Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens and Shit Like That

"Oh balls!"

The crossover into early December is typically when we bloggers put on the cruise control. It's all about gift list this and top ten that, but I (sadly) don't have that luxury.

This year, as in holiday seasons past, I am helming GeekDad's 12 Days of Geekmas giveaway, which means I'm doing even more writing and podcasting than usual. Still, I'm taking it as a personal challenge not to let Hipster, please! fall by the wayside as a result of my professional responsibilities.

While I can't promise an abundance of posts or anything on par with the kind of mega-contest we're hosting over GeekDad-way, I do pledge to you that I'll be using this month to spotlight my favorite artists, tracks and albums of 2010.

Highlights include an interview with one of my favorite hip-hop crews, a feature piece on the south's preeminent geek rockers and, of course, my yearly nerdcore wrap-up. And along the way you'll also get the requisite pair of December podcasts.

You're very much encouraged to share your own picks for 2010's superlative nerdery. Y'know, the kinds of things you remember so that you don't… feel… so bad?

Wow, I extended that Sound of Music thing to an unhealthy level, didn't I?

TV on the Radio (No, Seriously.)

... We'll be riiiiiiiiiight back!

There are few artists with track records as proven as my boy Doctor Octoroc. His always unique concept pieces and all killer, no filler approach to chiptunes have made him a wholly deserving internet legend. From his 8 Bit Jesus holiday album to his amazing interactive YouTube video series based on hit musical comedy Glee, Doc Oct always seem to have just the right release waiting in the wings.

His latest creation, After These Messages, is a 33-track monster inspired by classic television. Theme songs, commercial jingles and even those unforgettable ditties form your favorite game shows are each given the NES-style musical treatment from the good Doctor. And the prognosis is awesome! (See what I did there?)

It's a pay-what-you-want release, which means you can, if I'm understanding this correctly, pay what you want for it. And whatever you pay, I promise it'll be well worth it.

Check out the official project page for more details, and "Like" that bad boy on Facebook to help out with the all-important album promotion.

Still, the question remains: what is next for Doctor Octoroc? My guess is an 8-bit musical based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's highly influential German-language tragedy Faust. But that's just, y'know, me spit-ballin'.