We're off to Hawaii tomorrow morning. Aloha means hello, goodbye, and I love you in Hawaiian

I heart you means I love you in Xio.

Aloha, We heart you.

Do you like Nick Hornby? Eggers? Pitchfork? Blogs? McSweeney's? Contemporary music criticism in general?

Jason Cherkis, writer for the Washington City Paper, doesn't, and he probably has good reason not too. His article is an insightful look at the way American media has recently started using the celebrity music critic who, though famous for his writing, is not skilled in what it takes to actually and properly criticize a work of art. Pretty interesting theories. Read it.

Meet Crazy J.

No, not the fabulous InterVJ. I'm talking about Crazy J the Guitar Playing Robot. He started out as a Georgia Tech Project, and will end up stealing your hearts (and my job). Look out kiddies, the future is now. It's staring you in the face, with it's little pistons and quasars and circuit boards and whatever, Run away! Show me the blueprints!

Listen to Crazy J play Lola.mp3

link

Speaking of Lola.

This is totally random, but.... last night I had a dream that my wife was part siamese cat. From Space. And a Gremlin. ( Not the car. The Mogwai. [ No. Not the band. The movie character/stuffed animal ( No, that was E.T. The cute one with the little high-pitched voice. [ No, those were ewoks. You'd know what I'm talking about if you saw it. They could turn evil ( Yeah, those ones. Weird, huh? ) ] ) ] )

Fiona Apple starts the rerecording process of Extraordinary Machine with some electro-moog guy. Rumor has it she no likey Jon Brion's production. Thought he sounded like a carney. Now all you Free Fiona people look like fools don't you? Oh, wait. I signed that too.

Today's lesson: How to Build Your Own Guitar Pedals

I really wish I had some time on my hands to do this.

via {hackaday}

Is it possible for Billy Corgan to reform the Smashing Pumpkins? If he does, will they be as important to the music scene as they once were?

the HUB doesn't seem to think so.

"The lives of bands tend to be very front- loaded," veteran rock critic Dave Marsh said. "There are very few bands that after five or 10 years are worth very much. Singing groups mature. Bands usually burn themselves out one way or another. They've used up their ideas, their material."

Anyone think of any bands not listed in the article that debunk this? What about a band incorrectly named as a south-bound sensation?

...and awe.

Apparently a few recent studies are showing that watching tv can adversely affect academic skills.

What about Jeopardy?

In a recent interview with the Guardian, the Super Furry Animals explain--

"We turned down a worldwide Coca-Cola advert and they came back and doubled their offer to seven figures. It's insane."

Now we all know I'm not one for musical abuse in commercials. Most people can mention some favorite song of theirs that has been ruined by advertisement. Smith used to make fun of I Won't Get Fooled Again for Pete's sake (pun intended)! One of the greatest rock songs ever, ruined by a car promo.

On the other hand, this got me thinking.... Seven Figures.

Seven Figures is at least a million dollars.

A million dollars!

You have to admire the guys. They have and will always be doing music for the art. They love what they do, and they aren't willing to sacrifice their integrity for a little financial secutiry.

But.

Would I? Would You? Could we?

Thankfully that hasn't been an issue yet.