.....and the day before that. 

During Animal Collective's radio show, it was announced that next Sunday their new album Centipede Hz (9/4) will be broadcasted live. We've already heard "Today's Supernatural", track two of the record, which is a bit messier than the music that makes up Merriweather Post Pavilion. One thing we can always count on Animal Collective and its counterparts on being, is weird. 

Late night television yesterday was fun. Grimes made her debut performing "Genesis" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and she looked more darling than ever. Grizzly Bear got silly with Stephen Colbert at StePhest Colbchella 012 and performed "Yet Again" from the upcoming Shields (9/18). After that ran, we saw the awkward (to say the least) interview between Jon Stewart and Robert Pattinson. The "Twilight" star is currently making the rounds to promote "Cosmopolis" but the public cheating scandal is the only thing anyone cares about. Pattinson is definitely pulling off the "sad puppy" look very well. 

Watch the comedic trailer for Seven Psychopaths (10/12) featuring Christopher Walken, Colin Farrell, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, and Tom Waits. If that cast doesn't intrigue you, then something is wrong.

Stream Yeasayer Fragrant World. Taylor Swift hasn't changed. 

Lazy Lauren out. 

NEW MUSIC: ELLIE GOULDING 'ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN'

It seems like the only thing buzzing and humming yesterday was the new season of Arrested Development. Lots of new pictures from the set came out giving us all a look into what awesomeness is to come. The season is set to be released all at once early next year (2013) via Netflix. It's quite incredible what the show was able to get away with in the first place. Let's all put on our jean shorts and celebrate.

We struggled with ourselves for some time about whether we wanted a "Call Me Maybe" parody touching our blog...but this one is Batman, and we're all about Batman. To make up for the sad reminder of that awful piece of music, watch "Bane After Batman", the best thing that we've ever seen Chris Kattan do.

Grumpy, Mitt Romney-supporting Clint Eastwood is in a new movie, Trouble With The Curve starring Justin Timberlake, Amy Adams, and John Goodman. It's a heartwarming story about a baseball scout (Eastwood) who begins to lose his sight and lose his job to the younger guy. On the side, his daughter (Adams) feels like it's her duty to care for him even though he abandoned her as a child. Timberlake is his usual charming self as the aspiring baseball player and Adams' love interest. Can't say we are too excited about one.

In Playing for Keeps, Gerard Butler plays an ex-soccer player who gone's little league and takes as many opportunities to be shirtless and/or pants-less as 90 minutes allows. It's some sort of love triangle, romantic comedy story blah blah blah. The only reason I'll see it will be for the fact that it was filmed mostly in my hometown of Shreveport, LA, and I want to point and laugh at all the places in that godawful town. The movie hits theaters December 7.

If you were unable to see Shut Up and Play the Hits, the LCD Soundsystem documentary, the film got an official DVD release date of October 9.

New Mumford & Sons that sounds like old Mumford & Sons, if you're into that kind of thing.

The xx put out another beautiful new song. "Chained" is soothing and danceable which is exactly what they wanted us to feel and do. It has some beats in it that are different from the typical song we're used to hearing from the group. The lyrics are super powerful, and I like the direction the band is going. I can't wait for a remix of this one. "Chained" comes after the band released the first single "Angels" from their upcoming album Coexist. 

About a year ago, No Doubt tweeted a picture of them in the studio with Major Lazer. Thinking about the two of them working together was fun since the two genres of music are pretty different. Yesterday we finally learned what they were doing together so long ago. Released was a remix of No Doubt's first single "Settle Down" from their first album in over ten years. I wasn't really into the song in the first place, and I'm not into the weird reggae-dubstep remix either. I love the two bands but this one's a thumb's down. 

A couple days ago, M.I.A. tweeted (the official release for everything) a strange-looking track list for, what's believed to be, her new album. Then on Twitter, M.I.A. took some questions from fans about the upcoming new music. After explaining that the number of tracks on the new album will be determined by the number of songs that sound good in a car, there will be no collaborations or producers involved that are fame whores, and that the new album "is a fuck you to them [industry people] and a thank you to you [fans]", she stated a book, LP, documentary, and art exhibition are all coming in December. 

This has been a great year in films (you too music!) and another movie sneak peak just hit the web. I knew when I started watching the trailer for This Is 40 that the cast looked familiar. The comedy is sort of a sequel to Knocked Up that surrounds the pain and struggles of the marriage between Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann's characters. Directed and written by Judd Apatow, it's sure to be one more entertaining and hilarious film by the man. And take a look at the cast...seriously awesome. 

Daniel Day Lewis as Abraham Lincoln. (vampire Ab reincarnated?)

In the "Outta My System" video, one of the singles from MMJ's Circuital, one-eyed Jim James and crew go up against Zack Galifianakis The Wizard in a colorful, psychedelic space mission (see the opening sequence of Smiley Face). The pedal steel guitar in this song makes the video all the more outrageous and hilariously absurd. The video was directed by James Frost who is responsible for Radiohead's 3D technologic "House of Cards". Outta My System Remix EP is due out 8/7 with remixes by Washed Out and Dave Sitek.

Spin Magazine gots what we need. Diamond Rings' John O'Regen talks about his upcoming album Free Dimensional (10/23) and fulfilling our lives with his music. The first single "I'm Just Me" is fierce but has a dark quality to it and keyboard synths that would make the 80s gods proud. The lyrics focus on one of O'Regen's leading subjects, gender identity.

When it wasn't raining, Toro Y Moi debuted a funky, synths-all-around new song at Lollapalooza over the weekend (via Stereogum).

I think this may be his prize. How I Met Your Mother star Josh Radnor is making his indie movie debut in Liberal Arts, a story about a mid-30s liberal arts graduate who is stuck in a rut. Not a new story but hopefully a different take on the one major in college that we all look back and ask "why'd we choose this again?" I'm not totally sold on Elizabeth Oslen's acting yet but with the rest of the cast including Richard Jenkins and Allison Janney, I can look past it and reevaluate later.

Not even two years later, Oscar winners Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker) have put together a movie chronicling the Navy's thrilling capture and eventual killing of Osama bin Laden during Obama's third year as president. Zero Dark Thirty already has quite a bit of controversy surrounding it. First, they had to get rid of the original script that was written prior to the capture/killing. Then there were accusations that Obama gave the writing team access to top secret information surrounding the capture to use for the film. Also, ZDT was set to be released in September but the studio was accused of using it as publicity for Obama's campaign, so it was moved to December.

Mars is like WOAH. Gabbi Douglas is one awesome teenager, and her family is inspiring.

In continuing Ellie Goulding news, here's a Halcyon album trailer previewing some of the songs off the new album. T-minus 65 days until it drops (Oct 9). Meanwhile in Gaga land, she revealed a new tattoo, POPART and later on wanted to make sure we all didn't make any assumptions about her new album or project...whatever that means. 

For a while now, there have been rumors of Drake doing some posthumous work with Aaliyah. I mean the guy is a pretty big fan considering the large tattoo on his back of the late singer and several lyrics mentioning her. Being fans of both artists, the song that was released yesterday is baller. "Enough Said" is a smooth and mellow jam with Aaliyah's sumptuous vocals throughout with a middle verse from the always superb, lady-swooning Drake. 

Nobody Walks just came out with an official trailer, and it's a doozy. It's a twist on the modern story of a homewrecker and the cast is incredible. Set to star in the film are John Krasinski (The Office), Rosemarie DeWitt (Mad Men United States of Tara), Olivia Thirlby (Juno), Dylan McDermott (The Practice, American Horror Story), and India Ennenga (Treme). I'm scared to see my beloved Jim play a cheater but I always love when he's in something outside of The Office. The movie was a winner at Sundance this year, and I'm excited for the release date (10/12). 

Watch this super slow-mo bit that Conan did on his show last week. Then watch The Slow Mo Guys wonder our eyes again with this new video of them swinging a tennis ball on fire. It's as awesome as it sounds.

YESTERDAY IS HISTORY

Two nights ago via The Colbert Report, the man himself announced StePhest Colbchella '012: RocktAugustFest, his wacky version of a mega-concert. The lineup includes the Flaming Lips, Grizzly Bear, Santigold, Grandmaster Flash, and fun. It takes place August 10th aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in NY, missiles and all. The festivities will air throughout that week. 

I'm too lazy to explain what the Fragrant World scavenger hunt Yeasayer put together for fans yesterday was all about, so just be glad you can stream the whole album now without any of the hard work. Another new album that I and the rest of the world are or should be excited about is Major Lazer's Free The Universe, which he announced is gracing us 11/6. Ezra Koenig, Wyclef, Bruno Mars, Tyga, Wynter Gordon & of course, Amber Coffman for "Get Free" are joining Major Lazer on the record. 

In the world of the reels, Prometheus 2 is officially a go! Jack and I had our disagreements about the movie but I think the second will be even better since it's been set up by the first. Unfortunately, one of our favorite writers, Damon Lindelof has not signed onto the project yet. Season 8 writing of HIMYM is underway but it may be the last. Writers are currently trying to figure out whether it will be the last season, so they can know whether to finish the story and answer the biggest question, who is their mother? Regardless, they promise us full coverage of Barney & Robin's story and more hilarity from the whole gang. For now, Larry David is putting Curb on hold and staring and producing in an HBO movie directed by Greg Mottola (Superbad, Adventureland). 

In the perfect world, Paul Qui would cook at every restaurant, and our stomachs would always leave happy. Sadly, that is not our world but thank the stars because he's opening up his own restaurant right here in Austin. The cuisine is said to be "Asian-eque", and a name for the space has not been chosen yet. Watch a short segment of Paul discussing food and all his current and upcoming projects. 

A few good music videos were released today by Passion Pit "Constant Conversations", Charli XCX "You're The One (Odd Future's The Internet ft. Mike G Remix)", and Washed Out "A Dedication". My Morning Jacket also released a remix Washed Out did for a song of theirs "Outta My System", an odd match but one that worked out. 

MTV announced the nominees for the most prestigious ceremony all year (9/6). Personally, I miss the days of Britney locking lips with Madonna and Eminem giving off the appearance of a bored housewife. Either way, it'll be entertaining and I'll probably live tweet it. 

I'm not a gamer but the track-list for NBA 2k13 is enough to make me one. It's the kind of music you hear at a sporting event, and it just pumps you the funk up. Jay-Z executively produced the soundtrack which will obviously feature some of his own stuff. Artists in the latest installment of the basketball video game include Daft Punk, Coldplay, Kanye West, Santigold, & lots more. See the full list at Billboard. 

Charli XCX did a darn good cover of Echo & The Bunnymen's "The Killing Moon" at Bowery Ballroom a few days ago. Listen to them both and rediscover the good music of the 80s. 

In cinema news, the first trailer for Skyfall was released with exactly the footage you'd expect to see in a Bond film (not always a bad thing). The first image from Ridley Scott's The Counselor came out with Brad Pitt looking all handsomely cowboyish. Earlier this week, an extended trailer for Cloud Atlas was released. If you were like us, you were A) floored that you sat through an almost six minute movie trailer B) loved that M83's "Outro" was used accordingly but C) confuzzled (confused+ puzzled). It looked like Crash mets a Terrence Malick film mets The Fifth Element and every other genre of film that exists. Watch this short video of the directors and writers (same three people minus the author of the book) explain what they had in mind. 

For new music: Hot Chip "Look At Where We Are" (Four Tet remix), Zedd "Spectrum" A-Trak & Clockwork remix, & thanks to the xx posting this on Facebook and beyond, Destiny's Child "Say My Name" (Cyril Hahn remix).

Snoop Dogg changed his name to Snoop Lion in an effort to be more... relevant? Friendly with college stoners? Who knows...

And for everyone in Austin, West Nile is back, so spray up and Off! 

I'm trying out a new segment tentatively called YESTERDAY IS HISTORY. I'm not too fond of that title but this was a spur of the moment decision, so other title suggestions are welcome!

Anyway, yesterday was a bit slow but there's always something going on. Animal Collective released their first single, "Today's Supernatural" from their upcoming album Centipede Hz (9/4). They told us that this next album would be nothing like the superb Merriweather, and that they'd be going back to their roots for this one. I don't know a lot about early AC but I like the anger in this new song & look forward to the rest. You can also stream their live Sunday night radio mixes on their website.  On Sunday's first live radio show, Panda Bear debuted two new instrumentals of his, "Principle Real" & "Soft Serve Rip Curl".

Ellie Goulding announced some very exciting news. Her next album, Halcyon drops Oct 9. The video for the first single "Anything Could Happen" hits the web August 13. She's asking fans to submit Instagram photos to be part of it. Earlier this month, Ellie covered Active Child's "Hanging On" and beautifully so. This, I gather is the direction she's going with the new album-dark and broken. I do hope she gives credit to Active Child (not just contractually speaking) but some big love.

Stream the Fleetwood Mac tribute album, Just Tell Me That You Want Me over at NPR. Buy the album August 14.

Also, a twitter friend told me that Ruth from Chromatics said the vinyl for Kill for Love will be available this week which just gets me all tingly inside.

Also, I hate that this is representing Texas.

FILM REVIEW - THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012)

As of this post, I've seen THE DARK KNIGHT RISES 4 times (opening day, twice on Sunday the 22nd, once on Monday the 23rd).  The first was at the IMAX.  If you were there and saw people having entirely too much fun with stickers, that was our group.  The last three have been at two different Drafthouses.  Lauren has seen it three times.  We are big fans of this movie.

I walked into the first screening a blank slate.  I refused to read reviews or spoilers or watch any clips.  I just wanted to be surprised.  Contrast that with the Avengers, I was reading everything and watching and rewatching every clip.  Granted the Avengers plot is more simplistic, so it's not like there were any spoilers.  You knew that Earth was gonna be invaded, you knew that the heroes would rally, and you knew they'd win.  The fun was the execution and not so much the plot.  I read the reviews because I wanted to see the praise for Joss Whedon's masterful work.  With Nolan, you knew it would be masterful, and the fun was both the plot and execution.

WHIPPED CREAM OF THE WEEK

• The Sea and Cake- Harps 

• SBTRKT- GLOSS

• Flying Lotus ft. Earl Sweatshirt & Captain Murphy- Between Friends

• Crystal Castles- Plague

• RAC- Something About Us (Daft Punk cover) 

• Tame Impala- Elephant

• Bat for Lashes- Laura

• Balmorhea- Pyrakantha

NEW MUSIC: CRYSTAL CASTLES "PLAGUE"

Crystal Castles is back with a new single "Plague", and I must say that it makes my head spin (in a good way). It's got a doomsday feel to it like it should've been played during one the scenes in TDKR. Alice's voice sounds so ethereal and lovely. I've always been a general fan of the band but if this is the direction they're going I'll probably listen more intensely. You can download the song now for free. 

Crystal Castles - Plague by Crystal Castles

NEW MUSIC: THE PASS "WITHOUT WARNING"

It's been a minute since these guys from Kentucky have released anything. But The Pass are back with a new album, Melt and its first single. The track is just as good as I'd hoped with fun beats & synths all around. Listen below. 

NEW MUSIC TUESDAY

Stream then buy these gems that hit the shelves today. 

1 Purity Ring- Shrines

2 The Antlers- Undersea

3 Passion Pit- Gossamer

BAT FOR LASHES: NEW MUSIC & ALBUM DETAILS

Up above is the album cover for Bat For Lashes new album The Haunted Man. The album drops in the U.S. October 23. Watch and listen to the first single, the beautiful "Laura". She's only announced UK/Europe dates for now.

WHIPPED CREAM OF THE WEEK

• Marina & The Diamonds- Obsessions (oOoOO Remix)

• Tyler, The Creator & Toro Y Moi- Hey You

• Storm Queen- Let's Make Mistakes (Club)

• Nine Inch Nails- Survivalism (deadmau5 remix)

• Two Door Cinema Club- Sleep Alone

• Kendrick Lamar- Swimming Pools (Drank)

• Rick Ross ft. Dr Dre & Jay-Z- 3 Kings

THE FIRST 'MAN OF STEEL' TRAILER (BOTH VERSIONS)

This is the first MAN OF STEEL trailer. I've heard that it isn't currently playing before the Dark Knight Rises. (No trailers played during my IMAX viewing.) There isn't much to see, but it hints that something HUGE is coming. There are two trailers that show the same thing, but one is with Jonathan "Pa" Kent's (Kevin Costner) speech and the other is (Superman's biological father) Jor-El 's (Russell Crowe) speech.

Jonathan Kent

"You're not just anyone.  One day, you're going to have to make a choice.  You have to decide what kind of man you want to grow up to be.  Whoever that man is, good character or bad... He's gonna change the world"

Jor-El

"You will give the people an ideal to strive towards.  They will rise behind you.  They will stumble.  They will fall.  And in time, they will join you in the sun.  In time, you will help them accomplish wonders."

ELLIE GOULDING "HANGING ON" (ACTIVE CHILD COVER)

Download the track here.

MUSIC VIDEO: HOT CHIP "LOOK AT WHERE WE ARE"

MOVIE TRAILER: OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL

NEW: THE XX "ANGELS"

MUSIC VIDEO: JACK WHITE "FREEDOM AT 21"

"SURVIVAL" BY MUSE... THE OFFICIAL (TERRIBLE) SONG OF THE 30TH OLYMPIAD

I like Muse.  Well, I liked Muse.  I still like their first four albums.  I still like MANY of their songs.  But their last album was filled with entirely too much meaningless, soulless bombast and overproduction.  I like a little of that sometimes, sure, but it was all just... too much. Too many songs with too many different stages to be enjoyable.

And they haven't really looked back from this approach.  This is the official song of the Olympics.  It is ridiculous.  It's painfully ridiculous.  I mean, the main part is okay.  That part is simplistic and anthem-ic.  And Matt Bellamy doesn't sing too much.  Everything else is just... Yikes.

These are the lyrics. These are really, really bad.

Race, life’s a race 

And I am gonna win 

Yes, I am gonna win 

 And I’ll light the fuse 

And I’ll never lose 

And I choose to survive 

Whatever it takes 

You won’t pull ahead 

I’ll keep up the pace 

And i’ll reveal my strength 

To the whole human race 

Yes i am prepared 

To stay alive
I won’t forgive, the vengeance is mine

And i won’t give in

Because i choose to thrive

I get what he's going for for most of it, but..."Vengeance is mine?"  

JACK VS. ALFRED HITCHCOCK: THE ESSENTIALS COLLECTION

So, randomly, I had this weird craving to watch a bunch of Alfred Hitchcock movies. I have not seen ANY Hitchcock movie. I haven't even seen the crappy Hitchcock movie remakes. I'd just heard, all my life, that he was a master filmmaker, and I wanted to finally watch his movies. Fuck, if I review and critique films, I should have some knowledge of classics, right? (This is somewhat similar to last year when, all of a sudden, I wanted to watch a bunch of Sergio Leone spaghetti westerns.) I'm on classic-movie binge lately. I finally watched and loved Casablanca. And it made Hot Shots: Part Deux that much better for me. I also realized that the reason those spoofs work is because they riff and reference classic movies. Modern, shitty spoofs (All the _____ Movies) riff already-shitty movies... but I digress.)

 Jack somewhat live blogs his reactions to class Hitchock movies after the break...

CHARLI XCX: "YOU'RE THE ONE" MUSIC VIDEO + ODD FUTURE THE INTERNET REMIX

Listen to the remix here or down low. Charli XCX ft. Mike G - You're The One (The Internet Remix) by FAUX (of emtheories.com)

BEST OF MUSIC 2012, SO FAR

The year of 2012 has been blasted with great tunes. I'm not going to spend too much time talking about each album (we'll save that for the end of the year) but wanted to make a list of what you should be listening to if you're not already. With a staff of two, we can't listen to everything, so if you think we missed something, let us know. Happy half way through the year!


ALBUMS


1/ Beach House- Bloom
2/ Chromatics- Kill For Love
3/ Hot Chip- In Our Heads
4/ Grimes- Visions
5/ Porcelain Raft- Strange Weekend
6/ Norah Jones- Little Broken Hearts
7/ Jack White- Blunderbuss
8/ Burial- Kindred EP
9/ John Talabot- fIN
10/ Bear In Heaven- I Love You, It's Cool

SONGS


Grimes- Oblivion
Scissor Sisters- Shady Love
Purity Ring- Obedear
Chromatics- Lady
Mac Miller- Angels
Beach House- Myth
Twin Shadow- Five Seconds
Diamond Rings- I'm Just Me
Marina and The Diamonds- Power & Control
Ellie Goulding- High For This (The Weeknd cover)
Yeasayer-Henrietta
Schoolboy Q ft. A$AP Rocky- Hands On The Wheel

NEW: MORE FLEETWOOD COVERS

A few more of the tracks came out from the August 14 release of the above album. I have to say, where did they (whoever put this thing together) find this random group of people? In what world do we want to hear MGMT sounding like malfunctioning robots covering one of the best bands ever. PUH. Best Coast was pleasant & Antony's version sounds like every other cover of the song. I'm eagerly anticipating Alison Mosshart to save the day with "Dreams". 

Landslide‒- 'Antony' by DeccaRecords

Silver Springs - Lykke Li by DeccaRecords

FutureGames - MGMT by DeccaRecords

NEW: DIAMOND RINGS "I'M JUST ME"

NEW: BEST COAST "RHIANNON"

As previously reported, a tribute album to the great Fleetwood Mac is in the works and set to be released in August. Head over to NPR to listen to Best Coast's version of 'Rhiannon'. As a huge Stevie fan (my skeeball name is Skeevie Nicks), I 100% approve of this cover. Bethany even channels Ms. Nicks' raspy-voice quality and also adds her own pop element to the song. 

JACK VS. PROMETHEUS (2012)

It is very hard to write a review of this movie.  That's why this post is coming now: a solid three or four weeks since I saw it the first time.  I liked it.  And I hated it.  I've spoken to two of the smartest people I know when it comes to film.  One loved it.  The other loathed it.  As of right now, I'm of the camp that is not a fan. Me and Lauren don't differ much movie-wise, but we differ on this one. And yet, that hasn't stopped me from giving my money to it... three times.  I've seen it multiple times because I want to know what other people think.  I've seen it because my questions are still not answered, and I hope that maybe I just wasn't paying attention.  But they never are.

Prometheus tells the story of a group of people (scientists, industrialists, your standard spaceship crew and a robot) who travel to a distant moon because they think the first humans came from there and left messages on Earth to go visit.  Of course, things don't turn out as they seem, and stuff goes wild.  My review after the break...

NEW: THE ANTLERS "DRIFT DIVE"

The Antlers are releasing an underwater adventure on July 24. Listen to the title track here. "Drift Dive" was the song featured on the teaser video that came out earlier in the month. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MASTER JOSS WHEDON

The Joss Whedon action figure

When I heard that Joss Whedon scored The Avengers gig, I was beyond excited that my (Jack) favorite writer and storyteller was getting the chance to show the world what he could do... That he had a chance to validate what his followers and collaborators already knew: the man is fucking brilliant.  I was excited that, finally, the man would get the credit he deserves.  And we who have followed and adored him since way back could boldly claim, "We told you so."  His universes of vampire slayers, vampires with souls, space westerns, horrible doctors and (umm...) Dollhouses never reached a universal audience, and it frustrated us. I'll even admit that I didn't watch Buffy until the third season because I thought that a show called Buffy the Vampire Slayer couldn't possibly be good.  Fast forward a couple years, and me, my sis, and even my pop would tune in to see what happened to the Scoobies each week.  I firmly believe that his works changed the game. I remember watching a panel with the Buffy cast, and they talked about how they never won any awards for writing or acting.  But Buffy is a show that people remember.  I think the show that always won awards was The West Wing.  The West Wing was great (I guess?), but was there ever an episode of The West Wing as brilliant as "Hush," "The Body," or "Once More with Feeling?"  Firefly, a show that was cancelled well before it's time, showed how much power fans can have.  TV shows that are cancelled after 14 episodes (a couple that weren't even aired) aren't supposed to be made into major motion pictures.  You look at Dr. Horrible, one of the first productions made solely for an internet release that opened doors for many other internet exclusive projects and brought the idea of the internet series to the mainstream.  Angel and Dollhouse, not really that game-changey, but they're really good, compelling stories.  Get past the "What's Eliza Dushku gonna be this week?" phase in Dollhouse, and the story becomes as addictive as anything else he's done. (The Whedon-penned, The Cabin in the Woods, is still my favorite movie this year, but I hear it's hit or miss with people.  If you haven't seen it, go see it.)

The Avengers turned out wonderfully, but the truth is it would have been a box office hit with any writer and director.  It was too big too fail.  But that doesn't mean it would have been good with any writer and director.  The set pieces and action sequences are great, but it's the character interactions and how the characters are handled that made that movie good. The moment I knew that that movie succeeded was when I heard a few people saying that they tried Buffy because of it.  And if you're thinking of following suit, the first season isn't very good.  You'll like it more come season 2.

So, why am I fellating Joss Whedon on the internet today?  Well, today is his birthday, and any opportunity to show my friends and complete strangers something awesome is an opportunity I will take.  So, the following are a select few/favorite Whedony things (that I was able to find on youtube).  Mostly funny stuff because the sad stuff needs context.  Trust, his ability to kill and hurt is legend. What's always amazing about Joss's gimmicky episodes is that they still advance the plot.  At the end of the day, they are still an (awesome) episode of a television series.  (Some clips after the break)

NEW: YEASAYER "LONGEVITY"

Fragrant World is out August 21.

STARS: NEW ALBUM + DOWNLOAD

The Canadian indie-rock group, Stars announced a new album. The North comes out September 4. If listening to this band is a first for you, my personal favorite "What The Snowman Learned About Love" (from Heart, 2003) is sure to make you melt.  

You can download the first single "The Theory of Relativity" at their website by giving away your email forever. Listen below:

MUSIC VIDEO: TWIN SHADOW 'FIVE SECONDS'

Last night while I was seeing Prometheus again (review coming soon), I was reminded how awesomely catchy "Five Seconds" by Twin Shadow is and couldn't remember posting anything about it. Austin peeps can catch him at Mohawk on September 14. The full album drops July 10. Download the song below:
 

NEW: BAIO "SUNBURN"

You may recognize the name from one of the fellows from Vampire Weekend. It's described as "tropical electronica"--MSD stamp of approval.

WHIPPED CREAM OF THE DAY

• The Hood Internet- Equal Shot (French Montana x Beach House)

• Teen Daze- Brooklyn Sunburn (Lushlife Remix) 

• Dent May- Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead cover)

• Simian Mobile Disco- Your Love Ain't Fair & Witches of Agnesi

• French Montana- Pop That ft. Rick Ross, Drake & Lil Wayne

• Matthew Dear- Crimewaves 

• BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD- Happy With You

• Justice- New Lands (A-Trak Remix)

STREAMING: DEADMAU5 'THE VELDT EP'

Courtesy of Rolling Stone, we can stream the latest music from the DJ/producer before its release June 25th. According to the mag, the lead single is inspired by the late sci-fi writer Ray Bradbury and is an "epic eight minute journey". 

NEW: PURITY RING 'FINESHRINE'

Shrines is out July 24th.

MOVIE NEWS: 'MALEFICENT'

The great and powerful Angelina Jolie has been cast as Maleficent, the main antagonist and "Mistress of All Evil" from Disney's 1959 Sleeping Beauty. I think they cast this part perfectly and in fact, the whole troupe (Elle Fanning as Aurora) is fantastic. The movie focuses on Maleficant's character and the background that led her to turn against the castle and place a curse on poor Aurora. With those alluring lips, demonic eyes, and Gaga-esque cheek bones, who wouldn't be scared. 

Directed by Robert Stromberg (Avatar & Alice in Wonderland) & produced by Joe Roth (Alice in Wonderland & Snow White & The Huntsman), the film is set to release March 14, 2014 (so far away) in 3D. 

NEW MUSIC: POOLSIDE "SLOW DOWN"

MUSIC VIDEO: TWIN SHADOW "FIVE SECONDS"

WATCH: FLAMING LIPS COVERING RADIOHEAD "KNIVES OUT"

NEW CAT POWER: SONG + ALBUM

Chan Marshall aka Cat Power may have cut off all her hair due to a break up with Giovanni Ribisi but she hasn't lost that sweet, smoky voice of hers. Sun is the first new material she's released in six years and will hit stores September 4. Listen to the first single below. 

FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE ALBUM

This is the best news ever, gathered that the artists involved don't screw up my beloved Fleetwood Mac. According to Direct Current, the release is set for August 14 with a long list of indie artists footing the bill. The musicians had complete control over what songs they'd cover and how they'd cover said songs. Check out the track list & one of the covers below:

UPDATE: The album is going to be titled Just Tell Me That You Want Me: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

1) Lee Ranaldo and Mascis - Albatross

2) Anthony Hegarty - Landslide

3) Trixie Whitley - Before the Beginning 

4) Billy Gibbons - Oh Well 

5) Best Coast - Rhiannon 

6) The New Pornographers - Think About Me

7) Marianne Faithfull - Angel

8) Lykke Li - Silver Springs

9) Karen Elson - Gold Dust Woman

10) Matt Sweeney & Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Storms

11) Washed Out - Straight Back

12) Tame Impala - That's All For Everyone

13) Craig Wedren w/ St. Vincent - Sisters of the Moon

14) The Kills - Dreams

15) Gardens and Villa - Gypsy 

16) The Crystal Ark - Tusk

17) MGMT - Future Games

JACK WHITE ON WTF W/ MARC MARON

I've never listened to this Marc Maron but he's a Jersey boy who likes to swear which is good enough for me. This week, Jack White invited Marc into the Third Man Studios in Nashville to talk about the blues, musical projects, his upbringing in Detroit and more. Listen to the podcast here. 

NEW: JESSIE WARE "WILDEST MOMENTS"

MUSIC VIDEO: AZEALIA BANKS "LIQUORICE"

OFFICIAL VIGNETTE: YEASAYER "HENRIETTA"

According to the Yeasayer dudes, take some drugs, expand your screen, and enjoy.

NEW: PASSION PIT "I'LL BE ALRIGHT"

Much better than that "Take A Walk" mess. Glossamer is set to release July 24. 

NEW CHARLI XCX: SONG + DOWNLOAD MIXTAPE

The mixtape is a one track file that's 21 minutes long & features some original stuff as well as her singing over other artists tunes. You can grab the EP You're The One now. Charli's first full length is due out sometime later this year. 

 

CONCERT IN FULL + NEW SONG: RADIOHEAD @ BONNAROO

Or watch it here.

TOUR: ANIMAL COLLECTIVE

Animal Collective are planning a tour around the world and for now, they're not stopping through many U.S. cities. Luckily, Austin is one of their first. On September 28, my life will be forever changed when I can see them at The Backyard and cross them off my live music bucket list. Tickets go on sale Friday, 6/15 at 10 AM. See the whole list here. 

SPOOF: NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

JUST FOR FUN: BILL MURRAY STILL ROCKS

RECAP: THE TONY AWARDS 2012

MUSIC VIDEO: BEACH HOUSE "LAZULI"

TRAILER: "DJANGO UNCHAINED"

NEW: GRIZZLY BEAR "SLEEPING UTE"

Today, Grizzly Bear announced a new album and gave us a single from that album. "Sleeping Ute" is the first off the TBA record that'll be released September 18.

NEW ALBUM: THE ANTLERS 'UNDERSEA'

Out of nowhere, The Antlers are releasing another album on July 24th titled Undersea. No other details other than this pretty underwater video they posted on their Facebook page.

UPDATE: According to a press release, Undersea in an EP not a full length. Check out the track listing and teaser video below.

1-Drift Dive
2-Endless Ladder
3-Crest
4-Zelda

DOWNLOAD: CLAMS CASINO 'INSTRUMENTAL MIXTAPE 2'

Clams Casino released another mixtape featuring the beats of A$AP, Washed Out, & The Weeknd just to name a few. The first mixtape was ridiculously good, and this one is no different. Grab the mixtape here. 

FUNNY OR DIE PRESENTS- THE WIRE: THE MUSICAL

Definitely bet that David Simon doesn't know about this and wouldn't like it. But I do, enjoy #wireheads!

The Wire: The Musical with Michael Kenneth Williams from Michael Kenneth Williams

LISTEN: HOT CHIP 'IN OUR HEADS'

Be sure to listen to Hot Chip's new album in its entirety over at NPR. Their fifth album drops on the 12th. Last week, they dropped by BBC1 radio for an essential mix set & you can listen to it in full for three more days. 

THE BLACK KEYS W/ JOHNNY DEPP @ MTV MOVIE AWARDS

Get More: The Black Keys, Gold on the Ceiling featuring Johnny Depp (Live), Music, More Music Videos

Get More: The Black Keys, Lonely Boy featuring Johnny Depp (Live), Music, More Music Videos

THE FLAMING LIPS RECORDS ANTHEM FOR OKC THUNDER

Oklahoma natives The Flaming Lips did a re-make of "Race For The Prize" from their 1999 album The Soft Bulletin for the OKC Thunder basketball team who is currently fighting for a place in the NBA Finals. Jack is going to kill me for posting this for he is a crazy Spurs fan but the song is seriously adorable and awesome. To counter, here's Ginobili (of the Spurs) catching a bat with his bare hands. 

NEW: LIL WAYNE FT BIG SEAN "MY HOMIES STILL"

NEW ALBUM: THE XX 'COEXIST'

The xx announced that their second album, Coexist will hit shelves September 12. Sometime last year, Jamie said that the record is inspired by club music as the band is young (in age) and have been partying a bit more. If the music is anything like Drake & Rihanna's "Take Care" that Jamie produced, then I welcome to new influences.