RADIOHEAD: HOUSE OF CARDS

Radiohead made this video without cameras or lights. Instead, they used 3D technologies to collect information about the shapes and relative distances of objects. I don't know what that means, either, but the result is a unique, compelling video. Welcome to the future.

BUZZ ME, BABY

Man, these cats can swing! Louis Jordan (1919 - 1975) and his Tympany 5, playing "Buzz Me, Baby" in 1945. It's Friday night and Louis is waiting for his baby to call. What great musicians.

BLOWUP!

This is a cool clip of the swinging London go-go scene of the mid-60s from Antonioni's "Blow-up." Carnaby Street fashions, mod birds in mini-skirts, cool rock music, and Thomas, played by David Hemmings, loosely based on mod photographer David Bailey, racing around London in a sports car convertible trying to solve a murder he thinks he's accidentally photographed in a park.
What more could you ask for? How about The Yardbirds, featuring Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page? They're the uncredited pop group in this scene. Groovy, baby. By the way, I love the chick with the striped pants. Meet you at the discotheque.

GEORGE SHEARING

Ken Kesey once said George Shearing, the blind jazz piano player, was God. Regarding that statement, I'll remain agnostic -- I mean, he might be God. It's impossible to prove or disprove. Either way, he's definitely a great piano player. Here he performs "Swedish Pastry" with his quintet. Check it out.

JAMES BROWN DANCE LESSONS

It's Saturday night, and you can't dance. Your moves are tired. You need a crash course in COOL. Unless you want to stand on the sidelines and watch life pass you by, you need to get busy. "Acting" cool doesn't work, and saying you don't dance only convinces people you're an uptight wuss and no fun at all, but dragging out those ancient ballroom moves from your wedding (the disco thing, with that unconvincing lip-bite) is a big mistake that will send folks screaming for the exits. Sure, you can stay at home and mope, but that's a lousy option.

Fortunately, you're in luck. At great expense, we've brought James Brown back to give you a dance lesson. You'll never be as cool as Soul Brother Number One, but having James Brown as your personal trainer can only help your odds. Don't thank me, thank JB. Now get busy!

RAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK

Playing "Seasons" at Montreux, 1972.

HALLOWEEN WEEK: the scariest movie

Yes, we're celebrating Halloween Week here at the Hammer. Last night I was talking to some Friends of the Nib, planning our upcoming art show/party for Saturday night (details below) and we were really getting into the Halloween mood. The subject came up: What is the scariest movie you've ever seen?
I've seen plenty, but if I had to pick the movie that freaked me out the most, I'd have to go with Repulsion. This is a cool little film from 1965 that follows the lovely Catherine Deneuve's harrowing descent into madness. It may look cheesy and retro ironic, but I'm serious. This is the real deal, from director Roman Polanski. If you're bored with rubber-head monsters and dumb slasher movies, rent this one for Halloween. But be warned!