we haven't blogged in a long time and we apologize. its just the two of us and we both are regular dudes in out 20's, and unfortunately not huge cyber nerds (up until 5 months ago i didnt know the internet was used for anything else besides facebook, downloading music, and porn). we have school and lives and things of that nature. we will try in the future to not loose focus. Josh Freese by Rick You probably dont know who Josh Freese is, but chances are you have given him money. He's been on an estimated 300 records. He's a drummer most notably from NIN, The Vandals, A Perfect Circle and Devo. If your sitting there saying who the fuck listens to that you may know some of the other people he's worked with, Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Good Charolette, Avril Levigne and Daughtry. The man isn't just some pop bullshit drummer tho. I have seen him perform twice with NIN and the man is incredible. He toured with Dweezil Zappa when he was just 15. Why am I blogging about one of the most hard working men in the business? He releasing a solo album, with a few different packages. Starting 3/24 you can pay $7 for a digital download, $15 for a double CD/DVD album, and $50 for the CD/DVD set, a T-Shirt, and a 5 minute thank you phone call from Josh. Yes, a real thank you call, where you can discuss anything you want. There are also other limited packages, some include lunchdates with Josh, trips to Disneyland with him, writing songs about you and releasing them on iTunes, giving eachother hair cuts in a parking lot, taking any 3 things out of his closet, taking shrooms and driving around Hollywood in Danny Carey's limosine, playing mini golf with Maynard James Keenan, Mark from Devo, and Josh, and hanging out with Josh and Twiggy Ramirez and keeping Josh's Volvo. These packages cost in the thousands, and there is much more I left out. Read here about all the packages because they are funny as all hell. Also there is a free download that I couldnt get working, but it might be fixed later.
Hot Bitch of the Day Megan Fox
Megan Fox has been the President of the Boner of the Month club since that scene in Transformers where shes working on the car. The problem was she was getting married. Guess what... NOT ANYMORE! Her and her fiance called it off. If you need a rebound Megan give me a call, I swear I'm a good cuddler. Megan Fox, you are the Hot Bitch of the Day.
Yo By Rick Everyday I check this along with Facebook, Blackboard (the UNH academic site), and stereogum.com, to see if there are any updates. I never completely realize im the one who actually updates this one until I see the old post.
Album of the Week
Animal Collective - Merriweather Post PavillionThis album is a masterpiece. Since it leaked, I've listened to it 23 times. The album has a Brian Wilson feel to it if they force fed him acid for a week straight. I wish I could say more but it really is amazing. They take so many sounds and turn them into something melodic and harmounous. I highly recomend downloading or buying the album. Also they are on tour, so check them out wherever is closest for you. I'm going to see them at Bonnaroo and the new Boston House of Blues. My Girls-my second favorite Brother Sport In The Flowers- my favorite
Hot Bitch of the Day Michelle Thomas
Michelle was Myra on Family Matters. I remember always wondering why Steve still even wanted to be with Laura after he met Myra. Myra was smart, kinda funny, and all over Urkel's dick. Unfortunately Michelle passed away in 98, but 11 years later we still recognize her as a hot bitch. Michelle Thomas, R.I.P., you are the Hot Bitch of the Day.
Exactly three years ago this day hip hop (and all of music) lost one of its brightest and greatest talents. James Dewitt Yancey, otherwise known as J Dilla, passed on after a long and hard battle against both Lupus and a rare blood disease. Dilla was known for his soulful samples, which would later help define the Neo Soul rap movement. Dilla gained the respect and admiration from some of hip hop's greatest stars, Common, Mos Def, Busta Rhymes, Ghostface Killah, Q-Tip, Kanye West, ?uestlove, Talib Kweli, Eryka Badu. Also going to Rock the Bells for the past two years you hear alot of the artists give shout outs to Dilla along with other fallen stars. Slim Kid Tre gave me a pound upon seeing my Dilla shirt at the show. The thing is he went out of this way to do this. Q-Tip referenced my same shirt a few times on stage when I saw him and Common in at the 2K Bounce Tour. So many musicians loved and respected this man, as well as so many real hip hop fans. Check out here for a discography, and here is a free mp3 of a Jaylib (Dilla and Madlib) concert from '04. For anyone not fimiliar with his work please download either Slum Village's Fan-Tas-Tic Vol 1 or J Dilla's Donuts, which was released three days before his passing to the spiritual world.
There isn't much else to add from what Rick said. J Dilla was, and still is, one of the most respected individuals in Hip-Hop. It seems like theres always a shout out to Dilla at every Hip-Hop concert I go to. I remember how hooked I was the first time I listened to J Dilla's instrumental album Donuts. I loved the way Dilla could take soul samples and make them his own. For example, here is the beat you hear at the top and this is the song that he samples for it. It's incredible, isn't it? It's the only instrumental album that I have on my iPod in it's entirety. It's the only instrumental album I'll even listen to in it's entirety. Jay Dee had the rare talent of capturing an emotion or even telling a story through his soulful sounds, without a single word or lyric spoken. When I listen to a Dilla beat, I feel like so much more is said than any lyric ever could. Sometimes words just don't do them justice. Here are my personal favorite J Dilla instrumental tracks, including the beat you hear playing at the top (which stripped down might be my favorite beat ever). I hope you will enjoy and see the beauty in all of them. R.I.P. Jay Dee, one of the greatest to ever do it.
The Light (by Common, my favorite Dilla beat)
The Look of Love (by Slum Village, a very close second for me)
So Far to Go (This is the beat you hear at the top but the final studio version. Could listen to it all day)
Two Can Win
Don't Cry
One Eleven
Stop!
Gobstopper
Time: The Donut of the Heart
J Dilla 02/07/74-02/10/06 "I’d like them to remember what his music was about. It was very simple: it’s about love" -Ma Dukes (Maureen Yancey)
Most readers by now know that we normally post at ungodly hours of the night, today though is an afternoon post. Enjoy!
My Thoughts on the Grammy's
By Conor
I bet you read that title and thought I would be writing about grandmothers. Sorry people, I wish it were true but unfortunately I am writing about the Grammy music award ceremony, also known as the Grammy's. It used to be considered an important event...but then Lil' Wayne won three awards. After this caused me some serious reevaluation of life, here are some more random thoughts I took from the spectacle:
Why is it called the Grammy's anyway? Couldn't they come up with a better name? I looked it up and it's because the trophy is of a replica gramophone record player. Makes sense I guess.
I really enjoyed that nearly every presenter of an award had to perform a song before doing so. It was strange and I found it very awkward... which is why I enjoyed it.
Do you think Kanye West screams his own name during sex? What would the odds be? 2 to 1? Can we even put a line on it or is it considered fact?
Paul McCartney was great, but I was baffled by the song choice. He could have done any Beatles song and they went with "I Saw Her Standing There". I love the song don't get me wrong, but it doesn't exactly jump out at me when I think of their best. I think I mulled that one over for a good 45 minutes after and I'm still scratching my head.
I had to check my calendar several times during the night to make sure we were still living in 2009 because I could have sworn I saw Neil Diamond perform "Sweet Caroline". Wait...he did, you say? I'm officially confused.
Loved the tribute to The Four Tops, my favorite Motown group. I always liked them more than the Temptations. R.I.P. Levi Stubbs.
I got a kick out of the repeated declaration that we had a "once in a lifetime rap pack" with Lil' Wayne, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and T.I. on stage. I can think of 200 other rap packs better than that one...and not one includes Lil' Wayne or Kanye. Gotta love Hip Hop in the 21st century!
I'd like to give M.I.A. two of my own awards. "Most blatant and obvious lip sync" and "Most pregnant performer ever". Congrats, M.I.A.!
Maybe the most unintentionally funny moment of the night came when Natalie Cole presented "Record of the Year" and said the name of the song wrong four times. Classic.
Refreshing to see a great artist like Robert Plant rack up the awards, including "Best Record".
And last but not least.....
Lil' Wayne won 2 Grammy's over Nas, the best rapper alive. I will now proceed to jump off a cliff.
Ahhh the Grammy's...Where dreams come true and lives end!
"Ughhhhh"
Blink is Back by Rick
If you watched the Grammy's last night or have been to Blink's website recently you now know that the trio is back. Mark, Tom and Travis have decided to go on tour this summer and record another album. I am happy about this. Blink 182 was a big part of my childhood, and I would like to see them once more perhaps. I saw them play with Green Day along time ago, but that was when I was in the midst of my Green Day dick riding phase. The three of them are incredible showmen and Travis Barker is a maniac. As a 20 year old original fan I'm excited by this reunion, especially because both +44 and Angels & Airwaves were not good. This will be the most nostalgic concert I've ever been to if I infact do go. The younger generations seem to be excited too. CMHB decided to ask 12 year old Brianna what her thoughts of all this. We recieved this message back:
"OMG Blink is my favvvvvvvvvorite band everrr! Tom is so so sooo cute :-* and I have liked them ever since I was 9 soo I'm soo excited to finallly beable to seee them. This will be the best day everrrr! They are so much better than the Jonas Brothers."
Hot Bitch of the Day Beyonce Knowles
If you can't see the beauty in this woman then you are out of your damn mind. Nothing really needs to be said here except Beyonce, you are the hot bitch of the day!
Normally we do one hot bitch a day, but as tommorrow is 2/10, I do not feel it appropriate to do the Hot Bitch segment tomorrow, and since we've been slacking on the hot bitches recently I decided to do today's and tomorrow's right now. Check out tomorrow's blog if you do not understand.
Hot Bitch of Tomorrow Rihanna
This hot bitch is currently in the hospital. Apparently her boyfriend Chris Brown beat her. I'm sorry, but Chris Brown does not seem like a woman beater. The guy was on Sesame Street. He has lost his Double Mint ad campaign because of this. Rihanna, stick in there, we love you, we would never hit you, becuase your the hot bitch of tomorrow.
Paul McCartney is one of the most beloved and successful artists in the history of popular music. But what if the McCartney that everybody has come to know and love is really an impostor? I'm not sure how many people are familiar with the "Paul is dead" phenomenon of 1969, but for those who aren't, you can read up on it here. The rumor started in 1969 after a person named "Tom" called into a Detroit radio show and announced that Paul McCartney was dead. He also gave clues and told the DJ to play the Beatles song "Revolution 9" backwards. The DJ thought he heard clues and the Paul is Dead legend took off.
The story alleges that on November 9, 1966 at 5 AM, a Wednesday, Paul McCartney crashed his car into a lamp post and died after leaving a Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band recording session in a rage. The Beatles, who were just entering their prime and afraid of losing everything, replaced Paul with a lookalike...possibly the winner of a McCartney lookalike contest named William Shears Campbell (after Billy Shears, McCartney's Sgt. Pepper's character). The story is said to have been told subliminally by various Beatles lyrics in the years following the alleged death. My friends and I are captivated, even carried away at times when discussing this urban legend. It makes you wonder though, what if Paul really is dead?
"McCartney or Shears?"
I don't remember why but the subject came up when I was talking to Rick earlier today. It was nothing more than harmless speculation as always but then I asked him, "Imagine if it finally came out that the rumor was true?" I said that it would be the biggest scandal ever. Rick agreed and added that he wouldn't know what to think about anything anymore. I agreed. Can you imagine the outcry and hysteria that would follow if possibly the most popular member of the most popular group in music history turned out to be a fake all these years? I can't even fathom the effect it would have on our society.
Let me just state for the record that I don't really think Paul is dead. It just seems ridiculous, inconceivable and would be wayyyyy too hard for the Beatles to pull off something of that magnitude. I really think that it was either a hoax pulled by John Lennon and the Beatles themselves or something that they ran with to fuck with people after the initial reports surfaced. With that being said, the supposed "clues" to Paul's death in the Beatles music are very, VERY intriguing. So why don't we run down all the clues and I'll let you be the judge.
First, let me show you what I think is the most blatant evidence in the Paul is Dead rumor, John Lennon's 1968 recording "Revolution 9" off the Beatles' White Album. This song is easily the Beatles' strangest and most bizarre record. First I want to post the normal version and then the song played backwards, the version Lennon intended for the song, with the hidden messages. I just want to warn people before they listen that both versions are very disturbing. I also want to go on record and say that in no way am I considering that John Lennon was satanic despite much speculation by his peers over the years. It's not my place to say it.
Revolution 9 by the Beatles
Revolution 9 (Backwards) by the Beatles, this is the way the song was intended to be listened to and has potential Paul is Dead clues and satanic messages by John Lennon.
Scary stuff, especially when you think of the influence this song had on Charles Manson when he conspired the Tate/LaBianca murders.
Now here are the rest of the clues from Beatles' lyrics in text:
1. "...And though the news was rather sad, Well I just had to laugh, I saw the photograph, he blew his mind out in a car, he didn't notice that the lights had changed" from "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles
2. At the end of "Strawberry Fields Forever"by the Beatles, it sounds like John Lennon says, "I buried Paul" in a deep, faint voice. Lennon later alleged that he said "cranberry sauce" but it doesn't sound like it. Listen for yourself at 3:57.
3. The cover of the Abbey Road album is supposed to signify a funeral precession. Paul McCartney is the only one not wearing shoes with his suit which is the common way a corpse is buriedand he is walking out of step with the other Beatles. John Lennon is dressed all in white, like a clergyman. Ringo Starr is wearing a black suit as an undertaker would. George Harrison's denim outfit resembles that of a gravedigger.
4. The Sgt. Pepper's Loney Hearts Club Band album cover shows the Beatles standing on what looks like freshly dug earth like at a gravesite, which is surrounded by flowers in the shape of a lefty guitar...which is what McCartney played because he was lefty. Also on the backcover, every member of the Beatles is facing forward except for Paul, who is turned around with his back facing forward.
5. The lyric "Wednesday morning papers didn't come" from "Lady Madonna"by the Beatles is supposed to indicate that nobody knew about the news because it was withheld.
6. He was pronounced dead on a "Wednesday morning at 5 o'clock as the day begins", a lyric from "She's Leaving Home"by the Beatles 7.Car crash sounds can be heard in both "Revolution 9" and "A Day in the Life".
Again, I don't believe that Paul McCartney is dead. If anything it seems like this may have been the Beatles own doing to fuck with people. It is very interesting though when you consider all of the facts. If anybody could pull something like this, it would be Lennon and the Beatles. For now...all we can do is speculate and wonder what if. But just in case, remember that I brought this to your attention.
"Sgt. Pepper's is eerily similar to a funeral scene"
5 Worst Things That Could Happen While Trippin' by Rick Welsch
This is pretty straight forward guys. Here is the list.
5) A raccoon could find it way from the dumpster to the apartment for warmth, get into the apartment, and we would be fucked up watching out for this possibly rabid raccoon that could appear at any second. 4) The cable could go dead except for CMT, and all we could watch was old Garth Brooks concerts and My Big Redneck Wedding. 3) Revolution 9 could come on the iPod. Believe me that would not be good at all. 2) We all would just freak out and kill each other. 1) We all would just freak out and kill each other in a gay orgy. Our roommate would come back to a pile of naked, bloody, dead, homosexuality. That is the absolute worst thing that could ever happen.
And this kind of writing will get me a Peabody I'm sure.
The Band It's official, The Band is the most underrated group of all-time by Conor
My friends and I have often debated the most underrated group in music over the years. The popular and most common choice was always Creedence Clearwater Revival. I guess it never occurred to us that Creedence has received a large amount of critical acclaim and that you won't find a serious music fan who has not heard of CCR. The term underrated is defined as something that is evaluated too low. In other words, something that is not given it's proper due. Let me tell you about the band you've probably never heard of...and it's only fitting that it's exactly their name, The Band.
The Band was a folk-rock group active from the late 60's to mid 70's. Hailing from Ontario, Canada, the group consisted of five men: Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Garth Hudson. Although not as popular among the mainstream public, The Band is widely hailed by the music industry and fellow artists. One of the most influential artists of their era, their influence is still seen today in bands such as Counting Crowes and the Black Crowes. They started out as the backing band for Bob Dylan, touring with him worldwide, and even appearing on Dylan's classics such as "Like a Rolling Stone". Then they rented out a large pink house in West Saugerties, Upstate New York and began writing and recording their own music. It was in this house (which they called "Big Pink") where they recorded one of the greatest albums I have ever heard, Music from Big Pink. The album was ranked #34 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all-time. It had a big influence on some of the best musicians of the era, most notably Eric Clapton and George Harrison. Clapton claimed that this album was the reason he decided to quit Cream and tried to join The Band as another guitarist. Just to see how respected The Band was amongst fellow musicians, look no further than The Last Waltz, a concert film by Martin Scorsese documenting The Band's farewell performance. Among those there that night to perform with the Band during their final concert: Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Ringo Starr, Stephen Stills, Neil Diamond, Paul Butterfield, and Ronnie Wood. Talk about a group of legendary musicians.
Watch what Neil Young has to say before he performs with them on stage during the concert...
Or watch the final performance of "I Shall be Released". These days how often do you see this many stars coming out to support fellow musicians? Every artist I listed above is on that stage in this video. If this doesn't give you goosebumps I don't know what will. Absolutely incredible.
The Band was inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. They were given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. Rolling Stone magazine ranked them #50 on their list of the 100 greatest artists of all-time. And I bet you never heard of them. You can't be more underrated than that. So while for most the debate will continue...I'll take the band from the big pink house, those five guys from Ontario, one of the most influential groups of all-time and the ones who never get their due. The Band.
Bonnaroo Line Up by Rick
I am an avid alternative rock fan, so naturally I was waiting for the Coachella Line Up. When it was announced I was rather dismayed. I mean yes there are big names, some I've always wanted to see, some who are legends, like Morrissey, McCartney, and My Bloody Valentine, but this line up does not stack up to Bonnaroo this year. First 2 nights of Phish, who we are fans of, also the boss will be there, which is amazing. Me and Stan ran down the line-up and decided this is too good to pass up. Animal Collective will be there, Grizzly Bear, The Beastie Boys, Snoop, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, its just too many to keep naming. I'm not sure how I'm going make a schedule because im sure there are gonna be some tough overlaps, but whatever we're going and we'll see the best concert line-up since the New York Rock The Bells in '07.
Hot Bitch of the Month:
Salma Hayek
This one was a hard one folks. This month we had a hot russian tennis player, Rosario, Kristen Bell, and legendary hottie Marisa Miller, but none of these girls could touch Salma. She's got that Latin flavor to her, shes on the Best TV show as a guest right now with another incredibly hot bitch, and she has enormous breasts. Salma Hayek, January is yours, you are the Hot Bitch of the Month!
It's the biggest day of the NFL season and it's only fitting Rick and I go head to head with our final picks.
Pittsburgh -6.5 @ Arizona (Neutral Site)
Rick: Pitt Conor: Arizona Stan: Pitt
Great offense vs. Great defense, who will prevail? Normally I go with the defense because defense always wins championships. But there's something about this Arizona team this postseason. I like the way they've been playing on defense and with the resurgence of Edgerrin James, their offense has been nearly unstoppable. Larry Fitzgerald will be the game changer. Call me a Steeler hater (cause I am) or call me just plain crazy, but I think the Cardinals can win the Super Bowl. Or at least to cover.
Prediction: Cardinals 24, Steelers 20 MVP: Larry Fitzgerald - Conor
People get out your terrible towels and your Mike Tomlin bobble heads, because the Steelers are going to be world champions tonight. To bad I'm going to be working tonight, but its ok, I'll watch the game there. - Rick
We are Rick and Conor. We are like all blue blooded Americans and love three things, the Celtics, music, and hot bitches. This blog is about, but not limited to, these three ideals.
You probably dont know who Josh Freese is, but chances are you have given him money. He's been on an estimated 300 records. He's a drummer most notably from NIN, The Vandals, A Perfect Circle and Devo. If your sitting there saying who the fuck listens to that you may know some of the other people he's worked with, Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Good Charolette, Avril Levigne and Daughtry. The man isn't just some pop bullshit drummer tho. I have seen him perform twice with NIN and the man is incredible. He toured with Dweezil Zappa when he was just 15. Why am I blogging about one of the most hard working men in the business? He releasing a solo album, with a few different packages. Starting 3/24 you can pay $7 for a digital download, $15 for a double CD/DVD album, and $50 for the CD/DVD set, a T-Shirt, and a 5 minute thank you phone call from Josh. Yes, a real thank you call, where you can discuss anything you want. There are also other limited packages, some include lunchdates with Josh, trips to Disneyland with him, writing songs about you and releasing them on iTunes, giving eachother hair cuts in a parking lot, taking any 3 things out of his closet, taking shrooms and driving around Hollywood in Danny Carey's limosine, playing mini golf with Maynard James Keenan, Mark from Devo, and Josh, and hanging out with Josh and Twiggy Ramirez and keeping Josh's Volvo. These packages cost in the thousands, and there is much more I left out. Read here about all the packages because they are funny as all hell. Also there is a free download that I couldnt get working, but it might be fixed later.
Megan Fox has been the President of the Boner of the Month club since that scene in Transformers where shes working on the car. The problem was she was getting married. Guess what... NOT ANYMORE! Her and her fiance called it off. If you need a rebound Megan give me a call, I swear I'm a good cuddler. Megan Fox, you are the Hot Bitch of the Day.
