Mightyjoecastro.com » Uncategorized

Post #996 – Notes from the weekend….

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:56:08 +0000

1. Picked up the new Arcade Fire and it’s really strong, although maybe a bit long? In case you haven’t heard, it’s about the suburbs, which has pretty much been my stomping grounds since birth, and they nail it in the head.

2. Saw Inception and it was pretty good – reminded me a little bit of Leonardo’s last film though, Shutter Island, which I liked a little bit better. Luckily, they didn’t go too over the top with the CGI effects or anything, and the acting/storyline was solid. Worth checking out on the big screen.

3. Chrome Ball Incident has a great interview up with Don Pendleton, which really gives some insight into the workings of the skateboard industry. Check it.

4. The Best Coast album is really fun as well, very summery and poppy. Some of it reminds me of a lazy Ramones record slowed down and bathed in tons of echo. If that sounds tasty, get some.

5. The new Transworld video, Hallelujah, is super insane, with T Puds part being as mind blowingly tech as everyone claims. All five skaters charge it hard for this one though, and the line-up makes the vid very well rounded. Taylor Bingaman is one to watch for sure – his part reminded me a bit of Cardiel on sedatives, without Cards’ make-or-break intensity and energy, if that makes sense. And don’t sleep on Pete Eldridge’s part either. Super good.

6. The Runaways movie is decent – pretty standard rock film filled with the usual cliches and everything but well done so, if you have a soft spot like me for films about rock-n-roll, then check it out. It’s really more of a movie about Cherie Currie and Joan Jett - they pretty much leave the rest of the band out of it, including Lita Ford, who’s had a pretty substantial career in her own right. The dude who plays Kim Fowley nails it though.

Enough ramblin’ – this is what you get when I go a week without really posting. More nonsense soon.

Post #991 – Vote for the Slingluff Gallery

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:38:12 +0000

Hey loyal readers – do a brother a quick favor and take 5 quick seconds to vote for the Slingluff Gallery for Best Art Gallery in Philadelphia. Why? Because it is, homeboy. They’ve been bringing some really great artists to Philly over the last few years, including Jon Carling, Julian Duron, Bigfoot, Jason Adams, Mike Egan, Ed Trask and will be doing shows with Dave Delany, Russell Shoemaker, and Andy Jenkins in the next few months. Plus, they’re tight with Smokin’ Joe Frazier, and you wouldn’t want to piss that guy off, right? And did I mention that I have a show coming up there this October? So, yeah, I’m biased for sure but the spot is rad. So please vote here!

Post #990 – No One Will Ever Believe You…

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:22:42 +0000

There’s been this odd urban myth that Bill Murray likes to walk up behind random strangers in NYC, put his hands over their eyes and say “guess who?” When they turn around and see him, he says “No one will ever believe you,” then disappears as quickly as he showed up. Not sure if that one’s true or not, and Bill’s not confirming nor denying it, but much like the existence of ghosts, vampires, Bigfoot or little men from outer space, life’s a little more exciting if you believe it’s true.

Anyway, here’s a rare and rad interview with the legend himself. The guy’s a total inspiration and a comic genius. Shame on the academy for never giving Bill Murray an Oscar. And if you’ve never seen Quick Change, you’re totally blowing it.

Post #986 – this vacuum cleans records!

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:22:08 +0000

Been digging through a very dusty box of rare 45s from the 50s & 60s, looking for a few diamonds in the rough for an upcoming podcast – and in researching the most effective way to clean vinyl, I came across the VPI vacuum record cleaning machine. Not to sound too much like a total music geek but that thing is soooo sweet and I would love to get my hands on one. So, if anyone out there in the vast corners of cyberspace either works for VPI or, out of the extreme generosity of your over-sized heart, would like to donate one to the cause, please let me know. I have no problem with putting a little “This podcast is brought to you by VPI Industries, manufacturers of such fine products as the HW-17 Professional Record Cleaning Machine” etc, etc at the beginning of each podcast. I’ll even get Nick P. to read the sponsor line like it’s a radio commercial from the 40s. Hey, it never hurts to just put it out there, right?

And for everyone who was interested in the She & Him posters, I just sold out of my stock. But stay tuned – I may be able to dig a few up from the screen printers archives. Thanks.

Post #980 – Rumors

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:18:27 +0000

Damn – word on the street is the self appointed “Queen of How-to” herself got all up in Nick P’s grill one afternoon in downtown NYC. And did Nick really back down, fearing an old fashioned prison shanking from the former M.Diddy? More news at 11:00.

Scientists to test Ozzy Osbourne’s body to see how he is still alive? Better believe it. I’m guessing Keith Richards wasn’t available for that one.

And for your listening pleasure, dig this previously unreleased interview with the late, great Joey Ramone, who would’ve turned 50 this year. RIP Joey.

And speaking of music, we’re going to start doing record reviews more regularly here, so send the tunes if you got ‘em.

Post #979 – Create-A-Thon 2010

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:56:43 +0000

For the past six years or so, I’ve been extremely honored to donate my time and services to a unique benefit event for local non-profits called Create-A-Thon. Each year, the nice folks over at Hypno Design host a small group of very talented designers and copywriters to create logos, brochures, ads and websites for deserving non-profits, free of charge and all completed in one intense 24-hour block of time. Generally, the printing of all the pieces are donated as well. Hypno has just posted this years application, so if you or someone you know works or volunteers at a Philadelphia/South Jersey non-profit, please spread the word and pass along this link so that they can apply. Thanks!

Post #975 – Servant Suburbia

Thu, 20 May 2010 18:41:57 +0000

Here’s another new collage, entitled Servant Suburbia, which will be included in my upcoming show at the Slingluff Gallery in Philadelphia this October. Mixed media on paper and framed at 16? x 20?. May 2010.

Post #973 – Warning, this one’s about art….

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Wayne Thiebaud has been one of my favorite artists for a while now, and after watching this clip on youtube, I’m glad to see that he’s a pretty normal, humble, down-to-earth kind of guy. Pretty inspiring and worth a watch. Much respect.

And this Alice Neel documentary looks really good as well – if you’re into that kind of thing. I’m definitely a fan of her painting style as well.

Post #972 – Dine and Dash

Fri, 14 May 2010 19:35:19 +0000

Got a random email yesterday from a casting agent, informing me I’d be a “great fit” for the role of Young Man #3, in the production of a new play based on the music of a certain famous songwriter, scheduled to open in LA this fall. No joke – they sent me the script, music for songs to learn for the audition, possible appointment times, the whole bit. I must admit I almost felt like Joey from Friends for a minute but I’m pretty sure this must be a case of mistaken identity or something. But, then again, if Sebastian Bach can do it……

Anyway, for those few interested, those who are tired of hearing me ramble on about phantom herons and birds of prey, I was lucky enough to catch the winged beast lurking around the fish pond yesterday, looking to cash in on a quick dine and dash. This time I was smart enough to have my little Flip camera ready. Please excuse the shaky cam footage. Enjoy.

That’s it for me – have a great weekend everybody.

Post #970 – Strange Days

Wed, 12 May 2010 20:37:14 +0000

Went heavy duty yard sale-ing over the weekend (not to be confused with “yard sailing” which is an entirely different animal) and, besides the stack of records and old cameras I usually pick up at these things, I snagged a 12 volume set of Time-Life’s Library of Curious and Unusual Facts. Expect bloggage to increase by at least 15% folks.

Anyway, I don’t really play video games, but if I did – I would totally check out the EA skate series. Their intro films are classic, and the brand new number 3 is no exception. Nice one.

And ESPN just posted an article about 11 skaters over 40, which is certainly inspiring. Kind of surprised they left Duane Peters and Olson off there though.