Yesterday I had the pleasure of sitting down with VHS Or Beta’s Craig Pfunder and Mark Palgy on a cold Manhattan afternoon. The boys have taken on a new venture by not only uprooting themselves from Kentucky to Brooklyn, but by starting their own label, Chromosome Records. If they didn’t seem busy enough the band also has a new musical project that is prepared to take the music world by storm.

GSL: You’re initially from Kentucky. How did you end up in Brooklyn of all places?

(Craig looks at Mark)

Craig: You’re the one who got here first man! I guess like anyone does, I mean unless you are already from New York. Mark and I have been working out of Kentucky for over a decade. We’re in our thirties. It makes more sense for us to be living somewhere like Louisville when we’re touring so much. It’s super cheap there, and super comfy and easy. Now that we’re not touring as much, we’re able to really appreciate living in somewhere like Brooklyn. Mark took the opportunity to get out. It’s the first place Mark ever lived besides Louisville. He was eager to get out and see what else is out there. Then I came shortly after.

Is there a big music scene in Louisville?

Craig: There actually is. I couldn’t say that you’ve heard of all the acts, or even a quarter of them, but Louisville has always been rich in music. The obvious bands are there but at the time I left there seemed to be a lot of bands playing out…excitement about those bands.

You were signed to Astralwerks for quite a while. What made you decide to leave the label?

Craig: Part of that was out of our hands. When Astralwerks parent company got brought out and restructured they changed the format of that label. We were let go of our contract and we decided that what better time than now to take advantage of the idea of bands like us, with little extra work can have ownership of our masters, control over what we want. So we saw it as a blessing to kind of jump into that because we used to release our own records. It’s exciting we’ve kind of come full circle with that aspect.

Did you consider going to another label instead of starting your own?

Craig: There are always labels I think we’ve felt a kinship towards. I think we really appreciate the asthetic of DFA and labels like that. Interestingly enough, DFA was tied to Astrelwerks. If the right thing came along, maybe. Right now it seems pretty cool doing our own thing though.

How different was it to self release an album 10, 12 years ago compared with today?

Mark: Much easier now. You can get online and do it.

Craig: We were going through, just the idea of having to figure it out, hard copy stuff back then was just insane. When you’re doing a PR push and you’re paying for that it’s like nowadays its way more email oriented. Back then you were really trying and putting money into print ads and point of sales stuff. Print magazines were way harder to get into back then so the campaign push was a lot harder. Now it’s like blogs! PR companies are pushing towards blogs, more independent companies. The price has come down considerably for a PR push but it’s just a completely different climate. It’s almost like 2012 happened in the music industry and now the North and South Pole are completely different. It’s a weird thing.

Are you accepting new artists on your label or is it solely going to be VHS or Beta?

Mark: I think we have interests in artists but not in the traditional label roles, like coddling them and giving record deals and advances. Dance labels, there’s no real genuine royalty like come and do a track on our label and then go do something with somebody else, you know? I think if something amazing comes along that we want to have on our label for a while, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, but for now it’s a dance label.

Craig: The process is going to be us trying to find talent that is as excited as we are about the process. Like Mark said, we’re not trying to take kids out to dinner and be like “Yea we got all this money for you and here’s some big advance. ” It would be more likely that we find artists that are eager to get their music out there and heard and we provide an avenue for them to do that. Low cost, with the option of them making money and hopefully are tastes will be credible enough to where the label will have credibility of it’s own. That’s another really exciting thing for us. Hopefully someday kids will be sending us their demo tapes, like ‘Hey!’…tapes? Yea right! Their demo Mp3 or link to their music and that would be the idea of talent searching for us. Right now we’re searching for the talent, but hopefully we can build it into something cool like Kitsune or something where they have such a depth of artists they work with but they’re not purely Kitsune artists. Most of them aren’t.

Was starting a label something you always wanted to do?

Mark: It’s something we’ve done before. I can’t say I’ve always wanted to do it but now that I see how it can be done and it can be lucrative it seems like the right time to do it.

You’ve come up with releasing one song a month online. How did you come up with the idea for that?

Craig: It’s not necessarily one every month. Maybe every other. It’s more of something where, I think the circumstance happened because we weren’t writing songs that were soundly completely like one another. We were in this process of feeling like our tastes were at different places. It was away for us to kind of step into the role of a producer instead of maybe a band. Like when Mark and I are getting in there in the studio and passing things back and fourth, it’s been more collaborative than it’s ever been, the process has been. I think whenever that change happens you kind of have to change other things too. This was a way for us to get out some of these songs that we worked on, but not have to wait for the entire record concept to be finished. Right now we can get the songs out, the second one is almost done and will be out soon. Then the third and fourth will be worked on and so fourth. It’s like periodicals in the literary world. You have things that are instant or quarterly and it’s like ideas are being heard more recently to their session, they’re not being heard a year after the session or writing of the song, and maybe the artist doesn’t feel connected to the song at the point that the audience finally gets to hear them. We could literally write a track tonight and decide maybe that could be the next single and you would hear it in a couple of months. It’s like I think for the artist to have that period of time to get that song out that’s kind of exciting.

Are you writing songs as you go along or are there any songs that have been written prior?

Craig: This is all pretty new stuff. It’s not much like backburner stuff where we were like “Well this didn’t make the last record, lets put this in.” It’s so new that I’m tracking vocals today after this interview!

After the whole thing is done, do you plan on releasing the songs on a physical cd?

Mark: We’re going to compile the release. I don’t know about a cd but we’re definitely going to compile probably put a some new songs that aren’t necessarily going to be the singles.

Craig: That’s back to the point of why we’re in Brooklyn. Part of it is I wanted to get up here and have the process be faster than the internet. Go to work on music so it can go faster.

How do you think this will change the way your fans listen to your music?

Craig: Well we haven’t completely abandoned the idea of a record, it’s not like we’re doing this forever. We’ve been a band for a really long time and it looked interesting. As far as the audiences are accepting it on Facebook, people are cool. Like yesterday I posted something like “I can’t wait to drop the next single,” and people genuinely wrote back like “We can’t either,” and “When is it going to drop?” There’s an excitement that builds around that kind of stuff. When you think of everything else in the world that is released in episodes, it’s kind of an interesting concept to how music could possibly be released in that fashion.

Are all the members of VHS Or Beta involved with the working of the labels, or is it just you two?

Craig: Well the original members are me, Mark, and our drummer Mark (Guidry). We work with two guys when we play live, but they live spread out. As far as the band, yes, the three of us are running the record label.

Your songs have been remixed by great artists like LA Riots. How did your songs become involved in those?

Mark: Remixes are such a great thing to have. Whether it works out great is how it’s approached.

Craig: It’s a medium that keeps energy going in the dance world. It reinvigorates everything it does. It allows artists to work with one another, it allows original works to be interpreted by other artists which is a pretty special thing. We’ve been fortunate enough to be a band that has attracted the attention of people like the Juan McLean and Babydaddy from Scissor Sisters. We’ve had a ton of great people work on our stuff. The idea also with our new single is that we’ll be including really awesome remixes.

How important do you think it is for a band to reinvent the way they write music and the way they release their albums?

Craig: What’s weird is that it used to be that the label would have to figure out how to market the record for you. Your job was to wake up, go to the piano or guitar, record a song, get together your bandmates flush that song out. Then the label would help you find a producer and then you record that song and they pay for it. Now it’s like yeah you’re right. We as musicians and as people who are putting our own music out we do have to think about it. A part of it that we weren’t really prepared for our whole life, but with the internet it has become easier. I don’t think anyone is staying on top of it and nothing is completely working, there’s no guy out there that has all of it figured out and making trillions and billions of dollars in music. The problem is that people don’t want to pay for music anymore and they don’t feel they shouldn’t have to so nothing has changed that. But if you find something then maybe you figured something out that no one else has. Our main job is to write music that we care about and keep it relevant to the times I guess. We’ll do our best to be a record label, but it’s our first job is to write music.

Do you worry about the new songs leaking ahead of time?

Craig: We’re pretty careful with who we send demos to. If there was a leak and there was an excitement about the leaking than that would be a healthy problem. I mean, don’t they say if your record leaks and no one cares about it, then you have a problem right? We don’t really send out our music before it’s time to many people. It’s a really tight group of people.

How has your music evolved over the years, even to the way you come together to collaborate?

Craig: Things have just changed. I mean we were literally four guys in a room making noise until something felt right and then we’d record it. That process we were so young. We were just laughing about this the other day with the mix engineer. We were talking about how when you’re young your egos are so charged and you think you know everything and everyone’s opinionated so much and it takes so long for everything. In a lot of ways now that we’re older, it’s a lot easier to accept other people’s ideas and to find merit in their ideas. I think the biggest difference is on the new music we’re writing from different perspectives. Like Mark and I are writing more from a synthesizer perspective more than a guitar perspective. Pretty much are previous efforts revolved around some sort of guitar part. That’s not going to last forever but right now it’s really exciting for us. Guitar is our first instrument. That’s the main thing, samples. We used to feel like we had to play every single note for it to be authentic and now we’re excited about pushing play, enjoying what you’re hearing.

What advice would you give to upcoming bands about signing or not signing to a label?

Craig: Don’t do it.

Mark: Don’t do it!

Craig: Unless you can get an exuberant amount of money up front and they retain ownership of your masters and they don’t touch your publishing or merch….

Mark: That will never happen.

Craig: I don’t think the era of the label is dead I just think it would have to be pretty darn impressive for me to sign another contract. If anything get a manager and a lawyer you really trust. The chemistry of what’s going on right now, I can’t even say I’ve seen a record deal but I can’t imagine it’s pretty. I can’t imagine them being like we really want to work with you and sign this 42 page contract. You owe them your first born. Record labels are just kind of banks in a weird way. People have figured it out that they can get by without them.

Download VHS Or Beta’s First Single “Feel It When Y ou Know” at iTunes and Beatport

Also be sure to check VHS Or Beta online at their official website and Myspace !

For you, a little playlist inspired by TGIFrance. That’s Thank God it’s Friday Dance. I prefer jam sessions to superstition, so you won’t find 13 creepers on this list, just ba-ba-bangers.

Armand Van Helden – Illin N Fillin It (Lee Mortimer’s Wearhouse Mix) ♥♥♥

VHS or Beta – Feel it When You Know (LA Riots Remix)

The White Panda – What Lonely Girls Do (Lil Jon vs. Eminem vs. Ocean Lab)

Chiddy Bang – All Things Go

Enur – Calabria (Hot Pink Delorean Remix) ♥♥♥

VHS or Beta are the Indie-Rock band who regular appear to get caught up in the Dance scene.  Feel It When You Know is a track that recently underwent a bit of a facelift by La Riots and consequently, was turned into gold. Maybe this comment came a little too soon to the release of CFCF’s Midas Touch from just the other day but regardless, this remix is pretty kick-ass. The DJs are currently preparing for a small US tour beginning at the end of the month and lasting throughout most of December.  If you want to warm up to some great beats this winter check out their myspace for further tour info.

Included below is the Fred Falke remix that should not be overlooked.

VHS or Beta – Feel It When You Know (LA Riots Remix)

BONUS!

VHS or Beta – Burn It All Down (Fred Falke Remix)

Crazy weekend and monday! Finally I’ve time to upload some new songs. And here they are. Electro-house – or whatever you wanna call it – from VHS Or Beta remixed by La Riots or the new A-Trak’s remix, to a remix of Drop The Lime made by NOTRB.

Fim-de-semana e segunda-feira imparáveis! Finalmente tenho tempo para uploadar novas músicas. E aqui estão elas. Electro-house – ou o que lhe quiserem chamar – desde VHS Or Beta remisturado por LA RIOTS ou a nova remistura de A-Trak, até à remistura de Drop The Lime feita por NROTB.

Drop The Lime – Set Me Free (NROTB Carnival Mix)

my homeslice, carey–the lovely and talented caftans side of corks and caftans–and i often share old and new music with each other. it’s our way of constantly staying inspired to be better humans, to dream big and ultimately make it through the damn day. so this week’s top 5 pays homage to the tunes we love and tend to play over and over and over and …

empire of the sun :: tiger by my side

[via pootpeter] (great user name, btw.)

vhs or beta :: bring on the comets

[via ultrasocks]

adele :: make you feel my love

[via thisispoul]

citizen cope :: all dressed up (new album coming out soon. you can pre-order that sucker on his site, so get in there.)

[via Cochese4343]

reel big fish :: she has a girlfriend now (alright, so this one doesn’t so much inspire us as it just makes us laugh.)

[via ZuruiXK]

This posting has been moved over to HDNB.BLOGSPOT.COM.  Click HERE to view this post.

This posting has been moved over to HDNB.BLOGSPOT.COM.  Click HERE to view this post.

Noitinha fervida!!! Calor como nunca vi igual…

1. Fever Ray – When I Grow Up (Version by Lissvik) (4:28)
2. Major Lazer – Pod de floor’ feat. VYBZ Kartel (3:35)
3. N.A.S.A – Whatchadoin? (Villains Remix) (5:13)
4. Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman (Russ Chimes’ Unofficial Remix) (6:16)
5. Groove Armada – Get Down (Streetlife DJs Remix) (6:10)
6. The Bloody Beetroots – Talkin’ In My Sleep (feat. Lisa Kekaula) (5:27)
7. Peaches – Mommy Complex (Barletta and Ernold Sane Remix) (3:41)
8. Database vs. French Horn Rebellion – Beaches and Friends (The Twelves Remix) (6:00)
9. The Juan Maclean – Happy House (VHS or Beta Remix) (5:12)
10. Back Drop Bomb – Sigh (Cubismo Grafico Remix) (5:13)
11. Atsushi Yano – Organ Grinder (5:00)
12. El Guincho – Kalise (5:08)
13. Buraka Som Sistema – IC19 (Deathface Remix) (5:00)
14. Riton & Primary 1 – Who’s There? (In Flagranti Remix) (6:37)
15. N.A.S.A. – Gifted – The Aston Shuffle Remix (6:59)
16. Black Eyed Peas – I got a feeling (Luvtek Edit) (6:49)
17. Madonna – Celebration (3:35)
18. Tiesto feat. Tegan and Sara – Feel it in my bones (4:52)
19. New order – Bizarre Love Triangle (Richard X Extended Remix) (7:00)
20. Vitalic – Your Disco Song (3:37)
21. Felix Da Housecat – LA Ravers (3:46)
22. Les Rythmes Digitales – From: Disco To: Disco (3:36)
23. Tiga – Beep-Beep-Beep (3:49)
24. Calvin Harris – Ready for the Weekend (3:38)

One of 2008’s biggest tracks finally got the remix treatment and I’m talking about none other than Juan Maclean’s “Happy House” of course. The EP will be released on August 17th through various digital sources and features remixes from VHS or Beta, Paul Woolford, Matthew Dear Vs. Audion, Will Saul and Mike Monday, Chateau Flight and my personal favorite; Lazaro Casanova. Some might remember Laz from the early days of blogs with his contribution to the scene being Shot Callin’. He was also on tour quite a bit with mosh metal electro dudes, MSTRKFT. These days he is running his own record label called Pet Food. Laz is a man of exquisite taste and if his label is full of track’s like his own it will definitely be one to watch.

The Juan Maclean – Happy House (Lazaro Casanova Remix)

Sirhan

VHS or BETA remixed My Morning Jacket’s “Highly Suspicious” from their newest album, Evil Urges.  The remix is part of the Causes 2 compilation to benefit Darfur (from Waxpolitation).  100% of the profits go to Human Rights Watch, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Oxfam America.  It is out on May.  The compilation also includes, Black Moth Super Rainbow, The Decemberists,  LCD Soundsystem, Sharon Jones and Gnarls Barlkey.    See full track list below…

Listen to VHS or BETA’s track HERE. (via Stereogum)

TRACK LIST

1. Black Moth Super Rainbow – “Happy Melted City”
2. The Decemberists – “After The Bombs” (Live Version)
3. Devendra Banhart – “White Reggae Troll”
4. Diplo – “Wassup Wassup (Exclusive Samim Remix)”
5. Federico Aubele – “Luna y Sol”
6. Gnarls Barkley – “Mystery Man”
7. LCD Soundsystem – “Starry Eyes Original” (Causes exclusive)
8. My Morning Jacket – “Highly Suspicious (VHS Or Beta Dee Jays Remix)”
9. Matthew Dear – “When She Don’t Need Me” (Exclusive)
10. mum – “Asleep In A Hiding Place”
11. Neon Neon – “I Lust U (DJ Eli Escobar Remix)”
12. Richard Swift – “Wastin’ M’time”
13. RJD2 – “Wherever (Instrumental)”
14. Sharon Jones & Dap-Kings – “It Hurts To Be Alone”
15. Tim & Eric Feat. Sylvia Gordon – “Petite Feet (Exclusive Devlin & Ghostdad Remix)”

Off the top, I have an overdew post for ya on Toronto’s own Jeffrey Addison and Gavin Rough, otherwise known as, TMDP. These guys are so hot right now its not even funny. They just dropped their alblum last week, the self titled “TMDP”, and apparently shit hit the fan at the album release party, and while that may sound bad, it truly was a great party; TMDP showered their synthesized love vibes all over the crowd that night and the result: one hype ass party yo! The two original tracks I included below are pretty radical, “sex drive” is a quirky, slightly slower-moving, based out electro jam, pretty funky too though and “TMDP” has a really gradual, synthed out, build up, but its a really lovely track that entrances you with its melodic electronic rhythm, don’t worry though it turns into a little disco funk jam in the end, and classy as shit too.

vitaminsforyou – B4U (TMDP remix)

VHS Or BETA – Burn It All Down (Fred Falke remix)

Also, in reference to some whack links and Imeem links (which only let you stream the track live) which were still lingering have now been fixed; they were changed to the Media Fire format (right click the link and select “open in new tab”, hit up the new link to download that shit!), which we have made standard, you can check out the fixed up post, which is on my favourite tracks from Cut Copy’s bodacious mix So Cosmic, right here.
Peace and Love.

p.s. I fully realize this may be considered desperate, but I’ll be honest, we love to read what our readers think of the site and the music, not to mention broken links, so let us know whats up; post up some comments for us. thanks a bunch from me (erger) and all of the 317 crew…
cheers!

I reinstalled MixMeister for the first time in almost 5 months last night (after a computer reformat).  Couldn’t help but mess around for a few hours.  Ended up with this.  I like it.  I don’t claim on being any good at this, but hey, maybe somebody out there might dig it.

Runtime – 56:50

Download

1. VHS or Beta – Night on Fire (Carlos D Remix)
2. Does It Offend You, Yeah? – Dawn of the Dead (Station X Remix)
3. MGMT – Kids (Soulwax Remix)
4. Soulwax – E-Talking (Nite Version)
5. The Ting Tings – That’s Not My Name (LA Riots Remix)
6. Panda Bear – Comfy in Nautica (XXXChange Remix)
7. Animal Collective – My Girls (Gigamesh ‘Proper House’ Remix)
8. Thom Yorke – The Eraser (Stretch & Vern Edit)
9. Cut Copy – Lights & Musice (Moulinex Remix)
10. Radiohead – Everything in its Right Place (Gigamesh Remix)
11. Vampire Weekend – The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance (Chromeo Remix)
12. Justice vs. Simian – We Are Your Friends (Something Wrong Bass Remix)
13. M83 – Teen Angst (Death to the Throne Remix)
14. Sigur Ros – Saeglopur (Crash Overdrive Mix)
15. The Teenagers – No Love (Delorean Remix)

It seems there has been a breakdown in communication somewhere along the way with the afterparty for this Saturday’s Matt & Kim/Hollywood Holt show at Skull Alley as we’ve got TWO “official” afterparties.  In the Pink Door corner, we’ve got Hollywood Holt, VHS or Beta DJz & Jesse Jamz.  In the Fuzion corner we’ve got Prince Terrence out of NYC, DJ Narwhal, Sam Sneed & a “Special Guest“.  I had been assuming the “Special Guest” would be none other than Hollywood Holt himself, but it seems the special guest is going to be Totally Michael, who also puts on a great show and is really really fun, if not a little cheesy.

People Noise will be at The Pour Haus with Trophy Wives and The Art on April 3rd.

People Noise is Zeke Buck (founding member of VHS or Beta) and Matt Johnson (former member of Boom Bip). But even still, they’re not what you’d expect. They’re far less electronic than you’re imagining, and a bit more rock, and completely ignoring the 80s synth. Think more of JAMC or My Bloody Valentine. Check out their album Ordinary Ghosts. These guys epitomize what our music scene here in Louisville and throughout the US is all about right now. They are doing amazing things and bringing a brand of shoegaze back to the forefront of music.

People Noise- The Killing Fields

VHS Or Beta, Walter Meego
Subterranean, Chicago
Tuesday, September 4, 2007

From Illinois Entertainer Dot Com

There are certain shows where it’s obvious why one act is performing as the opener. There’s an apparent schism between skill level, stage presence, and/or notoriety, to name a few differentiating factors. And then there are shows where two or more acts share a stage, and while one might clearly be past opener material, both could, under the right set of circumstances, be the event’s headliner.

It was a case of the latter last Tuesday night at Subterranean, where local up-and-comers Walter Meego opened for not-quite-indie, not-quite-mainstream VHS Or Beta. While neither act could be accused of slacking, Walter Meego’s unmistakable hunger in their set and infectious passion for their material created a palpable energy that only added to an already electric set.

Bouncing between material available on different self-released EPs, the Chicago trio presented synth-heavy electro-pop with a healthy and unabashed rock edge. Loose and experimental, material like the playful, effects-laden “Girls” and slightly dark, flourish-tinged show closer “Romantic” were highlights of the night. “Forever” even unashamedly recalled an ’80s mall-pop aesthetic, remixed and updated for the hipster-laden WIcker Park crowd. All of which helped demonstrate the belief Walter Meego are headed towards bigger things.

Headliners VHS Or Beta also delivered, albeit in an entirely different capacity. It was difficult not to notice a comparably more structured approach to the outfit’s material (which is hardly a drawback, but nevertheless a sharp contrast following the show’s openers). Offering a tight band dynamic, the group dove right into crowd pleasers like the sing-songy “Love In My Pocket” and the layered, weaving “Burn It All Down.” Looking back to material off 2004’s Night On Fire, the group pulled out the bombastic “You Got Me,” while the more current “Fall Down Lightly” demonstrated how a breezier approach can connect with a room just as effectively. The highlight of the VHS set, however, would have to have been the climactic and ultra-celebratory “Can’t Believe A Single Word,” as blinding white lights flooded the crowd while the song built.

The VHS show may have lacked some of the youthful exuberance Walter Meego delivered in spades, they proved that there’s something to be said for well-oiled construct that knows how it work.

– Jaime de’Medici

Question from Mike Z…What would you do if you won the lottery?

What a spectacular way to start off a new entry. Oddly enough, I think about this question twice per week. Do other people consistently fantasize about winning the lottery? As I am driving home from school, there is a Mega Millions sign that displays how much the current jackpot is worth. I always like to divide by two, and think about what I would do with $30 million. While Scarface mounds, weeks in the VIP room at the Rhino, and putting it all on 23 red seem like viable options, I have a pretty structured plan on what I would do with $30 million. To begin, I don’t visualize myself jumping for joy like the rest of the world would be. It’s only money and you can’t croak with it. The first thing I would do is call a lawyer, but not just any lawyer. I need someone that represents some high profile celebrities because I would feel confident that they would know how to handle a large sum of money. Richard Hutton represents Paris Hilton, so I am assuming he’d be capable of representing me. I would probably take the cash option as well. I don’t want to risk dying 10 years from now and only receive a portion of my winnings. I will invest the money myself. I have enough smart friends around me that could help me with this. So we’ll say I have $20 million cash to play with. The first thing I would do is take care of my family. They could have anything they wanted. From houses to cars, I would make sure my Mom, Dad, and brother were set for the rest of their lives. Mom and Dad would get a million on top of whatever they wanted. I know my father would want a 1941 Willys, so that would be a top priority for me, and I think my Mom would want to live on the beach.  I would say were now down to $18.5 million. My brother automatically becomes my assistant and gets to live the good life with me. I don’t know what his job entails, but it’s probably a pretty sweet job. A million goes to charity, but over the course of time. There are always places I want to donate money to, but I want to do it on my terms. Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and Action Against Hunger are all places that I would be giving some money to. OK, we’re down to $17.5 million, and I have an excellent public image. Now it’s time to have some fun. I would throw a party in Vegas for my 100 closest friends. I will fly everyone there, put everyone in the Bellagio for 4 nights, and live like a rock star. I will take a boat trip to Amsterdam. I hate flying, so busses, boats, and trains are going to be heavily depended upon to allow me to travel. What’s it matter anyways how long it takes to get places? Time is irrelevant when you have this much money. I would also buy a tour bus to travel the country in, and hire a driver to take me everywhere. I would buy luxury condos in Cleveland, Vegas, LA, NYC, and Florida. Purchasing these would allow me to have some assets that aren’t cash. We’re having fun, money is dwindling, and we have around $14 million left, but a lot of vacation spots that are also assets. Here’s the fun stuff that I would do if I had a lot of money. Season tickets courtside for the Cavs, Browns season tickets on the 50 yard line, tour with the Dave Matthews Band, attend the Super Bowl every year, attend the NBA Finals every year, crazy trips to Best Buy, Escalade, Bentley Coupe, Maserati, and attend unlimited concerts. Once all of this gets boring, I will take a million and try to create a profitable company with a few of my brightest friends. I think I should be left somewhere around $10 million, maybe more. I have ten very close friends that would also be taken care of in various ways. The ten million I have left over would be put toward low risk investments. The way I see it, I could never go broke with $20 million, and I could have a ridiculously good time. Tuesday evening, I am going to win the $170 million jackpot. So, if I like you, you can expect a call Wednesday morning.

The Killing Cavaliers

Isn’t it nice to root for a legit championship contender? As I watched the miserable Browns game Sunday, I couldn’t help but think just how great Cleveland fans are. The Cavs are 20 games into the season, and the fans are really into every game the Cavs play. The Titans have lost once, and the fans of Tennessee sounded like they just heard the news that Elvis died. I am fully aware that the Cavs aren’t just beating teams, they are embarrassing them, but let’s not crown the Cavs the best team in basketball just yet. Don’t get me wrong, you don’t make your own schedule, but the Cavs current eight game winning streak consists of one team with a winning record, and a combined winning percentage of .374. I know the Cavs are good, but until they beat Boston consistently, and in a seven game series, Boston is the team to beat. Boston has shown absolutely no sign of slowing down either, and do have a better record than the Cavs. But damn, this Cavs team is a powerhouse. If things keep up the way they are, I love our shot to win the whole thing. It’s amazing that this team is so deep, we only need LBJ for 30 – 35 minutes per night. Imagine how fresh Bron’s legs are going to be when the Cavs enter an epic seven game showdown with the Celtics.  I can’t ask for much more from the Cavs right now.  This is the type of team Cleveland deserves.

Bye Bye Browns

This team is dead to me. Once the season is over and Romeo Crennel is fired, I will write a very long piece on the future of the Browns. If you made it to the end of the game Sunday, you saw something that explains this organization as a whole. With the game far out of reach for Cleveland, and only a few seconds remaining in the game, Titans players slammed Ken Dorsey to the turf on back to back plays. On one of the two plays, a Titans player clearly jumped the snap, and unloaded on that poor quarterback. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Not one player on the offensive side of the ball retaliated in Dorsey’s defense. Instead, the sputtering offense wobbled around as if they’d just taken a trip to Lil Wayne’s tour bus. The team lacks emotion, focus, and effort all day long. Come to think of it, the Browns play on the field is reflective of their emotionless, lazy, moronic coach.  Being a players coach worked well in New England with veterans that understood the ins and outs of the game, but it doesn’t come close to working with a team loaded with talented youth.  Oh, and why wasn’t the Braylon Edwards catch challenged? I think that the Browns are going to draft seventh, and pick USC linebacker Rey Maulaluga. I would be more than pleased with a pick like that, or do we need a running back? I’m so frustrated with this team right now.

Top Five Fads

I haven’t done this one yet, and I thought it might be a good time to bring back top 5’s. People seemed to enjoy this when I used to update frequently. Here are five random fads from the 90’s. This list is reflective of the fads that I paid attention to, thought were cool, had a thought on, or even took part in. Feel free to add some of your own.

5. Overalls

Are you kidding me? Remember when people would wear a pair of overalls with one of the two hooks undone? I can’t believe people actually bought into this stupid fad. I remember when I was in elementary school, I would think, ”Damn, that dude is such a bad ass because he’s wearing his overalls like a gangster.” These days, if I saw someone like that, I would be forced to destroy them.

4. Slap Bracelets

I remember when these took the world by storm. Everyone in class would have a few and play with them constantly. Who would have thought that some flexible piece of stainless steel, with some weird design would keep a generation of kids so content? I know a lot of you guys and girls will remember this one.  I liked these things back in the day.

3. Laser Pointers

There was a stretch of time where these things wreaked havoc on peoples lives. Teachers, athletes, and musicians were forced to deal with little asshole kids wanting to shine lasers into their eyes. Unsurprisingly, these little gadgets were banned from everything pretty fast. What a concept laser pointers were, I think I’m going to pick one up this week. I got into trouble one time for shining one in my neighbor’s house at 4 in the morning. Oops.

2. Tamagotchi

So let me get this straight. You want me to pretend like a small electronic device is a baby, AND you want me to take care of it by pressing a button on the device? This was China’s attempt to control population. Unfortunately, its attempt turned into a huge American fad. I never had one of these because they were so dumb, but when I reflect, I am baffled by this product. Why have kids when you can have a Tamagotchi? If Jamie Lynn Spears was around when these were popular, she wouldn’t be stuck with the extra baggage, I know it.

1. Pogs

“Are we playing for keeps?” I remember that question being asked on a daily basis in elementary school. Let’s take some cardboard, make an awesome design on it, and sell it to the youth of America. I used to collect these stupid pieces of cardboard like there was no tomorrow. Remember the slammers? Nothing mattered as long as your slammer was cooler than your opponents. I had one of the torpedo slammers  Anyone still have their pogs?

Honorable Mention

Furbys, Skip It, Talkboy, FUBU, Koosh Balls, Tickle Me Elmo

My Mind Is On Music

40 years ago John Landau said he saw the future of rock n roll, and its name was Bruce Springsteen. Last weekend at the Grog Shop, I saw the future of hip-hop, its name is Kid Cudi. Whites, blacks, geeks, hipsters, jocks, and gangsters were all into the hip-hop scene last Saturday on Coventry Road in Cleveland. It was a unique concert that commanded the attention of the city. Download the album here. I uploaded it myself, and it’s legal. I promise you won’t be disappointed. You have probably heard Day n Nite before, but it’s not nearly one of the best songs on this musical joyride. I met a friend in Coventry to do a meet and greet with Kid Cudi, and I also had the chance to interview him. I will post that sometime in the future. Scott Mescudi was a real cool dude that is overly appreciative of the current wave of success he is experiencing. You can also find Cudi on Kanye’s new album, on the tune Welcome to Heartbreak. Please Please Please Please download this album. You just might become a fan of hip hop. Just ask my coworkers.

This is a tune that was played at the Grog Shop, and will be featured on Cudi’s upcoming debut album, Man on the Moon. It’s called “Dose of Dopeness”

Six Jams to Check Out

Remember: If you click the title, it is a link to a youtube or a stream and completely legal.

The Fray – You Found Me

The follow up to the album, How to Save a Life is due in stores this coming February. Check out this new single from one of the better bands on the planet. This is what music should sound like. This isn’t overly poppy, and sound magnificent

Fall Out Boy Ft. Lil Wayne – Tiffany Blews

Not sure what I think about this tune. I just downloaded the new FOB album, but haven’t listened to it yet. I’m interested because although a douche, Pete Wentz is a pretty creative cat.

Asher Roth – I Love College

XXL magazine is telling the world to watch this dude in 09. This beat samples Weezer’s “Say it Ain’t So” and Weezer isn’t happy about it. I’m not sure what I think about this dude yet, but some of his raps are pretty solid. Check out his website here, and you can download his mixtape.

VHS or BETA – Can’t Believe a Single Word

This band is slowly growing. Check out this tune and see what you think. Just a new band bringing something different to the music world, and I respect it, and even enjoy it.

Eminem – Number One (Unfinished)

Listen to this track. I don’t know if it’s going to be on Em’s new CD, or if it is something that will not be scrapped. It’s kind of cool because Eminem sings Dr. Dre’s verse in the song.

Kings of Leon – Sex on Fire.

This band is doing big things, and a group I have been playing attention to for a while. I love the unique sound this band brings to the forefront. Kings of Leon are definitely a group I will be checking out next time they come to the Cleveland area.

YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Thanks Er for this gem of a clip. This is why you or I couldn’t ever win the national spelling bee. It takes geeks like this character to win the most coveted spelling title in the world.

Shout Out

I don’t really have anyone I want to say much to. I’ve been really busy with work lately, and also playing a lot of poker. I write so much at work, that it makes it tough to want to write for 5 hours when I get home. I’m looking forward to a handful of people coming back to the Cleveland area to celebrate Christmas and Chanukah. What’s everyone want for Christmas? I need a new iPod since mine was stolen out of my car a few months back. I need a new phone too, anyone have any advice? Storm, Iphone, Curve, Bold, Omnia, HTC Touch, I have no idea. Thanks for reading everyone. As always, music to play, plenty to say…..KJ

            They may not be a household name yet, but The Hollywood Kills (THK) are poised to take the world of rock by storm.  This young band from Hendersonville, Tenn. has been honing their craft over the last few years, conquering the loss of a record deal, and seemingly fatal lineup changes that would shake the foundation of any group. 

Career lows aside THK have pressed on and are planning an unveiling of epic proportions, set for the first of the New Year.  In preparation for said unveiling, the boys debuted a slew of new material Friday night at The Exit/In (with friends Mother Father and VHS or Beta) and successfully set the stage for their much-anticipated future.

As the lights came down over a well-packed house, The Hollywood Kills took their places on stage; Johnathon “Jirc” Jircitano, with his vintage Fender guitar, slid behind the microphone, Brent Powelson strapped up his sleek black Les Paul stage left, Brandon Jenkins plopped down behind the drum kit, and the newest member John Paul “JP” Gressman planted his feet firmly stage right, bass in hand.  Fans crept closer and closer to the front of the room as the first chords of the night rang freely into the cool venue air. 

As a special treat, The Hollywood Kills began their set with a Jimmy-Eat-World-esque introduction.  The crowd reacted extremely well, bobbing their heads to the beat.  After a good sixteen bars, boys dove straight into their first song “Counting Lines.”  An epic rock ballad about the strangling grip of cocaine, complete with a soaring chorus, melodically driven hooks and simple verses, “Counting Lines” set the tone for an incredible show.  By the end of the first chorus, the entire house was grooving to the THK sound.

Fans continued to trickle into the venue as the band introduced themselves and invited everyone to dance their hearts out during the next song.  Entitled, “Bastards,” the song brought out an edgier side of the band, perhaps because it’s about non-conformity and “sticking it to the man” theme.  The bulk of the tune is directed at the music industry and the negative experiences the boys have had over the last few years. 

The pure energy THK projected during “Bastards” was testament enough to their drive and perseverance as a unit.  As Jircitano shouted “Bastards create the rules” sweat dripped down his brow.  Powelson and Gressman were playing off each others intensity, and the snarly look on Jenkins’ face turned to devilish smile as he precisely pounded out the down beat of the hook. 

A roaring applause followed the final drum roll of “Bastards.”  Audience members were waving their fists in the air, screaming and begging for more.  In true form, The Hollywood Kills delivered, and began the funky groove of a new song called “Eye For An Eye.”  This emotional power-ballad showcased Jircitano’s incredibly versatile voice perfectly.  On the chorus he wailed, “I’ve lost the time to keep this alive, lets go out separate ways” as Powelson’s pedal-modified guitar echoed behind him.  The most appealing aspect of Jircitano’s talent lies in the fact that his voice is gritty and in your face, yet surprisingly delicate and rather beautiful at times.  At the end of the song, in fact he unleashes his vocal prowess with the accuracy and heart-wrenching emotion of a seasoned gospel singer moved by the spirit. 

When the last chord and sweet melodic tone of “Eye For An Eye” trailed off into now-musty venue air the boys took a minute to thank the crowd for coming out.  By this time the small room was filled to capacity with fans and random concertgoers. 

To round out their set the boys played a brand new tune, written just a few months ago.  The funky toe-tapper, called “Idiots Guide To Desertion,” is comprised of an incredibly catchy melody with a fistful of personality.  The songs message was originally directed at former bassist Dylan Rowe, who left the band for greener pastures in the form of an established, label-friendly group called The Matches. 

The band agrees, however, that the song is now more of a general description that shouldn’t be taken literally in any sense.  “Idiots Guide” is one of the most personal songs for THK because of the underlying message, but is also one of the most accurate portrayals of the band’s talent for both songwriting and performing.  The performance was incredibly energetic, and a darker, more playful side of Jirc comes out, especially during the verses of the song when he croons:

“Keep your sorries, they are no good here anymore/you say are we/still friends, I guess/but friends at war/ I don’t mind/but the answer is/would you leave behind a son who you’d bore/I don’t think so!” 

Powelson had some fun on the bridge, which showcased a simpler drumbeat in exchange for a sultry, ever-so-enticing guitar solo that matched the tone of the tune perfectly.  When the boys crashed into the final chorus of the song the effect was explosive.  Fans gyrated to the half-time breakdown with beers in the air and satisfied smiles on their faces.  When it was over, The Hollywood Kills bowed humbly and gave thanks to the crowd for their enthusiasm.

The final song of THK’s set was an old fan-favorite called “Speak Up.”   In classic Hollywood Kills form, “Speak Up” is driven by a pulsating beat throughout the verse and then escalates into an emotionally driven, powerhouse of a chorus.  Friday night, there couldn’t have been a better song to end with.  The entire front rows of the venue were screaming along to virtually every word, dancing and waving their arms.  Jenkins truly came alive during the bridge of this song.  The intensity with which he pounded the drums echoed that of greats like Barker and Moon, and the rest of the band only fed off the energy he exuded. 

As a final treat THK played out their set with the tail end of their introduction.  Only this time it was a lot more Hollywood Kills and a lot less Jimmy Eat World.  The boys rocked to their own beat, along with the crowd, and with the final drop of the drumstick screamed, “Goodnight!” at the top of their lungs.  A few drunken fans screamed for an encore, and everyone was applauding long after the house lights were brought up. 

Even after struggling to jump through major-label hoops, and having to replace numerous band members, The Hollywood Kills pulled out an incredible set Friday night fueled by incredible energy, and shear talent; Talent that should be more than enough to get their career-ball rolling again in the New Year.  With a new album—set to be released in February—a fresh new look on their Myspace.com page, and a new attitude on life, THK have everything they need to find success in this crazy business of music.

Esse sábado tem Häagen-Dazs Mix Music, e nós vamos cobrir o festival que traz o dj set do VHS or Beta, Yuksek, Uffie & Feadz e Glimmers. Tudo isso com muito sorvete e bebida incluídos! O último lote já está no final, mas aqui tem um par de convites pra sorteio. Então, deixe seu nome completo com email nos comentários e amanhã a gente fala quem ficou com os dois convites pra ganhar uma ressaca de sorvete no domingo.

Häaaaaaaaaaageeennnnn!

A promoção já acabou, o resultado está aqui.

Marcelo Fubah

O Häagen-Dazs Mix Music já está com o line up confirmado. Uffie & Feadz encabeçam a lista dos gringos do festival, dupla expoente da gravadora francesa Ed Banger. Também pela primeira vez em solo verde-amarelo, o DJ set da banda de disco-punk VHS or Beta merece destaque. A dupla belga The Glimmers e o produtor francês Pierre-Alexandre Busson, sob o codinome de Yuksek, fecham a lista dos destaques vindos do exterior. Pelo lado brazuca, Database, Laico e Diogo Accioly completam o casting musical.

O festival deste ano terá o chef francês Emmanuel Bassoleil no comando do Remix Gastronômico. A proposta do espaço é se incorporar ao line-up da noite, com receitas exclusivas ao público. Até um VJ fará interações com o chef para transmitir o preparo dos pratos em telões espalhados pela Vila dos Ipês. Promessa de boa música e boa comida, sem deixar de lado, óbvio, um Häagen-Dazs como sobremesa.