The GeekDads

The GeekDads wish John Cleese happy birthday, and talk about LEGO Universe and W00tstock! Enjoy!

The GeekDads talk about Where the Wild Things Area and the upcoming Paul and Storm concert W00tstock! Enjoy!

September is upon us, and with it comes the faintest wisps of autumn. In my neck of the woods, at least. In Ken's burg there's only one season. I hear they call this singular clime "pleasant." And it truly lasts year round.

This edition of HipTrax features:

"Diseases of Yore (feat. Jonathan Coulton)" by MC Frontalot

Is it odd to start a podcast of family-friendly geek jams with a musical mediation on classical diseases and disorders? Of course, but such are the trappings of nerddom. Thrill as the impeccable MC Frontalot and the undeniable Jonathan Coulton regale you with tales of tarantism, cheese-washer's lung and the melancholy ache. You can use this as an opportunity to talk with your kids about the miracles of modern antibiotics.

"Mega Man Master Spark Mandrill" by Tanuki Suit Riot

The Mega Man saga remains a genuinely fertile patch of musical inspiration for VGM cover and remix artists, but none have approached it quite like LA's Tanuki Suit Riot. Blending jazz, funk, rock and the slightest hint of ska-core, the level music for Spark Mandrill, of Mega Man X fame, has never sounded better, bolder or more frenetic.

"Billie Jean" as covered by Matt Ryd

Less a geek rocker than a rocker who just happens to be a geek, Matt Ryd is an undeniably engaging Chicago-based singer/songwriter who even had a track appear in an episode of ABC's Scrubs. Though his principle instrument is guitar, this take on the Michael Jackson classic is actually an eclectic electronic reinterpretation created principally with a Stylophone, a Suzuki Omnichord and that nerdy music staple the Casio.

Want more? You can subscribe to the GeekDad podcast in iTunes (see the button on the sidebar), or directly through the RSS feed. You can also download GeekDad HipTrax #36 via this link, or simply listen in the embedded player below.

The GeekDads talk about playing RPGs with your kids!

It's back-to-school time once again. Thus GeekParents and geeklings alike are no doubt already feeling the crunch of another year's worth of bag lunches, science projects and PTA bake sales. It's just too much.

To steal a line from the Clown Prince of Cholesterol: you deserve a break today. And GeekDad HipTrax is more than happy to oblige.

This edition features:

"Let's Hear it for Capitalism" by Math the Band

Math the Band creates lo-fi synth rock in the style of Atom and His Package melded with the power of poppy noise rockers like Andrew W.K. On CD, this translates into light-hearted, surrealistic musings on daily life, but onstage they are akin to a rock 'n' roll bazooka being fired directly into our face. Buy the album, but catch them live for the full effect.

"Chinese Ninja Warrior" as covered by Shael Riley and the Double Ice Backfire

This Lords of Acid-penned theme song for Mortal Kombat's Sub-Zero rests firmly in Shael's wheelhouse. Not only is he a fighting game aficionado – Shael was co-director of the OverClocked ReMix community's soundtrack for Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix – but he's also a purveyor of dark electro-pop. The Double Ice Backfire's Songs from the Pit is a moody masterpiece that's only available on limited edition cassette.

"Saria's Ragtime Jazz" by Kento Khromatic

Kento Khromatic is a composer that speaks the language of music and a VGM fan with a knack for razor sharp improvisation. You can stay abreast of his latest creations by subscribing to his YouTube channel or following him on Twitter. Either way, prepare to be both entertained and amazed.