The Beach Boys Video Collection – Pet Sounds Promo

Continuing the Pet Sounds celebration today, here’s a promo video featuring music from the album.

I’m not exactly sure when this was put together, but I’m assuming it’s relatively recent seeing as how it uses the stereo mixes of the songs (unless it was re-dubbed with them). It seems to feature Mike Love on a camping trip, with the other ‘Boys occasionally showing up.

It starts off with the song “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” which I already posted today, but it segues into “Here Today” and “God Only Knows.”

Music Wednesdays – The Beach Boys’ “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”

Honestly, I wasn’t planning on posting a Beach Boys song today. With the reunion and all, I’ve gone a bit Beach Boys crazy, and I’ve been trying to keep it somewhat under control. But then I found out that today, May 16, was the 46th anniversary of Pet Sounds, widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all-time, and I just had to acknowledge it. So, here is the lead track from that album, and one of The Beach Boys’ most popular songs.

Please pardon the indulgence.

Trailer Tuesdays – Resident Evil 6 and The Expendables 2

Resident Evil 6 (Capcom)

The latest entry in Capcom’s classic horror franchise is the largest and most expensive to date. But will it return to its survival-horror roots, or will it continue to be action-oriented like Resident Evil 5? We’ll find out this November.

The Expendables 2 (Lionsgate, Nu Image/Millennium Films)

Wow. That trailer will put hair on your chest. The original Expendables survived on its ensemble gimmick, and the sequel looks to be upping the ante in that regard. Plus, Stallone vs. Van Damme? This I have to see.

The Beach Boys Video Collection – “Break Away” and “Crocodile Rock”

Break Away (1969)

Many people consider this song to be symbolic of The Beach Boys’ separation from Capitol Records, whom they were having difficulties with at the time. Interestingly, Brian Wilson co-wrote it with his infamous father Murray (under the pen name Reggie Dunbar). It’s also considered by some to be the last classic-sounding Beach Boys song. As a single, it flopped in the US, but was a bit more successful internationally.

Crocodile Rock (1991)

The Beach Boys originally covered this song for a tribute album to Elton John and Bernie Taupin called Two Rooms. And yes, that’s John Stamos, who has appeared in several Beach Boys music videos, and even directed a few. He still moonlights with the group occasionally, and has even appeared on their current reunion tour.

Heh. What’s with Al’s hair in this video?

Music Wednesdays – The Five Stairsteps’ “Ooh Child”

This is probably one of the most comforting, therapeutic songs ever written. Whenever you have a bad day, listening to this song is nearly guaranteed to make you feel better.

Experimentation and Refinement in the Legend of Zelda

While some may view Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda series as stagnant and afraid of real change, 1UP.com’s Jeremy Parish has published an interesting article explaining why it is still a genre-defining series that has yet to be surpassed by its competitors. He makes the case that, while relying on a solid foundation, the Zelda games do, in fact, contain bold experimentation.

Parish writes:

Yes, Zelda games maintain a consistent set of underlying mechanics and objectives. The overall game structure — roaming a huge world containing tool-granting dungeons with a boss cherry on top — hasn’t changed much since 1986. But what long-running series has more radically reinvented its appearance or interface with each new iteration than Zelda? From the addictive four-player co-op style of Four Swords Adventures to Twilight Princess’ ethereal Twilight Realm, every new Zelda game contains a guarantee that you’ll experience something new and different. Maybe it won’t always be to your liking (see: Sailing in Wind Waker, divining in Skyward Sword), but it’s not like Nintendo is just sitting on its hands, you know? Every Zelda stands apart from its predecessors. And that consistent willingness to switch things up in way you never expected helps the series maintain its standing at the top of the genre. Competitors may come and go, but Zelda still rules the action RPG. (Or whatever you call it.)

Click the Link for the full article:

The Beach Boys rock Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

The Beach Boys proved that they are in full swing with their 50th anniversary reunion when they pretty much dominated the Monday, May 7, episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. They actually opened the show, performing their song “In My Room.” After the typical monolog, comedy segments and a quick interview with Jennifer Connelly, Brian Wilson and Mike Love returned for their own interview. Then they closed out the show with two more songs: “That’s Why God Made the Radio” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” the former being their new single.

As a Beach Boys fan, I got a big kick out of it, and the episode is available to see online (for a limited time) at the official Late Night website: http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/monday-may-7-2012/1400359

I’m not sure if it can be viewed outside the US, but if you’re a fan, check it out!

Trailer Tuesdays – Pandora’s Tower and The Princess Bride

Pandora’s Tower (Nintendo, Ganbarion)

As Operation Rainfall begins wrapping up Pandora’s Tower month, we take another look at this unique game. The developers have stated that love was the main theme for Pandora’s Tower, but its story is rather unsettling. If you’re able to stomach the scenes in which Elena consumes the repulsive innards of Aeron’s slain monsters, players will get a different ending depending on how they handled the relationship between the two.

The Princess Bride (20th Century Fox, ACT III Communications)

Continuing the theme, we see here another story about true love. The satirical tale of Westley and Buttercup is a classic fantasy-adventure, although I personally don’t think this trailer does it any justice. But don’t let it put you off. It’s a fantastic film all around.

Gamer’s Playlist – “Go”

I chose this high-energy track from British DJ Andy Hunter because of its use as the main theme for one of my all-time favorite games, SSX 3, but it has also been featured in several other video games, including Need For Speed Underground, Burnout Revenge, and Forza Motorsport 2, among others.

Title: “Go”
Composer: Andy Hunter

Gaming TV From Yesteryear – Video Power, “Deaf Ears”

This episode of Video Power loosely carries a baseball theme, as it was apparently part of “World Series Week.” Games covered include Bases Loaded II: Second Season, Gauntlet II, Captain Skyhawk, Double Dragon II: The Revenge, and Baseball Simulator 1.000.

The Power Team cartoon involves a young girl, who I guess is supposed to be dear, that runs away from home. Mr. Big thinks she overhears his plans to steal some guns, and goes after her. Of course, then it’s up to the Power Team to find her first.

Thanks to StillGaming2 on YouTube for posting these full Video Power episodes!

Full episode:

Commercial break!