CD Review: Radiohead's 'In Rainbows'

So I strolled over to the local Best Buy yesterday to use some of the holiday gift certificate and I picked up a couple cds. The first of which was Beck's 'Sea Change', which, if you read this dribble you'd know I think it's greatness (just don't listen to it if you take lithium or have depression issues, it will make you bottom of the barrel crazy). I didn't have the whole copy and I thought what the hell, it was Rolling Stone's #1 CD for 2002.

Which brings me to Radiohead's 'In Rainbows', released at the end of '07 in an internet downloadable format (you name your own price). While I am still skeptical of the business model they came up with, I wanted a listen so I picked the actual cd copy up. I'm sure you could do without ANOTHER review, but here goes anyway.

First impression that came to mind: definitely Radiohead. You couldn't confuse their sound with anyone else, which is partly their bag, they're immistakeable. Tracks such as 'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi' and 'Jigsaw Falling Into Place' are tracks I certainly could envision as hits. Track 7, aptly named 'Reckoner', takes me back to Moby's 'Play' album, swingin' as hell.

The rest of the album is rather 'soulful' if I had to choose an adjective to describe it. Not bad, but not as aggressive as the Radiohead of old. 'In Rainbows' has already been listed as one of the best albums of '07. I'm not sure of that, but then again, I didn't listen to much of the '07 class. Check it out for yourself, it definitely isn't a waste of money.

Radiohead - 'In Rainbows' ***1/2

(trick question: Who produced both 'In Rainbows' and 'Sea Change'?)

My Profound Thoughts on MySpace

A few months ago I decided I try the mega-popular web-based friend interactive platform, MySpace. Generally it's really easy to operate and edit around in, probably a huge reason why it is so popular with the young 'ens. So far I have about 20 'friends' in my network but I'm a loser so consider me lucky. The whole MySpace thing raises questions in my mind, most if not all of which have been discussed somewhere else before.

First, is it a good idea to post personal information about yourself on the internet? Sure, I leave some personal info here but other than the contributors on this site you all probably know next to nothing about me other than my first name, which isn't very unique (dammit, why couldn't my parents have named me Apple! Sorry, saw Coldplay on Austin City Limits last night, my dream gig). Think of it from the perspective of an employer. You do know that some employers will Google your name and/or check MySpace and Facebook, don't you? I realize that you can keep your information private unless you approve your 'friend' to view it but for the most part people are lazy and won't take the time (mental note: only make your profile visible to friends).

Second, what is the appropriate age to bid a farewell to MySpace/Facebook? I'm 29 and approaching 30 and I feel that I'm just too damn old to be there anymore. Will I cancel my account? Somebody convince me.

All in all it's a pretty neat little tool for contacting ones that you haven't seen in awhile but I prefer this blog, leaving my thoughts here for you to criticize and make fun of.

(By the way, that pic ain't me, he's way better looking)

I am insane now.

Kool Aid Killer - More bloopers are a click away

Have a great day!

So I've decided to become a professional...

Kalimba player. For you folks at home, a kalimba is basically a thumb piano that is played with...your thumbs.

Ever since I ran across a couple YouTube videos of kalimba playing and Pat Metheny's DVD of 'The Way Up' I've taken to the instrument. I ordered one with a built in pickup so I can plug it into an amp and get some psy-adelica tunes a rockin'.

This is the one I bought, a nice little 8 note piece:

By the way, thought I'd let all you Funkytown cats know that the greatness of Swan Song is playing live at Sarah's Place off Camp Bowie this Friday, Jan. 25th. (817) 731-7337 for details.

My Favorite City

Why do you love Fort Worth (via MSNBC)? The Stock Show? Vigilante dads?

BTW, I will not be posting about the Cowboys playoff loss. Not today, not evar. We'll see what happens this offseason.

The Great Gordo (The Bill Breadly Blog Edition)

As many of you know, I'm a pretty big fan of Gordon Keith. Gordon is part of The Musers every weekday morning on 1310 The Ticket, A.M. radio style. I thought I'd do my best Gordo impression and give you some classy stuff today. Enjoy.

Courtesy of Texas (my lovely state)


Kittens, Cats and random felines.

There's a reason why I'm single. (somewhat raunchy)

J. Simpson's latest CD back cover. Good luck Tony.

Two Dark HitMan Movies

Those that know me relatively well know that I don't go out much to see movies in the theater and usually stick with my DVD collection for the classics. I decided during the weekend to buck the norm and grab a couple movies which, for the most part, were ho hum. That, however, wasn't the weirdest thing about my choices (both involve murderers, and serial at that).

Zodiac wasn't a particularly bad film and made some critics best of 2007 lists. I didn't think the movie was that great, especially knowing that the police never captured the Zodiac or without question knew who he was. I did like the acting and the screenplay though, especially with trouble-ridden Robert Downey, Jr., still a hell of an actor. It just seemed to drag on, Gyleenhaal became more and more obsessed with the killer and except for Downey, all other characters seemed underdeveloped.

So last night I skipped SuperBad again (which I hear is greatness) and rent the moderately reviewed Mr. Brooks starring Kevin Costner. Pretty good acting by Costner here, however, the movie just reminded me too much of American Psycho and especially got over the top at the end. Not exactly a time waste but certainly not that great.

I just need to remind myself next time before I have a movie weekend that I need to go online first and see what to rent. SuperBad, here we come.