Author Archive for neal

An Open Letter to Hot 97 – Where’s The Heat?

Published
by
neal
on July 1, 2009
in Music
. 0 Comments

There used to be several great things about New Haven: Pizza (specifically Modern Apizza), quick access to NYC (well, 100 min train ride), and listening to Hot 97 in my car. The signal comes in clearest on I-95 or Route 15, both of which I have been using with unprecedented regularity over the past week. I have driven to and from New York at least 5 times this week; almost double the number of times I’ve done it in the last 8 years. So, after almost an entire 24 hours worth of drive-listening, I felt it necessary to compose the following missive.

Dear Hot 97,

As a recently returned New England-expat, I was very excited to listen to Hot 97 in my car again. I remember how you brought the heat, musically speaking, and kept me up to date on hiphop. Without a doubt, Hot 97 was the only radio station qualified to serenade my ears. Hot 97 was a shining oasis in a sea of Prophet,  Clear Channel, and short playlists.

You may notice my use of the past tense above; it is intentional. The Hot 97 of today, is rather different from the one I used to listen too in high school and during college breaks. Apparently today’s playlist was a unending loop of 3 Drake/Young Money tracks (Best I Ever Had, Every Girl, Successful, and now That One w/ MJB). For every six times I heard Drake, I heard maybe one JayZ (D.O.A), Wale (Chillin), or even Kid Cudi (Day and Night – the techno remix no less) track. (ed note: for those of you regular readers, you may notice some similarity to/overlap with this week’s Culturology. I can assure you that I drafted this at least a week before Pete last logged into WordPress)

Now, I understand Drizzy and anyone even remotely affiliated with Lil Wayne is a hot commodity these days. I also know that you have to give the people what they want. I’ve even begun to accept the rapid decline of hiphop thanks to youngsters like Soulja Boy and ignorant fools like Shawty Lo. I get all that. I know that radio has a lot to do with money.

But when did you allow jackass Weezy et al to outright buy your playlist? Last I checked, blatant over the counter payola was illegal. And, how on EARTH is Fab’s Throw It In The Bag track your #1 on the midday countdown? Clearly the streets are not being represented. Anyone with even half  a brain knows that the last track Fab did with any semblance of ‘heatrock’ness was Breathe. Additionally, does Miss Info provide anything that her blog does not? I don’t want to hear celebrity news during my midday forays into the city, all I want is hiphop! And another thing, how about a little old school RnB in the morning – give the kids a little taste of where some of these killer samples came from. I don’t mean the 90’s, I mean Chaka Khan’s Through The Fire and Robert Flack’s Killing Me Softly. There is (was?) an independent station in Rochester (whose name I don’t recall since it’s been 5 years) that does this amazingly well. Seriously, drive your asses to Rochester for some dope ass radio.

Obviously, I can get my musical fix via alternate methods, but I maintain that radio is the purest form of in-car entertainment. Additionally, my iPod was stolen the week and my car can’t handle XM, so throw me a frickin’ bone here. Moreover, I want to like Hot 97, it has a storied history of world premiers and exclusives. I value that and good programming. As they say, variety is the spice of the life. So let’s put the heat back in Hot 97!

Sincerely,

Neal – AudioShocker.com

Granted, radio is hardly relevant beyond one’s car, what with the internet and all. But you get what I’m trying to say right? On another note, I’ll be out of blog range until the 21st. Peace!

WTF Happended to Vincent Gallo?

Published
by
neal
on June 25, 2009
in Movies
. 3 Comments

Just a passing thought – but am I the only person who thought Buffalo 66 was great and that Gallo would go on to do other great movies? I mean, if Lyle Lovett and Tom Waits could do it, certainly a lanky ass bearded proto-hipster could. And, he even cast Mickey Rourke back when no one gave a crap about him.

Or not. I only got about 10 minutes into The Brown Bunny before someone asked me to do something and I got sidetracked, but as I recall, Chloe Sevigny gives him a hummer onscreen. And the general media was mortified. I don’t know what went wrong, perhaps it was one hit wonderdom, or maybe homeboy should stick to being a rocker. I’m not sure, but I know homeboy has another good movie in him.

Buffalo 66 took a while to get started but it built to a great ending. Today’s loser/slacker comedies are heavy on slapstick and breakneck pacing: Airplane! to the extreme. Perhaps another Gallo film would help us remember how great it is to have a beat in between laughs. The world isn’t some witty Xkcd panel or an episode of The Office. Not everything has to be mile a minute laughs.

Anyway, just thought I’d share that.

John Legend, My Sister, and His Unleased Pooch in Chronicles of the Air Yeezy

Published
by
neal
on June 24, 2009
in Misc and Music
. 2 Comments

This happened on Father’s Day. My brother, mom, and I all drove in to see my sister who was in NYC (from DC) for work. Pops would join us later after he handled some business back in the Elm city. Anyway, we went downtown to the Grand Tribeca, got some coffee, and hung out with big sis until it was time to leave and meet up with pops.

The elevator opens up and bam – a freaking dog. no leash, no shame, just a big old fatass dog. To his left, hot babe, and to his right, some dude in sunglasses slanking against the glass. Tight squeeze, but we all shuffle in. I’m bored so I just stare straight ahead while homie cracks jokes about being unable to control the dog.

The actual picture my sister took is somewhere on her phone - and of the back of them. hardly worth posting.

My sister took an actual picture and all, but it's from the back, poorly lit, etc.

Ground floor. Dog and handlers leave while my fam and I stroll out. My sister waits a beat, then whips around and says, “do you know who what was?!” me: “no?” “that was definitely John Legend!!” The doorman confirms, but I’m still skeptical. We creep outside so big sis can have her starstruck moment and witness an unfettered poochface and his model mommy un into traffic and nearly get creamed. Convincing? Almost. Few people other than famous / rich people allow their pets to run free all over a major city like NYC. Then, I spy the most damning of proof: his air-freaking-yeezies. If that isn’t proof positive of celebrity and thus identity – well, I’m not sure what is.

Anyway. I’m not a big fan of Legend’s music, but celebsightings are always neat. I beleive he is playing at Foxwoods or the other CT Casino in August with India.Arie.

My So Called Awesome Road Trip and The Amazing Technicolor Upgrade

Published
by
neal
on June 17, 2009
in Behind the Scenes
. 3 Comments

As you may recall, I have been on the grizzly for the last two weeks or so. I was in Chicago, Champaign, Pittsburgh, and now sunny ol’ New Haven. The drive was boring and long, but along the way I got to see some of my favorite people and do what I love best, podcast!

My welcome home was just plain super. I woke up yesterday morning to find my front passenger window busted out, console/glovebox riffled, and iPod stolen. Have you ever cleaned up safety glass? It just crumbles in your hands, takes forever. It wasn’t even on the street, it was in my driveway! Add to this the whole corp card debacle and things are looking mighty shiny for the kid.

Oh, and while I was in Pittsburgh, I stupidly upgraded to WP 2.8. As a result, I lost the advanced navigation features on the blog (which Nick is actually pumped about). I got the blog working though. Then last night everything went pear shaped again, so I contacted dreamhost’s support and asked if we could downgrade to 2.7.1. Well, they did – by restoring a backup from like 7 months ago – not what I wanted. So after some downloading/web searchery/hackery/etc I was able to get the site working again. No thanks are necessary, just your everlasting gratitude. That is the last time I upgrade WP just because it tells me to.

But I ain’t whining. I’m going to Barcelona/Athens/Paris next month, and shortly thereafter will be moving to NYC. Things are actually pretty effin’ awesome.

I’m Working On A Milli…

Published
by
neal
on June 10, 2009
in Behind the Scenes and Music Videos
. 1 Comment

…miles, that is! Yes, the move has begun. Yesterday I traded Peoria for Champaign IL, and in 8-9 hours I’ll be arriving at AudioShocker Central (aka, Shadyside in Pittsburgh). I will then proceed to drink as much YuengLing as humanly possible before our amazing Podcast Crossover Event at Phantom of The Attic. Hopefully I’ll also get into the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business tomorrow. Come Monday I’ll head home to New Haven and finish off that Milli. In case you were wondering – moving blows.

Looking for music news? Well, all I have is Amerie’s new video for Why R U? All I can really say is, “I’d Smash!” I mean, she is objectively one of the hottest RnB singers out. (Those legs!) And oh yeah, I dig her music too.

And that is all I got people. I hope you enjoy this week’s Nick/Ross cast. Apparently, the AudioShocker crew generates so much content that a single podcast simple can’t contain it! Peace

Laughing With Regina Spektor (at you)

Published
by
neal
on June 3, 2009
in Music and Music Videos
. 0 Comments

I don’t know how many times I have mentioned her before, but is any female vocalist more slept on than Regina Spektor? I mean, people know who she is, they like her music and all, but Regina has yet to attain that Tori Amos or even Fiona Apple type of fame. And it isn’t like the hipsters aren’t doing their part. So, I suppose this weighty burden falls upon my shoulders.

Regina’s new album Far drops on the 23rd, and Laughing With is the lead single. I know nothing about it, so I won’t color my expectations with online press/junket crap. Instead, I will say I am super effing psyched. I loved her last disc, Begin to Hope, and I ended up getting all her previous stuff and seeing her live in Chicago back in 2007. I was a bit fanatical then. But hey, what’s wrong with being a Regina Stan?

Laughing With seems to be a departure from the typical Regina. There is little if any dynamic range to the vocals and the piano track is way too smooth. You would never guess that this cute redhead was capable of ballbusting tracks like Flyin, Hotel Song, or Poor Little Rich Boy. Which actually brings up a sidepoint that some of her best tracks have very little piano in them at all. (Sacrilege, I know). And where is the catchy hook? Everyone knows a good lead single has to have a catchy hook!

I’m not saying I hate it, but I am saying it isn’t what I was hoping for. I wanted Regina to come flying out of the gate like she did last time. Compare Laughing With to Regina’s last lead single Fidelity. Fidelity is infinitely better, both acoustically and visually. It is an engaging song with highs and lows and a cute video to match. Laughing With is a downer with a boring video. Fidelity built up to a fun ending, while Laughing With ends just as lackadaisically as it began.

So Regina, I take back my comment from earlier this year back, you were never on my “shitlist”, just my “come on release something already!” list. That said – I am praying for a killer second single. Laughing With is a weak effort and I know you are capable of something 10x better.

Ed Note: Moving sucks. I’m in the process of moving out and it is just a total mess. Selling furniture, putting stuff in storage, cleaning the place, paring down to the essentials – blah blah blah. The only joy I get is from tossing stuff in the dumpster. Obviously this is no excuse for irregular posting, but try to be sympathetic, ok?

Obama Blames it on the E-E-E-Economy

Published
by
neal
on May 20, 2009
in Music Videos
. 1 Comment

Real talk, this economic situation blows. How do we get out of this rut? Where is that change we can believe in? It’s in the booth spittin’ hot fire! The Commander in Chief gives you the economic lowdown in a format that all you MTV kids can vibe with. Bonus: peep Blago and Palin getting down! How did SNL miss this idea? (furthermore, how late am I to this party?) And while I get that Swine Flu is current and all – when did Sham-Wow become the second most name dropped reference in hip hop?

Were any of you even ready to handle MObama coming in at 3:03? I nearly lost it people. We’re talking a near miss.

Oh BTW, I’m officially on educational leave as of 4pm today and headed to the sunny beaches of Folly Beach, SC. I’ll see all your broke asses in a week! ESTOY DE VACACIONES!

Records I Wish Would Come Out Already!

Published
by
neal
on May 13, 2009
in Music
. 2 Comments

Despite having copped several new albums last week, I remain ‘meh’. Chrisette Michelle was good, but nothing mindblowing. Skull Gang was blah, Eminem plain sucked, and while Camron was inspired at points – it’s nothing to write home about. And you know the shittiest part? I’d had really been waiting for these records to drop. I have this same experiance with movies all the time too.

Despite with these relative disappointments, there are a number of other records I am looking forward too.

Amy Winehouse - Say what you will about Amy Baby’s drug wacked out lifestyle, Back to Black was a phenomenal disc. I’ve been waiting for something new since 2007. Hurry the fuck up Amy!

Modest Mouse - I was late on the MM bandwagon, but I made up for it with rabid fandom. Much like Amy, MM hasn’t given me a studio worthy in a hot minute. I hear there is an EP upcoming in August, but until then, I’ll be Satin In A Coffin.

Clipse – Road Till The Casket Drops – If the mixtape remixes are any indication, the album should be great. I’m talking hardbottomed knock and carefully exaggerated punchlines. Clipse isn’t always 100% – but when they’re on, they’re on. (a lot like Cam). And if you still need proof, listen to Kind of A Big Deal. You’ll be sold.

Rilo Kiley or Feist – Yeah, I know they are totally different, but either would be sufficient for another year. Perhaps RK, Feist’s last disc is probably still sufficient for another year (that goes double for The Ting Tings). There are only so many albums I can overplay in a year.

The Cool Kids – When Fish Ride Bicycles - I’m sorry, I had to mention it. I’ll shut up now!

That’s all I got for today. What records are you waiting for?

Chuck Season Finale, Cool Kids Mixtape, House Detox, Eminem 3 AM Music Video

Published
by
neal
on May 6, 2009
in Music, Music Videos and TV
. 1 Comment

I apologize for the totally lame absence of a column last week. I was in New Haven and had a lot going on. In fact, I am still getting caught up. So, rather than tackling a single topic, I’m shotgunning the past week for you. Try to keep up. (And, yes I’m throwing spoilers in)

Chuck Season Finale
From the moment Chuck threw the first kick, Kirsten called it, ‘Guys, I know Kung-Fu’. Cue her cheering and me groaning. It was a great ep – but if NBC axes the show, I won’t cry too much. This is as natural an endpoint as any. We all knew Chuck would re-up with the Intersect, but who knew his dad was one too? Bringing Chuck’s dad back as a recurring character and killing off Bryce is way too shark jumpy for me. Compound that with Devon knowing about Chuck’s secret identity and things get sticky. Plus now Chuck is some sort of super autodidact? Too Matrixy. My opinion: lock all this shit down in S3E1 or just end the show now and leave people salivating.

Did you miss the ep? watch it here courtesy of Hulu:

The Cool Kids – Gone Fishing Mixtape
(Ed. Note: Neal selected The Cool Kids’ Bake Sale as 2008 You Don’t Suck Awards Music Winner)
The mixtape dropped on Monday. This is just the quiet before the storm (When Fish Ride Bicycles). You have to love how artists are using the lead up to their studio albums to drop free mixtapes full of even more great tracks. Peep Champions for a great piano beat and the updated Pennies remix for guest verses by Luda and Bun B. The tape is a little overstuffed considering the typical Cool Kids release is between six and eleven tracks. Of course, single artist ‘mixtapes’ regularly weigh in over 30 tracks, so whatever. Also take a listen to Hammer Bros. and Broadcasting Live.

House – S5E23 – Under My Skin
Great episode. The patient’s skin sloughs off, House detoxes, and though I’ll miss halluci-Amber… DO IT TO IT HOUSE! HIT THAT! Um, anyway, moving on….

Eminem – 3 A.M Music Video

Cold Garbage. I can’t even watch the whole thing. The flow is terrible and the visuals are as trite as it gets. I’m not feeling any of the cuts I have heard from Relapse so far. I hope he’s saving the best for later.

Swine Flu
What’s the quickest way to get the pig flu? Twitter! Get it? It’s a joke. (though not a very timely one) Anyway, this is about as much H1N1 as any blog post should have, so I’m done with that, and this blog post. BOOYAH!

Check Out The Merch, Our First T-Shirt

Published
by
neal
on May 3, 2009
in Behind the Scenes
. 0 Comments

I have this theory that most people start bands, webcomics, festivals, and other things for two reasons: sex and t-shirts. The AudioShocker is not doing much for the former, but I’ll be damned if I let a good t-shirt opportunity slip through my fingers! Behold, the first AudioShocker t-shirt known to man. Yes, it was made at Cafepress. Yes it is printed on AA. And yes it could use work. But really, how could you not want one (or 10)? This is instant street cred. Wear it to the club, your nephew’s bris, or the Oscars – it fits any occasion.

sdfsdfsdfsdf

Even poorly lit, this t-shirt looks amazing

Sold yet? If so, holler at us and maybe we’ll order some real ones on purple or black shirts. If you really like the white one – I’ll setup a Cafepress storefront.