Fuck What You Like

It's true. I've been even more bitter than usual as of late. Though I suspect a lot of it comes from employment search frustration, I'm fairly certain some of it also comes from a Vitamin Peen deficiency in my diet.

Sure, there are ways to deal with all this: exercise, booze, Craigslist casual encounters. But I choose to focus on some more creative endeavors like this blog, my still-being-constructed portfolio site, and contributing vitriolic ideas to my new favorite Tumblr blog: Fuck What You Like.

When they land their book deal, I want a piece. And if you see me, feel free to throw a job, some dick or mind-enhancing substances my way. In that order.

Meet My New Man: Chris Hemsworth

Everyone's been making a big deal out of Star Trek's Chris Pine (who, by the way, is the son of C.H.i.P.s' very own Sgt. Joseph Getraer, Robert Pine), but my eyes—and loins—are too busy being captivated by the dude who played his dad in the movie, Australian actor Chris Hemsworth.

Even more amazing: according to reports, Chris will be playing Marvel Comics' Thor in the Kenneth Branagh-directed adaptation set to hit theatres in 2011. Adding to this already heightened nerd cred, the 25-year-old will also be starring in the remake of Red Dawn, plus the Joss Whedon/Drew Goddard-written horror flick, The Cabin in the Woods.

Problem is, I don't think I can wait that long to see him again. And since my birthday is coming up, I'm thinking Chris should just holler at me. First time is always free ;)

Dispatches From The CD Mines

Along with the basic patriotic duties I took part in over Memorial Day weekend (Fleet Week sailor wooing, beer, tube meats), I made a point to listen to the haphazardly piled promo CDs stacked on my stereo. Some won't be released for a month, others have been hovering there since January; all got a fair listen (OK, maybe not all. I've got a dozen or so records left to go through). While I don't plan on reviewing them in detail, I jotted down some notes below.

Up next: the horde of digitally delivered promos currently clogging my iPod (Eminem, Virus, Oceano). I do it so you don't have to.

Good:

Iron Age's The Sleeping Eye of the Watcher — A little more sophistication than I expected from these TXHC Cro-Mags worshippers.

John Doe and the Sadies' Country Club — Who knew the famed X vocalist had a yearning for honky tonk crooning? With an all-star band behind him, John Doe takes on several country classics to great success.

Genius: The Ultimate Ray Charles Collection — So perfect for a relaxing Sunday.

Amesoeurs' s/t — I have no idea how this record came into my possession, but this shit rules. Part ethereal female vocals with shoegaze guitars, part blast beats and black metal, Amesoeurs do it all, and in French. Apparently they've been around for a minute, but this was my first encounter with them. Get familiar.

Not-So-Bad:

Dinosaur Jr.'s Farm — Though I'm still forming a final opinion on this one, I'm proud to announce that J Mascis & the original band in no way f'd up on Farm.

Los Straitjackets' The Further Adventures of Los Straitjackets — Salsa-flavored instrumental surfer rock. Plus I finally got to hear the band whose name I'd seen so often.

Riverboat Gamblers' Underneath The Owl — My 18-year-old cousin—and countless Warped Tour fans—would probably love this.

Meh:

The Number Twelve Looks Like You's Worse Than Alone — This one just hopped too many Hot Topic trends to leave any kind of impression of what they're about.

Tom Morello/Boots Riley's Street Sweeper Social Club — If you think the formula of skinny RATM riffs + Saul Williams' Niggy Tardust persona works, then you might just like this.

Twangy:

Justin Townes Earle's Midnight at the Movies — Not bad by any means, just a little too folksy for my taste.

The Bottle Rockets' Lean Forward — Akin to pop country from Margaritaville. Not my steez at all.

Awful:

Dirtfedd's The American Nightmare — Bad spelling, even worse meathead metal.

Oh, Erlene

It was one year ago today that we lost you, but you'll never be forgotten. Love you always. Rest in peace.

Perfect Albums: Live

After spending my weekend in awe of Mastodon's complete Crack The Skye live performance—and reading about ATP New York 2009's plans to have several bands perform respective classic albums in their entirety—I began thinking about which records I'd love to see performed live.

The following Top 10 albums are listed in no particular order and are there for my own sonic amusement—picked for their superb tracking, ability to transition well to a live stage and, most importantly, the probability of the event actually happening. I'm always open to hearing other peoples' selections, so please comment back with your choices. And for more Mastodon pics, come over here.

1. Afghan Whigs - Gentlemen



2. Monster Magnet - Dopes To Infinity

3. PJ Harvey - To Bring You My Love

4. At The Gates - Slaughter of the Soul

5. Carcass - Necroticism...

4. Cursive - The Ugly Organ

5. Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral

6. Deftones - White Pony

7. Eyehategod - Take As Needed For Pain

8. Concrete Blonde - Bloodletting

9. Faith No More - The Real Thing (Hey, it was good enough for The Sword!)

10. Rancid - Let's Go

R.I.P. Dom DeLuise

First Danny Gans, now Dom DeLuise. This is turning into a very bad week for Las Vegas.

Shut Up And Listen To... Hull

Since it's Music Monday on Twitter, might I recommend some local Brooklyn boys? Here are the mighty fucking Hull. Their amazing End Records debut, Sole Lord, won't be out until May 26th, but you can check them out at NYC's Lit tonight for FREE!

That's right, cheapskates, get crackin'. And buy me a drink when you see me there.

Tomorrow is Free Comic Book Day!

What is Free Comic Book Day? Think Record Store Day, but with lots more free giveaways, exclusives and in-store artist appearances.

Check the official Web site for participating stores near you!

And don't forget to buy the latest issue of Jonah Hex!