Passion Pit - "Kindred" (Album Review)

Passion Pit just released their third album under Columbia Records, titled "Kindred" on March 21, 2015. I previously leaked two of the singles from this album on this blog ("Lifted Up" & "Where The Sky Hangs"), so I wasn't surprised the rest of the album turned out just as good. This is one of the most musically consistent bands, yet they never repeat a melody or harmony. They continue to create new and original music that's just as great as their previous work. This record has that same indie/electro-pop sound the previous two records had, except this album has more slow tracks on it. Still, even the slower tracks build up to a big catchy anthem of a chorus with a choir of vocals.

It's not so much of a party/ dance record like "Manners" and "Gossamer", but it still has that unique sound and "electro-pop/dance" songs they're known for, such as "Five Foot Ten", "Lifted Up (1985)", "Until We Can't (Let's Go)" and "Ten Feet Tall". There's already two singles on this album and the entire LP is full of  potential singles like "My Brother Taught Me How to Swim", "All I Want", and "Looks Like Rain". As you can see, this 10 track album is enjoyable from beginning to end. Including my personal favorite, "Until We Can't (Let's Go)", which will probably be the next single. This album has that magical Passion Pit flavor on it and I've compared them before to bands like Phoenix, Smallpools, and MGMT. Actually, with lead singer Michael Angelakos unique vocals, they have created a musical style all their own.

I've been a fan of Passion Pit since the release of their debut LP, "Manners" in 2010. They're an awesome band and this is an awesome record, which is why I give "Kindred" a  8 /10.

Smallpools - "Karaoke" (New Song!)

This is the official video for "Karoke", the first single off the new Smallpools record; "Lovetap!". This is one of the NEW songs recorded for this album. Nearly half the album consists of remastered versions of songs from the "Dreaming" EP (which was amazing), but this song is a taste of their brand new material and it's just as good as the tracks on the "Dreaming" EP. They've maintained that catchy, indie-rock sound that got them so popular before they even released a debut LP. This is a band to look out for - they're gonna be HUGE. Just press 'play' and enjoy!

Smallpools - "LoveTap!" (Album Review)

Smallpools just released their first LP, "Lovetap!" on March 23, 2015 under RCA Records.. With such a large and still  growing fan base, it's surprising that this is their first full-length record. Smallpools gained so much notoriety and popularity due to their "Dreaming" EP. In fact, every song on that 4-track EP could be a hit single, but the song "Dreaming" reached #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was their most popular song that got everyone's attention. The "Dreaming" EP was so popular, they polished, remastered and re-recorded all four tracks onto this album. So, "Dreaming", "Mason Jar", "Over & Over", and "No Story Time" are all tracks from their EP. There's also plenty of brand new material, including 2 hit singles already - "Karoke" and "Killer Whales". They still have that same indie/ electro-pop sound that seems to be incredibly popular right now. It's a fantastic piece of work from this LA-based band, but I would have liked to hear more of their new material, the new songs are awesome! Starting with the first track; "American Love", "Lovetap!" and "Street Fight", pretty much every song on this album is a potential hit single.

Also, the new songs remind me of bands like Two Door Cinema Club, Foster The People, and Passion Pit.. Which happen to be three of my all-time favorite bands, and the older songs sound much cleaner and polished on this album, so I understand why the "Dreaming" EP is included in "Lovetap!". It's the kind of album you can just play on a loop and enjoy the entire record from start to finish repeatedly. I give "Lovetap!" a 9/ 10. 

Two Door Cinema Club - "What You Know" (LIVE Acoustic Version)

My Irish brethren, Two Door Cinema Club, performing one of their many hit songs, "What You Know" LIVE in Austin, TX.. The album version of this song is great, but it's cool to hear an acoustic version like this. They are easily one of the best bands in that genre of music - I can't wait for a 3rd album!

The Pope - "Money, Money"

This is a short clip from the cancelled cartoon series, "Brickleberry" (the show that prides itself on crossing the line and offending different groups of people). In this episode, they poke fun at Catholicism and turn the Pope into a rap star. They're specifically making fun of the mexican Catholics that see the image of "Mother Mary" or "Jesus" on everything from a potato chip to a water stain. It's not some divine message from "god", it's a simple coincidence! "It's Always Sunny" made fun of the same gullible catholic mexicans too. This just further proves how ridiculous all religions are.

The NEW Apple "iTUT" (by Hok, Pacman, and Moon)

It's the latest Apple commercial for the NEW "iTut"! Just kidding, it's an awesome tutting sequence using iPads, iPhones, and MacBooks. It's actually a tribute video to the late Steve Jobs, but it could very well be an authentic Apple commercial! It's a mind-blowing video created by Hok, Pacman, & Moon, doing some amazing tutting. MUST WATCH !

"Fantastic Four" - Offical Full-length Trailer

This is the newest official trailer for the new "Fantastic Four" movie set to release on August 7, 2015. Up until now, there was just the 'Comic-Con' sneak peak trailer that I posted on here a couple months ago. I like this trailer much more, and not just because it's longer; but because you get a closer look at each individual character's personality and their transformations. Plus, we finally get to see the new version of "Thing", who looked ridiculous and nowhere near as big as he should be in all the previous "Fantastic Four" movies.That was one of MARVEL fans biggest complaints (among the many others) about every "Fantastic Four" movies made. Including the most recent trilogy that started in 2005, it had terrible casting and poor graphics. It was an awful, lame, cheesy 'G-rated' movie trilogy. Not even "Silver Surfer"could save that franchise!

This new version of "Thing" looks much better and more like the way he looks in the comic books, and that's thanks to the CGI effects in this upcoming movie. It looks promising, but I'm not going to hold my breath. After all, it could be just another terrible "Fantastic Four" movie....(Hopefully it's not a kids movie!)

"Kingsman: The Secret Service" - Review

I actually had to wait until this movie came out on DVD to see it like everyone else, because I couldn't find a legitimate copy on the internet and I didn't see it in theaters. So, this is a rather late review of "Kingsman: The Secret Service"originally released in theaters back in February 2015. For those who haven't seen it by now, go to Redbox or download online ASAP. It's a brilliant film that features some of the most famous and distinguished British actors, such as Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Geoff Bell, and Michael Caine. It also stars newcomer, Taron Egerton as "Egsy", the newest "Kingsman". Not to mention, Samuel L. Jackson plays the villain; "Valentine" who is far from a 'scary' villain. He plays a goofy, hemophobic terrorist posing as a rich philanthropist. He dresses like Justin Bieber and talks with a lisp, it's hard to take him seriously as the "bad guy" in this movie.

It reminds me of Guy Ritchie movies like "Snatch", "RocknRolla", and "Lock, Stock, & Two Smoking Barrels" and even features many of the same actors. In fact, I'm surprised Guy Ritchie didn't direct this film, it's actually directed by Mathew Vaughn, who worked with Guy Ritchie on those popular UK movies, such as "Revolver", "Snatch", and "Lock, Stock, & Two Smoking Barrels". Mathew Vaughn also produced / directed other popular movies like "Kick-Ass" (1 and 2) and "X-Men: First Class". So that explains the similarity between these UK films.

Based on the acclaimed comic book series, "Kingsman: The Secret Service" is an awesome action-packed, spy movie about a team of elite British spies that work for the English government. These guys blow "James Bond" out of the water. The action sequences are so well choreographed and the special effects are marvelous.I especially like the slow motion fight scenes and all the cool, new spy equipment.

The movie is actually about global warming and population control, which are REAL issues on this planet. "Valentine" sees the two separate issues as one problem, so he gives away free cell phones with SIM cards programmed to kill everyone at the push of a button. That's another REAL thing that I have personally seen in poor, urban communities. They set up little tents and give away free cell phones with a limited amount of minutes and texts to all the poor families that can't afford a cell phone (mainly black people). If you wanted to wipe out the ghetto and the poor, that would be a great way to do it.

This movie has everything I look for in  PERFECT film - it had a detailed story line, original plot,  phenomenal fight scenes, and realistic graphics all condensed into an hour & 1/2. This movie wastes no time in getting to the intense action sequences. In fact, it begins with an explosive intro and delivers information to the audience without a lot of talking and dialogues. That's why the length of the film is perfect (personally, i don't like long, 3 hour movies). So, I give this movie a perfect 10/ 10 because it's a completely original spy movie unlike any other film in that category and it's only  1 1/2 hours long.

Lana Del Rey - "Summertime Sadness" (Music Video)

Someone told me if I like Tove Lo's  music, that I should check out Lana Del Ray. The video above is for the hit single, "Summertime Sadness" off her 2nd album, "Born To Die" released in February 2012 (along with all the other original, creative, and powerful songs on that album)..In fact, "Born To Die" was the 5th best selling album of 2012 and this song ranked #2 on the Billboard Hot 200. Since then, she has grown more and more in popularity as that record got a lot of attention. Then, she released her 3rd and most recent LP under "Interscope Records" in June 2014 titled, "Ultraviolence", which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. It's a much slower album, but it still has her signature sound, which is described as "Dream/ Pop" or "Indie/ Pop" with electronic, hypnotic, slow versus and big chorus build-ups. If you're a fan of MGMT, Tove Lo, Sia, or The XX, than you are guaranteed to enjoy this artist as well..

Tom Brady Suspended over "Deflate-Gate" ?!

Big news in my world and all the other Patriot's fans; today the NFL announced Tom Brady will be suspended next season for the first 4 regular season games. All this "spy-gate" and "deflate-gate" scandal crap is getting old. Maybe it's possible that Brady and The Pats are just phenomenal players and an amazing team that doesn't need to cheat in order to win. Starting off the 2015 season with the Superbowl MVP suspended for the first 4 games for "probably cheating" ??!

Also, The NFL has fined The Patriots 1 million dollars and taken away one draft pick this season and one the following season. So now, this past Superbowl Championship has an asterisk next to it because of some bullshit conjecture.It's just distorted facts and the media hyped up this story about The Patriots purposely deflating the regulation NFL footballs to give Brady a better grip during the AFC game this past season. Even if it was true - deflating a football doesn't magically make him a better quarterback with skill, perfect timing, and accuracy.

Brady says he likes his footballs to weigh 12.1 PSI, which is in regulation with NFL rules. The Colts brought it to the league's attention after they were blown out 45 - 7. It's clearly  jealousy and "Patriot-Haters" trying to tarnish their dynasty and reputation, Brady is expected to appeal this suspension.

"Key & Peele" - Crazy Gangster Sketch

This is one of my favorite clips from the sketch-comedy series, "Key & Peele". In this one, Jordan Peele plays "Carlito" the mentally slow mexican gangster. When a new member joins the gang as the "crazy one", "Carlito" insists he's not the "quiet one" in the gang and tries to prove how "loco" he is.

"Key & Peele" - Obama's Anger Translator (Sketch)

This is the famous "Key & Peele" sketch about "Luther", Obama's anger-translator, starring Jordan Peele as President Obama and Keegan Michael-Key as "Luther". This is one of their most popular series of sketches on their hit Comedy Central show. This video is about "Obama" and "Luther" addressing the critics during his second term of  Presidency. If you don't understand why the video below is so funny... then watch this 3 min clip from "Key & Peele" - SUPER FUNNY !

"Luther" the REAL Obama's "Anger Translator" (LIVE)

Keegan Michael-Key plays his famous role as "Luther" - President Obama's "anger translator" for the REAL Barrack Obama at the White House Correspondence Dinner 2015. Those "Luther" sketches from the TV show, "Key & Peele" have become a fan favorite, and even caught the attention of  President Obama himself. Obama was cool enough to do this sketch LIVE with Keegan Michael Key and play along during his speech. Awesome Video! Especially if you're already familiar with "Luther", Obama's "anger translator". ("Key & Peele" Season 5 coming !)

"The Last Man on Earth" - Season 1 Review

"The Last Man on Earth" finds out he's not actually the last person on Earth in this debut season of "The Last Man on Earth", starring Will Forte as "Phil Miller" After driving cross country looking for any other people, it's not until he gives up and returns to his home town in Tuscon, AZ. that he finally finds other people still alive. "Phil" wanted to find other people so bad, but when he finally meets new  people; he has trouble getting along with them. He is quickly branded an outcast, a pathological liar, and the black sheep.

The remaining people on Earth form their own community in a rich Tuscon neighborhood and call it "The Culdesac", and the community continues to grow throughout the season. The guy to girl ratio is in Phil's favor until a new arrival with the same name, "Phil Miller" finds this community of survivors and suddenly "Phil" is not the only available man. With two guys named "Phil Miller", the gang votes that the original "Phil" go by his middle name - "Tandy". Threatened by the arrival of this new handsome male, and all the attention he receives from the women in their community;"Tandy" decides to get rid of him and put things back in his favor. That doesn't work out very well for "Tandy" once the new "Phil" discovers his plot. In the season finale, The new "Phil" shows his true colors by attacking and tying up "Tandy", before abandoning him in the middle of nowhere. He tells him he is not allowed to come back to Tuscon, (even though it's "Tandy's" hometown and he's the one that started their lil community).

"Carol", played by Kristen Schaal, decides to leave the new "Phil" and reconnect with the original "Phil Miller". She finds him stranded in the desert alone, and they drive off together to settle somewhere else. At the end of the finale, we see Phil's brother, played by Jason Sudekis, on the international space station, completely unaware that there is no one left on Earth. I knew Jason Sudekis was going to be in this series because "Phil" puts a family photo up in his new mansion and it shows the two of them together. Iv'e been waiting for Jason Sudekis to pop up in one of the episodes, so I was really excited to see him at the very end of season one. Season two is currently in production, but no release date announced yet.... Hopefully, we will get to see Will Forte and Jason Sudekis together on screen in season two!

"Lucas Bros Moving Co." - Season 2 Review

The "Lucas Bros Moving Co." just wrapped up it's second season, which was almost twice as long as season one, after getting picked up by FOX Network. The episodes are a lil longer now too, and fit into a 30 minute TV time spot (including commercials). The Lucas brothers - Kenny and Keith, created the show, including writing episodes themselves and supplied voices for their characters. It's a funny, bizarre, adult cartoon all about smoking weed and sometimes moving stuff (but mainly just getting high and taking mushrooms). FOX hasn't changed anything about the show. In fact, season two was awesome and much better than the first season. Especially with episodes like, "Tales From The Hoodie"; an episode putting a goofy spin on "Tales From The Crypt", except the story isn't scary... "Sister, Sister, Sister", which is an episode about the twins finally meeting Tia and Tamara Mowry from "Sister, Sister", and making a love connection with them before finding out they're actually triplets....and that's a deal-breaker for them. "Willdependence Day" is my favorite episode and it's all about Will Smith (obviously) and his famous movies from the 90's. They include puns and references to "The Wild Wild West", "Men In Black", "Bad Boys", "The Legend of Bagger Vance" and of course, "Independence Day". During the "Men in Black" part, the twins meet three aliens voiced by the "Workaholics" guys. Instead of killing them, they get high with them (Lucas Bros & Workaholics guys smoking together!). They also released an episode called "420" which aired just before April 20th, and it's all about the Lucas brothers struggling to find weed on this pothead holiday.

The season finale was a weird episode titled, "Honey I Shrunk the Bros" and its actually all about Jaleel White, who starred as "Steve Urkel" and the Lucas bros must bring back the 90's sitcom, "Family Matters". In fact, the brothers are only interested in stuff from the 90's, there are constant references throughout the series, including the episode titles themselves. Not to mention, they still wear NIKE 'Pumps', they love Michael Jordan, Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, the "Goosebumps" books, and the movie "Kazaam", starring Shaquille O'Neil as a magical genie.They fight "Subzero" from "Mortal Kombat" and play "Legend of The Hidden Temple". They also love 90's sitcoms, "Family Matters", "Sister, Sister", "Living Single" and "Saved by The Bell". They even time-travel back to 1995 in the first season. I grew up in the 90's too, so I especially like that aspect of the show.This is a MUST WATCH Series, especially if you're fans of the Lucas Bros! No word yet about whether or not FOX is going to pick up the "Lucas Bros Moving Co." for a 3rd season yet.....I hope so.!