Science to Stone

WE'RE MOVING!!!

2009-05-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

Over to tumblr.
Sorry if you like to look through archives, but... you'll know where to find them.

sciencetostone.tumblr.com

Scream the Prayer Tour Dates Announced

2009-04-23T05:42:00.000-07:00

I caught last years Scream the Prayer tour in Louisville KY. The tour, which features some of the biggest names in breakout Christian Metal/Hardcore, featured TONS of notable bands, but most notably bands like Sleeping Giant, Impending Doom and more.

This year, the lineup is more diverse, and in some ways "bigger"
Sleeping Giant (who is one of my favorites) returns. This years tour is headlined by Haste the Day (snore), with appearances by The Chariot, Gwen Stacy, and a big surprise from a guilty pleasure of mine... Project 86.

Anyways, you can check out the tour dates on any of the band's MySpace pages, i'll probably be at either the one in Louisville or Nashville.

SEE YOU THERE!

NEW MUSIC: He is Legend/The Mars Volta/TDWP and many more.

2009-04-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

He is Legend recently put up a new demo for their new record which can be heard on their myspace. The song is uber weird, and chances are i'm probably not going to buy this record.

A new Mars Volta song is up somewhere and yeah, I snagged a copy. Apparently it's the single. Sounds really good, and to my ears, it sounds like they've finally come to terms with the fact that they are a post-hardcore band. It has the Mars Volta swagger with At the Drive-In attitude, much like many of the songs on their last record. Sounds good, can't wait to pick the album up.

The Devil Wears Prada has unveiled yet another track from their upcoming album. I'm not a TDWP fan, but the first two songs weren't that bad. Pretty heavy, and yeah I'd say they're developing their own sound. They're showing good signs of consistency but still progressing, so as much as people want to hate, i've gotta give them props. Still not really a fan though, but hey, props to them.
[link]

The Chariot Puts Up New Music, Still Thinking They're Heavy Musics Saviors

2009-04-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ahh The Chariot.
Josh Scogin is still riding the coattails of his involvement in Norma Jean's Bless the Martyr, Kiss the Child, and in doing that, is on his 3rd, or maybe 4th, lineup in The Chariot, and is still making the same record so it seems.

Is it just me, or are they not doing ANYTHING different?
If you're going to make a memorable noisecore record, at least make it scary as hell like Spitfire's Cult Fiction.

Bottom line is every artist needs to change and evolve, and it would be great to see a band that has been around since 2004 do something different for a change.

MeWithoutYou - Am I Missing Something?

2009-04-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

I put an old picture of the band on here for a reason. I remember hearing MeWithoutYou on a SolidState sampler CD 2003. The band was so different and original it was scary. There was an angsty poetic feeling behind their presence, the aggressiveness of a Post-Hardcore band, and the revolutionary qualities of a band like At The Drive-In.

When hitting the frontlines with their record label full-length debut A-B Life, the band delivered. After that they started moving away from the style, moving towards a more indie and rootsy feel.Personally, I didn't mind this change at first with the deliverance of Catch for Us The Foxes. From there the trend progressed further into the more indie stylings.

I recently got a preview of the new album and it has gone even further. I don't mind good indie music, and I can see where people who are deeply rooted in uber indie rock styles, but this just isn't catching for me.

Namely, my biggest peeve of this whole thing is the lyrics. Mostly a cross between animals and food of all things, but they're everywhere. At least when Bob Dylan did he was blatantly on drugs. And if that's the case for this band, I would at least like for them to let me know.

Regardless, i'll probably get nailed for this by MWY fans, but i'm sorry, i'm just missing it with this band. It's one of those things where I say, "what's the big deal?"

A Couple Noteworthy Records Out Today

2009-04-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

As Cities Burn - Hell or High Water
Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything to Nothing

Both are great so go pick them up.

S2S Loves Cats

2009-04-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

Russell Crowe in the New Robin Hood Flick

2009-04-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

Russell Crowe is starring the new Robin Hood movie directed by Alien director Ridley Scott. Hopefully it lives up tot he greatness of ye old Kevin Costner movie. Maybe he'll refuse to speak in an English accent, and maybe Bryan Adams will do the theme song.

I'm crossing my fingers for both.

Random LOST Update: Richard Alpert gets the Spotlight

2009-04-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

If you don't follow me on twitter, you're not getting sweet LOST updates. Basically I announced the other day that the episode after next weeks (Ep. 15) will feature a Richard Alpert centric episode.

Good times.

Thrice Lets Someone in on Their Magic Tricks

2009-04-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

Thrice is currently finishing up the tracking phase of their latest record, and they have let someone from the Orange County press come in and take a peak at the process.

The article is really great, check it out.

[link]

It Has Begun...

2009-04-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

So we're over halfway through the second to last season of LOST, and man are things getting crazy.

People who read my blog should know that I am an avid fan. Some people like Star Wars, some like Harry Potter, or Star Trek... I like LOST.

Nonetheless, My girlfriend and I have made the ultimate commitment, in what i'm calling "THE ULTIMATE LOST EXPERIENCE"

Basically starting from Season 1, Episode 1 viewing EVERYTHING, and I mean everything. Every episode, every commentary, everything. I may even play the video game, but that's a completely different post.

I know i'm nerdy, but hey, it's my thing.

Anyways, if you're interested, i'm also starting another blog called THE INCIDENT ROOM.
I know, I know, less than a season and a half and i'm JUST NOW starting to blog? Well, there's more to it than that. This will be a blog dedicated to talking about in depth stories, series, etc. from various medias including everything from Movies, TV, books, games, comics, whatever. Anyways, i'll let you know when it's up.

You can follow me on Twitter, and catch my LOSTWEETS, live LOST tweeting every Wednesday nights starting at 8P.M. est.

ME ON TWITTER

Anyways,
thanks!

ZAO Puts Up New Music

2009-03-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

Umm...
So, like their MySpace says ZAO is alive and has new music.
Gonna be honest too, as much crap as I give this band for dying, coming back, and repeating millions of times over, this song is effing raw. I'm all about it.

[link]

MUSIC VIDEO: Sky Eats Airplane - Numbers

2009-03-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

Had a chance to play some shows on tour w/ these dudes. Technically sound, for the most part, fairly cool dudes haha. They like to have a good time, and like looking professional, that's all I can really say. Good band though.

Iron Man v. Bruce Lee

2009-03-30T05:33:00.001-07:00

From Kanye's blog.
A cool toyanimated video
check it out.

[link]

12 Year Old Father

2009-03-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, saw this on a website and figured I would forward it on.
The author basically says everything I was thinking.

[link]

Spike Jonze Spotlight

2009-03-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

It seems like hype for the Where The Wild Things Are movie is CRAZY right now, and rightfully so.

Most people might know this, but for those that don't, I thought I would highlight the film's director: Spike Jonze

Jonze is most notably a director of music videos, and I figured I would throw some of his AMAZING work up for everyone to see, but most likely you've already seen some of these!

Weezer - Buddy Holly
Fatboy Slim - Praise You
Beastie Boys - Sabotage
Tenacious D - Wonderboy
Kanye West - Flashing Lights

There are a TON more great videos, just check em out on YouTube!

REVIEW: Impending Doom - The Serpent Servant

2009-03-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not really a fan of deathcore type bands. In the past 5 years, the genre has gained quite a bit of notoriety for extremely heavy music, sometimes tuned down to B tuning, piercingly gutteral growls, and a DIY type of attitude. Bands like Job for a Cowboy, Despised Icon, and a bunch more helped bring modern Deathcore to its prominence, but enough with the history. After all, I'm not very well versed in this genre.

Impending Doom burst out of Redlands California's amazing scene of Christian aggressive music a few years ago, catching the eyes of Facedown records. Their debut record Nailed, Dead, Risen fell in line with most counterparts. Extremely heavy, crappy recordings, and overall a bit tedious and boring.

Jump forward to today, Facedown is much more of a notable record label, and has invested in finding quality producers for their artists. Impending Doom's most recent, The Serpent Servent, was produced by As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis, and he has done the band justice. The fast is faster, the heavy is heavier, and the band sounds better. Impending Doom's live presence is much more noticeable, and not one track lets up.

The track "More Than Conquerers" is the album's high point. It's a sonic onslaught, highlighting the bands ability to write an epic, breakdown filled deathcore song, that remains interesting from start to finish.

Now, this label by no means is going to win an award of artistic quality, or originality, but the bands ability to stay true, but evolve via recorded performance sets this record apart. There is a sense of uniqueness when recording metal bands, and Impending Doom is a perfect example. In a music style that prides itself on playing ability, recording perfection is basically required, and this album is a perfect example of that.

FINAL GRADE: A-
For Fans Of: The Great Commission, White Chapel, MyChildren MyBride

New Converge Album Teaser/Video

2009-03-18T19:42:00.001-07:00

Check this...
so stoked.

CONVERGE New album out soon on Epitaph/Deathwish

New Brand New Track

2009-03-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Found this floating around.
It's a live Brand New track that's been floating around.
People are calling it "Bride" right now, and it's taken from a Jesse Lacey solo gig.

Have fun, great song.
http://www.mediafire.com/?ujnaf0gz2um

Some Cool Trailers For You!

2009-03-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

The first trailer is for Judd Apatow's (40 Year Old Virgin) new film featuring a great cast, including Adam Sandler, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, and the amazing Seth Rogen. The movie is a tad more serious than Apatow's other films, but still funny i'd say. Look for one character wearing a UK shirt in the movie!

The second is called Public Enemies, and it features Johnny Depp as the infamous bank robber John Dillinger. The movie looks like classic 1900s badassness.

Invisible Creature Headbanger Blogs

2009-03-04T14:35:00.001-08:00

In design news...
One of my favorite design companies, Invisible Creature, blogged on the Headbangers Ball blog. The article highlights the design process when designing a Lamb of God article for Revolver Magazine.

Check it out here.

xDeathstarx breaks up

2009-03-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

According to Lambgoat, Facedown band xDeathstarx has broken up.
Great band, but all 3,948 of them are in separate bands including one of my favorites, Sleeping Giant.

read the story here.

It Prevails - Capture & Embrace

2009-03-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

It Prevails debut full length came at the hands of recent scene success label Rise Records. The album seemed unfitting for a label who tends to capitalize on underground teenybopper trend. It was an ode to melodic hardcore counterparts who had come before them, and it didn't come to a surprise when the band and it's first label parted ways.

Along the way, the band decided to continue and front a record for themselves. The product became Capture & Embrace. Without a doubt, a fair progression from the previous record. Song are more composed and organized than usual, and singer Ian Fike has decided to showcase his phenomenal singing ability.

Please allow me to transition paragraphs by saying: Ian Fike has decided to graciously allow us to listen to a recording of his phenomenal vocal endeavors. Literally, heavy music vocalist please take note; this is without a doubt one of the most stand out records, vocally, from a hardcore band I have ever heard. Fike releases relentless aggression upon our ears via harsh screams, segues into chordal sing/screams, only to complement the melody, with a harmonious singing voice, and not once does he fail.

Beyond the singing, again, the songs are arranged amazingly. In no way is this more a hardcore album than anything else, but that's why this particular genre is so amazing. Melodic Hardcore bands, no matter how you want to define it, by definition are few and far between. Though the music might not be fast paced and punk oriented, it is the attitude that brings the hardcore-esqueness to the genre, while the melodic part speaks for itself.

This record is defining among the genre, and not only will be on of the best this year, but one we will look back on for years to come.

Screw petty points because this band basically put out this record on there own.

FINAL GRADE: A+

A Plea For Purging - Depravity

2009-03-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

I can't really say i've always been the biggest Plea for Purging fan. The bands first release on Facedown records displayed a semi technical, yet cheesy metal record that was extremely sub-par in production value. However, Plea's second Facedown release has come during the second coming of Facedown records so it seems.

In the past two years, the label has gained some of the most notable, and honest bands in heavy music, and has stayed pretty consistent in quality across various rock genres. Depravity starts off well, setting the tone for the entire record, and that tone is dark.

Probably the most outstanding event on the whole record is the amazing production value. Joey Sturgis at Foundation Studios in Connersville Indiana has been a focal point in heavy music production in the last few years, and they have only gotten better. Love them or hate them, they continue to put out records that sound great, and this one is no exception.

Everything is crushing, and nothing skips a beat. On the performance front, the band still plays pick friendly metal melodies, but it is toned down quite a bit, and the band mixes some of the most heavy and earth shaking breakdowns i've heard in a long time. Usually this comes off as downright ignorant. However, the musicianship on this record keeps it low key and thoughtful.

As Depravity punches forward, the entire album works together as a cohesive unit, providing an epic audible fusion of metal and hardcore at best.

My only criticism for this record is that some parts seem redundant when noticing how talented this band is. I know it's not usual for metal bands to have quick songs, but when you tend to through in odd chaotic parts, but repeat extremely simple parts, the logic in that kind of song writing doesn't make much since. Regardless, this is a great record if you're into Facedown band, talent filled metal, and extremely heavy, breakdown filled music. I personally can't complain.

FINAL GRADE: A-

LOST Analysis: Frozen Donkey Wheel

2009-02-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

Im going to take some time to analyze the science behind the frozen wheel that has been so prominent in the last season and a half of lost.

FACTS
The wheel was first referenced (at the time ominously) towards the end of season 4. Jacob, via Christian Shepard was told to "Move the island" which was a reference to turning the wheel.

Upon hearing the news, Ben Linus took it upon himself to turn the wheel. By doing so, light was emitted from behind the wheel, and the island was moved to a different place in time and space, and along with it, Ben had also been removed from the island.
NOTE: Ben warned Locke that turning the wheel was a "last resort" and that whoever did so could not return to the island. Whether this is true or not is unknown.

During its second physical appearance, we find out that the reason the island is shifting erratically through time and space is due to the fact that the wheel is off its axis. We see Locke look at the wheel and it is trying unsuccessfully rotate as light is shooting from behind it.

THEORY
Based on what we've seen and heard about the wheel may lead one to believe that the wheel is the source of time on the island.

Based on logic, when the wheel IS moving, time apparently moves in proper time. This is the case due to the fact that the wheel is trying to move, but when it is stuck, time behaves erratically. At one point, Richard Alpert even explains to Locke that the island moves like a record, and it is skipping back and fourth in one spot, and at the time it was spinning in normal time. The depth, or further acknowledgment of this analogy is somewhat ominous and unknown.

Now lets flash back to the first time we've seen the wheel. It was NOT moving, and based on the previous paragraph we've decided that when the wheel IS MOVING, time moves as it should be (past moving to present and future). So why was it not moving, and what did it mean that it wasn't moving?

MY OVERARCHING THEORY!!!
So here's where my theory gets interesting. In the first episode of season 5, and hinted in the last episodes of season 4, the wheel is surrounded, or within rocks that have extremely high magnetic activity.

Go back to season 2/3 when the swan station (station where they had to enter the buttons and numbers), there was an extremely high activity of magnetism their as well.

My theory suggests that the Dharma Initiative was using the stations to magnetically rotate the wheel itself, and cause time to move on its own.

My theory is plausible due to the fact that any time the button was not pushed properly, there was a "shutdown" or an event which had strange ramifications. At one point, it was revealed that the crash of Oceanic Flight 815 was due to the fact that the button was not pushed, causing a "shutdown" or the wheel to stop turning.

When the station was ultimately destroyed, the same light that happens anytime time itself ships occurred. This leads me to believe that time itself stopped on the island, allowing it to be visible to the outside world, and located.

This idea is very much theory, but based on the logic behind the wheel in which we've seen, can be determined as a valid argument.

The wheel's properties are just one of the BIG pieces of the lost puzzle, and in no way am I concluding that this is the big answer to all of the questions, or the final piece to the puzzle, but it can be determined as an answer to a lot of questions.

What's next for Lost?
I can't say.
However, I think the time issue has an answer.
The remaining big question is why do the Oceanic 6 have to get back to the island, and what place to they hold in idea that the island has people that are supposed to be there?

Perhaps the island has called our heroes to the island as an aid to protect it.

I dunno...
stay tuned and keep watching!

If anyone has anything else they would like me to analyze, let me know and id be happy to give it a shot. I try to base all of my theories off of research and logic from the show, and I urge you to do the same!!!

LOST Ratings Down, Possibly Cancelled?

2009-02-15T08:06:00.000-08:00

The rumors are true, ratings are down, and people are speaking of cancellation with only a season and a half left in the series.

Despite cancellation rumors, apparently ABC has faith in the series, and we're safe.

Check out this article.
[link]

LOST Watch

2009-02-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

Most people that know me know that im obsessed with LOST.
A friend asked me if I could sum up what's going on.

While I don't have time for that right now, I did want to give everyone an update on some things to be aware of.

I've been scowering the net,a nd reading interviews with cast and creators.

WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD

- According to Daniel Dae Kim (Jin), we should not forget about the Hydrogen Bomb in "Jughead." It's extremely unlikely that the Lost creators would introduce something so big, just to make it "Go away." Kim says that the bomb might be intricate in the overarching sum up of the entire show!

- The episode "The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham" explains Locke's adventures off the island, and will also include myth favorites Christian Shepard, Walt, and Abbadon

- Matthew Fox (Jack Shepard) has been seen on set with long hair?

Anyways, watch the new episode tonight, I will have a fairly long post on the Lost Quarter Recap.

Stay tuned.

Grammy Performance Re-Cap

2009-02-08T20:47:00.001-08:00

Night started off right with Al Green and Justin Timberlake performing a great duet together.

Coldplay not only stole the show with all of the awards, but their performance, including an appearance by Jay Z, was a great one.

MIA w/ Kanye West, Jay Z, TI, and Lil' Wayne was utterly fantastic with their RAT PACK themed appearances.

Radiohead was fantastic, and brought the attitude to prove it.

Perhaps the most disappointingwas the highly hyped Paul McCartney and Dave Grohl performance. The Beatle only performed one song, where I think it would have been more in line to do some sort of medley.

Anyways, great night for music.

Blink 182 Officially Re-Unites

2009-02-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

The news broke earlier this week that Blink 182 was coming together to present on the Grammys. Rumors spread about their possible re-uniting but nothing was official... until now.

While presenting their award, they officially announced their re-union.

Shortly after their self-titled 5th album was released, the band announced an indefinite hiatus which shocked the music world. There was a very public feud, but after the plane crash that killed everyone but two, one of which included Blink drummer Travis Barker, the band came in contact once again.

This is a beautiful thing. One of the most purposeful bands of our generation, making it ok to be pop and rock again, ushering tons of underground genres to the mainstream.

Breakfast Sandwhiches Make Their Way to KY SBUX

2009-02-05T05:39:00.000-08:00

Mmmm, Starbucks continues to figure out why they're losing money, possibly by re-adding greased up breakfast sandwiches to combat fast food chains like McDonalds and such.

The sandwiches have always been around major market Starbucks, and used to be a norm. However, upon the big health boom, they were dropped from smaller markets, and a majority across the country.

Yesterday on trip through, I noticed a big greasy sausage patty between two english muffins, an egg, and the deadliest piece of cheddar cheese i've ever seen.

Perhaps it isn't the sandwiches that are going to help the bucks, but maybe realizing why their customers go to their stores in the first place?

For me it's the accessibility of higher end coffee products.

Anyways, we'll see where this is taking them...

Christian Bale Terminator 4 Outburst

2009-02-05T05:25:00.000-08:00

Anyone seen this?
It's a few days old, but basically the story goes like this...

A camera operator on the set of Bale's upcoming film - Terminator Salvation, apparently said something while filming, and from there, the rest is history.

I've always had the impression that Bale was kind of a dick based on his attitude while being interviewed in general. Whatever though, this was uncalled for.

CAUTION!!! NOT SAFE FOR WORK!!! LOTS OF LANGUAGE (I think his British accent is fake haha)

Looking For New Music? I've Got Recommendations

2009-02-03T06:06:00.002-08:00

I seem to be the source of people finding new music for a handful of my friends, so I decided I would just document it.

These recommendations are for fans of the softer and lighter side of life, so here goes.

Manchester Orchestra
Alot of people in the underground world know about this band, they've toured with everyone from Thrice, to Mewithoutyou, to Brand New, and they've managed to stay JUST enough under the radar to keep a failry unknown mainstream status.

The band mixes up beat tunes, with the occasional down beat and slow anthemic songs, with deeply personal and inspiring lyrics. From love, love loss, and faith, this band keeps a good mixture of cross genre attitude, and original wit.

FOR FANS OF: Brand New, Anathallo, Neutral Milk Hotel
Listen to: Like a Virgin Losing a Child
MYSPACE

Bon Iver
This band/artist has had a fair amount of exposure, and was one of the most talked about groups in independent music last year. With songs appearing on Grey's Anatomy, and a spot in an issue of Rolling Stone, and appearances on Letterman and Leno, Bon Iver has kept a steady pace.

Songs are slow and atmospheric, with more elegance than a charity ball. The vocals remain perfect, mixing falsetto harmonies with hooky melodies that you wouldn't expect from such an experimental sound.

FOR FANS OF: Sigur Ros, Damien Rice, Coldplay
Listen to: For Emma, For Ever Ago
MYSPACE

The Emerson Letters
This artists, I can imagine, is relatively unknown to most people. This is the side project from Matt Goud, singer/guitarist of the now defunct Christian melodic hardcore band MEANS.

Goud's voice is phenomenal and real. The songs are deep and personal as his voice blends perfectly with the strum of his acoustic guitar. Though sometimes folky, songs might seem reminiscent of early Coldplay. Though he fits the description in form, throw away most inhibitions of a normal singer song writer, Goud does it his own way.

FOR FANS OF: Ray Lamontagne, Early Coldplay, Ryan Adams
Listen to:See This Through
MYSPACE

It's been a while...

2009-02-03T06:06:00.001-08:00

Sorry about the lack of posting. Been busy with school and life.

LOST S:5:E:1 & 2 Gets Reviewed

2009-01-09T06:37:00.000-08:00

You can Google LOST Season 5 Episode 1 Review and find tons of sites that got a chance to get a pre-screening of the episode.

None of them are giving away very much, but they have been great reviews. They've promised tons of twists and answers within the first few minutes, and apparently the first episode will let us know when/where the Island is, and we'll be able to understand how this season will work.

Some of the reviews also drop hints on some big twists.
Here are the two that caught my attention

I GUESS THIS COULD BE A SPOILER, SO DON'T READ BEYOND, YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!

- Someone on the island saves the island dwellers who we never thought we would see again, someone that we may have thought, or think is dead, and they have a beard.

Could be charlie maybe? I'm hoping so. Could be someone lame like a Dharma dude. Could be Desmond, that would make since... keep reading and you'll find out why.

- Someone who is off the island is still on.

My guess is it's Ben, but it could be Desmond, this would kill two birds with one stone.

The way this works is because, apparently, the Island has moved to a different time, a time when Desmond and Ben were both on the Island.

Street Fighter Trailer

2009-01-07T04:58:00.000-08:00

Looks pretty lame.

Pineapple Express Out Today (thoughts)

2009-01-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

Pineapple Express is out today. I'm not a huge fan of stoner flicks, and I didn't want to see this movie. However, I'm a huge Judd Apatow fan, and basically everything he touches turns to gold somehow.

Nonetheless, I watched it, and it's hilarious. It has Forgetting Sarah Marshall qualities in the since that it's underrated.

Very funny, I think it's at least a rent.

Dustin Kensrue & more in Covington

2009-01-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

I mentioned this a while back, and I need to snag some tickets to this. Dustin Kensrue is the lead singer of one of my all time favorite bands, and what I will say, will be one of the most important bands of our generation, Thrice.

He also has a solo project which is quite different from his main band. Dustin's music falls under the alternative country category, maintaining sounds such as Ryan Adams. His first CD Please Come Home showed off his faithful side, having most of the songs be mainly faith related. Although this is the motif throughout the record, Thrice, nor Kensrue for that mater are known as much of a Christian based act, however they tastefully pull it off well.

Kensrue is headlining the "Where's the Band Tour" which features quite an impressive lineup, including Saves the Day front man Chris Connoly, The Get Up Kids singer Matt Pryor, and Anthony Raneri of Bayside fame.

Check out the tour coming to Covington Kentucky on January 29th

Dustin Kensrue on MySpace

9

2008-12-31T07:14:00.001-08:00

This movie looks really cool. Reminds me of a dark, action packed, post apocalyptic story with an original twist... actually that's exactly what it is.

Check it.

Music Year in Review: From My Perspective

2008-12-31T06:50:00.000-08:00

2008 overall was a great year for music. We kicked off the year amazingly, having Radiohead performing their latest masterpiece In Rainbows in its entirety for everyone to see. The performance was taped and released on YouTube.

Shortly after, we were shown just what the magic men in Death Cab for Cutie had in store for us, by doing the unexpected, and dropping the first single of their critically acclaimed Narrow Stairs: "I Will Possess Your Heart". The song clocked in at a magnificent 8 minutes, and was mildly experimental compared to their previous works. The album eventually dropped, and debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts, and even ended up as my #2 album of the year.

Without a doubt, 2008 was the year of the comebacks. Metallica released their latest album, their first in a long time, about 5 years. Some people say this was going to be their last chance to win people over, and keep their credibility among fans and critics. I think it's safe to say the band did so with Death Magnetic. The album rekindled old spirits with it's thrashy song structures, guitar solos, and attitude, but still blending new school, agroesque influences.

Although I didn't pick up Guns n' Roses latest Chinese Democracy, one must applaud the fact tat they finally released it. The album was announced in the 90's, and we just now got it.

Speaking of comebacks, the underground music world didn't have much to complain about. Christian Heavy Metal legends Living Sacrifice made their comeback, co-headlining the massive Christian Metal tour featuring Oh Sleeper, Demon Hunter, The Famine, and Advent. While we're on the subject, both bands Advent and The Famine fall under our category for big comebacks, considering both bands rose from the ashes of former Christian metal bands. Advent features members of one of my favorite bands: Beloved. And The Famine, members of Embodiment. Both bands released new music, and both records were pretty sweet.

2008 had some pretty sour parts as well. My all time favorite band, Life in Your Way, ended their long run. Even though the band is done, they left quite a legacy behind, three full length albums, and great memories. I had actually grown close to the members, and had befriended them, and they will be missed, but something inside tells me they might be back.

Thrice completed their 4 disc release The Alchemy Index Parts I-IV. The entire project was eic, and some people asked why I left it off my top albums list, and the answer is simple, it was just too epic to feature, but it deserves it's own acclaim. The effort is quite a feat, and an ambitious one at that, however they passed with flying colors.

Kanye West dropped his latest 808's & Heartbreak, the first record since the passing of his mother, and the separation from his fiance. The album was extremely personal as one can imagine, and Kanye took quite the leap of faith on his new style, displaying both talent and originality. The record received praises from critics, separated fans, and ended up as my #1 album of the year.

Alot more happened in 2008, but this sums up some of the biggest headlines from my point of view. 2009 hopes to feature a handful of great new records, some long awaited comebacks.

I'll see you there!

Ben Gibbard and Zooey Deschanel Engaged?

2008-12-30T05:32:00.000-08:00

Again, stole this from Buzzgrinder.
This is one of those news bits where im both happy, scared and surprised at the same time. Mainly because I think Ben Gibbard is a genius musician, and Deschanel is cute, but a less than stellar actress, REALLY good singer.

I didn't even know they were dating though.

Good for them. Maybe there will be some weird John and Yoko thing that happens, Death cab will break up, but it wont matter because Ben IS DCFC.

Ryan Gosling Has a Band? IS Going to Suck My Blood?

2008-12-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

Caught this over on Buzzgrinder.
Ryan Gosling (The Notebook) has a band, and this their video.

Is it just me or does he sound like Dracula. Im sure this song would be alot better if the recording was solid, instead of artsy fartsy terrible.

Anyways, check it out.

In The Room Where You Sleep (live video version)

IGN Posts Top 10 Christian Rock Bands That Don't Suck

2008-12-22T18:04:00.000-08:00

I would obviously put some more notable bands on this list, but by all means, most of these are all pioneers of the "genre".

Plus it's pretty cool to see this list on IGN.

[link]

2008 Albums of the Year

2008-12-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

I decided to take a different approach this year.
Normally I do a top 25, and do summaries of the top 10. Unfortunately, I simply didn't have enough time to do that, and there are just far too many great albums of this year to do a top 25.

So here we go.
Feel free to comment on them, post yours, or we can debate about why I chose what I did.

Also, I probably forgot about some albums, so I apologize.

1. Kanye West - 808's & Heartbreak
2. Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
3. Emarosa - Relativity
4. Means - To Keep me From Sinking
5. Norma Jean - The Anti-Mother
6. Metallica - Death Magnetic
7. Saints Never Surrender - Brutus
8. Take it Back - Can't Fight Robots
9. Misery Signals - Controller
10. Trenches - The Tide Will Swallow us Whole

Honorable Mentions
Lower Definition - The Greatest of All Lost Arts
Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Seperation
Our Last Night - The Ghost Among Us
Spitfire - Cult Fiction
Destroy the Runner - I Lucifer

Best Debut
Our Last Night - The Ghost Among Us

Best Production
Misery Signals - Controller (Devin Townsend)

Breakout Album of the Year
Emarosa - Relativity

Best Song
Robots 3 Humans 0 - Norma Jean

Worst Album of the Year
Attack Attack - Someday Came Suddenly

UFC 92 Fight Predictions

2008-12-19T06:48:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt the biggest fight card of the year, perhaps the biggest fight card in mixed martial arts history? Who knows.

Nonetheless, there are some great fights, and if you're not a UFC fan and you're trying to get into it, I would recommend checking this one out.

I went 2-1 on my predictions for the TUF finale, and before that I think I went 1-3 so to say the least im down but not out.

Here we go.

Forrest Griffin Vs. Rashad Evans

What a match up, champion Forrest Griffin comes off his huge title win over Rampage Jackson in a fight for thr history books. Evans off of his huge win, defeating and knocking out Chuck Liddel.

I think the thing to keep in mind about this fight is both fighters strengths. Evans is a striker without a doubt, he can defend on the ground, and even take some ground offensive, but the chances of this one going to the ground is slim. Evans is a perfect puncher, and we saw that in his fight against Liddell, and my guess is he will deal some pretty serious blows to Forrest.

On the other hand, we look at Forrest Griffin. Perhaps one of the most well conditioned fighters i've ever seen. Forrest's greatest strength lies in the fact that he can absolutely stand toe to toe with the heaviest hands in the UFC, especially after seeing him go 5 rounds with Jackson, while Jackson delivered blow after blow that would have KOed anyone else.

With that being said, this one on tape, looks like a toss up. However, I have trouble believing that Rashad Evans will do anything more than what Rampage did in his fight, and that's beat the living crap out of Forrest Griffin. Although that might sound like i'm saying Evans will win, it's not. Griffin's main tactic is that he doesn't mind people beating the crap out of him, but by doing this, his opponents waste their energy and remain frustrated enough to where they make big mistakes.

WINNER: Forrest Griffin

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira Vs. Frank Mir

This is the fight for the intterim championship between the TUF coaches, Nogueira and Mir. What that means, is that Nogueira is the Pride Fight champion, which UFC owns.

This fight will simply come down to ground game, and experience, in which Nogueira has over Frank Mir.

This one to me is a no brainer.

WINNER: Antonio Nogueira

Wanderlei Silva Vs. Quinton Jackson

This one looks like a tossup to me. Jackson has been defeated by Silva once before, but Jackson is more in his prime than ever, with something to prove after his loss to Forest Griffin. On the other hand, Silva seems like he's lost touch after showing less than stellar performances, even though some wins, in his last few fights. This one is a close one, but i'm gonna call for a winner.

WINNER: Quinton Jackson

OTHER FIGHT PREDICTIONS

CB Dollaway Vs. Mike Massenzio :: C.B. Dulloway
Matt Hamill Vs. Reese Andy :: Matt Hammill

Official Wolverine Origins Trailer

2008-12-19T06:42:00.000-08:00

I posted the leaked one from Comicon a while back, and of course it was taken down. That trailer was a bit more in depth than this, but nonetheless, it looks like a great flick.

By the way, if you haven't seen this yet, you've been living in a hole.

My Take on Junie Browning

2008-12-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

The Ultimate Fighter contestant Junie Browning has garnered quite the reputation as a loose cannon on the most recent season of The Ultimate Fighter, and people were pretty skeptical from his performances on the show as well.

Shortly after the show was over, the announcement was made that he would be fighting other team Mir favorite Dave Kaplan at the TUF Finale.

Browning ended up walking away with the victory, in what some people called fight of the night, and definitely surprised some people, as well as possibly holding his spot in the UFC.

Check out this interview where Browning ultimately admits he was an idiot on the show, as well as predicting the unexpected winner of the Escudero/Nover fight.

Lack of Posts

2008-12-10T22:07:00.001-08:00

I apologize, i've been super busy with finals and stuff, but I promise i'll have some new stuff tomorrow possibly, including reviews, yearly wrap up, and my albums of the year!

So drop by soon!

-Jaye

The Ultimate Fighter Finale

2008-12-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

The Final 4 is set for The Ultimate Fighter finale on Saturday December 13th, live and FREE on Spike TV.

Here's some highlights on the fight card.

Phillipe Nover Vs. Efrain Escudero

Though Efrain defeated favorite Junie Browning, I think this one is going to be one sided on behalf of Nover. Nover's skills have gone simply unmatched throughout the show, displaying phenomenal striking ability, and an equally impressive ground game.

WINNER: Phillipe Nover

Ryan Bader Vs. Vinicius Magalhaes

Vinnie Magalhaes is a text book Jiu Jitsu master, but last weeks fight between Ryan Bader and Elliot Marshall, who is a black belt in Jiu Jitsu, showed that Bader can defend against the ground attacks, by using his size and wrestling ability. Close fight, but I think this one comes down to Bader's wrestling ability again.

WINNER: Ryan Bader

Junie Browning Vs. Dave Kaplan

This is honestly a toss up. After watching Browning on the show, i've come to the conclusion that he just wasn't a focussed fighter. Maybe training with Team Coutoure has made him a more focused fighter. His striking ability is amazing, he throws some of the best, and most painful looking body shots i've ever seen. Bottom line is I simply haven't seen enough of Dave Kaplan to pass a judgment on him, he was absolutely destroyed by Phillipe Nover. Toss Up.

WINNER: Toss Up

Untooned

2008-12-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

Alot of people probably have seen these, but I think they're amazing.
Basically they're just photo manipulations of famous cartoon characters.

NOTE: They're pretty creepy haha.

Real Life Photoshop

2008-12-01T05:42:00.001-08:00

Someone posted this on emptees and I thought it was pretty sweet.

THRICE Live

2008-11-29T10:37:00.001-08:00

Found this on another blog the other day, enjoy until the DVD comes out!

New Glassjaw Track

2008-11-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

Legendary post-hardcore pioneers Glassjaw have posted a new song.
You can hear the track "You Think You're (John Fucking Lennon)" on their WEBSITE.

The song plays after about a minute and a half of a loop on the page, so wait for it.

This sounds extremely promising, and could be huge.

Black Friday Madness

2008-11-29T06:31:00.000-08:00

Haha, so the image above ISN'T from black friday, it's a hardcore show. But they kinda remind me of these.

Anyways.
My story isn't that great. I'll sum it up.
In Lexington (big city close to where I live), there are 2 Best Buys, but one is fairly new, and people tend to forget about it. We went to this one. At the other one, people where camping in tents at 10 P.M. the day before.

I got up at 3:30 A.M., stood in line at 4 A.M. and only waited in line for 45 minutes, got in and got everything I wanted.

So...
Needless to say, I conquered black friday.

Anyone else have any crazy stories?
Other than the poor fellow who died yesterday :-(

New Watchmen Trailer

2008-11-29T06:25:00.000-08:00

[link]

Amongst all the hype, i've simply been skeptical of this movie. I didn't know how well it was going to translate over to film. They need to push the drama envelope with this film, because that's what the graphic novel did.

It's not a super hero flick.
It's a mystery/drama about a group of people struggling with personal issues INSIDE of a reality where there are super heroes.

Just saying
I'm sure the flick will be great.

Doing More Reviews

2008-11-26T07:01:00.001-08:00

I kinda got away from that for a while, but apparently people like that.
So...
I'll try to do more!

Thanks
-Jaye

REVIEW: Saints Never Surrender - Brutus

2008-11-26T06:33:00.001-08:00

If there has been one trend as of late, and one I can't say I mind, it's the list of ever growing bands that draw from the "melodic hardcore" or Shai Hulud-esque influences. I personally grew up listening to bands like Beloved, Strongarm and Life in Your Way, both pioneers of the genre, and then later on grew to love bands like With Honor, and yes, Shai Hulud.

Though many bands try to imitate Shai Hulud's sound, they always seem to come close, but lack something, and it's usually the same thing; the technicality.

Saints Never Surrender's latest effort, Brutus is their third release, and second full length. This time aronud, they come out of the gate with the noticeable improvement of recording quality. The entire record is excellently pu ttogether. The guitar tones are both crisp and firm, the drums are precise, and though the records biggest flaw, the vocals, seem to detract, their recording is done nicely.

Brutus begins with a guitar tapping intro, extremely melodic, slow, and atmospheric, but this is the only time we see the band slow down. The album is extremely fast paced, and doesn't slow down. Mixing hardcore drumming with some very intricate arrangements as far as technicality goes. Songs are comprised of tons of short parts that rarely repeat, and transition so fast, it's even hard for me to keep up.

Where the music is strong, the vocals tend to lack. I'm personally not fan of the singers voice, but it does its job. However, some of the rythms don't follow the technicality of the music. They tend to jump around quite oftenm leaving the listener scratching their head.

while it's easy to get lost in the vocals, it's imparative that the listener pays attention to the music, as this is the records strongest suit, and what makes this an incredible record.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Kicking Off Christmas Movie Marathon

2008-11-26T06:27:00.000-08:00

I'm kicking off Christmas movie marathon today by heading to the theatre and watching Four Christmases.

I'm a big Vince Vaughn fan, and this movie looks really funny.
I'll let you know my thoughts later.

Awesome Tee

2008-11-25T20:37:00.000-08:00

I check out a few sweet t-shirt websites for designers, and there are always some pretty interesting shirts out there.

I'd like to think that I have a more particular tastes in the shirts I appreciate as well. It has to do more with cleverness and effectiveness as opposed to technicality of the design.

Anyways, This one IS awesome.

Top 25 Records of 2008 (COMING SOON)

2008-11-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

I've been seeing alot of people's lately.
I simply can't bring myself to post mine yet, it's just too early.

However, it should be a great list because there have been some amazing records this year, even a few surprises.

Till then...
-Jaye

Hard Candy

2008-11-25T20:31:00.001-08:00

Told my girlfriend I wasn't going to do this, but she knows me all too well.

We watched a crazy movie tonight that has been out for quite some time, but nonetheless, I encourage everyone to watch it. Great movie.

Carlton Cuse on Season 5 of LOST

2008-11-24T21:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry, i'm going LOST crazy now.
Here is an interesting little interview with Carlton Cuse, one of the two main writers for the show.

At 3:20 he says something pretty interesting.

LOST Season 5 Promo/Subliminal Message

2008-11-24T21:36:00.000-08:00

Last week during Grey's Anatomy, ABC debuted the first official cable promo for LOST Season 5.

For those that don't follow, this is the second to last season of LOST, and things are simply getting more intense than ever.

Check out the promo below.

Also inside the promo, just like most other things in LOST, and more notably, the promos, there WAS a subliminal message at approx. 1:34

A symbol/logo for AJIRA AIRWAYS.

What this actually is, is a mystery, but after doing some research, there is another fake website for the company that is much like some of the previous fake promo sites.

Here's some other info i've found relating to the logo.

Taken from LOSTpedia

* Ajira is Hindi for "island" or "isle".
* Ajira in Sanskrit may mean "a place to run or fight", "area" or "court".
* Ajira in Sanskrit also means "The Body" and "Any object of sense, air, wind, a frog" "Swift"
* Ajira in Islam means "Eternal life after Death"

I think the most interesting one of these, is the Eternal life after Death one. Possibly the island IS some place to go after death, or in some New Age practices (which J.J. Abrams is apart of), the island could be the utopia, trying to be corrupt by man, and life off of the island, or (the real world) could be considered death.

Your guess is as good as mine haha.
Add that to the list of theories.

Dustin Kensrue in Covington Kentucky

2008-11-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

Thrice frontman, and alternative country singer Dustin Kensrue is coming to The Madhatter in Covington Kentucky. Excited? Uh, yeah.

Dustin has been known to obviously sing his own songs, possibly his new Christmas songs, as well as Thrice songs, and a cover or two or three.

My personal favorite is his cover of "Round Here" by Counting Crows, which I have a recording of.

Catch him on January 29th.

Kanye West - 808's & Heartbreak

2008-11-19T11:52:00.000-08:00

I've been a big Kanye West fan ever since I heard his story on "Through the Wire". An aspiring musician, and the big brain behind so many great rappers, such as the king himself JAY-Z, and all of his production just about, his near death accident, and his debut album seemed captivating to me.

Throughout his career, West has gained much criticism, not for his music, but his cocky attitude. Indeed he has lived up to the criticism, but credit must be given where it is due, his skills are simply un-matched. A self proclaimed heir to the throne of Jigga, West has built up quite the prominence.

His talents are displayed in his lyrical content, his production abilities, and over all artistic vision behind his record, and he always seems to set the bar for innovation in the rap world.

His last record Graduation, saw West's collaborative attempts with a wide array of artists, again to make a great record.

Now, after his mother's tragic death, and a renaissance of sorts, Kanye has re-created himself, and again become the embodiment of innovation. On his latest record 808's & Heartbreak he takes a back seat on what has made him so huge, his rapping. Instead, he switches his style, to a more pop infused dance, and melodic approach, one that he does very well.

To describe the style, all one can say is that he has kept low key throughout. Every song features the same drum sound, a real live 808 drum sound that is carried throughout the album, mixed with synth based textures and keys, then layered here and there with string arrangements. Though West shows his rapping ability, 90% of the record is based off of his singing. This alone can be a noticed differnece, the addtion of Auto-Tune, and synth pop vocals. Something that has been a new trend, especially in underground music lately, however West does it the way it's supposed to be done.

Each melody is superb, both hooky and catchy, but most of all subtle. So many times that we've heard the use of dramatic auto tuning, it's all over the place, and is not masked or done with taste at all. The emotion behind each song makes up for the breakup album of the century.

Bottom line is that THIS is Kanye's defining record. Probably not one he will capitalize on over and over again, but it's the fact that he went out on such a limb to do what he is doing, and therefore, breaking boundaries, and setting fourth on his own journey.

FINAL GRADE: A+

Christmas Move List

2008-11-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

So Christmas is my favorite time of the year as i've already stated. I just get super hyped for it.

But with all great themed holidays comes movies.
So.

Starting the day before Thanksgiving, my girlfriend and friends will be starting Christmas Movie Month.

The goal is to try and watch all of these movies!

- Elf
- Christmas Vacation
- Home Alone 1 & 2
- Jingle All the Way
- A Christmas Story
- Fred Clause
- The Santa Clause
- Bad Santa
- Christmas With the Kranks
- Eight Crazy Nights
- The Grinch
- The Muppet Christmas Carol
- Polar Express
- Scrooged
- A Nightmare Before Christmas
- A Charlie Brown Christmas

iPHONE Tips

2008-11-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

Just thought i'd post a couple random iPhone tips that people may or may not know.

When texting/typing, if you double tap the space bar, it adds an automatic period and space.

If you double tap the HOME button, it brings up an iPod controller to skip songs, or pause.

There ya go.
;-)

HIDDEN DANGERS: Starbucks Salted Caremel Hot Chocolate

2008-11-16T22:18:00.001-08:00

So i'm into figuring out nutrition things for alot of regular places I go, especially ever since I got EAT THIS AND NOT THAT.

Basically, im not trying to make people feel bad, but im gonna at least approach this as an educational tool to inform people what to stay away from.

Bottom line, it's the little things that count when you're trying to cut pesky pounds, or just stay healthy.

Starbucks in itself can be a huge danger if you're not making small int picky decisions.
Here's a quick rundown.

DESERT BASED DRINKS v.s. NORMAL BEVERAGES

The first thing people should recognize when going to Starbucks is the difference between a specialty desert type of drink, and a normal coffee drink.

Yeah, not everyone likes regular coffee, I understand that. However, if you're drinking a WHITE MOCHA, CARAMEL MACCHIATO, FRAPPUCINO, PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE etc. Chances are you're building up in the calorie department, even if you get it with non-fat milk. They fill these suckers with syrup, so just watch out.

Instead, if you're looking for flavor, tryin a simple flavored latte with NON-FAT MILK, and NO WHIP CREAM (I shouldn't have to highlight this). Generally you're looking somewhere under the 200 calorie mark, so give it a try.

I RECOMMEND
- Grande Non-Fat Hazelnut Latte
- Grande Non-Fat Caramel Latte

Which brings me to my next point.

MILK

If you're concerned about small nit picky things, the #1 change should be in your milk. ORDER EVERYTHING NON-FAT. Unless it's regular coffee, 9 times out of 10, you wont be able to tell the difference, but nonetheless, just get off of the whole or 2% milk. Your calorie and fat intake will be significantly cute down.

Which brings me to the main event.
Around the beginning of October, Starbucks introduced their new signature hot chocolates, and im just gonna say, they are incredible. But MAKE SURE this isn't your everyday drink because you will regret it.

Below are the numbers for a GRANDE salted caramel signature hot chocolate with NO WHIP CREAM and NON-FAT MILK.

CALORIES - 510
FAT CALORIES - 180
TOTAL FAT - 20
SATURATED FAT - 12
CARBS - 78

So as you can, this is something that could easily be a meal. Especially when you think...

THIS DRINK HAS MORE CALORIES THAN A BIG MAC!!!!!!!!
So just be careful!

For more info, check out Starbucks nutrition calculator on their website!
[LINK]

Thrice Live CD/DVD

2008-11-15T09:03:00.001-08:00

I have been calling for this for quite sometime.
Stoked to see it finally coming out.

This is one of the best bands of our generation. Hands down.

UFC 91

2008-11-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

UFC 91 is tonight, im gonna start posting my fight predictions on here.
I only have 3 predictions for tonight. The card honestly isn't THAT great, but it's good to see fights.

Randy Couture Vs. Brock Lesnar

I honestly think this fight is kind of a joke. Yes, Brock Lesnar is big as hell, and he was a great wrestler. But 3 MMA fights and already a UFC heavy shot? Nah, not for me. It's kind of a slap in the face to Couture I think. Nonetheless, I think Couture's experience is gonna take this one!

WINNER
Randy Couture
(submission, early second round)

Kenny Florian Vs. Joe Stevenson

This is the fight i'm looking forward to the most. Both fighters are technical as crap, and are fun to watch. It's gonna be close, but I think Joe Stevenson out matches Florian based on technicality. This fight is going to come down to who's judo can defend against the stand-up, and visa versa.

WINNER
Joe Stevenson

Nate Quarry Vs. Demian Maia

I love Nate Quarry, he's a great fighter, and to be honest, I don't know anything about Maia other than he's supposed to be a supperb fighter. I'm looking forward to this fight, but i'd say it's a tossup.

WINNER
Toss-Up

Christmas Music Recommendations

2008-11-12T05:58:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is upon us, and every year I make quite the extensive Christmas playlist for myself, and most of my friends. I try to make a good mix of traditional songs by unconventional artists.

Here are some of my recommendations.

RELIENT K - LET IT SNOW BABY... LET IT REINDEER

Relient K came out with their first Christmas recording in 2003, called Dec the Halls and Bruise Your Hand, this record is actually included in their most recent release, Let it Snow... Let it Reindeer, which also offers a handful of new recordings, amoung original songs.

Their version of the 12 Days of Christmas mixes the normal version with pop punk riffs, and even gives a few humorous calls in the chorus. Definitely a pick up.

DUSTIN KENSRUE - CHRISTMAS ALBUM -

So this record doesn't drop until November 18th, but we got a little taste of it on this guy's previous release. The man above's name is Dustin Kensrue, and he's the vocalist/guitarist for post-hardcore powerhouse: Thrice. Last year he put out an Alternative Country solo release, which included a couple Christmas songs. Now, later this month, Kensrue will drop his second record, but this one is a full Christmas album, including both original songs and Christmas Carrols.

Christmas List

2008-11-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

I don't know what everyone is thinking about getting for Christmas, i'll have my eye on some of the black Friday deals (more on that later),but here are some of the top things on my list.

Flat Screen Computer Monitor- I've been looking to run dual monitors while I design for quite some time, and now more than ever is the perfect time to get this done!

WACOM Bamboo Fun - A Wacom tablet is a tool graphic designers and artists use. You have a digital pen, and it allows you to get closer edits and more precise designs.

TOMS SHOES - My first pair are getting a whole, I need a new pair.

Arrested Development Series - Became one of my favorite shows this past summer, and I would love to have it.

Assorted Posters - I need to decorate, and finding a good mix of movie posters, show posters etc. would be nice.

Later on i'll post a few black Friday deals, and what my plans are for that.
Stay tuned!

Guitar Hero World Tour Gets Bad Reviews

2008-10-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

Last week, Activision released the 4th installment in the Guitar Hero series (not including Rock the 80s and Aerosmith). Guitar Hero World Tour is the franchises answer to last seasons huge success, and the first full band game ever, Rock Band.

The game features a pretty in depth song list, as well as innovations to both the instruments and the game. However, the game has been criticized in this installment, namely by the gaming industries biggest online magazine, IGN, and receiving the lowest rating in the entire GH/RB war, a 7.9.

Rock Band received a lower ranking than the first, simply due to lack of innovation with the new game, receiving a 9, while RB1 got a 9.4 rating.

Some of the flaws have been faulty instrumentation, gameplay issues, and core values in the games franchise that were just missing.

I have yet to pick up the game with instruments, but I did manage to rent the game itself today, and will be taking the guitar part of the game for a spin tonight.

I'll let you know how it goes.

My Halloween Costume...

2008-10-24T06:21:00.001-07:00

Man... I wish I could drop the money on real props haha...
Of course I wont, BUT....

I am determined on building a replica of the hoverboard...
more info soon.

BTW if you haven't figured it out, i'm gonna be Marty McFly

Guitar Hero World Tour

2008-10-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

So the official countdown has begun.
GHWT drops this Sunday, and despite picture above, I will be purchasing the XBOX 360 version.

It couldn't have come at a more soon time either, I just broke my second kick pedal for my rock band drums. Im hoping they will be interchangeable, but good news is, the GH drums are cross format.

Here is a rundown of the game

Here is a more in-depth look

ATL Wrap Up

2008-10-21T05:08:00.001-07:00

So i've been back for a few days now, it's great to be back home.
There really isn't much to update. I kind of gave the run down with the printer on my MySpace blog, so read that if you want.

All I will say, is when I tell people about it, they seem to look at me pretty puzzled, but honestly, that's ok. The technology that I will be working with is fairly new, and just recently has it been perfected, but when people see it, they will be blown away.

Here are some pictures from the aquarium.

*NOTE: All of these are iPhone pictures.

ATL Trip, Day 1

2008-10-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone.
I'm posting this across all my blogs, so if you're reading this on S2S, my MySpace blog, or the Anchor blog, thanks for reading.

I'm currently hanging out in the Omni Hotel, attached to the CNN center, near Olympic park in downtown Atlanta GA.

I'm here attending the SGIA convention, which is a printers convention, looking with an investor into buying a direct to garment printer, which is another service Anchor Media will be offering.

I suppose more on that later.
Moreso, I just wanted to post some sweet pictures and stuff with regards to my trip. It's sweet, check em out. More updates to come.

Follow me on Twitter for updates!

ojayerusalem

anchormedia

Handful of Great Movies

2008-10-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of some awesome movies i've seen lately that I think are worthy to pass along!

- Burn After Reading
- Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
- Choke

I might see some more soon, there are alot of good ones out.
Also, don't pick up Iron Man unless you get the special edition, virtually NO special features in the standard version.

Re-Launced my Design Company

2008-10-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

I've re-launched my design company, there all kinds of new things, and i'm always looking for clients!

If you're thinking about having some graphic design work done, drop us a line, we would love to help you!

www.anchormediaonline.com

www.myspace.com/anchormedia

http://anchormedia.blogspot.com

Preview For Next Weeks Office Episode: Business Ethics

2008-09-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

Offf course there are other places you could go to find this, but then why would you come back here?

Hereit is...

TIDBITS :: 9/29/08

2008-09-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

- Means broke up

- New Anberlin Record out tomorrow w/ DVD

- Get a $40 Copeland pack when ordering their new CD. Basically cool, overpriced stuff for a band that made one good CD, and is terrible live.

- Iron Man Special Edition out tomorrow with Bust at Best Buy (worth buying)

- Have some new things coming in due time.
Stay tuned for details.

New Brand New Song

2008-09-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

There is anew brand new song surfacing around youtube, and quite honestly it's sounding phenomenal.

Here it is, and one is an acoustic version.

Eat This, Not That

2008-09-22T08:52:00.001-07:00

Im a big fan of Men's Health magazine, and a few months ago I saw this book in a bookstore and had to pick it up.

If you're looking for a way to subtly cut back ont he calories and eat a bit better...
YOU NEED THIS BOOK!!!

It's got just about everything in it.
It goes in depth on alot of common restaurants, and tells you what to eat, and what to stay away from. It also goes into talking about groceries and things like that.

Check it out.

The Fleet of Doom

2008-09-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Some people may have noticed on my MySpace page that I have a really sweet background going on.

It's from an art piece a design company called PALEHORSE came up with.

Check it out.

Sorry...

2008-09-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

For the lack of posts, i've been busy.
Have some sweet announcements soon.

The Soloist (RD jr. / Jamie Foxx)

2008-09-14T07:59:00.001-07:00

Saw this on Kanye's blog.
Looks captivating.

Underoath's Lost in The Sound of Seperation Debuts at #8

2008-09-11T04:59:00.000-07:00

57,000 sold first week aint bad by any standards.
Maybe didn't climb as high as the last release.

I wonder if it has anything to do with singer Spencer Chamberlain publicly stating he was addicted to cocaine when the band left Warped tour that one year, and that he STILL struggles with it.

Read the article about it in AP.
It's interesting, and kinda sketchy.

iTunes 8 Now Available (Pretty Sweet)

2008-09-11T04:32:00.000-07:00

New iTunes launched the other day.
It's pretty awesome if I must say so myself.

The Office Back on iTunes!!!

2008-09-11T04:31:00.001-07:00

Last season NBC took its hit show (and one of my favorite shows) The Office off of iTunes.

The network wanted to charge more than $1.99 per episode (somewhere around the $4 mark, daaang).

This is pretty sweet, im glad to see it back.

R.I.P. Evan Tanner

2008-09-11T04:25:00.000-07:00

1971-2008

Evan Tanner, a MMA fighter, best known for his long career in the UFC. Tanner was one of my favorite fighters to watch, and though his death is abrupt, he died doing something he loved.

Tanner was hiking in the desert of California, where he got lost and died from heat exhaustion.

Rest in Peace

6 Songs Off of Death Magnetic

2008-09-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

Im not sure if you have to sign up for Mission Metallica, but you should, it's free. It's worth the 6 songs too....

Check em out.
http://www.missionmetallica.com/death-magnetic-exclusive-stream

Thwomp in the House of Boo - This is the Hunger of Bears

2008-08-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

In today's world of music, it's rare to hear a band with originality. The whole needle in the haystack metaphor comes to mind when looking through the stacks upon stacks of carbon copy, MySpace friendly bands whose songs run together from chug, to sing, to 4x4, to puberty. It's a shame to say too, because there are a handful of bands out there trying to develop their own substance, but unfortunately, so much is taken away from them by teensters waiting to get signed by the next guy living on his mother's couch.

Fortunately enough though, look no further. Out of the rolling hills of Verona Kentucky comes a Mario named band called Thwomp in the House of Boo, or TITHOB for short. Their debut, This is the Hunger of Bears came out some time ago, but for the sake of people who care about music's sanity, I figured I would throw a review of their record at you.

From start to finish, this is a spazzy heavy outlet that will leave you scratching your head (in a good way) wondering where you've just been for the last half hour. Though the band takes a undertone metalcore outline of heavy chugs and growling vocals as the basis of their musical ADD formula, they quickly flip it on its backside to redefine the sound.

The record is at its very core a heavy music record, however it draws bits and pieces of Sonic Youth esque distortion to give it a tossed salad type of feel. Though you may be listening to what sounds like some sort rock riff such as the beginning of "All Day Grillet" the records first actual song, you find yourself amidst an atmosphere of screaming noise and distortion later on, somewhat reminiscent of early Post-Hardcore bands such as Heroin, Antioch Arrow, or even genre defining At The Drive-In.

The band utilize a sense of noise among their breed of rock/post hardcore ideas very well, and perhaps the most exciting part of this record, is how young the band is in their musical endeavors. Great bands progress, but even this record has such a sense of outward progression already.

The only low points on this record lie in the recording, which you can't really expect much of on a basically independent band's debut album. The guitar tones are quite crunchy, but the mix itself is actually decent, and the mastering is perfect. The other drawback could be the vocals. At times, the deep growling seems a bit out of place for this band, but hey, you can't really knock a band pushing the boundaries of originality.

This record is a must have for fans of early post-hardcore, even people growing listening to bands like Thursday, considering TITHOB uses quite a bit of aggresive rock style riffs.

FINAL GRADE: A-

New Metallica Song - My Apocalypse

2008-08-26T05:13:00.000-07:00

UMMMM
WOW!!!!

Thrash much?

Metallica Song Has Production Issues

2008-08-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

As most may know, or maybe you don't.
But the new Metallica single has garnered quite a few complaints. Not because the song isn't good, because it's great, but the song has some mixing and mastering issues. The song distorts all the way through, and even clips on some parts.

I wonder who is getting fired over this...
because honestly, it's inexcusable.

[link]

Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Seperation

2008-08-22T07:56:00.001-07:00

Over the past few years, Underoath have walked around the music scene witha huge X on their backs. Seemingly being the poster boys for our generations underground community. Their breakout record They're Only Chasing Safety became the sing songy scream songy anthemic record in which has been used as a blueprint for hundreds of carbon copy bands. 2006's Define The Great Line was supposed to be their opus, and with no pun inteded, their defining record. The record saw a decomposing of the hooky choruses, and a peak at the darkness in which the band gave a sense of.

To me, Define... was just a glimpse of what the band was capable of. While some where hailing them for what was their career record, I just sat back thinking... "there has to be more to this."
In my mind, I was right with the follow up to 2006's acclaimed record, this years Lost in the Sound of Seperation.

Judging by their single that was released quite some time before the actual release, it would seem the band fell into a lull of sorts. Simply reminiscing on what Define... had offered us. Something scary to most bands, especially Underoath, considering they ARE the poster boys.
Instead the album is absolutely everywhere. From beginning to end, the album has an omniscient, and creepy feel to it. With it's technical guitar composition, to the whaling noise in which they have fully invested themselves in.

Songs move along nicely, absolutely unpredictable, and the band has fully embraced, and bridged the gap between their biggest influences in which they have been so vocal about. Bands like Botch, and At the Drive In.

The album's forefront is a narrative on vocalist Spencer Chamberlains public struggle with substance abuse in the past year,and it seems the record starts off in a deep dark hole. Songs barely having any melody, barely any singing, highly bass driven, and minor chords fill tracks 1 through 4. The songs approach the heavier side of Underoath, and are enveloped in the description "DARK SONG".
This seems to be the case all the way up until track 5 "The End is Near". This is the transition track from complete darkness, as after this track it seems the songs get progressively lighter and more melodic, feeling clean vocalist Aaron Gillespie's incredible singing.

The songs from here are incredibly progressive and fast paced, and it isn't until the As Cities Burn esque track "Too Bright to See, Too Loud to Hear" that we realize this is truly a perfect record that has everything. Forget everything you ever knew about Underoath because this is the band that defines progressive music for our generation. If last generation had Zepplin, this generation has Underoath because for once, they have absolutely been the definition of progressing from record to record without repeating themselves. Rarely, if not ever do they replay any sense of what has made them famous. This is truly a perfect record.

FINAL GRADE: A+

Agraceful - The Great I Am

2008-08-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

It's hard for me to pin point exactly where alot of musicians who are barely out of high school, or who should still be in high school are really coming from. It's just odd to me, it's also hard to find a sense of honesty in their music. I can honestly say, looking back on it, if the band I was in while in high school publicly released music, it would be an absolute joke. The thing about growing up a music lover is that you can look back on either the stuff you listened to when you were younger, or even the music you made and laugh.

In Agraceful's case, it's a similar fashion. This young band is the product of ex-Emarosa singer Chris Roetter re-uniting with old band mates to make a new record. The funny thing is, the band has been a band for less than a year, but luckily they have had a working relationship, and found a record deal in what I call the MySpace A&R label Sumerian Records.

With all that being said, the band's debut release The Great I Am is exactly what you would expect from a band of their nature. Simple song structures, low and high screaming parts for your teen angst, breakdowns galore, and oh yeah, you betcha, the ever so illustrious singing choruses.

For all parts, the band passes as generic, and something I honestly can't say is my cup of tee, and though I can't pinpoint it, the band does have some sort of different edge from their peers, however I will get to that in a second. Though the record is pretty cookie cutter, it is honestly catchy as hell and has stayed on repeat for the past few days because I can't get the melodies out of my head.

The record was produced by Grant Beachy at Electric Angel Studios (The Revival Sound, O Jerusalem). Yeah, you saw my bands name to the left, and guilty as charged, I do have a biased opinion. However, the production is pinpoint. Extremely stripped down and crisp.

Bottom line with this record and this band, is like their peers, it's hard to pass any sense of judgment because of how young they are. The key is to watch what they do on their next two releases, and therefore, see the sense of progression they endure. If it's the same thing, I would say write them off, however, i'm an optimist, and this record IS on my good side, so im excited to see what happens next.

FINAL GRADE: B

Book Chat With Rainn Wilson

2008-08-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute on the Office) has a video podcast called Book Chat With Rainn Wilson. It's hilarious. Here is the first episode, you can check the rest of them out on YouTube.

Anberlin - New Surrender

2008-08-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I was shocked when I had heard that Anberlin was making another record as soon as they were. The follow up to their highly successful, and impressive title Cities, is New Surrender.

This album is rough before listening, simply because of the fact that it's the follow up to what was probably their career defining record. From the start I have to admit I was scratching my head. The songs seem as if they would have been on one of their previous records, almost a digression of maturity. The songs lack presence, and the melodies aren't as straight forward as many of their songs, and like most Anberlin records some songs stick out as being good, but other are simply forgettable.

For most Anberlin fans, I think all will like this record, however this will not be the album they are remembered for, and i'm sure if they have a deep catalog, this may even be the one that is disregarded as whole. Not saying the record is bad, it just doesn't have the presence and larger than life power pop prowess in which was so apparent in previous releases.

Now that isn't saying this record doesn't have high points. Perhaps the best track is one of the better Anberlin songs i've heard in a while, the last track "Misearbile Visu" sounds like it came directly out of a Death Cab For Cutie record, and sounds quite impressive for the soul fact that it's different. Maybe it's not the direction I or most fans would want to see them take completely, but it's a good track.
Also pop heavy songs like "Haight St." will keep you singing over and over again. I actually love this song. There are some other really great tracks on this one, but I think the lowest point of this record is in the re-recorded version of "The Feel Good Drag" which was on of the more powerful tracks on their sophomore effort Never Take Friendship Personal. The song just sounds terrible re-recorded, and it's way too stripped down from the original. It sounds like a b-side.

Though this isn't their best effort, I think it's worth picking up, just don't go out of your way to learn the words to every song, simply because I don't think most of them will end up on set lists down the road.

FINAL GRADE: B-

The Showdown - Back Breaker

2008-08-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

The Showdown rather it was live, or on their last record Temptation Come My Way, the band could be perceived as a complete joke. Temptation was my pick for worst album of the year last year, and it was tough considering they produced an extremely impressive debut album. Their first record was a Southern Metal onslaught, complete with songs about battle, blood, and war, something that fit the demeanor perfect.

On their latest release Back Breaker, the band has rekindled old flames of straight forward metal, and even taking tidbits from Temptation, and chocking them into a mixture that works.

Gone are the cheesy lyrics about Christian perseverance, and back are songs of victory, and war, all themed around Greek mythology (song titles labeled as Achilles, Aphrodite, and Odysseus), the lyrics on this record are just as heavy as the music.

Musically, it's straight forward metal, with Metallica/Pantera esque choruses that do just fine. Some standout tracks are songs like "Back Breaker" "You Will Move" and "Give Us This Day", perhaps the heaviest track on the record. Its weak point comes in "The Hellhound Awaits" a ballad that seems like a B-Side from Temptation.

Bottom line is that this record is one of THE HEAVIEST I've heard this year, and all in all The Showdown is back to their old ways and I couldn't be more excited.

FINAL GRADE: A

Set Your Goals Eulogy Records Contract Bought Out, Self-Releasing Next Album?

2008-08-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

Caught wind of this over at Lambgoat.
You can read their story here.

In the story, the band talks about self-releasing their next record. Could be one of the first bands of their size to decide to do this.

We'll see what happens.
Good luck to them.

Updates...

2008-08-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

Hey people who read this...
Which I have no idea who does. But hey... I guess i'll post blindly.

Anyways, sorry I haven't been posting as much, i'm still busy with the summer winding down, but I got to go to the aquarium yesterday which was pretty sweet.

I'm gonna have a few CD reviews for people, i've had some people ask me to review some CD's that recently came out, including the new Norma Jean, Wrench in the Works, and I just snagged the new Sounds of Animals Fighting.

Also more random tidbits of news as always.

Take it easy.
Check back.

Also follow me on TWITTER