Checkitoutcheckitoutcheckitout

I have a new internet thing that I really like. Thanks to this Pitchfork article, I have begun working my way through the archives of the web comic Questionable Content. Basically, it's the story of an indie rock romance1. It's filled with little inside jokes that fans of indie rock will get, but it's also just plain funny so that regular audiences will enjoy it too. The whole archive is free, as are the new strips, so there really isn't any reason why you shouldn't check it out. I would suggest that you do start at the beginning though, as there seems to be a lot of ongoing storylines. Just last night, I began at the start and read through number 120, and I must say it's highly enjoyable. Not only is it edgier than syndicated columns, it seems tailored to things I like; namely indie rock, romance, sarcasm, and robots. So if you like any, or all four, of those things do as Bubz from Homestarrunner says and checkitoutcheckitoutcheckitout.

1. My favorite kind!

New York Cares

From C at Scatter O' Light:

"trey over at the blowtorch has just posted a song he recorded as codename:Luxury. it's called the name of this song is talking heads, and the boy indeed has a bit of a manic david byrne vibe thing working. i must warn you that we are pretty sure trey is from the chicago area, but we suggest you listen to this track and maybe you too might learn to hate chicago a little less."

So I guess that means I'm obviously on my way to international stardom. So if you were wise, you'd go download the song.

I do feel I should mention that Chicago does not suck. And that rather, it is pretty sweet. But it will never be as indie as Plano.

GO SOX!!!!

I can't believe it, the White Sox JUST WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!!! I am so ecstatic!! After 88 years, we, as the city of Chicago, can celebrate!

You see, I'm from Chicago. Where the World Champion White Sox are from!!! Well not really, I'm from Lemont, which is a suburb. But it's close!!!

I'm so excited I can hardly type. I've been a Sox fan for basically my whole life. I guess not actually a Sox fan per se, but a city of Chicago fan and why shouldn't I celebrate??!!? Sure I cheered for the Cubs in their magical 2003 season (I still can't believe Bartman messed it up for us), but the Sox are from Chicago and so are the Cubs. And since I live kind of close to Chicago, I cheer for both!! Pretty much I just watch the playoffs, and if either Chicago team is in it I root for them. Except last year, when neither Chicago team made it. Don't worry though, I found someone to root for. The Boston Red Sox, baby! They won the World Series after 86 long, strenuous years on us fans. But I could not believe how happy I was for them. I even bought a hat!!

But you know what I'm going to do with that hat?? NO, I'm not going to burn it! Are you crazy? It's an official New Era that I bought from Lids. I spent like 25 bucks on it so I'll just put it in my closet. And replacing it on my head? That's right, my new hat.

The World Champion Chicago White Sox hat!!!!

I already have the one from just getting to the World Series, but you know I'm going to the mall tomorrow to by the new one!! I'm just such a big Chicago fan that I couldn't not buy it.

I mean this is easily the happiest I've been for a sports team since the Patriots won the Super Bowl in January. 3 Super Bowls in 4 years, they're a virtual dynasty how could you not root for them?

Then again my Bears are looking good right now too. First place in the NFC North!!!

--A Loyal Chicago Fan

I'm Kind of Tired

I'm tired. From not sleeping a lot. From sleeping too much. From doing med school and graduate school applications and writing personal statements. From writing excellent, dance-y rock songs about a special boo. Just a little sleepy. I believe I'll have a nap later.

As for tonight, after class I plan to begin the recording of a new song that definitely has the word "pirate" in the lyrics. Hopefully it'll be good.

But here are 2 stories I was suprised, but not surprised to see on the front page of ESPN.com:

• Air Force football coach: "Afro-American kids can run very, very well."
• Sheryl Swoops is a lesbian.

I would seem like these are two pretty big stories in the realm of sports. On one hand, you have a coach who is saying things that got people fired in the 1970s when a little bigotry was viewed as "from a different time;" and on the other hand you have a reigning MVP, the top of her sport coming out. But today, as me and my dad listened to talk radio, for at least 2 hours they only talked about how the White Sox seemed to be "magic." You might think that two stories which could affect the sporting culture would at least warrant mention on a sports program, but then you'd be wrong. To be fair, we didn't listen to the whole program, but we listened to parts over 2 hours and they only talked about the World Series. Yes, being near Chicago means that the Sox probably winning the World Series is a justifiably huge deal, but they should at least mention these two stories. Oh sports radio, you're so silly sometimes.

codename:Luxury - "The Name of This Song is Talking Heads"

If you want to listen to a song I made go here. It is named "The Name of This Song is Talking Heads" for a reason. A reason that should be quite apparent as you listen to it. But if somehow you don't understand, I am trying to acknowledge the fact that it is a total Talking Heads ripoff1.

1. Also ripped off: Wolf Parade, Bloc Party, and Interpol
   

4 Word Reviews

I have been listening to a lot of new music lately, but I haven't written about it recently. This may be because I am lazy with updates or something. But in an unabashed ripoff of Coolfer.com here are some four word reviews of what I've been listening to:

• Devendra Banhart - Cripple Crow - really good, new folk
• Bell Orchestre - Recording a Tape the Colour of Light - sleepy, dreamy instrumental soundscapes
• the Strokes - "15 Minutes of Pain" - worst of the leaks
• Iron and Wine/Calexico - In His Reins EP - if country music rocked
• Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - "Satan Said Dance," "You and Me Watson," "Cigarettes,'' "Graceful Retreat" - new songs, not bad
• codename : Luxury - "The Name of This Song is Talking Heads" - I made this song

So that's what been in the rotation for Tots the Pod as of late. I also actually bought the Clap Your Hands Say Yeah album from my local independent record store. It sounds really good compared to some of the mp3s I had, and it comes with lyrics which are a great deal of help as any one who has listened to CYHSY can attest to. Enjoy.

2 Quick Things

1. I have offically began work in earnest on Rock-n-Roll American, the debut LP from codename:Luxury. It will be released on my record label, Karl Varvan Records. I hope to have it finished and ready for distribution by my birthday (February 19).
2. Tommy Poro and I are batting around the idea of starting a magazine. This magazine would be a music and culture magazine with an emphasis on the Chicago scene. If you would like to be involved in anyway with this magazine let me know. Whether it be writing, reviewing, illustrations, financial or technical advising, or anything else of creative capacity your help would be greatly appreciated. Of course, you need not be from Chicago (I'm not) -- or even Illinois, thanks to the Internet -- to be a part of it.