Focused Distortion

Fans Excited To Watch Patriots Or Giants Lose

2012-02-01T12:24:00.000-06:00

Reggie tries not to agree with Doc as they discuss the soon-to-be Super Bowl losers, who the hell Marco Scutaro is, and Tom Coughlin's impending death at the hands of Bill Belichick.

Kate Upton Makes A Great Beach Bunny

2012-01-31T13:32:00.002-06:00

Wow.

"Go behind the scenes with Kate Upton, Yu Tsai, & Team as they take over the white sandy beaches of Sanctuary, Belize to shoot Beach Bunny Swimwear 2012 Spring Preview Collection SHIPWRECKED. After this, I don't think you'd mind being Shipwrecked with Kate Upton."

Collection available: www.beachbunnyswimwear.com
Talented Photographer: Yu Tsai
Flawless Make Up: Allan Avendaño
Gorgeous Hair: Syd Curry
Styling By: Beach Bunny Swimwear

New Video From Lamb Of God

2012-01-30T23:59:00.003-06:00

Check out this awesome animated video from Lamb of God for their song "Ghost Walking" off of their 7th studio CD, Resolution. Heavy groove metal from Richmond, VA is alive and well. Indeed.

All the animation was completed by Moreframes Animation.

Big Johnson Unloads

2012-01-30T19:21:00.002-06:00

I enjoyed the UFC on Fox this past weekend, but was hoping for a lot more action really. The 3 main card fights that were televised on Fox were actually all just OK. None had an early finish and none really had a big highlight. But on the undercard, which was on Fuel TV (which I still don't get dammit!), check out Lavar "Big" Johnson's series of blistering blows as he destroyed Joey Beltran, which earned him UFC on FUEL's knockout of the night. Good stoppage by the ref too as dude was out on his feet and still taking bombs.

Rowdy Ronda Rousey Is So Hot

2012-01-30T11:46:00.004-06:00

If you haven't seen MMA star Ronda Rousey, you're missing out. The girl is so badass that I'm sad that all of her fights end in seconds and I can't see more of her. I've seen her fight on 2 Stikeforce cards so far and both ended in armbars, both in under 40 seconds. In fact she's 4-0 overall and none of the 4 fights have gone more than 49 seconds. That should change soon as Rousey will challenge Meisha Tate for her Strikeforce title on March 3, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio. The fight will serve as the main event of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey. Tate is almost equally as hot, but as far as the fight goes she's got a lot more experience and has reeled off 6 wins in a row herself.

Anyway though, here's a video of Ronda as she joins Kevin Pereira in studio on Attack of the Show to talk about her upcoming Strikeforce fight for the bantamweight championship. Plus, hear why you should never start a fight with her in a movie theater or on Twitter.

Wait, Holding His What?

2012-01-29T19:09:00.003-06:00

I used to love Family Feud. My favorite part was always yelling dirty minded answers to the questions, but of course you never saw them show up on the surveys. Well, almost never.

Can you name something an airline pilot might be holding during a long flight? 3 people surveyed made me proud.

Sunday Funnies

2012-01-29T06:33:00.000-06:00

Sparty is Back!

2012-01-27T15:52:00.002-06:00

Your programming note for the day... Spartacus: Vengeance debuts tonight on Starz, with the new Sparty being played by Liam McIntyre. Lucy Lawless and her breasts will return for another season as well.

R.I.P. Andy Whitfield

"Starz actor Liam McIntyre chats about his battle prowess, roaming topless extras, and shows us a trick or two with a blade."

Primal Rock Rebellion

2012-01-26T11:00:00.001-06:00

Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith & former SikTh front-man Mikee Goodman have joined forces for a brand new studio project called Primal Rock Rebellion, and their debut album, 'Awoken Broken', will be released on February 27th, 2012 through Spinefarm Records. Despite the cheesy band name (Primal Rock Rebellion!!! Sounds like a video game), what I've heard of this completely rocks. I don't care what they call it.

Check out the new music video for their song "No Place Like Home."

(C) 2012 V2 Records International Limited, T/A Spinefarm Records UK under exclusive license from A. Smith Holdings Limited

Mastodon Goes To Dry Bone Valley

2012-01-26T07:31:00.002-06:00

Atlanta's mighty Mastodon present the official video for the next single, Dry Bone Valley, from their new album The Hunter, which was named the "Album of the Year" by Classic Rock Magazine, Metal Hammer and the Times. It was named in honor of guitarist Brent Hinds's brother, who unexpectedly passed away while hunting during the making of the album.

No idea what the hell is going on here in the video. Perhaps it will make sense on 4:20?

Mastodon!

Arianny's Sweet Tweets

2012-01-25T12:17:00.002-06:00

Sweet Tweets of the Day:

Sweet Tweets of the Day: The closest most of us will come to stepping in the Octagon with UFC Ring Girl hottie Arianny Celeste is following her Twitter, where she regularly posts sexy pics like the one above.

In 2010, Maxim voted Arianny “Hottest UFC Octagon Girl” and she placed 23rd on “Maxim‘s Hot 100.” She’s also modeled for Sports Illustrated, Playboy and Fighter’s Only Magazine.Round 2: Arianny will knock you out with more tantilizing twitpics, after the jump.

[@ariannyceleste / photo: Popoholic]

Tagged: arianny celeste, sweet tweets, twitter, ufc

Iced Earth's Anthem

2012-01-25T08:44:00.001-06:00

Iced Earth has put out a new video for their track "Anthem" off of their new album "Dystopia". Don't believe me? Scroll down!

(C) Century Media 2012.

Evanescence Has A Broken Heart

2012-01-24T15:54:00.003-06:00

I just saw Evanescence in concert on Saturday night and it reminded me how powerful Amy Lee's voice is, and now you can hear for yourself as they have a very cool new music video for "My Heart Is Broken."

(C) 2012 Wind-up Records, LLC

Trivium Lyric Video

2012-01-24T11:53:00.002-06:00

Here's a pretty cool lyric video from Trivium for "Black," off their awesome CD "In Waves."

Enter Zombies, Exit Humanity

2012-01-23T16:00:00.001-06:00

Quick, what's your favorite Civil War era zombie film? If you said "I have no f'n idea" then I'm right there with you! Well now perhaps we can have an answer. "Exit Humanity" will be playing this year’s Little Rock Horror Picture Show and it sort of falls into that category apparently. I'm really not too sure what to expect really as I saw a note that says "contains live action with a smattering of classical animation." OK. Anyway, it's got a 5.6 (out of 10) rating after 55 votes at IMDB so far.

IMDB page

Official Site

Synopsis: Exit Humanity is the legend of Edward Young’s horrific and dramatic journey through an unexplainable outbreak of the walking dead during the American Civil War to lay to rest the most important thing in his life, his son’s ashes. The film stars Dee Wallace, Bill Moseley, Stephan McHattie, Mark Gibson, Jordan Hayes, Adam Seybold and is narrated by Brian Cox. John Geddes wrote and directed the film.

The Little Rock Horror Picture Show is February 17-19th at Market Street Cinema.

2012 Calendar Gets Going

2012-01-23T08:29:00.003-06:00

After the first few weeks of the year spent working, things are starting to pick up a bit I guess on the social scene. The weekend before last we made our first road trip of the year to Shreveport, LA and ate some good food (between Joe's Crab Shack and Ralph and Kacoo's), gambled some at the casinos and did some pub hopping. We even got out to see a Motley Crue tribute band (Motley Crude!) but had to sit through a local band, who didn't even start until 10:30, only to find out another band was going on next, near midnight, before the tribute band. So yeah, we didn't make it out that long after a day of drinking and shopping. Good road trip to kick off the year though.

This past weekend we caught our first real concert of the year as Electric Touch and Rival Sons opened for Evanescence at Verizon Arena here in Little Rock (Big Rock!!!). Solid sets from both openers as the first band had a bit of a Stones feel to them and the 2nd band had a nice Zeppelin-throwback sort of thing working. Evanescence was great if you're a fan of them and that was a pretty good way to get the year kicked off with live music and even erased the Shreveport music debacle from my mind I guess.

Decent line-up of upcoming shows for Big Rock too as we've already gotten tickets for Rascal Flatts and Zac Brown Band and will be getting tickets for Daughtry and SafetySuit when they go on sale this week. We passed on Jimmy Buffet tickets but they sold out in 2 hours anyway. We're going to be getting tickets for Van Halen in Nashville as soon as they go on sale. That's in April. So yeah, a road trip plus a show.

Of course, New Orleans is booked for a week in March as usual.

Welcome 2012. You're lookin' good.

Alter Bridge Coeur D' Alene Live At Wembley

2012-01-22T17:05:00.002-06:00

In my opinion, Alter Bridge not only boasts one of the best modern guitarists in Mark Temonti but also one of the best set of pipes in Myles Kennedy. It's no wonder they make such kick-ass music, with 3 great albums to their credit now. Sadly, we won't see a new CD from them in 2012 apparently but they say they'll hit the studio late in the year probably. But they've got a new live DVD coming up and here's a little sneak peak from it. It's called "Live At Wembley" and it in Stores March 27th. The song is "Coeur D' Alene" from their 3rd CD.

Sunday Funnies

2012-01-22T06:56:00.004-06:00

Horror Picture Show: The Holding

2012-01-21T18:00:00.000-06:00

While it appears to be more of a thriller than a horror movie, who cares really... the UK's "The Holding" will be showing at Little Rock Horror Picture Show. On IMDB.com it has a 4.4 rating (out of 10) from 263 voters thusfar.

IMDB Link

Official Site

Synopsis: In the countryside of England, lonely farmer Nancy raises her daughters Hanna and Amy with financial difficulties in her farm with her only employee Cooper since her husband has disappeared a long time ago. Her neighbor Karsten and his son intend to buy her farm and are pressing the family in an abusive way. Out of the blue, wanderer Aden appears in the farm and helps Nancy with the delivery of the offspring. Aden explains that he was a friend of her husband Dean in an offshore rig and he offers to work for food and lodging. Nancy accepts the offer and soon she has a love affair with Aden. But either Nancy or Aden have dark secrets.

The film stars Kierston Wareing, Vincent Regan, Terry Stone, Skye Lourie, Maisie Lloyd and David Bradley (Harry Potter, Captain America – The First Avenger). It is directed by Susan Jacobson from a script by James Dormer.

The Little Rock Horror Picture Show is February 17-19th at Market Street Cinema in Little Rock, Arkansas.

SafetySuit on Jimmy Kimmel Live

2012-01-21T11:34:00.000-06:00

SafetySuit seems to be geared for a big year. Their new CD dropped back on January 3rd and is doing well on the charts, they've got a tour opening for Daughtry coming up in March and last night they performed "Let Go" and "These Times" on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

New Video From Adrenaline Mob

2012-01-21T07:08:00.000-06:00

Adrenaline Mob just released their video for "Undaunted," the first single off the supergroup's debut album, Omertá. I hate it when bands get labeled "supergroup" really, but hell these guys include vocalist Russell Allen (Symphony X), virtuoso guitarist Mike Orlando and the drum god Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater). So yeah, I'll go with supergroup.

Solid tune as well. I have the 5-track EP they had on iTunes last year (which I don't see out there anymore) and like what these guys are up to. Check it out for yourself:

Gina Carano's Cleavage On Conan Show

2012-01-20T11:00:00.001-06:00

Look who popped up (but sadly, not out) on Conan last night. Gina Carano! She obviously talks about her movie debut in Haywire and her MMA days. Also of note... she likens the energy from cagefighting to sex. Watch this. Over and over.

Filter On Late Night

2012-01-20T07:56:00.003-06:00

Filter performed "Welcome to the Fold" and "Drug Boy" on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night. You didn't stay up late and neither did I, but through the magic power of the Internets here ya go:

UFC on FX 1 is Tonight!

2012-01-20T06:37:00.001-06:00

Tonight is the debut of the UFC on it's new friend, the FX network (and some on Fuel TV). They're bringing a live card from Nashville and while there's no real standout of a fight, I see some guys I do like to watch in the cage, including both guys in the main event, so it should be worth the time. The main event could surprise me, but I fully expect Jim Miller to take Melvin down and submit him so maybe it won't be too exciting. Who knows? Bang Ludwig against Josh Neer will probably be fight of the night though. And Pat Berry is always entertaining and a recent favorite of mine.

Here's more info.

UFC on FX 1: Guillard vs. Miller

Main Card (FX)
Melvin Guillard vs. Jim Miller
Duane "Bang" Ludwig vs. Josh Neer
Mike Easton vs. Jared Papazian
Pat Barry vs. Christian Morecraft

Prelims (Fuel TV)
Jorge Rivera vs. Eric Schafer
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Kamal Shalorus
Charlie Brenneman vs. Daniel Roberts
Fabricio Camoes vs. Tommy Hayden
Daniel Pineda vs. Pat Schilling
Nick Denis vs. Joseph Sandoval

"Two very different fighters, one shared gameplan: See who makes the first mistake. Melvin Guillard and Jim Miller break down their headlining bout at UFC® on FX."

"Christian Morecraft is bringing his A-game to Music City with plans to submit kickboxer Pat Barry, but Barry says their past opponents give him the edge."

Zoo Magazine Gives Us Arianny... O.M.G.

2012-01-19T16:00:00.000-06:00

UFC Ring Girl of the Day:

UFC Ring Girl of the Day: The UFC’s hottest ring girl, Arianny Celeste, is making a lot of moves these days, and her latest photos come courtesy of Zoo magazine.

The Mexican-Filipino model returned to the ring for a steamy photo shoot complete with boxing gloves and a bikini. We couldn’t be happier.

[Egotastic]

Tagged: arianny celeste, ring girl, ufc

Movie Review: Paradise Lost 3

2012-01-19T11:00:00.000-06:00

Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory

Synopsis: Back in 1996, filmmakers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky set out to make a documentary for HBO on the West Memphis 3 – three teenage kids that were accessed of murdering three 8-year-old boys and sentenced to life imprisonment with one of the teenagers been given the death penalty. The documentary focused on the questionable evidence and lack of thorough police investigative work that lead to their incarceration and hit such chords with the American public that soon celebrities such as Johnny Depp were championing the cause in an attempt to get the three boys a new trial. Four years later, Berlinger and Sinofsky followed-up their story with Paradise Lost: Revelations which was a more biased account of the teenager's innocence and used new information and footage to help promote their cause. Fifteen years later, Berlinger and Sinofsky finish the trilogy with Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory that takes one final look at the teenagers who spent nearly 20 years in prison before finally being released after new DNA evidence indicated they may be innocent and recaps the case as a whole.

Having seen both the other documentaries in this series and also growing near the case where press coverage was front page news for months, I didn't expect this story to ever have a happy ending. Technically it's still not a happy ending as 3 young boys are still dead and their killer or killers haven't been found, but at least 3 innocent people aren't still stuck in prison for a crime they didn't commit, or worse yet... executed.

The documentary is very well done and fascinating. It follows the case through media coverage, photographs and interviews. The first part of the film is primarily background and catch-up, and there are plenty of repeats from the first 2 films throughout so if you've seen the first 2 you'll see a lot of repeating. But if you've not seen the first 2, there's really no need. Just watch this one.

It's equally fascinating to see the 3 accused to grow up before your very eyes as the years go on. In fact many people associated with the case age and transform, especially John Mark Byers. There's a lot of real emotion here too, grieving and suffering are caught on film, and that's the element that makes it so captivating to me. These are real people.

Some of it, mostly the crime scene footage, is just hard to watch. That's nothing new as it lead off the very first film in the series, but it sure hasn't gotten any easier to see with time.

There are new suspicions presented and revelations like the misconduct of the original trial's jury foreman, but it's all just building up to get to the end when the men get released from prison.

9/10

Richard Roeper Gives Haywire an "A"

2012-01-19T07:10:00.002-06:00

Of course I'm posting this because Gina Carano is in it, but it seems Richard Roeper likes her new movie Haywire. Check out his review and more scenes below. Opens tomorrow!

Gina Carano Interview

2012-01-18T16:00:00.000-06:00

Perhaps you can get enough of Gina Carano, but I sure can't. Her new movie "Haywire" is opening this Friday (Jan. 20th) and she's doing some interviews, so naturally I'm trying watch all of them I can. Here's a good one from Hollywood.com with some scenes from "Haywire" of course.

I also heard that her voice was altered for the film, giving her character a deeper-sounding voice. Interesting. I find nothing wrong with her voice at all. What's wrong with her kicking everybody's asses with a sweet voice? Sort of sexy if you ask me. Oh well.

Horror Picture Show Adds Another

2012-01-18T11:00:00.001-06:00

The fine folks of the Little Rock Film Festival just keep adding films to the Little Rock Horror Picture Show so I think I'll start posting a blog for each individual movie with some info, a link to their announcement and hopefully video. Check the label after the post for quick links to all that's posted between now and February 17th, when you can find me hanging around the festival the entire time as I've already gotten my pass.

The latest announcement is Sennentuntschi: Curse of the Alps. Apparently it comes to us by way of Austria and played at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas this past fall. I checked IMDB.com and was a bit surprised to see that this had a very nice rating of 6.7 after 632 votes. That's pretty solid for a horror movie there.

IMDB Link

Official Movie Site

Good Review from Twitch

Synopsis: In 1975 in a remote mountain village, a wild woman suddenly appears. She has travelled from Höhenalp, where Alpine herdsmen do unimaginable things to attract women. It’s an affliction that the village would have rather kept hidden, it’s the beginning of a nightmare filled with madness, hypocrisy, abuse and demonism that threatens to drag the whole village into the abyss. The film is written and directed by Michael Steiner and stars Roxane Mesquida, Nicholas Ofczarek and Andrea Zogg.

"Film 4's FrightFest introduces Switzerland's first true horror export as Switzerland's folklore and legend arrives on to the big screen with the movie Sennentuntschi: Curse of the Alps. Premiere Scene's Claire and Anthony Bueno caught up director Michael Steiner who tells us the importance of bringing myths to a new generation so they don't get lost, waiting long hours for the right weather and how the filmmakers had to avoid getting stoned ... literally!"

"An introduction to the film by the director, followed by a brief Q&A."

Passes are now on sale for the Little Rock Horror Picture Show at Ticket Leap. The Little Rock Horror Picture Show is February 17-19th at Market Street Cinema!

Sevendust Live

2012-01-18T06:17:00.002-06:00

I've probably seen Sevendust a good half-dozen times in the last 5 years as it just seems like they're always touring. Doesn't matter to me though... I'd watch their ass-kicking live show every weekend if I could. Check out this cool live video they posted this week to feel what it's like to be there.

"Sevendust playing Splinter live at the Machine Shop on Dec 3, 2011. Video recorded on a GoPro camera. Video editing and extras done by "Metal Mike" Ames. (MetalMikeSMD@yahoo.com)"

New Video From Keith Urban

2012-01-17T17:00:00.000-06:00

Looks like Keith Urban has a new video out for "You Gonna Fly" with a lot of footage from his recent tour, which we hit twice. Sadly, I don't see us in the video though.

Movie Review: Hostel Part III

2012-01-17T14:00:00.001-06:00

Synopsis: While attending a bachelor party in Las Vegas, four friends are enticed by two sexy escorts to join them at a private party way off the strip. Once there, they are horrified to find themselves the subjects of a perverse game of torture, where members of the Elite Hunting Club are hosting the most sadistic show in town.

You really don't need to know who stars in this or much about the set-up. I mean it's just Hostel in another city, this time Las Vegas. But Vegas is only a part of the movie for the first 10 minutes probably. Then think of The Hangover (1 or 2... take your pick) and cross that with Hostel (1 or 2... take your pick) and you have Hostel Part III. Oddly enough, there's no hostel involved in this though. But there are people being captured and tortured for a wanting audience.

The MPAA says "Rated R for strong bloody sadistic violence and torture, sexuality/nudity and pervasive language" and so there you go. That's the whole film in a nutshell. Either I'm numb to it or it's possibly just not as shocking as the earlier movies, but I never was really squirming in my seat during torture sessions. Perhaps because most of the victims are sort of unlikable, obnoxious idiots. Some aren't, and I was sympathetic to them, but there's only a couple of people to root for here in my book. And there's a lot of blood splatter but it's just not as in-your-face gory as the first movie. Again though, maybe I'm just used to it. This whole "torture porn" genre has sort of run it's course.

It's all quite dumb and preposterous, even to the point of some scenes being laughable I thought. That takes away from a lot of the power of the first 2 films as it's more over-the-top this time around than it is horrifying.

I said you don't need to know who's in it, but I will say Zulay Henao (who plays Nikki) looks spectacular and I wish she had a much bigger role. If you don't know who she is I'd advise you to immediately her name for some wonderful Maxim photos.

Anyway though, it's not a terrible movie by any means and I was actually interested for the most of it. There's a twist of sorts at the end that's kind of silly, but still fun. If you liked either of the Hostel films don't pass this up just because it's direct-to-DVD, it's still worth a visit. If you don't like this sort of thing then by all means avoid this, it's not really gotten any more pleasant.

5/10

Movie Review: Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

2012-01-16T19:12:00.004-06:00

Synopsis: A young girl (Bailee Madison) sent to live with her father (Guy Pearce) and his new girlfriend (Katie Holmes) discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own.

This has a really nice spooky atmospheric feel and during the set-up there are some pretty good scary moments, but once the creatures are introduced it becomes a bit of a head-scratcher and is pretty short of any thrills or chills. The creatures are computer-generated and just look like a combo of little old people and rats maybe, and really just sort of yank the story out of reality more than infest it with evil. There's not a lot of gore and really I'm not sure why it's rated R. This seems almost more made for children.

Once introduced, the creatures are seen pretty often and it just sort of reminded me of Gremlins or Critters maybe, minus any comedy. They run around the house, totally unseen by anyone but the young girl, and do all sorts of damage without anybody noticing. When they do get all stabby on a guy it doesn't seem to concern the police or anyone else, they just write it off as an "accident". He must have accidentally stabbed himself repeatedly. The little girl smashes one of the creatures between a bookshelf too but either doesn't show anyone or nobody cares.

Overall though this isn't totally bad, and despite the fact that everything has been done before really at least here it's mostly done well and is somewhat entertaining. I loved the Gothic set designs and the score is fantastic. Most of the performances are fine as well, especially young Bailee Madison, who is fantastic. I say "most of" because I thought Katie Holmes was pretty bad and short on emotion. Her younger counterpart saves their scenes together though.

A watchable, fun and entertaining starter horror film. Nothing too special.

5.5/10

Hooray for Horror!

2012-01-16T07:29:00.006-06:00

Not sure how I missed this, maybe because I've been swamped this year so far, but apparently the excellent Little Rock Film Festival group has decided to try a horror festival this year. Opening night they'll be kicking it off with a film I've been pumped for since hearing about, Madison County, from Arkansas native and writer/director Eric England. The film stars Arkansas native Colley Bailey, as well as Nick Principe, Ace Marrero, Natalie Sheetz, Joanna Sotomura, and Matt Mercer. The film was shot in and around Ozark, Arkansas. Other films announced so far include The Holding, Exit Humanity and The Speak. More to come!

Check out all the info...

Little Rock Film Festival official site

Little Rock Horror Picture Show
Fri, Feb 17 2012, 7:00p.m. - Sun, Feb 19 2012, 10:00p.m.
Market Street Cinema, Little Rock, AR

Description: February 17-19, 2012 The Little Rock Film Festival presents the Little Rock Horror Picture Show. Three packed days of the best in horror and genre fare from around the World.

The Little Rock Horror Picture Show will feature screenings and panel discussions with filmmakers at the host theater, Market Street Cinema, and parties at local venues.

All Access passes are $40, and includes priority admittance to the opening night film, Madison County; and 10% discount off Little Rock Film Festival passes when they go on sale in April!

Sunday Funnies

2012-01-15T06:00:00.004-06:00

Wildeman Cometh!

2012-01-13T12:05:00.003-06:00

Behold! Wildeman cometh from Flying Dog Brewery. Or I guess that's what going down in this odd launch video. I'm not really sure, but I'm both frightened and confused. Hail the Flying Dog! I guess. They do have some of the most original label and advertising going I must say and their Wild Dog series is pretty f'n awesome.

"Tentanda via est! The way must be tried. Wildeman has arrived. A new beer from Flying Dog Brewery, Wildeman Farmhouse IPA cometh in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC January 30."

(Frederick, MD) – Flying Dog Wildeman Farmhouse IPA will make its bottle debut at the start of the new year.

His axe is stained with the blood of a thousand adversaries. We fall in behind him as he leads us into darkness. He turns his gaze on us. “Tentanda via est!” The way must be tried. Wildeman has arrived.

A recipe originally brewed for the 25th anniversary of Amsterdam’s In de Wildeman, we are now unleashing this beast of a Farmhouse IPA on the U.S.. Unfiltered and hazy gold in color, Wildeman begins with notes of citrus and spice on the nose, followed by potent hop flavor. This extreme bitterness is balanced by light malt highlights and finishes dry, crisp, and with a slight hint of acidity.

Legions of followers marched across Europe in his wake. Now, it’s your time to fall in line.

Package: Draft and 6-packs
ABV: 7.5%
Availability: Mid-January in CD, MD, VA
Specialty malts: Rye, Munich and local Wheat

Maxim's 2011 Hometown Hotties Winner

2012-01-13T08:05:00.004-06:00

Of course I follow Maxim's Hometown Hotties contest. Doesn't every red-blooded American male? If we don't, the terrorist win, and I don't need that on my shoulders. So here's Maxim's 2011 Hometown Hotties winner Dominique Storelli from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I'd say this is a fine choice indeed. Congrats to all the winners, which is everybody who watches this video.

KoRn LiVe iN NeW yOrK

2012-01-12T11:00:00.005-06:00

So Korn's new CD was a risk just as much as Metallica's collaboration with Lou Reed in my opinion. The biggest difference? Well, Korn collaborated with hot modern dubstep artists like Skrillex and Kill The Noise. Metallica collaborated with a guy that really hasn't been relevant or popular in about 30+ years... if he ever was at all. The results? Well let's just say since I picked up Korn's new CD I've also discovered a lot of new music from some of these dubstep (genre of electronic dance music) artists and am digging a whole new genre. Since the Metallica collaboration was released I now vomit every time I hear the word "LuLu". *BLARRRGHH* There I go again.

Anyway though, dig this very cool new live version of "Narcissistic Cannibal" from the ever evolving Korn...

"The live version of Korn's genre-melting single 'Narcissistic Cannibal', featuring Skrillex and Kill The Noise and taken from the band's album 'The Path of Totality' - available NOW on Roadrunner Records."

Funniest Videos of 2011 - Top 10

2012-01-12T06:12:00.004-06:00

Break.com has posted this video for their Top 10 Funniest Videos of 2011 and there are several classics in here that I will never tire of seeing. Of course you'll have the usual exercise balls, treadmills and trampolines. And idiots. Check 'em out below:

Countdown to UFC Rio

2012-01-11T19:00:00.000-06:00

UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes is this Saturday night, Jan 14 on PPV, FX and Facebook. Check out the full card and official Countdown video below.

Main Card (Pay-per-view)

Champ Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes (for featherweight title)
Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson
Mike Massenzio vs. Rousimar Palhares
Carlo Prater vs. Erick Silva
Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim

Prelims (FX)

Sam Stout vs. Thiago Tavares
Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Ednaldo Oliveira
Yuri Alcantara vs. Michihiro Omigawa
Ricardo Funch vs. Mike Pyle

Prelims (Facebook)

Felipe Arantes vs. Antonio "Pato" Carvalho

"UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo, Jr. prepares to fight at home for the first time in years, while blue-chip wrestler and challenger Chad Mendes readies himself to bring home a belt from Brazil."

Kate Upton Rocks The World

2012-01-11T11:00:00.001-06:00

Big props once again to the mighty Bikini.com for this video, and just in time too as it seems like forever since I posted a Kate Upton video. This should more than make up for it.

"Bikini.com caught up with Kate backstage at the Beach Bunny Swimwear fashion show in Miami. Check this new video out and see why Kate is the hottest new swimsuit supermodel to watch!"

Yes, I can see several reasons why Kate is the hottest new supermodel to watch.

And for more Bikini.com fun like us on facebook: http://facebook.com/bikinicom

Universal Pictures in 2012

2012-01-11T07:12:00.003-06:00

Universal Studios turns 100 this year! Wow, they don't look a day over 80. What's in store for the big anniversary? Well from the fine folks at ClevverMovies, here's a quick look at what's coming from them in 2012. Some pretty good stuff like Dr. Suess' The Lorax, Contraband with Mark Walhberg, Battleship, The Bourne Legacy and Russel Crowe in The Man With The Iron Fists. Dig it below:

2011... The Year in Movies

2012-01-10T15:00:00.001-06:00

2011 was a year in which I probably got out to the theaters less than any year in decades. Even the big Summer blockbuster season only lured me out a few times. Reasons? People on their damn cellphones? Prices? Weak movies? DVDs hit shelves 4 months later and I can watch movies in the privacy of my living room theater? All of the above perhaps, but still there was a lot of stuff I liked. So I may not have seen some of the year's biggest, but here ya go; my favorites and no-so-favorites of 2011.

Favorite Horror Films of 2011

10. The Rite
9. The Innkeepers
8. Seconds Apart
7. Fright Night
6. Grave Encounters
5. Insidious
4. Attack The Block
3. Troll Hunter
2. I Saw The Devil
1. Paranormal Activity 3

Decent year overall for horror, but not exceptional. I missed the annual Saw movie, and I haven't seen Final Destination 5 or Scream 4 yet (despite having both blu-rays laying on my kitchen table at the moment... ugh). But Paranormal Activity 3 really had me jumping in my seat and spritzing in my underwear. Fun film. I Saw The Devil was just totally brutal. Troll Hunter was very creative and fun I thought and Attack The Block was a blast.

Favorite Documentaries of 2011

3. God Bless Ozzy Osbourne
2. Foo Fighters: Back and Forth
1. Hot Coffee

Favorite Animated Films of 2011

6. Gnomeo and Juliet
5. Puss in Boots
4. Rio
3. The Adventures of Tintin
2. Kung-Fu Panda 2
1. Rango

Biggest Disappointments of 2011

5. The Roommate
4. Green Lantern
3. Stephen King's Bag of Bones
2. Dylan Dog: Dead of Night
1. Conan The Barbarian

It wasn't that I didn't like Green Lantern, I thought it was OK, it's just that expected to like it a whole lot more I guess. The Roommate had a double-sexy combo of Minka Kelly and Leighton Meister and was rated PG-13... could have been soooo good. Bag of Bones was OK but could have easily been a 2 hour movie, not a mini-series. My top 2... meh.

Favorite 11 Movies of 2011 (excluding above)

11. Green Hornet
10. Super 8
9. Limitless
8. Transformers: Dark of the Moon
7. Captain America: The First Avenger
6. X-Men: First Class
5. Thor
4. The Eagle
3. Warrior
2. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

I guess I like super hero movies? And violence. And action. Big, dumb popcorn movies are made specifically for me.

Possible Top 5 Movies of 2011 I Haven't Seen Yet (that look like I'll love 'em)

5. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
4. Fast Five
3. Real Steel
2. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
1. Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows

12 Most Highly Anticipated Releases for 2012

12. Frankenweenie
11. The Woman in Black
10. The Cabin in the Woods
9. Chronicle
8. Battleship
7. John Carter
6. Brave
5. The Amazing Spider Man
4. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
3. The Dark Knight Rises
2. Wrath of the Titans
1. The Avengers
1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

OK so I cheated!! I can't pick between those top 2 movies I swear. 13 movies is a much luckier number though, so I'm staying with that.

TNA's Brooke Tessmacher Has Bikini Skills

2012-01-10T11:53:00.003-06:00

I don't watch much wrestling these days, but when I used to as I was growing up it was full of big hairy fat guys and their goofy managers. Things seem to have changed a bit.

This TNA Impact Wrestling's Brooke Tessmacher, featured as a Hooters Dream Girl Contestant and frolicking around in a sexy bikini, and I bet she's a great manager. Or wrestler. Or whatever it is she does. Who cares really?

Watch IMPACT WRESTLING every Thursday night at 9/8c on SpikeTV

Finally... New Van Halen

2012-01-10T07:45:00.002-06:00

Finally, here's the new video by Van Halen performing Tattoo off their upcoming CD, "A Different Kind Of Truth,"which is now officially confirmed to arrive on February 7 via Interscope.

I must say... I got this song earlier off of iTunes and have spun it a few times and it's going to have to grow on me. Not blowing me away instantly by any means. See what you think:

@ 2011 Van Halen / Interscope

Rockhold vs Jardine Recap

2012-01-08T13:36:00.002-06:00

Pretty good night of fights on Showtime last night. In case you missed it, here's a nice little recap with some of the action.

"The official recap of all 5 fights from the Jan 7th Strikeforce on Showtime event. Relive all of the excitement of headliner Luke Rockhold's title defense against Keith Jardine. Plus, Robbie Lawler vs. Adlan Amagov, King Mo Lawal vs. Lorenz Larkin, Tyron Woodley vs. Jordan Mein, and the bloody bout between Tarec Saffiedine and Tyler Stinson."

Sunday Funnies

2012-01-08T06:00:00.003-06:00

Disturbed is Dehumanized

2012-01-07T22:40:00.002-06:00

Cool live performance video from Disturbed for "Dehumanized" from the Music as a Weapon 2 Live CD/DVD. It was recorded at The Aragon, Chicago, Illinois in 2003, and released in 2004.

New Video From SafteySuit

2012-01-07T20:49:00.001-06:00

Check out the new music video by SafetySuit performing "These Times". These guys are from Tulsa, Oklahoma and currently based in Nashville, Tennessee.

(C) 2012 Universal Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

Check Out The New Silent House Trailer

2012-01-06T17:58:00.003-06:00

From ClevverMovies

Silent House hits theaters on March 9th, 2012.

Silent House is a uniquely unsettling horror thriller starring Elizabeth Olsen as Sarah, a young woman who finds herself sealed inside her family's secluded lake house. With no contact to the outside world, and no way out, panic turns to terror as events become increasingly ominous in and around the house. Directed by filmmaking duo Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, Silent House uses meticulous camera choreography to take the audience on a tension-filled, real time journey, experienced in a single uninterrupted shot.

From the directors of Open Water and starring Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene), Silent House is based on "La Casa Muda", the official Uruguayan entry in the Best Foreign Language Film category to the 84th Academy Awards.

Silent House trailer courtesy Open Road Films.

Movie Review: The Innkeepers

2012-01-06T14:00:00.000-06:00

Synopsis: During the final days at the Yankee Pedlar Inn, two employees determined to reveal the hotel's haunted past begin to experience disturbing events as old guests check in for a stay.

Definitely much more of an old-fashioned haunted-house movie than an in-your-face, gore fest, it flirts with boredom a bit I thought. Fortunately the 2 lead players are likable and their witty banter helps build the characters just enough so that the occasional scares seem to work better. Sara Paxton is particularly good and engaging in it I thought.

It's creepy and suspenseful, but definitely slow. There just isn't that much action and by the time things get wild, it's over. As these ghost stories go it's really not very original, although well done with some neat camera shots. I found it odd that the whole tone is just sort of light-hearted, then there's a heavy and mismatched big bang finish.

It's still good and very well made with a nice, creepy old home that just drips atmosphere and suspense though. A bit too subdued, but I liked it alright.

6/10

2011... The Year in Beer

2012-01-05T23:00:00.007-06:00

I drink a lot of beer. Hey I'm no alcoholic or anything, I just like the taste of it and all the styles and flavors and such. The buzz is a bonus. So every year I seek out a lot of new beer to try and visit all the pubs my fat butt can get in to before I'm kindly shown the door. 2011 was no exception. I actually visited 3 breweries in 1 day this year. July 5th, a day that will live in infamy. Did 2 breweries in 1 day later in the Summer in Nashville. I also made it to beer festivals in Texas and Mississippi. I drank beer in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Nashville, Memphis, Little Rock, Houston, Hot Springs, Jackson (MS) and various points across Missouri. I played beer pong, held numerous tastings, added another plate to the wall of the Flying Saucer and a plaque on the Wall of Foam at Old Chicago. I also started brewing again. Yes my friends. I. Drank. Beer. And lots of it.

So crack open a cold one and behold the glory that is my end of year beer awards. And please, turn off all cell phones and hold your applause until they're all over.

11 Favorite New Beers Tried in 2011

* Dogfish Head World Wide Stout - Overpriced but awesome. Dark, rich, roasty and complex.

* Russian River Pliny the Elder - Finally had this one right after I finished my first half-marathon and it's just a fantastic IPA. It packs plenty of hops punch. Yet, very, very drinkable. Super smooth.

* Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Vanilla Stout - The vanilla takes away from some of the harshness of the regular Bourbon County and gives it a very smooth finish.

* AleSmith Speedway Stout - Roasty, toasty, caramel malts attack your taste buds.

* Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast - If there is a beer heaven, this is definitely served at breakfast.

* Founders Blushing Monk - An explosion of rich dark raspberries with floral notes and sweet malt.

* Mikkeller Simcoe Single Hop IPA - Really everything you could want from an IPA... hoppy, bitter after taste, nice malty balance.

* Boulevard Chocolate Ale - Loads of sweet milk chocolate flavor with some cocoa and vanilla.

* Stone El Camino (Un)Real Black Ale - Sort of a charred or roasted flavor of dark fruits... hints of pepper.

* Surly Coffee Bender - It's like popping open a big ole can of expresso. Roasty malts and choco with a super smooth finish.

* Goose Island Night Stalker - Like a big, delicious, boozy glass of licorice.

11 Favorites Beer Bars Visited in 2011 (Great selection, great atmospheres or just great locations... but MUST have the great beer selections)

11. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop @ New Orleans - Breaking my own rule above, but really the beer selection isn't that special here. Just an awesome old dive. They were filming scenes for Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter with Brad Pitt when we were there last. People keep mistaking me for him. Happens a lot.

10. Gaido's Seafood Restaurant @ Galveston - Good food and a shockingly good selection of brew. Overlooks the beach.

9. Brick House Tavern and Taproom @ Galveston - Nice selection of Texas beer and good food. Next door to our hotel was helpful.

8. Hofbrauhaus @ Las Vegas‎ - Great selection of German style brews and food with a wildly fun atmosphere. We ended up in a limo back to the strip and just had a blast all around.

7. The Yard House @ Las Vegas - Well off the strip, we hopped a cab to go to another pub and he directed us here, and it was well worth the detour. Excellent selection of taps from the west.

6. Cooter Browns Tavern @ New Orleans - Odd place way down at the end of the St. Charles trolley line but the beer selection and burger makes it a must-visit place.

5. Farmer's Gastropub @ Springfield, Mo - Fantastic little pub with lots of local grub and all sorts of good brew.

4. 12 South Taproom and Grill @ Nashville - Excellent beer selection out of the tourist area. Got tipsy, hopped in a taxi and ended up with a shirt from here when I woke up the next morning. Signs of a fun night. The camera agreed.

3. The Avenue Pub @ New Orleans - Look up a dive and there should be a picture of this place. Look up awesome beer selection and a location just off the St. Charles trolley line and you'll see it too.

2. The Burger Bar @ Las Vegas - I just love the sliders here but their beer menu is excellent too.

1. The Flying Saucer @ Little Rock, Nashville, Houston and Memphis - A great chain for beer lovers and the Little Rock one is my home base. I love the Nashville building in an old train station and the Memphis one is just a block or so from Beale Street. Made it to the downtown Houston Flying Saucer this year as well.

Best Beer Stores: I discovered the awesome Brown Derby in Springfield, Mo this year as well as the equally awesome Spec's Wines, Spirits, & Finer Foods in Galveston.

Favorite New Breweries (to me): We got Tallgrass beer in cans here and even before that I was picking up their brews on road trips, not only because of the sweet can (heh heh sweet cans) but also it's just damn tasty beer. Their Oasis, IPA, Buffalo Sweat, Halcyon Wheat, Ale and Velvet Rooster all regularly made an appearance in my pee-pee. Also discovered Mother's Brewing out of Springfield and was pleased plus from out in the middle of nowhere Missouri we went to Piney River Brewing and just had a fantastic time and sampled some great beer (see plenty more here). Can't wait to get these 2 around here. Spent a week in Texas drinking Saint Arnolds and Southern Star also and couldn't have been happier to do so.

All this typing is making me thirsty now, and all the flashbacks are sort of giving me a hangover, so I'll stop I guess.

You'll be missed 2011. R.I.P.

2011... The Year In Music

2012-01-05T11:00:00.003-06:00

Well old man 2011, it appears as though you've come and gone. But you left some scars, and possibly tinkle on the seat. But it sure seems to me that any year where we get new music from the likes of Anthrax, Machine Head, Motorhead, Trivium and Megadeth is definitely a rockin' year. But there was more. Oh so much more. Put on your big girl panties and let's get dirty.

Note... these are my favorites, not necessarily the best, so save your bitching and troll away. But I'd love to hear yours.

Favorite Concerts... wow what another great year. I don't think I can list these. I saw Motorhead finally and Foo Fighters at last, so that's awesome. I also saw Keith Urban twice, Kenny Chesney once and Jake Owen 3 times on the country side. Add shows by Hurt (unplugged), Apocalyptica in New Orleans, Head (from Korn), The Sword, Billy Currington, Adelitas Way, Uncle Kracker, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Sevendust, Seven Day Sonnet, Journey, Foreigner and Night Ranger. And more. Another great year.

Top 25 Releases in 2011 (CDs? Albums? Digital Albums? Whatever)

25. Eddie Veder - Ukulele Songs
24. Iced Earth - Dystopia
23. Five Finger Death Punch - American Capitalist
22. Limp Bizkit- Gold Cobra (sue me, I like this)
21. Maylene And The Sons of Disaster - IV
20. Motorhead - The World is Yours
19. Southern Train Gypsy - Hallelujah in the Fire
18. Sebastian Bach - Kicking and Screaming
17. Tesla - Twisted Wires
16. Revoker - Revenge For the Ruthless
15. Black Stone Cherry - Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea
14. Anthrax - Worship Music
13. Journey - Eclipse
12. Korn - The Path of Totality
11. Pop Evil - War of Angels
10. Megadeth - Th1rt3en
9. Rev Theory - Justice
8. Seether - Holding on to Strings Better Left To Fray
7. Chevelle - Hats Off To The Bull
6. Chickenfoot - III
5. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
4. Machine Head - Unto The Locust
3. Sixx A.M. - This is Gonna Hurt
2. Staind - s/t
1. Trivium - In Waves

Favorite Live CDs

* Jonathan Davis and the SFA - Alone I Play
* Slash - Made in Stoke 24/7/11

Best Comedy Album That Still Rocks: Steel Panther - Balls Out

Best CD Cover: Supagroup - Hail Hail (ode to the classic Heavy Metal soundtrack! See at right...)

Best Blues Release: Kenny Wayne Shepherd - How I Go

11 Favorite Rock Tracks

11. Korn - Get Up (w/Skrillex)
10. Black Stone Cherry - Blame It On The Boom Boom
9. Breaking Benjamin - Blow Me Away (w/Valora)
8. Valora - I Waited For You
7. Emphatic - Get Paid
6. Trivium - In Waves
5. Stain - Not Again
4. Machine Head - I Am Hell (Sonata in C#)
3. Butch Walker - Summer of '89
2. Sixx A.M. - Lies of the Beautiful People
1. Seether - Tonight

11 Favorite Country Tracks

11. Eli Young Band - Crazy Girl
10. Aaron Lewis - Country Boy
9. Brantley Gilbert - Country Must Be Country Wide
8. Dierks Bentley - Am I The Only One
7. Chris Young - Tomorrow
6. Blake Shelton - Honey Bee
5. Jake Owen - Barefoot Bluejean Night (unofficial song of Summer boating)
4. Eric Church - Drink In My Hand
3. Kevin Fowler - Hell Yeah I Like Beer
2. Rodney Atkins - Take A Back Road
1. Toby Keith - Red Solo Cup (good lord this is catchy)

Favorite Rap Tracks

* Royce da 5'9" - Writer's Block (w/Eminem)
* Travis Barker - Can A Drummer Get Some
* Wiz Khalifa - Roll Up
* Yelawolf - Let's Roll (w/Kid Rock)
* Nelly - The Champ
* Bad Meets Evil - Fast Lane
* Asher Roth - Last Man Standing

Worst Piece of Crap Ever

* Lou Reed & Metallica - LuLu (although, Metallica released 4 tracks from the Death Magnetic sessions that I think kick ass, so they're off the hook. And truth be told, I have the track The View from LuLu and while it's bizarre... it sort of grew on me enough to where I don't throw up when it plays anymore.)

I am the table!

Metallica 30th Anniversary Show Part 4

2012-01-04T11:10:00.001-06:00

Metallica 30th Anniversary Show Part 1
Metallica 30th Anniversary Show Part 2
Metallica 30th Anniversary Show Part 3

The 4th and final Metallica 30th anniversary set was the big one. I mean all the shows looked awesome and I'd have loved to have been there for any or all of them, but how about "Paranoid" and "Iron Man" with Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler? Not enough? How about Dave Mustaine and Jason Newsted. They also played 2 tracks (Dirty Window, Frantic) from St. Anger with Bob Rock. Most people would find this a negative, but honestly I like those 2 tracks (and Some Kind of Monster... plus my boat is named Sweet Amber) from that universally panned CD.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Orion
02. Through the Never
03. Ride the Lightning
04. The God That Failed
05. Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
06. Rebel Of Babylon (previously unreleased song from "Death Magnetic" sessions)
07. Blackened
08. Dirty Window (with Bob Rock)
09. Frantic (with Bob Rock)
10. Sabbra Cadabra (BLACK SABBATH cover) (with Geezer Butler)
11. Iron Man (BLACK SABBATH cover) (with Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler)
12. Paranoid (BLACK SABBATH cover) (with Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler)
13. King Nothing (w/ Jason Newsted)
14. Whiplash (w/ Jason Newsted)
15. Motorbreath (w/ Hugh Tanner)
16. Phantom Lord (w/ Dave Mustaine)
17. Jump In The Fire (w/ Dave Mustaine)
18. Metal Militia (w/ Dave Mustaine)
19. Hit The Lights (w/ Lloyd Grant, Dave Mustaine, Ron McGovney)
20. Seek & Destroy (w/ Jason Newsted, Dave Mustaine, Lloyd Grant, Ron McGovney, Hugh Tanner, Mark Osegueda, and THE SOUL REBELS)

Movie Review: Attack The Block

2012-01-04T06:41:00.002-06:00

Synopsis: A gang of tough inner-city kids try to defend their turf against an invasion of savage alien creatures, turning a South London apartment complex into an extraterrestrial war zone.

This is from the same producers who brought us the excellent films Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, so my expectations were pretty high. Thankfully, they were met as this is another solid distinctively British sci-fi/horror flick with a really nice style and a whole lot of fun.

It's got a whole lot of energy and several good twists and turns plus some nice cheeky laughs. It's sort of a social satire but nothing is thrown in your face, merely underlying. The aliens show up right away and the action doesn't let up enough for it to ever get too preachy or boring. There's plenty of gore and well-shot action sequences plus a few suspenseful scares. The aliens are pretty cool looking considering the low budget.

The "good guys" are really not so good guys here though. They're teen thugs who are stealing and robbing their way though life. It's easy to dislike the baggy-clothed, foul-mouthed hoodlums as it's something I see all too much of anyway, in person and on the news. I wasn't sure whether I wanted them to defeat the aliens or become a snack for them most of the time. Obviously though, that's part of point of this movie, which you'll see by the end. Still for me though, I'd prefer heroes who I can relate to, not root against.

All-in-all it's part social commentary, part action-filled sci-fi/horror comedy. Lot's of fun though.

8/10

Movie Review: The Hangover Part II

2012-01-03T23:00:00.001-06:00

Synopsis: Two years after the bachelor party in Las Vegas, Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug jet to Thailand for Stu's wedding. Stu's plan for a subdued pre-wedding brunch, however, goes seriously awry.

If you saw the original Hangover movie you've pretty much seen this one. Put them in Thailand and add a monkey in the place of the baby... presto. Part II. Perhaps a bit darker and maybe raunchier, but still pretty much a carbon copy of the first installment. That's not all bad as there are some good laughs here too, it's just that the whole element of surprise and freshness is gone and there's a lot of deja vu.

But I do like this cast together and while it may not be original it's still pretty funny. If you liked the first you'll probably like this one quite honestly. Maybe not as much, but hearing the same dirty joke several times is still sort of funny to some of us more immature people.

6/10

Mureau's California

2012-01-03T19:29:00.003-06:00

Let us revisit the proper way to make a video shall we? Take some hot girls in bikinis, perhaps have them slosh around and get all soapy while washing a dirty van and playing with a water hose, add some rockers... presto.

Exhibit A: Thousand Oaks, CA's Mureau and their new video for the song "California"...

Debut album "Rumors and Reputations" OUT NOW on Mediaskare Records!!

Taylor Voeltz - Vocals @tvoeltz
Jonny Harter - Guitar @jonnymureau
Lanny Perelman - Guitar @mureaushred
John Atkinson - Bass @FullJohnParty
Ian Corabi - Drums @ianmureau

Movie Review: The Amityville Haunting

2012-01-02T20:31:00.004-06:00

Synopsis: Actual found footage that documents the horrifying experiences of a family that moved into the infamous haunted house!

Well, not really. They can try as hard as they want but all that "it's real!" nonsense hasn't fooled anyone since The Blair Witch Project. It's still sort of fun though I guess, when executed properly anyway. Which this movie isn't.

If you've seen any of the Paranormal Activity films you know exactly what to expect here. This is EXACTLY like those with the exception of it being in the famous Amityville horror house. Of course, it's just another house except that we're told a few times it's the old Amityville home and there is just a tiny bit mentioned about it. I remember the scariest thing about the original house being those unique and evil eye-looking windows, and they're on the cover of this DVD (see pic to the right). Guess what? They're not in the movie. The house isn't set on a river either, with no boathouse. It's just another suburban house it seems. It never feels like it has anything to do with the original house.

It doesn't help the realism factor that the acting in this is just simply dreadful. The youngest daughter is OK, but everybody else is bad. The main role is the kid doing the narrating and "working the camera" for the whole movie. He seems like he's just reading a part. It just makes it so hard to get emotionally invested when his reactions to situations just seem dull. Best scene though... the dad loses it at one point and begins freaking out. I was literally laughing out loud. There's also a character's death (in bed) that's about high school play level acting.

Even a few times I thought things might pick up it just goes right back to dull. For the 90 minute duration there's about 5 minutes of actual fun. Otherwise they're yelling at the kid to quit filming them or showing shots of the interior of the house from security cams... WITH NOTHING GOING ON. Paranormal Activity does this too, but I was so tense from the suspense those moments were freaking me out. Here, there's never a pay off. They're just boring.

There's a bit of gore, not much really, and only a couple of decent scares and creepy moments to speak of. For some reason I found it interesting enough to sit though but I wouldn't recommend it for a normal human. Fans of the original source material will be offended... as will fans of decent acting. It's like a porn minus the porn.

3/10

Olivia Munn FHM Cover Shoot

2012-01-02T16:58:00.003-06:00

My Internet at home has been down for 3 days. 3 f'n DAYS! How do people survive without it? Needless to say, it's hampered my ability to post blogs this weekend, so I'll try to make it up with the lovely Olivia Munn and a video from her January 2012 FHM cover shoot...

Sunday Funnies

2012-01-01T06:36:00.006-06:00

Movie Review: The Adventures of Tintin

2011-12-30T15:30:00.000-06:00

Synopsis: Tintin, accompanied by his remarkable dog Snowy, and a drunken Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock's ancestor. But someone else is in search of the ship, so with aid from bumbling Interpol agents the Thompson Twins our boy hero, his dog and the captain must prevent them from getting what they want.

Think of this as a animated version of the classic Raiders of the Lost Ark with a young boy playing the Indy Jones role. It's a very spirited and thrilling adventure that's just non-stop action from the onset. Perhaps a little too non-stop at times as it gets pretty tricky to keep up with what's going on as the Hardy Boys type mystery unfolds and frankly it's just a bit exhausting. Another problem for me was I'm just not that familiar with the source material and I think all the characters that others might already know well I was just being introduced to, which made it feel a bit force-fed.

Visually though it's just mind-blowing. This is about the sweet use of motion capture and CG animation that you'll see. The characters looks very real and human (even the difficult eyes) and the action sequences are just awesome. Personally I hate and am sick of 3D (especially the $12.50 per ticket I paid to see this) but dammit if you see anything in 3D this year make it this. Totally worth it... it's just a work of art visually.

It's a good old-fashioned adventure that kids should love and adults will be impressed by. Perhaps no classic as the story may be lacking a bit and it becomes sort of 1 big action sequence after another, but definitely some real fun.

7/10

UFC 141 Is Gonna Cause The Earth To Rumble

2011-12-30T07:38:00.005-06:00

With all the free fights on TV now, it's been a long time since I actually ordered a pay-per-view and I believe I've only gotten 1 all year. But UFC 141 tonight is so explosive there's no way I'm going to miss this. And if you don't get the pay-per-view I'm pretty sure that when Brock and Alistair hook up in the main event you will feel the earth shaking. Talk about 2 massive monsters.

And I'm nearly just as excited about Cowboy Cerrone vs Nate Diaz.

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view)
• Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem
• Donald Cerrone vs. Nate Diaz
• Jon Fitch vs. Johny Hendricks
• Alexander Gustafsson vs. Vladimir Matyushenko
• Jim Hettes vs. Nam Phan

PRELIMINARY CARD (Spike TV)
• Junior Assuncao vs. Ross Pearson
• Danny Castillo vs. Anthony Njokuani

PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)
• Dong Hyun Kim vs. Sean Pierson
• Efrain Escudero vs. Jacob Volkmann
• Luis Ramos vs. Matt Riddle
• Manny Gamburyan vs. Diego Nunes

Here's some video fun for ya:

Watch the UFC 141 pre-fight press conference with Dana White, Brock Lesnar, Alistair Overeem, Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone.

Movie Review: Rubber

2011-12-29T11:00:00.001-06:00

Synopsis: When Robert, a tire, discovers his destructive telepathic powers, he soon sets his sights on a desert town; in particular, a mysterious woman becomes his obsession.

Yes, you read that right. A tire. Talk about a quirky, bizarre film... this horror/comedy soars to new heights on that front. But is it any good? Well, short answer: no. Long answer: oh hell no.

Oh it's definitely very original and quite creative for sure, I just thought it was all pretty stupid and boring. I wanted to like it after reading some reviews and seeing all the buzz about the philosophical implications and symbolism and blah blah blah. Whatever. And fans of the film will give it the old standard "you just don't get it!" probably. But I'm not ashamed to admit I guess that I just don't get it. I thought the symbolism was pretty weak and the storytelling really wasn't that much better. They keep breaking the 4th wall yet it really didn't add much I thought. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it tried to play serious and straight-up. So again... I just don't get it I guess, but watching a tire roll around for long sequences bored the hell out of me.

Maybe it's "fringey" just for the sake of being so. Maybe it's for pretentious people to ponder over how edgy it is and say they get it. Whatever. It's an art film and usually those form 2 camps... you love it or you hate it. I'm in the later on this one. You may like it.

I'll give it a few points for a couple of good laughs, some cool head explosions and just the overall originality and oddity of it, but frankly I was just pretty confused and disappointed by the end. I wish I hadn't been.

3/10

Buster Blog - Optimism In St. Louis

2011-12-29T07:00:00.006-06:00

Despite losing Albert Pujols Buster Olney thinks the St. Louis Cardinals have a chance to be better than last year.

And you know what? I agree.

And we're not saddled with a quarter of a billion dollars for the next 10 years so we're much more flexible for the next decade. We signed a similar player (not as good of course) for 2 years only for half the per year price. That's smart in my book.

STARZ Studios - Spartacus: Vengeance

2011-12-28T15:22:00.003-06:00

We've still got about a month to go before the new season of Spartacus starts on Starz, but they hasn't stopped them from updating us with a nice 10 minute plus preview. Check out the new Spartacus, Liam McIntyre.

"STARZ Studios takes you beyond the arena with an inside look at Spartacus: Vengeance. Plus, go behind the scenes with the cast and crew as they discuss the new season."

Spartacus: Vengeance premieres January 27, 2012 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on Starz.

Movie Review: Fright Night (2011)

2011-12-28T11:59:00.001-06:00

Synopsis: A remake of the 1985 original, teenager Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) guesses that his new neighbor Jerry Dandrige (Colin Farrell) is a vampire responsible for a string of recent deaths. When no one he knows believes him, he enlists Peter Vincent (David Tennant), a self proclaimed vampire killer and Las Vegas magician, to help him take down Jerry.

Put me down as yet another one who is a fan of the original and thought a remake was pretty much totally unnecessary so I skipped it in the theaters. But now that I've seen it in the quiet luxury of my living room theater, I say it's really not that bad.

It definitely benefits from great performances by Colin Farrell and David Tennant, but I can't say I was too impressed by anyone else in the cast. Farrell is especially good in my opinion and just perfect for the role. Never over-the-top with his role but pretty creepy and evil when it calls for it and sort of suave and sexy when needed as well too. He plays the part cool and collected with sort of a calculated badassness to it.

Warning... there are a couple of small spoilers below...

It's got a bit of funny going on and is stylishly gory enough with some solid effects. They've modernized it of course and I'm not sure the whole generic suburb thing worked for me. I like my blood-suckers to be in creepy old dark homes, not perfect little suburbs. And I think if a certain cool vampire does move into one of these areas he should at least not be so obvious with things as to slaughter a couple of kids in broad daylight in the middle or the road or pick neighbors as victims. Think somebody might catch on pretty quick? And he also just explodes the hell out of a house and there were no neighbors out to check it out or cops for that matter. Strange. Another scene has him chow on a girl's neck in a crowded club and then apparently carry her out (or at least lead her out) and nobody seems to care really.

But as I said, I had low expectations but was pleasantly surprised for the most part and enjoyed it just as a fun, playful teen horror flick. Certainly not awful, but no classic either. Worth a watch.

6.5/10

Metallica 30th Anniversary Show Part 3

2011-12-27T15:23:00.003-06:00

Metallica 30th Anniversary Show Part 1
Metallica 30th Anniversary Show Part 2

The highlights of the 3rd show (of 4) is online now and it's absolutely as rockin as the first 2 shows. Check out the guests kicking ass on stage: Rob Halford, Glenn Danzig, Jerry Cantrell, Pepper Keenan, Gary Rossington and former bassist Jason Newsted. I'm really starting to get jealous of the lucky bastards that got to go to these shows. Please make this a DVD box set Metallica!

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Suicide & Redemption
02. Master Of Puppets
03. ...And Justice For All
04. Of Wolf & Man
05. Fade To Black
06. The Thing That Should Not Be
07. I Disappear
08. The Outlaw Torn
09. Hell And Back (previously unreleased song from "Death Magnetic" sessions)
10. Blitzkrieg
11. For Whom The Bell Tolls (with Jerry Cantrell)
12. Nothing Else Matters (with Jerry Cantrell)
13. So What?!
14. Tuesday's Gone (LYNYRD SKYNYRD cover) (with Gary Rossington, Pepper Keenan, Jerry Cantrell, and Jim Martin)
15. Fuel (with Jason Newsted)
16. Fight Fire With Fire (with Jason Newsted)
17. Die, Die My Darling (MISFITS cover) (with Glenn Danzig)
18. Last Caress (MISFITS cover) (with Glenn Danzig)
19. Green Hell (MISFITS cover) (with Glenn Danzig)
20. Rapid Fire (JUDAS PRIEST cover) (with Rob Halford)
21. Seek & Destroy (with Jason Newsted, Jerry Cantrell, Pepper Keenan, Jim Martin, Glenn Danzig, Animal, LAAZ ROCKIT, and THE SOUL REBELS brass band)

Downplay is Digging it Out

2011-12-26T20:22:00.002-06:00

Here's the latest video from Athens, Ohio's Downplay for their track "Digging It Out" from their Beyond The Machine album which you can find at digital outlets.

Fire And Ice

2011-12-26T16:41:00.002-06:00

"Fire And Ice" is the new music video from Dutch symphonic gothic metal/rockers Within Temptation's album "The Unforgiving". Bring the symphonic thunder!!!

Christmas With The Rick

2011-12-25T19:23:00.000-06:00

"Christmas With You" by Rick Springfield is dedicated to our fallen troops. Details and CD ordering information is available at RickSpringfield.com.

All proceeds from the recording of this song donated to support the US military veterans organization American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

Fun Christmas Video

2011-12-25T15:29:00.000-06:00

Here's a gorgeous Christmas video from AniBoom.com in which an ornamental Santa tries to score some cookies called "When Humans Are Sleeping".

I love the music they chose for this one and it reminds me a lot of the old Looney Toons that I grew up watching (and still do). Great stuff!

Movie Review: Warrior

2011-12-24T16:00:00.001-06:00

Synopsis: The youngest son (Tom Hardy) of an alcoholic former boxer (Nick Nolte) returns home, where he's trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament -- a path that puts the fighter on a collision course with his older brother (Joel Edgerton). The two brothers face the fight of a lifetime - and the wreckage of their broken family - within the brutal, high-stakes world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

I love MMA but I saw the previews for this and immediately thought it looked like it was full of all the clichés that this genre is known for. I thought it was going to be another MMA version of Rocky meets Miracle with a bit of The Fighter for good measure. Well, I really wasn't that wrong. But I sure was surprised to find that this film totally transcends those cliches with some great gripping action, powerful acting and a whole bunch of heart.

Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton are great as the estranged brothers, but it's Nick Nolte that steals the show with just a fantastic performance. There's a gripping scene in a hotel room that actually had me in tears, and I don't do that watching movies very often. If you think Nolte can't still act, you are dead wrong. Wow.

For fans of MMA, the cage action is somewhat realistic and well done so you're not rolling your eyes the whole time. It does have a bit of the expected silliness. They act like it's winner-takes-all as one guy is fighting to save his house but fans would know that even if he lost he'd get endorsement contracts galore to save himself so it's not like if he loses he's out on the street as they make it seem. And without spoiling anything, there's a fight where a fighter is obviously too hurt to continue but they let him fight anyway, which ain't happening in today's world of MMA. Tim Sylvia got his arm broke by Frank Mir and despite his pleas, it was stopped, and I can think of other exceptions. It's no longer "human cock fighting", but a civilized sport with rules to protect the combatants especially when they can't protect themselves.

But anyway, despite the plausibility of the final fight, I still loved the ending. Hey, it's only a movie. And I thought this one is actually a pretty damn good sports movie.

8/10

12 Christmas Songs In 4 Minutes?

2011-12-24T11:21:00.002-06:00

Fredde Gredde is so awesome.

Check out this awesome little Christmas medley performed on guitar, tambourine and accordion.

Song list:
- White Christmas
- The Christmas Song
- What's This?
- Freezeezy Peak (Banjo-Kazooie)
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
- Fairy Tale of New York
- O Holy Night
- Sleigh Ride
- Last Christmas
- Julen är här
- We Wish You A Merry Christmas
- Jingle Bells

Hood Christmas

2011-12-24T10:00:00.000-06:00

And before anybody even complains, settle down, this is all in good fun. Here's Dorwin Demarcus Dorrough, better known by his stage name Dorrough, and his contribution to my onslaught of Christmas videos... "I Want (Hood Christmas)." Personally I laughed out loud (then the song sort of got stuck in my head all day). Crank it!

Chevelle Gets Face To The Floor

2011-12-23T22:20:00.004-06:00

It's getting close to time to whip up my top 10 CDs and songs of the year post. Rest assured this song and the CD it's from will be on the lists. I love this track from Chevelle and I think their new CD is their best overall CD since their debut.

Check out Chevelle's video for "Face To The Floor" from Hats Off To The Bull.

(c) 2011 Sony Music Entertainment

A Christmas Story in Wiener-Vision

2011-12-23T16:00:00.000-06:00

Created by comedian Annie Lederman and video artist Abbey Luck, "Sausage Party" breathes new life into "A Christmas Story," the holiday classic directed by the late, great Bob Clark. These wieners apparently don't shrink in cold weather either, like you've heard. Ah wieners... is there nothing they can't do?

Metallica 30th Anniversary Show Part 2

2011-12-23T15:00:00.000-06:00

I posted a link to part 1 under the video, but on to part 2. Metallica has posted a 33-minute video recap of the second of four intimate shows at the Fillmore in San Francisco as part of the week-long celebration of its 30th anniversary as a band for fan club members only.

Guests included King Diamond, Kid Rock and John Bush and Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian took to the stage with Kirk Hammett to tell stories of hanging out with late bassist Cliff Burton. They played a 20 song set list (below) that included the previously unreleased track "Just A Bullet Away".

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. To Live Is To Die (premiere)
02. Enter Sandman
03. Holier Than Thou
04. Disposable Heroes
05. Bleeding Me
06. Wasting My Hate
07. My Apocalypse
08. Just A Bullet Away (previously unreleased song from "Death Magnetic" sessions; premiere)
09. Breadfan (BUDGIE cover) (with METALLICA fan Andrew Dowis)
10. The Memory Remains (with Marianne Faithful)
11. Killing Time (SWEET SAVAGE cover) (with Ray Haller)
12. Turn The Page (with Kid Rock)
13. The Four Horsemen (with John Bush)
14. Iced Honey (with Lou Reed)
15. The View (with Lou Reed)
16. White Light/White Heat (with Lou Reed)
17. Creeping Death (with Jason Newsted)
18. Battery (with Jason Newsted)
19. Mercyful Fate Medley (MERCYFUL FATE cover) (with Hank Shermann, Michael Denner, Timi Hansen and King Diamond)
20. Seek & Destroy (with Jason Newsted, Scott Ian, Ray Haller, John Bush, Joey Vera, Gonzo Sandoval, and THE SOUL REBELS)

Metallica 30th Anniversary Show Part 1

A Final Stocking of Christmas Funnies

2011-12-23T07:06:00.006-06:00

Seems like December just started a few days ago, but sadly it's time for my final batch of Christmas themed comics and funnies. Enjoy them my little elves!

Book Review: The Thin Executioner

2011-12-22T16:00:00.001-06:00

Synopsis: In a harsh, unforgiving world of slavery and glorified executions, one boy's humiliation leads him to embark on a perilous quest to the faraway lair of a mysterious god. It is a dark, brutal, nightmarish journey which few have ever survived. But to Jebel Rum, the risk is worth it... to retrieve his honor, to win the hand of the girl he loves, to wield unimaginable power, and to become The Thin Executioner.

Another "teen reader" type book, I've read that the basis for it is The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. If true, the times they are a'changin. I guess sort of like ole Huck this kid does go wandering off on an adventure with an older slave in tow and they face some hazards, but this one has tons of action and violence to tell the story. In the end it's really about finding kindness in your heart but getting there takes some brutal bloodshed and death. Learning about bigotry, death and compassion along the way makes the tale more about the journey than the destination really.

I found it pretty gripping and enveloping actually. The characters are well-developed and the adventures come fast and furious. The world that is built is very interesting, full of a lot of different types of people who worship and live in all sorts of different way. Some peaceful, some violent, some religious but all believable. In addition to all the violence there is some humor, enough to lighten up things when they get too heavy. A few nice twists and turns along the way kept me guessing. And then something I really want out of a book... a very satisfying ending. In fact I had to smile at the whole last couple of chapters. Well done.

I can see teens eating this up but I assure you that adults will enjoy this as well. Darren Shan is no Mark Twain, but who is? Darren Shan is fully capable of writing a very interesting and fun book though I will say, and he's done just that. One of my favorites this year. Good story, good message, good read.

9/10

Wrath of the Titans Trailer

2011-12-22T11:00:00.001-06:00

Maybe you've seen the new Wrath of the Titans trailer, but it's so cool it won't hurt to keep watching it over and over right? I think it's a pretty sweet trailer personally. I actually was one of the ones who enjoyed Clash of the Titans so I was already looking forward to this even before the trailer hit. No, much more so. It doesn't hurt that they used Marilyn Manson's awesome "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" during the trailer either. How many movies has this song been used in now? I can name 4 before this... Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, Gamer, Trick 'r Treat and the remake of House on Haunted Hill.

But anyway, the monsters in this look kick ass. Give me a good story and all that, but throw in some giant monsters and such and I'm there everytime.

It's due out March 30th!

All I Want For Christmas (Is To Rock)

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

More Christmas awesomeness! Perhaps the greatest Christmas video of all-time. Oh I know I've said it before (often actually) but this one has to be in the running surely.

80s metal legends Sniper brings you holiday cheer the only way they know how...by rocking! This is "All I Want For Christmas (Is To Rock)."

Featuring Chris Hardwick, Dana Dearmond, Rob Huebel (Human Giant), Annie Hardy (Giant Drag), Brendon Walsh, Dave Gibbs, Paul Bonanno, Jonah Ray and Eli Braden.

Go to G4TV for more goodies.

Rockin' Carol of the Bells

2011-12-21T21:29:00.003-06:00

I've only got a few more days that I'll listen to Christmas music, which is sort of sad as I've found so much new stuff this year. Oh well, it gives me all that much more to look forward to next Christmas I guess. For instance, check out this killer, rocking version of "Carol of the Bells" from a band called Flights (Flights on Facebook).

More Ingram Hill Holiday Tuneage

2011-12-21T13:00:00.000-06:00

I posted this excellent song from Ingram Hill for the holidays already, but here's one they just put up for an acoustic version of "O Holy Night" which I'm hoping you enjoy as much as I do. Stick around after the song for outtakes.

Move Review: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

2011-12-21T06:10:00.001-06:00

Synopsis: During experiments to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, a genetically-enhanced chimpanzee uses its greater intelligence to lead other apes to freedom.

Wow, this was a lot better than I thought it would be. To use an old cliche... I grew up on the "Apes" movies! No, really I did. Have them all on DVD now. I just figured there was no point in restarting the franchise. I was wrong of course, as usual. Why restart it? Becuase of uber-talented people like Andy Serkis, who through the use of some fancy technology (motion capture CGI?), plays the lead ape here and it just mesmerizing. All the apes not only look alive but just look damn cool.

The direction is also very stylish and when you add that with the mind-blowing special effects, this really breathes new life to the franchise. The action scenes are spectacularly exciting and entertaining. The story is much more humane and socially aware.

The negatives? Well, the whole "animal testing is evil" is pretty much shoved down your throat. And humans are mostly portrayed as in-human monsters. Pardon the pun. Hey, I for one, am a human and I'm a good guy. I like you monkeys that are reading this (if any) so take it easy on me when you take over the world please. We're not all bad, I promise.

But this is a fun, popcorn flick with some heart and soul to it. One of if not the best sci-fi films I've seen this year.

8/10

Maximum Exposure: High Caliber Holidays

2011-12-20T20:00:00.000-06:00

Every week, the ridiculously sexy April Rose explores the latest movies, games, sports news, and viral videos. Even if you don't see something to buy, you'll see something you'll like I think. *wink wink*

Links below the video:

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Ranker Top 25 Hottest Girls from Christmas Movies

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Santa's Gun Club

Abby Elliott

Shay Maria Will Make Your Eggnog Spill

2011-12-20T16:00:00.003-06:00

Nothing says Christmas like a hot chick in a red bikini dancing around looking sexy. AMIRIGHT?

So let's all see model Shay Maria in "Fly on Through The Sky": A California Christmas, a new stop motion video by Kaloopy. Oh Santa baby!

A Stocking Full of Christmas Funnies

2011-12-20T11:00:00.001-06:00

More Christmas comics to make up in advance for your crappy presents you may receive!

An Ingram Hill Christmas

2011-12-20T04:26:00.000-06:00

We're getting closer now to the visit from the holly, jolly one. I've actually gotten all my shopping done, shockingly, so now I can just get to the point where it's all about holiday beer, eggnog, visiting family, my favorite holiday songs and holiday beer (yes, again).

Here's one of my favorite bands, Ingram Hill, doing Santa Claus Is Back In Town acoustic style. It's available on iTunes. Can Justin Moore sing or what?

Metallica 30th Anniversary Show Part 1

2011-12-19T17:48:00.002-06:00

Hard to believe it's been 30 years since Metallica started melting faces off, but they recently had their 30th anniversary shows in San Francisco for fan club members only. Actually I've only been a fan of the band for 27 years but it feels like 30 for me too I guess. They've just released a 27-minute long recap of sorts of the 1st show of 4 and I've posted it below. I wish I could have been there, but I also wish I'd win the lottery and that ain't workin' out for me either. So I guess a video will have to do for now... but I'm hopefully there will be a DVD release of some sort.

The set included a salute to Cliff Burton's dad and appearances by Apocalyptica, Jason Newstead and Biff Byford (Saxon!!!!). They played 21 songs including the previously unreleased track "Hate Train" off the Death Magnetic sessions. So watch this, I insist! I've posted the full setlist I found for it below the vid.

Setlist:

01. The Call Of Ktulu
02. No Remorse
03. The Shortest Straw
04. Leper Messiah
05. The Day That Never Comes
06. Carpe Diem Baby (first time performed live)
07. Hate Train (previously unreleased song from "Death Magnetic" sessions)
08. Please Don't Judas Me (acoustic; NAZARETH cover)
09. Wherever I May Roam (with fan-club member John Dent)
10. Sad But True (with John Marshall)
11. (Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth (impromptu jam by Robert Trujillo)
12. No Leaf Clover (with APOCALYPTICA)
13. One (with APOCALYPTICA)
14. Harvester Of Sorrow (with Jason Newsted)
15. Damage, Inc. (with Jason Newsted)
16. Motorcycle Man (with Biff Byford)
17. The Prince (with Sean Harris, Brian Tatler)
18. It's Electric (with Sean Harris, Brian Tatler)
19. Helpess (with Sean Harris, Brian Tatler)
20. Am I Evil? (with Sean Harris, Brian Tatler)
21. Seek & Destroy (with everyone)

Acoustic Hurt

2011-12-19T06:07:00.003-06:00

When I do my year-end top concerts post it'll be tough to pick-and-choose as we've been to see some killer shows again this year, including Kenny Chesney, Foo Fighters, Keith Urban, Apocalyptica, Motorhead, Sevendust, Journey and much more. But we saw a show on Friday night at Stickyz that will have to be in the running. It was rockers Hurt doing an acoustic set and it was fantastic. Very intimate setting in the small club and they stripped down their heavier songs and played stuff from all their albums before the set was over. A killer show you must see if you're a fan. You can find quite a bit from this short acoustic tour on YouTube but here's one to give you an idea... this from the Louisville stop at Uncle Slayton's playing "Rapture".

Do You Like Hot Toddies?

2011-12-18T19:47:00.000-06:00

This is The Hot Toddies, an all-girl quartet from Oakland, CA, and their version of "Santa Baby".

Heidi - vox, bass & guitar
Erin - vox, guitar & bass
Jessica - keyboards & vox
Sylvia - drums

Buble Duets Like a Boss

2011-12-18T16:38:00.004-06:00

In my opinion, last night's episode of Saturday Night Live was the best of the season so far. I'm not surprised really though, Jimmy Fallon was the host and I love Fallon. Michael Buble was the musical guest and I think this was the best bit of the night...

"Michael Buble has a new record of Christmas duets with some of the hottest acts out, including Justin Bieber, Sting, Kanye West and Taylor Swift!"

Sunday Funnies

2011-12-18T06:00:00.003-06:00

Twisted Christmas Video

2011-12-16T11:00:00.001-06:00

Check out the total cheesy 80s feel of this Twisted Sister video of "O Come All Ye Faithful". Could it be both the worst and greatest Christmas video ever made, at the same time? Could be, but it's definitely pretty comical while still rocking.

I'd like to personally ask Santa for something... that the woman who stars in this never acts anywhere again. But still, nothing says Christmas quite like ugly men dressed like women playing metal versions of Christmas songs. Well, at least not at my house.

Lenny On Jimmy

2011-12-16T06:21:00.002-06:00

Lenny Kravitz performed "Come On Get It" on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night, but that's not all. As musical guests rarely do on the show, he also sat in the chair and talked with Jimmy for a bit. See it all below!

Berenice Marlohe, The New Bond Girl

2011-12-15T20:52:00.000-06:00

Looks like smokin' hot French actress Bérénice Marlohe is Sam Mendes' choice to play the new Bond Girl in the upcoming James Bond film, Skyfall. It's not due out until next November so we'll have plenty of time to stare at her videos and such between now and then.

A Christmas Gift From Faith Hill

2011-12-15T16:00:00.000-06:00

If you love your Christmas songs sung by stunningly beautiful women with beautiful voices, then I think you'll like this one. Faith Hill performs "What Child is This" on HDNet Concerts. (I realize it says "Joy To The World" on the video... but hey I didn't upload the thing. I'm just sharing it.)

Who Wants To Be Angelique Jerome's Savior?

2011-12-15T12:19:00.003-06:00

Check out Anchored's hot "Savior" music video below. It was shot on location in Paris, France and features sexy French model Angelique Jerome.

Directed by Devin DeHaven , Produced by Fortress Television.

Available on Anchored's album "Listen To This" available January 24th on Trynd/EMI.

Here's some places you can catch these guys live soon:

Jan 20 – Lucky Mule Saloon – Abilene, TX
Jan 21 – Trees – Dallas, TX
Jan 22 – Scout Bar – Houston, TX
Jan 26 – Bar 3 – Rockford, IL
Jan 27 – Spicolli’s Grill/Reverb Rock – Waterloo, IA
Jan 28 – Reverend Jim’s Roadhouse – Madison, WI
Feb 01 – Bada Brew – Crest Hill, IL
Feb 02 – Planet Rock – Battle Creek, MI
Feb 03 – Al Rosa Village – Columbus, OH
Feb 04 – The Northside Firehouse – Limo, OH
Feb 08 – The Cheyenne Saloon – Las Vegas, NV
Feb 09 – Joe’s Grotto – Phoenix, AZ
Feb 10 – Tricky Falls, El Paso, Texas

Top 10 Fails of 2011

2011-12-15T06:02:00.002-06:00

From Bikini fails and runway slip-ups to motorcycle fires and a whole lot more, let's join Break.com as they count down the Top 10 Fails of 2011. As a little bonus for ya, I put the top 10 of 2010 right below it.

Lacuna Coil Trip The Darkness

2011-12-14T11:00:00.000-06:00

Hot Topic brings you the World Premiere of the "Trip The Darkness" music video from Lacuna Coil's upcoming album "Dark Adrenaline," due Jan 24th, 2012.