Blame it on the Media

The Return to Rapture: Bioshock 2

2010-02-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

Who knew that my first post of 2010 would be in February? Who knew that it would be about Bioshock 2, and not my much-anticipated Mass Effect 2? Life is full of them darn surprises I guess. Below is a review I wrote for Gamespot.com and I thought 'Hey, it's mine, so I might as well put it on my blog'. So here it is. My lengthy review of Bioshock 2. Hey that rhymes!

Gamespot Review:

Sequels, sequels, sequels. 2010 is proving to be the year for sequels. I like sequels, but only if they're done well. Like Mass Effect 2. ME2 was a fantastic sequel. However, unlike Mass Effect 2, I was not in the midnight line at my local Game Stop for the February 9th release of Bioshock 2. As much as I supremely enjoyed the first game, it wasn't one of those titles that I needed to have in my paws before the rest of the world, and it certainly wasn't my goal to beat it the same night and be the first one with a review on the web. For those of you whose goal that was, I'm truly sorry, and I know you are too. MOUNTAIN DEW FTW!!!

As you may have guessed, I ended up picking up a copy. Using a Best Buy gift card, I bit the bullet and bought the game. I will admit, I was wary at first. I had complete confidence that Bioshock 2 would be just as fun and just as an immersive experience as it's predecessor, though I wasn't going to approach it as a blind fan-boy telling myself that 2K could do nothing wrong. The lukewarm reviews from the critics also added to my cautious expectations. This game is a perfect example of not always being able to trust the critics. If you're one of those people who will only buy a game with good reviews, consider this a GOOD review. Remember, critics get PAID to say negative things. No one wants to listen to a review if there is nothing that gets ripped into. It's like watching a gladiator fight where the participants are playing Rock-Paper-Scissor's. Know what I mean? Just me....? Okay then...

Granted, I have not finished the game yet, but I don't think I need to in order to write a helpful review. I've thoroughly enjoyed what I have played (about 10 hours) and I hear (from the critics I don't trust) that it gets better toward the end. Well, I don't think I'm that close to the end and I'm still having a wonderful time with it. While the story is a subtle element that can be easily lost (as opposed to a BioWare RPG where you can't avoid it) if you pay close attention it isn't hard to get an idea of what is going in the world of rapture. The controls are improved but not unfamiliar, so the player doesn't feel lost. The ability to have both a plasmid AND a weapon equipped is genius, and makes the fighting a whole lot more satisfying. Also, as fun as the hacking one is the first Bioshock, Bioshock 2 makes it quicker and more practical so it doesn't interrupt gameplay and won't cause cursing and hair-loss.

After reading several reviews, the main problem that 'they' have with Bioshock 2 is it's lack of originality, or lack of changes from the first one. Half of me is tempted to ask them where they got whatever it is they were smoking, but the other half of me resists the temptation, as I might contract whatever 2-hating disease they have contracted. Simply put, if you really enjoyed the first one, you will really enjoy the second one. Not much has changed, BECAUSE IT DIDN'T NEED TO! Almost all of the complaints people have about the first game have been taken care of in the second game making gameplay smoother and more streamlined. The game takes place in the same setting, with many of the same characters, so HOW DIFFERENT DO YOU WANT IT TO BE? It's a sequel that feels like just that. A sequel. Do I think there needs to be a Bioshock 3? Probably not. But I've been wrong before.

Now, to be fair, I did have a small amount of complaints. I just didn't want to list those off first because that puts everything that follows in a negative light. At least, that's my opinion. One of the most tedious thing about Bioshock 2 is using the adopted little Sisters to gather Adam from corpses. I've only recently figured out a somewhat decent strategy that won't get me killed every time I'm buzzin' for an ADAM fix. It's this tedious process that makes it very tempting to Harvest the little brats. I did once though, and felt awful. After repenting, I focused and really used my brain (a difficult effort at best) to figure out a good strategy that would make doing the right thing not so hard. I found one that works pretty well.

Other than a few technical issues, and one really annoying bug that got me stuck in a room for a near 45 minutes (I really don't wanna talk about it....) Bioshock 2 deserves a lot better than most critics give it credit for. Can't say the same about Dante's Inferno though....

The Rearview Mirror: 2009 and all it's contributions

2009-12-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine posted his top 10 favorite albums of 2009, and I WAS going to do something similar (I swear) but he beat me too it. It's a good list. You can read it here. However, in the interest of all things media related, I thought I would take it a step further and cover video games and movies as well. I think I may have done something like this at the end of last year, but I am too lazy to go check. Also, in the interest of brevity, I will narrow it down to top five. Again, this all heavily opinionated, and if you don't agree, you're just wrong. Get over it.

First, we will start off with the top five best Video Games released this year.

5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

-Admittedly, I have not played this game, nor do I own it. So why did it make number 5? Because no one will shut up about it, AND I just wanted to be the first to create a list in which COD:MW2 scored lower than Super Mario Bros. Wii.

4. Fallout 3: Point Lookout

-Okay, so this is not technical a full game, but it certainly is some kick-ass DLC. With Fallout 3 easily being the best game of 2008, this expansion brings the intensity to a whole new level and is essential for any fan of Fallout 3.

3. New Super Mario Bros. Wii

-Challenging, innovative, and a blast to play, this next installment in the platforming world of Super Mario Bros. is a great treat for both new gamers and seasoned veterans alike. Play solo, or with up to four people if you really want to have some fun.

2. Dragon Age: Origins

-Bioware has done it again. And by done it again, I mean graced the shelves with yet another deeply involved RPG. The game has everything you'd expect from a BioWare game. Good story, good setting, and fun engaging gameplay. If you haven't tried it yet, pick up a copy. I doubt you will be disappointed.

1. Borderlands

-My personal favorite game of the year. Borderlands is probably the best game that a lot of people didn't play. It perfectly combines RPG and FPS elements to create an experience unlike any other. BUT it's main strength is in the online co-op play. Get a couple of your friends together and play through the main quest as if you were doing it by yourself. With advanced difficulty and more loot, Borderlands is definitely better with a group.

Moving on to the top Movies of 2009. Take a look.

5. Where the Wild things Are

-A heartwarming story of a young boy and the monsters in his imagination. Good soundtrack, great production and a well- loved story make for a good movie, but not good enough for me to go out and recommend to people. In a few short months, this movie will probably be forgotten about completely.

4. New Moon

-As a closet Twilight fan, this movie had to make it somewhere on the list. It wasn't the best movie (lengthy, cheesy, poor acting) but for some reason, it resonated with me and therefore earned a spot on the list.

3. Up

-Just when you think Pixar has run out of original ideas, they release UP. Another totally original totally creative instant classic on par with the likes of Finding Nemo, Toy Story, and Wall-E. Go see it for yourself.

2. Avatar

-To think, at the beginning of the year, people were more excited about Watchmen then they were about Avatar. Now where are you Watchmen? That's right. No one cares about you anymore. Sure your effects may have been cool and your naked blue man shocking, but the blue men in this movie makes your movie look like crappy claymation. Avatar is a visual masterpiece and nothing like it has been done before. However, where it excels in graphics, it lacks in story and plot. While not bad, the plot is canned and predictable.

1. Star Trek

-Move over Avatar. My favorite movie of the year goes to this masterpiece. Star Trek. Sporting a phenomenal cast, a zealous director, and awesome visuals, Star Trek did not disappoint on any level. Even the Trekkers were impressed at how much justice this movie did to the critically acclaimed franchise. Whether you are a long time fan, or a newbie to the universe, The Star Trek movie is an awesome film for both.

HONORABLE 2009 MOVIE MENTIONS:

-Coraline

I definitely like Coraline better than Where the Wild Things are and New Moon combined, but I don't feel like deleting and re-writing stuff. Last but not least, Music. What a good year for music.

5. Fever Ray - Fever Ray

For fans of The Knife, or the dark electronica genre, then you will enjoy Fever Ray. I found this gem later in the year, but I still like it enough for it to make the list at the last minute. Favorite Tracks: Dry and Dusty, Seven, and I'm not done.

4. Moby - Wait for Me

I hate that I'm a Moby fan. If you ever listen to his political rants, you get the idea that not only is he an idiot, but an annoying idiot whose complaints only hold validity with people who wear bamboo shoes and faint at the sight of a hamburger. BUT, to his credit, he does make some pretty kick-ass music and his latest album Wait for Me is one of his best showcases of musical genius. Don't speak Moby. Just make more music. Favorite Tracks: All of them

3. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

I hate being cliché, but this album is so good. It's one I've found myself listening to over and over again, and just enjoying it more each time. It's creative and spontaneous and just a good listen overall. Favorite Tracks: My Girls, Summertime Clothes

2. Arms and Sleepers - Matador

Another late discovery brought to my attention by a very dear friend, Arms and Sleepers has taken this year's spotlight for new artist that I've added to my library. It's melodic ambience, and epic guitar sounds make it one of those not-quite- instrumental, not-quite-vocal masterpieces. Combining sounds like Radiohead, Sigur Rós, and Moby, Arms and sleepers is in my opinion, a great candidate for second place. Favorite Track(s): Helvetica

1. Lights - The Listening

This album is by far my favorite of 2009. I have known about lights for quite sometime, but her debut LP shot her up to being one of my all time favorite artists. She's electro-pop, but done in such a way that makes all other music in the genre sound liked canned beats. She uses the synthesizer and computer in a way that I have not heard before, and she carries herself like an indie artist, and not a pop-star. Give it a listen. I think you'll be surprised.

Favorite Tracks: Savior, Drive My Soul, The Last Thing On Your Mind, Face Up, Up Up and Away.

HONORABLE 2009 MUSIC MENTIONS:

Muse - The Resistance

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

Company of Thieves - Ordinary Riches

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!

The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love

The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You

Bat For Lashes - Two Suns

Looking back on this list, I'm not sure I did this right. I might like Muse's 'The Resistance' a little more than I like Fever Ray, and might like Moby a little more than Animal Collective, but Alas, what's done it done. All of the artists I mentioned have great music to offer, and truly, every album deserves it's own full length blog entry. Good job everyone. Fuzzy navals are on me.

Yes, its been a good year friends. I already know some items I'm looking forward to for next year *cough* Mass Effect 2 *cough*

Stay safe at your parties, don't drive drunk, and most importantly, don't make any resolutions because you'll forget it by March. Happy New Year everyone!

Artist Spotlight: Arms and Sleepers

2009-12-29T07:22:00.000-08:00

Ignoring the fact that it's been a month since my last post (and the encouraging feedback that anonymous haters leave) I've decided that today is as good a day as any for a new blog post. I've had material to blog about for quite some time, and just never got around to writing about it. I want to blame it on all the important stuff I'm doing, but I can't because I haven't been doing a lot of important stuff.

Anyway, a good friend of mine who always has something cool to show me introduced me to this new band called 'Arms and Sleepers' and they are quite fantastic. The reason I like them so much is because they are a perfect combination of all kinds of other music I like. When listening to them, you'll hear a little bit of Moby, Radiohead, Sigur Rós, Múm and Mogwai. Their resonating ambience mixed with the epic sounding guitar effects makes their music powerful and beautiful.

But you can't really describe a sound now can you? No, you can't. It's like describing smell to a blind person. IMPOSSIBLE.

Pay no attention to the static album-cover image of this video I am about to show you. It's more the music that I want you to hear.

Shoot 'em up: Borderlands

2009-11-30T07:26:00.000-08:00

It certainly has been a while since I've posted about a video game. I believe my last one was regarding LEGO Star Wars. As fun as that game is, c'mon. It's LEGO Star Wars. We can do better than that here.

Over the long weekend, I went to one of my favorite places. A place where I am accepted, and my tendencies to freak out over nerd things is completely normal and in fact, encouraged. It is a haven for all those who would rather sit and stare at a television than go to work, school, or even socialize with friends. I am of course speaking of the local Game Stop. Perhaps that build up was a bit much. Anyway, I'm at Game Stop, and I found a used copy of the Halo 3 collector's edition. It was the same price as the normal Halo 3 used copy. I lucked out big time. Anyway, I go up to pay for it, and I am informed that if I were to buy two used games, then I would get the third one free. Well, I couldn't pass this up, so I began to scan the shelves for two more games that looked remotely entertaining. I picked up a copy of Fable 2 (collector's edition as well....far out!) and this game called Borderlands, which I had heard many good things about.

I'm guessing the reason I had heard so many good things about it is because...well...it's awesome. It is a very well made RPS (Role Playing Shooter) with many selling points that will keep you wanting more. The first thing people will notice is the extremely artistic styling of the graphics. It's right in the middle of real-looking, and cel-shaded. It reminds me of that one movie with Keanu Reeves and Robert Downey Jr. and confound it all, I can't remember the name right now. If I think of it later, I will put a in a hyperlink.

Another thing that is really cool about this game is the simplicity of the story. While there is a main plot, the amount of side-missions is very high and it gives you a lot to do. The only thing more numerous than the side-quests is the amount of weaponry available to you. Seriously. There are a TON of different guns in this game. It's tempting to get attached to some weapons that you really like, but eventually you have to let it go. Don't worry. The only reason you would let it go is because you found a weapon that was even better, perhaps one whose bullets can set people on fire or maybe blow them up into tiny tiny pieces.

The other selling points are the RPG elements. I already mentioned the quests and missions that are recorded in your 'journal' but you also gain XP by killing enemies and you level up. Like all good RPGs, leveling up gives you the opportunity to kind of customize and tweak your character however you would like. This is done by adding skill points to different categories. If I would rather be a better doctor than shooter, I can add points one of the medic skills. However, I prefer to add all my points to the skills in the 'bad ass' category. No, it's not a real category, but it should be.

I could go on and on about how it reminds of other great games like Fallout 3 and Bioshock, but I won't go into that. I will give it a 9 out of 10 and recommend to almost anyone because it is just a lot of fun to play and very well made, and any gamer can appreciate that.

Hey, who turned out the: Lights

2009-11-24T07:28:00.000-08:00

I checked my inbox this morning only to discover about 100 unread messages from Blame it on the Media subscribers and they were all very cross with me about the lack of new posts. Don't believe me? Just check how many angry comments I got on my last post about the Avatar movie! Oh wait, I must have accidentally deleted them all. I swear there were at least 70 something comments! Now you probably all think I'm lying to you. Oh dear, what am I ever going to do to gain back your trust.

I know! I'll ask you to take a leap of faith by telling you to check out a female electro-pop artist! No no no! Don't walk away! She's actually really really good, and I can't believe I haven't told you all about her already! She's not one of those sellouts, creepers, sex symbols, or generally annoying bad musicians! Why am I using so many exclamation points! That should have been a question mark!

Anyway, she calls herself 'Lights' and she makes all her own music and writes all her own lyrics. Her LP entitled 'The Listening' was released this year and ever since hearing her EP last year, this was one of my personally most-anticipated albums of 2009. It didn't disappoint me either! A solid album from start to finish. I generally try to be as critical as possible, but there is nothing about her or her album that I could possibly say anything bad about. She's cute, witty, and talented. She'll win your heart if you give her a chance. As always, I won't just ask you take my word for it. I will include a music video and a live video for your viewing pleasure. No, you know what? Make that two live videos. I'm feeling generous today.

Heck Yes: Avatar

2009-10-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

I ignored watching the trailer for this new movie Avatar because I was under the impression that it was going to be a movie based off of that anime-wannabe nickelodeon series. Boy I could not have been more wrong. Turns out this film is actually a BIG deal. It's directed by James Cameron (Terminator, Terminator 2, Titanic, Aliens) and the visual effects alone are going to be worth it. Unlike that giant disappointment whose name I won't mention, this film looks (and by everything I've read on it) sounds like it's going to be one of those revolutionary films that is going to set the bar even higher for special effects and filmography.

The film is about a marine who is in a wheelchair, and gets stationed on the jungle moon of Pandora. Then he....well I'll just post the trailer. Aren't I a great friend? Yes sir I am. Prepare to be utterly dazzled by the visual effects. With a track record like James Cameron's, I don't think the plot will suck either. Sure, it might be predictable once you see the trailer, but I think you willl agree that this is going to be a movie that is certainly worth watching. So sit back and enjoy Avatar, and don't forget to thank me for posting it.

Oh, before the Trailer, I will say that in reading about this, I discovered that the anime-wannabe nickelodeon series IS going to be made into a film. Sleep in fear.

Artist Spotlight: TV on the Radio

2009-09-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

I keep forgetting that I can blog about whatever I want to. It doesn't have to be new, or original, or anything of the sort. Hell, I'm still not convinced this gets read half the time, so what the hell do I care what I put up here? This is supposed to be a therapeutic outlet dammit, so I'm going to make it just that.

Sorry, I think someone laced my morning granola bar with PCP and we all know I'm allergic to nuts. Kidding. About the nuts thing.

ANNNYWHO, one of my recent favs in the music world has been this wonderful band called TV on the Radio. I know they've been around for a while, and I had their album 'Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes' sitting in my itunes library for quite some time before I gave it a real honest listen. Even then, I didn't find anything all that great about them. It wasn't until a good friend of mine recommended I pick up a copy of their latest album 'Dear Science' that I really began to dig their sound. Dear Science really began to grow on me, so I started listening to their older stuff and by this time, they had already received mention in several facebook status'. That's how you KNOW a band is good. So late one evening, I was having a Youtube night with me, and I decided that I would see what they were like live just for giggles. I found them preforming their song 'Wolf Like Me' on David Letterman, and was blown away. I officially loved these guys now. After watching, I purchased 'Return to Cookie Mountain' (the album that 'Wolf Like Me' was on) and haven't looked back since.

TV on the Radio remains one of my favorite bands and I hope you will enjoy them as well.

Here is the fateful clip that boosted them into 'favorite' status with me.

My cereal is dead: Dexter Season 4

2009-09-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

If you're not already an obsessed Dexter fan, than I suppose it's time you run out to Blockbuster and rent the first three seasons so you can get caught up for season four. If you're already a Dexter fan, that it is without a doubt you know that the fourth season starts in just over a week on Sunday September 27th on Showtime.

Personally, I thought the ending to the last season was a little weak, but as a whole, I enjoyed it very much. Well-written, as all the seasons have been, I have no doubt that the fourth season will be even better and more exciting than all the other seasons thus far. I'm still really mad Doakes is gone, though. I don't know if I can forgive Showtime for that one. Oh well.

Here is a preview of Season four, and as you can see, it looks like it'll be quite the ride. I can't wait.

The Resistance: Muse's latest musical musings.

2009-09-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest modern rock n' roll bands of this era is undoubtedly Muse. Muse blends modern rock with classic symphonies, and new age electronica to create a sound worthy of the label 'progressive rock' because it is most certainly progressive. Muse isn't afraid to explore and experiment and their sound is unique and easily recognizable. An asset to any music snob's library, Muse can rock hard, or play it soft, ripping at your emotions like a riptide, or gently plucking the heart strings. Whatever the case, Muse's music will always be a potent vibe in the ears, and the power trio re-defines the limits of what one band can achieve in their style and sound.

So then WHY is it that I'm not overly impressed with their latest work? I'm not saying it's bad or painful to listen to, but it just didn't deliver the same knock-out punch to the brain as past albums have. At least initially. I've owned the CD for about an hour now, and am on my third listen, and while some elements of a few songs are quite creative, I feel like it's not covering as much new ground as I've come to expect from a Muse CD. So, in the back of my mind, I am a little disappointed. I still think Absolution was their crowning jewel though.

Yeah, it's worth having a copy, because it's Muse and Muse is an awesome band, but the CD doesn't stand by itself. The opening track and first single 'Uprising' is actually a little annoying and isn't a song that I want leading the way into new Muse territory. Also, the closing of the CD is quite weak and after hearing the ending song of Black Holes and Revelations, I've automatically been expecting a killer closing song, which didn't happen with this one.

By the way, if you don't click my hyperlinks, you are missing out on some of the best tidbits of blog, and you're also making me angry.

Oh well. Maybe next album.

New Moon: Sadly looks entertaining.

2009-09-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Twilight Series. If you've spent any time here on earth, you've most assuredly heard the name, and if you're an american teenage girl, you know the names Bella Swan and Edward Cullen like they're your relatives. The Twilight Saga has re-ignited the vampire craze in america especially among adolescent females. Over a year ago, the first book in Stephenie Meyer's cult series was made into a movie that exploded in the box office, but was sadly, a terrible movie as far as production value goes. It also didn't follow the book as closely as I had hoped (Yes, I read the book. And the second one. I'm in the middle of the third right now...) and I was disappointed in some of the Director's choices.

Then I saw this brand new trailer for the New Moon movie. It looks exponentially better than the first film. The production value, the acting, everything just looks so much better. I am actually looking forward to seeing it. I won't be in line the night before dressed as a werewolf, but I do plan on going eventually.

Less talk more Rokk right? Here's the Trailer

LEGO Star Wars: Blow you to pieces

2009-09-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted about a video game in a long time. Probably because I haven't been an avid gamer until a few months ago playing games like Fallout 3, Halo Wars, Star Wars the Force Unleashed, and one of my all time favorites, LEGO Star Wars. That's right. LEGO Star Wars.

This game has been out for a good while, but I hadn't picked it up until a couple of weeks ago when my friend and I were looking for a good co-op game to play. I had seen LEGO Indianna Jones being played once, and I figured that the gameplay would be similar, minus being chased by giant boulders and adding a more PEW PEW PEW. I will go on record right now and say that LEGO StarWars (and judging by the game play, all the games in the LEGO series) is the best co-op game I have ever played. Seriously. It's a game that is fun and it draws you in, yet not in the cinematic over-theatrical games like those in the HALO series (even though I love games with huge long dramatic cut-scenes). LEGO Star Wars is very clever and tasteful and it's flaws are outnumbered greatly by it's selling points.

First of all, the game has tons to do. You don't just play through the stages and then throw it in the pile of junk to take to Disc Replay (you know, like all your games from the Crash Bandicoot series). No no no. There are multiple different things to accomplish in each level that you most likely won't get the first, second, or even third time through. You can achieve 'True Jedi' for each stage (which is obtained by getting a score of at least 100,000), you can find minikits (10 are well-hidden in each level), find the Red brick (which unlocks bonus features) and more! Everything in this game is fun, so even if you're stuck and can't figure out where to go, exploring the area to find out where to go is fun, as opposed to frustrating. So if you're looking for a game that is fun and engaging, yet not overly serious and dramatic, pick up a copy of LEGO Star Wars. Even better yet, play it with a friend because whether you have second player or not, there will be a second character that follows you around regardless.

Here is a Trailer from before its release. The narrator sounds like he's going to announce the new episode of That 70's show, but it's a good trailer.

This is the Cat's Pajamas

2009-09-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged since July. I'm pretty sure all the potential posts that have been building up in my head have formed some sort of cancerous tumor on my frontal lobes, and I will probably die here very shortly. No sympathy for the devil.

I was stumbling around the dark corners of cyberspace when my browser (The U.S.S. Firefox) landed on a strange unexplored world where I found a very cool animated short. It is called 'The Cat Piano' and is beautifully written (it's one big poem), narrated (the guys voice is like an afternoon love-making session), and the artwork is unique and eye-catching. It's only eight minutes, so that means let this buffer while you check your facebook in a new tab or new window and then come back in a few minutes to enjoy 'The Cat Piano'.

As for more posts coming soon, I'm not going to promise anything, but I think that I have forgotten how much fun it was to blog, and now that I am re-igniting the flame, you may see more to come in the future. Anyway, enjoy!

The Cat Piano from PRA on Vimeo.

No Thank You Jacki Chan.

2009-07-21T23:30:00.001-07:00

I love Arcade Fire. I love asians. Not so much together though.

As much as I'm appreciative that asians exist and provide us with such commodities like Poky and giant fighting robots and best of all, drivable toy cars, I don't think it is necessarily wise for them to attempt to cover great american indie-rock bands.

I have to say a few words on how I feel about watching an Asian band covering Arcade Fire. You'll see that this could never be made to sound good right from the get-go when the singer begins to sing. And by sing, I mean open [his] mouth and try to sound like someone who has his nuts stuck in bicycle spokes. I don't know if any of you are familiar with the song, but its not supposed to be sung like that. I apologize if this is, by some chance, the first you've heard it.

So let's see. We start off nice and slow. 'This is how Ahhcade Fi-oh do i' right?' Yes. You've seen Arcade fire's frontman. The Elvis wannabe in the blue jumpsuit? You've got the look down great!

Oh, and look at that. We got mom and sisters to play the violin(snicker). Yes, we need all four violins to sound just like Arcade Fire. Here, I printed you out some sheet music. Don't bother listening to the song first, just read your music. Maybe if Mom and Sisters would have listened to it, they would have tried to stop the poor boy from gettin the band together and trying this song.

3:45. That's my favorite part in the video. ]

Also the Epic Ending.

A Letter to the Developer: Updates and sweet releases from Bioware

2009-06-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Bioware,

First, I would like to let you know that you never cease to amaze me. Why it doesn't seem that long ago that I picked up a copy of Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic and fell in love with you and your style of game development. Then not long after, my brother got a copy of Jade Empire and he too, became a loyal fan. You've blessed us with so many great and wonderful things, and yet, you're not through.

It wasn't long ago that I first saw your E3 trailer for Star Wars: The Old Republic and then your other E3 trailer for the latest developments for Mass Effect 2. I must say, well done my friend, well done. As usual, I was blown away at the quality of the graphics, intrigued at the complexity of the plot lines, and bedazzled at the promise of the gameplay. Bioware, if you were a person, and a female person, I would ask you to marry me. But since you're not a person, and a corporation of many many men, I most likely won't.

A few issues though. Why are you only releasing the Old Republic only on PC? Don't you realize half (or even more) of your followers are young adults who have realized that PCs are pieces of garbage and have made the conversion to Mac?

Also, as a personal preference, I would have much rather seen another RPG as opposed to an MMORPG.

Good work on Mass Effect 2. It looks like it's going to be one hell of a sequel.

And Mass Effect 2

A New Moon Movie: Not vampires or Werewolves

2009-06-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

I've got a treat for you. A film called 'Moon' (not to be confused with that next chapter in the Twilight saga) will be hitting theaters sometime in July of this year. It is in an independent film that has already been presented at many film festivals and the plot revolves around a young man who works on the moon gathering energy or cheese or something like that. The film was shot in 33 days, and for an independent film budget, the effects look pretty good. They have a very cool web-site that will tell you all about the film in better detail than I could. Mainly because I am too lazy to keep switching tabs back and forth and copying down information that you could obtain by simply clicking here. Cool right? I wish I could insert hyperlinks into a spoken conversation. Talking would be a lot more fun.

As always, a trailer.

A sad Day: Independent Legend of Zelda film

2009-05-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I wish all my favorite video games were made into feature length movies. So far, the ones that have are just...not good. Tomb Raider, Resident Evil....I'm sure they are tons more, but I just don't feel like looking them up right now.

The game I have been waiting the longest to see adapted for the big screen is one of my all time favorite video games 'The Legend of Zelda.' Seriously, if done right, this would make a very good watch. They key phrase there being 'if done right.' Well ladies and gentleman, I've got some good news, and I've got some bad news. The good news is that there has been a feature length Zelda film made! The bad news? It sucks.

BMB Finishes is an independent film company that decided it would be a great idea to take one of my favorite franchise's and shit all over it. I had been following this project online for quite some time, and the first trailer made me curious (but for some reason, there was looming doubt that this film would be worth watching). So today, I went back to the official site of the unofficial movie and much to my surprise (horror) they had a brand new trailer! After watching and cleaning up the pieces of my shattered hopes, I decided that Blame it on the Media needed to blame someone, and who am I blaming? All of you people who voluntarily wasted their time to produce a shitty movie that is a disgrace to every Zelda-lover out there.

As you can see, it is...not all that promising. In fact, I think I would rather watch every Bernie Mac film back-to-back than even pretend I saw this.

Yes Yes Yes: It's Blitz

2009-05-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

Time for a little music children! Today I just obtained a copy of 'It's Blitz' by Yeah Yeah Yeahs and I'm already loving it. It's one of those CDs that you can just tell you're really going to enjoy as soon as the first song starts to pick up, then you tilt your head to one side with your mouth open in kind of a half smile and you say to yourself 'Huh, I think I'm going to like this.'

Then the next song plays and you're not disappointed. And the next, and the next. It's a hit ladies and gentlemen. 'It's Blitz' is something you should get a copy of as soon as you can. Seeqpod.com is currently out with Swine Flu, so I'm back to using youtube to show off my muscial musings.

YEAH YEAH YEAHS - ZERO

To Boldly Go: Star Trek

2009-05-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

It was on Monday that I stepped into a brave new world, and that world was Vulcan. So to speak. It was that fateful Monday that I made my first honest venture into the Star Trek universe.

I went to go see the Star Trek movie after hearing enough positive things about it from people I trusted. I hadn't heard much about it before and from the trailers, it just looked like a lame-ass attempt at making a really good movie. Well I was certainly disappointed, because I was expecting a lame movie and instead had my mind blown. Director J.J. Abrams (responsible for that TV series everyone else knows and loves, Lost)...(and also that terrible movie Cloverfield) combined with the writers of the wonderful Transformers movies (the new one, and the one that will be released next month :D) made one hell of a film. The plot was good and relatively believable, the dialogue wasn't chessy, and the characters were well developed. On top of all that, the graphics were sweet too. I would give it an 8 out of 10 and highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't gone out and seen it yet.

I know. I really wanted to write a blog about how much this movie blew and make fun of all the Star Trek followers, but I can't. It was too good.

Live long and prosper.

Wait, who was the guy that played luke again?

2009-05-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

I found this funny and thought I would share it with you all

Mirror Noir: Creative, Original, Arcade Fire.

2009-05-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

Everyone should listen to Arcade Fire, its just that simple. They are a wonderfully creative band and this was confirmed as fact in my mind when I recently ordered their DVD entitled 'Mirror Noir.' It is a wonderfully put together film that pieces together small segments of their whole 'Neon Bible' tour and it is done in a way that is both original and innovative.

When I first put the DVD in and fired up the xbox, I expected what you normal got from a band's DVD. A live show and maybe some interviews and backstage footage and all of that good stuff. Instead, I was greeted with something totally unexpected. The DVD was, instead of just being a live performance, a compilation of many different songs from many different performances, as well as its fair share of backstage footage and other random pieces that all fit together wonderfully. It was more sort of a documentary meets an art film that happens to revolve around a band and that band is Arcade Fire.

However, even though I really liked, I think it may be one of those things were you already have to like the band in order to appreciate it. My thoughts are that if someone who had no interest in the Arcade Fire would see it as trash. But those people's opinions don't really matter for much of anything so I'm not to concerned what they think. They're probably the same people that put Barack Obama in office. Damn! I'm sorry liberals! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings!

THE VIEWS IN THE THIS BLOG ENTRY DO NOT REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THOSE AT BLAME IT ON THE MEDIA AND ANYONE WHO TAKES OFFENSE SHOULD GET A QUATER AND CALL SOMEONE WHO CARES.

So this is what a nerdgasm looks like...

2009-05-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

I just saw the new trailer for Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen and I just peed myself a little from excitement. As cool as it looks visually, something inside me tells me the plot won't be as good as the first one. I'm going to go see it (hopefully opening night) no matter what, but I just have to get it in my head that it won't be as good as the first one. That way, I won't be disappointed no matter the outcome.

UPDATE: This movie is one of the worst pieces of shit I have ever seen. A major disappointment.

The Diving Bell and the IRS.

2009-05-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

I hate the IRS. I hate the government. I hate the fact that the money in my pockets is susceptible to the sticky fingers of Uncle Sam and yet, the common folk get put in jail for stealing. Don't steal boys and girls, the government REALLY hates competition. Why is it that a percentage of my paycheck goes to pay some brief case carrying bastard who already had enough money to go to school and get a job in which he learns to take more money!? Get a real JOB!

Hmph. It really sours my mood when I get a letter from the IRS telling me they lost my payment and now I owe them more money. Of course, they don't actually SAY they lost my payment. I believe their words were, 'it was late.' Um, first of all, it wasn't. Second of all, even if it was, YOU STILL GOT YOUR MONEY! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!

And now on to the entry. Thanks for listening to me ramble. I don't really feel any better and kinda want to go down to Kansas city Joker style and make a mess of things. But alas, I don't have a purple suit, or the scars so I'll just sit here and blog instead. The topic today is the french film called 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.' It is a true story about a man who was in a very good position in life with lots of things going for him when all of the sudden he suffered from a stroke which paralyzed his entire body. When he awoke from the coma, he couldn't....well, I don't wanna spoil the whole thing for you. I know my description doesn't make you want to run out and see it, but if you trust me at all, it is worth seeing. The cinematography was really well done and even though it was a slower movie, it moved along nicely.

As always, a little something to spark your interest.

No thank you Tom Cruise: Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds

2009-04-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

See? I told you I had some post ideas stored up in my brain.

This is probably one of the coolest thing I've been introduced to in a good while. Its a musical adaption of War of the World's, and while it is rather old (late 1970's) its still new to me, and its good, which means no matter how old it is, it will remain good. That's what I believe about music. Once good, always good. That doesn't mean I'm always in the mood to listen to it, but its still jolly good.

Okay where was I? Oh yes, Jeff Wayne's musical adaption of War of the Worlds. It isn't a musical in the sense that there are a bunch of really weird people in funny costumes on stage that explode into song and dance at every key moment. That would be odd for WOTW (War of the World's for you slower people) since the story revolves around martians coming down from space and kicking the crap out of humanity. That would make an odd musical. This musical was a touring live performance with an orchestra and a narrator and a few other actors, but like I spent this whole paragraph explaining, it wasn't your typical musical. *sigh* I am going to include a Youtube clip of the show (youtube clip is worth a thousand words) so that will make all of this explaining a lot easier.

Someone here at the office had the 2 Disc set, so I borrowed it and slapped it on the ol' hard drive. It didn't take long before I really enjoyed it. It is much different than just music, and it sort of plays like the soundtrack to a musical. Ugh. This is so hard to explain. Anyway, it goes through the entire book (by H.G. Wells, a master of the written word and way ahead of his time as far as science fiction goes...no pun intended) and the whole thing is very well done.

I say that a lot. 'Well Done.' Its not a steak, but oh well. This youtube clip should help explain things. The CDs are worth checking out too if you can find them.

Very Cool Animated short

2009-04-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

I have a blog? Oh yeah, hah silly me. Sorry about the lack of posts lately. I've been very busy and distracted by the frivolous and also the meaningful things that life has to offer. I hope to be more prominent about posting in the future, and I have a lot of post ideas that have built up in my crowded brain during my absence from Blame it on the Media.

Today I stumbled upon a very cool animated short film involving a crow and a scarecrow. It was done in black and white (so obviously its older and been around since the 50's or so) but still, even though its an apparent classic, it is very well done with kind of a cool theme.

Here, I provided it for you so that you may watch.

THE END
Uploaded by Premium-films-Tv

Man I could use some of that: Sleep Dealer

2009-04-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

Brain dead and tired, I decide to blog. How thoughtful of me. Could it be that I'm posting twice in the same week? Could things be really turning around for me?

Yeah, I should've just stopped after brain dead and tired. That would've explained everything.

So what do I have in store for you today? An independent film! Interested? Care to know more? Than keep reading. It's called 'Sleep Dealer' and rather than tell you all about it, I'll simply put up the trailer and you can decide whether or not you'd like to see it. It comes out this April and I for one think it looks entertaining enough to go see. And hey! It won some sort of award, so that has to count for something right? I mean, crappy movies just aren't given awards right?

April Fools Day and mindless blogging

2009-04-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

My last post was over a week ago and I'm starting to feel like my blog hates me. Blogs are like friends. They need to be nurtured, and cared for. If it's left all alone, it will die.

This is usually how the blogging process goes for me. I keep my eyes and ears open for something juicy in the music/movies/video games world, and then I hop on my laptop and begin to either praise it, or tear it apart. For the past few days, my mind has been shooting blanks. Either I've been walking around with my head in my ass (so THAT's where I put my wallet) or there has been nothing to blog about. It's more likely the first. I've felt completely disconnected from society.

Meanwhile, Blame it on the Media has had no where to point the finger, and its many followers began to lose faith in the fearless LSDiesel.

So, I thought I would give you all some April Fools Day news and end it with a playlist of random songs that I think you guys might enjoy. Sound Fair?

1st. True Blood WILL be returning with a second season sometime this summer.
2nd. Robert Downey Jr. will be starring as Sherlock Holmes in the movie 'Sherlock Holmes' scheduled to hit theaters Christmas Day.
3rd. I'm wearing a blue button-up today.

And now for the playlist.

SeeqPod - Playable Search

Electronic music that sounds pretty sharp: The Knife

2009-03-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

My post titles are really starting to get lame, but at least I'm trying to be clever and that's all that really matters right?

Some of you electronic enthusiasts out there may be already well aware of The Knife and how awesome and inspirational they are when it comes to making kick ass electronic music. The swedish electronic duo consists of siblings Karin Dreijer Andersson and Olof Dreijer. Together they make The Knife and together, they are awesome.

I bought the album 'Silent Shout' on a whim and didn't know exactly if I liked it or not for the first couple of listens. Each time though, it grew on me at a rapid pace and now here they are on the blog. So if you are any sort of interested in very good electronica, I strongly suggest you check out The Knife and maybe put their CD next to your Spoon CDs and who knows? Maybe a band called 'The Forks' will arise in the near future and then you can have an entire collection of silverware.

The band has an attitude problem, which makes them even more awesome in my book. Up until recently they never made any public appearances including live shows. They kind of give a big middle finger to all things mainstream and keep to themselves. Yes, its cute and somewhat stereotypical, but we all know its just because they want attention. Well, after listening to the tracks I have graciously provided below, perhaps you will aid in giving this wonderful band the attention they crave.

Instead of doing lame Youtube clips, I will be using the option to embed seeqpod playlists which we here at Blame it on the Media are very grateful for.

SeeqPod - Playable Search

Atmosphere: Rap without the 'C'

2009-03-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Rap Music. Some wouldn't call it music at all. Others are under the saddening delusion that is the only kind of music out there and that other styles are boring. Rap is probably the most 'love it or hate it' kind of music next to country. So in short, the first Country-Rap artist is going to have a huge following and also a large amount of people that want to kill him.

All this to say that in my tireless search for new music I ran across a Rap (well, technically Hip-Hop) artist whose music and lyrics I really enjoy. They are called 'Atmosphere' and they're not your typical sex, drugs, and killing policemen rappers. Their music is actually...music. Not some hommies in large headphones that sit at turntables pressing buttons that will blow out your sub-woofers. Lyrically, they sing about the honest truth of the way things are in this world and not about dance floors, getting head, booties, or how many fancy things they own. They bring us back to the roots of rap music, which started in the inner city and dealt with the hardships of inner city life.

But don't take my word for it. If you're feeling adventurous click on the video below. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

RTS, MMO, RPG, WTF: Halo Wars

2009-03-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. I'm still here, I just haven't posted in a while.

So without further ado, here's the hot topic!

Halo. It is easily on of the most popular and most easily recognizable titles in the gaming world today. If you've heard of video games, you've heard of Halo and if you're like me, you've been to the 20 people LAN parties with greasy food, foul language, and hot geeky man-on man action (and by action, I mean standing up and screaming something to the effect of 'BOOM HEADSHOT'). Or maybe you don't know what that's like and God bless you for it.

Most people know the Halo series as a FPS (first person shooter, for those of you who would rather do something productive with your lives) but a few days ago (March 3rd) a game came out that re-defined the Halo series. It's called Halo Wars, and it is a RTS (Real-time strategy) game that looks very well done. If I had all the money in the world, I would run out and buy it right now then let you know how I like it, but instead, I've provided a trailer that will make you wish you had an xbox 360, as well as 60 bucks to go out and blow on it.

You're welcome.

Tyler Perry goes to Jail, and not just because he's...

2009-03-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, I've said many times before that Hollywood is rapidly running out of good ideas. In fact, one of their worst ideas was to let Tyler Perry keep making Madea movies. I was horrified today when I saw that the number one movie in the box office this weekend was Madea goes to Jail. Granted, there aren't (that m)any good movies out at the moment, but MADEA!? That's just wrong in more ways than one. I mean, it's a story about an old black woman going to Jail (or at least, that's what I got judging from the title, maybe she doesn't go to Jail, but than that would be more like an M. Night Shayamalan film) and that's about it. I'm sure it may have one or two clever parts in it, but you could probably get the same (if not more) entertainment from putting a kitten in the dryer.

Tyler Perry needs to give it up already. It's not funny anymore. No one is laughing because you can dress up like a fat-ass black woman. Well, maybe some people are, but no one with a taste in movies, that's for sure.

Yes, you're right. This is an angry Monday.

Meters and Celsius: Metric

2009-03-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

Helloooo Cheeeeldren and welcome back to Blame it on the Media, where dreams come true and are then falsified by the whole waking up thing.

Sorry, rough night.

I just got a hold of a copy of the CD 'Grow up and Blow Away' by Metric. I've heard of/seen/been told of/whatever, I know of their existence but never got curious enough to ACTUALLY look them up, which is sad, considering the speed at which one can own something these days. Anyway, I'm listening to the CD right now, and I have not heard one song I haven't liked.

So if you're in need of something new to check out and have not checked out Metric, it would do you well to do so.

I'm not going to leave you hanging. Here are some samples. You're welcome.

Coming Soon: Mass Effect 2

2009-02-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

If you've played games like Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Knights of the Old Republic, Jade Empire, or Mass Effect, than you already know that Bioware is (of course, in my opinion) one of the best game developers out there right now. Bethesda Softworks is a close second, gracing our gaming world with The Elder Scroll series (Morrowind and Oblivion) and most recently my current favorite Fallout 3. Anyway, the game Mass Effect easily took the cake (and muffins too) for game of the year 2007. It is a beautifully designed game complete with a GREAT story, solid characters, and a fun real-time fighting style. But I think what makes a game like this really great is (drum roll....) all of the work and creativity that went into creating the mass effect universe.

One of the things that makes me a total dork is I like living in worlds that other people create. Mass Effect is a game (well, soon to be series) that takes every little detail and expands on it in the codex. The codex is basically a journal of sorts that lets the player in on the details and all the nerd-age that went into developing such a vast and complex universe. For example, if you wanted to know how your weapons work, it's in the codex. If you want to know more about an alien species, it's the codex. If you want to know about planets, systems of government, currency, weapons, technology, it's ALL in the codex.

You'd think this entry was about the codex. I'm just saying, this is a very well developed game, and if you decide to buy a copy (Currently for 360 or PC) you will NOT be disappointed.

All this to say that Bioware has announced the release of the sequel (called Mass Effect 2....yay!) and the unique thing about this sequel is it will (this is still rumor, but a pretty confident one) take your save file from the first game and pick up where you left off in the second one. Mass Effect is one of those 'choose your own path' sort of games and the decisions you make in the first game (who lives, who dies, that sort of thing) is said to directly effect the story in the second game. Pretty neat-o huh? I think so. If you just buy the second game without playing the first, you will be brought up to speed on the events in the first game. This is really lame, and most of you should probably just buy the first game and play it and see what the hype is all about.

Here's a teaser, just to wet your pallet.

Caroline: and the Revenge of the dyslexics

2009-02-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

Animation over the past several years has really taken off into several different styles and....ugh. I feel like I'm writing for a friggin magazine. This isn't a magazine. This is a blog damn it.

I went to go sit in on a film class yesterday which happened to be seated in the middle of a movie theater with a movie playing. How distracting when I'm supposed to be learning something. I decided that I should just watch the movie and about halfway through the film I realized that the movie was the class. Interesting. The whole experience was far more enjoyable after I wasn't scared of being scolded by the teacher for paying attention to the movie instead of his class.

See? This is why I don't drink coffee in the morning.

The movie was Coraline and it was very beautifully animated. The style was Tim Burton-esque but was not (to the surprise of many) Tim Burton. It was, as my friend skippy simply put it 'more colorful' then most of Tim Burton's work. It was directed by Henry Selick and for this project, he used the good ol' stop motion method. I thought it was CG but I just researched it (you're right, I have the Wikipedia tab open) and it wasn't. For more info on the nerdy stuff, I suggest you visit the Wiki yourself. This is one Movie I have to say everyone should see. The plot isn't what you're there for, it's the magic and wonder and all the pretty colors. Oh, and see it in 3-D. It would make a HUGE difference in your experience.

I've heard of them: Mates of State

2009-02-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

You know those bands that you hear about over and over (and over and over) again but you never make it a point to check them out because you already think you kind of know what they sound like because of all the bands they're associated with? Well I have that problem too, and because of that, I miss out on some really great music. Lucky for all of you Blame it on the Media followers, you have me, the fearless LSDiesel, who makes the voyage into the realms of the unknown, the obscure, and the dangerous to let all of you back at home know what's worth checking out and what is just...crap.

I had a very long and exhausting weekend, and I thought that I would come out on the other side with nothing to show for it. Well, besides a headache and swollen lymph-nodes (don't ask) I was told by a good friend Stephanie to check out this band called Mates of State. LastFM had beaten Stephanie to the punch, but like with all music recommendations, I waited until I heard about them at least a hundred times before I actually decided to go and give them a listen. I need to be less lazy when it comes to exploring new music fronts. In fact, I should probably be less lazy with all things that require only a computer and fingers that are able to type.

I also have a new resolve to let you (the reader(s)) know what you're getting in to before you just take my word for it and run out and buy (or torrent) the music I recommend because I know that my word is at least bronze to most of you. Mates of State has a similar sound to Stars, Eisley, Rilo Kiley, and The New Pornographers so if you enjoy those bands, I think you'll enjoy this one. And please, do us all a favor and at least listen to the thirty second previews on itunes. Don't assume that you know what any band sounds like because you could be missing out on your new favorite.

Thank you Stephanie for the tip.

I like my Cabaret Dark: Amanda Palmer

2009-02-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

Every once in a long while, there comes along an artist who sets the bar just a tad higher. Someone who takes things to the next level. In this case, I am talking about the one and only Amanda Palmer from the Dresden Dolls.

Her look, her attitude, and most of all, her music, makes her stand out from the rest of the wannabe dark-cabaret artists out there. There isn't much to be said, and she's one of those artist that you'll either love or hate. You will either think she is artsy, out there, and totally bad-ass or you'll think she's a man trying very hard to be a lesbian. Again, in the interest of not just TELLING people about music, I am going to graciously include a few videos from her CD entitled 'Who Killed Amanda Palmer?'

Also, her web-site is very well done and worth your while to check out.
Click the HYPER LINK! for direct access.

And now....some videos.

Guitar Hero

Leeds United

Thanks again goes to Sydney, for always keeping me hip and trendy.

Dragon Ball Evolution: Lookin Good in the Neighborhood

2009-02-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

So if you've been on the internet at all within the past few months, you may have heard somewhere (maybe even from Blame it on the Media? Huh? Huh?) that there has been a Dragonball moving in the making. Up until now, there hasn't been a decent trailer, meaning that all the trailers so far made the movie appear to be just...meh. But THIS trailer makes me want to run out and see it. I'm serious. Even if the plot sucks, the movie itself still looks incredible as far as special effects go.

Don't believe me? Well see for yourself.

How ironic I would post this considering my previous entry...

Fan of Foreign Films? Let the Right One In!

2009-02-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

I love Vampires. In fact, I go to bed every night just wishing I'll wake up to the sun burning my flesh and then immediately running to the basement and spending my days in solitude and my nights roaming for victims. You think I'm kidding, but I have it all planned out in case it ever happens. Now all I need is someone to turn me so if any of you know of any vampires living in the area please call me. No joke. I want to be immortal and drink people's blood.

While I'm waiting for my dreams of undead goodness to come true, I usually immerse myself in as much vampire related media as possible (so that when I get turned, I'll know what to expect...duh) and was REALLY glad when I found this Movie. It's a Swedish film that translates to 'Let the Right One in' and is based off the novel of the same name. I enjoy it because it is a very original and unique take on vampires. It's not a fast-paced exciting movie, it's actually rather slow and subtle. I like foreign films because they're usually a tad more realistic than most American movies that just stuff a film full of as many special effects as they can and cast really bad actors (Keanu Reeves, Hayden Christiansen, and what have you) into their films. This movie is story driven, and to someone who only watches awful movies like 'The Fast and the Furious' it would be boring. This movie isn't fast or furious but it is good. Especially if you're a tasteful individual.

Yeah, I basically just said if you don't like this film, you have no taste. What of it?

Metronomy: The study of Metro...or something like that

2009-02-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

I'm not generally a fan of Music Videos. Most of them are lame or an obvious attempt for shameless promotion of the band (or the record label, or even the director of the music video) and it really makes me angry sometimes. So when I DO find a good music video, I'm inclined to share it. Not that my opinion is golden, but maybe another precious metal of slightly lesser value.

In short, this is one of the most original music videos I have seen in quite some time. It's by the band Metronomy and the song is called 'A Thing for me' and while the song isn't mind-blowing, the video is definitely (20 years old, and I still have to use spell check to spell definitely) worth watching. If not, you get your money back. Just kidding. I'm taking your money and moving to Mexico.

Thanks to my wonderfully beautiful friend Sydney, who is always showing me something cool.

Welcome Back: The Blink 182 Reunion

2009-02-09T11:55:00.000-08:00

Ahh, reunions are so lovely. A time for coming together and catching up on the past, a time for sharing personal growth, a time for burying the hatchet, and for the members of Blink 182, a time for bringing the ol' band back together. That's right folks. The Blink 182 hiatus is officially over. The three members of one of the world's most well-known punk rock groups has announced that they have began talking again and hanging out, but more importantly, they're back in the studio making music again!

Okay, so while they're music isn't the most complex or even sophisticated, I think the fellow Blink fans will agree that their music has had a huge influence on that whole music scene. Now, the fans are all eagerly awaiting the return album from the trio.

The official announcement was made at the 51st annual grammy awards. The band came out together on stage for the first time in four years and told the audience that they would be playing music together again and they cannot wait to start recording and touring the world just like old times. Then they handed Coldplay the grammy for the best rock album of 2008. That kind of ruined it for me. Love Coldplay, but seriously? Best Rock album of 2008? I would've picked Kings of Leon over them, but that's just my personal opinion.

Burn after Watching: Why? Just...why?

2009-02-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

Well, you asked for it! No, actually you didn't, but I am going to tell you anyway. Although many people would argue with me till the cows come home (which they better, and soon) I thought it was an overall kind of lame film. Not gonna lie, by the end (After an onslaught of 'WTF's and 'BBQ's ) I came to the conclusion that I didn't like the film.

I did like PARTS of the movie. In fact, I like PARTS of most every movie and if it's Titanic, I like the naughty PARTS. I always enjoy watching good actors perform and this movie is full of good actors most notably Brad Pitt and George Clooney in my opinion. The movie was actually very interesting and I liked it very much up until a certain point and then from there it came spiraling downward and crashed into a nearby farmers cornfield killing his daughter and her boyfriend who were having a 'picnic' out there. Sorry Mr. Jenkins. My your heathen daughter and that Farmer brat from down the street rest in peace.

Where were we? Oh yes, Burn After Reading. In short, it was good up until the last twenty minutes. In my opinion, how you end a story is almost as important as how you start one. But, I'm no bigot. See for yourself. It's one of those 'like it or hate it' kind of movies.

Revenge and Stuff: Transformers 2

2009-02-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

Oh boy do I have a treat for all of YOU. In my search for something to blog about, I came across the TV spot for the highly anticipated sequel to the 2007's Transformers. It was first aired during the super bowl sunday night and since more than half of America was watching the game that night, many of you have probably already seen it. But, for those of you who were passed out already or going to fetch another beer from the cooler at the time, I have graciously decided to upload the video right here! Isn't that sweet of me?

The Revenge of the Fallen (okay, so the name kinda sucks) will be in theaters on June 26 and will pick up where the first movie left off. It is still being directed by Michael Bay, and yes, Shia LaBeouf will returning with the lead role. I don't have a problem with that because he's a good actor. A little brat maybe, but still good for the role.

I will see you all opening night! I'll be the one in the red cardboard box costume belting out phrases like 'Autobots, Roll out!'

Simply Dazzling: True Blood Clip

2009-01-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

I love the show True Blood.

I hate it when people tell you that a band is really good, or a show is really good, or a movie is really good, but they don't quite sell it to you. People (at least in my experience) tend to just tell that something is worth it, and then walk away without leaving you semi-interested.

This clip is one of the many reasons that True Blood remains one of the most bad-ass vampire shows ever.

Game-gasm: Star Wars Battlefront 3

2009-01-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

In case none of you already knew, today is Nerd day. Actually, every day is nerd day here at BIOTM. B.I.O.T.M. Bio-Tem. BOM. Bomma your Momma.

Moving right along, I was given a tip yesterday from a very good friend of mine who is knowledgeable in the field of movies, technology, and general media. He told me about this new leaked demo of Star Wars Battlefront 3. Now I myself have not played any of the Star Wars Battlefront series, but after watching this leak (if it turns out to be real) makes me very excited for it's release.

The current status of the Game is unknown. There is a lot going on as far as the development is concerned, and no one can seem to get a straight answer from the creators as to how far they are into the project, completion dates, publisher, etc. The only conclusions we can draw come from this video that was leaked into the treacherous and hostile network of rumors and misnomers know as the interweb by a laid-off employee. The video is low-quality (because it is a video of a video) but still gives us a look at the potential for Battlefront 3.

After watching, I hope you too will be as excited for the release of this epic looking game as I am. Make sure you watch at least the first minute, because there is a sequence in which the player if flying a ship from the surface of a planet and lands in a star destroyer in one seamless motion with no loading. It's all in real time. Pretty impressive.

Star Wars: Battlefront 3 'Leaked Off-Scre en' gameplay

Also, there is rumor that a dark-side Obi-Wan will be making an appearance as well.

The Good, The Bad, and The Reeves: Cowboy Bebop

2009-01-21T08:24:00.000-08:00

Let it be known that I am a fan of Anime. It's unfortunate though, that anime does not have as many fans as it could due to its reputation from terrible shows like Pokemon, Dragonball Z, Naruto, and other completely westernized shows. All of these above listed shows were quality until America (and especially Cartoon Network) destroyed them by making them safe for kids to watch. Anime was never meant for American children. Anime was never meant to be dubbed into the english language. Anything done to an anime series (besides adding subtitles for those of us that don't speak Japanese) is taking away from the purity of the series and essentially destroying it.

All this to say that I came across some rather disturbing news durring my morning web-surfing. One of my favorite anime series, Cowboy Bebop, is being turned into a live action movie. Fox is doing the deed and I was actually quite intruiged until I learned who is going to be playing the main carachter of Spike. Keanu Reeves.

Let me say a little bit about Keanu Reeves. First of all, the only movie that he has ever done well in was The Matrix. Wanna know why he did good? Because he was playing the part of a clueless moron. Well, as it turns out, he is a clueless moron! He cannot act to save his life, and the fact that he has been given the chance to play one of my favorite anime heroes is depressing to say the least. I want to shoot whoever cast him in this movie.

The movie is still in it's primary developing stages and I'm praying that Reeves has a stroke or goes into a coma before filiming begins. That way, they will be forced to find a different actor. The only decision that Fox could make that could possibly be worse casting Reeves as Spike, would be to cast that god-awful Hayden Christiansen.

Happy 30 posts to me: Slumdog Millionaire

2009-01-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend I went to go see this beautifully put together film called Slumdog Millionaire. I had never heard of it, but was forcefully dragged by a group of heartless savages to sit and watch this movie. Not really. I went to go see it with a couple of friends.

The basic plot is about an boy named Jamal Malik who live in India. Jamal winds up on the hit TV show 'Who wants to be a millionaire' and ends up getting through the questions. Suspected of cheating, he is kidnapped and interrogated. Through this interrogation, Jamal relays to his captors his life story, and how each event in his life gave him the answers to the questions on the game show.

It's a fairly simple plot, but the story is fantastic. I would recommend it to pretty much anyone because the story is not one that would only appeal to certain groups of people. It's a story for everyone.

The film was based off the novel Q and A by the Indian author Vikas Swarup. The Director (Danny Boyle) did a wonderful job with character development and made you want to cheer the heroes and boo the villains. I haven't been this into a movie since the Dark Knight. I'm not putting it on that level, but it's worth seeing at least once to make your own evaluation.

Special Treat: One Man Zelda song!

2009-01-16T08:16:00.000-08:00

Someone with a lot of time on their hands has filmed himself playing several different instruments and put them together in order to make up the theme song from The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker. While it probably took him all week to make, the end result is actually quite impressive and makes me wish that I would use all the time on my hands for something productive like this instead of spending all my time at work.

Ugh. My life sucks.

Thank you Geekologie writer, and I promise this is that last time I'm stealing from your blog.

Since it's chilly outside: Arcade Fire

2009-01-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

Damn it's cold. This morning I was greeted with ice caps on my toes and a -12 on the thermometer. Not the coziest things to start your Friday morning off. Since it is cold, we need some fire. Arcade Fire. Was that a good transition? Perhaps not, but I'll take it and run with it anyway.

I've had this band sitting in my itunes library for the longest time before I actually decided to give them a proper listen. As I recall, I was at a friend of mine's house (that sounds weird) stealing a handful of albums off of his willing hard drive. Many of the artists, I had only heard good things about, so naturally they were drafted to join my army, my 'brothers of band' so to speak. Or write.

About two months ago, I decided that it was time I gave them (Arcade Fire) a fair trial. The first song I fell in love with, and listened to it several times every day. The whole CD (Funeral, not Neon Bible) grew on me right away and is now one of my favorites. Especially after watching their live performances, which are very entertaining. But you know what? You don't have to take my word for it, you can see for yourself because I am a nice enough person to drive all the way out to youtube and come back with some juicy videos. The work's done for you, so their is no excuse not to watch at least the first minute of these videos.

Happy Friday everyone.

Star Wars, the official condensed summary.

2009-01-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

थिस इस अ विडियो ऑफ़ अ गर्ल व्हो As I was saying, there was this girl who was asked by her (Boyfriend? Father? Brother? Mailman?) to give a summary of the three original Star Wars films from the 'bits and pieces she had seen from the same room that the movies were playing. She did a terrible job, of course, but managed to provide the foundation for a very entertaining video

Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn't seen it) from Joe Nicolosi on Vimeo.

Dear Hollywood, cut it out: Bride Wars

2009-01-13T13:01:00.000-08:00

That big boiling kettle labeled 'ideas' in the kitchen of everyones mind is starting to run dry. It seems all that's left are the hardened vegetables at the bottom of the unforgiving cast-iron bowl, and every once in a while, we get a fresh carrot, but most movies these days are rotten tomatoes. Which brings us to the topic of this post, Bride Wars.

For those of you wondering, Bride Wars is the newest movie from Gary Winick (have you even heard of him? Me neither.) and features Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. The premise is that two women who have been best friends (and possible lesbian lovers....no? Okay, just making sure) are planning to have their dream wedding at this fancy hotel in the month of June. Well, due to some crazy creativity from the movies writers, both girls are scheduled to have their wedding on the same day! Oh no! What will transpire now! Hilarity ensues when Hathaway and Hudson engage in an all out Bride War! Hahahaha! Funny!

I'll tell you what happens. The two women (who now hate each other with a burning rage after having learned that their weddings were scheduled for the same day)train rigorously in the martial arts, then join the military for some 'big gunz 101' and spend the entirety of the movie chasing each other all over the planet not resting until the other has been mutilated into an unrecognizable pulp. The corpse of the loser is displayed at the winner's wedding during the reception. Later, the guests each get to take home a piece of the losing bride.

Okay, so that's not exactly what happens, but I'm sure it's at least somewhat close to plot line. I'm sure that's what the writer had wanted the movie to be like originally, but due to censorship, he had to turn his once action packed gore movie into a romantic comedy. So instead, he had to settle for 'Comic Mischief' and 'Mild Language' as opposed to his dreams of 'Comic Mutilating' and 'Heavy Drug Use' and my favorite 'Mild Cock Envy'.

But in all seriousness, I don't have to go see this movie to know that I will be on the worst of 2009 list. It got terrible reviews and Roger Ebert said "[there were] no lines that were smart or witty." Carrie Ricky wrote for the Philadelphia Inquirer,

"How bad can a movie be, with Goldilocks Hudson and Cinderella Hathaway? So excruciating that Hudson's sunshine can't warm it and Hathaway's rose redolence can't mask its stink."

You tell 'em Rickey. Sorry Anne, we know you're a beautiful girl with lots of talent, but you're starting to take the slippery slope that Steve Martin did when he decided to accept his fatherly role in 'Cheaper by the Dozen'. Hey speaking of Steve Martin, did anyone that there is a second Pink Panther doomed to come out? Did any of you remember that there was a first one?

Best of the best: A look back at the media of 2008

2009-01-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

It is already 12 days into the brand new year. 12 days, and I'm still writing 08 at the end of everything, and I'll probably continue to do so until well into April. I'm one of those people who learn by repetition

Anyway, I thought I would throw together a list of my top five favorite movies, albums, and video games of the year 2008. Maybe you'll agree, maybe you won't. I would love to hear from you guys what your favorites were as well.

MUSIC:

5. Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes

4. Coldplay: Viva La Vida or Death and All his Friends

3. Sigur Ros: Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust

2: The Faint: Fasciinatiion

1: Goldfrapp: Seventh Tree

MOVIES:

5: Yes Man

4: Twilight

3: Hellboy 2: The Golden Army

2: Iron Man

1: The Dark Knight

VIDEO GAMES:

5: Guitar Hero: World Tour

4: Soul Calibur IV

3: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

2: Super Smash Brothers Brawl

1: Fallout 3

I missed the first two apocalypses...: Fallout 3

2009-01-10T15:10:00.000-08:00

I am lacking on Video Game postage lately. That's because I lack the funds to run out and buy every cool video game that comes out. Some of you (well, not my regular readers) can run out to the store and just buy whatever you feel like because Mom and Dad both went to college and got high paying jobs and can do things like run out and buy you an Avalanche.

There I go again. Anyway, I picked up a copy of Fallout 3 for my 360. Bethesda Softworks (Morrowind, Oblivion) is the developer behind this much-acclaimed FPS/RPG (that's nerd-talk for 'first-person shooter' and 'role playing game' respectively). I have heard countless good things about it, so I decided to bite the bullet and give it a shot. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where people are struggling against life in the harsh wasteland-like remains of the planet earth. There are towns that are thrown together out of junk and cities that look like one huge shanty. The player starts off as a child and much like Oblivion, you go through the trivial task of creating your character (I never understood this, maybe it's because the nerds that play these games all night are the same people that wish they could've chosen what they look like...) and deciding whether or not his forehead angles forward or backward and whether or not his chin could club you to death or open a tin can.

The gameplay itself is also fun. You go through the game making decisions that effect your karma (good or bad choices) and all actions have consequences. The first time I played it through, I just killed all the ugly and annoying people. Now, I'm trying to be a good guy. If you've ever played Morrowind or Oblivion you will feel right at home. In fact, you'll feel in a much nicer home than you're own, because gameplay has been cleaned up to a near-perfect. Yes, it is that good of a game.

Ratatat: No, it's not a pokemon...

2009-01-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

Ratatatatataaatraatttaa.

Whenever people see a large amount of the same letters next to each other, the tendency is to ignore everything you ever learned in the educational system regarding pronunciation and sounding out words. People miss-pronounce the name of this band (and the pokemon too. In fact, that's the reason I got out of the whole pokemon thing because of all the dumb-asses who could not read) all the time, which is a shame, because it is band worthy of having it's name said properly. Here I go again, starting a blog post with incoherent gibberish. Well, I suppose it is coherent, but it's pointless rambling for sure.

-TAKE TWO-

Hi, my name is [original post contained real name; removed at author's request] and I'm here to blog about this sweet band called Ratatat.

-TAKE THREE-

Okay, so to make this as short as possible I'm just going to put it all into one GIANT word. IdownloadedabandcalledratatatalongtimeagoandthoughttheyweregoodbutnotamazingthenIdownloadedsomemoreoftheirworkandlikeditawholelotmorethantheCDIdownloadedinitially.

Lady Gaga has me coocoo for coco puffs

2009-01-08T22:19:00.000-08:00

I made a disturbing discovery on the waves of the internet this evening. I was informed that Lady Gaga's CD was "Out Now" and that I should immediately "Get My Copy Today". All of that to say, this didn't make me happy. I didn't even know who Chicky Boo Boo was until I saw that her ONE SEMI-CATCHY SONG (also called "single") was that drunken chick favorite "Just Dance."

We all know what happens now. People rush out to Best Buy....wait, that's not right. People rush to their computers and log onto itunes (or whatever method you choose to download) and slap it on the ol' hard drive. Then the hit single ('Just Dance' for those of you who are skimming) is played 127 times before anyone even thinks about listening to any other song on the CD. So one day, you play the CD from the begining and come to find that all the songs sound strangley like their hit single (which you now skip, after having heard it a total of 3,591 times) and skipping through till the last (ten, there are always ten on these fake albums) and you realize you paid ten dollars....I mean 9.99...for basically the same song. Now you're wishing you would have actually bought the CD because then you could go to places like Disc Replay and get three bucks for it.

*deep breath*

That felt like one sentence to me and I am quite winded from writing it (especially with all of the things in paratheses) so I'll stop now.

Please comment if you're still with me. It's the equivalent of a hug to me.

This movie looks like it might be an 8

2008-12-31T15:40:00.000-08:00

I was surfing the web and hitting some sweet waves when I came across this trailer. The movie is called "9" and is based off a short animated film by visionary director Shane Acker. Tim Burton will also have a hand in this movie, and after watching the trailer, you'll know that this is right up Tim's dark gothic alley. That sounded weird.

Anyway, the movie is set in a post-apocalyptic earth and follows these guys who are running around in sack-boy costumes trying to save the world or something. At least, that's what I gathered from watching the trailer with the volume turned all the way down. I like doing that, then the movie can be about whatever I feel like.

You're right, I do have control issues.

Anyway, the movie will be released in the theaters on September 9th of 2009, which translates to 09-09-09 in super-secret code.

UPDATE: I thought I should mention that this movie will be based of the short film of the same name and is also directed by Shane Acker. I could be an ass and make you go watch it somewhere in some obscure corner of the internet (youtube) but since I'm nice, I'll post it here.

Just to clairfy again, this is the short film, and I think it's extremely well done.

OLD: but hey, I like it, Beirut

2008-12-28T16:53:00.000-08:00

Okay, so after having been recently informed that my blogs are read, I decided that I should probably post more. Don't blame me if I don't, I am only human and have apathetic tendencies. Oh, I also procrastinate a lot, but I'll go into that some other time ;)

Anyway, I have re-discovered a band that I had in my itunes and I thought I should blog about them. The band is called Beirut and for those of you who already know about them, you already know how unique their sound is. It kind of sounds like the spanish armada is serenading you. LastFM describes them as "an entire Balkan orchestra playing modern songs as mournful ballads and upbeat marches.."

I will admit, I first found them annoying, and I still think that I could only listen to them in certain moods. But they are definitely worth checking out for yourself.

Walt Disney rose from the grave, then died again

2008-12-16T19:38:00.000-08:00

Um, there is not much to say about this. All I know is that this a movie that's coming out this march, and if this snow ever melts, maybe I'll crawl out from hibernation and grab a bunny and eat it, or some other unfortunate creature of the morning, but I WONT go see this movie.

They're really draggin ol' mister Disney's name through the gutter.

BAND ALERT: Alessi's Ark

2008-12-15T17:59:00.000-08:00

Blogging is a lot like flossing. When you first decide that it's a good idea, you do it compulsively. For a week. Pretty soon you get bored and it just get to be a hassle. Okay bad metaphor. It breaks down....never mind. What I'm saying is that flossing is more important than blogging.

I'm always on the hunt for music, and when I come across something I like, I can't shut my trap about it. Here is a band from London (but we all know nothing good ever comes from there...) called Alessi's ark. The only available music they have for us to listen in the US is scattered on random sites all across the interweb. So in order to share them properly, I thought I'd upload the video right here on muh blog. Aren't you grateful? Who am I kidding, no one really reads this anyway.

Remember to floss tonight.

Somebody told me: The Killers New CD

2008-11-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

Fan of the killers? So am I, which is why I'm pretty excited that they're CD day and Age came out today. Haven't had the chance to listen to it yet, but the time will be here soon seeing as it's downloading as I'm writing this.

I've always been a fan of the killers. Not my favorite band, but always a band I could listen to and not get bored of. Both of their CDs thus far I've been able to listen to all the way through with doing much of the, "Ugh, SKIP!" going on. Even though "Sam's town" took me a little longer to get used to then "Hot Fuss" it still got up their on the favorites list, and I hope that "Day and Age" won't be all that different. According to Brandon Flowers (Lead singer and frontman of the band) says that this CD will be more like a "continuation of Sam's town." If that's true, then I think "Day and Age" and I are going to be great friends.

UPDATE: Just started listening and I think I like where it's going. It's one of those things where you're more surprised than anything, and you're not quite sure if you like it or not yet. Although, the more it keeps playing, the more I think that I'm going to be a fan. I'll probably be listening to this and Dido's new CD all week.

Television Spotlight: True Blood

2008-11-20T13:07:00.001-08:00

I must say, the whole vampire thing is really making a comeback. First we had the book Twilight, next the Movie Twilight, Nightwish (okay so I made the vampire connection there all by myself), and now we have this show on HBO called True Blood. Wow. It's raining blood.

True Blood, is a TV series created by Alan Ball (Six Feet Under) and is based on the Sookie Stackhouse book series by author Charlaine Harris. It revolves around the main character (Sookie, played by Anna Paquin) and her relationship with the vampire named Bill Compton. I watched the first episode with a buddy of mine, and we both fell in love instantly. With the show, not Bill the vampire.

The thing I like most about the show is the parallels it has with real life. Equal rights, discrimination, racism, and metaphors for religous extremism are all beautifully presented in the show's overarching metaphor for life. The vampire race is used as an illustration for almost any minority in our time, and the show (while full of language, sex, and drugs,) gives a new look at old problems. Which is what I like. A creative twist to again, show the depravity of mankind.

Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, Tomorrow: The World

2008-11-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

Probably the best band I've ever heard named after an assasinated archduke, Franz Ferdinand is yet again, ready to dazzle their fans with a brand new LP entitled, "Tonight: Franz Ferdinand."

I have always enjoyed Franz right from the start. Their music is what I'd say to be the epidemy of the brit-pop genre, and on this record, they're taking it to the next level. The flamboyant (but not gay) frontman Alex Kapranos says that this album will have a "streak of electronica" as well as "...the heavy bass and space echo you would find on a dub mix," whatever the hell that means.

The first single (also the first track on the album) is to be the song "Ulysses" and will be available on the 19th of January. The rest of the album will be released in full on the 26th of January in the UK, and the following day here in the US. I don't know about you guys, but I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of new things we can excpect from such a talented group of individuals. Cheers to you, Franz Ferdinand.

Well it's about FREAKING TIME: The Dragonball Movie

2008-11-17T11:29:00.001-08:00

No, you didn't read the entry wrong. There really is going to be a Dragonball movie, and as I typed that, I think my childhood just became fulfilled. The story is centered around Goku, and his journey to defeat that evil green bastard Piccolo.

Now granted, if you aren't an anime, Dragonball, or Dragonball Z fan, you probably aren't going to like this. But me, being all of those (and still no girlfriend to speak of!) I'm kinda leaning toward the "I want to see this" in me.

What else is there to say? A movie that will feature tons of cool explosions, flashes, bangs, and even cooler hair styles is about to hit a theater near you sometime in April 2009. And by sometime in April, I mean April 8th. Look for me on opening night! I will be the one throwing oranges at little children and telling them to pick 'em up and wish for a white president on the next election! Did I really just say that?

Speaking of Vampires...

2008-11-15T12:54:00.000-08:00

I'm operating away from home right now, but hey, that's the beauty of Laptops. I can take my work with me. Not really, I would go crazy if I took work with me. Anyway, I was showing my buddy some music and he liked a lot of it. I wanted to show him something that I thought he wouldn't like because of it's obscurity. So I downloaded a band my brother showed me called Nightwish. Now, here's the deal with this band. Their music sounds like Metallica, Dragonforce, and the soundtrack to every fantasy movie had a baby. They named this child of Fantetal (my cool name for fantasy metal) Nightwish.

The hardest part for me was actually admitting that I liked them. Their music is outstandingly creative and epic sounding and makes a part of your soul want to cower in fear, while at the same time making you want to lift your hands in victory. You have to listen to it to understand it. If anyone reading this trusts my music taste, this band might test your faith in me. Maybe I'm going insane, but I cannot get enough of this band. My advice to you is to buy one of their songs, and this is the song you should buy. It's called the "Poet and the Pendulum" and it's off of the album "Dark Passion Play". I know, sounds weird already but trust me, it's REAL good.

UPDATE: So my buddy leaves me a comment and tells me about other bands I might enjoy if I liked Nightwish. Some of them were Leaves Eyes, Lacuna Coil, and Within Temptation. I bought all three of those CDs on itunes, and had no idea that this sort of music was so popular and readily available. Nightwish is still the favorite out of these so far, but the othjers still have good things to offer. Thank you Chris, for the recomendations.

It's still not weird enough: The Gonzo DVD (finally)

2008-11-06T13:21:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are fans of everything Gonzo, I think you'll appreciate what's to come. GONZO: The life and work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson is a documentary coming to DVD later this month, and has fans all across the nation up to their chins in excitement. Ok, maybe just me, but still, to me this a very exciting thing. Hunter S. Thompson is one of my favorite authors and is famous for his works such as, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Fear and Lothing on the Campaign Trail, Hells Angels, The Rum Diary, and a whole slew of other works. He is most famous for inventing "Gonzo Journalism," an unconventional form of journalism in which the writer makes himself a part of the action.

The documentary itself will cover things like his relationship with the Hell's Angels, his run for Sheriff in Apen CO., what REALLY happened when he and his attonery made the savage voyage to the heart of the American Dream (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) and his involvement with Sen. George McGovern in the 1972 presidential campaign.

Directed by Alex Gibney and Narrated by Johnny Depp, the DVD is supposed to hit shelves on November 18th. I don't think I have enough LSD to last me that long....

Click Here for the official movie site.

You know what Grinds my Gears? Not having enough time to devote to video games.

2008-11-06T12:59:00.000-08:00

As most of you who care probably already know, Gears of War 2 is set to be released exclusively on the X-BOX 360 tomorrow, and looking at the reviews and screen shots, I must say it looks pretty sick. I myself haven't played all the way through the first one, although I have played co-op through a few levels and had quite a good experience. It's a very unique way of playing a shooter, not to mention the adrenaline rush of ripping into flesh with the chainsaw mounted at the tip of your weapon. OH BOY!!! The Gameplay. The Graphics. The Story. All of those elements are at their peak in Gears of War and judging by what people are saying about the sequel, this one will be no different.

In a nutshell, this is what the critics over Gametrailers.com had to say, "It's not absolutely perfect, it's fairly similar to the first game, and it can be boiled down to a simple war game about killing aliens. But Gears of War 2 delivers on all its promises and accomplishes almost everything a big sequel should--keeping its distinct identity while buffing up in every possible category. Unless you're already a confirmed hater or have absolutely no interest in ripping locust apart with some of gaming's most badass weaponry, don't think twice."

I am not a confirmed hater (well, at least not towards this game) and I certainly have an interest in ripping locust apart (whatever the hell that means) with badass weaponry. Where does one enlist?

It truly is getting dark in the movie world:Twilight

2008-11-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

Let's see. What horribly degrading thing can I say about this movie? Where to even start? Well let's start with the Good. It's a vampire movie. An ugly Vampire movie. Have you seen this kid? Certainly not what I want my Vampires looking like....(okay, you're right, I AM just jealous).

Anyway, as most of you who are or were at one point "hip" already know, it was based off a book by Stephenie Meyer, and has every girl under 17 wanting their boy friends to sink their teeth into the soft flesh of their necks, and generally bringing "kinky" to a whole new level. Wow. I can't go into Borders without some emo girl crying about how good this book is. Seriously, I bet some of them got so excited for this movie that they started throwing up during the previews.

Anyway, it's set to hit theaters on November 21st, and you know what? I'll probably go see it in the spirit of journalism just to see what all the hype is about.

Okay, so I didn't really say anything good about it. I'm an angry person. Grr.

UPDATE: Sadly, I am a fan of the twilight series. The Movie could have been better though.

Gnarly Radiohead Video

2008-11-03T20:39:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I admit I've been on a Radiohead kick lately, (but they are such a good band) and I've been looking up covers of Radiohead on youtube. I stumbled across this one, and thought it was worth seeing what other people thought.

It's Gnarls Barkley doing a cover of the song 'Reckoner' off of their In Rainbows CD. The music sounds good, and then the vocals come in. Not bad, but not Thom Yorke. It becomes painfully obvious that it is a huge black dude singing this song.

Not saying it's bad, it just comes as a bit of a shock at first. Anyway, I enjoyed it. Let me know what you all think.

Home Video? No....House Movie? Yes!

2008-10-30T09:31:00.001-07:00

I don't know if people still read anymore, but I do. In fact, I read a lot, but that's neither here nor there. I read this book a while ago called "House" by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. Well, as it turns out, someone thought it was good enough to make a movie about. It was a good read, and if done right, it would actually be a thriller that might be worth seeing.

Books in the Christian fiction genre tend to get destroyed when turned into movies however, and I really hope that isn't the case with this one, because I did enjoy the book, and hopefully the movie will be just as an enjoyable experience.

The film is set to hit theaters on November 7th, and while it's not a movie I'm going to run out on opening night to see, you can bet that I will go see it before too long.

Lately listening to: Christopher O'Riley

2008-10-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today I was out and about with a very good friend of mine. We had decided to make each other mix CD's (because its cute and fun) and there was one artist on the CD that really caught my attention. His name is Christopher O'Riley and the song I heard was "Like Spinning Plates" a Radiohead song. The thing that made this cover special was it WAS ALL DONE WITH PIANO. That's right. This man took one of the greatest alternative artists of our time and turns their songs into beautiful piano pieces.

When I got home, I bought the whole CD on itunes, and fell in love with it. The CD is called "Hold Me To This" and it's all piano Radiohead covers, and its gorgeous. It includes songs like, No Surprises, Paranoid Android, Sail to the Moon, as well as other Radiohead favorites. I find it to be very peaceful and relaxing, and I hope you will find it to be the same.

Now, if you don't like pianos, or Radiohead, or you're just not a fan of good music, I'm sure I could find a Creed CD that you would probably enjoy. However, I assume most of you have a decent taste in music, so no worries there ;)

Thanks to Sydney, who always knows just how to make me smile.

Thank God they're graduating: High School Musical 3

2008-10-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

First there was High School Musical. A movie put out by Disney that had everyone talking (and by everyone I mean all people under the age of twelve). But that clearly wasn't enough. They needed to make a second one, and if THAT STILL wasn't enough, the wonderful people over at Disney decided to bring you a third installment of the much acclaimed "High School Musical" series.

Um, there is not much that needs to be said here I don't think. Obviously SOMEONE likes those movies enough to make Disney delusional enough to produce a third one. You know what I think? I think it was a group of thirteen year old girls who went and saw the first two movies a hundred times each, causing Disney to believe it was a box office smash hit. Thank you Disney. We really appreciate what you're doing for mankind.

The Movie opened in theaters on October 24th and in just the first three days it grossed about 42 MILLION DOLLARS!!! That means its like the highest grossing movie musical (as far as opening weekend goes...) Holy hell! Those girls are at it again!!!! Damn you Disney! Damn you!

Just in time for the Blizzards: Snow Patrol

2008-10-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the band from Northern Ireland put out their third studio LP. The band is Snow Patrol, and the CD was released in the U.S. yesterday. It's called "A Hundred Million Suns" and it was put out on the Polydor/A&M record label.

The bands previous albums have been good listens, and while I personally have not listened to the new Album, my guess is that it will be decent, just like their past CDs have been decent. They're one of those bands that is worth checking out, but they have not achieved "favorite" status, at least on my list. I will make a note (haha) of it to get the New CD and update this post with the verdict.

So if you haven't checked them out yet, it's about time you do. I would start with their first CD "Final Straw" and make a judgment from their. If you don't like that one, then chances are you probably won't like "Eyes Open" either.

Force Unleashed: It hangs in the balance

2008-10-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

I know this game is already considered old news by most die-hard Star Wars fans, but I thought it was worth writing about. I picked up my copy for the x-box 360 the day of it's released and went home and played it that night after work. Even after all the hype, I wasn't really sure what to expect, but here is what I found after about two hours of playing.

Upon starting the game, you realize that graphics are pretty stunning. That's apparent when you start to move around the brilliant (yet often small) 3d environments. Colors are bright and vibrant, shading and shadows are almost dead on, and of course, lighting. The physics engine was also impressive, as you got to watch Wookies, stormtroopers, and other enemies get hurdled in different directions. One of my favorite things to do was smash a window and watch all the helpless soldiers get dragged out into an unforgiving void. All of these elements were above average, and lived up to the hype.

Gameplay is fun, yet gets pretty repetitive pretty fast. While throwing around enemies, frying them with lightning, and beating them to an alien pulp with a lightsaber is fun, it doesn't offer a variety of different things to do. There is hardly any dialogue between characters (except for cut scenes that help progress the story) and as far as puzzle solving goes, there is none. The only puzzle for me was "How the hell am I supposed to get past all those guys WITH GUNS when i'm stuck with this glow-stick?" I think a third installment of Knights of the Old Republic would've been a better choice.

Overall, beating the crap out of the bad guys using nothing but the force is a good way to unwind from a long day at the office, but isn't for those looking to get into a real in-depth RPG or Puzzle game. Those of you who were expecting those sort of elements will be disappointed in this game. If you take it for what it is, it's fun. 7.5 out of ten.

A New Standard of Low

2008-10-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, just when I was beginning to rejoice that I would never see another new episode of "The Bernie Mac Show," I see a commercial on TV for this new Movie. It's called Soul Men, and features the deceased Bernie Mac, and fellow African American actor, Samuel L. Jackson. Now before you get all excited and pre-order tickets for this winter's biggest flop, you might want to at least go in with some knowledge of what to expect. IMDB.com gives us a plot summary.

"Though it's been some twenty years since they have spoken with one another, two estranged soul-singing legends agree to participate in a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater to honor their recently deceased band leader."

Wow. Sounds like I'll be on the edge of my seat the whole time. I can't wait to see what kind of hilarity ensues when these two try to bring the band back together. Speaking of which, I should probably go tune up the ol' tambourine.

The disaster is set to hit theaters November 7th. Click here for all the details.

Fasciinated by The Faint

2008-10-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are fans of The Faint, you already know about their latest album entitled "Fasciinatiion". The CD was released on August 5th by the blank.wav record label. After a few listens, I can't really say that there is one song that I don't like. It mixes elements from all their previous CDs (with the exception of Media, and if we're lucky, we won't see any more Media-like records from them) especially, Danse Macabre. The album has a solid root in the Electronica genre, and unlike Wet From Birth, almost completely stears clear of alt. rock.

Lyrically, The Faint have also matured. While songs like "Fish in a womb" and "The Geeks were right" are a throwback to the witt and humor of Wet From Birth, tracks like "Mirror Error" and "I treat you wrong" show the darker and more intellectual side of the band.

Overall, I deem this a quality album. A good listen for those moods where you're not quite sure what to listen to. As far as Electronica goes, "Fasciinatiion" is up there in the ranks.