Ping Me (And Each Other)

Some of you have started doing this already through Coffee Talk, but I wanted to keep it going. It would be cool/fun if we followed each other on iTunes Ping. If you’re interested, please leave your Ping name in the comments section. As for me, I’m “Raymond Padilla”.

I actually buy more music from Amazon than iTunes, so my iTunes selections aren’t that interesting. Have any of you discovered (or rediscovered) cool music through your Ping friends?

His Name is Prince…and He Hates the Internet

In a recent interview with The Daily Mirror, international music superstar Prince said some really dumb things about the Internet. His comments were ignorant, bitter, and…well, just flat-out stupid. Check it out:

The internet’s completely over. I don’t see why I should give my new music to iTunes or anyone else. They won’t pay me an advance for it and then they get angry when they can’t get it.

The internet’s like MTV. At one time MTV was hip and suddenly it became outdated. Anyway, all these computers and digital gadgets are no good.

They just fill your head with numbers and that can’t be good for you.

I realize that Prince lives in his own little world, but claiming that the Internet is over is just moronic. It’s a communications medium. Saying telephones and television are “completely over” would be just as stupid. Sure, he was talking about the Internet in terms of his music but even in that context his comments show out of touch he is with reality. I suppose I’m disappointed that one of the most creative and forward-thinking musicians of my generation hates the Internet.

What do you think of Prince’s comments?

Source via CrunchGear

Read My Green Day: Rock Band Review on Machinima (Please)

I meant to post this last week, but forgot. Do you have the time…to listen to me whine? If so, I’d super appreciate you checking out my review of Green Day: Rock Band for Machinima.com. I enjoyed the game, but wished MTV and Harmonix went with a Guitar Hero: Metallica approach and included artists that influenced the band (Sex Pistols, Ramones, The Clash, etc.). It would have broadened the game’s appeal and made it look less ridiculous following The Beatles: Rock Band.

Source

Danny Fong Rocks the Pokemon Theme Song A Capella

My old Pokemon nemesis Jimbo sent me a link to this completely awesome a capella performance of the original Pokemon cartoon theme song (North American version). Danny Fong did an excellent job with this and should win a medal or a trophy or something. Check it out and let me know what you think (please)!

E3 2010 Videos: Activision’s E3 2010 Party

As promised, here are a bunch of videos from Activision’s crazy E3 2010 party. They were all taken on my HTC Evo 4G, so the quality isn’t the best. They’re quick and fun clips that’ll give you an idea of what last night was like. In the immortal words of Booker T, “Can you dig it, sucka?!?”

E3 2010 Party Pics: Activision Takes Over the Staples Center

Activision threw one of the most ridiculous E3 parties I’ve ever been to. First off, the company held it at the Staples Center — you know…that place where the Celtics are going to beat the Lakers later today. Secondly, the sheer amount of talent that performed was frickin’ crazy! Kicking things off DJ Hero 2 style were Z-Trip, deadmau5, and David Guetta. Usher was next with his smooth voice and slick dancing (and numerous backup dancers).

Tony Hawk was supposed to perform, but there were issues with the half-pipe, so he just skated by and talked about Tony Hawk: Shred (not Tony Hawk: Shrek). The highlight of the night for me was a two-song set by Jane’s Addiction. Maynard James Keenan (Tool and A Perfect Circle) performed Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” with a choir. Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell totally rocked a somber version of “Black Hole Sun” with an orchestra. A dancer performed on a pole that was at least 50 feet high! N.E.R.D. had a great set that promoted True Crime: Hong Kong. This was followed by Rhea, a protege of Pharell Williams.

Eminem closed out the show with a handful of songs, accompanied by Travis Barker (Blink-182) on drums and joined by Rhianna for a song. Think about all the talent that performed! Incredible, hey? Most of my friends were at a Capcom party and I missed them, but this Activision party is something I’ll remember forever. (I do have other thoughts on this spectacle as a verbal entertainer and someone thinking about ATVI shareholders…but that’s a story for later.) Enjoy these pics and stay tuned for some videos!

Look kids! It’s deadmau5!!!

Usher puts on such a great show. He’s a true “performer”.

I totally marked out for Dave Navarro during this excellent set by Jane’s Addiction.

Watching this woman climb a 50-foot poll was entertaining and scary at the same time.

Eminem closed the show with authority.

Snoop Dogg, David Beckham, and Noel Gallagher in Mos Eisley

It sounds like a really bad joke — Snoop Dogg, David Beckham, Jay Baruchel, and Noel Gallagher walk into the Mos Eisley cantina (Star Wars)…. Ha! It’s actually a very cool commercial by Adidas that features several famous athletes, musicians, and actors. I saw it over the weekend and wanted to share it with you.

Coffee Talk #144: Do You Like Mediocre Games/Music/Movies?

I’ve been questioning my taste in movies for the last year or so. I think it started when I saw Semi-Pro on cable. I really enjoy Will Ferrell movies, but this one got panned so I didn’t see it in theaters. I was shocked by how much I enjoyed it on cable. It wasn’t a great movie, but it certainly entertained me. It was the same exact thing with Forgetting Sarah Marshall — totally enjoyed it, despite the poor reviews. Next it was Role Models, I Love You, Man, and Land of the Lost.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Ken Griffey, Jr. sleeping in the clubhouse, whether Lebron James should ditch Cleveland, or Howard the Duck, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I’ve been questioning my taste in movies for the last year or so. I think it started when I saw Semi-Pro on cable. I really enjoy Will Ferrell movies, but this one got panned so I didn’t see it in theaters. I was shocked by how much I enjoyed it on cable. It wasn’t a great movie, but it certainly entertained me. It was the same exact thing with Forgetting Sarah Marshall — totally enjoyed it, despite the poor reviews. Next it was Role Models, I Love You, Man, and Land of the Lost.

Initially I was worried that getting older has made me lower my standards, but I don’t think that’s the case. I realize that some of these movies aren’t the best; I just happen to find a lot of the writing and scenes entertaining. Perhaps I’m just drawn to Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, and Jason Segel. I don’t know and really, I don’t care anymore. I accept that I enjoy these movies and I’m comfortable with it.

Today I want to know what movies, games, music, etc. you enjoy, even though you know they’re not the best. Let’s celebrate mediocrity on this fine Thursday!!!

Norman/Normund Gentle Cover Art Unleashed!

Normund Gentle — one of the best and most ridiculous American Idol contestants of all time — has unleashed the art for his upcoming album, Gentle. The album name and cover art are inspired by Daughtry, arguably the most successful male AI  contestant. According to a recent blog post:

Daughtry is the biggest male success from American Idol. I did not realize that all you have to do is drop your first name and form a band to sell a million records. Sign me up, America! From now on we are GENTLE!

When did Normund Gentle become Norman Gentle? He’s listed as Norman on his “official” web site and Amazon, but he was Normund throughout 2009. Is the album art and web site fake? Will Daughtry kick Gentle’s ass for stealing his schtick? None of that matters! The (possibly fake) album cover is awesome!

Source

Iron Man 2 Dev Diary: Behind the Music with Lamb of God

The latest Iron Man 2 developer diary tells the story of how Sega and Lamb of God teamed up on the game. Members of the band and the dev team talk about the collaboration between developer/publisher and band. Lamb of God’s single “Hit the Wall” is the game’s official theme song. It’s a cool clip and I hope you check it out!