Scorpions BMG

These guys have 20 albums (1 live). 20 albums and they’re still recording today. That’s unbelievable. You probably know them best as the German metal band that brought you the killer track Rock You Like a Hurricane off of the 1984 album Love at First Sting. That was their 10th album at the time and the one that soldified them as part of the 1980s metal brethren. I consider that album to be one of the most underrated albums of all time, especially when compared with all of the classic metal and hard rock album of the 80s. That album is so awesome – I remember rocking out to it with my Aunt Sandy in her Honda CRX back in like 1986/1987 and thinking Big City Nights was probably the greatest song ever made. I liked them as much as I liked Duran Duran – and I really liked Duran Duran. They have all of the tools any sweet 80s metal band should have: an unreal lead guitarist, a lead singer with an insane vocal range, long permed hair, spandex and a hardcore-sounding band name. Get some of that. They also perfected the final phase of any true great hair band from the 80s: the ability to crank out a killer power ballad. Which I have provided for you. You’re welcome…

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First off, let me dispel any rumors that you may have seen on this website. I was not “stealing” internet from my neighbors as one John Short would have you believe. Unlike John, I learned at a very young age that sharing is caring…maybe it’s because I am part Native American that I take sharing so seriously (Anyone remember Thanksgiving??), whatever the reason, it’s been an important aspect of my life. Anyway, I was sharing the internet (can one really own the internet?) with some neighbors for the last year or so until last week when one of the white devils decided that he no longer wanted to share. So, not only did I have to delay the podcast with John until this week, I also had to make a deal with the white man for use of his internet for about $50 a month. It’s a sacrifice that I must make in order to keep this great podcast going.

Ok, let’s get to the musings of the day.

-There are talks about a prequel to John’s favorite movie, “I Am Legend” starring Will Smith. This is bad news for me but, fantastic news for John. I for one was not a fan of this movie, I felt like the first 30-45 minutes was pretty good and then it rapidly fell apart after that.

-Evidently, there is another “Pirates of the Caribbean” in the works which is well, I don’t know, fine. I enjoyed the first one and I think I’ve just caught parts of the last two but I guess they’ve made a zillion dollars so I guess that’s why they are making another one. After seeing the first one and catching bits and pieces of the other two, let me breakdown the trilogy for you in just a few words. Johnny Depp, swords, drunk, running, screaming, Orlando Bloom, Pirates, and rum. There, that’s all you need to know about these movies. Also, Depp agreed to play Tonto in the upcoming Lone Ranger movie…that sounds pretty intriguing.

-Movies that I’m looking forward to seeing that are now out. “Appaloosa,” the Western that was directed and stars Ed Harris…I love this resurgence of Westerns and I’ve heard good things about this one. “Tropic Thunder” – I know, John is going to murder me because I haven’t seen this yet, but I am seeing it tonight before our podcast on Wednesday. And I guess the movie “Choke” which will be out on Friday could be good but I’ll wait till I hear more about that one. And, as much as I’m a fan of the Coen Brothers and Clooney & Pitt, I’m just sort of so-so on this “Burn After Reading” movie. And I don’t really know the reason why, it just isn’t striking a chord with me. I wonder how John feels about that one…we’ll have to discuss in our next podcast. Oh, and I’d like to see “Hamlet 2.” Whit said it was “amazing” but he says a lot of things are amazing like “Erik the Viking.” So, we’ll see.

-One last thing, a few months ago, I wrote about Johnny Flynn and said that his song “Tickle Me Pink” is awesome. Well, Variety just did a review of his concert so check it out here.

RN

Since we started doing the podcast, Rhett has been utilizing internet that was being paid for by some of his neighbors living within a close proximity. That internet well has run dry. Rhett must now do what all of you good people out there in podcast land have always done: pay for your own internet. Like a man. Or a woman. Either way. Since he has been without internet for a couple of weeks, we have been unable to record any podcasts. Thanks Rhett. While Rhett struggles with the lessons of right and wrong and comes to terms with what we all learned in Kindergarten – I have provided you with some internet fun. Some of us are still keeping it real.

During the Fall TV Preview Podcast, Rhett and I discussed the new shows coming out for the new fall ’08 season. We stated on the show that we both thought Jerry O’Connell seems like a really nice guy (Rhett’s even met him a few times and confirms he is, in fact, very friendly), but he is the kiss of death for any tv show. I picked his new show as the first one to be cancelled and unfortunately for him, the prophecy has come true.

Friends of Pop Coast-to-Coast: food, and music.

Hilarious. It’s been pulled from the internet almost everywhere, but this guy is staying strong and keeping it on his site.

Classic. New Classic.

Finally, the best time killer ever: tons of movie trailers

Until next time, when we can record a podcast without illgotten internet. Respect your neighbors…

-John (ECH)

A few weeks ago, my lady and Whit (my old roomie) and I went to Lamella’s (an independent movie theater) to check out Man On Wire. To be honest with you, my lady begrudgingly came along and Whit, well, he just didn’t have a lot of stuff going on so he came without a lot of expectations. Me on the other hand, I was excited about this documentary since seeing it in the trades earlier in the year. The story is about Frenchman Philippe Petit and his daring & illegal attempt to walk on a tight rope between the World Trade Center Towers in 1974. Honestly, the movie really boils down to a man and a dream, albeit, the dream seems pretty crazy, but I guess most dreams seem crazy at first. Two things really stuck out to me while watching this movie. 1 – Tons of old footage… I mean, I never pick up a video camera and film my friends but these guys were smart enough to document a lot of the planning that was involved. 2 – Only the French, with their romantic language can make tight rope walking seem like the most elegant and life altering thing one can do in life.

The film more or less jumps between the aforementioned footage, interviews with Petit and his crew, and some reenactments (which tend to get a bit tiresome) to retell the story of Petit’s achievement as well as a little bit about his background. One glaring miss by the filmmakers was how Petit was able to afford these tight roping expeditions. It took years of planning yet aside from some street performances by Petit, we never really find out how he managed to pay for everything. The planning stages of the movie drags a bit but it’s important to get a sense of what it took to plan such a thing, as Petit and his crew obviously didn’t have any permits for a tight rope act between the Towers. The guys that actually helped set up the wires had a lot of guts as well, considering they were the guys that Petit counted on and if they made a mistake, then Petit could fall to his death, and if they succeeded, they would be arrested. After this long build-up, you finally get to see Petit’s performance on the rope and I will say that it is beautifully mesmerizing and gives you a sense of hope and wonderment all at the same time.

While Man On Wire does have some blemishes, it’s really a moving and uplifting film about Philippe Petit’s passionate pursuit of a dream that will leave you talking about it for days. To be honest with you, it left me a little envious seeing how Philippe found his dream and achieved it but at the same time, it does give you a little hope that if he can do it, so could you.

RN

Jamie Lidell Warp Records

Jamie Lidell is a native of Huntingdon, England and brings to you (yes, you, Gill brothers) a unique belnd of soul, R&B and human beatbox. Speaking of which, whatever happened to human beatboxes? Man, can we bring that back? I’ll sign whatever petition needs to be signed – just saying. Listen closely to Mr. Lidell and you’ll hear hints of Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding and a touch of New Edition. Not bad for a white British guy who once set a speaker on fire during a live performance in Seattle. For those more akin to the rock jams, I defy you to listen to the song provided and not get you a little groove going. Go on, get that groove. Right there at your desk at work. It’s ok, no one will judge you. Except maybe that one guy in Accounting. But he sucks anyways…

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Duffy Mercury

Back to back Welsh music acts – what are the odds? I guess pretty good, since it happened. I present to you, fans of Pop Culture Coast-to Coast, Ms. Aimee Anne Duffy. You can call her Duffy – it’s cool I asked her. The adorable, 24 year old, singer-songwriter has been burning up charts worldwide selling over three and a half million copies of Rockferry and doing some extensive touring at music festivals in Europe and America. Her sultry voice and throwback Motown persona has propelled her track Mercy to number one, a first for a Welsh singer in over twenty-five years. She’s also got a bit of Amy Winehouse’s style except that she’s cute – not busted, sane – not unsane and sober – not cracked out. All pluses in my book. And she has a twin sister named Katy. Awesome. I think I might love her. I love you Duffy…

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Los Campesinos Arts & Crafts

In the grand tradition of Manic Street Preachers, Duffy and Tom Jones himself – Wales has put forth a new offering to the Music Gods in the form of Los Campesinos. The name is supposedly a rough translation meaning farmer or peasant, but this 7-piece indie-group is on its way to being anything but. Heralded by American and UK critics alike, Los Campesinos got a break opening for Broken Social Scene back in 2006 but is now touring Europe and North America in support of their April release Hold on Now, Youngster… They’re kind of like the British version of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, but with girls. I think. No, that’s right. Take it to the bank, and while you’re there, rock it out to Los Campesinos…

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On the latest installment of the Coast-to-Coast podcast the guys take a look at the fall TV lineup and determine which shows are worthy of your viewing time. You know you’ve been wondering whether CBS is bringing the heat on Wednesday nights or if you should be tuning into the C-Dub. That’s what the kids on the street are calling the CW; at least for the next year or so until the network folds. There are lots of new shows, some cool, most crappy – don’t get stuck watching the crappy ones. How will you show your face at work? Shows are premiering on random days, at random times, with no rhyme or reason. What day is Project Runway on? What day?!?! What about Heroes? Big Bang Theory? That new show with Jerry O’Connell? Ok, no one really wants to see that last one – but your pop culture tour guides can still tell you. They’re that good. Before the TV-talk comes another heart-pounding edition of everyone’s favorite game, GTM. So quit reading this sweet summary and start listening to the flavor. Don’t waste it…

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Download: Fall TV Rundown

Under The Influence of Giants Island Records

Brought to you by the City of Los Angeles is a unique blend of The Bee Gees, Duran Duran, Moby and Prince. Still somewhat new to the game, UTIOG came forth in 2006 offering their self-titled debut as initiation into the mainstream. As their name suggests, they hadn’t always had great success working with major record labels, but Island seems to be a good fit and has helped them tour successfully in the US as well as in Europe with Swedish electro-dance veterans The Sounds. Aside from that I would just like to say: this band is f-ing awesome. With a capital f-ing. Like this: F-ING. I can’t understand why this band never caught on. They have great songs (I purposely picked like the 8th best song from the album, just so you know it’s packed with greatness), great videos, and they’re from a great city. It’s a formula for greatness. Like a math formula, so you know it’s true…

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