tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80144392024-03-13T03:00:30.858-07:00Japanese Blogging MachineThings about Japan and new music releases and whatever I feel like.Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-15094352809723773122021-03-14T23:22:00.001-07:002021-03-14T23:22:02.737-07:00Covers better than the original - part 3 (Lost, draft post from 2010)Beatles - I Want You/She's So Heavy vs. The Bee Gees<br />
<br /><div><div><br /></div><div>
Beatles:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>what's with the caravan groove in the middle?</li><li>fade out is waaayyy to long and then has awkward cut off</li><li>really nailed the nasty groove part, but seems like George didn't know what to do with it</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Bee Gees: <div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>better bass line</li><li>better production</li><li>just general more polished, better musicianship overall</li></ul><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-10697356824244939142021-03-14T23:20:00.002-07:002021-03-14T23:20:28.652-07:00Covers better than the originals - Part 2 (Lost, draft post from 2010)Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run vs. Frankie Goes To Hollywood <br />
<br />
Very similar production-wise but Trevor Horn fine tuned this gem (even keeping the crisp, clean, xylophone) and Holly's performance turns this gem of love on the run into a song about homosexual persecution.<br />
<br />
FGTH - orgasm groan is a bit too much really...<br /><br />Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-53757777765230925592021-03-14T23:19:00.001-07:002021-03-14T23:19:09.458-07:00Covers better than the originals - Part 1 (Lost, draft post from 2010)<b>Greg Kihn Band </b>- Jeopardy vs. <b>Weird Al Yankovic</b> - I Lost On Jeopardy<br />
<br />
WA - lyrics are better and go somewhere, mimics the original production perfectly?<br />
The sort of monotonous groove seems more fitting to the lyric subject matter. losing, bored.<br />
<br />
GK - great groove, but the lyrics are kind of forgettable other than the chorus. even with that, it doesn't SOUND like his love's in jeopardy. he seems matter-of-fact about it.Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-72622177771021721792011-10-18T21:59:00.001-07:002011-10-18T21:59:38.007-07:00Mosburger salted caramel churros<div><p>Mosburger now selling salted caramel mini churros.  Great packaging design, sadly not that tasty as they aren't crispy, more like a soft cookie, but only 100 yen</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/--3MRb1xoA9U/Tp5ZMJK7orI/AAAAAAAAFqY/U5oNx2b-pnQ/IMG_20111018_134207.png' /></div>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-27215610902205331082011-06-13T16:57:00.000-07:002011-06-13T16:57:29.880-07:00Buffalo Daughter new digital release (For US)Japanese band Buffalo Daughter is releasing their 2010 album, Weapons Of Math Destruction in the US digitally on June 13th. Additionally, you can buy an actual CD at their 4 date tour in the US:<br />
<a href="http://www.buffalodaughter.com/live.html#wmd6%20">http://www.buffalodaughter.com/live.html#wmd6 </a><br />
<br />
Probably in support of their tour due to their appearance at the Hollywood Bowl on June 26th with Yellow Magic Orchestra, Towa Tei and the reunited Cibo Matto (<a href="http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/performance-detail.cfm?id=4529">http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/performance-detail.cfm?id=4529</a>) <br />
<br />
<div class="c_title"><br />
</div>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-47338897161842140322011-06-09T08:58:00.000-07:002011-06-09T08:58:14.181-07:00IVY is back!Was pleasantly surprised to see that the band, IVY is back. New single out now and album out in September. It really exceeded my expectations and is more synth-based than ever! Check it out streaming on their webpage.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thebandivy.com/news/">http://www.thebandivy.com/news/</a>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-33174164022970432712011-01-24T21:46:00.000-08:002011-01-24T21:46:26.109-08:00Wacky Things Of Japan 2011 Part 3 (iPhone 4 cover that looks like a cassette)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TT5jPkWTePI/AAAAAAAAFhY/ijnD5yoHzrk/s1600/DSC06961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TT5jPkWTePI/AAAAAAAAFhY/ijnD5yoHzrk/s320/DSC06961.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Hot item from Akihabara! Yep, if you want to go really retro, you can disguise your iPhone4 as a crappy cassette (look it up on Wikipedia, kids). Looks pretty cool though I think... And only about $12 bucks. Maybe something that Erika Toda would use? :)Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-88369272101660443662011-01-23T17:05:00.000-08:002011-01-23T17:05:26.869-08:00Wacky Things Of Japan 2011 Part 2 (iPhone 4 Cover that looks like a shoe)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TTzQNo24AQI/AAAAAAAAFhU/y3DhBLwFwK8/s1600/DSC06946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TTzQNo24AQI/AAAAAAAAFhU/y3DhBLwFwK8/s320/DSC06946.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>If only I had an iPhone4 to use it. Shoe for your iPhone4! :)Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-14236061606696606532011-01-07T23:23:00.000-08:002011-01-07T23:23:54.521-08:00Japanese Products Part 3 - Kit Kat Shinkansen (Bullet Train) (Flavor??!?)Just kidding... It's not Shinkansen flavor but a special Nozumi Shinkansen edition of Kit Kat that comes in a box shaped like the famed Osaka to Tokyo Shinkansen. Inside the box is a bunch of the regular petit Kit Kat but with Shinakensen trivia on it plus some stickers. I picked this up at that Nagoya Shineansen waiting area for my son...yeah, my son. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSgQrKaMegI/AAAAAAAAFgc/TcAsUIwbNAY/s1600/DSC06896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSgQrKaMegI/AAAAAAAAFgc/TcAsUIwbNAY/s320/DSC06896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSgQvhkMcJI/AAAAAAAAFgg/dtxvk3Lk-GY/s1600/DSC06895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSgQvhkMcJI/AAAAAAAAFgg/dtxvk3Lk-GY/s320/DSC06895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-90524103834030838032011-01-02T18:44:00.000-08:002011-01-02T18:44:44.934-08:00Japanese Products Part 2 - Nestle Kit Kat - European CheeseOne of my other favorite things to do when going to Japan is visiting Conbini (convenient) stores like Family Mart, 7-11, Lawsons, etc and checking out the Kit Kat section. Did you know Kit Kat world wide except for United States is made by Nestle, not Hershey? Not sure why that is. What I've discovered though is there are tons of special Kit Kat flavors in Japan. It changes seasonally. Today, I'm covering one I just found called, *CHEESE*! It's not just any cheese though, its European cheese! (American Cheese Kit Kat sounds even more disgusting--I hope it doesn't exist.) Being in Japan, I'll try anything once so I bought this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSE29VFi3GI/AAAAAAAAFgI/yLivp2qYuOo/s1600/DSC06840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSE29VFi3GI/AAAAAAAAFgI/yLivp2qYuOo/s320/DSC06840.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The packaging is a big box, maybe an inch and a half thick. This is a special flavor so be aware that most of the Kit Kat in Japan does come in the regular plastic wrapping that you'd see in the US. I like the lock on the side of the box to make it look exotic! Since this is Japan, everything is mini size (petite it proclaims so you can justify those 25Kcals) and individually wrapped. The ingredients are: Cheese paste, Cheese flavor & Cheese powder. Yum!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSE3PmMrcgI/AAAAAAAAFgU/4VmJ7qSosqM/s1600/DSC06845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSE3PmMrcgI/AAAAAAAAFgU/4VmJ7qSosqM/s320/DSC06845.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSE3E4JOGCI/AAAAAAAAFgM/WDNqs_LhzNI/s1600/DSC06846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSE3E4JOGCI/AAAAAAAAFgM/WDNqs_LhzNI/s320/DSC06846.JPG" width="320" /></a>Taste? Well, its still sweet, but it has that definite stinky cheese smell. Taste is more like a bland white chocolate. I'm not really getting a cheese taste and I think in this case that is a good thing! Don't say I really care for it, but I didn't hate it either but the smell is kind of annoying. Rating: 2 out of 5.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSE3Xadk2OI/AAAAAAAAFgY/95oRL1w0GKQ/s1600/DSC06842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSE3Xadk2OI/AAAAAAAAFgY/95oRL1w0GKQ/s320/DSC06842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-62502581421964373872011-01-01T21:13:00.000-08:002011-01-01T21:13:08.134-08:00Japanese Products Part 1 - Pepsi Mont Blanc<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSAJOQ-TNPI/AAAAAAAAFgE/cEPZAiDLXas/s1600/DSC06784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TSAJOQ-TNPI/AAAAAAAAFgE/cEPZAiDLXas/s320/DSC06784.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Mont Blanc is a desert. Sort of a chestnuts and cream thing. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Blanc_(dessert)">Wikipedia Entry Here. </a>It is very popular in Japan. I had never heard of it before. In Japan it is pronounced Mom-bu-lan (at least it sounds like it to me). Not sure if that is the correct pronunciation as it is French. My wife loves it; I think it is okay. Anyway, saw that Pepsi has a Mont Blanc flavor here in Japan. I got it and tried it. Kind of like cream soda. Was alright. Haven't seen any different Coke or Pepsi Japanese products ever since my journeys to Japan began so I thought this was significant.Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-74083995095106970872010-12-30T17:56:00.000-08:002010-12-30T17:56:58.527-08:00Wacky Things Of Japan 2011 - Part 1Saw this item in a kids store in Japan. Not sure why someone would make this....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TR03w_9UxiI/AAAAAAAAFf8/83i3mrj40v0/s1600/DSC06710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TR03w_9UxiI/AAAAAAAAFf8/83i3mrj40v0/s320/DSC06710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TR032Jvz41I/AAAAAAAAFgA/cEBrUEQ-Xn4/s1600/DSC06711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TR032Jvz41I/AAAAAAAAFgA/cEBrUEQ-Xn4/s320/DSC06711.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
1) No, let's <em>not </em>make bananas clustered.<br />
2) No, I don't think I will use it as an accessory case.<br />
<br />
It looks like there a couple of more things it does written in Japanese but I can't read it.Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-59821335199294710832010-12-29T21:14:00.000-08:002010-12-29T21:14:48.714-08:00I love Pumpkin - Part 1I'm not sure when it started exactly...within the last 10 years for sure, I think after eating Japanese pumpkin (aka Kabocha) and realizing how tasty and healthy it is. Since then, I have been searching and trying any and all things pumpkin (American or Japanese). At some point, I think I will have tried enough pumpkin items that I could have an entire day's meal of different pumpkin items (including beverages of course!). <br />
<br />
Today's first entry was a pleasant surprise for me. Found it in the Family Mart (US=Famima!) store. Its Haagen Dazs Pumpkin! It had a tiny swirl of (I think) Caramel. I really liked it. I like that Haagen Dazs is pushing and trying new flavors (that is another thing I like about Japan and will be explored further in future posts). I think they are doing special flavors in the US as well but this flavor would probably be too radical for them as in the US pumpkin is only considered a holiday food (and usually only Thanksgiving) plus this one is more on the Kabocha style as you can tell from the picture.<br />
<br />
Out of 5 stars, I rate this a 4.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TRwUpuawCdI/AAAAAAAAFf4/eF0jNRwCzFI/s320/DSC06720.JPG" width="320" /></div>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-83325457325194878912010-12-28T18:58:00.000-08:002010-12-28T18:58:24.571-08:00Things From Japan Part 1: 3D Cell Phone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TRqjuQRbovI/AAAAAAAAFe8/pmDs1hbqtug/s1600/DSC06693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/TRqjuQRbovI/AAAAAAAAFe8/pmDs1hbqtug/s320/DSC06693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Okay America, we are really behind when we don't even have a 3D cell phone yet!Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-43951502825875939322010-09-24T21:02:00.000-07:002010-09-30T16:36:20.433-07:00Videogame movie cheese in HDWell, well, well. HD Net is showing both <b>Cloak & Dagger</b> (Dabney Colman and that ET kid) as well as<b> The Wizard </b>(Fred Savage) in the upcoming week in full HD quality! Two kids videogame movies back-to-back. Looking forward to that.<br />
<br />
Have to admit I never saw <b>The Wizard</b> but looking forward to seeing old NES games on "the big screen". <br />
<br />
<b>Cloak & Dagger </b>was probably one of the last early 80s videogame tie-in films (ala <b>Tron</b> and <b>The Last Starfighter</b> -- although that game never was completed). C&D's game was by Atari and was called Agent X and I remember playing it quite voraciously during my 14th or 15th birthday at the old (and no longer there) Malibu Grand Prix in Northridge (a go-cart/arcade paradise).<br />
<br />
Reviews to follow!Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-11126997670403843642010-03-30T20:57:00.000-07:002010-03-30T20:57:58.906-07:00Wacky Things of Japan 2010 - Part 5<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/S7LIRQMiCPI/AAAAAAAAE_U/Nyq4n9bMWR8/s1600/DSC05405.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/S7LIRQMiCPI/AAAAAAAAE_U/Nyq4n9bMWR8/s400/DSC05405.JPG" /></a> </div><br />Totally inappropriate baby clothing! Does the child need to start on the weed this early in life?? :)<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-90595553485585929132010-03-23T07:19:00.000-07:002010-03-23T07:21:55.887-07:00Wacky Things of Japan 2010 - Part 4<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/S6jN7vbmvzI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/zR09sHaYDF0/s1600-h/DSC00014.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/S6jN7vbmvzI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/zR09sHaYDF0/s400/DSC00014.JPG" /></a> </div>I think the box copy says it all. Another Akihabara find.<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-606427772459260362010-03-21T06:42:00.000-07:002010-03-21T06:42:15.305-07:00Wacky Things Of Japan 2010 - Part 3<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/S6YiHByOGtI/AAAAAAAAE6E/WgLdQee_fs0/s1600-h/DSC05254.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/S6YiHByOGtI/AAAAAAAAE6E/WgLdQee_fs0/s400/DSC05254.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Nothing more fun then a game of fake Russian Roulette. Wonder what the original one was like (since this is Russian Roulette II)?? I also like the background says something about it being dangerous but you can't read it. That's probably not important! :)</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-88954736455123583882010-03-19T06:15:00.000-07:002010-03-19T06:15:47.167-07:00Wacky Things Of Japan 2010 - Part 2<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/S6N46bCvpLI/AAAAAAAAE5M/-J-GSy6TfDk/s1600-h/DSC00012.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/S6N46bCvpLI/AAAAAAAAE5M/-J-GSy6TfDk/s400/DSC00012.JPG" /></a> </div>Found this in Akihabra. Forget about the bad grammar...why do we need a radio controlled moving tissue box? Are we really that lazy? What are you using tissue box for? Blowing nose only I hope.<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-41965685006188469642010-03-18T05:46:00.000-07:002010-03-18T05:46:55.283-07:00Wacky Things Of Japan 2010 - Part 1Yes, it's Cats! That can only mean that I'm in Japan and I'm sharing my "wacky" photos. This is just the beginning!<br />
<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KxpEDXbyLL4naOc7Q0Dt6A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-haR0GqF5wk/S6Ieov_s5fI/AAAAAAAAE3A/Uya_Q0OfS54/s144/DSC00008.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/markwasiel/JapanTrip2010WackyThings?feat=embedwebsite">Japan Trip 2010 - Wacky Things</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-87439520194895730852010-02-06T15:06:00.000-08:002010-02-06T15:06:50.349-08:00La Bionda - I Wanna Be Your Lover videoI found this video accidentally on the Interwebs (while searching for a picture of the Japanese pop group from the 70s, Finger 5 - a Japanese Jackson 5 inspired group).<br />
<br />
It's amazing 80s technology, cheesy Heavy Metal type animation and '80s video effects. Daft Punk has surely borrowed heavily visually and musically from these lads. I thought it was so good that I didn't think it was original at first but some kind of tribute, but it appears to be authentic from 1980. Apparently, they were a big Italian disco group. If you don't smile when they do the hand-claps, you just might not be human! :)<br />
<br />
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iNdBSH_Tv2k&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iNdBSH_Tv2k&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-15907375613393109112010-02-05T11:21:00.000-08:002010-02-05T11:21:12.189-08:00Time to start your own 8-bit band with help from SonyStart your own 8-bit band with this royalty-free sample disc from Sony Creative Software.<br />
<a href="http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/8bitweapon">8 Bit Weapon</a><br />
<br />
There's a few samples on the link. Sounds good except for the Atari 2600 sample. Thought they would at least remove the buzz (is that 60 cycle Hz hum?) from the sample even though that's not authentic.Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-33042512838451057612010-02-01T21:35:00.000-08:002010-02-01T23:54:17.945-08:00Groovy town - Call Me with Walter Wanderley & Victor M. on DrumsRare video of Brazilian super-star organist Walt Wanderley doing the classic "Call Me" to lighten the mood.<br />
<br />
I think the audio quality is a little better if you select 480p. This clip is very '70s. Walter doesn't seem very happy but it's a pretty groovy version. Unfortunately, they do not show his hands when he does that hyper-staccato thing he does on the keys every once in a while (his trademark?). Anyone got any video of that??<br />
<br />
The opening graphic right away tells you to prepare for awesomeness. Then you got a polyester paradise and it looks like Walt is sporting a silk ascot...classy! And sitting on three stacked chairs! Drummer's got a total 70s 'stash and wavy hair too (not to mention his floral pattern shirt). Man, I love the '70s. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9aftG6pybA">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9aftG6pybA</a><br />
<br />
OK...Spies Like Us comments really coming soon! :)Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-89553433868924870222010-01-15T20:39:00.000-08:002010-01-15T20:42:24.695-08:00Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me in HD (Premiere!)The HD premier of the motion picture, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me was on HD Net Movies this month (still on this month if you missed it - you are watching this channel, right? They show tons of yet-to-be-released-on-Blu-Ray HD movies). Picture quality was pretty good, little bit dirty at times but better than the DVD I think. I was excited to watch it as I hadn't seen it in a while. But now, after seeing it, I really don't think I need to see it again. I mean, it is really, really, depressing! Not quite on the Dancer In The Dark or Requiem For A Dream scale (I will NEVER watch those movies again!), but it's pretty close up there. <br />
<br />
**SPOILER** (highlight to read)<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #d9ead3;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: white;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;">Still can't believe I never understood before after watching 2 or 3 times that the Dad also had raped his daughter?</span>!</span><span style="color: #d9ead3;"> </span>**END SPOILER** <br />
<br />
Geez, what a happy, little film! How could Lynch have even thought people would want more of this after the TV show?? A good example of how a prequel was not necessary. The TV show was able to convey the badness well enough I think (well, maybe not totally, but this movie was overkill). For me, just Laura's theme alone was able to convey the tragedy for me (what a beautiful theme!). I watched the pilot again and I have to say that I still tear up when it is played! :o The film is technically well done (I mean, I was sad..) and is interesting story-wise for Twin Peaks fans. Still I'd have a hard time sitting through it again. That said, I would really like to see the often-rumored deleted scenes. Apparently there's quite a bit and some French company is sitting on them and Lynch needs money to restore the scenes to his level of quality before they can be released. Someday??<br />
<br />
OK, and if you don't know what Twin Peaks is...well, just go find some clips on You Tube or read up on it on Wikipedia...It was a great, strange TV show (have to say, its 90s fashion and wired telephones is dating it more than I thought!). If you like what you see, go rent the Gold Box. It's great stuff.<br />
<br />
On a lighter note, almost done with Spies Like Us! :)Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8014439.post-27209288847194394832009-12-13T23:09:00.000-08:002009-12-13T23:18:37.454-08:00Spies Like Us...in HD!Continuing my series of movies that maybe don't qualify as high-brow cinema but are showing in 1080i HD, is Spies Like Us. I haven't watched it since it came out. In fact, I know the theme song much better then the actual movie. Especially because the 12" single had a rare remix by the Art Of Noise which was one of my favorite groups. So, recorded this off of HD Net Movies (great channel). And looking forward to watching it soon. Decoys!!??!<br />Did I mention that I once saw John Landis in a supermarket on Thanksgiving a few years ago? :D<br /><br />As for <span style="font-weight:bold;">Convoy</span>.... well, I did watch it. What a strange film! I can't say it was great, but I was entranced with its 70s super-wide cinematography. I'm sure the movie has never been seen this way in a long time. Watching it on VHS or DVD probably lost a lot (don't think it was letterboxed on DVD...was it?) The movie was funny. There is a ridiculous amount of slow motion at the beginning of the film when there is a fight in a bar. And there's a whole political story line which just doesn't make any sense, but it was entertaining. Lots of slow mo trucks crashing through prop-houses later in the film too. And who can not like Ernest Borgnine? :) I did feel bad for Ali McGraw. She ditched her career for this?? (Sorry, been brainwashed by Kid Stays In The Picture I guess!) The movie didn't seem that manly though. You figured there'd be a lot more nudity..but I guess they were going for realistic (?!). Plus, the Convoy song is so fruity. Especially the chorus part. Still love it though!Zazoo Pittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05158942316948513337noreply@blogger.com0