This is hardly the first time pro wrestling has come at the audience with a blatantly racist angle, and WWE has, through the years, perfected the arts of cheap stereotyping and jingoism. So their latest gimmick – the anti-immigration “real American” Jack Swagger and his mentor, thinly veiled Tea Partier Zeb Colter – are hardly news. Except for one thing
Read moreIt’s been an interesting few days. The American Benefits Council and 278 employers, organizations and municipalities have filed a friend of the court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in a case regarding the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Earlier today the far right Drudge Report was linking to a story outlining a new study that suggests gay marriage may
Read moreIt’s amazing how many really cool mashups seem to incorporate The Beatles. Or maybe that isn’t amazing at all. I mean, they were the freakin’ Beatles. Anyway, I know we’ve done this theme before, but best I can tell, it ain’t broke, so I ain’t fixing it. Here’s The Fabs and Queen doing one of my favorite tunes off of their
Read moreIt’s way too early in the year to be talking best of, especially since we’re anticipating 2013 releases from some of our favorite artists (like Jeffrey Dean Foster, for instance, and The Lost Patrol, to name another). But there is some new tuneage out already that we’re digging on. So for your ArtsWeek SVR, have a listen. Up first, Bear
Read moreYou’ve probably heard the old challenge: You’re stranded on a desert island and you can only have X albums to listen to for the rest of your life. What would you choose? I’ve probably heard this one a hundred times and have thought about it informally for maybe 30 years. But I’ve never actually sat down and tried to tackle
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Usually, when I put together my year-end music roundups, I have identified a theme or two and am able to sort of construct a series that tells a larger story. 2012 was weird, though. I’m sure there were themes, and perhaps they’ll become apparent as I look back with the benefit of time and distance, but I’m damned if I’m
Read moreI had this little Facebook exchange yesterday with Tony Hamera, guitarist and songsmith for one of my favorite bands, The Blueflowers. Tony Hamera MBV – I don’t think there is a more overrated band in the annals of music history….. Sam Smith Even if they were overrated, what happens to the last 20 years of music without their influence? They’re tremendously
Read moreI couldn’t make up my mind a couple years ago and the result was a tie for CD of the Year between Eels and Munly. It’s happened again, as 2012 presented us with two artists at the peak of their powers. So what’s your pleasure: apples or oranges? Best CDs of 2012 The Killers: Battle Born If we take how often
Read moreIt should come as no surprise that my Platinum list covers a lot of stylistic territory. Or that most listeners out there probably haven’t heard of a number of these acts – most of the best music being made these days plays for far smaller audiences than it deserves. Still, artists are going to express themselves. Let’s give them a
Read moreUsually, when I put together my year-end music roundups, I have identified a theme or two and am able to sort of construct a series that tells a larger story. 2012 was weird, though. I’m sure there were themes, and perhaps they’ll become apparent as I look back with the benefit of time and distance, but I’m damned if I’m
Read moreOriginally posted on The Hits Just Keep On Comin':
I first read the novel Up the Down Staircase by Bel Kaufman when I was in high school. Published in 1965, it’s the story of a first-year teacher in a rough New York City school, told through letters, classroom memos, fragments of dialogue, and other ephemera. I’d never seen anything like…
Happy Saturday, kiddies, and welcome back to another exciting episode of SVR! Today, let’s see if you can guess the theme. Up first – I’ve heard of “gangbusters,” but “Gangnambusters” is a new one. Next: In retrospect, it’s hard to understand why they didn’t do it this way in the first place. Finally, the only thing wrong here is that
Read moreJets Overhead has an interesting little social media promotion running. Upload a photo of you telling the world what you really want… If selected, your photo will then appear in the music video for “What You Really Want” which will premiere here in October 2012. GET STARTED On a sheet of paper, write down what you really want. Be honest.
Read moreDiscussion boards across the UK are a’splodin’ and some Very Serious punk fans are up in arms over the sainted Johnny Rotten’s decision to do a series of commercials for Country Life Butter. Like this one.
Read moreAs September draws to an end, let’s pay tribute to the greatest rock song ever with the month in the title. Up first, Big Star with the original. (Thanks Alex – we miss you.)
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lullaby pit 