Author: UncaScroogeMcD

  • Win FUTURAMA: INTO THE WILD GREEN YONDER on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Fox Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of FUTURAMA: INTO THE WILD GREEN YONDER on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 18th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 18th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win STREET GANG: THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF SESAME STREET!

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    In conjunction with Viking Press, we’re giving away five (5) copies of STREET GANG: THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF SESAME STREET.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 18th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 18th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • SModcast 77

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    Your TextSModcast is the meandering palaver of a pair of dudes whose voices are so dull, they don’t deserve to be on the radio (and, hence, aren’t). Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier are SModcast.The best thing about SModcast? It don’t cost nothing.

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    SModcast 77: Nipple Rot –

    In which our heroes trudge through the DMZ, examine various creams and elixirs, and rocket into the future.

    [CONTENT WARNING] SModcast features harsh language and even harsher notions of propriety. Listener discretion is advised.

    DOWNLOAD: (right click to save)
    SModcast 77 (MP3 format) – 53.36 MB

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    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes
    Subscribe to this Podcast via FeedBurner

    Wanna add your two cents? Spend it here, in the SModcast mailbag.

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    CLICK HERE FOR THE SMODCAST ARCHIVES

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  • Backlash: Best Picture? Hardly.

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    The Oscars are coming, whether we like it (or care) or not. The disappointment felt by fans and the event’s organizers over the snub of The Dark Knight has finally died down and the campaigning has hit the home stretch, even if the economy has subdued the usual onslaught of in-your-face begging this time around (thank God).

    I never subscribed to the notion that The Dark Knight had to get the big nominations to vindicate it as a good film or to somehow make the Oscars relevant to current audiences. But the films that were nominated were one of the weakest sets of nominees in recent history. Be that as it may, I do think I have figured out the logic – instead of giving us a film to root for in The Dark Knight, the Academy has given us something better; a film to root against.

    I am speaking, of course, of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, one of the most excruciating 3 hours you’ll ever spend in a theater and I’m counting watching uncensored footage of Nazi war atrocities. Based on a story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the movie follows in the tradition of films like The Bridges of Madison County in that you could probably read the original story enough times to memorize it in the time it takes to get to the final reel. The Academy saw fit to give this cinematic forced march 13 nominations, the most of any film in the mix this year. The only choice that could have possibly been a bigger slap in the face to any other potential nominee would have been to nominate the mini-series masquerading as theatrical film, Australia. Thankfully, there’s a cash crisis at the moment which means there isn’t enough money in Hollywood to buy that thing an Oscar, even if they did manage to slap in one of the film’s stars as host this year.

    Back to the crapfest at hand. I’m on record as saying that I think Brad Pitt is a good actor and he’s definitely worthy of an Oscar. Having said that, I have an aversion bordering upon hive inducing allergy towards obvious Oscar-bait and Benjamin Button is one of those films that is the awards equivalent to dynamite fishing. There’s not a person involved with the project that didn’t sign on because they thought it would be a ‘marquee’ film. It’s not that I object to artistic films, it’s that I object to films that could have been artistic and even good, only to see them become bloated, overbearing, ponderous wastes of celluloid and worse, the viewer’s time. Pitt’s been on this track for a while now – just take a look at the equally long, ponderous but definitely more entertaining Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Lesson learned in that film: don’t let an up and coming actor steal the spotlight in your Oscar-bait. Not a problem with Benjamin Button.

    The first time I sat through the film, it was like being slowly beaten to death by a mob of dwarves wielding NERF bats. After seeing that it was getting some buzz, I tried getting through it again, in case I somehow “just didn’t get it”.

    This time, it was like the dwarves had ditched the foam weapons and had instead resorted to punching me in the groin.

    Wearing gauntlets.

    With spikes.

    By the midway point, I was about ready to gouge my own eyes out using the scoop from the over priced nachos. I am now fairly convinced that I didn’t “miss” anything and that the film just sucks.

    Of course, the one flaw in the logic of having something to root against is that there has to be something you’d rather see win. While I’d like to see just about any film win that isn’t Benjamin Button, I can’t say that any of the other nominees really scream that they deserve the award, either. Frost / Nixon is good if only to prove once again that the best actors to portray Richard Nixon on film originate from outside the United States. Sorry, Rich Little – looks like other people are finally pushing their way into material that has been exclusively yours since sometime during the Carter administration. Milk, with Sean Penn’s critically acclaimed (for good reason) performance as San Francisco’s slain gay rights pioneer, Harvey Milk, is good but not Best Picture good.

    The Reader, you ask? Oh, for fuck’s sake, let’s get over this wave of trying to find some kind of sympathy for those poor, misunderstood Nazis, already. They were fucking Nazis! There’s a reason the word “Nazi” has become shorthand for “evil, villainous prick”. I don’t care if we do get to see Kate Winslett’s boobies (like we haven’t seen those before), I’ve now had enough of this little genre that has helped bring us overblown bullshit like Valkyrie and manipulative crap like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Yeah, I know, the world isn’t all black and white. I don’t believe anybody ever got up every day and told themselves “damn, I’m evil” in the mirror (except, possibly, Dick Cheney). But let’s put things in perspective before we find ourselves in the middle of a screening for a warm, fuzzy retelling of the life of Hitler. The reason Nazis make great recurring villains in popular entertainment is because they were some of the most horrible, scum-sucking human beings to ever cast a shadow on the face of the Earth. They earned that horrible distinction and it’s gonna stick to ’em like stink on shit for eternity. So, no, I won’t be casting a vote for The Reader. Sorry, Kate, maybe next year.

    Which pretty much leaves us with Slumdog Millionaire. Is it Best Picture good, either? Uhm, well, no. Is it a better film than Frost / Nixon or Milk? I can’t really say that, either. What I can say is that it isn’t like watching a dramatized version of a History Channel documentary, which earns it a few extra points in my book. It holds together well, travels at a better pace than the other two films and is just a little more watchable. Plus, it has a cool, Bollywood-esque number at the end that would have only helped any of the other films nominated this year. But this is a long way from being a film that people behind the big broadcast would have liked to promote as a ‘popular favorite’.

    Of course, this will be a different kind of Oscar ceremony by the Academy’s own admission. A more “intimate” (read: cheaply produced) ceremony with supposed new twists. Okay, this isn’t an episode of Law & Order, it’s an awards ceremony, people. About the only major change you could make that would make anybody give a damn would be a new rule that states winners must be present to win. To make things even more interesting would be the way the award would then be given to a nominee who is present: an all out fight to the death with the last one standing coming away with the Oscar. Just think of how much the audience would hope the winner for Best Supporting Actress couldn’t make the ceremony so Hugh Jackman could ask the stage hands to drop the cage and roll out the pudding vat. Not only that but it stands to open up the categories for other artists in the future. Anything short of that is just a cheat to the viewers.

    The Academy Awards will be presented live on Sunday, February 22nd. Place your bets now.

  • Weekend Shopping Guide 2/20/09: Chefsapoppin’

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    The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the Quick Stop Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

    It’s a shame that Gordon Ramsay is mostly known for the over-produced Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares when his UK output is so wonderfully engaging. Case in point – and well worth checking out – is his celebration of food, The F Word (BFS, Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP), which finds Ramsay tackling a different menu item each week in his F Word restaurant, which also includes a celebrity component and trips into the field. Also, as a way of showing the viewers and his kids where the food on the dinner table comes from and give them more of an appreciation, a different animal each season is raised by the Gordon clan, and then served at the end of the season. This season found them raising six turkeys. The 3-disc set features all 7 episodes, but sadly no bonus features.

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    I should have spotlighted this last week with the re-released Back To The Future DVDs, but as there’s no time machine currently available, I’ll just have to let you know now about the pretty darn nifty Back To The Future license plate replica ($29.99 SRP). You probably don’t own a Delorean, but I’m sure it’ll look just fine on your beat up Toyota Camry. Just be sure you remember that it’s not legal to use it in place of your real plates.

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    One of the few shows I actively miss is Showtime’s late, lamented piece of macabre humor, Dead Like Me, about a group of “Reapers” tasked with delivering the souls of the just-about-to-be-deceased to the afterlife right before their often grisly deaths. If you’re unfamiliar with the show, the best way to go is the brand new Dead Like Me: Complete Collection (MGM, Not Rated, DVD-$69.98 SRP), which features not only the two seasons of the original run, but also the brand-new direct-to-video movie that picks up with the characters a few years down the line, and is good enough to leave me wanting more.

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    Some have attacked it as “snarky” or “one-sided”, but I’m not entirely sure what film they were seeing, as I found Bill Maher’s Religulous (Lionsgate, Rated R, DVD-$29.95 SRP) to be a pretty even-handed attempt to try and figure out what makes those of a religious bent believe the things they believe. All I can say is to give it a spin and come to your own conclusion. Bonus features include an audio commentary, deleted scenes, and a reel of Maher’s monologues from around the world.

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    Sleuthing angel of death Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) returns to her suspicious ways in the complete ninth season of Murder She Wrote (Universal, Not Rated, DVD-$49.98 SRP). The 5-disc set features all 22 episodes. Be sure to see if you can figure out all the ways she committed the crimes.

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    Another week, another high definition catalogue upgrade – this time it’s the still great Boondock Saints (Fox, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$34.98 SRP). The special edition features a air of audio commentaries (the Billy Connolly one alone is worth the price of admission), deleted scenes, and outtakes.

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    The fifth season of Sabrina The Teenage Witch (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP) finds our rapidly aging lead entering college and rooming with Punky Brewster (Soleil Moon Frye). Oh, Punky. The 3-disc set features all 22 episodes.

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    I know it’s been praised and it has quite a pedigree, but I found Changeling (Universal, Rated R, DVD-$29.98 SRP) – the true story of a mother (Angelina Jolie) whom police reunite with her kidnapped son, against her protestations that the boy is not her real child – to be a turgid, airless affair for so interesting a conceit. Maybe director Clint Eastwood’s minimalism found a flick that was calling out for a little more oomph. Bonus materials include an in-depth featurette on Eastwood and Jolie, and a look at the real Christine Collins.

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    It’s not one of his better films, but there’s enough Friday-night popcorn thriller energy to Ridley Scott’s Body Of Lies (Warner Bros., Rated R, DVD-$34.99 SRP) to make it worth a look-see. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a CIA agent on the hunt for a terrorist, whose search is orchestrated by an agent back at the home office (Russell Crowe). What unfolds is your basic “Who do you trust?” thriller. Bonus features include an audio commentary, additional scenes, and featurettes. A Blu-Ray edition ($35.99 SRP) is also available with identical bonus features, plus BD Live capabilities.

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    Barbra Streisand’s directorial opus Yentl (MGM, Rated PG, DVD-$29.99 SRP) arrived back on DVD in a new 2-disc edition, featuring a brand new extended director’s cut, an introduction from Barbra, audio commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes, Streisand’s 8mm concept film, galleries, and more.

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    Equal parts Losin’ It and American Pie, Extreme Movie (Genius, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP) is an attempt by a crapload of writers to make an over-the-top flick about a group of teenagers making that oh-so-important transition into manhood – mostly involving awkwardness and midgets. Bonus features include an audio commentary and a making-of featurette.

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    They’re certainly not his finest or most memorable films, but Warners has decided to dip into the vaults for what its branding as the “Paul Newman Film Series”. The five films being released are The Helen Morgan Story, The Silver Chalice, When Time Ran Out, Rachel, Rachel, and The Outrage (Warner Bros., Not Rated/Rated PG/Rated R, DVD-$19.98 SRP each). Don’t expect gems, but they’re good to have out, nonetheless.

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    The High School Musical hubbub leaves me cold, but I know there are easily dozens of teens that will eagerly snap up the big screen iteration of the quickly aging teens’ tuneful adventures, High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Walt Disney, Rated G, DVD-$34.99 SRP). The 3-disc set features an extended cut of the movie, deleted scenes, cast goodbyes, a sing along, bloopers, and more. A Blu-Ray edition ($39.99 SRP) is also available, which adds exclusive senior awards and cast profiles. If that weren’t enough, fans can also pick up the Blu-Ray edition of the original High School Musical: Remix Edition (Walt Disney, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$34.99 SRP).

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    I really wanted to like the adaptation of Toby Young’s How To Lose Friends & Alienate People (MGM, Rated R, DVD-$27.98 SRP) – about a British journalist eager to rub elbows with celebrities yet loves to expose them – if only because the book was a good read and the film stars Simon Pegg and Jeff Bridges. But what I found was viewing experience best summed up by the word “flat”. Sad, really. Bonus features include audio commentaries and a making-of featurette.

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    The Clampett’s adventures in the land cement ponds continues in the full, official, and sparkling release of the complete third season of The Beverly Hillbillies (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$49.98 SRP). Ignore all of those awful collections of public domain episodes and support the continued release of these official versions. The 5-disc set features all 34 episodes, plus a featurette, original episode sponsor openings and closings, and a photo gallery.

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    We’ve finally caught up with the current season with the release of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 8 (Universal, Not Rated, DVD-$59.98 SRP). The 5-disc set contains all 22 episodes, but there’s not a single bonus feature in sight.

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    So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…

    -Ken Plume

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  • Ken P. D. Snyde-Cast #83: We Are Mighty

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    Adult Swim’s Dana Snyder and FRED’s Ken Plume set out to have a literate conversation between two pals, but inevitably devolve into a verbal, and funny, free-for-all full of bickering, infighting, and the special kind of male bonding that comes from conflict expressed through the podcast medium.

    Actor/comedian/raconteur Dana Snyder, you’re certainly aware, is Aqua Teen Hunger Force’s Master Shake, Squidbillies‘ Granny, Minoriteam’s Dr. Wang, and The Venture Bros.‘ Alchemist. Available for weddings and bar mitzvahs (bat availability pending), you can keep tabs on him via his website, www.eyeofthesnyder.com.

    Ken Plume is the editor-in-chief here at FRED. He is a friend of Dana’s, as well as his arch-nemesis.

    VISIT THE SNYDECAST EXPERIENCE

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    KEN P.D. SNYDECAST #83: We Are Mighty – Ken & Dana return with tales of everything they’ve done, from burlesque excitement in the steamy south to live webcam shows with puppets. Ken also plugs the online charity event RedNoseNet.com.

    [CONTENT WARNING]: This podcast may contain some foul language and horribly off-color jokes. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

    DOWNLOAD: (right click to save)
    Episode #83 (MP3 format)

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/snydecast/ken_p_d_snyde_cast-83.mp3]

    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes

    Got something to say? E-mail Dana & Ken at the Snydecast mailbag.

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    CLICK HERE FOR THE SNYDECAST ARCHIVES

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  • Masters Of Song Fu #3: Round 2 Challenge Revealed!

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    We here at Quick Stop Entertainment are true lovers of music, in all its forms. We’re also quite keen on the spirit of competition, and of spurring creativity through said competition.

    To that end, we launched a brand new form of creative combat here at the Stop.

    In this age of manufactured and painfully earnest talent contests, we’ve decided to instead shine a light on the quirky, quixotic underworld of musicians that don’t get nearly the attention they deserve.

    Ah, but I did mention that there was a competition involved…

    We invited 28 challengers to pick up the thrown-down gauntlet (You know, some spares as well). 26 Responded in time.

    Like a songwriting version of Iron Chef, these 26 competitors are presented with a very specific songwriting challenge. They’ll be given one week to complete their songs – however they see fit, within the parameters set forth – after which time the entries will be uploaded to Quick Stop to be voted on by you, the readers.

    In past editions of Song Fu, we’ve used these votes to eliminate Challengers as we’ve progressed from Challenge to Challenge. For this cycle, however, we’ve decided that all of the Challengers will be able to compete in every Challenge, and the Challenger with the most cumulative votes after the 3 Challenges will be the one that takes on the Master in the Final Round. So what was the first Challenge?

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    ROUND 1 CHALLENGE

    In light of all the doom and gloom of recent months, as financial markets crashed and winter closed in, we’re going to kick things off with a rather straightforward challenge. You can interpret this challenge however you’d like – how you do so will give people a sense of just what your songwriting personality and style is…

    Your first challenge is to WRITE A HAPPY SONG.

    That’s it. The only other directive is that your song must run no shorter than 1 minute 45 seconds.

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    You’ll find the Round 1 songs from each of our Masters below, as well as the results of the Round 1 voting. More importantly, though, you’ll also discover what the Round 2 Challenge is!

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    MASTERS OF SONG FU

    For this edition of Song Fu, we’re bringing in 2 (well, 3, if you’re being technical) very special Masters who you’ll be going up against. Think of them as the iron chefs of Song Fu, and your ultimate challengers, as you’ll square off against one of them mano-a-mano in the Final Round:

    NEIL INNES

    songfu-innes.jpgIf you’re a bit puzzled but there’s a little twinge of recognition niggling at your subconscious right now, it’s probably because you already know who Neil Innes is without even realizing it.

    It was during the Jurassic period (the late 60s) that Neil was a member of the legendary Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. Madcap purveyors of esoteric music (Who else would revive music hall standards in the age of rock? They did it, and it worked!), their biggest hit was the deceptively poignant “I’m the Urban Spaceman.”

    While firmly ensconced within the Bonzos, Neil first became acquainted (and vice-versa) with Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, and Terry Jones while working on DO NOT ADJUST YOUR SET, a children’s show whose viewers tended to skew a bit older than the intended audience. Eric, Mike, and the two Terrys went on to form MONTY PYTHON with Graham Chapman and John Cleese. The Pythons called on Neil’s musical skills numerous times over the years, particularly when producing their best-selling albums. When John Cleese decided to move on to greener pastures prior to PYTHON’s fourth series, Neil stepped into the void as a contributing writer and performer.

    Not able to escape the Pythons so easily, Neil was also tapped for MONTY PYTHON & THE HOLY GRAIL, contributing music and a memorable performance as the annoyingly truthful minstrel of Eric Idle’s cowardly Sir Robin. Still not willing to let him get away just yet, Neil was brought in again for their follow-up film, THE LIFE OF BRIAN (wherein he outruns certain death during the colosseum debate scene).

    Even while working with the Pythons, Neil continued his solo career, releasing numerous albums on his own as well as with the groups The Grimms and The World. His BBC program, INNES BOOK OF RECORDS, ran for 3 series and featured 90 original tunes. From torch song and ballad to rock and parody, the show featured an exceedingly wide range of styles.

    It was during the latter-half of the 70s, however, that Neil produced his most enduring work. While collaborating with Eric Idle on the post-Python TV series RUTLAND WEEKEND TELEVISION, the two devised a brief HARD DAY’S NIGHT parody with Idle portraying a boring filmmaker (so boring the camera ran from him) and Innes providing the Beatles-esque “I Must Be in Love.” During his next hosting gig on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, Idle unleashed the short film on the American public. That led to SNL’s Lorne Michaels producing a mockumentary of the mock-band, named The Rutles, for NBC. ALL YOU NEED IS CASH aired on March 22, 1978, starring Eric and Neil as one half of the “Pre-Fab Four” and featuring songs by Innes. In 1996, Innes reunited with Rutles bandmates John Halsey and Ricki Fataar to release THE RUTLES: ARCHEOLOGY, which sported 16 brand new tracks “discovered in the vaults,” a la THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY.

    He recently released a new solo album, WORKS IN PROGRESS, and a brand new reunion album with the Bonzos, POUR L’AMOUR DES CHIENS. Neil continues to write and perform, and is in the process of recording his next solo album.

    Official Website: www.innesbookofrecords.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/NeilInnes
    ROUND 1 SONG:Imitation Song (Ron Nasty’s Last Song)

    PAUL & STORM

    songfu-02.jpgPaul and Storm are a comedy music duo, and they have been performing as a duo since 2004. Before that, they were one half of a cappella band Da Vinci’s Notebook for about 12 years. A Paul and Storm show is part music concert and part standup/improv comedy”“just enough of both to fit neatly in neither category. They like to engage the audience, and are known to award snack cakes and/or other prizes for good (and sometimes bad) behavior. Their show would be PERFECT as a cable special, and would make lots of money for whichever brave channel decides to air them first.

    Official Website: www.paulandstorm.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/paulandstorm
    ROUND 1 SONG:Hippie with a Djembe

    GARFUNKEL & OATES

    songfu-garfuneloates.jpgRiki “Garfunkel” Lindhome and Kate “Oates” Micucci make up this band, which is a mixture of acoustic folk, comedy and pure sugar. Riki has been seen in The Changeling, My Best Friend’s Girl, Pushing Daisies, Gilmore Girls and Million Dollar Baby. You can catch Kate in Scrubs, When in Rome, Four Kings, How I Met Your Mother, or in her one-woman show “Playing with Micucci” at the Steve Allen Theater.

    Official Website: www.garfunkelandoates.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/KateMicucci
    ROUND 1 SONG:The Happy Song

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    In a moment, you’ll discover the details of the first challenge. First, though, here is the list of challengers:

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    THE CHALLENGERS

    JEFF MacDOUGALL

    songfu-jeffmcdougall.jpgJeff’s stint of reigning challenger in MoSF#1 (yet ultimately losing to Master Jonathan Coulton) has won him critical acclaim from around the world. Or is it criticism from around his house? Either way, he’s back for more and hoping to balance bringing the Fu with taking out the trash.

    Official Website: www.jeffmacdougall.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/jeffmacdougall
    ROUND 1 SONG:The Bop Bop Song

    EDRIC HALEEN

    songfu-edrichaleen.jpgEdric has been writing music (off and on) for the past fifteen years. He wrote and directed a musical, The Pushcart War, based on Jean Merrill’s wonderful novel. He has written and/or arranged a number of songs for various friends – some commissioned, some as surprises. He loves acting in community theatre, and is inspired by the music of Stephen Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown, Adam Guettel, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty – and yes, Jonathan Coulton, who in addition to writing wonderful songs, also served as a portal to finding out about the Song Fu competition.

    Official Website: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2arBC7f-6FY
    ROUND 1 SONG:(Happiness)

    “BUCKETHAT” BOBBY MATHESON

    songfu-buckethatbobby.jpgI’m “BucketHat” Bobby Matheson. I used to make cartoons for the internet, and sometimes still do, but mostly focus on my music right now. Lately, I’ve been getting more into recording other singer/songwriters in my little, make-shift studio than I have been recording myself. I want Masters Of Song Fu to change that. I don’t really know what genre my music would fall under. Influences range from Klezmer to folk, to punk and back, which ends up sounding more like Zydeco than anything else (who’d have guessed?). I’ve been thinking of dropping the “BucketHat” from my stagename, but fear change.

    Official Website: www.buckethatbobby.randomsociety.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/BucketHatBobby
    ROUND 1 SONG:You Gotta Smile

    INSANE IAN

    songfu-ianbonds.jpgInsane Ian is a comedian and writer from Baltimore, Maryland who specializes in all things nerdy, both in parody and original compositions. From Sci-fi TV shows and films, to video games, to comic books – no nerdy topic escapes his sardonic (and satiric) wit. Among his peers – such as Sudden Death, the great Luke Ski, Jonathan Coulton and, of course, “Weird Al” Yankovic – he is the only artist to have written this bio, and remains at the top of that list. Currently, his song “Guitar Hero” (from his upcoming album n3rds0ngs) was the 11th most requested song on the Dr. Demento radio show in 2008. Usually for a song, I.I. surrounds himself with talented people to make himself look better… and now is no exception, as friend and producer Benjamin Stahl helps on instrumental duties.

    Official Website: www.insaneian.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:Happy

    JOE “COVENANT” LAMB

    My name is Joe Lamb, I’ve been known online as JoeCovenant, or JoeCov, Or just Cov for the last decade or so. I’m 45 and have been performing for 40 of those years. Up until 2005 I was solely a professional actor/singer, but I am now also a Civil Servant and work for Her Majesty. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 10, but still think Bar Chords are things played in pubs. (I can’t do ’em!) I’m not too bad on the Bhodran and can pick out a tune on a keyboard when pushed”¦ really hard. I’ve always been frustrated that my ideas outdistance my abilities, so my output is always rather simplistic… But I like to think that, occasionally, synergy does its job well! This contest will be my first use of my new recording equipment… hope it doesn’t throw my limitations to the fore!

    Official Website: www.mikeoldfield.net/shadowland.html
    ROUND 1 SONG:What Makes You Feel Happy

    MICK BORDET

    songfu-mickbordet.jpgMick Bordet steadfastly insists on bouncing between and across genres at every opportunity like a hummingbird with ADD, using an eclectic collection of instruments for his sonic palette, from guitar and ukulele to theremin, yobstick and electric harmonium. Mick is a founder member of “The Lunacy Board”, Scotland’s premier progressive avant-garde skiffle duo, and cites influences as diverse as Edgard Varèse, Ivor Cutler, Conlon Nancarrow, and Roy Harper, to name but four. The duo have recently released three debut albums, including one written, recorded, and mixed within a single day. Mick’s latest project is a year-long weekly podcast set in an alternative universe as it diverges from our reality.

    Official Website: mickbordet.blogspot.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:Happy People

    RUSTY’S ROCKING JAMBOREE

    “Rusty’s Rocking Jamboree” is a one-man, music and comedy show for family audiences, starring Russ Rogers.  While in college, twenty-some years ago, Russ Rogers was in a band called, “Buc Blaster and His Ukulele Rangers.”  There are several noteworthy alumni of “The Ukulele Rangers,” including Song Fu Master Michael J. Nelson.  Later, Rogers and Andy LaCasse (also a Ukulele Ranger)  partnered to form the almost near famous, children’s music and comedy duo, “Kit and Kaboodle.”  After ten years and three albums (still available on iTunes and CDBaby.com), “Kit and Kaboodle” broke up over musical differences.  LaCasse was musical … an d Rogers was just different.  Now, “Rusty’s Rocking Jamboree” has been entertaining family audiences around Minnesota for the past five years.

    Official Website: www.rockingjamboree.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/RockingJamboree
    ROUND 1 SONG:Happy Walking Song

    THE MASKED STRANGER

    The Masked Stranger (a.k.a Neal John Mac Rae), is a self proclaimed noise/folk artist from Nova Scotia, Canada. Although his work has gone completely unnoticed on an official level, he has still managed to garner several fans from Australia and amoungst his close friends. The Masked Stranger project started in 2004 when Neal John recorded “The River Song”, a simple panflute tune he furiously augmented and destroyed on his computer. Since then he has created roughly 30 other distinctly more destroyed and demented tracks under the moniker of The Masked Stranger. His music has been described as “a total disregard for musical theory”, “aaaaaaaah!”, “raw and grating”, “annoying”, “Twisting is a word I want to use to describe it… Very natural and earthly”, and “disturbing and yet… strangely enjoyable”. His most well liked and most consistant piece “Rue The Red” was described by Cape Breton goregrind artist Devin Meaney as “a posessed man jigging out on the strings of his creator. Like a puppet, devouring the flesh of god. And this is exactly what it reminds me of, no joke.”. This awkward and soil laiden musician’s journeys into the abrassive and the tribal only threaten to continue.

    Official Website: www.myspace.com/themaskedstranger777
    ROUND 1 SONG:My Personal Eccentric Happiness

    HEATHER HENDERSON

    Heather Henderson has been entertaining America since she was seven years old. She got her start as a mini dancing superstar and co-host on Dance Party USA. Her career then made the natural progression towards Sesame Street and most recently a principal role in the Disney film Annapolis. Striving constantly to develop as an artist, The Big H sings with the bad-ass 60’s retro soul group SOULAMITE!, performs with the Revival Burlesque troupe in philadelphia, makes short films, writes funny songs, and is always looking for the next good audition. She hopes to have her own totally crappy and misquoted Wikipedia entry one day.

    Official Website: www.HHenderson.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/HeatherHenderso
    ROUND 1 SONG:Happy Song

    BRYCE JENSEN

    Bryce Jensen has been writing songs off and on for well over twenty years, but he has rarely shared any of them beyond his friends and family.  His styles range from a capella to heavy metal with a lot of wimpy finger picking stuff in between.  Bryce took part in the recent Holiday Special edition of the Song Fu and found the constraints and deadline to be quite a rush.  He also learned that sharing his work with the world can be very rewarding.  Back for this competition because he is hooked and needs another fix, Bryce is looking forward to whatever crazy challenges lie ahead.

    Official Website: www.brycejensen.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/psychobman
    ROUND 1 SONG:As Happy As Me

    JEFF FARDINK

    Jeff began playing guitar in 2003. He wrote his first comedy song in early 2004, and later that year, he wrote a song that was actually funny and in key, unlike his earlier works.  He began playing shows after accidentally opening for a local band while passing through a bar. He continues to play because nobody has told him to stop.

    Official Website: www.JeffFardink.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:Let The Happiness In

    TIMOTHY RUSH

    On stage I am Timmy Vendetta. I’m 18 and I live with my mom and her wife. I hope to become famous and live vicariously through a hamster.

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    Official Website: www.myspace.com/tweed234
    ROUND 1 SONG:The Happy Song

    CRABBYDAD

    Crabbydad is a writer/sound designer/musician who, four years ago, was forced to leave all of his bands and musical compatriots behind in Chicago when his Old Lady got herself a proffesorin’ gig at a giant university in a tiny mid-Michigan town that’s devoid of any sort of culture, musical or otherwise. So he started recording songs with his kids and posting them on his blog for his four or five readers to hear. When he’s not recording songs about spiders and/or poop, he creates comedy, sound effects, and music for a company called Jellyvision, Inc.

    Official Website: crabbydad.blogspot.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:Happy (H.A.P.P.Y.)

    HANK GREEN

    Hank Green never wrote a song until his eternal passion for Helen Hunt (both as an actress and a woman) started off a multi-year YouTube project in which he writes a song every other Wednesday. The songs are part of a larger project in which he and his brother discuss their lives, their world, and the community of which they are a part. Their videos have now been watched more than 20 million times. Hank’s first album, SO JOKES, was just released and is available at DFTBA.com.

    Official Website: www.nerdfighters.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:The Deep Sea Anglerfish

    MIKE LOMBARDO

    Mike Lombardo is a piano-playing pop-rock singer-songwriter who likes to use hyphens when describing his occupation. He has been known to write songs about just about anything, including rocks and SAW 4. When not banging on a piano, Mike spends most of his time  playing way too many video games and fighting with his roomate. Currently finishing up his degree in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music, he will be touring the country this summer with his band, the Mike Lombardo Trio. Feel free to go to his website and send him lots of money. Or cookies.

    Official Website: www.mikelombardomusic.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/mikelombardo
    ROUND 1 SONG:Caroline

    HALLELUJAH APE

    “Hallelujah Ape” is the working name for the personal musical projects of Paul Abbott. When he’s not playing bass guitar and shouting in such bands as Three Minute Margin, he’s usually fiddling with a ukulele or trying to write Manfred Mann inspired songs for films that don’t exist. Main influences are The Bonzo’s, The Beatles and Fugazi. He owns many comedy things and likes to rub his face up against them when no-one is looking. He also co-writes the British Foghorn Company blog.

    Official Website: www.myspace.com/hallelujahape
    Twitter: twitter.com/Pablovich
    ROUND 1 SONG:Do What You Want

    JALEPENO HABANEROS

    In the far off land of Chandler, Arizona, where the rivers flow with sand and cacti, our leader and master, the Lord of Our Lady Gwynyth, guitar and microphone in hand, called for the greatest musicians in the land to assemble a rock and roll group like none other. Unfortunately, they were cut off on the road, and the Jalapeño Habañeros made it there first. With The Rogue Bohemian on saxophone and The Boxcar Bassist on bass and keyboards, the Lord was pleased. Now, they roam the streets of Chandler, playing epic songs and rocking faces, much like Bon Jovi. Unfortunately they are paid in change, and often get thrown into the street, also like Bon Jovi. Their lives have intertwined, and the era of the Jalapeño Habañeros has begun. Be prepared.

    Official Website: None
    ROUND 1 SONG:The Pompadour Song

    HAZEN NESTER

    Hazen Nester is a multi-platinum-selling*, award-winning**, and incredibly gifted”  songwriter.  His works have been described as “heavenly”, “complex”, and “thought-provoking” by his critics and fans.” ” Â  He has, to date, three full albums”¡, two EPs”¡”¡, and is currently working on a new collection of work§. He holds a B.S. degree§§, an MFAâ•‘, and a PhDâ•‘â•‘ and currently lives in Michigan, where he spends his days writing songs and working in the fulfilling and worthwhile sector of public-access television.  Apart from songwriting, his hobbies include cinema, golf, and the occasional role in various stage and audio productions. 🙂 [* – Lie, ** – Another lie, ”  – Bold-faced lie, ” ”  – His mom. They’re one and the same, really., “¡ – More lies, “¡”¡ – Yet another lie, § – Another lie. No, wait, actually that one’s true., §§ – In film. How appropriate., ? – Lie. What a surprise there., ?? – Do I really have to put this here?, 🙂 – That’s probably the most truthful statement in this entire document.]

    Official Website: www.hazennester.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:Wide-Eyed Happy

    AUDIOMOHEL

    Forged in the furnace of irony, molded with the hammer of satire, flattened on the anvil of righteousness, and cooled in the water of awesomeness, AudioMohel was thrust upon the world. Named from the lost audio transcripts of ’09, AudioMohel serves as a public-service backlash against the anti-circumcision trend sweeping the so-called “enlightened parents” crowd, AudioMohel urges their more devoted and impressionable fans to undergo the snip two or even three times. AudioMohel enjoys experimenting with new breakthrough genres like speed blues and death classical even though most of AudioMohel’s tunes reside firmly in the ethereal realm of vapor-ware. Some of AudioMohel’s members admitted to being a bit intimidated by the professed experience and actual musical talent apparently possessed by the Song Fu Masters, but finally it was decided that if the need arose, sabotage would not be out of the question. To be used as a last resort, naturally, but not out of the question.

    Official Website: www.AudioMohel.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/AudioMohel
    ROUND 1 SONG:Parole Day

    MOLLY LEWIS

    When she’s not bluffing her way through college courses or looking passably attractive from a distance, Molly Lewis enjoys playing ukulele, microwaving marshmallow Peeps, talking to cats, and Twittering. Early last year, she wrote two original songs, “MyHope” and “Road Trip”. “MyHope” is about the inevitable day when our children will learn how to navigate the interweb and how they will LOL at our old internet presences, namely MySpace; of “Road Trip”, Molly says it’s about “that astronaut lady who went crazy and wore the diapers, you remember that?”  She has not written any songs since.  Hopefully this competition will remedy that. When Molly was in middle school, she took up the guitar. That sank into the swamp. So she took up the mandolin. That sank into the swamp. So she took up the banjo. That burned down, fell over, then sank into the swamp. But the ukulele has stayed. And that’s what you’re going to get, Quick Stop Entertainment: the strongest ukulele in all of Tacoma, Washington.

    Official Website: www.sweetafton23.com/primer/
    Twitter: twitter.com/Molly23
    ROUND 1 SONG:I Pity The (Song) Fu

    JARRETT HEATHER

    Although he has no formal training, Jarrett is an accomplished pianist who has been composing music for nearly twenty years.  A relative newcomer to the world of online amateur competitive songwriting, he burst onto the scene earlier this year when he filled out an entry form just before the deadline.  While earning his living as a graphic artist and website developer, Jarrett secretly dreams of leaving behind the glamor and prestige of internet publishing so he can focus on composing music for songwriting contests full-time.  With no fanbase, loyal followers, obedient minions or friends, Jarrett will rely on his music-crafting skills alone to win over converts and earn votes.

    Official Website: www.spaceparanoids.net
    Twitter: twitter.com/SpaceParanoids
    ROUND 1 SONG:One Little Happy Thought

    JUTZE SCHULT

    songfu-jutzeschult.jpgJohannes “Jutze” Schult (from Germany) likes to make songs about weird stories and situations. It’s all about creating a musical scenario that is somewhat original, yet believable by some stretch of imagination. Jutze used to play drums in a heavy metal band, and then founded his own pop band where he played guitar. These days he’s mainly doing solo work for the fun of it.

    Official Website: www.jutze.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:A Mallful Of Brains

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    ROUND 2 CHALLENGE

    Write a song containing *exactly* 10 unique words (this includes words such as a, and, the, etc.). You can repeat the words you choose as few or as many times as you want, but the sum total of the unique words can not be less than or more than 10.. You can write on any topic and in any style. Your song must run no shorter than 1 minute 15 seconds.

    Your song must be submitted in mp3 form (128-192kbps) either via e-mail (to songfu @ asitecalledfred.com – remember to remove the spaces) or a file upload service (like RapidShare or YouSendIt). Deadline for submission is 11:59pm EST on Thursday, February 26th, 2009.

    Voting on Round 2 submissions will commence on Friday, February 27th, 2009.

    If you want some inspiration, here’s how some other artists tackled happy songs…
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    ROUND 1 VOTING RESULTS – THE CHALLENGERS

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    View Results

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    ROUND 1 VOTING RESULTS – THE MASTERS

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    View Results

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    If you triumph, not only will you win remarkable (and potentially off-putting) bragging rights and a clutch of fantastic mystery prizes, you will also become the proud owner of the magnificent, one-of-a-kind MASTER OF SONG FU TROPHY.

    Good luck, and bring on the Fu.

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  • Cabin Fever #57: Widge Is Of Madison County

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    cabin.jpgOh no! Just when you thought it was safe to hang out at FRED…

    Cabin Fever (hosted by the twisted souls Brian Fitzpatrick and Aaron Poole) is the result of having too much time on your hands and access to your local community radio station.

    Over the course of an hour, they manage to trawl the depths of good taste, plus throw some music in. How much more could you want from a podcast?… Quality? Oh… we didn’t think of that.

    Enjoy! And we hope our cross Atlantic friends can understand the Irish accent 😉

    Hugs and Kisses,
    Aaron P. + Rev. Fitzy

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    CABIN FEVER #57: Widge Is Of Madison County – Brian couldn’t pull himself from the brink of death in time this week to record the best darn podcast fake money can buy, so Aaron recruits internet entrepreneur and man-about-town Widgett Walls to add a certain level of class and random knowledge to the proceedings. Topics of getting TV wrong, 12-year-old fathers, and kissing bans are all broached with gusto, and Aaron actually remembers to include the song at the end of the show this week, too! So thanks to yaG Backwards for their patience.

    [CONTENT WARNING]: Explicit contents! We say every naughty word you can think of. You have been warned!

    DOWNLOAD: (right click to save)
    Episode #57 (MP3 format)

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/cabinfever/cabin_fever_57.mp3]

    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes

    Got something to say? E-mail Aaron & Brian at the Cabin Fever mailbag.

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    CLICK HERE FOR THE CABIN FEVER ARCHIVES

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  • Contest Round-Up: STAR WARS: TUSKEN RAIDER, BACK TO THE FUTURE, HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS & ALIENATE PEOPLE, DEAD LIKE ME, & CHANGELING!

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    Welcome to our weekly round-up of featured giveaways here at Quick Stop. Every Wednesday, we’ll present a new clutch of DVDs, books, and other cool stuff you can take a shot at winning. All you have to do is click on the graphics below to be taken to their respective contest pages. And good luck!

    In conjunction with Sideshow Collectibles, we’re giving away one (1) exclusive edition STAR WARS: TUSKEN RAIDER Premium Format Figure.

    In conjunction with Universal Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) sets of BACK TO THE FUTURE, BACK TO THE FUTURE II, and BACK TO THE FUTURE III on DVD.

    In conjunction with MGM Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS & ALIENATE PEOPLE on DVD.

    In conjunction with MGM Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of DEAD LIKE ME: LIFE AFTER DEATH on DVD.

    In conjunction with Universal Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of CHANGELING on DVD.

  • Win CHANGELING on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Universal Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of CHANGELING on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 11h.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 11h.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win DEAD LIKE ME: LIFE AFTER DEATH on DVD!

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    In conjunction with MGM Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of DEAD LIKE ME: LIFE AFTER DEATH on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 11h.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 11h.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS & ALIENATE PEOPLE on DVD!

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    In conjunction with MGM Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS & ALIENATE PEOPLE on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 11h.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 11h.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win the BACK TO THE FUTURE TRILOGY on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Universal Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) sets of BACK TO THE FUTURE, BACK TO THE FUTURE II, and BACK TO THE FUTURE III on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 11h.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 11h.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • SModcast 76

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    Your TextSModcast is the meandering palaver of a pair of dudes whose voices are so dull, they don’t deserve to be on the radio (and, hence, aren’t). Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier are SModcast.The best thing about SModcast? It don’t cost nothing.

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    SModcast 76: The Great One –

    In which a hero returns from the wild, another hero is discovered, and yet another hero can’t stop bawling.

    [CONTENT WARNING] SModcast features harsh language and even harsher notions of propriety. Listener discretion is advised.

    DOWNLOAD: (right click to save)
    SModcast 76 (MP3 format) – 113.25 MB

    [display_podcast]

    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes
    Subscribe to this Podcast via FeedBurner

    Wanna add your two cents? Spend it here, in the SModcast mailbag.

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    CLICK HERE FOR THE SMODCAST ARCHIVES

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  • A Bit Of A Chat with Ken Plume & Matt Berry

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    I’m Ken Plume, and soon you’ll be listening to “A Bit Of A Chat” with me, Ken Plume.

    In this episode, I’m having a bit of a chat with actor and musician Matt Berry.

    Though he’d been making his way around the club circuit as a musician and performer for a few years up to that point, Matt Berry first hit TV screens in the brilliant (and affectionate) send up of low-budgeted and over-acted 80’s dramas, Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place, in the role of cocky surgeon Dr. Lucien Sanchez.

    What followed was the equally memorable role of Dixon Bainbridge in the cult hit The Mighty Boosh, a recurring role on the Dark Place “spin-off” Man To Man with Dean Learner, and the even more cult show Snuff Box, which he co-created and co-starred in with fellow Boosh alum Rich Fulcher.

    He’s perhaps best known now for playing the unhinged CEO of Renyholm Industries, Douglas Renholm, in Graham Linehan’s hit sitcom The IT Crowd

    What you may not know is that Berry is also a musician, who’s third album – Witchazel – is available on Valentine’s Day. For more information, check out his MySpace page at www.myspace.com/mattberrysmusic

    Oh, and you can preview a track from his new album HERE

    A small note on this interview – please excuse the less-than-stellar audio quality. I could give you the reasons for it, but they’d most likely only bore you.

    Here now is my chat with Matt Berry… Hope you enjoy…

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    Download “A Bit of a Chat with Ken Plume & Matt Berry“:

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/bitofachat/bit_of_a_chat-matt_berry.mp3]

    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes

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    Drop Ken a line HERE.

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    You can also find more of my interviews by clicking HERE.

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  • Weekend Shopping Guide 2/13/09: 1.21 Gigawatts!

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    The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the Quick Stop Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

    While it’s not the Blu-Ray editions that everyone (me included) was hoping for, the new special editions of the Back To The Future trilogy are worth a look see. The original Back To The Future (Universal, Rated PG, DVD-$19.98 SRP) ports over the special features from the previous release, but also adds the Back To The Future Night network special, a new 9-part documentary, and – best of all – the complete Back To The Future Universal Studios ride footage, including the pre-show. Both Back To The Future II and Back To the Future III (Universal, Rated PG, DVD-$19.98 SRP each) contains the behind-the-scenes featurettes, commentaries, deleted scenes, and outtakes contained in the original box-set release. Now, if only we can get the Blu-Ray sorted out…

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    I’ve got hundreds and hundreds of slides and negatives from years of pre-digital photo archives. That being the case, I’m always keen on new and easier ways to try and digitize this wealth of images – including a nifty slide/negative scanner that Thinkgeek offered, and I featured a few months back. Well, now they’ve gone and begun offering a newer, spiffier ImageLab Instant Slide Scanner ($109.99) that doesn’t even require a computer to do its job – it’s got a little LCD viewer and store the scans on an SD card. Heck, you can even run it off of batteries, for ultimate mobility. Cool.

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    Another catalogue classic making its way to high definition is the director’s cut of Amadeus (Warner Bros., Rated R, Blu-Ray-$35.99 SRP) – which adds 20 minutes to the theatrical cut. The Blu-Ray ports over the audio commentary with director Milos Foreman and Peter Schafer, the making-of documentary, and the theatrical trailer, and adds a bonus CD of Mozart’s music. Regardless of the picture quality (and it is stunning), it’s still a beautiful film.

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    Also hitting Blu-Ray is David Cronenberg’s surprisingly accessible A History Of Violence (New Line, Rated R, DVD-$28.99 SRP), starring Viggo Mortenson as a man who’s selfless act calls unwanted attention on himself and a violent past that may or may not be his own.

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    Uber-curmudgeon Victor Meldrew returns in the 5th & 6th seasons of the Brit comedy classic One Foot In The Grave (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP each). The 6th season is also the final in the series, save for a few specials that will probably get a separate release. The 2-disc sets feature 6 episodes, an audio commentary apiece, the 1995 Christmas special (on Season 5), and a retrospective featurette (on Season 6).

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    It’s not quite as incisive as it could be, but Oliver Stone’s W. (Lionsgate, Rated PG-13, DVD-$29.95 SRP) is still a remarkable attempt to understand the 43rd President of The United States. Does he ever get a grasp on just what made George W. Bush what he is? Not really. But the performances are great, and now that he’s finally out of office, maybe someone will eventually get a handle on exactly what’s going on in his head. Bonus features include an audio commentary and a featurette.

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    When all hell breaks loose in a small town, are you going to call the police? No. The FBI? No. The military? Of course not! Ninjas? THEY DON’T HAVE PHONES!! No, the person you’re going to call to sort it all out is B-movie legend Bruce Campbell – and that’s just what the small town of Gold Lick does in the fun little goof My Name Is Bruce (Image, Rated R, DVD-$27.98 SRP). Bonus features include an audio commentary, featurettes, a making-of documentary, trailers, and galleries.

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    It’s certainly not their finest hour, but I sort of kind of dig the better aspects of Oliver & Company (Walt Disney, Rated G, DVD-$29.99 SRP) – which is one of the animated films made when Disney was still in the 80’s wilderness. Still, I do love the tunes from Billy Joel (starring here as Dodger) and Huey Lewis. The re-released special edition contains a vintage behind-the-scenes featurette.

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    It’s by no means a disaster, but it certainly would have been nice if Bernie Mac’s final film were better. Soul Men (Dimension, Rated R, DVD-$28.95 SRP) stars Mac and Samuel L. Jackson as a par of estranged soul singers who work through their differences on a road trip to a reunion concert at the famed Apollo Theater. Bonus features include an audio commentary, featurettes, tributes to Bernie Mac & Isaac Hayes, and the theatrical trailer.

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    The Blu-Ray catalogue express pulls up to the station with another carload full of titles, this time straight from Fox. Getting the high definition treatment are the much-requested Office Space, Napoleon Dynamite, Little Miss Sunshine, and Sideways (Fox, Rated PG/R, Blu-Ray-$34.98 SRP each). All of the bonus features are identical to the standard special edition releases, so you’re really looking at picking these up for the picture and sound upgrade.

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    It’s no Pixar, but there’s a simple pleasure to Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (Dreamworks, Rated PG, DVD-$34.98 SRP), the sequel to the zoo animals escape to the wild original that was equally mild diversion entertainment. This time – you guessed it – they’ve managed to escape from Madagascar only to crash land in Africa, where hilarity ensues. Bonus features include music videos and featurettes, and it’s definitely worth spending the couple of extra bucks to pick up the set that comes bundled with the penguins adventure The Penguins Of Madagascar. The Blu-Ray edition ($39.99 SRP) contains the penguins special, the standard edition’s bonus features, as well as an animators corner with storyboards and interviews.

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    There’s nothing especially upsetting or horrific or even interesting about Friday The 13th: The Series (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$49.99 SRP). Check out up the complete second season of this syndicated anthology snoozer and see if I’m wrong. It barely even succeeds on a cheap laughs level.

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    It’s not the best looking CGI animated flick, but my nephew certainly likes the off-kilter tale of Igor (Fox, Rated PG, DVD-$29.99 SRP), a hunchbacked lab assistant in a country full of evil scientists and lackeys, who decides that he has the knowledge and talent to break out of the caste system. Bonus features include an audio commentary, an alternate opening scene, and galleries. A Blu-Ray edition ($39.99 SRP) is also available, with identical bonus features.

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    Long before the lackluster Masters Of Horror, another anthology series sought out horror masters for a slightly better clutch of stories – Tales From The Darkside (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$36.98 SRP). Executive produced by George Romero, the 3-disc first season set contains all 24 episodes, plus audio commentaries.

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    It’s a saccharine, fluffy mess, but I’m sure there will be plenty of sales for the newly-arrived-in-high-definition Pretty Woman (Touchstone, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$34.99 SRP). In addition to all of those extra pixels, bonus features include an audio commentary, a trio of featurettes, a Natalie Cole music video, a blooper reel, and the theatrical trailer.

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    It can be plodding, but Spike Lee’s Miracle At St. Anna (Touchstone, Rated R, DVD-$29.99 SRP) at least tells an interesting tale – about four members of the US Army’s all-black 92nd Infantry Division who, while stationed in Tuscany, Italy, are trapped behind enemy lines and find themselves in a small Tuscan village. Bonus features include a pair of historical featurettes and deleted scenes. A Blu-Ray edition is also available ($34.99 SRP).

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    No longer a full season set, fans will have to make do with only the first 19 episodes in Melrose Place: The Fifth Season Volume 1 (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP). Still no bonus features, though, so that Heather Locklear commentary will just have to come one day.

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    If you want a crash course in pretentious cinema, look no further than the world-struck-blind-by-a-plague-and-devolves-into-chaos-but-Julianne-Moore-isn’t-blind Blindness (Miramax, Rated R, DVD-$29.99 SRP). Don’t believe me? By all means, check it out for yourself. Bonus features include a making-of documentary and deleted scenes.

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    They may be on the simple side, but that’s exactly what you’d hope when putting on one of the 4 DVDs (comprising 32 episodes) in the Curious George Monkey Collection: Volume 1 (Universal, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP). Not only did they nail a great design for the character in animated form, but they passed the all-important “my nephews like it” test.

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    Shout Factory picks up the ball after Universal walked away following the release of the first season with Simon & Simon: Season Two (Shout! Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$49.99 SRP). The 6-disc set features all 22 episodes, plus the special Magnum PI crossover episode.

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    We still don’t have the original 60’s series (I want it more than a hula hoop), but we get another Alvin & The Chipmunks themed episode collection, The Mystery Of The Easter Chipmunk (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$16.99 SRP), containing 5 episodes from the 80’s series.

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    Yeah, I tried. Still don’t like Tim And Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! (Turner, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP). But they have a rabid fanbase that is sure to snap up the complete second season, and delight in its deleted/extended scenes, promos, karaoke videos, tour footage, blooper reel, and more.

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    So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…

    -Ken Plume

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  • Ken P. D. Snyde-Cast #82: Gold Fever

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    Adult Swim’s Dana Snyder and FRED’s Ken Plume set out to have a literate conversation between two pals, but inevitably devolve into a verbal, and funny, free-for-all full of bickering, infighting, and the special kind of male bonding that comes from conflict expressed through the podcast medium.

    Actor/comedian/raconteur Dana Snyder, you’re certainly aware, is Aqua Teen Hunger Force’s Master Shake, Squidbillies‘ Granny, Minoriteam’s Dr. Wang, and The Venture Bros.‘ Alchemist. Available for weddings and bar mitzvahs (bat availability pending), you can keep tabs on him via his website, www.eyeofthesnyder.com.

    Ken Plume is the editor-in-chief here at FRED. He is a friend of Dana’s, as well as his arch-nemesis.

    VISIT THE SNYDECAST EXPERIENCE

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    KEN P.D. SNYDECAST #82: Gold Fever – Ken & Dana return with their annual Oscar competition, which can better be described as a mostly good-natured series of verbal volleys, bitterness, and recrimination.

    [CONTENT WARNING]: This podcast may contain some foul language and horribly off-color jokes. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

    DOWNLOAD: (right click to save)
    Episode #82 (MP3 format)

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/snydecast/ken_p_d_snyde_cast-82.mp3]

    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes

    Got something to say? E-mail Dana & Ken at the Snydecast mailbag.

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    CLICK HERE FOR THE SNYDECAST ARCHIVES

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  • Win a STAR WARS: TUSKEN RAIDER Premium Format Figure from Sideshow Collectibles!

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    In conjunction with Sideshow Collectibles, we’re giving away one (1) exclusive edition STAR WARS: TUSKEN RAIDER Premium Format Figure.

    The Tusken Raider Premium Format figure is a stunning 1:4 scale reproduction. The figure is cast in high-quality, heavy-weight polystone, and dressed in an expertly-tailored scale reproduction of the costume. Each figure is hand-painted and hand-finished, and individually hand-numbered. This amazingly detailed figure is a truly worthy addition to any Star Wars collection!

    The Sideshow Exclusive version of the Tusken Raider Premium Format Figure includes a unique feature available nowhere else: Interchangeable Right Hand Holding Rifle!

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Friday, March 6th.

    PLEASE NOTE: If you enter this contest, you are also signing up for Sideshow Collectibles’ newsletter. You can always unsubscribe whenever you want, but it’s full of great news, giveaways, exclusives, and announcements.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Friday, March 6th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Cabin Fever #56: A Taste Of The Orient

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    cabin.jpgOh no! Just when you thought it was safe to hang out at the Quick Stop…

    Cabin Fever (hosted by the twisted souls Brian Fitzpatrick and Aaron Poole) is the result of having too much time on your hands and access to your local community radio station.

    Over the course of an hour, they manage to trawl the depths of good taste, plus throw some music in. How much more could you want from a podcast?… Quality? Oh… we didn’t think of that.

    Enjoy! And we hope our cross Atlantic friends can understand the Irish accent 😉

    Hugs and Kisses,
    Aaron P. + Rev. Fitzy

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    CABIN FEVER #56: A Taste Of The Orient – The Cabin boys are joined by their loyal friends Shona and Bruce to help with a large and intimidating taste test of Chinese and Thai “delights”. They announce the details of their video competition (or, at least, they tell you where you can get them), and once again they have to apologise for the crappy sound. It’s becoming a habit.

    [CONTENT WARNING]: Explicit contents! We say every naughty word you can think of. You have been warned!

    DOWNLOAD: (right click to save)
    Episode #56 (MP3 format)

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/cabinfever/cabin_fever_56.mp3]

    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes

    Got something to say? E-mail Aaron & Brian at the Cabin Fever mailbag.

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    CLICK HERE FOR THE CABIN FEVER ARCHIVES

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  • Masters Of Song Fu #3: Round 1 Challenge Voting Begins!

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    We here at Quick Stop Entertainment are true lovers of music, in all its forms. We’re also quite keen on the spirit of competition, and of spurring creativity through said competition.

    To that end, we launched a brand new form of creative combat here at the Stop.

    In this age of manufactured and painfully earnest talent contests, we’ve decided to instead shine a light on the quirky, quixotic underworld of musicians that don’t get nearly the attention they deserve.

    Ah, but I did mention that there was a competition involved…

    We invited 28 challengers to pick up the thrown-down gauntlet (You know, some spares as well). 26 Responded in time.

    Like a songwriting version of Iron Chef, these 26 competitors are presented with a very specific songwriting challenge. They’ll be given one week to complete their songs – however they see fit, within the parameters set forth – after which time the entries will be uploaded to Quick Stop to be voted on by you, the readers.

    In past editions of Song Fu, we’ve used these votes to eliminate Challengers as we’ve progressed from Challenge to Challenge. For this cycle, however, we’ve decided that all of the Challengers will be able to compete in every Challenge, and the Challenger with the most cumulative votes after the 3 Challenges will be the one that takes on the Master in the Final Round. So what was the first Challenge?

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    ROUND 1 CHALLENGE

    In light of all the doom and gloom of recent months, as financial markets crashed and winter closed in, we’re going to kick things off with a rather straightforward challenge. You can interpret this challenge however you’d like – how you do so will give people a sense of just what your songwriting personality and style is…

    Your first challenge is to WRITE A HAPPY SONG.

    That’s it. The only other directive is that your song must run no shorter than 1 minute 45 seconds.

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    Right now, let’s check out the Round 1 songs from each of our Masters and Challengers (streaming links for all the songs can be found after the bio section). At the bottom of the page, you’ll then be able to place your votes.

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    MASTERS OF SONG FU

    For this edition of Song Fu, we’re bringing in 2 (well, 3, if you’re being technical) very special Masters who you’ll be going up against. Think of them as the iron chefs of Song Fu, and your ultimate challengers, as you’ll square off against one of them mano-a-mano in the Final Round:

    NEIL INNES

    songfu-innes.jpgIf you’re a bit puzzled but there’s a little twinge of recognition niggling at your subconscious right now, it’s probably because you already know who Neil Innes is without even realizing it.

    It was during the Jurassic period (the late 60s) that Neil was a member of the legendary Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. Madcap purveyors of esoteric music (Who else would revive music hall standards in the age of rock? They did it, and it worked!), their biggest hit was the deceptively poignant “I’m the Urban Spaceman.”

    While firmly ensconced within the Bonzos, Neil first became acquainted (and vice-versa) with Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, and Terry Jones while working on DO NOT ADJUST YOUR SET, a children’s show whose viewers tended to skew a bit older than the intended audience. Eric, Mike, and the two Terrys went on to form MONTY PYTHON with Graham Chapman and John Cleese. The Pythons called on Neil’s musical skills numerous times over the years, particularly when producing their best-selling albums. When John Cleese decided to move on to greener pastures prior to PYTHON’s fourth series, Neil stepped into the void as a contributing writer and performer.

    Not able to escape the Pythons so easily, Neil was also tapped for MONTY PYTHON & THE HOLY GRAIL, contributing music and a memorable performance as the annoyingly truthful minstrel of Eric Idle’s cowardly Sir Robin. Still not willing to let him get away just yet, Neil was brought in again for their follow-up film, THE LIFE OF BRIAN (wherein he outruns certain death during the colosseum debate scene).

    Even while working with the Pythons, Neil continued his solo career, releasing numerous albums on his own as well as with the groups The Grimms and The World. His BBC program, INNES BOOK OF RECORDS, ran for 3 series and featured 90 original tunes. From torch song and ballad to rock and parody, the show featured an exceedingly wide range of styles.

    It was during the latter-half of the 70s, however, that Neil produced his most enduring work. While collaborating with Eric Idle on the post-Python TV series RUTLAND WEEKEND TELEVISION, the two devised a brief HARD DAY’S NIGHT parody with Idle portraying a boring filmmaker (so boring the camera ran from him) and Innes providing the Beatles-esque “I Must Be in Love.” During his next hosting gig on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, Idle unleashed the short film on the American public. That led to SNL’s Lorne Michaels producing a mockumentary of the mock-band, named The Rutles, for NBC. ALL YOU NEED IS CASH aired on March 22, 1978, starring Eric and Neil as one half of the “Pre-Fab Four” and featuring songs by Innes. In 1996, Innes reunited with Rutles bandmates John Halsey and Ricki Fataar to release THE RUTLES: ARCHEOLOGY, which sported 16 brand new tracks “discovered in the vaults,” a la THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY.

    He recently released a new solo album, WORKS IN PROGRESS, and a brand new reunion album with the Bonzos, POUR L’AMOUR DES CHIENS. Neil continues to write and perform, and is in the process of recording his next solo album.

    Official Website: www.innesbookofrecords.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/NeilInnes
    ROUND 1 SONG:Imitation Song (Ron Nasty’s Last Song)

    PAUL & STORM

    songfu-02.jpgPaul and Storm are a comedy music duo, and they have been performing as a duo since 2004. Before that, they were one half of a cappella band Da Vinci’s Notebook for about 12 years. A Paul and Storm show is part music concert and part standup/improv comedy”“just enough of both to fit neatly in neither category. They like to engage the audience, and are known to award snack cakes and/or other prizes for good (and sometimes bad) behavior. Their show would be PERFECT as a cable special, and would make lots of money for whichever brave channel decides to air them first.

    Official Website: www.paulandstorm.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/paulandstorm
    ROUND 1 SONG:Hippie with a Djembe

    GARFUNKEL & OATES

    songfu-garfuneloates.jpgRiki “Garfunkel” Lindhome and Kate “Oates” Micucci make up this band, which is a mixture of acoustic folk, comedy and pure sugar. Riki has been seen in The Changeling, My Best Friend’s Girl, Pushing Daisies, Gilmore Girls and Million Dollar Baby. You can catch Kate in Scrubs, When in Rome, Four Kings, How I Met Your Mother, or in her one-woman show “Playing with Micucci” at the Steve Allen Theater.

    Official Website: www.garfunkelandoates.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/KateMicucci
    ROUND 1 SONG:The Happy Song

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    In a moment, you’ll discover the details of the first challenge. First, though, here is the list of challengers:

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    THE CHALLENGERS

    JEFF MacDOUGALL

    songfu-jeffmcdougall.jpgJeff’s stint of reigning challenger in MoSF#1 (yet ultimately losing to Master Jonathan Coulton) has won him critical acclaim from around the world. Or is it criticism from around his house? Either way, he’s back for more and hoping to balance bringing the Fu with taking out the trash.

    Official Website: www.jeffmacdougall.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/jeffmacdougall
    ROUND 1 SONG:The Bop Bop Song

    EDRIC HALEEN

    songfu-edrichaleen.jpgEdric has been writing music (off and on) for the past fifteen years. He wrote and directed a musical, The Pushcart War, based on Jean Merrill’s wonderful novel. He has written and/or arranged a number of songs for various friends – some commissioned, some as surprises. He loves acting in community theatre, and is inspired by the music of Stephen Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown, Adam Guettel, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty – and yes, Jonathan Coulton, who in addition to writing wonderful songs, also served as a portal to finding out about the Song Fu competition.

    Official Website: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2arBC7f-6FY
    ROUND 1 SONG:(Happiness)

    “BUCKETHAT” BOBBY MATHESON

    songfu-buckethatbobby.jpgI’m “BucketHat” Bobby Matheson. I used to make cartoons for the internet, and sometimes still do, but mostly focus on my music right now. Lately, I’ve been getting more into recording other singer/songwriters in my little, make-shift studio than I have been recording myself. I want Masters Of Song Fu to change that. I don’t really know what genre my music would fall under. Influences range from Klezmer to folk, to punk and back, which ends up sounding more like Zydeco than anything else (who’d have guessed?). I’ve been thinking of dropping the “BucketHat” from my stagename, but fear change.

    Official Website: www.buckethatbobby.randomsociety.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/BucketHatBobby
    ROUND 1 SONG:You Gotta Smile

    INSANE IAN

    songfu-ianbonds.jpgInsane Ian is a comedian and writer from Baltimore, Maryland who specializes in all things nerdy, both in parody and original compositions. From Sci-fi TV shows and films, to video games, to comic books – no nerdy topic escapes his sardonic (and satiric) wit. Among his peers – such as Sudden Death, the great Luke Ski, Jonathan Coulton and, of course, “Weird Al” Yankovic – he is the only artist to have written this bio, and remains at the top of that list. Currently, his song “Guitar Hero” (from his upcoming album n3rds0ngs) was the 11th most requested song on the Dr. Demento radio show in 2008. Usually for a song, I.I. surrounds himself with talented people to make himself look better…and now is no exception, as friend and producer  .hmmessage P { margin:0px; padding:0px } body.hmmessage { font-size: 10pt; font-family:Verdana } Benjamin Stahl helps on instrumental duties.

    Official Website: www.insaneian.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:Happy

    JOE “COVENANT” LAMB

    My name is Joe Lamb, I’ve been known online as JoeCovenant, or JoeCov, Or just Cov for the last decade or so. I’m 45 and have been performing for 40 of those years. Up until 2005 I was solely a professional actor/singer, but I am now also a Civil Servant and work for Her Majesty. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 10, but still think Bar Chords are things played in pubs. (I can’t do ’em!) I’m not too bad on the Bhodran and can pick out a tune on a keyboard when pushed”¦ really hard. I’ve always been frustrated that my ideas outdistance my abilities, so my output is always rather simplistic… But I like to think that, occasionally, synergy does its job well! This contest will be my first use of my new recording equipment… hope it doesn’t throw my limitations to the fore!

    Official Website: www.mikeoldfield.net/shadowland.html
    ROUND 1 SONG:What Makes You Feel Happy

    MICK BORDET

    songfu-mickbordet.jpgMick Bordet steadfastly insists on bouncing between and across genres at every opportunity like a hummingbird with ADD, using an eclectic collection of instruments for his sonic palette, from guitar and ukulele to theremin, yobstick and electric harmonium. Mick is a founder member of “The Lunacy Board”, Scotland’s premier progressive avant-garde skiffle duo, and cites influences as diverse as Edgard Varèse, Ivor Cutler, Conlon Nancarrow, and Roy Harper, to name but four. The duo have recently released three debut albums, including one written, recorded, and mixed within a single day. Mick’s latest project is a year-long weekly podcast set in an alternative universe as it diverges from our reality.

    Official Website: mickbordet.blogspot.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:Happy People

    RUSTY’S ROCKING JAMBOREE

    “Rusty’s Rocking Jamboree” is a one-man, music and comedy show for family audiences, starring Russ Rogers.  While in college, twenty-some years ago, Russ Rogers was in a band called, “Buc Blaster and His Ukulele Rangers.”  There are several noteworthy alumni of “The Ukulele Rangers,” including Song Fu Master Michael J. Nelson.  Later, Rogers and Andy LaCasse (also a Ukulele Ranger)  partnered to form the almost near famous, children’s music and comedy duo, “Kit and Kaboodle.”  After ten years and three albums (still available on iTunes and CDBaby.com), “Kit and Kaboodle” broke up over musical differences.  LaCasse was musical … an d Rogers was just different.  Now, “Rusty’s Rocking Jamboree” has been entertaining family audiences around Minnesota for the past five years.

    Official Website: www.rockingjamboree.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/RockingJamboree
    ROUND 1 SONG:Happy Walking Song

    THE MASKED STRANGER

    The Masked Stranger (a.k.a Neal John Mac Rae), is a self proclaimed noise/folk artist from Nova Scotia, Canada. Although his work has gone completely unnoticed on an official level, he has still managed to garner several fans from Australia and amoungst his close friends. The Masked Stranger project started in 2004 when Neal John recorded “The River Song”, a simple panflute tune he furiously augmented and destroyed on his computer. Since then he has created roughly 30 other distinctly more destroyed and demented tracks under the moniker of The Masked Stranger. His music has been described as “a total disregard for musical theory”, “aaaaaaaah!”, “raw and grating”, “annoying”, “Twisting is a word I want to use to describe it… Very natural and earthly”, and “disturbing and yet… strangely enjoyable”. His most well liked and most consistant piece “Rue The Red” was described by Cape Breton goregrind artist Devin Meaney as “a posessed man jigging out on the strings of his creator. Like a puppet, devouring the flesh of god. And this is exactly what it reminds me of, no joke.”. This awkward and soil laiden musician’s journeys into the abrassive and the tribal only threaten to continue.

    Official Website: www.myspace.com/themaskedstranger777
    ROUND 1 SONG:My Personal Eccentric Happiness

    HEATHER HENDERSON

    Heather Henderson has been entertaining America since she was seven years old. She got her start as a mini dancing superstar and co-host on Dance Party USA. Her career then made the natural progression towards Sesame Street and most recently a principal role in the Disney film Annapolis. Striving constantly to develop as an artist, The Big H sings with the bad-ass 60’s retro soul group SOULAMITE!, performs with the Revival Burlesque troupe in philadelphia, makes short films, writes funny songs, and is always looking for the next good audition. She hopes to have her own totally crappy and misquoted Wikipedia entry one day.

    Official Website: www.HHenderson.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/HeatherHenderso
    ROUND 1 SONG:Happy Song

    BRYCE JENSEN

    Bryce Jensen has been writing songs off and on for well over twenty years, but he has rarely shared any of them beyond his friends and family.  His styles range from a capella to heavy metal with a lot of wimpy finger picking stuff in between.  Bryce took part in the recent Holiday Special edition of the Song Fu and found the constraints and deadline to be quite a rush.  He also learned that sharing his work with the world can be very rewarding.  Back for this competition because he is hooked and needs another fix, Bryce is looking forward to whatever crazy challenges lie ahead.

    Official Website: www.brycejensen.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/psychobman
    ROUND 1 SONG:As Happy As Me

    JEFF FARDINK

    Jeff began playing guitar in 2003. He wrote his first comedy song in early 2004, and later that year, he wrote a song that was actually funny and in key, unlike his earlier works.  He began playing shows after accidentally opening for a local band while passing through a bar. He continues to play because nobody has told him to stop.

    Official Website: www.JeffFardink.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:Let The Happiness In

    TIMOTHY RUSH

    On stage I am Timmy Vendetta. I’m 18 and I live with my mom and her wife. I hope to become famous and live vicariously through a hamster.

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    Official Website: www.myspace.com/tweed234
    ROUND 1 SONG:The Happy Song

    CRABBYDAD

    Crabbydad is a writer/sound designer/musician who, four years ago, was forced to leave all of his bands and musical compatriots behind in Chicago when his Old Lady got herself a proffesorin’ gig at a giant university in a tiny mid-Michigan town that’s devoid of any sort of culture, musical or otherwise. So he started recording songs with his kids and posting them on his blog for his four or five readers to hear. When he’s not recording songs about spiders and/or poop, he creates comedy, sound effects, and music for a company called Jellyvision, Inc.

    Official Website: crabbydad.blogspot.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:Happy (H.A.P.P.Y.)

    HANK GREEN

    Hank Green never wrote a song until his eternal passion for Helen Hunt (both as an actress and a woman) started off a multi-year YouTube project in which he writes a song every other Wednesday. The songs are part of a larger project in which he and his brother discuss their lives, their world, and the community of which they are a part. Their videos have now been watched more than 20 million times. Hank’s first album, SO JOKES, was just released and is available at DFTBA.com.

    Official Website: www.nerdfighters.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:The Deep Sea Anglerfish

    MIKE LOMBARDO

    Mike Lombardo is a piano-playing pop-rock singer-songwriter who likes to use hyphens when describing his occupation. He has been known to write songs about just about anything, including rocks and SAW 4. When not banging on a piano, Mike spends most of his time  playing way too many video games and fighting with his roomate. Currently finishing up his degree in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music, he will be touring the country this summer with his band, the Mike Lombardo Trio. Feel free to go to his website and send him lots of money. Or cookies.

    Official Website: www.mikelombardomusic.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/mikelombardo
    ROUND 1 SONG:Caroline

    HALLELUJAH APE

    “Hallelujah Ape” is the working name for the personal musical projects of Paul Abbott. When he’s not playing bass guitar and shouting in such bands as Three Minute Margin, he’s usually fiddling with a ukulele or trying to write Manfred Mann inspired songs for films that don’t exist. Main influences are The Bonzo’s, The Beatles and Fugazi. He owns many comedy things and likes to rub his face up against them when no-one is looking. He also co-writes the British Foghorn Company blog.

    Official Website: www.myspace.com/hallelujahape
    Twitter: twitter.com/Pablovich
    ROUND 1 SONG:Do What You Want

    JALEPENO HABANEROS

    In the far off land of Chandler, Arizona, where the rivers flow with sand and cacti, our leader and master, the Lord of Our Lady Gwynyth, guitar and microphone in hand, called for the greatest musicians in the land to assemble a rock and roll group like none other. Unfortunately, they were cut off on the road, and the Jalapeño Habañeros made it there first. With The Rogue Bohemian on saxophone and The Boxcar Bassist on bass and keyboards, the Lord was pleased. Now, they roam the streets of Chandler, playing epic songs and rocking faces, much like Bon Jovi. Unfortunately they are paid in change, and often get thrown into the street, also like Bon Jovi. Their lives have intertwined, and the era of the Jalapeño Habañeros has begun. Be prepared.

    Official Website: None
    ROUND 1 SONG:The Pompadour Song

    HAZEN NESTER

    Hazen Nester is a multi-platinum-selling*, award-winning**, and incredibly gifted”  songwriter.  His works have been described as “heavenly”, “complex”, and “thought-provoking” by his critics and fans.” ” Â  He has, to date, three full albums”¡, two EPs”¡”¡, and is currently working on a new collection of work§. He holds a B.S. degree§§, an MFAâ•‘, and a PhDâ•‘â•‘ and currently lives in Michigan, where he spends his days writing songs and working in the fulfilling and worthwhile sector of public-access television.  Apart from songwriting, his hobbies include cinema, golf, and the occasional role in various stage and audio productions. 🙂 [* – Lie, ** – Another lie, ”  – Bold-faced lie, ” ”  – His mom. They’re one and the same, really., “¡ – More lies, “¡”¡ – Yet another lie, § – Another lie. No, wait, actually that one’s true., §§ – In film. How appropriate., ? – Lie. What a surprise there., ?? – Do I really have to put this here?, 🙂 – That’s probably the most truthful statement in this entire document.]

    Official Website: www.hazennester.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:Wide-Eyed Happy

    AUDIOMOHEL

    Forged in the furnace of irony, molded with the hammer of satire, flattened on the anvil of righteousness, and cooled in the water of awesomeness, AudioMohel was thrust upon the world. Named from the lost audio transcripts of ’09, AudioMohel serves as a public-service backlash against the anti-circumcision trend sweeping the so-called “enlightened parents” crowd, AudioMohel urges their more devoted and impressionable fans to undergo the snip two or even three times. AudioMohel enjoys experimenting with new breakthrough genres like speed blues and death classical even though most of AudioMohel’s tunes reside firmly in the ethereal realm of vapor-ware. Some of AudioMohel’s members admitted to being a bit intimidated by the professed experience and actual musical talent apparently possessed by the Song Fu Masters, but finally it was decided that if the need arose, sabotage would not be out of the question. To be used as a last resort, naturally, but not out of the question.

    Official Website: www.AudioMohel.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/AudioMohel
    ROUND 1 SONG:Parole Day

    MOLLY LEWIS

    When she’s not bluffing her way through college courses or looking passably attractive from a distance, Molly Lewis enjoys playing ukulele, microwaving marshmallow Peeps, talking to cats, and Twittering. Early last year, she wrote two original songs, “MyHope” and “Road Trip”. “MyHope” is about the inevitable day when our children will learn how to navigate the interweb and how they will LOL at our old internet presences, namely MySpace; of “Road Trip”, Molly says it’s about “that astronaut lady who went crazy and wore the diapers, you remember that?”  She has not written any songs since.  Hopefully this competition will remedy that. When Molly was in middle school, she took up the guitar. That sank into the swamp. So she took up the mandolin. That sank into the swamp. So she took up the banjo. That burned down, fell over, then sank into the swamp. But the ukulele has stayed. And that’s what you’re going to get, Quick Stop Entertainment: the strongest ukulele in all of Tacoma, Washington.

    Official Website: www.sweetafton23.com/primer/
    Twitter: twitter.com/Molly23
    ROUND 1 SONG:I Pity The (Song) Fu

    JARRETT HEATHER

    Although he has no formal training, Jarrett is an accomplished pianist who has been composing music for nearly twenty years.  A relative newcomer to the world of online amateur competitive songwriting, he burst onto the scene earlier this year when he filled out an entry form just before the deadline.  While earning his living as a graphic artist and website developer, Jarrett secretly dreams of leaving behind the glamor and prestige of internet publishing so he can focus on composing music for songwriting contests full-time.  With no fanbase, loyal followers, obedient minions or friends, Jarrett will rely on his music-crafting skills alone to win over converts and earn votes.

    Official Website: www.spaceparanoids.net
    Twitter: twitter.com/SpaceParanoids
    ROUND 1 SONG:One Little Happy Thought

    JUTZE SCHULT

    songfu-jutzeschult.jpgJohannes “Jutze” Schult (from Germany) likes to make songs about weird stories and situations. It’s all about creating a musical scenario that is somewhat original, yet believable by some stretch of imagination. Jutze used to play drums in a heavy metal band, and then founded his own pop band where he played guitar. These days he’s mainly doing solo work for the fun of it.

    Official Website: www.jutze.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:A Mallful Of Brains

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    ROUND 1 VOTING

    And now, it’s time for that all important voting. For this round, you can choose your TOP 5 FAVORITE Challenger songs. Be sure to choose carefully. Also, be sure to vote for your favorite song from our reigning Masters of Song Fu – Neil Innes and Paul & Storm. You may only vote for one Master, though, so make it count. VOTING CLOSES AT 11:59pm EST on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18th.

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    ROUND 1 VOTING – THE CHALLENGERS

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    View Results

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    ROUND 1 VOTING – THE MASTERS

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    View Results

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    If you triumph, not only will you win remarkable (and potentially off-putting) bragging rights and a clutch of fantastic mystery prizes, you will also become the proud owner of the magnificent, one-of-a-kind MASTER OF SONG FU TROPHY.

    Good luck, and bring on the Fu.

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  • Contest Round-Up: MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER, BONE, CHIPMUNKS, SOUL MEN, & CHOCOLATE

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    Welcome to our weekly round-up of featured giveaways here at Quick Stop. Every Wednesday, we’ll present a new clutch of DVDs, books, and other cool stuff you can take a shot at winning. All you have to do is click on the graphics below to be taken to their respective contest pages. And good luck!

    In conjunction with Shout Factory Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copy of THE MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 COLLECTION: VOLUME XIV on DVD.

    In conjunction with Scholastic Books, we’re giving away five (5) softcover copies and one (1) hardcover copy of BONE: CROWN OF HORNS.

    In conjunction with Paramount Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS: THE MYSTERY OF THE EASTER CHIPMUNK on DVD.

    In conjunction with Genius Home Video, we’re giving away one (1) copy of SOUL MEN on DVD.

    In conjunction with Magnolia Home Entertainment, we’re giving away two (2) copies of CHOCOLATE on DVD.

  • Win SOUL MEN on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Genius Home Video, we’re giving away one (1) copy of SOUL MEN on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 4th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 4th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS: THE MYSTERY OF THE EASTER CHIPMUNK on DVD

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    In conjunction with Paramount Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copies of ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS: THE MYSTERY OF THE EASTER CHIPMUNK on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 4th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 4th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win BONE: CROWN OF HORNS!

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    In conjunction with Scholastic Books, we’re giving away five (5) softcover copies and one (1) hardcover copy of BONE: CROWN OF HORNS.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 4th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 4th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.

  • Win THE MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 COLLECTION: VOLUME XIV on DVD!

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    In conjunction with Shout Factory Home Video, we’re giving away five (5) copy of THE MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 COLLECTION: VOLUME XIV on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 4th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of Quick Stop Entertainment or their immediate families may enter.

    No Purchase necessary to win.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

    One entry per day, per person.

    All submitted entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 4th.

    The winner must allow 4-6 weeks after notification of win to receive the product.