The music-geek fusion event South by Southwest is in full swing, bringing together culture-savvy dorks from across the nation. Artists like MC Frontalot, whose sick rhymes are matched only by his subculture cred, gather here annually to celebrate all things sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and tech. They rub shoulders with top professionals in the fields of cinema and interactive arts.
And I'm here in the Ology office, half a country away from all this. Where's the justice in the world?
Even if you, like me, haven't had the good fortune to attend SXSW (or even if you have and are just an amazingly dedicated Ologist) you can still get a piece of the cross-cultural action. CNN has put together a list of their ten favorite Geek Anthems, and while it's certainly an adequate crash course, I think it's missing some key entries. Have a peek at some of their candidates, then stick around for my own infinitely superior additions.
1. "She Blinded Me With Science," Thomas Dolby
One of the greatest one-hit wonders in a decade known for them, Dolby [a stage named cribbed from Dolby Laboratories] brought geek to the Top 40 in 1982.
To this day, the chorus' one-word interjection -- "Science!" -- is a universally recognized exclamation whenever geeks gather. Dolby also walks the walk. He has helped invent the RMF file format, written music for video games and, since 2001, has acted as the musical director for the tech-intensive TED conference.
Geek essentials: Science, social awkwardness, being hit with technology.
4. "In the Garage," Weezer
"I've got the Dungeon Master's Guide./I've got my 12-sided die./I've got Kitty Pryde and Nightcrawler, too./ Waiting there for me./Yes I do."
Any geek of a certain age instantly knew front man Rivers Cuomo spoke their language after hearing that opening line.
Cuomo, a Harvard graduate who worked the Buddy Holly glasses for much of his career, struggled with the geek-rocker label before finally embracing it, going so far as to confide to Rolling Stone in 2001 that he still played Dungeons & Dragons and leaned toward half-elf fighter-thieves.
Geek essentials: Dungeons & Dragons, comic books, Kiss, social awkwardness
7. "Particle Man," They Might Be Giants
Brainy lyrics and accordions combine to make this one a classic. Appearing on Warner Bros. "Tiny Tunes" didn't hurt either.
The song has cropped up subtly in the fantasy work of novelist Terry Pratchett, in the Marvel Comics "X-Factor" series and as the name of a prototype for the Electronic Arts video game "Spore."
It also might join Weird Al as the nation's leading cause of teen accordion playing.
Geek essentials: Particles, accordions
Tha'll do, CNN, tha'll do. Now go back to your silly national news and leave the geek culture to the pros. Here are a few more geek tracks--now make like a 90s Nintendo fan and play it loud:
"Conventional Lover" by Speck
"Let's hit the dealer's room and get you something fine / That collector's bust of Cthulhu reminds me of how you blow my mind."
Come on, CNN! This one's so obvious. Anyone who's ever wailed on a Rock Band 2 guitar will recognize this modern classic. It's got the love-story appeal. It's got the slick references! And it has maybe the most sing-able chorus of any song on this list (...so far). If you are driving to Gencon, Origins or Comic-Con this year you are required, by the code of the geek, to blast this song at least once with the windows down. Uh oh...SAVING THROW!
Geek Essentials: self-effacing humor, polyhedral dice, collector's items, Starfleet uniforms
"Digital Love" by Daft Punk
"There's nothing wrong with just a little little fun."
You get some extra credit for this one if you watch the video, which is a space-tacular anime-fest starring Daft Punk's usual cast of attractive blue people. Even if you're just going with the audio, though, this song can't be missed. If you listen to it you will dance...so wait for a red light. And don't be ashamed if the guy stopped next to you looks over and giggles as you're rocking out. No shame, Geekologists. No shame.
Geek Essentials: the word 'digital,' techno music, anime, space
"Lake Pontchartrain" by Ludo
"The rain was comin' down, the wind was howlin' outside of Slidell..."
Ludo's discography features a wide set of geek-appropriate tunes (from Broken Bride's inspiring "Save Our City" to the super kawaii "Japan It!"), but this ode to the modern zombie is a definite standout. It's...really creepy, but in that good, old-school Romero kinda way. It's perfect for mass sing-alongs, so round up some like-minded friends, slather on some stage blood and get ready to terrify your upstairs neighbors.
Geek Essentials: zombies. so many zombies.
"99 Luftballoons" by Nena
"Everyone's a superhero, everyone's a Captain Kirk!"
The more musically-minded among you might prefer Goldfinger's "99 Red Balloons," with its fiery guitar and awesome German section, but Nena's version from the 80s contains the geekiest verse. 99 knights of the air? Super-high-tech jet fighters? Sign me up. I'd say this one goes best with another oldie-but-goodie...StarFox 64. That's pretty much the Reese's Cup of futuristic dogfighting. Fire it up (Rumble Pak is a must!) and enjoy.
Geek Essentials: superheroes, war machines, balloons (?)
"Brand New Day" from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
All right, sure. This is probably not a new discovery for 90% of you. But I have heard that if you dare to make a geeky mixed CD without at least one Horrible cut, Neil Patrick Harris will come to your house and blast you with his freeze ray. Note that is neither a death ray nor an ice ray.
Actually, NPH showing up to your house might be kind of cool. So go ahead and leave this one out.
Geek Essentials: supervillainy, freeze rays, world dominationnn!
Ologists, this is an evolving list. Add to it in the comments and together we will rule the galaxy!
...of music.
