2009 April - AudioShocker

Monthly Archive for April, 2009Page 2 of 4

Looking Forward to Summer Jams

Published

on April 22, 2009

. 3 Comments

I got an email the other day from one of my friends about our annual Memorial Day vacation in Folly Beach, SC. While most of the message dealt with logistics, it highlighted a very important point: it is time to start scoping out summer jams. Summer jams are responsible for some of the best times in my life. Last year we rocked out to Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis and that (totally nonsensical, but catchy) Damaged track by (the now defunct) Danity Kane. A good summer jam will be released around the time that people start shedding their winter jackets and long sleeves are still in rotation. It gives them a little gestation time before they really blow up. That sounds a lot like this week to me.

This is where I should probably tell you about my predictions for summer jams. The thing is, I haven't heard a Hey Ma, Hot In Herre, or Izzo (HOVA) yet this year. Am I destined to spend my precious 4 days on the beach listening to Lady Gaga, Flo Rida, and (gasp) Jeezy!? If so, kill me now and spare me the horror. But, perhaps my musical sphere is just too small - I do live in a musical vacuum afterall.

So help me out here AudioShocker readers: What are your 2009 Summer Jam picks?

Need some more inspiration? This track, Would You Like To Ride, by Mr. West, Malik Yousef, and Common was my joint around... 2003 or 2004. The track is syrupy smooth and works whether you are cruising at 25, blazing at 80, or just standing still. Kanye stuck to the basics and relied on a few simple samples combined with a steady knocking beat. West's verse gives us a preview of the great wordplay we've come to associate him with, and Common just destroys Erykah Badu. If you weren't already up on this one -- act like you know!

Sadly, the video is trash - but real summer jams should be on the stereo - not your television!

AudioShocker Podcast #77 - Paul Tobin. Da Stanky Legg. Lady Gaga. M.I.A.

Published

nick marino

on April 21, 2009

in Interviews and Podcast Episodes

. 0 Comments

AudioShocker Podcast #77 [ 53:15 ] Play Now | Download

Paul Tobin braves his third week in a row on the AudioShocker as he wraps up his chat with Nick about writing comics book for money. This clear-cut capitalist exchange leads to discussion on the topics of: scripting, ideas, Colleen Coover, Jack Kirby, Jeff Parker, Marvel Adventures, and tons more. Plus, Paul announces some upcoming projects and refuses to announce others! FUN!

Then we bring you your regularly scheduled program: Neal does not understand Lady Gaga so Justique tries to explain her appeal. Justique does not understand M.I.A. so Neal tries to explain her appeal. Meanwhile, Alan Arkin gets slammed for Sunshine Cleaning. Nick demands to know the etymology of the Stanky Leg (not the Stanky Legg!). Then Neal insists on talking about mixtapes that no one has ever heard about (no one, that is, according to Nick). This somehow leads to the revelation that MTV is going to start showing music videos again... too little too late, MTV!!!

Culturology 028 - Meta-tele-vision-ality

Published

pete

on April 20, 2009

in Culturology

. 6 Comments

Well, dear readers, I must admit that I am still in the death throes of my current semester, wrestling the alligator that is the novels of George Eliot (not a dude), hoping to pry its jaws open and pull out a twenty page paper which, more or less, affects a comparison of the narrators of her to major novels (Middlemarch and Daniel Deronda--Middlemarch, incidentally, is a pretty incredible book; I realize that the only thing that generally gets read here on audioshocker is comics, but its not the worst thing ever to read a Victorian novel now and then). That being said, with my culturological obligations in mind, I did manage to just watch a little bit of television here on the internet, in order to generate a criticism thereof. Now, I don't watch a whole hell of a lot of television, so I may be somewhat off in what I think, but, here's what I think of the first episode of Sit Down, Shut Up, which I just finished watching, like, ten minutes ago.

The reason that this would get me out there into the internet in order to watch this is pretty clear--as an Arrested Development enthusiast (it's not my favorite show ever, but I like it a lot, and appreciate the fact that when I make reference to it in conversation, way more people notice the reference then when I--preferably--reference, say, Mr. Show), I was excited to see that Mitchell Hurwitz was doing another show. Pretty standard reaction, I think. Plus some of the usual voice talents that seem worth listening to, with some obvious overlap with AD in Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Henry Winkler. The presence of Tom Kenny (of Mr. Show and Spongebob fame) as a voice talent also scores points.

The show itself, though, was pretty much a disappointment. It wasn't a struggle to watch, for its 20 minutes, but there wasn't much about it that struck me as "good." They seem to be working some kind of meta-show element in there, with various characters having "catchphrases," and there being occasional winks to the camera, and breakings of the fourth wall, etcetera, but given the kind of slackerly vibe the whole show gives off, its disconcerting to me that that element may well turn out to be never more than completely half-assed. Which is too bad, since "meta-" shit is super trendy these days, so it just comes off as so much contract-renewal pandering. Which is fine, shit's gotta pander, I realize that, but hear me out: Continue reading 'Culturology 028 - Meta-tele-vision-ality'

Gambit Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Published

nick marino

on April 20, 2009

in Video Games

. 0 Comments

Remy LeBeau from the cover of X-Men Origins: Gambit

Pick a card... any card! Actually, just take that King of Spades, okay?

DOWNLOAD WALLPAPER :: 1280 X 1024 :: 1440 X 900 :: 1600 X 1200

"C'mon!" That's what the Ragin' Cajun says at the start of every match in Marvel vs. Capcom. He's also in a bunch of other Capcom fighting games.

He's also on the cover of X-Men Origins: Gambit, where this week's sweet wallpaper comes from. It's drawn by David Yardin and colored by... well, um, I'm not sure. The issue doesn't come out till June.

Thanks to MySpace Comic Books for the hi-res image that became this week's wallpaper. They're great for that sort of thing. Be back next Monday for a new Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Beatcast #22 - Superior Tech by Nik Furious

Published

nick marino

on April 19, 2009

in Beatcast and Podcast Episodes

. 0 Comments

Superior Tech by Nik Furious [ 3:58 ] Play Now | Download

Superior Tech, an excellent instrumental electro-funk beat by Nik Furious. Marvel vs. Capcom lovers will recognize the title of this track... at least, I hope they do!!! If you don't, well, there aren't THAT many characters in the Marvel vs. Capcom series that could be related to technology. If you follow this blog whatsoever, then it should be pretty obvious which character I'm talking about. That's sort of a trick statement though because TWO of the characters from the MvC series have a connection to the phrase "superior tech." Does that help you figure it out?

The Top 9 DC Comics Movies Warner Bros. Should Be Making Right Now

Published

nick marino

on April 17, 2009

in The Top 9

. 8 Comments

For some reason, Neal was under the impression that this Top 9 list would be about Texas. He was wrong! This is a WAKE UP CALL for Warner Bros. and some REEL TALK (get it? "reel"???) for the film producers behind any future DC Comics properties.

9. Green Arrow. Supermax, eh? What a fucking stupid idea. Why would you introduce Green Arrow to the film audience through a prison breakout movie? Play this one close to the vest and tell the tale of a spoiled rich kid that turns into a modern Robin Hood. It's that easy. Get some imaginative director to envision fun archery antics (including a slo-mo Matrix style arrow shot, of course) and you've got another superhero blockbuster on your hands, Warner Bros.

8. Metropolis. This is an unusual suggestion that could work out unusually well - take the highly successful Smallville TV series and spin it off into a blockbuster film where everything we know about the TV show changes. Let Clark Kent grow up and make the transition that we knew he was always going to make. Bring back familiar cast members - Lex, Lana, and more - while solidifying Clark's status in the big city. Show Kal-El taking hold of the Superman mantle and growing into his infamous role.

7. Arkham Asylum. A horror movie where the spotlight is on the Batman's rogues gallery. People already know the cast of characters well... so now give them a freaky thriller where every villain gets the same sort of hyper-serious treatment that Heath Ledger and company gave to the Joker. The story could focus on one frightening night when the prisoners of Arkham get loose inside the building and attempt to escape from the asylum. Tell the story from the viewpoint of a psychiatrist working there. People would love this.

6. Green Lantern. Supposedly, this movie is going to get made soon. But Warner Bros., you're like the "the film studio that cried wolf" when it comes to superhero movies. I'll believe that you're actually making this when I see some production stills or photos from the set. And it's probably best to go with the John Stewart version of the character - that's who the public is mostly familiar nowadays. Plus, the DCU film universe could use a bit of diversity.

5. The Daily Planet. A film about the most famous fictional newspaper in the world. Redefine Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Perry White for the masses. Show what it's like to cover news in a world where the unbelievable happens on a regular basis. On the whole, this should be largely devoid of Superman (maybe just a little foreshadowing). However, this movie must be developed with the notion that relaunching the Superman franchise as a sequel is a given. As a tease, have the final scene feature a young Clark Kent being introduced to Lois Lane for the very first time.

4. Flash. The character is truly iconic. That's what he has in spades over most other superheroes. His name alone gives you everything you need to know: it's all about speed. Plus, the Flash logo makes for incredible merchandising. The marketing potential for this property is tremendous. To top it off, this legacy character has more than one classic iteration. Therefore, you can kill off Barry in the second film (for unparalleled dramatic superhero tension) and have Wally rise to the challenge.

3. Aquaman. As a huge Aquaman fan, I may be a bit biased. But this character is known across the world and beloved by many who grew up on Super Friends. Those two things alone make it the perfect time for an Aquaman movie, which would be a lavish underwater epic. Still need more proof that this should get made? Entourage has already done the viral promotion for the film! Warner Bros., if you wait too damn long then you'll never be able to capitalize on that free publicity!!!

2. Superman Begins. Yeah, we already have five modern Superman movies, not to mention countless hours of animated film and TV shows, and then there's Smallville... and a WHOLE LOT MORE. But the Superman film franchise is in the crapper right now. Warner Bros., just admit that Superman Returns didn't turn out like you expected and relaunch the whole franchise from the beginning. Keep it simple and go with the "Begins" motif that worked wonders for your Batman franchise.

1. Wonder Woman. Seriously, why is there no Wonder Woman movie yet? I know the story blah blah blah Whedon blah blah blah wrote a script blah blah. WHO CARES!?! Just make the damn movie already!!! This is one of the most famous superheroes in the world and all she has right now is a dated (albeit awesome) 70s TV series and a (LAME!) direct-to-DVD animated film. Stop making excuses, Warner Bros., and make a goddamn Wonder Woman movie!

More: The Top 9 WORST Actors in Live-Action Superhero Films.

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is better. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

Spider-Man & Captain America in MY NEW COSTUME

Published

nick marino

on April 16, 2009

in Webcomics

. 0 Comments

The Amazing Spider-Bigot strikes again.

Asher Roth - Fallin' Asleep In The Bread Aisle While Having A Bad Day

Published

neal

on April 15, 2009

in Music

. 0 Comments

The album drops 4/21 (4:20 FAIL)

Ha - what a clever title! Anyway, let's get to it. We've all seen the I Love College video. We've all heard the requisite Eminem comparisons. We've all thought to ourselves, "Seriously? Is this guy for real?" These days, Ash Roth, like Soulja Boy's wack ass, seems to be inescapable when it comes to hip hop.

I'm not sure I really buy the whole package - but I was willing to give him (and maybe next week Bobby Ray (formerly B.o.B)) a shot. I mean, I Love College is obviously a gimmick right? There has to be something else.

And I think there might be. I copped the album, Asleep In The Bread Aisle, the other night and I have been putting it through it's paces. I'll reserve my comments for the Podcast, so I actually have time for an informed opinion, but a couple quick notes.

Production seems solid, the beats are simple and uncomplicated. To it's credit, the album is actually pretty light on guests considering the amount of hype that dude has. Chester French, Busta, New Kingdom, Jazzy Pha, Cee-lo, Beanie Siegel - that is pretty good for a debut album these days.

How nuts is this mixtape cover?!

So far, two tracks are standing out to me, Bad Day (ft. Jazzy Pha) and Fallin'. They're both story tracks (I really dig story tracks) with decent beats and are a little different than what I had heard up till now.

Fallin' gives you a piece of where Ash is coming from (or if you are a cynical dick - where the label wants him to come from). take a listen for a different take on Roth.

Bad Day - if it had a few more sound effects, increased BPM, more bass, and a little bit of manic yelling would be a dead ringer for an Eminem track. The track is great (and short!) - but Ash, please don't shoot a video for it. It will only cement your image as an Em-clone. Use Sour Patch Kids or something instead.

Too lazy to download? Well too bad, YouTube removed all the embeds I had. Pfffff

That is about as far as I have gotten so far, so stay tune in next Tuesday!

AudioShocker Podcast #76 - Hi, Paul Tobin... Get Diablo Cody Away from Me!

Published

nick marino

on April 14, 2009

in Interviews and Podcast Episodes

. 1 Comment

AudioShocker Podcast #76 [ 40:00 ] Play Now | Download

Exactly 40 minutes of podcast fun are coming your way as we let Paul Tobin know that his Marvel Adventures Super Heroes comic books are in Target. Then Paul talks about who he writes for (hint: himself), the honor of writing for different audiences, the wide reach of books like Marvel Adventures Spider-Man, to read or not to read reviews, and pacing issues of Marvel Adventures Avengers vs. What If? Newer Fantastic Four. This is part 2 of 3 of our Paul Tobin interview series!

Then we talk movies. Neal thinks that Fast and Furious makes Paul Walker look taller and Vin Diesel look the same, he is also pumped to see Nine (produced by Tim Burton, natch), Nick and Justique saw the mediocre Monsters vs Aliens in excellent IMAX 3D, they also started watching The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya anime and they love it, and Neal thinks Big Stan is a ripoff of The Longest Yard.

Culturology 027 - This Week in Non-Starters

Published

pete

on April 13, 2009

in Culturology

. 7 Comments

Wow, you know, I gotta admit, I've really got nothing for this week. I'm sorely tempted to post the sort of apologetic non-starter here, with the usual grad school oriented excuses: it's the last week of the semester, I've got two term papers to write, and haven't been to the movies or heard any new music in weeks. I've about exhausted any metaculturological detours (for now, anyway), and am at a loss as to what else to write. May is just around the corner though, and with that will come new movies for me to gripe about, so I guess I'll just recommend that y'all come back next week and see if I've done any better.