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Friday Videos - Sept 15th, 2017

posted September 15, 2017 #

Slow week this week for a number of reasons; namely spending time in NYC with my co-workers. Being back in TN is certainly great but there's a lot to be said for the energy of having folks in the room with you. I don't really understand how these de-centralized companies do it. No in-person co-workers is tough!

But I digress, on to some distractions:
  • Those Darlin's - Oh God - with the extremely unfortunate passing of Jessi Zazu this week, I've been revisiting a lot of her work in Those Darlins. This song in particular always struck me as particularly potent.
  • Roadman Shaq - I will be perfectly honest in admitting that I don't really get the meme but I enjoy it none-the-less.
  • Encyclopedia Wildlife Ad - as noted, this ad gets unexpectedly bleak.
  • Ukrainian Synthpop 1989 - aside from the terribly lipsync job, this is fairly straightforward but that drum attack is something else!

Friday Videos - Sept 8th, 2017

posted September 8, 2017 #

As I've mentioned a few times, I'm sponsoring a show here in Nashville tonight so if you're around, come out! We even got a pleasant Critic's Pick from the ole local paper.
  • Paul McCartney - Swedemason - the first 30 seconds are gold and then this Swede goes completely nuts for another 2 minutes. I can't believe how well it works. via John.
  • Twin Peaks, without context - if you've not watched Twin Peaks, I can't imagine a better enticement.
  • Beck - Up All Night - new video from CANADA for Beck. Unsurprisingly, it's great.
  • A Bat Flew in the House - the likelihood of you having seen this on Facebook already is high but I don't care... it's hilarious.
  • Maggiez Matez Promo - a 1987 promo video promoting MAggiez Matez, a conservative youth club. It's also not from 1987 at all and it's satire making fun of a contemporary youth movement in the UK called "Activate" but that's just icing on the cake.
  • Hedgehog Massage - let it wash over you.
  • Hot Dog - when we envisioned the Internet, this was surely the intended culmination of its power.
  • Mario Maker Courses, Don't Move - I'm surprised it's taken me this long to go down a Mario Maker rabbit hole but here it is. I've arrived. I'm watching 20 minute compilations of custom courses in which the character does not move.
  • Starship Sleeping Quarters, 10 hours - for those of you that like a little sci-fi with your white noise.
If you need one more, hit up this old SNL Twin Peaks sketch that has a tiny cameo from Conan O'Brien.

Friday Videos - Sept 1st, 2017

posted September 1, 2017 #

September already! It's both a song I like and a fact about today.

If you haven't already, please please donate to Harvey recovery. It's a mess down South and people need serious help. That's not a political statement but an honest plea to assist with the most powerful thing at your disposal, a few dollars.

Been juggling a bunch of projects behind the scenes lately and am getting excited to start sharing them publicly. On the flipside, I still haven't stopped making dumb websites inspired by tweets. Looking forward to the finale of Twin Peaks: The Return this weekend. I've been spending a lot of time with these Pete Peppers reviews. Lots of spoilers but if you're a fan of the show, they provide a nice platform for speculation and tying ends together.

Friday Videos - Aug. 25th, 2017

posted August 25, 2017 #

The best respite I have all week is browsing for the cover art on Friday Videos. It's always a treat. This week I ran across this thread that is absolutely brimming with tears of laughter. I suggest you partake. Thanks to Renaud I also played this Shaker Loops song about 20 times this week. Oddly captivating.

Friday Videos - Aug. 18th, 2017

posted August 18, 2017 #

I've watched that gif for a solid ten minutes. Never gets old.
  • Bullshit! - I try to keep things light for Friday videos but this is a nice short piece on the power of Bullshit and how it's more dangerous than flat out lying.
  • Nidhogg 2 Launch Trailer - if you never played Nidhogg, find a way to treat yourself this weekend. It's great. I'm on the fence about the style of the new version but I imagine the gameplay is just as fun.
  • A Study in Planets - a facepalm inducing argument with a twist ending.
  • X-Files - short, sweet and pretty much perfect.
  • Police Chase - defining dedication.
  • Chad VanGaalen - Pine and Clover - I can not resist the charms of the animations of Mr. VanGaalen. Song is solid too.
  • Best Clog Dancing - how about six minutes of clogging to cleanse your palette?
I also watched this 20-minute piece on What You Need to Know From The Secret History of Twin Peaks and recommend it. Normally I don't love these kinds of channels but the pacing is right and the information is solid. I also watched Sasha Velour train on makeup for 20-minutes and was riveted.

Friday Videos - Aug. 11th, 2017

posted August 11, 2017 #

Fairly sure I could watch that doggo for a solid hour and still be chuckling aloud every time he passes through the frame. Thank you Internet. This Blinker Fluid prank is pretty funny too if you enjoy the idea of having children is somewhat about playfully messing with them.

Friday Videos - Aug. 4th, 2017

posted August 4, 2017 #

I want to know more about that cover gif. It is a lot of well intentioned, poorly executed, decisions resulting in Total Chaos. Love it.

Also, imgur/r/unexpected is bringing some real treats to my eyeballs this morning. Maybe it will for you as well. On to the playlist...
  • Married with Bananas - apparently The Gong Show is back and this couple sets the bar very, very high. Keep watching, it gets completely absurd. Also, the host is supposedly Mike Meyers in heavy makeup?
  • Dr. Phil, All Reactions, No Dialogue - somehow, it still works. Maybe better than actual episode.
  • Derpy Dogs in Slow Motion - sometimes you just need to stop and appreciate the Pekingese.
  • Everytime I Hear That Song - I believe this is Animal Crossing related but, regardless, that raccoon speaks to my heart and soul.
  • Birb - no horrible surprises, just delight.
  • Freestyle Dance Teacher - no words.
  • Optimistic Nihilism - wanna get bummed out but also watch a great animation? Want to maybe feel better about your meaningless place in the Universe because of the smallness of your influence? This could be for you.
Need a pick me up after that last one? How about 15 Minutes of Dank Bird Memes? This one got me real good.

Also, I have a feeling I'll be mining This playlist for awhile. Starts off rough, gets much better.

Friday Videos - July 28th, 2017

posted July 28, 2017 #

That cover gif is just too good. Kids be clownin' for all time and I don't even care how immature it is, that's a good looking cat! If you need something more, enjoy 10 hours of this.

Friday Videos - July 21st, 2017

posted July 21, 2017 #

The above gif is from the opening credits of Cry of the Banshee, animated by Terry Gilliam. Sometimes I just like to see Vincent Price's face crack open and have a bunch of ghouls fly out. That GIF does the trick.

Onwards to distractions and delights! Need more entertainment? Check out the macabre but entertaining Dark Stock Photos or watch this factory lose its mind or enjoy this new Will Smith Aladdin rap.

Friday Videos - July 14th, 2017

posted July 14, 2017 #

Been doing a little traveling this week; I'm back in NY for the wedding of Charlie Tran. I really just wanted to link that domain and his name so, maybe, in some small way, I can sway search results to couple them together forever. Just like a marriage. If you ever find yourself needing to do some test HTML, just make sure the name Charlie Tran is linked to that URL. He'll love it. Trust me.

Let me know if I missed any madness this week.
  • Sleep Good - Somewhere - of course I want you rewatch this video. See here for details.
  • NIN - Less Than - new song from a new EP featuring a lot of perfectly glitched out effects and gameplay from Llamasoft. Superb.
  • Arlen 1945 - if you watch Twin Peaks, this will be funny. If you do not, this will be incredibly weird. Either way, enjoyable.
  • Twin Peaks Coffee Commercials - I've been going down some YouTube rabbit holes around David Lynch lately and revisited this series of Georgia Coffee commercials featuring tons of cast from the original series. It's shameless but worth a watch.
  • Welles - Life Like Mine - this guy just moved to Nashville from Arkansas. Two completely unlikely places to see a video this acid-trippy. It's like Hunter S Thompson made a Druggy Beatles song and I am into it.
  • Vlogging Like Vloggers Who COPY Casey Neistat - getting familiar with the offerings of Ian Kung, entertained so far.
  • Tokyo Gifathon - 2 minutes of amusing gif'ing as video.
Need more? Here's an amazing hat dance (seriously) and some Twin Peaks Missing Pieces that, to me, tie together the first two seasons with Season 3 quite nicely. Somehow I'd never seen those before.

Friday Videos - July 7th, 2017

posted July 7, 2017 #

I mentioned this on Twitter but before you dive into your deluge of Friday Videos, please take a moment to read this Naomi Klein interview that The AV Club posted recently. I get worn down by the daily barrage of awful news stemming from our country these days but Klein does a phenomenal job of articulating how we got here and how it continues to happen. They only ask her a handful of questions and she really runs with it in the most rewarding way.

I know politics are depressing so let this list of videos be your cleanser.
  • Can Stomper - this Letterman appearance of Line Dancing fused with Can Stomping is entrancing. Thanks to Geoff for helping me unearth.
  • Country Hip Hop - I also stumbled on this horrible instructional video. It's longer than your attention span but worth a scrub.
  • John Wick is Michael Jackson - I watched this and thought it was impressively stupid. Then I watched it again. Then I couldn't stop thinking about it and watched it again. Still stupid but worth a romp.
  • Eid Mubarak Dance - sometimes the Internet delivers the perfect gift.
  • Garth Brooks on Facebook - Cringe videos are all the rage. Never forget this 2014 missive from Chris Gaines.
  • What Year Is It? - a promo video for this rather bizarre 17776 art piece from SB Nation on Sports in the future. I'm not sure what to make of it but the video is oddly engaging.
  • Bigger than a Train Horn - I can't explain it but this guy has outfitted his truck with various train and ship horns. He drives to isolated areas and records them being played. It's a massive sound and a seemingly bizarre hobby. But who am I to judge? I loved watching it.
  • Bjork DJ Set - here's 9 minutes of Bjork being a totally regular, normal person but in the best Bjork way possible, DJing a party and dancing in full Bjork gear.

Friday Videos - June 30th, 2017

posted June 30, 2017 #

Take a moment to watch that latest Vimeo Net Neutrality video and then start a calm discussion with your family over the July 4th holiday about the power of corporations over our lives and what constitutes a right. Food? Water? Shelter? Internet? Have a hot dog.

I'm just kidding. Go shoot some fireworks and stare off into space, blankly.
  • Forever Spinning Kid on Cart - I hope this kid is alright because he's become a rather amusing meme for his hardships.
  • doitlooklikeimleftofbadnboujee - don't know what's happening but the editing is, aggravatingly, on point.
  • Weather Boi - funny but this kid will likely grow up to be a real prick.
  • Man on the Street: 1979 - fascinating bit of street interviews from almost 40 years ago. The answers they give are certainly on par with what people would answer today. The bit about "Information Society" and OD'ing on info... spot on.
  • LAN Party - 4 minute mini doc on LAN. The intensity is perfect.
  • Cloudmouth - Drunk on What - I see a good bit of local music videos from running WOTT and this one is particularly well done. All of the "party" scenes are filmed inside of a moving U-Haul; an experience we've all wished to have but never been brave enough to try.
  • Signs of Life - I've been luke warm on the previous tracks that have come out from the upcoming Everything Now album from Arcade Fire. But this one feels way more up my alley. The 80's influence is crisp.

Friday Videos - June 23rd, 2017

posted June 23, 2017 #

Settling in during my first week back in Tennessee. If anyone has tips for how to make working remotely less isolating, I'm open to hear them. On the whole, it's great to see friends and I'm excited at the prospects of freelance work that lies ahead. Oh, and some nice announcements coming down the pipe for yk records as well. Been quiet for a minute but it's just brewing.

Enjoy these pleasantries! And many thanks to Jamie for a majority of the distractions this week, quite welcome.
  • Time for Sushi - remember Going to the Store? It's back and 100x more insane.
  • Guiness World Record: Team Skipping Challenge - this is mesmerizing. It looks like a Cyriak video but it's real.
  • Pink Windmill Kids - I don't care if this has already made the Internet rounds, it's new to me. Awkward child show intros with dance routines rarely stand the test of time but I think this one nailed it. You really just need the first 30 seconds.
  • BBC Breaking News - an amusing glitch in the BBC news system sends this intro into a tailspin. Ah, the wonders of automation. It's long and repetitive but there's a calming nature to it. Read more here.
  • The Day Today Intro - speaking of weird intros. Look at this thing! I know nothing of this show and refuse to look up if it's a parody show or not. I just enjoy the absurdity.
  • Title Drops - say the name of the movie. Say it! Okay. via Kottke.
  • 100 People Share the Weirdest Place They Had Sex - that title tells you all you need to know.
  • Frey Meyer Demo Tape - what do you do when you find a cassette from the 90's filming patrons of a Fred Meyer? Digitize the entire 26 minutes and put it on Youtube. Read more here and thank Jeremy for the heads up.
Need more treats? Enjoy this. Bad ass dance battle, albeit a short one. Or maybe you're more of a slow bridge kinda person? We got that too.

It's PRIDE weekend here in Nashville. Find an activity to celebrate some diversity and embrace it.

Friday Videos - June 16th, 2017

posted June 16, 2017 #

I've been traveling all week moving back to TN. Turns out, that doesn't leave a ton of time to encounter random, hilarious, distracting videos.

However, I hate to leave anyone in the lurch without something: I've got this Redbone sax guy on loop all day. Maybe you should too.

Friday Videos - June 9th, 2017

posted June 9, 2017 #

May we all strive to be as relaxed and cool as those two buddies depicted above.
  • Seinfeld Hug Denial - it's the perfect combination of understandable and entirely awkward.
  • Big Dipper - "LaCroix Boy" - I will point out that the choreography here was put together by KK Apple but there's no one part that supercedes another. It is, from start to finish, a joy.
  • C3PO Wampa Gag - Two things. 1) I rarely post Star Wars related anything because, frankly, you've seen it all. 2) I've never looked up deleted scenes from any of the movies because... why? With that in mind, this is a ridiculous "gag" from Empire Strikes Back that didn't make it. It was pointed out to me that this is the only time you see paper in their universe. Bizarre.
  • Mogwai - "Coolverine" - new Mogwai, new post-apocalyptic video. I love this Trevor Risk writeup on it. It's a fairly tame Mogwai track but I enjoy it none the less.
  • David Lynch , Season 3 interview - Seth Pomeroy's Ultimate Funny does a great bit on Mr. Lynch. Masterfully edited and quite absurd. Actually pretty on point.
  • Rock Climbing Goes Wrong - short, sweet and rewarding.
  • Dad says "Huh?" - I don't know why this is so adorable but it's adorable.
  • Ron Livingston Keyboard Cat - seven years ago actor Ron Livingston posted this video to his YouTube channel. It is the only thing he's ever posted. HT Reddit

Friday Videos - June 2nd, 2017

posted June 2, 2017 #

I've seen a lot of FAIL videos in my day, so it warms the heart to see someone trying something absolutely idiotic and come out unscathed.

On to the distractions! Enjoy this mess:
  • Redbone by Kermit the Frog - I really love the new Childish Gambino album and "Redbone" is one of the finer tracks. Hearing it sung by Kermit doesn't make me enjoy it any less. If you're interested, there's a whole slew of these variants on Youtube, some better than others.
  • The Blend is Near - fantastic opening title sequence from Oddfellows for the 2017 BLEND Fest.
  • Washed Out - "Get Lost" - new song / video released via Stones Throw. I love this animated collage style. Must investigate Harvey Benschoter more.
  • Ultimate Hallway Swimming - I'm sure this phenomena is a solid four years old but I don't care, it's new to me. Had this been a thing when I was in school, I would have hoped to have seen it every damn day.
  • Cheers Theme by Neil Cicierega - I was just talking about an alternate Cheers theme I'd like to hear and now this is released. Excellent timing.
  • Pencils Laugh - 9 years ago this woman posted a slew of videos depicting a bunch of different laughs. Absolutely delightful.
  • Roller Derby Alligator Pit - try to imagine the most 80's thing you can think of. Ripped dudes with insanely long hair in spandex or bonkers outfits? Check. Niche competitive sports that are likely scripted? Got it. Big Hair? Oh yea. Animals used in inappropriate scenarios? Unbelievably, yes. All this lacks is an awkward rap.
  • Double Down trailer - a rather awkward movie trailer from an amateur director. If this guy doesn't end up on an episode of Outsider, I'll be shocked. This is one minute too long but those first 2 minutes, wowza.
  • Worst Movie Lines Ever - it's quite NSFW straight outta the gate but there are some real gems of terrible writing and acting here.
  • Super Erick - it's stupid but I enjoyed it.
There's also a 90 Minute Everything Star Wars compilation floating around if you're in the mood.

Friday Videos - May 26th, 2017

posted May 26, 2017 #

Need more? This kid is amazing. This We Want Plates Reddit sub is face-palmingly ridiculous.

Friday Videos - May 19th, 2017

posted May 19, 2017 #

I've really been struggling to know what to write in these little Friday Video intros. It's like the first ten minutes of a Marc Maron podcast; you don't really care what I put here because you're probably diving straight in to the goods. I don't blame you. So, because this is basically ignored text I'll tell you a few things about myself: I've been overwhelmed with work lately doing poster design, some album art and trying to get some new albums into the chute for yk records. Oh, and I'm moving back to Tennessee in June. It's proving to be a big mental load and I'm not even sure how I feel about any of it. Turns out I'm not great with change.

On to the distractions!
  • Earth, Wind & Ozzys - a new summer classic mashup courtesy of DJ Cummberbund.
  • I Have Seen The Future - ha ha ha, laugh all you want, this is a real development on the planet we live on. I won't lie, I'd do it.
  • Sean Spicer Behind the Scenes - a quick little featurette showing Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer trolling around NYC on her podium.
  • McDonalds Salad - the edit is subtle but perfect.
  • Cross Town Kids - beautiful looking new video from Nashville's own Phantom Farmer off an unannounced upcoming album.
  • Alex, Inc - a new Zach Braff sitcom wherein he portrays a version of Alex Bloomberg from Gimlet Media. This is absolute Cringe - capital C. I dare you to try and watch the whole thing. Ugh.
  • Early to the Party - the antithesis of the first video. Quiet, melancholy and sadly sweet. This Andy Shauf record is phenomenal.
Oh, and if you haven't seen Super Excited Smoke Guy, get on it.

Friday Videos - May 12th, 2017

posted May 12, 2017 #

I am writing this from the past for you to read in the future. Maybe I'm on a plane right now. Maybe I've landed in New Orleans already and I'm enjoying the onslaught of sun and weirdos. Maybe I'm already on my way back. There's just no telling when it comes to time exactly when you and these words of mine are going to interact. Whenever it is, I hope you're able to enjoy the list of distractions below.
  • COPS opening but with The Office theme - a mashup I can fully endorse.
  • Fish on Balloon - what is this and where can I find the ten hour version?
  • MindHorn trailer - Julian Barratt in an absurd Netflix movie? I'm in.
  • David Lee Roth, Vocals Only - you know what? This still gets me.
  • Still Life - Fruits; deflating and inflating. Bizarre, surreal and entrancing.
  • The Great Dictator Speech - watch this. Soak in every word. Watch it again. And again. And play it for you anyone willing to listen. It's unbelievable how relevant, contemporary and inspiring this speech still is. And maybe a bit sad.
  • GenderMess - a ten-minute short film on the Australian alt-Drag company of the same name. I don't typically post such lengthy pieces in Friday videos but I'm going to Bushwig in NOLA this weekend and am ready to see the weirdest of the weird.
History of the Entire World, I Guess - got 20 minutes to catch up on the history of our planet? Here you go.

Friday Videos - May 5th, 2017

posted May 5, 2017 #

As often happens during busy work weeks, I didn't have much an opportunity to be inundated with humorous and bizarre videos. That is to say, selections are slim this week but I think you'll still find them entertaining. Or at least they'll serve as a proper distraction to the world around you. I dunno why it's not on YouTube but this Stevie Nicks Fajita Roundup SNL sketch is worth your time, even if it's not embed friendly.
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