All posts by G. Gordon Gritty

Black Lips, Entertainment, Music, News

Bruise Cruise!!! Ft. Black Lips, Strange Boys

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Cruises are the latest fad in Rock and Roll, it seems. And why not? They are great! Well, how about this:

Bruise Cruise Festival is an exclusive music festival on the high seas. It brings together today’s most prominent and influential rock bands on a three-day tropical vacation from Miami to the Bahamas.

The cruise offers true music fans a chance to witness their favorite bands in a unique, intimate rock festival atmosphere while being whisked away on an exotic vacation.  A special escape from the winter doldrums. This dream getaway will reward guests with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience a string of exclusive concerts against the backdrop of a completely inclusive, relaxing getaway.

The first Bruise Cruise will feature a who’s-who of the North American rock scene: The Black Lips, Vivian Girls, Strange Boys, Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall, Quintron and Miss Pussycat, Turbo Fruits and – last but not least – one of New York’s most prominent soul DJs, Mr. Jonathan Toubin.   The cruise will include a kick-off party in Miami, multiple concerts at sea and Nassau in the Bahamas, open-bar cocktail parties and a soul dance-off with cash prizes.

Amenities featured on board include: gambling, resort-style pools, water parks, spas, fine dining and more. The price of one ticket will cover all entertainment, lodging, meals and some drinks.  In order to create a highly coveted experience, only 400 guests will be able to attend the first Bruise Cruise.

Entertainment, humor, Music, Nobunny

Not A Nobunny Song – “Bunny Hug”

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This song mysteriously appeared on YouTube a few days ago. For a Nobunny song, it’s an incredibly high quality production. It sounds like a parody of some ’70s pop tune, but I can’t quite get a grip on what song it may be ripping off.

CD Review, Entertainment, Music

CD Review: That’s How We Burn [2010]

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Band: Jaill
Release: 7/2010
Label: Sub Pop

1. “The Stroller” – A-
2. “Everyone’s Hip” – A-
3. “On the Beat” – A-
4. “Thank Us Later” – A-
5. “Summer Mess” – B+
6. “She’s My Baby” – A-
7. “Snake Shakes” – B+
8. “Demon” – B+
9. “Baby I” – B+
10. “How’s the Grave” – B+
11. “That’s How We Burn” – A-

Comments: Bringing to mind the likes of The B-52s and other pop, yet weird mainstream acts of yesteryear, Jaill’s all right. “The Stroller” is a post-punk revival jam with strong streaks of catchiness. Despite it being a fairly unoriginal jam, it still’s great on the ears. “Everyone’s Hip” reeks of ‘alternative’ genius. No complaints on the powerpop/post-punk flavored “On the Beat,” either. The Shins comparisons are justifiable on the vocal-centric “Thank Us Later,” surely one of the better songs on here. Some songs that I’d normally think are great just don’t have the memorable kind of chops I wish they had. What I thought may have been a near-the-top album for me turns out to be lost in the midst of above-average obscurity.

Grade: B+ (89)

Culture Jamming, economics, Entertainment, interviews, Politics

Nader & Napolitano

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This is nearly an ideal interview to watch. I’ve always wanted to see a guy like Nader who has been in favor of government intervention in some instances go head-to-head with a strict limited government advocate like Napolitano. In this video series, Nader asks Napolitano questions pertaining to Lies The Government Told You, which I read and reviewed about a month ago. I wish Nader injected his opinion more in the discussion. They probably agree on at least 75% of the issues brought up.

Black Lips, Entertainment, Music, News

Black Lips Boston Cruise Cancelled

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Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Black Lips were unable to make it Boston today for their scheduled cruise. BUT they will maybe make up for it in the future!

I hope they make it to NYC on Monday because I plan on going on that cruise to see my favorite band! Also, this Boston one was 21+ so if they do come back at a later date maybe it’ll be 18+ or something!

7" Review, Entertainment, Music

7″ Review: Mind Spiders [2010]

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Band: Mind Spiders
Release: 2010
Label: Dirtnap Records

1. “Worlds Destroyed” – A
2. “Time Sucker” – A
3. “Ripped” – A
4. “Dirty Secrets” – A

Comment: The second I played this, I realized these guys have something special going on. It’s hard to describe, but they have “it,” a word that I’ve used to describe only a handful of garage/punk releases this year. I’d equate it with the first time I listened to Hippies [“Someday Soon”] or King of the Beach [“King of the Beach”]. Don’t get me wrong, having “it” can be a mere one song thing. This record is more than that. “Worlds Destroyed” is an in-your-face pop attack whereas “Time Sucker” is a more leveled adventure, really bringing to mind a mellowed version of the great No Age tune “Brain Burner.” Compare: “Go away. Leave me here. I’m better without you” to “I couldn’t make him made he’s useless and alone.” Okay, I’m maybe stretching it, but check it out for yourself. Flipping to the other side…”Ripped” has that beginning drum pattern that has “Friendly Ghost” written all over it, but I’m sure other songs have started out the same way in the history of music. This one might be this record’s most traditionally “power-pop” number. “Dirty Secrets” — if I’m still doing the comparison-to-bigger-acts kind of deal — earns Thee Oh Sees recognition. Nice drumming.

Grade: A (94)