Features
Keeping Up (Vol. 39)
by Darren Paltrowitz
Here are some more quick picks for you, the loyal reader:
MUSIC: Gary Numan – Although he is primarily known for hits like “Cars” and “Down In The Park,” Gary Numan has long been renowned by music die-hards for being a pioneer of the synthesizer. Thus, Numan’s music has been covered by a wide range of artists from the Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails to Armand Van Helden and Basement Jaxx. At a recent New York City show at the Best Buy Theater, Numan flawlessly played his landmark album The Pleasure Principle in its entirety with a five-piece band backing him, celebrating over 30 years since its original release. After playing the album, Numan focused on newer, industrial-influenced material that would make disciples like Trent Reznor and Marilyn Manson proud. Opening acts Boom Boom Satellites (visiting from Japan, themselves with a 20-year history) and Rasputina (a trio consisting of 2 cellists and a percussionist who released 2 albums on Sony and 2 albums for Moby’s label) also showed Numan influence in their sets, both well-received and in front of a near-capacity crowd. (www.myspace.com/garynuman)
COMEDY: Dave Hill’s Podcasting Incident – While a popular New York City-based comic, Dave Hill is also known as an in-demand rock lead guitarist and songwriter. If that wasn’t enough, he is now a podcaster with over a dozen episodes to his credit. Prior guests include Moby (his bandmate in proto-glam band Diamondsnake), TV legend Dick Cavett, author Malcolm Gladwell, and NPR hero Ira Glass. Unlike other free podcasts, there are no commercial or time limits on Dave Hill’s Podcasting Incident, so listeners ought to be thoroughly entertained for long periods of time. (www.davehillonline.com)
TOOL: CardWoo – While watching late-night television, I stumbled upon an infomercial for CardWoo, which aims to provide 2 services: “sell your unwanted gift cards” and “buy gift cards and save.” It is up to you to determine if these are favorable rates, but with the gift-oriented holiday season around the corner, this site may prove useful. CardWoo provides “free, insured packs” for the cards to be sent in, making the transactions secure. (www.cardwoo.com)
As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.
In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...