SMASH HITS: THE INFINITE WARS SOUNDTRACK (2008) In May of 2008 we began a journey to explore and bridge the perceivable gap between two related disciplines of popular culture: comics and music.
That journey has taken us across the globe and through the decades, but alas, if you're looking for the latest instalment of the Infinite Wars Smash Hits, you'll be sorely disappointed. After seven months of music videos, it's back to the iPod with thee - at least for this month, while we take a little break from music.
Of the thirty-three songs featured over as many Saturdays we hopefully cast a light on how the sub-culture has permeated over the decades. Connections were as vague as genre tropes and t-shirt prints, and as specific as tribute ballads and conceptual narratives. We touched on artists who have involved themselves with in the industry; displayed an on-going love affair with it; or been unwittingly touched by (or connected to) the stylistic choices of our seventy year-old culture.
Unfortunately, there is no two-disc CD in-stores, but throughout our celebration of mixed interests we've offered the convenience of digital downloads of most songs, made available through Amazon. You can still pick up any of the songs featured at your convenience, and by using the Smash Hits tool, you make a tiny contribution toward the Infinite Wars with each purchase. Which is swell!
If you want the full effect, you might forego the thirty-second preview clip, to instead track back through the many YouTube videos as they were originally featured. For your convenience, the 2008 Smash Hits Playlist:
If you haven't already, be sure to head over to the Pandora Energizer Message Board! There you'll find plenty of musical discussion, insight, and methods to exploring the wide world of music. All thanks to Energizer Advanced Lithium!
The Smash Hits will be back soon, but until then, stay tuned for more!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
SMASH HITS: BUSTA RHYMES
Busta Rhymes feat. Mariah Carey - I know what you want (2003)
At first glance this track's relevance might appear a little vague, but give the video a few seconds, and you'll quickly find the first of several comic book tie-ins.
Michael Jai White is well known to fanboys for his starring roles as Al Simmons in Spawn (1997), and as Gambol in The Dark Knight. He appears early in the video as an absentee boyfriend entrusting Busta and the Flipmode gang to protect his favourite girl.
Give the video a little longer and you'll get an extra treat in between Busta making baby eyes with the camera, and Mariah Carey doing whatever it is Mariah Carey is allegedly appreciated for. A full two years before Robert Rodriguez was able to fasttrack the Sin City film; Busta delivers everything fanboys dreamt of in brief animated segues in the movie. Appearing rendered in contrasting black and white, the clip comes packed with bold Frank Miller white silhouettes; pounding streams of rain; and dramatic shadows casting the form of the titular character. The clips bridge from - wait for it - an attractive young lady spending her time reading a comic book!
Making this clip particularly relevant - the solo directorial debut of Frank Miller with the December 25 release of The Spirit - filmed in a similar manner to the Sin City feature.
While inexplicable, the stylish animated sequences are an appreciated piece of art in an otherwise hum-drum video. Musically it's Busta-lite, if you ask me, but one of many fine examples of the rap star's fond association with pop-culture. Shame about H20...
If you're looking for more animated music videos, sappy love songs, or want to find new music to cut an H20 fan-vid to, why not march over to the Pandora Message Board!? The "music genome project" gives users (in the US) the chance to tour the music landscape without the risk of ill-placed investment - more vital than ever in today's failing global economy! The Pandora Message Board (and Infinite Wars: Smash Hits) are sponsored by Energizer Advanced Lithium! Lighter, longer lasting, and perfect for portable devices! Booyah!
2004's Punisher, directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, presented a curious blend of ideas in realising the Punisher on the big screen. Completed removed from the 1989 debut of the character on film, Hensleigh drew heavily upon his own influences, presenting a gunslinger, more than the traditional urban vigilante that is, Frank Castle.
In maintaining the ties between his film version and the comics, Hensleigh peppers the film with references to the Garth Ennis storyarc, Welcome Back, Frank, while adding his own comic book influenced curiosities. Among them, Mark Collie as the Johnny Cash-esque mercenary, Harry Heck. Collie, a musician, delivers an original track written as a folk ballad tribute to Frank Castle.
While not tone-perfect to the source material, details like these, that further enhance a Western sensibility do make for a strangely enjoyable film.
If foreboding ballads tickle your fancy, why not march over to the Pandora Message Board!? The "music genome project" gives users (in the US) the chance to tour the music landscape without the risk of ill-placed investment - more vital than ever in today's failing global economy! The Pandora Message Board (and Infinite Wars: Smash Hits) are sponsored by Energizer Advanced Lithium! Lighter, longer lasting, and perfect for portable devices! Booyah!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
SMASH HITS: MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE
My Chemical Romance - Welcome to the Black Parade (2006)
Angsty lyrics and an ingulgent pubescent fanbase has earned "MCR" their share of critics, but behind the black make-up and drama lies a concept album to be appreciated.
The Black Parade deals with various concepts surrounding death and the afterlife, and more importantly to us, forecasts some of the creativity that was to fund frontman, Gerard Way's, entry into comics.
Many have made attempts to expand their brand with a leap into comics, but few could be regarded, particularly from music, to be as creatively successful as Way. If he needed any advice, being buddy-buddy with comics superstar, Grant Morrison, gave him a great mind to chew. Not that he needed it!
The Umbrella Academy shares visual cues with the titular Black Parade, but dives into a fantastical world more reminiscent of the adventures of Hellboy and the BPRD. This, of course, is a simplification, as Way has quite vividly teamed with artist Gabriel Ba to create something unmistakable.
If The Black Parade tickles your fancy, why not march over to the Pandora Message Board!? The "music genome project" gives users (in the US) the chance to tour the music landscape without the risk of ill-placed investment - more vital than ever in today's failing global economy! The Pandora Message Board (and Infinite Wars: Smash Hits) are sponsored by Energizer Advanced Lithium! Lighter, longer lasting, and perfect for portable devices! Booyah!
Given the juggernaut of marketting that surrounded the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the eighties and early nineties, there's a very real chance many of you might still not realise they began irradiated-life in comics!
As a black and white parody of the growing trend of grim and gritty comics, the 1984 TMNT origin story shares much in common with stories (ie; Daredevil) by comics legend, Frank Miller. Ironic, given the fast-paced ascension of TMNT's creators, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, who both are significant not only for their creation, but also the methods of crossmedia licensing it quickly came to entail.
After the success of the 1990 TMNT live-action feature film, a sequel quickly followed in 1991, and contributed one of the most infamous collaborations in comics licensing -- TMNT and Vanilla Ice!
Himself a product of the emerging heavy-handed marketting of eighties/nineties music, Ice was a manufactured star, complete with fictional biography released in the same year as Ninja Rap. Notorious for sampling popular songs without issuing credit, the contrived backstory of Vanilla Ice the character could make him comparable to a modern Eminem, for any youngsters grappling with the concept. Or, musically, a more creative Kanye West. Oh, yes! I said it!
You'll be able to learn a whole lot more about Vanilla Ice (and find like minded fans) on the Pandora Message Board! The "music genome project" gives users (in the US) the chance to tour the music landscape without the risk of ill-placed investment - more vital than ever in today's failing global economy! The Pandora Message Board (and Infinite Wars: Smash Hits) are sponsored by Energizer Advanced Lithium! Lighter, longer lasting, and perfect for portable devices! Booyah!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
SMASH HITS: CYPRESS HILL
Cypress Hill feat. Roni Size - Child of the Wild West (2002)
Four years after the first film showcased the potential of the comic book crossover, Blade returned to screens for a much anticipated sequel! The Daywalker faced off against a brand new menace - genetically engineered super-suckheads called "Reapers" - forcing him to temporarily work in league with vampires against this new common enemy.
Not unlike the '97 Spawn film; Blade II came with a soundtrack featuring some of the world's best artists in collaboration, including: Mos Def, Massive Attack, Fatboy Slim, Ice Cube, Paul Oakenfield, Busta Rhymes, Redman, Gorillaz, Groove Armada, the Crystal Method, Moby, and more!
The best of the bunchundoubtedly had to be the Cypress Hill/Roni Size track, Child of the Wild West, which not only brought a tech-hop sound to the promotional circuit, but also a bloody good video!
If you find yourself in agreement you might like to sound off on the Pandora Message Board! The "music genome project" gives users the chance to tour the music landscape without the risk of ill-placed investment - more vital than ever in today's failing global economy! The Pandora Message Board (and Infinite Wars: Smash Hits) are sponsored by Energizer Advanced Lithium! Lighter, longer lasting, and perfect for portable devices! Booyah!
With their 1998 album, Hello Nasty, the Beastie Boys challenged invaders from Uranus to put their beats on trial. Their style proved sufficient to exile the aliens with undeniable style. Leading their lethal arsenal, Intergalactic!
The award winning accompanying video features loving parody of the kaiju and sentai traditions of Japanese SFX entertainment. While typically a niche interest, who could forget the famous battles between SHIELD and Godzilla, or any other number of crossovers we've seen with American comics and the mysterious East.
I've had both legs dangling in the kaiju pool, taking in classics like Godzilla vs King Kong, while investigating new and exciting ideas. Naturally, if I'm kaiju-goo-goo, then you're doin' it too. Hush hush, eye to eye.
If you like the Beastie Boys and want to check out some new music in that vein, then Pandora might very well be the service for you. If you haven't noticed, Energizer have teamed with the free online radio service, to launch a brand new message board community. The new Advanced Lithium battery has portable devices (and giant-size robots) in mind with it's longer lasting power and lighter build.
International readers might have a special motivation to sign-up, particularly now that Pandora has been forced to restrict access to users outside the US. You might like to sound-off on the boards, and let them know you're disappointed! Fight for your right to party, etc etc.
Way back when this was supposed to be current, there was a little video game coming out the following Sunday called, Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe! As the Infinite Wars has fallen into the abyss of lateness and distraction the relevance might be lost, but the smash hit reference remains!
The 2002 revival of the dormant Mortal Kombat franchise didn't just include the best game to bare the brand, but also a multitude of bonus features, such as the Adema track seen here! The group performed the song live at the MK booth of that year's E3, while also cross-promoting the game with their album, Insomniac's Dream, through their music video and MK: Deadly Alliance commercials. The adverts featured an exciting CG clash between contemporary models of Scorpion and Quan Chi - popular arch-nemesis' in this generation of the series.
The clip not only showcases the new designs and three-dimensional aspects of the modern MK release, but also offers an underlying piece of the puzzle that leads to Quan Chi's team-up with classic villain, Shang Tsung (who hears the battle outside and naturally goes to shoo those punk kids off his acid bathed lawn).
For fans who agree Deadly Alliance remains the most promising entry in the Mortal Kombat series, the song is sure to conjure up fond memories. Particularly if you only need standard cutlery to account for the years of your life you cannot numerate with your fingers. While MKvsDC has boasted a dynamic new superhero-influence system of fighting, it was Deadly Alliance that brought the series into the fighting arena for the first time. Diverse mocapping and a modicum of attention to the individuality of styles turned MK into a fluid strategic exercise with a hint of character. That was lost over subsequent instalments, but at least we have backward compatability!
When it comes to compatability, chances are plenty of appliances you'll be using these holidays will take +AA. Energizer have tailored their latest product toward the modern technophile with Advanced Lithium! Lighter and longer-lasting, they're perfect for digital appliances, and are much easier than absorbing souls for a power-boost.
Energizer have sponsored a brand new message board for the fantastic music service, Pandora. I discovered the service a few years ago and have used it to discover some great artists, like Austrian songstress, Gustav. Party-on!
Saturday, November 08, 2008
SMASH HITS: STILL FLYIN'
Still Flyin' - Good Thing it's a Ghost Town Around Here (2008) One might make two observations of this entry into the Smash Hits: A) Our Spooktober was nearly a full month ago. B) This song doesn't actually have anything to do with comics.
Alright, so maybe it's a tenuous connection, but I see a vampire and a werewolf and a skeleton and lots of other things I've seen in comics before!
The song, from the San Francisco indie supergroup, was on a frightening loop in my head by the end of last month. It seems only fitting that I pass it on like some sort of spooky, haunted Japanese chain letter horror film.
If you've been looking for updates throughout November, it's also an appropriately self-conscious inclusion. Bravo to Moshi Moshi Records for having fans actively promote their artist through embedded videos. Happy Holidays!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
SMASH HITS: MARILYN MANSON
Marilyn Manson & The Sneaker Pimps - Long Hard Road out of Hell (1997) So, we come to the end of our Halloween Smash Hits! Through the wonders of the internet you might actually be able to watch this one, despite [Universal] record company's intent not to advertise their music with expensive videos. (Or not. Click away, Meryl!)
The video this time comes from the soundtrack to the 1997 Spawn feature film! Fans will remember the movie for it's compromises to the adult nature of the character, transforming the hellspawn into an action-packed PG-13 alternate that actually wasn't as bad as some would have you believe.
Preceeding Blade by a year, and the subsequent flood of superhero movies; Spawn pushed then contemporary high-end CG (and prosthetics) to an audience that was on the verge of tiring of cheap tricks. Actually, the effects served the film relatively well, and while Martin Sheen negated McFarlane's obssessive cultural messages, his presence was still something of a Hollywood coup.
John Leguizamo arguably stole the show as an almost unrecognisable fat-suited Clown, playing opposite Michael Jai White who, with some acting classes, might've been a fitting replacement for departing Terrence Howard's role as Jim Rhodes.
This kind of action movie might have fizzled out by the end of the nineties, but the soundtrack remains a high point for the Spawn film. Pairing heavy metal artists with electronic influences (including Moby, of all people), the soundtrack's production values rival the film's. It also pioneered a trend of collaborations that was followed by the Blade sequel.
It's Marilyn Manson, so viewer discretion is advised. Misbehaving children will not be visited by the Great Pumpkin this year if they defy parental standards. Incidentally, I'm not a huge fan of the video, but it's a great track, just the same.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
SMASH HITS: THE RAVEONETTES
The Raveonettes - Attack of the Ghost Riders (2002) In their infinite promotional wisdom, it seems there's a very high probability Sony BMG want you to find this video yourself on YouTube. While I'm sure it's useful for embedded adverts and market research, surely spreading the music across the internet is more fruitful.
While the legalities of music sharing are certainly horrific, that isn't quite the theme of this month's spooktacular entries. This time it's the Raveonettes with a fifties horror-style video reminiscent of scenes from the third Crow film, but more specifically connected to the Ghost Rider!
A couple of weeks ago we featured Suicide's tribute to the character, leading us to wonder: how do Marvel feel about all these references? I'm sure that's a question for another day, perhaps to be asked after we figure out why Nic Cage and the gang couldn't do better. Mreow!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
SMASH HITS: THE CURE
The Cure - Burn (1994) At a glance this might appear to be the most removed song featured yet, but to avoid any goth-related hate crimes, we'll give you the heads up!
James O'Barr created The Crow whilst stationed with the military in Germany in the early eighties. Having enlisted after the death of his fiancée, the comics reflected his own morose feelings concerning the tragedy.
The tone and time made The Cure a logical artist to invite to contribute an original song to the soundtrack of the film. Burn was the result!
Sadly, The Crow film led to another tragedy, the accidental death of the film's star, Brandon Lee. O'Barr worked closely with the star on the film and was said to be deeply effected by his friend's passing.
[NOTE: For the uninitiated: this is a fan-made video.]
Saturday, October 04, 2008
SMASH HITS: SUICIDE
Suicide - Ghost Rider (1977) Suicide's seminal studio album provides not only a unique manipulation of the sounds of the era, but also a fine gem for music loving fanboys and trivia buffs.
The electropunk clash hinges it's title and refrain on Marvel Comics' resident demon biker, whose popularity was at it's peak in the decade. The cooler-than-cool lyrics make astute references not only to Ghost Rider's cute blue jumpsuit, but also the fact that he is, indeed, a motorcycle hero.
The song remains an influential favourite, and the perfect way to start our Halloween Smash Hit soundtrack! Genius!
[NOTE: The unconvinced might like to check out the album version. Much better!]
Saturday, September 27, 2008
SMASH HITS: SEAL
Seal - Kiss from a Rose (1994) For the 1992 Batman animated series, acclaimed composer, Shirley Walker, devised a mourning rendition of Danny Elfman's famous Batman march from Tim Burton's feature film. It could be said Walker's version captured the morose and grim tones of the Dark Knight detective, and the world of Gotham City, better than any other anthem, but I'm sure this isn't the only school of thought.
Of all the soundtracks associated with the Batman brand, Seal's re-issued romantic ballad, originally from his self-titled 1994 album, might just have the biggest mainstream penetration [pun convenient, but unintended].
Not to say I don't appreciate the falsetto and high fashion motiff of Seal's music, but it's fair to say it represents one of the purest encapsulations of studio agenda in cross promotion. The song's wide recognition may owe Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever credit as a launching pad, but I imagine few connect it to the moody struggles of Batman's war on crime. More likely pubescent's war on bra straps. Am I right? Hollah at me playas! [sic]
Saturday, September 20, 2008
SMASH HITS: JOE SATRIANI
Joe Satriani - Surfing with the Alien (live) (1987) The first in a long line of references to Marvel's cosmic surfer; Joe Satriani's 1987 album goes so far as to feature a panel from the 1982 issue, Silver Surfer #1, as it's cover!
Ever the enthusiast for joyous expression and the common good, John Byrne, the artist on the piece, has noted on his site that he never received payment for the image, which was lifted without permission from the issue. As you can imagine the community feels indebted to the artist for but one of his many contributions to public well being.
Silver Surfer has yet to comment, but the Skrulls like his work so much, they named a planet after him (Satriani, duh).
Saturday, September 13, 2008
SMASH HITS: LAURIE ANDERSON
Laurie Anderson - O Superman (1981) Laurie Anderson's politically charged, haunting synth classic took on an eerie new meaning in the new millenium, when planes plunged into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre. [Touched upon in our DDW retrospective.]
The song; a reference to the Jules Massenet aria, O Souverain, o juge, o père; has held varying political significance throughout it's lifespan as perhaps Anderson's most memorable track.
While the song actually bares no relevance to the superhero it shares a name with, it seemed like a vaguely appropriate song, given our recent musings on Superman as a cartoon [Last SonPart 1/Part 2]. It is also another fine opportunity to cram a great song onto the site through the flimsy premise of this weekend supplement.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
SMASH HITS: NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Red Right Hand (1994) This haunting track from Australian music legends, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, might be better recognised for it's atmospheric use as an anthem for the horror series, Scream. Comics fans, however, might identify the track for it's clever use, albeit a cover version by Peter Yorn, in the feature adaptation of Hellboy, as a none-too-subtle reference to the titular protagonist's stoney, red, Right Hand of Doom!
The connection holds hidden meaning given the song's title as a reference to John Milton's seventeenth century poem, Paradise Lost, where the phrase refers to the vengeful hand of God.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
SMASH HITS: KMFDM
KMFDM - Juke Joint Jezebel (1995) August is almost-Olympics month on the Infinite Wars! To reflect the spirit of the games the Smash Hits will be dedicated to artists from around the world! Artists like German industrial rockers, KMFDM!
Trainspotters might recognise the Metropolis remix as the version featured on the techno-alternative soundtrack to the Mortal Kombat feature film! While this video appeared as a competent promotion for the film, the film's violence was apparently responsible for seeing the clip pulled from the air by MTV. Fatality!
For many fans swept up in MK mania, the soundtrack to the mid-nineties Paul Anderson blockbuster left as big an impression as the film! KMFDM's contribution is admirable, but more recognised will be the anthemic Techno Syndrome, by the Immortals, which includes bouncing techno and the now famous wailing declaration of Mortal Kombat!!!
The MK film arguably set the standard for big screen adaptations of video game properties. Alas, few films have managed to live up to the MK movie, a 1997 sequel suffering a less thorough presentation. A decade later, it's fair to say the '95 feature holds up quite well, better than the early games, even!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
SMASH HITS: A-HA
a-ha - Take On Me (1985) August is almost-Olympics month on the Infinite Wars! To reflect the spirit of the games the Smash Hits will be dedicated to artists from around the world! Artists like Norway's masters of synthpop, a-ha!
Tracks like the a-ha classic have sponsored a mass revival of feelgood kitsch classics from the eighties pop scene, and thrust inspiration into the artists of the double-ohs. I think it's very fair to say many contemporary artists fall considerably short of their inspirations, resting on the fad of nostalgia as an easy out.
a-ha's technologically confronting video for Take On Me was anything but a lazy gimmick! An extensive rotoscope process merged had drawn, sketchy animation, with live-action content to create a conceptual masterpiece imitated and admired even in this age of CG animation and computer effects!
For comics fans the significance of the video might at first seem minimal, but as an piece of artwork inspired by the medium we love, it marks a fine ambassadorial entry into the enticement of comic book culture in the mainstream. It's a testament to the artform, which, clearly, crosses the boundaries of language and creed to present a universal piece of entertainment.
Say what you will about the legitimate artistry of a-ha's pop riffs -- nothing can take away from the swell of pride we should feel for this advertisement for the comics medium. Bravo, fellows!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
SMASH HITS: TISM
TISM - Greg! The Stop Sign (1995) August is almost-Olympics month on the Infinite Wars! To reflect the spirit of the games the Smash Hits will be dedicated to artists from around the world! Artists like Australian pop-clash sattirists, TISM!
Supposedly the Smash Hits all have something to do with comics, or at the very least, overlapping pop culture. So, why TISM?
As you might imagine, the struggles for significance championed by independent publishers in American comics is multiplied for those largely unsupported artists in the diminutive Australian comics scene. Still, through the mid-nineties, the boom that was experienced by the American industry found it's way to the strong comics culture down under. The comics boom, and the culturally penetrating Greg! The Stop Sign, facilitated the unlikeliest of works in Mark Sexton's 1995 TISM comics, published by Aaargh! Studios.
The comics touched on a similar brand of antagonism that characterises TISM's [This Is Serious, Mum] pseudo-performance art, and elaborated on the mysterious band's history.
Greg! The Stop Sign borrows joyous pop riffs from the Beach Boys, whilst parodying a government sponsored road safety awareness campaign, which featured television adverts punctuated by the titular exclamation. While not the most popular, or well liked groups, TISM present an unmistakably Australian irreverance that casts a very familiar, unglamorous reflection of Australian urban life in the 90s, rarely seen in international media.
Though not explicitly connected to the TISM comic, it's a nice enough entry into our international Smash Hits Olympics. Nice, in a slightly mean spirited way, at least.
Follow on Facebook and Twitter for daily links to classic battles inspired by the topics of the day! Like & share your favorite fights to help support the site!
Your patronage can help ensure The Comic Book Fight Club remains infinite! Donations via PayPal are a generous and safe way to show your appreciation for an archive of updates dating back to 2005!
War Plans
Friday Fight Night The traditional day for superhero smackdown! Hero of the Week Highlighting the week's top stories and interesting characters on Monday. Expanded Content Additional materials appear sporadically throughout the week! Be sure to swing by!
The Kirby Martin Inquest, written and created by Mike Haseloff, is now on sale! Visit nitelitetheatre.com for online purchasing details, and continue to support the works of your favourite exciting new talent! Now only $1.99!
Sponsors!
Retailers! What better way to promote prompt shipping and customer service than by sponsoring weekly comics discussion on Secret Wars on Infinite Earths? Spread the word to hundreds of readers daily, and support this unique online project! Contact Mike.
Fair Use (Images)
The Infinite Wars strive to provide you with a uniquely comprehensive resource of factual and visual informations. Images that appear are used under fair use to promote and inform on various products, and are laboriously scanned exclusively for this site, with rare exception.
We welcome you to utilize these resources as best you can, but when borrowing images from the site, ask that you provide a link back to the source, so we don't need to watermark images. Hey, and why not drop a comment to let us know what you're up to? Inquiring minds would like to know!
We appreciate your interest, and hope to welcome many "War Mongers" into the Infinite community!
Secret Origin
Secret Wars on Infinite Earths: The Comic Book Fight Club -- dedicated to reliving and reviewing the best and worst of super hero slugfests!
Mike Haseloff has been reading comics for over twenty-five years, has invested his time, money and imagination into his own independent projects, and remains passionate about discussing the medium in various ways!
That journey has taken us across the globe and through the decades, but alas, if you're looking for the latest instalment of the Infinite Wars Smash Hits, you'll be sorely disappointed.
