Where We've Been and some Weekend Tunes

With House Republicans playing chicken with economic collapse; a film with the most ridiculous title ever conceived opening this weekend; and the fact that nationwide heat wave reaching levels that even the most ardent critics of climate change have momentarily shut the hell up, TS' declaration on Tuesday that the FoW staff was back to our regularly scheduled mix of humor/review/and columns not only fell well below the radar but was also a tad premature.

While we promise no one has fallen victim to the general summer lethargy that all Americans develop during summer breaks in school, no one has been near a computer all week. Elaine's travels before the start of her graduate school program in 20th century literature were extended a bit longer than expected. Also, you'll be happy to know that Hokum's decision to shave his head did not lead to a tryout for the long-running, less glamorous Southern version of Jersey Shore known as Cops. Lastly, while Erica disappeared into her own thoughts about the French, TS' hiatus included extensive travel, a frantic work week and plowing through the first three seasons of Friday Night Lights.

So, assuming Congress finds a way to postpone defaulting on our national debt and Hollywood's latest blatant attempt to recreate Firefly doesn't send fanboys into a frenzy, the FoW staff will be back next week. August promises to be an exciting month with some new featured guest contributors in the world of fashion, art, and humor. Until then, enjoy the latest The Grownup Noise, a group we really like and we featured recently. Catch y'all on Monday.

Today's 1000

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After a bit of break with Elaine traveling, Hokum shaving his head and contemplating a full arm tattoo, and Erica still lamenting about FL, we're back today with a brief glance at some new electro pop. NOVI (Carolyne Neuman) is a new artist originally from Ashland, Oregon and her debut EP (Now I'm Here), is an eclectic mix of songs (a bit rock, rap, dance, and electro) held together by her fascinating voice and refreshing energy.

Working with producer Les Miles (Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Puddle of Mudd), NOVI moves from happy foul-mouthed jaunts ("Blackbirds") to hard edged dance tracks ("Dominoes") to ventures into anthemic electro rock ("Wounded). Although everything on the EP doesn't work (on one track she uses the phrases 'gaydar,' 'hey ya,' and 'cheetah,' within ten seconds of each other) the overwhelming majority of the the songs are a fun listen and show a promising young artist that could rise into the pop music consciousness. Perhaps the most interesting track of the album is her cover of "Scarborough Fair." Rather than the sleepy original (just because you're a great songwriter doesn't mean you get a pass for giving the world a line that reads "parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme"), NOVI's version features a wide array of effects and a welcome beat before pausing with a piano and layered vocals.

While you'll have to wait until later this fall to grab the album, you can check out the the catchy, trippy, expletive-filled (think Lily Allen) first single "Blackbirds."

Listen to "Blackbirds" here

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Fistful of Interviews: Scattered Trees on Their National Tour, Art, and Sympathy

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By T.S. Oldman

Nearly a month ago we featured the remix of the Scattered Trees' “Four Days Straight”. Today marks the start of the nationwide tour (kicking it off in St. Louis, MO) for the Chicago based indie rock band. Composed of husband and wife Nate and Alissa Eiesland; brothers Jason and Baron Harper; and Ryne Estwing; Scattered Trees was on the verge of disbanding at the beginning of last year. However, guitarist and lead vocalist Nate’s Eiesland father passed away suddenly. Not knowing if the band would ever regroup, Nate sat down and wrote a record about his own feelings about his father’s death. That effort became the songs for Sympathy, the group’s second album.

A mix of pointed songs that soars, seethes, prays, and reflects, Sympathy is an emotionally packed record that is suprisingly singable for such a heavy subject. Each of the songs has an innate tension throughout as Eiesland explores the idea that in death we all become a story that our kids tell to their children and friends. The listener experiences the releases of emotion along with Nate as he covers his wide range of feelings. Eiesland’s vocals on the title track, “Where You Came From” and “On Your Side” hearken back to Elliot Smith's longing sound. The slow groove of the first single “Love and Leave” (which has an awesomely costumed video with the band donning Star Wars storm trooper garb) combined with the irrepressible energy of the shouts and hand claps in the hook driven “Four Days Straight” provide a lively feel to such a deep album. Finally, the band shows its range with the lush harmonies and keys on “A Conversation About Death on New Year’s Eve” and the severely honest prayer of “I Swear to God.”

As Scattered Trees prepared for their tour, Nate Eiesland took some time to talk with me about dressing like comic-con characters for music videos; being a band of artists; and writing, recording, and performing an album that was born out of personal tragedy. Click through to read the whole conversation and see some of the great videos from the band.

Lazy Thursday

I have spent today eating candy, staring at the ceiling, participating in some technically illegal activities which I will not name and sitting as close to the AC as possible. As a result of the above combination, I am suffering from a severe case of writer's block. I suspect everyone is tired of hearing about the status of my relationship with my French Lover, and that is the only thing I can think of to write about. It's sad but true; I have a one track mind. I will be back next week, hopefully with something interesting to say. Until then...

Today's 1000 Guest Contributor

Find Leslie Brogan at Les is Mor | Find Les is Mor on Facebook

This week for Today's 1000, we are featuring photography from the designer/artist Leslie Brogan. On Tuesday we highlighted a sampling of her work from the "White Female" series. In a tip of the cap to gender equality, today, Ms. Brogan has allowed us to show some of her work from her "White Male" series.

Brogan's wit is once again on display. The slack body of the subject and playground setting give today's photos an immediately recognizable humor. However, the photos are tempered with an ominous feeling as the darkness seems to creep in around the light making the viewer feel as if she's looking at evidence of a crime scene. Click through to see another piece from "White Male" series.

Today's 1000 Guest Contributor

Find Leslie Brogan at Les is Mor | Find Les is Mor on Facebook

Today, we are featuring the work of another young Birmingham based artist. Leslie Brogan has graciously shared two of her photographs from a series titled "White Female." A graphic designer in addition to being photographer, you can see more of her Leslie's at her site Les is Mor. Brogan's work balances her sharp wit with an intended unease. She states emphatically on her site that she does not do those moon-eyed pillow photos of children and promises to make fun of those that do.

Click through to see another photo from the series.

Battle Cry of the Weary Traveler

I feel like this is what I spend the majority of my time looking at.
Image via Wikimedia commons: http://bit.ly/qJQWD9

by Elaine Dunaway

Hey guys. It’s been a long weekend of traveling back and forth from my place of work for the last year (Fairhope, Alabama) to my place of residence during the week (Orange Beach, Alabama) to my permanent residence (Birmingham, Alabama) to my soon-to-be semi-permanent residence (Tuscaloosa, Alabama). Needless to say, I haven’t had much time to do anything interesting or think up anything particularly interesting to share with you guys. I did go see The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, but feel like a review of that deserves more attention than I could give it after driving 5 hours to the beach from home. Ergo, I have decided to share with you a haiku about the experience of the weekly commute I’ve been doing for the past year. Enjoy.

Driving down the road

All of my playlists seem old

I long for my bed.

Girlish Antics

By: Erica Thomas

Being a robot instead of a chick would be awesome.

I am a terrible communicator. The expression 'Say what you mean and mean what you say' is pretty much the opposite of what I do. I thrive off of subtext, hidden meanings, subterfuge. The problem is real life is not a screenplay, and a lot of times people just mean what they say. As in "I hope to keep in touch with you," means..... just that. It does not mean "Oh....I'm SO bored. I hope you pick that up from the subtext of my statement and get the hint that we shouldn't talk anymore." Nor does it mean "Ugh. I'm planning on ignoring you now."

The problem is, in my world, it does mean these things. This explains why, much to the chagrin of my mother, I am -insert an old age- with no husband, boyfriend or any real prospects. I am infamous for the love em' and leave em'- all because I pick up wild, untrue clues from suitors' innocent comments and ditch them before they can ditch me.

Today's 1000



This is a Spoof Card. A card that lets you stalk harass call people without your real number appearing on their caller ID. Frankly, this seems like a product that would be marketed in sketchier places than a gas station. However, what really makes this item special is the fact that the marketing team worked overtime to connect the Spoof Card to non-sensical positive sayings like "Totally private! Totally fun!" or "Be who you want to be."

Spoof Card: Have fun being your independent self, assuming you're a pervert child molester private detective gas station weirdo private person.

Today's 1000

Honestly, I'd just like to meet the guy who has to write this ticket

The Internal Musings of a Perpetual Prude

I would, in all likelihood, be very uncomfortable in such
skirts. (Though I think these girls look really adorable.)
Image via Wikimedia Commons: http://bit.ly/q1jCCp.

by Elaine Dunaway

I recently went shopping with a group of my friends from college. This in itself is nothing particularly unusual or noteworthy. However, one moment has lodged itself in my brain and, I believe, will make for a lovely touchstone for a conversation on the nature of modesty. You see, while shopping, I tried on a skirt that I thought was pretty, only to discover that it was mid-thigh length. My first thought was  “what would my mother think?” quickly followed by “duh, she would think it’s too short.” Thus, the skirt returned to its rack and did not make its way home in my bag.

Sex and Violence: Supreme Court Edition

By Thomas Hokum

The disparity in American views towards sex in contrast to violence is so pronounced, and yet established, that it almost feels like a trope to comment upon it. American values have become a laughable thing to the outside world.

What society could praise violence, an act of death and destruction, and yet vilify sex, an act of pleasure and creation? Who can claim to be more offended by a bare breast, than torture, dismemberment, and murder? The United States Supreme Court, that’s who.

Apparently, those long black robes are there to cover their androgynous sex organs.

Flings: Awesomely Awful

Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em.
So true, Kenny. So True.

By: Erica Thomas

So...confession.. my trip to Paris last week to see Gregg Allman was just a thinly veiled excuse to see my French Lover. (As a side note, if anyone out there has the opportunity to acquire a French Lover, do it. You won't be disappointed). F.L. and I have been in the middle of a torrid fling that spanned three cities, two months and one very great week in Paris.

And now, it's over.

This shouldn't come as a shock, as the very definition of a fling is short term, and it was my decision to end it, but I still managed to spend Monday sulking on the couch, listening to depressing music and eating my feelings. Today, I have come to the conclusion that flings are awesomely awful. Here's why.

Today's 1000

We routinely feature music here at FoW because we enjoy listening to new artists and sharing our thoughts with you. Some of the artists we share or interview are pure fun, while others aspire to a specific artistic ideal. Today, we are sharing a music video that connects to a larger movement. An idea from an organization that we wholeheartedly support and think you should too.

Read More on Pop Up Pianos
Learn More About Sing For Hope
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Today's video (which we'll get to in a moment) was shot in connection with New York based non-profit organization Sing for Hope and their Pop Up Pianos promotion. Sing for Hope connects professional artists with volunteer service programs in schools, communities, and hospitals in New York City. The organization allows artists to give back to local communities; lift the spirits of hurting patients; and promote arts education to young children.

The Pop Up Pianos project involved 88 pianos being placed in public venues (parks, boardwalks, street corners) around New York. Each piano was painted by a volunteer professional artist. Then from June 18th- July 2, artists from Broadway stars to local songwriters performed with these pianos. After the project ended last week, the pianos were donated to local schools, hospitals, and community centers. We at FoW applaud the noble efforts to promote arts education (something that should be steadfastly defended even in these harsh economic times) as well as connect professional artists to local communities.

The video above is for "You'll Be Okay" a gospel-inspired unreleased track by Ian Axel featuring Chad Vaccarino. The encouraging song about perseverance combines Axel's soulful piano and with beautiful harmonies. Although the song is being performed at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the performance captures the authentic soul sound as well as anything sung on a Sunday morning down here in the South. A perfect hopeful tune for an ambitious project that aspires to bring hope to so many.

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The Casey Anthony Verdict: Crazy Americans & Social Media

Yesterday's verdict in the
Casey Anthony trial brought
back memories of OJ.

By T.S. Oldman

I can vividly remember watching the OJ Simpson trial verdict at my elementary school. As teachers and students watched the television and waited for the jury to return to the courtroom, I remember thinking, “Why is the entire fifth grade watching a murder trial verdict?” This wasn’t a space launch. President Clinton wasn’t speaking. Aliens weren’t invading. Why was this historically significant? It never registered with my ten year old brain that my teachers were obsessed with the trial like the rest of the American population and they were the ones that really wanted to see what happened.

Sixteen years later, I still don’t understand why certain murder trials catch the attention of adults. I didn’t follow the Casey Anthony murder trial. Like my ten year old self with regard to OJ’s plight, I knew that the trial existed but I didn’t much care. If that sounds harsh or infuriates you, just know that my rage is solely committed to the fact that Americans are passively allowing Sarah Palin to possibly declare a run for President.

But while the details and the emotional weight of the case never sparked my interest, the reaction to the Casey Anthony verdict has been fascinating. From angry Facebook statuses of friends to celebrities on Twitter, the American public was abuzz yesterday as people decried the state of the justice system, played the judicial race comparison game, and openly pined for street justice or karma to intervene.

I’m not here to defend Casey Anthony. From what I’ve heard, we can all agree she’s an unfit mother. But I am fascinated with the idiotic clarity with which people have reacted to the case. Click through to read my response to the more notable reactions to yesterday’s murder trial verdict.

Today's 1000



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Tastefully evoking nostalgia is one of the hardest things to do in any medium. In pop music, artists often oversimplify and build to a crescendo that we see coming from a mile away. In fact, why rap music gets a bad reputation for making vapid, misogynistic songs while country music receives little critical ire for making a whole lot of manipulative dreck aimed at nostalgia is beyond me. Both are offensively shallow. For any artist, avoiding a cheesy sound or cliched lyrics is much more challenging than music fans typically imagine.

Sidestepping those common pitfalls of pop music, The Grownup Noise, with their new album (This Time With Feeling), have created a refreshing blend of pop, folk, and rock. Based out of Boston, the TGN's Twitter bio perfectly captures their musical aim, "Pop music, Hold the cheese." This foursome (all multi-instrumentalists) create intimate songs that immediately feel familiar by using pop rhythms and clear vocals mixed with a piano and simple string arrangements.

Today, we are featuring the lead single off their sophomore album, "The Artist Type." The catchy piano acts as the anchor for the song while the strings, percussion, and accordion create a rich sound scape as Paul Hansen sings about a sour relationship.

The Grownup Noise will be touring nationwide this summer beginning this Friday July 8th. For those of you who enjoy well crafted songs with such honest emotion that they seem nostalgic, be sure to check out this enjoyable

The Worst Movie Speeches... About Freedom

In honor of July 4th, TS counts down the worst movie
speeches about freedom.

By T.S. Oldman

America has to be awe inducing to the rest of the world. The Middle Eastern countries that revolted in pursuit of freedom this year must shake their head in wonder when reading any of the charged rhetoric that compares universal health care to communism. Similarly, unionized industrial workers around the world must stretch their imaginations to compare their plight to the NBA and NFL players' unions holding out for a 'fair' deal. America can be a bit crazy with hyperbole.

To be sure, those are first world problems. Issues that arise in a society that operates under a stable Constitution with stable government institutions. We cherish our freedom. But like any hyperbole-addicted crazy person, America also abuses our celebrated freedom. We allow Hollywood free licence to produce speeches and monologues about freedom, fighting for freedom, or the importance of freedom.

Mel Gibson's "In Defiance of Tyranny" speech in Bravheart is well paced, motivating, and fits context of the movie. The Scottish are actually fighting for their freedom from England. However, most movie speeches about freedom are more than a bit forced and not every fight is about freedom. Plenty of people in history fought to acquire land, to achieve glory, or to earn money. Yet Hollywood can't resist throwing in a couple lines about fighting for freedom and democracy regardless of the context of the movie. For example:

Lead Warrior: Men, as a marauding band of rapists, we're here to fight for two reasons. One, we fight for the chance to take advantage of our opponents' wives sexually. And two, we fight for freedom!
Band of Marauders: Freedom's awesome! Mostly the first thing you said. But yay freedom!

So, in light of this being the Fourth of July weekend when most Americans will be celebrating their freedom with friends, grills, and small explosives, here's my list of the worst movie speeches about freedom. Click through to hear Bill Pullman inspire Earth, Rocky ask for change; and Keira Knightley cause more than her fair share of eyes rolls.

Today's 1000

The appreciation of pop music is an odd phenomenon. Large swaths of people love supporting musicians who present themselves as anti-establishment, reactions to other more normal artists. P!nk and Lady Gaga readily come to mind. And yet these anti-normal pop artists somehow become part of the establishment of popular music. Sidestepping the ontological problems in defining the establishment of "pop music," I'm curious how the music listening public will react to a group that defiantly covets the attention of the establishment.

In a James Dean, Hollywood rebel type of way, the four rockers of the British band Viva Brother pursue fame and notoriety in the pop music world with a surprising openness and an attitude usually reserved for anti-establishment acts.

As lead singer and guitarist Lee Newell says, "We're shamelessly catchy... We write songs that could fill big stadiums and that's what we want. We're not afraid to do that. We're saying that mainstream music doesn't have to be horrible. We want to make it good again."

Viva Brother's album Famous First Words drop August 2nd.

Born in the industrial town of Slough (which sounds as appropriately named as Starkville, Mississippi), the boys of Viva Brother look to take the world by storm with their grit-pop sound: a sneering attitude added to catchy pop hooks. The ohh's, fall away's, and bum bum bum ba's from their video for "New Year's Day" make it as singable as anything currently on the pop charts. But the band carries themselves with such a 'piss off' (it's British!) attitude that their existence at the harder edge of guitar-driven pop seems more genuine and less calculated than your typical pop act.

While their debut album name, Famous First Words, carries that same braggart-seeking-fame attitude, with pop songs this well crafted, Viva Brother has a chance to make both sides of the establishment take notice.

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