Aching for some new music?

Here are a few music-oriented sites that I check out daily in between hours of productivity.

Pitchfork
Pitchfork offers you music news, album reviews, media posts, interviews, and also original footage through PitchforkTV. This is a great place to discover new music, although I would advise taking their reviews with a grain of salt. Listen to the artists on your own time and formulate your own opinion.

Stereogum
Really sweet music blog. I think they do a better job than Pitchfork at grabbing the latest mp3 releases and music news, but I could be wrong. There's a lot more on Stereogum than just music news and posts. Definitely check it out.

Daytrotter
Daytrotter has an excellent collection of live, in-studio sessions with both established and up-and-coming artists. This is the site to check out if you want to find a new sound or love unplugged, raw music.

Black Cab Sessions
I've blogged about these sessions before, but don't feel guilty mentioning them again. Most of the footage takes place in the UK, but I noticed they are planning a trip "state-side" to gather some new footage. Think of these videos as Unplugged in a taxi.

La Blogotheque
The French bloggery (is that even a word? if not ... patent pending ...) has some ultra-sweet "behind-the-scenes" footage of some really great musicians. I suggest taking a look Arcade Fire's elevator performance first, if you are new to this site.

Fabchannel
Full concerts in excellent quality. You'll recognize some of the bands, but if you're like me, you'll discover a few new favorites. As you're watching a show, you can actually save your favorite songs to create a playlist of live music. Far out!

Hype Machine
The Hype Machine is a collection of the most popular blogged music from across the web. This is a great place to sample music before albums are fully released. Take the time to check out a few of its other featured as well, such as the Radio.

The Current
This is the homepage to my favorite hometown radio station. 'nough said.

I write a dating column: # 5

(This came out last fall, but I forgot to post it.)

Do you remember innocent note-passing? It was just you and your middle school crush engaged in a series of pointless flattery. I think this simple act should be resurrected at this point in our lives. Wouldn't it be great if your significant other just dropped you a quick message, whether it's on paper, Facebook or e-mail? I think the best way to brighten someone's day with a note is through the act of writing a Haiku.

This Japanese poetry form is arranged in three lines: the first contains five syllables, the second contains seven syllables and the third contains five syllables. I went through the work of coming up with a few examples to express any type of feelings you may be having. It is important to note if you use any of mine, I want any royalties you may make off my brilliance.

You're Neat
I enjoy your face
It looks nice in a mirror
Is that a pimple?

I Like, Like You
I think about you
Constant, beautiful, kind thoughts
Please lend me your car

Holiday Love
Snow gently falls down
I see your bright eyes glisten
Why are you cross-eyed?

Love/Hate
Your presence scares me
Charming and nicely you smile
Let go of my hair

Obsessed Love
You control my mind
Powerful, intense feelings
I swallowed the key

Geek Love
You make my pits sweat
Stunning like Princess Leia
Gaming is better

Binary Love
One zero zero
Zero zero one zero
One one zero one

Stalker Love
Your door was open
Many bright pretty sweaters
Your boyfriend is strong

Friend Love
You are always there
Trust, compassion, empathy
Dude, that's my girlfriend

Unrequited Love
Why don't you love me?
Empty, lost, lonely
I'm wearing your bra

Puppy Love
Aarf, woof, barky bark
I am hungry for kibble
Your butt smells friendly

Sporty Love
You are a touchdown
Celebration and thrilling
Nothing like jock itch

Romantic Love
I long for your touch
Soft, warm and gentle embrace
The candles burned me

True Love
Your life completes me
Content, comfortable, whole love
I farted on you

What is really newsworthy?

I just read a report that President Barack "Joe Cool" Obama bumped his head as he turned to wave to a crowd before he boarded Marine One. I am so thankful for this report, because without it I wouldn't have been able to promptly send off a get well card to the White House.

This just in: Michelle Obama placed one-to-many snack packs into Malia's lunch this morning, resulting in an over-satisfying lunch. Okay, that didn't really happen, but wouldn't that be about as relevant as reporting about President Obama's unfortunate collision with a doorway?

We're talking about a President who plays pick-up basketball. If we start reporting about every time he gets bumped, there's going to be an insert in the New York Times every time he steps foot on the court.

President Obama is already the most transparent President in U.S. history, in terms of online communication and his general desire to create an open-to-the-public government. If it were up to me, we would stick to reporting on his policy decisions, foreign relationships and other pertinent presidential tasks. Unfortunately, I'm not making the calls in the CNN newsroom, so everyone will continue to enjoy precious presidential snippets such as: "Obama Misses Layup," "Obama Sneezes Twice in a Minute," or "President Obama Does Not Finish His Vegetables."

Apparently in the midst of an economic crisis, there is still such a thing as "a slow news day."

I'm gonna be famous!

... ok maybe not, but I do make an appearance in this promotional video for SDSU on Youniversity.tv. Just search for South Dakota State University.

Live music in a cab?! What, what, what?!

A couple of months ago, I stumbled across a stellar music site featuring live performances from some of my favorite artists. The craziest thing about this site is that they record in the back of a taxi cab! Amazing! The creaters of Black Cab Sessions have managed to combine a few of my favorite things (good music, randomness, moving things) into one stellar experiece. I suggest you check this site out ASAP. Each video is around four minutes long and therefore, will not take up a great deal of your time. Hopefully you'll discover something new!

I write a dating column: # 4

Spice up dating with videos and modeling

by Kyle Jameson

Candles gently light the elegant rose-tinted tablecloths at the perfect little Italian bistro. The aroma of fresh tomato pesto and exotic fresh breads fills the air. A hint of light jazz sneaks into your ear as you gaze across the table at your special someone. You think to yourself, “This is the perfect first date.”

Suddenly your professor interrupts you with a question (which is wicked annoying), and you realize that even daydreaming about your perfect first date is more than you can afford. There are only a select few who can actually afford the goods and services that they desire during school. Person A is still getting an allowance from Mom and Pop, and Person B works so much that they don’t have time to spend their scratch anyway. Those of us who fall in the middle of Person A and Person B need to find more creative ways of dating in Brookings.

Simple solutions to this monetary conundrum could be remedied by heading to your favorite local restaurant or having a quaint movie night at your special friend’s place. These dates are overused, lack creativity and more importantly, they lack substance. I challenge all of you to escape cliché dating activities; you’d be surprised what you can learn about someone once you get them out of their comfort zone. Let’s explore some options, shall we?

Winter severely decreases the number of dating activities you can engage in, because there are really only so many things you want or should do outside during a South Dakota winter (losing your toes to frost bite is not the kind of unique experience you want to take away from an out-of-the-ordinary date).

Making a viral video would be an excellent first date. Getting a million hits on YouTube would guarantee that you have something awesome to share with your date for years to come. I don’t want to give out any of my great viral video ideas, but I’ll share an inferior option. Record yourself doing lunges while holding hands in spacesuits all the way down The Union’s main street. This feat would be even better if you had techno playing from your jet pack. It’s important that no one knows you’re going to do this, otherwise genuine audience reaction will be compromised. Imagine the pride in having thousands of YouTube haters slam you in the comment section of your video. Once that happens, you know you’ve made it big.

Choreographing a dance to your favorite song from middle school dances would be another amazing first date. Imagine the sheer bliss in finally having the appropriate moves for “Blue” by Eiffel 65. I recommend wearing tinfoil and ski goggles. I wouldn’t post this to YouTube, because that would just be ridiculous. No one wants to see that.

Gather up a few of your favorite couples for this next idea. I want you and at least eight friends to head to Wal-Mart and set up a make-shift catwalk next to the dressing rooms. Spend about 20 minutes exploring all the clothes with your date and pick out a few stellar outfits. Once you’ve got the perfect ensemble, bust out of the dressing rooms and strut your stuff while your friends take rapid-fire pictures of you and all your glory. (This date would also be enhanced with techno-playing jet packs).

I realize that I need a more conservative option for those of you who want to maintain a low profile. Unfortunately for you, my mind only operates on one level and that level is “awesomeness.” So if none of my ideas sound fun, I recommend meeting someone who falls under the Person A category, because nothing improves a date more than when someone else picks up the tab (but Kanye and I will be silently judging you, because you are nothing but a gold digger).

If you have any other great first date ideas, I recommend that you go to this article on The Collegian’s Web site and post them in the comment section. That way we can all benefit from each other.

I write a dating column: # 3

Jumpsuits and glitter get rid of crazy daters

by Kyle Jameson

Your heart soars in anticipation as your first date with the person of your dreams approaches. They have everything you're looking for in a soul mate. They have a face, they can communicate to some degree and - let's be honest - they were just looking exceptionally hot and you have no idea what you're in store for.

Two minutes into your date, you realize they are completely crazy by the way they playfully describe how they got out of court-ordered community service and how they can't wait for the next Lindsay Lohan CD to drop.

Alright genius, how are you going to get yourself away from this bear trap of insanity? You can't just walk away or stop calling Mr. or Ms. Psychosis because we all know they are the type of person who will write you a slew of text messages or Facebook wall posts only a stalker can dream up. You need to get out of this terrifying "relationship" before you become another head in their duffle bag of twisted desires.

One of your first options is to drop the infamous "it's not you, it's me" line. The intentions are to imply that there is just too much on your plate right now to balance your needs as well as the needs of others. Unfortunately, we all know that "it's not you, it's me" is never received with open arms. Instead, you will need to be exponentially more creative with your relationship escape plan or your REP, as I like to call it. There is even an option to get the entire family involved!

REP number one is very simple. Decide which one of your friends has most-recently punked or wronged you to some degree and hook them up with Captain Insanity. There is nothing easier, or perhaps more hilarious, than pawning your problems off onto a friend. Just remember, that in REP it is imperative that you deny any prior-knowledge of Commander Lunacy's mental instability.

Option number two is more complicated. You engage your date in an elaborate and seemingly romantic scavenger hunt. The hunt should be filled with exotic flowers and delectable candies. Ultimately your trail of romanticism will buy you enough time to pump up your Nikes and gallop straight into the witness protection program. Here you will live out your life in an electrifying corner of Utah selling orthopedic shoes to aging tourists.

REP number three gets the whole family involved. First, invite your parents to town for dinner. Second, have your mom repeatedly bring up how she cannot wait for grandchildren (plural) and have her bring along swatches for the nursery (it is important you smile in delight the entire time). Third, have your dad explain how in three months he will no longer go by Mark but rather Martha, and he cannot wait to shop for wedding gowns! By now, your date should have run out screaming, and the bonus to this REP is that you get a free dinner from Mom and Pop.

My personal favorite and final REP is the "act crazier than they are" approach. This approach has limitless opportunities for personal entertainment. For example, you could show up to your next date wearing your favorite denim jumper and ever-so-subtly trace your facial features with your favorite shade of lipstick (preferably the darkest shade of red you can get your hands on). After you explain, in detail, the silly stories behind the names you have assigned each toe, simply discard your denim jumper and proclaim that you are "The Duchess of Kitty-Cats" and proceed to eat a bag of glitter.

In all actuality, you should just create your own REP, because if you use one of mine, you'll undoubtedly end up as crazy as the person you're trying to ditch in the first place.

I write a dating column: # 2

Oh great and wise ball: What is in my dating future?

by Kyle Jameson

Answer: this will happen if you make the wrong first impression on a date.

What is getting slapped in the face?

Ok, maybe it's a bad idea that I am writing while watching Jeopardy, but I assure you that reading this column will be as rewarding as listening to Alex Trebek pronounce non-English words.

Everyone has, to some extent, the desire to be desired. In the dating world, taking the wrong first step can be detrimental to one's self-confidence. Conquering this predicament is why I want to offer a simple decision making solution: let someone or something make the decision for you. Case in point, you should turn to the one true unbiased source of decision-making: the Magic 8 Ball (M8B).

I know what you're thinking, "I read two paragraphs to find out you're offering up a toy as the savior for my dating woes?" Yes I am, because if you get bad advice from a friend, it would be unwise to smash their head against a wall, but if M8B messes up - smash away!

But before you run off and test my method, there are a few things you should know about the M8B. M8B answers in simple phrases that may be misconstrued. Fortunately, I can translate for M8B. Let's take the following scenario and explore some common answers: Magic 8 Ball, should I ask Danielle/Tim out?

M8B says, "Signs point to yes." Beware of this answer, because signs also point to dead ends and falling rocks. M8B really means that you should run away from Danielle/Tim as fast as you can.

M8B says, "Ask again later." At first, you might be mad, because M8B is a toy and should have a pretty open schedule. But what M8B is hinting at is that you should clear your head, assess the situation and return to M8B with a rephrased question.

M8B says, "Yes - definitely." Once again, you think this answer is good, but you were fooled again. The M dash indicates that M8B's thought was interrupted. M8B is questioning its first response and there is no room for uncertainty when Danielle is looking good in those new Uggs (if Tim is wearing Uggs, he may not be the man for you anyhow).

M8B says, "Don't count on it." This answer is like an untrustworthy acquaintance, in that they usually won't pull through in clutch situations, but sometimes they surprise us. M8B translation: there's still a chance; go for it.

M8B says, "Reply hazy, try again." M8B is recovering from an all-night bender with the 20 Q game and you definitely should try again … much later.

M8B says, "My sources say no." The M8B went through the trouble of researching your response and you should definitely listen to it. I think we all know how utterly painful and time consuming it is citing your sources for a paper (not to mention the crying).

With all of this grey area surrounding M8B's answers, I want you to find comfort it this final response. M8B says, "Without a doubt." There is no uncertainty in that answer. Go forth with confidence. And remember, if M8B turns out to be wrong, you may climb the 180 steps in the Campanile and see how long it takes M8B to reach Medary Avenue.

I write a dating column: # 1

Helping Students' Dating Potential

by Kyle Jameson

Fellow students, do you realize that SDSU is not providing you with a crucial service? They provide food, housing, financial assistance and this place even has an equestrian team (seriously, that's really sweet), but one service is not currently offered - a dating expert.

How could we overlook this crucial position? Let's be honest, there are only two reasons we came to SDSU: for a top-tier education and the opportunity to meet a potential life mate (or if you're like me, you saw "Jackrabbits" at a college fair and immediately signed on). Let's put this in perspective, we all have academic advisers, some even have financial advisers, but where is my love adviser?

Heck, I would even go for a "modest handshake and smile" adviser. But, since we all need help and we need it fast, I am going to bear the load for the entire student population. I, Kyle Jameson, am going to be your dating adviser.

I know what you're thinking, what makes me qualified to give dating advice to college students? Have I had a series of committed relationships? Not at all. Am I even in a relationship? Yes, if you count my commitment to watching It's Always Sunny every week. Am I at least majoring in counseling? Not even close.

What I do have, my friends, are years of experience being human, enjoying the company of other humans and being ridiculously cheap when it comes to my entertainment and nourishment needs. Isn't that what college dating is all about?

My goal is to enlighten y'all on the mysteries of love or at least give you some killer conversation starters and unconventional first date ideas. Brookings may not be a very big town, but I promise you there are some unique courting possibilities for you and your companion. Using my instinctive resourcefulness, I will be the MacGyver of dates. Give me a rubber band, a rice cake and a dream, and you will be married in nine months.

If at the end of the day my ideas are less than satisfactory and you're still as lonely as my bank account, I apologize in advance. But remember, I am doing this for free - kind of like the BATA bus drivers - and you will thank me later. Or at least giggle at my expense with your girlfriends in Pierson Hall.

I will close with my first dating tip: Go Dutch, because I only have enough cash for one of us and everyone likes wooden shoes and tulips.

La Blogotheque "Take Away Shows" are as fun as birthday cake!

The French weblog "La Blogotheque" presents multiple, unqiue looks into various musical artist traveling through France. They describe their "Take-Away Shows" by stating that, "you meet a band. You take them outside, in the streets, and ask them to play there, shoot the movie in one unique shot, whatever happens. Those are the Take-Away Shows, the weekly Video podcast from french weblog La Blogothèque." I recommend taking a peek.

Jeremy Fisher

This is a great record! I recommend purchasing it.

Lightspeed Champion - 'Galaxy Of The Lost'

Another sweet artists from Omaha.

5-year-old chimp beats college kids in computer game

This study challenges the belief that humans are superior to chimpanzees in all cognitive functions.

The Killers - Don't Shoot Me Santa (video)

This is the best Christmas song ever written.

Architecture In Helsinki - Hold Music

This is kind of fun.

I'm So Lonesome I could Cry

This video doesn't really do anything for me, but I love this song.

Co-ed Intramural Basketball

I recently signed up to play co-ed intramural basketball and had no idea what I was really getting myself into. There are a plethera of ridiculous rules that teams must follow to make the game "more fair". However, the the majority of these rules are targeted at the male players, such as: guys aren't allowed to go into the lane ... ever and a girl must touch the ball before a guy can shoot. I am not opposed to these rules because I don't want to see the girl get involved in the game, I am opposed because I think that it is a slap in the face to the girls that can really play basketball. A lot of the girls on these teams are really great basketball players and deserve the same respect as the guys out on the court. The rules also make it impossible for a guy to steal the ball and go on a fastbreak or even shoot a layup. When it's all said and done, I suppose that this is a good excuse for me to work on my jumpshot.

Bright Eyes- Tear Gas Riot Blues (live Hollywood Bowl 9/29/07)

Bright Eyes performs a brand new song to close their Hollywood Bowl performance. I will be seeing them tomorrow in Sioux Falls!

Cavorts 2007

Our intro video for Cavorts 2007.

What is wrong with this country?

A family has to return their vanity license plates, that display their surname, because their last name was deemed "derogatory." This is ridiculous ...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20966693/?GT1=10357