Sound and Noise

Music Interview

2011-04-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

You don't need to like the music, but appreciate the screen effects used in the video

2011-01-25T12:19:00.000-08:00

Parkway Drive - "Sleepwalker"

2011-01-18T08:49:00.001-08:00

"Ghost Hunters" Documentary Review

2011-01-18T08:31:00.000-08:00

Ghost Hunters is a "sci-fi" series which investigates areas with paranormal activity. The Atlantic Paranormal Society travels around America investigating homes, jails, ships, and other buildings in search of any paranormal activity. The show is set up in a documentary style. The beginning consists of B-Roll of the travel to the destination. On the way the investigators speak to each other about the history of the building and the reported activity in the building. Once the team arrives, the film-makers shoot footage of a tour of the building. Whenever the interviewee states an area that has activity, the shows moves to B-Roll of that area. All the "hot spots" are filmed with a darker light setting, as well as in slow motion to set suspense. The show features interviews of each person in the location who has witnessed paranormal activity. Once the tour is over, the team sets up equipment, again utilizing B-Roll. Then team then begins to investigate the building, primarily the "hot spots". The team uses many types of equipment. A team member will explain what each piece of equipment does as he uses it, and what it is believed to show a presense of something paranormal.
The interviews are set up according to the environment the people are in. Generally, the interviews are in the most "active" locations of the building. When the interview begins, a title will appear in the lower third of the screen stating who the person is, and their connection to the building. It is usually a transparent block with a dark grey colour to it, with white text inside. The inverviews during the investigation are always done in the dark where the is no light being emitted from anything. In order to see the person, the crew uses Infrared Cameras. This creates an oportunity to see into another light spectrum. The team, and many other paranormal investigators believe using infrared cameras allow an entity to appear. I think this is effective in two ways. The camera provides an interesting view, giving the person looking at the camera bright white eyes, similar to red-eye, but without the colour. Also, with the infrared cameras on, it allows the opportunity to see activity which may go on behind the interview.
Once the investigation is finished, two technician crew members analyze the footage and pick out parts which may be paranormal, if any. The film maker include footage of this, but only parts where something sparks interest in the investigators. This is effective because if this was shot too long, it would become incredibly boring.
Two of the crew members, Grant and Jason, work as plumbers for a living, and every once in a while, show footage of them at work as more B-Roll. Essentially, the B-Roll in the documentary is very well thought out and effective. It's not too long and shows only interesting shots.
As this is one of my favourite shows, it requires excitement, mystery, and a bit of comedy, and this show pulls all of those aspects together. One last tool the show uses is strange sound effects and slow music to provide a suspenseful environment. In my opinion, this show is flawless. Any aspect a critic could pick at is very small and insignificant.

Documentary Review of "Straight Outta L.A."

2011-01-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

Straight Outta L.A. is a documentary narrated by Ice Cube, about the hip-hop group N.W.A and the Raiders of the NFL. This documentary is one of the first docs I have seen with a style pertaining to its content. The documentary is based from L.A., and at the beginning, the interviews and videos are done in a film tape style. The film tape rolls down the screen and as it does so you see the first interview. A great aspect of the documentary that is a strong hook right from the beginning is when "Ice Cube" says that it doesn't matter if you are a fan of hip-hop, or a fan of football, you will appreciate what the documentary has to say. Something that the film maker does that not many film makers do is put himself in the documentary. Celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and John Madden are put in the documentary as a hook for viewers because they are easily identifiable. An interesting thing done in this documentary is the use of animation. This is not often done in documentaries to maintain realism, but the technique of the comic strip style of Ice Cube to illustrate a picture of his past is very well done and does not risk losing the realism of the documentary. Several of the interviews are close ups, which is not a bad idea, until the interview with Al Davis appears. He is one of the interviews where a distance shot is better used. Another idea for when he is being interviewed is shoot straight to B-Roll, that way the interest is maintained.
In a few shots, Snoop Dogg has a planted prop, possibly used to incorporate the topic of the Raiders with his impact on the hip-hop world.
The film maker has a lot of great idea for hooks and incorporates them in the right places. The final hook that was fairly successful was the insertion of old music videos from N.W.A. and Ice Cube. The insertion of the Raiders football footage was a great idea as well. The only problems with the documentary are Al Davis' interview close ups and the background used in the interviews. Several of the interviews incorportated a black background for those who were caucasians anda white background for those who are African-American. This may be done as a strategy but I think it is more likely to offend those who notice. The only interviews which did not use this technique were those of Al Davis and Snoop Dogg. In a few of Davis' interviews, he appeared to be in his office or a part of the Raiders' stadium. Snoop Dogg's interviews took place in parts of the football field and up high in the bleachers. This is done, not just to provide easy lighting for his interview, but his background is a sky view of the football field, showing the architecture of the building and the rest of the stadium.

Un-F****** REAL!

2011-01-11T11:01:00.001-08:00

Life Slides

2010-11-26T08:33:00.000-08:00

2010-11-03T08:33:00.001-07:00

A Great Job By Derrick Gilders in London!

2010-11-02T10:46:00.001-07:00

Disco Duck by Rick Dees

I have to say, the first time I heard this song, I was at work. My co-worker both looked at each other when this song came on and burst out laughing. Now, whenever it comes on the radio we turn it down because the song is just so annoying and, for lack of a better word, stupid. Having said that, there are many elements of this song which make it likeable. For example, the song ties you in within the first few seconds with a catch line of an electronic sounding quack. Simple lyrics put to the right rhythm can sound like a good song. This song captures the interest of listeners by inserting a piece of their childhood by using the voice of Daffy Duck. The simple drum line aims to maintain a constant beat to make sure the song remains catchy and fun to listen to. The chorus includes female vocalists, as well as Daffy Duck’s voice over top to add more layers to the song. There is also one other vocalist in the song. The voice of a male in the beginning and scattered throughout the song as well. After reviewing this song and listening to it constantly, I’m starting to like the song a lot more for the elements it uses to capture interest that is not used very often. The use of Daffy Duck is, in my opinion the most interesting.
The bass guitar lines are a fun addition. It is played almost as if you are to tap your foot. It has that bouncy feeling to it. The layers in the song start with just a quacking, then builds up to a bass guitar, drums, and trumpets. The build up is gradual but very exciting because the song makes you want to hear more of Daffy Duck. The simplicity of this song is obvious, but does not show when it comes to the entertainment given from it. Before analysed, I would have rated the song 3 out of 10, but after listening to it looped and reviewing it, I would give it at least a 6.5 out of 10.
This song is by Rick Dees is a comedic musician so this is just what we should expect from him. In closing, this song is very amusing, and although somewhat annoying, it is fun to listen to. Unfortunately, due to the simplicity of this song, this is all I can review after analysing all the layers and elements in the song.

Frustration

2010-10-28T07:55:00.001-07:00

Ever find that with a lot of music, you will listen to a song and really like it, but there is that one spot in the song you don't like that you would want to change. I find every time that happens, it motivates me to pick up the old Yamaha and play a few songs and think of some of my own material, both lyrical and instrumental.

2010-10-25T21:05:00.001-07:00

Favourite Song

2010-10-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

When I was introduced to this assignment, I knew right away which song I had to review and talk about; Never Too Late-Three Days Grace. Three Days Grace is from Norwood, Ontario. Their self-titled debut album, released singles "I Hate Everything About You", "Just Like You", and "Home". This album hit platinum status. Next the band released the album "One-X" with singles such as "Animal I Have Become", "Pain", "Never Too Late", and "Riot". The latest album, "Life Starts Now" is a lighter side to the bands artistic abilities. The band decided to move away from the sad, and angry songs included in the past two albums, and decided to move to a more positive message. This is not to say that they left out their incredible rock abilities, but the songs had a different message than in the past. The even decided to throw in a love song which consists of a piano, played by drummer Neil Sanderson. This song is called "Lost In You". This album has three singles so far. "Break" is the first single for the album and was the song that really opened the listeners to this album. Next released was "The Good Life". Both of these songs are a fast pased rock song which are loved by many. The last single is a slower rock song with a less positive message but not as depressing as the previous albums. This song is called "World So Cold". The song is basically about the feeling of loneliness when a person you care for leaves you.
Singer, Adam Gontier checked himself into rehab because of his prolonged addiction to OxyCondin. Many of the songs on "One-X" were written by Gontier while in rehab. "Never Too Late" was originally created because a friend of Adam Gontier (lead singer), was very depressed and suicidal. In Adam's words, "This song is about, feeling like you want to give up on everything, feeling like you don't really belong here anymore, feeling like you want to, sort of end everything, but really this song is about not giving up at all." -Adam Gontier
The power behind the vocals and the strength of the distortion in his voice creates a mood on its own because of the feeling of unhappiness. A lot of thought went into the creation of this song. Setting aside the powerful vocals, there are many well thought out layers. The songs begins with a soft acousitc guitar solo consisting of a four-time repeating riff. I believe the slow acoustic sound is symbolic of how a mood disorder begins. Nothing too alarming but there is a feeling of unhappiness. Next, the song builds up, adding drums, adding a bass guitar, and replacing the acousitc guitar with a clean sounding electric. The song slowly builds in volume until it reaches the chorus and reaches it's peak volume. I think this building of volume is symbolic of a "snowball effect" where things in life start building up inside, making things worse as time goes on. At the time of the chorus it reaches it's peak volume, adding distortion to the lead guitar. At this point, the vocals become louder, not quite a scream, but is loud, accurate with tone and note quality, and is also symbolic of the peak of depression. This is the stage where depression is at it's worst. A time where a person will believe there is no reason for being. Next in the song is a rotation of bridge, chorus, and riffs, symbolizing the up and down feelings occurring during depression. Finally, then end of the song comes, returning to the riff at the beginning of the song, but with only the acoustic guitar, excluding the vocals. This symbolizes the end of depression. The lifted spirit one obtains in the aftermath is shown in this part. A calm feeling has returned to the song, and the listener knows the song is over. The music video included with this post is the video for the song and is a great representation of symbolism and an alternative to the context of the song. A great piece of work done by singer Adam Gontier, drummer Neil Sanderson, bassist Brad Walst, and lead guitarist Barry Stock. This song has gotten me through a long rough road, as well as many others who have listened to it.
It is more than worth the listen and view. It was the first and only song on my iPod to hit 600 on my playcount! Every album by Three Days Grace is worth purchasing so go ahead and find your copies and support the band!

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

2010-10-14T06:43:00.001-07:00

2010-10-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable smartphone!!!!!!

2010-10-14T06:35:00.001-07:00

Ford Mustang/Chevrolet Camaro

2010-10-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

I won't lie, I don't know a lot about Ford, but I do have to say that the 2010 Ford Mustang GT is a beautiful car. The 2004 Ford Mustang 40th Anniversary Edition is an outstanding car with fast acceleration and amazing looks.

Having said all that, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro comes as a V6 or a V8. Both of these models have crazy fuel efficiency. The V6 can apparently get up to 54 mpg, and the V8 can get somewhere around 42 mpg. As far as I know, that is better than most Toyota vehicles, as well as Honda.

A Bit of Advice

2010-10-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Not that I am the one who should be giving out advice, but from my experience when you buying hockey equipment that suits you, not for its looks, but for its comfort. I am currently purchasing the Vaughn Velocity V4 Series of glove and blocker. They look outstanding, and still are comfortable to wear. The colour you choose should only reflect the colours of your team, not reflecting what your favourite colour is. The colours will NOT match. In all honesty, the Bauer Supreme Series of equipment is not far behind in quality. It all comes down to personal preference. The decision is up to you. What do you think?

University?

2010-10-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

Anyone who attends Guelph University knows which school provides the best meal plans such as Mr. Sub, a Chinese restaurant, and others. With several restaurants in the food court area, there is tons to choose from. Guelph is an environmental school but examines several other fields of education. Personally, I plan on studying psychology, sociology, and anthropology in hopes to become a psychologist. Other schools which provide these courses are Lakehead University, McMaster, and Memorial University of Newfoundland. All of these schools are incredibly beautiful and provide a great working atmosphere.

Which Is Your Favourite?

2010-10-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

People will always have their own opinions over which car company is better. Ford? Chevrolet? GMC? Any other possibilities are welcome to stream in. Personally, I have mixed feelings. I can only think of 1 or 2 cars in the past that have come from Ford that are really worth paying for. Obviously the Ford Mustang. The new line of trucks released are not bad looking, but that doesn't mean they were meant to be rough with. In my opinion, Dodge builds the best trucks out of any company. They have never been well known for their fuel efficiency, but they are known for their looks, rugged style and their toughness they bring to the road. What do you think about this?

Absolutely Effin Hilarious!!!!!!

2010-10-05T16:49:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm_n3hg-Gbg

HTC Desire

2010-10-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

So far I'm still waiting for my HTC Desire to arrive at MicroAge Basics. It has been a long wait but from what I hear, the phone is worth it. Apparently, it is ranked higher than the Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant and even the iPhone 4. It has all the abilities of both the other phones and many more. It is pack with a 1 Ghz processor and is one of the fastest operating phones on the market.
Click the link below to watch a review of the HTC Desire!---and NO THE VOICE IS NOT BORAT!
I admit, 3:25-3:30 and 4:38-4:45 are pretty funny lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFdUAE8tIeA

Purple Joe Dirt

2010-09-22T14:37:00.001-07:00

Original Joe Dirt

2010-09-22T14:36:00.001-07:00

Spotlight Name Bending

2010-09-21T10:20:00.001-07:00

Old Skillet

2010-09-20T10:20:00.001-07:00