Funplex!

Not much to post today, but I thought I'd post the video for the B-52's new single, "Funplex", the title track from their new disc. Look for the extra in the video with the bones on his sleeves. That's one of my all time best buddies, Don. I'm very proud of him, 'cause he's always been on of the B-52's biggest fans. Good on ya, Don!

Kimura Kaela +1

Kimura Kaela's fourth new album, "+1", has been released today and it's a beauty. I like it very much and I think it's better than her last album, "Scratch".

She has made the complete transformation from pop/rock songstress to more dance oriented material. As a result, this album is much more harder driving, darker (as illustrated by the cover... screws?) and less eclectic than her last endeavours. The opening song, "NO IMAGE", is a true departure for Kaela. It's made good on the promise of her last, pre album, single, "Jasper" as a techno/rave type rocker. "Jasper" follows immediately, continuing the techno theme, and then into "Yellow"; a hard, alternative rocker. Another new song then follows, "STARs". This song is also her current single. It has a great hook and a fun singalong chorus.

The rest of the album flows along quite smoothly; much more smoothly than "Scratch". You might think I'm not a fan of that album, but you'd be wrong. It's just that "Scratch" is a little too experimental and quirky. Then again, "+1" doesn't have anything as instantly catchy as "L. Drunk" or "Ground Control". A matter of taste, I guess.

There're a few things that are a little distressing about "+1", however. The placing of "NO IMAGE" and "Jasper" back to back is a little jarring. I think "Jasper" would've served itself better towards the end of the album. "Yellow" feels better following "NO IMAGE" as well.

I can't understand why Kaela's B-Side cover of Farrah's "No Reason Why" would get album status, while "Honey B", a B-side that actually was quite popular was left off. I'm not saying this because "No Reason Why" is in English, while "Honey B" is mostly in Japanese, like some critics are saying. It's just that "Honey B" would've felt better in context of the album.

Speaking of context... The last song, "Humpty Dumpty" is extremely puzzling to me. The song, a sort of ballad, just doesn't jibe at all with the rest of the material on the album. Strange.

So, it sounds like I'm disliking this album, but I'm not. It's her strongest album since "Circle" and the songs that do click (90%), click hard.

So, here's to Kaela! Congrats on another album well done!

(You can get your copy at http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/ for a more than fair price!)

The Who's AMAZING (vinyl) JOUNEY

***Normally, I'd post a picture of the Album, but the thing is too big for my scanner! Marvellous! In short, go to Best Buy and get yer ass a copy of this 'un! Until then. read on...***

I'm possibly the very last person to want to do any promotion for the beast that is Best Buy. They're not the devil that Walmart is, but they're close. Still, I can't help but to throw buckets of praise for their decision to release the "Amazing Journey: The Story Of The Who" compilation on a 2 RECORD SET in addition to the CD version. That's right! RECORDS! Vinyl! Like, for a turntable. I'm listening to it right now and it's astounding. The Albums are pressed on 180g vinyl (with a black "Track Records" label!) and they sound incredible. It's packaged in a lovely gate fold sleeve with a book(let). I didn't see the CD version, but I'm inclined to believe the book is a full size 12" X 12" version of the CD booklet.

I've said it before on numerous occasions, but I feel it bears repeating:

No matter how well packaged a "Special Edition" CD is, it will never beat a well packaged Vinyl Edition. Why? Well, size, for one thing. Yes, it does matter. I do buy new vinyl from time to time when I have the opportunity (which, sadly, isn't often), but I'm always awestruck when I do. The vinyl always has a certain weight the Digital version can't seem to possess. Some call it presence, others call it compression... I just feel it sounds more "in the room" than Digital CD. Clicks and pops? Not if the vinyl is well cared for. Static? A little, but who listens to music in a vacuum? There is always extra noise hanging about.

And the packaging! A CD will give you either a Jewel Case with a couple pieces of paper or a digipack and a plastic disc; usually on a spindle. Vinyl covers, or slipcases are much more aesthetically pleasing. The artwork isn't a chore to see (i.e. no squinting). Indeed, when I flipped the book on the vinyl version to the back page and I was faced with the original four members of The Who from the "Who Are You" Photo sessions looking much bigger than their 12" X 12" size, I was bowled over. Man, you can actually SEE them. See what they look like.

Maybe Best Buy can be encouraged by their "exclusive" vinyl excursion enough to put a small vinyl section in their stores. Nothing major, just exclusive, limited vinyl pressings of their best sellers. I mean, Hot Topic can do it, why can't they take a loss? They're so-called "Loss Leaders", right?

My Sassy Girl: The Remake Trailer Is Finally Out!!!!!

So, here it is. I suppose this means it'll be out sometime soon.

The good: It looks like a straight remake, without much embellishment. This means, while the remake is totally unnecessary, at least it's faithful.

The bad: It looks like the film's straightforward violence is going to be toned down a bit to make THE GIRL more lovable to American audiences. The mood of the subway slapping scene is different. She smiles too much. The best friend role to the male lead is totally unneeded. He doesn't need a sidekick.

Here's the trailer. See what you think...

If you go to my Review of "Run Fat Boy Run"...

...which you can get to here, you'll see I've updated it with a widget. A widget is a flash window that contains information and more about the movie. This widget is a promo for "Run Fat Boy Run" that's coming out on March 28th, 2008 and it contains a game called "Blister Bash" (if you heard a farting noise, that was the widget's "Blister Bash" game calling you). Bust the blisters on Dennis' (Simon Pegg) feet for a chance to win a private screening of the movie for you and 25 friends. Go on, now. Do it. You know you wanna...

I've created another blog...

My favorite all time group, Love Psychedelico, is making it's US CD debut at the end of April so I created a new blog about it (thedelico.blogspot.com). "The Another World" (a line from their song, "Right Now") is a fansite that will both promote and chronicle Love Psychedelico's emergence into he American music market.

Have a look. Click on the link below to go there...

Dr. Goldfoot and the Gril Bombs!

Hulu is threatening to become the video monster of the Internet. I hope the site builds on the material it has right now, because there are some gems! Below, you'll find the FULL LENGTH FEATURE, "Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs", directed by Mario Bava. Why is this so special? It's not available on US Video, it starrs the inimitable and it's kind of a lost Bava film. The reason? Well, it's kinda terrible but totally watchable and it's here in all of it's wide screen glory. There are some other AIP titles there, too, including the marvellous "Comedy Of Terrors" and the first Dr. Goldfoot flick, "Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine".

So, here, fellow shockedelicicos, is the AIP Feature:

"Doctor Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs"