Random Thoughts For a Musical Interlude Sunday June 12, 2011

So June is always an awkward month.

Wait, wait, wait, not in that bad Republican Weiner sorta way…

But in the there is so much going on sorta way. Because of which, I thought I would simplify things. Therefore I’m throwing a curve ball in to the pattern and I’m going to do an entire Random Thoughts post on music.

So for your pleasure (and my laziness), please find below a series of random musical links.

First – Yes, you’ve heard the song… and heard it at numerous Flames games… and you’ve possibly even seen the make your own Duck Sauce Remix app, but here is the official video… and… unfortunatly, it’s actually really solid. (Plus, who can’t argue with cameos from Drew Barrymore, Kanye West and ?uestlove)

Second – Yes, this is made far funnier, by actually knowing someone from Portland, but yes this song from the show Portlandia – The Dream of 90s is hysterical.

Third – The HoodInternet, which I’ve probably featured on this site more times than I can bother to count, have released their 5th Mix Tape. One of the tracks on this mix tape is The Clipse (Virginia’s best kept musical secret) vs. Matt & Kim called Virginia is for Cameras.

Yeah, this is how we roll in Arlington… Sorta… Actually, not even close.

Fourth – Alright, if that’s a bit to hipster for your fancy, you can also check out the 8-Bit Zelda remix of Virginia.

Fifth – Of course, from the same HoodInternet mixtape, there is this haunting mash-up of The XX and DMX.

Sixth – This has nothing to do with music, but from a designer angle this series of Design Advice inspired Desktop wallpapers are fantastic.

Oh, yeah they’re also not really safe for work.

Seventh – Regardless of the outcome of tomorrow night (Monday), here’s a great story from Bill Simmons (one of America’s most influential sports writers) on why he’s re-fallen in love with the NHL. From a Hardcore Hockey fan standpoint, I find it fascinating to see how someone could go from being a solid fan to an occasional fan.

Eighth – So was it Dirk determination or was it the veteran experience of Jason Kidd and John Terry that propelled the Mavs to the NBA Championships? Or… maybe … just maybe it was all the High Fives and Ass grabbing?

Ninth – Well here’s a pretty interesting little cover, it’s Weezer take on Radiohead’s Paranoid Android.

21 year old c.t.overdrive would be losing his marbles over this concept… unfortunately, 31 year old c.t.overdrive isn’t really that excited.

Tenth – And last but not least, let’s finish this off with some live QOSTA … Shall we. Yes, let’s do it.

Categories: The-Music, The-Pop-Culture, The Blogosphere, The NBA, The Pop-Culture, The Random

Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest Friday June 3, 2011

Well it is Friday and if you’re looking for the Random Thoughts, you might want to scroll past this post. But if you’re a music fan for any reason what so ever, please have a look at the trailer for this new documentary – Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest.

Yes, a documentary that follows the troubled history and arc of one of the most accessible and influential hip-hop outfits out there. Sign. Me. Up!

The only thing left to ask is Professor, what’s another name for Pirate Treasure?

The Booty

Categories: The-Music, The-Pop-Culture,

Random Thoughts For Not Blaming Them, Because I Would Have Probably Acted The Same Way Friday March 25, 2011

So, SXSW 2011 happened this week. As you know I missed out on all the fun this year, including the reunion of Death From Above 1979. Which in itself is pretty big news, but it appears that I’ve not the only ravenous Death From Above fan… Because apparently they started a mofo’in riot!

First – An interesting article from Rolling Stone, like anyone even reads Rolling Stone any more, on the end of civilization and harbinger of death that is Rebecca Black.

Second – Sled Island is back for 2011. HOO-RA!

So check out Canada’s most impressive music festival. That’s right I said, Canada’s most impressive music festival – suck it Toronto.

Third – So not to get all political on you all, because I would never, ever use this site to get all political. But the upcoming Alberta leadership races are getting really interesting. One of the young up and coming studs that is vying for the Alberta PC’s leadership is Doug Griffths.

A young technological savvy MLA from Battlefield/Wainwright (how badass is that) who is running for the leadership of the Progressive Conservatives. He’s also an avid Social Media enthusiasts. Here’s his take on social media and it’s impact on the political spectrum.

Fourth – You all must know, but I am currently on the hunt for good new music. Funnily enough I stumbled upon Pitchfork’s top 200 Albums of the 2000. And while it would probably make sense to head straight to the top 10 or 20 records, it turns out the best records are buried somewhere between 100-200.

You know the accessible and common records that everyone should know, but aren’t too pretentious for the self-appointed elite of the Pitchfork editorial staff.

Fifth – This appears to be a heavy music/political post, but I have to post this. We had the king of YouTube clips come and visit us for the past week. He introduced us to the greatness that is Jools Holland … Later a British show that has some epic musical guests… Including BATTLS playing ATLAS.

Which never, ever, ever, ever gets old.

Sixth – Reason 421, I don’t get Africa… Disturbing Hand painted movie posters.

Seventh – You know what never gets old, Cee-lo’s F$%k you with an all girl accompanying band.

Eighth – This comes from Poploser, but it’s a simple flowchart to help you decide which baseball team to cheer for.

Hmm, having a soul and not caring if my team wins a game… sounds like every Nationals fan I’ve ever met… Well at least the two of them.

Ninth – WARNING: INTERNET PREDICTION Give it a year, but ZeFrank’s Star.me will absolutely blow up huge on the internet. Trust me and book it.

Tenth – My name is Chuck... EPIC.

Eleventh – This was tweeted about 4,ooo times this week, but Hideaki Akaiwa is Japan’s ultimate badass.

(BTW, after reading the LA Times account, make sure you check out Badass Of The Week’s far more hilarious account)

Twelth – an article from Al Jazeera on the upcoming class war in the USA.

Categories: The-Random, The-Music, The Blogosphere, The Calgary Vibe, The Humourous, The Inane, The Nationals, The Pop-Culture

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2011 Thursday March 17, 2011

Ah yes, it’s that time of year kiddies. St. Patrick’s day.

And this St. Patrick’s will be an extra special one for the old ctoverdrive. As not only will it be my first St. Patty’s in Arlington (An strongly Irish part of The District), but it’ll be my first St Patty’s in three years where I wasn’t traveling from SXSW. So to get you in the mood for some good time, please enjoy this classic Pogues number.

(Also, if you’re stuck at work please try out The write your own Irish Memoir Mad-Libs Style... courtesty of Mr. Rennie).

Categories: The-HomeLand, The-Music, The Humourous, The Inane

Random Thoughts For Atomic Tom's Subway Rendition Thursday March 10, 2011

I skipped over this video numerous times, because quite frankly I’ve seen these type of look what the iPhone can do type of videos about a thousand and one times.

BUT, please do check out this fantastic rendition by Atomic Tom of their song Take Me Out on the New York Subway with nothing but their iPhones.

In that cheese-ball way, I freaking love this song.

First – Ohh noes, have fashion designers and the superhero revival gone too far? I’m totally okay with half-naked models and the ridiculous over the top hats, but come on a red and blue Superman dress?

That being said, the Flash logo makes a stunning miniskirt.

Second – For all you photoshop/avatar creating nerds out there, here’s a great little video on how to create the old school 8-Bit Avatar that you always wanted

Third – More amazing old school Aliens inspired art from one of my favorite web sites on the net – Geek-Art.

Fourth – Lots of talk on the internet’s watercooler regarding the new Clients From Hell book. And while, I love the site and find it hysterical in so many ways. It did make me think back to an article I wrote on the growing resentment in the Freelance world regarding client relations End of shameless self-promotion.

Fifth – And while people seam to be enthralled with the Downfall of Ricky ‘Wild Thing’ Vaughn, the most facinating thing is that a Social Media company in Los Angeles got paid thousands of dollars to set-up ol’ Charlie’s Twitter, Twitpic accounts.

Clearly, I am doing something woefully wrong with my company.

Sixth – Ah yes, and the downfall of society due to Facebook continues – Facebook a factor in 20% of all divorces. And while I appreciate the concept of the article, some of the tips are priceless.

Agree with your spouse about how and when you will use Facebook: how many hours per day? When? It’s easier to keep each other honest if you know these things about their Facebook use.

Hmmm… Here’s a better tip… Don’t F*&%in’ cheat on your wife.

Seventh – So, picture this.

You’re a eight year old kid. You’re dad just surprised you with tickets to your first EVER major league baseball game. You’re excited, you couldn’t sleep the night before and you’ll finally get to see all your idols in person.

You enter the stadium and it’s a hot sunny day. The sun is out and it’s a perfect day. You line up and buy two hot dogs and a bag of peanuts. Your dad buys you the extra large pop (or sode as they like to say here) and it’s super special because you never get pop at home and this has to be like the bestest day in your entire life. You head down to your seats, sit down and watch the warm-up. The National Anthem starts and you take off your hat. You site down and the game starts. You hear laughter behind you and you turn around to see these guys two rows behind you…

BOOM and now you’re emotional destroyed for life… Well done guys, well done.

Eighth – I’ve been fascinated by the whole Coyotes/City of Glendale/Goldwater Institute gong show that has transpired over the past week. It’s a fascinating story that has captivated my attention. This article from The Globe and Mail is a must read for anyone paying attention or interested in the supposed Jets returning to Winnipeg. The political undertones of the piece are something that every Canadian should be worried about.

Ninth – And to continue on with my point regarding the Coyotes/Thrasher relocation issue… Why is it already determined that Winnipeg deserves the next franchise to relocate.

I understand the emotional ties and I for one would love to see the Jets alive again. (I’d also like to the Whalers again). But I think some people are jumping the gun a bit.

I still, can’t believe I’m saying this calling this, but I think Winnipeg will get the Thrashers and Kansas will get the Coyotes.

Tenth – By the way, are you finding it too difficult to keep up with everything going on in the Middle East? Is your twitter/facebook stream too clogged up. Well thanks to Al Jazeera, there is now a Dashboard for that.

Categories: The-Random, The-Music, The ArtWorld, The Blogosphere, The Humourous, The Inane, The Nationals, The Pop-Culture, The Southern Neighbours, The Twitter-verse