Tag: Music

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!

Coffee Talk #120: What Bands Should Get Their Own Music Game?

My friend and I were talking about Green Day: Rock Band the other day. While we both like Green Day to a certain extent, we’re both puzzled as to why they have their own Rock Band game. Certainly there are better and more deserving bands, no? Perhaps it has everything to do with the band appealing to people in their ’30s and below, but shouldn’t bands like Queen and The Rolling Stones have their own Rock Band games before Green Day?

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, the start of a new MLB season (go Yankees!), cute Didi Benami getting booted over the incredibly lame Tim Urban, and tomorrow’s Apple iPad launch, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

My friend and I were talking about Green Day: Rock Band the other day. While we both like Green Day to a certain extent, we’re both puzzled as to why they have their own Rock Band game. Certainly there are better and more deserving bands, no? Perhaps it has everything to do with the band appealing to people in their ’30s and below, but shouldn’t bands like Queen and The Rolling Stones have their own Rock Band games before Green Day?

To be fair, Queen does have their own Singstar game, but this conversation was focused on the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises. In that context you have Aerosmith, Metallica, Van Halen, and, of course, The Beatles. And coming soon…Green Day! Really?!?

With Green Day breaking down barriers to music games, I wanted to see what bands and artists you think should get their own Guitar Hero or Rock Band game. And no, The Monkees: Rock Band is not an acceptable answer.

Harmonix and MTV Working on The Monkees: Rock Band

How do you follow up an excellent game like The Beatles: Rock Band? With The Monkees: Rock Band of course! In addition to bringing the musical stylings of Davey Jones, Mickey Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, and Peter Tork, the game has a few new twists that differentiate it from other music games. For example, maraca and tambourine accessories will be used in the game to accurately convey Jones’ contributions to the band.

In today’s press release, Harmonix CEO Alex Popodopoulous said:

You know, I never really liked The Beatles, but everyone at MTV wanted a game based on them. This is the game I wanted to make. Unlike that game with John, Paul, George, and Ringo, I’m interested in the music this time around. Working on a Monkees game is such an honor and such a personal project.

In terms of movies, it’s like when Matt Damon makes a Bourne movie to make the money. That’s The Beatles: Rock Band. Then he makes the fruity-guy-that-plays-golf-and-talks-to-horses movie that he loves. That’s The Monkees: Rock Band.

Here they come…walking down the street!

Update April 2: Yes, this was an April Fools’ Day post.

Today’s Poll: Heavy Rain vs. Chocolate Rain vs. Mark Rein

In honor of the release of Heavy Rain for PlayStation 3, I wanted to see what your favorite type of rain is (in the context of gaming and nerd culture). In addition to Quantic Dream’s excellent game, you can choose from “Chocolate Rain” by Tay Zonday, Epic Games vice president Mark Rein, and Prince’s outstanding “Purple Rain” (the song, not the movie). Make your choice and leave your explanation in the comments section if you have a moment!

[poll id=”28″]