Covering the crossroads of music and film.
LISTS
Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!, The Movie
By Jim Shearer on 04/30/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, LISTSEven though a Mike Tyson documentary, Tyson, was just released last week, and Jamie Foxx is currently promoting his film, The Soloist, there is already talk of the multi-faceted actor portraying Iron Mike in an upcoming biopic. MORE »
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LISTS: 10 Coolest Couples In Music
By Jim Shearer on 04/23/2009
Filed under: LISTS
Spring is in the air! Put away those winter coats, because the birds are tweeting, the flowers are blooming, and people are falling in love. MORE »
LISTS: Best Uniforms In Music
By Jim Shearer on 04/14/2009
Filed under: LISTS
I love uniforms--doesn't matter if we're talkin' school, work, or sports! Go ahead, ask any of my friends and they'll tell you that not only have I saved every uniform from every fast food place where I've worked, but at the beginning of every sports season I can tell you what stripe, outline, or font has been changed on a team's uniform (and, yes, I think Uni Watch is one brilliant idea for a blog). MORE »
LISTS: Top 10 Nirvana Moments
By Jim Shearer on 04/08/2009
Filed under: LISTS
Fifteen years ago today, with a suicide note and a shotgun by his side, Kurt Cobain's dead body was found in his Seattle home. A coroner's report suggested that Cobain had taken his life a few days earlier--probably on April 5. At the age of 27 Cobain had musically achieved beyond his wildest dreams (do you think a chain-smoking janitor really thought he'd ever be called the "voice of a generation"?). The Nirvana frontman would have gone on to accomplish more, but how much more, we'll never know. MORE »
LISTS: Top 10 Baby Album Covers
By Jim Shearer on 03/25/2009
Filed under: LISTSLast month, when Morrissey released his new album, Years of Refusal--featuring a picture of him toting a toddler under his arm--a few blog postings popped up on the internet recalling other musical artists that have used infant children as cover babies for their album. I also came across this list recently, which features just about everyone you can think of. MORE »
LISTS: Best Music Scenes In Film
By Jim Shearer on 03/12/2009
Filed under: LISTS
I know I keep harping on it, but I loved the film The Wrestler. I've been a fan of professional wrestling ever since I was a child--and for a short stint I also did some announcing work for an independent wrestling circuit--so I can tell you that The Wrestler is as authentic of a wrestling movie as you're going to get. MORE »
LISTS: The Great & Potentially Great Rock Star Bands
By Jim Shearer on 03/06/2009
Filed under: LISTS
Rock Stars--if they're not already--should be placed on the endangered species list. In 2009, we speak of them in the past tense. It has been so long since we've had a Rock Star, we don't even know what a real one is anymore. MORE »
LISTS: Fat Tuesday's Top 10 Fat People In Music
By Jim Shearer on 02/24/2009
Filed under: LISTS
In honor of Fat Tuesday (see also: Mardi Grad, Carnival, Shrove Tuesday), I've decided to compile a list of the Top 10 Fat People in Music. Before you cite me for a politically incorrect party foul, let it be known that I am not making fun of the following artists. It should also be pointed out that most of the artists making today's list are not ashamed--and are even proud--of carrying around a few extra pounds. MORE »
Springsteen's Super Bowl Playlist
By Jim Shearer on 01/30/2009
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, LISTSEven if you're not into sports, I'm sure you're well aware of the fact that Super Bowl Sunday is only a couple days away. Sports-minded or not, I'm sure there's a good chance you'll be dipping into a bowl of spinach & artichoke dip at a party centered around the big game. If you don't know, (my hometown!) Pittsburgh Steelers will be facing off against the Arizona Cardinals. (left: The Boss gets ready to rock a Super-Bowl-sized Super Bowl crowd this Sunday.) Not into the teams? How 'bout the halftime show then? Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band... MORE »
LISTS: Rotoscope Favorites
By Jim Shearer on 01/26/2009
Filed under: LISTSIf you've listened to the radio at all during the last month you probably noticed that Kanye West is riding high on the latest single from his 808s & Heartbreak album, "Heartless." And, if you've spent any time in front of a computer screen during the last couple of months, there's a good chance you've seen his brightly colored, Hype Williams directed video for the song. (left: Kanye West's rotoscoped alter ego.) "Heartless" uses rotoscope animation, a technique performed by animators in which they trace--frame by frame--over live-action film movement. You've seen it in movies (Waking Life), you've seen... MORE »
My 10 Favorite Albums of 2008
By Jim Shearer on 12/29/2008
Filed under: '08 WAS GREAT!, LISTSThe following is not a list of the Top-10 Albums of the Year (c'mon, I'm one man, who am I to say if these are the best albums of 2008?), instead, this is simply a list of my Top-10 favorite albums of the year: 10. Girl Talk, Feed The Animals Yes, he's just a mash-up artist, and what can a mash-up artist do besides layer acapellas over well-known instrumentals? Well, if you're Girl Talk you take hundreds and hundreds of not just instrumentals, but bleeps, breaks, and beats and masterfully intertwine them with the naughtiest dirty south rap lyrics you... MORE »
IT'S LIKE THAT: Songs with St-St-Stutters
By Jim Shearer on 12/12/2008
Filed under: IT'S LIKE THAT, LISTSBritney Spears' name is not one we bring up often here on the Indie Ear, but I'm not going to lie to you, it does happen from time to time. So if you're against such things, go to your other 5,000 favorite indie music blogs and catch up on all of your favorite redundantly named bands. Anyway, here goes: Right now, I'm going to tell you why I like Britney Spears' current single, "Womanizer" (and before you throw stones, just to listen to me for a second). I like the song, because, it gave me an epiphany. You heard... MORE »
iTunes' Indie Ear
By Jim Shearer on 12/03/2008
Filed under: LISTS, NEWSThought you might find this interesting... iTunes Indie Spotlight series recently named their best albums of 2008. Apparently, the list is not in any particular order, although iTunes did mention in an intro paragraph that The Morning Benders' Talking Through Tin Cans (left) "made the biggest impression on us." The Morning Benders, Talking Through Tin Cans Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend Of Montreal, Skeletal Lamping Foals, Antidotes Port O' Brien, All We Could Do Was Sing Black Mountain, In The Future Sigur Ros, Med sud I eyrum vid spillum endalaust TV On The Radio, Dear Science Blitzen Trapp, Furr Miles... MORE »
Let's Watch Some Political Music Videos...
By Jim Shearer on 10/15/2008
Filed under: LISTS, VIDEO BLOGWhat better way to gear up for the big presidential election happening in just a few weeks, than by watching some politically charged music videos? Well, come to think of it, there are many better ways to gear up for an election (register to vote, educate yourself on the issues, persuade your lazy friends to get out to the polls, etc.). However, if you're sitting in front of your computer today and want to watch some quality music videos chock full of of political empowerment, then I suggest the following: Note: Notice how I didn't call the below list... MORE »
Top 20 Albums of 2008 (as of Today)...
By Jim Shearer on 10/09/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, LISTSAs 2008 winds down (let's face it people, we're approaching mid-October already), critics, bloggers, and journalists are slowly starting to think about their best-of, year-end lists. One man, however, doesn't have to begin assembling his Top-20 Albums of 2008 list, because he's been doing it all year long. Say hello to Dave Powers of New Music Nation. (left: NMN's Dave Powers is already 20 steps ahead of you.) Amazingly, he listens to most of the music released throughout the calendar year and critically racks his brain with an intricate grading/scoring system that could make the folks at Pitchfork Media... MORE »
How Well Do You Know Your Black?
By Jim Shearer on 10/02/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, LISTSBlack and music go together like ebony and ivory. No matter the time period or genre, there will always be songs, artists, and band-names shouting out what seems to be the choice color in music. Johnny Cash was the "Man In Black," AC/DC was "Back In Black," Metallica was known to "Fade to Black," and one of the most famous "black" groups of all-time, Black Sabbath, introduced heavy metal to the masses, whose followers wear nothing but black. Hip-Hop also has its share of "black." Mos Def dabbled in Black Star and Black Jack Johnson, and who can forget... MORE »
10 Reasons Why Murs Should Be President
By Jim Shearer on 10/01/2008
Filed under: LISTSYesterday, underground hip-hop fave Murs, released his brand new album titled, Murs For President. After thinking about it for a second, it doesn't seem like such a bad idea after all. Here are 10 reasons why I think Murs would do al'ight in the Oval Office: 10. Murs' State of The Nation addresses would be done in 16-bar freestyles. Who wouldn't tune in for that?! 9. Murs can skateboard. When was the last time you saw John McCain or Barak Obama pop an ollie? 8. John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, played in her high school's state basketball finals... MORE »
LISTS: Greatest Pro Wrestling Theme Songs
By Jim Shearer on 08/29/2008
Filed under: LISTSEvery professional wrestler these days--from champion to jobber--walks down the aisle with his or her theme music pumping through the P.A. speakers, but it wasn't all that long ago when wrestlers entered the ring in complete silence. It's a little unclear who was actually the first wrestler to have musical accompaniment for their walk to the squared circle. Some have cited 1950's wrestler, Glen Stride, as being the first. Some give the distinction to fellow 50's wrestler, Gorgeous George, who flamboyantly paraded down the aisle to the sounds of "Pomp and Circumstance." Sgt. Slaughter may take credit for it, coming... MORE »
IFC LIST MONTH: 50 Bands Your Kids Should Know (25-1)
By Jim Shearer on 07/31/2008
Filed under: LISTSâ†Back to Numbers 26 through 50 25. Buddy Holly Though his career didn't last for long, Buddy Holly left an indelible mark on rock music. For starters, he took something rather nerdy--a pair of black-rimmed glasses--and turned them into a legendary rock and roll accessory. You won't hear any arguments from Donnie Iris, Elvis Costello, or Rivers Cuomo. He also was one of the first artists to get experimental in the studio, introducing overdubbing into his recordings (a technique that uses various vocal takes, simultaneously, to add emphasis to certain parts of a song--which is now a staple in... MORE »
IFC LIST MONTH: 50 Bands Your Kids Should Know (50-25)
By Jim Shearer on 07/30/2008
Filed under: LISTSBeing a good parent means showering your children with lots of love and affection, feeding them nutritional meals, getting them into the best schools, and of course, teaching them the difference between good music and bad music. That's why it's so confusing when many parents expose their kids to singing dinosaurs, high school musicals, and teenage pop tarts named after states, instead of starting them off with an early education on some of the most important bands and solo artists of our time. Below are 50 Bands Your Kids Should Know. If they know about these 50 performers, not... MORE »
IFC LIST MONTH: 10 Best Logos In Music History
By Jim Shearer on 07/28/2008
Filed under: LISTSIf you haven't noticed, it's List Month on IFC.com, a brand new list every weekday in July. I wasn't scheduled to make a list today, but I guess I'm so caught up in the madness, I created one anyway. That's right, it's unsanctioned! Think of this as an appetizer for the 50 Bands Your Kids Should Know list which will be posted later this week. For your list viewing pleasure, an idea that randomly came to me last night, here are the 10 Best Logos In the History of Music:... MORE »
Pitchfork 2008...Best of the Rest!
By Jim Shearer on 07/21/2008
Filed under: IT'S LIKE THAT, LISTSBIGGEST WASTE OF WATER AWARD In the age of bottled-water, this may seem a little disgusting, but the Pitchfork Festival had some fountains cranking out some good 'ol Chicago tap water (which was mighty good). For some reason, this particular faucet wouldn't shut off. Because I'm down with a little water conservation every now and then, I tried my best to stop this fountain from running. The water fountain won. DOWN FOR THE CAUSE AWARD On a 90-degree day with the sun beating down on festival goers, this fan of Ghostface Killah & Raekwon braved it all and wore... MORE »
IFC LIST MONTH: Top 20 Musical Moments in Politics (11-20)
By Jim Shearer on 07/15/2008
Filed under: LISTS11. Green Party with Ralph Nader (2000) How many times has Ralph Nader run for President of the U.S.A.? How many times has he lost? Alright, so he's never won--big deal. But, how many presidential candidates had Pearl Jam, Ani DiFranco and Ben Harper together on the same bill for a campaign concert? How many candidates had Adrock of the Beastie Boys remix a campaign speech? One. Ralph Nader. Proving once again, that they're ain't no party like a Ralph Nader party! (left: "Yo, you need someone to lay down a dope freestyle? Here, pass me the microphone.")... MORE »
IFC LIST MONTH: Best Vowel-less Groups in Music
By Jim Shearer on 07/07/2008
Filed under: LISTSThe idea for this list came to me after watching an episode of Wheel of Fortune where contestants were buying vowels at will. As Vanna White tapped the glowing letterboxes, I thought to myself, "What if vowels didn't exist?" (left: Wait, what? I'm not allowed to buy a vowel?) How would society, or music for that matter, survive without the A,E,I,O, or U? Where would The Ramones be--whose signature hooks relied on long vowel sounds--without the freedom of using a few choice A, E, or O's? Pronouncing band names like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, or Led Zeppelin, would... MORE »
What City Are You From Anyway?
By Jim Shearer on 07/03/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, LISTSBack in the day, a band usually only included the name of a city in its name if they had roots in that city. For example, the band Chicago formed in, Chicago, and though Tom Scholz was born in Toledo, his band Boston originated in, you guessed it, Boston. (left: "I'm From Barcelona...psych!") These days, bands don't need to have an allegiance to a particular city to name themselves after it. Do you know where the following indie bands really come from? 1. What Made Milwaukee Famous ____ 2. Of Montreal ____ 3. I'm From Barcelona ____ A. Jonkoping,... MORE »
IFC LIST MONTH: Best "Man" Songs
By Jim Shearer on 07/03/2008
Filed under: LISTSWe are in the midst of another "man" summer, with Iron Man cleaning up at the box office and The Dark Knight (aka Batman) soon to follow. The mans, or I guess I should say the men mentioned above got me thinking about superhero names. I always appreciated how easy it was to dole them out--you simply take the hero's most notable attribute and attach the word "man" on the end (Iron Man, Batman, Spider-Man, Superman, etc.). Growing up, I soon realized it was just as easy for a band to do the same with a song, in fact,... MORE »
How To Save The Music Industry, Steps 1-11
By Jim Shearer on 07/02/2008
Filed under: HOW TO SAVE THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, LISTSIt's no secret that the music industry is in big trouble. With CD sales tanking, record labels downsizing, and less and less high profile rock stars to fill arena seats, it's becoming more difficult to achieve music's version of the American Dream. (left: William Schintziss, the man who can save music!) Fortunately for us, there are visionaries like William Schintziss (brother of famed record label mogul, Robert Schintziss). While attending one of his seminars this past weekend at the Expo Mart, Schintziss laid out his first 11 steps to help save the music industry. Apparently the next 310 steps... MORE »
My First Official Mix-Disc of the Year
By Jim Shearer on 06/13/2008
Filed under: IT'S LIKE THAT, LISTSAt least a couple times a year, I try to send 20-30 of my closest music listening friends a Milkit mix CD (Milkit is my half-imaginary/half-real indie record label that has been putting out homemade mixtapes for years). (left: My co-worker/cat, Bat-Bat, is the official cover girl of my latest mix. Note: I'll probably scrimp on the color copying and go black-and-white for the CD-sleeve, sorry Troy). Half of the people receiving the mix have kept up with current music (and will probably debate me on why I didn't include certain tracks), while the other half have fallen a... MORE »
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