July 18, 2009 by traveler.

What hasn’t yet been said about the King of Pop? MJ has seemingly been on TV more after his passing than during his entire lifetime. It struck me that there was one aspect not entirely explored, however- the worldwide urge to recreate his performances. Browsing Youtube videos yields a TON of tribute videos, and I’ve saved you the trouble of sifting for the golden nuggets. Here’s a small sampling of MJ’s influence- the 23 Best Michael Jackson Youtube Tributes.

MJ around the world-

Thriller- Phillipine prison

Thriller- Sydney Opera House

Thriller- Indian ‘homage’

Billie Jean- Saudi dance (Billie Jean added to unrelated dancing video)

Billie Jean- Yemeni kid

Beat It- Mariachi version

Beat It- Eritrean kid

Dangerous- Chinese kids

Billie Jean- on Britain’s Got Talent

Does the costume make the performer? Here are a few more MJ tributes-

Beat It- Mini Michael Jackson

Smooth Criminal- Mario style

Worst MJ dance EVER (but kinda funny)

Of all MJ’s performances that people love to recreate, Thriller is by far the most popular. There are dozens of Thriller versions on the net. Here are some of the best-

Frame for frame LEGO remake

OU Marching band

Darth Thriller

US Marine

W&M University (new record?!)

‘13 Going On 30′ clip

Enthusiastic 3-year-old Girl

Mario Paint recreation

There is also a meme of Thriller dances at weddings. Here are two of the best matrimonial Thrillers-

Groomsmen Get Down

Entire Wedding Party

No tribute would be complete without a performance from the real deal. Here is Michael himself performing “The Way You Make Me Feel” with Britney Spears. Britney is then at her peak, but is still no match for Michael.

MJ & Britney- The Way You Make Me Feel

Posted in Comedy, Junk, Weird, World, Video, Retro, DJ, Old News, Funny, Music | No Comments »

June 7, 2009 by traveler.

This has got to be the best promo I’ve seen.

Viral marketing is often attempted and rarely achieved. This video really hits the mark, though. In the short time between when I viewed this video to when I wrote about it, the video’s views have shot up from ~30k to ~190k. If Hammertime the show can match the entertainment value of this promotion, A&E will be all set. As Don King would say, “Only in America!”

Posted in Art, Comedy, Business, Weird, Video, Retro, Music, Style, Funny, TV | No Comments »

May 3, 2009 by traveler.

Fire alarms- very important for public safety, very irritating to your ears. And NOT what you want to hear in the middle of your band’s jam session, right? Right?

Wow- and I usually just plug my ears. Next time I hear a fire alarm go off, I might reach for my drumsticks instead.

Posted in Weird, Video, Funny, Music | No Comments »

March 11, 2009 by traveler.

Like ‘The Dude’ in The Big Lebowski, I hate the Eagles. I know, I know, “Hotel California” is something you’re supposed to love, like Citizen Kane. But I just can’t bring myself to enjoy that song. Too earnest, too slow. However, I recently caught something in The Big Lebowski that I hadn’t noticed before. A Spanish-style version of the song, which actually got the toes tapping. The Gipsy Kings version refreshes like a cool mojito under the hot sun. Finally I can enjoy “Hotel California”- it just took a different artist to get my attention.

Below is an iTunes iMix featuring both versions of the song. See which you prefer.

Such a lovely place, indeed!

Posted in Apple, Movies, Music | No Comments »

December 23, 2008 by traveler.

Aboriginal groups are angry at Nicole Kidman’s antics promoting the film Australia. Hey, at least someone cares about the movie.

Kidman appeared on a German television show to promote Australia and she played the didgeridoo. Some Aboriginal groups forbid women to play the instrument. Richard Green stated that Nicole playing the didgeridoo “bastardizes our culture. I will guarantee she has no more children.” Now that’s harsh. Sure, cultures can easily be distorted and misrepresented to the world. But if Australians are so concerned over their portrayal, where was the outrage over Crocodile Dundee? Or Kangaroo Jack?

I think people offended by Kidman’s didgeridoo ditty should take a deep breath and relax. After Kevin Rudd issued an official apology for Australia’s past treatment of Aborigines, you’d think that would earn some goodwill. For goodness’ sake, if Kidman wants to play a didgeridoo, I say let her play!

Posted in Movies, Music | No Comments »

October 23, 2008 by traveler.

Chromeo’s remix of Treasure Fingers’ “Cross the Dancefloor” hit iTunes, and it is fantastic. I am totally shocked at how bulletproof their music is- they can do no wrong with any of their music I’ve heard. Don’t take my word for it- check it out for yourself. To hear them is to become an instant fan.

Posted in Music | No Comments »

July 9, 2008 by traveler.

Chromeo’s new album Fancier Footwork/Fancy Footwork Deluxe Edition hit stores yesterday!

If you aren’t hip to Chromeo yet, you have got to listen to their music. If you like electro and/or funk, you will LOVE basically every Chromeo track. P-Thugg and Dave 1 (A-Trak’s bro) bring back a sound that’s been sorely missed.

For the uninitiated, Fancy Footwork Deluxe Edition is an excellent primer. It includes all the tracks from Fancy Footwork, remixes, music videos, and some She’s In Control tracks. All this is a terrific bargain at $13.99 (on iTunes). For the Chromeo fan looking to add to their collection, the album will not disappoint. The remixes and music videos are well worth the download (the 30 second previews dont do them justice).

Of course, Chromeo’s music videos are entertaining and often nostalgic. The only misfire is Tenderoni- the pizza delivery theme was a thin excuse to showcase some bland visual effects. The band’s other videos are much more compelling. The highlight has to be Bonafied Lovin’s homage to Dire Strait’s Money for Nothing video.

To see more, take a look at OuttaLeftField’s Youtube playlist of Chromeo-related vids:

Posted in Video, DJ, Music | No Comments »

July 7, 2008 by traveler.

Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” is still floating atop the charts on iTunes. The former gospel singer’s single is offending evangelical Christians with its lyrics and overall theme. Seriously? The lyrics “I kissed a girl/and I liked it…” is not particularly controversial. In fact, I would only be surprised if Clay Aiken sang it.

Posted in Music, Pics | No Comments »

May 16, 2008 by traveler.

The latest iTunes ad features the Ting Tings‘ song “Shut Up And Let Me Go”

People seem to feel strongly about this song- either love it or hate it. Myself, I love the song and I can’t wait to check out their full album. The vinyl drops May 20 and the cd comes out on June 3. Those of you in the know might have caught them at SXSW this year. If (like me) you weren’t so lucky, they have some US tour dates coming up. BTW, great music, but the site makes my eyes bleed. Maybe their Myspace page will be better…Aaauuugh!!! That’s even worse! Good luck on the album and props to Apple for clue-ing us in on another promising new artist.

Posted in Apple, Video, Music, TV | No Comments »

April 29, 2008 by traveler.

I was browsing cufflinks.com and found some more cool stuff. These turntable cufflinks are fantastic. But…I’m thinking that there is something missing. If you really want to drive the point home, you need to put the cufflinks together with one of my all-time favorite watches. The Flud Tableturns watch (with steel band, of course), shows your love and is great for semi-formal occasions.

The ‘record’ part of the watch has grooves cut into it which reflect light beautifully. This watch is guaranteed to turn heads. If you want to go with a lower-profile look, you might prefer the 33 1/3rd. This watch has a circular shape and features just the record and platter.

Visit Flud Wathes’ Where to Buy page for more info, or check out some of their other watches.

Posted in Design, Style, DJ, Gear, Music | No Comments »