I'm off to Newcastle for the weekend tomorrow so I'm posting early - this is a (slightly rough) second ad that I've put together for the GetUp! Oz in 30 seconds competition.
(My first is up here)
It's a little crude in it's inferences perhaps but I kind of don't care.
Have a great weekend
5.7.07
Marking: 200 posts with Star Wars and Manamana
I have a big old workshop to run today (using audio and video in your teaching) so I might just mark the passing of this milestone by presenting a clip that sums up this blog in some ways (not all though).
It's a very nicely edited clip from YouTube that takes the stars of Star Wars and overlays the classic Muppets song Manamana on top. It's a little geeky, works with interesting juxtapositions to create new meaning, stimulates the senses and is hopefully something you will enjoy (I know I like it)
It's a very nicely edited clip from YouTube that takes the stars of Star Wars and overlays the classic Muppets song Manamana on top. It's a little geeky, works with interesting juxtapositions to create new meaning, stimulates the senses and is hopefully something you will enjoy (I know I like it)
4.7.07
Listening: Airbourne - Runnin' Wild
The much hyped and worth every over-the-top word Airbourne debut album was released on the weekend here in Oz and excuse me while I bang my head a little and smile a dumb rock fevered grin.
(Click on image for full size version - I particularly like the use of Pentridge Prison, Melbourne's old main prison, also known as Bluestone College)
If Wolfmother can build a sound on raiding the best of Sabbath and Led Zep, it's only fair that Airbourne dip deep into the AC/DC well for theirs.
Now maybe it's my bogan roots showing once more (I stand by my respect for Cold Chisel, by the way) but in spite of the fact that I've never really given old Acca Dacca much time, there is something so ROCK about this album that you can't help but love it.
It's loud, it's straight forward and it loves being on stage being a rock star.
I'll post a track by track look at the new album Runnin' Wild soon but for now, here's a sample - I'd really advise turning the sound up.
(Enjoy them now before they get swallowed up by mega-corporate media and played so often that you can't stand the sound of it - I note that this is already underway with the inclusion of this song on the soundtrack to the biggest NFL (American Football) video game - Madden NFL 08. )
(Click on image for full size version - I particularly like the use of Pentridge Prison, Melbourne's old main prison, also known as Bluestone College)
If Wolfmother can build a sound on raiding the best of Sabbath and Led Zep, it's only fair that Airbourne dip deep into the AC/DC well for theirs.
Now maybe it's my bogan roots showing once more (I stand by my respect for Cold Chisel, by the way) but in spite of the fact that I've never really given old Acca Dacca much time, there is something so ROCK about this album that you can't help but love it.
It's loud, it's straight forward and it loves being on stage being a rock star.
I'll post a track by track look at the new album Runnin' Wild soon but for now, here's a sample - I'd really advise turning the sound up.
(Enjoy them now before they get swallowed up by mega-corporate media and played so often that you can't stand the sound of it - I note that this is already underway with the inclusion of this song on the soundtrack to the biggest NFL (American Football) video game - Madden NFL 08. )
3.7.07
Listening: The Mix Up - Beastie Boys
The packaging proclaims this as "their first-ever full album of all-new instrumental material" - just in case you might be freaked out by the surprise of an instrumental album I guess.
It's almost impossible not to hear this as the soundtrack to some very cool film - it drips with atmosphere and the further in you get, the more it seems like the coolest 70's exploitation/blaxploitation film you never saw.
So it's in these terms that I'm going to talk about the tracks on this album.
Overall, it's fantastic - I really like instrumental music when I'm working - the language centers of my brain don't get confused but I still get caught up in the music on more of a subconscious level.
(If you're interested in a slightly more musical take on this album track-by-track, check out this blog - we noted a few of the same things at points)
B For My Name 3:32
Opening with some slinky keyboard driven 70s swagger, this feels like you are the hero strutting down a street in your neighbourhood in the opening scene of a blaxploitation film.
14th St. Break 3:34
This track features a more contemporary clattering drum breakbeat, a buzzy almost-but-not-quite distorted electro riff, plenty of grooves and a sense of movement with an impatience to get there.
Suco De Tangerina 3:17
With a satisfyingly rumbly bassline, reggae beats and a very catchy synth melody, this track puts you somewhere in the tropics but still feeling a little like the hero of some cheesy 70s movie out of their element.
The Gala Event 3:47
Slowing the pace down and adding a certain amount of suspense, this feels like the docks in the early hours of the morning, waiting for someone shady to turn up. Parts of the keyboard remind me momentarily of The Necks' soundtrack to "The Boys", another dark, gritty piece of celluloid.
Electric Worm 3:15
With a healthy bed of wakka wakka guitar and a warm confident bassline, this feels like you're out on the case, doing the legwork, talking to snitches and making some progress.
Freaky Hijiki 3:06
This is a lights down low, slinky track that is close to but not quite the sex scene - there's an extended drum break solo near the end that just wouldn't quite fit (or maybe I'm just a dull dull man :)
Off The Grid 4:36
This could be the end credits - it has an everything's ok now feel to it - it could also be a bit of a drug-den party vibe where the hero is tripping out a little and then goes off into a full dream sequence kind of thing - I like the stretched out spacy quality to this one as well as the dominant guitar in the latter parts.
The Rat Cage 3:37
I get the feel of a sparky but slightly dingy nightclub from this one - you enter from a dirty city alleyway, walking down some stairs. It's another smooth track with the drum beats and dirty distorted but pure guitar putting it into this decade.
The Melee 3:10
Our hero is walking down the street, intensely focussed on the matter at hand. Things have been happening in the story and it's all getting pretty lively - this could well be on the way to the final showdown.
On the other hand, this could well be the closing credits, leaving you to walk out of the movie on an energised high.
Dramastically Different 3:57
With a little bit of a sitar sounding buzz, this is probably the scene where our hero goes to talk to the free-lovin' hippies for some help - there could well be some kind of wanky montage here.
The Cousin Of Death 3:06
Music for a visit to a loud sleazy stripclub, playing in the background while our hero talks to someone (or possibly roughs someone up - most likely in self defence)
The Kangaroo Rat 3:28
This is perhaps the wild card part of the movie - maybe a chase scene, maybe the part that you thought, wow, I wouldn't have thought of putting that in a film. It has energy and drive but isn't crazy fast or anything - I guess this could conceivably be the end credits (the sound that is playing as you walk out rather than the credits that you sit through to the end.)
2.7.07
Preparing: Monday Sunset 2/7/7
Crazy (Theremin version) Randy George The Ether and Aether Experiment website 2:56
I blogged this last week and liked it so much I have to play it today - there's something about the theremin that just seems so futuristic, even though it's been kicking around for more than 50 years. The whole idea of playing an instrument without touching it, just interacting with electro-magnetic thingamies - it's ace. :)
Race Various Artists Stone 4:16
Stone was a classic Oz bikie exploitation film from the mid 70s - this is one tune from the psychedelia soaked rock soundtrack.
Flame Trees Sarah Blasko Standing On The Outside (The Songs Of Cold Chisel) 5:21
Beautiful cover that gets better with each listening.
High Times Elliott Smith New Moon 3:11
Oh Elliot, why did you leave us so soon? - this is a slightly darker track for Elliot Smith but like all the others, it's fracking brilliant.
This Room Fat Freddys Drop Based on a True Story 5:00
Smooth kiwi dub/reggae from an amazing band live.
I'm Slowly Turning Into You The White Stripes Icky Thump 4:28
From the new album, this features a Jaggerish tint to vocals, slinky rock, layered voices and is a great tune.
Help Save The Youth Of America Billy Bragg Must I Paint You a Picture? The Essential Billy Bragg [Disc 1] 2:48
A little old school Bill - at his barking best.
Everybody Knows Rufus Wainwright Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man 4:30
Great cover from a slightly disappointing album of Cohen covers by people you would think would do better.
Machines Work B(if)tek 2020 3:58
Warm beeps and bloops from a couple of one time Canberrans.
In Front of Me Tzu Smiling At Strangers 3:37
Infectiously lively and upbeat rock hiphop from Melbourne's TZU
Quick Way To Hell The Fuelers Hot Dang 3:42
Very smooth local rockin' country.
No one will Cody Chestnut The Headphone Masterpiece 2:59
Even smoother 70s style soul
Dry The Rain The Beta Band 3 E.P.'s 6:06
The song John Cusack played in High Fidelity with the promise that it would make five people would buy the album - and it is that good
Made of stone The Stone Roses The Very Best Of 4:16
Great early 90s Brit-rock from the Stoneys.
The Room Got Heavy Yo La Tengo I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass 5:10
Amazing album - out there song.
Koolism Is Koolism Diverse EP 3:50
Another one time local outfit, great happy hiphop.
Wonder Riff Baterz Out of Hell 3:03
Smart, funny and perhaps a little odd (but in a good way) song writing from a much missed artist around town.
Hello Pussycat The Titanics Love Is The Devil 1:53
Good fun rock track with a completely unsubtle message
Asthma attack The Fiery Furnaces Gallowsbird's Bark 2:08
Odd bassy and fun rockabilly styled tune
Chinito Chinito Ry Cooder Chavez Ravine 4:52
This is a bit of a fave with the PC and I completely understand
I Don't Want To Play Football Belle & Sebastian Storytelling 0:57
Beautiful and low key ending, taken from a movie that you might have missed.
I blogged this last week and liked it so much I have to play it today - there's something about the theremin that just seems so futuristic, even though it's been kicking around for more than 50 years. The whole idea of playing an instrument without touching it, just interacting with electro-magnetic thingamies - it's ace. :)
Race Various Artists Stone 4:16
Stone was a classic Oz bikie exploitation film from the mid 70s - this is one tune from the psychedelia soaked rock soundtrack.
Flame Trees Sarah Blasko Standing On The Outside (The Songs Of Cold Chisel) 5:21
Beautiful cover that gets better with each listening.
High Times Elliott Smith New Moon 3:11
Oh Elliot, why did you leave us so soon? - this is a slightly darker track for Elliot Smith but like all the others, it's fracking brilliant.
This Room Fat Freddys Drop Based on a True Story 5:00
Smooth kiwi dub/reggae from an amazing band live.
I'm Slowly Turning Into You The White Stripes Icky Thump 4:28
From the new album, this features a Jaggerish tint to vocals, slinky rock, layered voices and is a great tune.
Help Save The Youth Of America Billy Bragg Must I Paint You a Picture? The Essential Billy Bragg [Disc 1] 2:48
A little old school Bill - at his barking best.
Everybody Knows Rufus Wainwright Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man 4:30
Great cover from a slightly disappointing album of Cohen covers by people you would think would do better.
Machines Work B(if)tek 2020 3:58
Warm beeps and bloops from a couple of one time Canberrans.
In Front of Me Tzu Smiling At Strangers 3:37
Infectiously lively and upbeat rock hiphop from Melbourne's TZU
Quick Way To Hell The Fuelers Hot Dang 3:42
Very smooth local rockin' country.
No one will Cody Chestnut The Headphone Masterpiece 2:59
Even smoother 70s style soul
Dry The Rain The Beta Band 3 E.P.'s 6:06
The song John Cusack played in High Fidelity with the promise that it would make five people would buy the album - and it is that good
Made of stone The Stone Roses The Very Best Of 4:16
Great early 90s Brit-rock from the Stoneys.
The Room Got Heavy Yo La Tengo I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass 5:10
Amazing album - out there song.
Koolism Is Koolism Diverse EP 3:50
Another one time local outfit, great happy hiphop.
Wonder Riff Baterz Out of Hell 3:03
Smart, funny and perhaps a little odd (but in a good way) song writing from a much missed artist around town.
Hello Pussycat The Titanics Love Is The Devil 1:53
Good fun rock track with a completely unsubtle message
Asthma attack The Fiery Furnaces Gallowsbird's Bark 2:08
Odd bassy and fun rockabilly styled tune
Chinito Chinito Ry Cooder Chavez Ravine 4:52
This is a bit of a fave with the PC and I completely understand
I Don't Want To Play Football Belle & Sebastian Storytelling 0:57
Beautiful and low key ending, taken from a movie that you might have missed.
Making: Good or Just Lucky?: an ad.
Tah daaah - after a few teasers late last week, I'm pleased to present Good or Just Lucky?, my contribution to the GetUp! Oz in 30 seconds competition.
If you haven't come across GetUp! before, they are (in their own words):
They have a membership of over 180,000 and have already run a number of successful campaigns on issues ranging from funding for the ABC, migration, RU486, the environment and more.
The governing Liberals hate them and consider them a Labor party front but the organisation board includes people from a wide section of the community with concerns about a number of issues that the government has bollocksed up in one way or another.
The competition - modelled on an American one last year called Bush in 30 seconds - calls on people to create their own political ad to be aired in the run up to upcoming federal election here.
It's not about endorsing one party in particular (but the bulk of them do seem to be about highlighting the myriad problems with the current government)
This is my third significant project in Flash and I will admit that it's still on the rough side (calling any FLS Flash gurus - the deadline for this has been extended to the 7th of July and help in making this more funky would be gratefully received) but it does the job.
I took the perhaps unusual approach of looking at something that is generally regarded as a strength for the government - the economy - and dared to ask the question: Is everything as good as it should be or is it a house of cards?
The Australian economy has been in a period of growth since 1993 (3 years before the Howard government), driven largely by a massive demand for resources by China.
Keeping things ticking over is a pretty easy job when the money is rushing in but there are a lot of areas where this country could be doing a lot better and if/when the money dries up (e.g. China gets a better offer).
A combination of massive household debt, poor infrastructure (roads, ports and particularly broadband internet), a lack of innovation, research and development in industry and an ideological neglect of education mean that this country is completely unprepared to stand on its own two feet in the knowledge economy of the 21st century.
Add this to some particularly repressive industrial relations laws which could see workers seriously exploited in an economic downturn and you have a country with a number of problems just beneath the surface.
Getting this all across in a 30 second ad of course is a tough task so I chose to just raise the question and hope that this is enough to spark debate in an area that is considered almost off limits in public debate in this country.
I toyed with the idea of having ships taking resources to China on the map but felt it made the image a little busy. I'm still thinking vaguely about replacing the ch-ching sounds with video game bleeps but have other projects to press on with for now.
I hope you like it.
If you haven't come across GetUp! before, they are (in their own words):
... a new independent political movement to build a progressive Australia. GetUp brings together like-minded people who want to bring participation back into our democracy.
GetUp.org.au members use the latest online tools to act on important issues facing the country.
They have a membership of over 180,000 and have already run a number of successful campaigns on issues ranging from funding for the ABC, migration, RU486, the environment and more.
The governing Liberals hate them and consider them a Labor party front but the organisation board includes people from a wide section of the community with concerns about a number of issues that the government has bollocksed up in one way or another.
The competition - modelled on an American one last year called Bush in 30 seconds - calls on people to create their own political ad to be aired in the run up to upcoming federal election here.
It's not about endorsing one party in particular (but the bulk of them do seem to be about highlighting the myriad problems with the current government)
This is my third significant project in Flash and I will admit that it's still on the rough side (calling any FLS Flash gurus - the deadline for this has been extended to the 7th of July and help in making this more funky would be gratefully received) but it does the job.
I took the perhaps unusual approach of looking at something that is generally regarded as a strength for the government - the economy - and dared to ask the question: Is everything as good as it should be or is it a house of cards?
The Australian economy has been in a period of growth since 1993 (3 years before the Howard government), driven largely by a massive demand for resources by China.
Keeping things ticking over is a pretty easy job when the money is rushing in but there are a lot of areas where this country could be doing a lot better and if/when the money dries up (e.g. China gets a better offer).
A combination of massive household debt, poor infrastructure (roads, ports and particularly broadband internet), a lack of innovation, research and development in industry and an ideological neglect of education mean that this country is completely unprepared to stand on its own two feet in the knowledge economy of the 21st century.
Add this to some particularly repressive industrial relations laws which could see workers seriously exploited in an economic downturn and you have a country with a number of problems just beneath the surface.
Getting this all across in a 30 second ad of course is a tough task so I chose to just raise the question and hope that this is enough to spark debate in an area that is considered almost off limits in public debate in this country.
I toyed with the idea of having ships taking resources to China on the map but felt it made the image a little busy. I'm still thinking vaguely about replacing the ch-ching sounds with video game bleeps but have other projects to press on with for now.
I hope you like it.
1.7.07
Updating: No Shampoo challenge - Day 23
I'm heading into Week 4 of the no-shampoo challenge (original story)- no significant news to report. Hair is still sitting a little flat which doesn't worry me and still doesn't seem greasy or smelly.
I think the PC is finding it a little tougher having washed her hair more frequently in the past than I but I know she has the strength to get through.
I think the PC is finding it a little tougher having washed her hair more frequently in the past than I but I know she has the strength to get through.
LOLing: Swearing Johnny Howard
This is something I stumbled across on YouTube just now and while it's simple and crude, it's still pretty funny.
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