New Music Review: Karaoke - T. Pain feat. DJ Khaled

This is one of those classic tracks that spends most of its potential and energy calling out other rap artists for stealing or 'borrowing' a style from the accuser that was already created by an artist that was around way before them.

Enter: T-Pain's effigy to the Auto Tune, 'Karaoke' featuring the ubiquitous DJ Khaled.

There is something to be said about a new school rap artists who puts out a track that admonishes anyone who has ever used an Auto Tune to create their own hit: They are more than likely a hypocrite.

T-Pain (left) and DJ Khaled performing at a Miami club earlier this year.

Unfortunately, T-Pain is absolutely no exception to this rule. Even though he may pay tribute to the great Roger Troutman, but most of the song is dedicated to the idea that people are biting a style that he (clearly) made more popular than Zapp and Roger themselves.

Bottom line: T-Pain was a tad bit misguided with the production of this song. He took a few jabs at his style too seriously and allowed it to manifest itself into the song, 'Karaoke'. Hopefully, he will not take this oversensitivity to any higher levels and make a whole album damning those who stand against him. Hopefully...

-BJW

DubiousSighting: Guerrilla Cuisine - SPAM Jam 2008

So, I had the pleasure of attending Guerrilla Cuisine's SPAM Jam 2008 (much to the chagrin of my innards), and sampled some of the finest, most inventive dishes that I never would have expected from a standard can of the processed, yet iconic, meat.

Held at the Tin Roof in West Ashley, SPAM Jam 2008 brought together some of the most eccentric minds and personalities in the the greater Charleston area for a night that did not disappoint.

Some of the dishes that stood out included the SPAMburger and French Fries. The spuds were fried in truffle oil and the burgers were accompanied by an Asian pickle and black truffle mayonnaise. Another favorite of mine was the Hawaiian-style SPAM Kabobs with a spicy, chile oil and balsamic vinaigrette.

Jimi Hatt, practically the face of Guerrilla Cuisine, graced us with his presence in between meals to make sure everything was copacetic (and to provide a great deal of comic relief), which made the experience twice as enjoyable.

The infamous Jimi Hatt posing for the cameras. Guerrilla Cuisine/BadJon Photography

All in all, it was an enjoyable experience filled with wine, music and canned meats that no one in this world should have missed. Their next event should be taking place near the end of this year and will include a rather popular, French dessert.

I'll be sure to keep you posted...

-BJW

DubiousEndorses: 12seconds.tv

The funny thing about this site is that it really isn't anything revolutionary, by any means of the definition, or cutting edge. It is basically a video version of Twitter.

But there's a catch with 12seconds.tv: It is one of the most user-friendly vlog services that I have seen in a long time. Yes, you could invest the time and money into an awesome video studio setup, light box, reflector and all the other cumbersome goodies that come with the whole kit 'n kabootle.

Or you could go to your nearest electronics store/department, pick up a $30 webcam and get cracking on potentially making some of the most entartaining and interesting, 12-second videos that the world has ever seen!

If your not that ambitious, you could just vlog about your daily goings-on and with the mobile video feature, you could become your very own walking, talking mini-vlogger.

Either way, I highly recommend asking a friend (or even a complete stranger) for an invite to one of the best condensed vlogging sites to come around in a long time.

-BJW

DubiousCraves: The Nokia 7900 'Prism' Phone

Why is it that some of the most advanced, highy adaptable and asthetically pleasing phones are never available in the United States?

Why do we have to settle with all the second-rate crap that comes across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans while folks in other countries get to revel in the idea of own phones that can e-mail, tether WiFi connections, babysit the kids and make a mean shrimp and grits all at the same time?

Nokia's 7900 'Prism' Quadband Phone, $699

Since I do not have the $500+ dollars it takes to acquire one of these babies via eBay, I guess I am forced to envy from afar.

-BJW

P.S. - This Nokia is a beast. A sexy, 3G-capable beast...

The Essentials: How To Be a Hipster

I have never really been one to place people in categories or sub-categories based on the way they dress, but in recent years I've caught myself paying more and more attention to the wardrobes of my peers in an attempt to gain a better sense of how my generation thinks and acts.

Therein lays the concept of the hipster. One of the most reviled and revered looks in contemporary fashion circles, 'hipster chic' was created through a skilful combination of the acid punk movement and the inner-city, hip-hop sub-culture that arose in the 1980s.

Nowadays, people from ages 10 to 110 (don't ask me), can be seen sporting elements of this fashion-forward movement all around the world, and Charleston is absolutely no exception to the rule.

Now, in an effort to keep guys from looking like straight-up poseurs, I am here to make sure you find the perfect balance between Joey Ramone and Biz Markie:

1. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, $50, converse.com

When it comes to the kicks, keep one thing in mind: It's either 'all or nothing'. 'All' means finding a pair of shoes that look like a million dollars and cost about as much, too. You can easily accomplish this at stores such as Suite Sole and Urban Outfitters. 'Nothing' means getting your shoes from either the nearest Goodwill or Salvation Army store. This way, you still maintain that rakish, devil-may-care attitude that many hipsters are famous for without falling victim to the superficial machine.

For those of you who like to remain somewhat in the middle, you can always spring for a comfortable pair of canvas Chucks (pictured above). But remember: 'all or nothing'. Either buy them in a bold off-the-wall color (i.e. - neon green, pink or yellow), or keep them mute.

2. Cardigan Sweater, $283, nomdeguerre.com

Made famous by the likes of Pete Doherty, Pharrell Williams and Mr. Rogers, the cardigan sweater has transcended the closet of the nuclear family's father and has become modernized in the eyes of hipsters everywhere. Popular colors include: grey, black and the iconic burgundy.

3. Skinny Jeans, $69.50, us.levi.com

As much as your 'boys' are not going to like being stuffed in practically a 4x4 square of denim, this is the best way to optimize the hipster look. Make sure your jeans are a color other than classic blue. Red, black, grey and white are all acceptable choices. And if there is no way you could possibly shimmy your way into a pair, opt for the roomier straight-leg (which is what I usually wear) or a slim-fit jean. It will still do the trick.

4. Retro T-Shirt, $24, redbubble.com

Think vintage, not necessarily 'old'. Anything that incorporates bright, bold colors or fabrics/patterns that haven't been used since the mid-1970s are all perfect candidates for pulling off the look. Just make sure you stay away from 'ironic' shirts like: 'South Korea's Got Seoul'. You'll look like a poseur and, more importantly, a douche bag...

5. The Hipster Media Library, $13-$20, amazon.com or other music dealers

This one is pretty straightforward: Delete everything that has been heard on the radio in the past 18 months and substitute that for artists such as Chromeo, The Shrines, Neon Neon, The Klaxons, Cut Copy, Little Jackie, The Arctic Monkeys and others of the like. This will indefinitely boost your hipster score. You can get extra points for mentioning bands that no one else has ever heard of.

-BJW

Brian J. Wilder Photography

Yes, it's official!

I am now (some what) an accomplished photographer...

I've completed my first portfolio and I'm hoping for great results.

Here are a few from the collection:

'Lichen' - Taken with Sony Alpha 100



'Water Drops' - Taken with Sony Alpha 100

Anyone with a discerning, photographic eye please do not hesitate to give me some constructive criticism on how I could get better. Thanks.

-BJW

Tech Review: MinoHD Mini Cam from FlipCam

I am very excited about the release if this camera. With that, I'll save you the sappy, gushy stuff and get right down to the nitty gritty:

This camera shoots in 720p high-definition. Period.

There is nothing that YouTubers and video bloggers alike are going to love more than this one feature. With its 4GB storage space and relatively long battery life (60 minutes of footage on one charge), the MinoHD is a great investment for those looking to upgrade their video arsenal without getting too technical.

-BJW