I am a huge fan of Ace Of Cakes as well as collecting limited edition toys so when I found out that Art Asylum created a Chef Duff Goldman Minimate I was all about trying to get one.
The problem I faced with ordering one of these toys is that I waited too long and they sold out on the Charm City Cakes’ website. Today though I was just killing some time and decided to check out the site and the toys were back in stock. I immediately ordered one. Score.
So here’s something fun that I always get a kick out of…
Rock gods Clutch and Ace Of Cakes actually have something in common:
I knew there was a reason today why I did not want to walk my dogs.
It was not too hot out, the sun was shining, and I was not tired…so why did I not want to take the little monsters on their daily walk? There was something I was supposed to do this morning that I forgot all about.
Today was the day to request a free ticket for the 2009 Virgin Mobile (Free) Fest through TicketMaster and I completely forgot.
Damn.
Back in April I wrote a little blog about the Virgin Fest possibly being cancelled. Having been to every single V-Fest since 2006 I was a little bummed that it might not go on this year. For weeks I could not find any news about if the festival would be cancelled or relocated. With the threat of Pimlico Horse Race Track going bankrupt it was not clear if the festival would go on in 2009. Finally just last week it was announced that the festival would go on this year with one big change…it would be free.
Free? A free festival?
It’s true.
Although the festival does have some changes such as going back to one day instead of two as well as being relocated to the other side of Balitimore at the Merriweather Post Pavilion the festival is indeed 100% free.
Limited to only 30,000 tickets previous Virgin Festival goers had gotten emails offering first dibbs on grabbing a free ticket. Today the remaining tickets were offered to the public by going to TicketMaster and requesting up to two. The only fee that would come from TicketMaster was if the person requesting the ticket wanted the ticket shipped to their residence for $5.00. That might be the lowest fee in the history of TicketMaster.
Still I am mindless and forgot. I knew that this road trip to Baltimore would be without Matt as he is festivaled the hell out, possibly for life. I am sure I could have suckered someone into going with me to the event on a Sunday for a free concert.
I have always enjoyed my time at the Pimlico Race Track while attending the Virgin Festivals so I am sure this event will be just as fun even if it no longer is held in the middle of a horse track.
With a smaller venue I am sure there will only be one large stage as compared to the two that were set up on the North and South ends of the track. I am also thinking there will be less shade tents so I know Matt will not want to be at that festival at all.
I’ll still try to find a way in to the Virgin Mobile (Free) Fest. Honestly there are not a lot of bands I really want to see there but Weezer and Public Enemy alone are worth the drive out.
Anyone out there get lucky and score some tickets?
It’s no news that everyone has heard about the late pop-star Michael Jackson. The King of Pop is no longer with us.
I really was not going to blog about this instance because everyone already is and I was not quite sure what I really had to say about it.
Twitter was overloaded with updates and Facebook seemed to have endless comments but fans as well as people who thought it would be a good time to start with the jokes.
This morning I thought maybe I should just post something about the musician seeing on how he had a pretty big influence on me musically as I grew up.
I was getting a tattoo yesterday when I found out. I was just killing some time during the process and checked Twitter where I started seeing posts that Michael Jackson was taken to the hospital, then rumors of his death followed by statements of the artist falling into a coma. Finally it was confirmed, Michael Jackson died from cardiac arrest.
I did not know what to think at the exact moment it hit me that the pop star passed.
I can tell you one thing, Michael Jackson was the last person I would have ever expected to pass away on a summer day. The news was shocking and it took me a few visits to various websites to finally learn it was the truth. I realize sometimes things get blown out of proportion but this was real.
I was a Michael Jackson fan when I was a kid and I am not ashamed to say it. I am pretty sure everyone was and I do not believe you if you say you did not like any of his material. I rocked the parachute pants, did the moon walk, but never had a sparkling glove.
One of my favorite memories of when I went to Epcot Center at Walt Disney World in the late 80’s was when I saw the 3-D adventure Captain EO. Just a few weeks ago I was actually talking about it to some friends and watched the movie in two segments on YouTube. (Part 1 & Part 2 for those of you that have never seen it and are wondering what I am talking about…)
Then there was Moonwalker a movie/music video that I watched over and over on VHS. Sega actually even created a video game based on the movie that was easily one of my favorite Sega Genesis video games of all time.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw the video for “Thriller” on MTV. It was late at night and my Aunt warned me it was going to be scary. I loved every minute of it.
I still have Thriller on my iTunes and always will. It is easily one of my top 100 albums of all time.
Today Michael Jackson’s name is being said a lot. Good things and bad will be talked about him for days to come and just like many other music lovers out there I am saddened by his loss.
I really wish that Micheal Jackson could have toured just one more time not just for the millions of fans, but also for himself. The poor guy really went through lots of hell. Regardless if all those allocations were true or not, the guy changed the way people would listen to music forever. It would have been nice to see Michael Jackson back on the stage doing what he liked to do best…
Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson (on www.michaeljackson.com):
NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2009 – Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.
Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: “Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him.”
Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: “Michael Jackson’s unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly.”
Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: “Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences.”
Five of Jackson’s solo albums – “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Dangerous” and “HIStory,” all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label – are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and “Thriller” as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award.
Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the epic “Thriller.” Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.
What the hell happened to you guys? I recently heard your latest effort 21st Century Breakdownand I must say I was highly disappointed. I’m not sure I am going to even give the CD a second shot to be honest. I did mildly enjoy the first single off the album, “21 Guns”, and even got a kick out of the video but once I finally had the chance to hear the whole album start to finish I found myself uninterested and skipped through every song and finally turned it off. I have not done that with a CD in a long time.
What’s with the mellow sound? Were you guys hanging around U2 too much??? I didn’t even hear Green Day when I popped in 21st Centruy Breakdown. At first I thought it was just a cruel joke but then realized that the album was less of what I used to love and more of something I could care less about.
Should I blame Chris Cornell? Did he command you three to record an album straight from the wallet or is this an honest recording? Have you learned nothing from that evil man? I realize you guys are getting up there in age and all but seriously…I think you could have done so much better.
I hope this was not done for the money although I do know you will make a ton of money from it because a lot of folk are digging it already. I’m sure sales will be high on this CD and tons of copies will sell to millions and millions of fans old and new, but I will not be one of them this time around.
We all know everyone is entitled to their opinion and [insert worship figure of choice] knows I have a plenty of them. I am sure some of your fans do not like me saying how I do not like your latest album. Don’t worry though, because there are other things I do not like too. For instance, I still think Chris Cornell is a bitch for doing what he did (going solo with Timbaland beats) but I am excited to hear about possible rumors of Soundgarden reuniting. I do not despise everything.
I’m just not understanding what is going on with you guys. You were punk rockers to my ears years ago but seemed to change things up as you matured into musicians. I respect change, but I just don’t know if I can take it anymore.
I’m a guy who was a fan of your band when you were just another punk rock act in California on Lookout! Records. I have Kerplunk on vinyl, used to have a Dookie poster hanging in my bedroom as a teen, and even once was denied from seeing you live at a free show you played in Cleveland and highly considered joining the other denied folk to riot about it. Luckily I did not and I stayed out of trouble that day.
Throughout the years you became my modern day Clash pumping out albums like Insomniac,Nimrod, and Warning. I loved the similarities of your material with classic punk but even more so the idea that you did not completely rip them off. While creating chart topping hits you did not seem to let it get to your head. I realize the three albums I speak of did not sell as highly as Dookie, but as a Green Day fan I appreciated the hell out of them.
It must have been tough for you all when the popularity of the band sunk. At one time I really did not think I would hear anything again from Green Day but you refused to give up and in 2004 dropped the chart topping American Idiot. Props to you for continuing your dream as musicians. I am sure it was a tough road traveled.
American Idiot was so much of a different concept and at first I really thought it was a great idea. The whole rock opera idea was welcomed by almost everyone. Thanks to a bold move in music styles American Idiot became a hit album and you guys were on top of the world again. Thanks to non-stop radio play and MTV destroying airplay however it became an commercial disaster and everyone loved it. I even liked it for about 12 minutes until it was overplayed and became almost annoying. To this day I can not listen to that album anymore.
I almost wish that Cigarettes & Valentines was never stolen. I feel that when some jackass stole your master recordings from that potential Green Day release it altered the music timeline in a Back To The Future sort of sense. I’m not sure why you all never re-recorded that album and chose to create material that later turned into American Idiot but you did it for a reason. Although the music was never recovered I hope one day that stolen album surfaces so I can hear how amazing it was. I bet it is much better than what I have been hearing from you all.
I hear you guys are planning a summer tour for 21st Century Breakdown. Even though I have never seen you live, I have decided that I am going to sit this one out. Sometimes it’s best to just remember the good old times where pop punk was not so much mainstream / adult contemporary yet.
I know you are one of the bands that is credited for making punk rock become more mainstream in the 90’s and pretty much putting an end to grunge music. I do want to thank you for that because without bands like Green Day punk rock may not have gotten the credit that was deserved but come on guys, I know you can do much better than this…
Good luck with your success and I am sorry I can not get into your recent release. It’s just not my thing.
Respectfully yours,
A Green Day Fan From The 90’s
Also guys, what’s up with the eyeliner in the “21 Guns” video? Seriously , eyeliner? I also love the over processed hair-do. I’m not sure if I am watching a music video or something on Bravo.
Who am I kidding? I am all about Those Darlins. Out of nowhere they were introduced to my ears thanks to the good folk at Thirty Tigers and I could not help but to like them. There was just something about their take on rock infused with country that was ever so appealing to me. I turned into an instant fan.
This past Saturday their debut album was released on LP on First Vinyl Saturday.. I might have purchased 2 copies… They were available to Music Saves in Cleveland and Shake It Records in Cincinnati so I know great independent record stores have them.
I’m currently in the works of finishing a review of their CD that very well may be one of my favorite releases of the year. I know we are only 6 months into the year and anything can happen…
Today I received an email from Those Darlins I thought would be best to just share in its entirety. It’s an announcement from the girls to you:
America…
We’re coming to get you.
We dare you to just say yes.
Those Darlins will soon be roaming this great nation, bringing all Americans together the only way we know how: sheer freak spectacle.
But don’t just come see the spectacle, be the spectacle. We want you. We dare you. We, in fact, need you.
Have a drink, have a dance. Don’t worry about the environment being intolerant, too cool, too lame, too country, too anything. EVERYONE is invited; you’re one of us.
It’s Summer 2009, and, damnit, be here with us in the now. Don’t let the economic downturn ruin your appetite for some basic human relief: a good time.
Say yes… we already have. And we are bringing gifts (records, drinks, maybe even a kiss from our merch-man Byron) to the folks ready to lead the charge with us at every show.
Grow some fur, burn your laurels, let us see your inner spirit animal.
And, until then, enjoy Red Light Love, and make a date with us to make this the best summer ever.
SUMMER TOUR DATES
“Buy the ticket, take the ride.” – HST
6/25: Atlanta @ Drunken Unicorn
6/26: Athens, GA @ AthFest
6/27: Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge $
7/07: Arlington, VA @ Iota Club & Cafe
7/09: NYC @ Mercury Lounge +
7/10: Brooklyn @ Southpaw **, ++
7/11: Philadelphia @ Johnny Brenda’s
7/13: Pittsburgh @ Club Café
7/14: Cleveland @ Beachland Tavern
7/15: Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room
7/16: Indianapolis @ Radio Radio
7/17: Chicago @ Schubas
7/18: Minneapolis @ 7th St. Entry
7/20: Rock Island, IL @ Rock Island Brewing Company
7/21: Omaha, NE @ Slowdown Front Room
7/22: Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
7/23: Kansas City, MO @ The Record Bar
7/24: St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
7/25: Memphis, TN @ Hi-Tone
9/18 & 19: Bristol, VA @ Bristol Roots & Reunion Festival
$ W/The Black Lips – VINYL RELEASE PARTY
+ W/Heavy Trash (Jon Spencer) CD RELEASE PARTY
** W/So So Glos BROOKLYN RELEASE PARTY
++ W/We Are Country Mice BROOKLYN RELEASE PARTY
BUY THE DEBUT ALBUM EARLY NOW!
OPTIONS To Buy The CD Early Before Official 7/7 street date:
1) VINYL (W/CD of FULL ALBUM) at INDIE RETAIL STORES NOW! — it really is the most beautiful package. Hope you get to indie retail soon while they are giving away a pair of Blublocker sunglasses with the purchase of the vinyl and you get the CD as well inserted in the package. (Editiors Note: Rumor has it that the first pressings are PINK!)
