various levels of Hell, he will be granted one wish. His original leaning, to wish for the robot from Rocky IV, is eventually discarded in favor of bartering for the freedom of his eternal soul. Again, this could serve as the foundation for EPs yet to come, or it could just be mc chris fucking with us as this release is slated to drop in early April.

But putting the prospect of idle bullshittery aside, Part Six Part One’s musical selections are varied, intriguing and stylistically satisfying. "006" and "Awesome Fucker," on which I’ve already elucidated, pair a more traditional mc chris swagger with some interesting musical backing, but the EP’s other two tracks change up the game in new and exciting ways. "Gauges," for example,  is a light, atmospheric meditation on long-distance romances that is easily on par with mc’s classic complicated love songs like "Cookie Breath" and "Arulpragasam."

Yet the release’s real haymaker is the laughably titled "IG88’s 57 Chevy." This borderline crunk-soul hybrid is unlike anything you’ve heard form mc chris before. "Fett's Vette" may be mc’s "Baby Got Back," but this song sure as fuck ain’t "Put 'Em on the Glass!" Far from a formulaic cash-in, it is a self-aware exploration of new styles. Will it end up on a movie soundtrack? Probably not, but that doesn’t make it any less listenable.

If you are a lover of all things mc chris, you have likely already put your money down on Part Six Part One. If you are a sworn enemy of the once and future MC Pee Pants, you won’t even bother to torrent it when it invariably hits Pirate Bay. But if you are a fan of nerdy music that is looking for a really fun (if often explicit) diversion, this EP is tough to beat.

With the final release a couple of weeks away, pre-orders are still available through Indie Merch. It’s a solid EP that is worth the meager $10 price tag. And should you have a little extra scratch to spend left over from your tax refunds, you might also consider tossing some money into the pot for mc's cystic fibrosis charity. Fans have already donated almost $30,000, but the fund can’t reach it’s $50,000 yearly goal without continued assistance.

If you’re looking for another way to help, be sure to check out mc’s YouTube channel for information on his charity eBay auctions. Each week mc chris collects a fine assortment of geeky games, books and related ephemera, and the money raised from the sale of these items goes to help fight cystic fibrosis. This week’s items are all Indiana Jones themed, so check it out. And, in the words of Short Round, hold onto your potatoes.

UPDATE: I've just been informed that Part Six Part One should be available next week. Further, it will be split into 4 parts. The more you know!

Nerd News in Brief

News! I got yer news right here! Belated, obviously, but no less newsworthy!

The biggest of this news, of course, concerns recent announcements for Nerdapalooza 2009. Apparently it's taking place on July 11th and 12th in Florida! Florida, says I!

Okay, that? Not so suspiring.

I do find it interesting, however, that this year's event will go down at The Holiday Inn's Orlando International Drive Resort, known colloquially as that big goddamn Holiday Inn on I Drive. This venue features a number a of convention rooms, several of which have already been secured for Hex's sinister machinations. This extra space also means that the festival will sport vendor booths where both performers and crafters can hock their wares. It's vendolicious.

Of course with the economy in the shitter, Nerdapalooza could no doubt do with some donations to help get the ball rolling. Should you feel the urge to give, give here.

That being said, on to your Nerd news in Brief.

• Geek Ink in Love: While I've spoken at length about Glenn Case's new album, something I haven't mentioned is his new tattoo. It is a love story.
• His Gayest Shirt: Recently Anthony spotlighted The Grammar Club's debut release Bremelanotide over at The Start Screen. It's a fine tribute to a modern classic, with my only complaint being that he didn't explain the title.
• Ladies First: Another fine piece from Ant can be found at Game Music 4 All, where last week he interviewed female VGM artists Nicole Adams and Injury. Give it a read, and then give these talented ladies some love.
• Such Great Heights: And speaking of the greater OCR community, the site's recently release Summoning of Spirits project is another must-own. This 4-disc celebration of the Tales series continues in its grand tradition of taking game music to new and exciting heights. Of course it features all your favorites including the aforementioned Injury and my boy Myf!
• And This Bird You Can Not Change: The 1Ups also got some much deserved press last week via GotGame's "Gamer Soundcheck." Mustin's rationalization of why they don't play the Super Mario Bros alone makes it worth a read.
• Funny Without Being a Joke: The online leg of the San Francisco Chronicle recently asked featured MC Lars 5 questions. In other MC Lars news, you can now purchase his 2003 dorm-room debut Radio Pet Fencing via iTunes, and you can read a nice review of his newly released This Gigantic Robot Kills here. Oh, and don't forget to check out Lars's most recent video podcast for a new video featuring the indubitable Doc Pop. Apparently he knows a lot of people.
• New Science: Thanks go to my pal Talkie Tim for pointing me toward this excellent interview with groundbreaking chiptune musician Pixelh8. Take a look and uncover the real reason why all the best chip artists are programmers.
• Weird Science: funky49 has just released some remix kits for the RAPBASSADOR EP that he recently recorded and produced for Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry. DJs are encouraged to mix that shit up.
• Sun, Sand & Beef: My pal Beefy was recently interviewed by The Ka Leo, an independently produced student paper from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Peep tropical game.
• Chiphead: Meanwhile, my new friends from I Fight Dragons have continued their geeky assault on all fronts. Frontman Brian Mazzaferri was just interviewed by Columbia, SC's Examiner and Chicago's own The Local Tourist. The band also captured some great footage from their album release party. Enjoy.
• The Sorting Hat: In other concerts-you-probably-couldn't-attend news, Jarod (of AlienBobz) has just uploaded his recording of Harry and the Potters July 23rd set in Seattle. Jarod has also promised that audio from the final last Optimus Rhyme show is forthcoming.
• If You Haven't Done it All Year Long: Last week Church turned me on to a pair of videos. Neither are his work, though I imagine he'd be proud to claim both. The first is another fan vid for Trek rockers No Kill I. The other is… well… a "tribute" to Dragon*Con.
• Immunity: While my friend Nikki Nefarious (NSFW) generally photographs the kind of things you might hear described in a Le Sexoflex video, she has recently expanded into hardcore nerdery. You can see her handiwork in the new card game I Drank What? And yes, it was wholly inspired by that single scene from The Princess Bride.
• Collect 'em All!: There have also been a pair of notable releases in recent weeks. The first is the RPM Challenge album from D-Form and MC Gigahertz, The Digital Prankster LP. Likewise, killsaly's dropped a fantastic collection of demos and remixes that, sadly, represents his last scheduled release under that moniker. Snag both.
• Catch 'em All!: And since Nerdapalooza news started us off today, we will end on a similar note. Sorta. In-between sets from Epic-1 to Random at last weekend's Anime Express con, Hex elected to take the stage and perform "an interpretive dance to the extended Pokémon theme song." May it forever be burned into your retinas. Just like it is mine.
  

Podswap 09 - Y’all Into Swappin’?

Every year I am faced with the same dilemma with regard to April Fools’ Day: Should I take part in the expected bullshittery of posting an obviously erroneous blog entry, or should I just ignore it?

Generally speaking, I choose the latter. I mean, how many dead fairies and two-headed ogres does the world really need?

This year, however, I’d like to try something a little different. Thus, I propose Podswap 09. I see it as a logical extension of Drunken Podcasting Month. In September, we get our drink on. In April, we switch places.

Interested parties are encouraged to, first and foremost, pick a partner. Is there a podcast you really enjoy? A podcaster that you admire? Hell, maybe even someone who inspired you to step up to the proverbial mic? Great! Contact him/her. That is step one.

Next you and your new bestest friend decide in which way you’d like to shake shit up, you define the nature of the swap. You could each simply record your regularly scheduled shows as usual and then, rather than dropping them into your standard RSS feeds, add them to each other’s feeds. Likewise, you could change formats, with podcaster A hosting podcaster B’s show and vice versa. You could even split the difference and host both shows together if you feel so inclined, although that does seem, to quote the prophet Eddie Haskell, like an awful lot of work.

The most important thing is that you and your fellow swap-ey post the resulting episodes – in whatever twisted and perverse form they may take – on April 1st.

That all being said, is anybody actually interested?

No Longer Wasting His Time

As a rule, I traffic in weird shit. It is my currency.

People send me weird shit and I post weird shit. Still, even amongst all this strangeness, some things still manage to surprise me. Some stuff is just too fantastical. The below video, for example.

It's for the single "Wasted My Time" by UK chip-rocker Superpowerless, and, if the promotional email I just received is to be believed, it's just won Supe an MTV/Vodafone contest! How cool is that?

This vid will air on the European flavor of MTV on March 23rd. In the meantime, however, I have been encouraged to share it with you. So take a look, give it a listen, then give Superpowerless some love and a heaping handful of heartfelt congratulations. He has earned it!

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 63: Z-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections

I like this episode. I like it a lot.

Sure, it ain't perfect, but it's mine.

Well, it was mine. Now I share it with the world; now I share it with you.

I hope you feel it to.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 63: Z-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections (hosting provided by Antisocial) Size: 47 MB Running Time: 51:25

Show Notes:

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

Sometimes I worry that I take having my on theme song for granted. But I remember the dark days before this theme took hold. It was an age of chaos.

Track 1: YTCracker – "http://www.dekalbpolice.com/meet_chief.html"
"bet you wonder why the chief always smiles / cuz his county two hundred seventy square miles"

Z’s 1st interlude: "Yes, my friends, a request."
I like requests. Send me more.

Track 2: Uncle Monsterface – "Kill Your Boyfriend "
As I stated before, this is one of my favorite UMF tracks.

Track 3: Paradise Dan – "U.R.Perfect"
Dan took advantage of the recent Street Fighter 2 remix competition samples to craft this little gem.

Track 4: Captain Spalding – "All Hands on Deck"
Notice how Spalding drops a sly Optimus Rhyme reference into the intro. That takes stones!

Track 5: Zircon – "Fiberoptics"
Q: What's not to love about this song? A: Nothing.

Track 6: Glenn Case – "Failure is Always an Option"
Glenn asked for song name suggestions for his FAWM project, and I provided this nugget of wisdom.

Track 7: Id Obelus – "Captain Hipster"
I've been pumping Id's The Inevitable Crushing EP since last year. It was well passed time that I share.

Track 8: Smashing Klystron – "Lyricist 1979"
If Karl and Billy Corgan got in a fight, who would win?

Track 9: Nagini – "Doctor Sing Along"
Anthony turned me on to the recently Nagini freebie. Cop it now if you haven't already.

Z’s 2nd interlude: "And I wanna thank my friend Doctor Popular."
The Dr. Zilog cover of MGMT’s "Kids" is another track you'll wanna snag.

Track 10: mcfiredrill – "Dancin’s Easy"
I discovered this via the GabbaFriends blog and through the power of Twitter.

Track 11: Former Fat Boys – "I'M A DINOSAURus (2005 Hard Corey Remix)"
Roar!

Track 12: Coova & Bud Melvin – "Karioto"
From She’s the DJ, He’s the Rapper, which is amazing.

Track 13: Conyeezy – "Roadside"
Yeez hooked me up with this months ago, and at the time it was an exclusive. Now, however, that is sort of doubtful. ;)

Track 14: I Fight Dragons – "The Faster Treadmill"
I Fight Dragons and their esteemed frienemies Hidari are currently helping me with a special project.

Z’s final interlude: "Some choppy transitions and some flawed leveling and some inane chatter from yours truly."
Which, now that I think about it, pretty much describes every episode of RFH!

Track 15: MC Lars – "True Player for Real"
I love that Lars dedicated the new album Wesley Willis. I managed to catch him live a couple years before his passing, and it's a show I'll always remember.

Bonus track: "Leprechaun in Mobile, Alabama" dialog / markslidesquad – "Gimme da Gold"
There was a time when I cringed whenever I heard a southerner saying something ridiculous on television news, but I have long since accepted this shameful occurrence as inevitable.

And that's all I've got, folks.

I'm tapped. At least for the next couple of weeks.

I am currently trying to decide between another theme-less episode for late March or a tribute to female musicians. As always, your input is appreciated.

I'm also trying to cook up something fun for April, but I'll let it simmer a bit before I serve you the details.

Wow. Food metaphors are just lame.

Nerd News in Brief

I have lived too long. There are strange and wonderful portents that lead me to believe that perhaps this is, indeed, the end-times.

Have I gone all Mike Seaver on that ass? I have not.

I am simply pointing out that the nerd world is busting at the seams. Its dorktastic energy is seeping more and more into the real world. There is no hope to contain it.

Things fall apart; the center cannot hold.

Oh, but amidst all my walking about main street rocking my brand new "The End is Nigh" sandwich board, I did manage to cobble together a Nerd News in Brief.

Priorities, people!

• The Story so Far: Gather round, children, and hear the story of Mega Ran 9. ‘Tis a harrowing tale of fandom, hip-hop, and triumph. As told by the man himself.
• A Rose by Any Other Name: Compliments of Church comes this piece from WebWire concerning the ongoing geek vs. nerd debate. I understand that many, for whatever reason, prefer the former to the latter, but let it be known that I embrace all once-hurtful language leveled at our people. I’m taking it back!
• The Millennium Falcon for Christmas: Also from Church comes this link to more free music from Sci Fi Songs’ John Anealio. Give ‘em a listen, and give John some love.
• Laughably Interesting: Tiny Mix Tapes has a nice review of the Nerdcore Rising documentary available for your perusal. Give it a read, and then we shall debate whether or not the word "fluffy" was used in a positive light.
• Woke Up With a Monster: My sockpuppety pals from NYC have some fun things planned for the month of March. Catch Uncle Monsterface’s own Marty on Thursday, March 12 at Sputnik as he unveils 9 new Series 2.5 Sock Puppet Portraits. You can also catch the boys in Jersey on Friday, March 13 at Watchung Hills Regional High School’s benefit for Darfur and the following Thursday (March 19) at the Opening Night Party for the Boston Underground Film Festival. If you can attend either of the three, please provide some extra joyful screaming on my behalf.
• Two Times the Power: Meanwhile, my boys from Dual Core also have some exciting things lined up. They’ll be appearing with Shael Riley and MC Plus+ at ToxCity Game Center in Greenwood, IN for an all-ages show on Friday, March 27, at the WVU Institute of Technology’s TechLAN charity LAN party on April 4, and at this year’s Notacon in mid-April. And peep this handsome article about the guys from Cincinnati Magazine. Truly everything is coming up Dual Core!
• Insert Bald Guy/Bowling Pin Joke Here: And lest I forget, Shael Riley will be appearing with Bizarro Stylus at Florida’s Casselberry Lanes AMF Bowling Alley on Saturday, March 21. He’s also been booked at Espresso Yourself Music Cafe just outside of Cleveland for March 18. I listed those in reverse chronological order to spice shit up.
• Making My job Easier: MC Lars saved me a lot of typing by posting his March/April 2009 tour schedule at nerdcoretour.com. UK nerds should pay particular attention to these dates.
• These Gigantic Girl Parts Kill: Lars has also been interviewed at Suicide Girls. Therein the talks about the new album. And does not expose a perky, pierced nipple.
• Start a RIOT: Let me join my brother Anthony in suggesting that all fans of glitch, chiptunes, and awesomeness check out the new Pause Music release from Videogame Orchestra. I’m a big supporter of both II and VGO, and neither has ever done me wrong.
• Video(games) Killed the Radio Star: Speaking of VGM, may I now turn your attention to this wonderful piece from or own Doctor Popular at culture hub the Laughing Squid. It’s all about game-themed music videos. Enjoy it in all its 8-bit splendor.
• I’m a Floating Head: And to take us out of this snow-capped week (at least for those of us along the eastern seaboard) is a very literal interpretation of they Might Be Giant’s "Birdhouse in Your Soul." It is 1990 all over again.
  

The Bald and the Beautiful

I see Hipster, please! as a lot of things. It is a music site. It is a vague cultural hub. It is an at-work time-waster. But what it is not is a moral compass.

Still, sometimes my friends – those folks whose artistic exploits serve as my typical blog fodder – go off and do something selfless, something that gives me pause to reflect. This is one of those times.

Both Grace, the dulcimer-slinging Wizard Rocker known as Snidget (and affectionately referred to around here as "Snidge"), and Matt, my blogging brother from free-geek (affectionately referred to as "Matt"), have elected to take part in this year’s St. Baldrick’s fundraiser. The gist of which, for those not in the know, is as follows: "volunteers shave their heads in solidarity of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and family."

Yep, they are shaving their heads. For money. For a good cause. Instead of just, like, getting really drunk and doing it on a dare like most people.

Now I’m certainly not going to ask anyone to shave their heads, as that is some serious shit, but I will ask readers to considered donating a little money to the cause. Seriously, y’all, do we really want Matt and Snidge to shave their noggins for nothing? Take a gander at this one. Without hair he’s gonna look like just another Charm City dive bar bouncer. Ain't that worth a few bucks? Plus, it’s for a good cause: helping sick kids.

In fact, it occurs to me now that I have a couple dozen Hipster, please! stickers left over, so if you do take it upon yourself to give, whether it be to Matt, Grace, or some other shavee, I’ll be more than happy to send you one as a small token of my gratitude. Just shoot me a message with your mailing addy.

I'd also like to encourage those within driving distance to head over to Fast Eddie's in Centreville, VA on March 15 at 3:00 PM to bid a fond adieu to Matt and Gracie's lovely locks. You get bonus points if you provide me with pics/video.

Donation links:
Grace
Matt

EDIT:
Also adding my pal Colonel Panic to the list! :)

"Darlin' don't you go and cut your hair / Do you think it's gonna make him change?" --Pavement

Freedom's Just Another Word for Not Having to Pay for Shit

Friends, I am currently in the midst of my second consecutive snow day. You see, here in the southeast we don't get much in the way of winter weather, and when we do the populous tends to lose its collective shit. Hell, folks can't really drive here-abouts under the best of conditions, so slapping a coat of ice on the highway is an easy recipe for disaster.

So while my fellow hicks cower in their trailers, hoarding milk and bread like gold and some other valuable commodity that currently escapes my grasp, I have taken this opportunity to compile a handy list of the new (musical) hotness. Here are a half-dozen sites to hit up for fine, free musics. You can thank me by sending blankets. And fire wood.

• Dragons Slain: I already mentioned chiptune/pop rockers I Fight Dragons last week, but I figured some might need another push to sign up for their mailing list and score their EP Cool is Just a Number. Consider yourself pushed.
• The Sounds of the 90s Today: Ultraklystron has put together a 6 song EP in which he mashes his own material up with tracks from Smashing Pumpkins, Beck, and Bjork. It's post-grungealicious.
• Psssst!: Anthony managed to get the second installment of his monthly Hey! Listen! mixtape in just before the buzzer. This time around it features my pal Antisoc as well as XMark's cover of Coulton's "Still Alive."
  
• Speaking Of: Church just hipped me to this freely available collection from The Bearded One Himself. It's 730MB of Coultony goodness from Creative Commons.
• In Case You Missed It: Heartfelt congratulations go out to my pal Glenn Case for completing this year's FAWM. Check out all 14 tracks, including one named by yours truly, over here.
• Sounds Familiar: And lastly (but certainly not leastly), my brother int eighty just let me know that another pair of free tracks have been thrown atop the pile at Dual Core's official site. One of these non-album selections is from the very first Hipster, please! compilation and the other is from GM4A's Welcome to World 2. Enjoy them again for the first time.