Reviews

Osu! – This Free Rhythm Game is One Click Away!

The evolution of rhythm games did not stop with Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero. Rhythm games take on a new face as different types of gameplay are introduced. The Nintendo DS rhythm game called “Ouendan” inspired a skilled team of gamers to create their own free-to-play rhythm game. Combining excellent gameplay and community-generated beatmaps, this new rhythm game is called Osu!

JPFM Band / Fox Band “Paris S.F.” – smooth jazz fusion

As the world continues to evolve, it isn't shocking that music also develops through time - and JPFM band and Fox band further proves that. Combining smooth jazz with hints of RnB, funk, trip-hop and lounge, Paris S.F. is not your typical instrumental smooth jazz compilation. Composed of 2 'faces,' Paris S.F. may not give you a long playtime, but it will definitely appeal to jazz, blues and jazz fusion lovers.

Earthman Embassy “Demonstrations” – laid-back rock from New Jersey

Another great band is slowly making their way to create a name in the industry. During the summer heat of 2007, Earthman Embassy, a band from New Jersey, USA, started creating demo songs in a well-known school called, “Anthony Vitale’s Original Music School.” Slowly, from one song, their compositions developed to two, then to three, until they have written and composed nine great songs that comprised their soft, but rocking, first album, “Demonstrations.”

Mumble – talk with your fellow gamers without the lag

Don't you just hate it when you are yelling to your teammates when you are playing via virtual LAN setups - only to find out that your voices and your game sessions are not properly synchronized? Think of lag times killing you so badly that you wish it's easier to just type. Fret no more. Here's Mumble to the rescue. Mumble is an open-source software for chatting while you are gaming. It promises low-latency, but still delivers high-quality voice transmission. Give it a try - you might just escape that next chain lightning from the enemies.

Mental Killing Spree “Vae Victis” – free death-metal album under Creative Commons

I’ve got to tell you - that thing ain’t no blues. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’ve got an impression that death metal bands avoid Creative Commons and focus more on the good old underground zine-net and gigs ways of promoting their music... Two thumbs up for Mental Killing Spree for bravery and offering their first album as a free download and under CC! About the music. There is a quite engaging mixture of a harder side of thrash and a lighter side of death metal here. Riffs aren’t extremely melodic - it’s not Metallica, and no Amon Amarth either - but they’re melodic enough to keep a listener interested.

[TEDTalk] Joachim de Posada says, Don’t eat the marshmallow yet – how to predict future success

In this short talk from TED U, Joachim de Posada shares a landmark experiment on delayed gratification -- and how it can predict future success. The test involves giving a little child one piece of marshmallow and informing that if in 15 minutes the marshmallow will still not be eaten, the child will get another one. The extremely cute videos of tempted children and the simple, but powerful message make this Talk one of the most unforgettable ones.

J.E.L.L.i. EP – A diverse indie/hardrock EP fused with a playfull twist

Sometimes, you find yourself thinking that most Rock-inspired artists are humorless, noisy, and full of grudge. Well, true, but it’s very comforting to find out that there are few artists that may have attached their music to Hard Rock, but still knows how to be playful and witty. J.E.L.L.i. released his self-titled EP last September 9, 2009. This album is packed with 5 tracks that will blow your world. Featured tracks in this EP may be inspired of Rock origins. Licensed under Creative Commons, this EP is one amazing project that can either push or pull your emotions.

Lost Treasures of El Dorado – a free puzzle game with a storyline

History fan? This game is made just for you! And no, it’s not another one of those boring trivia games that gets old after the first five questions. This is a nicely done jewel matching game set in a very engaging historical environment. History buff or not, this free to play game has something cool and unique to offer. With stunning visuals and a plot worth remembering, Lost Treasures of El Dorado is indeed quite a treasure.

Claire Hamill “Stage Door Johnnes” – plus ten more of her free albums

Claire Hamill is a British singer/songwriter that has been composing and recording since the 70s. She has a slew of albums over the decades and most of them can be downloaded with her blessing from her website. If you have heard of this talented musician, it is probably due to the fact that she wrote “You Take My Breath Away”, a song that became a hit for Eva Cassidy. Hamill has a soft voice in which personal intimacy wins out over power. She has been compared to Joni Mitchell but I hear a tantalizing mix of folk and traditional chanteuses like Judy Collins and Sandy Denny. She is a consummate storyteller in her lyrics. Nine albums are available on her download page and they all have high quality original songs and covers that are worth listening to.