For a long time, this was the greatest thing on the internet. It's probably sunk to #2 by now.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Is it Wrong to Like "You and I Are a Gang of Losers?"
Yo everyones. Ghostdog here. As a stuffy music purist, oftentimes sitting in a dusty attic listening to Latvian-funk-metal MIDI jams on grammophone (good times), I sometimes run into songs that teeter on the edge of embarrassing. I'm talking about guilty pleasures, and we all have guilty pleasures--that's what makes us human. Oh sure, Josh who works at the record store with the knit cap and the good weed, he might appear to have a flawless music collection, but everyone has skeletons in their iPods. He sits alone in his car singing along to "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," just like the rest of us.
But sometimes, a song comes along that's a bit too catchy for it's own good. It sounds all right, and there's no immediate stigma attached to it; it's not playing on MTV or the latest episode of "America's Next Top Cougar Midget Fry Cook." But it still doesn't feel 100% right. Much in the same vein as a Baconator, the song tastes great, but it packs enough of a whallop in your gullet that you just know it's bad for you.
The song in question is "You and I Are a Gang of Losers," and the gang in question is the recently disbanded combo The Dears. They aren't especially well-known; you may have heard the song in "Zack and Miri Make a Porno," because Kevin Smith likes to use emotional songs in emotional scenes because he likes to make things obvious. Let's watch the video:
Much like Joe Biden's tie-breaking vote in the Senate, a music video will almost always settle the guilty pleasure debate. Quite simply, you get to see how seriously the band takes itself and its product; if it looks like they're too into their own Kool-Aid, chances are the song is shit. For instance, watching a Nickelback video is kind of like watching Chad Thundercock (or whatever-the-fuck his name is) jizz on a mirror image of himself. Conversely, watching a Pixies video is like watching some ugly motherfuckers dick around with a camera in their basement.
So yes, it appears the Dears are big fans of the Dears. And why not? You've got black-fugly-Morrissey, drummer-who-loves-his-sideburns, two other white guys, and two not-quite-smiling chicks I'd love to bang (I have an unhealthy obsession with the one on the right). From what I can tell, they're performing in a pregnant woman's stomach, with little children and medicine balls representin' the nasty. The Dears live together in a big house and all appear to the parents of the baby; thus, the message of the video seems to be, "Sure, if you get pregnant, you'll alienate yourself from everyone in your fancy sex harem, but it's totally worth it. Now let's eat some fucking starfruit!"
The verdict? An unabashedly emo video doesn't do a debatably emo song any favors. It's guilty. Don't get me wrong, it's okay to like, it's even okay to love, but don't tell too many people. Just remember: too much guilty pleasure will result in long-term musical retardation or pussification. To ensure a proper intellectual cleansing, I recommend Bjork or Philip Glass.
But sometimes, a song comes along that's a bit too catchy for it's own good. It sounds all right, and there's no immediate stigma attached to it; it's not playing on MTV or the latest episode of "America's Next Top Cougar Midget Fry Cook." But it still doesn't feel 100% right. Much in the same vein as a Baconator, the song tastes great, but it packs enough of a whallop in your gullet that you just know it's bad for you.
The song in question is "You and I Are a Gang of Losers," and the gang in question is the recently disbanded combo The Dears. They aren't especially well-known; you may have heard the song in "Zack and Miri Make a Porno," because Kevin Smith likes to use emotional songs in emotional scenes because he likes to make things obvious. Let's watch the video:
Much like Joe Biden's tie-breaking vote in the Senate, a music video will almost always settle the guilty pleasure debate. Quite simply, you get to see how seriously the band takes itself and its product; if it looks like they're too into their own Kool-Aid, chances are the song is shit. For instance, watching a Nickelback video is kind of like watching Chad Thundercock (or whatever-the-fuck his name is) jizz on a mirror image of himself. Conversely, watching a Pixies video is like watching some ugly motherfuckers dick around with a camera in their basement.
So yes, it appears the Dears are big fans of the Dears. And why not? You've got black-fugly-Morrissey, drummer-who-loves-his-sideburns, two other white guys, and two not-quite-smiling chicks I'd love to bang (I have an unhealthy obsession with the one on the right). From what I can tell, they're performing in a pregnant woman's stomach, with little children and medicine balls representin' the nasty. The Dears live together in a big house and all appear to the parents of the baby; thus, the message of the video seems to be, "Sure, if you get pregnant, you'll alienate yourself from everyone in your fancy sex harem, but it's totally worth it. Now let's eat some fucking starfruit!"
The verdict? An unabashedly emo video doesn't do a debatably emo song any favors. It's guilty. Don't get me wrong, it's okay to like, it's even okay to love, but don't tell too many people. Just remember: too much guilty pleasure will result in long-term musical retardation or pussification. To ensure a proper intellectual cleansing, I recommend Bjork or Philip Glass.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Contact the Mug of Genius fellas!
Hey gang,
If you want to contact Dr. Dave or Ghostdog, send them an email at their brand fuckin new email address: themugofgenius[at]gmail[dot]com! You can make music requests, suggest topics for Butt/Couter Butt (Point/ Counter Point), ideas for "Would You Rather", or give us the scoop on cool things on the interwebz!
Dont forget to tune in Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7-9am on 89.1 fm or at widr.org! It is a fuckin' good time, mate!
This fella is just waiting to listen to the Mug of Genius boys on tuesday! Say strong brother, you have along time to wait...
If you want to contact Dr. Dave or Ghostdog, send them an email at their brand fuckin new email address: themugofgenius[at]gmail[dot]com! You can make music requests, suggest topics for Butt/Couter Butt (Point/ Counter Point), ideas for "Would You Rather", or give us the scoop on cool things on the interwebz!
Dont forget to tune in Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7-9am on 89.1 fm or at widr.org! It is a fuckin' good time, mate!
This fella is just waiting to listen to the Mug of Genius boys on tuesday! Say strong brother, you have along time to wait...
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Internet Soup!
This is a little game I like to call 'internet soup'. I wander the weird parts of the internetz and I come across weird shit. I dare ya to click these links. (Don't worry, its safe for work).
The only website better than isnickelbacktheworstbandever.com, is THIS site.
The only website better than isnickelbacktheworstbandever.com, is THIS site.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Tuesday Feb 2nd, 2010
Hey loyal listeners! We might not be on air tomorrow due to out of town shenanigans. At best, I Dr. Dave will be flying solo. At worst, you get to listen to the overnight computer for an extra two hours. Word like a turd.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Oh, SHIT! WHO LOVES ORANGE SODA?? The Mug loves Orange soda!
This post has a two fold purpose.
FIRST: We will be talking with Kel Mitchell tomorrow at 12pm EST on 89.1 WIDR fm and on widr.org!
Second: For those of you who have had questions about whether or not Nickelback is the worst band ever. This site will give you the answer.
FIRST: We will be talking with Kel Mitchell tomorrow at 12pm EST on 89.1 WIDR fm and on widr.org!
Second: For those of you who have had questions about whether or not Nickelback is the worst band ever. This site will give you the answer.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Awwww, Here Goes!!
Ladies and gentlemen, the Cup o'Smarts Radioprogramme is proud to present an exclusive new interview: KEL MITCHELL!!
We'll be talking to Kel this Monday at 12-noon on WIDR and giving it the ol' replay on Tuesday's Mug of Genius (7-9)! And great times will be had by all!
We'll be talking to Kel this Monday at 12-noon on WIDR and giving it the ol' replay on Tuesday's Mug of Genius (7-9)! And great times will be had by all!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Maria Bamford on Monday and Tuesday!
Hey peoples!
Tune into WIDR on Monday at 3pm, 'cause GD and the Doctor will be having an interview-style chitchat with comedienne extraordinaire Maria Bamford! If you're unable to make it on Monday, we'll have the interview rerun for you on Tuesday's Mug of Genius (7-9AM) and, soon after, an upload to the interwebs! WIDR's also gonna be giving out some free tickets to her Friday show throughout the week, so keep it tuned for that as well!
Maria Bamford will be performing in Ann Arbor from Jan.14-16th. She's one of the funniest comedians working today, as evidenced in "The Comedians of Comedy," "Comedy Central Presents," and "The Maria Bamford Show." She's also an accomplished voice-overist, appearing in cartoons like "Sit Down and Shut Up," "Word Girl," "Catdog," "Home Movies," among many others.
For even more info about Maria, check out www.mariabamford.com
And for even more info about her Ann Arbor shows, check out www.aacomedy.com
Tune into WIDR on Monday at 3pm, 'cause GD and the Doctor will be having an interview-style chitchat with comedienne extraordinaire Maria Bamford! If you're unable to make it on Monday, we'll have the interview rerun for you on Tuesday's Mug of Genius (7-9AM) and, soon after, an upload to the interwebs! WIDR's also gonna be giving out some free tickets to her Friday show throughout the week, so keep it tuned for that as well!
Maria Bamford will be performing in Ann Arbor from Jan.14-16th. She's one of the funniest comedians working today, as evidenced in "The Comedians of Comedy," "Comedy Central Presents," and "The Maria Bamford Show." She's also an accomplished voice-overist, appearing in cartoons like "Sit Down and Shut Up," "Word Girl," "Catdog," "Home Movies," among many others.
For even more info about Maria, check out www.mariabamford.com
And for even more info about her Ann Arbor shows, check out www.aacomedy.com
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Amazing Excitement!!!
Ladies and gentlemen of Bloggywood, the Mug of Genius is pleased to announce its next interviewee, the H-Larious Comedian of Comedy, Maria Bamford!!
Keep your radios tuned to WIDR or your blogosphere tuned to Mug of Genius or WIDR.org for further details! And, not to be outdone, coming soon, an interview with Kel Mitchell!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Our Top 5 Albums of 2009!
Dr. Dave's Top 5 Albums of 2009 and why he is right:
5. Declaration of Dependence by The Kings of Convenience
This Norwegian duo is so fucking cool and smooth, they make me want to become gay and sex up their voices. Now neither of those are possible because I am the paradigm of manliness, but it is a testament to their Scandinavian suave-ness. This is the kind of album you put on to seduce a hot nerdy chick who is hott (note the double T) but doesn't know it. Try it sometime. Totally effective.
4. To Have & To Hold by The Glowfriends
I wont lie, I have been totally in love with the Glowfriends (and their singer April) since I first heard them at the Kalamashoegazer 3 show earlier in 2009. This album is slow and melodic and tugs at the ol heart strings. Being that we work at a radio station, it is quite a feat to get on to my top 5 albums of the year list. Not only are they local but they kick ass!
3. In Deference to a Broken Back by The Daredevil Christopher Wright
The WIDR music director, Jers turned me on to The Daredevil Christopher Wright while we were booking this year's Barking Tuna Fest. I couldnt stop listening to this album for months, it was so good!
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix
This is a fucking catchy album from a bunch of French dudes. It came out of left field, blew up, went to MTV, then car commercials, and now I am embarrassed to love this album. Damn it Phoenix! Your album is just too fucking good!
1. The Ruminant Band by The Fruit Bats
This is my sleeper hit album of the year! Michigan born Fruit Bats brought a happy, poppy, and light album with The Ruminant Band. Though the whole album is great, my favorite track by far is "Singing Joy to the World" (track 8 if you were curious). These fellas reside in Chicago now, but if you get a chance to see them, do it. Even better, bring your significant other. Then bang them.
Honorable mentions: Wilco (the Album) by Wilco, Grrr... by Bishop Allen, and Run Rabbit Run by Osso & Sufjan Stevens
5. Here We Go Magic - Here We Go Magic
Here We Go Magic's debut album is a kind of lo-fi alternative-folk-electronica that never stops haunting. And that's about as good as I can describe it. What I can say is that it's consistently fascinating, and that each song is like losing yourself in a great maze. This is how I imagine Grizzly Bear or Animal Collective sounding if either band matched their hype.
4. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Phoenix
Phoenix is catchy. Hopelessly catchy. And it's a true testament to their new album's powers that, after countless listens since getting the album in the summer, it hasn't lost it's edge and it still sounds good. It's great for cheering you up in the morning, for getting a party started, for having an indie-romance--it's music of a thousand uses! It's the Shamwow of albums!
3. The Ruminant Band - Fruit Bats
Sure, with the Fruit Bats toplining Barking Tuna last year, we may be a bit biased in praising their album. But fuck it, this is some great shit. And you can't argue with an album that gives out morsels of wisdom like, "You'll always have smokes if you always give buckets of love."
2. Actor - St. Vincent
It took me a month's worth of listens to truly appreciate the genius of Annie Clark's second album. It's wonderfully weird, beautifully jarring, and altogether fucked-up-in-the-best-ways-possible. This is music that's equal parts challenging and entertaining; a great mixture of the whimsical and the dark, the likes of which haven't been seen since the fucked up boat ride in "Willy Wonka."
1. Dark Night of the Soul - Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse
But no album this year was quite like the internet exclusive all-star extravaganza from Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse. It's like Tom Waits' makeshift circus is here and it's only open at 2am on the shady side of town--it's dark and delirious but a shit load of fun. Flaming Lips, Grandaddy, Blank Francis, Iggy Pop--there's something for everybody. It also makes lesser musicians (Julian Casablanca of the Strokes) sound inexplicably good, and any CD with two tracks from David Lynch deserves a special place on my mantle.
Honorable Mentions: Romanian Names - John Vanderslice, Wilco (the Album) - Wilco, Grr... - Bishop Allen, The Hopeful and the Unafraid - Jason Anderson, In Deference to a Broken Back - The Daredevil Christopher Wright, A Strange Arrangement - Mayer Hawthorne, Popular Songs - Yo La Tengo, Dark Was the Night - Various Artists.
5. Declaration of Dependence by The Kings of Convenience
This Norwegian duo is so fucking cool and smooth, they make me want to become gay and sex up their voices. Now neither of those are possible because I am the paradigm of manliness, but it is a testament to their Scandinavian suave-ness. This is the kind of album you put on to seduce a hot nerdy chick who is hott (note the double T) but doesn't know it. Try it sometime. Totally effective.
4. To Have & To Hold by The Glowfriends
I wont lie, I have been totally in love with the Glowfriends (and their singer April) since I first heard them at the Kalamashoegazer 3 show earlier in 2009. This album is slow and melodic and tugs at the ol heart strings. Being that we work at a radio station, it is quite a feat to get on to my top 5 albums of the year list. Not only are they local but they kick ass!
3. In Deference to a Broken Back by The Daredevil Christopher Wright
The WIDR music director, Jers turned me on to The Daredevil Christopher Wright while we were booking this year's Barking Tuna Fest. I couldnt stop listening to this album for months, it was so good!
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix
This is a fucking catchy album from a bunch of French dudes. It came out of left field, blew up, went to MTV, then car commercials, and now I am embarrassed to love this album. Damn it Phoenix! Your album is just too fucking good!
1. The Ruminant Band by The Fruit Bats
This is my sleeper hit album of the year! Michigan born Fruit Bats brought a happy, poppy, and light album with The Ruminant Band. Though the whole album is great, my favorite track by far is "Singing Joy to the World" (track 8 if you were curious). These fellas reside in Chicago now, but if you get a chance to see them, do it. Even better, bring your significant other. Then bang them.
Honorable mentions: Wilco (the Album) by Wilco, Grrr... by Bishop Allen, and Run Rabbit Run by Osso & Sufjan Stevens
5. Here We Go Magic - Here We Go Magic
Here We Go Magic's debut album is a kind of lo-fi alternative-folk-electronica that never stops haunting. And that's about as good as I can describe it. What I can say is that it's consistently fascinating, and that each song is like losing yourself in a great maze. This is how I imagine Grizzly Bear or Animal Collective sounding if either band matched their hype.
4. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Phoenix
Phoenix is catchy. Hopelessly catchy. And it's a true testament to their new album's powers that, after countless listens since getting the album in the summer, it hasn't lost it's edge and it still sounds good. It's great for cheering you up in the morning, for getting a party started, for having an indie-romance--it's music of a thousand uses! It's the Shamwow of albums!
3. The Ruminant Band - Fruit Bats
Sure, with the Fruit Bats toplining Barking Tuna last year, we may be a bit biased in praising their album. But fuck it, this is some great shit. And you can't argue with an album that gives out morsels of wisdom like, "You'll always have smokes if you always give buckets of love."
2. Actor - St. Vincent
It took me a month's worth of listens to truly appreciate the genius of Annie Clark's second album. It's wonderfully weird, beautifully jarring, and altogether fucked-up-in-the-best-ways-possible. This is music that's equal parts challenging and entertaining; a great mixture of the whimsical and the dark, the likes of which haven't been seen since the fucked up boat ride in "Willy Wonka."
1. Dark Night of the Soul - Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse
But no album this year was quite like the internet exclusive all-star extravaganza from Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse. It's like Tom Waits' makeshift circus is here and it's only open at 2am on the shady side of town--it's dark and delirious but a shit load of fun. Flaming Lips, Grandaddy, Blank Francis, Iggy Pop--there's something for everybody. It also makes lesser musicians (Julian Casablanca of the Strokes) sound inexplicably good, and any CD with two tracks from David Lynch deserves a special place on my mantle.
Honorable Mentions: Romanian Names - John Vanderslice, Wilco (the Album) - Wilco, Grr... - Bishop Allen, The Hopeful and the Unafraid - Jason Anderson, In Deference to a Broken Back - The Daredevil Christopher Wright, A Strange Arrangement - Mayer Hawthorne, Popular Songs - Yo La Tengo, Dark Was the Night - Various Artists.
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