Way back when, I had to take a course titled Professional Communication for Engineers. I thought I was done with all my English courses after surviving IB and taking a Gordon Rule class for Gen Ed. In any case, I'm glad it was required because it introduced me to the various forms of technical communication utilized not only in my future coursework, but also in industry. I even got the opportunity to interview actual engineers at the University for my group's final mock proposal.
One of our assignments was to write an instruction manual on "how to" do anything (anything of our choice). It had to be written in a way that "anyone" could be able to pick up the manual and do whatever is asked of them. So it was less on theories and definitions and more on objectives and execution. To no surprise, I chose to make it music related.
Unfortunately, I have an exam this evening that I am diligently studying for, but I still wanted to pass on my favorite song about the season: "Valentine" by The Replacements. There are several recorded versions of this song out there: the original studio, a rough mix on Boink!!!, countless live bootlegs...
My favorite version happens to be the studio demo on the 2008 reissue of Pleased to Meet Me. If you're musically inclined, you can try to learn how to play this song (more or less) and serenade that special someone on this special day.
It's no surprise to people who've ever had a one-on-one conversation with me about music that I'm a bit of a cover-enthusiast (mostly because I mention covers all the time). I guess it boils down to my tendancy to play songs by other artists rather than my own material (and I do have "material" ... it's just not that great -_-). I love listening to covers (I have 200+ in my library) and seeing how an artist was influenced by another and/or how they percieve a certain piece.
Here's a list of 10 "interesting" covers I found over the years. They may not be the "most interesting" and definitely aren't the "best," but they're not the "worst" either. And I know doing a countdown is subjective, but I give my reasons for each placement.
(#10) "About A Girl (Nirvana Cover)" by The Fuzz
I actually found this today. It isn't the best cover, but it's kinda how it would sound if I got a band together now. This was one of the first songs I learned, and the kid singing sort of sounds like me if I tried doing vocals and guitar for this Nirvana hit at the same time (which I have... and it wasn't the prettiest of scenes...).
Listen to the original (studio) here.
Listen to the original (unplugged) here.
OK, metal already has some negative connotations, so it's not all that unusual that Metalocalypse (a cartoon about a fictional metal band) is intended for mature audiences. But what about this...?
"What could possibly be on Cartoon Network at 1 in the morning? Adult cartoons?" Why, actually, yes. For those who don't know, Adult Swim is a programming block that showcases mature (i.e. - ages 18+, while still "suitable" for those as young as 14) from 10pm to 6am on weeknights and similar times on weekends. Around since 2001, the current programming on [as] includes Family Guy, Robot Chicken and Aqua Teen Hunger Force.
The topic of discussion today is the show Metalocalypse. As the name implies, it has something to do with metal. Acutally... it has everything to do with metal. The plot (if there is one) is centered around the inexplicably and unrealistically famous band Dethklok. The members include frontman Nathan Explosion, lead guitarist Skwisgaar Skwigelf, rhythm guitarist Toki Wartooth, bassist William Murderface, and drummer Pickles.
"Alternative metal" is a tricky label, because it's as much an unbrella genre as alternative rock. I mean, you could have the "hard rock" of buzz radio ("Well Enough Alone" by Chevelle), the "metal" of pop-punk ("Headstrong" by Trapt) or the "post-grunge" of the new millenium ("Breath" by Breaking Benjamin). The only band I feel that can best define alternative metal is one of my favorites: 30 Seconds To Mars.
