I want a Daft Punk robot helmet for J-Day.

While killing some time I found a couple of videos related to Daft Punk I had to share.  It was interesting to see some of the stuff I found.  Many of you may not know this, but Daft Punk is one of my top 10 bands of all time.  I just don’t talk about them too much.

I love robots and still love me a little electronic music.  Daft Punk is the perfect combination and I can not wait until they come out with new material.

Anyways…  Here is a clip I found explaining the history of where some of their samples came from:

Here is a follow up to that video:

Did you know that Daft Punk had a movie? It was called Electroma and I need a copy. Here is a teaser of the movie:

Of course someone out there decided to be clever and make a fast forward remix of the movie (SPOILER ALERT):

So you made it this far huh?  Well I suppose you want to help me get a Daft Punk robot helmet.  How thoughtful of you.   They retail for anywhere between $14000 and $60000 according to various websites…

I agree, that’s a lot of money.  Now I know you may not be able to spring that for me this holiday season and I forgive you.

Luckily I have located a couple of sites that sell the helmets and others that tell you how to make them.

I found this on The Daily Swarm:

THE MAKING OF…THE DAFT PUNK HELMETS

Daft Punk
Daft Punk

These helmets were commissioned by the punk band Daft Punk for a music video. Over the years, LED Effects has received many inquiries from people who wanted to purchase their own helmet. Unfortunately, these helmets are custom designed stage props and cost over $14,000. While the helmets are reasonably simple in design, the cost of labor and materials make it impractical to mass produce and market them. In addition, Daft Punk owns the copyright and concept rights to the helmets, so there may be additional licensing fees to pay. In short, yes, we can build you a helmet, but it will cost you thousands of dollars and take a year to produce. Here is how the helmets were made:

1. A model shop cast the face of the musician. This was used to create a bust which was
used as a template for the design.

2. The next step was to modify a motorcycle helmet. The body was cut away to allow for
cables and electronics. Two pin holes were provided so the wearer could see out.

3. Clay models were created for all the unique parts. This included a back pack and an arm
band controller.

4. Electronic displays were designed using prototype PC board materials.

5. The LED display panels were assembled by placing each LED one-by-one into a plastic
sheet and glued into place. Each LED required three feet of wiring to connect it to power
and control circuitry. The finished panel was bolted to the helmet frame.

6. The LED cabling was routed around the “ears” of the helmet and out the back. The
helmet cables led down to the backpack where the main controller board was located.

7. The system was originally powered by batteries, but this was later switched over to a
power cord system.

8. The control keypad on the armband was a custom manufactured PC board.

9. Exterior plastic molding and finishing materials were custom manufactured by a special
effects studio to complete the helmet. Once these pieces were added, the helmet details
were touched up with paint.

See?  That’s an easy homemade gift.  So hop to it!  I know you can do it.  I’ll be waiting.

Warped Tour Line Up 2009 Looking Amazing…

Vans Warped Tour 2009
Vans Warped Tour 2009

While checking out Punknews.org this evening I could not help but get excited for the Van’s 2009 Warped Tour.  The successful punk rock festival created by Kevin Lyman looks to be getting back to it’s punk roots this year.  This will mark the 15th year the festival has been running.

The line up announced so far:

Anti-Flag, Bad Religion, Big D and the Kids Table, Bouncing Souls, Chiodos, Flogging Molly, Lights, NOFX, P.O.S., Shooter Jennings, TAT, The Devil Wears Prada, Thrice, Underoath and Westbound Train.  Also listed to perform are Less Than Jake, Silverstein, Senses Fail, Streetlight Manifesto, The A.K.A.s, The Ataris, Alexisonfire, Black Tide, Dance Gavin Dance, Escape the Fate and Gallows.

Can you say awesome?  WIth Bad Religion, Flogging Molly, NOFX, and Shooter Jennings listed I am going to be there for sure.  In fact I may try to hit the Cleveland and Columbus shows… maybe even Pittsburgh!

I have has the pleasure of reviewing and photographing the Warped Tour in 2007 and 2008.  I hope again to be able to cover the festival as each year is all so entertaining.

My reviews of both years on Blogcritics.Org:

Warped Tour 2007 Review

Warped Tour 2008 Review

Something that got my attention too was the announcement by Kevin Lyman on NotMTV.tv that there would be some changes at the next installment of the Warped Tour including 40 minute sets, less stages with only one major stage, and ticket prices staying hopefully around the same price.  By the looks of the line up too it looks as if he is making a point to actually have a more punk oriented festival in 2009..

Here is an interview with the creator of the longest running festival ever thanks to NotMTV.tv:

For more info on the Warped Tour check out:

Warped Tour Official Website

Warped Tour on Twitter

Warped Tour Schedule

X-Men Orgins: Wolverine Preview

I came across this tonight and had to share.  For all you comic book geeks out there it looks as if we have a winner of a film coming out next year…

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE HD

I found out some info about the movie thanks to Wikipedia.  The movie is acutally is a prequel to the X-Men film trilogy (approx. 20 years before), focusing on Wolverine and his time with Team X, before Wolverine’s skeleton was bonded with that indestructible metal.

This is one movie I will be checking out in the theater.

Coheed & Cambria Neverender Box Set

For all you Coheed & Cambria fans:

Neverender was the landmark event where for the first time ever, Coheed and Cambria performed all four of their concept albums in entirety over four nights. Now for the first time, you can re-witness this incredible journey through an amazing box set containing not only a DVD and audio CD of each night’s performance, but also a must-have photo book and documentary DVD that captures the journey leading to this spectacular event. In addition, the limited edition deluxe NEVERENDER: CHILDREN OF THE FENCE EDITION box set also contains a collectible dragonfly.

Set includes:

– 4 Live DVDS
– 4 Live CDs
– 1 Documentary DVD
– 10 x 10 hardcover photo book
– Custom metal dragonfly keepsake piece 7.5 x 5.5

Plus if you pre-order before 12-16-2008 your name will be printed in the special “Children Of The Fence” section of the book.  If that is not enough, the first 3000 pre-ordered box sets will be signed by the band.

The box set is scheduled to be released on 03-03-2009.

I may have or may not have pre-ordered one… I am a pretty big fan of them you know…

…and for the record this is one performace I wished came a little closer to my home so I could have see it live in the flesh.  I kick myself for not making arrangements to travel to see it.  It is one of those one in a life time things I missed out on, but with good reason.  I am a working man you know.  I am just glad they are releasing the DVD so I can at least say I saw it, even it I was not there.

Tim Barry – Manchester – CD Review

What do you do when you wake up one day and find yourself a little older, a little wiser, and still broke, even after you spend most of your life fronting a punk rock band?  Chances are, if you are like Tim Barry, you keep doing what you do when you can just so you can get by and love every minute of it.  The Avail front man recently has released his third solo project titled Manchester
again on Suburban Home Records and I must say it is outstanding.

Tim Barry - Photo: Travis Conner
Tim Barry - Photo: Travis Conner

Tim Barry rubs off more as a folk singer on Manchester, even though he is mostly known for being part of one of the more important punk rock acts from the 1990s.  Still touring with Avail but not as a fulltime gig, Tim Barry also performs on his own with family members and close friends.  I still have yet to witness a live show and after listening to Manchester I really hope he comes to my neighborhood again.

Currently residing in Richmond, Virginia, the carefree musician has his day job, loves his beer, and continues his passion with music.  With help from friends and family Tim Barry has recorded a personal album that displays his thoughts as well as encourages you to think for yourself.

Not knowing Tim Barry had a previous solo album this was the first time I heard him minus Avail and I had no idea what to expect.  Opening track “Texas Cops” immediately perked my ears with a more personal track about the law, not missing home, and admitting that having a “bad time is better than no time any day”.   This track really reminded me of Hank III with the tough lyrics and fun country twang.

“On And On” is not as fast paced as the first track, but more a slowed down folk hymn.  I really could feel the emotion in this track.  The backing music was just amazing as well complimenting Tim Barry’s gruff voice.  “South Hill” was one of the few songs that I have heard where I actually got angry while listening.  The track tells the tale of a young soldier thinking he is fighting the good fight, only to return home  not knowing right from wrong.  I seriously was angry with the outcome of this story turned song and it was not because Tim Barry sung his beliefs, he left that up to me.

The cover of Avail’s “This November” was just awesome and sounded just as good slowed down a tad with the same message, take a breath and deal.  “Sagagity Gone” was fun jam about not caring what one more drink will do to you.

The album has its ups and downs midway through but Tim Barry really keeps up with his personal lyricism on all.  In “Tile Work” Time Barry declares “consider where I been” possibly letting everyone know why he is the way he is.  Slow jam “222” was very sad, yet passionate about not feeling alone, and was one of my preferred tracks on the disc.

For a guy who has been in the punk rock scene for years, it is great to see him continue even if it is a tad slowed down.  Where I am a fan of Avail, I can say I am even a bigger fan of Tim Barry’s solo material. It strikes me stronger with his approach at life and personal battles.

With so many artists recording material on their own, some may say that this is a trend.  For Tim Barry that is not the case at all as you can almost hear in each song that he is doing it for the sake of recording music, something you can tell he truly loves.  His mix of punk and folk throughout really is appealing and begs to be played over and over again.  The CD is genuine, honest, and a must have for any aging punker out there who is finally coming to terms with themselves that maybe it’s time to slow things down a little.

Want a taste of the CD?

South Hill

“222”

If you really want to hear more proof why I love the CD so much, click on Manchester, buy it, and check it out for yourself:

Head over to his website for some more music and info: http://www.timbarryrva.com/

This music blog could have a driver's license by now…