fripodding and valentines: "happy valentine's day" andré 3000

I think, if such an argument exists, it can be argued that there may not be definite "Valentine carols," if you will. I contend that there are, at least, a few. What would bring such a discussion? The countless love songs that one could dedicate to another on such a special day of love. Or... The countless anti-love songs one could dedicate to another on such a sappy day of love. Depends on your mood and "romancism" at the time.

Such a song, I believe, captures both moods. Honestly, I think it leans more towards the "happier" side of the Valentine theme, but the song I'm talking about is Happy Valentine's Day by one of my idols, the great Andre 3000 of OutKast. This song is found on The Love Below side of the multi-platinum, Grammy winning, double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. It is meant to be jammed to very loudly all day on the 14th of February, even though the song states everyday is the 14th.

In this song, Andre voices a character named Cupid Valentino, who is an updated version of the classic Cupid we all know and love (or hate). Instead of wielding a bow and arrow, this Cupid brandishes a gun. And based on the album picture, it's a shiny pink metallic looking pistol.

On a side note, this song and image inspired me to write an updated version of Cupid based on this representation. I also did some homework on the Cupid character, the stories, the family background, personality traits, so forth and so on... Then I thought of a few storylines to throw him in, coming up with a trilogy that has separate stories that work on their own, but together would be considered the Chronicles of Cupid. I've only completed the outline to the first story, the second would be a reincarnation of a favorite film Love, Actually, and the third would be a modernized retelling of the story of Psyche. This is one of my first independent screenwriting projects I started once I decided screenwriting would be something I'd pursue professionally. But I stopped working on these projects so I could focus on smaller projects, eventually working my way up to feature length. Unfortunately, I keep seeing other modern Cupids popping up on TV and I pray none of them have guns. (Strange prayer, I know.)

Anyway, this song has both Andre singing and rapping, which he does all over this album. The album is based on the concept of love, and this particular song deals with Cupid hunting down people running away from love, and Cupid's revenge since he doesn't get the respect he deserves. Well, that's my interpretation of it. At the end, the chorus chants "[expletive] that Valentine's Day!" as if to say "bump this stupid holiday." Again, my interpretation. And those that dislike this holiday would appreciate the sentiments.

Whenever I begin making music videos, this is one I'd love to tackle. I'll admit, my version might seem a bit violent since I'd take the lyrics literally and incorporate Cupid shooting that pink gun at people, but don't fret, there won't be blood. Just lots of love. Or reluctant love. But it'll be fun! And yes, this video would be a taste of what I have in mind for how this character acts in my stories. It'd be awesome if Andre could be involved and star as Cupid Valentino himself in both the video and movie(s). But after some careful YouTubing, I found these two gems, with the first being super close to what I had in mind. They get so much props from me, it hurts.



And lastly, another version brought to you buy somebody who knows how to play Sims 2 very well. Actually, I don't know, I stopped at the first one... but still, check this version out too.



Happy/[Expletive] Valentine's Day, Indoobians!

fripodding and dining

I had my first staff meeting at an off-site location on Wednesday. Just to break it down a bit further, "off-site" means not in or around the office. With most of my team being work-at-home, it seems like a really good idea to do. And I will agree that it was a good idea! We had our luncheon at one of my semi-favorite place's to eat: Chili's. It's "semi" now due to the ever changing menu and me not going as often as I once did. It's still a great place. And there's a picture of some of my fun times on this blog back a few months ago. Anyway, the meeting wasn't really business related. With everyone being at their home all the time, we forget what each other look like or what they're doing. I personally don't mind turning invisible. The only times that's impossible for me is at church and when I was at Purchase in certain areas.

Later today, more like an hour from now, I'll be dining at one of my top favorite pizza joints. The one and only Pizza Hut. Oh Pizza Hut, how I love thee. Shall I count the ways? No, not right now. It is sad these places are disappearing. Sometimes you'll get the Pizza Hut Express which everyone tells me is crap and not worth it, but c'mon! It's the closest to Pizza Hut pizza until I make it to an official hut! At least we are getting an IHOP built closer to us. Oh IHOP, how I love thee...

Today's friPod iPick is an actual band. I've been iPodding this band all week since I heard a little diddy called This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race. Actually, what I was listening to was a Kanye West remix, then I finally dove into the band's catalogue, something I was supposed to do a year or so ago since they were on my list of artists to check out.

I'm talking about Fall Out Boy. A band that has been labelled "emo" to "alternative rock" and a whole bunch of other things I may or may not understand or agree with. Actually, I've heard many people complain that these boys aren't "rock" at all, but how can one define such a genre? At one point, Chuck Berry was considered rock. How would I define it? Well if you can rock out, then it's a rock band. I can rock out to The Temptations, John Legend, Panic at the Disco, Daft Punk, Justice... The list can go on.

But F.O.B. is our topic today. I've been particularly infatuated with their last album, Infinity on High. Their new album Folie a Deux. There's no doubt I'll pick up that album either via iTunes or Wal-Mart, whoever has more tracks. Some of you know what I'm talking about. Having heard parts of their first two albums and all of Infinity and having seen most of their music videos, this is a band I really enjoy all day long.

I will say that they have elements of screamo is some of their songs... basically just screaming lyrics and I needed to fins the lyrics to translate. I could do without all that screaming, but hey... I guess it works for them. As for their lyrics, Pete Wentz is responsible for most of them. And if you read them, they are rather cryptic. At least they are to me. Some I can figure out, but that might be due to having already been told what the theme of the song is about. I also wanted to know the lyrics because the music is so good, I wanted to sing along but couldn't figure out the words. The Carpal Tunnel of Love is a good example. I'd link it to the music video, but I'm not a fan of the video. Just my opinion, find it on your own. Just shield the eyes of your children. Most of their songs have interesting titles too, some with their own back stories. Another well liked song, Thnks Fr Th Mmrs. A bit hit of theirs actually. Funny video too. By the way, they are friends with the other bands on their record label including Panic at the Disco and Gym Class Heroes, so don't be surprised to see them in their videos.

I will link you to a cover of Michael Jackson's Beat It which I really like, and one of their newer singles I Don't Care with the band being a crazy band. I enjoy driving to this song, but I amazing don't have road rage. Imagine that. Ooo! Pizza Hut time!

fripodding and changing

So I guess I'm still on my charity kick. Not a bad thing, but I enjoy writing the more light heart hearted material. I'll save the heavy stuff for those moving scenes in my movies. Speaking oh which, I'm formulating a plan in which I'll write short scripts for myself when I do podcasts. (Actually, I'm not sure if they'll be officially "podcasts" but it'd be cool if I could... and just the thought of me being in YOUR iPod... gives me chills all over my body. OoooOOoooo! Yeah, it's like that... which is a bit creepy... sorry.) Anyway, I'll bring my movie reviews to the Workforce, but after I'll actually film myself talking about it. I'd do it now, but I lack the capability of transferring video to PC... and I'm not about to just buy some run of the mill webcam when I know I can do better. In the meantime, I'll hone in on other crafts until I can afford that (and a Mac). The podcasts (which will have a special name all its own) will contain other fun things besides reviews... but we'll talk about that bridge when it's in sight.

Back to charity... Today's friPod iPick hails from the King... of Pop. And I'm sure it's some what inspired by the King... the Reverend. It's none other than the #1 hit in the '88 (and no, I don't remember it at the time, but I'm quite fond of it now), Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror" and I even provided a link which I wasn't going to do because EVERYONE should know this song.



The video is taken from the Moonwalker home video that was released back in his prime. I've watched it several times, I don't hide the fact that I'm a long time fan. I will say that at the time, I didn't know what or who were in most of those clips interlaced in the video. In fact, I didn't even really know what the song was about, but for some reason it made me wanna cry a little bit just because I could feel the emotion in the song. While it "randomly" iPodded the other day at work, it brought back a flood of memories like it normally does when I hear it. Then iSaac decided to keep repeating the song, what a weird iPod it is.

And it's a great song I love to lampoon because it's hard to translate some of his lyrics from what you actually hear, that is, if you don't know the song very well. At times I feel as though I'm singing with my teeth clenched. (Yes, I've sung this song many times in my room and in front of the mirror. Don't act like you haven't. Maybe not to this song, but there's something on Jackson's discography that makes you go into concert.) And of course there's the infamous "cha'mon!" Oh, these were the days. He practically ruled the world at this time. This is a time I was growing up listening to him and watching people go nuts. People don't pass out at concerts anymore. What a waste of money. Go see MMJ and you faint, then you're carried off to who knows where. And this dude has always been original with his wardrobe. I couldn't pull off have his outfits. But he did tend to pull them off. This is during the time he was... uh... fit? Young. We'll go with young. Can you believe this dude is 50? Have you seen my childhood?... (His? Yes.) I jest.

Again, I digress. With these times of change, I thought this song would be fitting. Even though we are looking for change from our new President, we must not forget that change starts with us. So go find a mirror right now (well, wait until you're done reading) and ask that man or woman or whatever to change their ways. (If the image talks back to you... I can't help you.) We all want, or should want to see this world change for the better and that can't happen if you don't do anything about it. Whether it's helping the environment, a wee child, your next door neighbor, their next door neighbor, a squirrel or the less fortunate: make that change.

fripodding and celebrating like a champion

Where to begin in the epic story of the week that was?

First of all, I must say that last Halloween was a blast for me, doing my annual DJ gig, playing good music for 3-4 hours straight for kids and adults to have fun to. The Jackson 5 was revisted. Pictures were taken, but I wasn't in any of them, so I won't share them. Don't get a hissy fit with me! I'm important too, ya know. Plus, I need a new MySpace picture, especially with me in action. I was Tito.

Monday I had computer issues. I had to upgrade a program I use for work. Sadly, it wasn't working, therefore I couldn't work. It was bittersweet. It gave me time to rewatch what may now be my favorite foreign film The Man Who Copied. If you've never heard of it, I suggest you Netflix it immediately. It hails from Brazil and stars Leandra Leal whom I've developed a hopeless crush over. I actually should dedicate a post for the movie alone. Anyway, I watched it a couple times picking up things I never noticed before as well as being re-inspired to fulfill my dream in wanting to tell the world stories through my writing and eventual filmmaking. My computer program finally worked correctly eventually, so that's great.

Tuesday. I said it before, I'm a news junkie. CNN.com is a friend on my work computer. I couldn't stop checking it all day long. I don't know why. I did my vote thing around 10ish. No lines. Awesome. A cute girl was working there, but no game was played. It's hard to do moves when you're with you mom, plus I think it would just annoy the worker. I really wanted to go back home anyway. After work, I ran out to rent some movies because I couldn't imagine watching the news from 7PM until who knew when. Even I need a break sometime. But my dad and I kept tabs on our laptops while we watched movies. Then my dad channel surfed until I decided to go to my room to watch Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert tell me the Earth-shattering news. I wish I was at someone's party or out in the streets. I really did. This needs a post all it's own, which I sort've addressed Tuesday night. But this can lead into today's friPod's iPick.

I've actually been waiting to talk about this song for a while. But after Tuesday, the message behind this song is clear: Kanye West's "Champion." I'm just going to throw this out now, as of today, I don't care too much for his new toy he likes to use in his songs. But hey, the same thing happened when music video directors discovered the fish-eye lense. And bullet-time. I still like bullet-time though.

I don't care much for the video, however it is very creative with Kanye as a puppet training to be a champion. Once again, I'd post it, but embedding is disabled. Watch and listen to the video here.

I actually made a playlist with iSaac featuring Champion-esque song. But this song is very uplifting, inspiring and empowering for me. It keeps me ambitious and working hard to achieve greatness. Furthermore, as the chorus suggest: did you realize that you were a champion in their eyes? And yes, after much reminding, I did realize that. And the eyes are those of children, peers and my family whom support me. So this song is a reminder as to who I'm working for, so to speak. Would you like to see the Champion Playlist? It's not long, and by no means is it complete. I don't think an average playlist is complete until you can fit it into a CD. Unless its for a specific event... like a 3-5 hour Halloween party. iSaac actually has the playlist called "champion beats" since I built the list on strong bass and/or drumlines. Not all of them had champion messages though*. Regardless--

1. Champion Requiem - Mos Def
2. Champion - Kanye West
3. Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield
4. We Want Your Soul - Andre 3000*
5. I Need You - Alicia Keys*
6. Hostile Gospel Pt. 2 - Talib Kweli
7. Grammy Family - Consequence feat. DJ Khaled, Kanye West & John Legend

Like I said, it's a short playlist and I haven't added to it... yet. But that's what keeps me in a champion mind set, and Kanye is a good role model for that. Interestingly enough, he has a connection to every artist on that playlist. But we'll play that game another day.

Lastly, there's a poem I've been working on that also deal with the champion theme, but unfortunately I didn't finish it in time to go along with this post. Nevertheless, when it's complete, I shall make it known and also restate a revised playlist, hopefully.

Happy Friday all.

fripodding and musical televisions

Since I've upgraded to iSaac's 6th generation Classic iPodness, I've been taking advantage of being able to WATCH things as well as listen to them. I also find myself playing solitaire a lot more, which really isn't that big of a deal because iPizzle had that too.

Anyway, since most iPods (except older models and especially screenless iPod Shuffles) can play movies/music videos, I thought for today's iPick, I'd pick a music video. Oddly enough, the video I'm going to pick isn't even in iSaac's library... yet. Before I reveal the pick, let's talk a little bit about the music video industry. (Aren't iPod commercials like really cool mini music videos? There's nothing like watching a commercial for an iPod on your iPod... and no I haven't done that... yet.)

Why doesn't the channel that popularized music videos play music videos anymore? MTV? VH1? Even BET? I'll let BET slide since it never exclusively focused on music videos like MTV and VH1 claimed to. VH1 is supposedly a product of MTV anyway, or it was... I don't know and I don't feel like researching right now.

Why did music videos start getting corny? This mainly relates to hip hop videos and sometimes, it's still the same "check out my car, my money, and my women." And it's usually all rented. Even the women. Sad. I can't really speak though... I haven't watched many music videos since I can't remember when... So maybe things have changed. But I like for videos to be as stimulating as the song is... if the song is stimulating at all. Sometimes the video will make me like the song if I don't care for it. It can make or break a song, really.

Now those 3 channels I mentioned... If they do show music videos, they never show the whole video. I'm sure all of these complaints you've heard or had yourself. I'm just vocalizing it again, that's all. Plus with the world we live in, they know that we know we can find the whole interupted video online.

But alas my fellow Indoobians, there's hope! For those of you who have that digital or enhanced or advanced cable or a dish network and get 2,000+ channels, it's a good chance you have the "sister" or "sequel" channels. You cna call it a "sequel" channel if it's something like MTV2... Which was an all music channel for a while, but it's become a product of it's older brother. Or sister. Don't fret, MTV has just as many channels as HBO. Well, maybe a few less. I have about 5 altogether I think. MTVU, MTV Hit List, MTV Jams, MTV Latino or something... It's in Spanish. They moved MTV2 with them instead of being in the basic line up. I don't know why. But there they are and it kept me busy trying to find new music (which will lead into today's pick shortly).

VH1 has similar channels. Honestly, I don't know how many. I can only think of VH1 Classic right now. They have Pop Up Video. How many of you guys remember that one? Oh yes, it was awesome, indeed! That channel also show videos from the 70's and 80's... well... whenever I stopped by. And there are a few other music only channels I never watch. But at least they're there. So if you have some extra bucks, you can find these music channels and dive into your music videos. The nice thing is there aren't so many commercials, and when there are, it's about the channel. So you don't feel forced to run out and buy a car, Viagra, or shop at Macy's.

While surfing these channels, I came across a guy I liked when he first came out... but no one cared about. Well, they did when he came out with his second album, and now people are paying attention for sure now that his third album "Something Else" has recently been released. I haven't heard it yet, but I'm stuck on the single and especially the video that's been out since this past summer.

Again, I apologize to the Workforce and it's Indoobians, I'd embed the video, but the embedded feature has been disabled on them all. Meaning even if I wrote the code myself on my page, it wouldn't work OR I'd probably get asked to take it down. People are weird. Anyway, the artist formally known as Thicke (when he first came out), the one and only Robin Thicke and his hit single "Magic". Again, the song is hot on it's own... But I want to talk about the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlIQsrr-czE

After you watch it, then we can talk about it being on the same page and all. Again, the song is awesome. It works so well with the video and I'm glad I got to hear it for the first time while watching it. (Sometimes I'm disappointed with a video after listening to a song before seeing it, and it not being anything I expected.)

Robin Thicke himself has stated he was inspired by Kubrick's 2001: A Space Oddessy which is his favorite movie, and to me is a disgustingly long and trippy movie. It was the 60's. It's a work of art, I respect it and would probably watch it again. (For kicks and giggles, watch the shortend version someone made.) But that's another story for another post. He's also inspired by Michael Jackson and Fred Astaire, which those scenes you can recognize. (When he's dancing with the hat and cane. He said he saw Puttin' on the Ritz and wanted to put those moves in. I've seen it before, but it wows me everytime and who can blame him? That performance is astounding.) More so Michael Jackson near the end in the elevator doorway thingy. I don't know... it just looks so cool. Don't Stop til You Get Enough is one of the inspirations he used. Ya know, back when he was still black and not so weird.

I also saw some James Bond in there. Starting at 2:47 when they just keep panning upwards, it gave me a Bond feeling. Awesome shot by the way. At the same time, I thought of Michael Jackson's Leave Me Alone video and it's use of animations similar to this video. Which is why I and others agree he was the majority of the inspiration for the looks of this video. Among other things like just having a classic disco feel to it all.

Furthermore, I'm a surrealist. And seeing these images of beautiful women stretched out atop of planets or being fragments on gasous lights... Just sexy. The video is the epitome of awesome surrealist sexiness. I'm not against putting sexy women in music videos... it's just how they are shown. This way, they are like models you see in magazines advertizing make up or shoes. This one? Planets! Or they are just dancing and having a good time. I wish I was there... Sigh...

Lastly, on the YouTube site posted above, it says uncut and explicit... It's only different in very subtle ways. Robin Thicke's name appears like the THX logo. And the Fred Astaire scenes take place in space instead of on stage. I don't know what else differs other than that. I used that link also because it's got the best quality. Now I think I'm going to go BUY the video on iTunes and watch it repeatedly.

Oh yeah, and the guy who directed this video did some other awesome videos: LoveStoned & Crazy just to name a few. Robert Hales... you're awesome for originality and I envy you.