Sunday, October 31, 2010

Streaming Sundays - Halloween Unmasked

The history of Halloween spans all the way back to ancient Celts. It was migrated over to North America as immigrants began pouring into our borders in the early 20th century. It slowly began to gain popularity throughout the century. We all grew up Trick-or-Treating when we were little, and now we'll begin taking our own children door to door collecting candied goodies from all of the neighbors. 

Monday, October 25, 2010

Mad About Music Mondays - Halloween Music

The words "Halloween music" are hard ones to unwrap, as it evokes many concepts and ideas. Some think of eerie sounds, creeky floors, and shrieking screams. Others think of the music from scary movies with their anxious ambiance literally the soundtrack to some of the most frightening moments in our lives. Others think of the campy songs thats accompany childhood favorites like Purple People Eater & Monster Mash. In addition, are songs with topics that are dark, morbid, or simply about this oddly joyous holiday. All of these and more are our feature on the Mad About Music Monday.



Sunday, October 24, 2010

Streaming Sundays - Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project

If you haven't heard of the comedian Don Rickles, then you've truly never heard anyone roasted before. The King of Insult Comedy, Don Rickles has been at it for over five decades making people laugh. His first movie appearance was in 1958, in a little diddy starring Clark Gable, better known for his role two decades earlier in Gone with the Wind

There are couple roles that Rickles has snuck into and by such you likely are familiar with his work. He played casino manager Billy Sherbert in Martin Scorcese's Casinoalso he's the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story franchise. This week's Streaming Sunday selection is a feature-length documentary by Animal House director John Landis all about Don Rickles' career. 

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Weird Wednesdays - Labuat's Soy Tu Aire

This week's Weird Wednesday selection comes in the form of a musical group, a website, and an interactive online music experience. For their first music video, Spanish band Labuat teamed with web designers for a one-of-a-kind 'music video' that likely can never be duplicated. That's because of all the tried and true visual concepts attempted in music video, one where you create the images has never been even attempted before.


The story behind Labuat itself is quite interesting and intertwined if you ask me. Labuat consists of Spanish music producer and publicist Risto Mejide, the Barcelona-based alternative pop band The Pinker Tones, and 2008 Operation Triunfo Winner (a Spanish television show with likenesses to American Idol) Virginia Maestro.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tuesday Brewsday - Acme California Ales


BREWSDAY IS BACK! 

What we consider our cornerstone post, Tuesday Brewsday, is back. I'm sure your taste buds are as anxious as mine are to find out what wonderful fermented beverage we bring to you next. This week we head up the California coast to Fort Bragg, CA all the way in Mendocino County just north of San Francisco. There we find the North Coast Brewing Company quietly nestled near the Pacific Ocean. 

Now you may be asking yourself, "Why is he talking about North Coast Brewing when it's an Acme beer?" Well, I'd say, great question! North Coast Brewing Company makes the beer but the name harks back to another notable brewing company from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Mad About Music Mondays - Wax Poetic

When one hears Norah Jones' music several musical styles come to mind, Jazz, Pop, Adult Contemporary, maybe even Rock. However one music style that is next to never associated with Norah Jones is TRIP HOP. You probably already think I'm crazy for even associating such a classic upbeat melodic singer like Norah with the downbeat tempos of a niche style known for it's association with American hip-hop.


I was shocked, as I'm sure you are, to find out that Norah Jones' beginning wasn't seeded at the hands of a classical pianist, or jazz virtuoso, but in the New York City trip-hop band Wax Poetic. Their past, and present-day line-up is the topic of our first Mad About Music Monday post in seven months.