DJ Hero Gift Card Contest

One of the benefits of living in a college dorm was my introduction to the Guitar Hero, a game that I have developed a serious obsession with over the years. This year has already brought Guitar Hero 5, which is a great addition to the series and has the most indie-fied song list yet (TV on the Radio, My Morning Jacket, Elliott Smith). Last week DJ Hero a new addition to series for the more electronica/dance-inclined, had it’s debut. I was a bit skeptical of DJ Hero at first, mainly because the last thing my wife needs is another gaming peripheral taking up precious living room space, but after playing it a couple times I can honestly say it’s a ridiculously fun game and pretty much a must-have (it’s also been getting killer reviews elsewhere). I mean, seriously, you get to play as Daft Punk, Grandmaster Flash is your DJ professor, and the soundtrack includes club-banging artists like M.I.A., Dizzee Rascal, and Justice.

The good folks at Activision have given me a $25 dollar gift card to GameStop* to give away, which will knock a chunk out of a DJ Hero purchase. To enter all you have to do come up with a totally excellent DJ name*. I’ll choose my favorite and have the prize sent to you. Be creative y’all! Leave entries in the comments and make sure to include your email address so I can get in touch if you win. Contest ends in a week.

MP3 Daft Punk – Robot Rock
MP3 Justice – Genesis
MP3 Grandmaster Flash- The Adventures Of Grandmaster Flash On The Wheels of Steels

If you haven’t seen DJ Hero in action check out their youtube channel and watch some of the videos. But really, they don’t do the game justice, you gotta play it yourself for the full experience.

*Update: Nathan Bishop is the winner. Congrats Nate (aka DJ Blacklung Lazybones).

David Bowie Vinyl Contest – The Winner!

I’ve taken a couple days to deliberate, and I’ve chosen the contest winner for the David Bowie Santa Monica ’72 Vinyl Contest.  The winner is Anna. I absolutely love the eloquent and poetic description of both her love for the song “Ashes to Ashes” and the joy of owning vinyl.  The details in her description from “stained cover” to the “tingling notes” are beautifully illustrated.  Anna is extremely deserving of the double vinyl set.  Congratulations to you!  Here is her entry in full:

“I am the owner of a beloved little Ashes to Ashes vinyl that smells faintly of spilled coffee and strongly of old paper. The item was given to me by the owner of my local music store, the business itself as much a novelty as the record. Twenty-eight years older that the date on the label, the actual vinyl is in wonderful condition compared to its tired encasing. The edges are fringed, the cover is stained and paper has wrinkled with moisture and time.

Crackling through the speakers, my favorite David Bowie song rings as a striking contradiction to its weary sleeve. Ashes to Ashes glitters in the air, every note tingling and every beat falling into place as naturally as Bowie’s voice. Bowie contradicted himself a hundred times with a hundred different personas, but on this perfect piece of plastic all emotion and color and noise blend harmoniously.  I’ve spun the record a hundred times and with every play the song is newer, fresher, closer. It’s light but deep, exciting but somber. I love Ashes to Ashes because it’s a perfect expression of the artist’s indescribable ability to artfully examine human emotion while creating an exuberantly beautiful melody.”

That, and Moonage Daydream. Because squawking pink monkey birds are just so cool.”

MP3 David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes
MP3 David Bowie – Moonage Daydream

There were numerous other entries that I was very impressed with.  I especially liked the Jeff’s story about how he skipped school to see Bowie at Live Aid play “Heroes”, and his description of the techniques used to record the song. Very informative!  Jeremy’s answer for “Station to Station”, Andrea’s answer for “China Girl”, and Posse’s answer for “Starman” were also highlights.

Last Chance To Win David Bowie Vinyl!

Just reminder that Tuesday is the last day to enter my contest to win David Bowie’s Santa Monica ’72 Double Vinyl.  To enter, simply go to this post and tell me in the comments what your favorite David Bowie song is and why.  There’s some great entries so far, but I could definitely use a few more. So if you’re a Bowie fan (who isn’t?) and want to win the awesome prize, go ahead and put your entry in.

I’ve had the album on rotation for the past couple weeks, and I’ll reiterate to you how great it is.  You also get a rad full size Bowie Live poster with it, and who doesn’t want that in your living room. Here’s my favorite Bowie song to inspire you:

MP3 David Bowie – Life on Mars

Contest: Win David Bowie – Santa Monica '72 Double Vinyl!

About the Prize:

In 1972, David Bowie released the landmark album, Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and embarked on his first US tour. Bowie was at his creative peak and his performance in Southern California, which was recorded for a FM broadcast and bootlegged years before being released, is considered to be the best has ever been captured by Bowie (even more than the officially released David Live! and the Ziggy Stardust soundtrack).  The recording was so legendary among fans that a David Bowie biographer went as far to say that possessing a copy was the test of a true Bowie fan. 

After listening myself, I can attest that the songs truly come alive on this recording.  Tracks like “Width of a Circle” and “Andy Warhol” that I paid little attention to before now stand out and songs I’ve heard hundreds of times like “Changes” and “Ziggy Stardust” are played with an increased intensity of a young, passionate group trying to earn their place in rock and roll history.

Reviews:

Rolling Stone Review (5 out of 5)
Pitchfork Review (7.7)
NME Review (8 out of 10)

Contest Rules:

So the million dollar question is how do you win the double vinyl set?  To enter you have to reply to this post and tell me what your favorite David Bowie song is and why.  I’ll choose what I think is the best, most convincing response and then contact you to get your mailing address.  This means that you have to supply me an email address as well in order to be eligible to win.  This is a fabulous prize, especially for the vinyl collectors and David Bowie fans out there who consider this the holy grail of David Bowie performances.  Not to mention the fact (as you can see by checking amazon) that purchasing the album would set you back a pretty penny, you’re getting quite a good deal here.  The contest will be open for two weeks which should give you plenty of time to write your entry.

MP3s:

MP3 David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust
MP3 David Bowie – Life on Mars

and just for fun:

MP3 Flight of the Conchords – Bowie

Click “Talk to Me” at the bottom of this post to reply.

Walk The Line DVD Giveaway – The Winners!

You guys must really want this Walk The Line DVD because I got tons of great entries but I narrowed it down to three well-thought out answers that would make for great biopics.

“Elliott Smith, played by Christian Bale. Yes, indeed. That is my choice. Complete, dramatic life story, from beginning to end.”

MP3 Elliott Smith – Waltz #2

Elliott Smith probably was the highest submitted entry (with good reason), but this was the first and I think Christian Bale could really throw himself into the role. He also kindof looks like a younger Elliott Smith.

“Seeing as how I just finished “Just a Modern Rock Story,” the Belle and Sebastian biography, I am thinking that Stuart Murdoch might make an interesting character for a biopic. I think that the same way his characters connect with his listeners, so would his life’s story. He was an athlete, he was a confused youth, he got sick and lost 7 years of his life but it spawned his career and B&S. Even the B&S story is an interesting one, having become popular without talking to the press for half their career. And then, ten years after their start, they released one of their most critically acclaimed albums, The Life Pursuit. The film might not draw a large crowd but I think it would be a fantastic addition to the biopic trend.”

MP3 Belle & Sebastian – The State I Am In

This is a great choice. I absolutely love Belle & Sebastian, the book would provide great source material, and the music for this film would be fantastic. Paul Bettany would kill in the role of Stuart.

“Without a doubt the only choice can be the Tim Kasher biopic, So-So Gigolo.

It would start with playing in low scale venues in omaha with now obscure bands eventually joining cursive. It would all be fun staying out and sleeping in and getting drunk with his friends until he gets married and moves to portland. This would be the first moody, dramatic part of the movie. Tim’s working on a divorce and a healthy drinking habit. Plus he really misses Cursive. He eventually wises up, gets a divorce and oh no! a lung infection. eeps! (second emotional part! he beats death and learns to appreciate his bandmates and fans). third dramatic cliffhanger comes from rob nansel deciding to not release the first good life album on saddle creek and tim having to settle with better looking records. He think about giving it all up, but then is inspired by a child with cancer or something.

the movie would climax with their memorable july 2006 gig at the canopy club in champaign (you see because I was there). required in this biopic would be the line “I’m Tim fucking Kasher” and someone asking Tim as a waiter “Why must you shit where you eat?” replied with “cause I’m ‘the martyr'”. Also most of it would take place in a bar. The actor doesn’t matter. The boldness that is tim kasher’s essence will command the audience, actor, and even the cameras. It won’t be a movie, it will be a religious experience.”

MP3 The Good Life – Beaten Path

Wow, this is so well thought-out it’s almost scary. Totally original and awesome answer, and spoken with so much conviction that I couldn’t possibly not award this entry as contest winner (even though anyone who has heard Kasher’s music knows that this movie would most likely be extremely depressing).

Walk The Line: Extended Cut DVD Giveaway!

If you couldn’t tell by the post title, I’m giving away free copies of the new Walk the Line: Extended Cut DVD, which will be shipped straight to your address. The DVD has a crapload of special features/documentaries/deleted scenes/commentaries, so if you’re as big of a fan of this film as I am, it’s safe to say that you’re going to want to get your hands on one of these. I’m giving away THREE copies so you’re chances of getting one is pretty good.

How To Enter:

To enter all you have to do is tell me which artist/band you would like see portrayed in a biopic. I’ll pick my three favorites to be the winners. You can also choose the actor/actress that you would like to play them, but it’s not required (it might help your chances though!). Leave entries in the comments and make sure to leave your email address with me so I can get in touch with you if you win. The contest will be over on March 26th. Shortly afterwards, I’ll mail out your prizes (unfortunately this means I can’t allow entries from outside the U.S.). Sounds easy enough right?

Here’s a couple of my favorite Cash tunes:

MP3 Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire
MP3 Johnny Cash – One (U2 Cover)

Pitchfork Fest full lineup / Contest Winner!

Pitchfork just announced the full Pitchfork Fest lineup on the official website, with new additions including Junior Boys, Mastodon, Voxtrot, and Brightback Morning Light. Here’s the full line-up:

Friday, July 13
Sonic Youth (Daydream Nation)
The GZA (Liquid Swords)
Slint (Spiderland)

Saturday, July 14
Yoko Ono
Cat Power
Clipse
Mastodon
Iron and Wine
Girl Talk
Battles
Grizzly Bear
Voxtrot
Califone
The Twilight Sad
Dan Deacon
The Oxford Collapse
Professor Murder
Fujiya & Miyagi
Beach House
The William Parker Quartet
Ken Vandermark’s Powerhouse Sound

Sunday, July 15
De La Soul
The New Pornographers
Of Montreal
Stephen Malkmus
Jamie LIdell
Klaxons
The Sea & Cake
Junior Boys
Menomena
The Ponys
Deerhunter
The Field
Cadence Weapon
Cool Kids
Craig Taborn’s Junk Magic
Nomo
Brightblack Morning Light
Fred Lonberg-Holm’s Lightbox Orchestra

If you remember, I had a contest earlier this year to see who most accuractely guess the bands that would be playing at Pitchfork Fest this year. The winner of the contest with a very impressive 13 correct guesses was Jack Spatafora. Jack, your prize is in on it’s way, hope to see you at the festival!

Voxtrot / Pitchfork Fest Contest Update

Voxtrot’s self-titled full length album has been floating around the internet the last couple of days and from the first couple of listens, I can say it’s a bit of a departure from the EP’s that turned them into an indie “buzz bands”. The album features less bouncy twee anthems and a more expanded sound compared to Raised By Wolves and Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, & Wives (journalists will no doubt call Voxtrot a more “mature sound”).

By itself though, it stands pretty well as an album. The melodies are still as strong as ever and although the album is a bit mellower I’d never call it boring. Songs like “Kid Gloves” and “Stephen” still have that catchy-as-heck sound and “Ghost” and “Future Pt. 1” put their expanded instrument palette to good use with strings and trumpet. I’ve also read from various boards that this one gets better every listen.

MP3 Kid Gloves

***

The Guess the Pitchfork Fest Line-up Contest is over so thanks for those who contributed. Unfortunately, the line-up announcement came a bit earlier than expected and the ticket prices didn’t match up as well as I thought (hopefully the winner has paypal).

I compiled the artists who got the most votes to show you what you thought the fest might/should look like (this is not the official line-up!):

Deerhunter, Grizzly Bear, Hot Chip, Menomena, Peter Bjorn and John, LCD Soundsystem, The Thermals, The Knife, Beach House, Deerhoof, !!!, Beirut, Do Make Say Think, I’m From Barcelona, RJD2, The Ponys, Aloha, M.I.A., Annuals, Fujiya & Miyagi, Malajube, Battles, Lupe Fiasco, Clipse, The Pipettes, Camera Obscura, Boris

I’ll post updates on the line-up and hopefully be able announce a clear winner within a month or so.

Guess The Pitchfork Fest Line-Up Contest! Win Pitchfork Fest Ticket/Cash!

In four weeks, Pitchfork will make its first announcements about the 2007 Pitchfork Fest Line-up. Pitchfork Fest was two of the best days a music fan could imagine last year and though I didn’t go to Intonation two years ago, but from what I heard it was just as well-received. For music bloggers like myself, Pitchfork Fest is one of the, if not the biggest event of the year.

Another thing that’s interesting about P-fest, is that the artists are carefully picked to match the style of Pitchfork writers (check out this So Much Silence write-up for more proof). A close Pitchfork reader could make a pretty accurate guess of at least who Pitchfork would ask to play. Also, The list is significantly more condensed than many other festivals out there, so that makes my idea more feasible (guess the SXSW line-up would be a disaster). Since the tickets are also so incredibly cheap it’s easy for me to make a the prize one ticket (or the corresponding cash) to the festival. So taking all those into consideration, it’s time to announce, the first annual Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good Pitchfork Fest Line-up Contest (or MFKWCRGPFLC).

The Contest:

Guess which artists/bands will be on the line-up for the 2007 Pitchfork Fest.

The Rules:

1. The contest ends a month from today, March 15. No late entrees.

2. Last year, 39 artists played the Pitchfork Fest. This year might be more, but I’m still limiting you to 39 guesses. Also don’t guess any less than 10 bands.

3. You can’t choose artists that have already been announced. So far Califone and Girl Talk are the only ones. If more artists are announced before March 16th than they are disqualified for any future submissions.

4. The way I’m totaling the scores is simple. You get 2 points for every artist you get right and you lose 1 point for every artist you get wrong. It might be beneficial to you to guess less than 39 artists.

5. Email your answers to musicforants@mac.com or if you want everyone to see how smart you are, leave them in the comments.

The Prizes:

There’s really one prize and it goes to first place. The winner get’s a one day pass to Pitchfork Fest, either Saturday or Sunday, you choose. If you’d rather get a two-day pass than I’ll paypal you 20 dollars. If for some reason you can’t make it to Pitchfork Fest and you win, I’ll paypal you 20 dollars.

My Guesses:

Finally, I’ve decided to submit my own entry into this thing (just for fun). Here’s my list:

Deerhoof, Menomena, Peter Bjorn and John, The Hold Steady, The Pipettes, Grizzly Bear, The Thermals, I’m From Barcelona, !!!, Panda Bear, Bill Callahan, Islands, Okkervil River, Cloud Cult, Au Revoir Simone, The Postmarks, Phoenix, Midlake, The Knife, Clipse, Camera Obscura, Beirut, Aloha, RJD2, Do Make Say Think, Deerhunter, Simian Mobile Disco, Beach House, The Ponys, The Wrens, Rafter, Patrick Wolf, LCD Soundsystem, The Broken West, Busdriver, The Bees, Justice, M.I.A.

MP3 Mychael Danna / DeVotchKa – The Winner Is
MP3 Spoon – Something To Look Forward To
MP3 Regina Spektor – Summer in the City
MP3 Half-handed Cloud – Here’s A List
MP3 Sufjan Stevens – The Henny Buggy Band
MP3 Wilco – Via Chicago

Create a Rafter Music Video. Win 500 bucks.

Asmathic Kitty has a new contest up in support of Rafter’s upcoming release, Music for Total Chickens. Rules are simple – download one of four Rafter songs (download below), create a music video, and upload it to this youtube group.

Contest runs till January 23rd and the two winners (based on judges and number of youtube views) each get 500 bucks. All you young Jonze’s, Gondry’s, and Romanek’s grab a your mini dv tapes and get shooting…

MP3 Rafter – Encouragement
MP3 Rafter – Gentlemen
MP3 Rafter – Hope
MP3 Rafter – Monsters Official Contest Page