By Decree
All men should at least consider changing their last name if they marry someone with a cooler last name than them (i.e. Stiles, Swank, McCool.) It is not required that they do change their names, but they should at least think about it.
Strong Bad Sings: and Other Type Hits a Review Part 4
Finally the moment I have been waiting for has arrived. If only I were not the only person in the world reading this insightful review, then I might be more excited for the rest of you out there. Regardless, this entry marks the end of this little pet project of mine: The last five tracks of the Strong Bad Sings album.
If you have not ever been here before, this is actually the last installment in the series, and you might be better suited to start on part one further down the page. Part 3 is possibly the strongest section, so starting there might not be a bad idea either. But for now, on with the show.
Track 16: "The ladies in my Town all know my name" is a pretty inconsequential song. By the end of the song we learn that actually not all the ladies know his name, but it makes for a nice quiet bit of comedy. I do not know what style, if any, the Brothers Chaps were trying to tackle with this song, other than generic rock. Of course, almost all rock you hear now is just that. Either way I am not sad that this song only lasts 34 seconds.
Track 17: This is what I'm talking about. The much awaited Theme from DANGERESQUE II: This time, it's not Dangeresque I is finally here. This is a classic shout out to all the great themes from blaxploitation films of the '70s. It has a wicked cool groove, and the lyrics are very funny and appropriate for the theme. This is possibly the best moment on the entire album. They really did a great job of combining a particular style of song with good funny lyrics.
Track 18: When I first heard this song, "Somebody Told Me (Now I Believe Them)," I began to fully realize the full scope of what the Brothers Chaps were trying to do with this album. With not necessarily enough songs from the Homestarrunner website to fill an album, they began to make songs that fit a certain style of music. This song, with its bluegrass twang, was like a slap in the face, and it helped me to see the pure genius in their vision.
Track 19: This song is a classic. "THE Cheat is NOT DEAD" represents the Brothers Chaps at their creative best. This song first appeared at the end of Strong Bad's caper email. Although it begins very simply, which hails back to the original version, the song develops to a resounding climax. We find ourselves pleasantly surprised at the end to hear a gospel choir join the fray, and apparently Strong Bad is equally impressed and surprised. It is well worth it though.
Track 20: The long awaited conclusion to the album. This is a live version of "EVERYBODY TO THE LIMIT." They claim to be playing to a loud and raucous crowd in West Reykjavik. Apparently the Brothers Chaps seem to be famous in Iceland. Who knows? Maybe it's true. I don't know if they did hear him in East Reykjavik, but maybe someday they will. Then the world will certainly be a better place. In the mean time check out the original video for the #1 Jam of the Summer.
After that let your CD player continue playing after the end of the last song, and you will hear Homestar's addition to the album. It starts at about the 6:20 mark on the last track. Apparently it is called "Secret Song" because that is pretty much all Homestar is singing about in the song. It adds a nice finishing touch to the album though, just Homestarrunner and a piano. Does it get any better than this? Yes, yes it does.
I must add though that I was a little disappointed to not hear anything about Sibbie on the album, but ah well. Overall I really enjoy the album and if you like the Homestarrunner website, then you will also like the album.
If you have not ever been here before, this is actually the last installment in the series, and you might be better suited to start on part one further down the page. Part 3 is possibly the strongest section, so starting there might not be a bad idea either. But for now, on with the show.
Track 16: "The ladies in my Town all know my name" is a pretty inconsequential song. By the end of the song we learn that actually not all the ladies know his name, but it makes for a nice quiet bit of comedy. I do not know what style, if any, the Brothers Chaps were trying to tackle with this song, other than generic rock. Of course, almost all rock you hear now is just that. Either way I am not sad that this song only lasts 34 seconds.
Track 17: This is what I'm talking about. The much awaited Theme from DANGERESQUE II: This time, it's not Dangeresque I is finally here. This is a classic shout out to all the great themes from blaxploitation films of the '70s. It has a wicked cool groove, and the lyrics are very funny and appropriate for the theme. This is possibly the best moment on the entire album. They really did a great job of combining a particular style of song with good funny lyrics.
Track 18: When I first heard this song, "Somebody Told Me (Now I Believe Them)," I began to fully realize the full scope of what the Brothers Chaps were trying to do with this album. With not necessarily enough songs from the Homestarrunner website to fill an album, they began to make songs that fit a certain style of music. This song, with its bluegrass twang, was like a slap in the face, and it helped me to see the pure genius in their vision.
Track 19: This song is a classic. "THE Cheat is NOT DEAD" represents the Brothers Chaps at their creative best. This song first appeared at the end of Strong Bad's caper email. Although it begins very simply, which hails back to the original version, the song develops to a resounding climax. We find ourselves pleasantly surprised at the end to hear a gospel choir join the fray, and apparently Strong Bad is equally impressed and surprised. It is well worth it though.
Track 20: The long awaited conclusion to the album. This is a live version of "EVERYBODY TO THE LIMIT." They claim to be playing to a loud and raucous crowd in West Reykjavik. Apparently the Brothers Chaps seem to be famous in Iceland. Who knows? Maybe it's true. I don't know if they did hear him in East Reykjavik, but maybe someday they will. Then the world will certainly be a better place. In the mean time check out the original video for the #1 Jam of the Summer.
After that let your CD player continue playing after the end of the last song, and you will hear Homestar's addition to the album. It starts at about the 6:20 mark on the last track. Apparently it is called "Secret Song" because that is pretty much all Homestar is singing about in the song. It adds a nice finishing touch to the album though, just Homestarrunner and a piano. Does it get any better than this? Yes, yes it does.
I must add though that I was a little disappointed to not hear anything about Sibbie on the album, but ah well. Overall I really enjoy the album and if you like the Homestarrunner website, then you will also like the album.
Strong Bad Sings: and Other Type Hits a Review Part 3
This process is taking much longer than I initially anticipated, but hopefully the effort I have put into this little project will not be lost on my audience. (But since my audience consists of me and probably no one else, I think I'm safe.) Anyway, on to Part three of this seemingly fruitless exercise.
Track 11: Journey makes a guest appearance on the album with the track "It's like it was meant to be." The songwriting is solid, and Neal Schon's guitar work is stellar as usual. Their new lead singer is not even adequate, though. He cannot come close to the high notes that Steve Perry showcased with seeming ease during Journey's heyday in the seventies. Also I do not know who is writing the lyrics now, but he needs to find a new job. I cannot tell if he is trying to be the next Bernie Taupin or the next "Weird" Al Yankovic, but either way, he stinks....oh, wait....you mean this isn't Journey....you've got to be kidding me....huh. Well, let's just move right along.
Track 12: NITE MAMAS is Limozeen's second song on the album, and it is simply awesome! Although the opening guitar riff owes much to Poison's seminal track "Talk Dirty to Me," and the chorus sounds like something you would find on their third album Flesh & Blood. Either way you look at it, though, this track is basically the best song that Poison never made.
Track 13: This is probably the funniest song on the album. It is Strong Bad at his best: simply making funny remarks at Marzipan's expense while she ignores him and keeps playing anyway. "Sensitive to Bees" is just a nice simple folk song that Marzipan sings. What makes it truly great is how every line is followed by something funny from Strong Bad. A brief entrance at the end by Homestar adds just that something to make this song truly a masterpiece of comedic genius.
Track 14: "You've got and Ugly & Stupid BUTT" is another song that was first heard, although only briefly, during the Strong Bad Sings short on the website. It is a nice little shout out to the brief Latin Pop invasion of a few years ago. Luckily this song does not last long, much like the so called invasion.
Track 15: This is Coach Z's only appearance on the album. The Brothers Chaps use "These peoples try to fade me" to further extend this image of Coach Z as an old school rapper lost in our time. It is an average song, but it really is not funny on its own unless you are familiar with the Coach Z character. In that sense though it is nice to see that persona finally fleshed out in a full length (2:11) rap song.
Bonus: If placed in a CD-ROM drive that is hopefully attached to a computer of some kind, you can view a video for "These peoples try to fade me." The video is directed by the Cheat and is pretty good. The Cheat's animation of Coach Z doing old school dance moves, including some break dancing, is nicely done. Overall, a solid video by the Cheat, but nothing new or exciting.
Track 11: Journey makes a guest appearance on the album with the track "It's like it was meant to be." The songwriting is solid, and Neal Schon's guitar work is stellar as usual. Their new lead singer is not even adequate, though. He cannot come close to the high notes that Steve Perry showcased with seeming ease during Journey's heyday in the seventies. Also I do not know who is writing the lyrics now, but he needs to find a new job. I cannot tell if he is trying to be the next Bernie Taupin or the next "Weird" Al Yankovic, but either way, he stinks....oh, wait....you mean this isn't Journey....you've got to be kidding me....huh. Well, let's just move right along.
Track 12: NITE MAMAS is Limozeen's second song on the album, and it is simply awesome! Although the opening guitar riff owes much to Poison's seminal track "Talk Dirty to Me," and the chorus sounds like something you would find on their third album Flesh & Blood. Either way you look at it, though, this track is basically the best song that Poison never made.
Track 13: This is probably the funniest song on the album. It is Strong Bad at his best: simply making funny remarks at Marzipan's expense while she ignores him and keeps playing anyway. "Sensitive to Bees" is just a nice simple folk song that Marzipan sings. What makes it truly great is how every line is followed by something funny from Strong Bad. A brief entrance at the end by Homestar adds just that something to make this song truly a masterpiece of comedic genius.
Track 14: "You've got and Ugly & Stupid BUTT" is another song that was first heard, although only briefly, during the Strong Bad Sings short on the website. It is a nice little shout out to the brief Latin Pop invasion of a few years ago. Luckily this song does not last long, much like the so called invasion.
Track 15: This is Coach Z's only appearance on the album. The Brothers Chaps use "These peoples try to fade me" to further extend this image of Coach Z as an old school rapper lost in our time. It is an average song, but it really is not funny on its own unless you are familiar with the Coach Z character. In that sense though it is nice to see that persona finally fleshed out in a full length (2:11) rap song.
Bonus: If placed in a CD-ROM drive that is hopefully attached to a computer of some kind, you can view a video for "These peoples try to fade me." The video is directed by the Cheat and is pretty good. The Cheat's animation of Coach Z doing old school dance moves, including some break dancing, is nicely done. Overall, a solid video by the Cheat, but nothing new or exciting.
Strong Bad Sings: and Other Type Hits a Review Part 2
Well the long awaited second installment of my review is now here. I will be analyzing tracks 6 through 10, so get ready.
Track 6: I cannot remember where on the Homestarrunner website I first heard this song, but either way it is a good one. The Kinda Long Haired Band sends John Mayer on a run for his money, while Strong Bad wails about that "skinny blonde girl" who is probably now running from him. College folk at its best. By the end you too will wonder if it was really in G.
Track 7: "Let's get started on all those awesome things I suggested" is a classic R&B groove, and all Strong Bad does is really just get started. This track was first mentioned on the Strong Bad Sings short. After what seems like a minute long intro into a nice sexy song, the song ends, and our next track begins. I thought it was a nice effect.
Track 8: "Moving Very Slowly" is a song by the Brothers Chaps favorite heavy metal band Taranchula. This band leans more towards the pounding guitars of Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax, unlike Limozeen's yearnings for the better days when hairspray mattered more to music than a steady back beat. This song does not add much to the album besides a ripping guitar solo. The fade-out then fade back in effect at the end of the song was a nice effect, though.
Track 9: This is the full version of the "Sweet Cuppin Cakes Theme Song" as first heard on the crazy cartoon email. This is one of my all time favorite emails. Eh Steve! is one of my favorite cartoon characters ever. They added great lyrics that really parodied the typical style of today's cartoon theme songs. Very well done.
Track 10: Aww, Teen Girl Squad finally made their much awaited appearance on the CD. Whats her face finally gets a phone call from Paul or something. At which point she decides that she needs to sing about her apparent chances with this guy. Whether or not she actually does have a chance with this guy does not really seem to matter. What does matter is that the Brothers Chaps managed to parody the stylings of all those crappy teeny boppers like Britney, Christina, Mandy, and Jessica. Maybe they are the real Teen Girl Squad. How knows?
Track 6: I cannot remember where on the Homestarrunner website I first heard this song, but either way it is a good one. The Kinda Long Haired Band sends John Mayer on a run for his money, while Strong Bad wails about that "skinny blonde girl" who is probably now running from him. College folk at its best. By the end you too will wonder if it was really in G.
Track 7: "Let's get started on all those awesome things I suggested" is a classic R&B groove, and all Strong Bad does is really just get started. This track was first mentioned on the Strong Bad Sings short. After what seems like a minute long intro into a nice sexy song, the song ends, and our next track begins. I thought it was a nice effect.
Track 8: "Moving Very Slowly" is a song by the Brothers Chaps favorite heavy metal band Taranchula. This band leans more towards the pounding guitars of Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax, unlike Limozeen's yearnings for the better days when hairspray mattered more to music than a steady back beat. This song does not add much to the album besides a ripping guitar solo. The fade-out then fade back in effect at the end of the song was a nice effect, though.
Track 9: This is the full version of the "Sweet Cuppin Cakes Theme Song" as first heard on the crazy cartoon email. This is one of my all time favorite emails. Eh Steve! is one of my favorite cartoon characters ever. They added great lyrics that really parodied the typical style of today's cartoon theme songs. Very well done.
Track 10: Aww, Teen Girl Squad finally made their much awaited appearance on the CD. Whats her face finally gets a phone call from Paul or something. At which point she decides that she needs to sing about her apparent chances with this guy. Whether or not she actually does have a chance with this guy does not really seem to matter. What does matter is that the Brothers Chaps managed to parody the stylings of all those crappy teeny boppers like Britney, Christina, Mandy, and Jessica. Maybe they are the real Teen Girl Squad. How knows?
Strong Bad Sings: and Other Type Hits a Review Part 1
Well since I am sure that other more reputable organizations and such will not review this fine album, I will take it upon myself to fill the void with a comprehensive review of the entire album. This will include a track by track analysis.
The packaging is garnered with the Brothers Chaps trademark doodle artwork. Conceived as pen drawings on lined paper, it sets the mode. The liner includes mock ups of posters for various concerts and bands that are featured on the album. The inclusion of the Limozeen bumper sticker was also an added bonus.
Track 1: Strong Bad gets things started with a tribute to his favorite video game dragon, Trogdor. The Brothers Chaps' backing band Y-O-U gets things started off right with rocking guitar riffs and an awesome dueling guitar solo. The ending includes a much needed shout out to the guitar Strong Bad email.
Track 2: "The System is Down" has to be the best techno song ever recorded by using only the human voice as an instrument. This is simply a filled out version of the techno song that Strong Bad inadvertently started righting during his techno email. Fans of the website will be excited to hear the new added sound effects to the song.
Track 3: This is simply a version of the "Strong Badia National Anthem." Strong Bad utilized the singing abilities of Ms. Partmeatter's 1st grade class. Their inclusion helps add to the campyness of the song. Homsar seems to make an unscheduled appearance at the conclusion of the song, but I'm not sure. Unfortunately all the Brothers Chaps really deserve for this song is that low-fat sugar-free chocolate skim milk that Strong Bad awarded the class.
Track 4: This is where the album really begins its running commentary and parody of almost every style of popular music available. Marzipan's song "Oh Yeah Yeah" is a smart and simple parody of all the girl rock bands that have done their thing such as the Donnas.
Track 5: "Because, It's Midnite" is the first of two songs on the album by fictional band Limozeen. One of the band names given by Strong Bad in his band names email. (Taranchula, another band name from that email makes an appearance later on the album.) Limozeen is the Brothers Chaps' hair metal band alter egos, and "Because, Its Midnite" is quite possibly one of the best hair metal songs never recorded. With its ripping guitar solo followed by a quiet bridge with a riffing guitar and lyrics like "Liquid and leather/in equal measure" evoke fond images of many other songs from that era. Slaughter wishes they had written this song.
The remainder of the album will be reviewed in future posts.
The packaging is garnered with the Brothers Chaps trademark doodle artwork. Conceived as pen drawings on lined paper, it sets the mode. The liner includes mock ups of posters for various concerts and bands that are featured on the album. The inclusion of the Limozeen bumper sticker was also an added bonus.
Track 1: Strong Bad gets things started with a tribute to his favorite video game dragon, Trogdor. The Brothers Chaps' backing band Y-O-U gets things started off right with rocking guitar riffs and an awesome dueling guitar solo. The ending includes a much needed shout out to the guitar Strong Bad email.
Track 2: "The System is Down" has to be the best techno song ever recorded by using only the human voice as an instrument. This is simply a filled out version of the techno song that Strong Bad inadvertently started righting during his techno email. Fans of the website will be excited to hear the new added sound effects to the song.
Track 3: This is simply a version of the "Strong Badia National Anthem." Strong Bad utilized the singing abilities of Ms. Partmeatter's 1st grade class. Their inclusion helps add to the campyness of the song. Homsar seems to make an unscheduled appearance at the conclusion of the song, but I'm not sure. Unfortunately all the Brothers Chaps really deserve for this song is that low-fat sugar-free chocolate skim milk that Strong Bad awarded the class.
Track 4: This is where the album really begins its running commentary and parody of almost every style of popular music available. Marzipan's song "Oh Yeah Yeah" is a smart and simple parody of all the girl rock bands that have done their thing such as the Donnas.
Track 5: "Because, It's Midnite" is the first of two songs on the album by fictional band Limozeen. One of the band names given by Strong Bad in his band names email. (Taranchula, another band name from that email makes an appearance later on the album.) Limozeen is the Brothers Chaps' hair metal band alter egos, and "Because, Its Midnite" is quite possibly one of the best hair metal songs never recorded. With its ripping guitar solo followed by a quiet bridge with a riffing guitar and lyrics like "Liquid and leather/in equal measure" evoke fond images of many other songs from that era. Slaughter wishes they had written this song.
The remainder of the album will be reviewed in future posts.
The world of Sam
This is my world baby! Unbeknownst to most, I have successfully taken over the world and replaced it with something more suitable to my liking. Maybe that's just the insomnia talking.
The days are unfortunately starting to get shorter, darker, and colder. Winter has set down its heavy hand upon us all. Apparently it will be in the mid-seventies in Phoenix tomorrow. Their world is a much stranger one than mine. My world, amazingly, has a lot of upside. Soon I will find out what this world has in store for me and when it is coming.
Don't be afraid little one, the world according to Sam is a world of mirth and magic. My sky is filled with dreams and clouds that can be plucked out of the sky with your outstretched hand. Sometimes you just have to reach a little higher. Be still and know all is well.
The days are unfortunately starting to get shorter, darker, and colder. Winter has set down its heavy hand upon us all. Apparently it will be in the mid-seventies in Phoenix tomorrow. Their world is a much stranger one than mine. My world, amazingly, has a lot of upside. Soon I will find out what this world has in store for me and when it is coming.
Don't be afraid little one, the world according to Sam is a world of mirth and magic. My sky is filled with dreams and clouds that can be plucked out of the sky with your outstretched hand. Sometimes you just have to reach a little higher. Be still and know all is well.
Hey Now!
I may begin posting some of my original writings, but I am unsure about it. Most of them are very personal, and although I do show them to some people, if I post them on the internet, they will be there for the world to see.
Now I am not naive. If I post them here, the world can also choose to ignore them, or they could ignore them just because they have absolutely NO IDEA that this little blog could have even existed. Even so, my posting my writings also adds a sense of permanence to them that I do not know if I am ready for. The question always remains out there. Does this piece need more revisions? Am I totally satisfied with my work? Of course the answers to both of those questions are always, always yes and no, respectively.
So I guess the consensus will be for me to:
a. publish my writings on this blog at some point in the not too distant future, and
b. utilize the power given to me by being able to edit anything I post or have posted.
So it is settled. Sometime I will post some original works of poetry and prose. The only question that remains is when.
Now I am not naive. If I post them here, the world can also choose to ignore them, or they could ignore them just because they have absolutely NO IDEA that this little blog could have even existed. Even so, my posting my writings also adds a sense of permanence to them that I do not know if I am ready for. The question always remains out there. Does this piece need more revisions? Am I totally satisfied with my work? Of course the answers to both of those questions are always, always yes and no, respectively.
So I guess the consensus will be for me to:
a. publish my writings on this blog at some point in the not too distant future, and
b. utilize the power given to me by being able to edit anything I post or have posted.
So it is settled. Sometime I will post some original works of poetry and prose. The only question that remains is when.
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Confederate Monument in Forest Park
I am not a fan of the Confederate Monument in Forest Park. I thought it was appropriate to be upfront about this. This post is simply here i...
