Author: UncaScroogeMcD

  • The No Show: An Interview with James Cameron

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    An exclusive interview with James Cameron, Emperor of Everything on his latest James Cameron Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢: AVATAR

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    Now that the James Cameron Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Avatar has taken over as the Greatest James Cameron Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Ever Made and James Cameron himself has been crowned Emperor of Everything, it’s only fitting that The No Show track him down and ask him the hard hitting questions that everyone is too scared to ask for fear that he will crush them with his withering stares and his personal army of Terminators (they’re totally real by the way).

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    Now that the James Cameron Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Avatar has taken over as the Greatest James Cameron Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Ever Made and James Cameron himself has been crowned Emperor of Everything, it’s only fitting that The No Show track him down and ask him the hard hitting questions that everyone is too scared to ask for fear that he will crush them with his withering stares and his personal army of Terminators (they’re totally real by the way).

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    THE NO SHOW: So James – may I call you James?

    The Disembodied Voice of James Cameron, Emperor of Everything: You may refer to me as James Cameron, Emperor of Everything.

    THE NO SHOW: I’m sorry…?

    TDVoJC (EoE): Please refer to me by my given name, James Cameron, Emperor of Everything.

    THE NO SHOW: That’s going to eat into a lot of our interview time.

    TDVoJC (EoE): Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. After all, I’m a Master of Time and Space.

    THE NO SHOW: Master of Time?

    TDVoJC (EoE): And Space, yes. All Canadians are, but they’re too polite to really use the skill. Those that do become incredibly successful for almost no reason whatsoever, of course. Think about it: Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Alanis Morissette – what have they done to deserve their success?

    THE NO SHOW: That does explain a lot.

    TDVoJC (EoE): Absolutely. Just look at my previous Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Titanic – that flew by for millions of viewers around the world, right? And yet it clocked in at an epic 19 hours long. No-one even noticed because I squeezed it into a paltry three hours and 17 minutes.

    THE NO SHOW: It still felt pretty long.

    TDVoJC (EoE): So if we’re running short on time, I’ll bend time and space to make sure you get in all your questions. So long as I approve of the questions. Otherwise, I’ll rewind time and refuse this interview. And then make sure you achieve none of your lifelong ambitions. I will also un-invent the internet if you bug me. Just to make sure.

    In fact, if you do, say or suggest anything of which I do not approve, in addition to killing every pet you have ever owned, I will travel back to your early twenties and sleep with your first serious girlfriend, little… [loud electrical disturbance] Mary McGoogle. My she was a hottie wasn’t she?

    THE NO SHOW: …

    TDVoJC (EoE): [loud electrical disturbance] Oh yes she was. I just went back and did her anyway. Twice. Just to show you I mean business. You should call her up and ask her. She probably wouldn’t take your call though. Once you go Disembodied Master of Space and Time, you never go back, as they say. On the bright side, you’ll find you have now never had crabs. You’re welcome.

    THE NO SHOW: So, your film, Avatar, has been breaking records all over the place –

    TDVoJC (EoE): Do you mean my Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Avatar?

    THE NO SHOW: Yes, the film –

    TDVoJC (EoE): – my Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ –

    THE NO SHOW: – Avatar has done major box office –

    TDVoJC (EoE): My Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Avatar is has been are doing precisely the box office I am are making it do. Done. Sorry, tenses get a bit squiffy with time travel.

    THE NO SHOW: Did your plans include being knocked off the top spot in the US by Dear John, by all accounts a soppy romance with virtually no story and no big Hollywood names?

    TDVoJC (EoE): Yes. This was exactly as I made it happen. My Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Avatar beat the record box office run established by my previous Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Titanic, and my next Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ will beat my current Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ and so on and so forth. It’s a long-term strategy.

    THE NO SHOW: And you made this happen…?

    TDVoJC (EoE): Absolutely. I manipulated time and space, went back and forth, checked out the films that were due to be released around this time and chose Dear John, which was the least threatening.

    Then, late at night while everybody was sleeping, I crept into their rooms and whispered, “You will go see Dear John this weekend. You will go see Dear John this weekend. This will not affect your unquestioning devotion to James Cameron’s Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Avatar.” Lo and behold, my Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Avatar drops to second place. And this way, no-one even noticed that my Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Avatar had virtually no story.

    As for the Epic box office performance of my Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Avatar, well, what can I say? I’ve always done well with sequels.

    THE NO SHOW: Sequel?

    TDVoJC (EoE): Well, technically my Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Avatar is the fourteenth in a series.

    THE NO SHOW: But Avatar –

    TDVoJC (EoE): – my Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Avatar –

    THE NO SHOW: Whatever, it wasn’t a sequel.

    TDVoJC (EoE): Of course it was, the first one bombed, don’t you remember? Then I did all those test screenings, made the Na’vi skinny and half-naked, gave the female ones pert little Shakira-like breasts and – oh no, of course you don’t. Silly me, always forgetting these things. Interesting story: in fact, this is the fourteenth release of the film, you just don’t remember them. I kept going back in time, simplifying the story, making it more familiar and comfortable for audiences and adding more partial nudity and explosions and special effects until BAM, I had a multi-million dollar hit on my hands. Simples.

    THE NO SHOW: Is that why the film –

    TDVoJC (EoE): – Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ –

    THE NO SHOW: – has been described as a mix between Pocahontas, The Dark Crystal and the Smurfs, but for adults?

    TDVoJC (EoE): [loud electrical disturbance] … I’m sorry, what were you saying?

    THE NO SHOW: … Hm, that’s funny, I don’t remember.

    TDVoJC (EoE): That’s fine. You were asking how it feels to have created what many are calling the most Epic cinematic experience since my last Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ Titanic.

    THE NO SHOW: Was I? I don’t recall…

    TDVoJC (EoE): No problem. It feels great.

    THE NO SHOW: Um OK, thanks for taking the time to speak with us.

    TDVoJC (EoE): My pleasure. And remember: my next Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢, The Little Mermaid, comes out next year. And it will be in 4D, a technology I haven’t even invented yet, but I’m confident I’ll be able to borrow from somewhere in time and claim as my own with a few very minor tweaks.

    THE NO SHOW: The Little Mermaid? You mean like the Disney ““

    TDVoJC (EoE): [loud electrical disturbance] … I’m sorry, what were you saying?

    THE NO SHOW: Um, sorry, I’ve lost my train of thought. In any case, we’ve run out of time, so I’ll just say thanks to the Disembodied Voice of James Cameron, Emperor of Everything, and we look forward to what I’m sure will have been your next biggest Epic Motion Pictureâ„¢ ever.

    TDVoJC (EoE): Now you’re getting it.

    THE NO SHOW: By the way, I loved Citizen Kane.

    TDVoJC (EoE): Thanks. I was particularly proud of that one.

    Brought to you by The No Show

  • FREDagator: 2010-02-09

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    TAKE A TOUR OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION IN HD

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  • Masters Of Song Fu #6: Round 1 Voting Begins

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    We here at FRED 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 unique form of creative combat.

    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…

    Like a songwriting version of Iron Chef, the competitors will be 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 FRED to be voted on by you, the audience.

    At the end of the 3rd Challenge, the two Challengers with the most votes will face off, mano a mano for the title of…

    MASTER OF SONG FU

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    However, there may yet be one final challenge for this newly crowned Master – for they very well might (if the stars align and schedules permit) face off against one of the LEGENDARY MASTERS – artists like Jonathan Coulton, Paul & Storm, Neil Innes, Doc Hammer, & The RiffTones. Think of them as the iron chefs of Song Fu – one of which may or may not be revealed as your ultimate challenge. Only the wheel of uncertainty can predict (and even then, not).

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    So what was the first Challenge?

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    ROUND 1 CHALLENGE

    Write a song that is about (or at least has key to the central narrative) RAIN (the meteorological phenomena). At some point (or throughout) the song, you must utilize an instrument (or vocals) that represent the rain. You are free to write your song in any style that you choose.

    That’s it. The only other directive is that your song must run no shorter than 1 minute 30 seconds.

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    You’ll find each Challenger’s songs below, with the voting form at the bottom. Shadow entries can be found beneath the voting form.

    THE CHALLENGERS

    MIKE LOMBARDO

    Mike Lombardo is a piano-playing geek-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 or teaching small children how to bang on pianos. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Mike is currently finishing up his second album with his piano rock band, the Mike Lombardo Trio.
    Official Website: www.mikelombardomusic.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/mikelombardo
    ROUND 1 SONG:Sit And Watch The Rain
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/mike_lombardo-sit_and_watch_the_rain.mp3]

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    EDRIC HALEEN

    songfu-edrichaleen.jpgEdric is a returning veteran of the Masters of Song Fu competition. He has been writing music (off and on) since the early nineties. 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. Also – feel free to check out (and add to!) the “Happiness Board” on his web pages!

    Official Website: happinessboard.com/Edric_Haleen.html

    ROUND 1 SONG:In The Rain
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/edric_haleen-in_the_rain.mp3]

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    GODZ POODLZ

    Legends foretell of a mighty duo, born in the frozen North. Two neighbors and friends will unite to form “Godz Poodlz” and battle the Mazters or Song Fu for glory and bragging rights! Godz Poodlz are Rüss Rogers and Rod Durre. Russ Rogers was once a member of “Kit and Kaboodle” (still available on iTunes) and currently performs in “Rusty’s Rocking Jamboree!” Rhod Durre was in the Goth Rock Band, “Sear!” Beware the Godz Poodlz Ear Worm! Godz Poodlz songs are bright, funny and tenaciously catchy. Come join Godz Poodlz Legionz of Fanz!

    Official Website: godzpoodlz.bandcamp.com

    ROUND 1 SONG:Rain Is Pouring Down
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/godz_poodlz-rain_is_pouring_down.mp3]

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    SPENCER SOKOL

    Spencer is trying to do things. Music is one of those things. It is painfully obvious to him, if not others, that he has absolutely no idea what he’s doing. In the past he has been musically inclined with a guitar and occasionally with a piano. He is trying to be musically active once again, but this time he is attempting to do so while on the Internets. Creating music is a large part of his 40×40 list and he thinks this competition seems like “a Super Mega Happy Fun way” to rekindle his musical desires.
    Official Website: www.spencersokol.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/spencersokol
    ROUND 1 SONG:Reservations
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/spencer_sokol-reservations.mp3]

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    KYLIE PETTO

    My name is Kylie, and I’m your everyday 17-year-old girl with a passion for music. I’ve been writing my own songs since I was ten years old, and nothing is more fun for me than to sit down with my guitar and unwind. Now I thankfully have a violin to add to my arsenal, and I’m armed and ready for my second go at song fu!

    Official Website: NONE
    Twitter: twitter.com/KyliePetto

    ROUND 1 SONG:Robby
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/kylie_petto-robby.mp3]

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    CALEB HINES

    Caleb is a software engineer who pretends to be a musician on the internet. Self-taught in music theory, he is more comfortable writing a four-part instrumental fugue than he is writing a verse-chorus-bridge song. His favorite style of music went out of style at the end of the 18th century, but after discovering the likes of Weird Al, Dr. Horrible, and especially Jonathan Coulton, he realized that “omodern music” can be fun too. Now he is on a quest to update, expand, and diversify his musical knowledge and experience. In addition to singing, he plays a whole family of recorders, baroque flute, ukulele, melodica, pretends to play keyboard and guitar, and most recently, bass. He also uses virtual instruments because a real orchestra costs too much.

    Official Website: refactoringmybrain.blogspot.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/calebhines

    ROUND 1 SONG:Water Cycle
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/caleb_hines-water_cycle.mp3]

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    BOFFO YUX DUDES

    The Boffo Yux Dudes began in the 80’s and 90’s doing radio comedy, and promptly fell asleep for the next 15 years. Tom Giarrosso and Allan Morgan (Pop Machine) continue the tradition of trying to recreate their lost youth with exceedingly torturous music, instead of spending the money on therapy like normal people having a midlife crisis. Tom blames Mike Lombardo for showing him the Fu way of doing things, and now he has to listen to the voices and write songs instead of doing his actual day job.
    Official Website: www.boffoyux.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/boffoyuxdudes
    ROUND 1 SONG:Reign of the King
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/boffo_yux_dudes-reign_of_the_king.mp3]

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    DENISE HUDSON

    Denise Hudson is a musician of non-determined hair-color from Austin, Texas who is married to an musicaphile Australian. She hopes that she typed up her bio correctly (alas, she cannot spell!); and additionally hopes she amuses you, but she is done apologizing now. 🙂 If she happens to make you slightly uncomfortable, she supposes there’s nothing to be done for it…
    Official Website: denisehudson.bandcamp.com

    Twitter: twitter.com/RangerDenni
    ROUND 1 SONG:Rain
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/denise_hudson-rain.mp3]

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    “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. I write and record my songs solo, in my little make-shift studio, and when I play live, I often get some help from friends. Some of my music is funny, and some isn’t. More often than not, the humour is unintentional. My Influences range from Klezmer to folk, to punk and back again, which ends up sounding more like Zydeco than anything else (who’d have guessed?). I’ve been described as a “Cajun Buddy Holly” and an “Optimistic Elvis Costello”. It’s been said that I sound like “That guy from the Barenaked Ladies” and a “Nasaly Bob Dylan”. One of these days, I hope to have a description that is accurate.
    Official Website: www.buckethatbobby.randomsociety.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/BucketHatBobby
    ROUND 1 SONG:Forget About The Rain
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/buckethat_bobby_matheson-forget_about_the_rain.mp3]

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    IAN “TWO SHADES” JOHNSON

    Ian is a guitarist/singer/pianist/other-stuff-ist. He was a participant of Song-Fu #5, and is a member of Too Much Awesome. His songs have been described (by himself) as “probably not as funny as I think they are.”
    Official Website: ianjohnson.bandcamp.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:Downpour
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/ian_two_shades_johnson-downpour.mp3]

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    GORBZILLA

    songfu-gorbzilla.pngGorbzilla is a musician/band teacher in Mid-Michigan. He has been in a few bands over the years, most notably as the bass player/vocalist for the band “Satin Jones” and the guitarist/vocalist for the band “Jimmy Likes Pie”. The proud father of two future rock maniacs, Gorbzilla has been writing music for the past twenty years, and is currently working on his first musical Beer ““ Finally a Musical for Men based on the Haiku by Patrick “Horkmeister” Sweet entitled, “I Think I Threw Up”. He has been happily married for eight years, and is looking forward to this competition.
    Official Website: gorbzilla.blogspot.com
    ROUND 1 SONG:Freezing Rain
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/gorbzilla-freezing_rain.mp3]

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    GOVERNING DYNAMICS

    Governing Dynamics is the name of Travis Norris’s eternal sideproject, where all the stuff written by him goes when his current band (whatever it may be) refuses to play it. The music has been favorably compared to such bands as Eels, Radiohead, The White Stripes, and other bands that cool people like. It has been unfavorably compared to the tactics used by the FBI against the Branch Dividians at Waco. If he has to describe his music by genre (and refer to himself in third person) Travis calls it “alternative/shoegazer with a liberal dose of Midwestern rock”.
    Official Website: governingdynamics.bandcamp.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/travisnorris
    ROUND 1 SONG:Rain in Chicago
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/governing_dynamics-rain_in_chicago.mp3]

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    ZER0GUY

    Two brothers from the midwest return to Song Fu with their brand of eclectic musical ideas. They don’t like to stick to a genre, and sometimes they suffer from swarms of bees.
    Official Website: www.myspace.com/zer0guyband
    ROUND 1 SONG:Thundercade
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/zer0guy-thundercade.mp3]

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    JUTZE SCHULT

    Johannes “Jutze” Schult (from Germany) likes to live in a dream world where there has been no Grunge and where he is a talented singer. Sometimes his little folky pop songs find their way into the real world. Here they suffer from his hoarse voice and the do-it-yourself home recording production, struggling to appeal off and on beaten musical paths.
    Official Website: www.jutze.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/schult
    ROUND 1 SONG:Kingdom Of Rain
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/jutze_schult-kingdom_of_rain.mp3]

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    LEIGH & HOOVER

    Dave & William have been writing songs together for decades, yet have still managed to avoid finding a clever name for themselves. William writes the words; Dave the music… which is good because it doesn’t really work the other way ’round.
    Official Website: www.cratchit.org/music
    ROUND 1 SONG:Summer Rain
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/leigh_and_hoover-summer_rain.mp3]

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    COMMON LISP

    Common Lisp is the name for the music projects of yours truly, Paul R. Potts, and any collaborators I may be able to drag into participating. I am a middle-aged software engineer with four children, some home recording gear, and too many guitars. I have never written an original song. It’s about time, don’t you think?
    Official Website: commonlisp.bandcamp.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/paulrpotts
    ROUND 1 SONG:Polly Loves the Rain
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/common_lisp-polly_loves_the_rain.mp3]

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    GLEN RAPHAEL

    Glen Raphael is a Manhattan-based software geek, circus performer, and guitarist/singer/songwriter who counts Jonathan Coulton and Paul & Storm as influences. He has recently written songs that featured killer robots, exploding pants, and the Statue of Liberty having a mid-life crisis. Though not all at once. Yet.
    Official Website: youtube.com/glenra
    ROUND 1 SONG:Can’t See The Sky
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/glen_raphael-cant_see_the_sky.mp3]

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    INVERSE T. CLOWN

    Inverse T. Clown is a jack of many entertainment trades, songwriting being one of his favorites. He has an album half-ready to be recorded, and is looking forward to garnering the patience to sit down and do it. Even more so, he’s looking forward to Song Fu 6. There is an ongoing series of internet covers of Inverse’s song “Today’s The Day” – and he loves them all – but it would nice to get some steam behind the endless REST of his genius, and Song Fu seems just the place to start it up. He’s funny, he’s clever, his music is synthetic, and he’s champing at the bit to throw everything he’s got to his clamoring fans. Stick around, and see why Salemites everywhere call this musical genius “The Future of Greatness”.
    Official Website: toomuchawesome.ning.com/profile/InverseTClown
    ROUND 1 SONG:Sexy In The Rain
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/inverse_t_clown-sexy_in_the_rain.mp3]

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    JEFF MacDOUGALL

    Coming in at twice Mike Lombardo’s age, Jeff MacDougall is back and ready to throw some Fu! When asked about the competition, he had this to say: “Yeah. That’s right. I’m back. *coughs* *mumbles*” This will be a Song Fu for the ages!
    Official Website: www.jeffmacdougall.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/jeffmacdougall
    ROUND 1 SONG:Beautiful Day
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/jeff_macdougall-beautiful_day.mp3]

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    TARYN MILLER

    Taryn Miller is an 18-year-old, gluten-intolerant, crazy-hat-wearing guitarist (and other stuff too, but she’s played guitar longest). She hails from Winfield, Kansas – Home of Bluegrass.
    Official Website: myspace.com/chellenesuperstar
    ROUND 1 SONG:Crowded And Clouded
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/taryn_miller-crowded_and_clouded.mp3]

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    To download a ZIP FILE containing all of the ROUND 1 songs, CLICK HERE.

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    ROUND 1 VOTING

    And now, it’s time for the voting. For this round, you can choose your TOP 5 FAVORITE Challenger songs. Be sure to choose carefully. VOTING CLOSES AT 11:59pm EST on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13th, and THE NEXT CHALLENGE WILL BE REVEALED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15th. If you are having trouble voting, CLEAR YOUR BROWSER’S CACHE and try again. PLEASE NOTE: This voting system bases voting eligibility on your IP Address. If there are other computers on a home or business network that share the same IP address through a router, it may say you’ve already voted. Unfortunately, there is no way around this, and still be able to prevent ballot stuffing. It’s just the nature of the online voting beast.

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    ROUND 1 VOTING – THE CHALLENGERS

    [poll id=”24″]

    View Results

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    SHADOW ENTRIES

    JOE “COVENANT” LAMB

    I’m Joe Covenant. I’m Scottish. And never have enough time to do everything I wanna! Been singing and perfoming for over 40 years… (yes, I am 46.)… and I’ve nearly learned a 6th chord! Everything I do. I do for Song Fu. (If not for this ‘contest’ I would have never met and collaborated with so many talented people.)

    Official Website: joecovenant.bandcamp.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/JoeCovenant

    ROUND 1 SHADOW SONG:Rain
    [audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/shadow_song-joe_covenant_lamb-rain.mp3]

    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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    [ad#contestbox]

  • The No Show: Great Moments in Cinema Recreated with My Daughter’s Toys

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    Fatal Attraction

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    The Godfather

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    The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

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    Midnight Cowboy

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    Donnie Darko

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    Psycho

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    E.T.

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    Fatal Attraction (alternate)

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    Brought to you by The No Show

  • Weekend Shopping Guide 2/6/10: Peter Serafinowicz, Time Lord

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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 FRED Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

    (Please support FRED by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)

    Cut down in its prime by a network that didn’t understand the greatness it was letting slip away (Hello, BBC!), The Peter Serafinowicz Show (Channel 4, Not Rated, Region 2 DVD-£19.99 SRP) was fully appreciated by its dedicated fans (I’m one of them) and has since become an internet viral phenomenon as its sketches have been globally disseminated. In fact, it was via Twitter that the ‘net put pressure on Channel 4 to accelerate a DVD release, which is what any comedy fan in their right mind can now pick up, which also sports commentaries, deleted scenes, a documentary, and the Christmas special. Get this DVD set. Get it now. GET IT.

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    I love musical instruments. I have absolutely no talent for learning or playing them, but I do love to own and tinker with them. The Bliptronic 5000 LED Synthesizer ($49.99) is one of those rare instruments that I can tinker with and feel that I’m accomplishing actual acts of creation – it really is as simple as digital pressing one and off of tones on the LED button keypad and adjusting the sequence and frequency. It’s just fun.

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    Time to wrap up the tenure of the 10th Doctor (played by David Tennant) with the release of the final two specials – Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP) & Doctor Who: The End Of Time (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP). Mars features the behind-the-scenes Doctor Who Confidential, while End Of Time is loaded with Confidentials, commentaries, deleted scenes, a video diary, Christmas Idents, and Who at Comic-Con. If you want to get the whole kit in one swoop, there’s Doctor Who: The Complete Specials (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$49.98 SRP), which contains all four specials plus the bonus features of the individual releases. A Blu-Ray edition ($59.98 SRP) is also available, with identical bonus materials.

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    The releases have been heavily delayed and the wait has been difficult, but the 6th season of The Mary Tyler Moore Show (Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP) is finally on tap – which means we can all own a pristine copy of one of the finest sitcom episodes ever made. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you must rectify that glaring oversight post-haste by picking up this set and watching “Chuckles Bites The Dust”.

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    If you were unable or unwilling to pony up the cash for the deluxe edition of The Godfather Trilogy on Blu-Ray, now’s your chance to pick and choose either The Godfather or The Godfather Part II (Paramount, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP each) – no Godfather Part III yet. Granted, you won’t be getting all of the bonus materials from the multi-disc set, but both films do have the Coppola commentary tracks. The restoration on these two films – particularly the first – is truly stunning, so if you’ve been waiting to pick them up, stop waiting and snag ’em.

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    Much like DC’s direct-to-video adaptations of their comic book story arcs, Marvel has leapt into that pool with an animated adaptation of Planet Hulk (Lionsgate, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP), which finds Big Green exiled to outer space, crash landing on an alien planet, sold into slavery, forced to become a gladiator, and finally becoming a freedom fighter. Get all that? Bonus materials include audio commentaries, making-of featurettes, and previews of upcoming animated flicks. A Blu-Ray edition ($29.99 SRP) is also available, with identical bonus materials.

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    Returning with her second HBO special and her A game direct from the nation’s capital, Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me (HBO, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP) is full of everything we’ve come to expect from Sykes – smart, sharp commentary on everything from coming out and mother hood to pirates and having a black president.

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    A staple of my late-80’s Nick At Nite viewing, I’m delighted that the goofily fun Mister Ed (Shout Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$39.97 SRP) has made it to a complete 2nd season release – as I feared it might stall with only the first season under its belt (as many classic sitcom DVD releases have). The 4-disc set contains all 26 episodes, including Studebaker car commercials and an audio interview with Alan Young & the late Connie Hines.

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    I think we’ve just about completed Terry Gilliam’s catalogue transition to high definition with the release of Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas (Universal, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$26.98 SRP), leaving on Fisher King and Jabberwocky to go. Sadly, this is not the jam-packed Criterion edition – just the standard Universal take, with deleted scenes and a vintage featurette. So hold onto that special edition.

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    Granted, the contestants are long gone, but if I’m roaming the cable channels and happen across the Game Show Network, I’m often sucked into watching games shows that were recorded up to a half-century ago. If you’re like me, then you’ll probably want to pick up The Best Of The Price Is Right (Mill Creek, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP), The Best Of Password (Mill Creek, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP), The Best Of All-Star Family Feud (Mill Creek, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP), The Best Of Match Game (Mill Creek, Not Rated, DVD-$ SRP), and Game Show Moments Gone Bananas (Mill Creek, Not Rated, DVD-$9.98 SRP). Who will win? The same people that already won decades ago!

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    The transition to the big screen isn’t wholly successful, but there’s still much to love in the high-definition debut of Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man (Warner Bros., Rated G, Blu-Ray-$28.99 SRP), starring Robert Preston in the title role as the con man who finds that love may upset his careful plans to swindle the small town of River City. Bonus materials include an introduction by Shirley Jones, a making-of featurette, and the theatrical trailer.

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    It’s a big, messy, ensemble love letter to the city that never sleeps, and like any patchwork film made up of numerous director’s vignettes, there’s some good and some bad to be found in New York, I Love You (Vivendi, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$27.99 SRP). It’s a star-studded affair, and as a novelty piece, it’s certainly worth a spin. Just know that it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Bonus materials include director interviews, additional segments, and the theatrical trailer.

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    Warners continues its budget-conscious TCM Greatest Classic Films Collections with a trio of new additions to the roster – The Marx Brothers, Sci-Fi Adventures, & Romance (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$27.92 SRP each). The Marx collection brings together A Day At The Races, A Night In Casablanca, Room Service, & At The Circus. The Sci-Fi set contains Them!, The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms, World Without End, & Satellite In The Sky. Finally, the Romance set’s got Splendor In The Grass, Love In The Afternoon, Mogambo, & Now, Voyager.

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    Of his recent flicks, Clint Eastwood’s Mystic River (Warner Bros., Rated R, Blu-Ray-$28.99 SRP) leaves me cold, despite its emotionally charged subject matter. Still, it’s worth nothing its arrival in high-def, with an audio commentary, behind-the-scenes featurettes, Charlie Rose interviews with Eastwood and the cast, and theatrical trailers.

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    I don’t really get the appeal of the Air Bud series, but there’s certainly enough of a demand that Disney is releasing a special edition of Air Bud: Golden Receiver (Walt Disney, Rated G, DVD-$29.99 SRP). The new edition adds an play-by-play track from the puppy Buddies. You know, for the kids.

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    Yeah, the writing is on the wall in the penultimate 9th season of Beverly Hills 90210 (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$59.98 SRP) that perhaps the teens of Beverly High were getting a bit long in the tooth. It’s always awkward when the hairlines start receding. The 6-disc set contains all 26 episodes.

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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 #133: The Things We Do

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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 #133: The Things We Do – Ken & Dana return with a somewhat truncated cast due to scheduling conflicts which leave Dana stuck on his cell phone, on the way to a hot tub date. True!

    [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 #133 (MP3 format)

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/snydecast/ken_p_d_snyde_cast-133.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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  • A Bit Of A Chat with Ken Plume & Caissie St. Onge

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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 chat with a very funny writer/producer who traces her career from THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN through THE ROSIE O’DONNELL SHOW to THE BEST WEEK EVER (and its Paul F. Tompkins-helmed successor). There are plenty of other stops along the way, and plenty of irons in the fire, so sit back & listen to me chat w/ the very funny Caissie St. Onge.

    Hope you enjoy…

    Download “A Bit of a Chat with Ken Plume & Caissie St. Onge“:

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/bitofachat/bit_of_a_chat-caissie_st_onge.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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  • Cabin Fever 85: The Top 10 That Never Ends

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    cabin.jpgOh no! Just when you thought it was safe to hang out at the 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 #85: The Top 10 That Never Ends – Aaron and Brian go through their Top 10 albums of the last 10 years. Stories are shared and conspiracies dissected as they try to figure out why some bands went bad and why others just keep getting better. Super bonus extra long episode!

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

    DOWNLOAD: (right click to save)
    Episode #85 (MP3 format)

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/cabinfever/cabin_fever_85.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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  • Toy News: Venture Bros. Toys Arrive

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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Bif Bang Pow! to Produce ’70s Style Action Figures Based on Some of the World’s Most Popular Properties

    LOS ANGELES, CA (February 2, 2010) ““ Announcing one of the widest ranges of highly articulated 8-inch retro-style action figures in years. In cooperation with EMCE Toys, Bif Bang Pow!â„¢ is proud to bring the original “’70s style” of play to a brand-new line of articulated action figures based on some of the world’s most popular properties.

    Reproductions reminiscent of the best-selling action figures of the 1970s and early 1980s, these highly articulated figures will feature body designs by EMCE Toys. Each 8-inch scale figure will include real cloth clothing and plastic accessories where appropriate. Over 40 licensed action figures are planned for 2010. The first are targeted for an early summer arrival and Comic-Con International: San Diego 2010, with others to follow later in the year. Included are much-demanded characters from:

    The Venture Bros.â„¢ (Cartoon Network)
    Dexterâ„¢ (Showtime Networks)
    Lostâ„¢ (ABC Disney)
    The Big Lebowskiâ„¢ (NBC Universal)
    The Twilight Zoneâ„¢ (CBS)
    Flash Gordonâ„¢ (King Features)
    Scott Ian (Anthrax)

    The Venture Bros.â„¢ creator Jackson Publick, who has been working closely with Bif Bang Pow! to bring these to market, noted that the upcoming figures are “very impressive and extremely faithful to the characters, while also finding a very comfortable middle ground between 2-D and 3-D design. Bif Bang Pow! has deftly solved a number of design problems I thought anyone attempting a 3-D interpretation would get thrown off by. Brock, especially, is going to make the fanboys crap themselves. Let’s show these to the world already!” “We’re very excited about launching this new range of action figures. For the first time in Bif Bang Pow! history, all of our licenses will be living in the same universe. So if you’ve always wanted Dr. Girlfriend to seduce Dexter Morgan, or for Mingâ„¢ the Merciless to fight The Dude, now’s your chance!”, said Jason Lenzi, CEO of Bif Bang Pow! “And the exceptional articulation makes the posing possibilities virtually limitless, which comes in handy for animated characters!”

    “The 8-inch format hasn’t seen this breadth of licenses since its peak during the Mego days,” said Joe Sena, President of SphereWerx, corporate parent of the EMCE Toys brand. EMCE partner Paul “Dr. Mego” Clarke added, “It is exactly this intention to mix a variety of characters into imaginative play that started my journey to bring this format back ten years ago. We’re honored that Jason and his team sought us out to ‘Mego-ize’ the licenses he holds.”

    Visit bifbangpow.com often for updates, specific character announcements and images. Preorders
    begin today for select items at entertainmentearth.com and other fine retailers.

    Retailers and press can see the first prototypes at New York Toy Fair, February 14-17, 2010, at the EMCE Toys booth #4944.

    About Bif Bang Pow!
    Bif Bang Pow!â„¢ (bifbangpow.com) produces first-rate collectibles for such popular properties as Dexterâ„¢, Lostâ„¢, Californicationâ„¢, The Venture Bros.â„¢, The Twilight Zoneâ„¢, The Big Lebowskiâ„¢, and Flash Gordonâ„¢. Founder Jason Lenzi is a seasoned television producer and the ultimate fan of cultish pop culture. So when he created his company in 2005, he took the fan’s perspective. His idea was to bring items to the marketplace that he himself would want to own. Cultivated from TV, movies, books, comics, music, and more, Bif Bang Pow!’s mission is to provide high-quality action figures, toys, and collectibles to the massive cult audience (and kids of all ages) that wishes these toys were already in their collection. Bif Bang Pow! is a unit of JLA Direct, LLC.

    About EMCE Toys
    The EMCE Toys brand (pronounced “em-see”) was founded to bring playability back to toys. Inspired by the original action figure company, Mego Corp., we strive to craft quality, durable action figures, playsets, and collectibles that recreate the sense of fun that toys were originally made for. Our launch lines are either licensed reproductions of original Mego toys and packaging, or original creations modeled after the classic lines of the 1970s and early 1980s. EMCE is proud to have the active input and cooperation of Marty Abrams, founder of Mego and father of the modern action figure. We hope to continue to honor his legacy with our work. We have also been honored to incorporate the talents of veteran artist Harold Shull, original illustrator of Mego’s classic and distinctive packaging from the 1970s. As we continue to extend this kind of inclusion of the original Mego teams, we get closer to our goal of bringing Mego back as a viable toy company in all but name. EMCE was created by veteran pop culture entrepreneur Joe Sena, President of SphereWerx, LLC, and craftsman Paul “Dr. Mego” Clarke.
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  • A Bit Of A Chat with Ken Plume & The Dawson Bros.

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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 chat with the UK writing trio The Dawson Bros. – Andrew Dawson, Steve Dawson, & Tim Inman – who’ve toiled in obscurity behind the scenes of THE PETER SERAFINOWICZ SHOW, TOTAL WIPEOUT, Funny Or Die UK (and much more), and are about to unleash their sketch pilot, HAPPY FINISH, in the near future.

    Hope you enjoy…

    Download “A Bit of a Chat with Ken Plume & The Dawson Bros.“:

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/bitofachat/bit_of_a_chat-dawson_bros.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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  • Bagged & Boarded 46: Like, all over?

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    What happens when two young men let their love of movies, comic books, and all things “geek” take over their lives? They run away from their families, bringing only the most essential DVDs and comics to their secret, highly fortified underground bunker in sunny Southern California, where they start recording podcasts that will change the world.

    Are they heroes?

    No.

    Are they geniuses?

    Far from it.

    Are they the future of this planet?

    I sure hope not.

    Simply put… Matt Cohen and Jesse Rivers are “Bagged and Boarded”.

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    BAGGED & BOARDED #46: Like, all over? – In which Matt and Jesse take a look at the current state of technology, the definition of “Sports”, and whether or not we live in the fourth dimension. Hint: We don’t.

    [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 #46 (MP3 format)

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/baggedboarded/bagged_boarded-46.mp3]

    SUBSCRIBE
    Subscribe to this Podcast via iTunes

    Got something to say? E-mail Matt & Jesse at the B & B mailbag.

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    CLICK HERE FOR THE BAGGED & BOARDED ARCHIVES

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  • Musical MySpace Tour #5

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    That’s right. I’m back.

    The only regular article on the internet entirely powered by the “send friend request” button on MySpace*. Indeed, I will only review bands and musicians who try to become an e-friend with me on MySpace. I will only review them and I will review ALL of them. The good and the bad. And if you have a MySpace profile yourself then you’ll know that the majority of them are fucking terrible.

    However, I’m going to attempt to add some light and fun to the mission by forgetting that these fine folks have feelings. Is it wrong of me to be so harsh? Probably, but they spammed me on a social networking site and on the internet these days… there are no rules. I mean, have you seen all that porn?

    Sometimes though, I can be just plain wrong and in my last article I credited the guitar work on a song called kick to Chris Geddes and not the artist herself, Femmepop. And while he did feature on the song it was Femmepop who did all the strumming. Apologies to her, and if you’d like to check out the song yourself just head on over to www.myspace.com/femmepop.

    While the GRAMMYs were on over the weekend I paid no attention to it whatsoever. Never have so few been nominated so much for so little. All I will mention is that in 2010, The Ting Tings and MGMT are NOT new artists.

    But lets see what our 5th stop on the tour has in store for us. Something crap? Something fantastic? Or something fantastically crap?

    *To my knowledge and if I don’t know about it, it doesn’t exist.
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    LOS FAHINA
    www.myspace.com/losfahina

    Welcome to your new favourite band.

    This seven piece band claim to come from Tabasco, Mexico and are made up of members Juan Lennon, Paolo McCartney, Gringo Starr, Juan Ponchovi, 50 Pesos and Malcolm. In their friend request they tell me “We gratest band in South America, that undenyible”. I don’t know where they are really from, I’m starting to think it’s somewhere in the UK, but I find it hard to disagree with their logic. You MUST listen to them.

    They have 4 original songs and 3 inspired covers/parodies. Their play-list opens with “I Like To Do Sexx Up A Girls” and if there was ever a song which could truly give you a taste for what you’re in for, it’s this. With the fantastically fake Mexican accents and rude/bizarre lyrics you will either instantly fall in love or hate them forever. I landed in the former. They would have won me over pretty easily just by covering “Deeply Dippy” (a Right Said Fred song which I have gone on record before to claim is one of the greatest pop songs ever written) but they made it their own once again adopting a very skewed approach to songwriting by making it about a pensioner. The electric keyboard added to panpipes with authentically paced songs (or at least stereotypically paced songs) just creates a style more infectious than any “serious” band I’ve heard in the last couple of years.

    I would LOVE to catch Los Fahina live. They play in full get-up including sombreros, ponchos and moustaches. If you check out their picture folders you’ll seen some inspired photo-shopping of the band in different scenarios. My favourite being them outside a shanty EMI building.

    Some of the videos are even better than the songs. Just the fact that they covered the theme tune for Home & Away makes them heroes in my book.

    Now I don’t want for a second to make the impression that just because these guys are a “comedy” band that the musicianship isn’t there. In fact I might even argue that what they do here takes more skill than the generic rock that I often find doing these reviews. It’s hard to make songs sound as amazingly bad as they do here.

    Catchy, witty and all round entertaining. I can’t say enough things to encourage you to go check out Las Fahina. Just do it already! It’s criminal that their site hits are so low.

    Presentation = 4/5
    Content = A good amount of videos and songs.
    Music = 4/5
    Friend Request = ACCEPTED!

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    musical-poweragePOWERAGE
    www.myspace.com/powerageband

    Powerage hail from New South Wales, Australia and are made up of two sets of brothers whose ages range from 13 to 19. Now this is an important point as it really effects my review of this band in both positive and negative ways.

    The type of music that Messrs Crawford and Minett play is essentially 80s metal. The sort of thing you would hear Iron Maiden or AC/DC do. In fact the lead singer has a little hint of Bruce Dickinson in him. Now if you’re not familiar with 80s metal it’s essentially about partying hard and seeing women as objects. What was beautiful about it was that you genuinely believed that the bands of that era lived the rock and roll lifestyle to it’s fullest. If they weren’t in a pool with naked women and a sunken Lamborghini, well you were disappointed. Most of those guys died trying to live up to our expectations. So I find it strange that such young guys as Powerage are play this sort of thing as well as they do.

    Their songs like Rock Star Living sing of “wasted youth”. An interesting lyric to use considering they’re currently living their own. The music is convincing, it’s clear that they have been raised on the source material (in fact you’ll see a picture of their dads in one of their folders and they look like survivors of the industry themselves). The boys can even be seen in vintage rock t-shirts in nearly all their photos but it’s hard to see past that they’re singing about things they don’t know. Most of the bands they mimic burnt out before they were born. Which begs the question why they refer to themselves as “modern rock” more than once on their profile page when it’s clearly classic rock they’re playing.

    But I feel I’m being harsh on Powerage. They play well and can only improve with such time on their side so if they’re more than competent now it will be fascinating to see where they go from here. There is a worry that a band formed so early in years will only drift apart as the young men find themselves. How many of us still love to do now what we did when we were teenagers? And looking at porn doesn’t count.

    At the end of the day though, despite their quality, I find it hard to take a rock band seriously if I feel it inappropriate to say “fuck” around them.

    Presentation = 3/5
    Content = A nice balance of stuff but maybe too much promo info.
    Music = 3.5/5
    Friend Request = DENIED!

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    musical-sheavesTHE SHEAVES
    www.myspace.com/thesheaves

    The Sheaves throw up a conundrum to me. I’m new enough to this music review lark, this is only my fifth in a series. Sometimes the band make it easy for me to review them by being utter shit. Others are fun or impressive and I struggle to find the words that can convey the special tight feeling in my pants which they give me. And then there are the likes of The Sheaves. I really don’t know what to make of them.

    This group of experienced musicians categorise themselves as “Rock / Alternative / Psychedelic”. Now we don’t get too many bands around here who describe themselves as being psychedelic without a tongue planted firmly in cheek but I can tell that these boys are aiming for that mantle. I would describe them as stoners if I didn’t think the term “hippy” was more appropriate. Now I’m not for a second suggestion that these upstanding men from Tennessee take part in any illegal narcotics but I’d make a bet that their basement smells of incense.

    I’ll try listing the positive things and negatives separately.

    Positive: They have an unusual sound. They obviously are good musicians. The recording quality of these songs, for an unsigned band, is pretty good. They have up to 5000 plays on some songs so they must have good support. It’s clear that they conduct themselves professionally.

    Negative: The lead singer’s voice bugs the hell out of me. Most songs go on too long, by a couple of minutes in some circumstances. Some of the lyrics are a bit too soft rock for me, for example in the song Take Care Of Yourself “check in with your mother when you can”… really?

    What’s my conclusion? I have no freaking idea. But I know they’re not for me so at the very least I do know what button to press.

    Presentation = 2/5
    Content = No videos but a lot of songs. Two playlists worth in fact.
    Music = 3/5
    Friend Request = DENIED!

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    musical-jennischickJENNI SCHICK
    www.myspace.com/jennischick

    Ok, so here are the 10 things I’m going to assume/guess/make-up about Jenni from the little information that is presented here.

    1) Jenni was known for singing in high school. In fact, she was probably one of the best singers in her school choir (which I also assume she was in).
    2) Jenni has probably worn cowboy boots at least once in her life.
    3) No-one has ever told Jenni that maybe music isn’t the career for her.
    4) Jenni will most likely get upset if she reads this review.
    5) I’m going to take a wild stab and say these songs were recorded in her music class or her shower.
    6) She was in a long distance relationship.
    7) She doesn’t know how to spell “apology”
    8) She should really stick to singing classical music.
    9) Jenni is probably tired of “schtick” jokes.
    10) Jenni will not see me on her friends list.

    Presentation = 0/5
    Content = Not a lot. I don’t think she knows how to use MySpace too well.
    Music = 1/5
    Friend Request = DENIED!

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    musical-benpeelBEN PEEL
    www.myspace.com/benpeel

    Ben Peel is a young man from Bradford, England. He has played in quite a few bands apparently. Six are listed in his “about me” section. I’m always fascinated by the names people choose for their bands and my favourite one that Ben has been in is The Hot Crustacean Band – always a good thing.

    The reason why I mention the fact that he is in other bands is because I think he is probably best utilised in a group.

    Ben’s music is part-mod, part-Britpop. There is a clear influence from the likes of The Kinks and in equal measure a sound synonymous with bands such as James and The Las. At least, that’s what I’m hearing from it but I guess a lot of Britpop was inspired by the mod generation so it’s not surprising there is a lot of cross-over there. Either way, this sort of thing is right up my alley.

    He shows a lot of promise. Simple messages mixed with catchy tunes and a real feeling of that “working class hero” ethos that English northerners have pumping through their veins from birth. Some good music is hampered for me by pretty rough vocals. If I heard Ben Peel singing in the night I would throw a bucket of water over him. This is where I go back to my original idea that Ben Peel might be better suited to being in a band. He’s a good song writer. Has some great concepts for a songs sound but god damn it he needs a better singer.

    Which is a shame really because if the singing here was of a better quality, and not even a largely higher quality just a bit better, then I think I might have got much more excited by what I was listening to. Unfortunately my interest was fleeting. However, there are only three songs on parade here. With more I could be convinced otherwise.

    I should pop back in after some time and see how Mr. Peel has progressed.

    Presentation = 3/5
    Content = Not a lot. But it’s early days, the page isn’t even up 6 months yet.
    Music = 3/5
    Friend Request = DENIED!

    -If you dare to have your music ripped apart by a button clicking maniac then just send a friend request to Aaron at www.myspace.com/aaronhbp. As long as his laptop doesn’t decide to commit suicide again you’ll have your music reviewed, for better or worse.

  • Masters Of Song Fu #6: Round 1 Challengers and Challenge Revealed

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    We here at FRED 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 unique form of creative combat.

    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…

    Like a songwriting version of Iron Chef, the competitors will be 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 FRED to be voted on by you, the audience.

    At the end of the 3rd Challenge, the two Challengers with the most votes will face off, mano a mano for the title of…

    MASTER OF SONG FU

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    However, there may yet be one final challenge for this newly crowned Master – for they very well might (if the stars align and schedules permit) face off against one of the LEGENDARY MASTERS – artists like Jonathan Coulton, Paul & Storm, Neil Innes, Doc Hammer, & The RiffTones. Think of them as the iron chefs of Song Fu – one of which may or may not be revealed as your ultimate challenge. Only the wheel of uncertainty can predict (and even then, not).

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

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    THE CHALLENGERS

    MIKE LOMBARDO

    Mike Lombardo is a piano-playing geek-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 or teaching small children how to bang on pianos. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Mike is currently finishing up his second album with his piano rock band, the Mike Lombardo Trio.
    Official Website: www.mikelombardomusic.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/mikelombardo

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    EDRIC HALEEN

    songfu-edrichaleen.jpgEdric is a returning veteran of the Masters of Song Fu competition. He has been writing music (off and on) since the early nineties. 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. Also – feel free to check out (and add to!) the “Happiness Board” on his web pages!

    Official Website: happinessboard.com/Edric_Haleen.html

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    GODZ POODLZ

    Legends foretell of a mighty duo, born in the frozen North. Two neighbors and friends will unite to form “Godz Poodlz” and battle the Mazters or Song Fu for glory and bragging rights! Godz Poodlz are Rüss Rogers and Rod Durre. Russ Rogers was once a member of “Kit and Kaboodle” (still available on iTunes) and currently performs in “Rusty’s Rocking Jamboree!” Rhod Durre was in the Goth Rock Band, “Sear!” Beware the Godz Poodlz Ear Worm! Godz Poodlz songs are bright, funny and tenaciously catchy. Come join Godz Poodlz Legionz of Fanz!

    Official Website: godzpoodlz.bandcamp.com

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    SPENCER SOKOL

    Spencer is trying to do things. Music is one of those things. It is painfully obvious to him, if not others, that he has absolutely no idea what he’s doing. In the past he has been musically inclined with a guitar and occasionally with a piano. He is trying to be musically active once again, but this time he is attempting to do so while on the Internets. Creating music is a large part of his 40×40 list and he thinks this competition seems like “a Super Mega Happy Fun way” to rekindle his musical desires.
    Official Website: www.spencersokol.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/spencersokol

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    KYLIE PETTO

    My name is Kylie, and I’m your everyday 17-year-old girl with a passion for music. I’ve been writing my own songs since I was ten years old, and nothing is more fun for me than to sit down with my guitar and unwind. Now I thankfully have a violin to add to my arsenal, and I’m armed and ready for my second go at song fu!

    Official Website: NONE
    Twitter: twitter.com/KyliePetto

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    CALEB HINES

    Caleb is a software engineer who pretends to be a musician on the internet. Self-taught in music theory, he is more comfortable writing a four-part instrumental fugue than he is writing a verse-chorus-bridge song. His favorite style of music went out of style at the end of the 18th century, but after discovering the likes of Weird Al, Dr. Horrible, and especially Jonathan Coulton, he realized that “omodern music” can be fun too. Now he is on a quest to update, expand, and diversify his musical knowledge and experience. In addition to singing, he plays a whole family of recorders, baroque flute, ukulele, melodica, pretends to play keyboard and guitar, and most recently, bass. He also uses virtual instruments because a real orchestra costs too much.

    Official Website: refactoringmybrain.blogspot.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/calebhines

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    BOFFO YUX DUDES

    The Boffo Yux Dudes began in the 80’s and 90’s doing radio comedy, and promptly fell asleep for the next 15 years. Tom Giarrosso and Allan Morgan (Pop Machine) continue the tradition of trying to recreate their lost youth with exceedingly torturous music, instead of spending the money on therapy like normal people having a midlife crisis. Tom blames Mike Lombardo for showing him the Fu way of doing things, and now he has to listen to the voices and write songs instead of doing his actual day job.
    Official Website: www.boffoyux.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/boffoyuxdudes

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    DENISE HUDSON

    Denise Hudson is a musician of non-determined hair-color from Austin, Texas who is married to an musicaphile Australian. She hopes that she typed up her bio correctly (alas, she cannot spell!); and additionally hopes she amuses you, but she is done apologizing now. 🙂 If she happens to make you slightly uncomfortable, she supposes there’s nothing to be done for it…
    Official Website: denisehudson.bandcamp.com

    Twitter: twitter.com/RangerDenni

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    “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. I write and record my songs solo, in my little make-shift studio, and when I play live, I often get some help from friends. Some of my music is funny, and some isn’t. More often than not, the humour is unintentional. My Influences range from Klezmer to folk, to punk and back again, which ends up sounding more like Zydeco than anything else (who’d have guessed?). I’ve been described as a “Cajun Buddy Holly” and an “Optimistic Elvis Costello”. It’s been said that I sound like “That guy from the Barenaked Ladies” and a “Nasaly Bob Dylan”. One of these days, I hope to have a description that is accurate.
    Official Website: www.buckethatbobby.randomsociety.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/BucketHatBobby

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    IAN “TWO SHADES” JOHNSON

    Ian is a guitarist/singer/pianist/other-stuff-ist. He was a participant of Song-Fu #5, and is a member of Too Much Awesome. His songs have been described (by himself) as “probably not as funny as I think they are.”
    Official Website: ianjohnson.bandcamp.com

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    GORBZILLA

    songfu-gorbzilla.pngGorbzilla is a musician/band teacher in Mid-Michigan. He has been in a few bands over the years, most notably as the bass player/vocalist for the band “Satin Jones” and the guitarist/vocalist for the band “Jimmy Likes Pie”. The proud father of two future rock maniacs, Gorbzilla has been writing music for the past twenty years, and is currently working on his first musical Beer ““ Finally a Musical for Men based on the Haiku by Patrick “Horkmeister” Sweet entitled, “I Think I Threw Up”. He has been happily married for eight years, and is looking forward to this competition.
    Official Website: gorbzilla.blogspot.com

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    GOVERNING DYNAMICS

    Governing Dynamics is the name of Travis Norris’s eternal sideproject, where all the stuff written by him goes when his current band (whatever it may be) refuses to play it. The music has been favorably compared to such bands as Eels, Radiohead, The White Stripes, and other bands that cool people like. It has been unfavorably compared to the tactics used by the FBI against the Branch Dividians at Waco. If he has to describe his music by genre (and refer to himself in third person) Travis calls it “alternative/shoegazer with a liberal dose of Midwestern rock”.
    Official Website: governingdynamics.bandcamp.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/travisnorris

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    ZER0GUY

    Two brothers from the midwest return to Song Fu with their brand of eclectic musical ideas. They don’t like to stick to a genre, and sometimes they suffer from swarms of bees.
    Official Website: www.myspace.com/zer0guyband

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    JUTZE SCHULT

    Johannes “Jutze” Schult (from Germany) likes to live in a dream world where there has been no Grunge and where he is a talented singer. Sometimes his little folky pop songs find their way into the real world. Here they suffer from his hoarse voice and the do-it-yourself home recording production, struggling to appeal off and on beaten musical paths.
    Official Website: www.jutze.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/schult

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    DAVE LEIGH & WILLIAM HOOVER

    Dave & William have been writing songs together for decades, yet have still managed to avoid finding a clever name for themselves. William writes the words; Dave the music… which is good because it doesn’t really work the other way ’round.
    Official Website: www.cratchit.org/music

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    COMMON LISP

    Common Lisp is the name for the music projects of yours truly, Paul R. Potts, and any collaborators I may be able to drag into participating. I am a middle-aged software engineer with four children, some home recording gear, and too many guitars. I have never written an original song. It’s about time, don’t you think?
    Official Website: commonlisp.bandcamp.com

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    GLEN RAPHAEL

    Glen Raphael is a Manhattan-based software geek, circus performer, and guitarist/singer/songwriter who counts Jonathan Coulton and Paul & Storm as influences. He has recently written songs that featured killer robots, exploding pants, and the Statue of Liberty having a mid-life crisis. Though not all at once. Yet.
    Official Website: youtube.com/glenra

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    INVERSE T. CLOWN

    Inverse T. Clown is a jack of many entertainment trades, songwriting being one of his favorites. He has an album half-ready to be recorded, and is looking forward to garnering the patience to sit down and do it. Even more so, he’s looking forward to Song Fu 6. There is an ongoing series of internet covers of Inverse’s song “Today’s The Day” – and he loves them all – but it would nice to get some steam behind the endless REST of his genius, and Song Fu seems just the place to start it up. He’s funny, he’s clever, his music is synthetic, and he’s champing at the bit to throw everything he’s got to his clamoring fans. Stick around, and see why Salemites everywhere call this musical genius “The Future of Greatness”.
    Official Website: toomuchawesome.ning.com/profile/InverseTClown

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    JEFF MacDOUGALL

    Coming in at twice Mike Lombardo’s age, Jeff MacDougall is back and ready to throw some Fu! When asked about the competition, he had this to say: “Yeah. That’s right. I’m back. *coughs* *mumbles*” This will be a Song Fu for the ages!
    Official Website: www.jeffmacdougall.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/jeffmacdougall

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    TARYN MILLER

    Taryn Miller is an 18-year-old, gluten-intolerant, crazy-hat-wearing guitarist (and other stuff too, but she’s played guitar longest). She hails from Winfield, Kansas – Home of Bluegrass.
    Official Website: myspace.com/chellenesuperstar

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    ROUND 1 CHALLENGE

    Write a song that is about (or at least has key to the central narrative) RAIN (the meteorological phenomena). At some point (or throughout) the song, you must utilize an instrument (or vocals) that represent the rain. You are free to write your song in any style that you choose.

    That’s it. The only other directive is that your song must run no shorter than 1 minute 30 seconds. Your song must be submitted in mp3 form (128-192kbps) either via e-mail (to mail @ asitecalledfred.com – remember to remove the spaces) or a file upload service (like RapidShare or YouSendIt). Deadline for submission is 11:59pm EST on Sunday, February 7th, 2010.

    Voting on Round 1 submissions will commence on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010.

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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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    [ad#contestbox]

  • Weekend Shopping Guide 1/29/10: In The Loop

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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 FRED Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

    (Please support FRED by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)

    Making a political satire with real bite that manages to retain its humor is quite a difficult task, but it’s accomplished with some real flair by In The Loop (MPI, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$29.98 SRP) which, in its tale about a low-level British politician’s unfortunate comments leading to a joint war effort alongside the US, is probably our generation’s Dr. Strangelove. Bonus materials include a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, a TV spot, and the theatrical trailer.

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    My love for magnets, to anyone who’s been reading these shopping guides for any length of time, should be well known. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that my delight extends to the BuckyBalls Magnetic Building Spheres ($29.99) – 216 small magnetic balls that can be assembled into a myriad amount of shapes and structures. Fun fun FUN!

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    You want to see porn for history nerds? Look no further than WWII In HD (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP). As you can probably guess from the title, it’s hours and hours of archival, rarely seen color footage that has been fully remastered and converted to HD. Of course, if you want the full effect, you’ll want to pick up the Blu-Ray edition ($39.95 SRP). Both editions contain featurettes in the discovery and restoration of the footage in question.

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    It has nothing whatsoever to do with history except for some forced attempts at context, but The History Channel has fast become filled with reality series such as Pawn Stars (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP). I mean, don’t get me wrong – I enjoy Pawn Stars, which features the acquisitional acumen of the proprietors of the only family-run pawn shop in Las Vegas. The 2-disc set contains all 14 season one episodes, plus a pair of featurettes and additional footage.

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    It’s not as fresh as the debut season, but I was certainly still a fan of the 2nd, penultimate season of Parker Lewis Can’t Lose (Shout Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$49.99 SRP), which maintained its goofball, manic energy quite nicely and was a lovely cross between Ferris Beuller’s Day Off and One Crazy Summer. Buy those two flicks, and this set. Bonus materials include a clutch of audio commentaries.

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    Adapting the Broadway musical for TV animation, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP) arrives on DVD fully remastered, featuring the classic Clark Gesner songs (“Happiness” included), plus a bonus featurette on the history of the Gesner album and its evolution into a Broadway sensation before arriving on TV.

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    It’s not as mind-blowing as it is in its original IMAX presentation, but there’s still plenty of wonder to be had in the documentary Wild Ocean (Image, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP) – which, as you can guess, takes viewers beneath the waves.

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    Yes, we were probably overdue for a roller derby flick – and who’d have thought that it would come from director Drew Barrymore and be called Whip It (Fox, Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP), and star Ellen Page as a rough-and-tumble teen who make her mark in the vicious fast lane? Well, there you go. Bonus features include deleted scenes, an alternate opening, and a Fox Movie Channel featurette with the screenwriter.

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    The release of Jonathan Creek: Season 4 (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$34.98 SRP) brings the original run of the Alan Davies as sleuthing magician series to a close, leaving only the recent Christmas special and upcoming Easter special. This 2-disc set contains all 6 episodes, plus video profiles, deleted scenes, and a music video.

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    It seems a few months too late, but a trio of documentaries on the Kennedy Assassination are hitting DVD from The History Channel – JFK: 3 Shots That Changed America & The Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours After (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$19.95 SRP each). The angle of both are pretty evident from the titles, but I find the latter to be more fascinating, as you rarely hear a detailed account about the events that unfolded afterward.

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    If you’re not willing to take the leap directly into their feature films (via the wonderful comprehensive box set released by Universal last year) or their TV show (which is getting a complete re-release in early 2010), get a quite good overview of Bud & Lou’s comedy with Legends Of Laughter: Abbott & Costello (Infinity, Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP). The 6-disc box set contains episodes of their radio show, bloopers, the Colgate Comedy Hours they hosted, a pair of their now public domain films, and more.

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    I think it’s a pretty clear sign that a barrel is being scraped when we get the Dorf: Super Fan Collection (Mill Creek, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP). Yes, it stars Tim Conway and yes, these were massive successes in the late-night VHS commercial days – but the joke does wear a bit thin. Over all 8 adventures of the half-size sportsman. The disc also sports audio commentary and a behind-the-scenes featurette.

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    It’s not up to the level of NYPD Blue & The Shield before it, but there is some merit in diving into Southland: The Complete First Season Uncensored (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP), which was largely ignored when it premiered on NBC (Remember that “network”?). It focus on a rookie cop’s attempts to make a dent in LA’s rough-and-tumble area alongside his veteran colleagues. The 2-disc set contains all seven episodes, plus a behind-the-scenes featurette.

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    When you have a title like Cowboys & Outlaws (History Channel, Not Rated, DVD-$24.95 SRP), you can pretty much expect what this documentary series focuses on – those rugged working men and rogues of the old west. The 2-disc set combines dramatic reenactments with forensic evidence for one hell of a tale.

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    Sure to get attention for its Twilight connection, Little Ashes (E1, Rated R, DVD-$26.98 SRP) stars Robert Pattinson as a young Salvador Dali in 1922 Madrid, locked into a triangle of art and forbidden attraction with Luis Bunuel & Frederico Garcia Lorca. The disc also features cast/director interviews.

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    The team at MI-5 (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$59.98 SRP) are tested when a former operative is released from 8 years in a Russian prison. Even though MI-5 Supremo Harry Pearce welcomes his good friend back into the fold, can he be trusted? The 7th season set contains audio commentaries, featurettes, and the UK trailer.

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    Let’s wrap thing up on the mountain as we bid farewell to America’s… ummm… family with The Waltons: Movie Collection (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP). The 30disc collection rounds up all 6 reunion movies.

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    As the Academy Awards approach like a freight train, studios are making sure to get some of their Oscar-bait catalogue titles released in high-def – which is why we get brand-new Blu-Ray editions of Keira Knightley in both Pride & Prejudice and Atonement (Universal, Rated PG/R, Blu-Ray-$26.98 SRP each). Prejudice contains an audio commentary, featurettes, and the HBO First Look, while Atonement brings an audio commentary, deleted scenes, and a pair of featurettes.

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    A little bit Strange Days, a little bit Matrix, a little bit 13th Floor, and a little bit Avatar, the sad thing about Surrogates (Touchstone, Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$39.99 SRP) is that it’s just boring. It’s a shame, since its plot – about a near future period where humanity lives their lives in a virtual world and murder is a thing of the past, until events force an FBI agent to re-enter reality – could have been fun. Sadly, star Bruce Willis is on his usual autopilot, and the film suffers for it. Bonus materials include an audio commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes, and a music video.

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    The sketches are hit and miss, but it’s certainly worth giving a spin to The Whitest Kids U Know: The Complete Second Season (E1, Not Rated, DVD-$24.98 SRP). The 2-disc set contains audio commentaries, a best-of season 1 with cast intros, and a sneak peek at season 3.

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    Turn 8-Mile into a story about a breakdancing young girl, and you’ve got B-Girl (Screen Media Films, Rated PG-13, DVD-$24.98 SRP). It’s basically a love letter to the breakdancing world – be prepared for goofy, too-serious fun. Bonus materials include auditions, profiles, and bloopers.

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    I loathe the touch-feely soft-focus, marshmallowness of Touched By An Angel, but there’s not denying its struck a chord with many a middle-aged something or another, who are sure to want the newly-released pair of Touched By An Angel Inspiration Collections, Faith & Love (Paramount, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP each), both of which contain a quartet of episodes.

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    It’s a quickie, holiday themed release (Valentine’s Day, in case you’re wondering), but I’m sure fans will snap up I Heart Jonas (Walt Disney, Not Rated, DVD-$19.99 SRP), which selects 7 episodes from the Jonas Brothers’ Disney Channel show, along with a Punk’d-esque featurette called “You’ve Just Been JoBro’d!” with Jordin Sparks.

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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 #132: iSnyde

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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 #132: iSnyde – Ken & Dana return with the obligatory discussion about Apple’s latest life-saving device, then change subjects and talk fast food for far too long, and wind up on pretty ladies.

    [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 #132 (MP3 format)

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/snydecast/ken_p_d_snyde_cast-132.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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  • Cabin Fever 84: Because We Felt Like It

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    cabin.jpgOh no! Just when you thought it was safe to hang out at the 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 #84: Because We Felt Like It – Aaron and Brian return from their winter holiday to… complain about their winter holiday. It’s the first episode of Cabin Fever in the era of FRED but unfortunately it’s the same old rubbish you’ve come to expect.

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

    DOWNLOAD: (right click to save)
    Episode #84 (MP3 format)

    [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/cabinfever/cabin_fever_84.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: 2010-01-27

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    Welcome to our weekly round-up of featured giveaways here at FRED. 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 BBC Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies each of DOCTOR WHO: THE COMPLETE SPECIALS on Blu-Ray, DOCTOR WHO: THE COMPLETE SPECIALS on DVD, DOCTOR WHO: THE WATERS OF MARS on DVD, and DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME on DVD.

    In conjunction with BBC Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of NEW TRICKS: SEASON 2 on DVD.

    In conjunction with BBC Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of JONATHAN CREEK: SEASON 4 on DVD.

    In conjunction with FX, we’re giving away five (5) copies of ARCHER posters.

    In conjunction with Faber & Faber, we’re giving away four (4) copies of THE QI: BOOK OF THE DEAD.

  • Win THE QI: BOOK OF THE DEAD!

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    In conjunction with Faber & Faber, we’re giving away four (4) copies of THE QI: BOOK OF THE DEAD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, February 17th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of FRED 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, February 17th.

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

  • Win an ARCHER poster!

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    In conjunction with FX, we’re giving away five (5) copies of ARCHER posters.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, February 17th.

    Airing on FX, Archer is an animated, half-hour comedy set at the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS), a spy agency where espionage and global crises are merely opportunities for its highly trained employees to confuse, undermine, betray and royally screw each other. The series features the voices of H. Jon Benjamin as suave master spy “Sterling Archer,” whose less-than-masculine code name is “Duchess;” Jessica Walter as his domineering mother and boss, “Malory Archer;” Aisha Tyler as his ex-girlfriend and current co-worker, “Agent Lana Kane;” George Coe as his aging-but-loyal butler, “Woodhouse;” Chris Parnell as ISIS comptroller and Lana’s new love interest, “Cyril Figgis;” Judy Greer as Malory’s lovesick secretary, “Cheryl;” and Amber Nash as “Pam,” the director of human resources for ISIS.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of FRED 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, February 17th.

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

  • Win JONATHAN CREEK: SEASON 4 on DVD!

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    In conjunction with BBC Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of JONATHAN CREEK: SEASON 4 on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, February 17th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of FRED 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, February 17th.

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

  • Win NEW TRICKS: SEASON 2 on DVD!

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    In conjunction with BBC Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies of NEW TRICKS: SEASON 2 on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, February 17th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of FRED 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, February 17th.

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

  • Win DOCTOR WHO: THE SPECIALS on DVD & Blu-Ray!

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    In conjunction with BBC Home Video, we’re giving away three (3) copies each of DOCTOR WHO: THE COMPLETE SPECIALS on Blu-Ray, DOCTOR WHO: THE COMPLETE SPECIALS on DVD, DOCTOR WHO: THE WATERS OF MARS on DVD, and DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME on DVD.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, February 17th.

    CLOSED! THANKS FOR ENTERING!

    Official Rules

    No member of FRED 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, February 17th.

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

  • Soapbox: Timing Is Everything

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    Timing Is Everything

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    depA few weeks ago, I was nosing around at a local discount CD shop, looking for deals (preferably of the non-Kelly Clarkson kind). I was just about to make a decision between Dave Matthews’ Under the Table and Waning and Nickelback’s Things That Sound Like Suck, when I spotted him behind the counter, running the cash register.

    There he was. Late teens, maybe very early twenties. Pale skin. Badly dyed hair. On his gaunt and bony frame he had draped various items of black clothing: a trench coat, a scarf, a t-shirt, loose-fitting jeans with a shiny studded belt. On his wrists he wore thick leather bands, dotted with spikes. His eyelids were encircled with dark eye liner, and around his throat he was wearing a spiked dog collar. His face was covered in numberless piercings, because – I assume – his skull-flesh had at one point become detached and had fallen to the ground, thus forcing him to take appropriate corrective steps by pinning it back on.

    His appearance – particularly the spikes and dog collar – reminded me of a joke I once heard, so I decided to lay it on him. Young people enjoy a good joke, right? Why not extend a bit of conviviality, perhaps brighten his day a bit?

    I approached the counter, grinning, and waded right into the set-up: “I don’t know how to say this, but … several years ago when I was a reckless young man still in the business of sowing my wild oats, I went to a keg party and got severely drunk.”

    He stared, blankly.

    Undeterred, I continued: “Yes, well, anyway, in my fully inebriated condition that night, I had carnal relations with a Doberman Pinscher.”

    His least metal-laden eyebrow arched upward. Emboldened, I plowed right into the punchline: “I was just noticing your spikes and collar, and … well … I think you might be my son.”

    (Silence)

    His eyes narrowed. He stared at me and, with apathy thickly slathered over every syllable, said, “Yeah, that’s really f***ing funny.”

    So I lunged over the counter, grabbed his eyebrow-ring, jerked his face close to mine, and shouted into his ear, “No, you stupid dick, I’m being serious here, I’ve been looking for you for years – and this is how you treat your father on the day of our long-awaited reunion?! HUH?!?!?! ANSWER ME!!!!”

    I didn’t expect him to start bawling like a baby … I guess I just don’t know how to tell a joke. Timing is everything.

    Jacob Michael
    Follow me on Twitter

  • Masters Of Song Fu #6: Sign-Up Begins…

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    We here at FRED 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 unique form of creative combat.

    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…

    From now until 11:59pm EST on SATURDAY, JANUARY 30th, we’ll be accepting sign-ups from any and all musicians across this here internet. We have 20 slots open – All you have to do is be one of the first 20 to apply via the form below, and you’re in. THE LIST OF CHALLENGERS AND THE FIRST TASK WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1st, 2010.

    Once those participants have been announced, the showdown will commence.

    Like a songwriting version of Iron Chef, the competitors will be 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 FRED to be voted on by you, the audience.

    At the end of the 3rd Challenge, the two Challengers with the most votes will face off, mano a mano for the title of…

    MASTER OF SONG FU

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    However, there may yet be one final challenge for this newly crowned Master – for they very well might (if the stars align and schedules permit) face off against one of the LEGENDARY MASTERS – artists like Jonathan Coulton, Paul & Storm, Neil Innes, Doc Hammer, & The RiffTones. Think of them as the iron chefs of Song Fu – one of which may or may not be revealed as your ultimate challenge. Only the wheel of uncertainty can predict (and even then, not).

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    And 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.

    Remember, you must be able to realize a song both lyrically and musically. This competition is open to both singer/songwriters and bands – but since space is limited, only enter if you truly accept the challenge. As stated above, we’ll be accepting the first 20 valid applications we receive.
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    Are you ready to bring your Fu? If so, fill out the form below:

    SIGN-UP FOR THIS ROUND HAS CLOSED. CHALLENGERS WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA E-MAIL BY THURSDAY, JANUARY 28th, & THE FIRST CHALLENGE WILL BE REVEALED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1st. PLEASE NOTE: EVEN IF YOU DID NOT MAKE IT IN AS A FORMAL CHALLENGER FOR THIS EDITION, SHADOW ENTRIES ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.

    Note: Competitors will be notified via e-mail of their selection.
    If you have any problems submitting your entry via the form above, you can also e-mail the entry information to
    mail @ asitecalledfred.com (taking out the spaces, naturally) with the subject line “Song Fu”.

  • Weekend Shopping Guide 1/22/10: If I’m Lying

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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 FRED Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

    (Please support FRED by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)

    Overlooked at the box office, I will declare here and now that Ricky Gervais’s The Invention Of Lying (Warner Bros., Rated PG-13, DVD-$28.98 SRP) is a comedy that is destined to become as beloved a cult classic as Office Space before it. Think I’m wrong? See it for yourself, as Gervais creates a world wherein the act of lying does not exist – until it’s discovered by Gervais’s character and proves to be a world-changing superpower. Bonus materials include video podcasts, a prequel, behind-the-scenes featurettes, additional scenes, and a gag reel. A Blu-Ray edition ($35.99 SRP) is also available, with identical bonus materials.

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    You may not know this about me, but you certainly will now. “What is it? What is this secret?” you ask, breathlessly. C’mere, and I’ll tell you…. Closer… Closer… Okay. I like playing with magnets. I think they’re cool. I’ve thought magnets were cool ever since I was a kid. I also like money. Sadly, US coinage is non-magnetic, so I was never able to combine my two loves, Reese’s style. Until now. The Magic Penny Magnet Kit ($19.99) contains two powerful magnets and 24 British coins (they’re magnetic!), as well as a US penny (for comparison) and a book full of pretty nifty tricks you can do and sculptures you can make. Dreams do come true.

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    I never thought I’d see the day when Kingdom Of The Spiders (Shout! Factory, Rated PG, DVD-$19.99 SRP) – that Saturday afternoon schlock staple starring jobbing-in-the-70’s Shatner – get a special edition. But here it is, with an audio commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, a featurette with spider-wrangler Jim Brockett, and a brand-new interview with Shatner.

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    Michael Adams took a bullet for us all when he decided to sit down for a year and watch some of the worst movies ever made, and provide not only a chronicle of that feat, but also analyses and perhaps even an appreciation for crappy filmmaking. Of course, perhaps he didn’t take the bullet too soon, as I’ve seen many of the flicks in Showgirls, Teen Wolves, and Astro Zombies (It Books, $13.99), but it’s Adams’ insights that make reading the book worth it.

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    For anyone that came out of the tepid Funny People hoping that they had instead been able to see more of Aziz Ansari, your prayers have been answered with the DVD arrival of his debut stand-up special – Aziz Ansari: Intimate Moments For A Sensual Evening (Comedy Central, Not Rated, DVD-$14.98 SRP). The stand-up is strong, and there’s even an encore performance as his Funny People character, plus 30 minutes of additional material. A CD ($12.98 SRP) is also available.

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    It’s mindless action, yes, but it’s a shame to see Gerard Butler and Michael C. Hall slumming it in the B-movie actioner Gamer (Lionsgate, Rated R, DVD-$29.95 SRP), about a condemned criminal forced to play in a real-life video game, as prisoners are controlled in a death arcade by remote players. Will Gerard’s Kable make it out when he decides enough is enough? Bonus features include an audio commentary, featurettes, and the theatrical trailer.

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    Glaringly absent from the high definition catalogue up until now, you can put a check mark beside a pair of much-requested Paul Thomas Anderson flicks – Boogie Nights & Magnolia (New Line, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$28.99 SRP each). Both transfers are sparkling, as you’d hope. Boogie Nights features a pair of audio commentaries, additional scenes, “The John C. Reilly Files” extended sequences and outtakes, a music video, and the theatrical trailer. Magnolia sports a video diary, the Frank T.J. Mackey Seminar, the “Seduce & Destroy” infomercial, a music trailer, TV spots, and the theatrical trailer.

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    Shot as he was covering his final murder trial for Vanity Fair – that of Phil Spector – Dominick Dunne: After The Party (IndiePix, Not Rated, DVD-$29.95 SRP) is a fascinating portrait of the writer, Hollywood outcast, and defender of victims’ rights in a career that spans over 50 years. The 2-disc set contains an audio commentary, additional/extended interviews, home video, photos, and more.

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    The first two Bourne films arrive in high-definition as the inaugural entries in Universal’s new line of flipper single-disc Blu-Ray/DVD combos. I loathe flipper discs with a passion, so even though I understand the cost-cutting thought behind it, I can’t get behind the concept. Looking at the Blu-Ray side, The Bourne Identity (Universal, Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$29.98 SRP) features a load of featurettes, an audio commentary, an alternate opening/ending, deleted scenes, and a music video. The Bourne Supremacy (Universal, Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$29.98 SRP) contains an audio commentary, featurettes, and deleted scenes. Great content, great flicks, shame about the flippers.

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    If fans of English costume drama were to do a dream casting session, they probably would arrive at the cast that was assembled for Cranford – Judi Dench, Michael Gambon, Eileen Atkins, and Imelda Staunton. Cranford revolves around the ruling ladies of the titular town in 1842, for whom etiquette and custom reign supreme but are a thin veneer over secrets and change. Think a corseted Desperate Housewives. Your best bet is to pick Cranford: The Collection (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$49.98 SRP), which contains not only the original series, but also the Return To Cranford follow-up.

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    It was like a poor man’s Guy Ritchie (which is odd, since he’s already filled that role himself in recent years), but there was a sliver of fun to have from Smokin’ Aces (Universal, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$26.98 SRP), which hits hi-def with audio commentaries, featurettes, deleted scenes, outtakes, and an alternate ending. Even less enjoyable, though, is the nobody asked for it sequel, Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins’ Ball (Universal, Rated R, Blu-Ray-$29.98 SRP), containing an audio commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes, and a gag reel.

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    Instead of abandoning release of the shows in mid-stream due to sales issue for niche fan-favorites, Shout! Factory has taken the welcome step of making new season sets of the shows in question available directly from their website. This makes the economy feasible and fans happy – especially since the discs are identical in quality to their store-bought predecessors. The first sets to get the direct-purchase treatment are Mr. Belvedere: Season Four ($29.99), Ironside: Season 3 ($49.98) and Room 222: Season Two ($34.98). Make sure to snag yours so this fan-friendly program can continue.

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    And in this weeks soundtrack round-up, we’ve got John Murphy’s score to Armored (La-La Land Records, $17.99 SRP), Joseph LoDuca’s score to the series Leverage (La-La Land Records, $17.99 SRP), John Frizzell’s Legion (La-La Land Records, $17.99 SRP), and The Hurt Locker (Lakeshore Records, $18.98 SRP), by Marco Beltrami & Buck Sanders.

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    The disc-on-demand Warner Archive continues to live up to its name and promise by releasing a little-seen TV movie, adapted by Richard Matheson from his short story – Dying Room Only (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$19.95). Starring Cloris Leachman, Dabney Coleman & Ned Beatty in a nice chiller about an LA couple who wander into a hostile small town where things quickly go to hell.

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    Nancy Botwin is full ensconced with her business south of the border in the 5th season of Weeds (Lionsgate, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP), which finds her in awkward territory after getting pregnant via a high-powered politician turned drug lord. It’s just another in the long line of complications that make the series a continued must-see. The 3-disc set contains all 13 episodes, plus audio commentaries, featurettes, and bloopers. A Blu-Ray edition ($39.99 SRP) is also available, with identical bonus materials.

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    A co-ed crew exploring the solar system gets up to sudsy scientific exploration in the first season of Defying Gravity (Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$49.98 SRP), which stars Ron Livingston as veteran astronaut Maddux Donner, who leads his fellow crewmembers on a journey none of them expected. The 4-disc set includes 5 unaired episodes, plus a featurette and deleted scenes.

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    The 12th season of Dallas (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP) features everything you want in the wild world of the oil baron Ewings – most of it featuring the trials, tribulations, double-dealing, and womanizing of rotten patriarch JR Ewing. The 3-disc set contains all 26 episodes (which are, unfortunately, still presented on those damnable flipper discs).

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    It dips into melodrama occasionally, but for the most part Thirtysomething (Shout Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$59.99 SRP) holds up as a rare late-80’s drama that provided a well-written, grounded look at the trials and tribulations of Americans coming to terms with aging and family life. And now that I’m of that age, is rings even more true. Scarily. The 5-disc second season contains all 17 episodes, plus audio commentaries and new cast interviews.

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    Using none of the original voices and sub-par animation, there’s nothing much about Fraggle Rock: The Animated Series (Lionsgate, Not Rated, DVD-$19.98 SRP) that I liked as a kid. However, as a pathetic completionist, I’m happy that the complete series is being released on disc. That’s 13 episodes, plus a making-of featurette, galleries, and storyboards.

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    It’s not something I would have made a night out for, but watching Whiteout (Warner Bros., Rated R, DVD-$29.98 SRP) is a nice little home video flick. Its tale – of a murder at Antarctica’s remote Amundsen-Scott Research Station , which leaves a U.S. Marshal (Kate Beckinsdale) a limited time to solve the case before being stranded in six months of winter darkness with the killer – is perfect home video fare. Bonus features include additional scenes. A Blu-Ray edition ($35.99 SRP) is also available, which adds a pair of exclusive behind-the-scenes featurettes.

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    There was a constant fear it might stumble in its first season, and there’s always fear of a sophomore season fail, but Damages (Sony, Not Rated, DVD-$39.95 SRP) came through its second season even stronger than it started, which is in no small part to a wonderful balance between strong writing and the performances by leads Glenn Close & Rose Byrne. The 3-disc set contains all 13 episodes, plus audio commentaries, deleted scenes, character profiles, and featurettes.

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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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