Game Over

It's 6:05 am Tuesday morning, Chad, Stack, and Slope are back where it started having concluded a weekend which can only be described as throrougly enjoyable, with the exception of the last hour and a half. Details and photos of the entire ordeal should begin trickling in shortly...time for sleep.

The New Transparency

So one day a 'pirate' radio station shows up all of a sudden, cutting in to the broadcasts of other stations in Akron, Ohio. They begin trashing other stations for the era of standardized content, charging others with making the format boring and unoriginal. This was all good and whatnot, until it was revealed that Radio Free Ohio is owned by Clear Channel. Oh old media, when will you ever learn?

Don't Call It A Comeback

Liverpool 3, AC Milan 3 (Liverpool win 3-2 on penalty kicks)



Well played, maybe if you had that much heart all year you wouldn't have to bend the rules to play Champions League football next year.

David verses Goliath - May 25 - Everybody keeps on talking about it, nobody's getting it done

I've been gone for a weekend now I'm back with the jumpoff. Today's showing was good not great, having only come back yesterday my listening time was cut severly so I played a lot of in-studio stuff. Still worth a listen of course.

Download D verses G
pt. 1 (starts 16:15 in)
pt. 2
pt. 3

Tracklisting (favorites in bold)

LCD Soundsystem - Yeah (Crass version)
The Russian Futurists - Two Dots on a Map
My Favorite - Working Class Jacket
Bloc Party - Helicopter
The National - Mr. November
Art Brut - Emily Kane
Via Satellite - Passing
The Cribs - You Were Always the One
The Books - None but Shining Hours
Final Fantasy - The Chronicles of Sarnia
Paul Anka - Wonderwall
Great Lake Swimmers - To Leave it Behind
Birds of America - The Eyes of Our Youth are Evil
We Are Wolves - Namai Taila Cambodge
Datarock - Dance With My Daddy
Spoon - I Turn My Camera On
Other Passengers - In the Belly
Hexes & Ohs - Snow and Jazz Music
The Adam Brown - Give Me Back My Heart
World Leader Pretend - A Horse of a Different
Basement Jaxx - Romeo
Caribou - Bees
Brent Palmer - Asleep in the Back
Supersystem - Click-Click
Madison Strays - Last Train

Frank Gorshin (1934-2005)

While the Joker got all the notoriety, the Riddler was just as good if not a better character, and really quite the formidable foe. He may or may not have been the inspiration for the creation of the word 'diabolical'.

Some classic lines:

• Riddler to Dynamic Duo: "For two people about to become human candles, you have a lot of questions."
  Batman: "I'm always interested in the way the criminal mind works."

• Batman: "A life of crime has worn the Riddler's moral fibre to a frayed strand."
  

• Batman: "The Riddler contrives his plots like artichokes. You have to strip off spiny leaves to reach the heart."
• Batman: "The mind of a criminal like Riddler's is a sponge which soaks up many strange facts."
• Batman (reading one of Riddler's riddles): What has yellow skin and writes?
  Robin: A ballpoint banana.
  Batman: Of course.
• Batman (reading another riddle): What weighs 6 oz., sits in a tree and is very dangerous? Robin:A sparrow with a machine gun!

He may be gone, but nobody will ever forget the importance of Uncle Morrie Newton in Beethoven's 3rd.

Frank Gorshin, (1934-2005). read the story here.

David verses Goliath- Season 01, Episode 05 "You're looking really ace"

Good show, starting to get into the groove. Only minor discussion about weather, although the star wars talk was mildly nauseating. The word 'stuff' needs to be eliminated from my vocabulary. Whatevs.

I'm looking at ways of hosting the show somewhere as one file, it would be around ~100 mb, if anyone has any suggestions they can hook me up with, give me a shout at david armitage (at) gmail dot com.

Download the show
Pt. 1 (starts with the Daft Punk ID 14:40 mark)
Pt. 2
Pt. 3

Tracklisting (my favorites in bold)
Graham Coxon - Freakin' Out
The Coral - In the Morning
The Futureheads - Meantime
Hard Fi - Tied Up Too Tight
Paul Anka - Blackhole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
Sekoya - Rebel
Jamiroquai - Feels Just Like It Should
Kasabina vs. Fake ID - Reason Is Treason (remix)
British Sea Power - Be Gone
The Sights - Be Like Normal
The Unicorns - Jellybones
The Information - A Simple Plan
Sun Ra - Soft Talk
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Summertime
Roots Manuva - Awfully Deep
Supersystem - Born Into The World
The Russian Futurists - Paul Simon
The Kills - The Good Ones (Jagz Kooner remix)
We Are Wolves - We Are Winners
Great Lakes Swimmers - When It Flows
World Leader Pretend - Lovey Dovey
Experimental Aircraft - Walk Away
Low Frequency in Stereo - Man Don't Walk
No Luck Club - (What Is) Pop Music
Architecture in Helsinki - Tiny Paintings
Paul Anka - Blackhole Sun (Soundgarden cover) <--I saved the fuckup for the end, was supposed to play his cover of Oasis' Wonderwall, ah well.

Former king of hiphop Russell Simmons invents the numerical equivalent to ebonics

Idiot savant Russell Simmons, of Def Jam and Phat Farm fame apparently believes the only way to produce a successful clothing line is to predicate future profitability by lying in the present. Because it would be too hard to sell his clothes on their quality and worth alone (it took roughly ten years for Phat Farm to actually get off the ground) Russell started doing a little creative accounting in the hopes it would boost sales considerably.

From today's NYT piece written by Jeff Leeds:

Under questioning from a plaintiff's lawyer as part of a lawsuit involving a longtime business partner, Mr. Simmons told of what he described as "the amount of hype that goes on when I discuss the value of Phat Farm," according to the transcript.

"It is how you develop an image for companies. So in other words, you give out false statements to mislead the public so they will then increase in their mind the value of your company," Mr. Simmons said.

The strategy seemed to work. In February 2003, for instance, Mr. Simmons appeared on CNBC saying that Phat Fashions was "doing $350 million" in sales. In fact, Phat Fashions' revenue for 2002 totaled $14.3 million, according to court papers and the company.

While revered and admired for his leadership role in promoting hiphop culture, Russell should be scrutinized more for the shady business side of his agenda. It's situations like this where it becomes pretty obvious he shouldn't be the one stumping for its legitimate acceptance as a part of the mainstream culture. We're already well aware of the allusions and metaphors associated with the hiphop lifestyle, and many of the damaging impressions readily available for critics to use to further bash it over the head with, so it's especially important that the leaders of their movement don't play into the hands of these stereotypes. Like it wasn't bad enough being married to Kimora Lee Gifford already.

And they said I'd never amount to anything

Come for the low admission requirements, stay for the Heavens Gate-like PhD robe that one day may be bestowed upon you. Imagine finishing 6-10 years of school, having been confirmed into the highest level of academia and this is the last thing that binds you to your formal education. This wouldn't even look good if Rita McNeil was a Super Eagles fan.

Notice

Listening to Juliette & The Licks doesn't make you ironic. It makes you retarded and possibly certifiable. Carry on.

Lame lame lame

As if it wasn't bad enough being married to the manager of an Urban Outfitters (how rock and roll), douchebag at-large Brandon Flowers' new video for All These Things I've Done is some lame sendup of a Russ Meyer movie. This guy can't go away soon enough.

Movie Reviews

In Good Company (Universal)

The story here is pretty straightforward, so I was expecting to see a lot of over-acting. Thankfully Topher Grace, Scarlett Johansson, and Dennis Quaid all play their roles within the limitations of the characters. While I was a bit disappointed with the ending, it was only because Paul Weitz (About A Boy, American Pie) developed the story so well that you become emotionally invested in the characters. B+

Meet The Fockers (Universal)

Hoffman and Streisand really make this movie enjoyable. There is a bit of congestion from the number of subplots and backstory, but overall it's a fun movie. If you're looking for character progression there isn't much though the interplay more than compensates for this. There's talk of a third movie in the pipeline, hopefully they don't distort the success they've had with the first two by running out a thin story. B

Soccer Notes

• King dickhead Malcolm Glazer finally gains majority control of Manchester United. Here's hoping he has a heart attack in the near future.
• United fans subsequently begin the process of waging war against Glazer. Those empty stadiums will be fun to watch.
• Recent United signing John Obi Mikel goes AWOL, apparently the result of Chelsea trying to sign him having originally shown interest but losing out.
• Freddy Adu included in the US lineup for an under-20 friendly against Canada next Wednesday. Should be a good test for both teams in preparation for the FIFA World Youth Championships coming up next month in the Netherlands.

David verses Goliath - May 11, 2005

Another week, another show. Not show if there's any visible improvement but it feels like it's coming together. This one was put together a little rushed but listen for yourself (the show starts at 14:20, but before that you can hear some of the new Thunderbirds Are Now! album, which I recommend highly.)

David versus Goliath pt.1 (begins at 14:2o)
David versus Goliath pt.2
David versus Goliath pt.3

Tracklisting
Jesse Hill – Mardi Gras
Hexes & Ohs – Alive Until Saturday Night
The Unicorns – Let’s Get Known
Beef Terminal – How We Ended Up Under The Wheels
The Robot Ate Me – Apricot Tea
Gentleman Reg – It’s Not Safe
The Social Register – Caroline
P:ano – Lonely Lights of Home
Bloc Party – So Here We Are
Kings of Leon – The Bucket
Saturday Looks Good To Me – Diary
Statues – Signals
Statues – The Shipping News
!!! – Me and Giuliani Down By The Schoolyard
TimG – Bloc of Nails
Pela – Episodes
Edie Sedgwick – Martin Sheen
Diplo – Maps (Yeah Yeah Yeahs cover)
The Wedding Present – Interstate 5 (Extended Version)
Wolf Parade – Killing Armies
Tom Vek – I Ain’t Saying My Goodbyes
Architecture in Helsinki – It’s 5!
Death From Above 1979 – Black History Month
R.U.O.K. – Arms Length
LCD Soundsystem – Movement
Brazilian Girls – Dance Til The Morning Sun
Bad Flirt – This Song is Romance

What's going on in your life at 3:20 in the morning?

I knew when to hold them. That 2% chance on the river was well worth it. If only it was for real money.

Miscellaneous

• David verses Goliath now has a permanent timeslot, Wednesdays, 6-8 am on CJAM 91.5 FM Windsor/Detroit. You can listen live over the 'Net too. And if there's anything you want played let me know, I'll take it into consideration.
• Fuse-In Detroit has their lineup posted, by all accounts it looks like it will be a good weekend. Especially looking forward to seeing Slum Village, Mistress Barbara, Marco Corolla, Stacy Pullen, Beyer, Saunderson, Hawtin, Kenny Larkin, Rich Medina, and of course Mos Def to close it out.
• The Tofu Hut has a great list of MP3 blogs that will provide you with enough great music that you'll never have to buy another CD or paid download ever again (should you choose to.)
• Last but not least, a group you'll hear tomorrow on my show who I like quite a bit, Statues. From Sudbury, Ontario, a pop/punk trio whose 2004 debut was re-released this past February.
• Statues - The Shipping News
• Statues - Signals
• Statues - Division

Sunday Night Reading

You kids are all lazy, but try learning something outside the confines of school and television. Here are some articles that one might consider to be of educational value, but also quite entertaining (no, not edutainment, jackass.)

A.O. Scott on the disconnect between superheroes and movie stars, and the lack of crossover amongst the two. (reg. req.'d)

Also at the NYT, Jesse Green on the supersizing of high school plays. Clarkson had nothing remotely close to this amount of funding, if any at all.

Nick Tattersall (great name) on the Senegalese music scene, and the struggle for artists' music there to be received more widely. This surprised me a bit given the fact that Senegalese music is one of the few countries in Africa which I've heard a bit about, especially considering their ties with France and the rest of Europe's music scene as well.

The digital broadcast flag is gone for now, but lawyers no doubt will be deployed to ramp up more talk on a need for it no doubt.

Apple to stop making iPods? We can only pray...

Charter Schools USA threaten to sue parents for complaining about the schools on message boards. So much for the 1st amendment. (via /. )

The State of Windsor, pt. 3

An old one but I haven't seen this car in a while. Yes, the bumper is made of wood. Yes, that is a decorative chrome skull encrusted license plate holder. Yes, this car looks to be covered with some carbon fibre ripoff paint job. Yes, there are masterlocks attached to hood of the car. Yes, a man over the age of 50 drove this car. Yes, he lives across the street from me. GET ME OUT OF HERE, PLEASE.

The State of Windsor, pt. 2

Second thoughts about tanning on the roof of the house. Climbs back in the window.

The State of Windsor, pt. 1

Nice weather today, I think I'll go for a dip. And this is after the pool had been cleaned.

They walk amongst us

Topeka, Kansas- Darwinian Evolution remains on trial still as proponents of intelligent design continue to push for the concept of Creationism to be taught as an alternative in science classes. BRILLIANT.

ROSEVILLE, Mich. - A woman identified by authorities as Denise Coke was arrested after a drug-sniffing dog discovered 33 pounds of cocaine in her vehicle. IRONY.

Brampton, Ontario - Only in Brampton. Talk about marketing savvy! BRAMPTON.

NEWTON, N.J. - A man has made the case of runaway Georgia bride Jennifer Wilbanks the toast of eBay. Perry Lonzello, 48, says he carved a rudimentary drawing of Wilbanks on a piece of toasted Wonder Bread and posted it on eBay on a whim. SHMUCK.

Random, TX - I didn't bother reading the whole thing, you tell me what this one's about. I'll assume there's some sort of story. DEVELOPING.

The British Are Coming Part 322395

So by now most of everyone knows how well the likes of Kasabian, Kaiser Chiefs, Futureheads, Maximo Park, Roots Manuva, etc. are doing in North America, so who is next you might wonder to cross the Atlantic and permeate the fairly boring cultural landscape we've found ourselves living in here. Nothing is ever written in stone, but hear are some names I'd put good money on developing a fairly substantial audience within one or two trips around Canada and the U.S.

Tom Vek

Hard Fi

Kano

The Duke Spirit

Blood Arm

Dead 60's- Currently opening for Garbage on their North American tour.

Dogs

The Subways

If I'm a little motivated tomorrow I'll update why I think they'll be big. Right now the bed is calling my name.

"I don't even know you, you mad bastard"

Enduring Love (Paramount Classics) - A thriller that really captures the psychological mindset, and how it can be distorted greatly amongst characters afflicted by the same tragedy. Excellent story, acting, and cinematography. A

Sin City (Dimension Films) - I think everything that's been said about the marvels, both technically, aesthetically, and storywise are pretty much bang on, and I won't say anything to the contrary. Having never read the graphic novels it didn't really click in until watching it a second time to understand how the stories relate to each other, but Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez do really give a lasting impression of the atmosphere surrounding where these characters are established. Part of me hopes they don't make any sequels around this franchise to preserve the integrity of the original, but another part hopes the same players return to further sate my appetite in learning more about the inner workings of Basin City. A

Assault on Precinct 13 (Focus) - Granted this is a remake, and while I did watch the movie under the heavy influence of alcohol, overall it was not enough to warrant me not passing out for. The camera work and setting seem to tell one story, and yet it looks like the cast and their wardrobes were bussed in from the set of another movie shooting nearby. The story seems greatly exaggerated, and while I can't say how faithful or divergent it is from the original, I'm fairly confident the acting was better. Lawrence Fishburne reprises his obscure philosopher motif from the Matrix movies, while Ethan Hawke squeezes out what's left of the confident yet insecure rookie cop role from Training Day. Not to mention the limited acting range displayed by Ja Rule and Drea de Matteo (I'm starting to wonder how she won an award for her work on the Sopranos, everything else she's done has been shite). D-

David Verses Goliath - show #3

Show 3 went fairly well, getting more organized but man it takes me a long time to put it together and somehow I still say 'um' 40 times a minute. I need new headphones too.

Here's the playlist, the show can be downloaded here (pt. 1, my show starts at the 9:45 mark) here (pt. 2) and here (pt.3).

Tracklistings

Ghostland Observatory - Candy Rider
Autolux - Blanket
Saint Etienne - Lose that Girl
New Pornographers - Twin Cinema
The Organ - Sinking Hearts
This Moment in Black History - Last Unicorn
I Can Put My Arm Back On You Can't - Queen Elizabeth's Way
Wolf Parade - It's a Curse
Les Georges Leningrad - Sponsorships
We Are Scientists - Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt
Panic Betty Burgundy - Call Me
BC Camplight - Blood And Peanut Butter
Arcade Fire - Headlights Look Like Diamonds
Akron Family - Running, Returning
A.C. Newman - Miracle Drug
Crystal Skulls - Airport Motels
Gentleman Reg - Bundles
Pony Up! - Marlon Brando's Laundromat
Final Fantasy - The CN Tower Belongs to the Dead
Andrew Bird - A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left
Hexes & Ohs - This and Other Distances
Jose Gonzalez - Heartbeats
Nine Black Alps - Attraction
Breezewax - The Brighton Concorde
Nine Inch Nails - Right Where It Belongs
Matt Mays & El Torpedo - Cocaine Cowgirl
Editors - Lights
M83 - Teen Angst
Mawglee - Culture No. 50

Admittedly the last 20 minutes or so was a bit of a struggle, usually happens when I run out of material that I bring in myself, but overall, I think I'm slowly improving. Now you be the judge!

May 2005 Playlist

Click to enlarge and open your eyes to a new arena of musical goodies. If you want any of the songs listed, just ask.

Blog of the Week

I've been slacking a bit on the posts lately, so here's a quick hitter.

My favorite site you need to check out is Pop77. Chris is a DJ based in Winnipeg who apparently can mix anything flawlessly, going from Sufjan Stevens to Roots Manuva to The Decemberists without missing a beat. I've only heard his last two mixes but you can tell a lot of effort goes into them, and they have a great replay value to. Someone in his comments made the suggestion they're perfect for roadtrips, I couldn't concur any more, even with the lack of a vehicle at present.