Happy Birthday to Bob Casale. But if you know Devo, you know him as Bob 2.
And if you don't know Devo, then read on:
Devo was formed in Kent State University, in the shadow of the protest shootings. Devo fit closest to the New Wave sound, with a double dose of art school aesthetic. Bob was recruited by his brother, Gerald, and is considered part of the 'classic lineup'.
If you feel like shopping, that's not accidental. In its original release, "That's Good" was just one of Devo's songs commenting on America's conspicuous consumption culture. In the 2K's, the song was a cornerstone in a marketing campaign for Target department stores. That's how Devo irony works.
This is the same band who concocted Devo 2.0, which used Disney's child actor factory to cast a Devo cover band.
Another example of how the everyday looks when distorted through the Devo lens: their version of the Rolling Stones' classic "Satisfaction".
Devo lingered in the fringes through the 80's, and dissolved after their 1990 release fizzled. Several members continued to work together at Mutato Muzika, a recording studio and music lab in west Hollywood; Bob became a recording engineer there. The ex-Devo would help each other on splinter projects and soundtrack scores, recording together in several bands not named Devo, before formally reuniting for what became a world tour.
In 2009, they released their first new album in 20 years. Here's the first single:
Showing posts with label nerdcore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nerdcore. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
July 13
Happy Birthday to Professor Erno Rubik, architectural engineer and creator of the world's most popular toy. He invented the Magic Cube in 1974, but when the Ideal Toy Company signed for international distribution rights, they changed the name to Rubik's Cube in 1980 (which is why they're celebrating a 30th anniversary so much later.)
The Cube was a phenomenon in the 80's, and it's still a global best-seller, probably because solving the puzzle remains shorthand for 'smarter than the average bear'.
Speedcubing competitions gather fans to see who can solve the Cube fastest (current record: 7.08 seconds); then blindfolded, or underwater, or with their feet, or blindfolded with a spotter...
Professor Rubik was able to start his own company, desigining more toys, as well as furniture (would you buy a Rubik's Couch? Would you ever be able to open and close a Rubik's Futon?) The international Rubik's site offers official 3X3 cubes, plus 4X4 cubes, 5X5 cubes, customization and lubrication kits (if your stickers are wearing out, for example), build-your-own 3X3 cubes... I also found a website that not only found various permutations of Cubes available, but such tchotchkes as cufflinks and coffeetables.
I wasn't a Cube-ist in the 80's; I preferred a Rubik's snake (officially, the 'Rubik's Twist'). My family had two: the classic blue/white and a sturdier orange/yellow one. While it has nowhere near the Cube levels of fandom, it's still a reliable seller. It's like a self-contained sculpture piece:
A Rubik's toy that I haven't seen in years is Rubik's Magic, which was several flat panels that connected together like snakes and ladders. It was almost as addictive, but not as durable.
But it's the Cube that makes him a star among contemporary Gepettos. I've read that he doesn't like doing interviews, and I could understand that if every other person I met asked me 'so, how do you do it?' In fact, if I was him, I'd have a basket of Cubes on the ready and make a reporter solve a cube for she could ask another question. I mean, it's just a toy; how hard can it be?
The Cube was a phenomenon in the 80's, and it's still a global best-seller, probably because solving the puzzle remains shorthand for 'smarter than the average bear'.
Speedcubing competitions gather fans to see who can solve the Cube fastest (current record: 7.08 seconds); then blindfolded, or underwater, or with their feet, or blindfolded with a spotter...
Professor Rubik was able to start his own company, desigining more toys, as well as furniture (would you buy a Rubik's Couch? Would you ever be able to open and close a Rubik's Futon?) The international Rubik's site offers official 3X3 cubes, plus 4X4 cubes, 5X5 cubes, customization and lubrication kits (if your stickers are wearing out, for example), build-your-own 3X3 cubes... I also found a website that not only found various permutations of Cubes available, but such tchotchkes as cufflinks and coffeetables.
I wasn't a Cube-ist in the 80's; I preferred a Rubik's snake (officially, the 'Rubik's Twist'). My family had two: the classic blue/white and a sturdier orange/yellow one. While it has nowhere near the Cube levels of fandom, it's still a reliable seller. It's like a self-contained sculpture piece:
A Rubik's toy that I haven't seen in years is Rubik's Magic, which was several flat panels that connected together like snakes and ladders. It was almost as addictive, but not as durable.
But it's the Cube that makes him a star among contemporary Gepettos. I've read that he doesn't like doing interviews, and I could understand that if every other person I met asked me 'so, how do you do it?' In fact, if I was him, I'd have a basket of Cubes on the ready and make a reporter solve a cube for she could ask another question. I mean, it's just a toy; how hard can it be?
Saturday, June 12, 2010
June 12
Today's featured artist is a Giant to me, no question. John Linnell is the skinny, slightly quieter half of They Might Be Giants, the band that plays those songs that seem silly enough for kids, all the while planting little intellectual C4 charges that go off in our mind as we grow up and study all those things we're supposed to learn in school, college, and real life.
I didn't have a favorite John (Flansburgh is the other one) until they took a group hiatus and put out their solo stuff. Flansburgh actually put together a band named Mono Puff, while Linnell released "State Songs" as his solo project. He only managed 18 of the 50 states, but I've got a couple of favorites, while I can't name any Mono Puff songs. (I still need some Flans action for a proper TMBG song; he brings the savoir faire...)
Fortunately, they resumed business as TMBG, eschewing radio charts for multimedia success with all ages. (They learned a lot from Malcolm in the Middle.) Not sure if State Songs will ever be completed (They Might Have covered that with their Deranged Millionaire series.) For today's blog, I've chosen a bootleg recording from an in-store "State Songs" performance:
I didn't have a favorite John (Flansburgh is the other one) until they took a group hiatus and put out their solo stuff. Flansburgh actually put together a band named Mono Puff, while Linnell released "State Songs" as his solo project. He only managed 18 of the 50 states, but I've got a couple of favorites, while I can't name any Mono Puff songs. (I still need some Flans action for a proper TMBG song; he brings the savoir faire...)
Fortunately, they resumed business as TMBG, eschewing radio charts for multimedia success with all ages. (They learned a lot from Malcolm in the Middle.) Not sure if State Songs will ever be completed (They Might Have covered that with their Deranged Millionaire series.) For today's blog, I've chosen a bootleg recording from an in-store "State Songs" performance:
Monday, May 31, 2010
May 31
Been a while since I did a twofer, but it's easy when they're in the same band. First, happy birthday to Karl Bartos, formerly of Kraftwerk. You can hear the echoes of their music in everybody from Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails to T-Pain and Blue Man Group. Plus, anybody who uses an electronic keyboard.
Here's a Top of the Pops clip, with a great encapsulation about the band's style and mission:
The trippiest part for me is, "Autobahn" was inspired by the Beach Boys. One of the vocalists said that the Beach Boys made music that sounded like California, and Kraftwerk wanted to make music that sounded like Germany.
Regarding Karl Bartos, he joined Kraftwerk for the Autobahn tour; he's now part of the classic, electro-pop lineup that would become the global face of Kraftwerk. He played and toured with Kraftwerk through the 70's and 80's. In 1991, he left to collaborate with other artists, and released his own album in 2003.
Kraftwerk entered a new phase in the 90's with a new lineup - including birthday boy Fritz Hilpert (he actually joined the band before Karl left, but it's an undeniable transition.) The emphasis since the 90's has been on live performances, although the technology has streamlined to the point that there's minimal exertion required for performing the music, and more concentration on the presentation (exactly why Bartos left.)
That's not to say the people in Kraftwerk have become irrelevant in a Kraftwerk show; in fact, Hilpert fell ill on an Australian stop in 2008, cancelling the night's show and threatening the tour.
Since 2008, only one founding member remains in Kraftwerk. They still do festival shows, and they've been re-mastering and re-releasing the discography, but no word about new music yet. Then again, they've been traditionally reclusive, so there's no telling when Kraftwerk's latest sound will emerge.
Here's a Top of the Pops clip, with a great encapsulation about the band's style and mission:
The trippiest part for me is, "Autobahn" was inspired by the Beach Boys. One of the vocalists said that the Beach Boys made music that sounded like California, and Kraftwerk wanted to make music that sounded like Germany.
Regarding Karl Bartos, he joined Kraftwerk for the Autobahn tour; he's now part of the classic, electro-pop lineup that would become the global face of Kraftwerk. He played and toured with Kraftwerk through the 70's and 80's. In 1991, he left to collaborate with other artists, and released his own album in 2003.
Kraftwerk entered a new phase in the 90's with a new lineup - including birthday boy Fritz Hilpert (he actually joined the band before Karl left, but it's an undeniable transition.) The emphasis since the 90's has been on live performances, although the technology has streamlined to the point that there's minimal exertion required for performing the music, and more concentration on the presentation (exactly why Bartos left.)
That's not to say the people in Kraftwerk have become irrelevant in a Kraftwerk show; in fact, Hilpert fell ill on an Australian stop in 2008, cancelling the night's show and threatening the tour.
Since 2008, only one founding member remains in Kraftwerk. They still do festival shows, and they've been re-mastering and re-releasing the discography, but no word about new music yet. Then again, they've been traditionally reclusive, so there's no telling when Kraftwerk's latest sound will emerge.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
October 6
We'll start with the Arcade Fire, on account of keyboardist William Butler's birthday. The Arcade Fire's a pretty big collective, so keep an eye out for the first guy to climb up the rafters bare handed. It's getting easier to find their music; their song "Wake Up" is echoing through the new "Where The Wild Things Are" trailer. But since I'm a sucker for cartoons, here's the video for "Neighborhood 3(Power Out)"
This month, the band's taking a breath and planning out album number three.
Happy Birthday to nerdcore rapper MC Lars. He raps about more than video games and Myspace (although he does that, too.) Here's his video for "Signing Emo," his paean to the standard lifecycle of today's major label rock band.
I had a hard time finding the right video for Matthew Sweet, even though I consider myself a fan. Most people (anime fans, Guitar Hero players, people who went to college in the 90's) would associate Matthew Sweet with "Girlfriend", the title track and commercial breakthrough. My favorite album was his follow-up, Altered Beast, although it's a heartbreaker of a disc. But at least I found this video for "Time Capsule":
Power pop like this is never really in or out of style (juat ask Fountains of Wayne.) But Sweet's still recording and producing; his last album came out summer 2008. He last hit the charts as a member of The Thorns (what was the name of that single they had? I can't remember...) Next month, he'll be touring the east coast with the Bangles' Susanna Hoffs, featuring their collaborations of '70s covers.
Finally, Happy Birthday to Millie Small, singer of the 1964 hit, "My Boy Lollipop." "Lollipop" is the first international ska hit (technically, it's a blue-beat song,) and the song that put the Island Records label on the map.
This footage is from her Finnish TV special, the apex of her fame. I dig the song, but I listen to her voice and wonder, what ever happened to Michel'le?
This month, the band's taking a breath and planning out album number three.
Happy Birthday to nerdcore rapper MC Lars. He raps about more than video games and Myspace (although he does that, too.) Here's his video for "Signing Emo," his paean to the standard lifecycle of today's major label rock band.
I had a hard time finding the right video for Matthew Sweet, even though I consider myself a fan. Most people (anime fans, Guitar Hero players, people who went to college in the 90's) would associate Matthew Sweet with "Girlfriend", the title track and commercial breakthrough. My favorite album was his follow-up, Altered Beast, although it's a heartbreaker of a disc. But at least I found this video for "Time Capsule":
Power pop like this is never really in or out of style (juat ask Fountains of Wayne.) But Sweet's still recording and producing; his last album came out summer 2008. He last hit the charts as a member of The Thorns (what was the name of that single they had? I can't remember...) Next month, he'll be touring the east coast with the Bangles' Susanna Hoffs, featuring their collaborations of '70s covers.
Finally, Happy Birthday to Millie Small, singer of the 1964 hit, "My Boy Lollipop." "Lollipop" is the first international ska hit (technically, it's a blue-beat song,) and the song that put the Island Records label on the map.
This footage is from her Finnish TV special, the apex of her fame. I dig the song, but I listen to her voice and wonder, what ever happened to Michel'le?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
September 2
MC Chris is not a nerdcore rapper. Even though he’s the voice of MC Pee Pants on Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Even though he raps about video games and girls that look like Emily Strange. Even though he’s celebrating his birthday this weekend at Dragon Con in Atlanta. Do not call him a “nerdcore rapper” or his entourage will kick your ass…
Here’s a fanvid of MC Chris’ Adult Swim alias, MC Pee Pants:
Guy LaLiberte’s also celebrating his birthday later this month – in space. Not only is he the founder of Cirque de Soleil, not only is he a world-ranked poker player, not only can he breathe fire – he’d paid the million or thirty to buy a round-trip ticket to the International Space Station.
Or maybe he just traded tickets.
Dan Southworth, ex-Power Ranger, is celebrating his birthday today. He was the “Quantum Ranger” in the “Time Force” season, which is somewhere between being a Red Ranger and a Black Ranger, apparently.
I’m pretty sure that, in time, the Power Rangers casts will be a repository for tomorrow’s action stars. “Kids Inc.” gave us Martika, Raphael Saadiq, and Fergie from the Black-Eyed Peas. “MMC” gave us Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Ryan Gosling. And it’s still early yet, but the Power Rangers have already introduced the world to Amy Jo Johnson and… I don’t know, a bunch of karate teachers, so far.
But in this month’s Teen Vogue, apparently one of those former Power Rangers convinced one of his karate students to try acting, and that kid grew up to be…
Taylor Launter…
JACOB! JACOB! JACOB!
TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT!
That oughta pick up the web hits…
And for all the Power Ranger and Twilight fans who’ve wandered in, allow me to introduce you to some real ass-kicking, courtesy of movie director and birthday celebrant Prachya Pinkaew. From the director of Ong-Bak and The Protector, here’s “Chocolate”:
(46 fishes to you, Prachya!)
We end today’s column with a tribute to Billy Preston, the sixth Beatle. There’s been plenty of writing about candidates for “fifth Beatle”, and I’m sure I’ll get into it later this year as their birthdays come up. I’m going to nominate, right here and now, Billy Preston as Beatle number six, because he came along near the end of the road, and helped the band produce some of their greatest songs before they were done.
The year is 1969, and Preston’s in London, playing in Ray Charles’ band. Among those attending is George Harrison, who walked out of the “Let It Be” recording sessions, with half a mind not to return. Having a second thought, he brings Preston to the studio. Being polite and British at their core, the Beatles behaved themselves and started to enjoy making music together again. The Beatles would go on to finish the “Let It Be” album and record one more, “Abbey Road.”
There’s too many contributions of Billy’s that I’m grateful for: “Let it Be” and “The Long and Winding Road”; Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful”; the Rolling Stones’ “Shine a Light” and “Wild Horses”… From Sam Cooke to the Red Hot Chili Peppers… Let me spotlight one of his solo numbers:
Here’s a fanvid of MC Chris’ Adult Swim alias, MC Pee Pants:
Guy LaLiberte’s also celebrating his birthday later this month – in space. Not only is he the founder of Cirque de Soleil, not only is he a world-ranked poker player, not only can he breathe fire – he’d paid the million or thirty to buy a round-trip ticket to the International Space Station.
Or maybe he just traded tickets.
Dan Southworth, ex-Power Ranger, is celebrating his birthday today. He was the “Quantum Ranger” in the “Time Force” season, which is somewhere between being a Red Ranger and a Black Ranger, apparently.
I’m pretty sure that, in time, the Power Rangers casts will be a repository for tomorrow’s action stars. “Kids Inc.” gave us Martika, Raphael Saadiq, and Fergie from the Black-Eyed Peas. “MMC” gave us Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Ryan Gosling. And it’s still early yet, but the Power Rangers have already introduced the world to Amy Jo Johnson and… I don’t know, a bunch of karate teachers, so far.
But in this month’s Teen Vogue, apparently one of those former Power Rangers convinced one of his karate students to try acting, and that kid grew up to be…
Taylor Launter…
JACOB! JACOB! JACOB!
TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT!
That oughta pick up the web hits…
And for all the Power Ranger and Twilight fans who’ve wandered in, allow me to introduce you to some real ass-kicking, courtesy of movie director and birthday celebrant Prachya Pinkaew. From the director of Ong-Bak and The Protector, here’s “Chocolate”:
(46 fishes to you, Prachya!)
We end today’s column with a tribute to Billy Preston, the sixth Beatle. There’s been plenty of writing about candidates for “fifth Beatle”, and I’m sure I’ll get into it later this year as their birthdays come up. I’m going to nominate, right here and now, Billy Preston as Beatle number six, because he came along near the end of the road, and helped the band produce some of their greatest songs before they were done.
The year is 1969, and Preston’s in London, playing in Ray Charles’ band. Among those attending is George Harrison, who walked out of the “Let It Be” recording sessions, with half a mind not to return. Having a second thought, he brings Preston to the studio. Being polite and British at their core, the Beatles behaved themselves and started to enjoy making music together again. The Beatles would go on to finish the “Let It Be” album and record one more, “Abbey Road.”
There’s too many contributions of Billy’s that I’m grateful for: “Let it Be” and “The Long and Winding Road”; Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful”; the Rolling Stones’ “Shine a Light” and “Wild Horses”… From Sam Cooke to the Red Hot Chili Peppers… Let me spotlight one of his solo numbers:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
