Monty’s Afterword

Sorry, I’ve been away from posting on the Afterword Blog, but there’s been little time for an afterword. Until recently, my schedule has been tight and finally I’ve got a few cracks in the regularly scheduled program to talk nonsense. So here we go!

My bff got me a birthday present much to my surprise. I don’t normally do gift exchanges. Well, I did get him a YouTube video that stole away 3-minutes of his life that he wish he had back. Sorry. Those of you who read my blog know what that’s like. Anyhow, he got me NIN’s newest album. It hasn’t shipped yet, but there’s a complimentary download that’s currently rockin’ my iPod while I proof our latest and greatest issue of Videomaker Magazine. I’m going through the 36-track instrumental album for the second time now and it’s insanely good. Can’t wait for the album to show up!

Oh, and speaking surprises and such, this album was a surprise to everyone. Nobody knew Trent Reznor would be delivering an album anytime soon. The result was a massive (3-4 times than expected from an unknown release) flow of web traffic to NIN’s servers. They were planning for a huge hit, but nothing like this. There’s something to be said for pleasantly surprising you fan base. It’s important to keep an eye on the music industry and an especially close eye on the independents who have moved away from labels and traditional marketing strategies. Both NIN and Radiohead have released albums where the customer sets the price for their product. It’s an interesting tactic. One that generates the kind of buzz you want on the interwebs. And, now the surprise release can be added to the toolkit. It will be interesting to see if anyone follows.

As a good friend, I’m up’ing my gift to return the generosity. Here you go Joseph– a incoming link to your mighty blog. Happy Birthday. Enjoy all two of the people still reading this post.

You know you’ve been craving to watch those classic music videos and stuff your brain with arcane pop culture facts. Thanks VH1 for bringing it back to us. Watch VH1’s Pop Up Video Collection Online.

Oprah Winfrey featured Ugg Boots on her Favorite Things episode in 2005. Two years later, I can’t walk a downtown block without crossing a young woman blandishing a pair. It’s true. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that on any given day in Fall, one out of every five chicks will be rocking the Uggs. This time of year, when the temperature starts to drop, they’re a dime a dozen. But, I had not realized the full potential of the marketing power of the Uggs nor Oprah until yesterday, when I saw a dude wearing them. I kid you not. He was Ugg’n it big time. I would like to tip my hat and give him a nod for his bravery and bold sense of fashion. This music video is for you, my Ugg wearing brother:
(Oh, and in case anybody is thinking of giving me a Christmas present, I’m a size 12.)

My wife and I have a favorite Christmas band, The Yule Logs. They breath new life into tiresome Christmas music. Here’s a music video from last year you can sink your teeth into. Enjoy.

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