Have you looked at Stagg Street recently?  Well if you’ve haven’t you’re missing photos sets of eleven of the sexiest naked ladies you have ever seen. Starting above we have Justene Jaro in a kitchen eating Cheetos. Sexy girls and junk food, what could beat that? Then we have the lovely Ryan Keely in a long black wig, fuzzy hat and boots. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy (and you should check your pulse if it doesn’t) the surely Nyssa Nevers and Sky in top hats and a vintage bed will right?

Nicole looks rather fetching in by the window in her white bikini doesn’t she? Or how about Mia Presley and Kayla Paige undressing one another in plaids and pantyhose on white stairs?

Maybe Bella Vendetta in her white fishnets and nothing else is more your thing? Or perhaps Adrian Louise on a rocking chair? And last but not least we have Masuimi Max and Zoli in (and out of) cute matching outfits. I know you’ll love that!

So come over to Stagg Street now and don’t miss out on all of the naked lady goodness.

During this past CMJ you’ve had artists play 10 times in 3 days and not falter under the pressure of the grueling task at hand. And while you’d think they’d welcome the break, some just got the stamina to keep rocking out one show after another like our man Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire. If you haven’t heard Lost In Translation yet then you must have been dropped at birth. Shit’s spread like a virus and seeped into our brains over an intense two months of web play. Performing along side our soldier of fortune you’ll find Alabama based duo, G-Side.

G-Side will be dropping their new album, Island, on 11-11-11 and have recently been the talk of the town with write-ups in SPIN, XXL and are even up for Alabama’s finest at the BMA‘s for “Came Up,” a heartfelt tale about life in Athens, Alabama, shot at the first African American school during segregation.

Friday October 28th, 9pm
285 Kent
285 Kent st
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
$10 | 21+

Lo-Fi-Fnk – The Last Summer (2011) [Columbia] // Grade: B+

It is really hard to not like this album. Swedish pop can be quirky and overhyped, but it always seems rather fun.  This is no exception. An album of  little oddball pop gems, laden with minimal production and some seriously infectious loop programming, The Last Summer just feels good.  Built upon really simple loops, but sequenced with top posh skills, every track on this album sounds both dirty and squeaky clean at the same time. It’s pop.  It’s happy.  It makes for a good time.

This isn’t the stereotypical pop of artists like Erlend Øye or Peter, Bjorn and John either. The music of Lo-Fi-Fnk is far more expressionistic. It’s almost plastic, which makes it very reminiscent of true italo disco, although musically it bears little comparison. There’s more than a bit of a tongue in cheek here, and in a very good way.  Tracks vary from the almost fidget house opener “Last Summer,” the goofy Nu Shooz synth pop of “Want You” to a delicious slab of dance with “Forever.” Despite all this variation, the album actually flows pretty well, mostly due to the off kilter approach to production.

It utilizes very crisp and clean samples, but it is how they are looped and sequenced that makes the album interesting and appealing. There seems to be more going on here than you get on first listen. It is an album almost shamelessly shallow, yet there is an underlying depth that lurks beneath its apparent intention. It is a really great reminder that all music doesn’t have to be suicidal and introspective to be deep and bear repeated plays.

Let me preface this by saying that I know it’s an odd thing to call a terrorist organization “awesome,” even an imaginary one, but seriously – Cobra are just that, friggin’ awesome. No where in all of comic, cartoon or toydom has there ever been a villainous group whose awesomeness was at such great disparity from the heroes. As a a kid I was buying Cobra action figures at a rate of 4 to each Joe I got. They just couldn’t be touched with how cool they all looked. I don’t who the hell was tasked with character design for most of Cobra, but has there ever been a greater collection of villain costumes on the planet?

So this week’s High Five is gonna be dedicated to five of my favorite Cobra costumes, but specifically ones that aren’t as commonly known. Because let’s face it, we all know how incredible Destro and Cobra Commander look. Serpentor was bananas. Firefly? A dude who sort of looks like a ninja in grey camo? Are you fucking kidding me!? Then there’s the nerdy BSDM beauty that is the Baroness, the Aussie chameleon Zartan (who kinda had a Kiss-meets-Alice Cooper face paint thing going on) and of course Storm Shadow, who was able to make a white pajama ninja costume looks sick thanks to that big red Cobra emblem on his chest. And don’t get me started on just the generic Cobra grunts and officer uniforms like the Crimson Guard and Viper costumes! But I don’t really need to tell you all of this because I think (I hope!?) you all already how cool they all were.

But these five below you may not be all that familiar with. Maybe you just never got that deep into G.I. Joe lore, or maybe you stopped watching the cartoon, reading the comic book or collecting the toys early in the series. Hell, maybe I’m wrong and everyone here has a deep knowledge and appreciation for the uniforms and characters of Cobra, whatever. But here are my five favorites from the outskirts of the most bad ass terrorist organization that was ever invented.

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5) B.A.T.s – Cobra Android Trooper (1986) // Series Five

I’m gonna start out light with one that I don’t think is all that obscure but tends to get lost in the mix of incredible Cobra costumes. If a see-through chest and cybernetic arms with interchangeable weapon attachments weren’t cool enough, B.A.T.’s have one of the sickest helmets in all of Cobra. That thing looks like a cold-blooded killer…which of course they were.

From the filecard:

B.A.T.s are the perfect Cobra trooper. They never question orders, shirk duty or surrender. They are cheap and easy to replace. However, B.A.T.s do not react well to changes in field conditions, or discriminate well between targets. They will shoot at anything that moves. Cobra Infantrymen don’t like to be on the same battlefield with B.A.T.s, and will sometimes dispense B.A.T.s into a losing battle, by kicking them out of low-flying aircraft without parachutes. B.A.T.s also have a tendency to burst into flame when hit from behind.

I only wish they made a variant from the original mold that featured the red visor that B.A.T.s had in the cartoon series.

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4) Big Boa – Cobra Trainer (1987) // Series Six

I don’t think Big Boa ever appeared in either the original cartoon or comic book (not counting the Rank & File handbooks). He was Cobra’s trainer and the guy who got tasked with getting all the lowly recruits into shape before they became troopers, vipers or ended up in Dr. Mindbender’s lab.

I have no clue what the deal is with that crazy helmet with a breathing tube, but dude was clearly pretty physically fit to be able to train and box with that thing on, because it looks heavy as fuck! I always wondered if Boa did any personal training sessions with some of the more decorated characters?

From the filecard:

Cobra Troopers can be an unruly bunch at times. They aren’t motivated by patriotism, unit loyalty, honor or sense of duty. It takes a brutal, unfeeling taskmaster to whip them into fighting trim and Big Boa fits the bill to a tee. He has a voice like a bullhorn, fists the size of frozen turkeys, and the disposition of a bear with a sore head.

Big Boa kicks open the Cobra barracks door at 0500 and makes everyone do a low crawl up the mountain while pushing a bowling ball with their noses. Then, it’s a twenty mile run through the bramble thickets, more push-ups than you want to know about, and a two mile swim upstream with a flak jacket and helmet. After breakfast he starts on the HARD stuff!

Boa is also Cobra’s most homoerotic looking character with those red studded straps. It’s like Tom of Finland meets Mad Max, and we all know what that HARD stuff alluded to in his filecard was…

Also, while I have no proof, my gut tells me that Big Boa’s appearance in some way inspired Batman’s Bane.

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Everyone loves boobs and some people love bikes. If you love both, head to Bunny hops for Breast Cancer this weekend in San Diego!

Based on Hunter S. Thompson’s early novel of the same name, The Rum Diary uses fictional, would-be novelist Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) as the Duke’s stand-in. Thompson used his experiences as a young journalist living in San Juan, Puerto Rico as inspiration for the novel and although it was written in the early 1960s, it didn’t see publication until 1998.

Since then, Thompson’s cinematic pinch hitter Depp has been fervently trying to adapt it for the big screen. It simmered in development hell for nearly a decade until a new producer acquired the rights and British filmmaker Bruce Robinson (Withnail and I) signed on to write and direct. Robinson’s twisted sense of humor and perfect casting makes The Rum Diary one of the funniest and unique films of the year – a fantastic portrayal of young Thompson and the birth of “Gonzo Journalism.”

After some heavy bullshitting on his resume, NY journalist Paul Kemp scores a gig writing bogus horoscopes for “The San Juan Star” in Puerto Rico. Rum and lust for Chenault (Amber Heard), the girlfriend of a wealthy developer, quickly take a hold of Paul. Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart), the developer, sees Paul’s journalistic connections as an opportunity to swindle the natives out of land in order to open a massive hotel for rich assholes. Paul’s dilemma of integrity and wealth drives him to drunken obsession (the best kind of obsession). His eager desire to expose the “Bastards” grows and Gonzo Journalism is born.

During his adventure, Paul befriends some colorful characters – all based on real people Thompson met and worked with in Puerto Rico. The Rum Diary has one of the best ensembles of the year. Seriously, everyone fucking kills it. Giovanni Ribisi plays Moburg, one of the most fully-formed, lovable slimeballs ever. He steals filters from the Bacardi plant and makes homemade 400+ proof booze. He listens to records of Hitler speeches. A regular homerun of iniquity. Character actor Michael Rispoli gets a well-deserved big role in the film as Sala, the paper’s staff photographer. Sala’s often the voice of reason, but rum can make a man mean at times. Amber Heard (schwing!), who beat out Keira Knightley and ScarJo for the role of Chenault, plays the seductress well. Aaron Eckhart is good at yelling.

Depp is much more low-key here than in his first portrayal of Thompson in 1998′s Fear and Loathing. While that was a manic cartoon sketch of Thompson, Depp’s Kemp is more of a thoughtful substance abuser. It’s refreshing to see Depp prove he’s still capable of greatness after years of Disney pirate movies and stale Tim Burton flicks. Rango, released early this year, was really good though. I’ll give Depp that.

Some of the one liners in the film are real zingers. I’ve never read Thompson’s book so I’m not sure what’s ripped from the page and what’s from the brillaint mind of Bruce Robinson. At one point, Moburg thinks he’s gotten the clap and asks Kemp to look at his dick. Upon examination Kemp says it’s not the clap, it’s a standing ovation. ZING! The trio of Depp, Ribisi, and Rispoli  bring a range of comedy from deadpan to dick jokes to – dare I say it – madcap humor for the 40+ crowd. The older people in the audience absolutely lost their minds during the scene where Depp is driving while sitting on Rispoli’s lap.

The film’s pace might try some people’s nerves, but a story like this can’t be all full-throttle zaniness. After some rapid introductions and exposition, the film slows down to allow patient exposition. The Rum Diary is a solid two hours of comedy, romance, and social commentary. It never gets too heavy-handed – every time it begins to dip too far into preachiness Robinson relieves us with some comedy. Because all social commentary should be followed up by a joke about the clap.

The Rum Diary opens everywhere this Friday, October 28.

Surfer Blood – Tarot Classics EP (2011) [Kanine] // Grade: B+

The self-proclaimed beach bums of Surfer Blood are South Florida legends. It’s insane how quickly all of the Palm Beach kids started glad-handing these guys after Pitchfork backed their first single “Swim (To Reach The End)” as some sort of indie national anthem. Coincidence? I think not. Your faithful narrator is no exception to the rule, this I must confess. I’ve caught myself on multiple occasions name-dropping with the rest of them. It’s true that we share a hometown and that I attended the same high school as one of the members but anything beyond that and I’m lying to your face.

Getting away from the gossipy back-patting, their new album, I guess an EP is what their calling it on the basis that it only has four tracks, six if you count the two remixes, Tarot Classics is more of the same with some growing pains tacked on. The sophomoric release plods into more sincere straits, ushering the hooky guitar and sun-baked pop songs into the cloudy dusk.

Earlier last year, Astro Coast was a bona fide “make” in a make or break situation for the up-and-comers with everybody digging the honest catchiness of this indie formation. Surfer Blood now bridges the gap from their first run with an initial coupling of straightforward surf-pop jams, “I’m Not Ready” and “Miranda” continuing on to shatter what we’ve come to expect from the quartet with two newly configured emotive pieces, “Voyager Reprise” and “Drinking Problem”. These latter tracks, along with their respective remixes, convey an exploratory sensibility from within while retaining the airy sing-a-longs they’re indubitably known for.

While Tarot Classics isn’t a blind leap into waters unknown it is a step toward the cliff’s edge. They couldn’t have initiated a smoother transition from old habits to… well…we will have to see exactly.

Brand new video from Mater Suspiria Vision’s most recent album, Inverted Triangle II. “Opera Infernale” is directed by Cosmotropia de Xam and is the video is from his forthcoming film, Inside the Clock of the White Rabbit.

The madness that was Check Yo Ponytail’s double party whammy of parties at both The Echoplex and The Mayan happened last week and now, after we all take a deep breath, here’s the initial photo evidence to mull over. Creating a demand so high, their appearance was spread to two Smog City nights, NYC outfit The Drums played headline duties for both Monday and Tuesday with support coming from gloomy popsters IO Echo.

Complete with a giant name-dropping banner and flanked light installations blinking the name of their latest releases, Portamento, The Drums set included standout tracks from both their debut  (kids loved jam “Best Friend” for sure!) and the recently-released sophomore record.

As mentioned, LA act IO Echo, now a full-fledged band, delivered what was likely a better set than the the band they were there to support. I cannot wait for whatever new comes from their camp. The Tuesday night show was also noteworthy in that it included a special, unannounced opening set from LA East Side dream poppers Superhumanoids, who, as I type, are currently working on finishing up their debut LP release.

Keep you eyes peeled as the first-ever Check Yo Ponytail Tour (photos from the LA kickoff coming here soon!) continues its party pillage across America. Dates here.

All photos by The Holloweyed.

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I’m always impressed with what The Madbury Club is doing. They put some real time, thought and effort to maintaining one of the best sites on the web covering everything from music, TV, film and fashion. A couple of days ago they dropped a pretty frigin’ huge and in depth feature length interview with Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire. This is eX’s first real interview since we released of Lost In Translation.

Take the time and read it and get to know eXquire. It’s a really good piece courtesy of Matthew Trammel and I’m sure it’ll even ruffle a few feathers with what he’s got to say. eX always speaks his mind, whatever it may be. Also all of the pictures are by Vinny Picone, who was our old beloved photo intern. Props to Vinny doing his thing!

Read “A Madbury Club Feature: Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire” (Click Here)