Rosemary’s Maybe

After my fairly lengthy absence from these Intertubes, I am finally beginning to get back in the groove – a groove which, I have been assured, is in the heart. Thankfully, my return happens to coincide with that geekiest of holiday seasons, Halloween.

Long-time readers of the blog surely realize that this is the time of year that I really shine, but n00bs might not be familiar with my seasonal rituals. Therefore, I shall drop some science.

First and foremost, each October listeners of Radio Free Hipster are promised 2 podcasts wholly dedicated to the spookier side of geeky music. I’ve already completed the song list for part one (Ep. 53); it’s an episode all about monsters and creatures of myth, and it features mc chris, Heightened Titans, Zombies! Organize!!, and Simon Iddol. Part two (Ep.54) looks to be focused on the supernatural, and I’ve got tracks from Mustin and Snidget on tap. Should you have any suggestions of songs about ghosts, magic, or other assorted metaphysical funkiness you’d care to throw into the mix, don’t hesitate to let me know.

I also tend to do a horror-themed feature this time of year, and, while I don’t have anything specific lined up, I’ll see what I can do. Truthfully, I’m so far behind on my interviews and album reviews already that I certainly don’t need the extra work, but, in the spirit of Halloween, I’ll have to see what I can cook up.

In the meantime, expect ample creepiness in the next few NNIBs and various other posts. Pazuzu is the reason for the season!

Wii60 and the Ways of the World

It’s been a while since I just, y’know, riffed around here, so this seems like as good a time as any. Truthfully, I’ve got a number of wholly unrelated things to talk about, so administering to these items a properly measured injection of snark sounds like the best way to tie them all together.

First, I recently acquired an Xbox 360 to keep my poor, lonely Wii company in the den. Yes, the pride of tech-heads circa 2005 – and a machine so delightfully flawed as to have an almost certain chance of revealing its catastrophic defect – is now mine. Huzzah! As such, I have also created one of those newfangled GamerTags that the kids are so crazy for. It is hipsterplease. Because I am not very creative.

Over the weekend I also had a chance to listen to one of those exclusive PAX pre-release editions of MC Frontalot’s new album Final Boss, a CD that not only possesses wicked cool back cover art by my pal Dennis but that was also declared the fucking wickedest Frontalot album to date by one Mr. J. Dangerously. (I know you’re wondering how I got my hands on a PAX release of this album when I did not, in fact attend PAX. The answer: I have covert agents in a variety of international stages of operation!) As per Jesse’s description, the album really is phenomenal. In fact, you should totally score a copy when it becomes available to the general public in the near future.

And speaking of Jesse D., after an almost laughable number of technical difficulties – centering around a primary email account that, as Church and Matt can attest, genuinely loathes humans – my interview with this lyrical titan from the Great White North is almost complete. We talk nerdcore, politics, and Alpha Flight. There also may be a bit in there about kidnapping Weird Al. I’m not at liberty to say. You’ll be able to enjoy the interview in its entirety when it hits the blog in early October.

Why October? Because your Uncle Zed needs a break.

Yes folks, Z. is going on a bit of a (well-earned) vacation next week. Unfortunately, this means there will be no second part to September’s Drunken Podcasting Month festivities. Between my real work, my writing for Wired.com, and all the stuff I do around here, I’m afraid I’m spread a little thin. And rather than rush through a bunch of stuff for the simple sake of getting it done, I’ve elected to cut back production for the next couple of weeks while I prepare for and enjoy my family holiday.

But fear not, for when I return all refreshed and whatnot it will be time for my annual October shenanigans! Yes, two spookerrific Halloween-themed podcasts plus an interview with Jesse plus Christ-only-knows-what-else! I am excited! Do you not see the indicative punctuation?!

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 52: Just Drunk Enough

It's simple podcast math: The more individuals involved in a podcast, the longer it is. Further, the more you drink, the more you talk. These truths are invariable.

Thusly, this podcast is long as shit.

I'm serious.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 52: Just Drunk Enough [hosting provided by Antisocial] Size: 55.2 MB Running Time: 1:20:31

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
I hear Beefy was totally sloshed when he recorded these vocals. Maybe.

Track 1: Space Ghost Coast to Coast dialog / Mary Prankster – "The Bottle's Talking Now"
Matt picked out this most fitting intro track.

1st drunken interlude: "A fake holiday season of my own imaging."
In honor of Drunken Podcasting Month, Matt joined me via Skype and Church contributed via chat. They simply couldn't stand the thought of me drinking alone!

Track 2: Southside – "Vibrate"
Church mentioned that this song should be played before the feature presentation at movie theaters. I concur.

Track 3: Optimus Rhymes – "Obey the Moderator (Remix)"
You can check out the OR video footage I mentioned here.

Track 4: Strange Brew dialog / The Sprites – "Modern Gameplay"
Complaining about new school controller design isn't exactly unusual, but The Sprites sound good doing it.

Track 5: Strange Brew dialog (cont.) / Hayseed Dixie – "I Believe in a Thing Called Love"
I picked this one out. Surprising, no?

Track 6: The Mudbloods – "I Wish You'd Be My Witch"
It's hard not to love The Mudbloods. This song is the reason why.

2nd drunken interlude: "Will you drink to that?"
Of course they will. These boys will drink to anything!

Track 7: Jonathan Coulton – "I Feel Fantastic"
Didn't Matt do a great job introducing this song? Seriously. If I paid him he'd totally get a raise for that.

Track 8: Beefy – "Minimum Wage Slave"
Beefy no longer works two shitty minimum wage jobs, but he's still down for the common man.

Track 9: Doug Stanhope – "He's Just Drunk" / Computerization – "Collars"
Wait, are we implying that it's oaky to get drunk at work?

Track 10: Fountains of Wayne – "Bright Future in Sales"
Yes, I believe we are.

Track 11: Dual Core – "Unplug"
Nobody sings the programmers blues quite like int eighty.

3rd drunken interlude: "There were a lot of work songs in that set, wasn't there?"
Can you tell we're getting sloppy here?

Track 12: Eddie Murphy – "Drinking Fathers" / PC Speaker – "Scheduled Rhymes"
According to PC, nerds have the best drugs.

Track 13: Severely Snaped – "Petrified"
It's like a Black Sabbath cover band fronted by Severus Snape. Don't gimme that look; you're just pissed 'cause you didn't think of it first.

Track 14: No Kill I – "Tranya"
A repeat from episode 20.

Track 15: Eddie Murphy – "Drinking Fathers (cont.)" / myf – "Homebrew"
I am amazed at the number of people who don't know how to pronounce myf's name. It rhymes with "stiff."

Track 16: Catchlove – "Legacy of the Fallen Wizard"
Let it be known: there is no "the."

Final drunken interlude: "Y'all are now my official unofficial co-hosts."
They are. For realsies.

Track 17: nYgel – "1to3for" / Space Ghost Coast to Coast dialog
Feist + YTCracker? You wouldn't think it would work, but it does!

And there you have it, folks: my first official Drunken Podcasting Month podcast. I'd like to make this a yearly celebration, but only time will tell whether or not the concept strikes a chord with the general populace.

I'm hoping to get in another drunkcast before month's end, although my vacation plans may complicate matters. Still, if you want to hear more of my friends and me swearing, making gross generalizations, and otherwise babbling incoherently, just let me know.

We'll be glad to oblige.

Either way, thanks to Church and Matt for pitching in. Gentlemen, it was a pleasure!

Better Than Monopoly

Beefy is what you might call a polarizing artist.

That being said, some folks have been anxiously awaiting his newest release since its official announcement so many months ago – a particularly vocal segment of these individuals have questioned me about its progress at every turn – while others probably wouldn't accept it for free.

And that's okay. Believe it or not, the world is big enough for both of these groups.

Most people, however, are just looking for interesting music. To these people I present my pre-review review. It goes a little something like this:

If you're looking for a well produced, fun, and sometimes challenging album with a sound that's cohesive but not tedious, Rolling Doubles is for you.

If you'd care to read my track-by-track breakdown, it's below.

1. "Olly Olly Oxen Free"
   "Olly Olly Oxen Free" opens with a sharp guitar lick that all but defines the more rock-centered slant of the album. At less than a minute and a half you scarcely have time to get into the track before it's over, but it sets off the album in a fashion all its own, and has proven, at least for me, to be an easy favorite. It exists to let everyone know that Beefy has come out to play, and it certainly accomplishes that.
2. "You Can Call Me Beef"
   Leaked ages ago, "You Can Call Me Beef" centers on a similar guitar hook to its predecessor. The call-back vocals could prove a bit much for some, but I think they work with Beefy's new rock star shtick. The guitar is coupled with hyperactive snare work that adds to the dynamism when layered against Beef's flow, which is as measured as ever.
3. "Tilt"
   Songs about pinball are a bit of a rarity in modern music, and while no one will mistake this for The Who's "Pinball Wizard," it does a good job shifting the album's tone. Router's rasp and a number of Beef's trademark stream-of-consciousness one-liners punctuate the track nicely, though, in truth, I prefer Mr. Thompson when he's rapping in a lower register. The heavily compressed pre-chorus (before the "Tilt" chant), however, is very satisfying.
4. "Table Top"
   From the lyrics to the flow to Tanner's expert production – boasting instrumentation that occupies an interesting space somewhere between guitar rock and old school chiptunes – this love song to game night is easily one of Beefy's best tracks. It manages to be both a sing-along anthem and to throw in enough verbal curveballs to keep the attentive listener interested. It's the kind of song that proves to be a highlight on this (or any other) nerdcore album.
5. "Play With Me [f. Bethzilla]"
   While relatively solid on its own merits, "Play With Me" suffers by its position on the album. "Table Top" is simply a hard act to follow. Outside of that, it's another fun loser love anthem from the house of Beef. Bethany's contribution is interesting, as is the production, but the whole song seems a bit pale in comparison to some of the album's more vibrant selections. Truthfully, this song, with its unexpected female vocal accompaniment, is a bit reminiscent of Dual Core's "Take it Back" from their Lost Reality release.
6. "Ball Pit"
   "Ball Pit," on the other hand, is perfectly placed as well as performed. Its glitchy intro belies its smooth verse beat and oddly poignant lyrics. Songs so steeped in nostalgia are often too syrupy and superficial, but Beefy manages to tap into a childhood slice of life that most fans, particularly those who came from less than rosy circumstances, can surely relate. There's some odd core of brutal truth that powers this understated number about a birthday at Chuck E. Cheese. It's cheer tempered with a touch of hopelessness as adulthood mourns the loss of innocence.
7. "Disconnect [f. YTCracker & The Former Fat Boys]"
   Beefy's made a number of stellar contributions to other artists' albums of late, so it's nice to see him rewarded in kind. "Disconnect" turns the melancholy of "Ball Pit" into borderline nerd rage with the help of YTCracker and $ucksex of Former Fat Boys. It also namedrops Hipster, please!, making it the best goddamn song in the world.
8. "Last Minute Gig"
   Beefy shines at story songs, and "Last Minute Gig" is exactly that. It has a fun, techy groove and a simple premise that easily charms. There's a subtle mc chris reference in there for fans in the know, and the chorus is sure to be a crowd-pleaser in the northwest. Lyrically, it's not his most challenging work, but it's fun. And fun is its own reward.
9. "Clueless"
   This song is not a musical tribute to the 1995 Alicia Silverstone film of the same name. Sorry to disappoint. It is, however, a one-minute monster that would sound perfect on your next nerdy mixtape. Beefy and Tanner are both in rare form, and it could easily be the thesis statement for this release.
10. "Turn Your Radio Off"
    Another foray into the glitchier side, "Turn Your Radio Off" is a familiar – but accurate – damnation of radio culture. Hardcore heads will surely be none too pleased to hear a nerd from Pasco's treatise on the evils of pop-rap, but that doesn't make Beefy's argument unsound. It has a much harsher sound than has been heard up to this point on the release, but it's Tanner's subtle insinuation of those same cut-and-paste production tricks that Beefy warns against that truly gives it teeth.
11. "Minimum Wage Slave [f. Shael Riley]"
    Despite it's flirtation with rock and electronica, Rolling Doubles is sorely lacking a danceable, poppy track. Until you hit "Minimum Wage Slave." The combined might of Beefy and Shael always yields interesting results, and this is no exception. While "work sucks" tracks are certainly not uncommon in the realm of nerdcore, this one has a nice give-and-take between its two lyrical contributors. Tanner delivers a great blend of both traditional and nontraditional backing. And again, my only real gripe is with Beefy rhyming in a manner slightly higher than is his comfort zone.
12. "Dork Date"
    While the lyrics are a little fast-paced for Beef, the chorus of "Dork Date" is an anthem all its own. Cocky Beefy plays well against the awkward MC from cuts like "Play With Me," and a squeaky, creaky beat moves things along swimmingly. Old fans should keep their ears open for a brief reference to Tube Technology's "wonderfulamazing."
13. "1337ology [f. MC Router]"
    Beefy's flow in this one is unique in that he blends both speed and smoothness in equal measure. Doc Pop and Tanner, who both contributed to the beat, manage to make an otherwise boastful track a little creepy and oddly surreal. And MC Router, in one of her final rap offerings, starts off on a high point but noticeably struggles mid-verse. Also, um, does anyone else hear a slight element of Missy Elliot's "Get Ur Freak On" in there, or is it just me?
14. "Story Time"
    Thus far I have refrained from referring to tracks as "personal," as this element of lyric writing is all but synonymous with Beefy's style. Now, however, I will state the obvious; "Story Time" is the type of uber personal reminiscence that is no less than heart wrenching. If you have any questions about the changes in Beefy's personal life since Tube Tech, this song answers them. Musically, this one looms large and menacing, which fits it to a T. It ends the album proper, but, of course, there's more.
15. "Table Top [tanner4105 Remix]"
    Tanner's remix of "Table Top" doesn't start off as strong as the original, but the rock accompaniment behind the verse is appropriately ferocious. It's a really interesting musical change of pace that fully embraces the album's rock leanings.
16. "Play With Me [dj John Remix f. Bethzilla]"
    Yes. This remix features the talents of the dj John. And while I did feel the original was enjoyable (if slightly misplaced) this reinterpretation is simply phenomenal. Everything, from the beat to Bethzilla's sing-song chorus, seems brighter and more electric. It is, in short, a fantastic note on which to end.

While I didn't mark quite as much experimentation with flow as in some Beefy's other, more recent releases, there is much more focus on overall musical experimentation inherent in Rolling Doubles, and I really found that refreshing. Tanner's influence is felt throughout the album, and this, at least to my ears, is a very good thing. Tanner is a talented producer with a genuinely compelling feel for the uncommon, and, particularly at this stage in Beefy's artistic development, I think they're both helping to compound each other's musical creativity.

Admittedly, on some levels I think I may have actually enjoyed the ramshackle, mixtape appeal of Tube Technology a bit more, but there is surely a level of cohesion on Rolling Doubles that must be applauded. Moreover, it undoubtedly features a number of Beefy's best songs to date, which, even on its own merits, is a triumph.

In summation: good album, high production value, fun lyrics, a nice build-up, and a few extra surprises. It's tough not to recommend this one, especially at $8,.

That's my opinion. Do with it as you will.

"Gotta check out Hipster, please! goddamnit!"

Nerd News In Brief

I stand corrected; there are no Bigfoots in Georgia.

Anyone familiar with my love of pseudoscience and all flavors of hokum surely must realize how excited I was over the prospect of a real live dead Bigfoot in my own general locality. But now it looks like just another scam.

Still, I think anyone who's ever hit up a show at the 40 Watt can agree that there's some kind of mythical creature loose in GA.

Though it could just be a particularly hirsute townie.

• In Case You Missed It: Glenn Case is a machine, a one-man musical mechanism that spits out wicked tracks. Case in point: in recent weeks Glenn has produced 2 separate album-a-days. No foolin'! Download So, Be Yourself and Waterfall of Consciousness today, and enjoy the musical madness.
• Genitals: Though I've already mentioned this in the latest RFH, I thought I'd toss a little love in the direction of Nina and Sangriaa re: their new Vagina Deep in Podcast project. It's funny, geeky, sexy slice-of-life 'cast that demands your attention. No vagina required.
• And Now Cleavage: We also have a new helping of nerd ink, compliments of the former MC Router. It appears as though she's added health and mana potions to her chest piece. Check it out.
• I Got the Music in Me: At long last, the instrumentals from Random's Mega Ran album are available for download. Pick them up at Capcom music and community site Capcom Unity, and then make me some fresh mash-ups. Please.
• Song Fighters: Congrats to Emergency Pizza Party and my boy funky49 on their recent win at Tampa's Song Fight! Live. You can check out their winning track "Calico Alley" and the tale of its creation over at funk's site.
• iTunage: And speaking of funky49, you can now purchase his latest release Starblazer on iTunes. And you probably should.
• Wait… Pitchfork?!: Let me join Ant and Doc Pop in urging you to check out the chiptune documentary Reformat the Planet for free over at Pitchfork. Yep, you can watch the whole thing for free. But only for one week, so get to crackin'!
• It's Magical: Another doc that's currently making the geeky rounds is We Are Wizards, and its theatrical release has finally been announced. The film opens in NYC at the Cinema Village on November 14, 2008, with other cities sure to follow. Hit the 'Pedia for further info.
• Get elevated: Also new on the documentary front is the release of the official Nerdcore Rising soundtrack. All 15 tracks of nerdy goodness ship for under $13. I also hear it cures warts. I'm just sayin'.
• You Know the Rules: And wrapping thing up, Church Barack Rolled me. And all I can do is share my pain.

And they said it couldn’t be done

Surely no single event did more to shine a spotlight on the burgeoning nerdcore scene than the original Rhyme Torrents project. By the same token, no single community in the hallows of all of geeky music produced more drama. Such is the nature of the beast.

And with the dissolution of RhymeTorrents.com, the future of those surviving members of that oft-tumultuous family unit seemed a great question mark. Would RT rise from the ashes with renewed vigor or would it simply fade into the internet ether? Something few of us counted on was a third solution: relocation.

Helmed by a new consortium of tech-savvy rap dorks and nestled snuggly at the similar (but just different enough to make a difference) RhymeTorrents.org, a new RT is poised to continue the longhead tradition of nerdcore compilation albums. And probably a little drama too, but, again, it comes with the territory.

The first musical offering from this aspect of the community comes in the form of Rhyme Torrents Volume 7, a two-disk collection that became available last weekend. Mastered by EMPulse Record’s The HT, RT7 boasts slicker production, higher bitrates, and contributions from Magitek, Antisoc, ZeaLouS1, Random, id obelus, The Ranger, and many more. But most importantly, the comp is still free!

Take a moment to download this newest iteration of the nerdy mixtape. I assure you’ll find something to your liking.

The MC Lars Show

Whether you call his music nerdcore hip-hop or post-punk laptop rap, if you’re reading this blog chances are you’re a fan of MC Lars. With lyrics touching on everything from internet relationships to Moby Dick, Lars is geeky rapper who always manages to make his rhymes accessible and truly enjoyable. He is also – and I’m sure others who have interacted with him can back me up on this – a totally amiable and wholly courteous cat.

For those among you who’d like to experience the subtle charms of the man we call Lars while simultaneously enjoying his first class lyricism, I humbly suggest you check out the MC Lars Live channel at Ustream.tv. It features a weekly freestyle show in which he uses topics from the chat room as the basis for his characteristically witty (and utterly improvised) rhymes, and it just so happens that this week’s show is scheduled at 9:00 PM PST tonight.

So tune in and give Lars some love, some support, and some song ideas.

I’m sure he’d watch your Ustream show!

YTCracker Redux

G4 finally decided to grace me with the embed code for their "It's a Nerd's World" spot featuring the one and only YTCracker. Saving me the trouble of, y'know, finding it myself.

At long last, behold:

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 47: Even the Losers

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

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

I hope not.

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

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

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

Show Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I wish my brother George was here.

Hey, folks.

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

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

And that’s nerdcore.

Stuff for Me; Stuff for You

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

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


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

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

Pre-Nerdapalooza Silliness

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s my wish list:

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

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

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

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

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

I’ll be the short guy.

Old Nerdy Bastard

“Life,” a slutty Sally Field once told a mongoloid Tom Hanks, “is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

The same can be said for remix compilations.

You spend months pinning down just the right vocal tracks from just the right artists only to turn them over to motley group of producers - what amounts to a rabid band of mad scientists looking for a wild weekend at a convention somewhere far away, like, say, Tahoe - and you just don’t know what you’re to receive in return.

Sometimes you get a reimagining so perfect as to seem almost unbelievable, something that is both true to the original and yet a wholly different beast altogether.

Sometimes you get… nothing.

I got my fair share of both as I assembled my second foray into the wonderful world of compilation albums, now presented to you as Old Nerd Bastard: Geeky Music Remixed.

This project, as the regular reader of Hipster, please! will no doubt know, was slated to be released back in February, on Leap Day, to be precise, but the Fates conspired against me in that regard. And so we find ourselves here, nearly three months later. But such is life, and, truth be told, I think the comp is all the better for the extra time.

Sadly, a number of the contributors originally touted were unable to participate, but, again (and with the utmost respect to those who bowed out), the resulting injection of new blood served to uniquely strengthen and diversify the project. Or at least that’s my little opinion.

The ensuing round of musical mayhem is a collection of remixes, mash-ups, and re-orchestrations of geeky tracks from across the spectrum. There’s nerdcore, of course, and Wizard Rock, geek rock (or, grock, as it’s come to be called in some circles) and even a dash of foreign language goodness on the menu, reworked by a delightfully eclectic collection of DJs, producers, and musicians. I owe each of these participants an equal measure of thanks, as this is really their album.

I also have to give it up for another quintet of individuals without whom I would have never gotten this sucker off the ground. Specifically, my longtime supporters and good friends Matt and Church; Lizz from Wizrocklopedia, a woman who knows the ins-and-outs of WRock far better than a hundred Zs; Anthony from Game Music 4 All who is, I must add, almost pathologically encouraging; and my one-woman design team Denika, who managed to prank me in such a blatantly obvious way with her cover illustration that I couldn’t help but be amused.

I’ve got more praise to heap, but that’s what liner notes are for. So, without further ado, here’s the skinny.

-- Right-click, Save As, Enjoy! --

The whole shebang in a tidy RAR

1. Baddd Spellah – “99 Balloon Flights (The Grammar Club vs. Nena)”

2. The Weasel King – “Red Hair (2DefMice Nerdy Gospel Mix)”

3. Snake Eyes – "Transformer (Sara Connor's Wild Ride Mix)(Maja vs. Lou Reed vs. Traci Chapman vs. Brad Fiedel)”

4. Random – “Robot City (feat. YTCracker and JonBap) (Larry Legend Remix)”

5. Ginny and the Heartbreakers – “Halloween at Hogwarts (D-Form Bass Mix)”

6. nYgel – “6 MCs (and 1 DJ) Who Like Schoolly D (Commodore 64 vs. Beastie Boys vs. Bloodhound Gang)”

7. Optimus Rhyme – “Just Forget It (Cheeks Remix)”

8. YTCracker – “In My Time (Dumbledork Remix)”

9. Brad Sucks – “Sick as a Dog (Antisoc Remix)”

10. Harry and the Potters – “Felix Felicis (Dumbledore's DS Mix by Paradise Dan of Monsterface Industries)”

11. MC Frontalot – “Braggadocio (killsaly's Super Saiyan Remix)”

12. MC Hawking – “Why Won’t Jesse Helms Just Hurry Up and Die (Smoke 'Em if You Got 'Em Remix)”

13. Trier Music – “Hyphy Sunglasses (MC Lars vs. ZZ Top vs. John Bonham vs. Phish vs. Vanilla Ice)”

14. The Whomping Willows – “This Arboreal Coil (TrierMusic deathstepWTFLOL mix)”

15. Hidari – “Clambon (Glenn Case Campfire Singalong Mix)”

16. Dual Core – “Orbit (Remix)”

17. Schaffer the Darklord – “Nerd Lust (Peeved Remix)”

18. The Evolution Control Committee – “Pwn Monkey (Jonathan Coulton vs. ... well, everyone)”

A handsome playlist, suitable for framing

A delightfully necessary piece of cover art

Exhaustive liner notes

Still Rising

Two years ago today I interviewed MC Frontalot for Hipster, please! It was my first interview, and I was, admittedly, fairly shitty at it. Still, scoring some talk time with Front was quite a coup, and it sort of set the stage for this blog and where it was to go from there.

In the ensuing years I have talked to many more nerd celebs, and my style has gotten (hopefully) a bit less shitty, but it all comes back to Frontalot, or, more specifically, his Nerdcore Rising tour. It was the sheer happenstance of that tour kicking off in my own rural neck of the woods that gave me my first break as a blogger and, indeed, gave a genuine direction to my writing.

And while Hipster, please! has grown incrementally in scope and popularity over the last couple of years, MC Frontalot and the musical movement he named has grown exponentially. Front’s continued success is due, most certainly, to his charming demeanor, his consummate showmanship, and his unmitigated talent, but the good word of nerd has also been spread by the Negin Farsad-directed documentary focused on the aforementioned tour.

Nerdcore Rising: The Movie has already seen several high profile screenings and garnered positively glowing press along the way, and, while I, sadly, have yet to see the film, I am lucky enough to have connections with someone who has. ADeadHeart, of Radio KOL fame, scored free tickets to the Boston ROFLcon showing, and was kind enough to submit her thoughts on the event for your enjoyment.

Check the geeky missive:

How fantastic WAS this? The movie was brilliant - occasionally poignant and always funny (the theater was in stitches I tell you!) Followed by a Q&A with Farsad and Front n' Crew. She was very personable and lacked the snobbishness one might assume a movie maker might possess.

Witnessed a Free Tibet rally (?) and had the best food EVER in Chinatown, which I probably walked way too far for.

After party was for the entire IFF collaboration at the verrrry swanky Mantra in beautiful downtown Boston. I didn't get lost! Quite the mix of nerdy folks and not so nerdy. ADH felt like a hermaphrodite at her first boy/girl party. More to come about that later, I think. There was free Absolut and free Newcastle, which I could not so much partake of...damn me and my driving all the way back to my little corner of ConnectiCUT but what's a girl to do?!

Another friend of mine from KoL also scored tix (what a small world!) and she and my other half are featured, happily dancing and applauding, on the Nerdcore Rising homepage. This pleases me. I got some networking of my own done and some thoughtfulness will follow.

Got home at the not SO awful hour of 3amish (that's a.m. ISH not Amish) and have some decent photos of the night. Frabjous!

*dinner, bathtub cleaning interlude*

I forgot to say!

MC Frontalot was fantastic live, as he was when I saw him in Arizona last fall. He did 2 short sets, interrupted quite pleasantly with the hip hop goodness of Prince Paul, who played some old skool I'd forgotten about and some I was ashamed to remember. Front played my faves, from Bizarro Genius Baby, which reminds me of my daughter, to Goth Girls, which I pretend reminds me of me. I've got the whole set list scribbled somewhere, if need be. <3>

Eventually I will get around to composing my thoughts on how it felt to be a reformed hip hop DJ (read currently still likes Lil Jon) and a nerd (though some question the validity of that statement (she doesn't like They Might be Good?!?!)...walking both lines was indeed awkward. This really didn't have anything to do with the show though so if I DO go there it won't be completely related. If anyone skimming this has any experience with this, though, I'd like input cuz I can't possibly be alone in my appreciation for both?

Much thanks to ADH for acting as a roving reporter, Negin Farsad for taking the time to document the nerdcore revolution and Front’s place at the head of it, and, of course, the man himself for making the music we want to hear. Peep ADeadHeart’s Photobucket for pictures and be sure to check at her RKOL shows Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 to 11:00 AM.

And, on a personal note, thanks to all involved for making the last two years so goddamn memorable, and for making my silly little hobby (and my delusions of writer-hood) a bit less of a solitary affair.

Nerd News in Brief

This weekend was one of those super busy times in which I somehow managed to accomplish absolutely nothing.

Okay, well maybe not absolutely nothing: I tended to some ailing kids, scored some free books on Free Comic Book Day, and started an account over at Twitter, but that’s about it. I think we can agree that none of those represent earth shattering developments.

Will this week be any more fruitful? I kind of hope not.

• What is this Nerdery?: Everyone’s favorite lo-fi geek rocker from across the pond – Does anyone say “across the pond” anymore? – Dan Plus Add has just released his new album Matters of Great Importance. Dan++ was nice enough to hit me with a pre-release copy last week, though, sadly, in a crush of work/family related activities, I neglected to plug it. But he wasn’t even mad, and do you know why? ‘Cause he’s English, and they are a polite and longsuffering people. Still, I’d be remiss if I didn’t rattle your collective cage to check it out, particularly my personal favorite tracks “My Landlord Sucks,” “Monosyllabic Expression of Heedlessness (meh),” “What is the Nerdery,” and “Welcome Back to the Internet.” Freebie versions are available at his site, but would it kill you to give the guy a couple of quid? Does anyone say “quid” anymore?
• Plan accordingly: After some cajoling, I was able to convince mCRT to share with me the preliminary schedule for this year’s Nerdapalooza. Already set in stone are the headliners: MC Frontalot on day 1 and the Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo on day 2. But what about the rest of the line-up? Straight from the horse's mouth: “Tentatively speaking, day 1 includes Random, Zealous, Krondor Krew, Schaffer, Former Fat Boys, and Pixelh8. Day 2 has Killer Robots, Zombies! Organize!!!, Select Start, Wordburglar, myf, ytcracker, and Dual Core. There's more on each day--including another big name per day. We're still sorting out times and so forth because of those two additional big names--we'll announce as soon as we are totally locked in.” Now I just have to donate enough blood to be able to afford gas for the ride down there!
• Microphones, tubes, and dump trucks: Church notes that our beloved Frontalot recently appeared on G4’s Freestyle 101, where he… didn’t freestyle… Still, he did bust a best-of medley, of sorts, over a smooth, jazzy beat, interspersed with his own unique brand of self-deprecation. Check it out and be amazed.
• Rolling on: This weekend I received an update from my friend Beefy concerning his new album Rolling Doubles. Beef admitted that he was currently unsure of the final release date but he did leak a few tracks to me, and I gotta say I’m even more excited for the eventual release than before. He also toyed with some titles for the his follow-ups via Twitter, so check that out.
• Lost in translation: Random just found a review of his new release Patches & Glue on a German web site. The problem is, of course, that Ran would like to read it and that online translators are less than accurate. Any German-speakers care to translate it for him?
• Marking his territory: On the Wrock front, Matt pointed me toward a post at the ‘Pedia about Wizard Rock Wonder Twins The Whomping Willows and The Remus Lupins. Matt (aka: Whompy) and Alex (of the Lupins) are set to co-host an event at the Portus symposium on Sunday, July 13th called Moony and Whompy’s Post-Portus Dance Party from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. The admittance price is set for $20, and more info can be found at the Wizrocklopedia.
• I wanna be: Antisocial hipped me to this piece at CNN.com about last month's ROFLCon in which the writer describes it as “the biggest gathering of micro-celebrities ever.” Seeing a mention of the con pop up on CNN is both wholly unexpected and, I guess, kind of the point.
• The sound of Sea-town: With Ultraklystron in a state of semi-retirement, I’ve been looking for a third act to complete the holy hip-hop trinity of the Seattle area. This weekend I was introduced to Southside, a group that I think fits the bill well. With a noticeable punk rock ethic that’s tonic to local legends Optimus Rhyme and Goondocks without sounding derivative, I’m highly suggest you check them out. Based upon both their exemplary musical merits and their pervasive sense of lyrical eclecticism, I think you’ll mark them as an act to follow.
• More new hotness: I’d also like to call your attention to another act of which I’ve recently become a huge fan, Trier Music. Nathan Trier is a composer that works in areas as disparate as hip-hop and tabletop RPG soundtracks. He’s also a hell of a nice guy who I’m honored to feature on the upcoming Old Nerdy Bastard compilation. Plus, he used to be in a jam band, which I imagine earns him a pass from Matt on that fact alone.
• That’s fresh: And speaking of talented people featured on the upcoming compilation, the incomparable nYgel has just alerted me to his new project, a musical forum called Nerd Fresh. If you’re looking for a new artistic community in which to network, collaborate, or hang your virtual hat, this one will serve you well.
• Faire to middling: This weekend, thanks to the time-wasting power of Twitter, I was able to broker a little meet-up between my pal Doctor Popular and the GeekDads at Maker Faire. Doc favored the ‘Dads with some yo-yo tricks, a little info about his crafting, and an explanation of the Crate Digger Death-match. And Ken even scored a special Doc Pop yo-yo for free. Lucky stiff!

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 43: Sprung

Spring is a time of rebirth. At least that’s what I am told.

Mostly for me it’s just about yard work.

Still, for the purposes of this podcast, I’ll buy into the “time of renewal” thing. That same line of thinking lends itself to the whole springtime romance pastiche, and that’s some fertile musical ground.

This episode features some songs that touch on both – lyrically- or strictly musically-speaking – and some that fall well outside the boundaries of the established theme. I hope you don’t mind. While it may be a little thematically shaky, I still think it’s pretty damned cohesive. Plus it boasts some tracks that, I’d wager, you haven’t heard before.

It certainly ain’t Vivaldi, but I think you’ll find it to your liking.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 43: Sprung [hosting provided by Antisocial] Size: 46.3 MB Running Time: 50:34

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – “Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)
Baddd Spellah is my muscular gardener and Beefy my strapping pool boy.

Track 1: The Four Eyes – “Any Way You Want It”
People play a lot of golf in the spring, right? Otherwise, this episode starts off on a shaky foot.