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photo © geekstar.com

On September 28th…drum roll…Soundgarden releases it’s retrospective album, Telephantasm. This is their first release since 1996!

Also, they are partnering with Activision to release the album inside 1 million copies of the new videogame Guitar Hero®: Warriors of Rock. They entire album will be downloadable for song content on Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. I hope there is a Kim Thayil avatar.

Black Rain is the new single from “Telephantasm” however it was originally written/recordered for Badmotorfinger.

Black Rain by soundgardenworld

AND the new album artwork features wolves. That’s pretty metal…I think.

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So, this past Saturday a case of an upset stomach transformed into a day of rest and watching music-minded films. My music filled Saturday happened quite by accident, but was actually very enjoyable. I had so many great finds that I had to share them on geekstar!

I started the day with a short film by Michel Gondry from the film compilation, Tokyo. Gondry is best known for his creative films such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and music videos for artists such as Bjork.

I absolutely love Bjork’s video for Hyperballad which Gondry directed. It’s so digital and eery and cool and hip all at the same time. I really love that. It’s so unique…and Bjork is just so…Bjork.

Tokyo! is a film consisting of three short films by directors, Michel Gondry, Leos Carax, and Bong Joon-ho. Each film is inspired by and filmed in…well, Tokyo. I decided to watch this film for a few reasons. Tokyo has always been at the top of my travel wish-list. I’ve always been intrigued by Tokyo’s lights, signs, and congestion of people. This city constantly provides new fashion trends, tech, and kitschy toys such as the neon green hamster that I just bought at the Japanese toy store in the mall (Ross Park Mall).

So, far I’ve only watched Gondry’s contribution to the film. I enjoyed getting lost in the Tokyo experienced by a few Japanese 20-somethings. This film had already captivated me when it well…took a turn. You will just have to see it to understand. Gondry’s stamp is all over this short film.
(Note: this movie is available on instant view with Netflix)

Trailer for TOKYO!:

Next, I opened up my new Netflix DVD delivery. It was the 2007 Joy Division biopic, Control, directed by Anton Corbijn. Corbijn is best known for his videos and photography of bands such as U2 and Depeche Mode. I originally saw Control when it first came out a few years back. However, I recently desired to see it again. I am attributing this to recently listening to music by the Editors, White Lies, and Interpol. These bands are obviously influenced by Joy Division to some capacity.

Corbijn successfully tells the story of Ian Curtis, the singer of Joy Division, who is best known for his baritone vocals which overlay his band’s dark rock songs. If you are a fan of 80′s night, you will know Joy Division from that one song that always plays at the end of the night…”Love, Love will tear us apart again…” Corbijn films the entire film in black and white which adds to the film’s dreary UK backdrop. This is where a new form of rock music begins to emerge as the youth follows bands such as the Sex Pistols and David Bowie. If you aren’t familiar with the story of Joy Division, I’m not going to ruin it for you here. All I can say, is watch…this…movie…now. The casting is superb. The actors playing Joy Division are all actual musicians performing all of the music in the film. They do an excellent job.

Control Official Movie Trailer:

“She’s Lost Control” from the movie Control (2007):

Joy Division Performing “She’s Lost Control” in 1979:

Boom Chick w/ Wreckids & Nik Westman and The Central Plains
Friday, August 13, 2010 9:00 PM
THUNDERBIRD CAFE
4023 Butler St, Pittsburgh PA 15201

www.boomchickboomchick.com

Boom Chick was born when songwriter Frank Hoier invited girlfriend Moselle Spiller to sit at a drum kit. Despite it being her first time, a simple suggestion of 1 2 3 4 on the hit hat, with a boom chick boom chick, and Moselle was naturally drumming.

Through countless sweaty Brooklyn loft dance parties, constant rehearsal and performing, & in less than a year Boom Chick has captured it’s living breathing sounds in a 2 inch tape. Recorded mostly live with minimal overdubs, “Show Pony” has all the energy, love and bones you can pack into 20 minutes.

Boom Chick’s sound and influences come from their shared love of that ‘atomic’ energy of 50′s Rock n’ Roll, electrified slide Delta & Chicago Blues, and Surf Rock guitar. You will definitely hear traces of Chess & Sun Records, and the early 60′s girl groups.

The energy that Moselle brings to the drums is thunderous, charging and forcibly danceable. You’ll find no broken hearted ‘indie rock’ here. Just the sharing of celebration and joy as early Rock n’ Roll expressed.

Experience Boom Chick Friday, August 13 with the Wreckids and local favorites Nik Westman and The Central Plains.

Last night Joseph Arthur played an intimate set at LiquidSundays.com. Joseph Arthur has been one of my favorite artists for nearly ten years. It was the fourth time I’ve seen him live in concert and by far one of my favorite shows to date. Joseph incorporates live looping into his sets where he creates layers and layers of interesting vocal and instrument samples. This creates an amazing and unique concert experience. He also created a large painting while performing on stage. He typically only incorporates art into his shows at venues where he already has a close relationship. So this was an unexpected but appreciated addition to the show. He finished the concert by performing an impromptu acoustic encore while sitting on the merch table surrounded by family and fans.

All photos © geekstar.com:

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Each year, the Mattress Factory’s Urban Garden Party becomes the talk of the town as more than 1,000 attendees turn out to help support the museum’s mission with one heck of a fundraising party!

SUMMER IN THE CITY: THE 2010 URBAN GARDEN PARTY
Friday, June 18, 2010
7:00 PM (VIP Pre-Party at 6:00 PM)
The Mattress Factory is located at 500 Sampsonia Way in Pittsburgh’s North Side

Geekstar.com is part of the Urban Garden Party Street team. Please help me reach my ticket sale quota by ordering from the link posted below. Support the arts in Pittsburgh! Thanks so much!

TICKETS: BUY TICKETS HERE

http://urbangardenparty-geekstar.eventbrite.com

As the Mattress Factory’s primary annual fund raising event, the Garden Party is vital to the organization’s programming and has helped the museum push the artistic envelope for more than three decades.

London based DJ collective Eclectic Method will be headlining from 9 PM till 11 PM. You have to love these guys because they made a video collage of robots set to their music! I love robots!

Eclectic Method – Robots from Eclectic Method on Vimeo.

The night will also include DJ Omar Abdul, Artist Tim Kaulen & Sean Derry. There will be skateboards from Mr. Smalls Funhouse just like it’s 1988 all over again!

For one night only, many of Pittsburgh’s best restaurants and bars will come together to offer an amazing selection of delectable edibles and liberating libations. Their donations in support of the Mattress Factory are included in the cost of your ticket to the Urban Garden Party.

Food and beverages for the Urban Garden Party generously donated by:

TICKETS: BUY TICKETS HERE

http://urbangardenparty-geekstar.eventbrite.com

This is one event you don’t want to miss. First, one of my all-time favorite musicians Joseph Arthur is performing at a small intimate venue. If you aren’t familiar with his music, please check out his website and youtube videos posted below. Joseph has been a long time favorite by critics for over a decade. He typically plays larger venues and tours quite a bit in Europe where he has a large fan base. He is joining us Sunday, June 6 to play at a J. Verno Studios, a large loft in the South Side.

Also playing are two fantastic Pittsburgh bands, the Harlan Twins and the Long Time Darlings. The Harlan Twins are one of Geekstar’s favorite local bands. They perform soulful rock that has a throwback to the 70′s. The Long Time Darlings also have a classic rock influence and their singer, Brett Staggs, has amazing raw gritty vocals. Geekstar photographed a Harlan Twins show this past November.

In addition to an amazing band lineup, various local artists will be displaying their art including photography, paintings, furniture, masks, and more.

For $15 you’ll enjoy live music, art, and unlimited Yuengling. You’ll spend nearly this amount on a regular night out.

BUY YOUR TICKET ONLINE! YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT.

RSVP AT THE FACEBOOK EVENT so we can help build more of a buzz so Pittsburgh continues to host cultural events such as this. Thanks!

What: Liquid Sundays
When: Sunday, June 6; 6-10 PM
Where: J. Verno Studios (South Side), 3030 Jane Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203
Price: $15 (21+); $3 discount by brining a T-shirt to donate to www.1MillionShirts.org
Tickets: Purchase online at Showclix http://www.showclix.com/event/10296

Bands:
Joseph Arthur
Harlan Twins
Long Time Darlings

Artists:
Mosaics by Stevo Sadvary
Graphic Art by Alanna James
Woodworking by Christopher James
Photography by Nick Coppula
Puppetry & Masks by Dave English
Live Graffiti by Shane Pilster & Lindsey Bieda
Laser Cutting by Epilog Laser

Yuengling & Yuengling Light provided free of charge by Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale.

Wines by Sylvester Winery.

Facebook Event: View the Facebook event here

Harlan Twins © 2009 Geekstar.com