These clips were filmed at McAuliffe's on the Square on December 17, 2009.
Clips From The 12/17/09 Set!
These clips were taken from my performance at McAuliffe's on the Square in Racine, WI on December 17, 2009.
Ron at Blank-Fest WI 2009!
Here is my performance from Blank-Fest WI 2009. Enjoy, as I talk Twilight, my resemblance to a daytime TV star, the happiest place on Earth and my thoughts on dying.
Blank-Fest Wisconsin - THIS SATURDAY!!
Don't forget, this Saturday is Blank-fest Wisconsin III at McAuliffe's Pub in Racine, WI! The cost is just a blanket, or 10 bucks if you wanna do things the hard way and not bring a blanket to a homeless BLANKET BENEFIT!
Rest of Yesterday, Madrid, Thunder Driver and myself will be performing. I'm gonna be starting things off with some stand-up. So get there at 8pm THIS SATURDAY! Here is a small sampling of what you will get this weekend!
The Ron Show: The Legend of Failure?
This episode, Ron talks about Game informer's choice of The Legend of Zelda (1987) as the best game of all time.
New Shirts for the Holiday Season!
Just in time for the holidays you too can own one of these fantastic Vinyl & VILLAINS "SOCKS: Not Just For Feet Anymore" t-shirts.
We have them for men, women and yes, we even have them for those large guys on your shopping list who always complain the shirt you got them isn't big enough. Now you can tell them that you know what they REALLY do with footwear!
Get your shirts today! Just click the image above!
Stand Up from Open Mic - 11/18/09
Here is the newest stand up from the open mic on Nov. 18, 2009. I cover topics like Twilight, Highlander, Magic the Gathering and Maury. Please enjoy. (the crowd was literally not there. I was performing to kitchen workers and other performers. But a gig is a gig right?)
Help
I know there are times when I am trivial when a camera breaks and needs a repair, or something silly like that.
But this time things are really tough. There is a medical bill that needs taking care of. It's not much, but it's more than what comes in. What some of you may or may not know, as a vocation I take care of my disabled mother. The medical bill that has come up may put a financal damper on that. I need to raise $265 dollars by the 30th of November or this goes further and will DEFINATELY put a damper on the care of my disabled mother. My mother is confind to a hospital bed and needs help getting everywhere she goes. She needs countless medications and specialized transport to get anywhere when she does leave the house. If further action is taken on this bill, co-payments, special diets and many other things will not be able to be met and will make the struggle that much harder.
So please, if you are reading this, anything you can donate at the bottom of the page would be appreciated. I will try to come up with some way to thank you on a grand scale, because this is something that I cannot just let slide.
I thank you in advance.
Ron
But this time things are really tough. There is a medical bill that needs taking care of. It's not much, but it's more than what comes in. What some of you may or may not know, as a vocation I take care of my disabled mother. The medical bill that has come up may put a financal damper on that. I need to raise $265 dollars by the 30th of November or this goes further and will DEFINATELY put a damper on the care of my disabled mother. My mother is confind to a hospital bed and needs help getting everywhere she goes. She needs countless medications and specialized transport to get anywhere when she does leave the house. If further action is taken on this bill, co-payments, special diets and many other things will not be able to be met and will make the struggle that much harder.
So please, if you are reading this, anything you can donate at the bottom of the page would be appreciated. I will try to come up with some way to thank you on a grand scale, because this is something that I cannot just let slide.
I thank you in advance.
Ron
Blank-Fest Wisconsin III Line Up Change!
There has been a small change in the lineup for Blankfest Wisconsin III.
Due to un-forseen circumstances, Mohr Ave will not be able to play the show. So you can expect longer sets from the bands who are signed on to play.
You can find out more about the bands at the following sites.
Rest of Yesterday
http://www.myspace.com/restofyesterday
Madrid
http://www.myspace.com/outofmadrid
and
Thunder Driver
http://www.myspace.com/thunderdriver
Blank-fest WI 2009 takes place December 5 at McAuliffe's Pub in Racine
Blank-fest WI 2009
For the third year in a row Blankfest Wisconsin will come to you from Racine's famous McAuliffe's Pub!
As always, bring a blanket or $10 to get in to see Rest of Yesterday (former members of Shameless Place), Madrid, Thunder Driver and Mohr Ave!
If you can't make it, be sure to drop off any blankets to the venue before hand.
It's about the homeless, nothing more, nothing less.
We Need Your Help!
We here at Vinyl & VILLAINS have come upon a situation where we are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
While getting ready to shoot a promo, the camera popped and then started to smoke. Right at the time when we need it the most.
We can get the new one this weekend if we can come up with about 200 dollars. If we have to order it, we won't get it in time for the event at the beginning of December. So here is where we can use your help.
If you send in ONE DOLLAR, the hope is that we get enough donations to get the camera so we can keep things rolling.
So please just click the donation button here on the site and if you can, help out. It pains us to ask, and if we didn't have to, we wouldn't but we need your help.
Thank you.
While getting ready to shoot a promo, the camera popped and then started to smoke. Right at the time when we need it the most.
We can get the new one this weekend if we can come up with about 200 dollars. If we have to order it, we won't get it in time for the event at the beginning of December. So here is where we can use your help.
If you send in ONE DOLLAR, the hope is that we get enough donations to get the camera so we can keep things rolling.
So please just click the donation button here on the site and if you can, help out. It pains us to ask, and if we didn't have to, we wouldn't but we need your help.
Thank you.
Transmissions from the Basement: Lost Audition
The episode in which we see Daredevil's audition tape for Transmissions from the Basement!
Transmissions from the Basement Episode Two
The episode in which Iron Man tries to quit drinking, but runs into some trouble when the Demon Alcohol shows him why he should continue to partake.
Transmissions from the Basement: Episode One
In this episode of Transmissions from the Basement, or TFTB, Ron tries to recruit Green Lantern to help with Iron Man's drinking problem, only to have a secret of his own come to the surface.
Zombieland: A Vinyl & VILLAINS Review
On October 2nd, a film hit cinemas that opened my eyes and reminded me that there ARE original ideas out there. I give you, ZOMBIELAND: A Vinyl & VILLAINS Review
King Leonidas Promo for THE BASEMENT
Here is what King Leonidas has to say about the new program from Vinyl & VILLAINS; The Basement. Ignore the fact that he was hit too many times in the head by Persians.
Tournament Finals!
A little over a month ago, we debuted the Pop Culture Smackdown Tournament! It has been a rousing success.
It started off with the brackets that you see above and there have been some major upsets. It all ends now.
These two "warriors" are now poised in battle in the finals of this pop culture smackdown tournament!
From The Crow who has won some VERY close match ups with The Punisher and Jayne Cobb to The Doctor who has basically walked all over everyone that has gotten in his way.
Who do YOU think will win? Vote today!
Kanye: An Editorial
When Kanye made his comments after Hurricane Katrina, I will admit I kind of thought maybe he might have been hitting on something. Maybe he went about it the wrong way but perhaps he was reaching at something that needed addressing.
Then he pulled the stunt that he did at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Taylor Swift won the award for Best Female Video and Mr West decided to grab the microphone, interrupting her acceptance speech to say that Beyonce made one of the best videos ever. He made sure to emphasize that point. Ever.
Now I respect anyone who has enough balls to get up on stage and speak their mind. Don't get me wrong. This however was wrong. A friend pointed out to me that she may not ever win another award. Look at the state of music today. Success is fleeting. It's not like it was 10 or even 5 years ago. If you have a hit today, you might be flipping burgers with SNOW the next week. It almost pays to stay an independent artist, but I digress from my point. The point that Kanye decided to speak his mind at the wrong time. On someone else's time, that bothers me. Doesn't he have another record to auto tune? Shouldn't he be at the upcoming VH-1 Diva's performance?
I guess my point is, Kanye if you were going for crazy. Congratulations. We needed someone to fill in since we lost Ol' Dirty Bastard.
"Uprising" by MUSE at the MTV VMA's
If you are like me, and if you are reading this site you probably are, you don't really watch the Video Music Awards. No matter who Kanye decides to screw over. So I did a minimal amount of searching and I give you MUSE performing the first single off of their new album that drops on Tuesday, "The Resistance", "Uprising".
iPod Nano vs Flip Mini
Earlier today Steve Jobs announced the new iPod Nano will sorts of new features! We here at Vinyl & VILLAINS will give you the chance to weigh the options, and see if the new iPod Nano will lay the Flip Mini to waste, or will the Flip Mini come out on top?
For this article we are going to use the 120 minute Flip Mini.
Besides the 120 minute recording time, it has an 8GB memory with a price tag of $199. It is not designable and is loaded with accessories like a tripod or under water case. It also has software that allows you to upload directly to YouTube.
The new iPod Nano that was announced today has a multitude of features that you can access but for our purposes we are going to discuss the video recording feature.
The new iPod Nano can hold up to 16 hours of video with the 16BG Nano. Not only does it have all of that, but it also has 15 different effects that you can use on your videos, as well as the ability to upload it directly to Facebook, YouTube, or MobileMe. The price tag on this piece of equipment is $179
So the question is, what do you choose? Do you count in all of the other features that the new Nano has like an FM Radio, a pedometer, as well as its regular iPod features? Or do you just look at the video part and make your decisions with that.
The choice is yours. Which would YOU choose? Leave your comment below.
Retro Interview: Warped Tour Creator Kevin Lyman
This interview was with the creator of the Warped Tour on April 22, 2008. I hope you enjoy.
Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Exodus Preview
Unless you have been living under a rock in the comic world these past few months, you have been privy to one of the best cross-overs that I have read in a long time; Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: UTOPIA.The story pits a power hungry Norman Osborn and his Dark Avengers against Scott Summers and his X-Men who are still trying to adapt to living on the west coast.
In this final issue of the crossover, we find out if the X-Men can combat the threat of The Sentry, Ares the God of War and the rest of the Dark Avengers. Will the Children of the Atom overcome these odds, or will this be the final stand of Xavier's Students? Find out September 9th, 2009.
Written by Matt Fraction. Art by Terry Dodson & Mike Deodato
The Crow vs Jayne Cobb
So here is the final match up of the 2nd round of the Vinyl & VILLAINS Pop Culture Smackdown Tournament!
This determines who faces The Doctor in the finals, so vote wisely!
I don't need to tell you about these two combatants, The Crow vs Jayne Cobb!
Make your vote count!
This determines who faces The Doctor in the finals, so vote wisely!
I don't need to tell you about these two combatants, The Crow vs Jayne Cobb!
Make your vote count!
and the winner is....The Doctor!
That's right. Like there was ever any doubt to the Whovians out there, but The DOCTOR has soundly defeated Captain Jack, he actually beat him by a higher margin than he beat John Connor. Those poor humans don't know what hit them.
So the Doctor has made it into the finals, who will be his opponent, The Crow or Jayne Cobb; Firefly's resident thug!
Stop by later for the poll for the final match of the second round!
Vinyl & VILLAINS Ep 6: Ronbeard the Pirate
In episode 6 of Vinyl & VILLAINS: Ronbeard the Pirate, Ron reviews of the new Deadpool, Invincible Iron Man, The Boys, Justice League: Cry for Justice and more!
Guy Ritchie To Direct PG13 Version of LOBO
In what I think might be the worst idea that I have ever heard, Guy Ritchie has been tapped to take on the LOBO film. What is the bad idea? Ritchie is known for his stylized violence. The problem is, Warner/DC want this incarnation of LOBO to be, you guessed it, PG-13!With all the recent news and attention on Disney's Marvel deal, one wonders if this is an attempt by WB to shine the light on their productions. The picture is set to begin next year. Don Payne will pen the script (The Simpsons, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, My Super Ex-Girlfriend), with Joel Silver, Akiva Goldsman, and Andrew Rona producing.
Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day Trailer
I won't say much. This film speaks for itself. Just watch this RED BAND trailer of the new film Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day and see what I mean. Oh, and don't blink. You may miss something.
REVIEW: GWAR - "Lust in Space"
GWAR is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the new album "Lust In Space". This is the 12th album by the might Scumdogs of the Universe and its a very solid effort. Not much has changed in the way the album flows with this release, but it just doesn't hold up to their previous release, "Beyond Hell".This album starts off very strong with the title track leading the way and continues well into track 4, "The Uberklaw". However once it gets past the track "Metal Metal Land" things just kind of fall apart and the record becomes almost cookie cutter.
The record follows usual GWAR standards to that point, and shouldn't be cast aside. It's still an amazing effort that you should pick up. Just get "Beyond Hell" first.
3.5 out of 5
Top 10 Changes at Marvel Because of Disney
I have complied a list of 10 things that will more than likely change now that Disney has purchased Marvel Entertainment.
10. Deadpool will now showcase his newly found mental health.
9. The Punisher will start performing citizen's arrests and host after school specials.
8. Uncle Ben will come back to life, because we all know that only the mothers die in Disney.
7. The X-Men start wearing purity rings.
6. Spider-Man starts appearing on episodes of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
5. Wolverine/Hannah Montana Team Up.
4. Northstar goes to "Camp".
3. Smallville: Captain America Style.
2. Miley Cyrus Cast as Phoenix
1. HULK GENTLY CARESS!!!
What do you think will change? Leave your comment below!
Disney Buying Marvel: Robert Kirkman Was Right
Was this man right? Is Robert Kirkman the prophet of the comic book universe? He came out in favor of creator owned comics and after what recently happened, he is probably right.
Walt Disney on Monday unveiled a surprise $4bn bid for Marvel Entertainment, ending a deal-making drought in the media sector and paving the way for Iron Man, Spider-Man and Captain America to be united with Mickey Mouse and Hannah Montana.
What does this mean for the Marvel U? I remember two issues ago Deadpool blew his brains out because he was BORED! What's he going to do now? Put on an episode of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody? What about the Punisher? Is he just going to be allowed to yell at people and tell them they are going down the wrong path? Will the X-Men wear promise rings? Is Spider-Man going to be making cameos in the Jonas Brothers? All good questions and statements raised by folks after the breaking news. All valid.
Here is what I want to know; what about the price? Comics have steadily gone up in price from 10 cents to now 4.99 and 5.99 with some books in the Marvel Universe, while the creator owned Image Comics has kept their books new, original and at 2.99.
I fear nothing but the worst in regards to this purchase. This is as bad as the end of a Russell T Davies episode of Doctor Who.
Robert Kirkman, if you are reading this. You were right. All the naysayers owe you a HUGE apology.
What do you think? Leave your comments below!
Halloween 3D set for Summer 2010
What do you do when you have a successful sequel to a remake? If you are Bob Weinstein, you make a sequel to a sequel of a remake. The question is, how do you make it stand out apart from the first two "masterpieces"? Why you make it in 3D of course.
The Los Angeles Times (Courtesty of SciFi Wire) has reported that Bob Weinstein will order Halloween 3D into production for a Summer 2010 release. Rob Zombie will be off working on the SECOND remake of The Blob and will not be attached to direct.
No director has been announced yet.
Seriously people. Leave well enough alone. It's time for us to stop going to all these crappy remakes and giving them money. That is how you boycott them. Just don't go on the internet and say "Well, I think it's a bad idea to see that film" then go drop your 10 bucks to walk in there and torment yourself for 90 minutes plus. It's time to show Hollywood that there are people out there with an original voice looking to get their stories told. So they don't have to keep kicking dead horses, who's corpses have already started to rot.
Leave your comments below.
Captain Jack Harkness vs The Doctor
During this semi final round match up of The Vinyl & VILLAINS Pop Culture Smackdown Tournament, The Doctor takes on former companion, Captain Jack Harkness.
Who from the Whoniverse will make it to the final round!?
and the winner is....
With a rousing victory, Jayne Cobb has defeated Major John Casey in the last match up in the first round of the Vinyl & VILLAINS Pop Culture Smackdown!!
Stay tuned for the next round to star!!
REVIEW: He Is Legend - "It Hates You"
After two albums on SOLID STATE, and what seems like years, He Is Legend has found a home on Tragic Hero Records and has put out their finest effort to date with their third album "It Hates You".From the opening moments of "Dicephalous" to the closing onslaught of "Mean Shadows", "It Hates You" is a blitzkrieg of time changes that assault all of your senses and only gives you random moments of reprieve during some of the slower and mellower songs like "China White III".
The lead single from the album, "The Primary Blues" showcases just how much the bands songwriting has matured since "Suck Out the Poison" in not only the amazing riffs but their ability to put a melody together that gets stuck in your head for days to come.
If the year 2009 ended right now, "It Hates You" would be album of the year, hands down. Even if you have no interest in metal or the oft used "screamo" this is your vehicle to a new world. Get this record right now.
5 out of 5.
Megan Fox to play Catwoman?
Yes folks, that's an artist rendition of Megan Fox as Catwoman. Where do I get such an odd idea? Well, the Sun is reporting today that Megan Fox has indeed been cast in the role. Don't get too excited and run to the comic book store in a fury, The Sun isn't exactly the most reliable newspaper to come into existence.
There were no additional sources, only insistence that she would be the "purrrfect choice"
They did cite that the third of Christopher Nolan's Batman films will start filming next year, as already confirmed by Gary Oldman at San Diego Comic Con this year.
What do you think? Leave your comments below!
Kevin Smith and Batman Team Up Again!
High on the heels of the acclaimed Batman: CACOPHONY, Kevin Smith and Walt Flanagan team up once more for another trip to Gotham with the new Batman: The Widening Gyre.
The stakes are high as Batman encounters a new vigilante under his wing amidst what Smith describes as a
"backdrop of romance, intrigue, and geek-bait guest stars galore."
From what I have seen, as early as issue 3, the guest stars are no less than Aquaman, The New Teen Titans and Deathstroke the Terminator!
I highly suggest getting on board with this new run of Batman, written by the creator of the View Askewniverse. I'm sure it will sell out faster than Walt Flanagan's dog.
Written by Kevin Smith; Art by Walter Flanagan and Art Thibert; Cover by Bill Sienkiewicz. On sale August 26, 2009
Iron Man: RIP?
Marvel Comics has revealed the wrap around cover for Invincible Iron Man #20, which is the start of the rather eagerly anticipated Stark: DISASSEMBLED storyline.
The cover is designed to mirror a shot from Civil War: The Confession by Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev, the cover depicts a fallen (perhaps dead?) Tony Stark with Thor grieving by Stark's side.
Invincible Iron Man #20 is written by Matt Fraction with art by Salvador Larroca. In addition to the Patrick Zircher wraparound cover, there will also be a cover by Salvador Larroca and a 70th Anniversary Variant Cover by Marko Djurdjevic. Invincible Iron Man #20 is scheduled to arrive in comic book stores in November of 2009.
Take a good look at the cover and stay tuned to Vinyl & VILLAINS for updates. Is Tony Stark going to take out Norman Osborn before he goes? Is Marvel just playing games with our emotions? Does Jesus really hate zombies and Lincoln hate werewolves? Sound off in our comment section to tell us what you think!
Interview With David Tennant and Russell T. Davies
The following interview took place after San Diego Comic Con where David Tennant was given the reception saved for those usually about to come on stage at Madison Square Garden. Tennant and leaving show runner Russell T Davies are interviewed by Richard Metzger about the final days of the Tenth incarnation of the most famous Time Lord.
Vinyl & VILLAINS Ep 5: Blow Your Brains Out
WARNING: The following podcast has a very disturbing image. If you find it you win the fabled "no-prize".
We also review the new issue of Deadpool and do our new segment, "Books You Should Be Reading But You Probably Aren't" with Brian K Vaughun's Ex Machina.
Don't forget to leave your comments below!
Jayne Cobb vs Major John Casey
Jayne Cobb is A mercenary who didn't fight for either side in the Unification War, Jayne works for whoever pays him the best. At the moment, that's Mal, so that's where Jayne's loyalty lies — until something better comes along.
Major John Casey is as of this time now Colonel John Casey. He is an agent with the NSA in charge of protecting the Intersect, one Charles Bartowski. Casey was mentored by Ty Bennett, who taught him hand-to-hand combat techniques and attempted to help Casey, who already possessed a short temper, find a "calm center". He also attended Roan Montgomery's course on Infiltration and Inducement of Enemy Personnel and failed it twice – although it was revealed that Montgomery failed him because Casey's partner was "too pretty," with Montgomery also musing that he should have failed Casey a few more times on account of his attractive partner.
Who do YOU think should win?
and the winner is...
THE CROW! He gave a sound beating the Punisher on his way to the next round of the First Annual Vinyl & VILLAINS Pop Culture Smackdown Tournament!!
Cowboy Ninja Viking Makes It's Way To Image
This October, Image Comics is bringing forth quite possibly the coolest titled book ever. From the artist of PROOF comes; COWBOY NINJA VIKING!
It started with Doctor Sebastian Ghislain: rogue psychotherapist/covert op/DJ. Tasked with creating a counter-intelligence unit, he turned to those long thought useless to society..patients with Multiple Personality Disorder. These agents became known as Triplets.
Midguided? Yeah. Impractical? Sure..but did it work? Absolutely not. Now someone has located each Triplet and created a band of ridiculously disturbed, but highly effective assassins. Our only hope? A Triplet known as COWBOY NINJA VIKING!
Coming October 7 from Image Comics. Story by AJ Lieberman Art/Cover by Riley Rossmo
New Weezer Single!
Because we here at Vinyl & VILLAINS love you guys, here is the new Weezer single from their new album "Ratitude" available in October. I give you, "If You're Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)". The single has hit radio, and is available to purchase on August 25th.
This is quite possibly the most catchy Weezer song that I have ever heard. I listened to the song three times and it is already stuck in my head. It just makes you feel really good. I guess marriage does Rivers good!
Radiohead Officially Releases New Single
Radiohead have officially released their new single, "These Are My Twisted Words" through their Dead Air Space Website today.
Guitarist Jonny Greenwood had this to say;
“We’ve been recording for a while, and this was one of the first we finished. We’re pretty proud of it. There’s other stuff in various states of completion, but this is one we’ve been practicing, and which we’ll probably play at this summer’s concerts. Hope you like it.”
We here at Vinyl & VILLAINS took a listen to it and it seems to feel like it's the back end of another song. It's not bad, but just feels incomplete. However, we are all about letting you make up your own mind.
Here is a direct link to where you can download "These Are My Twisted Words" for FREE.
KISS To Drop a "SONIC BOOM" at WalMart
KISS is putting the finishing touches on it's first album in 11 years, SONIC BOOM at Conway Studios in Los Angeles.
The band announced today that the 11 track album will be released October 6th in the U.S. and Canada exclusively in Walmart stores. The album will be part of a three-disc set that includes a CD of re-recorded greatest hits and a live DVD from a recent tour stop in Buenos Aires.
The ever opinionated Simmons said;
“The world’s biggest retailer, had better get ready for the hottest band in the world and hire more cashiers.”
The band will celebrate the new LP at a September 25th gig at Detroit’s Cobo Arena.
The Crow vs The Punisher
This is the third match up in Round One of the Vinyl & VILLAINS Pop Culture Smackdown Tournament. Here is how the combatants match up.
The Crow in this instance is Eric Draven. Eric becomes the Crow when he and his fiancée Shelley are murdered by a group of street thugs. He is reborn one year later and systematically hunts down and kills his murderers before returning to the afterlife. Draven is invulnerable as long as the bird is alive.
The Punisher is driven by the deaths of his family, who were killed by the mob when they witnessed a gangland execution in New York City's Central Park, the Punisher wages a one-man war on the mob and all criminals in general by using all manner of weaponry. His family's killers were the first to be slain. A war veteran, Castle is a master of martial arts, stealth tactics, guerilla warfare and a wide variety of weapons.
...and the winner is.
...The Doctor. With a VERY sound victory over the last best hope of humankind, The Doctor is going to be going to Round 2 of the Vinyl & VILLAINS Pop Culture Smackdown Tournament to fight the rather swarthy Captain Jack Harkness.
Which of these two members of the Whoverse will make it to the finals? Find out in 3 weeks time!
What's Wrong With Local Music
You can try and come up with many reasons for what’s wrong with the music your friends are playing in the garage, but to be honest, it’s not the music at all. Music in and of itself is something so pure, that anyone with a little heart, can create the next masterpiece. The real problem with local music is the bands themselves. Not the music that they are playing.
Now you can say that I am taking potshots at musicians who are pouring their heart into a song, but I’m not. I’m calling out the fact that they do nothing to better their station in the scene. Everyone is in competition and no one is helping out one another. To be honest, what we have here, in Racine, WI, shouldn’t even be called a scene. This is just a battle royale of bands, winner take all.
Let’s take a moment and look at real scenes. Let’s look at Seattle for instance. Now I am not saying that the bands that came out of there were better than the ones here in Racine, or Milwaukee for that matter, but they stuck together. If one band made it, everyone else did too. When Nirvana made it big, you suddenly heard about The Melvins. Why? Chances are Kurt Cobain may have said something to someone with enough clout to do something about them.
Another fantastic example of this is 1977 in the Bowery in New York City. CBGB’s. It was like a revolution. Bands like The Ramones, Blondie, The Talking Heads and many others, while they didn’t sound alike, they all had common goals in getting their music heard to as many people as possible. I’m sure there were times when you would see the three afore mentioned bands on the same bill.
Everyone here is so caught up in trying to get bands that “sound alike” on the bill together so they can get one generalized audience. Why? Why pigeonhole things? You have a band that is playing the big club that sounds like Government Mule? Great! Now you have a band that sounds like early 90’s alternative? Fantastic! It’s called cross-pollination. Both bands respectfully bring their fans in, and expose them to something new. God forbid the fans help out. You never know, you might just win over a few people.
This brings me to the fans. You paid good money to see a show. Settle in for the night. Don’t make the promoter force a band that isn’t ready to headline a gig play last because you won’t stick around. This happened recently and while I won’t name names, it really got under my skin. You are as much a part of the scene as the musicians and the promoters. Take an interest in other bands than just your friend’s band.
Bands, don’t forget that you can play to a packed house all you want, but if it’s just your friends every single time, it’s not doing you any good. You need to get out there and win over new people. Take any show that you can get, and rock out to 10 people like you are headlining Madison Square Garden.
This isn’t directed at any one particular band, or person. It’s just an overview of my thoughts on how things can be improved. Racine is a great town, despite how much we bitch and complain about it. I’d like to see it up in the marquee somewhere when it’s not being associated with that damn Madonna movie.
Blackest Night #2 Review
When I first heard about Blackest Night I was a bit skeptical. Firstly because Final Crisis was such an incredible flop in my opinion, and secondly, it was plagued by delays that made me lose interest in the book.
So when I read Blackest Night #1 I was pleasantly surprised by what I read. By the end of the book, I didn't think they could top what they did in the first issue, boy was I dead wrong.
The book picks up right where it left off, with The Flash and Hal Jordan taking on a Black Lantern version of Martian Manhunter. The ensuing battle was nothing short of amazing. This issue also dives into the return of Aquaman as a Black Lantern Finally, we see a hardcore Aquaman. He takes no crap from anyone. The way he should have from the start.
I won't give away any spoilers, suffice to say that if you think that this is DC's version of Marvel Zombies you are totally wrong. What lays in the balance here is far great than a fun zombie romp like in Marvel Zombies. From what I can tell, Black Lantern's can't seem to die.
There is something very odd that happens this issue with Don Hall. Dove of Hawk and Dove fame that you have to see to try and figure out.
All in all, this is an amazing series so far and something that you should be putting in your hold at the local comic book shop.
Is DC Comics Losing Superman?
A new court ruling has awarded the heirs of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel more stories than the original Action Comics #1 appearance.
The ruling comes after comics historian Denis Kitchen providing evidence that was first mentioned as a comment in response to a blog post at comic site Newsarama.com that more work than just the original Superman story was created prior to DC's purchase of publication rights to the character. Judge Stephen Larson didn't award the Siegel heirs everything that they had hoped for, but a large amount of the characters initial appearances have now gone to their side:
At the conclusion of this final installment regarding the publication history of and the rights to the iconic comic book superhero Superman, the Court finds that plaintiffs have successfully recaptured (and are co-owners of) the rights to the following works: (1) Action Comics No. 1 (subject to the limitations set forth in the Court's previous Order); (2) Action Comics No. 4; (3) Superman No. 1, pages three through six, and (4) the initial two weeks' worth of Superman daily newspaper strips. Ownership in the remainder of the Superman material at issue that was published from 1938 to 1943 remains solely with defendants.
Could this be the beginning of the end for DC Comics as the rights holder for The Man of Steel? Leave your comment below and let me know what you think!
Bryan Singer To Direct BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
Entertainment Weekly reported today that the internet rumors surrounding Bryan Singer's involvement in the big screen treatment of Battlestar Galactica, are indeed true.
Singer will be producing as well as directing the re-imagining of the original run of the series. This will NOT be a continuation of the episodes airing on SyFy currently. Glen Larson, who created original series back in 1978, will produce as well.
No word yet if any of the still living original cast members will be making cameos in the film, or whether or not the beginning of the movie will kick ass, only to end with angels.
Transylvania Television Season One DVD Review
I don't even remember how long ago it was, but my friend Troy sent me the link to a clip on YouTube called "Burger Czar". I clicked and watched a clip of a orange Yeti and a Frankenstein style monster try and order less than healthy food at a drive through window. I never laughed harder. I sent the clip to everyone I knew. I've been a fan ever since.
As time went on and more and more episodes of Transylvania Television came out, I fell further in love with the show. The hijinx of Furry, Count LeShoc, Batfink and Dwayne became something that I cherished with the release of every new episode. When Season One ended, I could not wait for Season Two to start on July 4th of this year.
As of August 4th, you can bring home the fun of Season One encased in this amazing DVD!
It's got both versions of the pilot. The version that aired on TV and the shorter, condensed version. Plus tons of HILARIOUS outtakes.
It also has all the my favorite episodes from Season One; LeShoc Goes Online, Bat's Butt and more!
There are also videos from the shows past like it's original promo where you will notice slight differences that have been made.
There are also other rarities that you may not have seen before like the VERY funny "Hey Hitler" sketch.
Really the only bad thing that I can think of to talk about on this DVD is how sometimes the menu seems to sometimes have a mind of it's own. When I click on Pilot, it ends up showing me the entire season.
All in all this is a MUST HAVE DVD for fans of entertainment. Not only are these gentlemen creative and hilarious, they are really nice guys. I had the joy of meeting Gordon Smuder and his wife Jennifer Menken at Chicago Con 2009. They were the highlight of a rare large epic fail of a convention.
You can see new episodes of Transylvania Television every Thursday at www.transylvania-tv.com or subscribe to the show via iTunes.
Also, don't forget to check out sculptures of classic style ray guns and steam punk props at www.myspace.com/puppetforge and the incredible creations of Jennifer Menken can be viewed at www.wildcargo.etsy.com
Frank Darabont to bring Walking Dead to AMC
If you can't wait for the new George A Romero film, Survival of the Dead, it looks like something may be on the horizon that might just tide you over.
AMC is close to finalizing one of the richest development deals ever with Frank Darabont to write and direct a series adaptation of the Image Comics graphic novel series "The Walking Dead," penned by Robert Kirkman. Gale Anne Hurd of Valhalla Motion Pictures and David Alpert of Circle of Confusion are also on board to exec produce.
For those who don't know, the story is set among a group of zombie survivors of an apocalypse who are led by a police officer, Rick Grimes, in search of a safe place to live. Numerous editions of the "Walking Dead" graphic novels have been published since 2003.
Joel Stillerman, AMC's senior VP of programming, production and original content, said the project appealed to them because of "the quality of the storytelling" in Kirkman's work. The series will stay faithful to the tone of the original novels, he said.
"This is not about zombies popping out of closets," Stillerman said. "This is a story about survival, and the dynamics of what happens when a group is forced to survive under these circumstances. The world (in 'Walking Dead') is portrayed in a smart, sophisticated way."
Darabont and Hurd pitched the project to AMC and several other outlets. There is no studio attached yet. The duo's involvement made the project a must-have for the cabler, Stillerman said.
The Doctor vs John Connor
Here is the second match in round 1. The Doctor vs John Connor.
The Doctor is a 904 year old Time Lord, an extraterrestrial from the planet Gallifrey, who travels time and space in an internally vast time machine called the TARDIS. The Doctor is vastly intelligent, but sometimes very arrogant. As a Time Lord, when he is on the verge of death, he can regenerate, changing every single cell in his body to save his life.
John Connor is the last best hope of human kind. In the post apocalyptic future, John Connor leads whats left of humanity in a battle against the machines called Terminators. The machines sent back Terminators to kill John Connor at varying points in his life, but were never able to get the job done.
...and the winner is.
First and foremost let me tell you that the podcast will be a day or two late. By going to comic con in Chicago, I forgot to get certain things set up, so bare with me. However I will announce the winner of the first match-up here.
As you can see, it's Captain Jack Harkness! Jack won by 2 votes. TWO votes.
So ladies and gents, here is the winner of the first match in the first round of The Vinyl & Villains Pop Culture Smackdown Tournament!
The next match will be up shortly.
He's Back
He's been gone a long time, and come October 14, 2009...HE'S BACK!
That's right, the X-Men oldest and greatest foe, Magneto returns in October to the pages of Uncanny X-Men. They are keeping things very tight lipped as to what will be going on, but issue 516 will be the first part of the seven part storyline entitled, NATION X.
No word as to whether or not this will tie into the current Dark Reign storyline that is encompassing the Marvel Universe. Or whether or not Magneto will break Norman Osborn's neck. (seriously, can someone do that, quick?)
Uncanny X-Men #516 is written by Matt Fraction with pencils by Greg Land (yeah, I know)
MACHETE Has Been Cast!
If you are like me and thought that one of the better fake trailers from the double feature GRINDHOUSE was Robert Rodriguez's MACHETE, then you should also be like me and be excited about a few other things as well.According to VARIETY, Machete has been cast and is a week into production! Aside from Danny Trejo, who will play Machete, the film also stars Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez, Steven Seagal, Lindsay Lohan, Cheech Marin. Don Johnson and Jeff Fahey will have supporting roles in the film as well.
This is some great news to come out of the Rodriguez camp. Updates will be given as they come available. Now, where is that feature version of "DON'T"?
Captain America vs Captain Jack Harkness
Captain America is the Sentinel of Liberty. The beacon of hope. He is a super solider and was frozen in the 40's and defrosted in the 60's where he lead the Avengers to many a victory of the forces of evil.
Captain Jack Harkness is a time traveller and former con man from the 51st century. He is also immortal and the leader of Torchwood, a British organisation dedicated to combating alien threats.
The 1st Annual Pop Culture Smackdown!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages. I give to you the 1st Annual Vinyl & Villains Pop Culture Smackdown. This is an image of the overall bracket, which will start up tomorrow with Captain America vs Captain Jack Harkness!
There will be a poll to vote on, but please leave your comments about why you voted the way that you did!
Let the Smackdown begin!
Vinyl & Villains Episode 4: Nagging Parents
The episode in which Ron reviews Green Lantern: First Flight, talks about BBC America, Battlestar Galactica and how Wolverine has joined the Epic Fail Club.Battlestar Galactica Named Top Show
This Saturday in Pasadena, the Television Critics Association named Battlestar Galactica top program of the year after the show failed to garner an Emmy nomination for dramatic series.Variety reported:
"It certainly feels appropriate that we received the acknowledgement from the people who were champions of this show from its outset," Mark Stern, exec VP of original programming at Syfy, told Daily Variety. "Critics really adopted this show early on and, in a weird way, this feels like a conclusion to the process.
You can see "new" Battlestar Galactica when the original movie THE PLAN hits Blu-ray and DVD on October 27th.
The Battlestar Galactica prequel series CAPRICA will kick off with a two-hour premiere on January 22 at 9pm EST and will then air Fridays at 10pm EST.
Edward Norton In The Avengers?
Marvel's President of Production Kevin Feige has said that he'd like to see The Hulk in The Avengers and said at the San Diego Comic-Con that "it's safe to assume that there will be some members of the Hulk universe" in the movie as well. So if Hulk is to appear in the The Avengers, does that mean Edward Norton will reprise the role? Norton is staying tight lipped on the subject.I won't comment on that, just because they [Marvel] keep a pretty tight reign on what they are letting out. I'll let them say.
The Hulk is scheduled to appear briefly in Iron Man 2 much like Tony Stark did in The Incredible Hulk. Norton is signed on to do another Hulk movie, but no word as to whether or not that means he will show up in The Avengers.
Are The Futurama Voice Actors Back??
They're back if you believe what was printed in the Toronto Star. According to the article the casting call that Fox sent out about voice actors was nothing more than a bargaining ploy. The Star reports that the voice actors signed a new contract after weeks of rather intense salary negotiation.
As late as last week, the network was threatening to replace the original voices of Matt Groening's cult-hit cartoon, to the point of actually announcing a casting call for voice actors to replace them.
The compromise agreement, with the studio paying more and the actors accepting less, comes after the announcement of a 26-episode pick-up here by Comedy Central.
The producers downplayed any reports of recasting at this years San Diego Comic Con. Yet it looks like, without any kind of official confirmation, that the cast is back. Let's be honest, it's not Futurama without them.
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