September 29, 2006 06:15 pm
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LAST LAUGH
No one can ever have the last laugh again now that www.comedycentral.com is on the Web. All of the great modern comedies are profiled on this site and you are also permitted to download favorite scenes from specific shows. Whether it be “South Park,” “The Colbert Report,” “The Daily Show” or Chappelle’s show, you are certain to find what you are looking for on this site. And not only can you find the funniest clips, there is also a wide variety of games, comics, stand-up comedians, quizzes and blogs. And if you want to laugh every time your phone rings, you can even buy funny ring tones directly from the site. If comedy is your game, then you are certain to be satisfied after a visit to this hilarious site.
— CHRIS CURRY
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
“High Expectations/Low Results” is the debut CD from Edmonton, Alberta, atmospherock quartet Faunts. It also is probably one of the best descriptions of the CD. Having shared the stage in the past with current buzz bands like Broken Social Scene, Stars and Do Make Say Think, there certainly are great expectations surrounding Faunts. This album of fuzzing, droning, soundscapes makes you wonder why.
But perhaps that’s a biased assessment. Too much buzz can be just as detrimental as it can be helpful to a band. A more articulate — if no less biased — description of Faunts’ work is provided with their press info, and this too seems to accurately sum up their sound: “Their remarkably assured debut album weaves together shimmering walls of pink noise with dreamy, languorous guitar, gently treated vocals, and swimmingly beautiful melodies.” And that about says it. This is take-off music for your trip to the astral plane, the soundtrack to “Memories of Places We’ve Never Been,” to quote the group’s second song title.
So strap on the headphones, tune in, turn on, and drop out. Learn more about them at www.faunts.com.
— JAMES SANDHAM
IN THE BACK COUNTRY
In this day and age, thrill seekers are no longer a distant mirage. Some of them are our friends, family, loved ones or even ourselves. However, no matter how dangerous an activity can be, it is crucial to maintain the utmost professional attitude and understanding of the task at hand to complete a stunt safely and without any repercussions.
Since the world of dare devils seems to be growing at an incredible rate, the site www.backcountrysafety.com sprouted to ensure that safety is the first measure in these stunts. Whether it be traveling through an avalanche plagued mountain or crossing through a mountain of high, dense snow, these experts have learned the ways of the extreme mountain climbers the only way they know how: by experience. If you are, or know someone who is interested in this type of pursuit, pass along this site. It could save their lives. Also, it could provide them with crucial tips from past travelers, who have learned the rules of the trade first-hand.
— CHRIS CURRY
FAKE BAND, GREAT SOUND
There’s a long story behind the Porcupine Tree. Born in 1987 in London, it is the work of one Steven Wilson. Wilson had been recording music in his home studio for several years when, with friend Malcolm Stocks, he came up with the idea of a fake, supposedly legendary 70s psychedelic rock band, complete with false discography and bio.
Retreating into the studio, he recorded several hours of music to back up the fagade. The Porcupine Tree was the end result of this indulgent endeavor. Two years later their music was being featured on UK underground compilations and now, with the release of “Stupid Dreams” almost 20 years later, the charade continues. But though their background may be fake, the quality of the Porcupine Tree’s music is certainly not.
Less psychedelic than some of its forbearers, “Stupid Dreams” is an enthralling album of experimental sounds, swelling guitar anthems, rolling soundscapes and gripping choruses that immediately enthrall the listener. Nonetheless, hints of early psychedelic influences still abound and comparisons to early Pink Floyd can’t be avoided. Plus, the CD features a neato DVD to boot. How can you lose? See more at www.porcupinetree.com.
— JAMES SANDHAM
GAMES ONLINE
Games for personal computers are getting more and more popular. However, many of them cost an arm and a leg. Thankfully, www.gamesmania.com has come along to offer a solution to online gamers. This site is currently offering a promotion wherein you can have unlimited access to all of their games for free on a three-day trial. Keep in mind that these are the exact same games available on store shelves. If you happen to be satisfied with what you see, then you can purchase a monthly membership.
Whether it be “Tomb Raider,” “King Kong,” “Beach Volleyball” or “Boarder Zone,” you are likely to find something that piques your interest on this site. Why pay the astronomical store prices when you can get rent the same product at a discounted price?
— CHRIS CURRY
(Got a hot tip for the 411? E-mail us at submissions(at)ypp.net)
SHNS
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