Thursday, July 30, 2009

Let's class up the joint.

I'm big fan of old-school entertainment.  That idea of "Let's put on a show!".  It does, however, quite often, backfire.  Novelty acts are always going to be a presence, but in the '50s and '60s, when television started making a big hulabaloo, the game was changed.  Now you could dazzle audiences with elaborate sets and costumes to go along with a female triplet, swedish country jamboree.  Below is a video of one of my favorite performances in that style.  Enjoy.



-Dash

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Let's Go to the Movies?

So if you couldn't tell, Dash and I love movies. We're infatuated, obsessed with them. We've got out favorite directors, favorite scenes and shots, we talk about themes and metaphors and shit like that ALL the time. It's probably super annoying to other people.

Anyway, I love seeing movies in a theater (especially bringing in my own, cheap food [!]). I definitely prefer to it a television or a computer monitor. For the most part, movies are made with that enormous 16:9 screen in mind, not a 4:3 television. Now I hear you clamoring, "BUT JAMES, WHAT ABOUT HDTVS?!" Calm down, sure the aspect ratio is the same, but what about the size and clarity? Definitely not. Now, will I watch certain movies ONLY on a theater sized screen? No. Why not? Because I'm not that much of a jack-ass. But when the opportunity arises, I definitely try to catch a flick at a theater.

I recently saw the new horror movie "Orphan". I did not have an enjoyable time. But before I get into that, let's look at the first two mistakes I made:

1. I saw it the weekend it came out, specifically Friday.
2. I saw it in the evening.

I almost never do this. I usually see movies on a weekday in the afternoon. Less people, which to me means less possible hassle and/or stress.

I was walking to the theater (I was in NYC) and realized these mistakes and kicked myself, but continued on. I walked into the theater and saw a large crowd, I continued to the auditorium. I found a seat towards the back in the center (the best seats in my opinion) and waited. There was a large crowd for this movie, horror always seems to do at least moderately well. I spotted at least a dozen pre-teens and even some babies. Hm!

So, as the movie played, I quickly realized that this was not a type of crowd I was used to. People were having loud conversations all over the place. Yelling at the screen was continuous. Loud applause, raucous laughter at inappropriate times, stomping of feet were all staples of this showing. Also I heard one guy say, "Damn, white people stupid!" And later a lady accused that same gentleman, "Yo, that's some pedophile shit." regarding a comment he made during the movie. Which made me smirk. OH HOW I SMIRKED.

So what does this mean to me. Am I going to stop seeing movies in theaters? (no) Am I going to continue seeing movies in theaters, but at less crowded times? (yes) I had a pretty not great time (the movie also sucked A LOT), but does this mean the crowd was in the wrong? I'm not sure I think so.

When I see screening of older movies at the Independent Film Channel theater and someone talks, they get shushed to HELL. But that's because people go to that theater with the specific purpose of seeing a very specific movie, and sometimes that movie is only being shown that day/night or weekend. People take it seriously.

But at a multiplex on the weekend, the customers are mostly people who are looking for something, preferably something fun, to do. That's it. It's much more casual, people take there shoes off, they joke with their friends, they treat it like their house. Now is this the optimal behavior for a public place with lots of strangers? Eh, in my eyes, not really. However, these rules are arbitrary and really depend on the circumstances.

As the movie was heading towards its (thankfully) inevitable end, my annoyance with my fellows movie-goers waned, and I regarded the whole situation as just "not my thing". It's like going to a Yankees/Red Sox game and getting mad at the crowd for being fervent. If you didn't want to deal with them, don't go.

I think that most trite problems like this aren't caused by the other people committing the acts, but ourselves not being able to deal with them. Hell is other people only if we allow ourselves to be in hell. Or something else that sounds profound.

-James

Now playing: Pendulum - Another Planet

Monday, July 27, 2009

Ep. 31 - Nat, Secrets, Drugs


It's episode thirty-one of the We're Friends! podcast!! Featuring special guest Nat Parker! Check out his band Friends of Don Quixote! And download the podcast


We discuss:

James' friend came back to the grocery store!
Dash respects anyone older than him!
Your brain on drugs!
Punk Rooooooooooooooooock!

Songs discussed:

A Little Secret by Khonner - Listener Steve's suggestion
Little Secrets by Passion Pit - Listener Abigail's suggestion

Music:

"Nervous Breakdown" - Black Flag
"Rat Salad" - Black Sabbath
"Out of Vogue" - Middle Class
"Weekend Warrior" - NJ Sneer

Stuff we want to hear about from YOU:

Punk rock stories/recommendations!
Drug stories!
Supermarket stories!
Dog stories!

As always, we welcome and would love you to email us about anything! So hit us at wearefriendspodcast@gmail.com

-Your Friends

Sunday, July 26, 2009

A Recipe

Ingredients:

Hot dog or sausage
Spaghetti, Angel Hair, or any other long pasta.

Step 1: Insert pasta noodles into hot dog/sausage.


Step 2: Boil till cooked.

Step 3: Serve and enjoy!


( via English Russia)

-James

Now playing: Maserati - Swimming Versus Fatigue

Friday, July 24, 2009

Awful Library Books.


I used to hang out in libraries a lot as lad.  Taking horrible romance novels into the Sci-Fi section and reading some elaborate, ludicrous erotica.  I also enjoyed going through science sections and finding really weird titles.  Recently stumbled upon a site that was made for me.  CHECK IT OUT.

-Dash

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Love Your Friends

So in Episode 29: "Loops, Loops, Loops", listener and all-around wonderful guy Jeff (AKA VultureMoose) sent us a really touching email that we read on the air. It's about the passing of a dog named Buzz. Here it is:

Hey James and Dash,

I'm going off topic with what you want to hear this week, but I feel like it's important. I'm talking about animals and our connections to them.

Last night, while hanging at Rachel's, her dog Buzz was out of it, so to speak. He had thrown up earlier in the day and was just lying down too much, tail not wagging. The mom was nervous all day, and I knew something was wrong. Around 10pm, Rachel's mom and dad take the dog to a 24/7 vet. We hear nothing for awhile. I head home because I need to get up for work early and need sleep. When I get home I give Rachel a call and I hear what I didn't want to: they had to put Buzz down because of stomach bleeding.

Now I've never had my own dog. My parents had one when I was real young, but I've never experienced it. However, I grew really close with Buzz over the two years since meeting Rachel. He was great, happy, fun...everything you could want. Hearing this brought me way down because it came out of nowhere and I feel more pain for an animal who has no say in what happens.

What I'm talking about is the connections we have with animals. They are innocent, good-natured and welcoming for the most part. They give you attention and you give them attention. Dogs in particular are always happy to see somebody. Humans...not so much. We hold gripes, get angry, etc. etc. When I look at the simplicity and beauty of animals, I feel bad and ashamed of how we act as humans sometimes.

I'm ranting, going off on tangents, but I needed to talk.

Point is: Out of nowhere a great companion died. Rachel and her family are grieving over it, and I, for the first time, feel true sadness for an animal, never having one myself. If it isn't too much, maybe the next podcast you could dedicate to Buzz. He was a cool ass dog and cared for people as much as people cared for it. It may seem goofy...but I would appreciate it. People have strong connections with animals.

-Jeff

I've had three pets die in my life. Grease Monkey, Precious and Quorthon, all cats. I reacted differently to each death. With grease's, I was more confused. With Precious, I was scared and clinging. With Quorthon, I was in disbelief and devastated.

I had different relationships with each of them. Just like with our fellow humans, animals come with distinct personalities and we meld with them in different ways. Our pets are not just things to be played with or bothered by, they are living creatures who feel, albeit more instinctively, emotions just like us.

Do not treat your pets as you would furniture or an annoying kid. Don't think of them as "just animals" or unimportant. All they want from you is affection and love. Treat them as you would a friend or a family member that you care for. Understand that what you give them will be given back.

Dash recorded a song in tribute to the late/great dog Buzz. It's not a requiem, and it isn't full of gloom and sadness. It's like what our relationships with animals should be: joyful. Download it.

In memory of all animals friends and family who are gone, we love you.

-James

Now playing: Old Man Gloom - Christmas Eve, Parts I, II, & III

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Lend me your fears.

FEAR AGENT is an  amazing comic book.

What does that image say to you?  The words it brings to my mind are: space, adventure, aliens, babes, hero.  All that sounds awesome, yes?  The words this image leaves out however, are: depression, alcoholism, existentialism, pathos.

FEAR AGENT is a book about Heath Huston.  Heath goes on crazy fucking adventures throughout space and blasts things with ray-guns and says super funny things while doing it.  He also won't stop drinking because his life is horrible.  I don't want to give too much away, but Rick Remender writes this book and he's brilliant, so you should check it out too.  Also, Jerome Opena & Tony Moore do the art and they're SO talented and make this thing POP with fun scenes and crazy looking creatures and big action.

The unfortunate side note is that this book has been cancelled, but every story is available in trade paperback and there is an OMNIBUS coming soon.  PLUS, there are rumors that a movie is happening.  PLEASE check out and support FEAR AGENT.

-Dash

Monday, July 20, 2009

Episode 30: Bags, BBQ, Ecstasy

30 episodes! We're middle-aged! Finally, time to have a mid-life crisis, marry a beautiful woman we don't love and realize our entire lives have been for nothing! Hooray!

DOWNLOAD IT.

We discuss:

James dealing with a psychotic child!
Aliens inside Dash!
A great email sent to us by Jeff (Juice)!
Cheddar cheese!

Songs discussed:

Wonderful Night by Fatboy Slim - Listener Cullen's suggestion
Death Goes to the Winner by Harvey Milk - Listener Jeff's Suggestion
Click the song title links to listen to the songs and the band name links to learn all about the bands!

Music:

Jaga Jazzist - "Press Play"
Babatunde Olatunji - "Akiwowo (Ah-Key-Woh-Woh)"
James Shimoji - "Funky"
Mulatu Astatke - "Yegelle Tezeta"

Stuff we want to hear from YOU:

Work-relationship stories!
Being on ecstasy stories!
AN ANSWER TO OUR CONTEST! (Click to find out all the details!)
Anything ever!

Here's the Babybel Logo:
As always, we welcome and would love you to email us about anything! So hit us at wearefriendspodcast@gmail.com

-Your friends

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Give the children lasers.

Well-dressed children now have laser technology.  I'm can no longer live on this planet.

Here's Goodwyn.  Mostly into lampin' wherever works.


Reagan is the final boss!  Do you have your Universe Key and Dust Sword to defeat her!?

Bertrude just gave you LSD and now he's going to steal all your Bulls merch.

Devin saw your partner naked.  Couldn't tell if it was a dude or a lady...and liked it that way.

God has lasers too.

-Dash

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

OH GOD


AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

-James

Now playing: Les Claypool - Pretty Little Song

Monday, July 13, 2009

Episode 29: Loops, Loops, Loops

Episode 29 is back in action! For the first time! Good for it! It's about time it got off its ass and did something with its goddamn life.

DOWNLOAD IT.

We discuss:

James' friend and their connection to public masturbation!
Dash inquiring about small children!
The passing of a great friend.
Murder by copulation!

Songs discussed:

Untitled Demo by Jogger - Dash's choice (The song link goes to the band's myspace because this specific song is unavailable)
Words that Go Unspoken by Akercocke - James' choice

Click the song title links to listen to the songs and the band name links to learn all about the bands!

Music:

Jello Biafra & the Melvins - "Enchanted Thoughtfist"
The Time - "777-9311"
Jim Gilstrap - "A Lament"
Japanther - "Fuk Tha Prince A Pull Iz Dum"

Stuff we want to hear from YOU:

Work relationship stories!
Dog/Supermarket stories!
AN ANSWER TO OUR CONTEST! (Click to find out all the details!)
Song recommendation for the "Song(s) of the Week!" segment!

As always, we welcome and would love you to email us about anything! So hit us at wearefriendspodcast@gmail.com

-Your friends

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Scary Music Time

I'm on twitter. And one of the people I follow is famous comic author Warren Ellis. He's hilarious almost all the time and I enjoy his comics very much. Anyway, he likes to post what he's listening to a lot, but I usually forgo that aspect of e-stalking. However, recently he posted this:

"@warrenellis: Fucking 'ell, it's Alan Moore on his skeleton horse and he's here for your brain: blip.fm"

Now, Alan Moore is another famous comic author, possibly the most renowned English one alive. So when I read Ellis' tweet, I was interested. I clicked play, and what I heard was...well I'll let you all listen for yourselves. If you go insane, I'm not to blame!


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-James

Now playing: Alice in Chains - Them Bones

Monday, July 6, 2009

Episode 28: Melody, Hip, Apartheid

Episode 28 is in the air. Tell your children and bust out the humidifier. As always, please enjoy and tell a friend.

DOWNLOOOOOOOOOAD.

We discuss and interpret:

James barking at a little girl!
Dash and his boops!
"Hipsterdom"!
We're Friends! hosted an 8-Bit show!

Songs discussed:
(NOTE: We got two (sort of) song suggestions this week! Neat!)

Landrunner by Ducktails - Listener Jeff's (VultureMoose) suggestion
Say You Will by Kanye West - We're Friends! choice (by way of Jeff!)

Click the song titles to give 'em a listen and click the artist to check their stats!

Music:

Husker Du - "Blah Blah Blah"
Power Station - "Some Like It Hot"
Iron Maiden - "The Evil That Men Do"
The Slits - "Typical Girls"

Here is the video we got sent by Jeff (honorary 3rd friend-host? we'll see):

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What we'd like to hear from YOUUU:

Stories! Of ANY nature!
AN ANSWER TO OUR CONTEST! (Click to find out all the details!)
Perro stories, supermercado stories, WHATEVS.
If you've got something cool that you want to share then hit us up wearefriendspodcast@gmail.com

You're Friends!

-Your Friends!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

The Unremembered '80s.

Music videos from the 1980s are a delight.  A reeeeeal treat.  The form was still being developed and people were trying to figure out what the fuck to do.  Many felt that you should just use the video as a tool to showcase the artist(s)...



This idea began morphing into the (usually horrible) idea of interpreting the lyrics of a song visually in a very literal way...


Finally, some genius decided that you could combine elements of the two and tell a whole new story visually with a song...


-Dash

Friday, July 3, 2009

"I'm Jani, and I have a cat named Emily 54"

Schizophrenia is an illness that is incredible in its multitude of symptoms and it's utter mysteriousness that it possesses. "Distortions in perception may affect all five senses, including sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch, but most commonly manifest as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking with significant social or occupational dysfunction."

The disease was coined in 1908 as "the schizophrenias " because "...there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes." Also, "...no single organic cause has been found." AND, "No laboratory test for schizophrenia currently exists."

January Schofield is six years-old and has schizophrenia. She hallucinates constantly. She's obsessed with numbers. She's on anti-psychotic medicine. She's unbelievably cute.

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Story here.


-James

Now playing: The Cool Kids - A Little Bit Cooler

(Thanks to Alex for showing me this)

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Every Teenager is a Genius

A girl got 56 stars tattooed on her face. That's ridiculous enough, but then charges were pressed and accusations were revealed to be bold-faced lies. All information can be found in this LINK and in the video below:

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-James

Now playing: System of a Down - U-Fig