Cobalt - patriotic heavy metal

Over the years since the 9/11 attack I have made mention about the lack of patriotism of the majority of entertainers. That includes actors, musicians, athletes, ect. There have been a handful of exceptions though.

Now before any uber-liberals flip out about whatever they might think of America and politics I will simply say the facts. Over 90% of entertainers in America have not joined the military and/or USO. Which is a stark and troubling contrast to every other major war and conflict in the 20th century that I am aware of, including Viet Nam (except possibly Desert Storm - not sure how to classify that).

Moving on, I did just hear about 1 musical group that not only is part of defending the nation, and the freedoms we all enjoy, they are successful in their music at the same time. I will also admit that I am behind the curve in noticing the band.

Cobalt is the name of the heavy metal band, that's been around for years. While they aren't on the top 40 playlists of most radio stations, I can't think of a metal band that is. Even so they had a very well reviewed album in 2009 called Gin. One of the tracks from that album - Arsonry - was featured on Red Eye that I happened to notice.



I like the song. It reminds me of Tool, a band that I like a lot. I can't say that I've heard the entire album yet, but so far I like what I have heard.

The thing that made me even bother to check out the song is the fact that one of the principles of the band is in the military. SSGT Phillip McSorley is a military lifer. Currently stationed stateside, the entire Gin album was written while he was stationed in South Korea.

It seems that the band gets together whenever SSGT McSorley is on U.S. soil and can meet with bandmate in New York City. When that happens they record, and in this case it sounds good.

Personally I like classical, rock music, and alternative. Metal is a style that I'm not a rabid fan of, but I like a good song. Arsonry is a good song. So I recommend you check it and the album out.

Seperately, I want to thank SSGT McSorley for his service to all of us. I wish there were far more entertainers with enough balls to stand up and serve the nation that provides them with a lifestyle that no other nation can do. Even if all they do is entertain the troops they seem more than unwilling to be a part of.

Greatest animated films ever - Yahoo's bogus list

Recently I saw a list of the top animated films ever. This was a list compiled by Yahoo in part to promote the new film Kung Fu Panda. Supposedly the list was voted on by Yahoo visitors and compiled. I think the list is a crock.

I really have to wonder what films were in the original choices to be voted on because there are a few massive omissions. Let me give you the names in the Yahoo list.

Bambi, The Jungle Book, Sleeping Beauty, Over the Hedge, The Simpson’s Movie, Ice Age 2, and the original Ice Age, Snow White, Howl’s Moving Castle, Mulan, Peter Pan, Horton Hears a Who, Lady and the Tramp, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Princess Mononoke, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Enchanted, Shrek 2, Cars, Monster's Inc, Spirited Away, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Ratatouille, Shrek, The Incredibles, The Lion King and Finding Nemo.

That list is in order from lowest rated to highest. Or so Yahoo says. I think the list is just advertising for Disney and a few other advertisers for Yahoo. Oh and a few other films thrown in to make the list look honest.

Where is Ghost in the Shell? Or Akira? I mean seriously Akira is not on the list. That’s just stupid.

And to rate Ratatouille, The Little Mermaid, Cars, Mulan, and Over the Hedge in any list of greatest animated films is inane. Where is Fantasia, Dumbo, Charlottes’s Web (the original), Space Battleship Yamoto, Galaxy Express 999, The Lion The Witch & the Wardrobe, Heavy Metal, Secret of NIHM, Vampire Hunter D, Lilo & Stitch, and that’s just of the films I’ve seen.

I find the Yahoo list bogus not because of what is in it (though there is a lot of substandard recent garbage that is likely included just to pump up DVD sales) but because of the number of classic and acclaimed animated films that are left out.

At least Yahoo could have been honest and said ‘here is the list of movies out advertisers think were the greatest ever – if you never saw an animated film before or if you don’t mind increasing their profits with films in DVD libraries.’ But if you want a real greatest list you need to check out the films I mentioned that were omitted by Yahoo. I think you’ll agree with my list, without question.