According to his bio on Wikipedia, Mr. Mays was first discovered at a home show in 1993 by Max Appeal of Orange Glo International. He was hired by the company to promote its products OxiClean, Orange Clean, Orange Glo, and Kaboom for the Home Shopping Network based out of St. Petersburg, Florida. After his rousing success there, the company moved him on to doing infomercials that aired nationwide.
Mrs. Mays has said that she does not expect to release any public statements about her husband’s death in the coming days. Oddly Mr. Mays was a passenger on a US Airways 737 on Saturday that blew out a tire upon landing. He was checked out immediately after the flight and did not request any medical assistance at that time. It is not known if that incident has any connection to his sudden and unexpected passing.
I was never in love with MJ. It may have been for the fact that I was a late 80's baby or never understood the hype, or thought he was a crazy looking child molester. Either way, he was an incredible artist, no matter how fucking bizarre he looked or acted. Remember that time he hung his child outside of that window in France? Or his relationship with Macaulay Culkin? I feel like this may sound like some falsified rumor attack on the King of Pop, but it's not, that shit actually happened!
When thinking about Micheal Jackson, the first thing that came to mind weren't any of those previously mentioned actions, but the complete opposite however. Weird Al, is what I thought of after hearing the words, MICHEAL JACKSON IS DEAD. When I was about five years old my uncle gave me a Weird Al album that featured songs about food. His rendition of "Beat It" entitled "Eat It" was my favorite song on the album, I had no idea that it was originally a Micheal Jackson song, but after I found out, was when I knew Micheal Jackson was a musical genius.
This is not the original music video.
Here is Chris Rock's thoughts on the man who owned all the rights to The Beatles catalog:
The funny thing is, I'll probably remember the exact place I was when I heard about Micheal for the rest of my life. I was in Brooklyn at my grandmothers house. Where were you?
I won't make this one as long and agonizing as the last review, but I want to let you know how amazing this band is.
I've been waiting for Phoenix to tour for about two years since I discovered It's Never Been Like That used at my local record shop. That album along with they're others are to put it simply, incredible. They're albums that need no skipping and can be played in any mood, temperature, or situation. I'm not sure they're are any bands whose music is able to do that now, or more importantly, ever. I highly recommend, if you haven't already, pick up they're new release called Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix I promise you will not be let down. You can play this record at a party, in the car, or on a rainy day, and it is guaranteed to please.
The show on Friday was exactly what I expected. Great sound, great set list, and overall a good crowd. Which, may I add is one of the most difficult things to accomplish at a concert. There aren't many words that I can use to describe the show or this band besides amazing, incredible, terrific, and spectacular. Take that Rolling Stone.
Read a more detailed review Here from the show the previous night at The Music Hall Of Williamsburg.
When thinking of drummers turned front men, few names come to mind. Phil Collins, Levon Helm, and probably the most famous of this generation, the one and only, Dave Grohl. Unfortunately, Sebastien Grainger (ex-Death From Above 1979) has yet to barely hit the drum head of this list of all-star composers. Sebastien along with his backing band, the Mountains filled the opening slot for the beloved Canadian supergroup, Metric at Terminal 5, Wednesday night. Dressed in a conservative mad scientist costumes, Sebastien and the band ran through a string of heavy distortion tunes that seemed to bleed into one another. A major reason why anyone at the show seemed to pay attention to this band was because of Sebastien's past and now defunct project, DFA1979. The single off Sebastian's self titled album, "Who do we care for?" seemed to be the tune that had the crowd nodding they're heads paying attention to the stage instead of their cell phones. The track which inspired the crowd to actually watch the stage instead of aimlessly gazing at the gigantic disco ball hanging above their heads.
Don't get me wrong, Sebastien's songs are well crafted and diabolical. However, live, the only highlight of the show is watching men dressed up as scientists playing guitars. Something that get's old after the first two or three songs. One can acknoledge his influence of thrash and grungy guitar riffs that were used heavily with DFA1979. What made DFA1979, so special was that there weren't any guitar lines. It was just two Canadian guys with long hair that seemed to be having a great time. Something, we weren't used to.
After realizing that this show was sold out and one that numerous Purchase kids could be found at. (I'm pretty sure I saw the working crew from the bookstore outside.) You know who I'm talking about, the ones who always seem to be a little too lethargic and make it seem that they're always having the worst day of they're lives? After about twenty five minutes waiting around for Metric to set-up. They briskly and athletically performed mostly material from they're new album, "Fantasies" which recently just went gold. "Fantasies", which compared to older albums is more polished and according to Emily Haines, a record about finding a new identity. Seemed to go over well with the New York city audience. I was pleasantly surprised at the crowd's response to the newer material, which was tremendously positive.
One great aspect of Metric's live performance is they're ability to keep the audience on it's feet and wondering where they're heading next. The band doesn't switch from one song to another and introduce it with a title and the adjacent album that it was featured on. They re-work the songs and change around arrangements which I find highly interesting. Now, you may be thinking why I chose to use the word athletically to describe the set. The singer, Emily Haines has an incredible way of performing that makes her resemble a Pilate instructor after consuming an ice cream cone filled with cocaine.
Haines who is never idle for a moment during the show, is on key for every note, never moving off pitch while dancing and working out like she was Jane Fonda. Another highlight of the set was Emily's abstract ramblings about humans at zoo's eating cheeseburgers. I'm not exactly sure what she was talking about but it still provided for a captivating performance by one of today's best rock n roll bands.
Setlist:
Twighlight Galaxy Help I'm Alive Satellite Mind Handshakes Gimmie Sympathy Sic Muse Empty Front Row Dead Disco Stadium Love
Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is underway tomorrow tonight, and I'm picking the Red-Wings to win. So I've come up with some conclusions from being a semi-observant NHL viewer this year.
1. The Chicago Blackhawks will win a Stanley Cup within the next five years. As long as they're solid first line stays intact. (Jonathan Towes, Patrick Sharp, and Patrick Kane) The average age of this line is about 22. I'm going to be 22 in 6 months and nowhere near poke checking any one of these players. They're goalie Chrtistobal Huet should make a break through next year establishing him as one of the leagues top goaltenders. If he doesn't, they'll find someone. Chicago can't go another 30 years without a cup, or else Kanye is going to have to suit up. Which may end up not being such a bad idea.
2. The Outdoor game has been the most successful marketing tool the NHL has had since the lockout. It's good to see friends and fellow Americans talk about the beloved game of hockey. Not since the mid 90's has there been a hockey game watched with such great ratings in The United States. Keep it in New York this year, and let the Rangers play the Devils, because no one can save the Islanders, not a number one draft pick, not a new stadium, and especially, not a hockey game at Yankee Stadium. These games have become exciting, memorable, and entertainment for a new years hangover.
3. Montreal is the greatest hockey city in the world. Over spring break I took a trip up to Montreal. I've always heard great things about how rich the culture is, how beautiful the women are, and how these Canadiens love their hockey. It was great to see a place that was so into a sport that I've spent my whole life defending. I attempted to get into a game but couldn't find a ticket cheaper than $100. Which made it worse because they were playing the Rangers that night. It's okay, because anywhere I went, a bar, restaurant, or smoke shop, the game was on. And nothing beats constant hockey air time. This was they're centennial year of existence and although they lost to they're division rival, The Boston Bruins in the first round, they had a pretty electrifying season.
Canadiens fans are tad bit whacky.
4. Fire Garry Bettman For those of you who don't know, Bettman is the NHL commissioner. Which means he's the boss. He's elected by the owners of the league to make rule changes and is the highest power in the NHL. Among the numerous changes Bettman has brought to the league, none have been more controversial than his plan to to eliminate fighting. Now, some may say this a discouraging part of the game that should be changed. But I say, you're stupid. Fighting is an very integral part of Ice Hockey, it's almost as important the ice itself.
The Phoenix Coyotes went bankrupt this season, and instead of moving them to Canada where there has been much interest and how Canada actually enjoys the game of hockey. Bettman believes it would be better to keep the in Phoenix because of the other sport franchises who play in Arizona. What doesn't Bettman understand about the game of ice hockey not being a good fit the desert!
This year when bad boy Sean Avery was on the Dallas Stars he said something silly about another player's girlfriend in a press conference. Instead of making a joke about it, Bettman decided to suspend him. Say what you will about Avery, but he's the best promotional player that the NHL has had since Gretzky, sorry Ovechkin, but he can speak english. Anyway, Betman has had his job for almost 15 years now, and I don't think there's been much improvement from when I started watching to present day. Dear NHL owners, fire Bettman and hire Gordie Howe. I promise, you won't be disappointed.
Here's Gary talking about the suspension.
5. The Penguins won't win the Cup and Sidney Crosby is a coward There is no doubt that Sidney Crosby is a great ice hockey player. I would be to if the league created a game based on poor officiating so I could make it to the Stanley Cup two years in a row. Anyway, if you think that Sidney Crosby is the best player in the league, I encourage you to look around. Now I'm not comparing numbers because, he is a good player, and he can score goals. However, I think that the NHL needs to look at promoting another player like Ovechkin, Zetterberg, Towes, or even his penguin partner, Malkin. Crosby conducts himself in an immature fashion on the ice which makes him look like a coward sometimes. He complains to the officials on almost every call and can be seen giving unwarranted hits to players who don't see them coming. If you want someone to represent this great game give it to someone with class, respect, and the ability grow a beard. I guess it must be the pretty boy effect.
I came across the fun site/blog called Black Cab Sessions Which films well known and some semi well known musician performing acoustically in the back of a taxi cab driving around England. Here are some of my favorites:
I don't usually watch much basketball, but this playoff season has been pretty spectacular. Here' why:
I came across this blog called 5 blogs before lunch and came across these great commercials from the resturant Jack In the Box. Too bad they're aren't any around me :(
Spending time at home provides for hours of fun. Playing video games, aimlessly searching the internet, and illegally downloading hit singles from 2009's hottest pop-stars.
Usually Pop Music and Top 40 earns a bad reputation for not being honest and sincere. I think that some of Pop music is more earnest and genuine then whatever the rock,rap, and country world's are producing.
I first fell for Kelly Clarkson in 2004 when she released the song "Since U been gone". In 2004 I was in a band called Tarzan, meet Jane . We covered this song and received high praise from most crowds we played to. The crowds mostly consisted of adolescent teens who wouldn't probably listen to her. Then Ted Leo covered it, and suddenly Kelly Clarkson soon became the new Blondie.
Anyways, Kelly is back in my life with a new song called, "My Life Would Suck Without You". I can't seem to explain it but there is a very honest sincerity to this song that is sometimes hard to find in most love songs. There aren't any hidden metaphors for the listener to get lost in. Or a back story to interpret. The message is clear. Kelly states the facts, she proclaims "you got a piece of me, and honestly, my life would suck without you." Maybe our society has prevented itself from understanding complex songs, but I can agree with Pop music when a song like this becomes a hit. Make it simple and you win. Thanks Kelly.
I first heard Jamie Foxx's voice in the movie "Ray" where he won an academy award for his portrayal of the incredible singer and musical genius, Ray Charles. I was impressed and thought he deserved the award. I think Jamie Foxx may be our generations most diverse entertainer. He has a incredible sense of humor, he can sing, he can dance, and he can act. When this song first came out, I didn't give it much attention. However, the amazing thing about music, especially pop music is that once played three thousand times, the listener can finally enjoy. I hate T-pain's style and don't believe in the auto-tune setting, but this song is just too fun and catchy to ignore.
I love college too, and I could probably write a song about it. So when I first heard this song, I thought it was a fluke and seasonal song that would fade when graduation came around. However, I can't stop listening to this song. The beat is simple yet infectious and like I said before, as many times as you tell yourself a song might be the dumbest and silliest thing you may have heard, it still comes back and finds a place in your heart. Apparently, Asher Roth is a talented artist, I'm not so sure about that, but this song makes me miss my apartment and makes me question doing a fifth year.
* I encourage everyone to watch the actual video.
Finally, we all know that Lil' Wayne is the mastermind behind the last two years of hip hop music. This next track is one that I wouldn't consider to be a pop song. But I mention it because I heard it on FM radio yesterday. There is something about Lil' Wayne that still doesn't make sense to me. I still can't decide whether there is something wrong with him or something wrong with me for not believing he's a musical superstar. Most of his lyrics make no sense at all, his rhymes are fun but most of his hits all degrade or insult someone or something that most of us (society) consider to be important. Whether it may be soberness, the Clipse, or oh yeah, WOMEN. Now, I think "bitches ain't shit" by Dr. Dre is one of the greatest rap songs ever. But even that song had some mystique to it. Even Ben Folds, master of the contemporary conservative cool guy could pull it off:
This song, called "Every Girl" seems to be an abomination of what I thought music was supposed to be. Unfortunately, I guess I don't fully understand the meaning of music because I like this song. There is something so putrid about this track that makes me never want listen to rap music ever again. That could also be because Drake, the up and coming new rap star is on it. However, something makes me want to blast this tune on full capacity in front of my Mom. I doubt I'll ever do it because I'd receive an hour long sermon about how to properly treat a woman. So I'll let you decide, musical repugnance or a good pop song?
One more thing. If you're life sucks, remember to remind yourself, that you're not this kid.
The bits and pieces of Pop Culture I believe we should be talking about.
send me an email: theloveschack [at] gmail.com
All mp3's are for sampling use only. For removal requests please send an email to theloveschack[at]gmail.com and the files will be taken down immediately.
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