3 Things: To Get You Through the Post-Holiday Blues
I'd like to start by congratulating us all on surviving the holidays. That last stretch of December into January can be tough on the best of us, regardless of how much fun we may or may not have had during the holiday season. Now that we've pretty much hit mid-January, most of us are back to our regular routines and buckling down to brave through what is often the worst part of the winter. So other than waiting for the next exciting Ladies of Comicazi event, how are we supposed to beat the deep dark winter blues? Well, perhaps I can share with you a few ideas.
1) LadyBaby
Ever hear of Kawaii Metal? Yeah, me neither until the other night when I had some friends over for sour beers and hot pot. I don't even know how to write about this because as soon as I saw their music video, I knew that I was going to be spending hours on the internet in an attempt to learn everything I could about this band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8-vje-bq9c
I can't watch this without a stupid smile on my face. I don't care for a moment that the band was pretty much created in 2015 by a costume company to sell their product. Not only am I buying, but LadyBeard (I'm sure you can guess which one is LadyBeard) is just so darn committed. Hailing from Australia, LadyBeard is an actor, model, and pro-wrestler. While there are only 2 videos released on YouTube now, I'm sure this might just be the tip of the iceberg. And frankly, if you are into wacky metal, there is quite a deep and twisting internet rabbit hole for you to explore. Allow me to help by also pointing you in the direction of Nekrogoblikon.
2) Jem and the Holograms Comic - Kelly Thompson and Sophie Campbell
I can't believe we haven't written about this comic yet because in some ways it encapsulates a lot of what all the Ladies would like to see more of in other more mainstream titles - different body types, compelling characters, and diversity.
While we are surrounded by constant reboots of properties from our childhood, Jem proves that it actually can be done well and with an incredible amount of style. I realize that I am reduced to waxing poetic here, but perhaps the Hollywood film would have done better if it had been more comfortable embracing all the things that made the original Jem cartoon great. You know, glamour and glitter, fashion and fame? This comic has them in spades with a modern twist that I honestly feel can appeal to the older and newer Jem fan alike. The first trade paperback was released in the fall, so you don't even have to worry too much about trying to catch up.
3) Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox
Scott Bradlee's projects get attention every now and again on sites that I frequent when he and his fellow musicians do covers of Saturday Morning Theme songs or feature Puddles Pity Party. The fact of the matter is that while all these projects deserve your attention, Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ) deserves your dedicated following. They continue to be able to take songs (both good and bad) and work their magic to re-imagine them into new (or should I say retro) musical styles. What results is a song that is not only a great tribute to music eras past, but has also been elevated into something that is in some ways, timeless. You can see/listen over 100 songs on PMJ's YouTube playlist, but I am going to post one of their more dramatic transformations here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzPGzGUNZbs
I can't tell you how many times I have just allowed PMJ to play in the background while I work, write blog posts, and even do chores around the house. As someone who enjoys games like Bioshock and Fallout because I already know the words to the songs in the background, the retro feel is something that I find very appealing. I'm not the only one who feels this way about their music as PMJ has been touring all over the world .
Are you already a fan of any of my "3Things" and want to encourage others to check it out too? Maybe you have a suggestion for a item or event to help us through the winter? Share your suggestions and recommendations below!