Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan has been talking to AV Club this week about Season 4, analyzing the progression of characters and themes on an episode-by-episode basis. They just released the third part of a four-part series, and it’s completely in depth and awesome. The interview is ridden with spoilers; you’ve been warned.
Though not necessarily a fan, I’ve long been a supporter of Weird Al Yankovic, the household name amongst satirical and parodic songwriting. Â The dude’s been cranking out funny hits since the early ’80’s, and, being a longtime lover of Dr. Demento, I’ve adored and admired Al from afar for most of my life. Â The man puts on an unsurprisingly entertaining live show, as well as some pretty decent original material alongside his trademark parodies of hit songs. Â It’s safe to say Yankovic has transformed from quirky pop culture footnote to a comedic legend over time – now, like being poked fun at by South Park and SNL, it’s considered an honor to be lampooned by Weird Al. Â That means you’ve made it to the top!
This week, Al sat down with AV Club and went through an array of new and old material in celebration and promotion of his latest creation, Alpocalypse. Â He talks about some of the well-known classics, some forgotten gems, and even some astonishingly catchy original songs. Read it here.
Ok, this is when it gets crazy. Today I’m going through the Music portion of SXSW 2011, which happens Wednesday, March 16 – Saturday, March 19. Â Keep in mind there’s always gonna be pop-up shows and last-minute party announcements like every year, so follow me on Twitter and I’ll try to keep everyone abreast of anything awesome. Â Also: on Monday I will post my picks for multi-day parties, like Fader Fort, Waterloo Parking Lot Shows, etc. so look forward to that. Today’s list only includes my picks for single-day parties.
Wednesday, March 16
Eat Your Own Ears/Austinist/Windish Day Party @ Mohawk – Free
By far the best lineup of the day – Cloud Nothings, Twin Shadow, Givers, Royal Bangs. Awesome.
Honorable Mentions
Bella Union x Yours Truly @ SXSW
Terrorbird Media/Force Field PR Day Party at Red 7
Amanda Shires @ G & S Lounge (Outdoors) 2420 S 1st St. – 2 pm
Queens of the Stone Age @ Rolling Stone Showcase at LZR – If you don’t have a badge, it’s likely you’re not getting in. Â But best of luck to ya!
SXSW Pro-Tips – Last-Minute Considerations (AV Club Austin)
20 Tips For Surviving and Thriving SXSWi (Wired)
Anticipating SXSW 2011 (The Horn)
10 SXSW Tip Posts Worth Reading (and a funny video worth watching) (CenterNetworks)
Quick post before going out tonight, last week’s overnight trip home messed up my blog-writing schedule, trying to keep this thing updated as much as possible.
A new feature on the AV Club’s site delves deep into the riches (and utter garbage) that is the compilation series NOW! That’s What I Call Music.
Check out the first post, which describes in detail (on a track-by-track analysis) of the first bestselling album in the series, probably the most pop-sporadic of any of the albums – it covered a larger time period of hits than the albums that were to follow. I mean, where else are you going to find an album that features songs from Radiohead, Backstreet Boys, and Aqua on the same disc?
After that little read (and additional YouTube nostalgia trip) how could you not want to come back for more? I know I’ll return – this is some fine, funny writing about one of my favorite things to read and write about – the pop of the past.
