Last we heard from McAfee Anti-Virus software founder John McAfee he landed in Miami after a bizarre Odyssey through Belize(where he allegedly abandoned his $20,000,000 fortune) and Guatemala(where they thought he was so crazy the forced him to come back to the U.S.) Check out the Hollywood ready story here.
Now Mr. McAfee has addressed complaints about his namesake product in this short instructional video on how to uninstall the software. WARNING: This video is NSFW and HILARIOUS!
First of all, those shots look a little light to be Jager. Usually, Jagermeister is black like the color you see after drinking half a bottle and nine beers. Maybe these are Jager Bombs? They like their fruity drinks in the British Isles so they must be cut with some kind of sweet mixer. I had my doubts..until the end. I watched all the way through until the explosive finale. It was amazing how heavy those shots became after 30. The poor guy could barely lift them.
This is NOT drinking responsibly. Jager should be consumed at a steady pace until you start swinging punches at the person who came up to you and simply said, "Hi". That's when you know you should stop and leave before you're thrown out by bouncers you may have called "pussies". Again, I am not a Doctor...or a very good drinker.
I am not a frequent Air Traveler. But it seems every time I do travel with the Airlines, 4 out of 5 times there is a delay. It's just part of the luxury of the Jet Set. During these delays, the lowly coach passengers must forage for food and shelter in the terminal or in jungle-like heat on a plane parked on the tarmac. Meanwhile the first class folks get to enjoy the time in Caligula like comfort, going full on Orgy mode while rubbing lobster and steak from the endless buffet all over the super model stewardess' bodies. One day, The Economy Class will revolt and rig up a make-shift Guillotine out of $5.00 headphones and First class cutlery and watch the heads of the Air Royalty roll down the aisles.
Recently some stranded flyers took it upon themselves to supply some in-flight(or maybe, on-ground) entertainment. In this first video, members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, broke out their instruments to jam some Dvorzak during a three hour delay in Beijing. I hope they didn't have to pay for their pretzels..or any drinks.
In this next video, a passenger with a rarely seen boombox, leads his fellow prisoners in song with R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly". When you're sitting on a 100 degree Las Vegas tarmac in a steel tube for a few hours you have to laugh. Maybe the smell of steaming lavatories inspired this gentleman to play the R. Kelly.
Singing and laughing is definitely better than a violent uprising.
Unfortunately, right now, due to FAA Regulations, this can only happen in the UK. But isn't it brilliant?
Pizza can(and someday will) be delivered as the Crow(or drone) flies. Eliminating traffic hold ups and lost drivers. We also won't have to worry about tipping. I'm sure their could be some set backs. Someone might try to abduct the drone and use it for their own evil purposes like spying on their X-Wife. There's also the risk of the drone malfunctioning and falling from the sky, pizza and all, into heavy surface traffic. Causing a major accident and possibly second to third degree burns from the delicious hot cheese or meat.
Which brings me to my next point:
There has been a lot of discussion about the use of Drones by the U.S. government for the War On Terror. Whether it's collateral damage from a drone launched missile strike or the possibility of drones patrolling the skies over America spying on it's Citizenry. At what price our safety and freedom? At..what..price? This is my solution in two mouth watering parts:
1. Instead of firing missiles and taking out suspected Terrorists and possibly killing innocent bystanders in the process, why don't we drop a hellish rain of PIPING HOT PIZZA? That's right, harshly deliver one of America's favorite foods and main suspects for it's obesity epidemic? If we're lucky, a terrorist may suffer from horrific burns or maybe lose an eye from a slice of crispy pepperoni or stuffed crust. Imagine the horror of a Muslim terrorist if they were to discover that the pie or calzone that just burst all over them was a meat lovers pizza with extra bacon?
A more non-lethal method would be to set the drones down gently at their location with a couple of large pies, some bread sticks, wings, and a couple liters of soda. Once these guys get a woman to taste it first to make sure it's not poisoned they would go nuts! Of course the delivery would come with several buy one get one free coupons and the phone number. Because they'll be calling. After a few more deliveries we would then move on to phase two of Operation Fat Ass: Delivery of XBox Game Systems and Giant screen TV's. Once they hook that baby up and after a few dozen more food drops, they will never want to leave the cave. They'll be too fat to move and to obsessed with getting to the next level of Call Of Duty: Black Ops. Also, Pizza is way cheaper than missiles and pizza makers would be needed, thus creating jobs.
2. Regarding domestic drone surveillance, I say, give the power to the Pizza Guys. Why can't we spy on Americans while delivering delicious hot pizza? Domino's, Pizza Hut, and every other Pizza Joint that has a drone must also be responsible for community safety. While making a delivery, drones can keep an eye on the neighborhood and peer into the recipients home. We can have a NSPABSA(National Pizza And Bread stick Security Agency) If there is any illegal activity, perceived threat, or problem with your order, special Pizza Tactical Teams(PTT's) will be deployed to the location to take care of the situation.
Of course, there will be resistance. Evil Doers will try to take down the drones, creating a safety hazard and even worse..depriving Americans of their Pizza, or Sub, or wings. It won't be easy. But I believe it will work.
This first video is like a Mai Tai, after you watch it you're going to find yourself still laughing and your speech may be slurred. This is one of the greatest duets in the history of music. Thomas Dolby and the second man to walk on the MOON, Buzz Aldrin. Thankfully recorded performing at the Smithsonian's "The Future Is Here Conference. After walking on the Moon you can throw all f***s out the window and just have a great time.
This second video is like Prozac. Mr. Rogers has that effect on people of all ages. This video is the equivalent of taking your work blazer off and slipping on that comfy zip up sweater.
There..doesn't that fell better. Have a nice weekend..
During Astronaut Chris Hadfield's stint as Commander of the International Space Station he has used twitter to help us understand why exactly we are sending humans into space. Now he is using the Music Video medium on his last day in orbit to convey the beauty of looking down from on his home planet.
This is the first music video created in space and maybe the first recorded music. Hadfield recorded his vocals and guitar on the ISS while he had a band do the rest on Earth. Despite his Porno-stache he deliver's a heartfelt version of David Bowie's "Space Oddity"; a song, I always thought, was about heroin addiction. But with some minor lyrical changes for accuracy he does a pretty good job at a more literal translation. Talk about getting cred! This guy was able to get more high than any Rock Star in history. Plus he's had to poop in a bag for 5 month's AND he did it sober!
Safe landing Commander Hadfield.
Commander Hadfield, I have a request for when you come back to Earth. PLEASE do NOT do a cover of Peter Schilling's "Major Tom". That song drives me nuts! Thanks and congratulations.
I used to love Hot Dogs..not so much anymore. Yes, it's strange that this video of a guy inhaling them in a trailer park would turn me off to them as opposed to say..how they are made? Maybe it's the act of regurgitation? Either way, this guy has a talent. It's also why the internet was invented.
As this video was posted two years ago I decided to search for further information about Hershey Wood and find out where this amazing talent has taken him. My guess was Gay Porn. But I couldn't find much. I'm guessing he may have choked on a Weiner. Most likely at a sporting event or family cookout.
The AV Club has been doing their AV: Undercover project for a few years now with some really great results. You can see most of them here. Basically they invite bands to the Little Round Room in their office and have them choose from a list of songs to cover. Thankfully Gwar chose the Kansas classic "Carry On My Wayward Son" and tore it a new asshole. You can check out the video below. Amazingly they were able to fit all of the Antarcticans into that small space(including the giant penises)
Yes Oderus, I agree. "Sheer Brilliance!" You can see Gwar as part of Rock And Shock at The Palladium and DCU Center in Worcester. MA this weekend. If you do see Gwar watch out for the flying fluids and goo. Get a full listing of guests and events here.
In my quest to provide you with the most quality #foodporn I present to you The Boston Burger Company. Recently featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins, And Dives, they claim to offer more than 20 types of Burgers, two of which, they brought into the studio yesterday. So, get yourself some napkins and some lube because here comes the meat:
This is the "Mac Attack": Mac and Cheese and bacon on a fat burger. What else could you possibly want on a burger? This is like the Tori Black of Burgers. Once you've had it you can retire. And this isn't boxed Mac and thinly sliced "might be" pig flesh. This is real Macaroni and Cheese with thick cut Bacon. I've nicknamed this one "The Nap Time".
And here's a picture of the very talented Tori Black for reference:
This one is called the "Hot Mess": Cheese, Shredded Lettuce, Sweet Potato fries, Red onion, jalapenos, bacon, pickles, and their own Spicy Thousand Island Dressing. This burger is loaded up like Amanda Bynes after a shopping spree at the local pharmacy. It's a sloppy mess to handle so you're better off eating it while naked then hosing off in the shower.
Of course, there has to be fries to go with your burger. If you don't believe that, then Homeland Security should abduct you from your home and send you to Guantanamo until you agree to Super Size. The Sweet Potato Fries at BBC are treated with a Caramel Sauce and sprinkled lovingly with Cinnamon Sugar. They were a little sweet for my taste so I could only eat about 2 lbs, but they would be great with a couple of scoops of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream on top. Just sayin'.
Well, that was good for me. I promise to continue to do my best to provide you with #foodporn until my heart stops. Which may be soon.
The top photo of LB swallowing a burger in one bite was provided by Greg Hill. No fingers were lost during the taking of that picture.
It's time again to grab your favorite beer and liquor and drink your way through another Presidential Debate. Because nothing help's a voter decide better than getting totally dismantled...I think Benjamin Franklin said that? Who cares really, the candidates make sh*t up all the time, right? So here are the official rules for the 1st Presidential Debate Of The 2012 Campaign with Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama:
Take a drink of your beer if either candidate says the words, Economy, Jobs, or Taxes. They'll probably say these words a lot so just a drink. Don't want to pass out before halftime.
Chug your whole beer if someone mentions 47%
Take a shot if one of the candidates says "The Truth is..", "Obamacare", or "Health Care". Take two shots if a candidate utters the term "Middle Class."
If one of the candidates says "Mormon" don't drink.
If Moderator Jim Lehrer happens to say, "Will you guys just cut the CRAP?!" then eat an entire box of chocolate doughnuts(the large size, no minis)
If Mitt Romney says "Gosh" then Butt Chug whatever you got in front of you.
If either of the candidates agrees with each other then punch yourself in the face.
Finally, if even one hair falls out of place on Romney's head, immediately inject yourself with heroin while making love to your pet.(If no pet is available then you can use a sock or a jar of Fluff)
There you go. Pretty simple. Make sure you take notes because those are always funny to look at the next morning. Now here's a picture of one of our greatest Presidents treating himself after kicking some Nazi Ass:
Cartoon Network turns 20 this year?! I am old. To celebrate they made this video featuring the 100 Cartoon Network All Stars. Every day I praise the maker for Adventure Time. Are you still watching cartoons? What are some of your favorites?
What were you doing 20 years ago. Were you watching cartoons? Here's what I was doing 20 years ago:
I was in an alcoholic cartoon. Happy 20th Anniversary Cartoon Network!
How many times have you wanted to throw your computer through the window? Or smashed your TV with a chair?(Sox Fans?)
When I was at North Adams State College my roommates and I used to take a pile of plates out of the sink and smash them down in the basement. It helped us relieve stress AND took care of the dirty dishes. Soon we were down their with our empty bottles, screaming and hurling them into the wall like crazed Meth Heads. By the end of the semester the basement floor sparkled brilliantly like diamonds when we shined a flashlight on it. We didn't give a f**k. It wasn't our house. Of course we never got our security deposit back.
Now pissed off people have a safe place in Dallas, Texas. The idea is so simple yet so genius. I'm thinking about starting a place like this here in The Commonwealth. The smart move would be to put them at rest areas on the Mass Pike. Check out The Anger Room in the video below:
On a side note: I would love to have Dr. Carl Robinson as my Anger Management Councilor. All my stress would melt away just laughing at that little mustache.
Sweet Pike's Wheelchair this is hilarious! It's also done entirely in Klingon.
For reference, here's the original by Korean artist PSY. I can't believe this has become as huge as it is! This video is something right out of William Shatner's Acid addled mind.
For my most recent vacation I took the wife for a tropical paradise getaway to...CLEVELAND! While this city's reputation has only mildly improved since its "Mistake On The Lake" days in the 70's, it actually is a great little city with some great destinations. Of course, like any city it still has its bad parts. But as long as you keep your car doors locked and arrange for that hooker through the hotel concierge you should be okay. The main destination these days is the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, located on the scenic shores of Lake Erie.
The "Rock Hall" is a sprawling complex including a Louvre-like glass pyramid containing multiple levels of multimedia presentations of Inductees, artifacts, interactive audio and video, movie theaters, and the obligatory overpriced cafe and gift shop. I could have spent hours meticulously pouring over the plethora of Rock history but we were only in Cleveland for one night and the wife wanted to get shit faced and have hotel sex. The real bummer was not being able to take pictures. Every time I tried to sneak one a staff member wearing their signifying faux letter jacket with distinctive "flair" would appear out of nowhere and give me the evil eye. Despite their penchant for enforcing the rules, the staff were otherwise well informed and very helpful. They were also some of the most colossal music nerds I have ever encountered... so we got along great. Here are some of the more notable pieces(or what I remember) from the Rock Hall.
The first thing we encountered was Johnny Cash's Tour Bus, "Unit One". Cash's "Home" while touring the last two decades of his life. The Kitchen cubby table was made from wood taken from Cash's childhood home in Tennessee and his wife June's compartment was upholstered with sky blue velor. Her door also had an antique brass plaque that said "Royal Box", stolen by Johnny from a theater in England. June was apparently so thrilled to be sitting in the Queen's seats that Johnny stole the plaque for his "Queenie". This was the first instance to bring me near tears during my visit. Hey whatever - it's Johnny Cash!
In the Lobby they had a couple of the cars from U2's "Zoo TV" tour hanging from the ceiling along with Phish's giant Hot Dog with headlights they rode to the stage for the last show at the old Boston Garden.
The awning from CBGB's was hanging over the rear exit. It's amazing the thing is mostly still in one piece. It would have been even better if they had moved one of the bathrooms from the legendary club to the Hall but I'm sure those were destroyed for health reasons.
The whole first level of the hall is dedicated to the people who blazed the trail and created "Rock And Roll". Many blues and country artists are recognized as well as people who mixed those forms to create Rockabilly and Soul music. Seeing Muddy Waters acoustic and electric guitars was thrilling. the sounds he invented on those instruments are still being copied by millions even today. Also seeing Leadbelly's acoustic guitar and trying to imagine the places it's been and the standards he created on it. Howling Wolf's Money Case was on display next to his guitar. The Wolf didn't trust banks. He kept all his money and valuables in this old battered suitcase which he brought with him everywhere he went, including on stage during performances, so he could keep an eye on it while he was playing.
They had a montage of early Anti-Rock propaganda films from the 50's on a continuous loop in the small exhibit dedicated to the subject. Various priests, elected officials, civic leaders, bad actors and other assholes deriding the new art form for being "Immoral", "Pornographic", "Communist", "Evil", "the cause of the spread of various venereal diseases". Basically all the things that make Rock And Roll fun.
My second and third instance of nearly busting out crying came seeing one of Dimebag Darrel's guitars in the disappointingly small Heavy Metal section, and then when I spotted Randy Rhodes polka-dotted Flying-V along with the stage outfit he wore on the last tour before his death. Both are featured on the cover of the Ozzy Osbourne "Tribute" album. Whatever, I was highly emotional after seeing an old TV appearance of Michael Jackson singing "Ben" when he was 10. It's just so sad what he did to his face after that. I'm having trouble just typing this.
I also came close to seeing Duane Allman's 1959 Les Paul which he used for the recording of "Layla" with Derek And The Dominoes and "Live At The Fillmore East". He also carved "Duane" in giant letters on the back with and old fret. Just to make sure the stoned roadies knew whose it was.
The small collection of Who artifacts was cool especially the leather fringe outfit Roger Daltry wore for "The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus". Quite possibly their finest recorded performance. I also wondered how many times Keith Moon puked on his platform shoes, also on display.
It was also cool to see the huge collection of handwritten lyrics they had spread out through the Hall. They had the bar napkin that Doc Pomus scribbled the first few lyrics on for "Save The Last Dance For Me". Jimi Hendrix's excellent penmanship was showcased on the sheet of Hotel stationary which had the lyrics for "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)". And the surprisingly neat writing of Dee Dee Ramone on the back of a piece of cardboard for "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment".
Speaking of the Ramones, it was cool to see one of Johnny's original Mosrite guitars and one of Joey's signature leather jackets.
Pink Floyd was featured in a small exhibit dedicated to The Wall with the original marionette school teacher and the Hotel room set with TV, couch, and neon sign where Roger Waters would sing "One Of My Turns". Eyebrows not included.
The Featured Exhibit was "Women Who Rock" and contained mostly outfits and costumes various pioneering ladies wore during their careers. I particularly liked Heart's Anne and Nancy Wilson's outfits from the "Dream Boat Annie" album cover and Joan Jett's outfit from the cover of the "I Love Rock -N- Roll" album. I always say - I would make love to only one man, and that man is Joan Jett.
The Beatles Contract Of Dissolution was interesting to me. It was about 2 inches thick and signed by all four members. I'm not a Beatles hater but I found this more interesting than the guitars John and Paul wrote "In My Life" with. The Beatles not only influenced Rock And Roll Music but also the Business of Rock. Whether you accept it or not, Rock is a business. You can participate in it or not. The Beatles were pioneers in making and breaking the band as a company.
There were other interesting contracts like John Lee Hookers receipt of payment from Chess records minus the booze and suits. The Rolling Stones "Food Memo" which was mostly liquor and a modest amount I must say by the Stone's legendary myth. 2 Bottles of Jack, 2 Bottles of Scotch, a bottle each of vodka, gin, and rum. A couple cases of red and white wine and a case of Guinness. There was the Sub Pop recording contract handwritten(in pencil I think) on notebook paper signing up a local Seattle band called Soundgarden.
Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones Jacket he wore in "The Song Remains The Same" and one of his beautiful custom basses he used on the 77 US tour. Other than a Jimmy Page Les Paul Guitar there wasn't much Zeppelin stuff.
The Hot Rod from all of the ZZ Top "Eliminator" videos. First thing I thought when I saw it was, "You can't fit three hot chicks and a geeky guy in that."
Keith Richard's love faxes to Marianne Faithful telling her she was the "greatest" and that he will "always love her" and asking where his socks were from their one tryst. As Keith tells it in his book "Life" he went to sleep with Marianne after hearing her boyfriend Mick Jagger was having an affair with his girlfriend Anita Pallenberg. After getting it on Mick comes home early and Keith has to jump out of the bedroom window without his socks. apparently it was a running joke between the two for many years.
A few rejection letters U2 received in the late 70's from record labels saying things like, "not quite what we're looking for" and "Be assured, we listened to your tape but can't help you right now."
Over all it was a good experience and well worth the trip to Cleveland. If you do go set aside a whole day to see everything. To me, it did feel a little off, having everything neatly organized and clean for tourists to ogle at then buy t-shirts as they exited through the gift shop. Rock is supposed to be dirty and be able to birth great beauty through chaos. But that's my Rock N Roll. Yours maybe cleaner or dirtier. I like to think of the moments; the moment you first saw this band or heard that album, or the moment that band was brilliant or became a shitty mess on stage. You may have seen a band whose show was the greatest Rock n Roll moment of your life and then they broke up two weeks later and will never be in the Rock Hall of Fame.
I realized that things like the Rock And Roll Hall Of fame were necessary when I heard two girls who looked to be in their 20's talking behind me in the Blues section That had a big picture off B.B. King with a giant label saying so. The exchange went something like this: "Hey, there's that dude we saw on Youtube. What's his name....Buddy King?"  I guess they get points for getting it half right and watching either King or Buddy Guy on Youtube.
In the spirit of Rock N Roll and all that is right with Cleveland, here's a picture of an enormous hot dog to finish this travelogue out classy-like:
After an epic Bruins fail, the Sox losing two in Detroit, Finding out Ronnie James Dio is Mortal, and the oil spill in the Gulf Of Mexico expanding to the size of..well The Gulf Of Mexico, we need to take a break. Treat yourself to 12 seconds of Pussy Licking.
In this interview Maynard James Keenan and I talk about the upcoming documentary about his Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Pusciferon tour, Anal Cavity searches, love of vinyl, masturbation as a terror weapon, Tom Morello's Country singer fetish, Lip Balm, Davis Square, and a little Tool....not necessarily in that order. Click the Audio link below to hear the interview:
http://hosted-media.podzinger.com/waaf/archive/Mike_Hsu/2010-01-13_Maynard_James_Keenan_and_Mike_Hsu_Talk_P.mp3
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Here's some of the stuff we were referencing in the interview:
Here's the trailer for the Documentary, "Blood Into Wine":
Here's the video for "Cuntry Boner" by Puscifer:
Here's a fine example of a double gate fold sleeve:
In this interview Maynard James Keenan and I talk about the upcoming documentary about his Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Pusciferon tour, Anal Cavity searches, love of vinyl, masturbation as a terror weapon, Tom Morello's Country singer fetish, Lip Balm, Davis Square, and a little Tool....not necessarily in that order. Click the Audio link below to hear the interview:
http://hosted-media.podzinger.com/waaf/archive/Mike_Hsu/2010-01-13_Maynard_James_Keenan_and_Mike_Hsu_Talk_P.mp3
Â
Â
Here's some of the stuff we were referencing in the interview:
Here's the trailer for the Documentary, "Blood Into Wine":
Here's the video for "Cuntry Boner" by Puscifer:
Here's a fine example of a double gate fold sleeve:
The Super Group. It can be an amazing display of musical alchemy(Chickenfoot, Audioslave) or it can royally suck(Asia, Bad English) In the case of Them Crooked Vultures it's the former. Sunday night(10/11/09)at The House Of Blues Josh Homme(Queens Of The Stone Age, Kyuss), Dave Grohl(Nirvana, Foo Fighters), John Paul Jones(Led Zeppelin) and Queens collaborator Alain Johannes invited us into there spastic spaceship and took everyone in the room on a trip that few may recover from. The place was already primed by the hype of the musical fiber of each of it's members. I mean, LED Fuckin' ZEPPELIN! As soon as they walked on stage, the crowd went crazy with fanatical adulation. Once the music started, it was clear that this was not a nostalgia trip or a pursuit of lucre. It was four musicians enjoying the challenge of freaking each other out. The music displayed the style of Messrs. Homme and Johannes' band. A schizophrenic, disjointed wall of sound that took many hairpin turns and mood swings. At times it was like a hall of whirling knives, other times they brought it down to a spacey textural jam highlighted by Homme and Johnnes' guitar wizardry.Â
I love watching Dave Grohl play drums. I've seen the Foo's a few times and they always deliver with Grohl leading the way with his unabashed rock star antics. He can pull it off because of his fervent love of what he does. He injects his enthusiasm into the room and makes it feel like we are all sharing the "Luckiest Guy In The World" vibe. But when Grohl is behind the drum kit he explodes like a manic octopus. Mistress Carrie pointed out his resemblance to Animal from the Muppet Band. All arms and hair flailing with the ever present giant smile. His epic hammering brought many smiles to his band mates. That's what it's all about: Joy. Loving the moment playing with people who push you to new standards.Â
A musician of John Paul Jones' calliber could easily get any gig he wants and go back to his pre-Zeppelin days as a studio mercenary. Of all the surviving members of Led Zeppelin he has cashed in the least. Rarely does he re-visit his old bands material, save for the reunion or two. Last night he was obviously having a blast. You could see in his face the expression of pleasure of creating something totally different from anything he has done before. At times the Zeppelin groove worked it's way into some of the set. How could it not? With one of the creators and three guys schooled by his creation. But it only lasted for a verse or two then quickly changed direction. There was a Spinal Tap, "Lick My Love Pump" moment when Jones ended a song with a weeping piano coda. But that was the only instance of cliche.
They played all original material from a supposedly forthcoming album with Homme giving the titles in between.   I think it would be cool if they didn't release an album and just played shows sporadically. Keep it mysterious, like a 70's style super group. Not wearing out the novelty and excitement of the collaboration. TCV also win the award for coolest display of weird guitars. It was a parade of vintage oddities and in Jones' case strange electric mandolins and a guitar(?) that looked like a piece of alien weaponry from "Men In Black" complete with multicolored read- out screen on the body. Very little is known of the future plans of this project. With 4 talented multi-instrumentalists the possibilities are endless. Also, with all of their respective bands and projects I would imagine it was next to impossible to make time for it. I'm glad they did and I hope to hear and see more.
The Super Group. It can be an amazing display of musical alchemy(Chickenfoot, Audioslave) or it can royally suck(Asia, Bad English) In the case of Them Crooked Vultures it's the former. Sunday night(10/11/09)at The House Of Blues Josh Homme(Queens Of The Stone Age, Kyuss), Dave Grohl(Nirvana, Foo Fighters), John Paul Jones(Led Zeppelin) and Queens collaborator Alain Johannes invited us into there spastic spaceship and took everyone in the room on a trip that few may recover from. The place was already primed by the hype of the musical fiber of each of it's members. I mean, LED Fuckin' ZEPPELIN! As soon as they walked on stage, the crowd went crazy with fanatical adulation. Once the music started, it was clear that this was not a nostalgia trip or a pursuit of lucre. It was four musicians enjoying the challenge of freaking each other out. The music displayed the style of Messrs. Homme and Johannes' band. A schizophrenic, disjointed wall of sound that took many hairpin turns and mood swings. At times it was like a hall of whirling knives, other times they brought it down to a spacey textural jam highlighted by Homme and Johnnes' guitar wizardry.Â
I love watching Dave Grohl play drums. I've seen the Foo's a few times and they always deliver with Grohl leading the way with his unabashed rock star antics. He can pull it off because of his fervent love of what he does. He injects his enthusiasm into the room and makes it feel like we are all sharing the "Luckiest Guy In The World" vibe. But when Grohl is behind the drum kit he explodes like a manic octopus. Mistress Carrie pointed out his resemblance to Animal from the Muppet Band. All arms and hair flailing with the ever present giant smile. His epic hammering brought many smiles to his band mates. That's what it's all about: Joy. Loving the moment playing with people who push you to new standards.Â
A musician of John Paul Jones' calliber could easily get any gig he wants and go back to his pre-Zeppelin days as a studio mercenary. Of all the surviving members of Led Zeppelin he has cashed in the least. Rarely does he re-visit his old bands material, save for the reunion or two. Last night he was obviously having a blast. You could see in his face the expression of pleasure of creating something totally different from anything he has done before. At times the Zeppelin groove worked it's way into some of the set. How could it not? With one of the creators and three guys schooled by his creation. But it only lasted for a verse or two then quickly changed direction. There was a Spinal Tap, "Lick My Love Pump" moment when Jones ended a song with a weeping piano coda. But that was the only instance of cliche.
They played all original material from a supposedly forthcoming album with Homme giving the titles in between.   I think it would be cool if they didn't release an album and just played shows sporadically. Keep it mysterious, like a 70's style super group. Not wearing out the novelty and excitement of the collaboration. TCV also win the award for coolest display of weird guitars. It was a parade of vintage oddities and in Jones' case strange electric mandolins and a guitar(?) that looked like a piece of alien weaponry from "Men In Black" complete with multicolored read- out screen on the body. Very little is known of the future plans of this project. With 4 talented multi-instrumentalists the possibilities are endless. Also, with all of their respective bands and projects I would imagine it was next to impossible to make time for it. I'm glad they did and I hope to hear and see more.
