ad hoc.

When I saw the trailer for Knocked Up, I thought that it had subtle hints of pro-life propaganda. I mean, a woman gets pregnant by a one night stand, and decides to raise the baby, and what I am ASSUMING happens is that she ends up falling in love with the guy. Sure, it’s great that she decides to keep the baby and be a responsible parent….but is that likely to happen? Is it likely that she would choose to keep the baby? Is this some sort of weird message being sent to people? A profile on Judd Apatow also asks the same question.

Oh my God! The LAST thing America needs is an overwight American Idol! Fox News, you are the best.

Jeez, they are totally stealing the idea from me. I already did this, but here are 77 more music movie moments.

Ruh roh…the Strokes are on an indefinate hiatus. I don’t have a good feeling about it.

Previously: #100-6

#5 Stellastarr*, Stellastarr* (2003)
If John Hughes made a movie about hipsters…
Influential Power 5
Staying Power 7
Cred Power 10

#4 Rilo Kiley, The Execution of All Things (2002)
Unbelievable.
Influential Power 7
Staying Power 8
Cred Power 8

#3 Bloc Party, Silent Alarm (2005)
Worth the hype.
Influential Power 6
Staying Power 7
Cred Power 7

#2 Muse, Origin of Symmetry (2001)
I’ve heard this described as operatic indie rock. Proof that Americans have no taste in music.
Influential Power 7
Staying Power 10
Cred Power 8

#1 The Strokes, Is This It? (2001)
The original essential album.
Influential Power 25
Staying Power 10
Cred Power 8

As NME was so kind to remind me, it’s been five years since The Strokes released their first album. I can get carried away and say most bands are influential and life-changing and I exaggerate, but I can say that other than Nirvana in 1992, The Strokes had the most influence on my love of music. After several years of having commercially produced rock and where everything had a pop influence, they revitalized indie music and produced their album with a lo-fi sound. It’s funny how they seem kind of cliche because so many bands have copied them since. Suddenly every skinny kid in Brooklyn started a band called “The ___s”. For me, it kickstarted the way I love rock music now. They also had a personal style and attitude that was just so fucking cool. It made me realize I had to dig deeper to find what I like instead of listening what was handed to me and to go back and listen to older established bands that were the influence for the current bands. It also marks a certain era of my life and camptures the feeling of that time. I have been fotunate enough to see them live three times and I will never cease to have a semi-religious experience when I see them.

I kind of feel weird when people ask me my interests and I say “I love listening to music”. It seems so vague, but as most of you know, music is a huge chunk of my life and brings me my most enjoyment. And not just listening to it- to me it is like a hobby of collecting and organizing things. Collecting albums and completing collections is huge for me, as well as knowing trivia (who produced what album, what band members left what band at what time, what influenced the album), as well as it being like a soap opera to follow (when is the album coming out, what interviews they do, what they say about other bands, when are they touring, what label they sign to, etc.) Ok, and yea, I do enjoy looking at the members of the bands sometimes. Furthermore, making mixes and collections and finding songs for every occasion, emotion, and event is huge for me.

With that, I love nothing more than to share music and introduce people to music they wouldn’t have heard of if it weren’t for me. I do recognize, however, that my music interests can be overwhelming to some. After all, I acquire about 10 new albums a week. I post a lot of music I like here, and several of you request specific stuff, and I can continue to do that. However, I am going to make sure that I make a regular habit of posting albums that I deem as essential to someone who wants to have a complete appreciation of indie rock music. Sort of a cheat sheet for someone who hasn’t quite built up their collection. Albums to own that will give someone real “cred” when listening, discussing, and buying music in the future. I will say I will not post stuff just because for image’s sake or by dropping the name of the band has some worth on its own. I’ll post it because it’s a great listen. I’m not the greatest in describing albums, as you know, but I’ll try.

I might as well start with The Strokes’ Is This It, their first album released in 2001. They have two other albums since, which I think are equally as good (despite critics not thinking so) but it is worth having their debut because of the influence. Some say it sounds like the Velvet Underground, but I don’t necessarily think that is completely true. To me it sounds like good music recorded on a lo-fi machine in someone’s basement.

The Strokes; Is This It? (2001) [This is missing two tracks which for some reason are not on my hard drive and I cannot find the cd at the moment. No matter, you still have the standout tracks on there.]

I also should add that the inspiration for starting these posts comes from Andrew’s Madonna project. Check it out.

It’s always a sad day here in my world when once of my celebrity boyfriends gets married. This time it’s the Strokes’ Nick Valensi.

Oh, this made me happy. Pitchfork has named and posted 100 of the best music videos. I miss the days when music videos were important and were an event, i.e. “November Rain”. Taking the time to watch several of these totally made my day. Hell, it made my week.

It has inspired me to make my own list, which I will continually update as I think of things to add. For me, it is a nice trip down pop culture memory lane. p.s. I used to tape Headbanger’s Ball and watch the same videos over and over. I have VHS tape after VHS tape of just music videos that I would watch to death.

Speaking of videos, viewing this one has confirmed the notion that the Strokes are still the coolest fucking rock band on the planet. It’s the new video for “You Only Live Once” one of the best singles from First Impressions of Earth.

The 50 most loathsome New Yorkers.

Why the hate? I would completely disagree with:

23 The Strokes

Rock Band

The music industry likes to blame massive file-sharing for their miserable status, but what they forget is that this era produced bands like The Strokes and touted them as the saviors of rock ‘n’ roll. Relying on the crude, formulaic approach jumpstarted decades ago by the likes of Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, The Strokes are far from saviors of the ailing music industry. Instead, they have swayed rock from being dangerous, thrilling—hell, even enjoyable—to stale, monotonous and wearisome. After straddling the indie/mainstream fence with their first release, we should have recognized they are no more “saviors” than the Rolling Stones, for whom they opened on tour. We can only pray for something as miraculous as the Apocalypse if they are able to sustain their careers to the age of those British geezers. There is a place for simple, catchy rock; but for minimalist rock movements to succeed, substance must triumph over style, pretension sacrificed to essence. With the über-pompous Strokes, it’s difficult even to tolerate their crudeness from a jukebox muffled with the converse of bar patrons. Are they the saviors of rock ‘n’ roll? Maybe in the sense that their presence could result in the utter destruction of an archaic, out-of-touch music industry.

35 Richie Rich

Fashion Designer

There’s the blue shorts and various other ridiculous ensembles; the too-blond shock of hair; and the way he always has to lord it over the other kids in Richville. Not to mention, he’s born in 1953 and he still looks like he’s 10. Oh, wait a minute, not that Richie Rich. Oh well, then did you ever wonder why tranny superstars Amanda Lepore and Sophia Lamar, once joined at the removed rib, are now only seen together on paper invites? The last time we ran into him, he was performing such a glad-handing campaign at a crowded, noisy nightclub that a gossip columnist asked, “Is he running for office?” He has an office. And a showroom and street cred (or at least, club cred) from his Michael Alig days, and an ex-boyfriend entangled in their mutual business interests. The pair’s Web site instructs, “Put your finger on a map of downtown New York City and you can feel the pulse of Heatherette.” We’d prefer to put our finger down our throat. But if some offal landed on our shirt, we just might be the next Heatherette! While we’re on the subject of aerobic activities, what’s with the spaghetti straps? We’re not talking about clothes, either: We mean those pasty, scrawny, limp noodles you’re always flashing in your micro-muscle tees. Don’t you have a (comped!) membership to David Barton? Revert to the comparatively demure costumes of your mysterious Ice Capades/Kristi Yamaguchi era. Or put yourself on ice for a while and design some wearable clothes.

I finally found clips of the Strokes’ performance from SNL last Saturday. Here’s Juicebox and You Only Live Once. It doesn’t hurt that Peter Sarsgaard introduces them. My you know what did you know what at you know what in front of the you know what when I saw it.

As a bonus, here’s the super rad “juicebox” video featuring David Cross.

Did I mention I absolutely adore The Strokes?

Anyone find anymore clips from SNL this past Saturday. I only caught the last 20 minutes, saw The Strokes perform “You Only Live Once”, and it was divine. So far, what I have seen is not too funny.

Jay McInerney does the Strokes.

Ok, so Jouquin Phoenix directed a music video for some cliched indie band, People in Planes. Let the perving commence.

Episode 6 of the Ricky Gervais podcast is available now. If you haven’t been listening, you haven’t been living.

A new blog and podcast I am liking: An Animal Friendly Life.

My boyfriend went and knocked up Rachel Weisz.

Apparently the Book of Daniel doesn’t offend Christians and is also not a good show.

Pete Doherty is such a mentalist. Gotta love him.

Brooklyn Vegan reports that Andy Milonakis has an actual blog. I don’t know if it is real.

I watched Trainspotting again today for the first time in about eight years. You know what? I’ll say it. It’s not all that amazing. For the cult classic status, it could be better. Despite introducing the world to one of the finest human specimens, I found it to be mediocre.

Newsflash: someone found an ancient Egyptian painting with a gay kiss. Many are up in arms. Hilarity ensues.

Scientists release study on what makes a living being cute. Love how my tax dollars are spent. To illustrate, they show baby penguins, a baby panda, and …Emma Watson?

We’re sick and tired of raising your young! by Grey Wolf

Pitchfork is not impressed with the new Strokes album…and neither am I.

Abortion increases stress. Yea, no shit. You know what creates more stress? Needing an abortion and not being able to get one legally.

It must be a slow day in music news, because we learned that Daniel Radcliffe likes the band Giant Drag. Holy shit, I’ve seen them live and they might be the most annoying band/people ever. They were booed off the stage. Also, so many pervs are going to be happy about this. Including some pervs that I know.

What a weak showing for Mr. Indie Rock 2005. Of course Sufjan won.

Why would anyone blog about why they hate DC?

So, once again, my brother has to rub it in my face that he pseudo-works in the music industry, and one of the artists he represents is the Strokes. So he gets there annual Holiday card. It’s pretty rad.

Why is Nick wearing a Star of David? Why do I want to be in the middle of that pile?

Here’s the James Blunt cd. I like it, especially the first single “You’re beautiful.” You know, he’s the pale British guy who in the video slowly disrobes and then jumps off the cliff. It’s good in the easy-listening kind of way. He’s also Pete Yorn’s long lost twin.

http://s61.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=16Q9PFVG1N0HG1O7NSCUS3CCX0

Several of you asked for the new Strokes album, First Impressions of Earth. Here yago.

http://s61.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0V02BHLJ3KPYW1CK5MGS8MO9IW

Happy early Chanukkah to me…I just got an advance copy of the NEW STROKES ALBUM! At least this will give me another reason to live, at least for a while.

“Between this and the anti-depressants, I think I am going to make it another year.”- Trudy Weigel

I am off to a suicide mission to Costco during a huge shopping weekend. Hope I get out alive.

David Cross + The Strokes = PERFECTION.
The new video for Juicebox.

Also interesting: Forbes list of most (in)efficient charities. Although Forbes is a dubious source.

Jeez, who isn’t a blogger? matthew Caws of nada Surf has a blog. It’s only slightly more interesting than mine.

Death From Above 1979 will release a remix album. What is this, NKOTB- Games?

Oh my heavens. The Strokes release their new one, First Impressions of Earth on January 3. Seriously, the Strokes changed my life. And I am not just saying that. i was at a crossroads with my music tastes in early 2001. I had just come out of my college feminist music stage (Tori Amos, Sarah McLaughlin, Dar Williams on a constant rotation) and had played the shit out of my Weezer Green Album. My mother, of all people, saved an issue of New York magazine for me because it talked about up and coming bands. The Strokes were featured, and I later bought the album. yes folks, my mother is responsible for introducing me to the Strokes. Anyway, it made me realize that music didn’t need to be on a major label to be good, and thus my indie music fury was born. I will be looking at no other website than this one for the rest of my life. One of my best memories is seeing them at the 9:30 Club sometime in September 2001. Sigh.

The Arctic Monkeys are so hyped I am already over them but then came full circle and now love them.

Why oh why have they folled everyone? Doesn’t everyone see that the Fiery Furnaces are absolute crap?

I am kind of embarassed…I am usung Napster for a free trial and so far all I have been listening to is this. I can’t help it! Btw, does anyone know of a list of songs played on the episodes? The Shotime page used to have it, but now it just has lame pictures (and by lame I mean hot).

All Families Are Psychotic to be a movie? Let’s see how “they” can fuck this one up. Maybe it will be a buddy road movie ugh. On my break I also re-watched Party Monster. This SHOULD have and COULD have been an awesome movie, if it weren’t for…well everything. Still, my clubkids fascination continues and I am absorbed in Disco Bloodbath.

Sometimes my brother likes to rub it in that he works in the music industry (kind of) and one of his clients is the Strokes. He received a very personal holiday card from them. And by personal I mean through mass email.

Download all of Daft Punk’s Discovery.

Remember when Courtney Love was awesome and Hole did a cover of “Hungry Like the Wolf”?

Despite the singer’s annoying voice and the fact that this song could have been written by good Charlotte, I cannot get enough of Coheed and Cambria’s “A Favor in the House Atlantic”.

Owners swear iPods mess with their minds by controlling the music.

Rollingstone thinks these are the greatest rock photos of all time. Click on Kurtie for the rest.

Just watched Outfoxed (a documentary exposing Foxnews and Rupert Murdoch to be right-wing biased). I feel quite jaded because it did not give me the infuriation I was expecting. Yes, journalists sort of do have a moral and ethical obligation to report unbiased news, but cable news channels are a private, commercial companies. Rupert really can do whatever he pleases. The argument goes that not everyone knows that Foxnews is right-wing, so they may thunk they are getting the clear picture and are thus being brainwashed. However, those watching Foxnews are not your average American. They are usually the more educated and already interested in world affairs; shouldn’t they already be seeking out information on politics and be able to detect the bias? Who knows. Bill O’Reilly is such a douchebag. My father worships him. I think he has a “no spin zone” hat. Kee-rist. I wouldn’t dare try to engage him in a healthy debate about it though. For him, Bill O’Reilly is the real deal. End of discussion. Not to knock my Dad. He is great- he likes kitty cats more than I do.

New campaign slogan (via Brenda):

WHHAAAAT? Julian Casablancas (of the Strokes, duh) and his fiancee Juliet are registered at Target. Even hipsters need a food processer.

Strangley enough, I am in the lead with the office pool we have for the NFL. I picked the winner in about 90% of the games this week. And all I did was pick the city I thought was hipper. I don’t think this is going to last through the season.

Holy cow! Did you know that Rilo Kiley has a whole bunch of live mp3s on their site? OK, just checking.