Lunch of Champions

Guns N’ Roses | Chinese Democracy

Toby — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:13:42 +0000

Will Axel Rose’s new opus be a hit or a flop? The fact that it’s taken over 10 years and $13 million to create leads me believe that it will be dated and shitty. But, with a history of genre-pushing surprises, there is a glimmer of hope that the new Guns N’ Roses album will exceed all expectations and become something truly special. The first official single, “Chinese Democracy”, sounds more like Avenged Sevenfold than the GNR of old… But Avenged Sevenfold is doing some really creative genre-busting work despite what some of their critics might be saying. Listen to the single below, and let me know what you think!

Beat Boxin’

Toby — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:52:23 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Kenny Rogers “The Gambler”

Toby — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:47:12 +0000

“The Gambler” is the title track to Kenny Rogers’ 1978 album. The song was written by Don Schlitz (who had recorded it previously, and had charted at #65 on the country charts with it) and was one of five consecutive songs by Rogers to hit #1 on the Billboard country music charts at the time. On the pop chart, the song made #16 in early 1979. It is also the theme song used for Rogers long running movie and TV serial of the same name, in which he stars as a fictional professional poker player called Brady Hawkes. It was used in Episode 2 of BBC] series, Blackpool. [source]

This is obviously a song that’s been around for a while, but as a recovering grunge guy, I am just now hearing it. Wow! Awesome.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Rise of Stop-Motion Videos with Octopus Project & Spoon

Toby — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:33:19 +0000

I don’t know if this is a trend, but I like it! Check out the most recent video of Octopus Project’s “An Evening with Rthrtha”, a stop-motion project produced by Double Triple and Ryan Junell. Check it out!

Click here to view the embedded video.

You might have seen this duo’s previous work on Spoon’s “You Got Yr’ Cherry Bomb” video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sweet Drum Solos - Gene Krupa vs Lionel Hampton vs Chico Hamilton

Toby — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:23:27 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

We Are Wizards | The Rise of Wizard Rock

Toby — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:16:48 +0000

I have only read one Harry Potter book. But I have seen Harry and the Potters twice. This band is the real deal. That is, their live shows truly are an experience to embrace and enjoy. The reaction they get from their crowd of followers is uncanny from a band of their…ummm…muggleness. Seriously. When I saw them at the Minneapolis Public Library a couple of years ago, the hundreds of high school kids that showed up to support them gave them a Beatles-esque reception, screaming as the band made its way from the concert hall to the merchandise table where they signed autographs.

It is with great anticipation that I await the documentary, We Are Wizards, which opens on November 14. The genre of “Wizard Rock”, led by the aforementioned genre pioneers, has, it seems, experienced enormous growth under the band’s tutelage. The genre succeeds on a message of wholesome “good-vs-evil” story lines covered in a thick layer of fun. Check out the movie trailer:

Pocahontas County & LOUDRAY Live at the Acadia Cafe | August 24, 2008

Toby — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:43:21 +0000

Last night I had the pleasure of catching two of the Twin Cities finest bluegrass/folk groups - Pocahontas County and LOUDRAY - at the Acadia Cafe on the West Bank of the U. Pocahontas County played a laid back set of new and old stuff, while LOUDRAY burned through their set in their signature rawkus manner, highlighted by a clapping solo by their new box-bass player.

Here are my photos of Pocahontas County:

[Show as slideshow]

And here are my photos of LOUDRAY:

[Show as slideshow]