ALL MY BEST FRIENDS ARE DALEKS

Ummmmm...

2010-01-27T13:49:00.002-06:00

Yeah. I know. No new posts or info of any sort. I really am working on a brand new bag, just doing a lot of R & D on how to make whatever I do...better. Again, stay tuned and thanks for checking in.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-04T09:41:00.005-06:00

...better late than never. Stay tuned, may be a few random posts here until I get the 'new joint' ready.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2009-12-25T03:48:00.001-06:00

...and here's looking to something brand new in 2010 (both the year and a new blog)!

Toys for Tots...

2009-12-23T11:59:00.004-06:00

Whoa! If this isn't a walk down memory lane, I don't know what is. I think I received almost all of those during my rookie X-mas career. Who needs a Leapfrog when you have wooden dog w/ wheels for feet?!

Oh Tenen-BOMBED!

2009-12-22T14:55:00.003-06:00

Christmas Tree is up at the AMBFAD Laboratories and the entire staff is passed out...nude...on the front lawn. Now, bring me some figgy pudding and 'fix me a turkey pot pie!'

An AMBFAD Holiday Tip...

2009-12-22T14:48:00.002-06:00

The above may be the worst holiday idea ever...it's certainly not a happy one...unless of course you are attempting to get someone sick for Christmas...retribution for a traumatizing past gift of underoos or something.

Speaking of UK Sci-Fi...

2009-12-21T11:16:00.003-06:00

...we received bad news back in June that ITV's 'Primeval' had gotten the axe and wouldn't return to airing on BBC America here in the U.S. (or anywhere else for that matter). Luckily, in late September, it was announced that a deal had been struck between ITV, BBC Worldwide and several other partners to produce two new series of the show to air in 2011.

Nowhere nearly as good as 'Doctor Who' and/or 'Torchwood', plus it kind of lost some of it's luster by the end of Series 3. That said, I enjoyed the hell out of it and it became a staple in my weekly viewing habits. Good to see it'll be back!

Just a Reminder...

2009-12-21T10:26:00.004-06:00

I'm both excited and a bit saddened to say that the final 'Doctor Who' specials marking the end of the David Tennant/Russell T. Davies era drop over the next two weeks. 'The End of Time - Part I' will air here in the states on the Beeb America on 26-Dec-09 and 'Part II' on 2-Jan-10. Very cool that, unlike 'Water of Mars', we only have to wait one day after they air in the UK!

This past year has seen my level of fanboy-dom over this show reach near obsessive heights and I see no signs that it'll decrease in 2010. My hope is that Matt Smith and Steven Moffat can further expand on what has truly become one of the most fascinating characters on TV (sci-fi or otherwise). I know i'll be watching.

Is it Christmas? Is it Christmas?

2009-12-21T09:29:00.002-06:00

Not yet...but it's coming quick. Enjoy this nice holiday ditty from Captain Sensible while you wait impatiently.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like...

2009-12-14T11:51:00.005-06:00

CHRISTMAS!

I realize I haven't posted up w/ any yule logs or good tidings, but i've been mega-busy trying to wrap up an absolutely crazy six months at my not-so-new-anymore job. Don't think i've forgotten about the AMBFAD faithful...i've been doing some planning for the 2010 'reboot' and ask that you continue to stay tuned.

To everyone who contributed to the over 10,000 views this blog has received...THANKS! Considering I haven't posted up w/ anything new in quite a while, that's encouraging to see.

GEEK BLING!!!

2009-10-05T10:43:00.005-05:00

Ran across the above Doctor Who 'Tomb of the Cybermen' Promo Pin rooting around online a few weeks ago and went ahead and nabbed it. It'll (fix up) look sharp on my new Spiewak winter jacket I purchased a while back.

Still working on my official return to the Blogosphere, but I may post a few updates here prior...just to help shake the rust off. Stay tuned!

THE HIATUS IS NEARLY OVER!!!

2009-09-24T11:10:00.000-05:00

Greetings, true believers! Rumours of my (blog's) death have been greatly exaggerated...okay, maybe slightly exaggerated. I know it's been a while, but the itch to impose my stupid opinions on the internets seems to be coming back slowly. It's either that or a new found peanut allergy.

Anyhow, this post serves as notice that i've gone back into the lab to re-create my e-presence and whip up another plan for world domination. To note, said research has included the prospect of killing off AMBFAD and letting a NEW blog rise from it's ashes.

Whatever the case, STAY TUNED TO THIS SPACE FOR DETAILS! THE FUTURE OF USELESS POP-CULTURE IS COMING SOON!

Oi! Where Does the TIME Go?!

2009-06-22T10:26:00.000-05:00

Wow. I knew it had been a while since i'd updated the blog...but not that long. It's not without good reason though, I FOUND NEW EMPLOYMENT!

Honestly, i'm still a little unsure when i'll get back to posting more robust dollops of useless pap. I've got a lot to focus on over the next few months, but i'll try and get back to it as soon as I can. I'm sure I won't be able to keep my opinions to myself for too long...so keep checking back, kids. BE WELL!

School's Out for Summer...

2009-06-08T09:45:00.000-05:00

Well, for the boys it is...the Mrs. isn't out for break until tomorrow. I'll be taking the Aquamen to a new batch of swimming lessons starting this morning and then, perhaps, some Happy Meals. Exciting, huh?

A Brief Programming Note...

2009-06-01T07:46:00.000-05:00

Hey kids, i've hit a great string of job interviews as of late and really haven't had time and/or felt like updating things here. When things get back to normal, i'll (hopefully) be able to bring the noise.

Please check back later and thanks for checking in at all!

NO STUFF TODAY...

2009-05-26T10:18:00.000-05:00

...way too busy w/ getting our carpet cleaned (amongst other stuff). More later, promise!

JAY BENNETT 1963-2009

2009-05-24T22:17:00.000-05:00

Your amazing talents will be missed, but you'll live on forever in some of my favorite music ever recorded. R.I.P. and all my prayers to Jay's family and friends.

Saturday Bonus Track...

2009-05-23T07:10:00.000-05:00

I've been revisiting some of the semi-disposable punk-pop (or is it pop-punk?) I have enjoyed as a 'guilty pleasure' over the years. Perfect example: Sugarcult.

Y'know what...life is too short not to enjoy fun music. So, enjoy 'Stuck in America'.

No Such Thing as a 3-Day Weekend...

2009-05-22T11:01:00.000-05:00

...when you're unemployed. Heh.

That said, everybody have a great holiday weekend and, please, don't forget to say thanks for all the Veterans who've given their lives to keep this country safe. Thanks!

For Kids of ALL Ages...

2009-05-21T09:42:00.000-05:00

Both the boys and I have recently been enjoying DC's 'Tiny Titans'. Kind of an Elementary-school version of the Teen Titans, it's a really fun take on the 'DC Universe' that you can enjoy with your kids. The 'Dynamic Duo' kept getting into my Wizard magazines to further quench their growing thirst for Superhero knowledge and, quite frankly, some of the stuff within is just a little too graphic for them to be taking in right now. Well, at least that's what Wonder Woman (AKA Mommy) thought.

So, I started grabbing a couple of back-issues of the 'Tiny Titans' and the recent 'Super Friends' comic based on the toyline. They are both kid-friendly as all get out, but the latter is rife w/ a lampooning of the actual characters I can appreciate as well. I mean, where else can you see Darkseid as the school lunchlady? Plus, the art by Chicago's-own Art Baltazar is really fun to take in. Highly recommend whether you have kids or not.

Back in the Saddle Again...

2009-05-20T09:18:00.000-05:00

I have another job interview this afternoon, so no good stuff today. As always...fingers crossed.

'He Was a Bad Dancer'...

2009-05-19T09:51:00.000-05:00

...'til he learned to shimmy.'

Wow, were The Connells one of the most underrated bands EVER or what?

To Boldly Go, Where No Trek Flick Has Gone Before...

2009-05-18T08:37:00.000-05:00

As I said on Friday, I caught that new 'Star Trek' flick and thought i'd step up w/ a tad meatier review today. I've never been a 'Trekkie' by any means...watched the original series here and there as a kid...caught the first 2-3 films and really only liked 'Wrath of Khan'...caught an occasional episode of 'New Generation'...and then completely lost interest as the whole property became diluted by all the spin-offs. Leave it to J.J. Abrams to not only capture my interest again, but make a total geek over it.

This film successfully captures a lot of the best elements of the original TV series and infuses it w/ a more modern, more action-packed attitude. Don't take that the wrong way...there is plenty of substance here. 'Star Trek' just leans a little more on the fiction than the science and it works. I would have felt dirty watching it had it just been a sexier, younger version of the property and, while it definitely is both sexier and younger looking, felt pretty satisfied they blended it w/ an engaging story as well.

The flick is a fun twist on the origin story of the crew of the Enterprise. Via the plot device of time-traveled altered realities, the film really becomes a true re-boot and a fresh one at that. Abrams dipped into the old Trek mythos where appropriate, but never really panders to it either. As with the original, the relationship between Kirk and Spock is the foundation for the rest of the story and both Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto did a great job in making that happen. Actually, Quinto completely nailed the whole Spock thing and the rest of the casting worked well to boot.

Bottom line, a whole mess of fun and i'm thinking it is going to be pretty hard for any other flick to come close to beating it this Summer. I'm already stoked about the potential for a sequel and the film has only been out for a few weeks. Whether your a sci-fi nerd like myself or not, you'll enjoy this...or may I choke on a Tribble.

Saturday Bonus Track...

2009-05-16T07:28:00.000-05:00

I have absolutely fallen in love w/ this song (and the album it came from) all over again.

Soul Asylum in 1988, performing 'Sometime to Return' on what may have been MTV's 120 Minutes or some other short-lived variety show from when that channel was still cool.

Sorry Kids...

2009-05-15T20:38:00.000-05:00

A lot of good traction w/ some possible job leads, had some beers w/ a friend yesterday afternoon and went and saw that new 'Star Trek' flick this afternoon. Review forthcoming on the latter, but suffice to say...PHENOMENAL.

Live Long. Prosper. Have a Great Weekend!

WILCO (THE STREAM)!

2009-05-13T09:49:00.000-05:00

Well, no need to be all clandestine about things...check out Wilco (The Stream) at Wilco 'The Album'. Thanks, Wilcoworld!

It's the Little Things...

2009-05-13T09:13:00.000-05:00

...that make me happy as of late. Things like my kids being in a good mood this morning, the LOST season finale tonight and (best of all) a new Wilco album.

Oh, Why the Hell Not...

2009-05-12T09:19:00.000-05:00

The tune they play every time the Hawks score a goal (and in Amstel beer ads)...'Chelsea Dagger' from The Fratellis.

Best use of a U.K. rock song at an American sporting event since Gary Glitter's 'Rock 'N' Roll Part II'.

HOLY CRAP...GO HAWKS!

2009-05-12T09:06:00.000-05:00

The youngsters on the Chicago Blackhawks, are advancing to the NHL Western Conference finals for the first time since 1995 after beating the Canucks 7-5 in one crazy-ass third period of hockey!

Who'da thunk it'd be hockey i'd be getting excited about this Summer? GO HAWKS!

Hooray! 'Primeval' Season 3!

2009-05-11T08:41:00.000-05:00

I was watching 'Doctor Who' on BBC America last night and saw that Season 3 of 'Primeval' starts this Saturday, 16-May! Like I said earlier, while not as good the good Doctor...it's still a really fun show. It'll be perfect for some Summer UK Sci-Fi escapism and I highly suggest you give it a try.

Also saw that 'Torchwood: Children of Earth' will air in July! Going to be some good stuff to catch this Summer!

Saturday Bonus Track...

2009-05-09T07:51:00.000-05:00

I heard this at the grocery store of all places, over a week ago...still can't get it out of my head.

ZZ Top battling a monster truck in the video for 'Sleeping Bag'...of course.

ROCK IS DEAD...ALMOST.

2009-05-07T08:54:00.000-05:00

Great sketch from Kids in the Hall. 'If I can't air guitar...I want no air at all.'

When I Get A Job...

2009-05-07T08:45:00.000-05:00

...these cubist-inspired Chucks may be one of the first things I buy. Kind of loud, but cool.

Mo' Joe...

2009-05-06T12:23:00.000-05:00

Official full-fledged trailer for the upcoming 'G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra'...still looks kind of fun to me.

Needs More Magneto...

2009-05-06T09:59:00.000-05:00

In another late review, I actually went and saw 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' last Friday to kick off the Summer-popcorn-movie-palooza (and get out of the house). It was fun enough, but suffered from some of the same foibles the actual 'X-Men' flicks did. The flick started off pretty focused actually, but (like 'X-Men') it ended up feeling overcrowded w/ too many mutants...you couldn't feel invested in any of the characters.

That said, the casting was pretty damn good. Hugh Jackman took another decent turn at Wolverine...Liev Schreiber was actually a pretty awesome Sabertooth...Taylor Kitsch played a great Gambit...but the biggest surprise was how much I liked Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson (AKA Weapon XI/Deadpool). 'The Merc w/ a Mouth' doesn't get that much screen-time, but enough to kick-start a possible spin-off.

Throw in some eye-catching big ole' action sequences and you've got a pretty enjoyable flick for the most part. Not sure if those w/ no X-Men comic experience will do w/ it...they could like it more via lack of preconceived ideas or less than us geeks who revelled in the subtle nods to the Marvel Universe throughout. See it for yourself and decide, bub.

ART BRUT

2009-05-06T08:55:00.000-05:00

'Art Brut vs. Satan'

Have you ever wondered what the Pixies would sound like if they were fronted by Shaun Ryder instead of Black Francis? Me neither, but thanks to the UK's Art Brut...I do now and, thankfully, I like it. Fittingly, after their last tour, the band went to Portland, OR, in late 2008 to record songs with Frank Black as producer. The sessions took just two weeks, and their third album, 'Art Brut vs. Satan', hit the ground running a couple of weeks ago. It's been in regular rotation here at the AMBFAD lab and I had to give it a review (late or not).

'Art Brut vs. Satan' is a raw, semi-freewheeling and extremely fun listen. The band's indie-punk ode to no-frills recording, 'Slap Dash for No Cash', captures the ethos of how this album was made and sounds perfectly. Calling out Brian Eno on said track, frontman Eddie Argos issues a manifesto for the records he likes and, obviously, likes to record as well. That said, the album is actually pretty tight...in fact, so tight and/or economical, it's the complete antithesis to bodies of work more over-produced.

While the band has great chops musically, the real draw here is Argos' lyrics and delivery. Oft snotty and borderline adolescent, he still manages to sneak in some really clever stuff. The line 'I fought the floor and the floor won' from the almost funky attempted recollection of a night out in 'Mysterious Bruises' is pure gold. Throw in a tale of arrested development that hits kind of close to home in 'DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake', a tuneful rediscovery of a favorite old/new band in 'The Replacements' and the cheeky 'Alcoholics Unanimous'...I dare you to not have fun listening to this disc.

Like I said earlier, 'Art Brut vs. Satan' has been out for a few weeks and should be readily available wherever you prefer to nab your music. If you are looking for a great 'Summer Album' to enjoy while you imbibe adult beverages and/or grill up animal flesh...this'll do it. Your neighbors may hate you afterwards, but who needs 'em. If you like your neighbors, maybe you should test the waters w/ a sample in the AMBFAD jukebox. Whee!

DOM DELUISE 1933 -2009

2009-05-05T12:23:00.000-05:00

R.I.P., Captain Chaos.

Hey Kids...

2009-05-05T12:07:00.000-05:00

I've been home w/ a sick kid since yesterday, opening a can of whoop-ass on my yard and continuing job search activities. Stay tuned for some new stuff w/in the week including both a music and movie review, tennis shoes and more Jack Kirby stuff!

Saturday Bonus Track...

2009-05-02T07:39:00.000-05:00

Busy day! We've got swim lessons this morning and then heading downstate this afternoon...the Mrs. and my Sis are going to see Jason Mraz in Champaign and (after kids are in bed) i'm going to have some adult beverages at my bro-in-law's basement bar. Somewhere in there, I also have to make it to a comic book shop for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! Damn.

It'll be a little late, but look for a review of Art Brut's latest album early next week...i'm smitten w/ it. Until then, enjoy the vid for 'Emily Kane' from earlier platter 'Bang Bang Rock & Roll'.

Back in Action?!

2009-05-01T07:32:00.000-05:00

Yeah, a few posts, but i'm still not quite feeling it...i'm getting there though. Keep checkin' in, kids!

DON'T FORGET, TRUE BELIEVERS...

2009-04-29T10:56:00.000-05:00

Free Comic Book Day is only 3 days away! Always the first Saturday in May, participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books (duh) absolutely FREE to anyone who comes into their stores.

I'm looking forward to the following goodies...

and for the kiddos...

Go to the OFFICIAL WEBSITE for more details and a participating shop near you!

More 'Halloween'...More Zombie!

2009-04-27T13:58:00.000-05:00

Excited! I had no clue that there was even plans for Rob Zombie to helm another 'Halloween' flick until my buddy Gep pinged me about it a few weeks back. Looks as if, much like the last reboot, 'H2' will re-interpret the original sequel following the 'night after' and offer up some more Zombified back story/detail as well.

Check out Sheri Moon Zombie returning as Michael's Mammy, effectively making Norman Bates and Jason Voorhees look like a much wimpier pair of mama's boys...

Saturday Bonus Track...

2009-04-25T07:54:00.000-05:00

Feeling a little better. Not quite up to a full return to daily poop, but I thought i'd throw up the 'Bonus Track'. I've got a lot of good things still in the mix, just need to focus and drive them into something concrete. Stay tuned!

A live version of 'Emma Blowgun's Last Stand' from Beulah, lifted from their excellent tour doc 'A Good Band is Easy to Kill'...because they/the song freaking rule and it always makes me smile.

Wall of Sleep/So Long (For Now)...

2009-04-22T05:04:00.000-05:00

I fell asleep watching TV until 1AM, woke up and i've been up since. Just can't sleep. Again, i've hit kind of a lull in my job search after a big flurry of activity and it's kind of rattled me a little.

May need to take a break from the blog for a while and regroup, refocus, realign, etc. I'm sure it won't be a long hiatus, I just need to do some other stuff. Not sure what that stuff may entail, but I do know it involves getting away from the computer more often. Peace!

How El (uhhh) Needs to Get His Groove Back...

2009-04-21T05:18:00.000-05:00

Up way too early after attending to one of the kids and couldn't get back to sleep...still kind of bummed about not getting that job. I've been pretty positive amongst all this, but I am feeling like if I haven't hit a wall yet...it'll happen soon.

Just need to stay energized and keep moving forward. That said, Starbucks is opening in 5 minutes, so at least now I can go get some coffee I shouldn't be spending $ on.

Ugh. How Appropriate...

2009-04-20T11:09:00.000-05:00

In a tie-in w/ both my last post and the earlier one about that job interview...today officially became a little bit of a 'Blue Monday'. Per the email I just received, I guess I came off 'great'...just a tad shy of experience in one area in comparison w/ the other candidate.

Still waiting on another interview's results, so...chin up, chin up.

It's Twistin' My Melon, man...

2009-04-20T09:28:00.000-05:00

Seriously. How did I not catch this back when it came out...or, worse yet, finally watch it until ~ 7 years later?! I've caught it three different times on IFC over the past few weeks and, quite frankly, could watch again today.

What a GREAT fooking movie.

...OH MY!

2009-04-20T09:11:00.000-05:00

Amazingly, I almost forgot to post up w/ major props for 'da Bulls, Cubs and Hawks...what a GREAT weekend that was for Chicago sports fans, eh?

Just Wondering...

2009-04-20T08:49:00.000-05:00

...when the hell are we going to get airdates for the new Torchwood?

I've read both Spring and Summer of 2009, but nothing concrete. Cool thing is, it'll air on both the UK and American Beeb at the same time! No waiting...unlike the next Who special, that won't show up until late in the year.

Saturday Bonus Track...

2009-04-18T08:10:00.000-05:00

As I said yesterday, I had an interview and thought i'd post up w/ something appropriate while I wait, hopefully, to hear I got the job.

Gang of Four performing 'To Hell w/ Poverty' on the 'Old Grey Whistle Test' in 1981.

No New Poop Today...

2009-04-17T07:03:00.000-05:00

I've got a job interview this morning, so cross your fingers for me. Peace!

And Speaking of the Cubbies...

2009-04-16T12:25:00.000-05:00

...i'm about due for a new ball cap. Thinking I may go w/ the 1968 Cooperstown 'Franchise' cap from Twin Enterprises, as they fit great and can take a helluva beating.

So Does 'Chinese Democracy' but...

2009-04-16T10:44:00.000-05:00

...today, I couldn't agree more w/ Axl's t-shirt. GO CUBS!

I HEART THE ENGLISH BEAT

2009-04-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

...and that one General Public tune.

Best. Photo. EVER!

2009-04-16T09:11:00.000-05:00

...and why i'm STILL interested in getting a team together and joining a league. Maybe I can get the 'Stoned Rollers' back together for one last gig? Pic courtesy of the amazing Monkeys For Helping.

I Wonder what MS. PAC-MAN would Look Like...

2009-04-15T10:58:00.000-05:00

I love the internet. Yet another completely awesome thing lifted this week from Electronic Cerebrectomy...PAC-MAN Reimagined. I'm sorry, I can (and have) stare at this thing for almost a half an hour.

I swear to God those 'ghosts' are from a Scooby Doo episode though. I'll tell you what else...'Blinky' looks like he might just choke a bitch. Damn.

BOB MOULD

2009-04-15T08:51:00.000-05:00

'Life and Times'

A little late w/ a review on this one, but i'd be remiss if I didn't give Bob's latest it's due. Mr. Mould is one of those rare artists from the heyday of the 80's post-punk college alt-rock scene, much like Paul Westerberg and/or Black Francis, that i'll always give an eager listen to w/ each new project. One could challenge, actually, that his post-Hüsker Dü output (both solo and w/ Sugar in the 90's) may just be a bit more consistent than the other two aforementioned artist's post-Mats and Pixies catalog.

On 'Life and Times', Bob continues to hone his alt-pop craftsmanship to solid results. Definitely not as much adrenalin as Hüsker Dü or even Sugar for that matter, but it still rocks...hard. Not as folksy as 'Workbook', but it has similar beautiful moments of more refrained introspection. Not as electronically-infused as 'Modulator' (or even the last few solo albums), but it effectively leverages dollops of similar augmentation where it makes sense. Really, it's a combination of all of those things and I dig it.

Perhaps I don't dig it as much as the previous album, 'District Line', but there isn't a huge gap between the two. The title track is pretty representative of the melding of previous styles I alluded to earlier...sparse acoustic to nearly orchestral to big angry rock (it's all in there). He throws down some absolutely shimmering power-pop on the hooky 'City Lights (Days Go By)', only to melt your face off w/ a blistering, Hüsker-esque 'Argos' a mere two tracks later. I'm a big fan of the pumping 'Spiraling Down' as well.

The ballads peppered throughout are vintage Bob as well, but i'd be lying if I said I didn't like the more uptempo stuff than when he gets his sad-face on. The only real mis-step I hear on 'Life and Times' would be the plodding, synth-heavy final track in 'Lifetime'...just a little too murky for my tastebuds. Also, let me be clear, lyrically, Bob is still lamenting about how bad love can stink, but he just seems more at peace w/ that this time around. That said, it's a solid album worth grabbing...listen to a sample in the AMBFAD jukebox and see what you think.

A Little More WHO for YOU...

2009-04-15T07:58:00.000-05:00

Came across this awesome little 'family portrait' of all 10 Doctors. Courtesy of Dave Perillo, who also did some fun horror flick caricatures I posted up during last year's AMBFAD Halloween Spook-tacular.

Be sure to go check out his other work spanning all your favorite folks from across the pop-culture universe!

MARILYN CHAMBERS 1953-2009

2009-04-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

A fond farewell and R.I.P. to the other Marilyn...safe travels Behind the Green Door and beyond.

Speaking of TIME...

2009-04-14T10:10:00.000-05:00

...it seems it won't let The Bravery go. I'm tellin' you, I can't help but dig this band...no matter how mopey they get. Cool video(s) too.

Ohhhhh...MAGIC BUS!

2009-04-14T07:57:00.000-05:00

Yikes! I got so busy w/ a family-filled weekend, that I didn't even notice the second Doctor Who special, 'Planet of the Dead', had aired across the pond on Easter Sunday! I sat down with it this morning after the kids went to school (thanks YouTube!) and wow...IT WAS FOOKING PHENOMENAL! I think I actually enjoyed it even more than the X-mas special and that was great spot of TV as well.

The story was so well written and David Tennant was, again, BRILLIANT as The Doctor. It made the whole experience of watching it extremely bittersweet...w/ both Russell Davies and Tennant leaving the series after the 2009 2-part X-mas special, it feels like a fantastic ride that you never want to end. Michelle Ryan as this go-round's companion, Lady Christina de Souza, was excellent as well. I'd love to see a whole other season of her and David, but (alas) that ain't in the cards.

That said, we'll have another special airing later this year prior to the big Tennant X-mas finale, in 'The Waters of Mars'...which looks pretty badass as well. Wonder if we'll find out anything more on those '4 knocks' and how they tie in w/ The Doctor's inevitable regeneration. Time(lord) will tell, I suppose. Allon-sy!

'I Don't Know, I Can Imagine Quite a Bit.'

2009-04-13T12:33:00.000-05:00

Saw this on Electronic Cerebrectomy and couldn't resist posting it up. I felt a disturbance in the force...or maybe that was my pants.

SWEET HOME (OPENER), CHICAGO!

2009-04-13T09:52:00.000-05:00

Hope the weather holds out, Cubbies home opener against the Rockies today! They've been doing pretty well so far on the road, hopefully, they can recapture last season's good mojo at home. GO CUBS!

AMBFAD (Comic) Book Club

2009-04-13T09:01:00.000-05:00

Wow. A month or so ago, I was beaming that I had found the trades for both volumes of Jack Kirby's 'Eternals' at my local Half Price Books. Last Thursday...I hit paydirt once again. I was actually in selling a couple of my TPB's that, after reading, I had decided I didn't really care for. After collecting my money, I wandered over to the comic section and POW...a mint copy of Image's hardcover collection of Kirby's 'Silver Star'!

To provide a little background, Jack had been working in animation for Ruby-Spears Productions after leaving Marvel in disgust near the end of 1977. Almost four years later a new publisher out of San Diego, Pacific Comics, enticed him back by giving him complete control and ownership of the properties he was bringing to their company. This was a practice pretty well unheard of at the time and one could challenge it set the stage for a wider, more indie, playing field outside the Marvel and DC company-owned universes.

'Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers' debuted for Pacific in late 1981, followed a little over a year later by the six-issue miniseries 'Silver Star' (which Kirby called a 'Visual Novel'). Outside of the historical relevance from a business/creative perspective, it's also historically relevant as, aside from 'The Hunger Dogs' graphic novel that he did for DC in 1985, 'Silver Star' was Kirby’s last fully developed personal project.

I'm halfway through and the artwork is pretty much vintage Jack, maybe not quite on par w/ earlier stuff...but insanely creative as much as anything else he did. Again, it's art you have to focus on or you miss so many great things in the detail. The inking is a bit rough, but the coloring is good (issues #5-6 were actually re-colored by Image founder Erik Larsen!). Additional nuggets include a screenplay version of the comic that was never pitched and penciled concept art.

The story itself is a little out there...okay, A LOT out there. The story seems to revolve around a genetically engineered man, Darius Drumm, who is attempting to kill (often succeeding) other genetically engineered men and women...people whom Kirby has given the scientific name of 'homo-geneticus' but whom he also refers to by the odd name of 'super-normals'. It seems, however, that another 'super-normal' named Silver Star appears to thwart his plan to bring about a sort of End of Days.

Fun stuff in that whacked-out Kirby style of sci-fi heavy grandeur and philosophical backdrops, but be forewarned...the dialogue is often nearly painful to read. Extremely ham-handed even for a comic book, it proves to be the only downside to the lack of any sort of editorial control on Pacific's part. That said, still a blast to read and still worth adding to your collection...i'm glad I did!

Saturday Bonus Track...

2009-04-11T07:40:00.000-05:00

I'm late serving up a review of Bob Mould's new disc...not too bad as a whole, but i'll provide more details next week. In the meantime, how's about some mid-90's Bob?

More specifically, how's about some Sugar? Even more specifically...the toon-infused video for 'Gee Angel'.

Oh. Canada.

2009-04-09T10:10:00.000-05:00

How about a triple-shot of some tasty Canadian alt/indie-pop? I've had that TPOH tune in my head all morning, as it's recently struck a slight chord personally. You get a double-whammy w/ that Odds video, as it also features Dave, Mark and Kevin from The Kids in the Hall. Round it out w/ some classic super group-age from the New Pornographers.

AMBFAD (Comic) Book Club

2009-04-09T09:01:00.000-05:00

I've continually extolled the virtues of one of my favorite comic artists, Mike Allred, w/ earlier full-fledged love-fests over both 'Madman' and 'Red Rocket 7'...only the art of Kirby and Ditko before him can elicit such a vibe. Currently, i'm finishing up the TPB's for his interesting contribution to Marvel's X-Men franchise in the 'X-Statix' spin off that ran from 2002-2004.

Originally, Allred was paired w/ Peter Milligan to helm a revamp of X-Force but, X-Force was canceled with issue #129 in 2002 and re-named X-Statix. There were a few tweaks made to the previous team, but characters more like popstars or reality TV contestants than traditional superheroes remained. Milligan continued an uber-satirical take on the superhero team and general cynicism toward the entire genre that alienated a lot folks w/ their take on X-Force...but garnered some decent critical response from folks like Rolling Stone.

Outside of Mike's fantastic art, it's a page-turner for the off-the-wall storylines rooted in the parity between superheroes and the cult of celebrity. Even though I love the more traditional stuff, I equally enjoy weirder twists on the genre. That said, at some points, Milligan's writing seems too forced (or maybe canned)...even for a comic book. Regardless, you have to give props to a writer so no-holds-barred, he was prepared to deploy Princess Diana as a character in a story-arc beginning in X-Statix #13...slated to return from the dead as a mutant superhero.

That didn't happen (public outcry), but the overall series so far is still a biting commentary you can sink your teeth into. Unfortunately, after a story-arc that pitted X-Statix against The Avengers, low sales prompted the title's cancellation in 2004. In the last issue Milligan and Allred killed off the entire team, serving up one one last parody of the superhero genre, while tying up the remaining plot threads. Luckily, this freed up Allred to do more Madman and his own take on the superhero team, The Atomics...which, i'm sure i'll pimp later.

Bunny Bonus Party Cut...

2009-04-08T09:22:00.000-05:00

I know Easter isn't until Sunday, but I wanted to post up w/ this vintage UPA 'Peter Cottontail' toon from the 50's. Equally as swinging as the 'Frosty the Snowman' one I shared around X-mas. Fun stuff.

Hippity Hoppity and You Don't Stoppity...

2009-04-08T09:09:00.000-05:00

Taking the boys to the mall later this morning to see the Easter Bunny...who they're absolutely fascinated with right now. They think the whole concept of a walking, talking rabbit who breaks into your house to hide badly-colored eggs, cheap toys and sub-par candy is awesome. Ahhhh, to be young again.

(Kick-ass art courtesy of the brilliant Todd Schorr)

Almost Forgot...

2009-04-07T09:17:00.000-05:00

1-0...WE'RE GOING TO THE SERIES! BWAHHHHH!

ANNNNDDDDDD NOW...

2009-04-07T07:54:00.000-05:00

A lot to do today and going to take in some NBA action tonight (THANKS, B.K.!). I haven't been to the United Center for a Bulls game since Jordy was still w/ the team. Do they still throw down to the Alan Parson Project?

DOVES

2009-04-06T09:14:00.000-05:00

'Kingdom of Rust'

I was unsuccessful in posting up w/ a review last week, but good things come to those who wait. Appropriately, the new album from Northern Soulsters, Doves, is most certainly a good thing. I stated in an earlier post that while i've always enjoyed the band, that i've never quite achieved a hardcore fan status...'Kingdom of Rust' seems to be doing a great job changing that w/ each and every listen.

The album has one foot firmly planted in the band's Brit-pop origins (big swirling guitars abound), but, as with previous releases, they continue to broaden the scope of their sound to something much bigger. The Blade Runner-esque opener of 'Jetstream' slips into the rumbling Spaghetti Western-flavored title track perfectly and then explodes into the excellent pounding/fuzzy rock of 'The Outsiders'. If you aren't intrigued after that solid trifecta of tunes, I feel a little sorry for you.

Things keep moving in the right direction w/ the chiming anthem 'Winter Hill' and slow-burn to explosion of '10:03'. The band eventually stops to take a bit of a breath and brood a little on the ghostly 'Birds Fly Backwards', but actually snap back w/ a nearly-funky 'Compulsion'...a tune that even channels moments of Blondie. The whole dilly rounds out w/ more big-anthem goodness on 'Lifelines', cinching up a completely classic body of work. Bottom line, i'm SOLD...these guys are phenomenal.

The album drops tomorrow, 7-April and I can't reiterate enough how worth picking it up immediately is. I'll be absolutely flabbergasted should 'Kingdom of Rust' not make it onto my 2009 Top 10 and a tad surprised if it ain't on yours too. Seriously. I've posted two tracks already, but do yourself a favor and have one more from the AMBFAD jukebox...then, thank me later.

You Couldn't Tell by the Weather Here...

2009-04-06T08:56:00.000-05:00

...but the MLB season is officially underway and the Cubs season opener is tonight! They're playing the Stros in Houston and the Sox home opener was postponed on a count of snow. HA!

I'm not going to let myself get too excited after last year's post-season nosedive, but i'm hopeful for some good baseball and, better yet, this means Summer is just right around the corner. Play. Ball.

Saturday Bonus Track...

2009-04-04T07:54:00.000-05:00

Since I made such a big deal about yesterday being Friday, today we gots to give props to SATURDAYS!

What better way than De La Soul and a '(Roller Skating Jam Named) Saturdays'?!

And Since I'm Going Out Tonight...

2009-04-03T09:45:00.000-05:00

...maybe you should throw on a record and, please, don't wait up!

Have great weekend, everybody!

Friday, Friday, FRIDAY!

2009-04-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's kind of been a BLAH week, but I got another job interview request yesterday and i'm going downtown later today for some beers, laughs and live music w/ my pals 'The Jesus' and 'Skinny'. Nice way to roll into the weekend!

We're going to the Double Door to check out some sort of NME (UK music mag) tour package w/ The White Lies, Friendly Fires and The Soft Pack. Check out some tuneage above and see what you think...me, i'm digging it and, more importantly, just stoked to get out of the house!

Van Halen Bonus Party Cut

2009-04-02T08:38:00.000-05:00

In the essence of full-disclosure...i'm actually more of a Van Hagar guy than Roth. That said, I can't help but smile watching that. YOWWW!

Runnin' (or Walkin') w/ the Devil...

2009-04-02T06:19:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, i'm a huge sneaker freak. Additionally, i'm a recovering Van Halen fanatic as well. It seems both worlds will be colliding at some point, when Eddie Van Halen releases his official EVH Shoes...exact replicas of the 'Frankenstein Guitar' inspired black/white/red striped motif he wears.

No word on when they'll actually be available, but you can keep checking his website, EVHgear.com...where you can buy replicas of nearly everything he plays and wears, from his signature Wolfgang guitar for you guitar nerds, which he used on the band's last tour (upgraded over two and a half years to what he calls "NASA quality"), to the aforementioned kicks.

Frankly, i'd just settle for a decent Van Halen album...but a new pair of shoes will do for now.

'PLANET OF THE DEAD' TRAILER!

2009-04-01T13:35:00.000-05:00

Holy. Balls. Trailer for the next Doctor Who special and it looks great. I'm seriously peeing my fanboy pants right now.

HOLD PLEASE, LONDON CALLING...

2009-04-01T09:36:00.000-05:00

Looks like things are going really well at the G-20 Summit in London!

Hey, Rage Against the Machine, I feel yer pain...but me buying a comic book or a Slurpee didn't cause the freakonomic collapse. My man Billy Joel didn't start the fire and neither did I, fool.

Check Your Head Bonus Party Cut(s)

2009-04-01T08:15:00.000-05:00

'So Whatcha Want' w/ Cypress Hill on Arsenio and 'Jimmy James' live in Japan sometime in '92.

Like Clyde, STILL Rockin' Steady....

2009-04-01T08:02:00.000-05:00

Awwwww yeah. The Beasties are coming correct w/ more re-mastered goodness. 'Check Your Head' will get an audio face lift next Tuesday, 7-Apr and I cannot wait! I must have played the original cee-dee a million times back in college and, for that matter, well beyond. Like 'Paul's Boutique' before it, 'CYH' continued to change the face of hip-hop as we knew it by adding live instruments into an already eclectically funky pastiche of crazy samples.

Unlike the re-mastered 'Paul's Boutique', 'CYH' also comes w/ a big helping of b-sides, remixes and other goodies. To note, big fans of the band may have caught some of those extras back in the day, but there were still a nice amount I hadn't heard before. I'm also hearing early reports the remastered version of the original tracks aren't as much of a noticeable improvement as what we heard on 'Paul's'...but it still seems worth freshening up your catalog with.

You can stroll on over to B-BOYS DOT COM and listen to the entire package right now. C'mon, fool...you know it's whatcha want to do.

BURIED TREASURE!

2009-03-31T10:44:00.000-05:00

Found and purchased the above Madman/Atomics issues, mint condition, while scouring the shelves/stacks at my local comic shop last Sunday afternoon. I have most of the stuff within via TPB, but I thought it'd be fun to have a few of the orginal issues.

Seriously, Beyond Tomorrow Comics in Palatine on Northwest Highway...it's kind of disorganized, but you can score some great harder-to-find stuff there if you invest some time. Say hi to Dave for me if you stop in!

I HEART JOE STRUMMER

2009-03-31T07:06:00.000-05:00

With or Without You...

2009-03-30T11:01:00.000-05:00

I'm stoked to say I scored 2 tickets to the U2 show at Soldier Field on 9-Sep...just a little bummed that Mrs. Famous and I will not be sitting together. Same freaking thing happened on the stupid Vertigo tour. I appreciate not having to wait in line anymore, but I never catch a break getting what I want online either.

Ahhh well, she'll get the nicer 300 level seat and i'll be singing along to 'Where The Streets Have No Name' one section above her in the 'nosebleeds'.

U(gh)2 Tickets...

2009-03-30T09:11:00.000-05:00

No major posts this morning, as i'll be trying to get tickets for the kick-off of the U2 North American tour in a short while. I really hate the whole process and it'll be a total bummer should I not be able to score a pair.

Wish me luck.

Saturday Bonus Track...

2009-03-28T07:20:00.000-05:00

Wow. Kind of a somber (but awesome) vid to a great tune for a Saturday morning...i'll have a review of the album from whence it came next week.

Title track from the upcoming Doves album, 'Kingdom of Rust'.

Me Am Proud Poppa!

2009-03-27T10:53:00.000-05:00

Highlight of the Morning: A discussion w/ Lo that covered several topics, including the differences between Bizarro and Superman...and why Supe's dog Krypto can fly and ours can't.

*I really do love being a Dad.*

Cybermen Call Center

2009-03-27T10:34:00.001-05:00

Ha! This was up on YouTube a while back, but I just saw it.

'I can't press anything. I don't have any fingers.'

TELEKINESIS

2009-03-26T15:39:00.000-05:00

'Telekinesis!'

I've been enjoying some pretty decent music so far this year, but I believe we finally have a strong contender for the top slot of whatever semblance of a Top 10 of 2009 i'll be able to piece together at year's end. Take the power pop stylings of Big Star and/or their offspring The Posies and polish it up w/ the indie sensibilities of The Shins...and say hello to Telekinesis.

While currently touring as a full band, on wax Telekinesis is actually almost entirely Michael Lerner (w/ a little help)...an extremely talented cat. Lerner tracked and mixed each of its songs to analog tape w/ producer Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie) in a single day before moving on to the next song, with the ambitious goal of never over-thinking or sabotaging the spontaneous enthusiasm of the music. As the result is some of the most polished indie-pop i've heard in a long while, that process seems all the more incredible.

The album starts out w/ the initially restrained, but eventually expanding, balladry of 'Rust' and could be considered a musical red herring of sorts to what lies in store. 'Coast of Carolina' explodes into a punchy rock tune impossible to not tap your foot to and Japanese love-letters 'Tokyo' and 'Look to the East' are equally as brilliant p-pop masterstrokes. A rough-hewn Beach Boys sounding track in 'Awkward Kisser' is a great chaser until the album drifts into a couple of slightly more down-tempo, but powerfully enjoyable, tracks like the perfect-for-a-road trip 'Great Lakes'. Finally, if I could pick one song to define both my youth and the struggle w/ it's gradual decline into adulthood...'Imaginary Friend' would be it. Such a GREAT tune.

The whole thing is extremely solid, maybe the final track being the exception...someone else stated it sounded like an Adam Sandler song. I find that a tad harsh, but you can't please everybody. For me, this album is a total package...one you sit back with from start to finish. It drops via MERGE records on 7-Apr, but you can stream the entire thing HERE and i'm throwing a taste in the jukebox as well. Tasty!

I Think I LOVE You...

2009-03-26T06:49:00.000-05:00

Well...this just looks freaking awesome. Spike Jonze's live-action 'Where the Wild Things Are'...love Spike, love the book and I think i'm going to love this flick. I would have loved to see him do 'Harold and the Purple Crayon' as well, but this is more than a suitable alternative.

Speaking of Dolittle...

2009-03-25T07:58:00.000-05:00

The Pixies performing 'Monkey Gone to Heaven' on the Beeb sometime back in 1989.

One That Talks Like Dolittle...

2009-03-24T09:21:00.000-05:00

Taking the kids to a puppet show of Dr. Dolittle this morning...hope it's not the crappy Eddie Murphy version. Prepping for a job interview I have tomorrow this afternoon, so no stuff until later. Peace.

Ridin' That Train...

2009-03-23T10:28:00.000-05:00

We had a really fun Saturday excursion w/ my folks and the kids, one worth mentioning to those in the Chicagoland area. The whole bunch of us hopped on the METRA and took the quick jaunt from Palatine to Des Plaines to have lunch at The Choo-Choo: Hamburgers on Wheels!

Originally opened in 1951, it's a 50's-style diner where the food is brought out on a model train that goes from the kitchen around the entire counter. The joint, a local institution of sorts, still retains it's retro charm and the kids freaking loved it. Better yet, the 'Choo-Choo Double' I had was on par w/ good ole' fashioned Steak'N'Shake burger...if not better. The rest of the menu has similar fare and everybody enjoyed their respective meals.

It's a quick walk from the Des Plaines stop on the METRA Northwest line, but as the joint is small...be prepared for a wait in line to get in. If you like retro-flavored fun, killer burgers and something that makes your kids smile...I highly recommend checking it out. Word is, the city is trying to get them to relocate and/or close to build more condos, so don't wait too long! Check out their website HERE.

Saturday Bonus Track...

2009-03-21T07:55:00.000-05:00

Mmmm-hmmm. Nothin' like some mega-tasty Britpop on a Saturday morn.

Inspiral Carpets doing 'Two Worlds Collide'...in a boss Michael Gondry directed vid nonetheless!

For Those of You Getting a 'Break'...

2009-03-20T09:09:00.000-05:00

Back in 1983, I could not wrap my head around the concept of this film, but I knew it was something pretty freaking awesome. Many years later, my college Spring Break trip...while a great time...never quite matched up.

'I still can't find my underwear.'

Spring. Released. YAY!

2009-03-20T08:53:00.000-05:00

It's a little cool out yet this morning, but Spring is officially here! How about pumping a little Grant-Lee Phillips over in the AMBFAD jukebox to celebrate it's arrival?

T.G.I.F.A.T.V.E.!!!

Sorry Kids...

2009-03-19T15:29:00.000-05:00

I've been at a job fair most of the day. Unfortunately, there were no funnel cakes and/or tilt-o-whirls...but I did get some great freaking leads and came home to a request for a second interview w/ another potential employer.

No other stuff today, but i'll try to throw something up tomorrow.

...and Screw Da Vinci While We're at It!

2009-03-18T09:51:00.000-05:00

IT AM THE BIZARRO CODE, BITCHES!

AMBFAD (Comic) Book Club

2009-03-18T08:46:00.000-05:00

I know I should have knocked out 'Watchmen' while I was stuck sitting around at jury duty on Monday...but DC's 'Bizarro' collections am worst comix EVER! I had actually read the first TPB a while back, but the second has been sitting on my book shelf for a while. Figured a little levity would help make the time pass versus something (I never got called to a case BTW) as bleak as Alan Moore.

Anywho, for those unfamiliar w/ these both of these awesome collections, back in 2001 the usually stuffy DC Comics loosened their collective ties up a little and let more non-traditional/contemporary comic artists/writers take some humerous creative liberties w/ some of the cash cows of the almighty DC Universe. Between both books, you get some fantastic collaborations featuring folks like Harvey Pekar, Evan Dorkin, Patton Oswalt, Los Brothers Hernandez, James Kolchaka, Danny Hellman, Mike Doughty, Dave Cooper, Paul Grist and the list goes on.

Nobody is spared, from icons like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman...to more obscure characters like Kamandi, The Red Bee and The Demon. As I enjoy both traditional and more underground/alternative comics/art and have a pretty twisted sense of humor, 'Bizarro Comics/World' is the best super team-up ever! Both volumes have been out for a while now and should be easy to find at your finer comic shops. To note, the first is a little stronger than the second...but they're both so worth checking out.

ALL MY BEST FRIENDS ARE DALEKS

Ummmmm...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Toys for Tots...

Oh Tenen-BOMBED!

An AMBFAD Holiday Tip...

Speaking of UK Sci-Fi...

Just a Reminder...

Is it Christmas? Is it Christmas?

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like...

GEEK BLING!!!

THE HIATUS IS NEARLY OVER!!!

Oi! Where Does the TIME Go?!

School's Out for Summer...

A Brief Programming Note...

NO STUFF TODAY...

JAY BENNETT 1963-2009

Saturday Bonus Track...

No Such Thing as a 3-Day Weekend...

For Kids of ALL Ages...

Back in the Saddle Again...

'He Was a Bad Dancer'...

To Boldly Go, Where No Trek Flick Has Gone Before...

Saturday Bonus Track...

Sorry Kids...

WILCO (THE STREAM)!

It's the Little Things...

Oh, Why the Hell Not...

HOLY CRAP...GO HAWKS!

Hooray! 'Primeval' Season 3!

Saturday Bonus Track...

ROCK IS DEAD...ALMOST.

When I Get A Job...

Mo' Joe...

Needs More Magneto...

ART BRUT

DOM DELUISE 1933 -2009

Hey Kids...

Saturday Bonus Track...

Back in Action?!

DON'T FORGET, TRUE BELIEVERS...

More 'Halloween'...More Zombie!

Saturday Bonus Track...

Wall of Sleep/So Long (For Now)...

How El (uhhh) Needs to Get His Groove Back...

Ugh. How Appropriate...

It's Twistin' My Melon, man...

...OH MY!

Just Wondering...

Saturday Bonus Track...

No New Poop Today...

And Speaking of the Cubbies...

So Does 'Chinese Democracy' but...

I *HEART* THE ENGLISH BEAT

Best. Photo. EVER!

I Wonder what MS. PAC-MAN would Look Like...

BOB MOULD

A Little More WHO for YOU...

MARILYN CHAMBERS 1953-2009

Speaking of TIME...

Ohhhhh...MAGIC BUS!

'I Don't Know, I Can Imagine Quite a Bit.'

SWEET HOME (OPENER), CHICAGO!

AMBFAD (Comic) Book Club

Saturday Bonus Track...

Oh. Canada.

AMBFAD (Comic) Book Club

Bunny Bonus Party Cut...

Hippity Hoppity and You Don't Stoppity...

Almost Forgot...

ANNNNDDDDDD NOW...

DOVES

You Couldn't Tell by the Weather Here...

Saturday Bonus Track...

And Since I'm Going Out Tonight...

Friday, Friday, FRIDAY!

Van Halen Bonus Party Cut

Runnin' (or Walkin') w/ the Devil...

'PLANET OF THE DEAD' TRAILER!

I HEART THE ENGLISH BEAT

I HEART JOE STRUMMER