Everybody's (Everybody!, Everybody!) Friend

Homestar Runner is one hell of an athelete.

During fun holidays like such, I turn to the media. Mainly video. I always, always, always miss the Charlie Brown special (damn pumpkin). However, I never miss a Homestar Runner Halloween toon. A friend of mine thinks Homestar is a parody and a ridiculing mock of those suffering from retardation.

I think not.

Check out the latest Halloween tune. Not as good as years past, but you should see it anyway. And then watch the others! (Puppet Stuff with the little girl is priceless).

Listen to our show, too! 6-8 TONIGHT!

Happy Halloween!

Our Halloween Edition is on Friday! Halloween Night!

The Horror...THE HORROR!

It's on, folks! This is it...THE HALLOWEEN SPECIAL! Get ready to be so spooked, that you'll wish you were dead!

We got a solid mix of classic and new tunes that circle around the concept of FEAR: M83, The Cure, Interpol, TV On The Radio, Talking Heads, and so much more!

Tune in from 6-8 PM @ kur.kutztown.edu. You will not want to miss this!

Happy Halloween!

Concert: Cold War Kids (Live at The Fillmore at the TLA: 10/17/08)

Oh, you better believe this post is coming. Be patient, you wanker.

Jim's going to report on this. He took some sick pictures and videos. I was there, too. I think maybe you can see me getting nuts for "Saint John". I felt the soul, bros. I felt the soul.

Coming soon...

Concert: Streetlight Manifesto (Live at Starland Ballroom: 10/9/08)

There is something very special about the New Jersey ska circuit. It's a beautiful, energetic, and revolutionary brotherhood of kids (and some adults - meaning, my group of friends and myself, all around 20 years of age, are some of the oldest kids who still buy tickets at the door and show up) that get together periodically and experience some of the best 3rd wave punk, ska, and reggae music that graces New Jersey (mainly Sayreville or Asbury Park). My first ska show was in the summer of 2006. It almost didn't happen; I was just about to back out. However, a great friend of mine convinced me to go and that I had to experience the thrill, and the group of 4 of us experienced Big D & The Kids Table and Catch-22, two headliners of modern ska. Now, these two acts aren't necessarily an "indie" sounding band, you know, like post-punk revival or electroclash (don't you hate labels?); however, there's nothing less mainstream than punk rock with horns.

Anyway, after countless ska shows from small and dirty venues to outdoor, legendary hotspots (such as Bruce Springsteen's start-up joint: The Stone Pony of Asbury Park - right on the beach, sweet as hell), I recently attended a Streetlight Manifesto show in Sayreville, NJ - at the Starland Ballroom.

The opening acts: The AKA's, The Swellers, & The Fear Nuttin' Band. The AKA's and Swellers weren't so groundbreaking: they fell among the countless no-name groups that demanded the crowd "do-something", like clap their hands, or shout something, or something shitty like that. I don't pay 15 bucks to spit stupid gibberish; I just want to sing along and skank it up. Their styles weren't awful, but hey, they're just openers, trying to get their name out there. You have to respect their drive to try.

The Feat Nuttin' Band was actually a delightful change of pace. They were big time reggae. They joked on stage about how it was difficult for the crowd to understand them - they were straight off the banana boat from Jamaica, at least the two vocalists were... But they were fun as hell. They did goosesteps on the stage, which reminded me of track drills back in the day. They were great, made the white kids dance, and like the other bands, hyped up Streetlight to a respectful, but not ass-kissing degree.

Streetlight came on around 10 o'clock - I think. Like last year, YOU COULD NOT FUCKING MOVE. So many little kids. God. There was swaying before the band even came out. Kids fell into pits - some girls shrieked. I just punched around and made room. You have to be a little tough to stand on your own two feet in the jam packed crowd without falling into the wave and breaking in the swell.

Their set list was solid, but not the best. New tunes were played well and old classics were played with a slower twist. Not enough songs off their critically-acclaimed 2003 "Everything Goes Numb", which was a downer for me. But the show was still a hit. We made own pits when the main pits weren't satisfying out skanking desires. We booed the pre-teen girls who thought they were tough and then yelled at them after the show when their parents came to pick them up. We stole kids' hats, which is always a fun game. We crowd surfed and realized the lack of strength in the crowd. Furthermore, we made kids feel awkward. My group of buds and I usually do an easy job of that; one in particular is a fan of eating other kids' hair and sticking his fingers in their mouths. What a way to experience your first show - getting felt up by a stranger while their friends laugh it up. I, personally, would be terrified. Overall, Streetlight was pleasing. New Jersey's native sons made up for a lackluster Bamboozle performance and rocked the central Jersey venue.

If there's something to be said about a group of friends who come together from throughout the tri-state, or any lengthy distance, for just one or two bands that make them smile, forget about their shit, and just dance and laugh, it's that ska music does that trick. They personally remind me of drunken stupors, mixed with dance accidents and inside jokes. They remind me of sweat and smiles, and White Castle and memories. Ah, ska. A dance move, a musical genre, a revolution: a sick, fucking time.

Here's Streetlight Manifesto performing a great version of their single "Down, Down, Down to Mephisto's Cafe" off their latest (and third) record "Somewhere In The Between", at the show, courtesy of someone on YouTube. Enjoy:

October 24, 2008 (Playlist)

October 24, 2008 (Playlist):
"Our Seventh Show!"

The Killers – Human
Arctic Monkeys – Fluorescent Adolescent
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Y Control (The Faint Remix)
Imogen Heap – Headlock
Stars – Take Me To The Riot
Franz Ferdinand – The Fallen
White Rabbits – The Plot
Tokyo Police Club – New New Song
Camper Van Beethoven – Eye Of Fatima (Part 1)
The Black Keys – Just Got To Be
Modest Mouse – Fire It Up

The Sounds – Rock ‘N’ Roll
Belle & Sebastian – Step Into My Office, Baby
The White Stripes (Feat. Beck) – It’s My Fault For Being Famous
R.E.M. – Maps And Legends
Ted Leo – Since U Been Gone (Kelly Clarkson Cover)
Cat Power – He War
Elliott Smith – LA
Bright Eyes – First Day Of My Life
Pela – Lost To The Lonesome
The Replacements – Can’t Hardly Wait

*Background music consisted of various Zero 7 songs from the following albums: "Simple Things", "When It Falls", & "The Garden".

Thanks to all who tuned in, called in, IMed us, thought about doing something, but didn't, and everyone else for their support. It was great to be live again after 2 weeks of prerecorded programming. It was also fun to have a shadower with us, who got into the swing of things pretty easily, even picking an argument with our show physician, Dr. Freem. Our show was very "rock 'n' roll" this week, but next week, look forward to our Halloween-themed edition of NMTM. Plus, we'll be reporting on the Tokyo Police Club show from Wednesday, October 29th, and possibly throw in a contest or two (big congratulations to Dan W. for winning a KUR Frisbee on our show!). Tune in again next week for a very scary, but sweet show!

In Case You Were Wondering...

This made my day.

(Courtesy of kontraband.com)

Lucky #7 airs tomorrow night - LIVE!

We're baaaaaaaaack!

Never Mind the Mainstream is back LIVE tomorrow night from 6-8 PM. And Good Lord is it going to be great. New tunes from Tokyo Police Club and Modest Mouse and the very latest single from The Killers (yes America, they're good again!).

Our show is very "rock" tomorrow and that's all the heads-up you'll get from this blogger. Tune in on kur.kutztown.edu.

Catch you then!

P.S. We'll have a shadower in the studio with us, as well. Look forward to us making him feel awkward on-the-air.

Tuesdays on the 'Tube/Contest/More

First off, I want to thank my co-author here Mike Pop for the beautiful banner you see up above right now. Secondly, I want to finally post the contest we spoke about on air. Here's a quick rundown:

1. Download the promo file below.
2. Write in a comment your guess at the Artist and Song title of as many songs in the promo as you can.
3. Comment on this post with your name and your guesses.
4. Win a Free KUR T-Shirt.

It's that simple, people.

Here's the download link for the promo.

Finally, I will be posting an essay later tonight or tomorrow on the 5th Anniversary of the passing of Elliott Smith, which is today. What Elliott means to me and what he left this world I can't even explain, but I will try. For now, however, I leave you with this week's Tuesdays on the 'Tube, a simple and nice Elliott Smith tribute video.

October 17, 2008 (Playlist)

October 17, 2008 (Playlist):
“Our (Prerecorded) Sixth Show!”

The Raconteurs – Level
Beck – Gamma Ray
Does It Offend You, Yeah – Dawn Of The Dead
Say Hi – Spiders
Pixies – Caribou
Wall Of Voodoo – Mexican Radio
Youth Group – Shadowland
Kevin Devine – Brooklyn Boy
Nirvana – On A Plain (Unplugged)
David Bowie – Life On Mars
Matt Pond PA – Basement Parties
Los Campesinos! – We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed

Crystal Castles Vs. Health – Crimewave
Muscles – Hey Muscles, I Love You
The Vines – In The Jungle
Billy Bragg & Wilco – All You Fascists
The Shins – Gone For Good
Fleet Foxes – He Doesn’t Know Why
¡All-Time Quarterback! – Plans Get Complex
Sigur Rós – Hoppípolla
The Ramones – Do You Remember Rock 'N' Roll Radio?
Cold War Kids – Welcome To The Occupation
Cold War Kids – Saint John

*Background music consisted of instrumental tracks from Tycho's first and second albums: "The Science Of Patterns" and "Past Is Prologue".

Thank you to all who listened in to this prerecorded show. I know it hasn't been as good as it is when we're live, but we still cranked out some great tunes and classic standards. However, Cold War Kids were great live and played an amazing set. Nevertheless, we're back to being live this Friday, 6-8 PM on kur.kutztown.edu. Definitely make sure you IM us at KURRequest or call-in at (610)-683-4058. It's going to be epic.

*I fussed with the font sizes and colors of the playlist. It's a little less stressful, no?

The Big 6 is on Tonight!

Prerecorded, however...

Here's the poster. We got new music like nobody's business!:

So that's for you. And just for you.

We're going to see Cold War Kids in Philadelphia. And yes, we're going to chant along in the soulful, bluesy, WTF-ness that is CWK.

Next week: We're back! Live!

P.S. We got show reviews coming up soon, too! (We're journalists).

October 10, 2008 (Playlist)

October 10, 2008 (Playlist):
“Our (Prerecorded) Fifth Show”

*Jim's songs are indicated by the "J", and my (Mike's) songs are indicated by the "M".

1. J: Smoking Popes – Megan.
2. M: New Order – Age Of Consent.
3. J: Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue.
4. M: Sleater-Kinney – Modern Girl.
5. J: Pattern Is Movement – Bird.
6. M: Hot Chip – One Pure Thought.
7. J: The Smiths – Sheila Take A Bow.
8. M: The Decemberists – O Valencia!
9. J: Band Of Horses – No One’s Gonna Love You.
10. M: Bloc Party – Signs.
11. J: The National – Mistaken For Strangers.
12. M: Editors – An End Has A Start.
13. J: Metric – Monster Hospital.
14. M: The Sex Pistols – God Save The Queen.
15. J: Conor Oberst – I Don’t Want To Die In The Hospital.
16. M: Stephen Malkmus & The Million Dollar Bashers – Maggie’s Farm (Bob Dylan Cover).
17. J: Built To Spill – Car.
18. M: Bob Mould – It’s Too Late.
19. M: The Postal Service (Feat. Jen Wood) – Nothing Better.
20. J: Big Star – Thirteen.
21. M: Streetlight Manifesto – Day In, Day Out.

*Background music consisted of various Gorillaz songs from the following albums: "Gorillaz", "Demon Days", "Laika Come Home", & "D-Sides".

A BIG thanks to all who listened, even though we were not officially live. Next week will sadly be prerecorded as well, for we are going to see Cold War Kids live in Philadelphia - it should be sick. But nevertheless, tune in next week for the show and some more great tunes of yesterday, today, & tomorrow!

Tuesdays on the 'Tube - THE RETURN

Reason #10,456 why I love my birth city of Philadelphia:

Sarah Palin boo'ed at Flyers Game.

New Blog Banner?

First of all, you digging the new blog? We think it's cooler and neater than the blue eyesore it used to be.

How about these banners (because the current one is blurry and Blogspot is difficult):

The fun Photoshop things I do when I wait for food. Peace.

Stuck In My Head: Does It Offend You, Yeah - Dawn Of The Dead

No, it does not offend me. In fact, I rather enjoy it.

I had the priveldge of seeing this electric pop, post-punk, (present-dance?) group open for Bloc Party back in August. I didn't know much about them at the time, other than their single "Let's Make Out" and how irresstible and yet annoying and repetitive it was. They played that during their set, as well as fooled around in a silly British, awkward-to-Americans style and banter. More importantly, they played this little number. Sythn be praised!

Does It Offend You, Yeah - Dawn Of The Dead

What's this song about? Hmm. I'll take a stab at it. (Stab).

First, the lyrics are great. Kind of paranoid. Trying to get over a bloody awful experience. He doesn't want to end up "dead" in any sense that seems fit. He's trying to escape. But the harsh lyrics that you hear almost everywhere are hidden by such a fun riff. So cheer up!

The video itself is cool. I like zombie music videos. Check out Aesop Rock's "Coffee". That's another good one. It seems like no one can do a serious zombie music video without it being very humorous.

DIOYY is a band on the rise. If not the States (okay, definitely NOT the States - our charts wouldn't show good music if it could save the depression), then definitely in the UK. They opened for Bloc! That's like, Jesus coming out to play before God speaks! Maybe not so dramatic.

Their 1st LP "You Have No Idea What You're Getting Into" is out now on Virgin Records.

"I Plead The 'Fif'!"...Our Fifth Show (Prerecorded)!

Well look at us getting lazy already...

No. Hey everybody, the truth is that we're both busy on Friday night and can't do "Never Mind the Mainstream" live. But wait, stop your crying: it will be prerecorded! So you'll still hear great alternative and indie rock on Friday at 6 PM on KUR. Listen via our webstream: kur.kutztown.edu. It makes you cooler.

Here's who we got this week (it's all new!): Jenny Lewis, Hot Chip, Band Of Horses, Conor Oberst, & Stephen Malkmus & The Million Dollar Bashers!

Sorry for being busy. But hey, I'm going to see Streetlight Manifesto in the great state of New Jersey on Thursday night! Smell that garden-fresh glory.

So that's something special! Enjoy the show at it's regular time!

PODCAST!!!!

Show #4 is now up and ready for download in it's entirety.

Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD HERE. (Sendspace)

October 3, 2008 (Playlist)

October 3, 2008 (Playlist):
"Our Fourth Show"

*Jim's songs are indicated by the "J", and my (Mike's) songs are indicated by the "M".

1. M: Kings Of Leon – Sex On Fire.
2. J: We Are Scientists – Lethal Enforcer.
3. M: Sonic Youth – Kool Thing.
4. J: Clap Your Hands, Say Yeah – Yankee Go Home.
5. M: dios (malos) – I Want It All.
6. J: They Might Be Giants – Don’t Let’s Start.
7. M: Rogue Wave – Chicago X 12.
8. J: Tilly & The Wall – Fell Down The Stairs.
9. M: Nine Inch Nails – Head Like A Hole.
10. J: Violent Femmes – Kiss Off.
11. M: My Morning Jacket – Touch Me, I’m Going To Scream (Part 1).
12. J: TV On The Radio – Dancing Choose.
13. M: Oasis – Shock Of The Lightning.
14. J: Pela – Tenement Teeth.
15. M: Cold War Kids – Something Is Not Right With Me.
16. J: Color Revoult – Mattresses Under Water.
17. M: Miracle Legion – Academy Fight Song (Mission Of Burma Cover).
18. J: Illinois – Headphones.
19. M: Albert Hammond Jr. – GfC.
20. J: Weezer – Falling For You.
21. M: The Wombats – Let’s Dance To Joy Division.
22. J: R.E.M. – It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine).

*Background music consisted of various Daft Punk songs from the following albums: "Homework", "Discovery", & "Human After All".

Thanks to all who listened! We had a great show of awesome new music and an even better time talking to our listeners and special quests! You can be on the show, too! Call in: (610)-683-4058 or IM us at KURRequest using AOL Instant Messenger. Tune in next week for our prerecorded show and another great set!

The Fourth...on the 3rd!

Freak out! It's NMTM!

Hey everybody, be sure to catch the fourth installment of "Never Mind the Mainstream" tonight at 6 PM on Kutztown University Radio. Once again, to catch the live web-stream, go here: kur.kutztown.edu.

The show goes on 'til 8 and we have a stacked playlist of new tunes and premieres: Kings Of Leon, We Are Scientists, My Morning Jacket, TV on the Radio, Oasis, Cold War Kids, and much more!

Tell a friend! Hope to hear from you! (IM us at KURRequest or call in at (610)-683-4058).