"Get Scared's Bradley Lloyd's iPod has everything from Lady Gaga to Pantera." - Interview

Get Scared is a fun new band that combines punk and rock music. The band’s full length debut comes out this Spring. The band’s Bradley Lloyd stopped by for a quick Q&A.

Q - I love the name Get Scared. How did you come up with this name?

A - The name Get Scared means to get out of your comfort zone, do something you would normally do and don't be afraid of failure.

Q - The band’s music combines punk, rock and a little bit of screaming. How would you describe the band’s music?

A - Guitars, vocals, drums -rock and roll.

Q - What kind of input does each member have in terms of music, writing, promoting, etc.?

A - We all equally write and collaborate together, we put our ideas together.

Q – The EP was released exclusively through Hot Topic. How did the band get involved with Hot Topic?

A - Our manager.

Q – I got a chance to listen to the EP and found it to be a solid three track record. What can we expect from the full length album?

A - A very well rounded dynamic record.

Q – When does the full length come out?

A - Early this spring.

Q – If I were to turn your iPod on what would be the guilty pleasure songs on your playlist that may surprise your fans?

A – “Lion King” soundtrack, Lady Gaga , Slipknot, Pantera, Refused, Logos Wayne.

Q – That’s all I had. Is there anything you want to add?

A - Nick shits in a bag in the fuck van. Be on the look out for us!


BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Get Scared's Bradley Lloyd's iPod has everything from Lady Gaga to Pantera." - Interview

"Motörhead's 'The Wörld is Yours,' is top to bottom great metal." – Music Review

When you think of Motörhead you instantly think of Lemmy. Lemmy’s voice is very recognizable in metal. However, it’s the music that Motörhead puts out that really associates with metal fans.

The new album, “The Wörld is Yours,” which is the band’s 20th, debuts February 8th all over the world. When it does, it will instantly be a classic. Lyrics like “Rock n’ Roll is a true religion…” and “If you think that Jesus saves, get back in line,” are why Motörhead is a consistent force in heavy metal. You won’t find better lyrics than that.

“The Wörld is Yours” personifies the band’s decades in metal and also contributes to that mentality, which is why Lemmy and Motörhead are synonymous with rock n’ roll.

It’s no wonder that after Lemmy sings “Rock n’ Roll is a true religion,” he sings, “Rock n’ Roll is my religion.”

Motörhead’s “The Wörld is Yours” will be metal fans’ religion on February 8th. With great guitar riffs and licks, and even better lyrics, Motörhead, once again, cements itself as one of the greatest metal bands ever.

Motörhead is currently on the road on a U.S. tour that will wrap up in Los Angeles at Club Nokia on March 11th. After that the band will take on Australia and South America in April/May before returning to Europe for a summer tour. For a complete list of dates visit http://www.imotorhead.com/.


















BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Motörhead's 'The Wörld is Yours,' is top to bottom great metal." – Music Review

“2011 SAG Awards Red Carpet review. See what January Jones, Natalie Portman and Eva Longoria are wearing.” - PHOTOS

Last night's Screen Actors Guild Awards red carpet went a heck of a lot better than the Golden Globes did two weeks ago. The ladies walked the carpet wearing lots and lots of color and I loved it! Yeah I know we all think it's funny to be mean and trash people for the stupid decision they make when dressing themselves but I have to warn you there won't be much of that in this review. Almost every dress last night was FANTASTIC in my book! I was actually hard pressed to come up with a 'worst dressed' pick, which means the person I picked better feel extra shitty! So let's get straight to it - here are some of the lovely ladies of the 2011 SAG red carpet.

 

January Jones (Carolina Herrera)

Grade: A+

 

 

 

Picture: AP

 

I love January Jones this year! She is really fun to watch as far as her fashion sense goes. You can tell she started out as a model because she knows fashion very well. (she also used to date Josh Groban, how's THAT for telling you shit you didn't know!?) I always look forward to seeing what she wears. I am pretty sure this gal could make a beer helmet look BA on the red carpet!! Every once in a while she will wear something kookier but lately she's been on her A-Game. She did it again! Kudos.

 

Natalie Portman (Azarro)

Grade: B+

 

 

 

Picture: Getty

 

I was sad that her dress did this wrinkling thing under her bump. I feel annoyed by it actually. However, putting that aside I think she looked great! I am a big fan of her hair as well. White/off white was a big deal on the red carpet last night and Natalie showed us how to rock that trend as a pregnant woman. Though she's a freak of nature version of the regular pregnant woman who would probably die before wearing white. 

 

Helena Bonham Carter (Marc Jacobs)

Grade: C

 

 

 

Picture: Getty

 

Okay, let's talk about HBC for a minute. A few weeks ago she wore a funky dress and two different colored shoes to the Golden Globe awards. Fast forward to last night and she wore this tasteful and quaint Marc Jacobs number. What I thought when I saw this was that HBC let the neigh-sayers get to her. Frankly I enjoy a little 'weird' in my red carpet shows and I usually look to her for those moments. I was sad she wore a normal looking dress in fact. She's a weird person all together and I like that about her. It shows she really is a great actress because she's a crazy person who becomes normal on screen as opposed to the normal person who becomes crazy. You know how actors get nominated for playing retards on screen a lot? She should get nominated for being retarded but playing normal. IN SUMMATION: I'm disappointed in the level of normalcy. 

 

Nicole Kidman (Nina Ricci)

Grade: B+

 

 

 

Picture: Getty

 

I'm sure a lot of people are going to bitch about this look. I liked it. I absolutely loved the necklace she wore! I am a huge fan of ruffly neck lines so this dress tripped my trigger. I was bored with the dress she wore a few weeks ago to the GG's and was happy to see her be a little more daring. One of the things I think Nicole (b/c we're on a 1st name basis here) does well is - try new things. The black dress she wore when she won her Oscar was beautiful and DIFFERENT and I still haven't forgotten it. 

 

Mila Kunis (Alexander McQueen)

Grade: A+

 

 

 

Picture: Reuters

 

Seriously, I love this girl so much that I might just chuck it all and start stalking Mila Kunis full time. How awesome is this DRESS?? And her HAIR?? Uh, she looks like she just rolled around in a bed and came to the awards show and it's HOT. It's seriously sad that Alexander McQueen killed himself too because this dress is to DIE for. (well, that maybe solves that - he saw this dress and thought 'I'll never top this - isn't there a bridge close by?') Okay, don't send me hate mail for that comment. I'm honestly sorry McQueen is gone because he was a visionary and his style will just have to live on forever through the designs he left behind. ANYWAY - this whole look - the hair, make up, dress, jewels - makes me think of when Ron Burgundy said "I wanna be on you." But maybe more appropriate would be "I wanna be you." This is easily my favorite red carpet moment of 2011.

 

Eva Longoria (no idea)

Grade: F

 

 

 

Picture: Getty

 

Will she go away already? Her night club and restaurant are bankrupt. Her NBA husband has cheated on her and they're divorcing. What is she doing out? Shouldn't she be holed up in a hotel somewhere eating Krispy Kremes and drinking herself silly? I mean that's what I'd like her to do. This dress is also blah. I've seen it like 9 times since 2000. It's time to give it a rest.

 

Amy Adams (Hervé Leroux)

Grade: C+

 

 

 

Picture: Getty

 

I'm not gonna lie there is something weird going on in the above picture. I don't think it's totally the dresses fault. I think Amy is also standing like she's trying to hold her keys in her rear end. The color is the white/off white trend of the night. I suppose if I am being honest, and when am I not, I was just underwhelmed (to steal a term from Michael Kors). Her hair was safe, the dress was safe; the location of her car keys is unknown though.

 

Hailee Steinfeld (Prada)

Grade: A

 

 

 

Picture: AFP

 

Right now someone is saying "grade A? WTF are you thinking?" and I'll tell you! I'm thinking I love how absolutely different this dress is! I'd like to see someone older take a risk like this! I think she picked the perfect dress to wear. She's young and new to the bizz and I think she needed to do something to stick out. I remembered seeing her last night and purposely looked to find a picture of her so I could review it. Everyone else I'm reviewing is kind of a given because yeah, they went to the show and stuff. But I thought this dress was fun! Maybe a little dressed down for an awards show but who gives a rip? It was cool and I want one.

 

Jennifer Lawrence (Oscar de la Renta)

Grade: F

 

 

 

Picture: Getty

 

GOO, THIS DRESS IS UGLY! What is up with this color? What would you even call it? "PANK" might be a good choice. It's like "pink" and "skank" combined. She is a pretty girl but I think she looks God awful! If Anna Nicole Smith wasn't dead - she might wear this dress to the Porn Awards in Vegas.

 

Christina Hendricks (L'Wren Scott)

Grade: B-

 

 

Picture: Getty

 

I think this girl is beautiful! I love that she doesn't shy away from fashion and wear the weird shit a lot of 'full figured' or 'busty' chicks end up wearing. So often women w/ jugs don't dress well for the red carpet because there must be some size 2 stylist telling them they won't look good in something sexy. Well Christina Hendricks is proof that size 2 stylists everywhere can SUCK IT! She looks foxy! And don't we all wish we looked this hot when we put on an ugly black dress? Yeah, sorry I don't actually like the dress. She kind of looks like cat woman. But she went for it! AINT NOTHING WRONG W/ THAT!

 

Julia Stiles (Monique Lhuillier)

Grade: B

 

 

 

Picture: Getty

 

This dress is pretty. But I felt like it was safe and like there really wasn't anything exceptional about it. Sure it fit her great and her hair, makeup, and jewelry went well with it but I won't remember anything about it again after this moment. Kind of like her career. So let's move on.

 

Julianna Margulies (Yves Saint Laurent)

Grade: B

 

 

 

Picture: EPA

 

Red is a great color for Julianna. Does anyone ever look bad in red? It's not like obnoxious bright pink is it? This dress would probably look fab on almost anyone. I don't ever think of Julianna as the kind of girl who takes any fashion risks though. I wonder if she has and I'm just not remembering. Anyone remember her taking a fashion risk? Or does she just always dress well and I'm not giving her credit where credit is due?

 

Tina Fey (Oscar de la Renta)

Grade: A+

 

 

 

Picture: Getty

 

TINA FUCKING FEY, WAY TO GO GIRLFRIEND!!!! Holy moly I can't believe it, she's not wearing black!!! The end of the world is near! She looks SMOKING HOT am I right?? I mean holy be Jesus just look at her! Her figure is 'bangin' as they say, the dress fits her 'like a glove' as they say, and 'I'd do her' as they say! I am in love with everything going on in this photo. I will have fashion wet dreams about it for a long time to come. I hope this is a trend for her - trying things with bold colors. Because she can DO THIS! Lets all bow our heads and give thanks to whoever talked her into wearing this.

 

Lea Michele (Oscar de la Renta)

Grade: A-

 

 

 

Picture: AP

 

I'm giving her an A because she looks great but a minus because I think she should eat something. Lea has been a 'heavy hitter' on the red carpet for about a year now. And by heavy I am in no way referring to her actual weight b/c seriously - she might be the next person to check into rehab for 'personal reasons' like Demi Lovato, that Olson twin, and Eva Mendes. Eating disorders are BAD ladies! But hot little glittery pale dresses are THE SHIT.

 

Claire Danes (Louis Vuitton)

Grade: B-

 

 

 

Picture: Getty

 

Yeah, I'm not sure. It's strange. I feel like I really enjoy this dress but yet there's a nagging feeling of hate here. Is it because she's kissed Leonardo DiCaprio? Is it because she's kissed Jared Leto? Is it because she was part of (one of my favorite) celebrity love triangles? (Google Billy Crudup/Marie-Louis Parker if interested). Maybe it was because she stared in the movie "Little Women" with Christian Bale and I'm jealous? I don't know. I can't put my finger on it. But something is off. Are those pansies?

 

Hilary Swank (Versace)

Grade: A

 

 

 

Picture: Getty

 

She always looks insanely, ridiculously beautiful. It might be impossible for her to look like crap. She's even got an overbite and I see nothing wrong when I look at her. That dress looks GREAT on her! I want to look that good in something! Anything! Hell I'd be happy if a snuggie fit me this well! Can my snuggie have little pictures of Mila Kunis on it? Just asking.

 

BEST DRESSED: Mila Kunis. That's two red carpets in a row! This is a first. I've never named one person the title of best dressed for two consecutive red carpets. Does anyone know where she lives by the way? Just asking.

 

WORST DRESSED: Jennifer Lawrence. This choice was so obvious it hurt. I wanted to pick another person but that pink mess was so much fuglier than everyone else it could damage the retina of a blind man.

 

We're rolling through the red carpets at a sickening pace my friends! We basically only have two more to go. In a few weeks we have the Grammy Awards (Feb 13th, CBS) and then the Oscars (Feb 27th) hosted by Anne Hathaway and James Franco. I am excited for the Grammy red carpet because those musicians always dress like freaks and it's so much fun to see. And we all look forward to the Oscars because they are the coup de grâce of every awards show season. Just for fun I looked it up and coup de grâce actually means death blow, how awesome is that? But remember to pronounce coup de grâce [ku de gras] with the 's' and NOT [ku de gra] without. Because according to Wikipedia the s-less version means "blow of fat" which would suck immensely. Friends, we only have to hang on for 27 more days and then the "mercy killing" will finally arrive... and no doubt blow our minds(but hopefully not with fat). 

 

 

BYLINE:

Bry Schulz is a writer, photographer, and mother who really hates squash. Not necessarily the game but definitely the vegetable. Email Bry at bry@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - “2011 SAG Awards Red Carpet review. See what January Jones, Natalie Portman and Eva Longoria are wearing.” - PHOTOS

"Carey Mulligan is Oscar worthy for her work in 'Never Let Me Go.'" – Movie Review

The funny thing about “Never Let Me” Go is how its languorousness invites the viewer to project a meaning on to it. Yes, that projection requires ignoring a few things about the characters and what is happening on screen but there is something valuable and even entertaining about a movie that gives the viewer so much room to move around. Some have found parallels to the holocaust. The great Roger Ebert finds a modern equivalent in the sad fate of workers at big box stores like Wal-Mart. Other critics acknowledge a philosophical truth in the film that is just out of their grasp but somehow knowing it is there is enough for them.

Strangely, I find myself somewhere within that last group. I too want to believe and have searched for various philosophic or metaphoric meanings in Mark Romanek's gorgeous direction and Alex Garland's teasing screen adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's moving if also vaguely interpreted novel.

Kathy (Carey Mulligan) fell in love with Tommy when both were young students at an out of the way private school somewhere in the English countryside. Kathy was a self conscious introvert with soul of an artist. Tommy was an outcast prone to violent rages that only served to make him even more of an outcast.

The center of their world is their relationship with Ruth (Keira Knightley), a popular girl who befriended Kathy in search of a worshipper and fell in with Tommy as a way of preventing that worship from being cast elsewhere. It's clear to us and especially clear to Ruth that Tommy and Kathy should be together but her insecure need for their attention supercedes her ability to let her friends be happy.

This is especially tragic because Hailsham is not merely a country boarding school and the students are not really students at all. As explained in excruciating detail by one of the teachers, Miss Lucy (Sally Hawkins), Hailsham students will have painfully short lives in which they will donate their organs until they complete, a nicer way of saying they are spare parts until they die.

The brilliance of “Never Let Me Go” is not in setting up a life or death situation but in the real human ways that these characters take in this extraordinary information and assimilate this knowledge as part of who they are rather than the going concern of some sci-fi story of survival.

The arc of the average life is played out with a timeline in mind that lasts a lot longer in our minds than in reality. For Kathy, Tommy and Ruth the arc of birth, life and death is compacted into a mere 30 years at most yet they grow and age and live as if a full life were lived.

They cram their short lives with experiences of love and compassion that a longer life no doubt takes for granted. When Kathy finally gets the opportunity to be with Tommy she doesn't spend much time lamenting, they get right to loving and while their is temporary hope for more life, Kathy is not so concerned about prolonging love as she is about enjoying what she has.

Ruth's is the saddest of all of the stories. Her life is marked by pettiness and a greed for attention. She found weaker kids and forced herself on their attention and in her fight to remain at the center of their world she destroyed them and herself, robbing all of them of the little life they could have had.

Carey Mulligan deserved an Oscar for her work in “Never Let Me Go.” The heart, the love and the compassion she portrays is the heartbreaking force of the film. A soul as wide and as deep as Kathy's deserved more than to be an organ bank and yet that is not what the film is about, it's about what life she brings to what little life she has and much of that is played on Mulligan's wonderfully expressive face.

Mark Romanek captures the essence of Ishiguro's novel in ways that most directors likely would not. Like Ishiguro, Romanek is not really interested in the grander political points about breeding humans for their organs. Rather, that is the setting for telling human stories about what real people would do in these circumstances. The fate of these characters lends a certain tragedy to them but that tragedy is compounded by what unique, fascinating and thoughtful beings these characters are.

The political points, the metaphors and meanings are ours to bring to the film. What Carey Mulligan, director Mark Romanek and screenwriter Alex Garland are focused on are the human beings and the lives they live against this unique and tragic background. It's a wonderfully experimental ploy and it works brilliantly as a movie that makes you think for yourself and moves you deeply.


BYLINE:

Sean Patrick Kernan is a film critic. Check him out at: http://www.myspace.com/number1ramjamfan Email Sean at sean@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Carey Mulligan is Oscar worthy for her work in 'Never Let Me Go.'" – Movie Review

"What is Demi Lovato thinking?" – PHOTO CAPTION MONDAY

Join Zoiks! Online every Monday for Caption Monday. Basically there will be a photo of one celebrity. You, the reader, have to put words in the participants’ (with bubbles) mouths. Please be tasteful and do not say anything that will make you look stupid. Those comments will be deleted. In other words, let’s have fun with it.

This week: Demi Lovato.

So… what is Demi Lovato thinking/saying?


BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "What is Demi Lovato thinking?" – PHOTO CAPTION MONDAY

"Renegade Foxxx's 'Way Down.' Has collaborated with Mya and Bone Crusher." - AUDIO

Renegade Foxxx is no stranger to hard work, determination and resilience. If you ask the New Jersey native where his motivation comes from you are quickly directed to the reality that he aims to be a universal artist who transforms all color lines and genres of music.

Similar to his humble upbringing, Renegade Foxxx records music that is a melting pot of real Hip-Hop, Pop and Electro Dance. He has been afforded the privilege to collaborate as well as perform with some of the world’s top acts, many of which are his musical influences that helped mold him into the artist he is today.

Some of these acts include: Pitbull, Trina, E-40, Mike Jonez, Mobb Deep, Petey Pablo, Mya and Bone Crusher to name a few, which display his eclectic ability to reach all different facets of entertainment and music.

There are so many experiences that have had a hand in molding Renegade Foxxx into the universal artist he is today, various deals with major labels and distribution companies have afforded him the opportunity to become the artist we are presented with today. A self-professed renaissance man, Foxxx has his grown man, hip-hop/pop/electro music down to a science.

Hear the new single here: http://www.mediafire.com/?n10nm62kmnikuyd.


BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Renegade Foxxx's 'Way Down.' Has collaborated with Mya and Bone Crusher." - AUDIO

"The Supervillains brings ska/reggae to mainstream." - Interview

The Supervillains got its name when Skart, guitarist and vocalist of the band, was watching cartoons and since the band needed a name, it stuck. That was more than 10 years ago. Since then, The Supervillains has developed a unique sound, not since No Doubt in the early 90’s. Hopefully, The Supervillains has just as much success as No Doubt. I recently chatted with Skart about the band, iPod guilty pleasures and Wham!’s “Careless Whisper.”

Q – Thanks, for doing this.

A - Thanks for having me!

Q – I love the name The Supervillains. How did you come up with this name?

A - I'd love to give you a grand explanation, but it kinda just came up when I was watching cartoons a long time ago. At the time, we needed a name for the band and it sounded cool enough.

Q – The band’s music genre is ska/reggae. How did you get involved with this type of genre?

A - Punk and ska were huge when we first started, and me and Dom were into bands like Suicide Machines or Goldfinger and we were going to a lot of shows, so that's kind of what came out of us. After we started doing long stretches down in the Virgin Islands, we got really turned on to reggae and the whole culture behind it and gravitated a lot more towards it.

Q – What does each member bring to the band in terms of writing, musical background, etc.?

A - Creatively speaking, we are really all over the place, and I think the songs on the new album are a heavy indicator of that. Dom has more of a Beatles/Weezer/Costello vibe when it comes to the writing process, whereas Dan has more of a reggae/hip-hop/electronic background and handles most of the pre-production and programming as well the artwork. As for myself, I really love to craft lyrics. I'm not really particular as far as genre, as long as the song connects the writer to the listener somehow then the job got done.

Q – Not since No Doubt has a ska/reggae band really made it big in the music industry. When The Supervillains started ten years ago, what was the goal with the band? Were there benchmarks to reach, timelines, etc.?

A - Dom and I were talking the other day about how crazy it is that we actually make our living by being in a band. Ten years ago we could never have imagined we would be in the position we are today. And looking back in hindsight I can't believe after every situation we have been in that we have made it through not only standing, but standing solid. It’s interesting how life works out sometimes. The biggest threshold we crossed in my mind was when we got signed by LAW Records in '06 and took everything to a national stage. When you make that leap to doing 7-week laps around the country 4 times a year, it is a huge life change you have to adjust to and embrace. Everything is on the line and it can make ya or break ya!

Q – What do you think of reality shows like “American Idol” that promise record deals, money and fame for doing essentially nothing?

A - It makes for great entertainment, that’s for sure! The odds of success are about equal to the lottery, so unless you are feelin’ super lucky I would rather learn the ins-and-outs of the business then get thrown into the fire.

Q – How has the Internet helped or hurt The Supervillains?

A – It’s great for getting people to discover your music and promoting your shows, definitely. It's bad that "fans" can use it to steal music from musicians that put a lot of time and $$$ into getting it out in the first place. Whether people agree or not, it’s on the same level as walking into someone's house and taking what you want.

Q – If I were to turn your iPod on what would be the guilty pleasure songs on your playlist that may surprise your fans?

A - I was born and raised in the Central Florida swamp so I have plenty of old country songs on my playlist. Cash, Coe, and Hank take me back in time to when I was a kid pumping quarters into the pool table and juke box at the Fish Camp, chewing on gator nuggets and spending all day on the john boat. I miss those days.

Q – The new album “Postcards from Paradise” is the perfect summer soundtrack. What do you want to accomplish with the album?

A - Well, if it ends up being the perfect summer soundtrack then mission accomplished!

Q – How did the remake of “Careless Whisper” make the album?

A - We were messing around with doing a reggae version of it and when it came down to who was gonna sing the lead vocals, Dom just hopped in the torture pit and tracked it. With a lot that was going on with him at the time, he had a lot more in common with the lyrics and could translate that in a way better manner than I could relate to. I probably would have ruined it!

Q – That’s all I had. Is there anything you want to add?

A - Gotta show our hometown some love and say "Go Magic!"

Check out the review of “Postcards from Paradise” here: "The Supervillains' 'Postcards from Paradise' plays like No Doubt's earlier work." – Music Review.


BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "The Supervillains brings ska/reggae to mainstream." - Interview

"Debbie Gibson and Tiffany are in 'Mega Python vs. Gatoroid.'" – Movie Review

I recall about half a year ago this movie called “Piranha 3D” coming out. I remember being excited to see it because I love movies that are so intentionally bad that they become a lot of fun. Then I read our critic Sean Patrick Kernan’s review (http://www.zoiksonline.com/2010/08/piranha-3d-is-ugly-inhuman-perspective.html) and thought Sean was just out of touch with bad movies and didn’t get it. Then I saw “Piranha” and totally understood what he was saying. It was stupid and stayed stupid. It wasn’t so bad it was good like “Feast,” it was just stupid. It was an excuse to show nudity and gore, but it wasn’t even remotely clever. In fact the only thing clever about it was casting Elisabeth Shue and Richard Dreyfuss (for the record the Jerry O’Connell casting was not clever whatsoever).

I’ll defend torture porn and anything like that if you can follow up with a good movie. I thought a third of the “Saw” movies were really good. In fact watching the first “Saw” was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in a movie theater, largely due to an annoying crowd that shut up very quickly when it ended. I’m however getting way off track because I think I saw the ultimate movie last night on the SyFy channel. It starred Debbie Gibson and Tiffany and it was called “Mega Python vs. Gatoroid.”

Is this the best movie ever made? Maybe. You have to love when a couple quasi celebrities whose prime is long behind them can laugh at themselves. Too many celebrities want to be taken so seriously. Look at Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer. You’d never see them make this movie. It’s a shame too because this movie has everything. It has special effects so God awful that it’s amazing. It has an ending as unpredictable as “The Sixth Sense.” There’s a cat fight between Tiffany and Debbie Gibson….in cake and then later in a lake. Not to mention giant python’s and gators.

I forgot to mention some of the one liners, “We need to get a bigger gator,” “the balance of nature must be preserved,” “only in your dreams,” “I think we’re alone now,” “there doesn’t seem to be anyone around.” “Mega Python vs. Gatoroid” is sooo much fun. I told my wife I wanted to watch this and she said, “No, it looks stupid.” I begged her to just give it five minutes - we watched the whole thing. What made the movie even better were Gibson and Tiffany between commercials adding to the fun.

I highly recommend this movie to anybody looking to have a lot of fun. Watch it in a group if you can, especially if you grew up in the 80’s. I don’t think the next generation is going to be treated to Britney vs. Christina. They take their career too seriously; that’s why they have mental break downs or pass out drunk in Jeremy Renner’s bed. I’m sure this movie will replay on SyFy, but be sure to see this movie if you get a chance.

Remember, “If you run into a python, stay very still...if you run into a gator, run as fast as you can... if you run into a megapython or a gatoroid... you are S...O...L!!!!!” Thank you Debbie Gibson and Tiffany.


BYLINE:

Bob Zerull is the Managing Editor of Zoiks! Online. He writes pop culture commentary, does interviews with bands, and reviews music and stand-up concerts. He also administers Zoiks! Online's Facebook page. Follow Bob on twitter at bzerull. Email Bob at bob@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Debbie Gibson and Tiffany are in 'Mega Python vs. Gatoroid.'" – Movie Review

"Default band was not 'wasting time' with Chad Kroeger and Nickelback." – Interview

I’ve been in the business for a few years and I have to be honest – I’ve never heard of the band Default. That was until I did a little research to find that Default had one of the biggest and best songs in 2001-2002 with “Wasting My Time.” Since then, the band has had moderate success, but according to Default’s Dave Benedict, “Wasting My Time” is what fans love hearing. I recently chatted with Benedict about Default’s beginning, “Wasting My Time,” and the new album, “Comes and Goes.”

Q – Chad Kroeger of Nickelback discovered the band over 10 years ago. How did this come about?

A - When the band (Default) had another singer and a different name they used to play shows with Nickelback, back when 10 people used to show up, and a relationship started to grow from that. When the band changed singers and name Chad was approached with a demo and he wanted to get Default into the studio to do a full length album as soon as possible.

Q – The band’s biggest hit, “Wasting My Time,” put Default on the radio map. What did this do for the band in terms of success and popularity?

A – Well, we went from traveling in an RV to a bus and headed out on a loooong tour. We went from playing small clubs to playing arenas with Nickelback and actually started to make a little money at this rock and roll thang.

Q – Subsequent tracks haven’t been nearly as successful as “Wasting My Time.” What do you say to those who think Default is a one hit wonder?

A - Well if we must get technical, I guess we are, but we did write a bunch of other great songs that had some good success, just nothing quite as big as “Wasting My Time.” I am very proud of the work that we have done as a band and have no problem if people want to label us as a ‘one hit wonder.’ It's better than being a no hit wonder.

Q – The new album is called “Comes And Goes.” How different is this album compared to prior ones?

A - I guess it would have to be the natural evolution of the band getting more mature as songwriters and our lyrical content.

Q – What do you want fans to take away from this album? Is there a message to be learned?

A - We have no message to anyone. We are a rock band trying to entertain and write an album that, we and others will like. Take what you want from it if it helps you get through a crappy day or a bitter relationship but if you are looking for a message, I would recommend church.

Q – What is your favorite song to play live and why?

A – “Wasting My Time” for the obvious reasons. It paid for my house. Seriously though, I love playing that song because it gets an amazing reaction every time. I also like playing “Sick and Tired,” “Count on Me” and “Get Out of This” because they are fun bass lines to play.

Q – Being in the business for a decade now, what is the biggest thing the band has learned as artist?

A - The biggest and best is from working with so many great producers, songwriters, and other musicians on writing better songs.

Q – Thanks again for taking the time. Is there anything you wanted to add?

A - Check out the web site http://www.defaultonline.com/ to see when we are coming close to you and come out and see us. Also look for and request the new single “Supposed To Be.”


















BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Default band was not 'wasting time' with Chad Kroeger and Nickelback." – Interview

"Adam Lambert a hit with Anthony Hopkins. But is he better than Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken?" - POLL

Legendary actor Anthony Hopkins talked about not only his new movie “The Rite” with daytime host and former “American Idol” judge Ellen but his appreciation for AI alumnus Adam Lambert.

Hopkins also named Crystal Bowersox as someone he likes from the show. I am not sure if Hopkins recently became a fan of “American Idol” or if he only thinks Lambert and Bowersox are awesome. Of course, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood fans would beg to differ of which Idol is the best.

Zoiks! Online ran a poll a while back asking who the best Idol was and thousands upon thousands of fans showed up to vote. So, I’m asking again, who is the best American Idol?

Vote here: "Is Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Kris Allen or Kelly Clarkson the best 'American Idol?'" - POLL. Adam Lambert leads by almost double over Carrie Underwood. But is Lambert really the best or do his fans come out to play more?


BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Adam Lambert a hit with Anthony Hopkins. But is he better than Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken?" - POLL

"Jason Statham's 'The Mechanic' is an unoriginal hit man movie." – Movie Review

If by some chance you have managed to avoid every other movie about coolly efficient assassins who live alone like monks and share a warrior's code with old school samurais then you might find the new Jason Statham film “The Mechanic” interesting. If, however, you are like me and you have seen any hit man movie ever you find nothing the least bit original or fascinating about this rehash of sub-genre cliché.

Jason Statham is Arthur Bishop a classical music fan who also happens to be the coldest of the cold blooded killers in the world. Arthur's specialty is hits that don't look like hits and in the opening montage we watch as Arthur murders the head of a South American cartel by making the death look like an accidental drowning. The murder is clever but more in a B-movie fashion than in the sleek, cool fashion the film seems to think it's pulling off.

Arthur's next hit will not be as efficient; he's been hired to kill his mentor. Harry McKenna (Donald Sutherland) taught Arthur all he knows but now that he is aging and in a wheelchair he has become a greedy liability to the higher ups who give the contract to Arthur out of a sense of decency; Arthur will make the old timer's death quick and painless.

Arthur has a son, Steve (Ben Foster) and though the two were not close Steve wants revenge for his father's death. Lucky for Arthur, the unpredictable, hot headed Steve doesn't know who killed his dad. Out of guilt or sympathy, Arthur takes Steve under his wing and begins teaching him the tools of the trade for a 'Mechanic,' aka assassin, a man who fixes problems.

Simon West directed “The Mechanic,” taking the bones of a forgotten Charles Bronson flick from the early 70's and taking out anything vaguely arty like the original's wordless 15 minute opening in which Bronson lays out a complicated kill and cover up without feeling the need to narrate the proceedings the way Statham's Arthur does temporarily and fitfully throughout the new film.

The original “The Mechanic” was no art-house film but it had more ambition than this knock off and in Bronson a more compellingly stoic and fascinating lead. Jason Statham's one note performance, compounded by the dull and needless voiceover, has the same lack of energy and innovation as Simon West's direction and in an odd and unfortunate way is perfect for this role.

Ben Foster is the truly unfortunate one in “The Mechanic.” This talented young actor who has brought vitality and unpredictability to roles in other not so great movies like “Pandorum” as well as great movies like “3:10 to Yuma” and the drama “The Messenger,” where he helped Woody Harrelson to an Oscar nomination, is stranded in the one note ‘Mechanic,’ his energy wasted in a movie devoid of anything original to portray.

Like I said earlier, maybe if you have never seen another movie about an assassin you might find something appealing in “The Mechanic.” My guess is however, because the assassin movie has become its own sub-genre with expected twists and particular rhythms ala the cop movie or the slasher film, you've likely been exposed before. Thus, you will find nothing new or worth your time in “The Mechanic.”


BYLINE:

Sean Patrick Kernan is a film critic. Check him out at: http://www.myspace.com/number1ramjamfan Email Sean at sean@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Jason Statham's 'The Mechanic' is an unoriginal hit man movie." – Movie Review

"Sharks on tour with Social Distortion and Chuck Ragan this Spring."

Sharks (http://www.facebook.com/sharksuk) will be heading out with Social Distortion and Chuck Ragan this spring in support of their debut US release "The Joys of Living 2008 - 2010" which hits stores April 5th 2011. They will be following up this tour with a spot on the entire Vans Warped Tour.

Sharks recently toured the UK with The Gaslight Anthem and Chuck Ragan. Check out this video footage of Chuck Ragan performing with Sharks. Chuck is singing the lyrics of the Hot Water Music classic 'Rooftops' over the top of the second verse of the Sharks song "Glove In Hand."


BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Sharks on tour with Social Distortion and Chuck Ragan this Spring."

"Motörhead set to release 'The Wörld is Yours' on February 8th." - VIDEO

Legendary metal group Motörhead is set to release its 20th studio album, “The Wörld is Yours,” February 8th. Written and performed by the band's Lemmy Kilmister, Philip Campbell, and Mikkey Dee in California and Wales, “The Wörld is Yours” was produced by longtime collaborator Cameron Webb, who also worked on Motörizer, Kiss Of Death and Inferno.

“The Wörld is Yours” continues to feed the world-wide addiction to everything Motörhead that propelled 2008's Motörizer to smash both the band's own sales records and the Billboard Top 100 chart.

The band recently released a video for the song "Get Back in Line" which can be seen here.



Motörhead is currently on the road on a U.S. tour that will wrap up in Los Angeles at Club Nokia on March 11th. After that the band will take on Australia and South America in April/May before returning to Europe for a summer tour. For a complete list of dates visit http://www.imotorhead.com/.

Since there can never be enough Motörhead, the tour will coincide with the US premiere of “Lemmy,” the critically acclaimed documentary about Motörhead's iconic founder which has already been tearing up the worldwide film festival circuit.


BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Motörhead set to release 'The Wörld is Yours' on February 8th." - VIDEO

"Kimberly Caldwell live chat on Sunday."

Kimberly Caldwell is going to host a live chat this Sunday at 1:30 pm PST over at Justin.tv/KimberlyCaldwell. She'll answer fan questions and give the scoop on her upcoming album “Without Regret,” due out in April.

Updates can be found at KimberlyCaldwell.com.


BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Kimberly Caldwell live chat on Sunday."

"Tristen's 'Charlatans at the Garden Gate' is a folkier White Stripes." – Album Review

A couple months ago I came across a contact that worked with Robert Plant and his “Band of Joy.” Being the huge Led Zeppelin fan that I am I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see if I could review Plant’s newest album or perhaps get an interview (I know that is a little bit ridiculous, but who knows?). I enjoyed Plant’s “Band of Joy” and the contact mentioned above told me that I needed to check out this up and coming artist named Tristen.

Let me tell you this, there is nothing like listening to a fresh new artist who knows who they are and can just be. Tristen is one of those artists. The hardest part of being a music critic/journalist/blogger whatever the hell you want to call me is listening to countless debut albums from wanna be artists who don’t get it. Tristen gets it. Her “Charlatans at the Garden Gate” is so musical. The songs are so mellow, but there is so much going on musically in each song. The perfect example of this is the song “Avalanche.”

I’m having a hard time coming up with an artist to compare her to. I think if you liked the Robert Plant/Alison Krauss collaboration “Raising Sand” you might like this. I don’t want to bring up typical singer song writers like Jewel or Sheryl Crow. I think Jewel or Crow fans will dig Tristen, but I’m not so sure Tristen fans will be that into Jewel or Crow. Musically “Charlatans at the Garden Gate” is more experimental, kind of like “A Day in the Life” by the Beatles, but more folksy. I think a good comparison may be The White Stripes…a folkier White Stripes.

I think it is safe to say that going into this album I wasn’t expecting my socks to be knocked off the way that they were. “Charlatans at the Garden Gate” is a great musical adventure that you’ll want to go on again and again. Tristen has a lovely voice and an amazing band behind her. You can feel the emotion in her lyrics while musically being swept away at the same time. “Charlatans at the Garden Gates” comes out February 1st and I very highly recommend this one - seriously, it gets better with each listen. I can’t get enough of it. You can check Tristen out at http://www.tristen.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/tristentristen.


















BYLINE:

Bob Zerull is the Managing Editor of Zoiks! Online. He writes pop culture commentary, does interviews with bands, and reviews music and stand-up concerts. He also administers Zoiks! Online's Facebook page. Follow Bob on twitter at bzerull. Email Bob at bob@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Tristen's 'Charlatans at the Garden Gate' is a folkier White Stripes." – Album Review

"Lionize added to lineup for Vans Warped Tour 2011."

Maryland-based reggae/rock band Lionize, winners of the 2010 High Times Magazine ‘Doobie Award’ for Best Reggae/Soul Record for “Space Pope And The Glass Machine” (for which they beat out such nominees as Matisyahu, Easystar Allstars and Tarrus Riley) have been added to the lineup for the 2011 Vans Warped Tour where they are set to perform on the Alternative Press/Advent Stage. Head over to the Warped Tour website to check out an exclusive message from the band: http://www.vanswarpedtour.com/blog/id/1844382.

Lionize has been busy touring and gearing up for the Feb 8th release of their new album “Destruction Manual” on Southern California based indie label, Hardline Entertainment.


BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "Lionize added to lineup for Vans Warped Tour 2011."

"DOSVEC's job is to make you dance." - FEATURE

“If I’m not making you dance, I’m not doing my job,” is a motto that DOSVEC, the moniker for DJ Whatt, lives by. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, DOSVEC started out as a DJ specializing in dance music in the 1990’s. In 2000, he tried his hand at creating his own music. A myriad of unique mash-ups and mixes and a world-wide fan following were the result.

In the beginning, DOSVEC started making mash-ups for his own use. But, thanks to sites like YouTube and SoundCloud, his work quickly got noticed across the globe.

Mike Posner vs Deadmau5 "Please Don't Go" (DOSVEC Mashup) by DjWhatt

His name, which is a combination of the Spanish words for ‘two’ (dos) and ‘times’ (veces), is an homage to his process when producing mash-ups. He confesses that he never listens to the radio, but instead prefers to listen to a cappella vocals before he mixes them. He then matches the vocals with background music from other songs.

DOSVEC stresses that it’s not just about matching up beats, but about matching the keys as well. He feels this gives him a unique take on songs, and allows him to create his own style of music. He says, “I want my songs to be enjoyed on a dance floor at 1:00 am on a Friday, and listened to in everyday life as well.” With his keen eye for unique combinations (like his mash-up of Wu-Tang Clan and Hall & Oates called “Maneater Cream”), DOSVEC definitely has an unexpected and exciting sound that will get your feet moving at the club, or just provide great head-bopping incentive as you’re working on a term paper.

In the future, DOSVEC wants to keep building his repertoire of music. He says, “I’m just having so much fun, and I want to keep expanding my catalogue of songs and doing live performances.”

Not only is he having fun with his music, but anyone who listens to DOSVEC will have a hard time not having a blast, too!


BYLINE:

Kate Brindle is a stand-up comedian from Ann Arbor, MI. For more information and for tour dates, visit her at http://www.katebrindle.com/ Email Kate at hottiepants@zoiksonline.com.

READ MORE - "DOSVEC's job is to make you dance." - FEATURE