Nerd News in Brief

Lux Interior died yesterday. I don’t imagine that means anything to many of you, but it comes as a bit of a shock to me. Lux, you see, was the frontman of psychobilly pioneers The Cramps. Founded with his wife, Poison Ivy, in the punk rock heyday of the 1970s, The Cramps combined sexuality, cheesy horror, and old school rhythm and blues to create a musical style that was as much shtick as substance. They never truly managed to crack the mainstream, and I’d argue they were all the better for it.

Whenever I think about nerdy music, whether it be VGM or nerdcore or what have you, I invariably link it with bands like The Cramps. Certainly not stylistically, of course, but conceptually, spiritually. The Cramps are one of a veritable myriad of examples of artists who managed to endure outside the norm. Moreover, their impeccable style and undeniable attitude helped to shape the music that came in their wake.

So the next time you wonder how mc chris manages to maintain a career without the aid of a label or radio airplay, or how Harry and the Potters keep on keeping on even as Wizard Rock is branded a dying concept by detractors after the final book’s release, think about The Cramps. Think about Lux. Still prowling the stage like some vinyl-clad nightmare. In his sixties.

• Post-Punk Laptop Rap Defined: MC Lars’s new epic THIS GIGANTIC ROBOT KILLS is now available for pre-order from Oglio. In addition to receiving the album the day it drops, you'll also score both a free signed TGRK poster and a bonus Wesley Willis poster (in honor of the groundbreaking artist to whom the album is dedicated). With special guests including Weird Al Yankovic, The Aquabats, The Donnas, Nerf Herder, MC Frontalot, YTCracker, Jesse Dangerously, and K.Flay this album is sure to be a punk rock/geeky hip-hop extravaganza for the ages. 
• Classically Trained: On the subject of albums, Ant has just hipped me to the fact that Florida VGM outfit Select Start have put their self-titled release up for free download via their site. Grab it now and instantly class up your music collection. I'm not kidding; download it now.
• Psssst!: I have it on good authority that the new solo album from geek rock superman, chiptune maven, Grammar Club founder, and all around dashing lad Shael Riley is being produced by none other than Jake "virt" Kaufman. For those keeping score at home, this essentially guarantees that the project will be double-awesome. 
• For the Cause: funky49 recently announced that his forthcoming EP will be specifically geared toward promoting Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry. It boasts tracks about both the "Body Worlds" exhibit and their IMAX theater, and lyrical samples of both are available for your perusal. 
• Nerds as Far as the Eye Can See: Are you going to New York Comic-Con this weekend? So is MC Frontalot. You can even meet him at the Dumbrella booth (#1856), where, one can only assume, he’ll be masquerading as a webcomic artist.
• Post Nerdapalooza Depression Relapse: My pal Hex has recently compiled some of his favorite pics from last summer’s Nerdapalooza festival into a fancy slide show. It features robots, zombies, pirates, ninjas, and me... slightly drunk and wholly terrified as I address the crowd.
• Synchronicity: And speaking of Nerdapalooza, Church passed on this link to the blog of nerdtastic podcast Geektroika. Apparently Mattie discovered ‘Palooza via Hex’s new OpenZine interface. I love it when a plan comes together.
• Live From and Undisclosed Location: High-C, of original Rhyme Torrents fame, recently popped up in the strangest of places. Namely AmigaWeb. Turns out High-C is an Amiga enthusiast, and he granted the site a rare interview. Inquiries regarding the goat in question can be directed at High-C c/o Rhyme Torrents. 
• Erised: Paul DeGeorge, one half of Harry and the Potters, is auctioning off a one-of-a –kind copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone with special commentary and notes written in the margins. It also features contributions from Melissa Anelli of the Leaky Cauldron, Frankie Franco III of the Pottercast, and, of course, Joe DeGeorge. Proceeds will, in typical WRock fashion, benefit First Book. Bid now!
• She’s got Jayne by Her Side: Marian Call has a number of shows lined up in the coming weeks in both her native Alaska and the great state of Washington. They are as follows: Thursday Feb. 12th @ 5:30pm / The Anchor in Anchorage, AK; Saturday Feb. 14th @ 6pm or 8pm / The Tap Root Cafe in Anchorage, AK; Monday Feb. 16th @ 7pm / The Tap Root Cafe in Anchorage, AK; Saturday Feb. 28th @ 8pm / The Mandolin Cafe in Tacoma, WA; Friday Mar. 6th @ 8pm / House Concert in Seattle, WA; and Saturday Mar. 28th @ 8pm / Wayward Coffeehouse in Seattle, WA (this one being particularly Browncoat-friendly.) Check Marian’s site for full details.
• Mourning the Fallen: At long last, Charlie and the rest of the crew from Mojo Tooth have released the third episode of tabletop-centric web sitcom Dice Jockies. And for the record, I’ve been told the jazz singer was a bit of a diva.

8-Bit is Enough

Hot off the (virtual) press comes a brand new release from the Blue Bomber himself, Mega Ran 9. Inspired by the highly successful retro sequel and licensed by the fine folks at Capcom, this project is the direct successor to Random's fan-favorite 2007 concept album Mega Ran. And just like it's ascendant it's available for free download.

Of course, if you want the full story of Ran's latest 8-bit exploits you'll wanna pony up for the commercial release next month. Therein you'll hear an additional 3 tracks not available in the freebie version.

But in the meantime take a moment and cop the new hotness. Give it a listen, and share your thoughts with Random and your fellow fans at Ran's official message board.

It's an excellent way to remind yourself that true hip-hop can be as nerdy as it wants to be.

The Secret of Geno's Maze

In case you missed it over the weekend, my pal Anthony (AKA: genoboost) from Game Music 4 All released the first of his free monthly downloadable VGM EPs. Hey! Listen! Volume 1 really sets the bar high for the other 11 installments of the series by taking a stripped down approach to geeky mixtapes.

Rather than spend months pouring over dozens of included submissions and trying to coordinate the release of another massive collection – which I can attest is an incredible pain in the ass – Ant is dropping these tracks 5 at a time.

This first mixtape opens with the trippy electro-glitch "woodman + bubbleman" by seal of quality before transitioning into "Take My Hand, Take My Heart," a mellow and romantic instrumental by Lumine Hall. It then kicks the energy back up with ChipTots' Spanish-language rocker "Galeno," a personal favorite, and the punky "Escape Pod" by Alex Atchley. Its final track, "Mega Man Master Spark Mandrill," is an amazing piece of VGM from Tanuki Suit Riot that incorporates driving guitars and bright horns in equal measure, thus ably wrapping up the project's first chapter.

Even the EP's cover art, a piece called "Haiku" by Sasha Palacio, serves as to add to the overall experience and make this mixtape an example of the mythical rock 'n' roll concept all killer, no filler. Should you be interested in contributing to this continuing series, rather as a musical or visual artist, hit Ant up for details, as I'm sure you're interest will be most appreciated.

And if that doesn't slake your thirst for videogame music, be sure to check out Ant's first article at game culture site The Start Screen. Also entitled "Hey! Listen!," this new feature expands on his mission to spotlight bands who are inspired by videogames. The inaugural edition features Brazilian game rockers 8 Bit Instrumental, whose eclecticism is only matched by their formidable talent.

Check out both and spread the word. And don't forget to peep Anthony's own personal blog; it's the only place you can get the scoop on these and the other exciting ventures he'll be undertaking in the coming year well before they make it out for mass consumption.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 60: Buccaneer Banzai

Let's go ahead and get this out of the way; the very idea of pirates rapping is ridiculous.

Of course, so is the concept of a virtual supergroup or a rap album dedicated to a Georgia law enforcement agency or sock puppet rock or mashing up Snoop Dogg and the soundtrack from Grease. Practically everything I support via this site is, on one level or another, a little weird.

I reckon that's sort of my purpose in life. It's my calling. But you probably already figured that part out.

While talking to this episode's special guest, Captain Dan, I came to realize that the experience I had while watching his band at Nerdapalooza last year is exactly what he and his cohorts shoot for in both their live shows and their studio work: having a sort of contagious fun that just so happens to juxtapose pirates and hip-hop.

He brought that same energy to the podcast, and I have to admit that it made my side of the experience utterly enjoyable. I hope it does the same for you.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 60: Buccaneer Banzai (hosting provided by Antisocial) Size: 52.9 MB Running Time: 57:47

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
That Baddd Spellah runs a tight ship.

Track 1: YTCracker – "I am a Pirate"
"Smoke, drink, hack a computer. Drink, smoke, first-person shooter."

1st Interlude: "How fair the mainsails, Cap’n?"
Yes, Captain Dan stays in character for the whole interview. It's kind of his thing.

Track 2: Captain Dan and the Scurvy Crew – "Pirate’s Code"
Pirates really did have ship-specific codes on conduct. Though I sort of doubt they were explained in verse.

Track 2: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl dialog / The Curse of Monkey Island soundtrack – "A Pirate I Was Meant to Be"
Oh, how I love the classic LucasArts titles!

Track 3: Tyler Heath – "Zelda Wind Waker: Pirates of Dragon Roost Isle OC ReMix"
The first of 2 amazing selections from OverClocked ReMix.

Track 4: The Aquabats – "Captain Hampton and the Midget Pirates"
Why are there no midget pirates on Yo Gabba Gabba!? It only seems fitting.

Track 5: The Alaskan Pirate and His Salty Seaman – "Pensacola Girl"
As the Captain is from Florida, this track seemed appropriate.

Track 6: Paul and Storm – "The Captain’s Wife’s Lament"
I challenge you to not spend the rest of the damn day singing this song. Go ahead. Try.

2nd interlude: "Sexy, sexy pirate love."
I generally split a podcast into three sets when hosting a special guest, but this time around I decided to stick with the 2 set format so I could get lengthier, uninterrupted interview segments. Please let me know which method you prefer.

Track 7: IrnMnky – "Pirates Encore (Aimee Mix)"
It's been a while since I played IrnMnky, so this provided a great opportunity to drop some more into the mix.

Track 8: The Besties – "Pirate Song"
The same goes for indie poppers The Besties, an act that Matt turned me on to.

Track 9: John Revoredo – "Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion: Pirates of Oblivion OC ReMix"
This second OC Remix served as an opportunity for Dan and I to talk up Oblivion. It's a fine game.

Track 10: Captain Dan and the Scurvy Crew – "Rum and Juice"
It wasn't until after I played it that I realized that this is sort of a Scurvy Crew rarity, a non-album track.

Track 11: KABUTO THE PYTHON – "Captain Dan is a Punk"
This is a demo version of the diss track from KABUTO's Shed Skins EP. It's rough, but it's still got all that KABUTO style.

Final interlude: "A novelty act? A concept band?"
Dan really explained the Scurvy Crew project well, and, while I certainly don't expect everyone to dig it, I think it's pretty hard to deny that he and his fellow pirate MCs are genuinely dedicated to creating something that is fun for folks on either side of the mic.

Track 12: Captain Dan and the Scurvy Crew – "From the Seas to the Streets"
If you're looking for a fun album with tons of style (and especially if you have a thing for pirates), From the Seas to the Streets is definitely worth your attention. And I can promise you'll be hearing more of it and the Crew's other work here on RFH.

Having the Captain join me on this edition of the 'cast was a lot of fun. I really haven't laughed that much in a long time.

Dan is a great guy who is truly passionate about making music, and he's not afraid to sometimes take that to the next (il)logical level. I, for one, have to respect that. If you can take your craft seriously without taking yourself overly so, you're aces in my book.

I know that the nerdcore scene is a minefield of disparate musical paradigms, but there's an interesting commonality if you dig deep enough. Captain Dan's ceaseless dedication to making music fun is a core belief echoed by a number of other acts I've talked to, from My Parents' Favorite Music to T-byte to Frontalot and YTCracker.

Plus, it really is all about the booty.

The Week in Swag

Twas truly a fine week for free shit here at the House of Z. I mean, it's never a bad week for free shit, but this particular week saw a remarkably fine crop of freebies make their way to my doorstep.

My first care package came compliments of my pal Josh from the Brilliant Gameologists. He'd recently been expounding upon the glories of the Burning Wheel RPG system, and offered to send me some books to get me up to speed for a play-by-post game he's DMing at the BG forums. Included in my starter set was both the core rules book and the Character Burner, and, while I'm only a few dozen pages into the former, I can totally see where he's coming from with regard to his relentless praise of the game. Whereas more traditional titles like D&D encourage players to develop unique quirks and personalities for their characters, Burning Wheel relies upon this as a genuine play mechanic. The way you play your character is influenced as much by his back story, beliefs, and predilections as it is his core stats.

This second of this week's pleasant surprises came from The Scurvy Crew's Captain Dan, who not only sent me a copy of the band's new release From the Seas to the Streets, but also copies of their two preceding albums and the rest of the current Nonexistent Recordings catalog. While you're probably familiar with the piratical rhymes of the Crew, the other two acts presented are equally as engaging but with totally different styles from the work of the Captain. Echo Slightly boasts a smooth electronic feel that's both instantly appealing and summarily relaxing, and Stabilizer is truly eclectic rock at its finest.

With all that said, I reckon the purpose of this post is two-fold. First, it's to publicly thank Josh and Dan for their generosity – Thanks, guys! – and second, it's to point out that if you make friends with these cats they will very likely send you presents.

I'm just sayin'.

Nerd News in Brief

John Updike died earlier this week.

Truthfully, I’m still a little sad about that fact, but burying your heroes is the kind of thing to which every man must become accustomed. I’ll just lump his effigy atop the growing pile – with Carlin and Hicks and Strummer and the like – and go on about my business of stoking the pyre.

His short story "A&P" was the first piece of realistic fiction that ever struck me as the slightest bit realistic. It spoke to me in a way that no short-form work has since, and its reading has become something of a sacrament. It was the story that made me realize, even as a youth, that tales bereft of monsters or magic or superheroes could still be compelling, and, no, not just by leaning of the crutch of blatant sexuality. It set naked before me the simple truth that man is slave to his emotional whims and adolescent urges and that life itself is the canvas on which we paint.

But mostly it taught me that everyone has a story. Even the lowliest of worker bees.

• From the Northern Hinterlands: Nerdcore has been chosen as the "Genre of the Month" by Canadian music magazine SoundProof. While I take issue with some of the information provided – cc rap?! – I’ll let it slide because, as you know, I love Canadians. And speaking of which, the piece also spotlights Toronto-based nerd-centric podcast The Closet Geek Show, which sounds divine.
• Geekarama: Congrats go out to Aaron, of FL nerdcore and geek culture champions A Comic Shop, for securing a regular column at Newsarama. Aaron, in turn, contacted everyone’s best friend Hex Warrior to help put together a piece on nerdy music. And thus the love is shared.
• Everything’s Coming Up Ant!: Congratulations are also in order to my pal Anthony, who’s parleyed the continually mounting success of Game Music 4 All into a gig at gamer/geek culture haven The Start Screen. But Ant hasn’t let this throw off his game, as he recently announced that his plan for ’09 is a new VGM mini-mixtape every month! Excitements. I has them. 
• Wii. Where?: And speaking of GM4A, be sure to check out the site’s feature interview with Alex Neuse of Gaijin Games. It concerns Gaijin’s new WiiWare title Bit.Trip Beat, which is a Pong-style chiptune rhythm game. This is a game that’s been building some great buzz within the community, and this piece just drives home how amazingly cool it truly is.
• When We Were One: I’d also like to wish a happy birthday to my friends at netlabel Pterodactyl Squad! The Squad chose to celebrate its first anniversary with the release of a self-titled album from Atari artist Army of 2600. Give it a listen and enjoy the chippy goodness.
• Disaster-Dong: My pal Matt was the first of many to hip me to this Offworld post about my other favorite netlabel Pause Music. Specifically it concerns Pause’s +PLUS section, which provides free soundtracks from a number of indie games. Collect ‘em all!
• Be Prepared: Matt has also recently turned me on to the concept of Nerd Merit Badges. Technically, there’s only one such badge available at present, but the site seems to be establishing a strong Twitter following to help them decide where to go from there.
• Now *Stay* in the Van!: The 2 Skinnee J’s reunion documentary Get in the Van is currently being submitted to a number of festivals in search of a proper premiere, and the producers need your help. Fans are asked to contact events like The Tribeca Film Festival, South By Southwest, the LA Film Festival, and Cannes to let the submissions boards know how interested they are in seeing the film featured. Is that really so much to ask? 
• I’m Starting to Think it’s His Personal Site: Hey, Church made TechDirt. Again. This time with news concerning the importance of pop culture in the development of childhood imagination. Exhibit A seems to be Potter fandom, so WRockers take note.
• Mouths of Babes: Speaking of Wizard Rock, the scene’s youngest contributors, The Hungarian Horntails, were featured in the School Library Journal. It’s a Q&A with Darius, the older of the band’s two brothers, and he actually interviews better than most artists twice his age. 
• Meryton is a Deathtrap: And while’ we’re on the subject of literacy; please pre-order Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies. It’s a retelling of Austen’s classic that comes exactly as advertised. 
• Grue Rock!: Have you ever wanted to play a text-based, Zork-inspired version of Guitar Hero? Of course you have. 
• Everything Must Go!: mc chris is having another of his famous merch sales. Posters, t-shirts, bags, lighters... shit, pretty much everything for the discriminating mc aficionado is discounted. The supplies are limited and fans are legion, so get on it quick if you want in.
• Needs a Longer Title: Random let me know that, in anticipation of the release of the new Street Fighter title, his friends at Capcom have made available a full set of vocal, effects, and music samples from Street Fighter II for DJs and producers to mix up to their hearts’ content. TrackItDown is hosting the sample set, as well as co-sponsoring a related competition. The 4 best remixers will each win an Xbox 360 and copy of Street Fighter IV, and runners up get copies of the game. For more info and rules, hit Trackitdown.net.
• Not to be Confused with Daryl Hannah: Also from Ran and my boy Ultraklystron comes a mash of Random’s "Splash Woman" and Kanye’s "Stronger." And here’s a vid of Ran’s original track for some comparison. Enjoy the android-y goodness.

The Stuff That Memes Are Made Of

It’s the kind of thing that MC Frontalot might term a very unlikely occurrence: YTCracker, current underground icon and former notorious hacker, getting play on dance floors everywhere and getting love from… cops?!

Crazy, no? But also so very true.

It all started, as these things often do, with a funny idea. A joke, if you will.

Last week, social networking sites like Facebook were abuzz over the discovery that the Dekalb County Police Department – the law in a metro-Atlanta burg just a couple of hours southwest of my neck of the woods – featured a different crunk beat as the background loop for each page of its official Web site. It was at first widely assumed that this music had been slipped into the site by some smart-ass hacker, but the truth is that the beats had been purposefully included by the site's designer, a not unheard-of mistake by first-time webmasters.

YT, at the request of a friend, elected to use these beats to make an EP of his own, and, in some sort of warped ode to the ridiculousness of the entire affair, crafted his lyrics purely out of biographical information available about the department and its officers on the site itself. Ten hours later, YTCracker was the proud father of DCPD Bangerz Vol. 1, 6 tracks of profanity-free, southern cop show goodness.

And it hit. Hard.

It became an immediate sensation, and, for the first time in history, YTCracker began to garner mainstream attention not for some high profile hack from the Digital Gangster crew and not as some ham-handed attempt by a major media outlet to cash in on the growing geek chic, but for simply being the genuinely creative, incredibly funny cat we've always known him as.

Now, not only is the album popping up everywhere, but YT is even in talks with the DCPD itself about a possible fundraiser in the future.

So once again, YTCracker wins the Internet.

It looks like the ensuing traffic may have made downloading this unlikely masterpiece problematic, so, if y'all have any trouble, just give me a yell and I'll mirror. This isn't exactly the kind of shit you wanna be forced to live without.

Download DCPB Bangerz Vol. 1 from ytcracker.com

This is Not a Bomb

About a month ago, my pal Vincent hit me up via Twitter to ask my opinion on a video project he was considering. He had the idea to do a kinetic type vid for the YTCracker/MC Lars/Doc Pop Digital Gangster LP track "911 AM (Rudy Giuliani)" - similar to a George Lopez piece he did as a final project for a motion graphics course he took last semester.

Since that is, as the kids say, my jam, I told him that it sounded like a great idea, and Vince set to work. Over his winter break, he put together the first third of the video, which he recently posted to YouTube. His plan is to finish it up during his next break, and Doc even offered to hook him up with some lipsynch footage to help flesh it out.

So, while you're looking forward to the finished product, here's a sneak preview of the project thus far. Consider it your teaser trailer.

Nerd News in Brief

I was one of the fortunate few who did not contract inauguration fever earlier this week.

Okay, maybe I had a touch of it, but it wasn’t full-blown.

It’s very rare that, in the political spectrum, my team wins. (Come to think of it, this is also rare in the realm of professional sports, but I digress.) Still, I resigned myself shortly after the election to the straight and narrow path of not being a dick. At least with regard to my guy sitting behind the big desk.

It took some restraint, but I managed to maintain my composer even during the ceremony. I simply watched a little footage, made a mental note that I was, indeed, participating by proxy in a damn significant moment in my nation’s history, gave a hopeful smile, and then got back to work.

Maybe I could’ve done with a little more excited flag-waving, but I decided to keep shit low key.

It seemed a good way to go.

• Age Old Question: From Church comes a pair of links in the political vein. The first is from The Daily Beast and purports that Obama is poised to make geeks cool. The second, from Patrol, counters by saying that geeks are already cool. The battle rages on.
  
• Alpha-numeric: Have you checked out the new Letters vs. Numbers podcast? It’s delightful. Seriously. The guys are in rare form, and the musical selections are, as always, top notch!
  
• Brother from Another Mother: Also from Anthony comes news of SpamM’s Earthbound Zero mixtape. It’s a mash-up album centering on music from the Mother series. You can download it for free from the Earthbound Crew site. And you should.
  
• Gooey: Speaking of game music, be sure to download a copy of Kyle Gabler's World of Goo soundtrack from the WiiWare title of the same name. It’s freely available from his site, and our friends at VGMdb have compiled all the track notes on this helpful page.
  
• New Module Me: If you’re more interested in making your own VGM, I will once again recommend Protein[DS]. It’s creator Pierre’s birthday, and, in keeping with tradition, he’s favored us with a new version featuring "a proper graphical user interface for global options and [DScratch] parameters (no more xml editing to test values!), state and recordings save, and a little [DSamples] update." As always, this homebrew goodness is available free of charge.
  
• Cause and Effect: Shael Riley and his all-star band – henceforth known, at least to me, as The Dapper Lads - will be playing a benefit show for the children of Rwanda on January 27th in NYC. Show info can be found over at Shael’s LJ.
  
• Smashed: And speaking of The Dapper Lads – and, yes, I’m gonna call them that until it sticks – Zen Albatross turned me on to a new Web comic earlier this week. It’s called Brawl in the Family, and, yes, it’s all about Smash Bros.
  
• Free at Last: My pal Matt has migrated his own music/geeky culture blog free-geek to a more suitable URL at free-geek.net. Three cheers for logical progression!
  
• All Talk: My (unwitting) podcasting big brother, Tim from Mutant Pop/Radio Clash, was recently interviewed by MIT’s Technology Review for a piece on conflicting aesthetics in the mash-up community. Okay, truthfully the piece is more about Girl Talk’s tepid reception from the more seasoned fans and bootleggers, but it boasts some great insights from Tim, Lenlow, and DJ Earworm. Give it a read and weigh in on the subdued aural texturing vs. rapid-fire meta-mashing debate.
  
• When the Scene Looks the Worst: Taking us out today is a video I can’t imagine you haven’t seen already, but it’s so damn good you need to watch it again. Of course I’m talking about Random’s "Push," directed by John Colombo. It’s from Ran classic album The Call, and he’s even made a version of this track available for free for new fans. Sure, this ain’t one of his nerdier joints, but it’s beautiful and uplifting.
  

Across the Twitterverse

If you’re at all interested in videogame music or even tangentially aware of the amazingly creative community at work at OverClocked ReMix, then the name Larry Oji shouldn’t be unfamiliar. Liontamer, as he’s known in ReMix circles, is a community moderator, project producer, submissions judge, occasional contributor, and an otherwise indispensable fixture in the world of VGM rearrangement and original composition. He’s also the mind behind VG Frequency, another project dedicated to the glorification of game music in all its forms.

In summation, Larry works a fuck of a lot harder than just about anyone else you could think of in the VGM sphere. He is a dedicated pillar of fandom. He is a ceaseless champion of videogame music as a viable art form. He is a machine.

Recently inspired by a Destructoid post about following the game industry via Twitter, Larry took it upon himself to compile a list of game music professionals and enthusiasts also available to stalk follow via the service. In typical fashion, Liontamer’s parameters for inclusion are suitably broad, encompassing everyone from the OC ReMix regulars to game/geek rock crossovers to gamer-friendly hip-hoppers to those of us rooted more on the journalistic end of the spectrum.

It’s really a comprehensive list that should provide interested parties new to Twitter a great place to start, and has even proven an ideal way for an old hand like yours truly to get a better handle on the ever-eclectic and always expanding videogame music scene.  

Take a look for yourself. And prepare to be amazed.

Nerd News in Brief

I know, I know; you just can't get enough of my delightfully rural voice.

And how could you? I mean, I only record, what? Four podcasts a month?

Thankfully, there is a solution.

You can catch me drawling my way through a piece of short fiction written by my good friend Church on a recent edition of Starship Sofa's Aural Delights podcast.

It's a stark look into the future of digital music distribution. And no, it's not slash fic.

• Eat it, Picross!: Zen Albatross – known to some as the micro-musician in Shael Riley's live band – recently posted a really interesting piece over at Racktboy. It's about how Mario Paint kicked off his career as a digital artist, and it's damn well worth a read.
• Fireproof: And speaking of, here's some footage of the guys playing in the MAGfest Jamspace. The rendition of "Bank Holiday" in the second vid is especially cool. Also, this year: no fire alarm.
• Nerd Girls Wanted: Female roleplaying gamers are currently being sought for help with research for a forthcoming book on the subject. This celebration of female contributions to gaming culture needs your help, so head over to Geek's Dream Girl for the full skinny. And yes, guys, we can help too.
• The Balmy One: Big ups to my pal Joey for worming his way into a recent Popular Mechanics post on Guitar Hero/Rock Band hacks. His work comes in at number 7, and shows how to use the Rock Band drum kit as a midi controller in FL Studio.
• My Peeps: And also on the subject of worming one's way into the big time, Church has yet again hit Techdirt. The producer of the film adaptation of The Watchmen recently posted an open letter explaining why Fox – who has stymied the project in every way imaginable – shouldn't make any money off the finished product, but why they inevitably will anyway.
• Lost-core?: Also from Church comes this Washington Post article about concept band Previously On Lost. They get bonus points for having a band name that explicitly explains their purpose. Church even found the related NPR interview, for those who dig that sort of thing.
• I Hardly Even Know Her!: Bangor-area geeks, take heed! This weekend you must attend SnowCon at the Black Bear Inn and Convention Center. Running from 9:00 AM to midnight Saturday, January 17th and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday the 18th, this homespun con features tabletop gaming, film screenings, and even some live VGM from The Sides Scrollers. Peep the official site for more info.
• In Which Schaffer Wants to Make Love to Me: Announced last week, and hinted about before the fact, is the live event compilation CD The Nerdapalooza Tapes. This collection of cuts from last summer's festival is currently available for preorder for a mere $10, which also grants you immediate access to the MP3 version. I scored an early release last month, and I gotta say that the recording quality is pretty amazing. Plus it manages to hit a lot of the high points from that lost weekend.
• The Sound of the DJ: One of my favorite nerdy producers, the ever-prolific nYgel, has just released a collection of b-sides. The cleverly named Self-titled presents a collection of older originals, remixes, and instrumentals that have yet to grace your ear hole. Plus, it'll give you something to groove to while nYg works on his forthcoming mixtape.
• Find Me Online, Search c64: And speaking of new old music, my boys Dual Core have just made available a pair of non-album tracks on their site. Peep a 2007 collab with the great ZeaLouS1 and the band's intro for the Lotta Linux Links podcast for free right here. Then, immediately thereafter, begin making plans to attend this year's iteration of Washington DC's ShmooCon, as the boys will once again be performing.
• Super, Like Schneider: And while you're checking out all the free goodness, don't neglect this new video from Maja. It's a remix of The Game's "Superman." Check out the vid, and then proceed to his site for a free MP3 download. I've also been assured that Maja is currently writing new material, and plans to hit the studio later this year to begin recording his sophomore release.
• Alive and Wily-fied: Random has dropped a number of interesting teasers of late relating to his new Mega Ran 9 concept album. The biggie, however, is this sneak preview of the phenomenal "MegaLude 9." Listen. Watch. Post comments.
• Early and Often: Please take a moment to vote for The Protomen in Deli Magazine's Best of Nashville 2008 poll. They are your constant heroes. Also, who the fuck else are you going to vote for? You don't even live in Nashville!
• Ninjas and Vampires: And on the subject of other fun things to do, have you tried out Scrub Club's heavily-nerdified text adventure RPG yet? It's called Burst Nexus and is, of course, free to play from your bestest friends in the whole Midwest.
• Dancing Nerds and Gratuitous Monitor Humping: And taking us home this week is another piece of greatness from the Scrub Club family. It's a video for MadHatter's "Overheat" from our brothers and sisters at PBC Production. Much of it was recorded at this year's MAGfest, and features a ton of hilarious cameos. Plus, the song itself fucking slays.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 59: Hindsight

The year-end wrap-up is a fickle beast. That is why I chose to release mine late. And yet still it feels incomplete.

Part of this is because my focus is simply on what are, in my opinion, the best tracks of 2008, and, of course, I’ve already played the shit out of a number of those songs.

Therefore you won’t be hearing Beefy’s "Tabletop" or Dual Core’s "Fantastic Four." You know I love those, as I was quick to play them directly after their initial release. You also won’t hear anything from nYgel’s Free to Good Home mixtape or T.Y.T.’s Jelly Brain. Again, simply because I’ve played them, though more recently than the former.

Hell, I even went so far as to avoid including songs from my own projects (like Old Nerdy Bastard) and those particularly close to me (like the Game Music 4 All comps, to which I occasionally lend my limited expertise.)

And even with those omitted, I still couldn’t cram in all my favorites. Last year saw so many amazing releases that time simply doesn’t afford me the opportunity to highlight each one. So instead I elected to spotlight just a few of my top picks.

Hopefully you’ll reciprocate.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 59: Hindsight (hosting provided by Antisocial) Size: 44.6 MB Running Time: 48:45

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
A classic in any era.

Track 1: MC Lars & YTCracker (ft. Doctor Popular) – "911 AM (Rudy Giuliani)" 

This one is my best-of-the-best. It boasts what is probably my favorite Doc Pop beat of all time, and some great lyrical content.

Z’s 1st interlude: "My New Year's resolution was not to stand on ceremony."
Hey, at least I can stick to it!

Track 2: Optimus Rhyme – "Click-Click" 

TransfORmed is easily Optimus’s greatest single release to date. School the Indie Rockers is my sentimental favorite, but this one is impeccable.

Track 3: MC Frontalot (ft. Jonathan Coulton) – "Diseases of Yore"

Likewise, I also see Front’s Final Boss as a personal best. Even the special guests are top-shelf!

Track 4: The Remus Lupins – "Weasley Clock" 

Despite the doomers who said that the 2007 release of Deathly Hallows would mark the end of WRock, the scene favored us with a number of fantastic releases in 2008. This was one of them.

Track 5: Math the Band  – "Everyone is Embarrassing"

While nothing compares to the Math the Band live experience, this track has an energy all it’s own.

Track 6: DJ Tripp – "Paper Rump"

This M.I.A. track had been a single for a while before it hit as the background music in the Pineapple Express trailer. Still, I love M.I.A., and was just glad to see her get some press. This DJ Tripp mash really punches up the track’s natural Wreckx-N-Effect element.

Track 7: Zombies! Organize!!  – "F-Bombs and 1Ups"

Zombies! Organize!! is probably my band of the year. I understand they are an acquired taste, but they went from a quirky contributor to a GM4A comp to a RFH staple in a matter of weeks.

Z’s 2nd interlude: "In heavy rotation."
Another band I really fell in love with in 2008 was Spheres of Chaos. I’ve got nothing but respect for the Pterodactyl Squad!

Track 8: Year 200X  – "Mega Man 3"

On the other hand, I’ve been a fan of Year 200X for ages, but it wasn't until last year that I finally got a chance to really connect with the band.

Track 9:  Random – "New Grind"

Ran is a class act all around. The 8th Day is another amazing album that walks the line between underground style and nerdy substance.

Track 10: the doyouinverts – "A Little Too Human Tonight" 

This is an act I found thanks to a listener suggestion, and the doyouinverts went on to be one of the greatest finds of ’08.

Track 11: The Mudbloods – "Since March, Since September, and Still"

There’ s really nothing I can say about The Mudbloods that hasn’t already been stated more eloquently by others. Even if you don’t think you like Wizard Rock, you owe it to yourself to check this band out.

Track 12: EvilWezil – "Spastic Surgery"

Pause Records also cranked out an amazing array of chiptune-centered VGM in 2008. EvilWezil is a personal favorite.

Track 13: The Grammar Club – "Balloon Flight (Flighty-Ighty Fo0dNippl3 Mix)"

I’d love to tell you of the glory of The Grammar Club’s forthcoming hotness, but I am contractually obligated to refain.

Z’s final interlude: "My ultimate message."
"Fuck all those stupid fuckers, don’t listen to what they say. ‘Cause they are jerks, and they’re no fun. We’re gonna rock-rock-rock ‘til the end of the day."

Track 14: Uncle Monsterface – "Rock 4 Luv!"

One day, my fellow nerds, I will pass on from this world of digital geekery. On that day – be it due to imprisonment by the FBI for my flagrant disregard of their copy warnings or due to the inevitable zombie apocalypse – I simply ask that you all Rock 4 Luv.

And that is 2008 in a musical nutshell. To my ear, it was probably the greatest nerd music year to date, but I’ll leave that up for individual interpretation.

I know I probably missed a lot of your favorites, so please feel free to tell me what geeky jams rocked your world in the previous year. I'd love to hear them.

Truthfully, I’m a little overwhelmed by the sheer possibilities of ’09. The bar has been raised, but I’m content that many will step up their game accordingly. 

I'll keep my ears wide open in anticipation. Hopefully you'll join me.

Cybernetic Extension

I will not lie to you, my friends; it’s early yet as I pen this, and it’s already shaping up to be a gloriously shitty day. Thankfully, I do have some good news to spread, and that helps to take the sting away a bit.

I spoke with Wheelie Cyberman over the weekend, and he indicated to me that Optimus is not yet ready to release TransfORmed in its completed form. Further, he gave me the band’s blessing to continue giving away the digital holiday-release of the EP for free for the foreseeable future. So until such a time as I’m asked to take it down, everyone is welcome (and, again, encouraged) to peep the hotness.

Download TransfORmed

Whilst conversing with Dub Cyber I also tossed out the idea of a fan-based video project for Optimus’s swan song "Daryl Hanna." He seemed cool providing the community was willing. With that being said, would any of you be interested in trying to put together a fan vid for the track? Not only would it be an excellent opportunity to put the wealth of Transfomers – or, consequently, Splash – footage available on YouTube to good use, but it would also help to spread the word about the final release from everyone’s favorite hip-hop robots.

Also, as promised, here are the lyrics from the EP’s 5 tracks. Wheelie explicitly states, however, that these are the original words and thus might not entirely jive with the recorded verses, as he tends to re-do things in the studio. Still, it should give you a fairly clear idea of the lyrical content of some of his speedier couplets.

"God Rest Ye, Autobeat Allies"

My name is Wheelie Cyberman and I rep AutoBeat.
I rock the mic with Powerthighs, Grimrock and Stumblebee.
From Manhattan to Hollywood we’ve rocked the whole country.
And we finally destroyed the Wackacons.
And now it’s off to planet Mercury.

"Worms" (AKA: "Segmented Annelid")

Cyberman, more wild than a loose worm.
Knock, knock. Let me in your in box.
Watch. I can deconstruct your system touch your network.
It’s easily done for an annelid like me.
I ran with an analysis that said “Victory is likely.”
There might be some who consider me spineless.
You think I mind this? I kill them with kindness.
Like “Hi! Guess What! I Love You!”
Open me up, and one click – you’re through.
I like to wriggle. I like to squirm.
I like to get down and dirty – watch your data burn.
Reproduction? That’s my secondary function.
Just one look at your address book, and then I’m gone.
Call it population eruption.
I like to touch people in these intimate ways.
It ain’t symbiotic, you won’t see me for days.

Segmented annelid, migrating herds.
Gather with my brethren, we crawl and converse.
We touch underground as we pass.
It’s pitch black.
We don’t mind that. We’re all from the Earth.

When you eat, I eat.
When you sleep, I eat.
When you watch TV, I eat.
When you walk around the city, I dine on your nutrients.
There’s no need for etiquette or accoutrements.
See I’m suited for this. Check the hooked scolex.
I’m through with intermediate hosts. Yo what’s next?
I gotta slow down. Wait it out.
Show patience. One day, I will make it out.
So I incubate and think primary thoughts.
I detach and dock to the wall, y’all. Shot like a dart.
I stop just like I was taught and start doin’ what I do –
Which is feeding a lot.
Not competing for slop – see I barely move at all.
It’s scary but I’m better off than almost all of y’all.
I got no rent, free food and drink top shelf.
I never gotta go to work. I have sex with myself.

Segmented annelid, migrating herds.
Gather with my brethren, we crawl and converse.
We touch underground as we pass.
It’s pitch black.
We don’t mind that. We’re all from the Earth.

Segmented annelid, do you comprehend?
I don’t want your money, I just want to get in.
We touch in your gut as we pass.
It’s pitch black.
I don’t mind that, I am what I am.

Segmented Annelid.
Squirm! Squirm!
Segmented Annelid.
Squirm! Squirm! Squirm!
Segmented Annelid. Superhero candidate.
Squirm! Squirm! Squirm!
Segmented Annelid. Superhero candidate. Zero people stand with it.
Squirm! Squirm!
Segmented bred with a fragmented head that’ll breed when you need it I eat and I’m fed and I’m

Wheelie Cyberman,
Wheelie Cyberman,
Wheelie Cyberman lives underground
Where we find him writing lines
That help to make the world go ‘round.

I live in the dirt. I like it there.
I’m already low so nobody stares.
I’m not really scared, doesn’t matter how I fare,
And I never worry about wearing clean underwear.
I don’t worry much at all, keep it calm mostly.
I already know what I’m supposed to be.
Most people never try to get close to me
Cuz they know that they’re nothing but a host to me.

"Click-Click"

Dub Cyber. Hyper Vision. Click Click.
Wide open lens, focus in Mega Bit.

Dub Cyber. Hyper Vision. Click Click.
Wide open lens, focus in Mega Bit.
Yeah I’m back. I told you that
I was packin’ up my bags.
Didn’t you believe me? Still you’ll never see me.
Look – I’m up on your roof with my
Light weight, power zoom, tight frame 80-star spy glass.
Click click. I’m never backlit.
Plasma shift for the development.
I stay up late just to get the job done.
I’m paid by the frame so I wait for the perfect one.
Oh here they come. Sorry, gotta go.
Pop the lens cap, sit back, relax for the show.
Then it’s click click. The sound of success.
Pack up my shit then I hit your address.

Develop it ...
Let it soak kid. Dunk it, shake it off, toss it on the rope then ...
Sell the shit ...
It's easily done, just make a phone call, cash in, it's nationally run. Or you ...
Treasure it ...
Build a little shrine. Tape it to the basement wall where you hide for the ...
Hell of it ...
It's really not a joke, we Develop it. You gotta let it soak, see?

Dub Cyber. Hyper Vision. Click click.
Call the police, you can never make it stick.
See I’m neat. Organized, thorough and discreet.
I judge my subjects by the company they keep.
Look it’s clear. I’m always here.
You might not know that I’m near.
Feel like someone’s creepin’?
That’s probably my peepin.
Click. No beepin’, I keep it classic.
Bad forecast? Just wrap it up in plastic.
I never let a little drizzle keep me home.
I got my tarpaulin, wax pencils and a phone.
Twist the wrist right, zoom in kinda tight.
See it’s Wednesday night, I know you’re watchin’ Top Model.
I even know the type of bottle that you’re gonna buy
When your boyfriend steps in to have a sip of a wine
Then it’s click click. I capture toast.
Infactuated from afar like a ghost.

Develop it ...
Let it soak kid. Dunk it, shake it off, toss it on the rope then ...
Sell the shit ...
It's easily done, just make a phone call, cash in, it's nationally run. Or you ...
Treasure it ...
Build a little shrine. Tape it to the basement wall where you hide for the ...
Hell of it ...
It's really not a joke, we Develop it. You gotta let it soak, see?

I am over on your roof. I like watching what you do.
I got shots that show you're mine. Please just do not close the blinds.

Hey girl, welcome to the neighborhood. I noticed you like French toast late at night.
Hey girl, welcome to the neighborhood. I saw your new jeans, I don't think they fit right!

"Anxiety" (AKA: "Human Anxiety")

I feel that I’m fairly well adjusted mostly
But I hate it when these people stand closely.
Most folks just love hittin’ parties.
Bust through the door, run and hug everybody.
Not me. I kinda creep in slowly.
Scan the room for people that know me
And if it’s none then holy crap.
Somebody gotta hold me back.
And if the keg is tapped then I’m on it.
I mean on and on and on on it.
And if you paid a little more to get the good pour
Then you know Wheelie be fallin’.
But I don’t want to be the one that’s stuck
Head in the toilet, throwin’ up.
Wander back home then I wonder what
That I did to get my head hit and thumped
But listen. I can’t relate
And you better stand back three feet away.
Because my head gets red and I start to shake
And it’s clear that I got a problem, OK?

I am an ROBOTIC MIC freak
With human anxiety. Anxiety.

If I gotta speak up, then I start to sweat
In a room full of people that I’ve never met.
You know I’d rather be home stuck in the apartment
Cuz my shirt’s now soaked through, soppin’ wet.
Oh no. Here we go God not again.
My heart starts beatin faster and then
I can’t breath cuz my throat’s all full of phlegm
I can’t see cuz I got tunnel vision.
Oh crap. It’s a panic attack.
Somebody hand me a paper sack.
I new it’d be bad when the room was packed
And now I feel myself faintin’, fallin’ back.
I mean STAT. I think I need some medication
Cuz I’m always in these bad situations.
And I swear that I’ll be a good patient
I hate it when I gotta be sedated and complacent.
Face it. I could use some therapy.
Cuz I always feel these people gotta stare at me.
Sweatin’ like I’m on methamphetamines.
This is why everyboy’s always ahead of me.

I am an ROBOTIC MIC freak
With human anxiety. Anxiety.

Bring the Jackson 5 back.
Bring the Jackson 5 right back, bring ‘em back.

Now my head isn’t really that bad, is it?
My therapist told me that last visit.
And I have considered benefits of better livin’
But I’m givin’ up on it, I need a hand get?
Got it? Good. Tell me what I should
Do to repair what is wrong under my hood.
Should I pay some white-suited dude
To look into the circuits of my mind?
I need much more than a mechanic, though.
I feel weird bot, yo I can’t stand it so.
I get stressed out, about to hit panic mode.
I need help, buddy, hand me the antedote.

I am an ROBOTIC MIC freak

"Daryl Hanna"

We’re adaptable. We can change everything.
Collapsable covering, you know what we mean.
Assess situations and blend.
We don’t have to test people’s patience, we fit right in.
It’s natural. You could say it’s ingrained.
Multiple primary skeletal frames.
But you know all of that, it’s a terrible bore.
Just another unbearable story to explore.
Yeah, we transform, but you’ve heard it all before.
Additional forgettable folklore.
And besides. There’s 30 fuckin’ Optimus Rhymes.
Some took the name, others just assimilate the lines.
So fine. We don’t mind, go ahead.
You can even have the words that we invented.
They’re yours. See we don’t need ‘em anymore.
You won’t believe the etymology we have in store.
Throwback vocab, constantly shift.
You know that we outgrow that automated shit.
Let the fluid flow down deep into the ground so
We are overheated and in need of immediate help.
Seemed like we’re defeated didn’t care how it felt
Because we couldn’t stop it, sittin’ there repeating ourselves.
So we toss off layers, throw gears to the ground.
Burn tattoos and we lower flags down.
Toss Energon. Because you know that we don’t need it.
Optimus, transform into human beings.

Reanimate and shed.
Toss Energon technology.
Assimilate and head.
Hit the best planet in the galaxy.

Eh you Beesus.
Yeah dude?
When they gonna feed us?
I don’t want it all, but I kinda wish they’d meet us halfway.
See this Positronic Pathway? Step on it.
It’ll lead us to last place.
And we’ve been down that road.
Sold a lotta downloads.
And just gave ‘em away, cuz they’re easy take.
We don’t need to get paid, go ahead and burn ‘em OK?
It’s like Daryl Hanna. I’ll give up my homeworld.
It’s like Daryl Hanna. I’ll give up my homeworld.
It’s like Daryl Hanna. I’ll give up my homeworld.
It’s like Daryl Hanna. Cuz that’s my home girl.
My enemies disintegrate into mist.
Just fade into nothingness.
Kiss them goodbye. Whattup all my AutoBeat allies.
I need five with the same blood type.
Take this matrix, trade it for a baboon heart.
And how soon can you start?
But will you love me when I gotta breathe oxygen?
Will you love me when I can’t shift shape?
Will you love me when this new box stops again?
How will you feel with an expiration date?
Hesitate. Contemplate repurcussions.
Negotiate and open floor for discussions.
Evaluate and my peers all agree.
Reanimate, shed technology.

Reanimate and shed.
Toss Energon technology.
Assimilate and head.
Hit the best planet in the galaxy.

Toss off undercoated lining.
Brush off loose bolts, tell us what you’re finding.
Push pistons. Molecular binding.
Drop mad hubcaps, never look behind me.

Reanimate and shed.
Toss Energon technology.
Assimilate and head.
Hit the best planet in the galaxy.

You that we reanimate we shed technology.
We move it to the middle of the planet, no more enemies.
We cannot stand it anymore, we will not hunt for energy.
We will not remain in this form we will become true human beings.

Toss off undercoated lining.
Brush off loose bolts, tell us what you’re finding.
Push pistons. Molecular binding.
Drop mad hubcaps, never look behind me.
Shed metal – Radiator king pin.
Yank off break pedal, push it leave it leakin’.
Snap axels, need it overheatin’.
Leave it on E, energy, we don’t need it.

They Are A-Changin'

Today is sort of... well... bittersweet.

You see, on the one hand, Lizz has officially announced her retirement from the Wizrocklopedia. This isn't exactly a surprise, as she laid the groundwork for her departure a month ago, but it's a bit of a bummer nonetheless.

The 'Pedia is a testament to the true power of fandom, and it has long been a part of my personal geek rock bible. I've had the good fortune of working with Lizz on a handful of occasions, and I can guarantee that she is the real deal; she is a writer of great skill, a fan of the highest order, and an expert logistician that has managed the delicate balancing act of keeping a widely popular and increasingly important community hub for Wizard Rock humming along, even in the face of countless changes in the dreaded RL.

In her stead she has left the site in the capable hands of staff writers Dinah and Freya, who I am sure will put their own unique spin on the classic 'Pedia formula. Freya, for example, has already begun questioning me for a series of pieces on WRock, nerdcore, and filk, and how these musical disciplines fit together, which, as you know, I am always eager to discuss.

This is all to say that the Wizrocklopedia is neither down nor out, and I both wish the staff continued growth and success and genuinely expect these optimistic prognostications to come to pass. But that being said, the 'Pedia will soon be hiring additional writers, and, if you have an interest in the finer music from the wizarding world, you should keep a keen eye open for contribution possibilities.

On the obligatory other hand, we have my friend Hex and the Nerdapalooza crew. Just like our comrades at the Wizrocklopedia, the 'Palooza camp has some new things going on as well. Thankfully these include more pluses than minuses. One of the most interesting developments will be discussed at length tonight in a live chat session. When Hex gave me the skinny regarding this shortly before Christmas I was delighted, and I can say with some confidence that you'll also find it to your liking.

Also tangentially related to Nerdapalooza (and directly related to nerd music in general) is Hex's own recent venture 16-Bit Management. This independent booking agency out of Casselberry, FL is geared specifically toward supporting the independent nerdy music community. Hex is running things on his own, so this might be another place where your support and interest, not to mention your urge to volunteer, would be well rewarded. Booking and press-related inquiries can be directed at Hex via 16-Bit Management's own MySpace.

So there you have it, my pretties; things are changing, waxing and waning, shifting, transforming. But in the end what remains is our dedication to our own music and culture. And even those of us who slip away are still tied to our meta-community through shared history, continued support, and the shining examples they've provided as our nerdy brethren.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Nerd News in Brief

My unbridled love of television sometimes puts me in precarious positions. For example, the announcement that the 11th Doctor is just some dude makes me a little anxious.

I mean, he's just some dude. I don't know him. Do you?

What if he's got, like, a Dalek in the woodpile, y'know? It could be disastrous!

But in the end, you sometimes have to simply trust the whims of the entertainment gods. It occasionally works out okay, like Scrubs' transition to ABC. Sure, I was worried, but it looks like everything got off to a good enough start.

We'll just have to hope the Doctor Who changes are equally as smooth.

• At Large and in Charge: According to Cracked, 2008 was the year we took over. I had no idea. Why didn't I receive a memo?
• The Most: My pal Church let me know that earlier this month our own MC Frontalot was interviewed by entertainment site Kwanzoo. Therein he discussed his first PAX gig, that sticky genuine-vs.-novelty-act aesthetic of nerdcore, and 2 Skinnee J's. Check it.
  
• This Just In – Bill O'Reilly Still Gay: Guess who's taken credit for the recent round of high-profile Twitter hacks? Our old friends from Digital Gangster, of course! DG, you truly are a constant source of entertainment.
• Nerdy Motivation: Genetic Anomaly has amassed an amazing collection of RPG-themed motivational posters. I humbly suggest that this one be integrated into your new sig file.
• Da DON: Rhyme Torrents mastermind DON VITO has made a collection of his own geek funk instrumentals available for free download. These are some amazingly solid beats perfect for use in working up new flows, crafting nerdcore mash-ups, or simply cribbing for use as podcast background music. I will be doing at least one of those.
• The Sleeping Dragon Awakes: My bro Super Dragon X dropped a mixtape in late December that I am only now getting around to pimping. It's entitled Where the Fuck is Your Album? and collects some top-shelf material from the Metamystiks MC that may or may not already be in your collection. Dragon always brings the fire, so this is an easy recommendation.
• Pure Poison: Another 2008 release that I'm only now getting the chance to plug is from the enigmatic KABUTO. The great Python compiled a number of unreleased tracks into SHED SKINS: A COLLECTION OF SHIT THAT SUCKS, though the title is a little off base. There's some good stuff in there, even if KABUTO doesn't quite think it's up to snuff.
• Back From the Dead: At long last, Ultraklystron has resurrected his old Nekodashi site. This means that Karl's albums are once again available for purchase – with the whole of his original material available for a mere $30 – but it also means that 14 of his releases are currently available as free MP3 downloads! And before you ask: yes, nerdcore masterpieces Opensource Lyricist, Romance Language, and Revision4920 are included. Get on that shit!
• No Ran in '09?!: Random's New Year's resolution is not to release music in 2009? Say it ain't so! Well actually, it ain't; Ran will drop Mega Ran 9 this year, but other than that he plans to spend '09 working on the business aspect of his rap career. Could this include putting together more music videos? Probably.
• Both Music *and* Gaming: I was unable to attend this year's MAGfest – much to Shael's chagrin – but thankfully it seems everyone else was. Be sure to check out some of the more interesting recollections of the festival.
• Hidden Jewels: I realize I am sometimes late to the party with regard to earth-shattering revelations, but, in case anyone else missed it, there's a Grammar Club chiptune cover album. It's freely available through their site if you know where to click on the homepage. I could tell you more, be that would be wrong.
• Get Your Degree in Gameology: My new friends the Brilliant Gameologists will be hosting a live show via Ustream at 9:00 PM EST on Thursday, January 8th in celebration of BG Meg's birthday. Learn how to throw your own mini-con, uncover what shameful acts the Gameologists performed on New Year's Eve, and find out what the fuck a "Because it's Saturday" party is in this hour of mirth and mayhem. Tell 'em Z. sent you!
• Shall I Compare Thee to a Blue Shell?: Taking us home in what I hope was an enlightening first NNIB of 2009 is this vid from Sam Hart (AKA: blinktwice4y). It's an acoustic ballad that connects love and Mario Kart in a manner most sublime. Take a listen, and then go buy the track at cdbaby.

My Seven Things

I generally avoid this shit like the plague, but, since Snipey tagged me all direct-like, I reckon there's no harm in a little New Year's meme. And so, without further ado, here are seven weird and rather random things about yours truly:

1. I am a notary public, which means I can legally perform marriages in the state of South Carolina. To date, I have performed one: for my best friend and his long-time girlfriend.
2. I have two children, which isn't exactly a trade secret. What's lesser known is that each has a name that references both cheesy rock musicians and beloved sci-fi/fantasy properties. For my son it's Cheap Trick and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. For my daughter, Guns N' Roses and Robotech.
3. My wife is six years my junior, which doesn't seem like a lot until you remember that I have an unhealthy obsession with pop culture minutia. She genuinely doesn't get a significant chunk of my silly references because she was too young to watch Three's Company and Galaxy Rangers. Her loss. ;)
4. Before I started writing about music, I actually wrote and performed it. I was in a half-dozen or so local bands with a number of high school friends throughout my teens and twenties. I chose to leave music for two reasons. The first is the simple fact that I was never really particularly good; I played bass, a little rhythm guitar, and did some songwriting and singing, but I obviously have no innate talent for any of these. The second is a personal brand of chronic, crippling stage fright.
5. With the above two entries fresh in your mind, you shouldn't be at all surprised to learn that it is my fondest wish to start a heavy metal band that does nothing but covers of classic television theme songs. We will be called Clicker, which I imagine would look great in some horribly indecipherable metal band font.
6. I have worked for the same company, a local community college, for 15 years. Yep, that's my whole adult life. I've held four different positions across three departments in my time here, so it's not like I've been doing the exact same thing for a decade and a half. Still, I can't help but think that it's a little odd for someone to hang around the same workplace for so long.
7. While most adults fear things of actual consequence, like, say, loneliness or their own mortality, I am still haunted by the same terrors that plagued me as a child. Namely zombies, spiders, clowns, and Christian puppet shows. The zombie thing is easy enough to avoid, but spiders, clowns, and, since I live in the rural south, religious-themed puppet shows are a constant threat.

With that unpleasant incident behind us, I'm'a tag:

• Church – because he doesn't have a blog and will have to tweet his answers, which I find amusing
• Matt – because he needs something to distract him while he's trying to quit smoking
• Hex – because he spends a lot of his energy focusing on others
• Beefy – because he enjoys talking about his hilarious and noteworthy exploits
• Snake Eyes – because he's Canadian, and Canadians are fascinating
• Anthony – because he is my nerdy music blogging brother
• La Bête – because his job description alone makes me pretty sure he's got some interesting stuff going on
  

Da Rules:

• Link your original tagger(s), and list these rules on your blog.
• Share seven facts about yourself in the post — some random, some weird.
• Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.
• Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs and/or Twitter.