Hejl Hath No Fury!

I'll Tumblr for ya

2009-06-11T00:24:00.001-05:00

I'm on TUMBLR now. Yep
http://frankhejl.tumblr.com/

The End of the World!

2009-06-03T12:47:00.007-05:00

Friends, you better come see me perform at Upright Citizens Brigade this coming Tuesday at 11pm (and the following Tuesdays, 16th,23rd and 30th)!

It's called The End of the World. It's an improvised show about the apocalypse and post apocalypse. If you love things sci-fi and apocalypse based, you will love this show.

Here's the poster and the trailer for the show.
(click pic for larger view)

You can make reservations here:
http://newyork.ucbtheatre.com/shows/2058

Play 'em off, Keyboard Cat!

2009-05-27T23:10:00.001-05:00

The first time I saw this I could NOT stop laughing. So good. Stick with it 'till the end. The clip from Walker Texas Ranger is ridiculous itself, but the end...just watch.

Wilco The song

2009-05-27T23:03:00.001-05:00

Wilco always makes me feel better. Lately "Wilco The Song" has been rockin' my world.

I dig this pic

2009-05-25T22:39:00.002-05:00

The movie should have been more like this.

I have funny friends pt.2

2009-05-10T21:16:00.002-05:00

Kelly Hudson and Emily Strachan have a great show coming up at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. Go check it out!

Also check out their Pam and Cleveland shorts

IRON RUCKUS 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!

2009-05-10T20:56:00.004-05:00

Iron Ruckus will be celebrating its ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY THIS FRIDAY NIGHT (the 15th) at 10:30pm at Under St.Marks!!!
We'll be opening for the amazing group Rogue Elephant (Just like our very first show)!!!

It is VERY important we bring people to this show. Seriously. So if you see one Iron Ruckus show this year, see THIS show!

Hope to see you all there!

Zach returns!

2009-05-07T00:28:00.000-05:00

Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis from Between Two Ferns

How is this not a Tim & Eric sketch?

2009-05-06T19:04:00.002-05:00

Eric sent this to me. Wow.

This is basically a Will Forte character.

You want me to put what on it?

2009-04-30T16:06:00.005-05:00

This was the Birthday cake Melissa Gomez and Jocelyn Guest got me when I performed at The Creek with John Robert Wilson.

"Dear Frank, We don't really know you so this is kind of awkward but,um,anyway...you know...Happy Birthday Mother Fucker, Love Gomez & Guest (I can't remember or make out the rest)"

Pretty awesome.

I had a blast performing with J.R. again with our "experiement" I'm A Little Drunk Right Now. This time we were drunk and incorporated flautas and birthday cake. Believe me, I had a great time!

Waiting Room

2009-04-30T16:06:00.001-05:00

More Ghostbusters Game footage!

2009-04-29T21:27:00.002-05:00

!!!

Misunderstanding

2009-04-27T01:53:00.001-05:00

Phil Collins must have had a lazy weekend with Jimmy Buffett before this video shoot.

Genesis - Misunderstanding
Uploaded by Salut-les-copains

Game of Pricks

2009-04-24T13:49:00.000-05:00

Easily one of the best song EVER created!

The IT Crowd on DVD in the US!

2009-04-22T20:23:00.002-05:00

I didn't know they finally released The IT Crowd on DVD here in the US. I know IFC has been showing the episodes, but this is great. Not that I can afford it, but just letting you guys know to check it out.
It's a bit annoying since it does have an audience laugh track, but the content is funny and worth a watch.
Check it out!

The Human Tornado

2009-04-22T15:35:00.004-05:00

Let's get some beer and some pizza or BBQ (or BOTH!) and watch this movie together.
(warning: NSFW)

Play it "real"

2009-04-22T13:58:00.003-05:00

Dominic is easily one of the funniest and hardest working people I've met at UCB. The same goes for DC and Donald who work alongside Dom with Derrick Comedy. If there ever was a great example for a hard working and genuinely funny group, it has to be Derrick. It's something a lot of comedians should make a habit of.
Sorry, getting off track. Dominic posted this video on his twitter. Great stuff (especially if you've ever auditioned for something in the past 2 or 3 years).

"Play It Real" Commercial Auditions from Dominic Dierkes on Vimeo.

Hipsterrrrrzzzzzz

2009-04-22T11:07:00.002-05:00

My friend Ben posted this link on his twitter.
This is what most of my neighborhood looks like and I see every day walking to the train. I shit you not.

St.Vincent

2009-04-22T01:58:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Ellena for showing me this vid. Song is stuck in my head now (can't complain)!

Pretty Pictures

2009-04-18T22:54:00.003-05:00

Look at these two!

I'm actually REALLY looking forward to this wedding. It's gonna be awesome. Yay, Alison!

New DEVO video!

2009-04-11T14:09:00.001-05:00

"DON'T SHOOT" - DEVO from DEVO Channel on Vimeo.

I seriously LOVE Devo. They put on one of the best live shows.

Panic Switch

2009-04-06T17:17:00.001-05:00

New Silversun Pickups video.

I have the new album. It's OK. Not bad. If you liked their last album you'd enjoy it. It's just kind of more of the same with a few filler tracks. I would still like to see them live.

Standup Pro

2009-04-06T17:07:00.004-05:00

When I tell people I did standup for a while they always ask "What was your standup like"?
Well, let's just say I stole ALL my material from this guys and did this set verbatim.

You can see why I moved to improv and sketch. I'm doing slightly better these days.

Thanks to Fishboy for the video.

My Room Needs These

2009-04-06T10:27:00.002-05:00

These are awesome. I want them for my room.
Go to Karen Watkins' page to see more!

Another Winner from Everything Is Terrible!

2009-04-06T01:27:00.000-05:00

Well, hello fellow pilots... from Everything Is Terrible on Vimeo.
via Everything Is Terrible (aka best blog to ever exist)

More Ghostbusters 3 stuff

2009-04-05T23:41:00.003-05:00

I am DEAD SERIOUS. I will say it over and over again until I am blue in the face. I HAVE TO BE IN THIS MOVIE! One way or another, I WILL be in Ghostbusters 3. I will force myself onto that set.
Saw this today.
If there's any justice or any good in this world, Frank Hejl will be in this damn movie!

I don't think you guys understand the severity of this! GHOSTBUSTERS 3, I WILL BE ALL UP IN YOU!YOU HEAR THAT?!

THIS WILL HAPPEN. Oh yes...

it will

Sick of Goodbyes

2009-04-05T17:41:00.002-05:00

Porter reminded me of this great song when he recommended it to Verónica.

Speaking of Porter, check out his comic strip/book "Bassist Wanted"!

Someone says it better than me (re:Smashing Pumpkins)

2009-04-05T16:33:00.004-05:00

This dude is on the money with how I feel about Billy Corgan and the current state of the Smashing Pumpkins.

Ian Roberts in Gigantic!

2009-04-05T11:08:00.003-05:00

Ian Roberts (of the Upright Citizens Brigade) is probably the best improviser I've ever seen perform and it always makes me happy when I see he's in a film because it makes me wonder how much of his lines were improvised. His brief parts in Drillbit Taylor were probably the funniest things in the whole damn movie (note: it wasn't a very good film. But he was awesome).
I want to see this film, GIGANTIC. Here is a scene that Ian Roberts is in.

Here's the trailer for the movie

But back on the subject of Ian Roberts as an improviser...
Seriously. The man is amazing.

Night of the Creeps coming to DVD!!!

2009-04-05T02:44:00.002-05:00

Yes! And with original ending! About time!
Read about it HERE and HERE!

I'm a Twit

2009-04-02T15:23:00.000-05:00

Gave in.
I'm on Twitter now.
More useless bullshit to love!

Even Trent Reznor has a sense of humor

2009-04-01T23:15:00.003-05:00

My friend Heather sent me this link.
Gotta love that tracklist. Even NIN can get in on the April Fools "fun".

Rejection Cubed

2009-04-01T17:23:00.003-05:00

I thought it'd be easier, but it wasn't. Rejection #3 as writer for a sketch team at UCB. The only thing I can really do now is say "Fuck it" and move on. I think it's more anger than disappointment this time around. I've worked hard and felt good about my packet. You can't help but feel like it reflects on your writing. I know that's not the case, but it definitely doesn't help the ego.

This is just another sign that I need to get my shit together and really push to make shit happen. Wanting and hoping just isn't enough.

So you know what? Fuck it. I know what I'm capable of and I know what I want to do. I'm not about to let anything get in my way.

I moved all this way for a reason! Not to just fuck around with a light and sound board. Not to drink and mingle. Not to meet a girl. No. I moved away from the life I knew to take a gamble to follow my goals and dreams and goddammit, I'm going to do it.

This past year has been one of the worst years in my entire life. But I've been genuinely blessed to have had such awesome opportunities and to have met such amazing people. So, "Fuck It"!

No One Does It Like You

2009-03-30T17:18:00.000-05:00

video from Department of Eagles

Ref Rattlesnake Frank

2009-03-29T20:31:00.008-05:00

As some of you know, I am the new "Ref" at Cagematch at UCB Thursday nights at 11pm.
I was given the nickname "Rattlesnake". Ref Rattlesnake Frank. Why? Maybe it's just a mystery that will be solved in a future installment? Who knows. That's why you should come out. It's a TON of fun to be a part of. Here are a few pics from the special UCBW Wrestle Slam Mania we did a few weeks back.

See all the photos HERE
Pics taken by Katie Sokoler!

I won't be there this Thursday night since I have a show out of town, but I will return the following Thursday for more fun!

I have funny friends

2009-03-29T19:59:00.001-05:00

Countdown to Meltdown

2009-03-27T01:32:00.001-05:00

Things are tough lately, people. Hope that some sunshine comes this way soon. I'm on the verge of a break down.

Yeeeesh!

Money, Money, Money

2009-03-26T01:53:00.004-05:00

I now have all 7 of my credit cards consolidated. That means NO MORE CREDIT CARDS FOR ME! If I pay off the minimum of my consolidation every month, I will be debt free (credit wise) in 4 years. That's not too bad.
It's a huge relief to have all my cards consolidated because that means I won't have to pay the individual banks' ridiculous hidden fees and overcharges that have been costing me an arm and a leg lately.

Speaking of which, Chase has been insane with its overdraft fees and charging me for little things here and there I had no idea about. I'm $100 overdrawn. I've been overdrawn a total of 5 times in the past 3 months because of this lame shit. It's frustrating since I just don't have the money.

Slowly but surely I'm getting back on my feet though. But it seems every time I get up I'm getting knocked back down. It takes its toll on me and starts seaping in to other aspects of my life.

I'm hoping for some relief from this stress soon and hoping to find more work so I can stop worrying SO much.

I'm counting on you, rest of '09!

Where The Wild Things Are Trailer!!!

2009-03-25T14:21:00.000-05:00

YES!YES!YES! I CAN'T WAIT!!!

What tha...

2009-03-25T14:10:00.003-05:00

A Three Stooges movie staring Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro and Jim Carrey?
Read about it HERE.
This seems TOO weird to be real.

I wonder who will play Shemp or Curly Joe.

The Dead Weather

2009-03-21T13:17:00.003-05:00

Consider me very much on board with The Dead Weather.
Alison Mosshart of The Kills and Jack White?
That's formula for some good, dirty rock fun.
The Kill's Midnight Boom was one of my favorite albums of '08. Too bad it got overlooked. TV on the Radio's Dear Science is completely overrated. I liked it, but come on...album of the year? No. Though, "Love Dog" is a fantastic track.

Really. Stop calling it Smashing Pumpkins.

2009-03-21T12:09:00.005-05:00

As I've stated here before, I was a HUGE Smashing Pumpkins fan growing up. I was obsessed. They were MY band.

Siamese Dream remains one of my favorite albums of all time.

When they "broke up", I was a little upset but relieved because the Pumpkins I loved were gone.

Then, they "reunited". Sort of. Only Billy and Jimmy. Then came the new album. Verdict: Who cares?

I still bought it, listened to it, but it really did nothing for me. I didn't connect with the music like I used to. The b-sides from their early career were much better than the new album they put out.

I know Billy essentially is SP, but I just found out today Jimmy Chamberlin has left the band.

That leaves only Billy as the original member. That being said...drop the name, dude. It ain't the same.

I haven't been too thrilled Billy Corgan lately. Also, I nearly lost my shit when I heard the song "TODAY" used in a credit card commercial. Fuck that! Use ANY Pumpkins track post Mellon Collie, I won't care! But when you take from an album that means so much to me to use it for a shitty credit card commercial? NO! It's like hearing The Cure's "Pictures of You" in a printer commercial all over again (that was quite an episode)!

Please. Smashing Pumpkins ARE dead. Let it die.

Here's the awesome live performance of "Silverfuck" from Vieuphoria.

Silverfuck + jackboot live
Uploaded by mellonsmile

I used to watch Vieuphoria EVERY DAY. No lie. I would watch it to "inspire" me to play and write music. This performance of Silverfuck would get me pumped to rock out for when my band practiced and made me want to do 12 minute rock jams. I even learned how to play the extended version of "Silverfuck" as it appears above (with the jam "Jackboot" on the end of the song).

Ah, those were some great times. Young angst and apathy and rockin' out in your bedroom!

Local H

2009-03-20T02:16:00.005-05:00

I remember rockin' the shit out of Local H back in the ol' High School days.

I remember sneaking out and going to one of their shows too.

Good times.

Not familiar with Local H? I'm sure you are. They played this damn song into the ground.
Bound For The Floor

Also remember seeing this video on 120 Minutes.
Eddie Vedder

I wish I had momey...

2009-03-19T14:08:00.001-05:00

So I could get this on Tuesday...

It's about damn time it came out on DVD.

Damn my poorness! Although...I do have a birthday coming up next month.
HINT! HINT!

Where The Wild Things Are!

2009-03-19T14:07:00.000-05:00

Super excited!

Fade Into You

2009-03-13T03:58:00.005-05:00

This song has been played to absolute tragic death, but I never tire of it.

Plus I'm still hopelessly in love with Hope Sandoval.

As a bonus here's "Sometimes Always", the song she did with Jesus and Mary Chain. The actual video couldn't be found (which is strange) but this Live performance from 120 Minutes (I miss 120 Min SOOOO much!) will do.

Lex Luther Bailout

2009-03-12T00:06:00.000-05:00

Don Draper is also Lex Luther? Sure!

"Lex Luthor Bailout" with Jon Hamm - watch more funny videos

Kuddly Kittens from Everything Is Terrible!

2009-03-06T02:24:00.001-06:00

Another great one from Everything Is Terrible! aka Best Blog Ever!

I LOVE this!

2009-03-06T00:44:00.001-06:00

GREAT parody of late 80's early 90's Saturday morning toons using Watchmen.

Teardrop

2009-03-05T00:20:00.002-06:00

This song has had different associations in my life. Most of them are good, one of them is bittersweet. Though, I'd say much much more sweet.

I know I'll feel that way again, but it's been too long.

Nine Inch Nails to possibly throw in the towel?

2009-03-03T23:51:00.002-06:00

I find it funny that Trent Reznor says that he might be ending Nine Inch Nails. Why? Well, because to me NIN isn't really a band...it's just Trent Reznor. He can say that NIN is done all he wants, but whatever he may release as his own thing will still be NIN to me.

Despite that, I'm going to try my best to see this "last" tour. I've seen NIN a handful of times and each time it's been an amazing show to see. I know ticket prices will be insane since they're touring with Jane's Addiction, but it'll well worth it.

They recently posted a performance of "Burn" which is one of my favorite NIN songs.

NIN: Burn Live from on stage, Melbourne 2.25.09 [HD] from Nine Inch Nails on Vimeo.

Jawbox

2009-03-03T00:15:00.003-06:00

Just because I feel like it.

Savory

Cooling Card
Ugh! Embedding disabled! You can watch the video HERE

They also do a great cover of Tori Amos' Cornflake Girl. Once again, for some reason they disabled the embedding for the video, but you can watch it HERE

Though not a "real" video, this is one of my favorite tracks they had (it's a bit slower than their usual fare).
Iodine

Ghostbusters 3 Might Be Shooting This Fall

2009-02-26T12:42:00.003-06:00

NO! NO! NO! Remember? I'M supposed to be in this movie! ME!
How the hell am I going to be able to get myself in this film if it's shooting THIS fall? A speaking role at that! I just want to say SOMETHING. "Ghostbusters!"
Not even what I had requested before which was "Here's your hotdog, sir. Oh, shit! A Ghost! Go get 'em Ghostbusters"!

You don't understand. I HAVE to be in this movie. It could be the worst film in history and I wouldn't care. It's Ghostbusters!

If I see them shooting on the street, I'm jumping in that shot!

Mark my words, you WILL see me in SOME capacity in Ghostbusters 3!

Here's the article saying it might shoot this fall.

Wilco

2009-02-26T12:36:00.001-06:00

Looking forward to the new DVD. But I Am Trying To Break Your Heart was SUCH a fantastic band/tour doc, so I doubt it'll be as good as that.

It's the equivalent of watching Artax die in the Swamps of Sadness again. NOOOO!

2009-02-26T01:56:00.003-06:00

Dear Hollywood,

Please stay the hell away from one of my favorite movies as a child AND an adult.
Thank You.

Here's the depressing "news":
The Neverending Story to be remade

Chavez - Break Up Your Band

2009-02-26T01:23:00.003-06:00

I first heard Chavez when I visited my friend Dave in Chicago back in 2004. I was amazed how I hadn't heard them when they were active.
Fast forward to '07 when I'm in a sketch class at the Upright Citizens Brigade training center with John Frusciante (not the one you're thinking of). He was wearing a Chavez shirt and it reminded me how much I liked them when I heard them years earlier. After that class I went out and got Better Days Will Haunt You and loved it. It's appropriate John's Blog is named Break Up Your Band (a Chavez song). Thank You, John!

Here are some videos from Chavez.

This is one of my favorite videos. Probably in my Top 25. It's so weird and funny.
Break Up Your Band

and another video.
Unreal is Here

New Depeche Mode!

2009-02-25T14:52:00.002-06:00

Can't say I'm in love with the song, but I really enjoyed the video for it!
Depeche Mode - "Wrong" (official music video)

I'm eager to hear the rest of the album.

Eastbound and Down

2009-02-25T14:06:00.004-06:00

First episode was funny, but the second episode was hilarious. Check it out. Sunday nights on HBO.

The Smiths- I Started Something I Couldn't Finish

2009-02-25T02:23:00.003-06:00

Happens more often than not

She's Lost Control

2009-02-25T01:02:00.002-06:00

I used to love watching Girls Against Boys live. One of my favorite covers ever.

To Hell With Good Intentions

2009-02-25T00:58:00.003-06:00

Not really a video, but one of my favorite songs from the band McClusky.

"My love is bigger than your love. We take more drugs than a touring funk band. SIng it"

I Was A Teenage Werewolf

2009-02-23T14:38:00.002-06:00

Lady M brought up The Cramps while talking to her online last night. Made me want to post this

Drop Nineteens- Winona

2009-02-23T14:17:00.002-06:00

Anyone remember the Drop Nineteens? Here's "Winona" (appropriate I like this song, eh?)

Mmmmm, doesn't that just leave an aftertaste of a strong bittersweet early 90's?
Oh how I love and miss that little 120 Minutes tag.

Hero High

2009-02-23T13:12:00.003-06:00

There are so many things I HATE and love about this show/clip.
This is the type of stuff I want to make dark parodies of.

Patton Oswalt Delivers The Awesome Again

2009-02-22T19:21:00.001-06:00

Plumbrick for Poet Laureate

Plumbrick for Poet Laureate - watch more funny videos

(Directed by UCB's Eric Appel. He is also awesome)

Bloggas Be Singl-in'! Am I right, folks?

2009-02-19T02:11:00.003-06:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was featured in the Time Out New York feature of "Date These New Yorkers". Monday they held a mixer for people who were in the issue and for some of their readers.

There I met 3 very kickass and lovely ladies who were also featured in the issue. We hung out and had a lot of fun.

They have a blog dedicated to talking about their experiences with this whole craziness and have asked me to contribute my stories. If you feel like keeping up on it, you can find it here at
Singled Out NYC

The response from this whole thing has been very strange and foreign to me, but I'm sure I'll have some good stories from it (It's inevitable. Those who know me know this).

Veruca Salt

2009-02-18T04:16:00.005-06:00

It's a good thing Matt Pinfield wasn't at the Time Out New York party the other night because I totally would have geeked out and thanked him for the years that 120 Minutes meant SO much to my life.

Tonight while walking home Veruca Salt came on my random play and it made me realize how much I really miss what this band was.

I had the HUGEST crush on Louise Post

Here's a 120 Minutes peformance of Seether (the actual video cannot be imbedded thanks to the soulless bastards at Universal).

and Volcano Girls (via daily motion)

Veruca Salt - Volcano Girls
Uploaded by UniversalMusicGroup

After Nina Gordon left it just wasn't the same. I tried and tried to like them and even saw them with the "new" line-up when I was still in Texas, but it just depressed me.

American Thighs and Eight Arms To Hold You are still albums Iisten to.
The Blow It Out Your Ass, it's Veruca Salt EP is great too

Come back, Veruca Salt. The Veruca Salt I know and love!

In Semi-honor of Valentines Day

2009-02-14T03:11:00.003-06:00

Let me say this...
Single or Taken, I have ALWAYS hated Valentines Day with an absolute passion (pun not intended). It's a completely stupid and insane holiday that causes more trouble than it does good. Die, Valentines Day. Die!

Regardless, here's Hüsker Dü- Could You Be The One?. Why? Because it's one of the best songs ever written.

and some My Bloody Valentine for good measure
(LAME! YouTube doesn't have the video anymore because of copyright violation. Here's a Myspace embed)
My Bloody Valentine - Only Shallow

Be My Valentine, ya goon!

Röyksopp - What Else Is There?

2009-02-14T03:03:00.002-06:00

I know this video is a few years old, but I watched it again tonight. It's weird and has such a dark and creepy feel to it. It's great.
Röyksopp - What Else Is There?
THIS is the better quality video, but for the sake of embedding (since they disabled it), I'll use this one...

If you think that voice sounds familiar, you would be correct. It's Karin Dreijer of The Knife.

Bluvband is A-Rod

2009-02-13T02:48:00.002-06:00

It's a known fact...
When Dave Bluvband (a dear friend and teammate) enters your life, you will fall in love and happiness will forever consume you! Try and resist, America!
Dave Bluvband as A-Rod!

Bluvband= Magic

Kittens!

2009-02-12T18:34:00.002-06:00

This little girl is funnier than ANYONE I have EVER met. Sorry. Let that sink in, though. I still love you.

courtesy of Katey Heazy

Time Out New York

2009-02-11T14:27:00.005-06:00

I'm in the new "Date These New Yorkers" section of Time Out New York.

It sucks they made a typo in my thing. Now NY is going to think I have terrible grammar (rather than just the people who read my blog).

My friend and fellow lover of all great music, DC, is in it too! DC's profile (This dude is awesome, ladies! Seriously. Date the shit outta him!)

NOOOOOOOOO! Why must I be poor?!

2009-02-11T02:45:00.003-06:00

I got an e-mail saying that PJ Harvey is playing The Fillmore At Irving Plaza here on March 26th.
DAMMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT!!!
Why must I be punished and mocked!!! Why must I be poor NOW?!

Here's the e-mail:
We are happy to announce that Polly & John will make a whirlwind visit to the States in March ahead of their album release. They will perform at SXSW in Austin, Texas on Saturday, March 21st. Next stop will be an intimate show at LA's El Rey Theatre on Monday March 23rd before heading to New York for a show at The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza on Thursday March 26th. Polly and John will perform songs from their forthcoming album as well as their first collaboration, 1996's Dance Hall At Louse Point. They will be backed by a band that comprises of Eric Drew Feldman, Jean Marc Butty and Giovanni Ferrario. Tickets for the LA & New York shows go on-sale this Saturday, February 14th and are available from the following outlets:

El Rey – LA, March 23rd
Tickets available on-line at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 213-480-3232. Tickets will also be available at The Henry Fonda box office which is open Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm.

The Fillmore At Irving Plaza- New York, March 26th
Tickets available online at www.livenation.com or by calling 877.598.8694. Ticket will also be available at The Fillmore New York At Irving Plaza box office which is open Monday-Friday, 12pm-6:30pm and Saturday, 1pm-4pm. For information, call 212.777.6800

Maaaaaaaaan. Come on!

Just Because

2009-02-10T12:47:00.002-06:00

Because it just made me laugh (yes, I'm turning into a Mom sending "cute" cat forwards).

courtesy of Birch.

Kim & Jessie

2009-02-10T01:45:00.002-06:00

M83's Kim & Jessie was in my top favorite songs of '08.

Listening to M83, especially this song, makes me think I'm in some unreleased Jon Hughes film (or listening to some unreleased project by Tangerine Dream). You guys have had that feeling too, I'm sure. Don't act like you haven't!

I came across the video today and it only pushed those feelings further.

I'm a sucker for this kind of shit.

Sickness, Eastwood and some Space Mutiny!

2009-02-09T17:49:00.005-06:00

I've been super sick since about Friday. I performed on Saturday night, which was probably a mistake. I don't remember too much of it, but I remember feeling like someone had their hands over my ears and it felt like like I wasn't actually there. I was told I had a good show. Go figure. Maybe I should be out of it more often, eh?

Anyway, looks like the sickness has spread because my friend/roommate/teammate Bryce seems to have the illness now. It sucks, but the upside of that is it got me out of the apartment today so I could pick up some stuff for him. When I got back, Bryce told me he had a screener copy of Gran Torino.

I had wanted to see this film for a while, but people had either seen it or had NO interest in seeing it.

I really liked it. Come on. Eastwood being bitter and pointing guns at gang members? Yeah, that's going to be satisfying. I'm making it sound like that's all it is, but it's one element of the movie that you can't help but squeal with glee about.

During my sick time I've also been watching a lot of MST3K.

Thanks to some great folks on the internet, you can pretty much find and download EVERY episode. I'm downloading them chunks at a time and in random order.

My favorite MST3K episode would go back and forth between Mitchell or Pod People, but my new favorite has to be SPACE MUTINY! Dear Lord. This film was MADE for the MST3K folks. It's so good.

Here's a clip of some lines someone posted up on YouTube. I laughed so hard starting at :49 seconds when they make fun of his "Woo!". Plus the actor's yell and then disinterest at 4:02 is hilarious.

Yes. I am a nerd.

This Fall...More money down the drain!

2009-02-08T22:57:00.005-06:00

NEW GHOSTBUSTERS ACTION FIGURES!!!

I'll have a job by Fall, right?! RIGHT?!

Thanks to Steve for the heads up!

New Metric

2009-02-08T22:39:00.006-06:00

OK...not SO new, but I'l really diggin' the new Metric single "Help, I'm Alive".
I've uploaded it here:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/zqqzkt

Enjoy

Some YouTube stuff

2009-02-05T14:36:00.004-06:00

Some older friends of mine recently brought this show up:

Why was I not alive or a child when this was on? i feel robbed!

Also, Veronica showed me this:

OK, granted it's a little messed up given it was about a murder, but...HOW CAN YOU NOT LAUGH AT THAT PICTURE?!
I have a very similar picture on my acoustic guitar. Some of you have seen it.

Groundhog Day: Horror Recut

2009-02-03T02:05:00.001-06:00

Saw this on Steve's blog and loved it.

Some trailer "recuts" are bad, but I really liked this one.

SOCK! On YouTube

2009-02-02T22:54:00.004-06:00

For those of you who didn't make it out for the puppet improv show, SOCK, I was a part of the other night (I won't hold it against you, the SUPER BOWL was the same night. Although, I don't recall any of my friends giving a shit about it), Mike Short has posted it up on YouTube in 3 parts.
The show was SOLD OUT, which was great! The audience was fantastic. Hopefully we'll get a run (then maybe some of you can make it out future shows...right?)

Here's the show we did at The Magnet Theater on Feb.1st, 2009. Cast is:Corrine Allarde, Frank Hejl, Lauren Lapkus, Louie Pearlman, Jennifer Sanders, Michael Short, and John Robert Wilson. Directed by Amey Goerlich.

For someone who can't afford to eat, I look like I've gotten chunky. Dayum, girrrrl!

I could have done a better, but it was still a lot of fun!

The State!!!

2009-02-02T16:49:00.003-06:00

I REALLY wish I could have been at the San Francisco sketchfest to have seen The State perform. All 11 members were there and performed new material.

I'm hoping they do this in NY since now they've done it in LA and SF. I mean, they have to right? They got their start here!

And what's MTV's deal with sitting on a FINISHED DVD set?

I miss The State. Yes. I own bootleg copies of all the episodes, but it'd be nice to see reruns on MTV or Comedy Central.

20 Baffling Foreign Movie Posters

2009-02-02T16:18:00.004-06:00

From Cracked.com: Lost In Translation: 20 Baffling Foreign Movie Posters.

This stuff is great. Check it out.

Here are a few of my favorites:

This poster is from Ghostbusters

Weekend At Bernies

Joey makes a great point! GBV- Alien Lanes

2009-02-01T13:57:00.003-06:00

Just as my friend Joey pointed out in that last post, not only is Game of Pricks a great song but the whole album of Alien Lanes by Guided By Voices is extremely superb!

Give it a spin, friends. I know you'll enjoy it.

Shocker In Gloomtown

2009-02-01T03:05:00.004-06:00

I love how Guided By Voices make an appearance in this video (since it's a cover of their song)...

...and also seeing that 120 Minutes graphic and how Sonic Youth's Bull In The Heather kind of bleeds into the end of that video! Gives me a warm giddy feeling!

On the subject of Guided By Voices, Game of Pricks is one of the greatest songs of ALL TIME. It's probably on my list of "Perfect Songs".

And just for shits'n'gigs
The Breeders- Saints

"Slayer" - Giant Drag

2009-01-27T00:12:00.002-06:00

My friend (and teammate) Dave Bluvband posted one of those iTunes surveys on Facebook. Thanks to my boredom and curiosity, I did it. Some of the results were pretty funny. I SWEAR I did NOT cheat on this. Here it is:

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Put your iPod or other music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the NEXT button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got this from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
"The Sky Opened Wide With the Tide'"- The Blow

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
"One Day"- Bjork

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"Dark Star"- Beck

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
"The Cannonball Shot"- Centro-Matic

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"Filler is Wasted"- Snowden

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Absolutely Cuckoo"- The Magnetic Fields

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?
"Running"- Menomena

WHAT IS 2+2?
"Jahovah's Witness"-Eels

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
"Surface Scratch"-Calla

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
"Fripp"- Catherine Wheel

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Dancing in the Moonlight"- Smashing Pumpkins

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Don't Cry"- Guns N' Roses

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"Saccharine"- Catherine Wheel

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"Little Dipper"- Hum

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"Rental Sting"- Archers of Loaf

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
"Finger Lickin' Good"- Beastie Boys

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Amitriptyline"- John Vanderslice

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"Mr.Self Destruct"- Nine Inch Nails

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
"Between the Bars"- Elliott Smith

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
"Radio Free Europe"- R.E.M

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
"Evil"- Ladytron

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
"Obstacle 1"- Interpol

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
"Don't Believe The Hype"- Public Enemy

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
"Bad Scene, Everyone's Fault"- Jawbreaker

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
"Julia"- The Beatles

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
"The Employment Pages"- Death Cab For Cutie

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
"Heartbeat"- Hooverphonic

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
"Know That"- Mos Def

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
"Slayer” - Giant Drag

Wooden Birds

2009-01-26T22:41:00.003-06:00

OK, I know this is the second Pitchfork-centric post of the day, but THIS news excites me.

I think American Analog Set is fantastic and was bummed they broke up. Good to know Andrew Kenny is still making music. Ola Podrida ain't that bad either!

Can't wait to hear Wooden Birds.

If you don't have it, Andrew Kenny's "Church Mouse in the Church House" is a great song on the Ben Gibbard/Andrew Kenny split Home: Volume V

I have uploaded it to Sendspace since the YouTube clip I found is kind of a poor quality live video of the song.

Link Below:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/jqd7dn

Polly Jean Harvey, if you please

2009-01-26T22:10:00.003-06:00

I love PJ Harvey. I just read THIS over at Pitchfork.

I'd love to hear that score she did for that Broadway play and you better believe I'd be at a comedy/music show that PJ Harvey puts together!

Meet Ze Monsta (live)

The Anniversary - Designing A Nervous Breakdown

2009-01-26T19:10:00.003-06:00

I haven't listened to Designing A Nervous Breakdown by The Anniversary in ages, but for some reason I remembered how much I loved the song "All Things Ordinary" my freshman year of college and gave it another spin. I remember going to a Dashboard Confessional show JUST to see The Anniversary. When Dashboard came on, I remember giving the finger and leaving. Oooooh! So rebellious! I totally showed that Chris Carrabba, fella! Dasboard would get their revenge a few years later at Austic City Limits when I stayed in one spot close to the stage for about 6 hours, dehydrated and miserable, just waiting to see the Pixies. The band right before them? Yep, Dashboard Confessional. NOOOOOO! I had to sit through that shitty set and screaming girls ( ages 12-22. Trust me on this number). But once the Pixies came on, all was better!

Anyway, I got off topic a bit. I loved Designing A Nervous Breakdown and remember liking Your Majesty just alright. I'm a sucker for Moog! I wish I had a Moog and could start a band much like the heyday of groups like That Dog, The Rentals, etc.

I found the video for All Things Ordinary and while I can see that they were going for some kind of Pavement-like goofy video vibe, I can't say it's much of a winner, but it's still a great song. Enjoy

Wunder Boner!

2009-01-26T02:59:00.002-06:00

I saw this on my friend Sunny's blog and HAD to share.

I'm certain this a hot seller back home.

UPCOMING SHOWS!

2009-01-25T14:24:00.001-06:00

I have a few shows coming up with my team Iron Ruckus as well as a few shows with the new puppet improv group SOCK! and a few 501 class shows.

Details are below:

Iron Ruckus: TONIGHT (Sunday Jan.25th) @ Browdway Comedy Club (318 W.53rd St.) as part of the Postfontaine show. Show starts at8:30pm. $5
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127413395536

SOCK!: Sunday February 1st @ The Magnet Theater (254 W 29th St). Show starts at 8pm. $5
http://magnettheater.com/shows.html

Iron Rukcus: Saturday February 7th at Parkside Lounge (317 East Houston st. Houston btwn B&C) as part of the Roid Rage show. Show starts at 9pm.

New Team Harold (Anthony King's 501 class): Tuesday February 17th at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (307 West 26th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue). Show starts at 6:30pm. $5. FREE for UCB Improv students.

SOCK!: Saturday Feb 21st at The Red Room Show (85 East 4th Street
3rd floor) as part of the LD and the Scientists. Show starts at 10:30pm.

New Team Harold (Anthony King's 501 class): Tuesday March 17th at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (307 West 26th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue). Show starts at 6:30pm. $5 FREE for UCB Improv students

More to come!

Nada Surf- Weightless

2009-01-23T00:00:00.002-06:00

I forgot to post about this a while back, but Nada Surf held this contest for people to make a video for their single "Weightless" and one of my friends from college, Jessica Hanby, was in/part of the winning video!
Check it out (in high quality is better)!

What's awesome is it was shot in Denton (where I went to college) and near Dallas. So a lot of the places were very familiar to me. It almost makes me a bit nostalgic. There's something weird about seeing Hailey's at the end of the video. I remember going there on Thursday nights sometimes for"80's Night". It was (and I assume still is) a big deal for a lot of people in Denton ( I was more of a Rubber Gloves attendee, though). I never danced at them, I just liked going to see friends and drinking. But there was always some sort of bittersweet feeling going to Hailey's, which combined with the song and the shots of that video triggered some memories that came flooding back to me. Mainly reminding me of my time right before I moved up here (which I forgot, yesterday, was two years ago). It reminded me of parties at the Yellow House, drinkin' wine with friends in the graveyard at 1am, going to Taco Cabana when you're way too drunk, my roomates practicing for a show in our back room at our house on Thomas St. Good times!

But yeah, I was happy they won, the video looks awesome and it's great to see my old stomping grounds!

And yes, Nada Surf IS still around. They're great live too. You should check out their albums The Proximity Effect and Let Go. Those are my personal favorites (yes, along with High/Low that had the song "Popular" on it).

Another reason a disposable income would be super awesome right now

2009-01-22T23:49:00.003-06:00

The complete series of The Wire was 67% off for 24 Hours on Amazon today, or rather yesterday. Boooo! Hissss!
Why must I be denied happiness?!

Ha! Don't you love how I went from complaining about not being able to make rent to complaining about DVDs?!

That's just my style though, ladies!

Pardon This Noose

2009-01-21T03:46:00.004-06:00

Before the holidays I was very very close to a complete breakdown. Things were pretty bleak. I understand I have it better than a LOT of people, but it's been one of the hardest and most difficult times of my life. Unemployed with no money to collect, I felt artistically drained and unfunny and I felt I had nothing to give as far as any love life was concerned.

Then I went to Texas to visit family and friends during Christmas and it recharged me. It made me feel good. When I came back, I was ready to take things on again and start fresh.

Now it's been a few weeks into the new year and I feel like I'm heading down that path again. I've applied to about 30+ jobs in the past month and haven't heard back from one. Even temp agencies aren't giving me the time of day. On top of that my writing has suffered and is barely there and I have yet to do an improv performance that I am happy with (at least with my personal performance). And as for love life...it's a mess still. That's not to say I don't have opportunities, because they're there, I just can't seem to handle it. It's just hard since money is a big factor in it. People constantly tell me, "well, then just do free stuff!". That might be fine for a few times, but we all know that doesn't last. No matter who says it doesn't matter, it becomes an issue. Money does that and it plays a big role in dating. The money I have has to be saved for rent, bills, practice groups and food. Though, I have been terrible with how I spend it when drinking. Thankfully I don't usually spend more than $15 or $20 thanks to the kindness of McManus!

This past week I've been back to being really down. I lie awake thinking about my ever growing debt and how I'll pay off the next month's rent. I fantasize about unrealistic situations in which I come into a large amount of money. Why can't a man in a top hat and hot air balloon come down and declare me King of Awesomeshit and reward me with 100 Million dollars?!

I try again and again to put on a smile and get out of the funk but it's hard when it consumes you at every turn. It's hard to get out of that ditch when you constantly realize you're still digging and sinking faster than you can process.

Something's gotta happen soon. I can't continue to live this way.

Music, y'all

2009-01-18T01:01:00.004-06:00

I'm supposed to not like this band since some friends of mine in Nashville had some kind of dislike for them since they kind of came out of nowhere in the music scene and sort of blew up, while they (my friends band) played and played and played and released 2 albums and 2 EPS and got little to no attention. But hot dayum if this song ain't catchy as hell. I can't get it out of my head (not an ELO reference)!
Be Your Own Pet- Becky

Also, I've been loving the new Oasis record, "Dig Out Your Soul". my friend Brett swore up and down it was a great record, but I was hesitant to believe it since I haven't enjoyed a FULL Oasis record since "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?". But, I downloaded it (yes, download. My ass is unemployed, OK?!) and I think it's great. It really is their best album since "Morning Glory". Terrible cover though.

Here's one of the singles from the new album,"The Shock of the Lightning".

Also, I've been rockin' this old favorite...
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion- Talk About The Blues

Does the presence of my sweet sweet lovely future ex Winona Ryder help? Possibly. But it's a damn great song and cool video!

And for old times sake some "Speed Demon" from Michael Jackson! I used to watch the shit out of "Moonwalker" as a kid. This video is from it. I wanted to be the Michael Jackson rabbit.

Gimme Gimme!

2009-01-16T19:29:00.004-06:00

Wanna be by BFF and secret lovah forevs? BUY ME THIS SHIRT (distressed)!

Hellz yeah, Creepshow!

Girls Against Boys- Venus Luxure No.1 Baby

2009-01-16T19:07:00.004-06:00

Magnet magazine features one of my favorite albums of all time in their Classic Alternative "series".

In my opinion, it's GVSB's best album. They lost their way a bit with their major label offering Freak*On*Ica, and even their return to the indies, You Can't Fight What You Can't See, didn't really do it for me. But damn do I love me some Venus Luxure and Cruise Yourself. I used to LOVE seeing this band live. I came in a bit late since my first time seeing them was opening up for Garbage before Freak*On*Ica came out. But I became a fan instantly and bought all their releases and saw whatever show I could when they toured through.

About a year ago they played Venus Luxure in its entirety as part of the Don't Look Back series. They only played it in Chicago, NY and LA. I was thrilled I was in NY to witness it. It's still one of my favorite live shows I've seen.

They're pretty dormant now. I'd love to see another album from them and see them play some shows. They still do in Europe (for some odd reason), but if they do start playing again here, you better believe I'll be at those shows!

Aziz Hearts Mac and Me

2009-01-15T14:31:00.003-06:00

Aziz Ansari has posted a special tribute to the godawful E.T. ripoff Mac and Me over at Ain't It Cool News!
Check it out. I don't even really have to tell you since Ansari always delivers the goods.

I remember watching Mac and Me as a kid with my family and us collectively scoffing at how blatant a rip off of E.T. it was and how shameless the product placement was. Also, even at a young age, I remember cringing during tha whole McDonald's dance scene. *shudder*

I love how Paul Rudd always shows this clip from the movie every time he goes on Conan.

Andy Richter Controls the Universe and Look Around You!

2009-01-14T23:09:00.004-06:00

Andy Richter Controls the Universe is finally coming out on DVD!

In other news, one of my favorite shows from the UK will be shown here in the US starting THIS Sunday (Or rather Monday morning) on Adult Swim! It's called Look Around You and it's pretty damn funny. Check it out.

Some youTube clippage:

The Episode Ghosts

The episode Music

2009-01-14T05:21:00.001-06:00

God, I LOVE Everything Is Terrible! Best blog ever!

This is from one of their most recent postings