Goin' Solo Until Connor Steps it Up...

Things have slowed down here on the blog as you can tell. Neither of us are posting really, if you are really keeping track. But, I am still blogging, I have not stopped. I just switched to my own blog. Connor got frustrated with this fact. What I told him is if he posts two or three times in one week, I will come back to the good ole' Le Blog. But until then, I'm goin' solo like Justin leavin' NSYNC. 

Check me out temporarily (or until Connor decides to post again) here:

www.corythomason.blogspot.com

That's where I am posting for the time being. No real difference than my posting here except for the URL. So, check it! I'm out!

Cory, Le Blog

Making Tough Guys Feel Like Sissies

Danny Way obviously has no reasonable way of judging pain. He is a real man's man. Seeing him do the Big Air makes professional football players look just a little less tough. After watching him wipe out at the X Games Big Air, there is no reason that man should have skateboarded for the rest of the competition. He went nearly 40 feet in the air, clipped his feet on the edge of the half pipe and flipped back down the ramp (video at the top). He may have broken his foot and had a sprained neck going into the competition. The amazing thing: He finished 2nd in the competition. He held first place on and off and on his last run pulled a backflip and a Varial 540 and I thought he would surely win gold. Had Bob Burnquist not had another sick set of tricks, the injured Danny Way would have gotten first. Really, both Burnquist and Way are ridiculous men. Danny Way jumped over the Great Wall of China, has had 4 ACL replacements, and has won the X Games Big Air 3 out of his 4 entries. Burnquist jumped off a ramp, grinded on a rail, and then base jumped into the Grand Canyon (video below). I think that both of these guys have to be slightly touched in the head to do all this. Really, anybody who jumps off that Big Air ramp is an idiot. I would probably pee my pants just looking over that ramp, let alone throwing myself off it on a piece of wood and wheels.

Bob Burnquist's Grand Canyon Stunt:

Cory, Le Blog

Most Anticipated Albums - Ben Rector

Ben Rector, Untitled

Here is another album that I have no idea when it will come out. I know he is recording it right now, so it could be a while. But I am stoked none the less. I have preached Ben Rector here on the blog for a while now, and I love him just as much right now. He is probably my favorite Singer/Songwriter-ish guy but I would probably call him more indie than anything else. Whatever, he is one of my favorite guys out there. He is doing this latest cd with two discs. One disc will be acoustic and the other will be full band with I think 6 songs on each. He is a really creative guy and writes great music so it should be a great cd. I just hope this cd comes out much sooner than later. Ben Rector is also blogging the recording process, you should check it out. Link is posted below.

www.benrector.blogspot.com

Cory, Le Blog

Most Anticipated Albums - Norma Jean

Norma Jean, The Anti-Mother

Norma Jean is a band I really have to be in the mood to listen to, but when I’m in the mood I love them. Their first two cd’s were very chaotic, and hard to get into. Very rarely did they have a melodic chorus, and it was a lot of odd time signature chaos. Not to say I didn’t love the first two cd’s, it’s just I liked the way they went in Redeemer more. There was more singing, or at least screaming with some sort of a pitch. Not just growling, which I think sounds pretty cool. Norma Jean has two songs up on Myspace, both of which I really like. It seems to me like they are moving to a more controlled sound. It still sounds like Norma Jean, but the songs seem to progress in a more logical way than old Norma Jean. Corey Brandon actually seems to be showing off a decent singing voice a lot in one song, something I hope we get to here more on this cd. The Anti-Mother comes out pretty soon, August 5. I imagine I will like this just as much as I loved Redeemer.

www.myspace.com/normajean

Cory, Le Blog

Most Anticipated Albums - Anberlin

Anberlin, New Surrender

Anberlin is yet another one of my favorite bands who has a cd coming out soon. I loved Cities, and every other album they have come out with. Anberlin is not a band that has come a really far way from their debut cd. They know what they do well, and they do it. They keep making good music that is different from the past, but still inside the same basic idea. New Surrender may be more of the same, or they may really innovate this time. I would be up for either, which is one of the reasons I am excited for it. They could pretty much go either way. The band has said that this will be a lot more guitar heavy album, a lot like Paperthin Hymn in the way it is a very hard guitar riff that develops the song. They have released one song from New Surrender called Disappear. It sounds like Anberlin, but I really like it. I also hear that an old song The Feel Good Drag will be re recorded and released as the first single for New Surrender. The new album comes out September 30, but I wish it came way sooner.

Cory, Le Blog

Most Anticipated Albums - Mute Math

Mute Math, Untitled

To say that Mute Math’s sophomore LP is the album I’m most excited for this year is an understatement. Simple adjectives can’t describe this want to hear how great this cd will most likely be. I love Mute Math, and from what I have seen of their new material in their vlogs and in concert, it should be amazing. I have heard two songs live that I hope are on the record; Voice In The Silence and Clockwork, both of which were great songs. The Video Blogs they have put out this summer have just set my excitement level through the roof. This band is so talented that I think whatever they do will just ooze with creative excellence and talent. And I really can’t wait to get owned by all the incredible drum beats Darren King will throw out on this cd. No idea when it will come out, but I would bet late Fall, around October or November. Below are live performances of the two songs I have heard by them, Clockwork and Voice In The Silence. Check them out and get hyped for whatever Mute Math tells us about their new cd. 

Clockwork

Voice In The Silence 

Cory, Le Blog

Most Anticipated Albums - Underoath

Well, in the next few months (or at least I hope, some dates are TBD), albums from a lot of my favorite artists are going to be coming out. Anberlin, Underoath, Norma Jean, Ben Rector, Mute Math, and so many more are due to release new cds in the next few months. I figure I will run through a few of these albums in the next couple days and explain why I want them so much. One or two albums every few days should get my list done pretty quick. The way I see it, my number of albums bought this summer could be around the 20 mark, which is way more than I think I should ever spend on cd's. But anyway, just be on the look out over the next week for new albums I'm excited for (not that anyone really cares, but whatever).

Underoath, Lost in the Sound of Separation

Define The Great Line was one of my favorite cds for a long time after it came out. It showed that Underoath could make it back to their more metal roots and get further away from the screamo genre that They’re Only Chasing Safety put them in. Not to say TOCS was bad, it was great too. It’s just I think Underoath does a better job outside of this genre. From what I hear about Lost in the Sound of Separation, it seems that they are going even deeper into a darker, harder sound. From the one song I have heard, Desperate Times Desperate Measures, they are doing just that. The album drops September 2, and I have to rate this at least top 5 most anticipated albums of the year.

www.myspace.com/underoath

Cory, Le Blog

Roy Mitchell Cardenas of Mute Math

Just a little bit ago, I stumbled across the blog of Roy Mitchell-Cardenas, the bass player for my favorite band Mute Math. It really is all pretty interesting and definitely worth reading if you are a Mute Math fan like myself. You get to hear about a lot more personal things about the band that you probably wouldn't hear anywhere else. Plus, puts out video bass lessons, which even not being a bass player are pretty interesting. I was bored, so I went back and checked out what he had to say about the last time he played a show in KC, which I had the good fortune of attending. It just builds my hype even more and more for the new cd and the inevitable tour that will follow it. Mute Math has come to Lawrence in nearly every tour they've been on (6 times) and I have seen them the last two times they have come to Kansas City. I say the last two times because I do not count their half performance at the Sprint Center opening for Alannis and Matchbox. That is not a Mute Math concert. It's like the 30 second preview for a song on iTunes. It isn't actually the song, it's just something to get you hooked on the song. They played like 4 songs and you were like really far away. It just isn't Mute Math at all. But anyway, check out Roy's blog. I have no idea how often he updates it, but he has like a million past posts, so you could have fun reading those. 

Roy Mitchell Cardenas of Mute Math's Blog

Cory, Le Blog

MySpace Transmissions: Thrice

I just stumbled upon a pretty cool concert series thing, called MySpace Transmissions. There has been five bands that have played so far; Thrice, City and Colour, Vampire Weekend, Nada Surf, and James Blunt. I just watched the Thrice performance, and it is really cool. They played songs off of their Earth, Air, and Water discs. I really enjoyed the songs they played off of Earth, mainly because the versions on the cd were all stripped down, purely acoustic. These performances are full band, electric guitar and full drum kit. It really makes the songs have a completely different feel. My favorite two out of the six were Come All You Weary and Daedalus. Come All You Weary is just such a great song. Totally based off of scripture, and I really love the way Kensrue sings it. My other favorite performance is made great by the vocal. Dustin just sings Daedalus with such emotion, it's really incredible. Even if you don't love screaming, I think you can appreciate just how genuine he sounds while doing it.

The session was also released on iTunes, which I bought. 6 dollars for 6 great songs is a great deal. Plus these are very different versions than were released on the cd. Of the rest of the performances, Lost Continent from the Water disc is another highlight. It is definitely the same song, but it sounds very different than the effect-laden version on Water. Really, there isn't a bad performance in the bunch. I would embed the videos, but Myspace is difficult and won't let me. So, I extremely recommend the performance (link posted below, you can listen to the recordings there as well) and suggest you watch it. I love Thrice, so I will probably buy just about anything they put out. But I think if you like Thrice at all, the session is worth a purchase.

Also, if you have followed Thrice at all, you can see that they have come a long way in the way the look and dress. They went from young post-hardcore rockers to indie rockers with full beards. I really enjoy the way they have developed and have their own signature sound. It really shows that they aren't the same band as they were in The Artist and The Ambulance and Identity Crisis.

Thrice - Myspace Transmissions Session

Cory, Le Blog

"How Hard is it Memphis!?"

I am watching the Espy's right now, and I have to say that it is absolutely hilarious. Justin Timberlake is a great host and has all sorts of great jokes. Plus, about every thirty minutes the National Championship is brought up, and I get to hear Mr. JT complain about how my Kansas Jayhawks won. Chalmers is in the spotlight so much, due to his incredible shot. I have probably seen that shot replayed 100 times, and every single time I get chills. I will get chills for the next 100 times and the 100 times after that. It is definitely the single greatest sports moment in my entire life.

But I have really enjoyed the Espy's so far. I always think they do a great job at it and it is my favorite awards show on tv hands down. Some of the burns they have had on all these famous athletes are great. Another KU guy, Paul Pierce, is mentioned about as much as Chalmers. To say the least, it has been a great year for Kansas sports. Pierce gets a championship, KU basketball gets a championship, KU football gets an Orange Bowl victory. The Espy's have just solidified that thought in my mind.

Another thought in my mind solidified by the Espy's:

Justin Timberlake may be one of the coolest guys alive.

Plus, Lupe Fiasco is the music guy, Roger Clemens gets his reputation continually trashed, and Will Ferrell is on screen multiple times. Let me leave you with one of my favorite pictures of all time. The greatest shot in my history as a basketball fan and maybe one of my favorite sports moments in my entire life.

#1 Draft Pick what, Derrick Rose?

Cory, Le Blog

The Dark Knight

To put it simply, this was the best comic book movie (and one of the better movies in general) I have ever seen. The Dark Knight even managed to top it's amazing predecessor, Batman Begins. To say this movie was the most anticipated movie of the summer would be an understatement. You can always tell when a movie is hyped when the midnight showing of it is the place to be in my town. Facebook status' the day after were lit up with this movie. Everybody has Batman fever.

I saw the movie today with my dad, and I loved it. First of all, Heath Ledger as The Joker is top 5 at least on the "100 best villains" list. His portrayal of the creepy Joker is spot on. It is no wonder the man may have committed suicide after playing this part. You can tell that this man put every ounce of him into becoming this psychopath killer who kills and does evil for no reason but he loves it. I seriously may be haunted just a little bit by the character. It is almost to the point where I was so creeped out, I wouldn't recommend the movie to little kids. It will give you nightmares.

The acting of The Dark Knight really made the movie though. Ledger led the way with his superior performance, but Christian Bale does the best Batman the series has ever seen. I compare him to Daniel Craig as James Bond. Batman used to be just a hero, not really much of a character or anything. But now, Batman is a savage. He is finally a convincing character and I think Bale brought that to it. It is no longer just Bruce Wayne and Bruce Wayne dressed up as Batman. There really is two completely different characters. I like the way another reviewer put it best. Batman really isn't a character so much as a symbol. He is shaped by the needs of the city he protects. 

But other than that, the movie was a bit long (2 and a half hours I think) but I think movies can go as long as they work. And The Dark Knight works the whole time. One thing I appreciated was the fight scenes and action sequences. I think the length of each one made it not feel as scripted and choreographed as other action movies. It is short enough not to make it feel fake, but just long enough to make it convincing. They must have taken a lesson on what not to do from Indiana Jones. Thirty minute fake looking fight scenes are NOT good. 

Ledger as The Joker makes the movie for sure (he deserves an Oscar for this), but there is enough depth and enough (enough is an understatement) support in the cast to make it an excellent, convincing comic book movie. I wish I could accurately describe the great supporting cast of Eckhart, Freeman, Cain, Oldman, and Gylenhaal, but I can't. You will have to see the movie for yourself to understand their importance. Don't judge this as a comic book movie please. Even as just a regular movie, it is the best of the year and one of the better of the last couple years. If I was giving a star rating, I would say 5 stars. but I'm not writing a newspaper article, so I don't need to. Go see The Dark Knight, it is worth whatever money they will make you pay for it.

Cory, Le Blog

With Arrows, With Poise

I got paid today so automatically I was looking to spend some sort of money. I thought about it and decided to go over to Bestbuy. I was searching through the racks, racking (pun intended) my brain to look for a cd to buy. I remembered that there was this band called The Myriad that I had heard on the radio and that they had a song on Rock Band. So, I go to the rack, and I find the cd, but unfortunately saw the 14.99 sticker on it. I really liked the songs and had just got paid (so who cares really) so I bought it. 

This cd was definitely worth the money. It is such a different band than the bands I listen to normally. When the lead singer has such a strange voice, I tend to lose interest after about 4 or 5 songs. Songs just run together and all sound the same when an odd voice is singing. But this guy has a crazy sounding voice, but he always manages to be interesting and different in every song. The Myriad is not out there to impress with technical ability at their instruments. They get the job done and make it interesting, but there is not crazy guitar riffs or drum beats. It's straight-forward, but they do it well. Plus, anytime a cd doesn't have a song that lasts less than 3 and half and most songs last 5 minutes I am content. 

My favorite songs so far are Holiest of Thieves, Throwing Punches, and The Accident. The Myriad's arrangements sometimes almost sound Radiohead-ish in the amount of electronic influence put in some songs. I was worried this would be a waste of the 15 dollars I spent, but in no way was it at all. I would suggest you go out and buy this cd. It's just that good.

myspace.com/themyriad

Cory, Le Blog

The King of Pop

I honestly have been getting into the most random person ever lately; Michael Jackson. I have one cd by him, Thriller, but have listened to it a lot. It is actually really really great music. I never thought I would hear myself say it, but I really enjoy it. Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat It; all great, classic songs. Billie Jean may be the most fun song on drums I have played in a while. It's such a basic, simple song and beat that you can improvise so easily with the track behind you. I love playing along with it. I am trying to get my band to cover it, but I don't know if that will go over all too well. But still, Thriller and Beat it, are two of the most classic songs ever. Thriller is one of the most danceable songs in my opinion ever to be released. Plus it has an AWESOME trademark dance. Listening to Beat It for awhile, I think it could almost pass off as a good rock song. The guitar riff is extremely catchy and sounds awesome. Drums also are basic, but get the job done. 

The Math of Beat It

Pop song + Michael Jackson + Facemelting Solo = Classic 

Everybody knows his songs, for good reason. Michael Jackson in my opinion is The Beatles of pop music. I know that's a pretty strong statement but I stand behind it fully. I think one of the reasons I like Michael Jackson so much is because lately I have also been so into Justin Timberlake. You can hear Michael so much in Justin, it's incredible.

Now, if you would have told me a couple months ago that I would make a full blog post about Michael Jackson, in which I name drop Justin Timberlake and say that I like him, I would have called you a liar and punched you in the face.

Cory, Le Blog

Indulging My New Addiction

This summer, I have started an expensive habit. I buy lots of cd's. Some people have shoes, or clothes, or movies, but I have cd's. My job this summer has allowed me to impulse buy lots of them. It used to be that I would research the album before I bought a cd. I had to like the artist, like half the material on the album, enjoy the album art; a lot of important things to consider when buying a cd. Now my thought process is, "oh, I heard a song off that. It's 9.99 (or maybe 11.99, I buy a lot at those two price points), let's get it." Just yesterday I bought two cd's. The Rocket Summer's, "Do You Feel?" and Beck's new one, "Modern Guilt". I had heard one song off of The Rocket Summer's disc (So Much Love) and I honestly hadn't heard an ounce of Modern Guilt. But I love Beck and I loved Guero, so I took a chance. I took the time to listen to both albums full through tonight, so here are my "one paragraph or less" impressions of them:

The Rocket Summer, Do You Feel?

This cd is full of catchy songs that you enjoy from intro to ending. I was expecting a little bit more of a "jazzy" feel after the song I had heard, So Much Love, but it really seems to be a combination of solid semi-distorted electric guitar and piano. This is some of the best piano playing in a rock album I have heard for awhile, and I really enjoy that. I think this could become a cd (or at least 4 or 5 songs) that I listen to quite a bit.

The Rocket Summer's Myspace

Beck, Modern Guilt

This is Beck, that is for sure. Modern Guilt is a very very diverse album. Every song is pretty catchy, I mean it IS Beck. He writes odd, creatively built songs because that is one of the things that defines him. It seems like this album is a bit more simplistic and at times more electronic than past discs. With time, I will really like this cd I think. Beck is one of those, like Radiohead, that each new cd takes some time to adjust to. He is always changing and always growing better so you can't go into a new cd expecting it to be like the last. Modern Guilt is not like Guero for the most part, and I like it that way.

Beck's Myspace

I just love buying music. The first listen of a cd is one of my favorite experiences ever really. I will enjoy these cd's (I hope) more and more with each listen. Chances are I will take some time and listen to these way more in-depth at some time later in the week. Maybe another blog post will be in order to give update opinions on cd's I have bought lately. The count for the summer is 11 I think though. More cd's than I probably actually bought all last year.

Cory, Le Blog

A Different Kind of High

Josh Hamilton is an absolute animal. I am currently watching the Home Run Derby, and he has hit 28 homeruns. He only had 10 outs. He broke the record of home runs hit in the Derby by 4. Hamilton doesn't really even need to step on the field again for the second round. The Home Run Derby could end now, and I would be totally content. Josh Hamilton's story is the coolest part to me. A couple years ago, he took himself out of baseball to deal with a drug addiction. He fought back to a sober state through the grace of God and absolute faith. It is so neat to see somebody with a good background succeed in the way Hamilton has.

Cory, Le Blog

A Blast From The (Not so Distant) Past

I have been listening to a lot of older school stuff from Death Cab and Coldplay. Mainly Transatlanticism and X&Y respectively. I now am realizing just how great both those albums are/were. Both albums have a ton of great music on them. Listening back through them, I can't find a ton of songs that I absolutely hate, which is typically a good quality in a release. I can listen through the whole cd start to finish without absolutely needing to skip a song. I obviously skip songs occasionally, cause there are some I like more than others, but there are no horrible songs. These cd's remind me why I love these bands, and why I will always love them no matter what crap they put out in the future. As fans of these bands, we know we can always fall back on solid past material. Honestly, I don't think Death Cab will ever be able to surpass the greatness of Transatlanticism. It is one of my favorite cd's ever, hands down. Sometimes these great albums get lost in the shuffle of new music. Speaking of new music, I have bought a lot this summer. I suppose I will end this stream-of-consciousness post with a list of all the cd's I have gotten this summer.

Showbread - Anorexia/Nervosa

Showbread - No Sir, Nihilism is Not Practical

The Classic Crime - Albatross

Red - End of Silence

Leeland - Opposite Way

Silverstein - Arrivals and Departures

Coldplay - Viva la Vida

Girl Talk - Feed The Animals

Underoath - Survive, Kaleidoscope

This Beautiful Republic - Even Heroes Need a Parachute

Cory, Le Blog

Qwantz (dinosaur comics)

I slaved over a hot keyboard for nearly 5 minutes trying to think of a clever introduction to this post, but got nothing. So, I am going to be different. This post about Dinosaur Comics is going to have no introduction.

Dinosaur comics at Qwantz.com are really absolutely hilarious. Or I shouldn't say all absolutely hilarious, there are hits and misses. But most of the time, they are really absolutely hilarious. Basically, the boxes of the comic never change. It is the same 6 panel comic detailing a t-rex stepping on people every day. Comic writer Ryan North just changes what t-rex and his friends utahraptor and dromiceiomimus say every day. There is no storyline, no point to the comics. Just pure hilarity (most days).

Check them out at www.qwantz.com. There is a new one every week day. 

Cory, Le Blog

Are the Writer's Secretly Still on Strike..

Yesterday I returned home after a week of camp.
It was all good and great, but that's not what this post is about.

First of all, Cory is a little behind in the fashion world.. please excuse him.I bought a vest at the beggening of the summer in preperation for the weather.
And boy is it amazing. I love vests, and have always wanted one but up until recently I haven't ever had any money to spend.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I would like to address the issue of ABC and NBC.
ABC and NBC ha over the years put out GREAT shows, many of which you can see right here on this blog.
However, recently they have been rather lame.

I flip the t.v. on, switch over to ABC, and when the commercials roll around I nearly cry.
Titles like "I Survived a Japanese Gameshow", "Wipeout" and "Celebrity Family Feud"
It's disgusting, to be totally honest.

I SURVIVED A JAPANESE GAMESHOW is basically ten english folk, who travel to Japan to compete in a japanese gameshow..
It follows them backstage and behind the scenes, and also in the 'show-within-a-show' japanese gameshow called 'Majide'
It's all very bizzare and cheesy, in an asian sorta way.

WIPEOUT is basically MXC without the funny asian people dubbs. In my opinion, MXC was only great because of the strange mini-videos and characters, and the totally random voice-overs.
Wipeout is just a bunch of american idiots (not at all a green-day reference) running around, voluntarily hurting themselves..
Not only is it un-original.. but needs some comical work.

CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD is just family feud with celebrities. Whenever a show is changed so that it only features celebrities, its probably a good sign the show wasn't very good to begin with. And to top all of it's failing reviews off, the host is Al Roker. Need I say more? I mean its hard not to love the big guy and his catch phrases.. but I don't know how he's going to work in "your neck of the woods"

It will be interesting to see how he handles the gameshow hosting world.

So that's all.. reality shows and gameshows have lately been pretty lame.

I miss Regis and Bob.

Connor, Le Blog

The Best Spot in KC

This spot is the greatest spot in all of Kansas City. The Scout in my opinion has the second best view of downtown (The top of Liberty Memorial is number 1). You get to see nearly ever aspect of the city from this one statue in Penn Valley park. I was just down there last week and it really re-entered my heart as a great spot. The thing is, not many people are there (besides people who leave beer around it and shoot off illegal fireworks down there) because it is off the road a bit in Penn Valley Park. The Scout actually wasn't even supposed to be in Kansas City. History Lesson: The Scout was a new sculpture that was touring the United States in the twenties. It stopped in at Penn Valley Park and Kansas Cityans paid to keep it there. Thank goodness for that money. Without it, Kansas City would be down one great spot.

Cory, Le Blog

Screamo of the Spastic/Electronic Variety

Showbread is one of my new favorite bands. This is a really really crazy band. It's like if you took Family Force 5, gave them drugs, and made them better musicians. Plus, who doesn't love yet another band that uses a keytar.

Showbread's newest project is oddly enough named after an eating disorder. Anorexia/Nervosa is their incredible new two cd super project. The lead singer Josh Dies wrote a fiction story about two sisters. One who throws herself into the distractions and indulgences of the world (Nervosa) and another who tries to be so good that she ends up shutting herself away in her own temple thinking she is better than everyone else (Anorexia). In the story, Nervosa is digging a hole to the center of the earth and Anorexia is building a tower to the sky. The stories alone are extremely interesting and a great read, but they aren't just stories. Showbread made both cds like a musical soundtrack to the reading. Each passage of the story has a time marker to show you when you are supposed to reading. The whole thing is a very cool, emotional experience. I am yet to be able to experience the Anorexia side, as I just bought the cd on iTunes and that didn't include the story. But Nervosa was incredible, so I imagine Anorexia is the same.

This band is as talented as they are creative. The vocals are of the dueling variety. Lots of alternating between singing, screaming, and gang vocals. Sometimes this can just sound the same as every other cookie cutter screamo band, but Showbread does it very well. It's odd comparing them to Radiohead, but my feelings were very similar upon first listen. I didn't like either Radiohead or Showbread very much to start out with, but they both have grown on me as I realize the talent and good music that each band supplies. I really enjoy how Showbread does the electronic side of things so well. Never does the keyboard (or keytar, how awesome is that) sound thrown in or out of place. It fits in just as well as guitar or drums.

So, check out Showbread and their newest project. Unfortunately, Bestbuy ended their promotion they had. They were selling both cds for 7.99, but that ended just today. If you want just the music, buy it on iTunes for that price. But I don't recommend it, because you don't get the stories and that is the coolest part of the albums. Posted below is their video for The Pig (Nervosa).

Cory, Le Blog

Rockin' The Vest

Admission time: I am beginning to really like fashion and buying clothes and stuff like that. Sure, sounds metro or something like that, but I am comfortable enough in my masculinity to have a fashion sense. 

So now, I went to Urban Outfitters today and I bought a vest. This vest (below) to be exact:

I really like it a lot. It will be something I can wear a lot of different places. I can rock the vest for dressy or casual. Casual with just a solid color or striped (like above) shirt and Dressy with something collared or a polo under it. Also on my shopping trip today, I bought a couple of shirts from American Apparel. That is a pretty interesting store. There is literally some article of clothing in every color in the rainbow. As my brother pointed out, people at that store are interesting. "It's their job to be indifferent", Joel says. The lady that helped us out was on the phone the whole time she checked out our clothes. No personality, just get in and get out. I think I spent more money on clothes (or at least more of my own money) than I have in my life. It was surprisingly satisfying.  

Also today I bought a really interesting cd buy a band called Showbread. In a few days I will be making a post about it. I need to buy the other half of the project to make a fleshed out opinion about it. But the cds are 7.99, and have 12 songs each. So 24 songs for 16 bucks is great. Upon first listen, they seem to be in the same vein as Family Force 5. But like I said, more on them at a later date.

Cory, Le Blog

The Series, Part 6: Survive Kaleidoscope

I haven't listened to a whole lot of Underoath lately. I am kind of shifting away from the screamo, metal kind of music to a wider range of genres. It's not that I don't like it, I just have enjoyed listening to other things more. So, I decided to buy Underoath's cd/dvd dual disc, Survive Kaleidoscope before I left for camp. I am impressed at how good of a show Underoath puts on, and the cd is surprisingly good. Most live cd's aren't great and you would just rather listen to the real thing, but this one is a worthy listen by itself. Check out some performances from the DVD below.

You're Ever So Inviting: 

In Regards To Myself:

 It's Dangerous Business...: 

Writing On The Walls: 

Cory, Le Blog

The Series, Part 5: More Mute Math, Live this Time

Mute Math is the best live band ever. Yes, I said it. They put so much energy into their shows and they are so much fun. Best concert I have ever been to in my life hands down. So, you should check out these live videos posted below and go their concert this fall when they come to your town.

First off, just check out the beginning to their concerts. Gives me goosebumps everytime I see it:

Beginning of the best concert of your life (Both Collapse and Typical, the songs played here are posted below, I just wanted one streamlined video for both):

Now here is 6 or 7 songs from their live DVD, Flesh and Bones (which is worth picking up):

Collapse:

Typical:

Chaos:

Plan B:

Obsolete:

Break The Same:

Reset:

Cory, Le Blog

The Series, Part 4: Videos of Le Blog

Well, this post is just a little self promoting, but I thought I would make a little collection (there aren't many) of videos that I have been a part of. It's pretty much all music related, and all of them include both me and Connor. There are probably about 6 or 7, but I am only putting here the good ones.

Push It, IMPROV:

Punk Goes Crunk, The Cool Kids:

Those are the two best ones, so they are the only ones I feel like showing to the public right now. Another selfless plug, my band's Myspace is only a click away, right HERE

Cory, Le Blog

The Series, Part 3: Ben Rector

Ben Rector is an animal. He is so talented. Look him up on Myspace or just anywhere on the internet and listen to his music. Nearly everybody who I have showed him too has loved his music. In my opinion, Ben Rector is the best "unknown" artist I have heard of in a long time. That is the reason I wrote a post on him earlier. But you saw it here first! Ben Rector is awesome, and will be huge someday. Here is a showcase of some of his videos.

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme Song (Ben's take on it):

Bright Lights (My personal favorite):

Come Back Home:

He's great, don't deny it. These videos don't even show how awesome he is. Check him out, www.myspace.com/benrector

Cory, Le Blog

The Series, Part 2: Girl Talk (Yes, Again)

If you have read the blog lately, you know I have been falling more and more in love with Girl Talk. Well, here is a few Girl Talk related videos. The first is of Greg Gillis making a quick mash up. This man has some serious talent with this. He has this whole thing down to a science:

GG Creates a Mashup:

Some group of college kids made a video for one of Girl Talk's songs that is pretty awesome. Both as a video, and as a song, the idea excels:

Yet another fan made video for one of Girl Talk's songs. I just think this is a pretty cool video too, and this is a great way to check out his music in a creative format:

That's all. Girl Talk is a Beast. Feed The Animals is much better for just listening to for fun. But after re listening to Night Ripper, that album just absolutely rocks.

Cory, Le Blog

The Series, Part 1: Mute Math is Amazing

I have been currently at a blank for blog posts (or at least ones of substance and that people may actually be interested in), so I figured I would do a little bit of a series of posts (creatively title, The Series). All about the videos I am loving. Consider these videos, the "swiftest" of the bunch. Swift of course being synonymous with cool. Just passing on the message. I am going to be gone til Thursday and I think I will be unable to post, so I will make 4 or 5 posts and have them schedule to post over the next few days. I will start it off with this:

Mute Math Studio Vlogs:

To hold off the mass anticipation (or increase it, it is doing about both for me) for Mute Math's sophomore album, they have been releasing a few studio videos of their recording the new album. And if nothing else, these videos have showed me that Mute Math is one of the most legit bands out there. Every member has ridiculous amounts of talent and these videos just showcase them. So much must have gone into their self named album that we just never saw. Plus, seeing them live makes their mass skill undeniable.

Lavatory Loops:

Clapping:

Paul Meany is Awesome at Piano:

175 BPM:

Drum Delay:

Hyberbass:

Pyramids are Visionary?

Apples to Apples is definitely one of my favorite board games to play with lots of people. I laugh so hard and have so much fun playing it. I actually just finished a game of it with a few people, and it was awesome. I had a great time. The thing is, it is such a social game. People will talk the whole time about so many different topics. Every new card is a new conversation. I enjoy just watching other peoples reactions to cards and how they laugh at stuff and argue for their cards. Often times though (especially when playing with the lady folk), people do dumb stuff and pick dumb cards. For example, somehow my card Pyramids got picked for "Visionary", and it pretty much started an uproar. I also have had the card Bald Eagles not picked for "Patriotic", which pretty much pissed me off. But even though you may get angry during this wonderful game, you still have a lot of fun. Make sure and play it with people who are serious and pick cards that make sense. It will make it much easier on you if you think logically. And you read this blog, so I really hope that you are a normal, logical person. If you aren't, then read Connor's posts. 

P.S.: The movie Don't Mess With The Zohan may have been one of the worst movies I have ever had the displeasure of watching. Granted, I left in the first 45 minutes, but still. That 45 minutes was absolutely horrible.

After watching the video below, I hope it is impossible for you not to say Darren King, drummer for Mute Math is a sick drummer. That man moves his body faster and for longer times than anyone I have ever seen: 

For the record, I was just kidding about Connor's posts. They are wonderful and vary it up from my writing style

Cory, Le Blog

DONT PANIC! its just a !

A moment of silence, please, for the lost exclamation point.

Panic! at the Disco has become Panic at the Disco, the biggest rock & roll punctuation controversy since .38 Special dumped their decimal point.

Panic is a band, that just a year ago, wasn't widely spoken of in the music world unless the topic was: top 40, mtv, middle school obsession music.
Their music.. up until the release of Pretty Odd, has been immature to say the least. It was slightly emo, the lyrics made little to no sense, and their image was hardly unique.

So your probably wondering where I'm getting with this..


Panic! at the Disco's latest and greatest C.D., Pretty Odd blew me away. The album is pure genious.

They begin Pretty. Odd. with a psychedelic fanfare announcing, "We're so sorry we've been gone/We were busy writing songs for — you!" You don't have to check the notes to guess they mixed the horns and strings at Abbey Road. A Sgt. Pepper wardrobe is just the beggening.

Like any growing emo band, Panic wanted to make a Seventies-style art-rock epic. But where My Chemical Romance aim for Queen and the Killers imitate Bruce Springsteen, Panic went for ELO circa "Mr. Blue Sky."

They still try to pick up chicks with lines like "You remind me of a few of my famous friends" or "We should feed our jewelry to the sea," in ballads with titles like "Nine in the Afternoon" and "That Green Gentleman." Yet the songs have the same catchy glitz as the band's breakthrough hit, "I Write Sins Not Tragedies."

The tunes are often beautiful, especially "Northern Downpour" and "She's a Handsome Woman," while "Mad as Rabbits" has a horn section beamed in from the Beatles' "Savoy Truffle."
Even when it's over the top, which is too much I sadly admit, Pretty. Odd. sounds cheerful, with a broad sense of humor that does honor to the noble legacy of ELO mastermind Jeff Lynne.

Now ask yourself, "Self? Is Panic more Pretty than Odd?"

If your answer is "Yes!"

Your either gay, or have good taste..

OR BOTH!

unless of course your definition of Odd isnt overly strange.. but rather different, in a necesary for me to listen to them sorta way.

REGARDLESS -- Pretty Odd is Pretty, Odd, and Pretty Odd.. take it or leave it

Connor, Le Blog

The Whirly Cup

I just watched Death Cab's new video for their song No Sunlight, and first off, it was hilarious. It has them playing a game called Whirlyball and performing in a Whirlyball court. Now, this obscure video would not seem NEARLY as hilarious if I hadn't played Whirlyball multiple time. I have had two or three family gatherings playing this and a youth group event devoted to this totally random sport. My brother and my cousin also were ridiculously good at the game and made it miserable for everyone else by running up the score.

But anyway, I digress. The video is hilarious. Ben Gibbard looks very Schrute-ish with his athletic protector goggles. For some reason multiple members of the band have grown caveman beards, which I did not realize. And in the video they are playing their games against like 4 teams of little kids, so the beards make it that much funnier. 

I haven't listened to this album much, but I liked the song and the video, so maybe I will take a 45 minute break from Girl Talk-ing it up and check it out. Video is posted below.

Cory, Le Blog

Comic Book Plots Done Right

I am addicted to Heroes again. My sister bought the first season used on DVD and after watching one or two discs I stole the rest from her. I have watched some 18 episodes in like 4 days. This is reminiscent of my experiences watching Lost and Alias on DVD with my sister Abby.  Basically, whoever though of TV on DVD is an evil genius. You sit down to watch one episode and 3 hours and 4 episodes later you are mad that you just wasted all that. These horribly wonderful shows typically end up in many, "Hey, do you see what time it is?" moments. I have watched all these Heroes episodes before, but I never absorbed this show like I did Lost (which I am addicted to). But the first season of Heroes is up there with the second season of Lost and the second season of The Office. I guess I judge these by how much I enjoy each of them, and these three are some of my favorite shows ever. I can't wait til Fall when the new season of Heroes comes back on. The second season was generally pretty weak and cut way short by the writer's strike. Hopefully season of three returns to the form of Season 1. 

You could compare Season 2 of Heroes to Season 4 of The Office. I thoroughly enjoyed both, but the writer's strike really hurt both of them. It took until the last couple episodes for The Office to really come back to form. I am hoping Season 5 for my favorite comedy is much better than 4 was. But since this post is really about Heroes I should probably end with a few things about the show:

-Peter Petrelli is an absolute BA.

-The special effects on this show are pretty awesome.

-There is no shortage of very attractive people on this show (I say this from mine and my sister's observations).

-J.J. Abrams had a hand in it (I think?) so that automatically makes it great because he is the King Midas of the entertainment biz (everything he touches has extreme success).

-The film style is awesome. You really feel like you are watching a comic book come to life.

-Heroes is a diamond in the rough in the seemingly mediocre (but improving, Iron Man was great) comic book entertainment business.

____________________________

I know I just had a post about Girl Talk, but Feed The Animals is one of the best cd's I have heard in a long time. Top 5 best cd's of the year so far hands down. I can't stop listening to it. Lil' Mama and Metallica used in perfect unison. One of the coolest music moments of my short 15 years.

Cory, Le Blog

Creating A Monster

Any man who can combine Elton John’s, Tiny Dancer, with Notorious B.I.G. inside the same song without getting shot is pretty incredible in my book. Greg Gillis makes unholy unions all over the place under the name Girl Talk. After a trip to Olathe to visit my sister and her friends, I have fallen back in love with Girl Talk. Basically, Gillis is a DJ who takes tons of samples from songs of all genres and combines them into songs. Listening through, you will find yourself saying stuff like, “whoa, that is the guitar solo from Say it Ain’t So by Weezer!” or “hey, that part is from (insert song here)”. It really is pretty awesome. He also makes some great dance music with all his cool Frankenstein-esque mixing and matching. That is my best way of describing Girl Talk.

Girl Talk builds a new Frankenstein monster with each of his songs. It is really cool to watch the songs change and hear how he takes completely different kinds of music and makes it into something totally new and cool. His beats in each song pull the songs together into a real song. It should sound random and crazy, but there is a certain perfecting to his created chaos. 

Sidenote: The guy is a freaking scientist. Like his actual job is in a lab where he works with a bunch of old people. None of them know that he is an incredible DJ

His newest CD has been released on his record label, Illegal Art, website and is available with the Radiohead style pay-what-you-want pricing structure (link posted at bottom). Speaking of Radiohead, both 15 Step and Paranoid Android are used on his newest CD. Reason enough for you to head over there, select 0 for how much you want to pay and download it. I like his new CD Feed The Animals a lot more than Night Ripper. But that is just me.

If you see me blasting this in a car, look away please. I will be dancing very embarrassingly and I don’t want you to see me.

GIRL TALK ALBUM DOWNLOAD

HIS MYSPACE

Cory, Le Blog

The Bait Shop

Not many people will admit this, but pretty much the reason I am cool is my brother, Joel. He introduced me to the music I love, my favorite store, and just basically is awesome. Now, if you want to be cool like I am (because of him), you should read his blog. Really it’s all about things he likes and is a lot better written and easier to read than this here blog. Also, his blog seems to have taken the same turn that mine (I could say ours, but Connor has lately been pretty much M.I.A. on here) has. He started it with his best friend Daniel but Daniel only includes the occasional post. So really, read the blog. It’s called The Bait Shop due to the concert place on The O.C. (a shared love of both me and Joel).

Here is the link to the blog

HERE

And I can’t write a post and not include something here on the bottom (typically a Youtube video), so here is a song I am really into lately, The Fight by The Classic Crime:

Cory, Le Blog

ugh.. a come back

To be perfectly honest, I no longer MAKE time to blog. Lately my schedule has been: sleep, work, sleep, work, work, and hang out. Notice the absense of the word BLOG in that little quote unquote, schedule.

Anyways.. I have currently MADE time.. so enjoy it while it lasts.

This post will be.. random things to say the least.

First topic of interest.. COLDPLAY. I agree entirely with Cory's statements, and it was a phenomenal C.D. I intend to purchase tickets to their November show at the Sprint Center. But thats besides the point. I am not going to elaborate on the latter of the existing posts, but instead propose a somewhat radical claim.

According to Creaky Boards, a Brooklyn Indie band, the melody of Viva La Vida is strikingly similar to that of their own track, ironically entitled The Songs I Didn't Write.

I thought this video was humerous.. and can possibly further your knowledge on the topic

Why would Coldplay steal a song? They have enough money, dont you think? They already pay proffessional song writers.. why steal a no-name bands melody?
It wouldn't make sense that they do such a thing.. but it does make you wonder.. and not in an Adam Levine sorta way, either.

next item on the agenda..
The Middle Man

When I first saw the previews for ABC Family's new original series, THE MIDDLE MAN, I thought.. great; another kids show, taking time on the air away from the few witty shows that still remain on ABC Family.
But upon watching the first episode.. I was highly impressed.
The show is really, everything I could ever want in a show.
It was full of wit, pop culture references, punch-lines, and abnormalities.
It was extremely strange, however I enjoyed it.
I can't explain it.. But it's now my new favorite show.

Go to the following website, and press the middle man. Watch the first episode, and be amazed.
http://abc.go.com/player/?lid=ABCCOMGlobalMenu&lpos=FEP

And lastly,
24 is awesome.
Jack Bauer is a savage.

Thats all.

Connor, Le Blog

Viva La Vida

First off, let me thank music blog aggregator, elbo.ws, for making this post possible. It basically allowed me to legally “steal” most of the songs of Coldplay’s new album.

To preface my review/opinions of Viva La Vida, let me say this. I used to be a HUGE Coldplay fan. I bought X&Y the day it came out and was in love with Coldplay for a long time. My story with them pretty well mirrors my story with Death Cab For Cutie. I have falling in and out of love with them for a long time. This cd is again, my “couple’s counseling” as I like to say with one of my past favorite bands.

Basically, Coldplay finally realized that they couldn’t release the same cd 4 times with just a different name. I have to say that I feel like a lot of their music sounds generally the same. They typical included a basic electric guitar riff and pretty simple drums and bass.

But with Viva La Vida, I finally feel like Coldplay sat down and put some time into their songs. Granted, they had like 2 ½ years to make this album. On these songs, they actually develop. It may start quiet and build to something more. Or it may start one way and end a completely different way than you expected. They didn’t stick to the typical, verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus, song structure.

Plus, these songs are just so cool. The strings used in Viva La Vida (song, not whole album) are so well put together and arranged. It makes me not even care that drums are generally non-existent. This is the perfect example of what makes Viva La Vida (album) so great. They didn’t need to just have piano be the main part of the music. Other instruments are used in the background (bells for example) that makes it great.

Some other standouts I feel on the album are the instrumental Life In Technicolor, Death and All His Friends, and Cemeteries of London. Violet Hill also shows the new edgier side of Coldplay

So, overall, I really, really like this cd. Granted I haven’t actually gotten the real cd, and I have only listened to it for two days but it is really growing on me. I like to see Coldplay get creative and not be the sometimes-boring old Coldplay we know and sometimes love. Hopefully this is a sign of a continuing change in their music.

Now I can’t write a post about Coldplay and NOT mention the awesome iTunes commercial they put out for Viva l,a Vida. It’s posted below along with another great Coldplay Apple ad.

Also, I have to mention that Coldplay recently released a track pack for Guitar Hero 3, which I can’t imagine being fun, but it may be worth checking out as a Coldplay fan. Like I said, most of their songs have really boring guitar parts, which isn’t a good fit for GUITAR Hero. Maybe a future Piano Hero though.

Cory, Le Blog

The Whaler (Dustin Kensrue Is The Man)

Thrice’s, The Whaler (posted above), may be one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. I know that Thrice is my favorite band and I am kind of biased, but Kensrue just has a flat out beautiful voice. 

For a while, the song is just pretty basic. There is a basic little ocean-y drum beat and some piano. But at the 2:51 mark, I get chills every time. The singing is so awesome he doesn’t need to say a word. He just makes this “ah” noise and carries it out for a long time. At 3:26, everything drops out and it is just the one vocal harmony. It is just such an awesome sounding vocal arrangement. I wouldn’t have needed all the instruments for this song, just that last part. But I heard it today after not hearing it for a while and I just realized how incredible it was, so I decided to share it with you all.

Great acoustic performance of it. Basically Dustin Kensrue is the man: 

In Honor of The Cool Kids...

After writing our joint blog post, Connor and I decided to throw together a little music project. 

Basic guitar chords + Connor rapping + The Cool Kids lyrical genius =

Thank you for watching Punk Goes Crunk, Cool Kids style.

Cory (and Connor in spirit), Le Blog

Reasons you know you are in "The Office"

This is the first of many joint Connor-Cory blog posts:

In honor of our mutual infatuation of David Letterman and The Office, we have decided to make a Top Ten style list of ways (we actually have 20) you can tell that you work at Dunder-Mifflin paper company.

You hear “That’s What She Said” more than you hear a phone ring.

Your boss wears woman’s “power-suits” to work.

You sell paper for a living.

Your top salesmen owns a bed and breakfast/60 acre working beet farm

One of your co-workers changed his name due to anger management issues

The way into the Regional Manager position is by winning “Beach Day”.

Two months ago your Vice President of Operations was a temp.

After 14 years of service to the company, the warehouse guys STILL make more money than your boss.

You come to work and find your desk in the bathroom.

After 3 years of working with the same people, you still have no idea what half of them do.

Your boss organizes stakeouts to prevent downsizing.

Your new HR rep is convinced that a normal employee is retarded.

“Movie Monday” is your boss’ way of increasing productivity.

After burning his foot on a Foreman grill, your boss is convinced he is disabled.

Your “Resident Senior” steals a co-workers wedding; flowers, design, dress, invitations, initials. Literally everything.

Your boss almost commits suicide…pretending to commit suicide.

The tough warehouse director plays a synthesizer in his free time.

You attend a mandatory safety training to become informed on the dangers of “carpal tunnel syndrome”.

Your boss insults the resident gay not realizing that he actually is a homosexual.

Your salesman occupies himself during meetings with the daily crossword puzzle.

Cory and Connor, Le Blog

Ignore Your Homophobia...

What a wonderful investment. Last week, I bought a pair of these incredible sandals by Rainbow at Pac-Sun. I normally never go into that store, but I decided to go in because I needed something to replace my crappy flip-flops. I spent a good deal of money (45$) on a good pair, but I think they are worth it. For the longest time I was just wearing a crappy little pair of like 5 dollar Old Navy sandals. It’s safe to say I will never ever go back. These new sandals are more durable, comfortable, and better looking than a lot out there. I have not put a regular pair of shoes on once since buying them. So, pretty much I spent 45$ on a new pair of summer shoes. Some people give me grief for obsessing about these wonder-sandals, but I don’t really care. They are incredible.

So, check them out for yourselves. Sure they aren’t cheap, but Rainbow guarantees them until the sole wears through. Ignore your homo-phobic side (yeah, I know you were thinking it) and buy them.

Cory, Le Blog

The Greatest Group Game Ever

Sorry for the long hiatus of blog posts. I was in Florida at a church camp and Connor was also at church camp. I didn’t really have the internet or the time to write anything so here is my first post since coming back from camp. It is about a music game that I and that world has come to love.

Rock Band in my opinion is one of the best group activities known to man. As a youth group we were down on our way to Florida and it just so happens the church we are staying at has Rock Band. So, here are 3 plastic instruments. 2 completely fake guitars and a plastic drumset. But what is crazy is, these people are into it like they are really playing the real instrument. The drummer really thinks that she/he can play the instrument. As an actual drummer, it pains me to hear it because they are off rhythm and hit the drums way too loud. But it is great because for that moment, they feel like a real rock star. One girl went so far as to say, “I’m good, I should play real drums!” Granted she was playing on easy and got about a 65% percent, but still. It shows how this game tricks your brain into thinking you are really playing an instrument in a Rock Band.

We spent 3 hours playing the same 12 songs and nobody once complained about hearing one song too much or anything. Each time it is different because they enjoy seeing people enjoy themselves playing out their rock star fantasies. Of course, I own the game, so I am pretty good at it (better than most people here) but I don’t need to play to have fun. I enjoy just watching other people enjoy themselves. It drives me insane to hear drums banged on loudly (I also hate feedback in concert atmospheres or during band practice, my blogging partner can vouch for that).

I just recently bought the drum set for the game, and it is an incredible piece of plastic. I can close my eyes on the expert level and just play, because it is just like playing real drums. I have beat nearly the whole career on expert just because I play drums in real life. It just goes to show that when a product is designed well it can be that close to the real thing. I think if somebody is playing Rock Band drums and expert, it would transfer nearly directly over to a real set.

So, if you are ever in need of a great group game, look at Rock Band. People may be nervous to try it, but it’s like heroin. They try it once and they will want to do it again all night. (That sounds bad, but it really is a good thing). My dad who never plays video games sat down to play one song and stayed for 4 more. Plus, if you can keep any sort of a 4/4 beat you can play drums on medium and impress all your friends. People are amazed when I play the easiest song in the game on expert and do well. It may cost a lot of money but Rock Band is definitely worth the investment.

I leave you with a video of someone who has spent WAY too much time perfecting this game. It's ridiculous:

Cory, Le Blog