Song of the Day: The Chicharones - Hi Hey Hello

I'm going to be honest with you, I know next to nothing about this band, but I will share what little I do. The Chicharones are an indie hip-hop project, started by two successful artists, Sleep, and Josh Martinez, in early 2001. The group has a free album available for download on their website, a compilation of older, and previously unreleased music. One of the tracks that really stands out, is today's song of the day, Hi Hey Hello, which highlights the style of this incredibly unique band.

Song of the Day: The Limousines - Very Busy People

In January of 2008, Eric Victorino, the frontman of the alternative metal band Strata, decided that he had grown "tired of the band politics," and that he needed another music outlet that wasn't so dark and heavy. So teaming up with multi-instrumentalist and producer Giovanni Giusti, the two created the electropop band The Limousines. The band hasn't released much music in their short time together, as they only have a four song EP out now. Even though their currently not signed, the Universal Records label released a single of theirs, today's song of the day, Very Busy People. If the songs we've heard so far are any indication of their talent, we can only hope that they get signed soon, so a record can be released to us.

Song of the Day: The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger

In honor of the Chicago Blackhawks playing the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals today, I picked their official playoff goal song, Chelsea Dagger, by The Fratellis. The Fratellis are a Scottish alternative rock band, signed in 2005 shortly after a talent scout saw them play, which led to multiple records later fighting for them. Their debut album, Costello Music, was released in September of 2006, leading to mixed reviews, as most reviewers loved the sound, but not so much the message. A second album entitled Hear We Stand, received more positive reviews, it would however, come to be their last release as a band. The band promised moew album in 2009, but only last month, the band confirmed rumors that they has split, say that they are working on music, just not with each other. If you need a Fratellis fix though, you can always check out Codeine Velvet Club, the new band fronted by Jon Fratelli, whose debut album has been a blast. Also, don't forget to cheer for the Blackhawks tonight!!!

Song of the Day: Matisyahu - We Will Walk

Matisyahu is probably the only artist around with the unique distinction of being a Jewish rapper, known for his innovative blend of reggae and alternative. The musician clearly has a great ear for hot beats, and is an incredible beatboxer as well, a skill he likes to show off at his live shows. He became known for his single King Without a Crown, but he hit mainstream with his latest album, Light, namely the song One Day. Today's song of the day is also off that album, the second track, We Will Walk.

Comic Book Review: Teen Titans #83

I really wish that I could tell you that Felicia D Henderson's learned from the criticism of her last issues, but I can't. I wish I could tell you that the book is getting better, that there is a reason to continue to spend the $3.99 on it each month, but once again, I can't.

Issue #83 of this series picks up on the story thread of Wyld, the creature that has taken Raven to another dimension. Henderson has clearly run out of ideas already, with yet another save Raven story line that we have seen so many times throughout the years. The plot in a nutshell is pretty simple: The Titans join forces with a couple of CADMUS Labs scientist in order to track Wyld, and in turn Raven. While the scientist work at finding a portal of some sort, an ailing Miss Martian is nursing back to health, and another Titan, Jamie a.k.a Blue Beetle, decides it's time to go home. In the end, the scientists find a portal, with the key being deep within the ocean, and the door being on an island used by the Russian Navy. In three sentences, I told you everything you needed to know about the story, yet somehow, Henderson managed to make a useless twenty-two pages out of it.

Last month in my review of Teen Titans #82, one of my complaints was Henderson's inability to find the voice of the characters. That complaint is still valid this issue, as she swaps story telling for bad innuendo, and teen drama reminiscent of middle school. Connor and Cassie's petty bickering, leading them to get a little heated and lusty before being interrupted. For some reason, Connor feels the need to tell Bart about him and Cassie almost hooking up, all of this Cassie hears, causing another fight, with Connor finally flying off. Not sure why any of that was necessary, these fickle emotions she pushes on these characters. Also, it always seems like Aquagirl is always looking to get some nookie, especially from Connor. What?

It seems like Henderson is trying to make these characters actual teenagers, annoying ones that can be seen on any lame MTV show. It's just not working for her, and I'm not really sure she knows how to fix it herself.

I hate campaigning for someone to get fired, but Henderson really needs to give up the title, almost anyone would be better. There was a rumor that ran on Bleeding Cool a couple weeks ago, about JT Krul possibly becoming the writer of Teen Titans due the reaction Henderson has been getting. While Krul isn't the best writer around, as noted by his Rise of Arsenal miniseries, his work on Blackest Night Titans, and the two parter in the ongoing certainly have earned him at least an opportunity to try his hand at the book. This book is like a sick puppy, one that you love, but hate to see suffer. Someone please put this book to rest before the characters are ruined for all of us.

Song of the Day: Coconut Records - Back To You

In 2007, multitalented actor and funny-man, Jason Schwartzman, released his debut album, under the name Coconut Records. With some help form other famous friends, such as Kirsten Dunst, Zooey Dechannel, and brother Robert, who is also an actor, Jason crafted a great album, one that he wrote and recorded all the music on. The indie pop record grabbed many fans, namely by the main single, NIghttiming. But I think the record had two other excellent tracks on it, on being West Coast, the other being song of the day, Back To You.

Song of the Day: The Submarines - Xavia

In Boston, there were two musicians, each doing their own solo projects. They eventually became members of each others band, also becoming romantically involved while touring Europe. After Europe, they decided to move to LA, where after four years, they called it quits on their relationship. Still writing and recording music, they discovered that all the songs they wrote were about each other, so they once again attempted this relationship, personally and professionally. Thus, The Submarines were born, the indie pop/rock duo that won fans with their sweet, simple tunes. You most likely know them for being the background music to two separate iPhone commercials, two instrumental tracks that appear on their album with words. But you also may know them from the Nick and Norah soundtrack, they catchy tune and song of they day, Xavia.