Friday, June 25, 2010

Hero 30: YOU!


So for the last post of Hero Month, I thought I would honour someone who I appreciate. That person, is you, my dear friend. Because, if you have taken the time to read part, or possibly even all of my blog, then I'm very happy, and I really like that you did that. So thank you. Hero Month may be over, but there will be many more interesting things to come in the future, so keep reading. Thank you, hero! <3

Hero 29: The Mighty Boosh


Such a refreshing take on comedy, and it's British, so you just can't go wrong. The oddball characters, and the extremely out-there humour is just very appealing to me. I just love Vince and Howard.

Come with us now, on a journey through time and space - to the world of the Mighty Boosh!

http://www.themightyboosh.com/

Hero 28: Aphex Twin


Basically, Aphex Twin is this one British guy called Richard D. James, who just makes real awesome electronic music. I haven't heard any of his music yet, but I'm extremely intrigued by him. In 1994, he put out this record entitled 'Selected Ambient Works Volume II'. The name doesn't sound like much, but it is far from it. There are 25 songs on the album, and every single one is untitled, save for one, titled 'Blue Calx'. The interesting thing is that the album was inspired by his dreams. He would wake up from his dreams, and try recreate sounds from his dreams by creating soundscapes, and relating them to colours. This is like, the ultimate form of music creation. I am going to buy this as soon as I can, and then I will probably review it, or probably not. Basically, I'm in love with the idea of the record, and him. Heroism in music = win.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Hero 27: The Mars Volta


They are just sooooooooooo trippyyyyy. Amazing musicians, the vocalist/guitarist pairing of of Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez is the ultimate fusion of latino-prog-rock-jazz magic. Also, check out the precursor to The Mars Volta, At The Drive-In. Texan post-hardcore wonderment. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G M-U-S-I-C-I-A-N-S.

http://www.myspace.com/themarsvolta

Hero 26: Doctor Who


The time-travelling intrinzic wonder-being. My fave TV show, since like a year ago, and I'm hoping that if my career as being a musician doesn't pay off, I can just be Doctor Who instead :D

Here, step into my TARDIS, let me show you round the universe.

^ See, I'm pretty good right? Haha

But no, I love him <3<3<3

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Hero 25: Pitchfork Media


I discovered Pitchfork Media last summer holidays. Basically, it's where I go to find out what's the latest music being released and what's good and what's not. They also do the BEST album reviews.

http://pitchfork.com/

Hero 24: Dr. Dre


So, the previous post just reminded me who my favourite rapper is, haha. Dr. Dre, bro!
Man, he's sooooooo sooo so good. He's like an uber producer, and his raps are just classic. If I had to pick a fave song of his it would be 'Forgot About Dre' featuring Eminem. It's explosive, it's dynamic, and it's a big FUCK YOU to all the people that hate on Dre. I love him.

On a different note, it's been over a decade since he's released an album, but he has recently made a statement saying that his third and final album 'Detox' should be out either later this year, or earlier next year. YES!!!!!

Here is a link to a leaked preview of Dr. Dre's first single off of 'Detox'. It's called 'Under Pressure'. It features Jay-Z and apparently samples German synth-wizards Kraftwerk. Wow!

Sorry about the voiceovers-that couldn't be helped. Also, remember that this is still incomplete. But it's a sign of GREAT things to come.

New Dr. Dre Song: http://nahright.com/news/2010/06/16/dr-dre-feat-jay-z-under-pressure-nmc-tags/

Hero 23: Kid Cudi


Aside from Dr. Dre, Kid Cudi is probably my favourite rapper. It's probably because he doesn't care how gangster he is. He wears skinny jeans, and essentially makes indie hip-hop, and is just naturally awesome. The fact that he would rather have MGMT play on his album than 50 Cent just goes to show how much cooler he is than most other gangster rappers, and that he just likes to make his own, alternative style of flavoursome hip-hop.

"I'm on the pursuit of happiness, and I know; everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold. I'll be fine once I get it. I'll be good."

Check out his debut album 'Man On The Moon: The End Of Day'. It's pretty much a concept album about his struggles in life, and it's wicked cool.

Hero 22: Quentin Jacobsen


The main character, and essentially the hero of Paper Towns. I guess I can kind of connect with him on some levels, so he's pretty cool.

Read: http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Towns-John-Green/dp/0525478183

Hero 21: Margo Roth Spiegelman


Paper Towns by John Green. Greatest book. Please read it, and fall in love with it, and also Margo, whose six-syllable name in its entirety with a kind of quiet reverence.

Hero 20: Jonny Craig


The main reason I like Emarosa is because of Jonny Craig! Wow, the first time I ever heard him was just - WOW! I was at my friend's house scrolling through his iTunes and just thought I'd randomly click the Emarosa song 'The Past Should Stay Dead'. It literally blew me over and humbled me. The song begins with Jonny producing an OUTSTANDING vocal solo. He has also sung in Dance Gavin Dance, and in his solo project Isles and Glaciers. Check that shit out man. Also, pick up Emarosa's new self-titled CD that comes out on the 29th June.

http://www.myspace.com/dancegavindance
http://www.myspace.com/islesandglaciers
http://www.myspace.com/emarosa

Hero 19: Emarosa


I haven't really had time to dip into their back catalogue yet, but they are beautiful and heavy. The things I look for in a post-hardcore band. I'm pretty excited, in 6 days their latest album, the self-titled 'Emarosa' comes out. WOO! But the main reason I like Emarosa is because of.....

Hero 18: A Day To Remember


My friend/bandmate/amazing drummer Jon just leant me the deluxe edition of their most recent album 'Homesick'. It has like 4 hours worth of videos including a sick live show! They are like pop. They are also punk. They are also metal. They are also hardcore. They are also hilarious. Love them and I will love you

"DISRESPECT YOUR SURROUNDINGS!"

Hero 17: Parkway Drive


JB Hi Fi just accidentally sent me their new album two days before their release date. It's so brutal and amazing! I've spent most of the night playing along to it on guitar. I'm pretty god damn happy. Basically, they are just an amazing Australian band, that make amazing heavy music \m/

Hero 16: JB Hi Fi


Ok, JB Hi Fi is my absolute fave store ever, because I'm 16 and CD crazy, and they have just the greatest range ever, not even lieing. I wouldn't lie to you. Even if there was a fire! Also, I love them an exceptional amount right now because they just sent me the new Parkway Drive album 'Deep Blue' that I preordered. TWO DAYS BEFORE THE OFFICIAL RELEASE! OMG I love them <3 Go there and spend big people.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Hero 10: Philip Defranco


Youtube legend, Philip Defranco. I was first showed him last summer holidays by a lovely young lady, and ever since I can't get enough of him. He's hilarious, and nerdy (kinda, he also kinda looks like my Bio teacher D:), and cool. He's LikeTotallyAwesome.
Check him out. He's amazin!

Get PhillyD here: http://www.youtube.com/user/sxephil

Hero 9: Pokemon!


Pretty obvious that Pokemon is an hero. eh lieks mudkipz and doesn't afraid of anything. Now, I'm not one to hate on Johto, or Hoenn, or whatever it is these days. I believe in equal rights for all pokermanz and their houses! Pokemon is just so great, and was such an integral part of mine, and millions of other peoples childhoods, that they have earned the right to do whatever they want. Pokemon, I love you!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Hero 8: James Mercer


So far they have nearly all be musicians! Hmm. I will have to do something about that. But I do love the music. Anyhizzle - James Mercer! Man of the day. Lead singer/guitarist/lyricist/amazingist of The Shins. Also, his side project with Danger Mouse, Broken Bells, makes me giddy. I like his voice. He's sweet.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Hero 7: Kele Okereke


Right now, he's my favourite, because he's awesome, he's English, and he's in Bloc Party, which are cool so many levels! (Eg. musical, their name, their semi-nerdish-ness)

"You told me you wanted to eat up my sadness."

Hero 6: Randy Rhoads


That opening riff from Ozzy Osbourne's 'Crazy Train' is what practically inspired me to pick up the guitar. Never had I heard something that crazy, that heavy, and that inspiring in my life. I literally had shivers the first time I heard it. Suffice to say, once I found out the name of the guitarist who played this astonishing piece of music, I promptly fell in love. I went out and bought every record he played on (sadly it was only 3 :( ). I worshipped Randy. He was a god, and a humble one at that. I even did an English assignment on him in grade 10, because I was that obsessed.
Sadly, a few years after joining Ozzy Osbourne's band, Randy died in a plane crash accident. Reading that made me incredibly sad. But, his legacy lives on. I will always remember him. RIP Randy Rhoads. <3

Hero 5: Harry Potter


My favourite series of books ever? Why yes it is my good sir, I do love to read about the boy wizard and his amazing adventures. Pretty much loved Harry Potter since I was 4 or 5 I think. He still has my heart <3

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Hero 4: Dallas Green


The beautiful voice of Dallas Green has become the voice of a generation. Alexisonfire's guitarist and clean vocalist has even outshone the band he is famous for being in, outshining his other band mates in a multitude of solo projects, including the mournful beauty of City and Colour.

Hero 3: Black Francis


The man who practically started grunge himself, Black Francis is the lead singer of the band Pixies. He writes amazing lyrics that just seem so justified, and his overall song composition leads none to be desired. Brilliant musician.

Hero 2: Daft Punk


The undisputed kings of French electro-music, Daft Punk are robotic gods sent from Synthesizer Heaven to give us their wonderful gift; the catchiest damn songs ever created in the history of ever! God they are amazing <3

Hero 1: David Bowie



Enough said, really.