3 isn’t inspiring any subject material

So let’s get to it.

KKCK:

Estelle w/Kanye West “American Boy”
Once in a while a song comes along.  This song stands out from others by the unique ability to make me want to do things, unspeakable things.  I believe the proper term is “dancing” but nothing I do resembles such an activity.  Yet, the beat and music behind Estelle’s unique voice cause my so-called “booty” to “move”.  It is a phenomenon that is hard to control, and for the most part I’ve experienced without witnesses, not counting cats.  This might explain the cat vomit clean ups so far this week.

Saving Abel “Addicted”
We’re playing the “amended lyrics” version, so it went from borderline PG-13/R to mostly PG.  It’s like seeing a movie on TV when you’re a kid, and you know there are swears and scenes cut out.  Then, you get older and rent the film on VHS or DVD, and realize you weren’t missing much, and the movie wasn’t that good anyway.  If this song was an action film aimed at a male demographic, it would be a Spike original film written by one of the better writers of SciFi original movies, and would star somebody you swore you remembered from some show that was cancelled pretty quickly.  SciFi keeps making stuff like “Mansqito”, so if you’re in that percentile, enjoy the song.  I’ll pass if that’s cool with you.

Lifehouse “Broken”
Sometimes, a song title will remind me of another song.  Gavin DeGraw’s “In Love with a Girl” always makes me think of “Fell in Love With a Girl” by the White Stripes.  I dig the White Stripes, but I’m pretty noncommittal about Gavin DeGraw.  I thought that was as bad as it would get.  That is, until “Broken” by Lifehouse.  Everytime I see it, “I’m Broken” by Pantera rockets into my head.  “Broken” isn’t quite the anti-”I’m Broken” but it might be in the same general area.  The Lifehouse song is one that the ladies usually call for, or the guys call it in for them.  At least that’s what I tell myself when deep voiced dudes call for Miley Cyrus.  *shudder*

Pick to click: Estelle w/Kanye West

My shoulder feels like Mr. Spock gave me the Vulcan neck pinch for a good six hours.  Once in a while I sleep on my arm/shoulder/neck funny, and this is the result I live with for a good week or so.  What always gets me is that I never sleep that differently, so I have no idea why it happens when it happens. 

Thank goodness Mythbusters has new episodes starting next week.  It might wash the taste of “I Survived a Japanese Game Show” out of my head.  That show had a neat idea, and parts of the show are quite good.  I’m not sure if this is a problem with other reality shows (since I rarely watch any) but it is now to the point where none of the contestants left are really even likeable.  I think there’s one left named Bilenda or something like that, and she inspires “meh” while the rest are just annoying and spiteful.  The two hour finale is next week, and I’m very okay with that.  Thank goodness for DVR, as we now just fast forward all the interviews and just watch the Japanese game show elements.

Speaking of game shows, the new GSN series “Catch 21″ isn’t too bad.  The host is Alfonso Ribeiro, who you may remember as Carlton from “Fresh Prince of Bell Air”.  I never would have thought of him as a game show host, but he does a really good job.  It isn’t quite a show worth DVRing, but if it’s on and nothing else is, you could do worse.  If you don’t like product placement, be warned. 

I’ve read a lot of negativity towards the new X-Files movie, and the friend I went to it with called it “the worst movie of the year, worse than Space Chimps” (which prompted the response “you saw Space Chimps?).  I enjoyed the movie, which is odd since I’ve seen all of three or four episodes of the show.  The few episodes I’ve seen I enjoyed, but I watched them midway through the run, and I was so hopelessly out of the loop I decided to just wait and watch them all on DVD someday when I’m retired.  I enjoyed David Duchovny’s dry delivery and Gillian Anderson’s conflicted storyline, along with what little bit of Mitch Pileggi’s Skinner that made it into the movie.  Fans of the show probably have more of a beef with the movie, but I enjoyed the first X-Files movie without watching the show, so as a fan of X-Files movies, I wasn’t let down. 

The ol’ homestead is almost ready for the new tenant, a.k.a. the baby.  Kate has the living room nearly baby-proofed, and if he/she (I’m holding out hope the ultrasound tech goofed up) was to arrive now, we’d have everything we need, and almost everything we want.  Everyone says that the nine months go by fast, and Kate would agree.  I actually don’t think they did.  For me at least, time seemed to go slower.  Does this mean I lose my “make fun of Kate having no patience” cred?

This Saturday the Spooncat-ish group The Radio Specialists take to Phillips avenue for the annual steak-out, and I hope to be there to enjoy some tunes, and maybe this year some steak.  I need to get in touch with the guys and ask exactly how one does that. 

Until next time…

2 in a room, and one won’t wiggle it even a little bit

As…it…grooves?

KKCK:

Leona Lewis “Better in Time”
“Leona dear, the international society of one hit wonders is calling again.”
“Just hang up.  I’m not returning their calls.”
Seriously, “Bleeding Love” may never be topped, but this Brit might be the Kelly Clarkson equivalent, and we all know a pound beats a dollar.  This song does little to mess with a formula that should serve Ms. Lewis well.

O.A.R. “Shattered (Turn the Car Around)”
The new album is out, and the new song crosses over from…whatever format was big into O.A.R. (AAA?  Alt?  Hot AC?).  We’ve toyed around with this band before, but this song should keep them in the CHR mindset for a time.  The baffling thing is that they had a song that was used heavily by ESPN for the College World Series, but this isn’t it.  Maybe everybody is sick of that one?  The NCAA and ESPN probably hope so.

Pick to click: Leona Lewis

Ugh, it’s another busy day and I don’t have as much time to scribble, but in a business sense that’s a good thing.  It doesn’t help that my temporary music news site takes a while to update, as my studio computer isn’t a big fan of wordpress.  I put some pictures from my South Dakota trip up here if you want to see ‘em.  Kate has a bunch more on her facebook profile, so if you’re her friend there check ‘em out.

I hate to say more later, since I rarely post more later.

So, more later but probably not.

3 isn’t all that magical, really

Then again, I can’t do simple card tricks, so who am I to judge?

KKCK:

Paramore “That’s What You Get”
What we get is another song from the Riot CD.  I go back and forth on how to feel about this band, but as far as listening to this band, I have no problem.  I don’t know if they still consider themselves pop-punk, but they should just go straight rock and get it over with.  I think Haley Williams can pull it off.

Daughtry “What About Now”
Did you ever see the episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force that involved Meatwad losing his brain and floating out to sea saying “Do What Now” over and over?  For some reason, I hear Meatwad’s voice in my head saying “What About Now” as he floats in badly animated water every time I mention this song.  Ah, good times.  Oh, the song?  It’s a Daughtry song with more piano.

Hinder “Use Me”
These guys are from Oklahoma.  Rocklahoma is in Oklahoma.  Coincidence?  Not really.  “Use Me” has lyrics that would have been right at home on an album by Faster Pussycat, Tora Tora, Warrant, or [insert band here] on any album released between 1987 and 1991.  Even their music is less NickelCreed than before.  That being said, it will take a lot more to help me heal emotionally from people calling during “Lips of an Angel” to hear “Lips of an Angel”.

Pick to click: Hinder

I’ve been meaning to write a blog about my weekend in South Dakota, and I’ll probably post that here and elsewhere.  Work has been crazy this week, so I don’t have much time.

To be continued…?

quick one

I have a ton of work today, so the KKCK new music blog might be delayed.

One thought I had right at this moment was about Incubus and Faith No More.  I’m finally hearing FNM’s King for a Day, Fool for a Lifetimealbum (for some reason I bailed on FNM after Angel Dust, which I actually liked) and going back now, I hear a lot of stuff that Incubus has made a pretty good living with.  I’m not talking about them copying songs, but other similarities sound wise.

Just my two cents for the moment.

Two songs not just for Sister Sarah

Don’t want no short short blog?

KKCK:

Jordin Sparks “One Step at a Time”
Why Jordin Sparks fans will like it: The song has a bit more bounce than “Tattoo”, which showcases her ability to handle a good dance song.
Why casual Jordin Sparks fans won’t like it: No Chris Brown.
Why Jack Johnson won’t like it: The sound of heels clacking clearly indicates shoes.

Mariah Carey “I’ll Be Lovin’ U Long Time”
Why Mariah Carey fans will like it: It’s Mariah.
Why non-fans of Mariah Carey will hate it: Well…it is Mariah Carey.
Teachers most likely to not like the song: English and/or Grammar teachers

Pick to click: it’s a tough call with both songs being third singles, and both supported by the Clock King, but I’ll pick Jordin Sparks.

If you like checking my music news links at the KKCK website (or even if you’ve never check them) I must report they are moving for a while.  The KKCK website is getting a face-lift, and won’t be able to work for a few weeks or months.  So, I’ve set up a temporary home for my music news links, KKCK playlists and Shag playlists, along with progress updates on our website (as I get them).

I don’t know my internet situation for the rest of the week, and due to the trip, I don’t have much time today, as I’ll be leaving for South Dakota in a few hours.  Check here or here for possible trip updates, and possible pictures from my personal favorite state in the union.

Have a great rest of the week!

Lists, trips and hits OH MY [part 2 of 2]

Part two takes care of the list portion of today’s programming. Inspired by (and not copied from) James Montgomery, here’s a look a my Top 10 albums of 2008 so far. This list isn’t quite complete, as some albums need more time to grow on me (Atmosphere and Motley Crue spring to mind here).

10. Death Cab for Cutie Narrow Stairs
DC4C brings the mellow, but they also flash a side that isn’t quite as mellow.

9. Weezer Weezer (red album)
This one is really hit and miss, but the hits outweigh the misses by quite a bit.

8. Filter Anthems for the Damned
Richard Patrick sobers up and delivers a Filter album worthy of following Title of Record.

7. Airbourne Runnin’ Wild
This might be the best AC/DC album of the year, and AC/DC is even releasing an album this year. Drop this album into the late 80s and they would be retired by now, or headlining Rocklahoma.

6. The B-52’s Funplex
A sixteen year gap between studio albums? It sounds like the B-52s are but a year removed from Good Stuff.

5. Flight of the Conchords Flight of the Conchords
This duo is ready for business and their business time is now. If not for the sudden electronic swerve on some of the tracks, I’d have put this one higher.

4. The Raconteurs Consolers of the Lonely
Jack White’s first go around with this band left me flat. One listen to this album inflated my hopes about this side project’s future. “Many Shades of Black” might be one of my favorite tracks of the year.

3. Spooncat! Higher Than the State
On what might be their last album as Spooncat, the band goes out swinging with an album that takes almost as many chances as Tao Babies, and finally gives us some studio versions of live classics like “Tiger” and “Person 3″.

2. R.E.M. Accelerate
This is the first R.E.M. CD I’ve paid for (others being dubs and radio freebies) and I don’t regret it one bit. The band tries to take their chances and rock out at the same time, and in my book they pulled it off.

1. Vampire Weekend Vampire Weekend
Indie pop-rock and African touches? I’d have said “it would never work” (had I not read up much before listening) but hearing tells me it not only works, but I’m hoping Vampire Weekend make it work for many years and albums to come.

Any other good 2008 so far suggestions? Lists?

Lists, trips and hits OH MY [part 1 of 2]

[MySpace simulcast time]

Part two will not be a remix, nor will it go straight to DVD.

KKCK:

Jonas Brothers “Burnin’ Up”
When the CD single came in, it had two versions: rap and no rap. I have no problem with rap, and a rap in a Jonas Brothers song would have to be one of the cleanest ever. However, it sounds so awkward, so out of place and so…forced, I put in the no rap version. The song is your typical sanitized rock fare. It will do nothing to sway your opinion of the Jonas Brothers, while the version with a rap breakdown may cause you to question their judgement.

Seether “Rise Above This”
When Amy Lee and Shaun Morgan broke up, Amy fired first with “Call Me When You’re Sober” from the second Evanescence record. Shaun decided living well was the best revenge, and it looks like Seether’s album has a lot more in the “legs” department opposed to the last Evanescence CD. This song walks a fine line between being good for rock radio and good for CHR, and it works the tightrope better than anyone on “Celebrity Circus”. Also, if I ever reference that show again, please revoke my internet cred.

Ne-Yo “Closer”
One of my co-workers thinks this song will be the next big thing. I’m not quite sold on that, but I do appreciate that it isn’t another ballad. This is one of those songs that doesn’t inspire me to extol its virtues, nor does it inspire any snark in my snarking place. Where is one’s snarking place anyway?

Pick to click: Jonas Brothers

I have now caught up on every episode of “The Venture Bros.” minus the newest episode, which is waiting on my DVR. I eagerly look forward to the show making slightly more sense now. I’m not sure which episode or character is my favorite, but Dr. Girlfriend might be in the running, along with Henchmen 24 and 21.

Things at home are good, but a bit stressful. Juggling getting ready for a new baby in a few months, along with car repairs and hotel costs for my nephew’s wedding next week are proving a small challenge, but maybe I can talk Citibank into letting me work off some debt on the weekends. Some days I really wish they still had debtor’s prisons so I could go in and work on the weekends.

The year is now half over. It doesn’t seem half over. James Montgomery at MTV’s Bigger than the Sound column counts off his top albums of the year so far. I don’t have an easy way to look at my top ten of the year so far right now, but I know Vampire Weekend is probably on top. I’ll try to grind out my own list later, once I can take a better look at my inventory.

So, we’ll call this blog part one of two. Can I get a…

TO BE CONTINUED!!! (read loudly and in your best Doctor Orpheus voice)