It feels like just yesterday that we were just getting to know Kirby Krackle. Introduced to us at the last New York Comic Con; Kirby Krackle’s self-titled debut album was nothing short of a plethora of nerdy references which were then sprinkled diligently with catchy melodies and sweet guitar riffs. I was instantly a fan. Plus, these dudes rule!
Now fully equipped with Kirby Krackle’s new CD titled “E For Everyone”; I have to say that I’m entirely pleased with what this album has to offer. Their writing and musical style has only improved since the last installment. The lyrics remain as clever as ever, earning more than a few chuckles and smirks as a song progresses. The music seems to always hook me from the get-go, and I get the feel for the song immediately. The new tunes reference characters as obscure as Uatu, to mainstreamers such as Mega Man and the Thundercats.
The band has also tested the waters of some new musical territory this time around. The track “Roll Over” features GMK the Great, a rapper on the rise. GMK breaks the song down with a rap about all the fictional honeys he’s involved with at the club. This part turns out to be a ton of fun to listen to. It’s great that they’re welcome to collaborating and trying new things while instantly succeeding.
This is precisely the direction Kirby Krackle should be going in, and I think you should check this CD out. Sample it on Kirby Krackle’s site. On the left sidebar, you’ll find the music player along with their upcoming events and shows. Keep tabs on the band by following the Kirby Krackle twitter as well.
Their next event is the Emerald City Comic Con. Catch up with the guys and say hi! They’ll respond by rocking your socks off.
Prequels are everywhere these days. For example, the Star Wars prequels, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Hobbit movie, Halo Reach… it just seems that every good story is being told from before the beginning more often. One prequel that I am excited for in 2010 is “Year of the Black Rainbow” by Coheed and Cambria. As many as may or may not know, Coheed and Cambria’s albums are each part of a science fiction story; a type of concept album which has caught the attention of sci-fi fans and rock listeners alike. “The Year of the Black Rainbow” is their prequel to this epic story.
The newest single released on February 2, 2010 titled “The Broken”. Give it a listen below!
Do you think this prequel will befall the fate of so many sci-fi prequels before it? Does the fact that this story is represented through music change the stereotype that prequels don’t usually rock (pun intended)?
What band is nerdier than Weezer? Well, They Might Be Giants, We Are Scientists, Barenaked Ladies, DEVO…but I digress.
The point is, that recently, the 8-Bit music collective known as Pterodactyl Squad released an album of Weezer covers done in 8-bit Chiptune music.
The album is very-much solid, with contributions from the likes of I Fight Dragons, PDF Format, Bit Shifter, among others.
The bulk of these tracks are instrumentals, but a few have vocals that, honestly, took me out of the experience. Specifically the cover of “The World Has Turned And Left Me Here” contains the voice of, what would seem, a young Nicholas Cage impersonator.
As far as 8-bit albums go, this one is worth the listen. It takes one of the most-endearing and popular nerd bands of our generation and ramps-up the sentiments sung of in “In The Garage” to 11.
On December 8th, 2009, The Beatles’ music will be available for purchase in the form of a green apple-shaped 16GB USB drive. This ripe USB drive will house The Beatles’ full stereo box set in high quality, DRM-free goodness. It will also include various documentaries and a collection of Beatles artwork and photo galleries. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, don’t you think? Alright, that was the last of the bad apple jokes, I promise. Mind you, The Beatles’ catalogue was re-mastered and released in mono and stereo box sets, on CD, on September 9th, 2009; and is still not available at any online music store.
To say that this release will mean little for the future of the USB music market would be a very narrow-minded statement. Artists have been attempting to sell their music this way for some time, but still wind up selling more music online or in the store. The success of this release will give everyone else in the industry something to consider. Truthfully, buying a USB drive with music crammed onto it just isn’t a novel idea to the typical music listener. Sure, the music is more than likely going to be dropped onto a computer and / or portable device – and not played as often in a CD player; but does that mean we should drop CDs from the market entirely? Bear in mind that this could be ideal for someone who doesn’t use an online music store for their listening pleasure. Also, many car stereos are supporting USB disk play these days. All of this being in place, is this a good next step for the music industry?
