Tuesday, March 14, 2006

They Might Be Coming to a Venue Near You

So I'm just going to let the Oscar results go and move on to less frustrating topics: TMBG! There are some interesting happenings in the Giantverse, and I thought I'd share in case you're keeping track.

For the uninitiated, we're talking about They Might Be Giants, seminal dork-rock band, subject of the rockumentary Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns), and best-selling children's music artists. But you probably know them as the guys who did Istanbul (Not Constantinople) and Particle Man.

The first thing that's going on with them is that they have an excellent podcast available both on iTunes and from their homepage. And in case you aren't on the podcast bandwagon yet, you don't need an iPod or any type of MP3 player besides your computer. Anyhow, this podcast is put together by the band, and includes plenty of exclusive content. It's hosted by "The King of Dead Air" Cecil Portesque (a.k.a. Giant John Flansburgh), and includes a delicious hodge-podge of info skits and even an occasional interview. If you're a fan of TMBG, or just curious about them, check it out.

In other Giant News, They've announced a mini-tour for April and May, including Jannus Landing in St. Pete! (Check here to see if your city is on the agenda.) It's been since 2002 since TMBG graced us in Florida with their presence, and I am stoked. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster. It's an all ages show, and Jannus is all general admission. Hope to see you all there!

Also, in his most recent e-mail, John Flansburgh announced that the band is putting together a new album with new tracks produced by the Dust Bros. (known from producing Beck, Beastie Boys, and the Fight Club Soundtrack, among others)! The stokedness continues!

Finally, for those of you who partake, the band recently took over the previously fan-run They Might Be Giants MySpace page. So check there for updates and songs to add to your profile or download. Enjoy!

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Off To the Races (Part III)

Okay, last one. Here are my picks for the other categories, just so I can say I told you so (or more likely so I can be publicly embarrassed):

Best Supporting Actor- Matt Dillon (Crash)
Best Supporting Actress- Rachel Waisz (The Constant Gardener)
Best Original Screenplay- Crash
Best Adapted Screenplay- Brokeback Mountain
Best Cinematography- Brokeback Mountain
Best Animated Feature- Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Those are the categories that I have an opinion about, anyways. This Sunday is the big night, so tune in. It may be a self-congratulatory primpfest and not matter in the grand scheme of things, but let's face it- it's the only thing going for us movie geeks!