Sidedown.org

What's Next?

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:09:09 CST

It's probably a good thing I don't know how to drive vehicles with manual transmissions, because the way I switch gears is just reckless.

On my way back from shipping the master for the first EP from The Dirty Floors I was thinking more about my next "solo" project. When should I start it? What will it be about?

So, I took a quick second of my day, between revising a lease and finalizing artwork to have made into a polymer letterpress plate, to make a few decisions about it...

I Still Believe In Advertising

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:11:19 CST

I consider myself rather impervious to most advertising. In fact, around the SDDWN homestead one of our favorite pastimes is to pick apart television ads. I never listen to the radio, and most ads on my daily commute are rather poorly executed.

Every now and then, though, something worms its way into my head. This is how I came to purchase La Roux's self-titled album.

SXSW

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:39:28 CST

It's as official as it's going to get: I will be traveling down to Austin, Texas with my band Absinthe & The Dirty Floors to play a show during South By Southwest, a fairly massive media extravaganza. I've never been to Texas. At least, I don't think I have.

Carpooling and Why Humanity Will Never Reach the Singularity

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:21:59 CST

Google recently launched Google Buzz, a Twitter-ish application whose purpose is a mystery to me. I'm not sure what it is supposed to do, but what it seems to be doing is making a lot of people angry over privacy issues.

For some reason this sparked a thought. I don't think we'll be able to become an evolved single consciousness. It has to do with Google Buzz, Facebook Login-gate, and carpooling.

Heartbreakers

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:36:00 CST

It's going to be a good show.

Mister Universe

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:44:32 CST

For Christmas, e gave me an envelope. Inside the envelope was an advertisement for Hot Pockets. And inside that page were tickets to see Jim Gaffigan live at the Chicago Theater on January 29th.

Get it? I did! We saw him on opening night this past Friday, and it was a blast.

Of Pods and Pads

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:16:04 CST

So here it is. The iPad. The lead up to the launch of this device has been filled with speculation and excitement. Probably a bit less than the iPhone, but still the hype engine has been revved.

Ever since using the Wacom Cintiq, I've been craving a tablet Mac. This, however, is not a tablet Mac. Not by a long shot.

It's not all bad, but it could be so much better.

The Larger Issue: Network Stupidity

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:45:09 CST

By now anyone who follows the basic entertainment news knows that NBC and Leno are about to screw over Conan O'Brien by moving Jay into his old time slot. While you may be a fan of Jay "Hey, look at this typo!" Leno, or you may prefer Conan "I'm actually funny and creative" O'Brien, everyone can agree that this move is going to create quite a mess for all involved.

As I've been thinking about this, one thing has been nagging at me... can we be over temporal issues at this point?

Collected

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:50:29 CST

It's back!

Examiner Update

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:53:58 CST

Lots and lots of articles for you to catch up on!

All Of It

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:14:36 CST

If you'd like to listen to everything I've recorded from 1996 through 2009, you can do so right here.

An Album Revisited

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:00:00 CST

A project I've been meaning to do for a few years is finally going to see light in 2010.

Unresolved

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:10:29 CST

I'm going to try to use Sidedown Monograph #4 to help me continue my comic book story. Each time I start and stop with Resolution .65, it feels like a bit of a failure, but in other ways, it's very helpful.

Thinking About...

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:57:55 CST

Arata Isozaki's metabolist architecture

And the #1 Album of 2009 is...

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:48:00 CST

Nervous Neal Smith's Manhandle Suite!!!

Seriously, this was my absolute favorite album of 2009. And lucky for you, the whole thing is available for free online! Let's talk about it a bit, as you probably have no idea what I'm talking about.

#2 Album of 2009: The Bird and The Bee

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:28:17 CST

Their album Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future is solely responsible for me working to make my record-playing setup better at home. Totally worth it!

#3 Album of 2009: Royksopp

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:45:05 CST

I talked about this album earlier this year, so I don't need to give you the whole rundown again. The more I've listened to Junior, which is a ton, the more I like it. This is an album that won't quit.

#4 Album of 2009: Little Dragon

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:15:44 CST

Their debut album a few years back was exactly what I was looking for at the time, making me an instant fan (despite the godawful album cover illustration). When I heard they had a new album on its way this year, I knew I'd be picking it up ASAP.

A Year in Six Parts (Upcoming)

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:45:33 CST

As the year-endtrospection continues here at Sidedown HQ, I've been thinking about what sort of projects I want to be involved with in 2010.

#5 Album of 2009: Dylan Leeds

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:38:55 CST

Another one from the Sidedown Audio catalog. I released only two albums this year, and luckily they are both incredible. I'd been looking forward to having Dylan Leeds on my label since hearing his 2007 RPM Challenge effort, and my anticipation was well justified.

#6 Album of 2009: The Lonely Island

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 09:07:04 CST

What can I say about Incredibad other than that I wish it was twice as long? The quality of parody/comedy music has never been this high.

#7 Album of 2009: Phoenix

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:43:11 CST

Phoenix has been a favorite of mine ever since Alphabetical came out, but each album has had to take a bit of time to grow on me. Once it does I can't figure out exactly why this is, because they are always damn good. Their newest album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is no exception.

#8 Album of 2009: Kemmler

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:27:05 CST

The most rewarding part of having my own record label is putting out music that I am truly amazed by. Kemmler's Eleven Fifity-Nine is one of the two that I released this year, and I am happy to say that even after repeated listening, I am still amazed by this album.

#9 Album of 2009: JG Thirlwell

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:52:07 CST

My dream job is to compose music for TV and film. There is something incredibly appealing about marrying visuals with music and helping to tell a story with sound. I'm sure a job like that comes with much politics and plenty of headaches, but I imagine that working on a show you really like must be a lot of fun. JG Thirlwell writes the music for one of my favorite television shows ever, and I'd be way more jealous if I thought I or anyone else could do better than him.

Flying High

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:34:22 CST

I saw these two posters side by side at a train stop. Which winged-man movie to see... which one to see... they both open on the same day...

#10 Album of 2009: Flight of the Conchords

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:21:13 CST

It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that Flight of the Conchords will not be doing a third season of their HBO series, despite its excellence. Their most recent album can tell you exactly why: while it's still a very enjoyable album, it just isn't as comedically polished as their self titled major release. It was a hasty release.

Go To This

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:49:23 CST

Interest Generation

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:37:28 CST

This year s marked for me by a distinct aversion to design sites. Journals, blogs, portfolios, I am indiscriminate: I have been turned off. I mentioned this, last October I believe, and it has not relented. I do try to get interested in the design world, but my passion has not been jump started just yet.

Can I turn this around next year?

My Dark Social Heart

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:57:58 CST

This time of year, beyond "The Holidays" is all about retrospection, introspection, and prognostication. We look back at the year in books, music, and movies... we think about the place we're at, and we make predictions about our not too distant future.

As I do the Annual Think, I'm trying to figure out where to place my chips before rolling the dice on 2010.

Thursday Recap

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:34:39 CST

Where did my Wednesday go? Crazy! Anyhow, here's what I've been up to on the Web so far this week.

AMC's The Prisoner: Schizoid/Checkmate

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:44:41 CST

Alright! The six-episode miniseries came to an end, and in doing so, distanced itself even further from the original series.

I'll tell you what I thought... and of course, spoilers aplenty if you read on.

Wendesday Recap

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:10:56 CST

This week I've started writing about home recording on Examiner.com, and this is something I'll be doing regularly as the weeks progress. Rather than mention it here each time I post, I'll recap the previous week's posts every Wednesday...

An Enemy's Friend, All For Free

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:50:01 CST

I know, I still haven't been able to sit down and watch the finale of AMC's The Prisoner! It's driving me crazy, but I just don't have the time at the moment. In the meantime, the entire Des Sovere album, An Enemy's Friend, is now downloadable right here.

AMC's The Prisoner: Anvil/Darling

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:36:57 CST

The plot thickens! The second third of the series adds a lot of intrigue, plenty of confusion, and a few things that reinforce that this is, indeed, The Prisoner.

SPOILERS FOLLOW!

AMC's The Prisoner: Arrival/Harmony

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:32:28 CST

Well, there we have it! The premiere of the Prisoner miniseries on AMC. What did I think? Well, let me tell you...

Oh, and if you haven't seen it yet, SPOILERS ABOUND!

Request Local

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:01:19 CST

Let's face it... "shopping season" is upon us. I have heard holiday music, I have seen a Santa on the TODAY show. That means, whether you like it or not, it's time to pick up gifts.

In the past, I have talked about my love for shopping small, supporting independent businesses and being as local as possible. I'm taking it one step further this year: I'm requesting local.

Burger Time

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:41:54 CST

I just made lunch, and it looked so damn good I had to share.

Kemmler Part Two: Music

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:39:03 CST

So, we've taken a look at the album art. How about we listen to a few tracks? The CDs arrived at SIDEDOWN HQ this afternoon, and they are eager for ears.

Kemmler Part One: Album Art

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:16:54 CST

The next album to be released on Sidedown Audio is mere weeks away. It will be first available at the DIY Trunk Show, on November 21st, 2009.

The album is by Kemmler, and is titled Eleven Fifty-Nine. Let me take you through the design process...

No News Is Good

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:45:00 CST

As I regain my footing within the Internet, one thing particularly bothers me: the quality/quantity divide. It seems as if we have given in to the need for more, faster content, leaving behind any semblance of worthwhile content.

I've made the mistake of attempting to keep up with this nonsensical pace, and today I took a few baby steps toward redemption:

I put a tourniquet on my Facebook account
I took the "news" section off of Sidedown Audio and redesigned the site.

Why? Well, I'll tell you.

Twenty-Three Days Remain

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:01 CDT

One of the things I'd love to promote more at the DIY Trunk Show is my zine, HEY Quarterly. As we close in on the end of Volume Three (which means I've been doing it for three years!?) I've been thinking of what I want the next volume to be.

And as you know, I like change.

I'm In This: Design for Obama

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:14:10 CDT

Attention all, especially New Yorkers! TASCHEN Books is having an opening for their new book Design for Obama. Posters for Change: A Grassroots Anthology.

Oh yeah, and my work is featured in the book!

Twenty-Four Days Remain

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:40:58 CDT

Sidedown Audio will be attending the DIY Trunk Show this year. As a vendor. This marks the first time that I have ever sold Sidedown merchandise in a physical setting. I'm simultaneously excited and extremely nervous. I have no idea how it's going to go, but I hope I can make it happen.

I've got a lot of work to do in the next three weeks to get ready. Such as...

Hammer Into Anvil

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:00:38 CDT

So, you might remember that in the second Sidedown Monograph I talked about a hypothetical theatrical "remake" of cult classic UK television program The Prisoner. Thankfully, it's happening... well, not quite as I saw it, but AMC is premiering the new The Prisoner miniseries in a few weeks.

I'm excited for it, and am trying to stay away from as much preview media as possible. However, I thought I'd share some thoughts on what I have seen, and what I came up with two years ago.

Late Screening: Coraline

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:12:34 CDT

I finally got around to seeing Coraline last weekend. I was a big fan of the book, and was lucky enough to attend a reading by Neil Gaiman when it was first published. Does the movie do justice to the book?

The Spooky World of SNES

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:02:34 CDT

I'm a fan of video games, I just don't have enough time to play them. While I have a PS2 and a Wii, I've always enjoyed the old-school platforming scrollers: your Marios, Sonics, what have you. While graphics have gotten better over the years, it's still easy to appreciate the art that went into making these older games.

Hallowcast 4

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:05:46 CDT

Fantasy author Jeff LaSala brings us a frightful selection of Halloween tracks to get us all into the spirit of the season!

Late Screening: Hancock

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:11:54 CDT

As you may recall from a long-ago Trailer Park post, I expressed interest in seeing Hancock. I love the idea of a less than perfect superhero and his various adventures in the world of image consulting. The movie garnered mixed reviews and has only a 40% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Of course I don't tend to go with reviews, nor do I enjoy going to the theater much, so I didn't check this one out until it showed up on a free movie weekend on Direct TV.

How did I feel about this one? Read on...

An Admission

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:29:36 CDT

I may have forgotten how to have a website. It is a cool, rainy day and I decided this morning that I wouldn't turn any of the lights in the house on, to keep hold of this dark, gloomy atmosphere. It's nice�very relaxing, and I've been fairly productive, even venturing out into the rain to ship books.

So, about that whole "blog" thing. Did I ever really have a website that would be considered a blog? And what the heck is this site now?

A Podcast Refresher

joshua@sidedown.com (Joshua Wentz) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:26:34 CDT

As you may recall, Sidedown likes a good podcast. Since we took a hiatus from this site, we've started a few more, and I thought now might be a good time to tell you all about them.