Funny Business

When nerdcore took its first tentative steps into the mainstream, it was very careful to brand itself as something different than your typical comedy rap. Not wanting to be seen as a performer of parody is always a pressing concern for white rappers, but nerdcore's insistence that it wasn't a "joke genre" seemed to run counter to the keen humor inherent in the concept.

This clearly underscores the problem with comedy music, or rather the perception of comedy music; it's easy to write off a humorous artist as insincere or as the producer of a pale reflection of another more legitimate form simply because his output is comical in nature. Phrases like "parody artist" and "musical comedy" have accordingly become thinly-veiled slights, often insinuating that the act in question is somehow less important or less legitimate than his more straight-laced peers.

But what about when the music isn't merely a conduit for the humor? What about creators who instead use comedy to truly express themselves musically?

From the classic filk circles of old to the Dr. Demento show to the internet's prolific Funny Music Project, silliness and sarcasm have always had an apparent, unapologetic place in the music of nerd culture. With the advent of YouTube and the glut of social media and sharing options afforded to today's musicians, what may have once been a standalone novelty track success story has morphed into endless opportunities to shock, amaze and delight.

Still, the very act of billing oneself as a musical comedy act can provoke derision from the countless haters in the scene and beyond. Yet this doesn't stop everyone from defiantly exploring the power of lyrical humor.

My first exposure to Nashville's Nuclear Bubble Wrap was an early, demo-y version of their comedy Wrock track "Draining the Lizard on a Dead Gay Wizard," and I was...unimpressed. It was juvenile and trebly and repetitive, but just like other humorous punk rock outfits, the kings of which were certainly the late, great Dead Milkmen, Nuclear Bubble Wrap manages to turn those same liabilities into strengths.

Their latest release, Exploding Head Syndrome, is all about sharp guitars, arrested sexuality and lyrics that walk the fine line between ridiculous and inspired. And what makes it work is the band's unique self-awareness. Nuclear Bubble Wrap isn't talking about the plight of indigenous peoples of the piss-poor state of the global economy. They are instead writing puns about Pokémon names and making sweet musical love to poultry.

While the comedy is often lowbrow, the songwriting itself is generally clever and the instrumentation eclectic and satisfying. The album kicks off with "Burning Ambitions," a hard rocking joint about pyromania, before switching immediately to the off-kilter folk-punk that is the delightfully dirty "Inyourendo." The guys exercise their parody muscles early on with "Food Belongs in Me" featuring a great guest spot from Johnna Day, but follow-up original "Raichu a Song" stands out as the most geek-friendly of the album's offerings.

The key-heavy "Captain Abduction" likewise channels broader popular culture – casting the alien abduction phenomenon as a Fallout Boy number – into a proper pop rock anthem that could easily be mistaken for the work of a more vanilla indie outfit, like the one that inspired it, if not for its laughable lyrical slant. The laidback "Birdfucker," itself a Neil Cicierega cover, scores points for production and melody (not to mention its pure conceptual depravity), but gets lost among the album's more enjoyable fare like TMBG cover "I Never Go to Work" and the surreal indie pop of "Sharktopus."

"Avada Kedavra" is a sharp mash-up of Potterdom and Disney fluff that succeeds more thanks to clever instrumentation than its hammy Borsht Belt lyrical delivery, but it does play well off the mock arena rock of Green Day send-up "Know Your Power Chords." The album's final movement begins with "Lesbian," another great track that falters because the core joke isn't quite as strong as the song deserves. "Holes in the Fort" likewise stops just short of Jonathan Richman-level humor-punk.

"Words Like Arsenic (Thyne Eyes Befell the Celestial Carnival)" continues this unfortunate trend, sounding like a dark cabaret piece that never quite gels despite fantastic use of accordion and acoustic guitar. This, of course, makes way for the aforementioned "Draining the Lizard," a song that certainly sounds like a more polished version of the original track that put me off the band to begin with.

But just as I begin to give up hope on the latter moments of Exploding Head Syndrome, closer "In Space No One Can Hear You Scream" comes along with the same blend of funny writing and true musical chops that the band exhibited earlier. A perfect juxtaposition of twee pop and blues, of strong, upbeat melodies and humorous hopelessness, it's a truly solid ender.

Exploding Head Syndrome starts off strong, but it loses much of its steam in its waning act. Still, it's an excellent example of snarky alterna-rock that heaps humor on top of already skillful writing. Also, at 15 tracks Jace and the boys hit far more than they miss, and that alone says a lot.

If Nuclear Bubble Wrap puts you in mind of punk's classic pranksters, from the Milkmen to the Minutemen, then surely Virginia's Illbotz are their spiritual kin from just the other side of the rock 'n' roll dividing line. Known for mining hip-hop's oft-forgotten comical past, the boys go so far as to show their old school roots in the very title of their latest LP. Pudding is Delicious, itself a classic LL Cool J reference, further takes strides to keep funny rap alive.

It's "Fair Eastside" intro is a soulful slice of surreality that segues nicely into the bombast of "Illbotz Rock the Spot and Go Crazy," a veritable party jam already unleashed on an unsuspecting word as part of the crew's All Bot and a Bag of Chips collection. Still, as weird as it is it can't hold a candle to the eastern funk-rap of "Throw Me That Eggroll." While not exactly an example of Poe Mack's most groundbreaking production, it's a solid banger to help kick the album off in style.

"Dinosaur, Dinosaur" on the other hand shows both Stevie D and Poe at their best on a dirty club track that's almost too ridiculous to be believed. The "What's That All a Bot?" skit doesn't exactly stand up to many of their best segues, but it does pave the way for the stellar "Bot Life." "Stevie D's iPod" brings back the Illbotz charm in spades, and partners perfectly with "Your iPod Sucks," a song which I've already fervently praised. The one-two punch of "True Love and a Fat Boys Record" and silly soul number "Baby Bot" also keep the dream alive by showcasing the crew at its finest. (Though these too were included on the band's previous career retrospective.)

Stevie and the boys switch shit up with 50s-style pop "Zombie Girl," and then bring things back to the 80s with "The Power Glove (Lucas' Theme)." The "Scenester Joke" skit is mercifully short and it doesn't do much to setup the fierce sex rhymes of "Can I Put it on a Sandwich?," but it's certainly no stranger than spontaneous hardcore punk number "Stupid Lazy Eye (Get Off the Couch)." The punk rock-style lingers through both "Enter Marshall" and "Marshall (the Friendliest Punk in Town)," which are rather middle-of-the-road tracks that mostly serve to add a new character Illbotz mythos. They also lead us to the only real disappointment of the album "Perm's Poem," a great gag from the group's co-MC that lingers entirely too long.

"Give a Little Love," a song previously shared on the first Nerdcore Now comp, is another genuine standout that helps wind the album down, but the down-home gospel of "Jesus Gave Me Water (But What I Wanted Was a PBR)" surely succeeds as both the biggest surprise and the strongest joke on the entire album. It showcases the wholly bizarre chemistry between Stevie D, Big Perm, DJ Samson and Poe Mack by taking them as far away from their core hip-hop element as imaginable. "Perm's Got Bad Breath" gets the giggles, but seems a tad superfluous save to setup the excellent "Stank Ass Rappas," and Poe and Stevie again shine on closer "My Crown," which gives the producer a rare chance to rhyme on an Illbotz joint.

Of course an Illbotz album never ends without a hidden track, and this time around you get two-for-one. The first is a goofy New Age joint about 2012 that gets points for skillfully working in many of the album's recurring comedy motifs (specifically ODB and the all-important Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts.) But of course the real knee-slapper is the impromptu cover of Billy Joel's "For the Longest Time." It finishes up the boys' best album to date, not to mention one of my new personal faves, in true Illbotz style.

With notable exceptions like The Lonely Island, Tenacious D, Flight of the Conchords and, of course, the indubitable Weird Al, the idea of a successful, respected purveyor of comedy music is all but unheard of. At least in the mainstream.

But out on the periphery, on an internet where memes reproduce like tribbles and a funny tune doesn't need a the love of some shitty drive-time DJ to make it a stick, countless acts toil away stacking silly puns and bawdy one-liners atop skillfully crafted instrumentals. And as inspiring as it is to think of artists combining the strengths of their twin passions of music and comedy in an indifferent world, it's even more so when you realize that, rather than apathetic, much of the surrounding musical landscape is downright hostile.

But the true funnyman doesn't care if you're too cool to get the joke, nor does he worry that his efforts will be branded as insincere. Instead he plies his craft and makes the music he wants to hear without fretting over whether his efforts will merely land him in the novelty bin.

Dropping Science

There are few things in the realm of geeky hip-hop that surprise me anymore. Concept album about a rural police department? Sure. West Coast Avengers mixtape? Why the fuck not?!

Still, when I received a recent message from The Ranger urging me to check out the first track from his new project The Saganites I was astonished. Ranger himself has been known to rhyme about everything from D&D to genetically modified crops and the Far East skin trade, so hearing him wax poetic about Sagan's Cosmos doesn't exactly seem out of character. The same can be said for Pelicaine Einhander, a Texas-based beatsmith whose eclecticism is only overshadowed by his own inexhaustible productivity.

It wasn't the players themselves that took me by surprise, nor was it the care they obviously took in crafting such a sweeping piece about the award-winning series. Instead it was the simple fact that a track had at last supplanted "A Glorious Dawn" as my new favorite piece of science-centered music.

The Saganites have plans to expand the idea into a 13-song album, one for each episode of the original series. If we're lucky, a proper Bandcamp release won't be far behind.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 109: Shut Up, Have Fun

Lately I have been letting stuff get me down. Music and politics and the culture in general have become increasingly infuriating. Except they haven’t.

The problem doesn't seem to be the world at large. I mean, it's pretty much the same as it ever was. I'm the reason I'm getting so stressed. It's me. It's always me.

I allow myself to become emotionally invested in some fairly trifling matters, which isn't wrong in and of itself, but then I sometimes let those same things tear me up. I overthink. I overindulge. I overinflate the importance of my own input or become infuriated by the differing opinions of others, and that shit's just not healthy. Worst of all, it's wasteful.

That's what this show is about. Rather than stewing and ranting and giving in to my baser nature, I for once decided to take a step back and just… enjoy things. I resisted my urge to bitch, and instead tried to leverage that energy constructively.

Okay, I mostly resisted my urge to bitch. But, y'know, baby steps.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 109: Shut Up, Have Fun [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 43.3 MB Running Time: 47:21

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Geeky hip-hop? Check. Mash-ups? Check. Whatnot? Oh, I got your what-not right here!

Track 1: Glenn Case and Rachael Layne – "Blackbird"
This is a live cut from Glenn's YouTube channel.

Z's 1st interlude: "Willing to that bet that you suffer from a similar affliction."
Because who doesn't take silly shit too seriously sometime?

Track 2: Illbotz – "Stank Ass Rappas (Feat. Sarah G)"
Really hoping I get a chance to catch Illbotz live at some point in the not-too-distant future. Kind of a longshot, but hope springs eternal.

Track 3: Devo Spice – "Earworm (feat. MC Lars)"
From Devo Spice's new album Gnome Sane.

Track 4: oki – "Love Will Crush us Apart"
oki is working on a project that combines Joy Division instrumentals with female vocalists' a cappellas. It's fairly epic.

Track 5: The Garthim-Master & DJ Extend – "Mynocks & Jawas"
Mynocks! Those fuckers are always chewing on the power cables!

Track 6: Toolshed – "Round Table (feat. More Or Les, Wordburglar and Savilion)"
Just got my proper copy of The Lost. I am nine different kinds of excited!

Track 7: John Anealio – "Angry Robot (dalechase remix)"
I henceforth propose that a guest verse from Robot Dale Chase appear on every song. Every. Song.

Z's 2nd interlude: "Neat little factoids about the bands included."
Although sometimes I do just make that hit up. ;)

Track 8: Sci-Fried – "Tech Support" / A Little Dead Podcast bumper
One of my favorite joints from the new Sci-Fried album. It's rock solid across the board, but Jim's percussion is my favorite part.

Track 9: DJ Morgoth – "Viva la Vida Mr. Nice Guy"
This one stands as a nice callback to the Death*Star track I played during the podswap, but mostly I just couldn't resist the opportunity to rock out to some Alice Cooper.

Track 10: The Efts – "Lyon Among Wolves"
The Efts combine lo-fi anti-folk with chirpy electronica. I find this to be an intoxicating blend.

Track 11: Mike Bauer – "Friday (as performed by Bob Dylan)"
Because yesterday was Thursday. 

Z's final interlude: "Really isn't any worse than double-platinum single 'My Humps.'"
Seriously, kids, as bad as that Rebecca Black song is, is it really any worse than most other modern pop hits?

Track 12: Adam WarRock – "Meantime"
I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for a rapper to sample Space Hog.

This week I'm in the process of changing recording machines. I'm moving from my current laptop to a (hopefully) more stable desktop. This means I'll be tweaking my recording setup as a result, and while I'm at it I might try upping the bitrate of the podcast. I'm noticing some growl on my spoken interludes, and I'm hoping that boosting the fidelity and using a bit less compression can remedy that.

So I guess the only question is would you guys be willing to trade a slightly larger file size for a better quality sound. It's sort of your call.

My Taste is Exquisite

My long-delayed review of Illbotz's latest Pudding is Delicious should be available shortly. Hopefully. But in the meantime the boys have released yet another strangely fantastic music video.

This one is for standout track "Your iPod Sucks," simultaneously a loving tribute to Stevie D's musical tastes and a passionate condemnation of rampant wackitude. Keen listeners will likely note that the beat is cribbed from Run DMC's iconic "My Adidas" while the lyrical structure parallel's Mickey Avalon's "My Dick." This should give newbies a fairly good idea as to the unique hip-hop headspace of Roanoke's finest.

As with most Illbotz video productions, this one goes to some weird places. (Not the least of which is into the bathroom with Samson.) Still, it's a ton of fun and a great introduction to the newest disc.

Also, I can't help but think that Church is gonna love the finishing line about the Zune.

Parsectual Healing

He needs a friend.

It's Parsec nomination season, which means I once again get to juvenilely substitute that term for the word "sex" in the title of a pop song and feel almost clever about it. (Probably not my finest hour, but at least I make my own fun.)

Founded in 2006 by Mur Lafferty, Michael R. Mennenga and Tracy Hickman, the Parsec Awards celebrate the unholy marriage of speculative fiction and podcasting. Each year the ceremony itself is conducted at Dragon*Con with winners picked by an independent panel of judges from a number of finalists chosen by a specialized steering committee. The nominations, however, come straight from the fans themselves.

With categories ranging from the very literary ("Best Speculative Fiction Story") to the technical ("Best Podcast about Speculative Fiction Content Creation") to the distinctly community-centered ("Best Speculative Fiction Fan or News Podcast"), the Parsecs cover all the bases with regard to sci-fi, horror and fantasy fiction in podcast form. And this time around they're doing even more with the introduction of the "Best Youth Driven Speculative Fiction Podcast" category.

Last year my own Radio Free Hipster came home with the trophy for "Best Speculative Fiction Music Podcast," and it was a pretty huge moment for me. So that being said, please take a few minutes to nominate the 'casts that you think deserve a little attention. Am I gonna ask you to toss my name in the hat again? Sure. I mean, if you feel like it. Of course, if you're short on inspiration I could also recommend a few suitable candidates for both Magazine or Anthology and Fact Behind the Fiction Podcast.

I'm just sayin'.

Sexy Skeksis

I'm on a bit of a mini-vacation with the fam for the first part of this week, so don't expect a lot of content around the ol' blog. (Though I will endeavor to keep the Twitter feed hopping in the interim.) Still, since it didn't seem right leaving you all high and/or dry, I figured I'd point you toward an interesting development from our neighbors to the north to keep you proper entertained.

It's a video teaser from Saskatchewan-based art initiative Secret Cloud promoting the forthcoming release by its own The Garthim-Master and German producer DJ Extend. Clocking in at just over 3 minutes, it highlights a half-dozen songs focused on Star Wars, Heroes and, of course, The Dark Crystal, and promises additional enticing amenities like guest spots from Kitty Pryde and SJ the Wordburglar. I'm very much looking forward to exploring the finished product, but in the meantime I've secured an exclusive cut which I'll be sharing with you in the next podcast.

You know how I do.

Oh, be aware that within the following clip there are some exposed breasteses, so, y'know, NSFW and all that. Enjoy, and I'll holler at y'all later this week.

Bonebat #65: The J.R. Ewing of Seattle!

This year's podswap was my favorite to date. Not only did Steve and Gord do a bang-up job holding down my regular duties, but I was able to parlay my guest stint on their feed into a musical tribute to Seattle. It's an idea I've been batting around for a while now, and as that fine city is Steve's base of operations it seemed like the thing to do.

Now I must explicitly state that I have never visited Sea-town, but it is nevertheless a very important locale to me and mine. It is the nerd Mecca, the geek motherland, and one day I shall walk its rain-soaked streets and imbibe its pretentious coffees. Such is my destiny.

But until then there's this.

Download Bonebat #65: The J.R. Ewing of Seattle! [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 51.8 MB Running Time: 56:29

Show Notes:

Intro: The Bonebat Show Theme / Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Bonebat boasts what has to be my favorite show disclaimer of all time.

Track 1: The Goondocks – "1st and Yesler"
Where else does one start off a show about Seattle if not with a song about Seattle?

Z's 1st interlude: "Geographically explicit."
I have been known on occasion to turn a phrase.

Track 2: Optimus Rhyme – "Worms"
Obviously I was gonna play OR on this one, but when it came down to choosing an actual song I had a hard time deciding. In the end I elected to go with something from their swan song, the TransfORMed EP.

Track 3: Kirby Krackle – "Up, Up, Down, Down"
Kirby Krackle is my new Optimus Rhyme. Y'all know what I mean.

Track 4: Billy the Fridge – "Put 'Em Up"
Billy has a new EP, but I've been so bogged down with reviews that I haven't managed to cop it yet. I feel confident saying it's shit-hot, though.

Track 5: King.Of.Pants – "Bucky-Done-Boom-Boom" / Sleepless in Seattle dialog
I really do apologize for the Tom Hanks. Sure, it was April Fool's Day, but still…

Track 6: People Within – "Stand Closer"
I seem to recall playing this track on a previous episode. Google, on the other hand, disagrees.

Track 7: Stenobot – "Far Too Far (feat. Jeff Suffering)"
Sink or Swim was my favorite chip album of 2010. If my constant praise of the release didn't spur you to pick it up, perhaps this song will.

Z's 2nd interlude: "They are one of my favorites. And I am gonna play you some."
Which is the unofficial mission statement of Radio Free Hipster.

Track 8: Supercommuter – "Robot Party"
I was looking for a valid excuse to play the studio cut of "Robot Party" even though I played the live version just a few months back. Suffice it to say this podswap presented itself as just such an opportunity.

Track 9: Leeni – "Animatronic Remix"
Another amazing find courtesy of Crunchy Co.

Track 10: Southside – "Dirty Book (Live at the High Dive 9-12-2009)"
Someday I'm gonna have to do an entire show of live cuts from AlienBobZ.

Track 11: Rai Kamishiro – "Shinjuku Holocaust (7zombies Mix feat. Ultraklystron)"
Rai and Karl have a Japan relief fundraiser album due out in the near future.Keep and eye out/an ear open.

Track 12: Brux Callison and The Entangled Photons – "The Henchbabe"
Brux was nice enough to slide me an exclusive just for this show. It's very Tom-Waits-meets-60s-filk-circle.

Track 13: Death*Star – "Villain of the Day (feat. Klopfenpop)"
Another fine lyrical narrative for D*S (and K). 

Z's final interlude: "Your annual dose of podcast treachery."
This year I actually managed to surprise some of you with the podswap. I am sneakier than I realized!

Track 14: Metaforce – "In the Rain"
I toyed with the idea of pulling a demo from my pre-release version of Metaforce's Feared Science, but I thought this one captured the spirit of their city more aptly.

One of the coolest things about podswappin' is that it gives me that all important illusion of productivity. You see, while I am writing these show notes I am simultaneously prepping for RFH episode 109, which'll hit later this month.

But likely not as late as usual. ;)

Capital Ideas

So you've already got your tax money in hand, huh? You've paid some bills, maybe bought yourself some nice new duds. Oh, and donated to our Japanese brothers and sisters, of course. But you've still got more cash than you know what to do with, right?

Well, I'm here to help. Or more to the point KickStarter is here to help.

Sometimes artists are long on ideas but short on funds, and that's where fan-sourcing for scratch comes in.

My boy Insane Ian, for example, was all ready to drop his new CD/DVD combo Grand Theft Audio when he ran out of money. That sadly put the kibosh on his plans for an epic collection of live and b-side material, fresh new music vids and other assorted madness. Currently he's about month out from the KickStarter deadline and approximately one-third of the way to his goal, so if you like your music with a healthy dose of comedy you'll wanna consider ponying up.

You naughty boys and girls, however, may be more inclined to help out rocker Americans UK in their latest effort. Departing the world of comic book rock for the land of sassy sexitude, their forthcoming release Luxuria promises "smooth jazz, new wave, easy listening, and bachelor pad music." So it's fitting that the lads are collecting funds for a proper vinyl pressing. With only a couple of weeks left to go Am UK is still 500 bones short, so dig deep, my friends.

Already Too Late

In case you haven't yet encountered its sheer majesty, there is a brand new MC Frontalot music video currently running rampant around the YouTubes. Filmed in North Carolina and co-starring noted technophiles YTCracker and int eighty, this interpretation of "Zero Day" is the most engaging vision of a bleak future in which humanity has fallen victim to its own overreliance on electronic convenience since The Terminator The Matrix Maximum Overdrive.

Lovingly crafted by Mohit Jaswal of Bees Knees Films, its utter badassery is only rivaled by that of its shambling antagonist. Also, coveralls are in this season. I'm just sayin'.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 108: Freebootery and Folderol

In my many decades of producing this fine show, it has always amazed me how the creation of some episodes can be more difficult than pulling teeth, whilst others seem to come together almost of their own accord.

This week’s joint is a prime example of the latter, as I, frankly embarrassed by the general seaminess of episode 107, have decided to work clean for once. Having come to that decision, everything lined up for me with a shiny, well-lighted quickness, resulting in the hermetically sealed hour you are about to hear. I know it’s a departure from what you are used to from yours truly, but please give it a chance and I assure you an almost savage level of bliss.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 108: Freebootery and Folderol [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 89.4 MB Running Time: 1:01:00

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Far messier than the rest of the show, but who am I to fu…break with tradition. 

Track 1: Klopfenpop – "The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything"
Klopf’s epic remix medley of the entire soundtrack of this Veggie Tales classic really sets the tone for the whole show.

Z's 1st interlude: "Austerity."
Wherein I reveal my new direction to the masses.

Track 2: Citizen Wang – "Wide Noise"
I'm looking askance at the band name here, but letting it slide if only because I’d never have thought dueling white noise machines could be so compelling.

Track 3: Shael Riley and the Double Ice Backfire – "Open Up Your Heart (And Let the Sunshine In)"
Apparently I'm not the only one working clean these days.

Z's 2nd interlude: "Chastity."
Because sex is immoral. Also unsanitary.

Track 4: DJ Roast Beast – "What a Fool Believes/LoveFool Mash-Up"
Michael McDonald AND The Cardigans? Yes, Please!

Z's 3rd interlude: "Sobriety."
Boozers are losers. You heard it here first. 

Track 5: Billy the Fridge – "Alphabet Song"
Billy is famed for his love of gentleman's clubs and fried food, but he also drops rhymes for the children. 

Track 6: mc chris – "Lullabye"
From his new kids' album Marshmellow Playground. Which is totally a thing.

Z's 4th interlude: "Continence."
Have I mentioned my new interest in propriety and self-restraint?

Track 7: YTCracker – "White Lines (Don't Do It)"
I think it's admirable how YT takes a stand against drug use.

Track 7.5 Utter Bullwhip - "BattBonery"
A brand new chiptunes collective combines the Pixies "Bone Machine" and Metallica's "Battery" into unbelievable new whole.

Track 8: Rebecca Black – "Friday"
Apparently, everybody’s lookin’ forward to the weekend, weekend.

Z's final interlude: "Asceticism."
I love it when a plan comes together. Or I would if I wasn’t so very stoic.

Track 9: CheekyBoy – "Revolution of the Heart"
The intro and outtro from Pink Floyd’s Pulse seamlessly remixed with this muzak Beatles classic is perfect psychic cooldown, truly a sigh in music. Actually, I may close every show with this from now on.

And that, my friends, will be more than sufficient for this 1st week of April. Peace, Out, Sentients!

"Ah, Super Crap!"

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

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

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

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

Imagine Mii and You

Yesterday was the proper launch of Nintendo's next generation handheld, the 3DS. In case you've been under a very large rock for the past six months and/or are completely unable to discern from the simple context of its name it is like the traditional DS. Only with the 3D.

Through what I can only imagine was an enormous blunder on the part of Nintendo's PR machine, I received a demo unit early. (Never let it be said that being a GeekDad doesn't have its perks!) Just last week I shared my impressions of the 3DS, and I'd like to reiterate that my favorite piece of non-core functionality is the interesting way in which the Mii avatar system has evolved.

In addition to being able to mingle with passersby using the system's StreetPass, you can also share Miis directly by exporting them as scannable QR codes. I've included mine below along with my Friend Code on the off chance that you would like a tiny virtual Zii of your very own or would care to be my bestest video game friend.

Blogger shown actual size.

Free (as in Bird)

I try not to tweet-spam the blog, but as I realize that some of you read Hipster, please! but don't follow my Twitter feed I figured I'd put this out there.

One of the things I've pledged to do more of this year is giveaways, mostly because working on so many contests at GeekDad has made me realize how very much I enjoy doling out free shit. It kinda makes me feel like Santa, sans all the snow and type 2 diabeetus.

Today, in fact, I'll be giving away a free copy of Sci-Fried's brand new CD Future Tense to mark tonight's epic launch party at Orlando's A Comic Shop. Earlier this week I gave said album a glowing review, and I'd like a lucky reader/follower to have the chance to learn firsthand why I dig this band so much.

Entering is easy; just include the hashtag #scifriedrocks in one or more of your tweets today between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM EST. A winner will be chosen based on whatever blend of random chance, exuberance and creativity I decide to employ after the contest is closed, as that is just how I roll. You don't have to follow me or @ me or anything – simply tweet #scifriedrocks. Because they do. They really, really do.

Thanks to the band for the wicked swag, and good luck to all you eager geek rock disciples out there.

Keeping it Rural

Though the unique little career path I have carved out for myself relies heavily on a steady diet of nerd music, the reality of my environment means that I rarely get to experience my favorite geeky acts live. The vast majority of artists that I enjoy, appreciate and promote are simply too far away for me to see regularly, and my own neck of the woods is a bit to insignificant to warrant a lot of tour pass-through.

But that's not to say that the southeast is devoid of nerdy music – in fact far from it. Let's not forget that Florida is the home of not just Nerdapalooza but a cadre of artists as diverse as Marc with a C, Captain Dan and the Scurvy Crew and Random Encounter. Likewise, the hub of Atlanta, Georgia has played a crucial role in the development of important geek-friendly artists like mc chris and Childish Gambino.

In short my region, though likely not as recognized for its achievements as New York or the Pacific Northwest, has done a lot for the nerd music meta-community, and I'm proud. Anyone who knows me understands that I am not one of these southerners with delusions of geographical grandeur – something isn't inherently better simply because it comes from "the South." Still, there are a number of bands that manage to channel both the energy of nerd life and a bit of that fire that is the true southern spirit into their music, and I can't help but respond favorably.

It just so happens that two such acts have brand new releases, both of which have handily worked themselves into my regular play schedule. One is bit-pop/hip-hop fusion from some friends in nearby Charlotte, while the other is triumphant genre-hopper from some of my Floridian brothers.

I first discovered The ThoughtCriminals via MC Frontalot's BBS, one of only a handful of bulletin boards that I still peruse. Mikal kHill and the boys opened for Front and company the last time they passed through our neck of the woods, and since that time TC has become both the lynchpin of local nerdcore live shows and a big supporter of the online community.

Interestingly enough, though they've begun to regularly rep nerdcore their full-blown association with the scene has done little to alter the already established ThoughtCriminals sound. Blending smart, snarky hip-hop lyricism, live instrumentation and chiptunes, it was already a fairly geeky blend of musical elements, so I imagine there's no surprise there.

Much the same can be said for their recently released LP Cold Winter. Building on the original rap stylings explored in their debut and refined throughout the making of their Still Standing EP, this newest effort boasts 10 larger-than-life tracks that touch on everything from gaming to partying to relationships. Along the way the listener is also treated not only to some of the tightest songwriting to date from kHill and Sulfur, but also amazing guest spots from five more of nerdcore's greatest.

"Came to Play Some Jams" kicks things off as a musical mission statement resplendent with an intoxicating blend of bass and blips. This solid intro leads us to "I Remember Now," a spacey, aggressive joint that's practically all hook.

"Return of the Antagonist" shines thanks in no small part to the additional talents of Illbotz's Stevie D. It's a two-minute motor-mouth masterpiece that sees three MCs weaving their way through an airy, minimalist beat, and it serves as the perfect lead-in to "Warp Zone (1-2)." A redux of Still Standing's standout track, it bends atmospheric instrumentals and game allusions to great effect.

Dual Core's int eighty shines on "All the Coins," though that's certainly not to undersell the power of the Sulfur and Mikal's own collective swagger. For new fans of the band this one is a proper entry point, though follow-up "Whirling Dervish" is arguably a stronger overall track. Switching gears a bit from rap to blue-eyed soul, it's personal but never off-putting, and most importantly it reminds us that the 'Criminals are still unafraid of musical experimentation.

"You're Gonna Miss Me" relies on a strong guitar hook and delicate harmony vocals to reflect on change and heartbreak. Lyrically, it's not quite as well delivered as many of the album's other offerings, but it's still an enjoyable experience. "Liquid Happy" changes the tone again with a funky meditation on intoxicants (with a fantastic if brief sojourn into the realm of Star Trek), but "Our Time (featuring Beefy)" brings things back with another slice of personal reflection. Beef's contribution adds another amazing texture to a rock-solid album, and it sets the stage for closer "Earthbound."

Featuring the indubitable talents of both Adam WarRock and Random, "Earthbound" retells the story of its namesake with fire and skill. It's a bit of an odd closer for an album so packed full of bald-faced emotional content, but the execution is so flawless that it's impossible to fault. Turning such a banal topic into a veritable anthem of strength and self-determination may not yet be the hallmark of nerdcore hip-hop, but it certainly deserves to be.

Kicking off with a fun and functional band history lesson and concluding with what is certainly my new favorite Random guest verse, Cold Winter is a new high water mark for The ThoughtCriminals. With songs that are each fully realized stories of musical triumph yet still remain short enough to never overstay their welcome it serves as a textbook example of what a current generation album should be. Perfectly tailored to the band's growing audience of heads and gamers it's an easy recommendation, especially as a name-your-own-price release.

Though they are located in the farthest corner of the region, I likewise consider Florida's Sci-Fried another perfect example of my southern musical brothers. The fact that bassist Sunni Simmons likewise cut his teeth in the Carolina music scene is an easy explanation for my affinity for this outfit, but the truth is I dig Sci-Fried from top to bottom.

Original in concept, eclectic in scope and incomparable on the live stage, Sci-Fried has been at the very forefront of my list of iconic geek rock acts since my first introduction to the band. Melding the bombast of southern-style arena rock with country, metal, comedy and soul, Sci-Fried is undeniably in a class by itself.

Their third studio album, Future Tense, only serves to drive this point home because, while it skews heavily toward the aforementioned elements, it also expands their scope into even more styles and musical concepts. And with the proper album release a scant two says away a review is long overdue.

Future Tense kicks off with the title track. Truthfully it's little more than an intro bumper, but it's a humorous set-up that, while it doesn't always make a ton of narrative sense within the album-proper, does showcase the band's playful side and flair for the dramatic.

"Geek Rock" kicks things off in traditional Sci-Fried style, painting a stark contrast between twee pop and driving blues rock. It helps to define geek rock as a movement and Sci-Fried as its standard bearer. "LV-426" instead brings things solidly back to the realm of fandom music with an Aliens tribute. The vocal interplay between Mike "KSV" Jensen and Dr. Vern is a nice carry-over motif from the previous track, but this is a much darker, denser affair.

"Chosen One" switches things up with a delicate chip intro and a classic console RPG narrative. Though KSV's nerdcore swagger is a tad one-dimensional, he admittedly uses it to great effect. And the fact that the backing track offers up such a tonal change-up really helps to make this one a keeper. Marc with a C's turn on "Foiled Again" likewise helps to power this Legion of Doom tribute track into new territory, and though this one was leaked at last year's Nerdapalooza its properly-layered instrumentation and humorous narrative make it an early highlight.

The transition to "We’re Ready to Believe You" is a tad jarring, but I'm quick to forgive this trespass as this song fills the obvious void of Ghostbusters-themed thrash-funk. Again, the rap stylings don't always seem to be quite within Sci-Fried's wheelhouse, but the band more than makes up for it with heart. "Tech Support," however, powers the band through an incredibly impressive ska-core number that is both unexpected and expertly executed.

Follow-up "Embrace the Darkside" is an appropriately dark Star Wars tale that showcases Vern's powerful pipes, while the moody "Looking Back at Today" ties in well with the premise established by the album opener. It's a smooth piece of Tex-Mex that plays perfectly off cultural mash-up "The Away-Team," another stellar selection that unceremoniously marries Star Trek and the A-Team atop a crunchy metal backing.

"A Silly Song" similarly melds the galloping bassline of Iron Maiden with the humor of Monty Python, and, in an experiment that could have easily proven tragic, manages to come through with flying colors.
"Fifty-One" does the same thing with a vaguely White Zombie-style arrangement and the legendary Area 51, and it does it admirably. Still, it can't help but be diminished by its proximity to the phenomenal country-filk of Firefly tribute "Serenity Lost." Therein the guys once again extend their musical scope, and along the way manage to craft yet another impeccable selection. "Vampires Suck," despite a charming intro and clever use of bell chimes doesn't fare quite as well, but it's an experiment in goth rock that adds another layer to the proceedings.

Future Tense begins its proper wrap-up with the low key "So Far from Home," a dynamic reflection on the Stargate franchise, and the self-explanatory "Evil Dead Guy." There's some nice interplay between the soul of the former and the balls-out rock of the latter, but the most pleasant surprise is the way in which the album takes an 11th hour turn with "Invasion." An elaborate electronic soundscape rooted in the original War of the Worlds broadcast, it closes things out on a high note, once again allowing the listener to revel in the experimental nature Sci-Fried's core aesthetic.

I have long attested that Sci-Fried is greater than the sum of its parts. With Vern's big voice, KSV's sly delivery, Sunni's heavy low-end and co-founders Jim (percussion/keyboard) and Chuck (guitar) serving as artistic tent poles, Sci-Fried is a band where unique personalities and musical backgrounds collide, combine and evolve. Even more so than their earlier efforts, Future Tense drives this message home.

Those in the Orlando area are strongly encouraged to hit up the CD release party this Friday at A Comic Shop. Beer and pizza are provided as is an unforgettable live performance by Sci-Fried and their local allies, and the album itself will be available at a discount. The rest of you are similarly urged to cop it in any form available immediately thereafter. It's a landmark geek rock album that all but demands a prominent place in your collection.

A Magic Missile on My Heart

Lately I've noticed a disproportionate number of female musicians crafting songs about D&D. Okay, admittedly in this context "disproportionate" means >1, but I'd still call that anomalous.

I'm certainly not saying that ladies don't game, nor am I saying that they don't make music. It's just that the overlap on that particular Venn diagram is fairly slim. Or at least it used to be. So here's to positive change!

This one comes to us from Portland duo The Doubleclicks, composed of sisters Angela and Aubrey. They're a self-described "nerd folk" duo heavily inspired by geek rock icons They Might Be Giants, anti-folker Kimya Dawson and nerd troubadour Jonathan Coulton – which certainly comes through in this particular track.

The video below is for the song "This Fantasy World" from their Beta Testing 1-2-3 EP, and it was animated by Brad Jonas. More importantly it is far superior anything Stephen Lynch has ever done. But then again, what isn't?

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 107: Ballyhoo

It's funny the things you notice after a podcast has been completed. For example, the songs in this particular episode contain lots of derogatory terms. I mean lots.

I'm sort of famed – well, as famed as one can be with such a small but loyal listener base – for playing rather ribald content, but I actually considered scrapping this show when I realized how much potentially offensive language was used in the selected tracks. In the end, though, I realized both that most of these songs and artists aren't likely new to you and that you folks tend to have an incredibly thick skin when it comes to musical debauchery.

I mean, how many complaints did I get about mc chris's freaky Japanese maid fetish? Zero.

So I guess what I'm saying is enjoy this episode. In spite of yourself.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 107: Ballyhoo [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 43.6 MB Running Time: 47:40

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
The RFH theme song is 100% free of ethnic slurs and hate speech. Just so you know.

Track 1: Shael Riley and the Double Ice Backfire – "Skyway"
I decided to start the show with Shael's tuneful take on the Apples in Stereo. 

Z's 1st interlude: "Some of the featured tracks are really tight and, moreover, really mellow. While others harsh and loose."
As a result, this one won't likely be judged my best mix. 

Track 2: Fishy – "Game On (~Opening~ Demo)"
I am currently playing Pokemon Black. Obviously, it doesn't fuck with the age old formula, but I gotta admit the first game of the 5th Pokemon generation has some nice new bells and whistles.

Track 3: Mashup-Germany – "Sexy Bitch in Memphis"
The lyrics to "Sexy Bitch" boast some of the most unintentionally hilarious phrases uttered by modern man.

Track 4: The Grammar Club – "No Homo"
There's something about the ham-fisted way in which Beefy's narrator tries to reconnect with his old friend that makes this song more than the simple joke track it could easily be interpreted to be.

Track 5: Untested Methods – "Just Dance"
Untested Methods actually gave you a present for his birthday.

Track 6: The ThoughtCriminals – "Liquid Happy"
Damn – I shoulda saved this one for Drunken Podcasting Month!

Track 7: Voltaire – "The USS Make Shit Up"
Church sent this one my way, and I simply had to share it.

Track 8: A-1 – "Doug (Funnie Bitch)"
Another fine selection from A-1's After School Special.

Z's 2nd interlude: "It's a chiptune interpretation of 'Blood of Cuchulainn.'"
I humbly suggest that you celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a little Shamroctoroc.

Track 9: MagiTek – "Dynamite Kid"
The new Magitek is a lot of fun, but this instrumental in particular hit me just the right way. 

Track 10: mc chris – "IG-88 (killsaly remix)" / Star Wars dialog
killsaly recently followed up his Warrior Class mixtape with the cleverly titled Class Warrior.

Track 11: John Anealio – "Mr. Roboto"
Check out John's new freebie The Robot EP.

Track 12: Benjamin Bear – "Bloodclot"
I know by this time everyone else has already moved onto Ben's new album Tuesday, but there's something to be said for the rough and imprecise nature of Everything Left.

Track 13: Adam WarRock – "Hopeless Savages"
I am also still loving WarRocks' Oni Press Mixtape. My only complaint – needs more Blue Monday and Barry Ween!

Z's final interlude: "I think genres are, as a rule, often more for fans and the media than for the artists themselves."
I have been making a concerted effort not to sermonize of late, but little rants like this sometimes creep out before I can beat them back into submission. 

Track 14: Childish Gambino – "New Prince (Crown on the Ground)"
"Yeah, I stay fly like a pelican / Get new kicks everyday like an ottoman."

I also notice that this episode has some weird audio artifacts – some popping and crackling that I somehow missed in post-production. My voice sounds a tad rough too, although whether that's a legitimate sound issue or the lingering effects of flu is anyone's guess.

Still, if anybody wants to donate to the buy-me-a-new-computer-before-this-one's-totally-fucked fund, feel free.

The late March edition of Radio Free Hipster will likely not come until... well, April. Moreover, it will (hopefully) be my annual Podswap episode. I'm currently trying to convince one of my many talented podcasting peers to helm the show on April 1st, as is tradition.

I have no doubt that you'll be pleased with the outcome, whatever it is.

If We All Chip In

I am incredibly lucky in that A) I live in an area well outside that ravaged by the recent earthquake/tsunami activity and B) all of my friends and acquaintances in said area have been accounted for. Unfortunately, a lot of other folks can't say that.

In the wake of a disaster of this scale people often feel a marked urge to pitch in, to help out. Some would argue that this is a hollow, self-serving gesture to make the more fortunate among us feel better about ourselves, but I believe otherwise. Instead I see it as a function of human nature, both in our eternal struggle to try an exercise order in a chaotic world and as a perfect example of our innate goodwill to strangers fallen on the hardest of times.

There are lots of ways to give, and I'm not gonna tell you which one is the best way. But what I will say is that a number of artists from the global chiptune community are offering their support in the best way they know how, through music.

Pixelh8 and True Chip Till Death are presently pulling together a fundraiser album of chip music in the hopes of raising donations and awareness for the people of Japan – it is, after all, the spiritual and technological home of the chiptune. The crew isn’t collecting any money directly, but they are asking that you give generously in exchange for the album.

Let me state explicitly that, though it is shortly forthcoming, the compilation is not yet available, but that doesn't mean you have to wait to donate via your charity of choice (the Red Cross, for example.) Moreover, if you're a chiptuner interested in contributing to the project, you are likewise encouraged to holler at @pixelh8 and @TCTD for more details.

Thanks for you kind attention, and the very best of wishes to all involved.

Up Chip Creek

I currently have what can only be properly quantified as a metric shit-ton of half-finished album reviews sitting on my hard drive. Staring at me. Accusingly. But today I have elected to ignore their bitter gaze in favor of attending to another issue.

Recently there has been a shift in what I like to term my most-asked-question™. This has historically been a title held by nerdcore-related queries, but the crown has been usurped by a distinctly chiptune-y brand of ephemera. Specifically, people want to know what chip albums I am currently listening too.

Admittedly I am not a chiptune authority – I am much more well versed in the areas of nerdy rock or hip-hop – but, as the Supreme Court said in regards to pornography, I know what I like.

Wait a minute; I think that last bit may be incorrect.

No matter.

It just so happens that three new chiptune albums recently made their way into heavy rotation on my end, so here is the straight poop on the content and location of each.

Videogame Orchestra – BiTBOTiZED
Joe (of Spheres of Chaos fame) always keeps me in the loop re: new Pterodactyl Squad releases, and that netlabel is currently home to the latest and greatest from phenomenal Greek duo Videogame Orchestra. BiTBOTiZED sees the guys recreating some of their favorite 20th century standards via the power of their own ultra lo-fi electronica. From The Blues Brothers to Screamin' Jay Hawkins to Nina Simone, Videogame Orchestra manages to put a distinctly digital face on the iconic music of yesteryear. Best of all, it's free. So get on that shit right now.

Bit_Rat – Alberta EP
While you're perusing the fine wares at Pterodactyl Squad, you'll also wanna cop the frenetic new EP from Canadian chip artist Bit_Rat. Created over the span of a single 15 hour session, the Alberta EP melds old school tech and new school dance beats to honor Rat's homeland in song. The final product rests in a weird stylistic zone between IDM and digital hardcore. An odd juxtaposition, to be sure, but it totally works.


Doctor Octoroc - Shamroctoroc
My final selection comes from none other than my boy Doctor Octoroc. One of many esteemed physicians frequently celebrated here at Hipster, please! – alongside his fellows Dr. Awkward and Doctor Popular – his newest release is a uniquely seasonal affair. Dropped in anticipation of the forthcoming cultural booze-fest known as St. Patrick's Day, it features chiptune covers of classic Irish folk ballads and drinking songs. Unlike the previous selections Shamroctoroc will set you back 6 bones, but it's a small price to pay for 13 tracks of 8-bit Celtic goodness.