http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Fri, 17 Nov 2006 11:57:48 EST http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding. Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/11/17/115748.php ZaldorElectronic Arts has created another addition to the Sims 2 universe, this time adding dogs and cats for you to own and care for! If you're new to the world of The Sims, this is a world created by Will Wright - where you control your human "Sim" and build/buy objects for him/her to use/control. It's pretty much like real life, except you're playing "God". With the newest version of The Sims 2, not only can you play "God", but you can have your Sims own and care for dogs and cats! The player can choose from almost every breed of dog or cat imaginable, and can even create hybrid breeds of their own. I found the randomization feature the most entertaining for this, creating some unique combinations for the pets and humans as well! When it comes to controlling your pet, it's not really possible in the same aspect as you can control your Sim, unfortunately. When you switch to the pet view, you can simply observe their actions, instead of control. I found this to be a negative, as I might enjoy having a cat chase the dog or have the dog perform tricks at odd times. The only way you can interact with the pet is by having the Sim teach the pet tricks, offer praise, give scoldings (for digging in the yard, for example), or give instructions. By doing these tasks you earn "pet points" which can be spent at the town square.The town square is a place where all the owners and pets from the SimTown can socialize and also where you can purchase (using your "pet points") toys/food/special objects for your pet. I found the square a nice addition, but also found that the selection of items to purchase lacking near the beginning of the game. The game retains the original Sims 2 aspects, where the human Sims still need to have jobs to pay bills and buy more items, but add on the taking care of pets - and you're even closer to real life! Overall, I found the game enjoyable, but disliked not being able to directly control the pet like you can with a normal Sim. If you're new to the Sims universe, this game will be a great introduction for you to "get your feet wet" in Sims. However, If you're a fan of The Sims 2 games, I would suggest maybe renting it before purchasing as it may not hold enough new items to warrant the buy.The Sims 2 Pets is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB for Crude Humor, Sexual Themes and Violence. This game can also be found on: GBA, GameCube, Nintendo DS, PC, PSP. Gaming55910@blogcritics.org Fri, 17 Nov 2006 11:57:48 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/09/29/213328.php Zaldor8mm is Sean and Juliette Bevan. Their names may not look familiar to you, but you may have heard the music that Sean has produced. He has been involved with Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, No Doubt, Thrice, and many other well-known bands. This husband and wife duo was formed while Sean was producing Kill Hanna's For Never And Ever, and the band made the last minute request to add female backup vocals. It just so happened that Juliette stopped by the studio and was asked to help. She had never sung in front of Sean before, and everyone was floored by her sultry yet delicate voice. This was the inspiration for Sean to create this downtempo and trip-hop project, and 8mm was formed. In 2004, 8mm quietly released their 6 song EP, Opener. The band's down-tempo trip-hop with a dark, haunting, and seductive sound quickly generated a local underground buzz in Los Angeles, and attracted the attention of the LA Times, Internet word-of-mouth, and Nic Harcourt of KCRW who "got 8mm and put it on the air the next day." 2005 and 2006 were very busy for 8mm, which saw their popularity gain momentum with ranking in the Top 3 of MySpace in Downtempo and Trip-Hop, plays on many podcasts, as well as a nationwide tour which they booked with the help of their MySpace friends.September 26 marks the long awaited release of their first full length CD, Songs to Love and Die By on the newly formed Curb Appeal Records. The CD features two of the songs from their Opener EP ("Never Enough", "Give It Up"), and eight new songs. Nine of the songs feature the beautiful voice of Juliette, which has been described as a cross between Billie Holiday and Jessica Rabbit, and the first track, "No Way Back," gives the listener a wonderful introduction to Juliette's hypnotic voice. As the songs progress, you will become more and more enthralled by the breathtaking voice of Juliette and the guitar groove that Sean produces. The first single, "Stunning," could easily be featured on a movie soundtrack as the credits roll by. In fact, many of 8mm's songs could be included in a movie soundtrack, they sound that good.At track six, "Liar", the music slows even more for a slight acoustic break where Juliette sings about someone who is lying about the love they once had.The CD then continues the dark, yet beautiful down-tempo weave, leaving you with the final track, which is sung by both Sean and Juliette, "Forever and Ever Amen." This song is slightly different than the other songs, with it's piano instead of guitar, yet it still keeps the core 8mm feel. Keep listening to the end of the last song, there is an additional 11th track, which is strictly acoustic guitar with Sean and Juliette singing along about an adventure between heaven and hell.As I stated earlier, 8mm has a huge following on MySpace, with even an official remix page featuring remixes of "Stunning," and with more to come in the future.I have enjoyed 8mm since I first heard them on a fellow Detroit Podcaster's show, Digital Detroit Radio. After listening to his show, I quickly bought the EP and looked forward to this full length, as well as a future tour. I have played 8mm's songs on my own podcast, Zaldor's World, as well and I was even fortunate enough to interview Sean and Juliette in April of 2006 for my podcast (Episode 102), when they played in Pontiac, Michigan. They are just as incredible and hypnotic live as they are on the CD, and they are the most friendliest people you could meet. This CD should expose their incredible songs to an even wider audience and give them the attention they so deserve. 8mm will be touring again in 2007, they're well worth going to see if you enjoy their music, and feel free to say "Hi" to them and tell them how much you enjoy their music - They'd love to meet you! Music53583@blogcritics.org Fri, 29 Sep 2006 21:33:28 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/01/19/081106.php ZaldorWith podcasting, things I talked about back in 2003 are finally becoming possible:"The question is, of those 150+ cds I bought, how much money went to the actual artist who made the music?" Probably not much. So here's my thought - what if next time you download mp3s of a good song, album, whatever - you give that money DIRECTLY to the artist? Maybe via mail, PayPal account, in person, Western Union, whatever way you can. That way - it circumvents the RIAA, the marketing companies, etc. Any thoughts?? I think it's a great idea... Imagine people giving money to the artists who hit the drums of a great drum solo via a PayPal account set up for him?"The tide is changing, and podcasting is leading the way. Many independent artists are being heard all over the globe because of podcasting, and it's possible that we could see the first music artist played on a podcast sell over 1 million records, all due to podcast play! If you're not listening to podcasts, you're missing out on the next wave in radio. Podcasts are better than terrestrial radio, better than satellite radio, and you can even create your own podcast to join in on the fun! So check out podcasts at AMP, Podcast Pickle , Detroit Podcasters Network, Podcast Outlaws, PodNova, Odeo, my site (Zaldor's World), and others! Sci/Tech42474@blogcritics.org Thu, 19 Jan 2006 08:11:06 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/09/20/002456.php ZaldorThe Very Best Of Electric Light Orchestra - All Over The WorldElectric Light Orchestra (ELO) was the very first concert I attended. The ELO spaceship landed inside half of the Pontiac Silverdome, which looks a lot like a spaceship as well! The year was 1979, and I still remember sitting there with my parents in awe of the cool spaceship as they played. I remember singing my heart out to the tunes, 'Mr Blue Sky', 'Rockaria!', 'Telephone Line', and 'Livin' Thing'. The same feelings were felt when I listened to the new ELO compilation CD, All Over The World, The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra!The CD contains 20 of ELO's greatest hits, and it is a must for someone who likes ELO, but doesn't want to purchase each individual CD for their popular songs. The music on this CD spans over thiry (30) years and also contains: 'Don't Bring Me Down', 'Turn To Stone', 'Hold On Tight', 'Rock And Roll is King', and surprisingly, 'The Diary of Horace Wimp'. The latter song is from the Discovery album and is a secret favorite of mine, maybe because the song talks about the guy getting the girl when he usually wouldn't. Also included is the hit, 'Alright' from the last ELO CD, 'ZOOM' and a version of 'Xanadu' (written by Jeff Lynne, the song made popular by the Olivia Newton John movie) sung by Jeff Lynne himself, which I feel is good enough to replace the original! Jeff Lynne is the writer, producer, and lead singer of ELO. Without him, ELO would not have the 'talking piano' found in 'Mr. Blue Sky' or the fast talking lyrics in 'Turn To Stone'. The liner notes of the CD are written by Jeff himself in April of 2005, and contain classic photos of ELO in concert, and the different hair styles of Jeff. ELO was a groundbreaking band in it's day, from some of the first back-masking found in songs, to alleged lip-syncing of their music in concerts. ELO was critisized for these in the past, but now those practices are almost expected!ELO's music stands the test of time, and looking forward to having my son sing the same songs I used to sing when I was his age! Maybe someday, I can even take him to an ELO concert, and bring another generation to the great live experience of ELO as well. Music36496@blogcritics.org Tue, 20 Sep 2005 00:24:56 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/09/18/153628.php ZaldorCD Baby has gathered up many of their artists which have agreed to donate the entire wholesale price to the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund - With music ranging from Electronic to Spoken Word, there should be a CD for everyone! Go here to see the list of genres, buy some great music, and help the Red Cross Music36411@blogcritics.org Sun, 18 Sep 2005 15:36:28 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/08/30/025621.php ZaldorEpisode # 47 - Exclusive Interview with Moe Berg of The Pursuit of Happiness!It's the long awaited interview with Moe, the lead singer of The Pursuit of Happiness! I really appreciate Moe taking the time to interview with me, and I hope we can do it again in the future!Moe and I talked about the beginnings of TPOH, and what's in the future for TPOH! With a possible tour?! Songs Played:'2 Girls In One' from 'One Sided Story''Nobody But Me' (Live) from 'The Downward Road''Gretzky Rocks' (Live) from 'Where's The Bone'Bands Mentioned by Moe (Those without links, if you have - feel free to send and I'll update!):Thanks To Val (Webmaster of TPOH.Net) and Elizabeth for the updates!JellyfishThe GravesPaul WesterbergTodd RundgrenBadfingerThe Smithereens Myacle Brah Daughters ("I Slept With the Daughters and All I Got Was This Lousy Song Written About Me") The DamnwellsActionslacksHigh Speed Scene Hazy JanesThe Matrix (producer)Southern BitchNine Black AlpsThe SharonasFancey (Daytime Driver) SloanPost Stardom Depression Music35062@blogcritics.org Tue, 30 Aug 2005 02:56:21 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/24/235808.php ZaldorThe first annual Motor City Music Conference in Detroit is complete, and as far as I'm concerned - It was a huge success! Sure there were glitches with the bands, problems with registrations, and not much to show for in the trade show, but there were over 400 bands at 40 different venues - and I was there experencing it as much as I could! I spent my weekend attending a few of the panels ("So You want to be a rock and roll star", "Is Radio Dying?: Podcasting and MP3 as disruptive technologies", and "The Process: Radio Airplay for Local Artists"), walked the trade show a few times, and interviewed seven bands (Planeside, The Slats, Broken Sunday, Elevendy, Nadir Distorted Soul, Grinder, and Liquid Motor Commission) that rocked the conference! I have done four podcasts from the conference, which includes the interviews with the bands above, soundseeing tour of the trade show, and music from the bands! Check each of them out here:Podcast #15- Interviews with Broken Sunday and Elevendy Podcast #16 - Interviews with Planeside and The Slats Podcast #17 - Sound Seeing Tour of Trade Show floor Podcast #18 - Interviews with Liquid Motor Commission and Grinder Podcast #19 - Interview w/Nadir/Distorted Soul, clips from the panels and wrap up of the conference Music28589@blogcritics.org Sun, 24 Apr 2005 23:58:08 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/09/214423.php ZaldorIt's been almost 2 weeks since I first heard the new Nine Inch Nails CD, With Teeth - and I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the CD on May 3rd! I got a chance to listen to the new CD at St. Andrews Hall in Detroit, Michigan on March 28th - and it only made the waiting for May 3rd more difficult! If you haven't checked out the website, here is the track listing:All The Love In The World You Know What You Are? The Collector The Hand That Feeds Love Is Not Enough Every Day Is Exactly The Same With Teeth Only Getting Smaller Sunspots The Line Begins To Blur Beside You In Time Right Where It BelongsAll in all, the new CD is great - It has a few songs which may need to be listened in a better environment (minus the huge crowd) to be enjoyed, but over 1/2 are great songs. Many bring back more memories of 'Pretty Hate Machine' and less of 'Broken' or 'The Downward Spiral'I did preorder the new CD, so I'll be able to pick it up on May 3rd - as well as have a vinyl copy of 'The Hand That Feeds' and 'Home' (B-side not on CD)... However, as of today, I haven't received it. Hopefully soon, so I can check out the B-side too.I'll be sure to post a full review of each song once May 3rd comes around! Music27961@blogcritics.org Sat, 9 Apr 2005 21:44:23 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/09/212118.php ZaldorIt's Podcast #10 - and this time, I'm featuring all artists that will be performing at the Motor City Music Conference at the end of this month! Moby, Ray Street Park, Gary Jibillian, and MindCandy! Music27960@blogcritics.org Sat, 9 Apr 2005 21:21:18 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/15/074502.php ZaldorIf ya haven't heard by now, May 3rd is the official release date for the new NIN album: "With Teeth" - And it sounds like it's going to be a return back to the Industrial days for NIN! I can't wait!!! Trent has described this album as being "12 good punches in the face" - and actually it's 13, since a new track was added too.. And the first single, "Hand That Feeds" will be out sometime in April!!! Can't wait for that either!! If you want a small taste, check out the 'teaser' trailer on NIN's site! (Make sure you have quicktime installed)In addition to playing the Coachella festtival in May, they've also announced 3 US dates: 3/23/05 fresno, ca 3/24/05 reno, nv 3/25/05 davis, ca They sold out very quickly! But no matter, when NIN comes to Detroit, I'll be as close as I can be - and you can bet I'll be buying this CD too! Music25530@blogcritics.org Tue, 15 Feb 2005 07:45:02 EST