No more posts this week but wormholes may be possible…
March 13, 2012
The bad news (for you at least): No more posts this week because this afternoon I’m embarking on my yearly SXSW jaunt. I’m back in the world of the badgeless this year, and currently have no obligations or assignments from the Scene, so this year should be interesting. Also, my band Scale M0del is playing the Red Gorilla Festival on Friday at 3pm at the Dizzy Rooster on 6th St. So if you’re down there, try to stop by! It’s totally free and doesn’t require a badge or wristband of any kind. Actually that may not be bad news for you at all, because it’s probably of little significance to you whether I post the rest of the week.
But, I do have good news! Wormhole travel is slightly less inconceivable now thanks to some research by a team of physicists from Germany and Greece! In short- those convenient things called wormholes that made intergalactic travel possible in science fiction such as Stargate, Contact, etc… are actually pretty tricky business, and were once thought to require unfathomable amounts of negative energy to keep stable enough for a person to travel through. All the while, the very existence of negative energy isn’t even a sure thing. BUT, this new research pulls from elements of string theory, quantum theory, and other far-out theories to get around that massive negative energy requirement. This New Scientist article explains it all, so head over and check it out. It’s a long one, but well worth the read. Unfortunately the idea of traveling through a wormhole is still pretty inconceivable, because according to these new calculations, the wormhole would have to be tens to hundreds of light years across in order for a human to travel through it without getting ripped apart by tidal forces. I actually LOL’d at the line “…our galaxy’s stars are crowded together within a few light years of each other. While this doesn’t prevent the existence of a wormhole with a mouth tens of light years across, it makes it hard to position it so that star systems don’t accidentally fall in. Fallen stars would surely disrupt the timetable and so users might avoid our galaxy altogether.” (Emphasis mine.)
This is one of those articles which requires you to create an account through New Scientist, but it’s free, and all you’ll have to endure is a few email newsletters full of fascinating discoveries and other tidbits from the science world. Not bad if you ask me.
I shall see you back here sometime next week, whenever my brain and liver have fully recovered from SXSW. Till then, cheers!
Goldrush: Prabir Mehta’s new band
March 9, 2012
Remember Richmond, VA’s Prabir & The Substitutes? Or even farther back, The Rachel Nevadas? Those were some great bands that used to tour through middle TN quite a bit, and they were all fronted by Prabir Mehta. The Substitutes disbanded in 2009, (whoa has it really been that long?) and out of the ashes came Goldrush. They’re playing the Basement this sunday night along with a few other bands who are passing through town on their way to Austin for SXSW. So I recommend, along with the shows listed in today’s A Few Good Shows, checking out the show this Sunday night at the Basement. Lineup: Goldrush, The Amboys, Battle Ave, and Andrew Leahey & The Homestead. Cover is $5 and it’s 21+ as always!
Good shows this weekend in Nashville
March 11, 2011
Wow, this weekend has a lot to offer in the way of good music to see. That’s partially because a lot of bands are gearing up to head to Austin next week for SXSW, but hey, we’ll take it. Here’s a quick rundown:
FRIDAY:
The Non-Commissioned Officers album release show w/ Cortney Tidwell and Kyle Andrews @ Mercy Lounge. 9pm $12 to get CD, $7 w/out CD. Stream their entire new album on their facebook page.
JEFF the Brotherhood w/ King Tuff and Diarrhea Planet @ The Other Basement. $5 all ages, 8pm. For a free King Tuff mp3, check out Nashville’s Dead.
The Clutters, Slick, Dirtbot, the Black Faces @ the 5 Spot, 9pm $5.
SATURDAY:
Duh. Come to La Paz for La Paz Late Night presents: ROBO BOOGIE. As I said yesterday, it’s $2 w/ robot outfit, $3 w/out, and Potamus, Vitalic Noise & I will be spinning 80s and other robo-tastic jams all night.
Those Darlins, Denny & The Jets, D. Watusi @ the Basement. *YOU MUST PRE-ORDER THOSE DARLINS’ NEW ALBUM SCREWS GET LOOSE THROUGH GRIMEY’S TO GET INTO THIS SHOW!*
Space Capone w/ Floorwalkers @ Mercy Lounge. 9pm, $10
A few other news tidbits in the music world:
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart now have their Flood-produced, Smashing Pumpkins-esque new album Belong streaming at their website. I haven’t listened to it yet as I’m glued to the news at the moment, but I’m cautiously optimistic.
Tristen’s video for the song “Baby Drugs” debuted on Rolling Stone yesterday. Seriously, go watch it. (Via Nashville Cream)
Loch Lomond: new discovery
February 8, 2011
My appetite for intricate orchestral folk-pop has been waning lately, but Loch Lomond is a refreshing take on that dreamy, melancholy end of the sub genre. In fact, this band sort of embodies the dreary yet ironically cheerful mood of their hometown of Portland, OR. Their instrumentation is perfect for the songs- mandolin, violin, cello, you get the picture. One can’t help but draw comparisons with bands like Lost In The Trees, or even Belle & Sebastian. Their album Little Me Will Start a Storm drops in two weeks on 2/22 on Tender Loving Empire. Highly recommended if you like either of the bands I just mentioned. They’ll be all over SXSW this year, and I plan on checking out the live incarnations of these songs.
Bekah Cope: photographer/iPhone rumors
March 31, 2010
The blog Nashville’s Dead has been kicking ass overall lately, as chronicled by the Scene in their People Issue from a few weeks back. I want to take a moment, however, to specifically point out the photography work of their main shuttergirl Bekah Cope. The photo to the left is of Turbo Fruits on Saturday night of SXSW at the Mohawk Patio. Not only was it an insane performance, as evidenced by the fact that Jonas is hanging upside-down from the rafters, but it’s the perfect shot to capture the essence of that particular show. Bekah shoots all shows with film and a simple on-camera flash in a way that most professionals try to avoid at all costs. But she fearlessly challenges the norm and as a result, her work has an entirely different aesthetic than what the more seasoned professionals go for. It’s good in a completely different way. Her perspective and style is refreshing and fits perfectly with DIY feel of Nashville’s Dead and the music they cover (a good majority of it is house shows). At times some of her photos almost hit the same spot on my visual palate as William Eggleston’s work does. Check out her SXSW photos at Nashville’s Dead and more of her stuff on her flickr.
I’ll take just a moment to express my opinions about the recent rumors of a Verizon/Sprint/T-Mobile iPhone coming soon. A Wall Street Journal article earlier this week mentioned that the iPhone will likely be opened up to other carriers as early as this summer. While has long been a matter of “when,” not “if,” I’m certainly excited that this is finally happening. I’m very skeptical, however, that a Verizon version of the phone will be on the market before 2011 or even later. Currently there are two main protocols for 3G (3rd generation) wireless networks: GSM and CDMA. I won’t get into the technical details, but basically T-Mobile and AT&T both use the GSM standard, while Sprint and Verizon use the CDMA standard. Obviously the iPhone is a GSM device since it’s currently only on AT&T, thus it would be relatively easy to make one for T-Mobile since they’re GSM as well. Building an iPhone for Verizon and Sprint, however, is a different ballgame because many of the components have to be different. This is why I think it may be a little longer before we see a CDMA iPhone. Though the report did mention that some companies are already building the components for CDMA iPhone, there’s a lot more to it than just building the device. Verizon is known to be cranky about the content delivered through their network, and while I have no idea what they have up their sleeve in regards to iPhone content, I have to say it’ll probably be different than it is on the AT&T network. I hope I’m wrong about that though. Furthermore, Verizon is supposedly going to unveil their new 4G network sometime next year, which will use the new LTE standard, which will supposedly become the universal standard for all wireless networks. So why are they building a CDMA phone in the first place when it’ll just be replaced in a couple of years? The reason this matters to me is that I’m one of the people who would love to have an iPhone, but refuse to switch to AT&T. This is because I constantly see people on AT&T having signal coverage issues. Case in point: the entire floor on which I work which is just slightly below street level is a total dead zone for ALL other carriers except Verizon. If I didn’t have Verizon, I would have no phone service ALL DAY LONG. I’ve seen the same thing happen in other buildings as well. Not to mention Verizon is way ahead of the rest of the pack in customer service ratings. Sorry for the rant.
Miike Snow/SXSW
March 24, 2010
After a few days of recovery from SXSW, I finally have a) the mental energy and b) a spare minute to blog again. In a nutshell it was pretty much just as awesome as last year. For two years in a row, however, the saturday of SXSW has been somewhat jinxed for me- last year it was me coming down with some sort of horrid cold/flu, this year it was the frigid arctic front that moved through sat. morning resulting a bone-chilling Saturday/night. Whatevs. I had a fucking blast AND I had a badge this year, so maybe this year was a little better overall.
I didn’t expect to come back having “discovered” a new band, but indeed that’s what happened. Miike Snow has been on the scene for quite some time, and I’m sure I’m VERY late in becoming a fan, but it still makes me happy that SXSW did exactly what it was supposed to in at least 1 respect: showcasing a new artist and generating new fans for them. I saw them Friday night at the Mohawk Patio and loved every minute of their performance. I’d heard the many remixes of “Animal” (and the original, of course), as well as “Burial,” but I was still a bit on the fence as to whether I’d fully be a “fan.” After seeing them live in Austin I got their full album last night and I’m officially sold. While “Animal,” “Black & Blue,” and “Burial” may be considered the main singles of the record, the track that stands out to me the most is “Sans Soleil.” It’s a very melancholy, slow song that revolves around 3 astonishingly simple piano chords, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Just get the album. It’s well worth your money or google/mediafire search efforts. Look for my pics of them and many others in this week’s Scene.
In other news, NPR is streaming the new MGMT album. I haven’t listened to it all yet, but a few tracks seem promising. Meh.
If Bill Murray were to go chillwave/glo-fi:
Via Hipster Runoff
New Lake Fever session/Predators update
March 15, 2010
Official performers of the Makeout With Violence Soundtrack and first 2010 Road to Bonnaroo winners The Non-Commissioned Officers did 3 songs for the awesome Lake Fever Sessions. They’re up now, so go have a watch. It’s reaaaal good.
I’m officially even more excited about the upcoming movie Predators, produced by Robert Rodriguez/directed by Nimrod Antal, now that I’ve seen the 2-minute clip on the official website. It’s not a trailer (apparently that’s hitting the web this Thur.), but it does have some footage and commentary from Mr. Rodriguez himself. The fact that they’re well aware they’d never top the tough-guy role of Arnold in the first one is heartening, and is the main reason I’m actually looking forward to it. Apparently SXSW Film had a special feature/sneak-peek party for the film last night:
I’m officially older than the internet, because the first .com celebrated its 25th birthday today. In 1985 Symbolics Computer Company registered the first official .com domain. (Via Live Science)
According to my bandmate Seth my hypothetical bloghouse/power pop side project should be called + (pronounced Cross). In a blog post on Nashville Cream about side projects he mentions several hilarious hypothetical Nashville side projects…
With that I submit that this may be my last blog post until after SXSW. We’re heading down tomorrow night, and unless I discover something that absolutely must be blogged, you probably won’t hear from me until at least the 22nd, probably more like the 23rd or 24th. Who knows, maybe I’ll find a spare minute to post a few random pics while I’m down there, but it’s not likely. Be sure to keep up with the Cream for my pics and updates from Adam Gold, Seth Graves, and Patrick Rodgers.
And, never forget:
Random news/Ke$ha covers Radiohead/weekend stuff
February 26, 2010
This somewhat old news by now, but if you haven’t seen this video of Ke$ha singing “Karma Police” by Radiohead at a junior high talent show, go do so now. (Via the whole internet)
Speaking of Ke$ha: Nashville’s own Justin Kase, who recently had a stint as her live DJ, is now on Twitter. Go follow him immediately, because when he hits 666 followers, he’s going private. Word is that he’s planning some secret dance parties this spring:
looking to reach 666 followers by march and then going private, tell everyone to getinb4 lck dwn. secret parties coming this spring.
The list of Nashville acts headed to SXSW this year keeps growing. So far Those Darlins, We Were the States, How I Became the Bomb, Glossary, Heypenny, Protomen, The Ettes, Madi Diaz, The Young Republic, and Matthew Perryman Jones are what I’ve seen/heard, but I’m sure there are plenty more.
Now for what’s going down this weekend:
Tonight I will be running the Generation Domination photobooth at Happy Valley, taking place at the usual downtown location- Aerial.
Of course the other big show happening tonight is My So-Called Band at Mercy Lounge, with Dozen Dimes. These guys have enough glorious 90’s nostalgia to have you jumping around doing beer-spews into Dave Paulson’s face… not that I’ve done that before or anything…
Saturday there’s a great Haiti relief benefit show at Blackbird Tattoo & Gallery, featuring Powerbrrrd (my band), the Admirals Club, Julia the Menace, Woodgrain, and supposedly some sort of Holly House supergroup. The $10 cover goes toward the UN World Food Program. Rumors Wine & Art Bar are also involved. Come on out and support a good cause!
Cassino, Korean Is Asian, and Tristen will be rockin the 5 Spot. *Correction- this show is at the Basement!*
Akron/Family, Warpaint, and HP Witchcraft will be rockin the Exit/In.
On Sunday I’ve heard rumors that American Bang will be filming a music video… so take that for what it’s worth.
And last but not least, I must do a little more shameless self-promotion and mention that I’m hosting Rock the Block at Exit/In on Tuesday. If you’re unfamiliar- it’s a bit like 8 off 8th at Mercy Lounge, except it’s on Tuesdays and not strictly 8 bands. Mine will feature 6 bands with 20 minute sets each, and I just confirmed Jenn Ross to do a couple of bellydances between acts! The lineup will be (not in performance order): We Were the States, Bows & Arrows, Cody Blaine & the Whole Fam Damnly, Powerbrrrd, Tristen, and Jordan Caress.
Have a great weekend!
A shit-ton of new music
February 17, 2010
I couldn’t think of anything better to describe this post than “a shit-ton of new music.”
Seriously, check this out:
Probably my favorite producer/DJ/artist from the Ed Banger Records crew is Breakbot. I love his remixes and original material, but his new track “Baby I’m Yours” is easily his masterpiece, even if it is under 3 min. long. It’s on his latest EP of the same title, and you should go get it now at Beatport. Or wherever you can find it. I also love the Siriusmo remix… Look for one or the other to be a a featured track in my upcoming Spring 2010 Mixxxx.
So I’ve been talking a lot about the Morning Benders lately. Well, that’s because they’re smart and know just how to milk hype and anticipation for all it’s worth. They’ve been slowly releasing a steady trickle of tidbits- mp3’s, videos, interviews, etc…- and it’s working because they’re ALL OVER the blogosphere. But I honestly love them and thus I’m joining the parade. Today they released another free mp3- the full studio version of “Excuses,” the song played in the video clip I posted last week. Grab it at You Ain’t No Picasso. It can found a million other places as well, but I’m linking to YANP because that happens to be where I saw it first.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen any action from Brighton Beach, UK’s The Pipettes. This is probably because they’ve undergone about 3,278 lineup changes since their last US appearances. When I first discovered them I went totally crazy for the whole gimmick of cute girls, singing pretty harmonies, dressing up in polka-dots, doing coreographed stage moves, and bringing back the girl-group pop vibe of the Phil Spector era. I must say that initial excitement has long worn off, and they quickly fell to the far back of my mind. Now they’ve completely re-vamped their image and sound, as well as shrunk to apparently 2 frontwomen. Check out the funky spaced-out disco imagery at their website, where you can also download their new single “Our Love Was Saved by Spacemen.” Honestly, the sound matches the imagery, but I’m not sure I’m sold on the new sound. It’s catchy and fun without a doubt, but something just doesn’t quite click like the old lineup/sound/imagery did.
SXSW officially announced the schedule of showcases and I’m going to spend at least a good hour tonight looking over it, but at first glance a few things popped out to me:
Wed. night at Emo’s, Emo’s annex, and Emo’s Jr., the latter of which is the Rough Trade showcase culminating with the Morning Benders. Also on Wed. is the Next Big Nashville showcase at Maggie Mae’s featuring The Ettes and a few more Nashville acts, and the Girls Rock Austin showcase at Submerged, feature Those Darlins and The Coathangers.
Thur. night the Beauty Bar hosts the IHEARTCOMIX/Green Owl showcase, which features some great new electronic artists, but faces stiff competition for the electro crowd from the Dim Mak showcase at Elysium which features the Crystal Method and Steve Aoki. The Cedar Street Courtyard, though not any specific “showcase,” will feature She & Him. The Young Turks showcase at the Mohawk Patio looks awesome. Of course the biggest is Broken Social Scene at Stubb’s.
Fri. night Cedar Street Courtyard will host Nashville’s own American Bang. Club DeVille hosts Neon Indian and CLASSIXXX. The Bright Antenna showcase at the Ghost Room features Magic Wands, which are interestingly listed as a Nashville band… The Cool Kids and Miike Snow will be at the Mohawk Patio.
Sat. night the Austin Shores stage looks pretty rad with She & Him, Justin Townes Earle, Deer Tick, and many others. The Beauty Bar lineup would appear to be the Fool’s Gold showcase, though it’s not listed as such… The Chicken Ranch showcase at Headhunter’s looks good, with Nashville’s own The Clutters and We Were the States on the bill. The Mohawk Patio looks good yet again, with Turbo Fruits and Surfer Blood.
Frankly my head almost exploded just glancing over it. More SXSW to come. Holy shit I can’t wait.
Oh, and if that didn’t make your head explode, then celebrities upside-down will.
Twighlight Heroin/SXSW lineup
November 25, 2009
I’m not making this up. SXSW is already announcing an initial batch of bands for the 2010 festival. Unbelievable. I mean, I must admit that I’ve been thinking about it some, but it’s still about 4 months away! Regardless, some highlights that I noticed: Deer Tick, The Brunettes, The Coathangers, Robyn Hitchcock, We Are Scientists. Decent list, I guess. I’m pretty sure it will improve drastically when the full lineup finally comes out. SXSW ’09 was literally one of the best trips of my life, so one way or another, I’m going back next year! Check out the full list here. (Via Pitchfork)
Twilight has officially gotten out of control. It’s already sad enough that New Moon had the most successful opening weekend in history… but now we have people biting other people in the theaters? And to top it all, Twilight-themed heroin was confiscated in Florida! See for yourself at io9. WTF?!?!?
So this will probably be my last post till next Monday. Have a great Thanksgiving weekend!
steve cross loves music and science 