ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

April 22nd 2008

Aldous Snow Wants You To Sodomize Intolerance And Do Something

Before Mother Earth gets any more hurt

Filed under: music — michael @ 4:19 pm

Even if you haven’t seen the hilarious new comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall, you’ll appreciate the below video from one of the main characters in the movie, Aldous Snow. You see, in the movie, Snow is a world-famous rocker who has a new number one hit called “We’ve Got To Do Something” off his album Infant Sorrow. Yup.

It’s a parody of all the “Save The Planet”, “Heal The World” musical themes you’ve heard all your life — and it’s very funny. And catchy. Rock out to Aldous below:

via dosomething.org (and yes, we think it would make a brilliant theme song)

April 22nd 2008

Green Apple Earth Day Festival Entertains Across The U.S

Filed under: events, green and famous, music, thegreenpicture — parrish @ 3:42 pm

This weekend the stars came out to help rock the Green Apple Earth Day Festival in cities all across America. The festival held 8 concerts from California to New York with the goal of putting pressure on congress to take action on global warming.

In Santa Monica Amy Smart, Juliette Lewis and Edward Norton took part. In New York bands like The Bacon Brothers and Ricky Saggs and Kentucky Thunder put on the show. Miami was entertained by Menudo, in Dallas Martin Sexton kept it real and Jordin Sparks sang her face off in Washington D.C

The weekend was a success and billed as “America’s largest Earth Day celebration” with 500,000 people expected to have attended. Were you at the show? If so, tell Ecorazzi how awesome it was (or how un-awesome it was). We want to hear from you!!!!

April 21st 2008

Celebrate Earth Day With Top 10 Most Eco-Friendly Songs

Filed under: green and famous, music, thegreenpicture — parrish @ 12:23 pm

A couple years ago I couldn’t even tell you what month Earth Day was in let alone how I’d be celebrating it. But recently, thanks to all the attention on green living and my gig here at Ecorazzi, Earth Day is like frigin Christmas for me. Anyway, while searching the net for postable postings I found this great list written by Mike Devlin on Canada.com of the Top 10 Most Eco-Friendly songs. Check it out!

1. Bruce Cockburn, “If a Tree Falls” (1988)
Songwriters and environmentalists love Cockburn equally, for his music represents unflinching activism. It’s an ugly job, so give Cockburn credit. Without his many ecological laments — of which “If a Tree Falls” ranks near the tippy-top — our world would be a much colder place.

2. Joni Mitchell, “Big Yellow Taxi” (1970)
The view from her Hawaii hotel room — a vista that was part pavement, part tropical nirvana — inspired Mitchell to write her most famous song. Hawaiian Islands or Vancouver Island, the theme behind “Big Yellow Taxi” is universal. Sure, parking lots are necessary. But when paradise is paved to accommodate one, we all lose something significant.

3. Cat Stevens, “Where Do the Children Play?” (1970)
Tea For the Tillerman opens with “Where Do the Children Play?,” a dreamy tune upheld by Stevens’ softly sung queries. Stevens smartly hung his concerns over blind industrial progress on the fate of our children. And fans bought it hook, line and sinker.

4. Jackson Browne, “Before the Deluge” (1974)
There are Biblical overtones, to be sure, but “Before the Deluge” — some of the finest California country-rock of Jackson Browne’s career — is about our mistreatment of the environment as much as anything else. Peter Gabriel bridged the same topic on his gem, “Here Comes the Flood,” but Browne’s tale cuts deeper.

5. Tracy Chapman, “The Rape of the World” (1995)
Tracy Chapman was everywhere, musically and emotionally, on New Beginning. During one tune she’s singing about heaven on earth, and the next, how humankind has “clear-cut, dumped on, poisoned and beaten up” Mother Earth. Blind anger isn’t always pretty. However, “The Rape of the World” proves it can be profound.

For the rest of the Top 5, jump to the full list!

What do you think Ecorazzi readers? Any songs you would add?

April 21st 2008

The Bacon Brothers To Rock Your World At Global Green Expo

Kick off your Sunday shoes!

Filed under: music — michael @ 10:59 am

Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael have a rock band. Which is none too surprising considering the musical passions of other Hollywood stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, and Keanu Reeves. What may come as a shock is that they’re pretty good. “We’ve been chipping away at that awareness, chipping away at the fact that most people think we’re gonna suck,” actor Kevin Bacon says on their official website.

And now The Bacon Brothers will be performing at the Global Green Expo this coming weekend at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Also on hand will be Jeff Corwin, Deidre Imus, Ted Danson, and Ed Begley Jr. The expo — like many happening this week — will feature the latest “eco-friendly products, programs, services, and information from hundreds of exhibitors and nonprofit organizations.”

But back to Kevin — a big time supporter of environmental initiatives and charity campaigns — his SixDegrees.org foundation has been a great success, raising over $2 million so far. Last year, he also actively participated in the Live Earth concerts and pushed hard for NYC’s High Line initiative.

To find out more about The Bacon Bothers, jump here.

April 18th 2008

Eco Elvis Says The King Isn’t Dead, He’s Just Been Recycled

Hubba, hubba

Filed under: music — michael @ 1:20 pm

I’ve seen a whole slew of unique and talented Elvis-impersonators, but this is the first time I’ve encountered one specifically dedicated to the environment. Such is the focus for “Eco Elvis” — Kansas City’s only Elvis with a awesome recycled green jumpsuit containing pop tabs, frozen juice lids and an old weight lifting belt “turned bass ackwards”.

Eco Elvis — whose true identity remains a secret — was born in the Summer of 1997 after a recycling kick-off event for a local office building turned incredibly boring. “It was about to bring tears to my eyes,” he says in his bio. “When in walked none other than an Elvis impersonator. Apparently he was going off to entertain someone he knew in the building. But nonetheless, the seed was planted: I realized that Kansas City needed a “green” Elvis to educate people and get them to take action for the environment - and to make events like this something other than a yawn fest!”

Some of his covers include Burnin’ Globe (Burnin’ Love), I Reduce, I Reuse, I Recycle (I Want You, I Need You, I Love You), Can’t Help Recycling It All (Can’t Help Falling In Love) and Compost Hotel (Heartbreak Hotel). And yes, a CD is available for $10.

I’ll leave you with this phenomenal quote from the Eco Elvis FAQ page: Elvis will live forever. In 2000 years, two people will be remembered, Elvis and Jesus. Of course to save time, they’ll probably combine them and people will have little “Jelvis” shrines in their virtual world. “Do unto others, babuh!” - Jelvis

Brilliant.

via plenty mag

April 14th 2008

Matchbox 20 Pulls Out Of Frontier Days After Animal Abuse Accusation

Filed under: animals, events, green and famous, music — parrish @ 3:11 pm

The Coloradoan newspaper is reporting that Matchbox 20 has backed out as the opening act at Cheyenne, Wyo.’s, Frontier Days on July 18 — possibly due to an Illinois-based animal-rights group. No official confirmation has been made, but Steve Hindi, president of Showing Animals Respect & Kindness, or SHARK, says that Matchbox cancelled only after his group provided video footage showing animal abuse at the 2005 and 2007 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeos. Matchbox 20 has remained silent over their reason for the cancellation.

In the past, SHARK has also taken credit for convincing American Idol winner and vegetarian cutie Carrie Underwood to back out of performing at Cheyenne Frontier Days in 2006 after learning of similar animal cruelty accusations. Again, nobody from the Carrie Underwood camp ever confirmed or denied the rumors.

In their defense, The Cheyenne Frontier Days Web site posted this statement: “While care, custody and control of all animals at Cheyenne Frontier Days lies with the owner, Cheyenne Frontier Days does not tolerate, condone, or permit actions that abuse animals.”

They go on to say that they “recognize animals, as well as humans, may be injured in these events. Any injured animal is accorded immediate veterinary medical attention, and is isolated from further harm. Every attempt is made to make injured animals comfortable, and offer them opportunity to recover.”

I mean I know this is just me and all…but the rodeo…seriously?!! It just seems like such a damn waste for all parties involved. Anyway, whether SHARK had anything to do with Matchbox 20’s decision or not, I’m just happy they made the choice to pull out. Yee-Haw!

April 10th 2008

System Of A Down Looks Into Holographic Touring

Just like the real thing. But not really.

Filed under: music — michael @ 4:16 pm

Serj Tankian, the frontman for Los Angeles rock band System of a Down, is so serious about reducing his impact on the planet that he’s investigating the use of holograms for virtual concerts. It’s not science fiction — we’ve seen both Al Gore and Prince Charles give lectures at conferences from thousands of miles away while appearing to exist on stage. But the technology may not yet exist to translate that experience in terms of a full-fledged rock performance. From the article,

“‘I’ve had an idea for a long time, which might sound a little crazy, but I really want to look into holographic touring,’ Tankian told Billboard. ‘I think we could reduce our need to travel if we could project ourselves into meetings and concerts. We have the technology, and we’re not using it right now. It would open up a whole new world for touring — shows wouldn’t have to be limited to bars or clubs. There would be no travel costs, so bands with very little money could play shows, and tickets would cost less.’”

Tankian has long been a supporter of the environment — having formed the grassroots organization Axis of Justice with Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello. The group rallies musicians and music fans in the quest for peace, human rights and social equity.

Tankian is also quick to draw his inspiration from the people of New Zealand, where he owns a home. He calls the country “ecologically one of the most progressive places on earth.”

But would people really groove to a holographic rock band? Tankian thinks the experience wouldn’t be too different. “After all, it’s not like the audience can touch me, anyway,” he said with a laugh.

via MSNBC

April 4th 2008

Walmart’s New Green Albums Will Grow Wildflowers

For those that still actually buy CDs...

Filed under: music — michael @ 11:41 am

As part of Walmart’s “Earth Month” promotion, Universal Music Group is including 20 inserts in new and popular albums that when planted will sprout into wildflowers. This is a hell of a lot cooler than the standard grass seed packaging we’re used to seeing. And as we’ve mentioned before, UMG has been making some welcomed green changes over the past couple years to become more environmentally-friendly. Goodbye jewel cases! From the release,

“All of the albums from Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), the U.S. catalog and special markets entity for UMG, will be offered in the new REPAK(R) CD package, an all paperboard option containing third-partycertified, renewable recycled board and recyclable paper. The REPAK’sdesign features a unique recessed cavity to hold the disc snugly and safelyin place, completely eliminating the need for a plastic hub or tray. It is part of the greenchoice(TM) Environmental Solutions program from Shorewood Packaging, a business of International Paper. For the previously released compilation albums, the new packaging will replace the jewel box version of each title. Those albums (see list below) will also include the wildflower insert offering three free digital downloads from a select number of UMe catalog tracks.”

Popular artists that included in the new green makeover include Sheryl Crow, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, and the Counting Crows.

via Green Daily

March 31st 2008

Fall Out Boy’s Trip To Antarctica Cancelled Due To Weather

Filed under: music — michael @ 8:17 am

It was supposed to have been a record-breaking achievement that would place rock group Fall Out Boy in The Guinness Book of World Records. The goal? Concerts played on all seven continents within nine months. Unfortunately, after packing up their gear and getting ready to hit Antarctica, Mother Nature stepped in and changed plans. Now, the boys are planning something even more ambitious.

“We’re going to make this happen”, said drummer Andy Hurley. “And we’re going to do it first. We got so close, and I’m not the kind of person who’d bail on this. I like the adventure of doing something crazy, and this new plan is super crazy. It’s going to be much bigger. But it’s definitely going to happen. The thing about this trip was that there was always a chance it might not happen - (we said we were) ‘attempting to set a world record’ - but we’re not going to attempt anything the next time. We’re just gonna do it.”

Yea, um, I still wouldn’t make any bets that flying to Antarctica will ever be easy — especially if your window of opportunity is just to play a concert. Still, if there is a “next” time, we’re hoping FOB will  once again hook up with Greenpeace and use the opportunity to drive awareness of climate change — as well as getting in the record books. Good luck, gents.

via the celebrity truth

March 28th 2008

San Francisco’s ‘Outside Lands Music And Arts Festival’ Gets SUPER GREEN!

Filed under: events, events: bay area, green and famous, music, thegreenpicture — parrish @ 1:52 pm

Solve this math problem: take a dozen or so musicians, add one super green city and multiply it all by three days of good old fashion summer fun. What did you get? If you came up with the Outside Lands Music And Arts Festival then you’ve got it right! 2 gold stars!

The first ever Outside Lands Music And Arts Festival will be held in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park on August 22-24 and will feature some of today’s hottest musicians. So far the roster includes: Beck, Wilco, Widespread Panic, Primus, Radiohead, Tom Petty, Jack Johnson Manu Chao, Ben Harper, Steve Winwood, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Drive-By Truckers, Cafe Tacuba, Devendra Banhart, Regina Spektor, Cold War Kids, and Nellie McKay.

OLMAF is taking it a step further by making the event as green as possible. First off, when you buy your tickets you’ll be given the option of donating $3 to the National Arbor Day Foundation to help reforest California. Or if you’d rather, you could donate $3 to help ‘green’ your ticket. These donations will be used to purchase (and then retire) pollution credits on the Chicago Climate Exchange. Once you’ve got your slot, leave that car at home and take advantage of the complimentary bike valet service. Yes, you heard me…bike valet!

The festival itself is like green heaven with almost all the products on sale being either recyclable or compostable. You can also win prizes just for recycling! The Outside Lands Recycling Store will be stocked with items you can “buy” with your used bottles and cans as currency. And finally don’t forget to bring your old cell phone to be refurbished and redistributed throughout other countries. Once you’ve done all your good deeds for the day you can sit back and relax in front of a fully solar-powered stage and watch your favorite musicians rock away!

Sounds like an event you HAVE TO BE AT? Tickets are $225.50 (plus fees) for all three days and go on sale March 30th. So scoot on over to sfoutsidelands.com to learn more and get your green on!