The Next Sounds: Electric Guest

By Sierra Drucker

In the musical era of a major soul re-emergence, Electric Guest come across with a fresh new spin on the genre. Blending it ever so slightly with indie rock and a tinge of hip pop flavor, this Los Angeles duo burst onto the scene with a killer debut.

It’s kind of impossible not to fall in love with their single “This Head I Hold.”  It’s catchy, effortlessly stylized, modern and yet tinged with an indiscriminate feeling of nostalgia for the musical decades of yore.  From the layered and flowing instrumentation, to those super smooth falsetto vocals, this tune offers a little slice of cultivated perfection.

So who are the masterminds behind it all?  Singer Asa Taccone, along with his uber-talented multi-instrumentalist bandmate Matthew Compton, has been busy behind the scenes producing hits for brother Jorma Taccone’s novelty project, The Lonely Island (as made famous by Andy Samberg and Saturday Night Live).  Asa’s brother just happened to be longtime friends with the one and only Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse).  After hearing some of Asa’s songs, Burton knew he wanted to be a part of this passion project.

You can really hear that signature Danger Mouse sound on the track “American Daydream.”  Take a listen and watch Asa completely lose his s&*t in their first official video, directed by Jorma Taccone.

Nearly six years and one stress-induced episode of shingles later, Electric Guest has a Danger Mouse-produced full length, and a shiny new label deal with Downtown/Fontana Records.

You can look forward to hearing their full length debut, Mondo, when it is released April 24th. In the meantime, if you’re in the area, make sure to grab your tickets to see them live!

The Tourist Premiere

By: Gossip by Gabsmash

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The Tourist world premiere in NYC
PR Photos/Gossip by Gabsmash

Republicans Fear Undercounting in Census

By: Tom Butts

Some Republicans are worried that an anti-government surge among conservatives will lead to lower participation in the U.S. census, which they fear could reduce the number of Republican seats in Congress and state legislatures.  Conservative activists this year have argued it is unconstitutional for the census to ask anything beyond the number of people in a household. This year’s census form also seeks information on race, gender and age, among other things, and filling it out is required by law.  The census has asked similar questions for decades.  Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., who is admired by many tea-party activists and ultra-conservatives, has said she will refuse to provide information about anything except the number of people in her household.

Okay…after reading the above on Fox News’s website…yes, I sometimes force myself to read the tabloids…

I was thinking, “why is it that we’ve had the Census every ten years and just in 2010 people are questioning it and doing the conspiracy thing?”  I figured it out.  In 1970, 1980 and 1990 we had Republican Presidents –no need to protest.  In 2000 we were still talking about Bill Clinton’s blowjob, so I think Republicans forgot to protest queue 2010.  A President “of color” and a Tea Party that still makes me smirk when I see their outfits and misspelled protest posters make a perfect recipe for people who are afraid to be counted.

To be honest, I don’t even know where to begin with Michelle Bachmann. I’ll just wait for her next fuck up that makes this look petty.  I’m sure this will happen soon.

I was going to launch into the idea that people who are so worried about this should just move to Northern Idaho, but I think I’ll take it one step further.  I will quote my conservative friends (yes, I have a few) and say what they said to me when I was whining about GW Bush “why don’t you just move to Canada?”  That feels really good; I’ll repeat myself.  “Why don’t you just move to Canada?”  Of course, I don’t think Canada wants these close-minded fools and their tea bags, so perhaps they need to find a nice country where prejudice, stupidity and ignorance are welcome.  Is there such a place?

Welcome To Crazy Land

By: Tony Tripoli

Dealing with your parents as an adult can be even trickier than when you were a kid. And, some of us certainly do better than others. Since I am a stand-up comic, I talk about my folks on stage, so, you can imagine some of the fun conversations we’ve had as a result.

I just finished a run of my one man show, TONY TRIPOLI : I SHIT MY PANTS! (An evening of sophisticated stand up), and for my Father’s birthday, he wanted to come to L.A., and see the show.

You are probably looking at your computer right now, yelling: “Don’t do it, Moron”, but I cannot hear you, and this was a week ago, so shut up. Besides, you’re the one yelling at your computer, so, maybe you’re the moron.

So, I flew Dad in last weekend. I got him a hotel, and on the way to check in, he starts:

Dad: I don’t need a hotel, Son.

Me: It’ll be better.

Dad: But, I can just stay at your place.

Me: This is better.

Dad: I’ll just sleep on the couch.

Me: This is better.

Dad: That way, I’ll be there in the morning when you wake up, and we’ll have so much more time together.

Me: This is better for ME.

And…..Silence.

I took him to the hotel.

That night, we went to the Arclight to see a movie, which he chose. The film was called “Chloe”, and since Julianne Moore was the star, I was totally in, in spite of not knowing anything else about it. I’ll try not to ruin it, but, it’s a big piece of crap, and you should skip it. Basically, Julianne suspects her husband, Liam Neeson is cheating, so she hires a hooker, Amanda Seyfried, to hit on him, and report back. Good idea, but, it quickly unravels into a straight man’s idea of how female sexuality works, and Julianne gets so jealous of her husband’s encounters with Amanda, she seduces Amanda, and they have this really long, very naked, lesbian sex scene that no gay guy should have to watch sitting next to his straight father, okay?!

The next day, Dad came to see my show, which is an hour and a half of stand up. Lots of naughty dating stories, and more than one tale of having an accident in my pants. Really, I think the Pulitzer folks will be calling me any day…

My father laughed a lot, and told me he was very proud afterward, which is so sweet.

Then, the next morning, as I drove him to the airport, he said “Son, I couldn’t sleep last night, thinking about something you said on stage”. Oh shit, I thought. Here it comes.

“You said that your parents don’t ‘get it’, and I just want you to know, I’m so sorry”.

My Dad is wonderful, you guys. He’s affectionate, caring, interested, and involved. And, when I speak, he really listens. Even if I’m on stage in a room full of strangers, telling poop jokes. He really is the greatest.

I explained that I was only making a little joke about how all adult children feel like there parents don’t ‘get it’ sometimes, but that I wasn’t trying to hurt his feelings, and I was glad he told me.

Dealing with your parents can be tricky, but, it’s always worth it. And, sometimes, just like when you were a kid, it makes you a better person.

Tony Tripoli

tonytripoli.com

Mexico Marriage

By: Brandy Black

Lol Kin Castaneda and Judith Vazquez made history on Thursday, March 11th, both in ivory dresses, they tied the knot.  Mexico City is first in Latin America to legalize gay marriage.  The couple and friends were ecstatic.  Congrats to Vasquez and Castaneda and to Mexico City.

[photo credit: BBC]

It's Not Hayes(y) to Me

By: Tom Butts

Okay, I find this odd, maybe even offensive.  Sean Hayes, who played “Jack McFarland” on Will & Grace is gay as…well, gayer than a three dollar bill, right?  When I saw this headline I thought to myself, wow, now you’re going to tell me that Richard Simmons is gay.  You want to know why this pisses me off, well; I’m going to tell you either way.  I equate closeted people with those Republican hypocrites that take wide stances in toilet stalls at Midwest airports.  Seriously, how can we move forward and just be part of every day life if people pretend they are someone they’re not.  My rant continues below…

After years of refusing to directly answer questions about his sexuality, Sean Hayes finally sits down with a major gay publication to reveals that he is indeed gay. Some quotes from his interview in the April edition of the Advocate:

“I am who I am. I was never in, as they say. Never.”
(What the f*ck does this mean?  Sorry, still a bit pissed off about him at this point.)

“Why would you go down that path with somebody who’s done so much to contribute to the gay community?” he asks. “That was my beef about it.  What more do you want me to do?  Do you want me to stand on a float?  And then what?  It’s never enough.”
(The level of arrogance…ugh)

“I feel like I’ve contributed monumentally to the success of the gay movement in America, and if anyone wants to argue that, I’m open to it.  You’re welcome, Advocate.”
(Because he played a gay character…WTF…thank you Sean, you have liberated the GLBT community…)

Okay, I’m finished with my comments.  I’ll just end by saying, “he’s no Ellen Degeneres”.  RANT COMPLETE.

Welcome To Crazy Land

By: Tony Tripoli

You know how celebs are always saying they were in bed asleep when the Oscar nominations came out, and the phone woke them up, when in reality, you know they were perched on the edge of the bed with a Meryl Streep voodoo doll and a pint of Ben and Jerrys, hoping to hear their names called?

Well, that’s ME when they announce a new batch of Dancing With The Stars contestants.

Sadly, again this year, I was not on the list. But, at least Niecy Nash was. And, she’s practically a gay guy.

Boo-ya!

Also making the cut was the most recent himbo Bachelor, who is just doing it to stay away from Vienna, as well as Kate Gosselin, who is for sure doing it to stay away from those kids of hers. Seriously, she saw them at Christmas, and she gooooood.

Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon, but even then was REALLY slow, so….you do the math.

Shannen Doherty has a shot, as long as she only looks out of her good eye,

and Pamela Anderson will at least be entertaining. Watching her try the Vienese Waltz in those Lucite stripper shoes of hers will be must – see TV.

But, my prediction for the champ: soap hunk Aiden Turner,

who is paired with the always sexy Edita Sliwinska. These two are so hot, I’m not sure which one I wanna make out with first!

Twilight dreamboat Robert Pattinson was on the View this week,

and, was asked if he would ever date an older woman. His answer: ”I think Betty White is probably one of the sexiest women in America. She’s vibrant; it’s sexy. I think the more age the better.”

During the commercial break, things took an awkward turn when Barbra Walters asked if he’d be interested in “banging the LifeAlert bracelet right offa me”.

US Magazine claims that Real Atlanta Housewife Kim Zolciack is about to come out of the closet. And, not in some tacky outfit, as per usual, but with a lesbian lover!

They say she has been dating DJ Tracy Young for the past 3 months.

I’m not saying she’s a narcissist, but doesn’t her girlfriend look exactly like her, without the wig and drag makeup?

Oh, and, she’s totally a narcissist.

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Sources claim that Tiger Woods has received phone calls from both President Obama, and former President Bill Clinton.

Obama chastised him for “Making us all look bad” and Clinton said “You go, brother!!! Haha. Damn, I’m just green with envy, brohiem. We gotta grab us a couple beers and chase some tail once this blows over….”

The singing and dancing cast of the hit show GLEE has announced a muli-city tour this May.

Expect arenas full of former class nerds that don’t think they are still nerds, but, are.

Jessica Simpson has been tweeting her love advice. Ok,…. thanks?

Her nuggets of wisdom include: “You can’t love someone else to change them. Happiness comes from accepting who they are.”

I guess she learned that after not accepting who Nick Lachey, Tony Romo, and John Mayer are.

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You can watch Tony on TV GUIDE’S Sexiest Couples of All Time, playing now.

Listen to his podcast : THE COMEDY COUCH WITH DENNIS HENSLEY AND TONY TRIPOLI (free  on iTunes)

OR, see him LIVE at the Fake Gallery, March 14, 21, and 28 at 7pm.

Go to tonytripoli.com for info, or friend him on Facebook.

[photo credit Buzz: Flickr member Mharrsh]

[photo credit Edyta: Flickr member burningkarma]

Not A Family Friendly Guy…

By: Tom Butts

ABC News’ take on things…

An angry Senator Jim Bunning refused to answer questions from ABC News about his decision to block a bill extending unemployment benefits; he is holding up funding for thousands of families.  The exchange took place as Senator Bunning was getting into an elevator in the Hart Senate Office Building.  “Excuse me!  This is a Senator’s-only elevator!” Bunning thundered.  I tried again to ask his reasons for blocking the bill, Bunning said he already explained his reasons last Thursday, when he said he wanted the $10 billion cost of the bill to be paid for, rather than simply adding to the national debt.  “Excuse me!” he yelled.  “I’ve got to go to the floor!”  As the doors closed, I asked Bunning if he is concerned about those losing their benefits.  He did not answer.  This is all on-camera.  Senator Bunning was even more expressive before the cameras arrived, using a little sign language.  When Senate producer Z. Byron Wolf spotted Bunning exiting his office, Bunning said, “I’m not talking to anybody.”  When Wolf asked him to stay and talk to our cameras, Bunning walked toward the elevator and shot the middle finger over his head.

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Here’s the Tom Butts take on things…

Senator Bunning has explosive diarrhea and the Viagra he’s using isn’t working.  He was in a hurry to get to the elevator because he was about to crap his pants.  Earlier, the “middle finger” was caused by his failure to react to Viagra.  Think about it, what’s worse than explosive diarrhea and being flaccid all the time?  I guess the one thing that works in his favor is that Viagra is covered under the Senator’s insurance plan that WE provide him.  Perhaps we should hold up his insurance payments, anyone in??

Hidden Academy Watamu, Kenya, Africa Benefit in Los Angeles

March 6, 2010- 6:30-8:30PM

Club will open to the public at 8:30PM

The Crocker Club *453 South Spring Street * Los Angeles, CA 90013-2075 * (213) 239-9099

“A classic LA bank vault-turned restaurant and bar.”

Parking is available across the street by the Rowan Lofts * You can park behind the Eastern Columbia and walk with us!

We are suggesting a donation of $25 or better pp.  In doing so – Chateau Ste Michelle has agreed to match your donation with a glass of wine (or two while supplies last!) .  Appetizers will be served.  Your donation will go 100% to creating new classrooms, fresh linens, and supports 100 kids for an entire year.

Dress code is strictly enforced so be prepared to leave the sneakers, flip flops and T-shirts at home

We are all looking forward to seeing you all – please bring friends. It’s a great cause!

We would like to thank Chatuau Ste Michelle for their generous wine donation. The Crocker Club for the use of their amazing location and The Next Family for helping us promote it.

Welcome To Crazy Land

By: Tony Tripoli

The Celebs have really been going for gold medals in Crazy lately, right?

Tons of gossip blogs are reporting that Avril Levine and Brody Jenner are having secret hook-ups around Hollywood.

I think they’re a great match. He is too dumb to realize she spells Sk8ter Boi wrong.

Details put Robert Pattinson in its 10^th anniversary cover, surrounding him with nude models.

But, he’s not impressed, and, in the article actually says:  “I really hate vaginas. I’m allergic to vaginas.”

I know how you feel, RPatz, I suffer from Seasonal Vaginal Allergies as well…..all year ‘round.

After listening to him talk endlessly about his sexual exploits to any publication that will let him, adult video company Vivid Entertainment has invited John Mayer to direct a movie for them.

Let me suggest a title: “Your body is a wonderland….that can accommodate a large number of other wonderlands.”

Then , maybe a sequel:  “Your body is a Wonderland….with no sensation left in it.”

Okay, enough about them. Let’s talk about me.

A week ago, I caved in to all the endless pressure placed upon me by dozens of friends and co-workers, and finally set up a Facebook page. I resisted as long as I could, motivated by the idea that if I’m not still in touch with you, there is a reason, and it’s your fault. Also, I had the worst break-up of my life last year, and he was really into updating his Facebook status, so, I knew if I ever signed up, I’d start getting chirpy messages from him about how great his life is without me in it. Or, I’d be up all night, in a bathrobe, quietly staring at his page, trying to break the hidden code in his comment replies to his male friends. They’re totally sleeping together; that’s obviously what he meant by “almost done with my taxes…hurray.”

As you can tell, I’m SO over him.

Cut to me, realizing I have 3 shows coming up in March, and I gotta promote. Facebook is effective and free, so, I have to suck it up, and make a page.

Not 10 minutes after opening my account, I have a friend request.

FROM HIM.

Now, I was not prepared for this kind of intimacy with him again, and so soon.

In a panic, I hit ‘Ignore”, and then, as anyone in my position would do, completely unraveled.

After 2 days of listening to me alternately whine and worry – He’d done this twice before, where he texts or emails, then disappears again as soon as I express interest, so I know I need to just cut off all contact- my best friend cracked, and wrote him an email. He told my ex to either step up, and be the man I deserved, or to leave me alone, and let my try to heal. (Nice how he said “Try”, as if it may never actually happen.)

Then, within 5 minutes, my ex replies: “I didn’t send Tony any friend request, and can’t imagine doing so any time soon.” Ouch.

Apparently, my ex had ‘invited me to join’ Facebook when we first met, and their system saves the info, so if you ever do join, those that ‘invited’ you automatically have a friend request for you.

I didn’t know that.

That’s very embarrassing.

So, I am now on Facebook (Friend me if you dare!), and going slowly. Reconnecting with a lot of lovely people from my past. No contact from the ex, which is for the best, I know.

Oh, and I have a best friend who loves me enough to write an angry email defending me, even when I turn out to be wrong.

THAT just may be ‘The Greatest love of All.”

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You can watch Tony on TV GUIDE’S Sexiest Couples of All Time, playing now.

Listen to his podcast : THE COMEDY COUCH WITH DENNIS HENSLEY AND TONY TRIPOLI (free  on iTunes)

OR, see him LIVE at the Fake Gallery, March 14, 21, and 28 at 7pm.

Go to tonytripoli.com for info, or friend him on Facebook.

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