Sunday, 8 May 2011

Music: 5 Great Zeppelin Songs You Have Never Heard

Today I have complied a list of five Led Zeppelin songs that I think deserve more attention then they usually get.

1. The Ocean - Houses of the Holy (1973)

  • The speaking intro by drummer Bonham stating that "We've done four already, but now ... , 1, 2, 3, 4!" was an unplanned addition; Bonham said it as a way to cheer up the band after they had bombed the previous four attempts at the song. This was the fifth.


2. South Bound Saurez - In Through the Out Door (1979)

  • One of the few Zeppelin songs never played live, South Bound Saurez is also one of only two songs in the Zeppelin catalog not to involve Jimmy Page as a songwriter.


3. Hot Dog - In Through the Out Door (1979)

  • An interesting song from an interesting band, Hot Dog builds off Rockabilly influence, a rare occurrence in Zeppelin songs. Fans of Jack White and the White Stripes will recognize from this song where White received much of his influence.


4. Bring It On Home - Led Zeppelin II (1969)

  • The beginning portion of this song is a homage to the original writer of Bring It On Home, Sonny Boy Williamson, whereas the second portion is all original. The band, however, was sued for not providing a writing credit to Sonny Boy.


5. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp - Led Zeppelin III (1970)

  • Named after the cottage in which the band retreated after the long tour supporting Led Zeppelin II, this cottage was the location in which many of the Led Zeppelin III songs were written, as well as a handful of future Zeppelin songs such as "Over the Hills and Far Away" and "Friends". 



  • Well, had anyone ever heard of these particular songs before?
  • Did you like them, or are they not known for a reason?
  • Any other Zeppelin songs that should be noted?
Thanks for checking me out!

Saturday, 7 May 2011

Internets: Obama's REAL Speech

Internets, eh?

I am adding a new section to mix things up a bit. I will see how it settles in and go from there.

Currently the funniest thing on the internet, Youtube bigshot Alphacat, real name Iman Crosson, has exploded up the charts once again with his spot-on Obama impression; presenting an alternative take on the announcement of Bin Laden's take down.
Song starts at 0:54. Hilarity ensues.

Other: Quick Little Post...

How you doing guys?

Just a quick little post letting everyone know I have activated a little poll at the top right of the main page, and I was wondering if you could take the time to let me know what types of blogs you most prefer. Be aware that you are able to pick more then one option, so feel free to vote for what option(s) fit you best.

I realize that sometimes it is difficult to take the time out of your day to check in on the world of blogs, so it is always my goal to refine my topics to best meet the interest of the majority, as it is always easier reading about something you enjoy! 

Thanks, Jon.

Thursday, 5 May 2011

TV: The Office "Inner Circle"

The Office episode “The Inner Circle”, premiering this Thursday, was the first episode of the award-winning series that did not include head boss and main man Michael Scott, and boy was it different. Will Farrell stepped in to complete his episode arc as temporary office boss Deangelo, in the writer’s attempt to settle the transition period between the changing dynamics.


Within the episode, Deangelo’s maniacal self was let loose, and his true colours came out to the dismay of the office. By creating the inner circle of office workers, and attempting to psych out his underlings, Deangelo feeds his need to have total acceptance, something that Dwight denies.

This episode also included the first of three new possible characters, Jordan, and according to reports, each new character’s future on the show will depend on audience favourability. The other two casts will be a new male accountant, and Stanley’s daughter. Mhmm, interesting. Does this hint at a departure of one of the current accountants, as well as a possible internship with Stanley’s daughter? 


In an interesting turn of events, Dwight will become the next temporary manager in next week’s episode, holding the fort after Deangelo’s departure and the season finale’s description of “Deangelo’s new replacement is sought out”.


I personally felt it was a decent episode, with the knowledge that the majority of the lacking involved Will Farrell’s departing character. To get a good gauge of the future quality of the show, I am holding my judgement until the finale next week, and will at least watch next season’s premiere.

  • What did everyone think about the episode?
  • Will you continue to watch the show even after Michael Scott's departure?
Let me know!



Other: Slight Delay!

Hey, I just wanted to let you all know that my real blog for today will be posted slightly later then normal.

I plan on doing a complete review of the first post-Michael Scott episode of The Office, and I have to watch it first. So hopefully I can get this up shortly after the episode airs.

All I know is that I am really excited to see it.


Wednesday, 4 May 2011

Movies: CFotW - Rock N Roll High School

Hey guys! 

          Before I begin, I would also like to remind people that the only way I know if someone specifically has viewed my blog is if they please post a comment. Therefore, please make sure to post one when you visit so that I can make sure I put you at the top of my list!
          This week I will be starting up the previously proposed section Cult Film of the Week. Let me know in the comments if this is something you would like to continue seeing on my blog.

Rock N Roll High School (1979)


Set in the, then-present of 1979, Rock N Roll High School follows a set of teenagers trying to make sense of their typical, confusing, boring, and imprisoned high school lives. You get all the stereotypes in this film, the geeky girl, the rocker chick, the good looking shy boy, the sinister hall monitors, and an evil new principle. 

Okay, so far this sounds like any other high school film of the time. 
What makes this a cult film? 

The Ramones. And not just their songs. The ACTUAL Ramones


On top of the zaniness of the members of the Ramones attempting to say lines and not laugh, the film also takes the approach of what could now be called the "parody" movie, in the sense that, unlike some movies of its genre like Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club, it contains many elements that separate it from "reality". If you watch it you'll know what I mean. 

All in all, this is a great film, Ramones fan or not, and I would definitely suggest you check it out. To end it off, here's the trailer.


  • Had anyone ever heard of this film before today?
  • Do you like hearing about cult films?
  • Any suggestions for future editions of Cult Film of the Week?
Thanks!


Monday, 2 May 2011

TV: Game of Thrones

EDIT: To those who are viewing my map from google, please check out my blog, you just might like it! Thanks, Jonny.

Today I will be discussing the new HBO series Game of Thrones.

Game of Thrones, a medieval fantasy set in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, revolves around the seven ruling families, and their fight to hold the Iron Throne, and control of the whole land. 


While the world of GoT has many aspects seen in reality, its world is more akin to worlds like Middle Earth, containing Dragons, Zombies aptly called the White Walkers, intelligent animals, among other architectural and cultural oddities. 


The first season of the TV series is a direct adaptation of the stories within the book series by George R. R. Martin, and the show has already, after showing just the first episode, been bought for at least a second season.

Starring such actors as Sean Bean as Ned Stark, Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister, Game of Thrones takes the epic film style of Lord of the Rings, the quality of some of the more recent successful adaptations such as The Walking Dead, and combines them into a unique and thrilling series that definitely will be here for years to come.

Sunday 9PM ET


  • Anyone watching Game of Thrones?
  • Any other new series that I should check out?
Let me know!