Hipster, please!: +1 blog of nerd music & culture

Give Dangerously

2012-01-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

I have a love/hate relationship with Kickstarter. On the one hand, it's an amazing tool that helps independent artists and creators fund projects with the help of fans, and connecting real fans with innovative and independently-minded acts is something I am all about. On the other, everybody's got one, and it can be a little difficult to hear the call of the truly inspired above all the noise.

Unless you're talking about my boy Marc with a C.

Forgoing the hipster haircuts and impromptu dance numbers that seem all the rage in current Kickstarter information vids, Marc instead went the classic route; he captioned a telenovela.

Fuck yeah, he did!

You got all that, right?

The long and short of it is Marc needs some extra cash to have a painstakingly remastered version of his 2007 opus Normal Bias pressed on vinyl, which any music geek will tell you is the way music was meant to be heard. To that end he is asking for a hand-up, not a hand-out… Wait, no.

Okay, he is asking for a handout, but the payoff is actually pretty sweet. A donation of just 5 bones gets you early access to the digital version of this newly polished album, and bigger spenders can score everything from ultra-rare concert DVDs and personalized CDs to Normal Bias test pressings and his old recording rig. For realsies.

I think you'll agree that it's a more than fair deal. So, if you've got a couple of bucks lying around, why not toss some scratch at your favorite lo-fi popper's favorite lo-fi popper?

Universal Acclaim

2012-01-24T10:41:00.001-05:00

Stevie D is many things. He is the son of a preacher-man. He is an Illbot. He is a friend to the elderly and infirmed. He is a loving husband (to Brandy.) He is a devoted father (to Big Perm and Samson.) He is a Words With Friends hustler. He is my country-brother-from-another-mother. But most importantly he is, along with Beefy and Adam WarRock, one of the "Best Damn Fuckin' Rappers in the Universe."

And here is the proof.

The Humble Hip-Hop Bundle

2012-01-20T11:31:00.002-05:00

Bad-ass flyer by @rusty_shackles

Apparently February is the hot new month in which to tour. I mean, all the cool kids are doing it!

I've already mentioned that next month my boys Adam WarRock and Kirby Krackle will be travelling the west coast, but it's recently been revealed that my other boys Jesse Dangerously and Mikal kHill will be doing the same on this end of the country. Kicking off in Columbia, SC on the 3rd and concluding on the 11th in Worcester, MA, the Humbled to Dust Tour promises to shake the eastern seaboard to its hip-hop core.

Along the way they're also hitting Orlando, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Brooklyn, so expect to see some amazing local talent (not the least of which is the ~~delightful~~ infernal Schaffer the Darklord) showcased as well.

Oh, and as I'll likely miss the Charlotte show – for reasons I'll go into at a later date – y'all be sure to make some extra noise on my behalf for MC Stealth. She's one of our precious few regional lady-rappers, so treat her nice. Which mostly means make the aforementioned noise!

Information Wants to Be Free

2012-01-18T10:51:00.002-05:00

I'm not participating in today's internet blackout because I think anyone with half a brain already understands that what I do here – at a site that promotes acts who sample, remix and, in many cases, pay lyrical tribute to existing songs or properties without permission of the original copyright holders – can't be done in an overly regulated internet. If you dig my blog or podcast, if you love mixtapes or mash-ups or crazy cover songs (AKA: transformative works), then know that legislation like SOPA and PIPA very certainly affects you.

Pirates won't be stopped by content filtering and targeted prosecution, but artists will.

For more insight I'll now turn the floor over to Adam WarRock. When a former lawyer calls something out for "vague legal language, that’s unconstitutional / False pretense of purpose, that’s barely any solution," you know you can't take that shit lightly.

Thesis or the Egg?

2012-01-17T13:24:00.001-05:00

I imagine it's hard for most of us in the States, after the three-day MLK weekend, to get back into the swing of the work week on this sullen Tuesday morning. On a personal note, I'm more than willing to admit that it's a dreary winter day in the Deep South, and I am operating on what I conservatively estimate as four hours of sleep. Ergo, not my best.

After a night of fruitlessly staring at the ceiling trying to figure out what, if anything, was keeping me awake into the wee hours, I was less-than hopeful about my potential productivity. Thankfully, salvation was delivered by the force up North known as Backburner.

The video for the title track from last year's epic release Heatwave was (apparently) uploaded in December, but I didn't discover it until yesterday. That gave the joint just enough time to earworm itself back into the front of my brainpan, and the album proper has once again become the soundtrack du jour.

Thus the day is saved!

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 125: Heavy Mental Parking Lot (Illbotz Special Edition)

2012-01-13T13:02:00.000-05:00

In addition to covering those ever important new developments – I got that breaking nerd news, son! – these first couple of months of the New Year are very much about old business. Therefore my debut podcast of 2012 is centered on an interview I did with my good buddy Stevie D back in December of last year.

It's not your average Q&A piece, and to say that it was the most I've ever laughed during an interview would be a most egregious understatement.

I've "known" Stevie over the internets for a long time, but it wasn't until I was in the same room with him at Nerdapalooza that I realized the lovable goofball that gave us such lyrical gems as "On my grind like my teeth when I had TMJ / And if you like it put a ring on it, Beyonce" isn't just some stage-face; that's honestly Stevie D. All the time.

The skits that you hear on an Illbotz record are really just him and Perm and Samson and the crew doing what they do – tellin' jokes and havin' fun. They are, like J.Lo before them, real.

This was a revelation that I found… well, refreshing. And I feel fortunate to have been able to participate in such a similarly enjoyable (if unpredictable) exchange.

I hope you dig it too.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 125: Heavy Mental Parking Lot (Illbotz Special Edition) [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 64.9 MB Running Time: 49:07 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah - "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Other titles I considered for this episode included "Cracker's Delight," "Maxi Pad Confessions" and simply "Deliverance."

Track 1: Illbotz - "Illbotz Rock the Spot and Go Crazy"
This epic track from their latest, Pudding Is Delicious, is also the 'Botz's go-to set opener.

Track 2: Tribe One – "Single Player (Original)"
I'm not sure if it exactly qualifies as "slept on," but this was one of the best – if generally unremarked upon – songs of 2011.

Track 3: Illbotz – "Doo Doo Def"
From 2007's phenomenal Ringtones for Rotary Phones, my first proper Illbotz album experience.

Track 4: Illbotz – "My Crown (Feat. Poe Mack)"
This one actually closes out Pudding is Delicious, and I've been waiting for just the right time to unleash it upon the RFH audience.

Track 5: Illbotz – "A Thousand Shades of Awesome"
Yet another fun, silly sex jam from Illbotz, circa 2006.

Track 6: Beefy – "Outlaw"
Beef is both an outlaw and a Vampire Hunter! #multiclass

Track 7: Illbotz – "It's Illbotic (feat. Dred)"
Wait; did I play this one before on a podcast? Maybe in its remixed form? I think so, but Google seems to disagree.

Track 8: Illbotz – "I Miss You Money (Witcha Dead Ass) (feat. Sarah G Of The Wading Girl)"
Is it weird that I followed up Stevie naming Perm his "favorite living Fat Boy" with a song about his untimely death? Yeah, probably.

Track 9: Adam WarRock – "Gundam Wings & Fries (feat. P. Longest)"
Yes, I would gladly do a Diet Coke shot in a giant robot. You'd be surprised how often that question comes up.

Track 10: Illbotz – "Intro: The Finaler Countdown"
Stevie D and Big Perm are my boys and all, but DJ Samson really commands the stage at an Illbotz's show.

Track 11: Illbotz – "There's No Stoppin' Us (Or is There?)"
How do you end an episode peppered with ridiculous dialog from me and Stevie? With a joint that samples that song from Breakin' of course!

In a world where hip-hop has lost its sense of humor, I think Illbotz are the solution, the antidote. I mean, these guys are my friends and all, but, before we ever got to that point of hanging around drinking PBRs and talking shit, I approached them as a true fan impressed by their willingness to be funny even if they knew it might turn off some hardcore heads.

It just so happens that they liked what I was doing as well. Which is nice.

Like Stevie says in this show, it's great to be able to associate with talented performers, but when they are also pleasant, genuine, down-to-earth people it helps so much. It makes you thankful to be a part of a proper artistic community.

Lots of bands sweat things like being labeled a "comedy act" or being attached to a term like nerdcore, as if the words that others pin to their work somehow have more weight than the art itself, but not Illbotz. They do what they do in whatever manner they deem fit, and their sole focus – both in the booth and on the stage – seems to be firmly focused on fun. Theirs and the audience's.

I can't think of any nobler endeavor to undertake.

Epic Crossover Event

2012-01-10T13:49:00.000-05:00

Fate is a cold, cruel mistress. How else can you explain today's announcement that Kirby Krackle and Adam WarRock – two of my most favoritist acts of ever – are touring together next month... but only on the fucking opposite side of the country?

So while I drown my sorrows with cheap table wine and a third re-reading of Animal Man #5, peep the following press release:

In the past 3 years of touring comic book conventions all over the the country resulting in four albums and a tour in Australia in 2011, KIRBY KRACKLE has become one of the top nerd-rock bands in the genre creating a grass roots movement of music revolving around their unique brand of songs about the comic characters, video games, and the pop-culture we love. This past summer the band released their new album, Super Powered Love as well as the punkish The Watcher; a song written for and soon to be released by MARVEL COMICS.

Co-headling the tour is ADAM WARROCK, who in just 3 years has become a well-known, musically prolific, and respected name in the genre of nerd-core and indie rap off the success of The Browncoats Mixtape, and having just completed a 3 month tour with MC LARS and MC CHRIS. This trip marks his first headlining tour on the west coast.

(Okay, it doesn't explicitly state that "Booty do Math" will be performed each night, but hope springs eternal. Right?)

Proper dates and a handy-dandy venue list are available for your perusal. And if you happen to be near any of these tour stops, please promise me that you'll do your part to help my boys have a great time in your burg.

You lucky, lucky bastards.

These Are the Days

2012-01-06T14:59:00.000-05:00

Last month I discovered that news travels fast in the brony community. Likewise I was reminded, that those folks are, above all else, gracious. So, y'know, thanks for all that traffic and the all kind words, bronies!

And while I imagine everypony has already heard about this one, those of you that don't have an army of the MLP-faithful bending your ear toward the new sounds of Equestria may have missed a recent fan-centered mash-up release.

Discord Days is a full 20 minutes of Gorillaz's Demon Days cast against music and dialog from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic from YouTuber and veritable geek-of-all-trades Psycosis. It's provided as a free download as both a continuous mix and cut into 15 bite-sized pieces. Whatever's your pleasure.

Give the embed below a gander to try this ambitious project on for size, and much love to my pal Jarod for passing this one my way!

New Year, New You

2012-01-04T14:17:00.000-05:00

It's officially been 2012 for a few days now, but I've had trouble pulling together a proper new blog post as I have been playing Skyrim very busy doing super important stuff and in no way goofing off. Since this is my first piece of the year, I kinda felt as though it should be both indicative of the one we just left behind and – how shall I say? – prophetic of the 12 months to come. And thus it seemed rather fitting that I present some new hotness from two of the biggest movers/shakers of 2011.

The first serving of awesome is from none other than our pal Mega Ran. It's a distinctly old school video for Mega Ran 10 joint "Lookin' Up." That's a song that I recently cited as one of the most important single tracks of the year, as well as a new personal favorite from Random's always satisfying repertoire.

The second is a new track from my brother Adam WarRock. It's the debut single (and de facto teaser) from Euge's upcoming release You Dare Call That Thing Human?!? While the full album is slated to drop on February 13, you can enjoy "616," resplendent with lyrical allusions to Marvel's prime continuity, right the fuck now.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://adamwarrock.bandcamp.com/track/616-radio-edit"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;616 (Radio Edit) by Adam WarRock&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Year of the Horse

2011-12-30T09:29:00.000-05:00

I am a creature of habit. I toss out phrases like "regular feature" and "annual tradition" a lot around here, and that's because these things, in their own weird little way, give me hope. The fact that this blog has been around long enough for me to have go-to pieces reminds me of how fortunate I am to still be able to do this.

I don't write full-time, I haven't yet arrived at that ultimate blessing/curse of doing what I love to do as my for-real employment, but Hipster, please! and, to a greater extent, my work at GeekDad has allowed me to supplement my income by actually doing something I dig. And I have you to thank for that.

'Cause it's what I do. I'm a thanker.

It's also *ahem* tradition that in this year-end wrap-up I thank longtime backers like Jason, Matt and Church (AKA: The Shadow Council), faithful supporters like Larry and Chris and Jarod, and new-found homies like Euge and kHill.

Which I guess I kinda just did.

It's also required that I hem and haw over what were the standout releases of the year, and this time around that's even more problematic than usual. I mean, I reckon I have my top spot reserved for either Kirby Krackle's Super Powered Love or Supercommuter's Products of Science depending on which way the wind blows at any given moment. But with stiff competition from (aforementioned homeboys) Adam WarRock and Mikal kHill, The Bossfights' phenomenal debut full-length, Illbotz hilarious Pudding is Delicious, that brilliant Weird Al tribute album and significant major label showings from old favorites like Anthrax, there really are no losers in this race.

But what I do most in this little year-ender is spotlight one particular geek that set the tone for the previous 12 months. Sometimes I single out a long-established musical innovator. Other times I point toward the future of our tribe. Mostly, though, I cheap out and pick a whole group of people as my "nerd of the year."

Which I'm about to do now.

As nerd culture becomes pop culture, fandom, long our secret, hidden shame, becomes our currency. Whether in a bar or at the supermarket, I'm just as likely to hear cats rattling off baseball stats as passionately discussing Galactica, and that's an interesting paradigm shift. But, lest you fear that this wholesale adoption of nerddom will somehow sour your loser-makes-good victory of brains over bros, let me point out that 2011's most potent, virulent and widely remarked upon flavor of fandom came from a very unlikely source.

Over the past several months, as the brony ranks have continued to swell, I've heard their little enclave often damned and even more so observed with a sort of stunned journalistic silence. But while I can't claim to be one of them – my casual association with the property likely paints me more as at most a "brony sympathizer" – I am here to say that they are no more confounding (or annoying) than any group of motivated Trekkies, Browncoats, Wrock kids, Juggalos or Volunteers fans. They merely represent a new breed of fanboys that are less afraid to let their geek flag fly, even when it does so in the face of the traditional trappings of masculinity.

In a culture where gender roles are so ingrained that we almost refuse to think about them, the idea of men in their 20s and 30s latching onto a "girl's TV show" for no other reason than they recognize its artistic merits gives me renewed hope. Sure, nerd life has long existing in a space that often avoids some common masculine pursuits – sports, to use one stereotypical example – but the idea of men willfully embracing a series aimed at females represents a small but significant shift.

If nerdism stands for anything, it's the dogged refusal to put away childish things. It's a willingness to cling to the joys and wonder of youth even as we feel ourselves getting older. We are eternal adolescents, reminders that one can grow old without ever growing up. This is personally liberating, but the larger specter of gender disparity stills haunts us as a group.

If we are ever to get past not only our own culturally propagated sexism but that of the greater world around us, we must learn to avoid our own long-laid traps. If we're to raise our daughters to understand that chemistry and coding and Call of Duty are as much within their realm as that of their brothers, then we need to set examples. Even minuscule ones. If we're ever to make the words "geek girls" – surely as buzz-worthy a phrase as "steampunk" or "dubstep" was in 2011 – an obsolete relic of our divided past, then we have to change the way we allow our culture to be defined, from within as much as from without.

A violently promiscuous new Catwoman or a line of fem-LEGOs don't represent steps forward for our nerd sisters; they stand out as further examples of our general miscalculation of what the women, young and old, in our midst both desire and deserve. And if a group of a dozen dudes getting together and combing the ~~hair~~ manes of their pony dolls while talking about the symbolic importance of The Wonderbolts can ever so slightly nudge us in the direction of a community that's somehow a little less dependent on bullshit gender identification – many bronies even refuse to differentiate between male and female members, eschewing the designation of "pegasister" altogether – and a bit more welcoming to nerds of all genders, backgrounds or orientations, then I say go the fuck on, bronies.

You go the fuck on.

In 2011 bronies made news and music and memes and, yes, waves, and they did it all for the love of a cartoon. And if that ain't nerdcore, then I don't know what is.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 124: The Closer

2011-12-28T11:51:00.000-05:00

Ah, the final podcast of 2011. You've been a longtime coming.

(That's what she said!)

I always try and pull double duty with my year-end show. I want it to showcase some great cuts from the previous 12 months that I neglected to play at the time of their release, but I also want it to give you a little dose of party music for your New Year's debauchery.

Hopefully this show fits both bills.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 124: The Closer [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 61.4 MB Running Time: 47:00 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Who will you kiss at midnight: Beefy or Spellah? We got some Mystery Date shit goin' on over here, y'all!

Track 1: Jonathan Coulton - "Sticking it to Myself"
JoCo is the man now. Thus the sticking it to himself.

Z's 1st interlude: "Nerdy thrashers."
I finally got to see Anthrax play live this year. Achievement unlocked.

Track 2: Anthrax - "Earth on Hell"
I can't imagine the refrain of "so say we all" was included by mere happenstance.

Track 3: Community dialog / POWERLIFTER - "Level 14 (PANTHERHAMMER)"
Let me tell you what POWERLIFTER digs: parenthetical subtitles.

Track 4: The Bossfights - "Eye of the Rising Sun"
An amazing cut from a wonderful album.

Track 5: KABUTO THE PYTHON - "My Baby Left Me (for Skyrim) [feat. STD]" / Skyrim dialog
KABUTO's got them gamer rap blues!

Track 6: Threv - "SMW (Ghost House B-Boys Mix)"
Nophi's Eightest Bits is a freebie download over at Bandcamp. Get on that shit.

Track 7: Wugazi - "Nowhere To Wait"
"Hittin' straight to the chest like a Primatene mist!"

Z's 2nd interlude: "My favorite movie of the year."
If you haven't seen The Muppets yet you are part of the problem.

Track 8: Kobi LaCroix - "CNR"
Twenty-Six and a Half is a fitting tribute to the king of comic geek rock.

Track 9: Parry Gripp - "Do You Like Arby's?"
Yes, Parry. Yes I do.

Track 10: Ken Ashcorp - "20% Percent Cooler"
Our final brony track of 2011 isn't a remix of the show's original soundtrack.

Track 11: Helen Arney -"Animals (feat. Professor Elemental)"
Yep, that's chap-hop legend Professor Elemental backing up Helen on this comically erotic little number.

Track 12: Kirby Krackle - "In Another Castle"
Admittedly, this one's a bit similar to their classic "Zombie Apocalypse," but it's still a delightful musical romp.

Track 13: Adam WarRock & Mikal kHill - "Out of Gas (feat. Jesse Dangerously)"
The Browncoats Mixtape is also free. I can't imagine you haven't already snatched this one up.

Z's final interlude: "Before SOPA kicks in and shit like that is punishable by death."
That is merely a slight exaggeration.

Track 14: "Weird Al" Yankovic -"Party in the CIA"
Longtime listeners may remember that I ended my first show of 2010 with a "Party in the USA" mash-up. There's an odd symmetry there. Possibly symbolic, even.

That's all I've got left in me for the year, folks.

I mean, you'll probably get my year-end review post – wherein I choose my nerd o' the year – later this week, but musically I am spent. I'm an old man, internet.

You may notice some (amateurish) scratching on a couple of dialog samples in this episode. I bought my 6-year-old an ION Discover DJ rig for Christmas, so I figured I'd play with it myself a bit. Perhaps I will continue to experiment until I'm actually passable at such things. Or maybe I'll never touch it again.

Only time will tell. And at this point we have nothing but time.

Peace, Goodwill

2011-12-20T12:18:00.001-05:00

Some would argue that I've already had my say regarding holiday music for this season, but fuck those people! (Seriously, those people are dicks.)

The rest of you – you fine, decent individuals – already know that I've once again given my yuletide musical recommendation to the classic holiday chiptunes of Doctor Octoroc and 8 Bit Weapon/Computeher. By this point their 8 Bit Jesus and It's a Chiptune Holiday releases are practically a part of my own Christmas tradition.

Similarly this year I shined the festive light on both Helen Arney's phenomenal It's Going to Be an Awkward Christmas, Darling and Kyle Steven's exquisite reinterpretation of "Christmas Bells." But before we hunker down for the holiday's long haul I'd also like to point out two more of my favorites.

My good friend and infrequent co-conspirator John Anealio has just made his holiday EP Seasons Geekings free for a limited time over at Bandcamp. It includes his delightful "Batman Smells (A Rebuttal)" as well as epic ~~Hannukah~~ ~~Channuka~~ ~~Chewbacca~~ Hanukkah jam "Is a Chupacabra Kosher?"

Also free from the camping of the bands is today's brand new Christmas release from the great Kirby Krackle. It's a rocked up rendition of "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and it's Kyle and Jim's 2011 Holiday Single.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://kirbykrackle.bandcamp.com/album/rudolf-the-red-nosed-reindeer-2011-holiday-single"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer 2011 Holiday Single by Kirby Krackle&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Bambi Meets Godzilla

2011-12-19T10:23:00.000-05:00

By all rights I should be at home enjoying my Christmas vacation today – it's one of the perks of working in education – but instead I am at the office. Mostly because there's work to be done, and, truth be told, I'd rather save a few of these leave days for a time next year when the streets aren't choked with shoppers and I can actually, y'know, do stuff.

But as I sit here installing a crap-tillion system updates to my old video editing machine, I can't help but think of the new visual hotness from my pals Illbotz. Their latest music video is for the track "Dinosaur, Dinosaur" from 2011's Pudding is Delicious.

It's one of my favorite songs of the year, so as these last few days of December slip away I reckon this vid makes for a suitably epic closer.

Enjoy, my little Velociraptors.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 123: Merry Xmix

2011-12-15T13:59:00.000-05:00

It's mid-December, and that means it's time for my own little holiday episode of RFH.

I imagine many of you – particularly those in the States who've been forced to listen to it in department stores for a month already – don't care much for Christmas music, and newcomers might be eyeing this show suspiciously. Let me just assure you that I'm already sick of goddamn holiday-themed radio rabble, and this regular feature is my antidote.

I find the weirdest, wildest, dorkiest songs, and I wrap 'em up just for you.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 123: Merry Xmix [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 66.2 MB Running Time: 50:50 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Well, in Whoville they say that Beefy's heart grew three sizes that day.

Z's 1st interlude: "My annual holiday show."
It's my own little Christmas tradition.

Track 1: Illbotz - "Cold Chillin' Wit Jesus (Feat. Sequoya)"
Stevie D is the reason for the season.

Track 2: Troy and Abed - "Christmas Infiltration"
"I am Jehovah's most secret witness!"

Track 3: the great Luke Ski - "Black Friday"
The first of three FuMpers to make the cut in this year's ep.

Track 4: Community dialog / Square Wail - "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"
From Square Wail's new freebie A Merry Christmas.

Track 5: Andrew W.K. - "Silent Night"
Thanks to Dave the Knave for the request.

Track 6: Devo Spice - "Lean Christmas"
Okay, admittedly things get a tad bit depressing here.

Track 7: Doctor Octoroc - "Icarus! the Angels Sing"
Probably my current favorite from Doc's 8 Bit Jesus.

Track 8: Random (Mega Ran) - "Snow Business"
Be sure to cop Random's new Christmas-themed project as well.

Track 9: DJNoNo - "BlacKmasDub"
There are actually a couple of DJNoNo's. This one's my internet homeboy Tim of Radio Clash fame.

Z's 2nd interlude: "Our journey into the twisted heart of the holiday season."
Which probably would have made a much better episode title.

Track 10: Jonathan Coulton - "Christmas is Interesting"
I never realized how many damn Christmas songs JoCo has!

Track 11: 8 Bit Weapon & ComputeHer - "Greensleeves (What Child Is This)"
It's a Chiptune Holiday is currently a buck at Bandcamp.

Track 12: Big D & the Kids Table - "Christmas in Allston"
I actually found this one a while back thanks to a holiday mash-up comp, and I thought we could do with a Run DMC homage this time around.

Track 13: Abed - "Sad Quick Christmas Song"
From "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas."

Track 14: Smashy Claw - "Chuck Norris is Coming to Town"
An unexpected seasonal delight.

Track 15: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Soundtrack - "Winter Wrap Up (The Living Tombstone's Remix)"
I think we all know who asked for this one. ;)

Z's final interlude: "I reckon family is what it's all about anyway."
Perhaps my most profound seasonal musing of ever.

Track 16: Helen Arney - "Traditional Family Christmas Argument"
Helen's It's Going to Be an Awkward Christmas, Darling is required yuletide listening.

I am presently torn between doing my usual end-of-the-year shit-I-missed wrap-up or a dedicated Illbotz show using the audio from my interview with Stevie D from earlier this month. Not sure which way the wind will ultimately blow, but whichever doesn't hit at the end of this year will surely kick off the next.

In the event that I lead with the former as opposed to the latter, feel free to hit me up with your tops tracks of the year. Particularly if they're songs I haven't yet featured.

Old Familiar Carols Play

2011-12-13T14:07:00.000-05:00

It never fails; I sit down to edit my holiday podcast, and somebody choses that exact moment to drop a dope-ass new Christmas song. Curse you, Kyle Stevens!

In other news, my good pal Kyle Stevens (of Kirby Krackle fame) released a dope-ass new Christmas song that you probably oughta check out. Even though his timing fills me with eye-bloodying rage.

It's a solo acoustic arrangement of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," a traditional carol that I only recently came to realize is based on a poem by Longfellow. The Carpenters' version was a staple of my own childhood – my mom's a vocalist, and Karen Carpenter has long been one of her favorite singers – and it seems as though the song has particular significance for Kyle as well.

It's a free download, so cop that sucker and put it into your holiday rotation.

&amp;lt;a href="http://kylestevens.bandcamp.com/album/christmas-bells-holiday-single-2011"&amp;gt;Christmas Bells - Holiday Single 2011 by Kyle Stevens&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Queen City Rules

2011-12-09T14:41:00.001-05:00

Stevie-devie-me!

It's the holiday season, and that means that a number of festive projects over at my payin' gig have been eating into my writing time. (Speaking of, you can still enter today – Friday the 9th – to win one of 5 DSi XL/Kirby Mass Attack bundles, and on Monday we kick off our massive 12 Days of Geekmas giveaway. Get one that, son!)

Basically this means I've been neglecting the old Hipster, please! over the past few days, and I apologize.

It's been particularly trying for me because, in addition to a dozen or so album reviews sitting half-finished in my Dropbox, there's something I desperately want to talk about. That thing is last weekend's southeastern nerdcore mini-tour. I've already waxed poetic about the personal significance of these shows, and I'll go on record as saying that Saturday's gig at the World Famous Milestone in Charlotte was the musical highlight of my year.

Adam WarRock said something to me at that show that was so clear and accurate that it still rings in my ears. Concerning the Milestone, an esteemed punk club and venerated southern dive bar, he noted that it's the one venue that is always willing to give you a great show, providing you as a performer put in the work to meet it halfway.

All these guys held up their end of the bargain, and they all reaped the rewards.

The night started off… well, technically the night started off with everyone eating dinner at Pinky's, but I'll fast-forward through that part for your convenience. The show started with special guest Keysa Soulsay, a glorious staple of the nebulous and rather stylistically fragmented Queen City hip-hop scene. His sets are always interesting affairs, as his calculated flow and tightly timed setlist contrast sharply with his conversational delivery and the effortlessly intellectual slant of his lyrical content.

Illbotz were up next, and if you managed to catch them at this summer's Nerdapalooza then you already know their performance plays out kind of like a house party on the short bus. This was no exception, and if anything I had a hard time believing the boys weren't on their own home turf. The crowd loved them, and, with a set peppered with all my favorites from Ringtones for Rotary Phones and Pudding is Delicious (including one very special request), they owned that shit.

It's like Where's Waldo? up in here.

Dual Core's int eighty – the artist that I've known the longest and, likely as a direct result, have seen play live most often – started his performance with preferred opener "Invaders Must Die." He too hit all the fan favorites from "My GF Is..." and "Hostage Down" to "Natural 20s," but for me an int eighty show is always about the surprises. His cypher, featuring Keysa and Tribe One, was particularly satisfying, as was the dubstep-y "All Fall Down" which included, if I'm not mistaken, a dash of Dual Core classic "Orbit." The most remarkable thing about eighty, though, was his boundless energy. Always an on-stage dynamo, the guy manages to not only push that supernatural vigor through his own set, but kept it going for the entire 3 hour gig!

Adam WarRock and Tribe One have only recently wrapped up mc chris's massive Race Wars tour – and Adam himself has continued living that musical migrant lifestyle by doing a string of one-off city shows ever since – but neither of them showed any signs of road wear. Both these cats are still obviously hungry, and a set packed with fresh new material from WarRock's "616" to Tribe's divine "Single Player" managed to stand out even alongside all these other amazing acts. Tribe's comfort level on the stage mirrors his offstage approachability, and the lyrical aggression evident in an Adam WarRock performance is at last bleeding over into his new studio cuts. Add to this expert implementation of guest stars in the form of eighty on "Nerd Corps" and kHill on a pair from the epic Browncoats Mixtape, and you begin to understand the power of their performance.

Closing out the night were hometown heroes The ThoughtCriminals. I've been following these guys for going on two years now, and the thing that strikes me about the 'Criminals is how they're continually refining their craft. The band has downsized, it's gotten leaner, but the sound itself seems bigger and more cohesive. This was on full display last Saturday. On everything from fresh new joints like "Walking in the Wasteland" – the latest from Sulfur that showcases his lyrical dark side, a character I've come to call Dark Sean – to sing-along geek-outs like "Turtle Power," it was an amazing showing. By the time the guys got to the star-studded second half of the set featuring rager "Return of the Antagonist," new school nerd anthem "ONLYFAM" and the always astounding "Earthbound," the floor was pretty much in chaos.

If you missed this spectacle, then I feel bad for you. There was no point in the night that I wished to be anywhere else but at that show with those people, and as crazy as shit got as the show progressed it was always a very warm, welcoming and supportive environment. If you missed it, that just sucks.

But take heart; I actually managed to bootleg the whole thing, save the first few seconds of Soulsay's very first verse. If the guys are cool with it, and if I can find time to properly tag and edit this monster, maybe I'll make it available to those who'd like to check it out. In the meantime, here's just a sample of the evening's festivities.

It's "Illbotz Rock the Spot and Go Crazy," and it, like the show itself, lives up to the name.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 122: Head Down or Chin Up

2011-11-30T09:40:00.002-05:00

It seems as though I've been doing a lot of these shows lately: episodes wherein I desperately try to raise my own spirits through the power of music. I'm not exactly sure what that says about my mental wellbeing, but it's probably nothin' good.

Still, if I can somehow manage to squeeze even a little enjoyment for you the listener out of my whiny-ass angst, then at least it's good for something.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 122: Head Down or Chin Up [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 58.6 MB Running Time: 45:38 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Track 1: Adam WarRock - "I Am (Not)"
This joint has served as Adam's opener during his past few shows. Really hoping he kicks off with it this Saturday in Charlotte.

Z's 1st interlude: "My very, very favorite people."
I'm serious, y'all, this is like my dream tour lineup!

Track 2: Mikal kHill & Romero Shaw - "ONLYFAM (feat. Adam WarRock, Sulfur & Tribe One)"
I've always liked the way kHill writes, but I gotta say I find the chorus of this track particularly satisfying.

Track 3: Insane Ian - "Say Accio"
Ian's Weezard EP has been a long time coming. Songs like this one make me happy it finally managed to make its way to the masses.

Track 4: Harry Potter dialog / Dedicated Servers - "S.O.S. (Save Our Selves)"
Minister Rufus Scrimgeour -- always the politician!

Track 5: Echelon High - "Voigt-Kampff (Antisoc All-Your-Blades-Are-Belong-to-Us Remix)"
Soc sent me this track a long time ago, but I only recently thought to ask for play permission. Yes, believe it or not I do sometimes do the honorable thing and ask acts before I play their shit.

Track 6: Wordburglar - "Forward Front Facer"
"I laugh when people ask if I'm nerdcore. / If you ain't smart what you listenin' to 'Burg for?"

Z's 2nd interlude: "A glimmer of light from… an adjacent tunnel."
Okay, admittedly I can sometimes turn a phrase.

Track 7: I Fight Dragons - "Down Today"
This was one of those unexpected covers that just served to remind me why I loved IFD in the first place.

Track 8: General Mumble - "Gator in the Tub"
The brony community goes out of its way to rep all the MLP characters, even lesser known critters like Gummy.

Track 9: Mikey Mason - "Me and Alan Moore's Beard"
This track runs a little long, but it's just so damned enjoyable!

Tack 10: Alan Moore interview dialog / Rae Sterling - "Blink (and I'm There)"
The bass mix in this one was a little funky, and that led to some leveling issues. Still, it's a brilliant track that I definitely wanted to share.

Z's final interlude: "Whatever kinda shit you're handling as well."
Whenever I feel down I try and remember that other people are likely struggling too. It does little to put things in perspective, but there's something about misery and company.

Track 11: Random - "Lookin' Up"
I'll go on record as saying that this is probably the ideal Random song; with a soulful hook, an uplifting message and a strong chiptune backing, it's got it all.

We only have two more shows left in 2011. The next one will, of course, be holiday-inspired, but my year-end episode is pretty open. I mean, just in case y'all wanna make any song or theme suggestions.

I don't typically look back at previous shows until year's end, and I was honestly a little surprised by my output this time around. I think the past 11 months have seen some of my best work to date. Of course that's just my own opinion, which may or may not be rooted in reality.

At any rate, I hope you've enjoyed 'em, and that you'll stick around for more.

Hugging it Out

2011-11-29T14:26:00.000-05:00

Some people you just can't help but like. Such is the case with Marc with a C.

I can't quite recall when I first made his acquaintance, but I just remember feeling an immediate sense of connection.

Marc Sirdoreus is, to put it most plainly, my kind of people. There's something to be said for knowing that there's a guy out there who can, at the drop of a hat, help me track down a digital version of The Figgs Lo-Fi at Society High, and that there's at least one other person totally perplexed that only 8 tracks from the super pricey Deluxe-Director's-Cut-I-am-the-Fuckin'-Sea-Box-Set-Special-Edition of Quadrophenia were remixed in 5.1.

We just connect like that.

Yet for all our kinship, I've never actually interviewed Marc. And that was at least one ill that I could easily set right.

--

I think you and I have been talking music – favorite bands and must-have albums and the like – for as long as we've known each other. But, for the sake of proper interview decorum, who are your primary influences as a songwriter?

I'm not sure that my answers will be terribly surprising, but here they are. As far as general composition and patterns go, Pete Townshend is the almighty number one of my list of influences. He's the guy that showed me how important it was to serve the needs of the song before your own, even if that means simplifying when you don't want to, or maybe relying on instrumentation that might not necessarily be what you'd listen to in your own spare time. Thanks to being a student of his work, I realized that even though I made up the songs, I was just a vessel for them, and the audience is going to do whatever they want with the tunes. For example, I'm usually not writing to be humorous, but if it makes the listener laugh, then that's probably what the song was meant to do. The song is king. In Pete's case, the average listener of classic rock radio might not realize that "Bargain" and "Let My Love Open the Door" are respectively about and from the perspective of god. Most people don't get that "Won't Get Fooled Again" is about political apathy. And fewer people yet will realize that "Baba O'Riley" started off its life being more or less from the point of view of futuristic farmers. The songs are meant to be what the audience makes of them, and it's pointless to fight it, so you might as well do what the song demands of you.

Beyond Townshend? The Monkees were huge to me. So was pre-1973 Pink Floyd. A good portion of my classic country worship comes from Hank Williams. The jangly side is probably derived from The Lemonheads. You can trace most of my influences in vocal harmony to the first three Duran Duran albums, and... okay, well I guess it might be kind of a surprise that I would equally count Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper amongst those ranks. Especially Alice. He's one of the most underrated songwriters around, and when it comes to showmanship, he's impossible to fuck with. But the biggest inspiration with Alice Cooper was that after a certain point, he started writing from the perspective of "what would Alice do next," recognizing that he was serving a character, a mythos, and it was best to write for that person's performing capabilities. In that sense, Alice Cooper might be just as important to me as good ol' Pete.

With 10 years' worth of albums, EPs and crazy-ass cover projects under your belt, you've got a rather expansive repertoire. Is there a single track or release that you look back on with particular pride? A lone piece that truly captures what Marc with a C is all about?

Wow, you're just leaping right out of the gate into the tough questions, Z!

(You know I don't fuck around, Marc! :P)

A lot of answers come to mind, but I think the album that to me perfectly encapsulates the best examples of me having an idea, writing it, recording it and keeping it relatively close to how I initially thought it'd turn out? That would unquestionably be my 2007 album Normal Bias. Not only do I love the sound and pacing of it, but I think that all of the songs are really good (most of the eleven songs still show up in my shows quite often, especially "Classic Country Wasn't Multitracked In '61," "Drunk Classic Rock Fans" and "Happy to Be Alive.") I still fantasize about one day getting that release out on vinyl, but I'm too afraid that there's not enough interest in it and I'd be left with a house packed to the ceiling with large unsold reminders that my best album isn't what people want. Sob.

I think if you had to boil it even further down to just one song? I'd be hard-pressed to even pretend that it isn't "I'm In Love with Everyone I Know". Especially the version that is on the RetroLowFi compilation. Usually I'll introduce it during live shows as "everything you need to know about Marc With a C in under four minutes."

2010's Pop! Pop! Pop! marked your first foray into the realm of purely digital recording. Was that a particularly difficult transition for you, what with the old school, lo-fi aesthetic of your work up to that point?

Oh my god, yes. I simply didn't get it at all, but I knew that there were different frequencies that I could be playing with, and I forced myself through learning as much as I could about digital recording in the shortest amount of time possible. The main reason for the jump into digital was not ease (or being sick of broken four-tracks), but really a rather boring one: I'm very hard of hearing, and it was sometimes easier to make edits visually rather than trusting my surgically damaged ears. But now I really enjoy it, and I'm digging that I can stack as many vocal harmonies as my sound card will allow me to play at once without any generational loss.

Getting back to the initial point, though? I was so far in the weeds making Pop! Pop! Pop! that I didn't realize that the initial batch of mp3's that I'd sent out were at 48000 hz, making it play at the wrong speeds on some players. And I never, ever got the mastering of that one properly for digital listening. When it finally came out on vinyl, it sounded so comparatively full and seamless that a few fans actually emailed to ask if I'd re-recorded certain parts. I didn't do that, of course, but even when recording digitally, my head and ears still clearly only think and understand music in terms of analog frequency response.

That released differed greatly from your follow-up full-length Motherfuckers Be Bullshittin', which was a modern day concept album. What was the impetus of that album?

In late 2010, I'm in the car with my wife, and we're debating how on earth I can fit the songs I'd written for the next album together in the same package without making it as schizophrenic as the demo collection we were listening to was coming across. I mean, there's a very misogynistic track called "You're My Princess," songs about technological paranoia, all of these cryptic lyrics, and even a tune about flossing. It was starting to seem more like a mixtape than an album, and I didn't know what direction I needed to go in to make it all come together. All of a sudden, I blurt out an idea so bad that I'm almost embarrassed to have come up with it: make a rock opera based on The Jerk, but this one would be a sequel that (much like the very fairly maligned film The Jerk, Too) was about a different Navin altogether.

That idea quickly (and thankfully) proved to be less than workable (or good), but the seeds were there. Instead, I just kept writing and editing and eventually let the songs dictate what story should be told. Eventually I just started imagining that the songs were the experiences of the subjects of the first song I'd written for the album, "Brian, Jenny & The Mayan Calendar." This made it easier, writing for the actions of characters instead of from a personal vantage point, and then I was free to run headlong into making the album a secret catalyst for spouting off my own spiritual beliefs.

Plus, it made for a pretty striking album cover, no?

I must ask, Marc; how were the truths of The Great Squiddy revealed to you? Were there any golden plates involved (a la Joseph Smith)?

No, no... nothing quite so insane. I was actually alerted to the coming of our Great Wet One via a Facebook event invite.

I've been on a spiritual quest my entire life. No matter how insane your religious beliefs might sound to the average guy, I'll probably sit down and listen to you with rapt attention. I love to learn about the faith that serves as a moral compass getting you through your day. I've worn many religious hats in my day, and I spent most of my life believing that there is no right or wrong god to worship, as long as nobody got hurt.

It turns out that I was wrong. Squiddy is the one true creator, prophet and cephalopod. The icy apocalypse will harm many, and I'm very excited to be destroyed by this deity.

I quickly ascended to the higher ranks of the Atlantian commune, was given access to the original texts, and the Squelders thought that it might be a good idea to start letting The Great Squiddy inform the direction of my music. Otherwise, it'd be really hard for us to convince kids to run away from their homes and join us in this spacious land that Squiddy allows us to keep. But I'm doing my best, and I can just hope that the message isn't lost on the listener.

You're not the first to spread the word of an otherworldly imprisoned cephalopod. Does the Squiddy mythos owe any debt to H.P. Lovecraft?

I'll have to quote The Great Squiddy himself on this one: "It's been done."

Okay, enough about MfBB and its inky dogma. Tell me about your newest project.

Well, every year I put out a free digital release just to say "thank you" to anyone that likes what I do. Sometimes it's a live show, sometimes it's a collection of covers, and this year? It's actually a new EP called Recorded Sound. Besides a radio-friendly version of Rappy McRapperson and MC Wreckshin's "Show Me How To Blow Dudes," it's made up of songs that simply didn't fit on earlier releases, but these weren't mere outtakes... these were songs that I thought could be the backbone of the respective albums that they were slated to be on, but ended up not making sense at the last minute. All of the recordings were done in 2011, so these aren't scratchy old four-track recordings that I polished up. I think it makes up a very interesting whole, and it's a very fun listen.

Your music tends to walk the fine line between easily relatable, slice-of-life musical narratives and irreverent, often bawdy humor. How much of the latter works its way into this EP?

Not as much as you'd think, really. I truly love Rappy and Wreckshin's "Show Me How To Blow Dudes," and I think that it's one of the catchiest songs I've ever heard, and my version of it takes all of the bawdy humor out in an attempt to make a very straight-forward and kid-friendly take on how to properly polish a shoe.

A song like "Touchdown" could be taken as humorous, but I assure you, I wasn't kidding. That is a very "on the nose" version of what I see anytime a football game is on in front of me. A man is being chased while running with a ball. He isn't caught. He is rewarded with kajillions of dollars. He is later cleared of all date rape charges.

And then there's a song like "Another Minute or So," which was something I'd been kicking around for years. It was a little too layered for the album it was intended to be on originally (2005's This World Is Scary as Fuck), but it's actually been a contender for each album since. I decided to just give the song its own EP. To me, the EP is just a big excuse to release that song, and the preceding tunes on this release are simply bonus tracks. Almost.

Recently your radio show The Real Congregation made the jump from the WPRK airwaves to the Nerdy Show podcast roster. What does this new internet format mean for the show?

It means that the show will not suffer due to antiquated college radio equipment any longer. For the final year of my run on WPRK, there were never actually any record needles in the station, and that severely hampered the way that I wanted to do the show. I'm not the kind of guy that just plugs a cable into my laptop, clicks play on an iTunes playlist and is content to be an "MP3J." This show is all about the joy of records in whatever format they were best enjoyed in, but there were times where literally the only working thing in the station was a cord that would connect your iPod to the board (once including the microphones.)

WPRK will always be my favorite radio station, but now that The Real Congregation has moved to podcast format on the Nerdy Show network, I can make the show sound a bit more true to the source material, I'm no longer a slave to FCC rules about content or compression, and I don't have to keep a wildly uncontrollable sleep schedule to host my show anymore. Plus, all of the guys at Nerdy Show are my friends, and pretty much anyone would be happier working with their buddies, I'd think. They put out quality programming about their passions, and I'm only sorry that I wasn't able to be part of their team sooner.

You're very much an admitted pop songsmith, Marc, which still puts you in a bit of a dying breed. Why is pop such a dirty word in modern music?

"Pop" is short for "popular," which makes "pop music" into a rather glaring oxymoron sometimes. I'm not sure when the exact moment was where we decided that "pop" meant drum machines and fake vocals (or when country turned into "Def Leppard with fiddles," for that matter), but that's probably the reason that people run from the term so easily nowadays.

To me, "pop" means using instruments to relay popular feelings into songs that will stick in your head. "Popular feelings" should not be confused with "good feelings," mind you. But if you're thinking about something, and you sing it exactly as it appears in your head over a four-chord progression, you'll be amazed at how many people will cheer as if to say "I've never thought about it that way, but you're right!"

The era of pop that I feel most closely related to is the one that appeared on a Rhino record series called "D.I.Y.," and it brilliantly traces the 1975-1983 era of underground power pop. If it weren't for those songs on that giant series, I probably never would have understood that my songs were indeed "pop," mostly because it's hard to consider yourself "popular music" when you're writing songs about worshiping squids in your garage.

Where do you go from here, Marc? Your output has been characteristically eclectic and prolific throughout 2011, so what can we expect in 2012?

Oh gosh! I don't know yet! I'm toying with another concept album idea that would be a bit more tied to the history of pop songwriting itself rather than telling a story, but that's so early in the "considering it" phase that I can't say for sure that it'll happen. I do have a few things written under this conceit, though, but mostly, the songs tell me when they're ready and what to do with them, not the other way around.

I've also been planning on making an album full of Monkees songs, because that might be the best catalog of pop songs that has ever existed, and I would really like to have fun with some of those melodies. Plus, their songs are actually much trickier to play than you might think, so it's a big challenge to myself: can I do justice to my favorite overlooked Monkees songs? If it ever gets finished and released, you'll know my answer.

And lastly, in addition to sharing a love of handclaps, mid-song break-downs and sing-along choruses, you and I are also members of the extended Sci-Fried family. You'll remember to give those guys a hug for me, right?

I'm definitely going to do that, good sir. Sci-Fried is one of the best nerd rock bands out there today, the band members are some of my favorite people on earth, so it's awesome to have yet another reason to hug them. Thank you, Z. Not just for doing this interview with me, but also for being my excuse for the numerous upcoming sweaty man-hugs.

--

I am of the opinion that, above all else, things should be simple. It is my personal ethos.

Now, I don't mean simple as in uncomplicated, as life itself is fraught with innumerable impediments and last-minute change-ups. Instead I simply mean that things should appear effortless.

Often they are not so natural and unforced. Generally, anything of value requires blood and sweat and tears and swearing and, in my case, arduous do-overs. But if the end result is something that seems simple and natural and unpretentious, then I tend to believe the creator in question has done his job.

The music of Marc with a C is a labor of love by an artist who is quite literally obsessed with music. And that obsession leads him down some strange thematic paths. His musical mechanics are deceptively complex, and everything, from the slant of his lyrical delivery to the precarious placement of individual tracks on an album, smacks of hours burned shaping raw materials into a final product.

But the listening ear seldom notices that.

Instead it focuses on the simple power of the musical narrative, on the shared joy of record collecting or celebrity crushes or a brand of good-natured hopelessness that defies all logic.

Marc with a C remains one of my favorite songwriters not because of the tireless energy he expends on plying his craft, but because his music appears so effortless, so organic. For such is the path to pure pop majesty.

Sounds in Sequence

2011-11-28T15:06:00.001-05:00

It's Cyber Monday, which I think means we're supposed to be using our employers' networks to make online purchases. How exactly that differs from every other Monday I will never know.

But among all the electronic steals and deals available for the ever-hungry consumer, there's one that is, I dare say, unbeatable. Our old friend Ultraklystron has chosen today to release a new mixtape. For free. It's called Storyboard (The Animatic Mixtape), and it's a musical precursor to next year's Animatic album.

I like Karl as an MC, but I adore him as a producer. And though the mixtape is a tricky medium to master, it certainly plays to his strengths. Across its 25 minutes the listener is treated to a selection of songs that one, for the most part, might describe as "classic Karl" in their structure and delivery. Still, nerdcore's foremost anime enthusiast manages to reveal enough new tricks to keep the listener guessing.

It all kicks off with the laid back swagger of celebratory weekend banger "Saturday." Lyrically, it ain't his sharpest offering, but some brilliantly varied production and a dash of humor help to make it more than just a northwestern otaku answer to "Lazy Sunday." This flips nicely into "Lifecycle," a green hip-hop anthem that's among his most ambitious efforts; despite its odd premise, it's a track that really works. "Non-Contact" fares a little worse because of a slightly clumsy hook, but "City" takes things in a dark, contemplative direction that easily recaptures that lost attention.

The transition to "Minor Internet Celebrity" is a bit shaky, but the song itself, which boasts a more urgent delivery than we've heard from Ultraklystron in a while, is an interesting oddity. "Three Dollar Jeans" brings his flow back to a more manageable speed, and its relative calm contrasts nicely with the harshness of the hooky "Bromance Dance."

"Unexpected" begins the mixtape's true standout movement. Its individual components – a storyteller flow with a sing-song chorus cast against an atmospheric electronic backdrop – might seem unremarkable at first, but the skill with which Karl has married them reminds us of his remarkable skills in the studio. "Work It Baby" takes that unique energy in a wholly different direction underscoring that there's more to Ultraklystron than some might remember.

The mix begins its wind-down with "Fujoshi," another piece of new school otaku flow, and closes with the club-style "Magic Tricks." Musically, it proves a sound decision, though I almost would've preferred he sign off with one of his more challenging selections.

As a cohesive work – and lets not pretend that a mixtape doesn't hinge on a peculiar brand of cohesion – Storyboard succeeds on a number of fronts. The production, aside from a single transitional hiccup, is top-notch. Further, it's pacing, which is sometimes an area in which Karl struggles on proper albums, is no less inspired. The musical material itself, the true blood and guts of the mix, runs the gamut from middle-of-the-road Ultraklystron cuts to some of his most interesting tracks to date.

If you're a longtime fan of the second-gen nerdcore standard that perhaps hasn't heard much from him since 2009's Romance Language 2, then Storyboard makes for a nice reacquaintance in anticipation of Animatic. Likewise, if you managed to miss that particular chapter in nerdcore history outright and would like to know what Karl Olson's really all about, it proves a fine introduction to what the rest of us will recognize as a new and improved Ultraklystron.

In Brightest Day, In Blackest Friday

2011-11-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

Those Best Buy lines are brutal!

Once again I am postponing my metric shit-ton of album reviews for a specialty post. This one concerns Black Friday sales, so those of you not in the States are instead encouraged to watch this new performance video from Jonathan Coulton.

I mean, my fellow Yanks can certainly do the same, but first you might wanna peep the savings.

Amazon, of course, is having its annual crazy-ass Black Friday sale, complete with ample Lightening Deals. Obviously the big draw for our tribe is their video games. Which featured items tickle your gamer fancy is highly dependent on your system of choice, but my suggestion would be the Skylanders: Spro's Adventure Starter Pack in the appropriate flavor -- especially for those of you with kids. If you're not in the know, the game essentially substitutes physical toys in the place of traditional DLC. You import these figures into the title, level 'em up through play and their stats can be saved back to the miniatures. This means that your save states, at least as far as characters' powers and attacks, are essentially cross-platform.

On the subject of multi-platforming, I gotta say my favorite version of the Skylanders is the 3DS iteration. It looks and plays amazing, and if you haven't yet snagged Nintendo's new handheld this really is the time. Super Mario 3D Land is the de facto system seller, but games like Skylanders, the Ocarina of Time and Star Fox remakes and the forthcoming Super Mario Kart 7 -- which I've already received my review copy of, so I can assure you it's a must-play -- ably supplement any library.

Closer to home, the Penny Arcade shop is having its annual blowout. There are lots of cheap tees and posters, but the big news concerns the pricier items. Those ultra-classy Jim Darkmagic paintings are presently $26 off. (Which is one more than $25 off.) There's also a new Fruit Fucker figurine. It's forty bones, which I think is regular price, but it's brand new and hilariously offensive. Oh, and domestic shipping is free until December 15th for orders over $50, so you got that going for you.

Wizard Rock icons Harry and the Potters were the first band to announce a holiday sale -- another tradition, if memory serves. They got them $5 CDs, son, so stuff yo' stocking! They also have free shipping on orders of $50 or more, but you gotta use the magic word "DOBBY" as your checkout code for the trick to work.

MC Lars, meanwhile, is offering 50% off everything at his web store. That Lars and YT Beavis and Butthead tee? 10 bucks. Legend of Zelda hoodie? Seventeen-fitty. Collectable USB robot key ring with his whole MP3 catalog? $25. The discount is applied at checkout, though, so don't freak out if everything still says the original list price on the product page.

Still, the one I'm most excited about is the Kirby Krackle Black Friday sale. Jim and Kyle got $7 tees and $5 GelaSkins (iPad 1 and iPhone 4 only.) They're also offering $2 button sets, and every order gets some special freebies. This one starts today at 8:00 AM PST and runs 'til midnight on Cyber Monday, so don't delay, nerdlingers!

Now these are just my initial picks, so if I missed some good shit -- especially merch sales by musicians -- please feel free to point it out in the comments.

Save Against Fear

2011-11-21T16:26:00.000-05:00

I'm kind of supposed to be wrapping up album reviews today, but instead I'm choosing to pause and do something I rarely do here at the blog: speak seriously.

I don't have any alarmingly depressing statistics right here in front of me or anything, but I'm willing to guess that many of the people reading this have had their lives touched in some way by sexual assault or abuse. Those who haven't experienced it themselves likely know someone who has, whether they're able to speak about it or not.

We in the nerd community do a lot of good work – supporting charities like Child's Play and Extra Life – but these sort of things, occurrences that are even more disturbing than the thought of sick children, we tend to push out of our minds. It's difficult to think about, but ignoring it neither helps the victims nor provides the sort of therapeutic training necessary to aid caregivers. All it does is keep us afraid.

Save Against Fear seeks to change that. This 45-hour RPG, tabletop, and board gaming event is presented by PA's The Bodhana Group, and benefits children and adolescents impacted by sexual trauma. The fundraising gamer marathon runs December 2nd through 4th at Six Feet Under Games in New Holland, and it features everything from West End's classic Ghostbusters to multiple flavors of D&D. The money raised will be used to fund local projects by The Bodhana Group including an Outpatient Treatment Center, public speaking engagements and both professional and lay trainings.

More information about TBG and Save Against Fear is available the group's site and, of course, on the Facebooks.

If you're going to be in the area during the event, please stop by and help out the cause. And even if you aren't there are many ways to give. Even now the team is working to fill tote bags for players and collect additional items to be used as awards and door prizes in drawings. If you, your band or your company would be willing to donate, please contact the event organizers. Contributors will be acknowledged through both the printed event materials and on the web.

Also, I will forever think that you are an awesome person for helping out a good cause. And you can't put a price on that.

Gatos Luchadores (Or: A Grand Don't Come for Free)

2011-11-17T15:44:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize it until I finally sat down to pen a missive, but this is my 1000th post at Hipster, please! And I reckon that is a fitting enough occasion given the subject matter.

I talk a lot around here about music, obviously. About new songs and albums. About artists and shows, but this bit concerns something that's, well, uniquely personal.

Early next month five outfits that represent – and I don't say this lightly – some of my very favorite live performers as well as some of my very favorite human beings will be conducting a southern mini-tour. The kick-off's in Roanoke on the 2nd, and it wraps up in our own hip-hop mecca, Atlanta, on the 4th. In-between, on that Saturday the 3rd, this little travelling sideshow will come through my own backyard of Charlotte, NC. At the World Famous Milestone Club, to be exact. A place that is – and, again, I'm speaking without hyperbole – my favorite local dive.

The bands in question? Well, as the song says they ain't my friends, they're my fam.

There's int eighty of Dual Core, whom I've been down with since the very dawn of time. (Now he ain't exactly from around here, but we give him a pass 'cause he's our boy.) He's joined by The ThoughtCriminals, my neighbors to the north, who are, for those not already in the know, the rural, East Coast answer to the question what am I supposed to listen to now that Optimus Rhyme broke up.

Holding up the high end of the former Confederacy are the Illbotz, that rare modern confluence of comedy rap that contains ample doses of both actual comedy and real rap. And rounding out the lineup are Adam WarRock and Tribe One, a pair of amazing MCs, consummate performers and two guys that I've only recently met but I feel like I've known forever.

Now this is, admittedly, not a huge affair. These are small club shows, I'd even go so far as to say intimate in most cases, but I'll make you a promise internet; if you're within driving distance, head out to one. It will be worth whatever meager door price you have to pay to get in. Shit, I'll go so far as to say that you'll have such a great time that you might even feel led to pick up a t-shirt!

I guarantee it.

&amp;lt;a href="http://mikalkhill.bandcamp.com/track/onlyfam-featuring-adam-warrock-sulfur-tribe-one"&amp;gt;ONLYFAM (featuring Adam WarRock, Sulfur, &amp;amp;amp; Tribe One) by Mikal kHill &amp;amp;amp; Romero Shaw&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 121: Edition Internationale

2011-11-15T13:23:00.000-05:00

Though this may come as quite the surprise to many of you – given my understated diction and worldly flair – I am an American. With all the rights, privileges and responsibilities therunto appertaining.

If that means anything it's that I appreciate bad food and cheap gas. And also that I tend to think of my countrymen first.

But that certainly doesn't mean that nerd music ain't coming strong from other parts of the globe. On the contrary, the rest of the world is just as geeky as us Yanks – which is what this particular show is all about.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 121: Edition Internationale [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 62.5 MB Running Time: 48:12 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Spellah is Canadian. Beefy is Whitesican. Peace and understanding through music, people!

Track 1: Wordburglar and Moose Donair – "Yo Canada"
I am totally gonna request moose the next time I hit the doner place on Highway 290!

Z's 1st interlude: "Jump across the Bering Strait to see what's going on in Russia."
I was gonna say "look across the Bering Strait," but Palin references are already dated.

Track 2: Teleidofusion – "Around Past"
Today's background music is also Russian in origin.

Track 3: DJ Moule – "Sonic Ice"
A French DJ mixing cheesy American radio rap, British jazz-pop and Swedish garage? This is like my thesis.

Track 4: L'homme Manete – "Candy Popper"
The name sounds French, but L'homme Manete is a Portuguese artist.

Track 5: The Ranger – "Stat Sheet (Massive DMG remix by Zen Albatross)"
One of many stand-outs from my own 20-Sided Rhymes comp.

Track 6: MegaDriver – "Axetales"
There ain't no video game metal quite like Brazilian video game metal.

Z's 2nd interlude: "A double dose of international delights."
I elected to start the 2nd set with a pair of sea-spanning duos.

Track 7: The Garthim-Master and DJ Extend – "Save the Cheerleader, Save the World"
Ghosts of Nostalgia is a pretty remarkable record. It is also free. So get on that shit!

Track 8: Coova and Bud Melvin – "Yourmachi"
From 2009's epic team-up She's the DJ, He's the Rapper.

Track 9: Hidari – "Abunai Tasting"
Russia, Canada and Japan each managed to get two artists into this episode.

Track 10: Comptroller – "Low Point"
Straight outta Scotland.

Track 11: Superpowerless – "Wonderwall Remix"
Probably my second favorite Superpowerless remix of all time.

Z's final interlude: "Nerd music and culture really is a global affair."
And thanks to the power of the internets, we can enjoy its many exotic flavors.

Track 12: Videogame Orchestra – "Electro, Music, Transform"
Greece's premiere electro-chip duo doing what they do best.

Once again, lemme say big-ups to Sam for the show idea. I sometimes focus on specific geographic areas for musical inspiration, but it was awful fun to instead look at the whole big ol' world.

Please keep your song requests and show ideas coming, folks. I always welcome them.

Speaking of, if you have any holiday-themed tracks you'd like me to put on the menu for next month (or better yet if you're an artist releasing a seasonal album or single), be sure to let me know.

This is Muggle Tap

2011-11-11T11:51:00.000-05:00

Today is both Veterans Day and Nigel Tufnel Day. Not to mention the wedding day of my good friend DataVortex. (Congrats, Larry!)

As if that wasn't enough merriment for a single weekend, tomorrow marks the first day of the 2011 Quidditch World Cup.

100+ colleges, 2,000+ athletes and 10,000+ rowdy New Yawkas will descend on Randall's Island to celebrate the sport of wizards and witches alongside a dozen bands, circus performers, face-painters, owls and, I can only imagine, the occasional confused passerby. Tickets are still available to this family-friendly (not to mention nerd-friendly) event starting as low as $5. And since this is a Potter-centric affair, those champions of justice from the Harry Potter Alliance will also be on hand with new merch and helpful information about how to leverage fandom for global good.

If you're in the greater metropolitan area and haven't made plans yet, you're gonna wanna make it out to see this one, folks.

Now We're Older

2011-11-10T10:58:00.000-05:00

While sifting through my inbox this morning I realized that I'd been sitting on the new I Fight Dragons video for a month now, and I couldn't quite figure out why. And then I remembered: ah yes, my dogged adherence to the concept of a month-long Halloween!

It's an appropriately lo-fi accompaniment to the debut single from the proper major label debut KABOOM! Truth be told, the chorus sentiment is a little played out – "The Geeks Will Inherit the Earth" is sort of low-hanging fruit, and I reckon we've all made that particular joke before. Still, Mazzaferri and Co. come through with some amazing dork-pop sensibilities that make it a suitable anthem for the era.

Give it a gander.

You're Anti, You're Antisocial

2011-11-08T10:54:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I wrote a letter to my 11-year-old self. It read as follows:

Hey, Zack.

Things are good. You've got a wife and kids now, and sometimes you get to write stuff for money. You did alright.

--Z.

PS: You just saw Anthrax, and it was fuckin' awesome!

Believe it or not, that last part is important. In every life there is an undeniable catalyst – some experience or idea or individual – that provides for you, intentionally or otherwise, this overwhelming sense of relief. The knowledge that things are alright. That you are alright.

For most normal folks that role is likely filled by a friend or family member, but for me it was music. Music was the thing that told me things were gonna work out, and I believed it.

Anthrax, specifically, was a band that made me realize that it was okay to like punk and metal and hip-hop and skateboarding and comic books, even though several of those items may appear mutually exclusive upon first glance. In essence, their music made me realize not only that it was alright to be me, but that there were others out there like me.

That simple realization proved incredibly powerful over the years.

Now at 35 I can say that I've seen the band live, and that in itself is an important rite of passage for a music fan. Like me the guys are a lot older now. (Joey Belladonna, for example, appeared to be held together by little more than spit and Band-Aids, but the fucker could still hit those high notes!) Still, when the lights went down everyone in the venue was magically transformed into a crazy-ass adolescent again. If only for the duration of the set.

I guess the thesis of this oddly personal and only vaguely nerdy missive is as follows: don't be afraid to reconnect with your younger self. He was a good kid, and he'd likely wanna know all the amazing shit you're doing now in grown-up land.

Win a Free Copy of Pixelh8's OCARBOT App

2011-11-04T10:08:00.001-04:00

There are people that I respect, and then there are people of which I am instead unabashedly envious. Oddly enough, Matthew C. Applegate falls into both groups. Epic chiptune musician (under the moniker Pixelh8), lecturer, author, scholar and game developer: the guy pretty much does it all. Moreover, he does it all extremely well.

In addition to producing a number of clever music applications that my kids and I still play with regularly on the DS and Game Boy Advance, Pix has also recently expanding into mobile phone development. His Room 1 Studios has already released random visual music generators Sonus (One) and Sonus (Six), not to mention his own signature Pixelh8 MicroSynth – which is available for both iOS and Android devices.

And somehow, between his family duties and helping spark an interest among school children in technology and game development and earning his Master of Arts from the Centre for Design Innovation at University Campus Suffolk, Pix took time to crank out an addictive new iPhone title called OCARBOT. It plays a bit like his previous release 6x9 in that it's a cheery, retro-style puzzler with a deceptive level of depth and complexity. Like its predecessor, OCARBOT also relies heavily on a movement mechanic, but this time around Applegate has taken gameplay into a direction not really mined since the days of Donkey Kong and Miner 2049er.

Across 50 levels of puzzle adventure, you seek to navigate the titular robot – a block-mover by trade who's just discovered he's about to be replaced by a newer model – to freedom. You do so by controlling Ocarbot's straightforward two-plane movement, right-left and up-down, as well as employing his unique skill at pushing blinking blocks into conspicuous holes in the floors of his side-view mazes.

The trick is to get him safely to the exit without falling victim to an environmental hazard. And the key, of course, is planning ahead. The game oozes charm thanks as much to its simple but effective presentation as Pixelh8's own custom-composed soundtrack, and at the going rate of 99 cents it's kind of tough not to recommend it. I mean what are you playing on your phone now, anyway? Angry Birds? Still?! Sheesh!

So if you've got a buck and need a new weapon in your boredom-killing arsenal, pick it up. You're supporting both independent development and a member of our community, so it's a win-win.

And speaking of win, Matthew gave me 5 free download codes, which I'll be passing on to you, faithful readers. Just comment here at the blog, or give me a yell via Facebook/Twitter and I'll draw some random winners Monday.

Hipster, please!: your source for nerd news, reviews and interviews. And the occasional app giveaway.

Karl Effing Olson

2011-11-01T12:48:00.000-04:00

My old pal Karl "Ultraklystron" Olson – Or is it nerdcore newcomer Karl "Ultraklystron" Olson? #bazinga – has a couple of interesting projects in the works. There's Rai's new full-length, which I've already discussed, and a new mixtape that I'll be talking up later this month.

For the time being, however, you are encouraged to check out the following videos. The first is a leak from Animatic entitled "Tap That Deck." Musically it's bright and brassy and fun, which is kinda textbook Karl. Lyrically, however, it’s a bit more of a departure. Not the techy innuendo, mind you; more the delivery itself, as his flow simultaneously seems to channel Weezy and Bubba Sparxxx.

Meanwhile, the second mines Karl's electronic roots. It combines Moombahton – a musical movement that will (hopefully) eclipse dubstep any day now – with Futurama's Dr. Zoidberg. It's sort of a just-for-shits-and-giggles-thing, and that suits me just fine.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 120: Occupy Elm Street

2011-10-31T11:42:00.000-04:00

Apparently my superpower is riffing on current events for show titles. Or not; I mean, I often seem to overestimate my own cleverness.

Still, this one made me chuckle.

This year I had a little trouble rekindling my (historically abundant) Halloween spirit, but with the day finally upon us I am all up ins. Putting together this show certainly helped me get my ghoulish groove back, and I hope it provides and adequate soundtrack for your All Hallows activities.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 120: Occupy Elm Street [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 70.3 MB Running Time: 51:23 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Beef's got a new release that will also fit in well with your Halloween party playlist. Dig it!

Track 1: mc chris - "Time Warp"
mc's Columbia is downright uncanny.

Z's 1st interlude: "Part 2 of this year's Halloween Crap-tacular"
And with this one in the bag I gotta say I'm sad I have to wait another year to do it again.

Track 2: The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets - "Ogdru Jahad"
It's strange to think that I've been listening to the Thickets for a decade and a half now.

Track 3: Backburner - "Phantom Ghost"
This one's for you, @HassanISahba.

Track 4: g4gorilla - "Bring Frankenstein Back to My Street"
Another great cut from this year's Texas Chainsaw Mashacre compilation.

Track 5: MC Frontalot - "Invasion of the Not Quite Dead"
Solved is a really eclectic album -- even from Frontalot, who tends to cast a wide sonic net. The harder edge of this joint is but a single example of its stylistic breadth.

Track 6: John Anealio - "Undead Love Song"
Just when I think I have John figured out he up and uses the word "cock" in a song!

Track 7: Saltlakrits - "Cupcakes in My Basement"
This one requires a bit of back-story, as helpfully supplied by @ChurchHTucker.

Z's 2nd interlude: "Backed up by a nice Castlevania-driven beat."
That soundtrack gets used and abused a lot, but Backburner sure as hell does right by it.

Track 8: Sticks Downey - "Night of the Demons"
I'm happy to see the Sticks Downey Halloween single is now an annual tradition.

Track 9: Buttery Lords - "Werewolf in a Waterpark"
Check out their Monster & Madness EP for more fun nor'western hippity-hop.

Track 10: The Efts - "Robot Destroy"
From the soundtrack of forthcoming social networking game Robot Destroy Club.

Track 11: The Doubleclicks - "Hollywood Raptor"
It's rather insulting to say that grown women are adorable, so I will instead specify that The Doubleclicks' music -- particularly in the case of this song -- is adorable. And also awesome. Especially awesome!

Track 12: Humanoids - "Humanoid Eyes that Shine at Night"
Since I managed to incorporate a Darkest of the Hillside Thickets tune that wasn't strictly Lovecraftian, I thought this track filled that void nicely.

Z's final interlude: "Aren't they, y'know, infinitely more interesting?"
I mean who would you rather be: Blaster or Soundwave?!

Track 13: Jonathan Coulton - "Still Alive (feat. Sara Quin)"
Coulton's Artificial Heart is another recent release that's not to be missed.

It occurs to me that there are only four more shows left in 2011. How the fuck did that even happen?!

I'll not lie to you, folks; sometimes I consider retiring from the nerd grind, taking my leave content in the knowledge that there are a shit-ton of other geek culture rags out there to keep y'all satisfied. But when I look back at Hipster, please! and its related projects -- though admittedly they aren't exactly earth-shattering -- I feel a sense of pride in my accomplishments.

Moreover, no matter how big a pain in the ass things sometimes are, I still very much enjoy what I do. I hope this show and all its brothers and sisters are just as fun and entertaining to you as they are to me, and I always appreciate your requests, suggestions and input as I move my little industry forward.

Happy Halloween, all!

Real Hops, Cauliflower and Eye of Newt

2011-10-25T11:02:00.002-04:00

Okay, admittedly Illbotz's "Me and You and a PBR" isn't exactly a Halloween song. It is, if anything, a love song. Or more to the point, a boning song. Still, it does include a Cyclops as Stevie D's love interest, and the new video is a reworking of a 1979 commercial featuring Patrick Swayze. He was in Ghost. Also, he currently is a ghost – goddamn, I'm gonna get an angry email from my mom about that one – so I will allow it.

Please drink responsibly.

Hallowinners

2011-10-21T10:32:00.001-04:00

image credit: @galendara

This year's crop of Halloween-related musical releases has been a little light. But I reckon between occupying Wall Street and bitching about folks occupying Wall Street and everyone preparing for the Rapture we've all really had a lot on our collective plate.

Still, there is some good, spooky shit out there, and I am gonna pause for a moment to shine my own little light on a handful of my favorites.

The Halloween mash-up collection is what we can now safely call an annual tradition. We've been gettin' 'em steady since 2004 thanks to the combined might of scene staples like DJBC and Cheekyboy, and they are always positively packed with pleasant surprises. This year's compilation is the double disc Texas Chainsaw Mashacre, which notably includes, among its Duck Sauce and Deadmau5 bootlegs, Sticks Downey's "C.H.U.D.," an original horrorcore cut that I actually included in last year's Halloween Crap-tacular.

The Texas Chainsaw Mashacre volumes 1 and 2 are freely available from the Monster Mash-Ups site, and I insist that you check 'em out.

While not intentionally Halloween-y, per se, the latest from my Canadian homeboy The Garthim-Master should fit in nicely with your seasonal playlist. Combining thick, atmospheric beats from German producer DJ Extend and The G-M's own unique blend of story-driven narratives and impressionistic lyrical gymnastics, Ghosts of Nostalgia is a look back on the beloved entertainment properties of our childhood that's not afraid to take a grim turn. For every breezy "Dude, Where's My AT-AT At?" there is a dirge-like "Krang" or a surreal "After Midnight."

I've actually been grooving to early leaks of joints like "Save the World," "The Crystal Shard" and "Rorschach's Journal" for a while now, but the full release is now available to everyone. For the very competitive price of free.

Expect a full review in the near future – most likely after the limited edition vinyl drops – but in the meantime spend a little quality time with this one yourself.

Lastly comes a brand new single from fellow GeekDad John Anealio. Generally, there are a number of elements I expect from John's songs: things like delicate guitar-work, straight-ahead percussion and cleverly-layered counter-melody. What I don't expect is bawdy humor, but "Undead Love Song" certainly has it.

There are a few easy jokes to be made about a human-zombie marriage (and consummation), and Anealio makes 'em all. The trick is, he's so mellow and earnest with his delivery that you totally don't even mind!

This one is also available as a free download, so add that grisly fucker – I made a pun! – to your collection.

So what about you, faithful readers? What's on your new Halloween listening list?

Double Damage

2011-10-18T10:08:00.000-04:00

Earlier this year MC Frontalot coordinated a Kickstarter effort to raise funds for a shiny new music video for the song "Critical Hit," the debut single from his recently released Solved LP. The nerdcore community pulled out every goddamn one o' them stops and not only met the goal but totally annihilated it! (At present, Front is sitting at over triple the requested amount.)

This means that, in addition to the previously announced video extravaganza, Frontalot now plans to craft another 2-3 additional videos including an animated epic for his Dr. Awkward/ZeaLouS1 collab "I'll Form the Head."

For the moment, though, please be content with this delightful deconstruction of the pop star lifecycle. I'm including it in my Halloween coverage because it is, on a purely existential level, sort of disturbing. Also it features the Grim Reaper, Brian Posehn and a (thankfully fictitious) MC Frontalot sex tape. All of which are rather terrifying.

His Snake-tastic Majesty's Request

2011-10-17T13:36:00.000-04:00

If anything, Halloween is a holiday for the bad guys, which makes this announcement from Slytherin Wizard Rock staple Draco and the Malfoys all the more relevant:

After 7 years on that WRock-grind, it appears as though brothers Brian Ross and Bradley Mehlenbacher are hanging up their scarves. Of all the scene's notable dissolutions in recent years, this is particularly significant. You see, the Malfoys epitomized 2nd-generation Wizard Rock in its truest form.

Debuting in 2004 – at what was likely the first ever all-WRock show, a house party featuring Harry and the Potters that also saw the introduction of The Whomping Willows – the band represented the first instance of an act being formed in direct response to the Potters phenomenon. To put it another way, if the brother DeGeorge were MC Frontalot and YTCracker, then Brian and Bradley were Beefy and Ultraklystron. (And, by extension, the house party was… Rhyme Torrents? I dunno; maybe I'm grasping to extend my metaphor here.)

Still, the band served as the bedrock foundation of what would go on to become the musical arm of Harry Potter fandom, a cultural juggernaut that leveraged its recognition and acclaim into an engine for social good. Not bad for a couple of Parseltongued miscreants!

While naysayers have been prophesying the end of Wizard Rock since Deathly Hallows rolled on to bookstore shelves, and the disbanding of the Malfoys doesn't exactly run counter to said claims, it's hard to understate the impact that acts like DatM have had both on nerd culture and on the developing social awareness of their young fans. And for that, you power-hungry, soul-split revenants I salute you.

(Hat-tip to Matt, my finger on the pulse of Wizard Rockery for the tip!)

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 119: Vampire State of Mind

2011-10-13T10:42:00.000-04:00

These Halloween Crap-tacular episodes will always hold a special place in my cold and lifeless heart.

This annual two-part celebration of musical monstrosities was among the first RFHs to feature a theme. Moreover, the inaugural episode marked the first time I ever incorporated background music into the show.

Now if only I hadn't given it such a cheesy goddamn name!

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 119: Vampire State of Mind [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 63.6 MB Running Time: 49:04 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Unlike candy corn, you'll never get sick of my tasty theme song. Sadly, you can't wedge the track into your gums and pretend to be a vampire. Touché, candy corn!

Track 1: Sci-Fried - "Vampires Suck"
Another fine tune from Florida's premiere geek rockers. Not exactly their most original title, mind you, but still.

Z's 1st interlude: "A message from the great George Takei."
Sulu wants you to have a fun and safe Halloween.

Track 2: Community dialog / Kirby Krackle - "Bite of Another"
I love that a bunch of cats from Seattle can bust out the southern-style soul-rock.

Track 3: The Consortium of Genius - "Bite Me"
Wait; did he say "bite me on the butt?"

Track 4: ToToM - "Buffy the Toccata Slayer Freaks Out"
From this year's Texas Chainsaw Mashacre Halloween bastard pop compilation.

Track 5: Shael Riley and the Double Ice Backfire - "Juese Belmont"
That's me doing the intro. I'm famous now.

Track 6: Community dialog / Action Adventure World vs. The Plasmas - "Zombie Killing, Blood Spilling (Overworld #1)"
If you haven't already, cop their epic 2010 release Vol. 1 Ghosts n Goblins.

Track 7: Anthrax - "Fight'em 'Til You Can't"
Anthrax's Worship Music is, without a doubt, one of their greatest efforts to date. Having Joey Belladonna back makes all the difference.

Z's 2nd interlude: "With the stage set for a zombie apocalypse."
Because honestly, when isn't it?

Track 8: Community dialog / Death*Star - "The Quick and the Dead"
"Holy crap; Leonard's a zombie!"

Track 9: 8-Bit Weapon - "Die Die My Darling"
I have gotten far more miles out of that 8-bit Misfits tribute than even I would've thought possible.

Track 10: The Misfits - "Twilight of the Dead"
I'm still not quite sure what I think of the new (new-new?) Jerry Only-fronted Misfits, but this track fit so I went with it.

Track 11: Community dialog / Cheekyboy - "Living Dead Temper Baby"
Because nothing says Halloween like a Rob Zombie vs. Prodigy mash-up.

Track 12: Buck 65 - "Zombie Delight"
Likely the highlight of what is, at least in my opinion, a sweet-ass set. This one was suggested to me by my Canadian homey SelfHelp.

Z's final interlude: "We are the ultimate enemy."
Also, vampires and zombies are kinda cool. I think I left that out amid all my high-minded posturing.

Track 13: Illbotz - "Zombie Girl"
Yes, the Illbotz do doo-wop. It's one of the many services the group offers.

Let us now forget, boils and ghouls, that there's another Halloween-themed episode coming. A handful of artists have already told me to expect new seasonal singles by month's end, but I should still have plenty of room for requests.

Assuming, of course, that you've got 'em.

Go Get 'Em

2011-10-10T14:02:00.001-04:00

I was actually planning to save this one for the next podcast (which should drop later this week) due partly to the fact that it ably closes out the second set and also because I kinda went video crazy last week. Still, this is an excellent slice of musical film-making that I think you'll enjoy. Plus with the premiere of The Walking Dead's second season less than a week away it is mad relevant.

So sit back and enjoy this zombie-centered public service announcement featuring the talents of Buck 65, Buck 65 and Buck 65:

Hat tip to my pal Selfhelp for this one.

The Truth about Cats and Dogs

2011-10-07T12:59:00.000-04:00

Apparently it's a creepy music video kinda week, and I'm wrapping it up with something that MC Lars passed my way just yesterday. The track in question is the haunting "Amateur Rocketry" by rootsy indie rocker Dan Wholey, but its link to the House of Horris concerns the video itself.

This fancy, freaky, Freudian little piece of eye-candy was animated by Brooklyn's Awesome and Modest whose Sean Donnelly also directed the video for Lars's own "Ahab." This one is, admittedly, less about fake beards and cheerful children on a cardboard boat, and more about the maturation of a relationship. And also vagina-portals.

Still, it's a great song with some genuinely interesting visual accompaniment, so take a gander. If you like what you see/hear, you can hit up the creators via Bandcamp and the Awesome and Modest site.

Dan Wholey - Amateur Rocketry from Dan Wholey on Vimeo.

Cellar Dwellers

2011-10-06T15:07:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite Halloween releases from 2010 was an Insane Ian's collab with Kiki Canon, Devo Spice and Schaffer the Darklord entitled "We're All Gonna Die." It's a comical send-up of the classic slasher movie motif – which likely won't surprise you as comedy music is sort of Ian's thang.

While checking out his newest video (for the post-apocalyptic gamer anthem that's also the sort-of title track from his The Last Arcade album), I realized that a motion comic-style video for that song had also been released. Back in July. So, y'know, so much for me keeping shit current.

Still, it is an uncannily appropriate selection as we gear up for Halloween.

The Death of Me

2011-10-04T15:22:00.000-04:00

It's the Halloween season, my nerdy friends, and that means I will be dazzling you with holiday-appropriate songs and videos throughout the month of October. I hope.

We shall kick shit off with the latest from Superpowerless. Okay, admittedly it's a Muse cover, which isn't exactly what one would likely term frightening, but there's a certain subtle creepiness. Plus the associated video is chock-full of footage cribbed from classic films Plan 9 from Outer Space and Attack of the Monsters.

Give it a gander, and then head over the YouTubes to like it or favorite it or comment or do whatever the hell it is that you kids are into these days.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 118: The Who Knew Mixtape

2011-09-30T11:14:00.002-04:00

So apparently the concept of a bunch of guys getting spectacularly drunk and recording it on the internet is inherently flawed.

Yeah, I know; I'm as surprised as you!

When I started Drunken Podcasting Month some 4 years ago I knew it came with some risks, and the chief among those - aside from, y'know, liver damage - was a unique set of technological hurdles. Even when dead sober, a Skype call can be positively fraught with problems.

This year the boys and I managed to hit that perfect level of intoxication wherein the conversation was fun and fierce, but, sadly, not all of the recordings of that evening's festivities survived intact. I salvaged most of it, but not quite enough to do the episode justice.

Therefore I present to you this unexpected mixtape show. It's not what I wanted, but I reckon it'll do.

The musical selections are, if I do say so myself, superb, and I'm pretty sure if you just get sloshed while listening to it you'll have as much fun as we did.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 118: The Who Knew Mixtape [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 90.5 MB Running Time: 57:01 Subscribe to RFH

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
Were Beefy and Spellah drunk when they recorded this track? Probably not, but they should've been.

Track 1: Illbotz - "Jesus Gave Me Water (But What I Wanted was a PBR)"
I've been waiting forever to play this one!

Track 2: Toolshed - "Irish Car Bomb Pt. 2"
This is another track I've been saving specifically for Drunken Podcasting Month.

Track 3: Hypnotic Clambake - "Tie Dye"
Matt made this very special song request. That explains the distinct hippy undertones. ;)

Track 4: Community dialog / DJ Le Clown - "Evil Whisky Bar"
I've been watching a lot of Community lately. If you haven't been, shame on you!

Track 5: Mikey Mason - "Too Fat To Troop"
At some point I began working food-related songs into the drunken podcast. I don't remember why, exactly, but in my defense I was probably drunk.

Track 6: The ThoughtCriminals - "Liquid Happy (Live)"
I played the studio version of this cut a few episodes back, but I thought this live take worked well within this show.

Track 7: Community dialog / YTCracker - "I Got the Product"
You can buy drugs on the internet! For reals!

Track 8: Mary Prankster - "Breakfast"
Another one of Matt's selection. Mary is sort of a DPM tradition.

Track 9: Torrentz - "Cereal (A Day in the Life) [feat. Mr. Spastic, Klopfenpop, C0splay, and Marc with a C]"
I know some folks disagree, but I love Marc's weird twee pop part at the end.

Track 10: Marc Gunn - "Monahan's Mudder's Milk (Firefly Song)"
This one's for Church. I'd played it previously on my GeekDad podcast, but this is its Radio Free Hipster debut.

Track 11: The Doubleclicks - "Worst.Superpower.EVER."
Apropos of nothing, I really like The Doubleclicks. A lot.

Track 12: Edison - "Armetis versus the City"
My pal Larry sent this one my way. It is an ideal track for those in need of chill music.

Track 13: Soup or Villainz - "Keyz"
This one's just in here for fun. It's SoV's take on crunk. And it is fuckin' infectious.

Track 14: Alex S. - "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Intro (Alex S. Glitch Remix)"
Jarod passed this one my way for inclusion in the ep. It's another great example of music from the brony community.

Track 15: DJ Paul V. - "Tequila Lip Gloss"
A repeat track from way the hell back in episode 39.

Track 16: Southside - "Cheeseburger (with Billy the Fridge)"
Another food song. This one by two of my favorite Seattle acts.

Track 17: Community dialog / nYgel - "Closing Time [Semisonic]"
nYgel continues to make some of my favorite pop remixes.

Track 18: Ilysabeth - "Fluttershys - MLP Fireflies Parody"
Church specifically asked to end the show on this one. In our original (drunken) conversation, he also waxed poetic about bronies and Friendship is Magic. It was epic.

Even though their contributions didn't make it into the show-proper, my sincerest thanks go out to Matt, Church, Jason and the lovely ladies of Social Knitworking. Thanks to you folks this was the best Drunken Podcasting Month celebration yet, and my only regret is that I couldn't share it with the rest of the nerd world.

Next up are my twin Halloween-themed episodes in October and my annual holiday and year-end wrap-up shows in December.

What will November hold? I have no idea. So feel free to hit me up with your suggestions and requests and whatnot.

The Last of the Independents

2011-09-27T13:42:00.000-04:00

Mixtapes – everybody's got one. Okay, not everybody, but I think we can all agree that this particular art form is undergoing a definite resurgence. Some would argue that this is a proper renaissance, with what was once a distinctly underground phenomenon finding its way to new ears thanks to the magic of digital distribution. Consequently others would argue that it's a death knell for yet another classic hip-hop touchstone, ironically for the very same reason.

Me? I'm a bit of a pragmatist, so I am content to sit back and watch this paradigm shift in action without getting my panties in too much of a bunch. Assuming, of course, that I find the end result enjoyable.

The Browncoats Mixtape, the newest release from Adam WarRock and Mikal kHill of The ThoughtCriminals, is an ideal example of this next gen concept. Not only does it channel the classic DIY ethic of the mixtapes of yore, but it manages to use the nerdcore parlance of sci-fi fandom to push the project into exciting new territory.

Browncoats starts off with the perfect setup, a slice of Kaylee/Shepherd Book dialog ("Come With Us Intro"), that segues into proper opener "Firefly," a song that captures the strength of beauty of both the titular series and its infectious theme music. It's a statement of purpose that is easily among the release's strongest efforts, and both WarRock and kHill – two guys that I have long admired for their output as well as their work ethic – hold the track down beautifully. It certainly has some additional significance even outside the confines of this mixtape, but I shall expound upon that later.

"MAL" is the first direct tribute to a member of the Serenity crew, a motif that's carried throughout the breadth of the project. Again mixing dialog clips and kHill's expertly cribbed soundtrack-based beats with Adam's stellar storytelling, it ups the energy as we move into the delicate "River Interlude." This homage to the younger Tam is a mish-mash of fiddle hooks, jangly keys and ethereal chiptunes. Adam gets ahead of himself lyrically a time or two, but he manages to maintain that requisite deep space swagger.

The shift from "River" to "Preacher Book" is expertly handled, and what would have otherwise been a jarring transition feels natural and enticing. A dash of lyrical existentialism makes for a fitting study of the most fascinating member of the Firefly family, and, though the chorus is a little simple for my taste, it is suitably touching. "Still Flyin' (Kaylee's Theme)" is as delicate as "Preacher Book" is direct, and it also signals the duo's strongest break with traditional hip-hop conventions yet. Sure, rap-singing isn't exactly unheard of – even Weezy does it – and neither is the inclusion of a delicate acoustic, country-tinged backing, but there's something about the way these elements mix with the sparse beat and crystal clear production that make this one sound particularly innovative when contrasted with more traditional mixtape fare.

The "Wash Interlude" – which reps my personal favorite space pilot – and its follow-up "Leaf on the Wind" continue this departure. With Adam exploring his breathy high-end and Mikal adding in delicate chorus vocals, it's certainly an odd duck on a rap release, but – after recovering from the initial shock upon hearing the track leaked a few weeks back – it has quickly found a special place in my heart and in my regular playlist. Though probably not the mixtape's strongest selection, it is a personal favorite for reasons too numerous to mention.

The change-up to "Independents" is a little rough, but the low-key lead-in belies an energetic delivery from both Adam WarRock and Tribe One. The spacey funk of the instrumental backing also contrasts beautifully against the song's punk rock ethos. It's another song that, while easily at home on the release, has undeniable significance outside its conceptual framework. It is also likely the very highest of The Browncoats Mixtape's high-water marks.

The "Out of Gas Interlude" takes us to "Out of Gas" featuring Canadian hip-hop superhero Jesse Dangerously. The minimalist drum tracks hits a little too brassy for my taste, and it's not exactly my favorite Jesse D guest spot, but the song still manages to satisfy with its blend of bleakness tempered with hope. Finally the "Jayne Interlude" marks our decent back to Earth, and "Vera" alby reps Mr. Cobb's preferred firearm – "a Callahan full-bore auto-lock with a customized trigger, double cartridge and thorough gauge" – with the help of The ThoughtCriminals. It's much more of a straight-ahead rap joint than many of the songs before it, but it still retains the mixtape's eclectic sheen.

Ultimate closer "Objects In Space" returns to the haunting, ethereal sounds of the deepest, darkest parts of the 'verse, but it's driving percussion paired with snippets of Whedon's own words set the stage for one of Adam's most blistering deliveries yet. Lyrically it is challenging, thought-provoking. It is, in short, a stunning, weighty ending to a thrilling ride.

There's a lot to be said about The Browncoats Mixtape. It is at once a love letter to the Firefly/Serenity property (and, by extension, its fans) and a musical meditation on the nature of independent art. It's about struggles and missed opportunities. It's about failures and untimely departures. But it's also about triumphs. Maybe not those major victories that win wars and garner fortunes, but about the real successes of the day-to-day. Making your own way, building a family, maintaining a sense of self even in the face of derision, that one perfect moment of proper realization that reassures you that you're comfortable in your own skin – these are the victories it celebrates.

Yet even beyond this The Browncoats Mixtape succeeds. Not only is it conceptually sound, but it's equally well crafted by its creators and guest artists. It sets a gold standard for the nerdcore mixtape, but, regardless of the trappings of that particular style, it is also a triumph of the broader hip-hop artistry. By abandoning soul hooks in favor of country and western flare and record scratches for the bleeps of minimalist electronica, it reminds us that there is always more to hip-hop than we may initially think.

Moreover, in its earliest moments The Browncoats Mixtape manages to make the most delightfully subversive statement I've likely ever heard in a rap track. Sure "fuck tha police" and "911's a joke in yo' town" were revolutionary statements in their time, and they continue to hold weight even after years spent floating around in the public consciousness, but the lyrical salvo of Adam WarRock's "Firefly" manages to trump all:

Maybe you weren't a fan of westerns or the FOX channel / Maybe you hated rap music; that's understandable / Maybe it opened your mind for all to see / And now the sky is a place where you long to be free.

Much in the way that geeky fan culture exists to reinforce the passions of a property's enthusiast, hip-hop culture exists to celebrate its legacy and propagate its message. There is a unique brand of pride and stewardship that I have long admired amid the heaviest of heads, but even this comes at a price. We have managed to convince ourselves across countless generations of philosophical, religious and political thought that, if an idea is to be truly strong and legitimately important, it must be sacred. And this is our folly.

I've seen many a studious rapper recoil in disgust when told by a fan that they "don't like rap, except for you." Because to be a hip-hopper is also to be an evangelist, and to be an evangelist is to be a true believer. kHill and WarRock, however, turn this idea on its ear within the mixtape's first track, and they continue to deconstruct this most fundamental ideal throughout The Browncoats Mixtape.

They admit the unthinkable: that it's okay not to like rap. But therein lies a glimmer of hope. Just as it was okay for future fans of Firefly to come into the show with no prior understanding of or particular fondness for westerns or the space opera, it is also perfectly acceptable for non-hip-hop heads to experience The Browncoats Mixtape. Perhaps for some it will prove a gateway to a myriad of additional rap-related artists and projects, and I can't help but think that this is part of its grander design. But if you're just content with this singular exemplary musical experience, that's shiny as well.

"Staying DIY 'til we d-i-e!"

I Hope Ya Don't Mind

2011-09-23T11:01:00.001-04:00

It's Friday, which means that – and this is highly dependent upon whom you ask – I am either in love or presently kickin' in the front seat. For the record, both of these are true. So, y'know, either answer would be correct.

No pressure.

Personally, I'm rather hoping for a low-impact weekend. A cursory look at my to-do list reminds me that I have a haircut scheduled and that I need to wrap up my review of Adam and kHill's Browncoats Mixtape, neither of which is a particularly unpleasant tasks. I also have a terse reminder to "buy booze" taped to my monitor, which can only mean that this weekend will also see me taking part in some drunken podcasting. Which, as you know, is always a good time.

This is all to say that I hope you have a pleasant weekend. And to help you kick that shit off, here are some Fraggles. Also some DJ Kool.

Tip o' the hat to @cdharrison for this one!

Ultra Mega Mega Man

2011-09-21T14:44:00.001-04:00

~~I think we can all agree that there is an absolute dearth of Mega Man-inspired projects available in today's VGM marketplace.~~

Okay, that level of sarcasm borders on dick-holery, so I'll restrain my inner snark beast. For my own sake as much as yours.

Sure, you've got your Protomen and your Mega Rans and your Megas, and you may be wondering if you really need any more music inspired by Capcom's Blue Bomber. But you do. You really, really do. Because the latest in Mega Musics comes from our friends at OverClocked ReMix.

Mega Man 9: Back in Blue boasts 2 discs worth of fine tunage, accompanied by liner notes, lyrics and artwork. And, since it's from OCR, of course that bitch is free! Further, it was organized Dustin "k-wix" Kulwicki, a name that Cave Story fans should recognize, so that provides yet another level of awesome.

Check out the teaser vid below, and then immediately head over to the project site to make with the downloadin'.

Hard Cor

2011-09-19T14:49:00.000-04:00

I hear a rumbling from the west, my friends. There is a storm brewing, a musical tempest with over-sized eyes, gravity-defying hair and flamboyant outfits. Surely this can only signify that the otaku army of the Ultraklystron camp is mobilizing!

For Karl himself this means a leak from his forthcoming release Animatic. The track is "Lifecycle," and it concerns itself with ethical living, a subject that's broached less often that it should be within the confines of hip-hop.

ultraklystron - lifecycle by karlrolson

For his longtime collaborator Rai, however, it means something even rarer: a Kickstarter campaign.

The duo is attempting to generate enough capital to streamline the recording, production and distribution of her new album Cor Leonis. With an ultimate goal of 5 grand, it's a pretty hefty undertaking, but anime nerds have nothing if not deep pockets.

In order to help motivate those of the Japanophile set to part with the hard-earned scratch from their Pocky funds, our heroes received a little help from local fan extraordinaire Jarrod in the form of the below handsome video. Give it a look and marvel at the colors of Rai Kamishiro's world.

Literally. 'Cause that shit is orange.

After you've done that, please consider chipping in to help out with the album. She is, after all, the only nerd musician to ever inspire her own religious cult.

Land of the Lost

2011-09-16T11:28:00.000-04:00

Recently I came to the startling realization that if I respond to an email, the person on the other end will, nearly without fail, write back – further contributing to the catastrophe that is my inbox. What I'm saying is that this shit is a vicious cycle.

The same goes for album reviews. I get a new disc, listen to it and write up my thoughts, and then, goddamnit, another album arrives on my doorstep!

I'm being facetious, of course, as the last thing I want is for people to stop recording and releasing music. I mean, what would I do with my spare time then?

Still, there are always albums that, as good as they are, tend to fall through the cracks. They are projects that, though they become a steady part of my musical diet, I often fail to expound upon in a timely manner. Thus every once in a while I am forced to comb through my playlists and highlight the releases I have neglected to promote with the requisite gusto.

This is one of those times.

What follows is a bit of ~~spring~~ ~~summer~~ early autumn cleaning on my part. It focuses on a trio of albums that managed to hit hard and make distinct impressions on me over the first half of 2011. I just sort of forgot to mention how awesome they are.

My bad.

Robots. Lasers. Awesome.

Nathan Meunier is, among other things, my journalistic homeboy. He is also a bit-popper with a distinctly grimy lean. His Robots. Lasers. Awesome., which I've been sitting on since March, proves as much by kicking off with the dark and aggressive "Doomlaser" before slowing down into the vaguely dub-tinged "Chasing Satellites."

From there the album goes off on a number of odd and interesting tangents, but driving chiptune melodies punctuated by even sharper guitar hooks are the order of the day. Whereas joints like "Iterate" channel The Cure into lo-fi electronica, "Nerd Rock" instead paints itself as a retro game soundtrack with traditional musical accompaniment.

The album slowly builds across 8 tracks to the amazingly evocative closer "Portal of Solitude" – it's rather desperate and somber, and, like the rest of Robots. Lasers. Awesome., manages to communicate real emotion despite a total absence of lyrics.

If you're looking for a solid instrumental soundtrack to your workday, some late-night driving music or if you just wanna explore a new hybrid music act, give Nathan a listen.

Villainz for Hire

Viet Vu reached out to me about Soup or Villainz's Villainz for Hire back in April, and it admittedly took a while to grab me. After a few listens, though, I began to grok the group's dynamic; SoV exists somewhere between the smart-ass swagger of Southside and the self-effacing nerdery of Death*Star. It's a strange position, sure, but one that only they can fill.

Vu's lyrical high-end was the initial turn-off, but once it got its hooks in me I realized a very prevalent blend of aggressive punches and comical follow-ups that even now puts me in mind of Childish Gambino. Remison, his coconspirator, holds shit down on the other end with hints of both West Coast and Deep South styles in a Midwest spit that is always on-point. Individually they've got talent, but together they are a two-headed geek rap juggernaut.

"Game to Play" and "The Code" represent fine examples of the Villainz's own take on gamer rap – a well that they seem all too willing to visit – with the latter boasting ample amounts of soul thanks to in-house hook machine Danyeal McIntosh, who also adds a shot of sultriness to the surf guitar-inspired "Gamer Tag." The VGM thing isn't their only trick, though, as the group takes on everything from relationship woes ("Only Option") to anthemicly braggadocios bangers ("Soup or Crazy)" across the breadth of the release.

The album's become a go-to release for me – especially "D.K.," which, though it makes for a slightly unsatisfying closer, has a chorus that's nothing short of irresistible – so I definitely suggest you give it a spin. Cheap-asses can also cop a half-size EP version of this disc for free from Scrub Club which features, among other tasty cuts, the project's blistering, if unfortunately short, "Intro."

The Lost

More recently Thomas from Hand'Solo Records hooked me up with the latest from long-lived Canadian hip-hop clique toolshed. Originally a loose collective of MCs and DJs, the toolshed of today is a more streamlined affair. Consisting of old friends Chokeules, Psybo and Timbuktu, it's now a hip-hop power trio in the classical sense.

Originally recorded after the release 2006's Relapse, the basis of The Lost is material from the titular lost album with a twist. Tim worked his production magic to incorporate new remixes and collabs in with the classic material, and the final result is a perfectly enjoyable slice of intelligently constructed rap that's also unafraid to appeal to the baser nature of your inner teenage hell-raiser.

Opening strong with "Peppercorns" and "Rock N Rule," the guys dive headfirst into funk-rock hooks and razor-sharp cuts. Guest stars abound on the phenomenal (and aptly named) "Round Table," and Ghettosocks' turn of "Hit 'Em With His Running Shoes" stands out as the kind of cameo that would shame most host artists. Thankfully the toolshed is composed of sterner stuff.

As flexible as they are talented, the 'shed excels at both bringing the proverbial pain to the idle youth – on not one but two different mixes of "Clubsuck" – and keeping the part alive with proper drinking anthems – "Irish Car Bomb Pt. 2" and its late album analog "Irish Tiger Balm Pt. 2." And their feats of instrumental strength and verbal stamina don't stop there.

Clocking in at 16 tracks of hip-hop for heads of all stripes, the album never misses, but that's not to say I don't have my favorites. "Flavor Saviors (remix)" brings in shades of BDP that can't help but satisfy, and the closing salvo of "Dream Team (Bix rmx)" and "Final Round (original version)" stand out as some of the strongest selections to come out of the always impressive Hand'Solo catalog.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 117: Man-Date with Destiny (Adam WarRock Special Edition)

2011-09-13T10:40:00.001-04:00

In this very special episode I throw the age-old Radio Free Hipster formula right out the window! I've been slipping with regard to regular featured interview posts – the recent mc chris piece notwithstanding – so I made it a point to grab at least one audio interview at Nerdapalooza 2011.

The subject of said sit-down was Adam WarRock, and, rather than transcribe it, I elected to cut it up and intersperse the dialog with relevant musical material.

You could call that laziness, but I prefer to think of it as innovation.

This podcast format is a bit of an experiment for me, so please let me know if you'd be interested in hearing more shows in this vein.

Special thanks to Eugene for taking the time to gab with me. And to you, of course, for checking it out.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 117: Man-Date with Destiny (Adam WarRock Special Edition) [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 28.6 MB Running Time: 22:02

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah - "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
I thought about fucking up the intro music a la the mixtape episodes, but decided against it.

Track 1: Adam WarRock – "Bipolar"
Probably my favorite joint from Adam and Tribe's latest Paper Cutters & Dangling Headphones. It was recorded at Icon Studios in Atlanta, and the level of polish is superb!

Track 2: Adam WarRock – "Leaf on the Wind (feat. Mikal kHill)"
Adam and kHill leaked some of this song on YouTube last month, but they were nice enough to let me premiere the track in full. Thanks, brothers!

Track 3: Adam WarRock – "The Silver Age (feat. Tribe One)"
This one is sort of Adam's mission statement. A stand-out track from the debut full-length that still stands up beside the best of his more recent output.

Track 4: Adam WarRock – "Epilogues"
Picking a closer for this 'cast was simple. It's from the Irrelevant Vol. 1 collection, that you, sadly enough, may have missed. If so, please rectify this most grievous error.

I've always thought about doing artist-specific podcasts, but I could never find a suitable angle. The hybrid music/interview thing seems to work, though. I mean, at least I think it works.

As always, you in the listening audience are the ultimate judge.

I certainly hope you dig it, and I similarly hope you'll join me in a few weeks for my annual Drunken Podcasting Month special. This time around I think Matt, Church and I are expanding our circle. Because you can never have too many drunk nerds on a Skype call.

I hope.

Stumblebee is my Copilot

2011-09-12T13:43:00.000-04:00

Because I love you – and because somehow this vid has only garnered 30ish views at the time of this posting, which is a fucking travesty – I would like to share with you a live cut from Supercommuter's PAX main stage debut. It's a very special track, specifically Stenobot's remix of Optimus Rhyme classic "Obey the Moderator," with a very special guest, the one and only Stumblebee.

Please Like It, favorite it, repost it and do all you can to disseminate its awesomeness throughout the interwebz.

You have your mission!

The Decider

2011-09-08T14:30:00.001-04:00

Counting this post (and our recent pow-wow on the GeekDad HipTrax podcast), I have interviewed geeky rap mainstay mc chris four times – more than any other single artist. This is interesting considering that mc is still often thought of as having a somewhat negative view of nerdcore, a term that is very regularly associated with my writing in general and this blog in particular. But that little aside is, alas, rather unimportant in the grander scheme of things.

For me, at least, what has typified each of my exchanges with mc chris over the past four or so years is his willingness to share. I fire off a lot of questions to potential interview subjects, and I always make it abundantly clear that he or she can ignore any that seem especially thorny. mc never seems to pick and choose.

He shoots back his gloriously uncensored responses generally within the span of a couple hours. And, while such candor can lead to some sticky situations, it does afford a proper look into the mind of the artist. It lets me as a writer and, hopefully, you as a reader truly grasp where mc is coming from at any given time.

He might not always give the responses you'd expect hear, but he always does it with a brand of wry honesty that has come to define him across his decade-long career.

--

When last we spoke you were preparing for the release of Marshmellow Playground. What was the fan reaction to a kid-friendly album from the generally foul-mouthed mc chris?

Awesome! A lot of my fans have been listening to me for ten years and in that time they've gotten married, had kids and now they want mc chris music they can listen to with them. I did it just as vague reference to the fact that George Miller gave us both Mad Max AND Happy Feet, two very different films.

I found that the reaction was awesome, except for the people that stole it and didn't know what it was. They were like, "What happened to you man? Rhyming about mommies and daddies and shit?!? You fell off!" Thankfully, families loved it and I got more than a bunch of reports about it helping kids learn to brush better and go to sleep. Lots of parents used it for car rides to school. It came in handy, so I'm excited to deliver the much longer sequel Marshmellow Campground in 2012.

You wrapped up last year's mc chris Goes to Hell with a "teaser trailer" for your soon-to-be released full-length Race Wars. Was the Mad Max-style musical concept already fully fleshed out by then, or were you just shooting from the hip with that closer?

Well, I had the album title for a long time. Since the Williams Street days. It gets referenced on all the old shows, but they're talking about all the races breaking up into groups and fighting for supremacy. I thought it would be more fun if it was about cars that are all racing each other. A Star Wars on the road.

I started to really develop the idea after seeing my nephew go nuts for cars. It reminded me of my own fascination with cars as a kid in the 80's. Every show had a car: Magnum, A-Team, Dukes of Hazard. And we loved the Cannonball Run series. It allowed us, in our own minds, to let anyone race with each other. Indiana Jones could race against James Bond. We picked the cars first, and then we picked who was driving in them. I think before computer generated effects, the most bad ass thing a movie or a TV show could do was show a car screeching around a corner. After touching upon things like Star Wars and GI Joe, I was excited to go back and investigate another facet of my toy-rich childhood.

As for it being a Mad Max thing, I think it just came to me as I wrote. The Ninjas vs. the Projects thing was thrown in there to emphasize Marshmellow Playground's innocence. We then just hit all the beats of a trailer. I recorded like 30 random things and then we went back and cut it up and threw in John Gemberling and Todd Hanson as well, who is the Senior Editor of the Onion and Dan Halen on Squibillies, by the way.

Your choice in instrumentals has changed a lot over the years, from the decidedly punk slant of Life's a Bitch and I'm Her Pimp to the classic DJ John era to the crazed pop of mc chris is dead and Goes to Hell. Musically, what can fans expect from Race Wars?

More instruments than ever before. New drum sounds. New instruments I can't pronounce from other countries I can't pronounce. Some fan made tracks. I can't really reveal what I did without spoiling it, but I can say that the album starts out very different and then goes into familiar territory.

I worked with some amazing musicians. They're on so much cool stuff it's crazy. Like they did the music for Red Dead Redemption, and you can hear a little bit of that sound in the track they did for me, "Tarantino." They were sending me all kinds of stuff. And my requests were varied, to say the least. The people that worked on this record definitely did this on the side. I'd be like can you we work on this tomorrow and they'd be like I have to tour with TV on the Radio or go be on Jimmy Fallon. The whole time I felt like it was so cool that they thought my little record was worth focusing on. And not only did they make music but they knocked it out the park. And Andrew Futral returned to corral all the music and turn everything into mc chris songs. We kinda eat music and then spit it out all fucked up.

He also supplied lots of original songs this year that I like a lot. Listen to music he normally does (The Age of Rockets and Field Mouse) and tell me he doesn't do a 180 when working with me. It's like he's living a double life. Half the time producing female vocalists or he's touring the country backing up famous chicks and the rest of the time he's making some of the most catchy inventive underground hip-hop out today.

What about lyrically? Any recurring motifs or fresh vocal ground covered in this new material?

We definitely touch upon the nerd motif. I already leaked "nerd cave" which is kind of a bare bones description of a modern day nerd's life, living in a small apartment, not going out. It's not that cheery. But the song surprisingly is. Caves is a motif on the album. And bears. That's all I'll say about that.

An mc chris album has beats too, and we try to hit those beats. Some fun stuff in the beginning, some serious stuff at the end, a love song and skits. Way too many skits. Which people will at first hate, then love, then quote. Or at least, that's how it's gone every record so far.

Are you finally through with bounty hunter on vehicle songs, or do you reserve the right to sneak those into future releases?

You have to wait to hear. There's a new subject that I've taken up, it's NOT Star Wars but I think it's going to make my fans really happy.

Recently "hoodie ninja" made its way into a Honda Civic ad campaign. Was there any "sellout" backlash associated with such a high profile project, or has the taboo surrounding the licensing of music for commercial use finally been laid to rest?

Of course, but I think the people that make those comments just kinda look not-as-smart-as everyone else commenting. Most folks were like, "Congrats! Ten Years of hard work and now you have something cool to show for it!" It's very validating to exist in your own right without corporate help, but it's also nice to be acknowledged. You feel less invisible. And that commercial played everywhere, before just about every movie that came out this summer, prime time every night.

Blink 182 is on a Honda Tour right now and my song plays right before they come out. That's just cool to me. And I think it was a fun moment for a lot of long time mc chris fans to say that's my boy! I got a lot of flack for saving the money and not doing anything with it. But I have no idea how this all plays out and I want to be smart.

The recently announced Race Wars tour boasts a really impressive lineup; you're sharing the stage with MC Lars, Random and Adam WarRock. Did you decide early on to make this a more rap-centered tour, or did it just come together on its own?

I like to go with what works and then give those last two slots to some folks that deserve a chance to show everyone what they can do. I think this tour will be an eye-opener.

Former tour mates I Fight Dragons were signed by Photo Finish/Atlantic Records in 2010, just months after the conclusion of your tour. Is a traditional record deal still something to which you aspire, or are you content to continue to do your own thing in your own way?

Congratulations to I Fight, honestly. I would like to think getting that opening slot does indeed get you attention.

It's just not my way to leave things up to other folks, like labels and management, that don't care as much as I do. I have a firm base that I can launch anything from a book to a cartoon, I can make records whenever I want and I answer to no one but the fans. I prefer the freedom and the anonymity that allows me to create with abandon. Bands get dropped because they're numbers don't match up with projections and then they split up, or maybe they split up because they didn't get signed. After a flash in the pan is long gone I'm still gonna be on Facebook announcing new records and new shows. I decide when it ends and that means everything to me.

You're now a solid decade into your musical career. How has the landscape changed for the indie artist since those early days?

Well everything I did in the beginning that was so fresh and cool and innovative is now common practice with just about every artist. I see quantity has started to matter more than quality with mixtapes becoming the standard.

I feel older and older, like I'm doing a form of hip-hop that no one even recognizes anymore. I grew up on Native Tongues and Public Enemy, the Pharcyde. Now I find myself trying to imitate the sounds of the rappers of the turn of the century. The dirty south beats before Dungeon Family came into play.

I definitely hate the new rap. Or at least I can't get into it cuz all the hooks suck or are nonexistent. Smaller rappers are trying to rhyme faster but no one knows what they're saying and older, bigger rappers are trying to act like they invented rap when they definitely didn't, they're just rapping in a bow tie.

When I was in Junior High I dressed like all these hipsters do now, pretending it's the 50's, wearing plaid shirts and sweater vests. Of course I got made of fun of. But now it's hip as fuck and everyone is trying to copy the hipsters that were copying the Japanese and the tattooed rednecks in Atlanta that dressed like that before them. I take pride in the fact that I stick to what I know and every once in a while it becomes extremely popular.

I've had quite the summer on Twitter where I get told at least once a day that Kreayshawn and Nicki Minaj sound like me, "but not funny." Well... at least I'm funnier than Nicki Minaj.

Earlier this year you handily used Kickstarter to generate some capital for a very special project. What's the status of the mc chris cartoon?

It's very secret and very safe. My artist Nate Bellegarde worked his butt off all summer drawing some awesome stuff. We're bringing to life a bunch of things that I think my fans will appreciate. I meet with Titmouse before I leave for tour and we discuss the storyboards. I'm hoping to show everyone a trailer at Christmas. The backers have been getting the inside scoop all the while which is super fun, kinda like a secret club with decoder rings. So far everyone has been keeping mum pretty well. The trick is to keep it under wraps.

You also expend an awful lot of time and energy collecting donations in the name of your nephew Murray to fight CF. How much money have mc chris fans generated for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation over the years?

I'm proud to report that we passed the $100,000 mark this summer. I'm trying to raise money every week selling anything of mine that isn't nailed down. This week I announced that this huge Captain America box from Hasbro that is up for bid on my eBay sale for CF has the first copy of Race Wars in it. I think it's at like $300 bucks now. When I send stuff out I try to include lots of what I call, "loot," candy, Legos, Magic cards. I want to make a bad day awesome with some surprise goodies and I also want people to see that doing something good can result in cooler crap happening.

You covered "I Lost on Jeopardy" for the Twenty-Six and a Half Weird Al tribute, and you previously covered his DEVO style parody "Dare to Be Stupid." How big of an influence was Al on your particular brand of humorous music?

I never got an Al album to honest. But I grew up on MTV so his videos definitely taught me parody. I remember singing, "Smell my feet!" to the GoGo's "We Got the Beat" at Summer Camp when I was little. So his influence goes back to my very early days of being an asshole.

For comparison, mc, you and I are the same age, but while you're touring the country I am decidedly stationary with a wife and two kids. Will mc chris ever settle down to a life of quiet domesticity?

Yes. As soon as possible.

Lastly, you've got an album ready to drop and a new fall tour all lined up. What else is coming down the pike from mc chris?

A song where if you memorize it you will know all the US Presidents.

--

Is it weird that I hope that last answer means mc is covering Animaniacs' classic "The Presidents?" Probably, but I digress.

There was a time, in the far-flung days of yore during the height of their "feud," when fellow nerd rap pioneer YTCracker stated that, while he and mc chris failed to see eye-to-eye, he still "respected his hustle."

There was something oddly prophetic about that statement. Because now, years later, mc has managed to endure by doing just that – by making his own way through the generally fickle and surprisingly hostile landscape of modern music. By approaching recording, touring, marketing and fan interaction in his own indubitable fashion. By staying on that proverbial grind. And it has served him well.

With more than 10 years under his belt he has managed to make an indelible mark on not only the geek culture that is so often evoked in his lyrics, but also on the broader pop culture. His is the unique voice that crops up on television commercials and movie soundtracks, instantly recognizable even if not always expected.

Love him or hate him, Christopher Ward is now and forever your favorite rapper's favorite overblown cartoon avatar.

He is "the high-toned honky." He is MC PeePants. He is a zombie and a wizard and a bounty hunter and a basket case. He is mc chris, and he is in control of his own destiny.

And he is most certainly funnier than Nicki Minaj.

Birthday Wishes

2011-09-07T10:14:00.000-04:00

So I was on the Facebooks this morning – I'm not proud of it, but it's where my little bro Roach chose to post his Dragon*Con pics – and I noticed that this is the birthday of a certainly notable nerd MC. San Diego's Doctor Awkward, of The BossFights and, um, simply being fuckin' Doctor Awkward fame, turns 24 today.

Though I'm not sure if it was explicitly planned, his birth-iversary also coincides with the release of a hot new single. Not to mention a snazzy new logo. Both are on display over at Bandcamp, but I've embedded 'em below via internet magic.

Listen, enjoy and be sure to give the good Doctor your best on this, the day of his birth.

&amp;lt;a href="http://docawkward.bandcamp.com/track/wish-i-made-that"&amp;gt;Wish I Made That by Dr. Awkward&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Feeling Scientific

2011-09-02T09:52:00.003-04:00

When I first heard Weezer's nigh-ridiculously named third self-titled release I was struck by the staggering revelation that, while I had grown up a lot since the 1990s, Rivers Cuomo had not. This isn't to say I didn't dig the album, or even that a writer necessarily needs to ripen emotionally in order to craft enjoyable songs. Where, for example would Trent Reznor be without his angsty and eternally adolescent rancor? But it does drive home a point about the sometimes tenuous place of the mature storyteller in popular music.

On the other hand, even since the earliest days of Optimus Rhyme, lyricist Wheelie Cyberman has had that rare ability to impart a musical narrative – no matter how fantastical – in clear-cut (if not always concrete) terms. With both emotion and restraint. With both whimsy and wisdom. In short, he tells a story like a storyteller, like a true seasoned wordsmith. His songs have heroes and villains, triumphs and fuck-ups, and he as narrator is just as likely to represent one side of that coin as the other. This means that even when a track takes place in some imaginary world populated by groove-hungry robots there still exists a level of honest realism.

The instrumentation of the Optimus lineup did a lot to play to this strength. Beneath the soul-funk rhythms and punk rock attitude there was a strong undercurrent of blues, the backbone of the American musical tradition: an unpretentious music that shares a universal message about life, love and loss with a distinctly timeless gather-'round-and-hear-my-tale aesthetic.

After that project dissolved Wheelie moved on to chip-hop collective Supercommuter, and their debut album still stands out as an amazing example of not only his unique rap style, but also as a kind of logical next step in his previous band's science fiction-y lean. The addition of chiptuner Stenobot (holding down the instrumentals) and his brother Tron Juan (whose ear for production pulled the whole thing together), assured that Supercommuter proved itself an exemplary effort. But that album, by the admission of the band itself, was a bit of a sonic experiment cobbled together from pieces of songs the guys created during hours lost in traffic going to and from their respective day jobs.

Their recent follow-up, Products of Science, builds on the data that our heroic bots collected from this preliminary study. While fans would've certainly been satisfied with more of the same, Supercommuter pushed themselves on all levels, and the release is all the better for it.

Opening with "The Commute Continueth," a clever reference to the original album's starter track, the guys ably employ the sharp and resonant blips of the classic Game Boy, but even from these early moments something is drastically different. Brighter and noticeably more cohesive as it transitions to "DMG We Trust in Thee," there is much more in the way of melody, both vocally and instrumentally, than the band has previously displayed. Amid rapid-fire verses and a gorgeously textured chorus, "DMG" explains the group itself; it smashes the sonic fourth wall somehow without ever losing its darkly futuristic edge.

The warbling, dissonant groove of "It is Splendid" quickly morphs into a genuine hip-hop banger with appropriately spacey singing and a quick drop-off that takes us back to earth for debut single "#1 Kyabajo." Thick and twisting, thanks in part to an enchanting counter-melody and a fierce breakdown, it drops the band's established sci-fi pretense.

This extends into "Wheelie's Lament," a song that sees the MC wrestling with inner insecurities via a very public forum. (And it's also a joint that boasts a truly clever allusion to Kurtis Blow!) Then an unceremonious shift takes us back to the world of Wheelie's space bound alter-ego in "Frozen," a heartbreaking tale of interstellar travel, loneliness and creeping madness.

The tone changes quickly with instrumental "Script Kitties," a four-minute marathon of erratic beats and churning LSDJ loops topped off with eerie samples. It's the perfect prelude to the ultra-violent "Robot Party," a stand-out cut that's only slightly diminished as a known property; it was previous released on the first Nerdcore Now compilation.

"Natural Immunity" pairs Wheelie's motor mouth and Stumblebee's drunken baritone for the first time since the demise of Optimus Rhyme. It's also likely the music world's most upbeat post-plague narrative. "FF45" sounds a bit like a throw-back to the previous album, with an odd layering of vocoded singing and straight-ahead rap that fails to gel early on, but later turns into the project's most vivid story-song. Touching on the recurring motifs of isolation, the marriage of man and machine and the potential horrors of technology, it's complex but easy to love.

"We're Watching You" breaks tradition by relying heavily on acoustic guitar (although the electronic elements are still readily apparent.) Another stand-out, it retells Clarke's Childhood's End in exquisite detail, capturing both hope and misery in sharp detail. From there Products of Science draws to a close with "Victory Song." As upbeat as the name implies, it marks the album's end in true 8-bit style and genuinely channels that rush of "beating the game."

As I've already mentioned, the title of Album of the Year is already hotly contested. It's a crowded playing field stocked with veteran songwriters pulling out all the proverbial stops to wow those of us in the listening public. Still, amid all of these Products of Science stands out among the best of the best.

With a magical blend of innate talent and savvy construction, the album truly mines the breadth of the genius that is Supercommuter. Wheelie remains, as ever, one of my favorite voices from the hip-hop underground, and Stenobot makes a DMG sing like no one else I've heard. Add to this Tron – a guy who always seems to know how to pitch-shift a vocal run or strip down a beat for maximum impact – and you have what is likely the most commanding and unorthodox power trio in the entire spectrum of geeky, techy music. Products of Science not only sees the chrome of these three androids shine the brightest yet, but it also pulls in amazing support staff in the form of pitch-perfect vocalists like Rachel Haden and Jen Wood (the wife of the band's own Tron Juan) for added flair.

Dark, introspective and representing a more refined approach, it's an album that will likely move a lot of copies, but probably not as many as its level of quality genuinely warrants. So pick one up. Shit, pick up two! All the proceeds benefit the Child's Play charity. Which I reckon proves beyond all doubt that these robots, as cold and calculating as they are, still possess real human hearts.

"I remember the moment when / The machines stopped listening."

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 116: Ugly Summer

2011-08-31T09:47:00.000-04:00

Fun fact: I actually got the title of this episode from NPR. During a segment concerning the uprisings in Libya and Syria, the riots in London and the crush of recent natural disasters, the commentator referred to a bloody, ugly summer marked by violence and destruction. The phrase stuck in my mind.

Okay, admittedly that's not what you'd call a riveting tale; it's not exactly a keen look into my creative process, but it's something. And that's more than nothing.

Admittedly, this edition closes out the season on a bit of an odd note. But then again, I am nothing if not odd myself.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 116: Ugly Summer [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 64.6 MB Running Time: 49:08

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
It's a warm-weather jam in itself.

Track 1: Backburner - "Heatwave"
The entire Heatwave album is now streaming free at Bandcamp. Check it out.

Z's 1st interlude: "One of my go-to seasonal themes."
Skip that; I am nothing if not consistent.

Track 2: Shael Riley and the Double Ice Backfire - "Here Comes the Hotstepper"
"MURDERAH!"

Track 3: Odyssey & The DNA Team - "My Little Pony Theme (Europener Mix)"
I really need to hold off on the MLP tracks, as I reckon Church is gonna have a grocery list of 'em ready for next month's drunkcast.

Track 4: Chaz Kangas - "Young, Gifted and Chaz"
Because rapping over the theme from The Critic is never a bad idea.

Track 5: Tribe One - "Different"
I gotta give it up to Tribe; this song is beautiful. Moreover, it was just the song I needed to hear.

Track 6: Go Home Productions - "Easy Divide"
Unfortunately I had a hard time following "Different" up, but I think this track did the trick.

Track 7: the modrats - "She's an Elf"
I totally didn't realize these guys were from SC until I was compiling my show notes!

Z's 2nd interlude: "The steam and the stink of a long, hot summer."
I honestly have no idea where I come up with this shit.

Track 8: The Deftones - "My Own Summer (Shinobi Ninja Rolling Stoned Remix feat. Skoob of Das EFX)"
You must own Hashy Larry. Make it yours.

Track 9: nYgel - "Rhyme Well [Interlude]"
This one is from nYgel's latest Antique Bird Collection, a mix that ain't even out yet!

Track 10: Maniac Robot - "You Said"
Something funky happened when I was recording/editing my narration that seemed to remove my reference to the proper name of this duo. That being said: Maniac Robot.

Track 11: Mega Ran - "Pump It Up! (feat. Adam WarRock)"
Gonna be nice to hear this joint performed live on the fall tour.

Track 12: K.Flay - "2 Weak"
There's just something sort of half-depressing and half-whimsical about this one. I kinda had to wrap up the set with it.

Z's final interlude: "The Sean Combs maneuver."
Y'all know what I'm talking about.

Track 13: Jackson 5 vs. Kid Rock - "I Want You Back All Summer Long (Calmucho Mashup)"
For the record, "All Summer Long" isn't Kid Rock's worst transgression. That would be that god-awful duet he did with Sheryl Crow. That is, quite possibly, the worst song ever.

Next month we once again pause to celebrate drunken podcasting. As is tradition.

Listen for the annual RFH drunkcast in late September, with a special episode in the earlier half of the month. But I've also got plans to guest on another podcast's inebriated festivities, because Drunken Podcasting Month is truly the season of sharing!

Videodrome

2011-08-24T12:02:00.001-04:00

It's been a big week for music videos, which is to say that it's been one of those weeks when half the messages that make their way into my inbox have YouTube links. And that's not a bad thing.

This, of course, leaves me to collect all these disparate images and compile them lovingly into a single blog post – which you are now reading.

First up is another slice of "rural American rap" from Indiana MC id obelus, or more specifically from his project Creatures of Habit. The single is called "#Swagriculture," and it's a lyrical challenge to fame-obsessed rappers of all stripes. The video was recording using a novel approach, specifically an iPad 2 and the 8mm app, and the track itself is presently available for any price point via Bandcamp.

Yet another slice of syncretic hip-hop combines the uniquely urban sensibilities of rap with a dash of down-home flair, though in this case there's also an interesting sci-fi twist. Of course I'm talking about "Leaf on the Wind," the song at the center of the second video teaser for The Browncoats Mixtape. The almost breathless delivery of Adam WarRock's vocals coupled with the sparseness of the beat is a bit jarring at first, but there's something in there that serves to make it gel perfectly with kHill's delicate chorus. Also, R.I.P. Wash. :(

The next video features a similar sneak peek into the latest from otaku rap favorite Ultraklystron. It includes snippets of 11 songs from the upcoming nerdcore album Animatic, not to mention slice-of-life photos from throughout his career. More info is available at Karl's official site, and new listeners are encouraged to peruse his back catalog (including a new best-of comp) over at Bandcamp.

And a last minute addition comes to us from UK sometimes-solo-act-sometimes-duo-now-suddenly-a-quartet Superpowerless. It's a parody of "My Moment" by infamous pop princess Rebecca Black with a distinct Where the Wild Things Are slant. It's entitled "My Wolf Suit," and eschews Superpowerless's usual chiptune leanings for a more synth-pop feel.

Sleazy Listening

2011-08-22T11:18:00.000-04:00

We're scarcely half a day into the workweek, and I, for one, am already having trouble staying motivated. I imagine that this not an isolated incident, so I'll share with you the one thing keeping me going right now.

Spoiler alert: it's music.

My brothers Steve and Gord, of Ye Olde Bonebat Show, have assembled their own survey of musical nerdery from the Pacific Northwest. It includes Supercommuter, Klopfenpop, Southside and Billy the Fridge, boasting many-a live cut from the one and only AlienBobZ. Definitely check that shit out. And would it kill ya to subscribe?

Also, if you're a less-talk-more-rock kinda cat, Chip Banger Records has just released The Gameboy Adventure by French chip artist Flip-Flop. It marks the debut release from the Marseille native, and it is five songs of charging beats and crazy-ass 8-bit energy. It’s also a name-your-own-price release at Bandcamp, so go check it out and maybe toss a couple of ~~dollars~~ euros Flip-Flop's way.

Go, and sin no more.

Backalicious

2011-08-19T10:43:00.003-04:00

The Great White North is about to get a whole lot hotter thanks to the Backburner crew. Thomas from Hand'Solo was nice enough to hit me with a pre-release promo of their latest Heatwave earlier this week, and it's nothing short of epic!

Featuring top-shelf Canadian hip-hoppers like Jesse Dangerously, Thesis Sahib, SJ the Wordburglar, ~~Wayne Gretzky,~~ Chokeules, More Or Les, Ghettosocks and Psybo, it's 14 tracks of flawless flows and razor-sharp cuts expertly mixed by Timbuktu and Dexter Doolittle. Stand-out joints include the one-two punch of starters "Straight Out the Vault" and "Lifers," "Show of Hands" (with its unexpectedly tight xylophone-powered instrumental hook), Castlevania-driven "Phantom Ghost" and the spacey "Freak Show Physics." Though, truthfully, there ain't a bad song in the bunch.

Check out the phenomenal title track below, and then proceed immediately to Bandcamp to pre-order your copy. Both the digital version ($5) and the physical release ($8.99) will be available on August 30th, and I can think of no better soundtrack as you while away the waning days of summer.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://handsolorecords.bandcamp.com/track/heatwave"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Heatwave by Thesis Sahib, Timbuktu, Wordburglar, Jesse Dangerously, Chokeules &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Jay Bizzy&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

It Gets Better

2011-08-17T13:14:00.000-04:00

Not actual photo of rapper

Those of us who attended Nerdapalooza got a special treat during the Adam WarRock set. His partner in crime Tribe One – a cat who'll be joining Adam on the latter half of the Race Wars tour – busted out a phenomenal solo joint wherein he rapped over the soundtrack for the Scott Pilgrim video game. Though he used that opportunity to tease us with the concept of his forthcoming Anamanagangsta mixtape, Tribe's debut single actually comes from a different work.

From the Papercutters & Dangling Headphones EP, slated to be released August 22nd, "Different" is odd in that it represents that rare piece of LGBT-friendly hip-hop. But even beyond that it's a beautiful piece of positive, supportive lyricism that reminds us that rap culture is American culture, and that American culture is exquisitely broad. It's a spoonful of hope to help cut that nasty taste that is our current climate of name-calling and finger-pointing.

Since this is another entry from WarRock's month-long parade of sweet new singles, it also comes backed up with b-side "Countdown to Armageddon." It's a story-track from Adam that starts off simple enough but takes an unexpected turn at the end.

Both are well worth your time, but the lead track is what I'd call required listening. Enjoy.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 115: Urban Arcade

2011-08-15T13:25:00.001-04:00

It’s the first day of school down here in my burg. I'm not sure if that's relevant save to say that the summer season is fast coming to a close.

Consider this another dose of warm-weather music for that ass.

As I assume your ass still requires warm-weather music.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 115: Urban Arcade [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 63.4 MB Running Time: 47:41

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
My theme song could beat up your theme song.

Track 1: Kirby Krackle - "Booty Do Math (feat. Adam WarRock)"
I really can't overstate the fact that this is my jam.

Z's 1st interlude: "So many definite articles."
I guess you could say I was talking the shit. #clever

Track 2: Adam WarRock - "Andrew Garfield at SDCC"
I had my qualms with a Spidey movie re-launch, but it's really hard not to love this guy.

Track 3: USK - "Cheap Jungle"
This may well be the first time I've featured a solo Japanese chiptune artist.

Track 4: Parks & Recreation dialog / DJ Dain - "Black POWER 2000 (Dan Forden, Brian Schmidt & Steve Ritchie vs. Kanye West) [Clean]"
Confession time: I still haven't listened to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy in its entirety.

Track 5: R_Garcia - "SMB2 (Underworld Theme)"
Big ups to Larry for hipping my to the Eightest Bits comp from Nophi. Also, did I pronounce it as "no-fee?" Fuck!

Track 6: Chokeules - "Fumes (hotbox remix)"
Toolshed. Backburner. Represent.

Z's 2nd interlude: "It might just renew your faith in the internet."
I'm serious. Watch it.

Track 7: Kabuto the Python and B.C. - "Tali (Em Version)"
The N7 EP was originally slated to be a full-length, but catastrophic hard drive failure is a motherfucker.

Track 8: Supercommuter - "#1 Kyabajo (feat. Rachel Haden)"
I have a review written of the new Supercommuter. I hope to have it polished up later this week or early next.

Track 9: MC Frontalot - "Critical Hit"
If you pre-order the new Frontalot you can download the digital version now. What's not to love?

Track 10: Heath McNease - "Turtle Van Damme"
Because you can never have too many TMNT tracks.

Track 11: SJ Tucker - "D&D"
This one is yet another great find by my boy Church Hates Tucker.

Z's final interlude: "My 3-year-old daughter's favorite new song."
If I had a nickel for every time she ran through the den screaming "ponies, ponies ponies, swag…"

Track 12: Swagberg - "Pony Swag (feat. Maros)"
It saddens me to realize that Mitch Hedberg isn't alive to hear what really happens when you remix a remix.

Drunken Podcasting Month draws nigh, and I honestly don't know if my liver can take it. But I'll do it for you, internet!

I'm actually hoping to do something a bit different with this year's drunkcast, but only time will tell if it shakes out as planned.

Expect at least one other (reasonably) sober podcast before then, though. And I'll likely pair September's aforementioned drunkcast with another specialty show.

Gundam Wang

2011-08-10T14:00:00.001-04:00

As many of you already know, rapper Adam WarRock is my baby's mother. (Okay, not literally.) Ergo I am honor bound to tell you that this very month he is conducting a rare donation drive.

Y'see, Adam doesn't ask for handouts. He doesn't do Kickstarter. He pays for all of his expenses, from travel to merch to production, out of his own pocket. However with this fall tour backing up mc chris, MC Lars and Random coming down the pipe, he needs to pad the wallet a bit to help keep his belly full as he traverses the Nerd Nation. You can help out by heading over to his virtual home base to buy said merch or, better yet, by sliding the guy a couple dollars via this handy donation link.

Unlike PBS, Adam doesn't reward you with some shitty tote bag for sharing your hard-earned duckets. All month he's gonna continue to provide you special free weekly singles. These are singles in the classical sense, by the way, with their own b-sides -- a concept which I heartily endorse.

He and Tribe One kicked shit off last week with "Study Hall," and this time around it's the anime-tinged nastiness of "Gundam Wings & Fries." Snag 'em both, and keep a keen eye out for more of the new hotness from your favorite comic shop MC.

Nerd Money, Nerd Problems

2011-08-09T14:36:00.000-04:00

A new Kirby Krackle album all but guarantees two things. The first is a glowing review from me. The second? Kick ass new videos!

Check out the latest in visual delights from the guys. It's for "Nerd Money," the second single from their Super Powered Love full-length. It was lovingly animated in ultra-chibi style by the one and only Betsy Lee, but the nerd wealth fantasy is universal.

Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama

2011-08-03T09:01:00.001-04:00

I'm leaving you, my tiny baby birds. I'm afraid you will be forced to fend for yourselves for the rest of the week while I take the fam on our regular pilgrimage to the coast.

Hush now. Don't cry. Your ol' Uncle Zack will be back before you know it. And if you really can't live without me you can follow my exploits via the Twitters. I will endeavor to regale you with tales of all the crazy shit my kids do. That'll keep you entertained for a bit, right?

Those of you in NYC, however, have a very special assignment in my absence.

This Saturday night (August 6), my good friends Schaffer the Darklord and the newly revamped Monsterface will be playing at… a bowling alley in Brooklyn? Wait; that can't be…

Yup. It's a bowling alley in Brooklyn.

I am counting on you Gothamites to head out there and support 'em. And to come back with a full report of the awesomeness that will assuredly ensue. And also to maybe bowl a couple of frames.

You have your mission. Godspeed, internet!

TeacherRapperLimo

2011-08-02T09:09:00.000-04:00

I hate reality shows. Oddly enough, however, I love documentaries.

I suppose the difference, to me at least, is that the former focuses on hollow, superficial subjects while the latter illuminates the inner workings of the world around us and its most compelling denizens. For this reason alone I have been unwilling to call Random's continuing Life After Lesson Plans series a reality show. Y'know, because I actually care about the outcome.

But whether it's a mini-doc or a vlog it has, at least for the time being, drawn to a close. (If you haven't been keeping up, you can start from the beginning – which is always a fine place to start.) The series has managed to show our hero coping with some interesting challenges in his personal and professional life, and, fittingly enough, this final chapter winds down with an epic cliffhanger.

And also an epic breakfast.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 114: Fear and Loathing in Orlando

2011-08-01T09:52:00.003-04:00

I have come to realize that the more nice shit you say, the less likely others are to actually believe it. Over-hyping something, even retroactively, is a cardinal sin. So I shall reign in my post-Nerdapalooza bliss.

I mean, I wouldn't go so far as to say Nerdapalooza 2011 was a religious experience, but it was extremely enjoyable and ultimately impressive. As a hardened critic, I was rather surprised when I sat down to collect my thoughts and everything that seemed to pour out was positive. But hey, I've already made that known.

This episode revisits the festival as an audio experience for all to (hopefully) enjoy. It boasts many of the acts from the event's expansive lineup, as well as my take on what each brought to the show.

It also features some live audio that I captured. It's far from perfect, but, given that I made zero effort to ensure audio fidelity, I think it came out surprisingly well.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 114: Fear and Loathing in Orlando [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 63 MB Running Time: 48:44

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
The title of this episode is actually a reference to a running joke between my friends GeekDad Curtis and funky49.

Track 1: Shael Riley drop / The BossFights - "Conspiracy Theory"
If you listen closely, you'll hear my friend Josh say something about Coast to Coast AM at the end of Shael's drop, thus the decision to start things off with "Conspiracy Theory." Though the fact that I love Bishop's riff certainly didn't hurt.

Z's 1st interlude: "What I do remember recording was some bootleg audio."
I carried my H1 field recorder with me the entire weekend. Sadly, I only managed to turn it on a half-dozen or so times.

Track 2: Inverse Phase - "Song 6502"
I've seen very few live chiptune performances -- so it's not like I have a lot to compare it to -- but I have to say Inverse Phase killed with his set.

Track 3: Dual Core - "Invaders Must Die (feat. Remington Forbes) [Live at Nerdapalooza 2011]"
That fucker that keeps screaming "Reeeemmmaaaaayyy" and ruining the audio levels? Me.

Track 4: The OneUps - "Something about Koopa Beach"
My 6-year-old recently discovered Mario Kart (thanks to a DS Lite promo bundle from Nintendo), so we've been listening to a lot of cuts from this particular OneUps album.

Track 5: The Protomen - "The Fall"
Am I the only one who gets confused as to when to first pump and when to heartbeat clap at a Protomen show?

Track 6: Schaffer the Darklord - "Battlefont"
In case you missed the related Twitter conversation, I have asked STD and Nelson Lugo to host my wake. And they have agreed to do so. Best. Death. Ever.

Track 7: I Fight Dragons - "Money (feat. Klopfenpop) [Live at Nerdapaloza 2011]"
After all these years I finally got to meet Brian from IFD! Admittedly it was only for about a minute and a half, but it still totally counts.

Z's 2nd interlude: "I hung out with him and Stevo and Larry Oji."
Though it lacked the foam sword fighting and booth babes of some other installations, the OC ReMix table was easily the most entertaining at Nerdapalooza 2011. Simply by virtue of including these three amazing cats.

Track 8: Adam WarRock - "I Believe in Harvey Dent (feat. Tribe One) [Live at Nerdpalaooza 2011]"
Early on in the weekend Adam WarRock became my true-blue homeboy. He's relocating to my region later this year, so I imagine we'll start having sleepovers and painting each other's toenails. #pillowfight

Track 9: Illbotz - "Transform"
Let it be forever known that DJ Samson runs shit!

Track 10: The ThoughtCriminals - "Return of the Antagonist (featuring Illbotz) [Untested Methods Remix]"
kHill and Sulfur drove down from Charlotte on Saturday and, though they also had to cut out a bit early, they more than made their mark on Nerdapalooza 2011.

Track 11: Insane Ian - "Harry Potter"
When I think back on the FuMP sets from this year's festival the first words that my mind conjures are "impeccable comic timing." These are followed shortly by "multiple guest star."

Track 12: Shinobi Ninja - "This is How We Do It"
If you get a chance to catch Shinobi Ninja while they're on the road promoting Rock Hood, by all means take advantage of the opportunity. They blend metal and hip-hop and soul and reggae rock, but mostly they exude an infectious brand of stage energy.

Z's final interlude: "I just wanna say thank you to everyone who hung out with me at Nerdapalooza."
It was so amazing to meet all of you!

Track 13: Sci-Fried - "Fett's Vette [Live at Nerdapalooza 2011]"
I actually managed to record the entirety of the Sci-Fried set. I'm gonna clean it up and see what I can do with it.

Alright, I think I've said all I can and rightly should say about Nerdapalooza. I mean, except for revisiting that Adam WarRock interview I recorded. I should really do something with that.

But for the foreseeable future, at least, I'll shut the fuck up about it.

Because if you were there you already know what a magical weekend it was. And if you weren't then I kinda feel sorry for you.

The Commute Cometh (Again)

2011-07-30T18:33:00.000-04:00

Every job has its perks. If you are a medical professional, drug reps regularly ply you with free meals and branded merch. Similarly, I am led to believe that astronauts get all the Tang they want, although I am unsure how this fares in our new post-NASA era.

For music bloggers like me, however, the benefits tend to fall into two categories. One is swag. The other is access to early preview tracks.

While the former can and should be proudly flaunted, the latter must typically be kept under the tightest of wraps. Except when it morphs into its magical secondary form, "the exclusive."

With that in mind I would like to hit my fellow inhabitants of the Nerd World up with some knowledge concerning the latest from Seattle chip-hoppers Supercommuter. I am pleased to report that the sophomore release from Wheelie Cyberman, Stenobot and Tron Juan, dubbed Products of Science, is set to drop next month.

On the most basic levels it picks up where their self-titled debut left off. Much of the album was built from music and lyrics conceived during the band members' daily commutes and the proceeds from its sale will again benefit Child's Play, but this time around the trio has certainly shook shit up.

While it retains the experimental sheen of Supercommuter, Products also seems noticeably more cohesive. The songwriting, which was approached more collectively, offers much more in the way of melody – both vocal and instrumental – and it also serves to expand the band's thematic sphere. Though robots and human/robot relations are certainly a core component, the guys have given Products of Science a more classical sci-fi feel.

This dozen-strong collection of beeps, booms and rhymes also boasts a fine selection of guest vocalists including Rachel Haden (That Dog, The Rentals) and Jen Wood (Tattle Tale, The Postal Service.) And diehard Optimus fans will be particularly delighted by the inclusion of fellow Autobeat Stumblebee on the track "Natural Immunity."

But a full dissection of the latest from these otherworldly androids is another story for another day. Right now I insist that you peep free teaser track "#1 Kyabajo." It's a cautionary tale from a hostess bar (featuring the aforementioned Rachel Haden on the chorus) that eschews much of Wheelie's fantastical storytelling in favor of a more earthbound narrative. Though its beat – which plays like an 8-bit cut from the Blade Runner soundtrack with a digital grindcore breakdown – is very indicative of the album's new feel.

Give it a listen, and keep your auditory sensors open for more news concerning the full release. Or you can quit playing coy and pre-order the physical pressing right now.

&amp;lt;a href="http://supercommuter.net/album/products-of-science"&amp;gt;Products of Science by Supercommuter&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Shake It (Like a Cheeseburger)

2011-07-28T13:52:00.000-04:00

I've been a big fan of Seattle's heavy-drinkin' hip-hop clique Southside for years now. Thunderball and the boys simply do things differently, they blaze their own trail. From lyrics to instrumentation to… um… promo, Southside always manages to not only be different, but to actually remain entertaining.

Right now the crew is putting the finishing touches on their forthcoming album Science Diction, but they could use some help generating funds for the mastering and duplication of the disc. Now Southside ain't asking for a handout or nothin' – in fact their Kickstarter offers appropriately priced pre-sales of the album and new band swag alongside some other pretty tempting treats. (Shit, dude, if you donate $250 and live in the PacNW they will literally come to your house and play a private show!)

The band's just 4 days out from the deadline, and they're still around $400 short of their goal. So if you can afford to help please do.

Readers unfamiliar with the band or old fans who haven't yet copped it are encouraged to check out the Science Diction promo EP for a taste of the new hotness. And, of course, Seattleites are invited out to the album release party next Thursday, August 4th at Crocodile Café with the big man himself, Billy the Fridge.

You'll wanna be there.

The (Super) Power of Love

2011-07-27T10:05:00.002-04:00

Kirby Krackle's 2010 release E for Everyone was, hands down, my favorite rock album of the year. Since its release I've reviewed it, played it on my podcasts, interviewed founding members Kyle Stevens and Jim Demonakos, scrutinized both their live band setup and their team of crack studio musicians and pretty much pimped the group out anytime I was given even a moment to discuss the overarching concept of geek rock.

Yeah, you could say I'm kind of a fan.

This, of course, means that I've been anxiously awaiting their follow-up album, with part of me terrified that it wouldn't live up to the band's legacy and the other part just glad to know that more music was on the way. Earlier this month the guys' third studio album Super Powered Love was released, and, Galactus be praised, it was every bit as epic as I'd hoped.

Allow me to elucidate. In exhausting detail.

"Then Again, Maybe Not" lacks some of the urgency of E for Everyone opener "Vault 101," but it’s a solid up-tempo rocker that's a fine introduction to the new album. It describes the unspoken attraction between a superhero and his arch-nemesis. Although, as the title implies, she seems a bit less than interested. This leads us to "Bite of Another," a Black Crowes-style southern vampire stomper. It's new sonic territory for the guys, and Kyle's vocals sound better than ever.

Three tracks in we strike gold with "Booty Do Math," my new favorite Kirby Krackle song, and, truthfully, another addition to my growing list of all-time favorite genre-benders. Though the hook-laden guest verse by my pal Adam WarRock grabs the listener's attention, Kyle Stevens's R. Kelly-inspired counter-melody vocals across the song's latter bars punctuate things perfectly, as does his Bieber-esque pronunciation of the word "shawty."

"Big Heart" tells the story of a superpowerless superhero -- a la Kick-Ass -- amid a solid rock 'n' roll shuffle, while "Hunt 'em All Down" channels a vaguely funk-metal groove into a pitch-perfect tale of (what I at least believe to be) the IDW continuity Transformers. Thereafter, what "In Another Castle" loses for its obvious instrumental and structural similarity to Kirby Krackle's debut album stand-out "Zombie Apocalypse" it more than makes up for in ukulele-soaked gamer goodness.

The latter half of the album kicks off with the Tex-Mex lotto-winnin' daydream of "Nerd Money." It's likely Super Powered Love's weakest selection, but on its own merits it's still a rock-solid joint. It's followed by the album's debut self-titled single, which is just as endearing, engaging and enjoyable as it was when Kyle leaked it to me all those weeks ago.

"Comic Shop" welcomes back E for Everyone guest rapper GMK The Great on an off-kilter parody of 50 Cent's "Candy Shop," which is worth a listen for the humorous censoring alone. (Spoiler: it's Walking Dead-related.) "Rainbow Bridge" likewise keeps things in that comic book vein with a power ballad dedicated to Marvel's Thor. Because Kirby Krackle is nothing if not nerd-topical.

The album begins its wind-down with "Needing a Miracle," which borrows both a shade of its guitar melody and its theme of human/superhuman romance from "Super Powered Love" (albeit with the gender roles reversed this time around.) That track builds big and then dissolves into "Open up Your Window," which plays like a continuation of the same musical love story.

Super Powered Love closes with the glam-punk "I Wanna Live in a World Full of Heroes," a song that, with a couple of obvious exceptions, plays like the album's triumphant mission statement. With the overall project centered firmly on tales from within our favorite fictional worlds, it's a fitting end that again pushes the band in a new musical direction.

While only time will tell how well Super Powered Love stands up against this year's other heavy hitters -- both The BossFights and Supercommuter have proven that Kirby Krackle isn't the only band to up its game in 2011 -- it easily boasts the single greatest track of the summer. I'd recommend the album as an easy buy simply on the strength of "Booty do Math," but with a dozen other top-shelf cuts Super Powered Love is another must-own masterpiece from Seattle's reigning kings of geeky guitar pop.

Buy it now via iTunes or Bandcamp. Then kneel before Zod.

"'Member when your magic made me pregnant? / 'Member when you turned Africa Asian?"

[This piece was cross-posted from the Wired.com GeekDad blog.]

Rock Well

2011-07-25T12:56:00.001-04:00

In the earliest hours of this AM, nerdy rap mainstay mc chris announced the supporting acts for his fall Race Wars tour. The lineup is, to say the least, inspired:

Obviously another mc chris/MC Lars outing is a big draw, and since truncating the first third of his TeacherRapperHero duties Mega Ran has become even more the epic showman. I'll caution attendees, however, not to write off relative newcomer to the scene Adam WarRock. I had the pleasure of catching him at Nerdapalooza, and, in addition to being a helluva nice cat, he truly commanded the stage during his performance. Shit, he more than held his own during the Dual Core freestyle session as well. (Dude even came correct with a Casey Anthony reference! #topical)

No dates have been announced, but you can be sure mc's people are hashing all that out quickly. Keep an eye on each of the artists' official web presences for further information as it becomes available.

And if the show comes through your burg, definitely make it a point to come out. This lineup is truly a force to be reckoned with.

Señor Superlatives

2011-07-21T13:42:00.001-04:00

Last year I framed my post-Nerdapalooza coverage as a mock awards show. You know, for lulz. But folks actually seemed to dig it. In fact a screen shot of said post actually popped up on the monitors during the Sci-Fried set at this year's festival.

(Did I mention that them's my boys?)

So, as this blog is really just rote cleverly disguised as good-natured spontaneity, let us commence with dispensation of these wholly fictitious and delightfully sardonic awards.

/lights dim

The Chicken Salad Out of Chicken Shit Award: Scrub Club
The Scrub Club set at the pre-party should have been a disaster. It was a steamy southern Friday night performance in front of a heavily jetlagged crowd that had started drinking the moment their feet touched the ground. Practically the entire label was expected to perform in a slot time that could've easily been a tight fit even for a single act. Oh, and MadHatter's plane was delayed. Seriously delayed. But instead of folding, the crew dominated. In a rapid-fire set that not only showcased each of the Scrubs in attendance but actually saw the crew welcome some new blood, in the form of Torrentz and Soup or Villains, to the family, the Club once again made their mark on central Florida.

Pass the Mic: Insane Ian, Devo Spice, the great Luke Ski and Carrie Dahlby
While Dual Core's trademark freestyle session was off the proverbial chain at Nerdapalooza 2011, theirs was not the only guest-heavy set at the festival. The Funny Music Project crew managed to come correct across a trio of humorous sets that showcased both their immutable stage presence and their artistic cohesion. Even with copious notes I have trouble separating my memories of the FuMP's trio of top-shelf performances because each act featured so heavily across all three.

The Seamless Transition Award: Marc with a C and Sci-Fried
When I asked Sci-Fried's Dammit Jim what his band and geek rock troubadour Marc with a C had planned for Saturday's Power Hour, he just grinned. A performance that was, by the guys' own admission, nearly six months in the making proved an early highlight of the event. A glorious Marc with a C set wrapped with a rocked up version of his Alro Guthrie-esque "Nerdy Girls" with Sci-Fried serving as the backup band, and then Sci-Fried returned the favor with phenomenal live version of their collaborative track "Foiled Again." Marc also reappeared later to help cover Weezer's "Hash Pipe" as part of an appropriately raucous send-off.

Cover Song of the ~~Year~~ Decade: Sci-Fried/The Protomen
I think my cover song challenge has been irreparably broken. Between Sci-Fried's own pair of closing cover tunes (the aforementioned Weezer joint and mc's "Fett's Vette," for those who missed it) and a series of larger-than-life rock classics spread between both Protomen sets (my favorite of which had to be Sunday's "Total Eclipse of the Heart,") I'm afraid it will never be the same again.

Hit Me Baby, One More Time: Captain Dan
The talk of the town after Captain Dan and the Scurvy Crew's late afternoon set on Saturday was less about the performance itself and more about the tech, specifically Dan's new hands-free mic. Many an MC called him out on this unorthodox new addition, but I think we all know it was the ninjas doing the bulk of the smack talk. While it did admittedly make the Cap look a bit like an overzealous employee running a Long John Silver's drive-through, it also freed him up for more stage antics. Ere go I will call it an overall win.

Blow up the Small Stage: Illbotz/Adam WarRock and Tribe One/Dual Core/Mega Ran and K-Murdock
Like its predecessor, Nerdcore 2011 boasted a pair of stages: the larger NOS-sponsored main stage and a smaller GeekDad stage set around the corner from the main conference hall. The big stage was, for the most part, home to the more rock-centered acts while the GeekDad stage boasted the hip-hop. A few acts, however, seemed wholly unaware that they were on the "little stage." Roanoke's Illbotz, comic shop hip-hopper Adam WarRock and perennial favorites Random and Dual Core blew that fucker up with energetic sets that could scarcely be contained by the room's meager geography.

Them's My Boys: Adam WarRock/Stevie D
I joke that I go to Nerdapalooza to hang out and that the music simply provides for that primary activity a nice soundtrack. Sure, that's only partly true, but it seems like each year I spend the bulk of my time – both while watching performances and after hours – hanging out with a widening circle of friends. This year Adam WarRock and Stevie D joined the ranks of my true homies alongside previous Nerdapalooza acquisitions int eighty and Sci-Fried.

The Preternaturally Chill Award: The OneUps
I was a little intimidated by the prospect of meeting VGM legend and super producer Mustin, but I was delighted to find him to be an easily approachable, almost unbelievably chill individual. I can't properly quantify how much time he and I spent just talking between sets, but it would likely have to be calculated in hours. His band, The OneUps, brings that same sort of effortless cool to their performances. Even on a bill opposite brilliantly aggressive VGM acts like Arm Cannon, those guys truly shined.

Best Stage Banter: Inverse Phase
Already handicapped by holding down the chiptune scene almost entirely on his own, Inverse Phase was further stymied by receiving a lunchtime slot on Sunday. Everyone was hungry, tired and hung-over, but those who made their way to his performance found themselves treated to a uniquely enjoyable set of covers, originals and audience participation. His rousing game of Name That Tune will live forever in the annals of Nerdapalooza history.

Breakthrough Artist: Shinobi Ninja
Nerdapalooza 2011 introduced me to a number of new artists. Koo Koo Kangaroo filled a gap left by the longtime absence of Monsterface and Math the Band, while Beebs and Her Money Makers brought beards, kazoos and a dash of Florida ska-core to the table. My favorite, however, was blistering Brooklyn rock/hip-hop fusion outfit Shinobi Ninja. They offered not only one of the finest performances of the show, but also provided an ideal backing track during GeekDad Curtis's tattoo session.

Hosts with the Most(s): Schaffer the Darklord and Nelson Lugo
While they will always be primarily remembered for bringing many-a scantily clad woman to the Nerdapalooza stage, STD and Lugo managed to keep the train rolling all weekend long with an intoxicating blend of humor, insight and charm. They also do bar mitzvahs.

A Winner is You: Beaker
Those same gents hosted a weekend-long ThinkGeek raffle at Nerdapalooza 2011. From which my boy Beaker won practically everything. Remember, kids, you can't win if you don't play.

#NAP2011 was an Inside Job

2011-07-19T16:31:00.002-04:00

Photo/bead sprite by @madhattersez

I'm dying to share with you my impressions of Nerdapalooza 2011, but it's proving rather difficult. Right now most of my memories are indistinct, amorphous. (And not just because of the booze.)

I think I'm still a little too close to the event itself.

I remember once going to the Dali museum in St. Pete and looking up at The Hallucinogenic Toreador on its original, full-size canvas. All I saw was flies, fabric and arches until I stepped back and took the whole thing in from a distance.

The same principle's at play here, and I should be able to relate the overall experience better in a couple of days when I've achieved that optimum distance.

For now, though, I'd like to reveal a subset of my notes from the event. They were tucked away on their own little page under the heading "Inside Jokes." If you weren't there they probably won't mean much, and even if you were some will still miss their mark. Shit, there are a couple of 'em even I don't understand, so consider this a rough experiment. Or better yet my own fragmented attempt at gonzo journalism.

Drinky Time with Shael and Z.
"Cover your shame and your nipples with this fine quality t-shirt!"
The ever-living cookie meme
"[X] do you know [Y]?"
Matching faces with screen names
"Z. is away being a social butterfly."
Sexy elevator voice
The utter debauchery of the Sunni cam
"They also seem to aid in the abatement of hangovers, though I couldn't find that anywhere on the packaging."
"Give me all the bacon and eggs you have…"
"What could anyone possibly have against Doritos?"
"When I say hip, you whisper hop!"
MC Bagels (It ain't nothin' for him to toast a bitch!)
"How old is your little dude?"
"I expected a cowboy hat."
Big stage sets on the little stage
"The price of that man's love? Two AA batteries."
"This raffle never ends!"
The mysterious (but probably distasteful and damn-near Faustian) Larry/Mark barter
"He paid his dues on the fast track, very likely using night classes and summer school."
Over 1000?!
"On three: 1-2-3 5 minutes!"
Attack of the tiny bass players
"See? That's the kind of shit that happens when white people dance."
A science-free weekend
Magic blankets

Today's wholly incomprehensible post is brought to you by the letters N-A-P and the number 1000.

The Real (Drunk) World

2011-07-14T10:27:00.001-04:00

This weekend see what happens when a godless socialist and a godlike sociopath stop being polite and start getting real. Yes, once again Curtis "Hi, Ho" Silver and I will be manning the GeekDad table at Orlando's annual Nerdapalooza festival. This year, however, we will have a real table with real merch, not to mention a camera setup for artist interviews and (hopefully) adequate beer money.

So if you'd like a GeekDad tee for yourself or, say, your geeky dad, come on by and see us. Hell, come on by and see us anyway, as it gets lonely sitting at a folding table all weekend.

I reckon it's also worth noting that I'll also have Hipster, please! stickers and badges available on the off chance anyone would care to pay/barter/beg for 'em. I'll also have my field recorder on-hand to capture audio for my post-Nerdapalooza wrap-up edition of Radio Free Hipster. I'll likely be hassling performers, event coordinators and attendees for sound bites to use in the show, so if you're positively dying to say something to the RFH audience – or if you'd just like to record an "I'm [blank] from [blank] and you're listening to Radio Free Hipster"-style drop – please feel free to chase me down and demand you're time on the mic.

See you in Orlando, internet!

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 113: Secrets and Lies

2011-07-12T08:54:00.000-04:00

Contrary to the title, I'm gonna talk straight with you, internet; this is a pretty kick-ass show! It boasts the kind of play list that started out as an episode outline, but actually ended up morphing into my commute music for the better part of a week.

Like the great George Peppard, I love it when a plan comes together.

With Nerdapalooza just around the corner (and summer at last in full swing) I figured most of you will be hitting the road soon, and thus deserved a proper driving mix. This one, I think, hits all the high points.

We've got some remixes and mash-ups, some nerdcore and geek rock, and lots of new releases. All available to you free of charge.

You know how I do.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 113: Secrets and Lies [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 65 MB Running Time: 49:26

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
I am your one-stop shop. So says Beef Thompson.

Track 1: The BossFights - "The Cake is a Lie"
An amazing track from an equally amazing album.

Z's 1st interlude: "I lied."
A cursory listener poll led me to believe y'all would rather have a wrap-up show as opposed to my regular pre-Nerdapalooza 'cast. So be it.

Track 2: Ali G - "The Science Rap"
Check out Melodysheep's original video right the fuck here.

Track 3: Steve Goodie - "Everything You Know is Wrong"
This track kicks off Twenty-Six and a Half, and it is truly a tough act to follow.

Track 4: Captain Dan and the Scurvy Crew - "Would the Real Jack Sparrow Please Stand Up"
Like most longtime pirate aficionados, I have a mixed feelings about the Pirates of the Caribbean phenomenon.

Track 5: WoodenToaster - "Avast Fluttershy's Ass"
An MLP-inspired remix of Kitsune^2's "Avast Your Ass."

Track 6: The ThoughtCriminals - "Turtle Power"
Why was Sulfur naked with all his Ninja Turtles action figures? The mind boggles!

Track 7: Scapegoat Wax - "Aisle 10 (Hello Allison)"
Shael mentioned Scapegoat Wax on a recent episode of Captain Podcast, which inspired me to include the band's big single in this show.

Track 8: Raising Hope dialog / Dammit Matthew Dammit - "Nobody Likes You"
I can only assume that my enemies have now been proper crushed.

Z's 2nd interlude: "In my own little insignificant opinion."
After all, that's the only kind I have.

Track 9: Brandon Patton - "My Girlfriend was Kidnapped by Aliens"
Another great story song from Blak Lotus.

Track 10: Community dialog / Childish Gambino - "Bitch, Look at Me Now (Two Weeks)"
FYI: "Tracy Chapman" has now worked its way into my regular vocabulary.

Track 11: Totom - "Pigs Must March"
I dig song requests. Especially when they're for tracks I might've otherwise missed!

Track 12: The OverClocked Plaid Muffins - "Kirby Super Star Ska Buffet (All You Can Eat Clean Version) OC ReMix"
Gotta give it up to Hex for turning me on to this one.

Z's final interlude: "I ain't even packed yet."
But I've done all my laundry, which is at least something.

Track 13: Kirby Krackle - "Super Powered Love"
This song is great and all, but I hear tell if you keep an eye on the Twitters today you may get a taste of the album's true standout, "Booty Do Math!"

Bonus track: Anderson Cooper 360 dialog / Austrian Death Machine – "Who is Your Daddy and What Does He Do?"
Am I trying to make some sweeping social or political statement about the discrepancy between Schwarzenegger's espoused views concerning the sanctity of the traditional American family and his recently revealed infidelity? Maybe, but mostly I just find it funny.

And with that I leave you to your own devices as I ready for my trip to Nerdapalooza 2011.

I really hope to see you there, to rock out to Illbotz and Sci-Fried right next to you or maybe grab a beer between sets. Because, while I go to Nerdapalooza for the event, I stay for the fellowship.

Once again, you know how I do.

Pretty Cunning, Doncha Think?

2011-07-11T13:11:00.001-04:00

My brother kHill actually leaked word of this project to me a while back, but I was sworn to secrecy. Thankfully as of this AM the cat is fully out of the bag, so I can at last share with you my excitement for Adam WarRock's forthcoming Browncoats Mixtape.

Now before you watch the following embed I'd like to point out two things. The first is the fuckin' theme song-based beat used for the bulk of the teaser. That shit is hot! Second is the fact that the official project page lists the release time as "Fall 2011," which ain't too far away.

Shiny!