I'm Not There

Here's a long New York Times magazine piece about Todd Hayne's movie.

I'm Not There

Gary Kasparov

I finally found a politician I can support. Unfortunately, it's former chess champion, Gary Kasparov who is running for president of Russia. He was on Bill Maher's show Friday night, and was a chess master among checker players.

Two Gallants: Wrap

I'm not ready to pack up the van and follow the 2Gs, but they put on a helluva show. Musically think Dylan in a punk band. The 2Gs also have some very serious fans. The audience skewed male, so it was a bit of a surprise when from the first note of the first song the crowd sung (loudly) along.

Adam Stephens = a scruffy Doogie Howser

Tyson Vogel = Animal from the Muppets

Here's some video from the show:

New Music From RA

Evidently the release of the boxset has been pushed back until sometime in 2008. However, he is releasing an EP on Tuesday.

Tracklist

1. Follow The Lights (new song)
2. My Love For You Is Real (new song)
3. Blue Hotel (first official release, recorded live in studio)
4. Dear John (live in studio)
5. This Is It (Cardinals version, live in studio)
6. Down In A Hole (Alice In Chains cover, live in studio)
7. If I Am A Stranger (live in studio)

And in other RA news, the producers of the TV show, October Road (I haven't heard of it either) plan to feature Adams in the shows soundtrack. I don't think the show is currently airing, but it should see the light of day in the near future.

Sneak Listen

Sony is streaming some tracks form the I'm Not Here soundtrack. You can listen here:

I'm Not Here Soundtrack

Field Trip: Two Gallants

It's going to be another late night. After a nap I'll head over to The Casbah to catch the Two Gallants set. It should be intense.

I'm Not Sure What To Say

Target is selling a David Bowie inspired clothing line.

PK

I can't get enough of Parkour videos. If you're looking to waste some time at work or school, just go to YouTube and search for parkour. Here's an entertaining one:



FYI

Parkour as defined by Wikipedia:

parkour (PK) was ounded by David Belle in France. It focuses on practicing efficient movements to develop your body and mind to be able to overcome obstacles in an emergency. Also may be a form of entertainment or as a pastime.

Right or Left Brained

Click on the picture.



From the The Sunday Herald Sun:

THE Right Brain vs Left Brain test ... do you see the dancer turning clockwise or anti-clockwise?

If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and vice versa.

Most of us would see the dancer turning anti-clockwise though you can try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it.

The first time I looked she was spinning clockwise the next day I tried again and she spun anti-clockwise. Further proof that I am moderate.

After hours of practice (for solely prurient reasons) I can now change her direction.

Hint: Stare at her feet and shadow

Field Trip: Rogue Wave

6:00 pm

Rogue Wave is playing The Casbah tonight preceded by a couple of bands, so it will be a very late night.

Since this is a school night, I'm headed to Napville before the show. Updates to follow.

12:50 am

A vry good show. Time for bed.

Bacon

The consistently funny Jim Gaffigan is apparently working his way through junk food (cake, Hot Pockets, ketchup) as source material for his riffs. His bacon bit (I couldn't resist) might be his best.

Odds and Ends

During the Charger blowout today I was talking current music with a friend, and the discussion turned to great live acts. For some reason it occurred to me during the conversation that I needed to change my concert ranking system. So, after several seconds of contemplation, I have decided to steal Jeff's system for ranking ballparks.

My top ranking is bestowed on shows that make me want to pack up a VW van and follow the band cross country. Currently Wilco, Brand Carlile, Ryan Adams, The Hold Steady. My Morning Jacket, and the Avett Brothers are on the list.

My bags are packed, anyone else?

Worth a Buck

I haven't done this in a while. These songs are on heavy rotation on my iPod and are definitely worth a buck.

Missed the Boat -- Modest Mouse
Red Right Ankle -- The Decemberists (Carly put me on this one.)
If It's the Beaches -- The Avett Brothers
Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe -- Okkervil River

Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire has posted a music video for Neon Bible. It's not going to change the world but it's kinda fun to click and hover to see what happens.

Stocking Stuffer?

The bars on this shirt from Think Geek change colors in reaction to fluctuations in wifi sigmals.

Although this application is a bit silly, I do think wearable technology is a trend.

Three For Your iPod

We should probably amend the constitution to require that all iPods sold contain these three songs. Best listened in succession.

Southern Man -- Neil Young's blast
Sweet Home Alabama -- Lynyrd Skynyrd's retort
Ronnie and Neil -- Drive-by Truckers's epilogue

FriendFeed

For me, the most compelling reason to be on Facebook is the news feed that provides updates about additions and changes to your Facebook friends' profiles. The limitation of course is that the updates are limited to the Facebook universe. I want something more global. One of the main reasons I use Flock as my browser is that it informs me when my contacts on Flickr or Photo Bucket post pictures. That's great, but it would be even better if I could have a feed that included blogs, Delicious, YouTube, Pownce, Twitter etc.

According to The New York Times a group of ex Google employees are launching a global news feed service called FriendFeed.

Looks interesting. Anybody have an invite?

Notice Anything?

This picture of a journalism class at the Missouri School of Journalism was posted on Mollie Sterling's web site.

I think I might have to call my broker.

The Radiohead Revolution

Radiohead did something rather noteworthy today. They announced a distribution and pricing model for their new album that cuts out the record industry completely. The band will sell downloads and hard copies direct from their web site. By itself that is nothing new, but given that Radiohead is one of the preeminent bands working today, it is revolutionary.

As I understand it they plan to:

1) Sell the downloads at whatever price the buyer wants to pay plus a .45p service charge.

2) Sell a £40 "Discbox" which includes the CD, a heavyweight vinyl record, and an enhanced CD with additional tracks.

Lefsetz the guru in these matters writes about it here

The revolution just got a soundtrack.