Q: Are We Not Men?

Church just hit me up with a link to an interesting post at Club DEVO, the new wave nerds' official web presence. Apparently McDonald's outfitted their "New Wave Nigel" American Idol Happy Meal Toy in a most DEVO-esque manner, and Mothersbaugh et al are not amused. Of particular concern, even more so than fig's day-glow jumpsuit and trippy eye-wear, seems to be the inclusion of the eponymous "DEVO Energy Dome."

How important is said hat? Important enough, apparently, to warrant litigation. Pitchfork Media says:

Devo bassist Gerald Casale-- who designed the trademarked energy dome headgear-- is quoted as saying, "This New Wave Nigel doll that they've created is just a complete Devo rip-off and the red hat is exactly the red hat that I designed, and it's copyrighted and trademarked. We're in the midst of suing them...they didn't ask us anything. Plus, we don't like McDonald's, and we don't like 'American Idol', so we're doubly offended."

Looks like my Happy Meal just got significantly less jovial.

Fot those of you in the audience too young to totally grok the depths of this beef, here's the Casale-directed video for "Whip It," a piece that introduced many a slack-jawed Booji Boy to the band that repped nerds in the age of excess. Note the funky hats.

Nerd News in Brief

Do they make a Twitter patch? Maybe some gum or something? I think I’m kind of hooked, and I sometimes wonder if I’ll be able to get off the stuff.

Unlike MySpace and Facebook and similar services, Twitter doesn’t ask much of me as a user. I basically just toss random sentences up at irregular intervals and the train keeps rolling. The people I’m following do the same and, failing the perpetual outages, everyone’s life is enriched by shared minutia.

Is it wrong that I care what @cdharrison had for lunch, what kind of song @triermusic is working on, or what @badddspellah thinks of those feet that keep popping up on BC’s shoreline?

Probably, but it helps pass the time.

• More of me: A new edition of the GeekDad’s HipTrax podcast, co-hosted by little ol’ me, is currently available. This episode features music from my man Random, new friend Mindscape Music, and Wizard Rock chanteuse The Butterbeer Experience, who I believed I referred to as “adorable.” That… um… that probably crosses some sort of line.
• Tag Team, back again: For those of you not keeping proper tabs on your RSS feeds, know that Letters vs. Numbers, your favorite rapper’s podcaster’s favorite rapper podcast, is back! After a lengthy delay, episode 6 went up Monday and, in addition to having an almost alarming amount of references to me, it features an amazing cover of JoCo’s “Still Alive” and that hot new MPFM joint the kids are so crazy about!
• I always forget the “h.”: Also from our Game Music 4 All friends, specifically Jephso, comes an interview with UK chiptune artist Pixelh8. It touches on Pix’s influences, the role of nostalgia in micromusic, and airport security hassles. Which, now that I think about it, has got to be a recurring problem for traveling chiptuners.
• Warp Zones Are For Pansies: I probably shouldn’t even be discussing this here, as I’m planning a more detailed post concerning the release next week, but let me just say that GM4A’s new compilation Welcome to World 2 is fuckin’ amazing! Ant favored me with a pre-release copy last week, and it’s what I would term “required listening.” Again, I’ll save my full impressions (as well as pricing and release information) for a later date, but it’s a phenomenal collection of some of your favorite VGM, chiptune, and nerdcore acts.
• “I’m a scientist.”: Earlier this month, hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash released his memoirs, The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash: My Life, My Beats. In a recent Newsweek article about the book, Flash discusses his love of technology, his mechanical mindset, and his ceaseless obsession with collecting records, giving credence to the view that hip-hop is built on the backs of the geeky.
• This above all: Crank Them 3’s!: Also on the subject of hip-hop and book smarts comes these two links from Church. The first concerns a Forbe’s article about CD/educational aid Smart Shorties, and the second a similar product: Flocabulary’s Shakespeare is Hip-Hop, which should be pretty self-explanatory.
• Keys, like Alicia: Shael Riley has procured the necessary drum, bass, and guitar support he was looking for to again start gigging around his native New York, but he still needs a keyboardist. Are you a keyboardist? Do you live in one of the famed Boroughs? The give Shael a holler.
• Happy Bandiversary!: Fervent congratulations go out to Wizard Rock pioneers Harry and the Potters. This week Paul and Joe celebrate the 6th anniversary of the founding of the band. Please join me in wishing continued success to the brothers DeGeorge.
• Enthusiasm Levels Rising: Speaking of the Potters, today marks the first day of this summer’s Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo. For more information on this groundbreaking tour (featuring three amazing groups: Harry and the Potters, Uncle Monsterface, and Math the Band) see the official Web site. And for a sneak peak behind the veil, check out my recent post over at GeekDad.
• Haven’t I made this pun before?: In other Wizard Rock news, The Harry Potter Alliance has launched a new project simply entitled WRock the Vote. The goal is to have WRtV volunteers present at every Wizard Rock show of the season to help of-age attendees register to vote. If you’re going to be in attendance at any of these events, why not volunteer yourself?
• Oh, the humanity!: For those of you planning a WRock-free summer, may I suggest you attend a nice convention? There are, of course, several of these events that should be avoided at all costs, as my pal Matt was nice enough to point out. Hey, leave ROFLcon alone!
• Bits and pieces: Over the weekend, a new video by my pal Church hit Boing Boing. I submitted it thinking it would be cast aside like so much chaff, but Cory saw wheat. Delicious, nutritious wheat. Since the piece centers on DRM, a geeky topic relevant to many of us, and it also includes that lovable Larry the Cylon, I thought I’d end on it. Enjoy!

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 47: Even the Losers

Ah, the lovable loser: a nerd archetype all its own!

Seriously, though, I sort of worry about saying an episode is “loser-themed.” I mean, will my (often unwitting) contributors not find that a little insulting?

I hope not.

In truth, I think this is one of my favorite episodes of the podcast thus far. Sure, the levels of my voiceovers are kinda shit – I tried a new mic setup that merely seemed to highlight my late-spring allergy voice – but, musically-speaking, I think it’s top notch. Because of the musical selections presented, the whole ep. seems to have this air of triumph, despite my constant references to failure.

I really dig it, and I hope you dig it too.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 47: Even the Losers [hosting provided by Antisocial] Size: 46.6 MB Running Time: 50:56

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – “Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)”
These lads? They’re winners!

Track 1: Brother Machine – “Every Day of the Week”
I’m not sure of Brother Machine’s nerdity, but he does know Glenn. I reckon that makes him a geek by association.

Z’s 1st interlude: “Insignificant, undesirable, or just plain sub-par.”
Which is, coincidentally, the name of my autobiography.

Track 2: The Illuminoids – “Lugosi's Mongoloid Loser (Beck vs. Devo vs. Bauhaus)”
I copped this from the Mashup Town 2007 best-of. I’ve been waiting half a year to use it!

Track 3: Totally Radd!! – “The Bobby Song”
Was there a lot more wang in this show than usual? It seems a little wang-y.

Track 4: Southside – “Quite Yer Job”
The fact that Southside included references to the company picnic as well as pilfered paper “from every department” pretty much means this track is made of win.

Track 5: Uncle Monsterface – “Kill Your Boyfriend!”
As I mentioned before, this might be my new favorite Uncle Monsterface track.

Track 6: The Aquabats – “Pizza Day”
Li’l X. loves Yo Gabba Gabba!, and because of this I find myself listening to a lot more Aquabats of late.

Track 7: Lauren Fairweather – “Engines Make Me Hot”
I like that some WRockers are going out their way to write non-Potter-related material. I love that Lauren chose to write about Firefly!

Z’s 2nd interlude: “The story of a broken-hearted and broken-down (Mister) Marty Allen.”
I have in my possession the demo for “Kill Your Boyfriend.” Sure, it sounds a lot like the final studio version, but it’s one of those cool exclusive perks that make being a nerdy music blogger so oddly rewarding.

Track 8: Leigh3 – “GWP”
“I got my guitar and a bottle o’ wine and a porno magazine!”

Track 9: Computerization – “Fukuwinicu”
Computerization’s self-titled album is now available for free MP3 download. What, you didn’t know that?

Track 10: mc chris – “fallyn” / Angus dialog
I’m really enjoying mc chris is dead a lot more than I did initially. The backings are sort of, well, I think mCRT described them as J-pop. Still, while the first few songs didn’t grab me, I think the second half of the disc is pretty damn good.

Track 11: The Whomping Willows – “Wizard Rock Heartthrob”
I finally broke down and bought Whompy’s Rock N’ Roll Redux. It’s, like, 6 bucks and comes highly recommended.

Track 12: The Butterbeer Experience – “Basically the Man”
Lena of The Butterbeer Experience has probably my favorite voice in WRock. She’s also currently taking pre-order for her new disc Accio Hot Guy.

Z’s final interlude: “You get to a bad place in your life and it’s easier just to dig in deeper than to try and climb out.”
When I try to come off profound I very often just end up sounding like a hick. I can’t imagine that surprises anyone but me.

Track 13: The Streets – “Empty Cans”
An odd aside: what is it with you Brits and your Reebok Classics? Seriously.

It looks like I might actually be able to crank out another podcast next week before I leave for Nerdapalooza. It’s rare that I find myself ahead of schedule, but stranger things have happened.

Church has suggested the theme of earworms for the next episode, and I quite like that idea. I plan to run with it. Run like the wind!

If you’ve got any suggestions for songs or topics, or if you just wanna share your thoughts on this episode, give me a shout. I’d love to hear ‘em.

I wish my brother George was here.

Hey, folks.

I’ve got a new edition of the Radio Free Hipster podcast that I’m just putting some final touches on right now. It should be up this afternoon, but first I wanted to commiserate the passing of comic luminary George Carlin.

As my friend Matt is often quick to point out, our contemporary flavor of nerd culture – our modern nerd revolution, if you will - is intrinsically linked to the classic counterculture of the 60’s and 70’s. Carlin’s unique brand of clever, anti-establishment humor was very much a part of that movement. It was unafraid to challenge norms. It was far more concerned with being smart and accurate, with being thought-provoking, than with being accepted.

And that’s nerdcore.

The Wrath of Anon

Just this morning I received a message from the undisputed king of nerdcore himself, Mr. YTCracker. YT wanted me to know that his G4 commercial spot was now available on YouTube as well.

For those of us who got to check out his personal clips of the video shoot before they were mysteriously removed, it's really kind of cool to see how the final product came together.

It's a glorious blend of frenetic cuts, text overlays, nerd dancin', and, of course, that YTCracker flow. Take a look below, and then hit the link to rate and comment.

STC is the greatest!

Nerd News in Brief

I am currently tired and listless.

Not much I can do about the tired part, as the boss tends to frown on at-desk naps. The listlessness, though, I believe can be remedied. With a list.

I shall call it Nerd News In Brief.

• Please, Harry, Don’t Hurt ‘Em: Church has uncovered a trio of interesting facts about the boy who lived. First, the new Potter story recently penned by J.K. Rowling will be made into a short film to be shown at newly announced Wizarding World theme park in Orlando. Also, the uses of the core Harry Potter books have recently been broadened to include legal precedents and tornado safety. You can’t make this shit up, people.
• Adorable: On the WRock front, Matt has hipped me to a new project from The Butterbeer Experience. Now that her recent tour has concluded, Lena has challenged herself to write 2 songs a day for a week. Information on the challenge (and the chance to help pick song subjects) can be found at YouTube.
• Fertile Myrtle: While you’re getting your ‘Tube on, you might also want to check out a preview of the title track from the new Moaning Myrtles album. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that said clip contains hot witch-on-witch action. Seriously.
• Dumbledore’s Army: Also from my buddy Matt comes this link to an AP article on Wizard Rock. It’s a pretty even-tempered piece that links both the ‘Pedia and the HP Alliance. Go read it and then feel bad for missing WRockStock.
• Another Level: Ant and the GM4A crew have just released details concerning their second annual Level Up! event in LA. Featured artist include ZeaLouS1, Super Barrio Bros, and The Megas, and it’s scheduled for July 13th at CIA. Go. Take pictures. Think of me.
• Get Your Fix: If you, like me, have been lamenting the lack of nerdy piano pop, may I humbly suggest you peep Sugar Fix. It’s the musical stomping ground of one-man band Hillel, and I really think you’ll dig what he’s doing. He has a song called "Rule 34." It’s that kind of a party.
• Blimey!: If what you’re looking for is more in the bastard pop vein, let me direct you to Good Blimey! This is a repository of nearly 3000 mash-ups, all free for the taking. Thanks to Glenn Case for pointing this one out!
• Free At Last: More sources of free music can be found in this Free Geekery – not to be confused with free_geek - post. While some of the choices are questionable, the inclusion of OverClocked ReMix alone warrants a thumbs-up from me.
• Blazing, Not Entirely Unlike a Star: On the nerdcore new release tip comes news from funky49. His new album Starblazer, funk’s first full length, will soon be here soon. It’s just a hair under 70 minutes in length, will be available in physical and electronic formats, and features longtime collaborator redvoid as well as mCRT, Ham-STAR, MC Wreckshin, Betty Rebel, Sir-Up, and mc jeff z/dimension. The gang’s all here!
• These Internets Are: YTCracker’s new EP Serious Business is currently available through iTunes. This is YT we’re talking about, so he pretty much gives us permission to pirate the disc in the liner notes, but would it kill you to throw some duckets at the man?!
• This Old Console: Video of MC Frontalot’s new G4 spot has hit said Internets and it is pretty sweet. Front says you should be seeing the commercial “on G4 right around now, or on any other basic cable channel if your provider is Comcast.” Behold his bespectacled glory.
• True Patriot Love: There will be a very special nerdcore battle set on July 1st, also known as Canada Day, at Boh! Canada: Rewind (221 Rideau St. Ottawa, Ontario). Interested parties can peruse the flyer here and here, and local geeks are highly encouraged to attend.
• We All Screen!: Nerdcore For Life has two new upcoming screenings. The first is at The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival on Saturday, June 28th, and the second is at The San Francisco Frozen Film Festival on Saturday, July 12th. Dan is unable to make the Philly fest, and has offered to pay for the ticket of someone willing to check the screening out and report back to him. (Plus he’ll throw in a fancy new Nerdcore For Life t-shirt!) Additional details can be found at the new Crapbot Prodcutions blog.
• DIY Traveling Summer Camp Circus Crazy Rock Tour and Freak Show: The Unlimited Enthusiasm Tour kicks off next week in Boston, and to celebrate this fact we’re gonna end with the new video of the tour’s unofficial theme song. It is “GO!” by Uncle Monsterface, and it’s like a carnival ride through a Muppet minefield.
  

In a nutshell

My buddy Anthony, known both as a cornerstone of the GM4A blog and as the co-host of the Letters vs. Numbers podcast, has recently taken up the weighty task of prognosticating the forthcoming events of Nerdapalooza '08. Yes, through his Nerdapaloozer blog, Ant is giving fans a preview of the things to come at next month's festival.

By re-captioning panels from old Transformers comics.

While I imagine this is a rather unorthodox means of devination, it obviously works as evidenced by this morning's entry that pretty much sums up my existence.

Behold:


Zounds! I've been found out!

File under time-wasters

It's my first day back at work since last Wednesday and I miss my kids. I miss my house. I miss my bathrobe and 1Up slippers.

How have I been coping with 8+ hours in my tiny, windowless office? By screwing around.

A link to this Scion Crest Generator came across the GeekDad group last week, and I'd been meaning to play with it. I was sort of an easy sell, as I'm a Scion owner, but some of y'all might dig it too.

This was the first crest I came up with. I'm thinking of using it as the wallpaper for a MoonShell skin I'm working on for my DS.

Stuff for Me; Stuff for You

Happy belated Father’s Day to all my fellow geek dads (and GeekDads) out there! Here’s hoping everyone had an enjoyable one.

In addition to the standard Dad’s Day fair, I received an additional little present this weekend. It’s a copy of Ultraklystron’s latest release Opensource Lyricist. The album came with a nice note from Karl, complete with silly drawings. Said note specifically requested that I review the album (which I’ll be doing shortly), but it also promised guaranteed more releases from him in the future. Ultraklystron fans rejoice!


That same afternoon I also received a postcard from the Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo street team inviting me to the local NC and GA shows for “unlimited fun.” As tempted as I am by the offer, it looks like I’ll have to miss them. But, since I’ll get an earful of the tour at Nerdapalooza, it’s kinda hard to get down.

And speaking of Nerdapalooza, my wife Em decided at the last minute that the presents she and the kids had picked out for me – namely a Dalek t-shirt, a Vespa Motorsports t-shirt, some new shorts, a fresh pair of Chucks, and a bag of lollipops (which I’m pretty sure X. had picked out for himself) – weren’t enough, so she opted to let me choose from two additional gifts. It was between a D&D 4th edition Player’s Handbook and some bumper stickers to give away at the festival. In the end, the stickers won out. We only ordered 100, but, honestly, I can’t imagine that won’t be more than enough. Here’s a rough image of the final design, so if you like what you see feel free to hit me up at Nerdapalooza for a free sticker!

The 2nd Time Around

Wow.

I had a little downtime this afternoon while I was feeding my daughter, and I took advantage of it by watching the festival cut of Nerdcore For Life. Since I've already shared my thoughts on the rough cut of the film I screened earlier this year I don't feel the need to elaborate too much, but let me say that the doc has been cleaned up, streamlined, and brilliantly refined.

A few notable additions have been included with regard to the film's talent pool, and some of its more extraneous sequences have been nicely trimmed. It's good to see a few "newer" - meaning not overtly present in the scene during the documentary's primary filming - artists represented and a couple of elder statesmen more properly profiled. There was even a nod to the newly refurbished Hipster, please!, which was both totally unexpected and a genuine honor.

While the rough version of the doc I viewed back in January was enjoyable and certainly well representative of the movement, I've got to say that this cut is significantly more visually appealing not to mention a smother overall ride.

While it still has it's share of embarrassing moments, these are contrasted nicely against our triumphs. Moreover, the high and low points of nerdcore are, in my opinion, illustrated fairly and through the words and actions of the parties involved. It's still our story, but now it's got enough flash to help it appeal to a bit of a broader audience.

Suffice it to say that those of you catching the second showing this Sunday at STIFF are in for a treat.

I don’t understand Time Zones.

While its domestic flavor is still weeks away, we now stand at the cusp of Nerdapalooza UK. At Delius Pub in Bradford, at 3:30 PM local time on June 14th, the whole of the United Kingdom will get its geek on in a fashion most musical.

So if you find yourself across the pond this Saturday – which, I believe, is either tonight our time… or possibly right now… or maybe even a couple days ago… maybe – be sure to stop in and revel in the Euro-geekiness. And say hello to my pals MisterB, Dan Plus Add, and Category. In case you're wondering, I have it on good authority that they like the beer. Also possibly the football.

The rest of us, I’m afraid, will have to observe from afar. To aid in this exercise, my bro Anthony has crafted the following image.


I’m sure it’s gonna be just like that.

Nerd News in Brief

Starting tomorrow, I go back to my old part-time stay-at-home-dad routine, and, honestly, I’m a little worried. It’s not that I don’t relish the role (and the hyphens), it’s just that this time I am outnumbered. When it was just me and Li’l X I had a distinct advantage, but now with Twiggy joining the fray I feel a bit outgunned.

There are two of them. What if they conspire?

On a semi-relevant note, I’m not sure how this will affect my blogging time for the foreseeable future. Slapping words together in my downtime at the office is a breeze, but coordinating writing time at home takes finesse and planning. I reckon there might be a slight drop in output as I recalibrate to “life at home,” but hopefully that’ll be short lived. Here’s hoping I can keep up with my admittedly meager output in this transitional interim.

In other personal minutiae, I finally figured out how to update the kernel in my EZFlashV. Hurray for DLDI auto-patching!

• 24: Congratulations are in order for mc chris, whose new album mc chris is dead was recently included in Billboard Magazine’s Heatseeker charts. Okay, so the chart only has 25 positions and mc was 24, but that still totally counts!
• Strategy Guide: Do you like good, nerdy music? Are you a cheap bastard? If you answered yes to both these questions, proceed directly to the MySpace of VGM/nerdcore duo Super Barrio Brothers. For a limited time, the Bros have a fine selection of songs available for free download on their profile’s music player. Will they still be free when you hit the link? You never know until you try.
• It’s a helluva town: Did you know that everyone loves Shael Riley? Okay, maybe not everyone, but most people. He’s downright lovable. He’s also planning to start playing gigs again and is looking to put together a live band. He’s specifically looking for a primary (read: lead) guitarist and a keyboardist. Applicants should “be able to read music to the degree that you can learn songs from midis,” live in the NY area and preferably be familiar with some of Shael’s music. Additional info can be found at Front’s BBS.
• PacNW and NC4L: This Thursday – that being June 12th – at 7:00 PM at Capitol Hill Arts Center, the Nerdcore For Life documentary makes its Seattle premiere at the True independent Film Festival! The NC4L after party (featuring Ultraklystron, Beefy and YTCracker) will commence at 10:30 PM at the Jewel Box Theater. All access passes are still available, and individual tickets can be bought online or at the door.
• Never say die: Ultraklystron has just released a new DJ mix for free download. It includes a movement from the never-before-heard track “Maho,” a song omitted from his Solace album due to time constraints. Check it out.
• More news from Sea-town: Troy from Kurtis Empire Records was nice enough to let me know that some new releases are on the horizon. Southside’s Southside Liquors is currently being tracked and Metaforce’s Feared Science is being mixed. Southside also has a couple of gigs lined up this month, on June 16th at the High Dive (a 21+ event) and a free all-ages in-store at Bop Street Records in Seattle (Ballard) on June 21st at 8:00 PM.
• A slippery slope: Matt points out that J.K. Rowling has again taken up the pen to write about Harry Potter. Sort of. This one-off, 800 word prequel will be auctioned for charity later this month. How long it takes the info from said prequel to make its way into a WRock song remains to be seen.
• For those about to… GRock?!: Last weekend Matt made his way out to both local Accio Bodyguard tour stops. Of course he picked up the newest releases from performers The Butterbeer Experience and Lauren Myrtle. He even put together a really cool piece about his impression of Lauren’s album over at his blog free_geek. Read it, and then go grab the album for yourself.
• It’s fabulus!: In other (sort of) WRock related news, Wizrocklopedia’s Lizz is now selling Potter-pleasing clothing and accessories as Fabulus Fashions. Check out the wares over at her new MySpace. I especially like the guitar pick necklaces.
• Like from the future: Jephso put together a cool interview feature with Tim of one of my favorite game rock bands Year 200X over at one of my favorite blogs Game Music 4 All. I suggest you read it quickly and with a harsh tone for maximum metalosity.
• Math the Genre: My pal Antisocial hit me up last week to tell me of an unsettling trend he had uncovered: math songs. Let the Youtubery commence! And continue! And conclude!
• Enka 2 - Electric Boogaloo: Church recently sent me a link to this odd article about Japan’s newest enka sensation Jero. I passed it on to our resident expat Justin (of Hidari fame), and he dug up this video. I think it’s cool that Japan, a nation typically painted as heavily xenophobic, is open to an “outsider” performing such traditional music, but, y’know, it still ain’t enough to get me into enka.
• Wily beware!: The infallible Random has just done a small Q&A for Wired’s Listening Post, a sister blog of GeekDad. While not exactly the most in-depth interview in music history, it does hit the high points of his Mega Ran album, and, most importantly, puts Ran’s name out there via another avenue. Give it a read and then leave a comment. Trust me, Wired bloggers love comments.
• I watched this city burn: Taking us home today is a live performance video of The Protomen’s “Will of One,” which is probably my favorite song from their debut album. Take a gander and then go watch a much prettier version at their site.
  

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 46: Nerdapalooza Bound

From its inception, Nerdapalooza has been about more than just nerdy music, it has also been about community. While the individual nerdcore, chiptune, WRock, VGM, and geek rock scenes have managed to stay fairly disconnected in the face of a growing familiarity with, at the very least, the existence of each other, Nerdapalooza has focused on bridging those gaps.

So when, in the course of our regularly scheduled bullshitting, mCRT, Hex Warrior, and I struck upon the idea of dedicating a special edition of Radio Free Hipster to the event, it seemed all too fitting.

I’ve always dreamed of having special guest co-hosts for the ‘cast, but I could never quite nail down the logistics of such an undertaking. And while the recording setup we employed for this exercise was probably less than ideal, it has opened up the possibility of doing more eps like this in the future.

But more importantly, despite any technical difficulties, I had more fun putting together this edition than any that came before. Rob and Hex are intelligent, personable, unbelievably entertaining guys who have pooled their energies to make this Nerdapalooza far surpass its forbears. The boundless enthusiasm that they brought to something as inconsequential as Skyping in to rap with me about the project highlights their dedication to making this event everything it should be.

Download Radio Free Hipster EP. 46: Nerdapalooza Bound [hosting provided by Antisocial] Size: 55.3 MB Running Time: 60:27

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – “Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)”
Because there’s simply no better place to start.

Track 1: Uncle Monsterface – “This is an Adventure!”
If you missed out on This is an Adventure! during it’s free download period, you’d still do well to pick it up. Even at the going rate it’s a solid musical investment.

Z, Hex, and mCRT’s 1st interlude: “The dynamic duo behind Nerdapalooza ’08.”
Having mCRT and Hex Warrior on the show was a real treat for me. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Track 2: Emergency Pizza Party – “It’s a Pizza Party”
Groups like EPP have helped to make Florida the nerdcore mecca that it is, and the truly unique, supportive community that has sprung up around such local acts has served to make Orlando an ideal location for Nerdapalooza.

Track 3: Math the Band – “Shark Attack”
I had actually picked out a quirky cover song from Math to include in the show, but Hex suggested “Shark Attack.” His was the better choice.

Track 4: The Killer Robots! – “I AM ROBOT”
If you’ve ever thought I really like GWAR but I wish they were geekier, Killer Robots! is for you.

Track 5: In Real Life – “Hip Hop Saved Me”
I’ve really become a believer in EMPulse records over the past few months. They’ve got a great roster, and they anchor a number of amazing projects rooted in the nerdy music meta-community.

Z, Hex, and mCRT’s 2nd interlude: “The Tootsie Roll center.”
EPP’s MC Wreckshin actually helped out on the technical end of the podcast. While he didn’t exactly co-host with Hex and mCRT, he did lend his place as a recording pad when we had some early difficulties. Thanks, Wrecks!

Track 6: Dot.AY vs. Zombies! Organize!! - “F-Bombs and 1-Ups”
I actually had a really nice lead-in for this Zombies! Organize!! Track (in which I named dropped GM4A’s Here Comes a New Challenger),but I failed to record that bit. My bad. :(

Track 7: Captain Dan and the Scurvy Crew - “It’s All About the Booty”
Because what good are zombies without pirates?

Track 8: Marc with a C - “Life’s So Hard”
mCRT introduced me to Marc with a C in this very episode. I really think he’s gonna bring an interesting element to Nerdapalooza.

Track 9: mCRT - “Penis Monologues”
No one does nerdcore porno rhymes quite like mCRT. I’m hoping he’ll emblazon that slogan on a t-shirt.

Z, Hex, and mCRT’s 3rd interlude: “YAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!”
I love that the guys got all spontaneously piratical on me. :)

Track 10: Wordburglar - “The WBmix”
I finally picked up Burglaritis last week. You should too.

Track 11: Sudden Death - “My Atari”
Comedy rap at its finest, Sudden Death always satisfies. This cockeyed take on a Run DMC classic is one of my personal favorites.

Track 12: Magitek - “Armagetdown”
I totally flubbed the title of Magitek’s Distorting Reality For Better Perception in the podcast, which is a shame. It’s a damn fine album that alternates between goodtime nerdcore and danceable electronica. Check it out.

Track 13: Maja - “Here I Come (Outro Remix)
Maja’s “Transformer” was originally on the play list, but I subbed this track instead. I’ve played “Transformer” before on RFH and on HipTrax, and I featured Snake Eyes’ “Transformer” mash-up just a few episodes ago. The Amalgam Project is so chockfull of excellent material that it seemed a shame to retread on that one song.

Z, Hex, and mCRT’s 3rd interlude: “Your one and only destination for the intersection of classic sci-fi literature and dick jokes.”
This is a lie. mCRT has already proven that he is the true source of sci-fi lit/dick joke juxtaposition.

Track 14: Schaffer the Darklord – “Nerd Lust (Peeved Mix)”
Peeved mentioned to me that STD had asked him for an instrumental of this remix. Here’s hoping we get to hear it live at Nerdapalooza!

I really regret that I wasn’t able to spend more time talking to Hex and mCRT. They are fascinating cats, and the huge amount of support they’ve given my little blog alone should have guaranteed them some more face time. But alas, it was getting late and Skype was being flaky. Such is life.

One thing that was sort of glossed over in our discussion of Nerdapalooza is exactly how hard these two gentlemen have been working to make it a success. This was not due to time constraints, but rather to their own modesty. Sure, the fact that they’ve ponied up their own money for previous events was briefly mentioned, but neither copped to the sheer force of will that goes propping up such a major undertaking, particularly in its earliest stages.

They won’t brag, so let me do it for them: Hex and mCRT have damn-near killed themselves putting together Nerdapalooza. In the process, they’ve created a cultural event that is nerdy but not niche, sponsored but not commercial, and affordable but not worthless. And then they’ve turned around and promised the proceeds to charity.

That’s nerd love, ladies and gentlemen, and you can share your own by buying Nerdapalooza tickets. Get 'em while they're hot!

Pre-Nerdapalooza Silliness

We are less than a month away from Nerdapalooza 2008, and I, for one, am excited. I’ll get to make a long-awaited return trip to central Florida, hear some amazing bands, meet up with some old friends, and, quite possibly, get a little drunk. What’s not to love?

Last week I had the honor and/or pleasure of featuring my pals Hex Warrior and mCRT as co-hosts on the newest edition of my Radio Free Hipster podcast. (MC Wreckshin was there too, although he was mostly a silent contributor.) That episode is being finalized at present and should be made available later this week, and, despite some technical difficulties, it was an unbelievable amount of fun. Moreover, it served to stoke the interminable fire in my breast for the whole festival experience. Though there’s still much to be done before I head southward, I am, in my mind’s eye, already there. The weather is balmy and good times are plentiful.

With the new baby, my finances aren’t exactly what they used to be, but it seems as though the stars have aligned to make this trip possible. I’ll be making the drive down with my best friend Josh (AKA: Seamonkey, AKA: Superfudge, AKA: The Hebrew Hammer), the best damn travel companion a fellow could ask for. And we’ve been offered lodging with craft-meisters and recent transplants Denika and Dennis of Joined at the Stitch, which further serves to soften the fiscal blow. This means I just need to round up gas and beer money, which seems doable.

That being said, should any of you care to contribute to my Nerdapalooza travel fund, feel free to use the Paypal donations link in the sidebar. Don’t feel obligated to give or anything, but if you have a couple of bucks lying around I’d be happy to take them off your hands. Apparently this gas stuff is expensive.

Since I’m essentially sparing for change here, it seems only fair to let you in on my itinerary. And while most of my July 4th weekend will be spent either A) in a car on the drive down/back, B) at Taste Restaurant soaking up the nerdy goodness, or C) asleep, there are a few things I hope to accomplish, a few things I’d like to experience.

Here’s my wish list:

• Pick up one of Marty’s framed pictures of Uncle Monsterface
• Sing along with the Potters’ “Save Ginny Weasely”
• Give funky49 a hug (It’s long overdue.)
• Make ZeaLous1 carry me around a la Master Blaster
• Get a photo op with Dual Core’s int eighty
• Share a milkshake with Anthony and MisterB of Letters vs. Numbers (We’ll use three straws; it won’t be gross or nuthin’!)
• Hear Random perform one non-Mega Ran track (Please oh please oh please let it be “City Boy!”)
• Challenge DJ Snyder to a foot race
• Get my ninja on with Krondor Krew
• Talk comics with Logic1and Sir-Up
• Scream “shark attack!” at Math the Band
• Try to convince unwitting strangers that I am myf, Maja, or G Minor 7
• Meow along with Schaffer the Darklord
• Geek dance with MC Frontalot
• Get Wordburglar to say “aboot” (He’s Canadian, y’know.)

I had originally included “Broker Israeli/Palestinian agreement re: Gaza Strip” on the list, but that seemed a pretty tall order considering I’ve just got the weekend to work with. Maybe I’ll just try and get a diasporic Jew and a local Sunni Muslim to shake hands. That’d count, right?

I know this is a blog dedicated to music and that I am currently writing about a music festival, but the abundance of nerdy tunage is only one of the symbols in the larger equation that is my boundless anticipation. Mostly, I’m excited about the people.

I correspond directly with a number of you guys, some on a near-daily basis, and the opportunity to actually sit in the same room with you is positively exhilarating. Perhaps I’m being presumptuous, but my thoughts on Nerdapalooza can’t help but turn those of geeky brotherhood and camaraderie. I know that Hex and mCRT have poured their blood, sweat, and tears into fostering just that short of environment of communal solidarity, and I genuinely believe that the show will be a rousing success on this front.

If you’re going to be in the Orlando area for Nerdapalooza, please let me know. I know I’m not much compared to the Frontalots and EPPs and Randoms of the world, but I’d love the opportunity to hang out and maybe share a drink or a joke.

I’ll be the short guy.

This is a Review!

Uncle Monsterface are a clever bunch of lads. This trio combines music, multimedia, sock puppets, screaming, jumping, and old school theatrics to craft an experience like none other. But they are liars.

While Uncle Monsterface like to paint themselves as goodtime guys making music that requires naught but a modicum of conscious thought on the part of their listeners, while they like to play at being a group focused on fun and laughs and action, they are, in fact, **dum–dum–daaaaah** emotionally resonant.

There. I’ve said it.

While most folks buy into the line of thinking that equates songs about Mario, mutant prairie dogs, and Gary Gygax with good natured (if incredibly geeky) pop culture ruminations, I will stand, alone if necessary, and say that Uncle Monsterface does not - I repeat: does not - craft throwaway nerd pop songs.

Is the music catchy? Yes! Are the lyrics odd and quirky? Of Course! But are the songs themselves somehow devalued by these two elements? Hell no!

I see that look on your face. You are confused. So let me bring you around to my line of thinking by trotting out the oldest simile in the book: Uncle Monsterface are like and onion.

As you peel back layers of humor and sarcasm and good natured bullshittery, what you find is genuine substance.

Let us peel.

1. "This is an Adventure!"
   This is an Adventure! kicks off in trademark Uncle Monsterface style with the title track. It builds from a simple melody (accompanied by Marty’s immediately recognizable vocal stylings) into a full-fledged and wholly surreal theme song for the ensuing adventure. Props to UM for knowing just when to throw in some brass.
2. "Save Our Superheroes"
   "Save Our Superheroes," coupled with the proceeding track, sets the stage for the alternating moments of silliness and epic rockitude that exemplify the album as a whole. While the opening image of Batman trapped in outer space will surely perplex listeners unfamiliar with the Monsterface Industries brand of lyricism, the chorus has an undeniable sing-along quality.
3. "Go!"
   The indisputable movement and crazy carnival atmosphere of "Go!" make it a shoo-in for the official theme of the forthcoming Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo. Paradise Dan brings in hard guitar that contrasts exceedingly well with underling keys and trombone of the core melody. Lyrically, this track is all about action, and the brief moments of understated repetition punctuated by the resounding command to “Go!” drive that home.
4. "Kill Your Boyfriend!"
   Possibly the most widely appealing track of the album, this meditation on broken-heartedness ends the first "act" on what may become my favorite Monsterface song of all time. Instantly relatable and summarily unforgettable, it blends desperation with just the right amount of empathy.
5. “[open crate]”
   The first of four old style adventure game interludes, “[open crate]” helps to bridge the obvious textural gap between the raucous "Kill Your Boyfriend!" and the smooth and charming "Heart."
6. "Heart"
   This one confused me a bit at first; it starts off with almost an Animal Crossing vibe, but it builds and builds and gets progressively more complex and, dare I say, beautiful as it grows in intensity. While I hope that Marty doesn’t have “2000 gallons of oxygenated blood,” the absurdity of that lyric plays well off the red-faced, sweaty-palmed awkwardness of the underlying narrative. The accompanying female vocals (by Jocelyn of Pearl and the Beard) punch up the romantic angst, and set this song well apart from anything Uncle Monsterface has done before.
7. "The Gary Gygax Song"
   An early incarnation of this track was my proper introduction to UM, and I sort of hate that all the extra talking at the end of had to go. Still, such rambling, while hilarious and appropriate, would have killed the album’s momentum. That being said, this still stands up as a uniquely poignant tribute to the late Gary Gygax. Play it for your friends at your next gaming session.
8. "Regular Dae"
   "Regular Dae" is about the glory of monetary, the quiet stillness of the mundane existence, and the delicate nature of time. I think. Sure, it could just be Monsterface being weird, but I prefer to plumb its delicate depths. The dynamics of this song make it impossible to ignore (even if the leveling is maddening at times), as does the musical change-up at the halfway point.
9. "Robot Quest!"
   "Robot Quest!" is the right cross of a fierce one-two punch. It plays perfectly out of “Regular Dae.” Sure, a zombie/robot war is a bit jarring after such a delicate power ballad, but the shift reminds you that, in the world of Uncle Monsterface, traditional rules of musical etiquette do not apply. While not my favorite song of the album, it has the same fun, silly quality of a Saturday morning cartoon theme song.
10. “[feed mysterious creature]”
    I challenge you not to giggle.
11. "The Ballad of Broccoli Homunculus"
    "The Ballad of Broccoli Homunculus" is a bit too, I dunno, prog rock for me. This is probably the only song on the album that doesn't totally grab me, but it ties in so well with "This is My Hed" that I can excuse it. I also dig the glitch ending, which comes out of nowhere.
12. "This is My Hed"
    Chippy and delicious, if not exactly coherent, "This is My Hed" builds to a beautiful guitar crescendo while never losing the eerie keyboard accompaniment. I can’t help but think that it (and, for that matter, "The Ballad of Broccoli Homunculus") are meant to lure listeners into a light stupor in preparation for the album’s next great movement.
13. "Introduction, Epic"
    This intro bit handily launches "Mashed Potato vs. Vampire" while also including what must be Marty’s favorite phrase "wicked awesome."
14. "Mashed Potato vs. Vampire"
    "Mashed Potato vs. Vampire" is crunchy and satisfying with its ludicrous recount of this ancient struggle of spud and undead. Thematically-speaking, it’s exactly the kind of kitsch you expect after such a silly introduction, but the thing that really grabs me about it is the ska-core horn hits at the end. Said brass is, I am assured, is all trombone and all arranged by Monsterface’s own Perfect Jimmy, the band’s keyboardist and the only member I haven’t given adequate props to yet. Jimmy, consider yourself propped.
15. “[use big key]”
    Apparently I’ve acquired an item. A very indistinct and, I’d imagine, large item. Yay me.
16. "Escape to Outer Space"
    "Escape to Outer Space" is a slow burn, but it's worth it, and it's placement on the album is perfect. The references to fantastic travel hearken back to the title track, and I can’t help but assume that the vampires we’re currently fleeing were the ultimate winners of the vampire-potato wars. As I said, it’s a slow burn, but the music matures and evolves throughout, making it, perhaps, the album’s most complex and aurally textured track. Underneath the typically vague and humorous lyrics, it’s hard not to detect the hint of a deeper focus: that of loneliness, displacement, and encroaching hopelessness.
17. "Sparkle and Shine (prelude)"
    It’s obvious we’ve been set up. While "Escape the Out Space" lulls the listener into a bit of a negative funk, "Sparkle and Shine (prelude)" follows up with a strong sense of positivity. Honestly, it’s a damn-near inspirational little number - be it in a totally skewed manner - that handily starts our final decent to the album’s conclusion.
18. "Rock 4 Luv!"
    Whereas the previous track is all about conveying the last minor thematic shift of the album – which I’ll discuss in a bit – the final song has the kind of flair and energy that I like to imagine is conveyed in the live Uncle Monsterface experience. “Rock 4 Luv” is a sing-along anthem that puts a positively pleasing spin on our “adventures” so far. For a band that seemingly goes out of its way to keep music fun and light, "Rock 4 Luv!" and "Sparkle and Shine (prelude)" come across as almost uncharacteristic affirmations of the individualistic lifestyle exemplified by nerds. For that matter, “Fuck all the stupid fuckers, don’t listen to what they say” may as well be the official geek mantra!
19. “[adventure complete]”
    After an album of oddly emotional ups and downs, Uncle Monsterface leaves us with a sly nod in the form of this outro. Perhaps they are implying that, no matter what obstacles you must surmount along life’s journey, it could always be worse. Perhaps they were just being clever. I like to think it’s both.

As a newly minted UM devotee, I’ll say that this is the strongest Uncle Monsterface album to date. While it lacks the sort of obvious overarching concept of Nintendode, it manages to have an amazingly solid progression that leads the listener on an adventure of his own. Its high points are easily on-par with my favorite tracks from previous albums – songs like "I'm Sorry" and "Derockracy" – and it honestly doesn't have any low points to speak of. It's solid, fun, and wholly entertaining, and I recommend the hell out of it. The only question is, to whom do I recommend it.

Fans of smart, geeky artists with a strong slant toward absurdist meanderings - Shael Riley, Schaffer the Darklord, and Sudden Death come to mind – will certainly grok the Monsterface style. And even if all you’re looking for is a fun, solid musical experience, then I have no doubt you’ll be pleased with This is an Adventure!

But I’d also recommend this release to those who like surprises. Those who like to dig. To peel the onion.

While the obvious theme of the album (I’d hesitate to call it a “concept”) is adventure, there are a number of minor, underlying shifts that lead like breadcrumbs from one side of the album to the other. From space and travel to heartsickness and romance; from loss and rejection to dinosaurs, robots, and vampires; from hopelessness to hopefulness; and, finally, to love, This is an Adventure! is a cleverly disguised musical metaphor for the journey of life.

And much like life itself, it is resplendent with a simple, subtle, ridiculous beauty that can’t help but satisfy.

“You start by doing the stuff that comes first.”

Nerd News in Brief

Celebrity deaths. I has them.

Some of those we’ve lost in recent weeks are uniquely geeky. Others helped shape the way we see rock ‘n roll. Others still helped to define television sketch comedy.

Personally, I think Korman’s passing hit me the hardest. It was reruns of the Carol Burnett Show that taught me that you could be both smart and funny, and Harvey was a big part of that equation.

But enough commiseration. Let’s get our news on.

• They grow up so fast: My pal Anthony and the Game Music 4 All crew just celebrated their 2nd anniversary. They are commemorating the event by putting together another compilation. (Always with the compilations, those boys!) I’ve just received a special sneak preview of one of the songs from the Welcome to World Two comp, and I can officially say that it kicks ass. Officially.
• Nature’s Outcast 2.0: Nerdcore producer nYgel recently shared some specifics concerning his forthcoming mixtape Free To Good Home. Guests include id obelus, Jesse Dangerously, the Ranger, Logic1, T.Y.T., and, of course, Conyeezy. He also announced that this will be his last Midwestern mix, as he is shortly relocating to sunny Florida. I, for one, am pleased to have him on my side of the country.
• Let’s get physical: Physical copies of Random’s new release Patches and Glue are again available at CDbaby. Quantities are limited, though, so act fast. Consequently, signed copies of both Patches and Glue and Mega Ran can be purchased from the man himself at no extra charge, for those who are savvy enough to contact him.
• Practically giving it away: My pal Nate Trier, otherwise known as Mindscape Music, has some new digs over at Mindscape-Music.com. Moreover, he’s using an AMIEstreet promotion to give $5 worth of his tracks away for free to eager listeners. Check it out.
• Wait til you see my Snidget: Church was quick to point out that The Free Lance-Star features a nice Q&A with Grace Kendall, otherwise known as WRocker Snidget. The write-up is fairly short, so be sure to check it out. Then go immediately to MySpace and friend Snidget, because dulcimers are awesome.
• Let us play: And while Church was looking into that, reader Wildg0phers took up the mantle of geek ink investigator. He came away with this amazing link to what I can assume is the only tattoo depicting the Church of Gaming logo (of CAD fame). Pwnt, indeed, g0phers!
• Guacamole Ukulele: Back on the WRock side of the fence we find an Accio Bodyguard tour diary by the lovely Lauren Myrtle hosted at the ‘Pedia, as well as a tour vlog at YouTube. And if that wasn’t enough, here’s a little ukulele ditty from Lauren and tour mate Lena. It’ll make you smile. Thanks to Matt for hipping me to these.
• You have to play to win, but you also have to win to play: The Nerdcore Rising documentary is currently in an indie film competition. The winners of said competition get distribution deals, screenings, and quite possibly a really big bag of candy. Although the candy remains, at present, unconfirmed. Suffice it to say that this could really be a big deal for the film, so take note. Winners are determined based on video plays as well as fan voting, so hit up the Vaguely Qualified YouTube channel, the posting at From Here to Awesome, and/or register at FHTA and vote “awesome” for the trailer.
• A girl and her review: Little Miss Gamer is back with a review of the NES classic A Boy and His Blob. It features all you’ve come to expect from LMG including (but not limited to) in-depth analysis, upbeat presentation, and charm to spare. There are also jelly beans. That seems important.
  

As in beer

A couple of weeks ago, I was favored by none other than Paradise Dan himself with a pre-release copy of Uncle Monsterface’s second full-length album This is an Adventure! It is, and I’m being honest here, UM’s best release to date, and I have genuinely enjoyed my time with it. Unfortunately, aside from playing the entire thing on Radio Free Hipster – which may be a bit of a stretch – there’s no good way for me to share all this crunchy musical goodness with you.

But what if I could?

What if I hooked each of you up with your own copy?

Better yet, what if you got it for free from Monsterface Industries all on your own?

Hypotheticals be damned, such an option exists!

This week, from June 2nd to June 8th, This is an Adventure! is available for free download. Free with a promise. In exchange for sharing with you their hard fought musical spoils re: superheroes, vampires, robots, Gary Gygax, and boyfriend-killin’, Monsterface simply asks that you share your thoughts on the album with others.

Your impressions, positive of negative, simply need be disseminated via blog, MySpace bulletin, BBS post, word of mouth, or whatever other means you deem necessary.

Download, listen, discuss: it’s that simple.

As I myself am not exempt from this agreement, you should keep a keen eye on this very blog for my review of the album in question. But, in the meantime, why not check it out for yourself?

Be swift; sock puppet rock is only gratis for a short time!

This week in swag, cont.

Friends, this must be my week! In addition to scoring some great new listening material from C.O.G. and MPFM a few days back, I've just received two additional parcels.

The first was from the incomparable Jesse Dangerously containing a copy of his latest album Verba Volant, which I have been anxiously awaiting. A review of that release is forthcoming, along with an interview feature with Jesse himself. Excited? I am.

The second was a care package from Dan Lamoureux. This was an unexpected little treat in the form of a freshly recut version of his Nerdcore For Life documentary and a geeky gift for the new baby. Thanks, Dan, and to answer your question, no, she hasn't gotten the common cold yet. ;)

Big in Europe

Church just hit me with this piece from The Guardian. About nerdcore, if you can believe it!

While the story obviously predates the recent dissipation of Rhyme Torrents, most of the rest of the info is pretty much on-point. Frontalot and mc chris are both well represented, as are directors Dan and Negin, and former scene staples High-C and MC Router. Nerdapalooza - and its cousin Nerdapalooza UK - gets some well deserved love. YT also gets a nod, reminding us that he truly is our king.

Take a read and share your thoughts. As press goes, this one is a biggy!

Them's my boys!

Congratulations are in order for Hipster, please! pals Anthony and Dan Plus Add. Anthony’s on top of the world – and rightfully so – after finding out that the Here Comes a New Challenger compilation that he helmed recently got some pub in Australia’s Rave magazine. Well deserved praise for a fine album.

Likewise, Dan’s Coultometer, a delightful device for quantifying one’s nerd fame, just got the nod from the titular Jonathan Coulton himself. Have you checked your current level of Coultonosity? You totally should. It’s all the rage.