Holiday Hiatus / Happy New Year!

I apologize for the recent hiatus and lack of new posts. I've been extremely busy with the holidays. Who is intently reading blogs during these holiday weeks anyway? I've also been experiencing some extreme sinus pain that has debilitated me pretty severely the past few days. I'm all set now that I applied some Head On sinus headache relief directly to my forehead. Would you believe that a topical pain reliever that closely resembles a glue stick actually works? Surprisingly, it does work.

Anyhow, hopefully 2008 will bring great and wonderful things to this little blog here. I'm a little bit behind on completing my year's end lists of music and music videos, but hey, just because 2007 is about to end doesn't mean we can't appreciate some of the products of the past year one week into 2008, right? Expect to see a higher number of posts more often very soon from me. Hopefully the co-bloggers will have some wonderful things to contribute in 2008 as well!

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year's Eve celebration, whatever you may be doing. I'll be sitting here having an existential New Year's Eve party in my bedroom.

MP3: Tobiah - i exist therefore i sing (zshare)

I hope you all ring in the new year happily! 2008 looks to be a year full of remarkable and wondrous things.

With Love,

Melissa Robot of Ginger Cookie Disco

P.S. My sister and I decorated those Ginger Cookies pictured up top. I decorated the male, and my sister decorated the one with the boobs. They are out on a date. How cute.

Christmas Mix

Exactly a week from now it will be Christmas Eve. Exciting times, people! I've always enjoyed the holiday season. I love looking at Christmas lights and baking treats and decorating the tree. I have so much holiday spirit that I'm even excited about the wrapping paper I bought. Sometimes I feel like I'm Andy Williams, ready to put on a holiday sweater and skate around on a set with fake trees and snow. Oddly enough, there happens to be no Andy Williams whatsoever on the mix below.

About the mix: I wanted to put together a mix that I could play around the whole family without someone getting annoyed by a certain song being too 'loud' or too 'weird'. Still, I think I managed to get a good mixture of old classics and newer tunes in there. One listen to Cassette's rendition of 'Do You Hear What I Hear?' and you'll see that I haven't gone completely 'traditional' with the whole mix. Several of the songs included also happen to be some of my favorites from childhood. Oh and also, for some reason I thought It would be hilarious to start off a Christmas mix with holiday wishes from Marc Bolan of T. Rex followed immediately by a Burl Ives song? Maybe I am just going crazy from all of this Christmas cheer.

Download individual tracks, or download the entire mix in a convenient zip file. And yes, that is a picture of my cat.

Ginger Cookie Disco Christmas Mix 2007
compiled by Melissa Robot

Download the entire mix in one convenient zip file

01. T. Rex - Xmas Message
02. Burl Ives - Holly Jolly Christmas
03. Jens Lekman - Run Away With Me
04. Royal Guardsmen - Snoopy's Christmas
05. XTC - Thanks For Christmas
06. Sufjan Stevens - O Holy Night
07. Phantom Planet - Winter Wonderland
08. Vince Guaraldi Trio - Skating
09. Frank Sinatra - Jingle Bells
10. The Raveonettes - The Christmas Song
11. Math and Physics Club - A Marshmallow World
12. Guster - Donde Esta Santa Claus?
13. Marah - Holly Jolly Christmas
14. Sufjan Stevens - Put the Lights on the Tree
15. Cocteau Twins - Frosty the Snowman
16. Cassette - Do You Hear What I Hear?
17. The Dandy Warhols - Little Drummer Boy
18. Bright Eyes - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
19. Bing Crosby - It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
20. The Partridge Family - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
21. Dean Martin - Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
22. Starflyer 59 - Christmas Time Is Here
23. Squirrel Nut Zippers - Winter Weather
24. Sharpetiquette - Jingle Bell Rock
25. Darlene Love - Marshmallow World
26. PAS/CAL - Last Christmas
27. Elton John - Step Into Christmas
28. Frank Sinatra - The Christmas Waltz

Happy Holidays!

To My Boy: step inside the mainframe

Do you love synthesizers, excited yet robotic vocals and songs about computers? If so, then you will surely love To My Boy. I certainly do.

To My Boy is an energetic electro pop duo hailing from Liverpool, England. The twosome is comprised of Jack Snape and Sam White. The ingredients of their music consist of synthesizer, guitar, arpeggiator, drum machine and vocals. All of the above are self-recorded and produced on their computer, giving it that nice homemade DIY type feel, yet still managing to sound polished and professional. If I were to compare To My Boy to anyone else I would say that they sort of sound like The Cars and Gary Numan combined, except on speed.

Typically, synthesizer heavy songs about machines and space are cold sounding, monotone, and minimalistic. Whether recorded in the late 70s/early 80s or within the last decade, these songs often sound like the product of a Dystopian nation in the distant future (except with music that sounds like it was recorded on a 1970s analog synthesizer). It's like when you watch watch Logan's Run and they're in the future, yet they're wearing tacky 70's disco mall elf outfits. Anyway... As much as I love that bleak sort of sound, it is refreshing to hear such nerdy and triumphant excitement regarding machines. To My Boy seem to find a certain warmth and comfort in computers and technology. To them, the future does not look bleak at all. And luckily it doesn't seem as though they'll be sporting Logan's Run inspired outfits anytime soon. Instead, they seem to have an affinity for sweater vests and matching belts.

I can't think of one thing about To My Boy that isn't perfect. Their art design is brilliant. They sing about convex windowpanes, lines of constant latitude, and stepping inside mainframes. Their videos are colorful and completely adorable. Jack Snape and Sam White also appear to have an overabundance of energy. That is part of what makes them so likable. Their energy is unavoidably contagious. With To My Boy you will not find one single ounce of pretension.

Check out the videos for I Am X-Ray, The Grid, Model, and Fear of Fragility. Trust me, you need to watch all four of these videos. Do it now.

To My Boy's debut album Messages is out now on XL Recordings.

MP3: To My Boy - Model (zshare)

MP3: To My Boy - Tell Me, Computer (zshare)

MP3: Eliminate (zshare)

Purchase To My Boy's album Messages on Insound, where you can find it in MP3, CD, and Vinyl format.

Blanche: reinventing the "Southern Gothic" sound

This is Blanche. They are absolutely brilliant. Described by many as "Southern Gothic", Blanche is definitely a band worth checking out. Their sweet sounds very well may give listeners the urge to don cowboy boots and hang out at saloons. Based out of Detroit, Michigan, the band is composed of Dan John Miller and his wife Tracee Mae, along with Lisa Jannon, Feeny, and Little Jack Lawrence (of The Raconteurs). They look exactly like what they sound like, which is very old-school Southern and very fancy. The band's website describes them as "a dolled-up meeting of the Stepford Wives and a Lawrence Welk gospel special." Tracee Mae has a pretty intense beehive, if I do say so myself.

The band emerged in 2004 after the breakup of Two-Star Tabernacle, which featured Jack White on guitar. In the three years between their first single "Who's To Say" and current new album Little Amber Bottles, the band has had a whole slew of various side projects to keep them busy. Some of you may remember Dan and Tracee's guest appearance in the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line, as they made a cameo appearance in the film as Luther and Birdie Perkins. The band has also backed Loretta Lynn on her Jack White-produced album Van Lear Rose.

Little Amber Bottles, a spooky-country masterpiece, is nothing short of spectacular. The first track, "I'm Sure Of It", is a psychedelic duet with Dan and Tracee on vocals, accompanied by banjo. Their voices basically sound like Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood from hell, if you can imagine that. The haunting "No Matter Where You Go" stands out as my favorite track. Tracee Mae's sly, breathy, and slightly creepy (in a good way) vocals begin the song with the line, "You set yourself on fire, and then complained." The theatrical atmosphere of the song is reminiscent of The Dresden Dolls, minus the cheesy gimmickry that the latter are oh-so-famous for. Further more, Belle and Sebastian's Isobel Campbell plays the cello on this song, which is sweet. The title track is a reworked version of the song "Olden Amber Bottles" from a 1933 movie, the original version of which is actually on the album as a bonus track.

Blanche- No Matter where You Go

I love the colors in this video.

Christmas Songs - Last Christmas

It's been snowing all day here in Massachusetts, so of course I can't resist posting more Christmas tunes.

Wham!'s 1984 holiday classic , 'Last Christmas' might just be George Michael's single most important contribution to music. It may sound a little bit dated with the cheesy mid-80s synthesizer and over the top heartbroken lyrics, but it just isn't Christmas without Wham! I never thought I'd hear myself say that, but it's true.

'Last Christmas' also happens to be one of the most frequently covered modern Christmas songs. Surprisingly, the majority of the covers I've heard don't even mock the classic Wham! song (which would be so easy to do). Most of the renditions I've heard just sound incredibly earnest and sincere. What's so interesting about the covers is that every artist really does put their own unique spin on the song. No matter what type of music you prefer, there is bound to be a version of 'Last Christmas' that will be right up your alley.

MP3: Wham! - Last Christmas
The original version by Wham! proves to still be an essential for any Holiday mix.

MP3: Manic Street Preachers - Last Christmas
The Manic Street Preachers recorded a stripped down acoustic version of the Wham! classic. Is it just me or does James Dean Bradfield's vocal performance here not sound that dissimilar to George Michael?

MP3: PAS/CAL - Last Christmas
PAS/CAL's cover of 'Last Christmas' is the most fun and innovative one I have heard. Filled with guitar, piano, disco drums and bass and topped off with just a little falsetto, this version is a must have.

MP3: Erlend Øye - Last Christmas
Another stripped down version of 'Last Christmas'. The only ingredients are an acoustic guitar and of course, Norwegian singer Erlend Øye's lovely voice.

MP3: Jimmy Eat World - Last Christmas
Say what you will about Jimmy Eat World, their cover of 'Last Christmas' is actually quite good! I advise that you do not deny it a listen.

MP3: Le Sport, Montt Mardié and Mr Suitcase - Last Christmas
Before Le Sport's untimely split, they gave the world a Swedish euro-dance cover of 'Last Christmas' that is ready for the dance floor. It might be even cheesier than the original (if that's possible).

MP3: Swipe! and Gwenno (of The Pipettes) - Last Christmas
A girl & guy duet version this time around. This cover of 'Last Christmas' is quite sweet and heartfelt sounding. Fans of The Pipettes should be especially interested in hearing this one.

Christmas Songs - The Little Drummer Boy

No matter what holiday you celebrate or don't celebrate, there is always room for the David Bowie & Bing Crosby classic "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth". I don't know how anyone could NOT enjoy listening to that song and watching the video. I was watching it last night and realized how hilarious I find it when he casually says "I'm David Bowie. I live down the road" in the beginning of the video. I just love the way he says it. I can't stop imagining David Bowie appearing at my door and nonchalantly telling me that he lives down the road.

Although released before my time, as a kid I remember seeing the Bowie & Bing video air all the time on VH-1 throughout the holiday season, as well as hearing it on the radio constantly. I still hear it on the radio and even have it on mp3, just in case I don't hear it enough for my liking. One of my sisters and I have always enjoyed making fun of the song and mimicking Bowie's slightly off key sounding 'peaace on eaaarth' parts in the song, as well as Bing Crosby's ridiculously low rum pum pum pums.

I'm not super religious but I do enjoy some of the more religious Christmas songs. For years now It always makes me giggle when in 'The Little Drummer Boy' it says 'the ox and lamb kept time'. I picture the ox and lamb stomping their hooves and bobbing their heads to the beat of the song. Ridiculous. I mean, who wrote that?

Here are my favorite renditions of 'The Little Drummer Boy' for your Holiday downloading pleasure:

Bing Crosby & David Bowie - Peace on Earth/The Little Drummer Boy (zshare)
Dandy Warhols - The Little Drummer Boy (zshare)
Low - The Little Drummer Boy (zshare)
Bright Eyes - The Little Drummer Boy (zshare)
Sufjan Stevens - The Little Drummer Boy (zshare)

SoftLightes - The Last Christmas on Earth

Considering that I've already compared the SoftLightes' sound to Christmas music, It's difficult to imagine what an actual holiday song by Modular's resident Californian indie popsters could possibly sound like. Their regular music makes me want to cut out paper snowflakes and decorate cookies with gooey frosting.

SoftLightes bring just a little more to the table this time around with their environmentally conscious holiday single 'The Last Christmas on Earth'. One can grasp from the title alone that this is perhaps not your ordinary 'sleigh ride' or 'winter wonderland' type holiday ditty. Despite the serious topic at hand, SoftLightes manage to pull off a heart warming and cheerful sounding holiday jam, complete with Ron Fountenberry's sugary sweet vocals and a diverse musical arrangement that includes strings and bells. No Christmas classic is complete without bells. Let's also not forget the chants throughout the song, commanding us to dance. What more could you possibly want in a holiday song?

'The Last Christmas' is available for digital download only, starting December 11th. Stream the song here to have a listen, and then download the song from iTunes or another digital retailer if you are able to! All proceeds go to the Sydney based eco-charity Earth Hour.

Felix da Housecat does Devo

Admittedly, I have never been a huge fan of Felix da Housecat. As often as I have owned up to liking bucket-loads of cheesy music, Felix da Housecat borders on just a little too cheesy, even for my tastes. His music is like a sharp cheddar that has been aged for four years, whereas I prefer a cheddar that has been aged for just two or possibly three years.

That being said, Felix da Housecat's latest release Virgo Blaktro & The Movie Disco is a fun little album. The main downfall of the record? It just seems rather short. There are several skits (something I have never been a fan of) and several songs (or perhaps, interludes) that fall short of not only the three minute mark, but the forty second mark as well. Felix Stallings has sited Virgo Blaktro & The Movie Disco as being "a sexy, black, electronic disco record". As a worshiper of Giorgio Moroder, I can't help but notice the obvious influence his Italo Disco mastery had on this album, particularly on the track 'Night Tripperz'. The last time I checked, Giorgio Moroder was pretty far from being black, or sexy for that matter. Actually, never mind. Giorgio Moroder is totally hot.

What I really want to talk about is 'Sweetfrosti'. As I gave Virgo Blaktro & The Movie Disco a first listen, 'Sweetfrosti' immediately caught my attention. I automatically recognized the Devo song 'Snowball'. I was completely and utterly confused for several moments. First I thought to myself, 'Is this track sampling Devo?' No, the entire song is pretty much an exact copy. My second thought was, 'Is this a Devo cover?' No, the lyrics are different, so it can't really be considered a cover. Well, what is it then? I suppose that 'Sweetfrosti' could simply be defined as Felix Stallings' homage to Devo.

I hated 'Sweetfrosti' at first. All I could think was, 'Why would anyone take a seminal Devo song and turn it into something called 'Sweetfrosti' of all things?' Still, something has to be said for the fact that I've had 'Sweetfrosti' stuck in my head for several days now. If anything, Felix da Housecat confirms for us that Devo's music still sounds amazing nearly thirty years later. While 'Snowball' isn't one of Devo's most well known songs, it is by far one of their best. Hopefully listeners will realize that those awesome 'early 80's inspired synthesizers' actually are from the early 80's and are in fact, not a product of Felix da Housecat (as monumental as he may be).

Felix da Housecat's Virgo Blaktro & The Movie Disco is definitely worth checking out. Pick up a copy at Insound. While you're at it, why not pick up Devo's classic Freedom of Choice as well?

Give a listen to both Sweetfrosti AND Snowball.

Felix da Housecat - Sweetfrosti (zshare)

Devo - Snowball (zshare)

Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor

While Hot Chip have not been out of the picture for long, somehow it feels like it's been eons since we last heard anything from our favorite synthesizer wielding Brits. Loyal Hot Chip fanatics (myself included) have been patiently awaiting the release of their third album Made in the Dark, set for a February 5th release date here in the U.S. We've still got some waiting to do, but at least there is a brand new Hot Chip video to keep us at bay. The new video, directed by Nima Nourizadeh is for Hot Chip's forthcoming single Ready for the Floor. It is nothing short of a quirky, colorful, and visually stunning treat.

Nima Nourizadeh is yet another one of my favorite video directors these days. His videos are always attention grabbing and surreal. Taking a look at Nima Nourizadeh's videography, I realized that some of my favorite videos he directed in the past also happened to be for Hot Chip. I still watch the videos for Over and Over and Playboy at least once a month, no matter how many millions of times I have heard those songs. Nima Nourizadeh's latest vision does not disappoint. I am still shocked at how inconceivably giddy I became as a result of watching Ready for the Floor. It was as if a joyous explosion of nerds, synthesizers and brightly colored paints took place in my heart.

Aside from the beautiful art design and camera work, I am absolutely in love with the dancing in Ready for the Floor. Small, syncopated movements isolating various parts of the body are performed by the expressionless dancers. While I'm no stranger to post-modern Fosse inspired choreography, I had never seen it performed in conjunction with Hot Chip until now. The minimalistic choreography works perfectly juxtaposed with the costumes, backdrop, camera work and synthesizer heavy, New Order inspired beats.

The movement quality of the band members should also be taken note of. In opposition to the small, controlled movements of the dancers in the video, singer Alexis Taylor jogs and flails his arms around in attempt to regain balance. The other four members of Hot Chip can be seen laying on a spinning floor, crouching down while covering their ears, and struggling to fit through changing shapes. The band members also attempt to keep their balance as they flail around while leaping from one object to the next. I might be crazy for making this comparison, but these movements remind me greatly of a genre of post-modern dance called 'Release Technique', which basically translates as 'following the least path of resistance'. Anyway, enough over-analyzing... here's the video!

By the way, you can pre-order Hot Chip's third release Made in the Dark now on Insound. The album will be released on DFA Records/Astralwerks here in the U.S. You can also stream the forthcoming single Ready for the Floor over at Hot Chip's myspace page. I hope it makes you as giddy as it makes me.

Just because I love Hot Chip so much, here is the song plus a few remixes to tide you over until early February:

Hot Chip - Ready for the Floor (zshare)

Hot Chip - Ready for the Floor (Extended Version) (zshare)

Hot Chip - Ready for the Floor (Soulwax Dub) (zshare)

Hot Chip - Ready for the Floor (Jesse Rose Remix) (zshare)

KROZM vs. Van She & Midnight Juggernauts

What do Krozm, Van She and Midnight Juggernauts have in common? For starters, they're all Australian. Secondly, they're all amazing. It may or may not be obvious to you that Van She and Midnight Juggernauts are bands; but who or what exactly is Krozm? Their myspace informs us that Krozm is a collective comprised of five humans (Chris Hill, Ewan Macleod, Lachlan Dickie, Brandon Tay and from time to time, Dan Bronsema) who specialize in video, film, direction, cinematography, animation, design and interpretive dance.

Whether Krozm are kidding about the interpretive dancing or not, I do not know. It seems laughable, but interpretive dance would be almost too appropriate to list, considering that their videos do feature some dazzlingly killer moves and editing.

These lads are based out of Melbourne, Australia and are responsible for directing some of my favorite music videos as of late. Krozm typically make the type of videos that you watch and wonder 'how can someone (or five someones) have the brain to come up with any of this stuff?!' I've come across people that hate any video (or any piece of art, for that matter) if they cannot wrap their brain around the concept of it or figure out where the logic is. If you often find yourself staring at the screen in confusion and anger when shown a moderately abstract video, then sadly you may not like Krozm. However, If you're anything like myself and love seeing things like random deer heads on a human body juxtaposed with interesting editing and camera work, then you just might love the creations of Krozm.

The boys of Krozm have created a visual masterpiece for Van She's new single 'Cat And The Eye'. What I love about this video other than the bizarre costumes, is mainly the way the camera never stops panning right or left, circling around, or focusing out and back in. The effect is dizzying, and somehow it almost feels as if you're the one moving. The song itself is a lot more commercial sounding in comparison to the sparkling 80's reminiscent space pop previously heard from Van She. Still, Van She prove further that they know how to drop an addicting melody. If I heard this song on mainstream radio here in the U.S. it would be a welcomed change to what is typically played. Look forward to a full Van She album being released soon on Modular.

Van She - Cat and the Eye
Uploaded by krozm

Krozm have made a whole slew of videos for Melbourne band Midnight Juggernauts. 2007 saw the release of Midnight Juggernauts' full length debut Dystopia, released on Siberia Records. With a synth-rock sound that draws influence from Daft Punk, ELO, Giorgio Moroder, 70's sci-fi/horror film score music/Goblin; Midnight Juggernauts somehow manage to create a unique sound as mysterious and expansive as outer space itself. My favorite Midnight Juggernauts video may also be one of Krozm's simplest. The key ingredients are fog, lights and mirrors.

Into the Galaxy - Midnight Juggernauts
Uploaded by krozm

Again, the way that the camera pans and appears to dance around the band members is what truly makes this video great. It's incredible that simple things such as lights and mirrors in conjunction with a camera could create something so beautiful and fascinating to watch. What's even more impressive is how perfectly the atmosphere and visual aesthetics of the video match up with the song.

Check out more Midnight Juggernauts videos directed by Krozm here.

SoftLightes say no! to being cool.

The Modular label has put out some of my favorite albums of 2007. It's difficult to pinpoint one favorite, with new releases from New Young Pony Club, Chromeo, Klaxons, and Muscles (just to name a few) circulating at the same time. Most of these albums make me want to dance and pump my fist in the air a few times. SoftLightes offer up something completely different: indie pop perfection.

SoftLightes craft beautiful pop songs with melodies that are liable to melt your heart into a puddle of goo. Their clever lyrics could perhaps draw comparison to The Flaming Lips, but I personally prefer and adore SoftLightes much more. It's difficult to believe that absolutely no one I know has heard of these guys yet. Even so, you just might recall frontman and multi-instrumentalist Ron Fountenberry, formerly of the electro pop act The Incredible Moses Leroy.

SoftLightes hail from sunny San Diego, California, but I can't help thinking that there is no better music to help one get through a chilly late fall/early winter's day here in the northeast. Their songs make me want to cut out paper snowflakes and curl up in front of a fireplace with a mug full of hot cocoa. It's sort of like that strange thing that happens when a song sounds like it could be a Christmas song, yet it's not, and it is in fact better than most Christmas songs. Without a doubt, SoftLightes will generate the warmth you need to keep warm and cozy throughout the long winter.

Check out the visually stunning video for 'The Microwave Song' directed by Kris Moyes.

SoftLightes - Microwave Song
Uploaded by modularpeople

If you're anything like me, It won't be long before you have 'The Microwave Song' stuck in your head for weeks or possibly years. Be prepared to start singing 'I am just a Microwave, I am just a Microwave, I am JUST A Microwave' repeatedly around friends, family, and coworkers. You should probably also prepare to have the debut full length album by SoftLightes 'Say No! to Being Cool. Say Yes! to Being Happy.' quickly become one of your new favorite albums of 2007.

The Microwave Song

Heart Made of Sound

If The World Had Cookies

Purchase Say No! To Being Cool. Say Yes! To Being Happy. at Insound. Also be sure to check out SoftLightes on myspace and befriend these lovely lads!

b-boys, breakers, electric boogaloo!

I can't stop thinking about the Rock Steady Crew. Last week they performed on the Dancing with the Stars results show (Yes, I was watching it). Initially when I heard that they were going to be performing I imagined a bunch of grandpas out on the dance floor trying to uprock and windmill. How wrong I was. While some members of the Rock Steady Crew have been around for years, these days they are more of a collective rather than a small group of dancers. There are several chapters of the Rock Steady Crew spread throughout the nation. Apparently there are also members in Canada and Japan, among other countries.

Prior to reading up on the history of the Rock Steady Crew, I was only familiar with them for two reasons; one being their role in the legendary 1984 film Beat Street. The other thing that sprang to mind was their bizarre and campy attempt at a music career. I don't even know how to describe what the music sounds like, other than to say that it could barely be considered hip hop. It's pure bubblegum. This is what an author on last.fm said in regards to their music: "The Rock Steady Crew was picked up by a record company and they made dope tracks and music videos." Dope tracks indeed. It may have been a cheap attempt at capitalizing on the popularity of breakdancing, but It's still an enjoyable listen and definitely an enjoyable watch.

I don't know what purpose you'll need this song for, but trust me, you need to have this in your collection.

The Rock Steady Crew - (Hey You) The Rock Steady Crew (zshare)


There's no way you can have a post about breakdancing without some appropriate visuals to accompany it. Here are some of my favorite Rock Steady Crew related videos:

Rock Steady Crew - Uprock: The video for their other single. I wish I had an mp3 of this, because this song is actually pretty awesome. I have always wanted a breakdance crew of my own so that we could skip down the streets in matching outfits and inform people that our moves are true.

Rock Steady Crew - (Hey You) The Rock Steady Crew: The video that goes along with the classic song. Bright yellow outfit + lady mullet = not a good combination? You be the judge.

Rock Steady Crew vs. NYC Breakers: This is the main battle from the film Beat Street. I have always found this to be the most amazing breakdance battle ever featured in a film. Both crews are phenomenal and look awesome. The Rock Steady Crew are the ones dressed in blue.

Dancing with the Stars: Here is the current incarnation of the Rock Steady Crew. Most of them probably hadn't even been born yet when the Rock Steady Crew was created (1977). However, original member and current president, Crazy Legs does make an appearance here.

Jumpity Jump Jump Jump

I'm sure by this point virtually everyone in North America has heard of Jumpstyle. You've probably watched a video or ten on YouTube and giggled as you watched some young Belgians kicking their legs in a folk dance inspired fashion to the hard beats commonly heard in Jumpstyle music.

I can't claim to be an aficionado on Jumpstyle music. It seems pretty complicated for a cultural phenomenon and genre that is simply regarded as 'gay' by so many. Let's start with what I DO know. I know that it's been around for a number of years. I know that it is now commercially popular in the Netherlands. I know that it is similar to hardcore, with a slower BPM. I have read that Jumpstyle is exactly the same as Chicago Hard House. Maybe Jumpstyle drew its inspiration from Chicago Hard House, but the typical Chicago Hard House song sounds a lot different from the typical Jumpstyle song to me. Chicago Hard House songs usually incorporate high-pitched mosquito inspired notes, whereas Jumpstyle songs often feature a melody that sounds like some sort of polka or folk dance music.

While there may be a whole slew of commercial and perhaps even mediocre sounding Jumpstyle anthems out there, I must say that I am impressed by and totally in love with some of the Jumpstyle songs I have heard thus far. Who can resist a Jumpstyle cover of Depeche Mode's classic 'Just Can't Get Enough'? A Jumpstyle remix of the A-Team theme? Please sign me up.

Wacky Jumpers - Just Can't Jump (zshare)

Crazy Fool - A-Team Theme (Picco Vs. Jens O Remix) (zshare)

Everyone seems to be jumping aboard the Jumpstyle train these days. Even If you don't like Jumpstyle music as much as I do, you still might appreciate Doormouse's homage to Jumpstyle. His song 'Ultimate Jumpstyle' fittingly enough, is not a Jumpstyle song at all. It is however, hilarious and jumperific.

Doormouse - Ultimate Jumpstyle (zshare)

Time for the icing on the cake. Apparently I'm not the only non-Netherlander that enjoys listening to Jumpstyle. It would seem that DJ Donna Summer AKA Jason Forrest also has a soft spot in his heart for Jumpstyle music. Back in September he posted a free download of an epic Jumpstyle inspired mix that he conjured up. Even If you don't love Jumpstyle music, you still might enjoy it. Not everything in it is Jumpstyle. It's a great mixture of songs (there are even some rave classics hidden in there). I would go as far as to say that this is my favorite thing that DJ Donna Summer/Jason Forrest has ever done. This mix is truly a treat.

DJ Donna Summer - Jumpstyle Mix (right click to save)

The first time I listened to that mix it was 4 a.m. I was in my jammies, pumping my fist in the air and doing miniature jumpstyle inspired kicks with my legs. Yup, It's that good.

Just another blog with 'Disco' in the title?

Nope. We've got cookies too. It's the cookies that will set us apart from the rest of the batch.

This is Ginger Cookie Disco; a blog about music, the arts & life.

The music we write about will cover a multitude of genres and span many decades. We love new music and we love old music too. We love obscure music and we love not-so-obscure music. If we post an mp3 that has been blogged a hundred times over, we're still going to post it if we feel inclined to do so. It is our belief that varied opinions should be heard!

We also plan to post about the arts. We believe that art is infinite. We may post about fashion, photography, film, dance, and pretty much any type of media that you can think of. Music will be posted about on a regular basis!

Pour yourself a glass of milk (or soy milk) and get ready for some Ginger Cookie Disco greatness!