Pop-Up Video is back!

As you can probably imagine, Jose and I were absolutely thrilled to stumble upon re-runs of an old favorite, Pop-Up Video, while searching desparately for something to watch last night. If your cable provider offers VH1 Classic then you are in luck -- until December 1st, they will re-air episodes of this beloved program from 8 - 9pm EST.

Better yet, you can view every single episode of Pop-Up Video here.

Or if you're really crazy about this show (like me?) you can even purchase a Pop-Up Video Trivia Board Game of your very own.

Stranger Than Fiction

So, last night we saw Stranger Than Fiction which had a particularly memorable scene set to some excellent music. During this pivotal scene, Will Farrell's character serenades Maggie G's with his own endearing acoustic rendition of Reckless Eric's Whole Wide World. It was at this point that Jose claims he recognizes the song (but conveniently forgetting the name of the singer or any other detail) and begins to awkardly mouth the words as I roll my eyes, as I occasionally do. . .

Although Jose did not know where or how he knew of this song, it turns out that it is from one of his favorite movies of all time: The Adventures of Sebastian Cole. I was somewhat impressed and suppose I'll give him the credit he deserves and perhaps believe him next the time he makes a seemingly unlikely claim.

[Mp3] Wreckless Eric - Whole Wide World

Oh yeah -- and, we *loved* the movie so definitely check it out if you have the opportunity!

Bonus: [Mp3] The Jam - That's Entertainment (demo version)

Rome Is In The Valley!

Tonight in the tavern @ The Beachland Ballroom is a great show, The Changes are opening for The Lovely Feathers. Show starts @ 9pm. If you have not seen The Lovely Feathers yet, we recommended you do so. When we saw them back in June open for The Spinto Band they were great.

Top 5 Songs of The Week!!

We are currently trying to hone our somewhat non-existant cooking skills by watching Giada De Laurentiis in Everyday Italian -- while making slight strides, we continue to be inspired by her positive outlook and equally fabulous cookbook of the same name. In the meantime, we are bracing ourselves for looking forward to our day of shopping and crowd dodging we have planned on this unusually warm and sunny Saturday afternoon.

For now, we hope you enjoy your day and these Top 5 Songs of the Week:

5. [Mp3] Field Music - You're So Pretty An excellent song by this fun Brit chamber-pop band, who fortunately is coming out with new material that iGiF so generously offers here

4. [Mp3] The Cake Sale - Some Surprise Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody compliments the female vocals perfectly in this romantic song

3. [Mp3] The Morning Benders - I Was Wrong For fans of The Walkmen and The Killers, that is sure to generate more buzz in the near future

2. [Mp3] Pink Nasty - BTK Blues This singer-songwriter's name is what originally drew us in, but her beautiful vocals keep us coming back, reminding us of a cross between Rosie Thomas and Dar Williams

1. [Mp3] The Poems - Sometime Somewhere Someone Should Say Something A beautiful collection of sound with peaceful vocals and simplistic, relateable lyrics

R.I.P. Robert Lockwood Jr.

This morning I was saddened to hear at the passing of Robert Lockwood Jr. He was a grammy nominated blues/jazz guitar player who was originally from Arkansas but had been a staple here in c-town from more than 40 years. It is said he honed his chops from the famous Robert Johnson and was known as the last living link to him and the famous Delta Blues sound. He has played with some of the greatest blue artists of all time including B.B. King, Sonny Williamson, Muddy Watters and James Cotton. He also said to have been the man who taught a young B.B. King to play the guitar.

If you have ever had the chance to go to Fat Fish Blue on Wednesday nights you would have had the chance to witness this great local talent backed by his equally as talented band. I have had the chance on multiple ocassions to see him play and can testify first person to his great chops. Robert Lockwood Jr was 91 years when he died this week and he was still out playing , performing, recording and sounding sharp as ever. This evening if you are looking for a good time and to pay homeage to this great man. You can head down to Fat Fish Blue to see The Robert Lockwood Jr Band along with local blues artists jamming on and keepign the message of the blues alive here in Cleveland. There is no cover and it starts @ 8:30pm

Robert Lockwod Jr covering "Sweet Home Chicago"

My United States of Whatever!

A few weeks ago you may recall we had a post on Sarah Silverman's "Jesus is Magic". While checking out the credits for that film we realized that it was directed by Liam Lynch. That name sounded very familiar to us, so we checked imdb.com and found out that Liam Lynch is the same Liam Lynch who directed and created Sifyl and Olly along with his friend Matt Crocco. Back in 97-98 Jose thought Sifyl and Olly were the greatest thing ever. We looked at amazon.com to see if the episodes are available for sale yet but no such luck. However when when we looked on youtube we found some Sifly and Olly and thus we present to you: Sifyl and Olly doing Liam Lynch's "United States of Whatever".





(MP3) Liam Lynch - United States of Whatever (For Lauren)


Bonus: Some Precious Roy for that @ss

Top 5 Songs of The Week (O-H-I-O)

We are currently preparing ourselves for various festivities surrounding The Big Game: Ohio State vs. Michigan. But before we do, we wanted to leave you with the Top 5 Songs of the Week and the above ESPN commercial that never fails to make us smile and/or roll our eyes. . .

5. The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Remastered and Remixed and surprisingly good

4. Daylight's for the Birds - Flicker If you are a fan of On!Air!Library! like we are, you will definitely dig their lead singer's recent project

3. Matt & Kim - Yeah Yeah A less refined Mates of State, but equally as catchy

2. Maximo Park - Going Missing An excellent song used on Stranger than Fiction's Soundtrack, which we are looking forward to catching in the theatre within the next week [check the trailer]

1. Asobi Seksu - WOXY.com Lounge Acts Although a session and not a single song, we thought this was an excellent way to gain a feel for Asobi Seksu's live performance (especially if you have been wanting to see them for nearly 3 years, like us!) or to acquaint yourself with them if you have not already. Plus, woxy always does such an exceptional job -- be sure to check out more of their Lounge Acts here

Tonight: Beaujolais Nouveau @ D'Vine Wine Bar

Each year, on the third Thursday in November, the new vintage of Beaujolais is released which results in cafes around the world packed with people drinking and celebrating this fun, fruity wine. . .

This evening D'Vine Wine Bar is hosting a special event to celebrate this tradition from 4pm until close. Wine will be specially priced and an assortment of cheese will be available. Also, if you bring a can of food, you will receive $5 off of your meal from D'Vine's superb menu.

In case you missed it, check out our review of Beaujolais here

Good For a Laugh

The other day at work the song " Are you Jimmy Ray" by Jimmy Ray popped into my head. This piece of pop was a fairly large hit in the U.K. and a minor hit here in the states back in 97. I don't if you all remember the video or not, but it is pricless, it features Jimmy Ray a British guy who is a cross between Prince and Elvis carving out his best piece of Simon Fuller produced late 90's pop. I remember being a freshman in college (yes I am that old) and people playing this song as a joke at parties. This ought to bring a smile to everyone's face have a good one.

Mmm. . .Johnny Cupcakes

Last week, our close friend Jackie gave us a really thoughtful and unique engagement present: his and hers Johnny Cupcake t-shirts. Until then, neither of us had ever heard of this Boston-based clothing brand -- unbeknowst us, Johnny Cupcakes has been kicking around since 2001. The company was started by John Earle as a joke, he began selling his Johnny Cupcakes t-shirts on the side while on tour with his hardcore band, On Broken Wings. While touring, he was so successful selling his t-shirts that he decided to make it a full-time gig. This was a big leap for John since he had only a semester of college under his belt and not a fan of the 9-5. Fortunately, his t-shirts have gone from a joke to a very lucrative business where his t-shirts range in price anywhere from $33 - $70 dollars, most of which are made in limited quantities allowing the brand to remain exclusive.


Just this past year, the first (and only) Johnny Cupcakes store opened on Boston's Newbury Street. If you don't live in Boston, you might be able to find a few select stores that carry his t-shirts in the States -- not to mention, locations in Japan even sell his stuff. And of course you can browse/purchase a variety of t-shirts from his website :) For now he only sells t-shirts but has plans to make Johnny Cupcakes into a brand that also carries bags, ties, jackets, and other merchandise in development. Judging by his talent, these t-shirts are a sign of yet even sweeter success in store for Johnny Cupcakes.

Bonus:
Check out Johnny Cupcakes NPR interview
Befriend Johnny Cupcakes on Myspace

Sarah Silverman + Ciroc

This evening we are laughing non-stop while watching Sarah Silverman in Jesus is Magic. Definitely would highly recommend this movie, especially if you enjoy her vulgar and politically incorrect humor. The film is even better while drinking Ciroc Vodka and Tonics. If you have not tried Ciroc, check it out at your favorite bar or liquor store -- it's truly one of the smoothest vodkas we have tasted.

Top 5 Songs of The Week!!

While Jose is hard at work, I am trying to wake up with a strong cup of coffee and some favorite songs of the moment:

5. [Mp3] Cat Power - Deep Inside (Mary J. Blige cover) Just because this song never fails to make me smile

4. [Mp3] Pelle Carlburg - Middleclass Kid An endearing and slightly folky song, highly recommended for fans of Sondre Lerche and Magnetic Fields

3. [Mp3] The Soirée - Across the Sea Absolutely beautiful, perfect for driving through scenic roads on an early Saturday afternoon

2. [Mp3] The Little Ones - Cecilia (S&G cover) Stumbled upon this excellent rendition on the fabulous video blog: The Anchor Center, where you can check out live footage of The Little One's performance here

1. [Mp3] The Shins - Turn on Me What we believe will be the first single from their yet to be released album, Wincing the Night Away

Tonight: Three Great Shows

If you live in the Cleveland area and are looking for some lovely music, it won't be very hard for you to find some on this particular evening:

Broken Social Scene @ The House of Blues

Joanna Newsom @ The Beachland Ballroom

Bears @ The Beachland Ballroom Tavern

Bonus:

[Mp3] Broken Social Scene - Lover's Spit A modern classic
[Mp3] Joanna Newsom - Sprout and the Bean Simply beautiful
[Mp3] Bears - Stay A favorite

Be Gentle With Me

Today it is suppose to be in the 60's and I get to wear jeans to work that makes me pretty happy on this Thursday here in November. Something else that makes me very happy is the great song "be gentle with me" by The Boy Least Likely To. Check out their cute video for the song below, have a good one.



(mp3) The Boy Least Likely To - Be Gentle With Me

Chenquieh

Last night we went to go see Borat!: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. It was very funny and made me think a lot about how the world perceives the United States. Here is a recent clip of Borat being interviewed on Fox's Hannity & Colmes.

Tonight: Joseph Arthur

This evening, Joseph Arthur is playing at The Lime Spider in Akron (OH) -- if you live in the area, we highly recommend that you check him out. And, if not definitely try and catch him on his current tour. . .

A couple excellent tunes:

[Mp3] Joseph Arthur - In the Sun

[Mp3] Joseph Arthur - There is a Light that Never Goes Out (Smiths cover)

Top 5 Songs of the Week (Where did fall go?)

Today is just a nice lazy fall Saturday here in the midwest -- here are some songs to help you enjoy it:

5. (mp3) Meiko - Xmas song This girl, who just asked to our friend on myspace the other day, hails from L.A. via Georgia -- she makes beautiful, soulful music drawing from such influences as Fiona Apple, Nina Simone and Portishead.


4. (mp3) Sparrow House - Foxes (sighing like a furnace) aka Jared from Voxtrot, Kelly says "this is a very peaceful and warming song" and since she is on the mend it is just what the Dr. ordered.

3. (mp3) Tiger Trap - Words and Smiles Super fun and catchy, all girl twee pop from the early 90's, sure to bring a smile to your face -- thanks Skatterbrain.


2. (mp3) Operator - Too Late A hypnotic track that leaves you wanting to listen to it on repeat -- This Austin band is influenced by the sounds of Stereolab, Hooverphonic, and Goldfrapp.


1.(mp3) Teenage Fanclub - If I never see you again A beautiful song we can't enough of -- also note the possible influence they must have played on Ben Gibbard.

Beaujo. . .what?

When deciding to order take out Indian food from Cafe Tandoor, we thought this would be an excellent opportunity to branch out and try a different kind of wine than we normally would. A variety of resources recommended pairing Indian food with anything from an Oregon Pinor Noir to a German Reisling, although the recommendation that intrigued us the most was a French Beaujolais. Jose found a Barton & Guestier Beaujolais for a reasonable $9.99 -- as suggested, we served this slightly sweet and tart red wine chilled, which definitely complimented the spicy vegetable somosas, paneer pakoras, chicken tikka, and baigan bharta nicely.

Light It Up Cleveland!!

Tonight @ 8pm on espn The Cavs start the season against The Washington Wizards. This game is going to be a very heated contest no doubt because The Wizards will be out to gain revenge for The Cavs knocking them out the playoffs last spring. This season marks the first time in over 10 years that The Cavs are no longer underdogs -- they will be in a new position with a bullseye on them throughout the league, but I expect for them to be able to handle this preassure and have a great season. Go Cavs!

Highlights of their game 3 Victory against The Wizards: