The Crew of the No.7 make a break for it
in today's Galactic Gun
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Artist watch: Lucy Schwartz
I'm beginning to worry if we've entered the musical realm of the Florence and Marina clones; in the same way we recently escaped the kingdom of the boy bands...
At any rate, I stumbled across this, this evening. It didn't suck, so I thought I'd share it. I'm not sure who Lucy Schwartz is, but I'm off to go find out.
Enjoy...
At any rate, I stumbled across this, this evening. It didn't suck, so I thought I'd share it. I'm not sure who Lucy Schwartz is, but I'm off to go find out.
Enjoy...
30 Day Song Challenge: Day 30 - The big finale - Your favorite song this time, last year.
Last year I was moved by a song that has eluded my ability to nail down the heart of its meaning. Is it a love song of forlorn? Maybe a song about struggle in the attempt to change one's life; using some arcane lyrical and musical symbology? Or, was there some other meaning I was missing in its layered depths of beats and odd instruments?
That's right, it's Peter Gabriel's "Don't Break This Rhythm", again.
What? I told you when we begun this thing that this was the ultimate song in the entirety of all my musical musings. At its very core is the mystery of its meaning as the tribal beats, and odd sounds whirl about. This song, and this song alone, has continued to perplex, inspire, and entertain me like no other track before, or since. And so, it continues to be my favorite song; now, yesterday, one year ago, and so on, since the day I first heard it.
So, I've ended where I began. But, this is far from the end. If you've read back through The Conductor's Office you"ll see I used to post music reviews, all the time; entitled "Listen to This!" Well, I'm going to get back to doing that. With any luck, it'll become a regular, weekly feature. So, keep your eyes, and your ears, peeled.
That's right, it's Peter Gabriel's "Don't Break This Rhythm", again.
What? I told you when we begun this thing that this was the ultimate song in the entirety of all my musical musings. At its very core is the mystery of its meaning as the tribal beats, and odd sounds whirl about. This song, and this song alone, has continued to perplex, inspire, and entertain me like no other track before, or since. And so, it continues to be my favorite song; now, yesterday, one year ago, and so on, since the day I first heard it.
So, I've ended where I began. But, this is far from the end. If you've read back through The Conductor's Office you"ll see I used to post music reviews, all the time; entitled "Listen to This!" Well, I'm going to get back to doing that. With any luck, it'll become a regular, weekly feature. So, keep your eyes, and your ears, peeled.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day 29 - A song from your childhood
I'm about to preface this entry with a big "duh" statement. I have always had a love of music different from my peers... at any age.
Music, for me, growing up, scripted the soundtrack of not just my life, but my dreams, as well as my fantasies. From play time with my action figures, to draw time with my wild creations, to dream time with the other worlds of heroes and far away places, music has been the underscore of all I've done. So, with the life that I have led, so far, is it any wonder that this song comes to the forefront for today's challenge?
Formed in 1983 by a collection of composers, programmers, and musicians in the budding age of the synth pop movement, The Art of Noise drew from collages of sound (Long before the term "sampling".) and avant-garde arrangements of mostly instrumental pieces; with exceptional notes for the covers of the Peter Gunn theme and Dragnet (Used in the movie.), "Paranoimia" featuring Max Headroom, Kiss - featuring Tom Jones, and the unsinkable "Moments in Love".
For me, the sound of The Art of Noise will always be linked to the cyberpunk epic Applessed; which made a huge impression upon my young writer's mind. Both were released in the Unites States and found their ways to me about the same time. The strange ambient, sometimes theatrical nature of the music, mixed with the narrative and visuals of the comic blended into such a feel as to change both into a hybreed of media entertainment.
I could fill an entire article about this group. But, for me, The Art of Noise put a sound to the thoughts, feelings, and energies that swirled, and still swirl, around inside my mind and heart. Or maybe they were the mold to which I sculpted my psyche? Perhaps it's a little of both...
Music, for me, growing up, scripted the soundtrack of not just my life, but my dreams, as well as my fantasies. From play time with my action figures, to draw time with my wild creations, to dream time with the other worlds of heroes and far away places, music has been the underscore of all I've done. So, with the life that I have led, so far, is it any wonder that this song comes to the forefront for today's challenge?
Formed in 1983 by a collection of composers, programmers, and musicians in the budding age of the synth pop movement, The Art of Noise drew from collages of sound (Long before the term "sampling".) and avant-garde arrangements of mostly instrumental pieces; with exceptional notes for the covers of the Peter Gunn theme and Dragnet (Used in the movie.), "Paranoimia" featuring Max Headroom, Kiss - featuring Tom Jones, and the unsinkable "Moments in Love".
For me, the sound of The Art of Noise will always be linked to the cyberpunk epic Applessed; which made a huge impression upon my young writer's mind. Both were released in the Unites States and found their ways to me about the same time. The strange ambient, sometimes theatrical nature of the music, mixed with the narrative and visuals of the comic blended into such a feel as to change both into a hybreed of media entertainment.
I could fill an entire article about this group. But, for me, The Art of Noise put a sound to the thoughts, feelings, and energies that swirled, and still swirl, around inside my mind and heart. Or maybe they were the mold to which I sculpted my psyche? Perhaps it's a little of both...
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Nyan can have Pop Tarts, too?
 |
| He may be saying; "DO NOT WANT"... |
 |
| But we all know we want this! |
If you ask me, I just don't have an anwser; Nyan Cat is the next big meme, maybe? I don't know. Probably not, I guess. After all, there's no book deal, cartoon, or dedicated website. Nor is there a "Nyan Cat bacon recipe"... yet.
No, I have no idea the appeal. But, as a not really a cat person, I can tell you I'm hooked on things Nyan.
There, I said it...
Friday, June 17, 2011
For every rainbow Pop Tart there must also be gray strudel...
For every Nyan Cat, there must also be its Tac Nayn...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Let's check this, okay?
 |
| This... |
 |
| ...does not equal this... |
 |
| ... because of this. |
Recently, of the ensuing riots in Vancouver over the loss of the Canucks to the Bruins in the Stanley Cup finals, I heard a commentator remark how similar he thought the mid riot make out session of the horny love birds was like the celebration kiss of New York at the end of World War 2...
Yeah, that guy can suck it...
30 Day Musical Challenge: Day 27 - a song you wish you could play.
There have been two real goals in my life. In all of my... many... years as an artist and creator, I have only wanted to do two things with my life. I am just mere steps from seeing my aspirations of becoming a "professional cartoonist" come to fruition.
But, as much as I have yearned to make the illustrated adventures we commonly call comic books, I have had a second, secret passion. For as long as I can remember, I have had a love affair with the guitar, and have always ached to be able to play it. And, if I ever do learn, I ant to be able to play this:
Formed out of rival high school bands in 1967, Genesis went on to breach the upper echelons of the progressive rock movement of 1970's England. From the mini epic of "Supper's Ready" on the album Foxtrot - for which "Horizons" also appears, to the revolutionary and imaginative rock opera The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway - which would be front man Peter Gabriel's goodbye, the band used wild story book themes and colorful palettes of visual imagery to paint wild comments on life, love, and being British.
From 1976 until the band's inevitable break up at the beginning of the 21st century, the styling of the group turned more and more pop, and saw the launching point for mildly successful solo careers of remaining members Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks.
The band was finally inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010; only the second progressive rock band, besides Pink Floyd, to do so.
As for me and the guitar? Well, I've picked it up more thana few times, but had to put it back down for many reasons. But, I've never stopped trying. One day I will play this...
But, as much as I have yearned to make the illustrated adventures we commonly call comic books, I have had a second, secret passion. For as long as I can remember, I have had a love affair with the guitar, and have always ached to be able to play it. And, if I ever do learn, I ant to be able to play this:
Formed out of rival high school bands in 1967, Genesis went on to breach the upper echelons of the progressive rock movement of 1970's England. From the mini epic of "Supper's Ready" on the album Foxtrot - for which "Horizons" also appears, to the revolutionary and imaginative rock opera The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway - which would be front man Peter Gabriel's goodbye, the band used wild story book themes and colorful palettes of visual imagery to paint wild comments on life, love, and being British.
From 1976 until the band's inevitable break up at the beginning of the 21st century, the styling of the group turned more and more pop, and saw the launching point for mildly successful solo careers of remaining members Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks.
The band was finally inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010; only the second progressive rock band, besides Pink Floyd, to do so.
As for me and the guitar? Well, I've picked it up more thana few times, but had to put it back down for many reasons. But, I've never stopped trying. One day I will play this...
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
30 Day musical challenge: Day 26 - a song you can play on an instrument...
It has to be one of the most icon scores to what is, perhaps, one of the most pivotal pieces of science fiction, ever. And, I can play this:
... on a kazoo:
The Kazoo, as we know it, was invented by one Alabama Vest, and introduced at the Georgia state fair in 1852, and is most likely based off of similar such instruments that have been in use for hundreds of years in regions of Africa. But it was magician J.P. Kalaam that brought it center stage as part of his act.
Although its use is generally limited to jug bands and comedy acts, I think this is a highly underrated and potentially fun instrument that should be utilized more often. After all, you should never dismiss the serious potential of this remarkable instrument:
Or... or not:
... on a kazoo:
The Kazoo, as we know it, was invented by one Alabama Vest, and introduced at the Georgia state fair in 1852, and is most likely based off of similar such instruments that have been in use for hundreds of years in regions of Africa. But it was magician J.P. Kalaam that brought it center stage as part of his act.
Although its use is generally limited to jug bands and comedy acts, I think this is a highly underrated and potentially fun instrument that should be utilized more often. After all, you should never dismiss the serious potential of this remarkable instrument:
Or... or not:
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Wait! I can Spleen!
There's nothing the IronChuck doesn't enjoy more
on a sick day than busting out his back up spleen
and settling on the couch for a nice nap...
Thank you, I*heart*guts!
Okay, okay, for those of you not in on the little cancer joke, let me... e'spleen. As a teenager, I contracted a lymphoma knows as Hodgkin's lymphoma, a rare complication that can occur with mononucleosis. At that time, one of the parts of the treatment was exploratory surgery that involved removing the spleen.
Yes, you can follow those links to learn more. I encourage you to do so. And, if you can, please visit the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society to learn how you can help create more birthdays.
So now, whenever I'm ill, I bust out my trusty back up spleen and settle in for a quick bout of recovery time.
30 Day Song Challenege: Day 25 - A song that makes you laugh...
And now, for something completely different... a song that always makes me laugh:
Yeah, we're gonna go NSFW, here.
I'm really hoping I don't have to tell any of you who Monty Python are, or about their illustrious carrier. So, instead, I will gleefully inform you that I have had the privilage of unleashing this ticklish terror on unsuspecting karaoke victims in many a fine establishment... even more not so fine ones, too.
No, at no time was there the flashing of the Chuck Cheeks(tm)
Monday, June 13, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day 24 - a song you want played at your funeral...
Life, and all that it holds, is a journey. A journey to a single point. A journey to a single point that is, also, it's one great mystery.
Its end.
From mystics to skeptics, holy men to scientists, everyone has their own opinion about the final moment of one's life; passing into the great shroud on the unknown. Is death the doorway into another existence? Or, as some believe, the inevitable final act; the abrupt, and unfathomable end from which there is nothing more?
I have, myself, always looked to the skies and thought not of mythical kingdoms hovering beyond clouds, but to the infinite realm of the possible. The deep, endless blue of my mid day sky a curtain across the stage to the great beyond. In my quest to understand, I have found a sort of spiritualism within the planets, stars, the sky, the clouds, and all that surrounds us. I hope, on my eventual day, that I can meet my end, eyes open, looking into the promises of an endless blue sky. And, as my goodbye, this is what I'd like to leave my friends and family with:
When the toy company Bandai approached animation studio Sunrise to produce a cartoon around some spaceships, neither were expecting the critical acclaim that Cowboy Bebop would find, world wide. Set in 2071, in an interplanetary solar system, the "sessions" follow the lives, triumphs, and (mostly) tragedies of a group of bounty hunters, known as "cowboys", as they hunt for the big bounty; their lives coming crashing together toward a climactic crescendo.
The music for what would be considered one of the greatest works of science fiction would be scribed by Japanese musician Yoko Kanno, who would join forces with the ensemble crew known as The Seatbelts to create a menagerie of Asian, Blue Grass, Jazz, and early Rock. The complete soundtrack collection, including the box set, is one of my most cherished peices in my musical collection, and a must buy for anyone who would even consider themself a music lover.
I don't know what lies beyond the last hurrah, but I will always contiue to live, love, and learn. Maybe, one day, we'll all meet again, in that big blue somewhere. I'll see you then, Cowboy, somewhere...
Its end.
From mystics to skeptics, holy men to scientists, everyone has their own opinion about the final moment of one's life; passing into the great shroud on the unknown. Is death the doorway into another existence? Or, as some believe, the inevitable final act; the abrupt, and unfathomable end from which there is nothing more?
I have, myself, always looked to the skies and thought not of mythical kingdoms hovering beyond clouds, but to the infinite realm of the possible. The deep, endless blue of my mid day sky a curtain across the stage to the great beyond. In my quest to understand, I have found a sort of spiritualism within the planets, stars, the sky, the clouds, and all that surrounds us. I hope, on my eventual day, that I can meet my end, eyes open, looking into the promises of an endless blue sky. And, as my goodbye, this is what I'd like to leave my friends and family with:
When the toy company Bandai approached animation studio Sunrise to produce a cartoon around some spaceships, neither were expecting the critical acclaim that Cowboy Bebop would find, world wide. Set in 2071, in an interplanetary solar system, the "sessions" follow the lives, triumphs, and (mostly) tragedies of a group of bounty hunters, known as "cowboys", as they hunt for the big bounty; their lives coming crashing together toward a climactic crescendo.
The music for what would be considered one of the greatest works of science fiction would be scribed by Japanese musician Yoko Kanno, who would join forces with the ensemble crew known as The Seatbelts to create a menagerie of Asian, Blue Grass, Jazz, and early Rock. The complete soundtrack collection, including the box set, is one of my most cherished peices in my musical collection, and a must buy for anyone who would even consider themself a music lover.
I don't know what lies beyond the last hurrah, but I will always contiue to live, love, and learn. Maybe, one day, we'll all meet again, in that big blue somewhere. I'll see you then, Cowboy, somewhere...
Sunday, June 12, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day 23 - a song you want to play at your wedding...
The joining of two lives into one is probably one of the greatest, most sacred bonds to people can enter into. This is something that transcends the borders of religion, race, creed, and even all sense of mind and reason. It's the pull of two souls, clinging to each other in the dark of life; making fast one light against the night. It's holy - probably one of the very few things that truly are. It's the expression of love, desire, and hope for the future.
Once upon a time I thought I, too, would some day enter into this bond. That I would knowingly give up part of myself unto someone that they might, in return, share with me. That the flames of our separate heart's fires would unite, bearing a new path before us. For my part, there would have been only one song I can think of that I would have sang to her on our first dance. Only one song would have encapsulated my heart and mind at that moment...
Formed in Cincinnati, but based in Brooklyn, The National has a knack for painting "picture-perfect Americana bar-soaked gems". [Jason McNeil - No Depression magazine] It's fronted by singer/songwriter Matt Beringer and two sets of brothers; Arron and Bryce Dessner, and Scott and Bryan Devendorf.
There music is, generally, grass roots Americana indie rock; the band enjoying a nice collection of small releases. But this song, which first grabbed my attention when part of another peice of animation, also put the band into the limelight. They just recently closed an American tour, and are even featured on the soundtrack to the game Portal 2.
As for me? Well, I've been dreaming about her for 29 years... one day I'll find her.
Once upon a time I thought I, too, would some day enter into this bond. That I would knowingly give up part of myself unto someone that they might, in return, share with me. That the flames of our separate heart's fires would unite, bearing a new path before us. For my part, there would have been only one song I can think of that I would have sang to her on our first dance. Only one song would have encapsulated my heart and mind at that moment...
Formed in Cincinnati, but based in Brooklyn, The National has a knack for painting "picture-perfect Americana bar-soaked gems". [Jason McNeil - No Depression magazine] It's fronted by singer/songwriter Matt Beringer and two sets of brothers; Arron and Bryce Dessner, and Scott and Bryan Devendorf.
There music is, generally, grass roots Americana indie rock; the band enjoying a nice collection of small releases. But this song, which first grabbed my attention when part of another peice of animation, also put the band into the limelight. They just recently closed an American tour, and are even featured on the soundtrack to the game Portal 2.
As for me? Well, I've been dreaming about her for 29 years... one day I'll find her.
Hooked on a classic...
Alright, here we go; another needless reboot. This time, however, it's a dark spin on Peter and Wendy, the classic novel by J.M. Barrie; originally from his own play.
If you've read the book, you immediately see all the liberties taken for this new "interpretation" of the story. Of course, if you've read the book, then you probably have a different take on the Disney version, too.
I'm not really sure what to think about this, to be honest. It has a lot of fantasy in it, to be sure. And look, the pirate legend Bonnie Anne is here, too. But the whole "twist" on Peter and Hook? Yeah, not taking to that one, too well. And Hook being a 19th century fencing instructor moonlighting as a master thief? Magic portals? And the Charles Dickens rip off that will, at least as it looks, become the Lost Boys?
I will say, however, that I like the idea of Bob Hoskins reprising his role as Mr. Smee from the doomed Steven Spielberg follow up. (If, indeed, that's what he's doing in this version.) I wonder if they're trying to string the movies together...?
At any rate, I think I'll approach this one cautiously. For the unread, this may seem like a fascinating dark twist to a happy child's fable. But, as a reader of the classic - which is NOT the fairy tale Disney made it to be - I am wary that this may be, well, unfortunate.
In a movie age where trends are milked for all it's worth, and seeing the see saw success and failure of movies like the Chronicles of Narnia it's easy to become unwarrently skeptical of things like this. I'm not going to call it suck, now. But I will watch closely as release date gets closer, to see any more press on it, first.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Six feet tall and five feet thick!
The song? Bras on 45 by Ivor Biggun and The D cups.
The cartoons...? DAMNIT JAPAN!!!
(Possibly NSFW)
(Possibly NSFW)
30 Day Song Challenge: Day twenty two - a song you listen to when you're sad.
There's just no getting around it; every high comes with a low, somewhere. You really can't have one without the other. So, what do you do about it? Well, if you're like me, and the pitfalls of life have got you down, made you sad, you simply perk up with a catchy tune...
Yeah... um, there's no embedding for this video. Sorry; not my fault.
Born in Austin, Texas, and spanning the folk rock genres and into comedy, The Asylum Street Spankers take a big heaping handful of music and mash it into time bending mix of modern awareness and American country roots. And, yes, they're named for a street that did, in fact, lead to an asylum.
Though the band has gone their separate ways, their music endures in filking circles, revival shows, and in the hearts of those random, odd musical lovers... much like myself.
"Cakewalk" is available on their album Hot Lunch. (Pictured above.)
"Cakewalk" is available on their album Hot Lunch. (Pictured above.)
Spanks for the memories, folks! And for helping me keep my chin up when the chips were down!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Leggo my... leg-o!
After years of the most questionable tastes in "entertainment",
it seems Japan is finally taking some responsibility...
Good for you, Japan; good for you.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Well, so much for that idea...
If you've been reading a long, you'll remember that I said things here, at the office, would continue along mostly normal like, and that Neverland Transit Authority would pick up ridership starting on the 3rd of June...
Yeah, so, uh, not so much, huh?
There have been a monumental selection of randomly annoying snags here and there, as of late. Network access has been... troublesome. The old wage job has been tightening the screws some. And I've had a small host of personal issues come up, as of late.
Right now, NTA is searching for more station crew to help get things back on track. Everything else is on a steep incline to resolution, but at a better than 5% grade, it's gonna be a slow climb.
Rest assured we, here at the station, are working hard at getting things back to normal, if not better than. But I just wanted to take a little time to let you know that your patronage, and patience, has been seriously appreciated these past few months. And to those few fans/friends of the station goes out an especial thank you for all your support.
 |
| Sometimes I even surprise myself... |
If you've been reading a long, you'll remember that I said things here, at the office, would continue along mostly normal like, and that Neverland Transit Authority would pick up ridership starting on the 3rd of June...
Yeah, so, uh, not so much, huh?
There have been a monumental selection of randomly annoying snags here and there, as of late. Network access has been... troublesome. The old wage job has been tightening the screws some. And I've had a small host of personal issues come up, as of late.
Right now, NTA is searching for more station crew to help get things back on track. Everything else is on a steep incline to resolution, but at a better than 5% grade, it's gonna be a slow climb.
Rest assured we, here at the station, are working hard at getting things back to normal, if not better than. But I just wanted to take a little time to let you know that your patronage, and patience, has been seriously appreciated these past few months. And to those few fans/friends of the station goes out an especial thank you for all your support.
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