One More Addition

I had listed my top new CDs of 2006 a week or so ago, but I've got a last-minute addition. I just got My Chemical Romance's The Black Parade for Christmas - It's a gothy, glammy rock spectacular, and I'm really digging it! You can take a listen to some of it on their MySpace site here.

Indy Set To Go

George Lucas says that filming for the long-delayed and much-anticipated fourth Indiana Jones movie is slated to begin in 2007 with Harrison Ford (Lucas and Steven Spielberg recently finalized the script). Of course, I'll believe all of this when I see it...

Weekend Pics

uhhh...do you have any other flavors?

a Harry & David still life

This Tastes....The Same!

Does that steak you're chewing taste vaguely similar to the one you had last night? Well, perhaps they're from cloned livestock!!!! But don't worry, the FDA says cloned livestock is safe to eat.

Top 10 Singles of 2006

And now, my Top 10 Singles of 2006, in no particular order…

1. Hot Girls in Good Moods – Butch Walker

Now I must admit, I was a bit disappointed with Butch Walker’s newest album, but the opening track is one kick-ass piece of revved-up glam rock. I love the fuzzed guitar riffs synched-up with the handclaps, and I gotta give some props for that fine outro.

2. Snakes on a Plane (Bring It) – Cobra Starship

Yeah, the hype for Snakes on a Plane packed more venom than the actual movie. But the movie theme song by members of various bands actually brought home the bacon. It’s irresistibly catchy rock with a beat, and you just can’t escape the bite of that chorus!

3. Brighten Up - No Second Troy

I was pretty damn impressed with this track off of DC-based No Second Troy’s upcoming album. It’s slick-sounding modern rock with great production work and urgent vocals - perfect for radio play. And I mean that in a good way.

4. Paper Candy – Mike Dunn & The Kings of New England

This retro-rocker, with its chiming electric guitars and disaffected raspy vocals, channels the classic rock sound. And the song builds to Heartbreaker-era Tom Petty eruptions of backing vocals over the choruses, which I’m a sucker for. It’s excellent.

5. Girl In The War – Josh Ritter

Yes, everyone else has talked about Josh Ritter, but this is a delicate gem of a song that deserves to be heard. He weaves lyrics of the tragic effects of war over top of beautiful melodies and intricate folk-tinged arrangements. Wonderful.

6. I Am A Leaver - The Damnwells

This song had me hooked from the get-go, with its opening drums and electric guitar lines, and then Alex Dezen’s impassioned vocals finished me off. This triumphant rocker is great for blasting on your car stereo.

7. So Sick – Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo’s “So Sick” is one smooth slice of R&B, with some tight beats, silky vocals and a sneaky hook you just can’t escape.

8. World At Your Feet (Oakenfold Mix) – Embrace

I believe this track got a bunch of play during this year’s World Cup. It’s got a club beat pounding underneath some extremely triumphant melodies and instrumentation that makes it sound like the whole world is singing together in unison. Awww…

9. Who Knew – Pink

We know Pink’s got plenty of attitude, but she flexes her considerable vocal muscle in “Who Knew,” tearing into the poignant lyrics (and large hooks) of “Who Knew,” with great results.

10. Anyway – Eliot Morris

It’s an especially well-done catchy little piece of lively, acoustic guitar-driven pop. And the warm tones of Eliot Morris’ vocals fit the song perfectly, nailing down the hooks with well-placed backing vocals.

The 2008 Audi TT

MSN.com has a preview (with pics) of the new 2008 Audi TT - pretty tight! Just something for you kids to put on your Christmas list for next year!

R.I.P. James Brown

The music world has lost a towering figure. The dynamo that was James Brown passed away this morning, due to complications resulting from pneumonia. He was 73 years old. Rest in peace.

Big Squid

Apparently, Japanese researchers have accomplished the rare feat of filming a live giant squid in its habitat. All I know is, I have a strange craving for calamari...

New Lavigne in April

Butch Walker has been working with Avril Lavigne on her new album (writing with and producing) for some time, and I've been wanting to hear some results. Looks like the first single, "Girlfriend," will be out in February, and the album, The Best Damn Thing, will be dropping in April. I guess producing Rockstar: Supernova (among other things) has been keeping Butch pretty busy... Anyway, Avril has a new track, "Keep Holding On," from the Eragon soundtrack up on her MySpace site here.

Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows

Yep, that's right - J.K. Rowling has released the title of the seventh book of the Harry Potter saga. Now all we have to do is keep waiting for it!

...For The Rest of Us

It's almost Festivus, people! That would be December 23rd, for those of you playing along. Anyway, it just wouldn't be Festivus without the Festivus Pole. So pick one up here, and let the Feats of Strength begin!

Saatchi

I was reading this article on CNN.com here about how the Saatchi Gallery website is hosting STUART, which is basically a MySpace for young artists to display their artwork and make contacts. It's pretty cool.

Kristoffer Ragnstam

If you could have breakfast at any possible locale, where would it be? Why, by the mattress, of course! Actually, that's just Kristoffer Ragnstam's opinion in one of his tracks, "Breakfast By the Mattress." I'm not sure if I really like his stuff alot, but I find it quite interesting-sounding, ranging from electronic sounds to soul. And I like the way his name is spelled.

MP3: Breakfast By The Mattress - Kristoffer Ragnstam
MP3: Beauty - Kristoffer Ragnstam

Top Albums

Well, it’s almost the end of the year, and everyone’s making out their “Top 25 Albums of 2006” lists. I’d like to make one, but I really haven’t accumulated a lot of newly-issued albums this year. Most albums I’ve purchased were released prior to 2006. But I did buy a few new ones this year, so I’ll just give my “Top 3 Albums of 2006,” which is especially good for those of you with short attention spans.

I’m Not Dead Yet
Pink

Pink started off the year with a bang, releasing a ballsy CD full of attitude, hooks and intensity. Lyrically, she keeps things interesting throughout a wide variety of songs. And she even collaborated with Butch Walker on a few tracks, which was very cool.

MP3: Leave Me Alone (I’m Lonely) - Pink

Keeper
Catfish Honeymoon

I had been waiting for this DC Metro alt-country band’s debut album for awhile, and CFHM didn’t disappoint me. It’s chock full of well-crafted songs, with expert instrumental arrangements and excellent vocal harmonies. And the songs are catchy to boot.

MP3: Never Get Out of This – Catfish Honeymoon

Air Stereo
The Damnwells

This band was my favorite find of the year. I love the triumphant rockers, I love Alex Dezen’s vocals, and I love cranking up the volume and singing along with the CD in my car. Yeah, Air Stereo is my album of the year.

MP3: I Am A Leaver – The Damnwells

It's Cold, So Put On Your Jacket

Dodge over at My Old Kentucky Blog has posted a full My Morning Jacket show from 12/1/2006 at The Electric Factory in Philadelphia here. I'm definitely liking "One Big Holiday," as a certain drummer recommended...

What To Give The Person Who Has Everything

This SNL skit with Justin Timberlake is freaking hilarious! This is the uncensored version, so keep in mind that it might not be totally fit for viewing at work.

The Worst Album Covers of 2006

Pitchfork has spoken. The Top 25 Worst Album Covers of 2006, according to Pitchfork. Frankly, anything with Rod Stewart on it would rate on my list. That sellout.

Live Liam, Live Noel

Like Oasis? If you do, Mainstream Isn't So Bad has got live tracks from a September, 1994 show of theirs at the Whiskey A GoGo posted here. They do have very large accents.

Democracy Comes to China, March 6th?

Now y'all know I can't resist a little Axl gossip. In a big long rambling announcement on the Guns N' Roses webpage, Axl has announced that Chinese Democracy is tentatively scheduled to drop on March 6th. So mark your calendars. Though I'd recommend it be done in pencil.

Let It Rainn!

Whitney over at Pop Candy has a cool interview here with Rainn Wilson, better known as "Dwight Schrute" on The Office. Definitely check it.

Wired's Top Digital SLR Cameras

Wired has listed their top digital SLR cameras ratings here. One day I'm gonna get me one of those bad boys. But for now, I don't feel like dropping the required dinero on one...

Deer With Seven Legs Is "Tasty"

Now if you happened to bag yourself a deer with a few extra legs, would eating it be the first thing that would come to mind? Apparently so, at least for this guy.

Lenny Dykstra - Stock Guru?

Back in the day, Lenny Dykstra was a tobacco-fueled center fielder who would run through walls to win a game. But these days he's known for his chain of Quick Lube Centers and his investment strategies, as covered in this interesting little article on CNN Money.com.

A Little Stone Action

Two things from our friends over at Rolling Stone. They've listed their "100 Best Songs of the Year," with Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" topping the list, of course. And they've got a contest going to be picked as Rolling Stone's Best Band on MySpace. Go here to find out more and get nominated.

Plain White T's

I picked up the CD All That You Needed by Plain White T's a few days ago at Tower Records (for 60% off!), and I'm really digging it. It's catchy melodic power pop/punk with some slick harmonies, along the lines of All-American Rejects. Hopefully they'll tour my way sometime soon...

MP3: All That We Needed - Plain White T's
MP3: Take Me Away - Plain White T's

Pontiac Solstice - Coupe

Pontiac Solstice Coupe concept

Pontiac Solstice Coupe concept

Weekend Pics

it's always nice to see a Mustang pull up next to you

sleepy puppy

Marah Gets Their Bruce On

In case you hadn't heard, Bruce Springsteen joined Marah on stage at their recent 12/2/06 Starland Ballroom show to rock out on "Reservation Girl." Here's a little clip.

The 89 Cliches of Rock

AOL, in its ultimate rock wisdom, has listed its 89 Most Redundant, Repetitive Cliches in Music. Go read it, and then see just how many you can do at once!

Scrubs & Nathanson

I was watching tonight's episode of Scrubs, and lo and behold, I heard Matt Nathanson's "I Saw" playing in the background. Nice!

MP3: I Saw - Matt Nathanson

A Case of the Fridays

Another week, another dollar, kids, so we kick things off with “Daydreamin’, ” a catchy hip-hop/soul concoction by Lupe Fiasco. The track seamlessly integrates samples and Jill Scott’s soulful vocals, while using to strings to build up tension and release around Lupe Fiasco’s smooth delivery. Take a listen.

MP3: Daydreamin’ – Lupe Fiasco f/ Jill Scott

And we close out this week with “Believer,” by the Florida-based indie-rock band Colourslide. I’m really digging the soaring vocals of singer Alex Lawhon and big-sounding drums on this anthemic track. If you like what you hear, they’ll be at IOTA this Saturday, December 9th.

MP3: Believer - Colourslide

Wiesmann GT Coupe

I just discovered the Wiesmann GT Coupe. It's pretty cool. Take a look.

Hip To 2006

Yeah, it's that "best of" time of the year again. Dodge over at My Old Kentucky Blog has a cool post of his Best Rap/Hip-Hop of 2006 here, complete with MP3s. And though it's not limited to hip-hop, Sneakmove has a "Faves of '06" post, complete with mp3s, right here.

If You Have To Work...

...I would suggest working for one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. Is your employer on the list?

For Trans Fats - Go To Jersey

Well, the NYC Board of Health has made it official - they've unanimously voted to ban NYC restaurants' use of trans fats by July 2008. Of course, there will be some exceptions to the legislation - like restaurants will be able to serve foods that come in the manufacturer's original packaging. So you'll still be able to pick up a pack of Oreos at a Manhattan deli come August 2008.

Talk To Fonzie!

How much would you pay to talk to Fonzie for ten minutes? Or Adam Duritz? Rob Lowe? Or Pam or Dwight from The Office? Well, you can bid to talk to various semi-celebs at this "celebrity conversation auction" here on Ebay.

New Jeter

My band, Jeter, has just posted a new live track, "Down & Distance," at our MySpace page here. Go give it a listen.

Some Web Candy

Whitney over at PopCandy has a couple of cool links today....They might have pissed you off back in 1985 or 1987, but The 50 Greatest Commercials of the 80s (with video) are somehow much more endearing in 2006. And apparently the votes for my blog to be included on The Best Blogs of 2006 That You (Maybe) Aren't Reading must have been "misplaced." Maybe next year.

Love It?

I haven't posted about the new Beatles mash-up album Love that was made possible courtesy of George Martin and son. But Feed Me Good Tunes has a cool little post about it, along with several of the tracks in this post here so y'all can take a look and listen for yourself. I'm not as enamored with these mash-ups as much as some people, since it's simply mixing Beatles with more Beatles. I generally prefer my mash-ups to be combinations of songs of different species. But then again, the fact these are Beatles songs does make it worth listening to.

A Pearl Jam Christmas

Heather over at I Am Fuel, You Are Friends has an early Christmas present for all you PJ fans with her posting of all Pearl Jam's Christmas Singles here. Go check it.

More Ryan Adams?

In case you haven't heard enough Ryan Adams, he's decided to give you more. But it's probably not the type of "more" you were expecting. He's streaming some of his new hardcore and rap stylings done under the pseudonyms Werewolph, The Shit, and DJ Reggie on his website here.

2007 Six Points Music Festival

MetroMusicScene.com's Six Points Music Festival is right around the corner again. The fourth annual festival will take place Thursday, April 12 through Saturday April 15, 2007, throughout the Washington DC metro area.

Media coverage that the festival has received in the past can be viewed here.

We've recently announced our submission process details. Artists (all genres and levels of experience welcome) can now submit online through our web site: http://www.sixpointsmusicfestival.com. Just click on the submission link, fill out the form and send the $10 submission fee (As a non-profit, we use the fees we receive to run & market the festival) through Pay Pal. Submissions are due by January 15th, 2007.

Emo-licious?

Want to hear some new Fall Out Boy? Go stream the new single "This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race" here. It's got some bounce, I must say. You like?

Before Grey's Anatomy...

And ER, and Scrubs…there was St. Elsewhere. And now the first season is out on DVD, just in time for the holidays. And no, this isn’t some snowglobe figment of your imagination, kids, it's for real. Back in the day, I loved staying up late to put a face (William Daniels as Dr. Mark Craig) to the voice of KITT from Knight Rider. But he was just one of an impressive array of actors that graced the halls of St. Eligius during their run from 1982-1988 - people like Denzel Washingington, Howie Mandel (with hair folicles), David Morse, Mark Harmon, Tim Robbins, Helen Hunt, to name a few. And then I'll take any chance to namecheck Ed Begley, Jr. I can get!

New Ghost, New Def

Check out a couple of tracks from the upcoming Ghostface Killah album over at Recidivism here. I'm really digging "Ghost Is Back." And Analog Giant has got "The Undeniable" from the upcoming Mos Def album here. I'm liking the Ghostface track better...