Tuesday, December 29, 2009

I Learned It From Watching Movies

The Pep Talk:




Thank you, Rotten Tomatoes Show!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Movies of 2009 in 90 Seconds

Hollywood.com had to delete the video. Sorry, folks.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Bill Dance Bloopers

Fishing Bloopers are the best:

Amie Street Deals $5-9 (from their Best of 2009 list)

Amie Street is having some killer deals right now based on their Best Albums of 2009. For example, for $5 bucks you can get the new Avett Brothers cd "I and Love and You".

Monday, December 14, 2009

Eric Hutchinson - "The BCS S-U-X"

One of our favorite artists is in tune to the shortcomings of the BCS:

The Onion's Annual Year 2009

Instead of posting a lot of "Best of 2009" this year I figured I'd go to what the best list will be: The Onion's Annual Year 2009: The Top 10 Stories of the Last 4.5 Billion Years. Keep checking back each day for the new one.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Dave Letterman on the Twitter Machine

It is my job to post videos like this:

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Relevant's Best Albums of 2009

It's time to start the Best of 2009 lists. First up is the always reputable Relevant Best Albums of 2009.

My favorite on their list:
The Avett Brothers—I and Love and You

What do you do if you're an Americana revival band who's really good but hasn't yet gotten the attention you deserve? For starters, it's probably best to get Rick Rubin to produce you. And while Rubin has been mostly known in recent years for his stripped-down approach to Johnny Cash's country music, he's done the opposite here—he's smoothed out some of the edges and made them much more melodic. Gone are the punk leanings and wild yelps of past records; instead, the brothers Avett sing and pick their instruments through 13 fantastic tracks. The title track is an piano-driven expose on why it's so hard to say those three little words. "Ten Thousand Words" is another highlight, layering guitar, mandolin and Hammond B3 on top of already-layered vocals, while "Kick Drum Heart" sounds like it could be on a kid's album. I and Love and You stands as the Bros.' strongest effort, taking their strengths and smoothing them into a cohesive whole.

What Was Popular Mechanics Thinking?

The Woot blog has a great article mocking the covers of old (circa 1950's) Popular Mechanics, Popular Science and Modern Mechanix. Fully worth reading.


Helicopter Skiing? Have you ever seen a helicopter, guys? Unless this is some kind of magical "no prop wash" chopper, those kids are going to be whipped around by a constant blizzard until the spiraling winds whip their tethers around their frozen, lifeless bodies and they're dragged through the Rockies. How would you even communicate to the pilot that you're ready to stop? He'd just go on sipping his coffee and plowing the mountainside with your icy corpse. No doubt the alarmed people emerging from the trees are trying to warn the boys of just this danger.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Jingle All The Way

A Christmas album from Bela Fleck and the Flecktones? Yep, it's true. It came out last year and it's a trippy, funky, holly, jolly good time.

Here's a sample:

And you shouldn't miss their version of "Linus & Lucy" from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Love me some Bela Fleck and Vic Wooten on the bass:

Linus and Lucy - Bela Fleck & The Flecktones

Pompeii Ruins on Street View


View Larger Map

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Avett Brothers - "Slight Figure of Speech"

Great viral along with the music video, well worth the watch: (thanks Jason)

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Google Explains Chrome OS (Operating System)

The 25 Most Ridiculous Band Names in Rock History

Great top 25 list here with explanation of how the band got the name and why it's stupid. Short preview:

Nickelback
The story: Lead singer Chad Kroeger was having trouble coming up with a name, and so approached his brother, who worked at a Starbucks. Coffee was $1.95, which meant every customer who paid two bucks got-waiiiit for it-a nickel back. (It was either that or We're Sorry About the Homeless Man Shooting Up in the Bathroom.)

Why it's ridiculous: Asking cashiers at franchise coffee shops for career advice can only end in tragedy. (Kroeger suffered similar woes after getting a Wal-Mart greeter to do his taxes for him, resulting in the repossession of his house.) If you walk up to the cashier behind a Starbucks counter and, instead of ordering a Tall Sumatran, ask them to name your band, odds are you're going to get something giving-people-change-for-coffee-based.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Odd Hula Hooping...

Keep watching, it's worth it when he starts hula hooping
(btw, he's using a metal hula hoop. is that like when Christian Slater busted out the metal skateboard in "Gleaming the Cube"?)

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Friday, November 6, 2009

U2 360 Stage Construction

I previously posted on the coolness of U2's stage and video screen for their current 360 tour. I remain to be enthralled. Check out the multiple day construction of the entire stage: (thanks wes)

Free Track Friday

If you haven't been to AmieStreet go now and discover great music.

I'm on a newsletter of AmieStreet that sends out free songs every week. Here are this weeks: (to note, Joshua James is great, see our previous posts)
Joshua James - Build Me This
Michelle Lewis - Broken
Peal and the Beard - Oh! Death

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

ummm...I think cats would understand this

Prince of Persia Trailer

I was a big fan of the Prince of Persia games, hopefully the movie lives up to it.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Trailer Park | MySpace Video

50 Best Movies of the Decade - Paste Magazine style

Paste Magazine has their take on the 50 Best movies of the decade. You may ask what the best thing about this list is? Well I'm glad you asked, it's because they each have a clip or trailer for each one...something that is rare with lists this big. Enjoy.
(Btw, Dark Knight should've been in the top 5)

Monday, November 2, 2009

Google Wave Preview

You might have heard the buzz about Google Wave, Google's new catch all networking site. Check out a preview here.

Christopher Walken - "Poker Face"

Friday, October 30, 2009

The Rotten Tomatoes Show

I have really been enjoying the Rotten Tomatoes Show via podcast lately. It's probably even better on a computer or TV screen! It's 22 minutes, but it's full of good movie news and lots of snarky comments. They even have commercial breaks if you want to take smaller bites.




Or you can check it out on Hulu.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Monday, October 26, 2009

ROCKtober over at Daytrotter.com

It's been a good month for Distraction Jackson friendly bands over at Daytrotter.com. Check out some cool (free) songs from:

Brendan Benson

Joshua James

Mat Kearney

Scroll through the archives while you're there and you are sure to find a treat!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

University of Westfield

The Swell Season on NPR

The new album from The Swell Season is currently streaming at NPR.org. The Swell Season is the duo from the movie "Once". More to come from Live Tyler.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113630469

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Wii on HSN

Trampoline Wall? = Awesome

RBBC Monopoly Board

For those fantasy football fanatics (myself included), this Running Back By Committee monopoly board should entertain you: (click to make it bigger)

Q-Tip & Norah Jones?

Who would of thought to put these two together? Regardless I don't care cause I'm digging it:

U2 Concert Streaming Live

The upcoming Oct 25th U2 concert at the Rose Bowl will be streaming live on the U2 youtube channel.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Monday, October 19, 2009

Free Song: Army of Me "Love Song"

Free song from Army of Me called "Love Song". Disclaimer: I know nothing of this band.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Friday, October 9, 2009

Avett Brothers TV appearances

The Brothers on Letterman the night before the album dropped. Not sure why they had a drummer and Scott was playing an out-of-tune banjo. Not a true representation of the Brothers.


But then Craig Ferguson let them loose with "Laundry Room" this week:


THAT'S more like it!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

New Artist Discovery: Joe Pug

Some of you by now have heard of this man Joe Pug but if you haven't well you're in luck, cause you're about to hear him. I heard Mr. Pug on Relevant's podcast last week and I am hooked on his folk fantasticness. Instead of me blabbing on about this man I'll let you take a listen for yourself.



Hymn 35 - Joe Pug


With Joe Pug I'm picturing Bob Dylan's songwriting (see "Hymn 35" above) and grittiness met Joe Purdy's folk styling and produced a Joe Pug. I think this guy has a lot of great songs and lyrics and combine that with his voice we have ourselves a great artist here. Expect his songs to be all over movies and tv soon and in your iTunes playlist.

And you may ask "What is the best thing about Joe Pug right now besides his great singer/songwriter ways". Well, free cd's, yes free cd's. Check it out here. He wants to spread his music for it's substance, so he's going to send you any number of sampler cd's for free. Just email him.

Monday, October 5, 2009

"That Was a Bad Idea"

U2 360 Panarama

We just went to U2's show in Charlottesville at Scott Stadium and this 360 degree stage is what we were able to experience. What they don't show well in this picture is their seriously impressive video screen. I've never seen anything like it. It showed any camera view mixed in with effects and also became some kind of transformer by separating and lowering to the stage. Truly a great show.

Streaming "Where the Wild Things Are" Soundtrack

Imeem.com is streaming the Where the Wild Things Are album. It features Karen O (lead of Yeah Yeah Yeah's) and some indie rock friends.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Album Review - Avett Brothers "I and Love and You"

Review for Avett Brothers new album: (I haven't listened to it yet, thoughts on it?)
Longtime fans held their breath when Rick Rubin took the Avett Brothers under his wing. What would the co-head of Columbia Records — a man known for his business savvy, rap-rock production, and resurrection of Johnny Cash — do with a small-time folk trio from North Carolina? The answer is "relatively nothing," as the band's major-label debut continues charting the same musical course as Emotionalism and Mignonette. The Avett Brothers have steadily expanded their reach since 2000, adding elements of pop and hillbilly rock to a country/bluegrass foundation, and they carry on that tradition with I and Love and You, whose songs introduce a newfound emphasis on piano and nuanced arrangements. Working with a major label's budget allows the group to add small flourishes — a cello line here, a keyboard crescendo there — but the resulting music is rarely grand, focusing on textures rather than sheer volume. Scott and Seth Avett share vocals throughout the album, delivering their lyrics in a speak-sing cadence that sounds both tuneful and conversational. Given the opportunities presented here — the ability to flank their melodies with string sections, organ swells, and harmonium — the two devote more focus to slower songs, eschewing the barnburning bouncefests of their previous albums for material that better displays such sonic details. The result is an intimate, poignant album, laced with rich production that enhances, not clouds, the songwriting itself.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Dating Video

there are so many questions to be had here but the most important being: did any of them get a date?

Man Stroke Woman - Lawnmower

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

INCREDIBOX

This is one of the best online interactive things I've seen in a while. Honestly, I've been on this site for 20 minutes now. (thanks Rob)

Monday, September 14, 2009

16 Albums to Look Forward To

Paste Magazine has their 16 albums to look forward to this fall article up.

Matt the Electrician - "Jessie's Girl"

Think of Rick Springfield's "Jessie's Girl"....


that's in your head now...now listen to this version from Matt the Electrican: (thanks Jason)


For a better mix of it (but not a full song)


As a bonus, here's Matt Nathanson with his song "Princess"(inspired by Jessie's Girl) and "Jessie's Girl"(at mark 2:10) added in:

Eric Hutchinson Exposing JTimb

Friday, September 4, 2009

Don't Mess with the Bacon.

I love it how bacon was the one food that set him over the edge.

More Trick Basketball Shots

(I can't get enough of this stuff...)

Stevie Wonder Drum Solo

Top Ten College Football Entrances

This site highlights the top 10 college football entrances and guess who came in first? Of course my Hokies: (this video doesn't do it justice for what it feels like in the stadium...imagine 60,000 fans jumping at the same time to this music)

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Andrew Bird Acoustic Session

It pays to follow Andrew Bird on facebook or twitter...you get great videos of him like this:

Free Amazon Mp3

Amazonmp3.com is celebrating it's 1 millionth follower on their twitter feed by giving you a free song valued at $1.29 or less. I would take advantage of it.

(if the link above doesn't work for you then follow amazonmp3 on twitter)

Monday, August 31, 2009

I Like To Party

I've seen this scene 1,214 times and I still think it's the best scene of all-time:

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Hokie Trailer

Being a Tech alum and astronomical Hokie fan, I felt the need to post the Hokie Trailer for all the fans of: Alabama, Marshall, Nebraska, Miami, Duke, Boston College, Georgia Tech, UNC, ECU, Maryland, NC State, and Uva.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Relevant.tv

So I posted a couple of videos from Relevant's newly revamped video playing site: relevant.tv earlier today. It's a great site for featuring new videos from artists, new or old. Knowing Relevant's high regard for good music they have and will be posting great stuff up there. Take for example what they have now: Mute Math, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Animal Collective, Ben Harper, etc... Good stuff, take a look.

Mute Math - "Spotlight"

Another great song and video from Mute Math (these guys are seriously good at making videos...if you don't believe me watch this)

Owl City - "Fireflies"


(anyone else think this guy sounds like a cross between Ben Gibbard and any punk singer?)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Project Natal

This is a real technology that actually works like you will see it...although some things are slightly scripted for marketing purposes. I guarantee you though it is technology that is working right now. We've had good camera recognition for a while but it's just now finally making it to video games in a playable fashion. I'll let the videos speak for themselves. Let's just say the Wii isn't such a big deal anymore:


Introducing Milo:

"Man Stroke Woman" - "Unspeakable Evil"

This is from a great (and sometimes British-style dirty) show on the BBC called "Man Stroke Woman". Some of the others get a bit dirty so I'll let you browse at your own will.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Uhhhhh......

Fake, yes. Funny, I think so.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Cardboard Box + Weed Whacker String = Upright Bass

Check out the impressive tone these guys get from a cardboard box! It's got a wooden neck and it uses weed whacker string. These are "mass" produced and come in 2 or 3 string varieties. No word on why they don't have a 4 string model yet.





My birthday is coming up in 4.5 months... just in time for Christmas! But how would you wrap it?

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Comic-Con Winner

Star Wars: Retold wins best fan movie at the recent Comic-Con... or something. Or whatever.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Avett Brothers Live from Newport Folk Festival 2009

Newport Folk Festival will be streaming the Avett Brothers live at 1:20pm EDT today the 1st of August.

Folk At Newport Sampler

NPR is giving away a sampler cd for their Folk At Newport weekend. It features:
* "I and Love and You" by The Avett Brothers from I and Love and You
* "I Keep Faith" by Billy Bragg from Mr. Love & Justice
* "Easy" by Deer Tick from Born on Flag Day
* "Chains, Chains, Chains" by Elvis Perkins in Dearland from Elvis Perkins in Dearland
* "Mykonos" by Fleet Foxes from Sun Giant EP
* "Look at Miss Ohio" by Gillian Welch from Soul Journey
* "Belated Promise Ring" by Iron & Wine from Around the Well
* "God Is God" by Joan Baez from Day After Tomorrow
* "Freedom Highway (live)" by Mavis Staples from Live: Hope at the Hideout
* "Shenandoah" by Pete Seeger from American Favorite Ballads
* "Richland Women Blues" by Ramblin' Jack Elliott from A Stranger Here
* "To Ohio" by The Low Anthem from Oh My God, Charlie Darwin

Friday, July 31, 2009

Avett Brothers "The Ballad of Love and Hate"

This song is from their 2007 "Emotionalism" cd but I had to feature it as it's one of the best and well written ballads ever. I said ever, and I meant it.
(by the way if you are looking to get into Avett Brothers, I recommend "Emotionalism" as a great purchase, great songs on it: "Die, Die, Die", "Shame", "Paranoia in B Major", The Weight of Lies", "Salina", "Ballad of Love and Hate", "Go To Sleep", etc...)

The Ballad Of Love And Hate - The Avett Brothers

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Avett Brothers New Album Coming Soon

It's been five whole months since we posted anything Avett, so here's a listen to their new song "I & Love & You", which is pretty different from their usual frenetic live sound:



and a link to a free download of the song.

Bonus: Here's their Tiny Desk Concert at NPR offices. (thanks, Wes)

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Friday, July 24, 2009

The New Starbucks?

Introducing the new starbucks, but it's not starbucks, but it is. Essentially it's Starbucks trying to make "mom and pop" corner coffee shops. If it's like anything starbucks related it will catch on and addict people but I don't see this replacing any Starbucks stores or catching on across the US, cause essentially it's just Starbucks with individual store names. And at that how would people spread the name of the coffee shop if it's not the same on every corner? I have questions, Mr. marketer.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

How Should You Walk Down the Aisle?

Sleeping At Last Download Buy

Rob broke the news on fb that if you buy Sleeping At Last's album online you receive a full download of the entire album now and the CD later on, before the official release. Check it out here. (thanks rob)

Posts on Sleeping At Last on DJ. Check them out here.

Monday, July 20, 2009

"I Will Follow You Into the Dark" - Death Cab For Cutie

Not a new song but it came across the mix the other day and I forgot how much I absolutely love this song, so well done by Death Cab:

I Will Follow You Into The Dark - Death Cab for Cutie

And for an alternate cover of this by Amy Millan: (not near as good but interesting addition with the banjo, stand up bass and bluegrass feel)

I Will Follow You Into the Dark (Live) - Amy Millan

The Days of Youth, Crazy Basketball Shots

Last week I featured Pool Dunking at it's best but this week I have to go back to the real court to the stuff I loved to do as a kid, crazy basketball shots in your friends driveway:

"Never Gonna Give You Up" and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Mash-up

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

First Person Shooter Disease


(thanks rob)

iPod for a Walkman


Great article here about a 13 year old in the UK giving up his iPod for a Walkman. (thanks aaron for the link)

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Pool Dunking at it's best

Sports Terms Named After People: The Story Behind Them

Interesting article and time waster from mental floss here

Tweet Boxx Episode 3

Ronaldo Welcomed to Spain

For those of you who don't follow international soccer, Christiano Ronaldo (the world's number 1 player) just signed with Real Madrid of Spain. This is a picture of him being introduced to Real Madrid fans...80,000 of them...and this isn't even a game. I can't think of any other athlete in any sport that will draw this kind of crowd in America. I guess that's how big soccer is overseas, especially in Spain.

United Breaks Guitars

When United Airlines broke Dave Carroll's $3500 Taylor guitar in the the spring of 2008, he contacted them to ask for compensation. After all, he and other passengers watched from the plane as United baggage handlers actually threw his guitar around on the tarmac. United said they wouldn't pay for the damages, so Carroll wrote this catchy song about how much United sucks. We think it should go in United's next ad campaign.



(thanks jason)

Friday, July 3, 2009

Say Hi to "new" music

Apparently, Eric Elbogen has been producing music in Seattle for years under the name "Say Hi To Your Mom" and recently shortened it to just "Say Hi". His latest album, Oohs & Aahs, has a catchy track called "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh" that I first heard on the free Barsuk Records sampler from Amazonmp3.com, which also features Mates of State, Menomena, and Death Cab for Cutie.

Also check out www.ilikesayhi.com/music.htm for more free songs from each of his 6 albums.

*Editor's note: Do not confuse this band with THIS:

Thursday, July 2, 2009

If Jason Heard It, You Will Heard It - Part One - Blind Pilot

My brother Jason is the ever music recommender and a good one at that. I'll be posting the last 6 months of recommendations from him over the next week. Starting off is...

Blind Pilot
Style: indie folk-rock, west coast indie pop
Sounds Like: Iron & Wine, low key version of The Shins, Bon Iver
Listening Sites: main (has player), purevolume, myspace, npr studio session
Listen to: "One Red Thread", "Go On Say It", "Oviedo"
My comments: This band is a must listen, must buy, I love their sound. They only have one official album "3 Rounds and a Sound" and it's one of those that keeps you listening in one sitting and doesn't have a bad song on it. Go see for yourself, this band breaches many different styles including indie, folk, indie folk rock. Must listen. Portland produces another great band.
Bonus Question: Who does their singer sound like? (I can't figure it out)





Don McLean Wants to Know Where the Music Has Gone?

So when I started this venture I used to send out music emails to friends to check new and upcoming artists. Then it turned into a blog and was completely music centric. Then it was brought to my attention that we should diversify, so we did. Then my music listening ability was shut down completely at work and all I had was my iPod (tiPod to me) which had good music, but it doesn't help me find new music. Then access to posting on this blog was completely blocked (granted I shouldn't be posting during work hours but I usually did it through my breaks). Then my music sites where I find music were shut off at work as well. Then all video watching was shut down. So all that I had left to do was post things at night of videos I found or that were emailed to me. Then I went completely into video posting b/c I didn't have time to listen to music at night. BUT it has been brought to my attention and I've been feeling it lately that there is a severe lack of music on this blog...which is true, completely true.

So, that being said I am sorry, ten goats and a sherpa to your descendants. I have not served you in the ways in which I sought out to originally. While the distractions are good to have the music is also good. I've recently been able to make it out to a different work site a couple/few days a week and thus my music listening options have yet opened again.

Since my brother was the one to call me out on the disappointing amount of music then I will post all the bands he has recommended to me in the last few months that I have put to the side. You'll see that in a post above.

The Return of Music, 2009 style. I vow to fulfill or else Shaq will tweet you.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The Fortunate 50 (Athletes)

I always love it when si.com comes out with the Fortunate 50 to make me feel like I have no money and make me mad at pro athletes for making way too much. Regardless it's the way the sports world is and they've made a living of getting the cash.

TV Reporter vs. Drunk Guy

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Tweet Box: Episode 1 & 2

Recently stumbled upon "Tweet Box", a quite hilarious 2 minute commentary on celebrity's tweets. Good stuff in episode 1 & 2: (excuse the first commentary about kardashian and the one cuss word...it was still worth the post)

80's Movie Montages


I love myself some 80's movie montages and here's a list of 6 of the best.

Monday, June 29, 2009

If Cameron Strang is wrong, I don't want to be right.

So, after hearing Cameron from the Relevant Podcast hawking Amazonmp3.com for the dozenth time, I finally checked it out. I didn't realize they had so many free songs. Try it, you might like it. And you can't argue with the price!

Billy Mays

Most Dangerous Sport: Cheerleading?


Maybe we should all go rent "Bring It On" and appreciate the level or danger being displayed.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Crazy in Love with The Doors

Remember Michael Johns from American Idol a couple of seasons ago? He finally put out an album and it's not too shabby. I previewed the slow tracks on iTunes and wasn't impressed, but I like the faster ones, such as "Fire". Yes, it sounds like Beyonce's "Crazy In Love", but that song was a hit, right?


Fire - Michael Johns

Friday, June 26, 2009

MJ Tribute

For some reason when I heard that MJ died all I could think of besides his kid adventures was Carlton Banks dancing like MJ. So, here's my tribute to MJ:

(enjoy the first 41 for Carlton, hold 41 seconds for the Carlton Banks MJ tribute):


Extra little video of MJ and Alfonso Ribeiro:

YouTube is great

Iconic, trivial TV commercials can live on forever:

Great Googly Moogly


I'm Batman!


Carrrrrne Asada (say it sexy)

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

"Slap Chop" and "Sham Wow" Rap

These are quite addicting...


Melt Downs Get a Remix

I really like this, there's no hiding that:

Scrubs "More Than a Feeling"

One of the many reasons I miss Scrubs:

Pizza Box Catch

I don't know what's going on in Japan with technology these days:

He's okay at behind the back shots, just okay though

Monday, June 22, 2009

Climb the Wall, David

A New York Times reporter known for making investigative trips deep inside dangerous conflict zones escaped from militant captors after more than seven months in captivity in Afghanistan and Pakistan by climbing over a wall, the newspaper said Saturday.

After he climbed over the wall do you think he was thinking: "Dangit, I've been sitting here 7 months looking at that wall and all I had to do was climb over it to escape!??"

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Ben Lee "What's So Bad (About Feeling Good)"

Love this (relatively new) song from Ben Lee:


Full track here.