And I just realized that Jan 18th was the 7 year anniversary for this site – that’s a lot of mileage so thanks for sticking around.  And thank you to those who bought a painting or a print, download a podcast or came to a show – your support is deeply appreciated.  Special thanks this year to The Slingluff Gallery, ABNRML, Fringe Salon, Science Skateboards, Switch Skate Shop, Zilla Rocca, Has-Lo, Curly Castro and Justin Clowes for all they’re help in 2011.

Anyway, as I’ve always done in the past, below are my favorite albums from 2011, in no particular order.  (still haven’t heard the new Black Keys record yet, in case you’re wondering why it’s not on the list).  And if you think I’ve left anything off or want to recommend something, let me know.  I’m always looking for new tunes and inspirations.

Joe Castro’s favorite records of 2011

Tom Waits, Bad As Me
Jessica Lea Mayfield, Tell Me
The Horrible Crowes, Elsie
Arctic Monkeys, Suck It and See
St Vincent, Strange Mercy
Curly Castro, Winston’s Appeal

And, to try something new, here’s a list of my favorite skateboard video parts from 2011.  Again, if you think I missed something, let me know.

Joe Castro’s favorite skate parts of 2011

Dennis Busenitz, Real Since Day One
Torey Pudwell, Big Bang Theory
Nyjah Huston, Rise and Shine
Nick Merlino, WTF
Mike Anderson, Not Another Transworld Video

The new Shake Junt video is pretty sick as well, by the way.

Until  next time….

Finished a new painting recently – this one is entitled Iodine and will be included in the upcoming For Penn Treaty group show at the Slingluff Gallery.  A portion of the sale of each piece will go toward maintaining and renovating Penn Treaty Park in Philly, The opening is this Saturday night, January 7th from 6-9 pm. 11 W. Girard Ave Philadelphia PA 19123. The show is also sponsored by Art in the Age, Philadelphia based makers of Root, Snap and Rhuby liquors.  Click here for more information.

Oil on canvas, 24″ x 12″. December 2011.

Here is the Music Player. You need to installl flash player to show this cool thing!

A few months ago, I came across an old box of CDRs, one which contained this rarely heard interview with Christopher Tucker and John Paul Travis from my old band, The Situation.  This was originally broadcast on WVUD, the University of Delaware’s radio station, in 2002, a few days before we were scheduled to play their annual Radiothon benefit with Raccoon (who would later morph into Dr. Dog.)  In classic Tucker form, Christopher managed to let a few expletives slip, which oddly sent the powers that be into a tizzy, and we ended being banned from the radio station shortly afterwards.  Not quite the Pistols on Bill Grundy but hey, that’s Delaware for you.  And for those wondering where Laz and I were, we did our interview with a different DJ the following day.

Anyway, being that today would have been Christopher’s 40th birthday, I’m throwing this out there for your listening pleasure.  This brings back a ton of memories for sure. It’s good to hear your voice again, man – rest in peace, my friend.

And for you completests out there, you can also download the interview here:  part 1.   part 2.

Never forget.

When I think of Tim, it’s hard not to also think of his brothers, Mark, Craig and Bryan, as they were somewhat of a package deal, four unique personalities with a tight brotherly bond, like the Ramones, with Tim in the role of  Dee Dee. I met Mark through skateboarding and we quickly became close friends, which led to a slew of fun parties over the years at the Vettori home, which eventually became a club house where we would relax after skating.

Two things struck me immediately about Tim – first that he had a wicked, dark sense of humor, which I dug, and second, that he generally went against the grain and lived life the way he wanted. He was rock-n-roll – a little snotty, anti-authoritarian, a non-conformist, the playful trouble maker with a good heart. An endearing pain in the ass and a complete f*ck-up – and I mean that in the best way possible.  Ever hear Let it Bleed by The Rolling Stones?  He was kind of like that record – a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, an uncontrived attitude with no shortage of heart and guts and overall just super cool.  The real deal.

Summer nights spent hopping fences to dive into some strangers swimming pool. Endless games of pool that always devolved into some sort of stupid arguement.  Late nights at Jude’s diner, young and bored and looking for something to do. This is how I’ll always remember Tim. Lost days for sure.

To Mark, Craig, Bryan, his daughter Ciara, Ben Miller, and the rest of his family and friends, I’m deeply sorry for your loss, which is also my loss.  I know he’s in a better place. Rest in peace, my friend.

Also got forwarded some info on a very cool looking double documentary on the untold story of the California Beat Era called Swinging in the Shadows. Peep the trailer below. The producers are still looking for funding to wrap up the project so, if you like what you see, make a contribution to the cause and support independent cinema. Every little bit helps.

Definitely pick up a copy of the latest Skateboarder magazine, which has an excellent retrospective on Video Days as well as interviews with all the major players (Gonz, Jason Lee, Guy, Rudy, Jordan, Spike Jonze, etc.)  There’s also a nice little Marc Johnson interview in there as well. And I’m really digging the larger format of the magazine – the photos look amazing.

And don’t sleep on this one – Curly Castro (no relation) just released his long awaited debut full length album, Winston’s Appeal, for free online and it’s damn strong.  The whole disc is a solid listen – just tight lyrical hip-hop mixed with some reggaetron flavor, more on the conscious side lyrically but not preachy, more old school. I mean, this is the kind of hip-hop I love – think early to mid-90s.  Like I said, get it for your ear drums!

The Others Guys Preview from Christopher Smith on Vimeo.

Behind the scenes: Video Days Reunion Shoot Part 1 of 3 from Skateboarder Magazine on Vimeo.

Behind the Scenes: Video Days Shoot part 2 of 3 from Skateboarder Magazine on Vimeo.

Behind The Scenes: Video Days Reunion Shoot part 3 of 3 from Skateboarder Magazine on Vimeo.

I have two art pieces featured in the Fall 2010 issue of the Main Street Journal, so be sure to pick one up if you’re in Newark, Delaware anytime soon. It’s free.

And The Sky Drops just released their brand new single Explain It to Me, today via iTunes and  it’s really, really good.  A bit dirtier and covered in a blanket of warm fuzz, it’s got a great riff and a great sound - drop 99 cents and pick it up.  McD’s cant’ front on that value meal.