With the increasing interconnectedness of the world, it is important to be on the cutting edge of technology. This means to keep an ear firmly to the ground about the latest apps for how to accept credit cards. There is the simple fact that most people do not carry physical cash any more. If you have a small business, it is integral to accept credit cards in this day and age. PayAnywhere is an application and reader that is ultimately customizable, and provides business owners with the opportunity to take payments at any time of the day, as long as individuals have cell phone service.
PayAnywhere will send an individual a card reader for free. For those that are concerned about the cut that the company takes – don’t fear – it represents 2.69% of a transaction. This is a rate that is far lower than other competing programs. When one installs the app, the straight-forward design ensures that one will be active shortly after. There are no arcane functions, and the shortcuts that are provided further shave off the time that it will taker to process a sale and get people on their way. The designer team that is present on PayAnywhere listens to the feedback of those that are using the program, ensuring that it is at the peak of utility.
No matter whether the type of business that one runs, PayAnywhere will be a welcome addition. I would venture that taking on an online payment application will increase sales to a considerable degree. Whenever I go to a festival, I just see so many signs that say that cash is accepted only; I feel that these businesses are losing out on so many sales that would allow their business to grow and otherwise expand. If you run a company that takes payments, PayAnywhere should be your first choice for a program.
Philips Pocket Memo Review
Interested individuals that wish to have the ultimate fidelity in their recordings would do well to purchase a Philips Pocket Memo; the $500 price point ensures that important meetings, calls, and thoughts can be archived and kept for eternity. The sheer amount of functionality that the Pocket Memo possesses makes it a must-buy for students, doctors, lawyers, and administrators alike. Philips has ensured that despite all of these inclusions, the Pocket Memo is something that is unobtrusive and is tremendously portable.
I believe that the write-protection options present (Philips SpeechExec) in the Philips Pocket Memo allows for an increase in a productivity with a sharp decrease in corporate espionage. The individual as well as the business can reap the rewards of these security functions, while the value of the Pocket Memo increases with its form. The Pocket Memo is ergonomic and intuitive to use, meaning that even the older age-skewing employee will be able to successfully operate the device. The memory present in this dictation recorder is enough to archive months, if not years, of regular meetings. Furthermore, each recording is archived in an easy to access fashion; one will not need to root around their recordings for a specific day’s worth of files. Finally, the dock allows the device to stay pristine and well charged, an additional carrying sack means that the Pocket Memo will not be damaged in a suitcase, pocket, or car.
Visit the Philips website and see whether the Pocket Memo is the best purchase. With a sharp design, incredible clarity in recording, and a battery that far outstrips similar instruments, I feel that the Pocket Memo is perfect for business and personal use alike; it is the gold standard of recording devices.
Rating: 10/10
Philips Pocket Memo Review / $500 MSRP / www.dictation.philips.com/how-we-make-a-difference/news/philips_digital_pocket_memo/
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
War Flowers DVD Review
Christina Ricci, Tom Beringer, and Jason Gedrick (from TV’s Dexter, Luck) star in War Flowers, a film set during the American Civil War. Despite being separated by 150 years, the emotions that are held by the movie’s characters will resound loudly to anyone that has loved their family or struggled for something better. Ricci’s love conundrum – seemingly losing her husband during the hostilities, a new figure of masculinity comes into the picture – will have viewers wondering what will ultimately happen. Viewers will be transported to a more simple time without fail; the cast and crew do a tremendous job in making every utterance, costume, and set period-accurate.
Quite possibly the strongest effort on War Flowers is turned in by Brian Balzerini (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Kill the Irishman). Balzerini’s Private Perry may have a small role but tears up the scenery, portending big things for the fresh-faced actor.
The video quality of this DVD is excellent, ensuring that there are vibrant skintones while keeping the costuming and set design draw viewers in. The audio mix utilized in this DVD is similarly strong, ensuring that any bit of dialogue is properly captured. Individuals that are interested in purchasing a copy of War Flowers would do well to purchase a copy of the movie from online retailers, which are offering the film for around $10.
Rating: 8.7/10
War Flowers DVD Review / 2013 Green Apple Entertainment / 98 Minutes / www.greenapple-ent.com/greenapple-ent.com/HOME.html
Monday, August 26, 2013
A Return to The Cool (Album review of Tim Easton’s, Not Cool)
A Return to The Cool (Album review of Tim Easton’s, Not Cool)
by Owen M.S. Coughlin, Jr.
In the world of music and art as a whole, there is, for whatever reason, a tendency to try to put artists into a certain kind of box, based on the perceived genre under which their work falls. It’s sort of like, “well these guys rock hard but they are very emo, so this is punk rock; that’s all it is.” In the eyes’ of many artists, being stuffed into a specific kind of box like this is bothersome, and borderline disrespectful.
On Tim Easton’s 8th solo album, Not Cool, he calmly defies anyone who would seek to place his music in a box. The twenty-eight minute, ten song album runs the gambit of rock and roll—there are points where there is a distinctly classic feel, descents into the groovy realm of swamp music, catchy folk choruses, and even a couple points where Easton soulfully delivers his listeners into the world of soft rock. Basically, Not Cool clearly exhibits that Easton is simply a rocker—and that, I think, is the smallest box anyone can successfully stuff him in.
Admittedly, this was my first time listening to Easton’s music, but I had no trouble feeling at home from the jump. The album’s first track, “Don’t Lie” starts with a mysterious riff from the electric guitar before Easton jumps in with his acoustic—the foot tapping begins immediately, before Easton sings, “I came home, just the other night, the house felt like some-body was fight-ing; one last question I ask of you, tell me why you do the things that you do, and don’t lie.”
The song, as a whole, has a great rhythm, as Easton seemingly addresses a lover, asking her not to lie to him, as she seems to have been doing for some time.
As a life-long fan of music, I’ve always measured the strength of a song based upon whether or not it causes me to find my head bobbing or foot tapping, and there is no shortage of this throughout the album. What I enjoyed most about the collection of songs: Easton keeps things very simple and down to earth, as he lyricizes the common themes of love, the betrayals of lovers, the life of a rolling stone and the comforts of home. In fact, the only time when there seems to be any level of severe complexity to his lyrics is on the 6th track, “Four Queens.” The song is moved forward by the three musical instruments most commonly heard on the album: the electric and acoustic guitars, and a skillfully-employed harmonica. Throughout the song, Easton sings about four different types of women, represented by the four breeds of Queens found in a deck of playing cards; my favorite lyric: “aw, the Queen of Clubs, just can’t get clean.” Symbolism in this song is apparent, as a woman who can’t stay out of a club or bar rarely adheres to a strict schedule of sobriety. Sidenote: I listened to this album for the first time with my girlfriend, and there was some noticeable rump-shaking on her part during this track.
The two songs which follow “Four Queens,” move a bit away from the undercurrent of troubled love and discuss the difficulties of the life of a man on the road. The eighth track, “Gallatin Pike Blues,” begins with the lyric “If this stray dog keeps on howling, I believe I’m gonna lose my mind,” and moves forward from there with talk of courage and cowardice, amplified, at one point, by a haunting yet beautiful violin solo. The song is swampy and plucky, and it could only have been composed by a man, or group of men, who have spent much of their lives traveling the world.
The ninth song (and the album’s title track), “Not Cool,” is the only truly soft and somber ballad in the collection. It makes the album’s final return to the theme of painful relations between lovers, as Easton croons, “How could you put me in harm’s way if the reasons were not true?” which he follows with a chorus that repeats the two simple but dragged out words : “not cooool, not cooo-ooo-ooo-ool.” The only instruments heard on this song are an acoustic guitar and the piano, and it’s the type of ballad that anyone who has ever been sold down the river can easily relate to. Innovatively, I never imagined I would hear such a soothing rock chorus that simply repeated the words, “not cool.”
Apparently unwilling to end the album on such a downcast note, the music closes with a wordless song called “Knock Out Roses (For Levon),” which presents a sound that mixes southern, porch hospitality with the essence of the rolling countrysides of Ireland, where Easton lived for a time. The album, as a whole, obsesses over the betrayals the lyricist has suffered at the hands of women, but it manages to stay upbeat through it all. This, I think, could only be done by a man who can look back at a woman squandering his care for her and simply say, “yeah, that was not cool.”
Even though the album has a certain classic feel at times, it never sounds dated, and that is a real accomplishment. All in all, being only twenty-eight minutes long, I think it’s a musical creation that deserves the open ears of all breeds of people. And even though Easton settled on the title of Not Cool, in a world that’s “a mess, but ya just can’t let it break ya,” this album is about as cool as they come.
MILEY CYRUS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM "BANGERZ" ON OCTOBER 8TH
Global superstar Miley Cyrus is to release new album titled “Bangerz” on October 8th. Collaborating with renowned producers and songwriters such as Mike Will, Pharrell, Future, and will.i.am, this album marks a creative evolution for Miley. “Bangerz” is currently available for pre-order. Those who pre-order “Bangerz” at iTunes will get an instant grat track of “Wrecking Ball” and “We Can’t Stop”. Additionally both “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball” are available for purchase at all digital retails providers.
“Wrecking Ball” the second single from “Bangerz” already hit the #1 spot at on the iTunes Top Songs Chart. Cyrus currently has two tracks in the Top 5 on the iTunes Top Songs Chart and “Bangerz” is currently in the Top 5 on the iTunes Albums Chart.
The first single “We Can’t Stop” was released on June 3rd and immediately shot to #1 on iTunes in the US and 23 other countries. The single has climbed to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has sold over 2 million tracks in the US alone. “We Can’t Stop” also became Cyrus’ first #1 single in the UK. In addition, the video for “We Can’t Stop” broke VEVO’s record for most views in a 24 hour period, and in only 37 days became the fastest video to reach 100 million views across VEVO.
Miley Cyrus is a world renowned entertainer with record breaking success in film, television and music. She is a multiplatinum recording artist and has sold over 12 million albums and 20 million tracks in the US alone.
Twitter: @mileycyrus
Protective cases
There are a number of distinct reasons why individuals would want Wheeled Shipping Cases. They may own technology that is pricy, or is incredibly delicate. Regardless of the reason, purchasing a case to protect these valuable items is a smart idea. Purchasing a durable case with wheels ensures that individuals will be able to transport their goods through airports and on the road, while not having to spend the money to replace these items. No matter what type of instrument or computer one has, there are companies that will ensure safe transport of these types of items. No matter whether you are an artist, a musician, or a business-minded person, wheeled shipping cases are a tremendously smart idea. I know that when I go on the road that destruction or mutilation of my laptop and tools for my business is one of my key worries. If you yourself or some of your friends have items that are worth more than about $100, I would strongly suggest that you search out your local retailer of shipping cases and see if they have the sizes that you would need. Check online for companies – there are some that will stay competitive price-wise even if they have to ship.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Pentagram Concert Review - Austin, TX - 8/2
On Friday, August 2nd, doom metal pioneers Pentragram ripped through a set of the classics at Emo’s East in Austin,Texas. I expected the crowd to be bigger but the show seemed poorly promoted in the city. On the upside, attendance wasn’t too bad and those who came out had a blast. The moment wild man singer, Bobby Liebling, took stage, the crowd roared. He grinned and posed, loving every minute. The band which has seen many lineup changes over the years rushed right into fan favorite, “Sign of The Wolf” and didn’t hesitate to play “Forever My Queen” early in the set as well.
Black clad and long haired fans cheered and sang along to every syllable. “Be Forewarned” came towards the end of the metallic and grooving set with no filler in between. Bobby Liebling and the guys definitely seemed to be enjoying themselves and the atmosphere was celebratory. There is no denying that Pentagram are legends in the netherworld of heavy and extreme music. Pentagram is a band that has been plagued by trials and tribulations but Bobby Liebling is still kicking and hard at that. I didn’t know what to expect going into a Pentagram show. All of the members are new except the long-standing Bobby Liebling. It wasn’t the 1971 lineup but then again I didn’t expect it to be. The 2013 lineup is strong and can still outdo most members of the metal community with ease.
-David Saint Timbercrest
Follow me on Twitter, @mchomelesstwit
Breaking News: Eminem's MMLP 2 Release Date
Universal Music has announced that Eminem is releasing the second Marshall Mathers LP on November 5th. Keep an eye out for Em’s latest single, Berzerk, which will be released on Tuesday (8/27). This album is Eminem’s first since 2010′s Recovery.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
The Great Gatsby Blu-Ray Set
The Great Gatsby has made it to the silver screen a number of times since it was released to bookstores in 1925. The 2013 iteration of the tale was directed by Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet, Australia) and stars Tobey Maguire (Nick Carraway), Amitabh Bachchan (Meyer Wolfsheim), and Leonardo Dicaprio (Jay Gatsby). This set comes with four distinct versions of the film: Blu-Ray 3D, Blu-Ray, DVD, and Ultraviolet formats.
Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby is visually striking, with the costuming and set design allowing viewers to be teleported back to the height of the flappers; the visual quality of the Blu-Ray 3D edition is crisp and vibrant throughout. Fitzgerald’s dialogue is highlighted with a similarly lush audio track. There are a number of featurettes present; the trailer for the 1926 film showcases the differences (and similarities) present between the first and latest retelling of this F. Scott Fitzgerald tale, while Razzle Dazzle showcases some of the fashion trends and fads that took the United States by storm in the 1920s. The key selling point of this release has to be the alternate ending and deleted scenes. When watched alongside the feature film, these scenes provide a considerably different feel to the film.
This comprehensive release can be purchased at any physical or online video retailers. Look to spend around $30 to $40 to purchase a copy. Kudos has to go to all associated for staying true to the source material while keeping the film interesting for audiences in 2013.
Rating: 9.4/10
The Great Gatsby Blu-Ray Set / 2013 Warner Bros / 142 Minutes / www.warnerbros.com
Dale’s Pale Ale Review
Pale ales have been largely passed over with the popularity of India pale ales, but Oskar Blues’ Dale’s Pale Ale looks to establish a renaissance for the style. Whether in cans or on tap, the Dale’s Pale Ale has more of a backbone than competing efforts. I feel that it is the vigor and spirit that makes for an inimitable beer. The initial pour provides individuals with a fairly thick, off-white head. The vibrant orange of the brew itself is inviting, as is the first sip. This opening links together slight hop flavors with fruit and a malt backbone.
With subsequent sips, additional bitterness is present; Dale’s Pale Ale maintains its flavor even as it gets warm. The 6.5% ABV of Dale’s Pale Ale puts it at a level all it’s own; where many common beers weigh in at around 4.5-5.5%, the additional alcohol allows Dale’s to moderate the hops and malt with a slight alcohol burn. One of the freshest beers that we have had the chance to review, Dale’s Pale Ale is the beer to drink throughout the end of the summer and into the beginning of autumn.
Check out the Oskar Blues website for more information about the company’s brews and upcoming releases. Dale’s Pale Ale is a perfect introduction for those that are only familiar with macro brews, while still having enough of a backbone to keep those experienced in beer happy.
Rating: 8.7/10
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Dale’s Pale Ale Review / 6.5% ABV / www.oskarblues.com / www.oskarblues.com/the-brews/dales-pale-ale/
Friday, August 16, 2013
Secrets of the Dead Bones of the Buddha DVD Review
Bones of the Buddha is an hour-long feature under the Secrets of the Dead nomen that probes the mystery of Kapilavastu, a Shakya settlement described to be where Gautama Buddha spent eir formative years. This hour-long documentary delves deep into the mystery of the land. This documentary argues that Willie Peppe, an estate manager, had found the previously lost settlement of Buddha’s family. The house is now in Thailand, and contains a number of artifacts that have been purported to be from the era of Buddha, if not possessions of the Buddha eirself. Charles Allen, a historian, links specific bits and pieces of the Birdpore House to what scholars know about Kapilavastu.
The documentary ultimately comes to the conclusion that the relics that were found on the Peppe estate were legitimate possessions of Buddha, with the crowning jewel of the collection being foundational for understanding the Buddha’s formative years. The video is must-see for those that wish to know about the historical realities of the Buddha, for anyone in high school or higher educational levels. Viewers will get an education about a historical site and be provided with a good sense of the relevance of that site in ancient and modern eras.
Visit the Shoppbs website to purchase this DVD or to see the variety of their other new releases; the documentary can be purchased for $22.99.
Rating: 9.4/10
Secrets of the Dead Bones of the Buddha DVD Review / 2013 PBS / 60 Minutes / www.shoppbs.com
Colette Carr Skitszo Collection CD Review
Carr’s music is one of a kind, and Skitszo allows new listeners the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Carr’s output up to this point. Consisting of tracks from four digital EPs (released after 2010’s Sex Sells Stay Tooned), Skitszo immediately hits listeners with Who Do You Think You Are. This RedOne-touched track has ample hooks and the edge necessary to keep listeners on the edges of their seats. Never Gonna Happen comes from a creative place which many listeners can identify; Carr’s vocal style here separates eir from the masses of other singer-songwriters and rappers on the market today. The features that are present on Skitszo allow Carr’s style to be properly highlighted. The additional oomph given Told You So by the inclusion of Porcelain Black ratchets up the momentum of Skitszo.
Why Are You Leaving? showcases Carr’s ability to effortlessly move through a variety of musical styles. Whether it be pop, rap, or even rock, it just feels as if Carr is the Lada Gaga meets Avril Lavigne of a newer generation. Never Gonna Happen is a perfect pop track in the vein of Katy Perry and Carly Rae Jepson works,
Visit Colette Carr’s website at www.colettecarr.com/ for more news, music, videos, and upcoming tour dates. Keep an eye on Carr’s trajectory; I have no doubt that her success will continue.
Top Tracks: Who Do You Think You Are, Why Are You Leaving?
Rating: 8.7/10
Colette Carr Skitszo Collection CD Review / 2013 Interscope Records / 20 Tracks / www.colettecarr.com/ www.interscope.com/
Thursday, August 15, 2013
WYMOND MILES ANNOUNCES NEW LP
Next month, ahead of the new LP will come a new 7″ single from Wymond, which opens with the beautiful anthemic post-punk song, “Passion Plays” (also appears on the LP). Miles says his desire was to make, “a motoric blast of rock that a trio could easily play. Lyrically it’s an open book of feverish confusion with love affairs, the ties that bind, and the blades that cut us free.” The B-side is a cover of a legendary Flying Nun band, The Terminals. Shayde Sartin (also of Fresh & Onlys) plays bass and Kelley Stoltz plays drums on the track. Miles’ previous full length was critically acclaimed and showcased a side of the artist with very different output than Fresh & Onlys, one who was exploring his 70’s glam roots and early 80’s post punk influences. As hooky as ever though, Wymond’s musicianship shines through and extends here to include bass and theremin duties.
Today, Wymond is sharing “Passion Plays” with us, and you can stream it below. He’s also hitting the road for a couple dates in September with Deerhunter and then is touring the U.S. in November with Crocodiles. All info is below, as well as an album teaser directed by Ryan Browne
TOUR DATES
† w/ Deerhunter
≈ w/ Weekend
¥ w/ Crocodiles
Why are there no casino games on the PS3?
Why are there no casino games on the PS3?
In the modern day it is a well known that adults enjoy playing on the PS3 as much as their kids, yet there seems to be an untapped market of games for adults. By this I mean casino games. Many games offer an insight into the world of casinos offering the odd section playing poker or blackjack in a saloon. However there are no games that offer the full casino experience. So many games touch upon gambling yet non of them have committed to creating a full on casino game.
It may prove a popular idea to offer a game whereby the gamer can control an onscreen character and walk up and down a casino, ordering drinks, playing slots, sitting down at a poker table or playing roulette, building up a reputation as a high roller on the Vegas strip, or going one step to far and having to build your fortune again. All of this would allow the gamer to experience the thrill of a casino without actually betting real money. Perhaps seeing the effects of winning and loosing in a virtual world will provide some with those high and low feelings many high rollers have felt before.
One game that currently is available is ‘High Stakes’, a game that offers 5 variations of poker, but they’re all hold ‘em variations: Billabong, Shanghai, Tahoe, super hold ‘em, and, of course, Texas hold ‘em. The lack of classic games such as black jack, roulette and other casino favourites from sites like GamingClub.com/nz let this game down. However until somebody commits to creating a complete casino game ‘High Stakes’ may be the best bet. Until that day we will have to make do with the odd casino experience we can gain from games such as Red Dead Redemption.
Monday, August 12, 2013
MacBubba Scotch Ale Review
The Scotch Ale style blends the bitterness of hops with the fullness of malt. The MacBubba hits all of the high notes of the style while providing enough unique flavor to make it a go-to beer. The amber / brown pour provides a nice cream colored head, while the initial sip yields hints of caramel, raisin, molasses and just enough burn to keep things lively. The inclusion of peated malt into MacBubba may be the x-factor here; I feel that the more earthy tones are able to push this effort into a higher plateau than similar efforts. The mouthfeel of MacBubba is very smooth and creamy, hiding the 6.5% ABV well. I do like that the CB Brewing Company has not added large amounts of sugar to MacBubba, which allows the beer to have a slight sweetness alongside a panoply of hoppier and maltier flavors. Taken together, these constituent elements make for a constantly-changing and always invigorating beer.
Visit the CB Brewing Company’s website for more information about CB’s Brewing Company and their year-round and seasonal efforts. Mate MacBubba with cheese or red meat; the beverage and the plates will bring out entirely new sides to the experience.
Rating: 9.4/10
MacBubba Scotch Ale / CB’s Brewing Company / 6.50% ABV / www.cbsbrewing.com/
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Acoustic Research Bluetooth Portable Wireless Speaker
The Acoustic Research Bluetooth Portable Wireless Speakers are a tremendous addition to any audiophile’s collection. Available in a wide array of colors (black, blue, white, green, pink, yellow, and red), the ARS60s are eminently portable and easy to set up. The battery utilized by the speakers is a beast and ensure that one will have tunes from a MP3 player or smartphone for up to 10 hours. Further boosts in volume will decrease the speaker’s life to around 7-8 hours. Where I feel the ARS60 speakers shine the brightest is in their stellar replay of recordings. This means that individuals can play bass-heavy rap and R&B or guitar-leaning progressive metal with the same fidelity of stationary speakers.
The build quality of the ARS60 speakers ensures that they can be taken out to the beach, the mall, or any other public meeting space. They can weather light dings, scratches, and even small falls without impacting the speaker or overall experience. It is in this durability and portability that the Acoustic Research Bluetooth Portable Wireless Speaker becomes a must-buy. Visit the Acoustic Research website for more information about the ARS60 and the rest of their products. An ARS60 speaker can be purchased online for around $80-100 in box, and weighs about 3-3.5 pounds. Let us know what experiences that you have had with the ARS60s!
Rating: 9.6/10
Acoustic Research Bluetooth Portable Wireless Speaker / ARS60 / www.acoustic-research.com / www.acoustic-research.com/ARS60-wireless-speaker/
The Gatekeepers DVD Review
The Gatekeepers is a fair and balanced look into the relations that Israel has towards regional states and Palestinian forces. Israel’s position on defense and past decisions are explained by those that commissioned them – the film utilizes interviews with six former directors of the Israeli security service, Shin Bet. Taking special care to focus on the efforts of the agency from 1988 to 2010, The Gatekeepers showcases that the overall decisions made by the state were based on the work of specific figures in the Israeli government.
The meeting of the minds of these six heads showcase that the current policies of Israel may need to be re-thought. I feel that the commentary that is presented here by director Dror Moreh does a great deal in providing additional background to the specific policy tenets of Israel and the nuances present between each former director. The decisions made by the group (and the film itself) envision success in Israel being predicated on the acceptance by Israeli leaders of Palestinian sovereignty. With terrorism such a major issue for the average Israeli citizens, having a legitimation of Palestinian rights would lead toward an overall decrease (if not an outright cessation) in partisan violence.
The Gatekeepers is available online and at well-stocked physical locations, and represents a tremendous contribution to the narrative of Israel and Palestine. The documentary presumes no introductory knowledge and can be appreciated by high school students and scholars alike.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Gatekeepers DVD / 2013 Sony / 101 Minutes / www.sony.com
Robert Williams Mr Bitchin’ DVD Review
For those that are not familiar with Robert Williams, ey was a prolific artist that contributed greatly to a variety of art genres. Whether it was the time that Williams spent with R. Crumb (The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers) or Guns ‘n’ Roses (created the front cover art for “Appetite For Destruction”), Williams’ art was one of a kind. The role ey occupied in the overall direction and focus of the art world has been understated, and Robert Williams: Mr Bitchin’ is a documentary that looks to capture the sheer breadth of Williams’ fame.
The documentary lays out Williams’ earliest years, and provides a solid look into the eighties, a high point for Williams’ career. The number of stars that are interviewed for this documentary are substantial, with Deborah Harry (Blondie), Slash (Guns ‘n’ Roses), Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and even Ed “Big Daddy” Roth sit down to provide their memories of Williams. Providing that extra half-hour to the documentary when compared to public network releases allows for viewers to gain an increased amount of information about Williams.
Robert Williams Mr Bitchin’ can be purchased from well-stocked brick and mortar stores and online retailers alike. Look to spend around $15 for a new copy of the DVD. Check out the Cinema Libre website for more information about new and catalog releases alike.
Rating: 8.2/10
Robert Williams Mr Bitchin’ DVD Review / 2013 Cinema Libre / 89 Minutes / www.cinemalibrestores.com
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Aftershock DVD Review
Aftershock falls into the natural disaster genre, and unites famous actors (Eli Roth, Andrea Osvart of Transporter: the Series) with up and coming ones (Lorenza Izzo, Patricio Strahovsky). The movie is set in Chile, where a band of friends have their vacation interrupted with a society-shattering earthquake. In the chaos that ensues, humans are pushed to their breaking point. The trappings of order are destroyed as inhabitants attempt to make sense of this horror.
The video quality of the Aftershock DVD is sharp with realistic skin tones and lighting. The audio is perhaps what makes the film, as the realism of storms and natural torment will have viewers’ hearts beating quickly. The DVD comes with a number of bonus features, which include a gag reel that seems to stand at odds with the somber tone of the movie. The release’s value is ratcheted up with the inclusion of a behind the scenes featurette, which really imparts the sheer amount of work that went into making Aftershock into a taut title.
Aftershock is a solid title, perfect to pick up for a late night or date with a significant other. If the events that unfold here seem a little hard to believe, the film was based on the events that occurred after the 2010 earthquake that occurred in Chile. This film also has a Blu-Ray release; individuals should be able to purchase a copy of Aftershock on DVD for around $13 and $15 on Blu-Ray.
Rating: 8.4/10
Aftershock DVD Review / 2013 Anchor Bay Entertainment / 89 Minutes / www.anchorbayentertainment.com
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
The Suicide Machines Self-Titled CD Review
The Suicide Machines- The Suicide Machines- Sony-
Aerosmith Rock For The Rising Sun DVD Review
Aerosmith are an American institution, but possess a worldly attitude, especially towards charity. This means that Aerosmith conducted this concert to provide relief to the sufferers of the tsunami and resulting meltdown at Fukushima.
The video quality of this performance is stellar, with the DVD release achieving clarity that is comparable to a HD broadcast. The soundboard-like quality of the music makes this into a must-have for Aerosmith fans. Rock For The Rising Sun collects a number of Aerosmith’s greatest hits – Love In An Elevator, Livin’ On the Edge, Mama Kin, Toys in the Attic – with a surprising variety of supporting tracks. Rock For The Rising Sun contains two bonus performances in Lick and a Promise and One Way Street. The concert will show listeners that Aerosmith is still a band at the top of their game. Where many bands are content with copying their studio output, performances of Train Kept A Rollin’ and Sweet Emotion have a different flow to them. The dynamic between the constituent members of Aerosmith allows each piece of the puzzle to be pushed to a higher level. The guitars and drums combine to create a super-sonic blast of hard-edged blues-rock, while front man Steven Tyler brings all of the passion and intensity that was brought when the band went out on tours in the sixties.
The Aerosmith Rock For The Rising Sun DVD can be purchased for $10-15 from a number of online retailers or at a wide variety of shops dealing with music. Visit the Eagle Rock website for more information about their library and their releases through the ending of the years, and let us know what you think of this release.
Rating: 8.2/10
Aerosmith Rock For The Rising Sun DVD Review / 2013 Eagle Vision / 105 Minutes / www.eaglerockent.com
Fridays: The Best Of Review
There have been some strong contenders to the dominance of Saturday Night Live. SCTV was able to fight the valiant fight in the 80s, while Kids in the Hall and MadTV provided a different option for the 90s. Fridays was the first of these shows, and showcased the work of a slew of comedians before much of America would become familiar. The show aired from 1980 to 1982 and brought a spotlight to the careers of Rich Hall, Larry David, and Michael Richards.
The quality of these clips is stellar, providing a viewer with quality comparable (if not in excess of) to what was presented during the initial airing. This becomes especially impressive when the musical acts begin; this DVD set includes tracks from KISS, The Cars, Devo, and more with lush and compelling sound. The various skits presented here (Nat E. Dred, the pharmacist at Drugs-R-Us) showcase a little more edginess than was present on other comedy shows of the period. The DVD concludes with a number of bonus features – a reunion with the cast, some photos from the show, and a brief look into the Andy Kaufman incident – that provide further context to what is a comedy relic.
For those individuals that wish to see the entirety of the Friday episodes, make sure to pick up Fridays: The Best Of. With hours upon hours of footage provided at a value price (individuals will be able to pick up this DVD set for around $29-35), this release should be an immediate purchase for anyone that was a fan of the show or would like a proper introduction. Try to pick this one up from online retailers and let us know what you think!
Rating: 9.8/10
Fridays: The Best Of DVD Set / 2013 Shout! Factory / 1050 Minutes / www.shoutfactory.com
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Sesame Street Arts and Crafts Playdate DVD Review
The video quality of the episodes are stellar, ensuring that viewers will be able to enjoy each of the episodes as if they were the original theatrical airing. The Arts and Crafts DVD includes Porride art, Art school, and Rocco’s playmate. Rocco’s playmate will inspire creativity as Elmo makes a playmate for Zoe’s pet rock. Taken together, the episodes on Arts and Crafts Playdate will inspire viewers to take up paint brushes or other sorts of craft tools. Porridge art continues the trend of tactile crafts in the creation of a porridge man to win a competition of Quacker Porridge Man (played here by Bobby Moynihan, of Saturday Night Live).
The DVD includes a wide variety of additional features. This means that there are a variety of sketches – OK Go: Primary Colors, Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures: Museum Guards, Murray Visits Art School, and Elmo’s Collage. Different activities are presented on this DVD to round out the release. The Arts and Crafts Playdate runs about 134 minutes, but the additional features and materials that are present here will increase the replay value of the release considerably.
Make sure to pick up a copy of the Arts and Crafts Playdate DVD at any well-stocked media store or online retailer. A copy should run about $10-12 and represents a stellar birthday or holiday gift for those in the 3-9 set and their parents.
Rating: 8.2/10
Sesame Street Arts and Crafts Playdate DVD / 2013 Warner Bros / 134 Minutes / www.sesamestreet.org