Check out the piece NPR did this morning on Scala & Kolacny Brothers. Originally a classical women's choir from Belgium, they switched to rock covers about a decade ago and found a niche performing toned-down versions of indie-rock songs like "With or Without You" by U2, "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, and many more.
If you saw The Social Network trailer, you heard their haunting version of "Creep" by Radiohead.
They recently performed at SXSW and I have a feeling we'll be hearing a lot more about them this year.
If you missed 30 Rock last week, stop what you're doing and go watch it now.
If you're a fan of The West Wing, you'll notice something familiar in this scene between Tina Fey's Liz Lemon and Aaron Sorkin. The jokes are so quick that you might miss them, but I especially appreciated the Studio 60 reference. Enjoy!
Wye Oak, an indie folk rock group from Baltimore, is about to make your Monday.
With a sound similar to Florence + the Machine, and a build-up in this song that pulls you slowly in and then smacks you in the face, I'm loving this duo from MD.
Their song "Civilian" comes off of their 2011 album of the same name. Follow them on Twitter and check out their website for news and tour dates.
George Carlin, one of the greatest comedians ever, passed away in 2008, but his last words remain with us. Tony Hendra started working with Carlin on his memoirs almost 20 years ago, and in Last Words, published in 2009, gives us the insight into Carlin that has only been hinted at in his HBO specials, appearances on The Tonight Show, and his previous works.
I've read this book about three times over the past year, and there's always something that grabs me every time I pick it up. It's funny and irreverent as you might expect, but humble and honest and sweet. It makes me regret not being alive when Carlin was out pushing the boundaries of decency and comedy at the height of his fame. Every time I watch an HBO special or re-read his books, or even watch Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure for the hundredth time, I appreciate his way with words and how he uses them. He understands just how important and how un-important words are to us.
One of my favorite passages from Last Words is re-printed below. It's one of the best descriptions of Los Angeles I've ever read, because I have the same feeling when I wake up every morning.
"What I remember most about the ambience of Hollywood was this amazing morning feeling. This promise of wide-open possibility. Something about the way the air smelled. And tasted good - and no, this is not a smog joke. There was a goldenness about the atmosphere. Even with all the traffic, a kind of quiet, a peace free of hustle and agitation. You felt safe but at the same time able to have different dreams every day. Or picture a hundred futures."
Pick up the book, check it out from the library, or read it on your kindle, but do yourself a favor and take a look inside the mind of a genius.
As a follow-up to my previous post about the science of kissing, I wanted to share this video produced by GOOD. The video shares facts about the benefits of kissing, why certain cultures share kisses, and our biological reactions to kissing, backed up by some of the most iconic movie kisses ever. Take a look.
Some facts:
About 90% of the world's cultures kiss.
In the middle ages, illiterates could seal legal deals with an "X" and a kiss, which is how the kiss got its "X" signature.
The science of kissing is called philematology.
When people kiss, they exchange between 10 million and 1 billion bacteria.
"GOOD is a collaboration of individuals, businesses, and nonprofits pushing the world forward. Since 2006 we've been making a magazine, videos, and events for people who give a damn."
I'm really interested in this company, they basically work to help businesses improve their corporate social responsibility, and they always have great ideas. They started GOOD Projects in 2010, and have worked with Pepsi, IBM, Toyota and Starbucks to name a few. (Click the links to check out their projects.)
If you spent your summers watching MTV and daytime soap operas when you were younger, you probably memorized the order of certain CD commercials' songs, like the TimeLife music collection. You may only know the chorus to these songs, or just a snippet, and may not even recognize the song out of context.
One of my favorite commercials also ended up being one of my favorite purchases EVER - Pure Moods, Vol. 1.
"Imagine a world where time drifts slowly...a world where music carries you away. Experience Pure Moods...the perfect soundtrack for your way of life. Direct from Europe, this multi-platinum collection has won the hearts of millions. Set adrift with the timeless pleasures of Tubular Bells...or take a trip into the unknown with The X-Files Theme. No other collection gives you the feeling of Pure Moods."
Claiming to be the"number one zombie attack warning system online", ZombieWarning.com's open source reporting system and tracker aims to keep you informed, safe, and uneaten in the event of the Zombieocalypse. Zombie Warning levels range from Low to ATTACK!!! so you can remain ever vigilant in the battle against the undead. Bookmark this page, follow them on Twitter or Facebook.
Current level
"We started ZombieWarning.com in 2010 because we knew there was a lack of an international warning system to warn you and your loved ones of a zombie attack. We have the knowledge and the skill needed to predict and identify all types of zombie attacks and we are offering this service free to everyone. You can sleep safely at night knowing we are watching out for you and your loved ones." [from ZombieWarning.com]
Once the Zombieocalypse occurs, count on the Zombie Kill Team to eradicate those that feast on flesh swiftly and with no mercy. With a strict vetting process for members of the ZKT and the motto "Never Leave a Zombie Alive", you and your loved ones can feel secure knowing that the zombie menace will soon be over.
*Note: While these companies may be excellent tools for the identification, tracking, and eradication of a zombie attack, please remember that preparation is still your most useful defense against the walking dead. Stay safe.
This was announced the other day and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. I've been on the Amazon alert list for this for almost a year since the theatrical versions were released on Blu-ray last April. Now you can pre-order the extended version, but they are still saying it won't be released until 2012. At least seeing the box set design makes it seem like it will actually happen, and that glorious day will be one of the happiest days of my life.
On a side note, I heard the theme music randomly the other day and tears actually welled up in my eyes. These films are by far the best things in cinema ever made. Haven't seen them yet? Don't. Wait until they all come out next year on Blu-ray extended edition. That's the real way to watch them. In fact, join me for the Weekend of Warriors where we'll watch all three films plus all of the extras in two days.
I'm a big supporter of people with awesome names and this one kicks some ass. Skylar Grey helped compose "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem and featuring Rihanna and was nominated for a Grammy in the Song of the Year category. Her demo version of this song is a lot more soulful and smooth, so give it a listen. You can compare it to the Eminem version here.
Fast Five comes out then and if you have any sense you'll be pre-ordering your tickets for opening night. The teaser trailer that came out a few weeks ago was amazing but definitely not enough for me. The new trailer below just literally kicked me in the face with awesome, especially the last shot which I imagine will be one of those Expendables moments where everyone in the theater goes "OHHHHSHIT!" This movie is everything anyone wants in a film : explosions, hot guys/girls, fast cars, and what looks to be the most epic fight scene ever between Vin Diesel and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Sexy times a billion.
Scala & Kolacny Brothers Choir
