Monday, January 19, 2015

Zombie Influences with Loni Townsend, Ninja Plays Marillion’s Easter, WhatAreTheKargrandes, Predestination Movie Review, and Ninja News


Rocking into Mordor today! But first…

I am excited to welcome author Loni Townsend as she talks about zombies. And her list of zombie influences rocks!

First off, a big thanks to Alex for letting me on his blog today.

In This World Bites, Michael gets bitten by a zombie. So naturally, I should be able to come up with my top ten zombie movies, right? Turns out that I haven't actually seen ten zombie movies. But I've compiled a list of media that impacted me in some way while writing This World Bites.

10. The Grudge - The image of the babysitter wandering down the street with a missing jaw is forever engrained in my mind.
9. Warm Bodies - Who doesn't love a love story?
8. Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides - It's on Wikipedia, so it must count, right?
7. Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - Alright, so they aren't zombies...
6. Serentity - My friend assures the Reavers count as zombies
5. Video Game: Left 4 Dead - Fighting off zombie hordes with friends? Sounds like a good time.
4. The Mummy - Zombie bugs!
3. Game: Plants vs. Zombies - BRAINS!!
2. Dylan Dog: Dead of Night - Yes, it's cheesy, but his sidekick, Marcus, played a lot into my imagination
1. Zombieland - By far, my most favorite zombie movie of all time.

My friend insists I must watch the Resident Evil movies. Do you have any other suggestions for me?

Loni Townsend
Wife. Mother. Writer. Ninja. Squirrel.
Find her Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Goodreads.

What Are the Kargrandes?

Thanks to everyone who spread the word about the special site for Dragon of the Stars, What Are the Kargrandes?

Remember that there is a new clue and piece of the puzzle every Monday morning up until release day. So, check it out today!

Several of you asked about pre-written Tweets. Yes, something I should’ve done last week! Below are a couple you can use and save – adjust as necessary. Thanks!

What are the Kargrandes? New clue every Monday! http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

Solve the mystery – what are the Kargrandes? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes #scifi @alexjcavanaugh

Rocking Into Mordor

The moment you’ve all been waiting for – I have one minute of me playing Marillion’s Easter. I wanted to pick a more complicated song than what my band plays and it took me many tries to get it right. Here you go – listen to it while you read the rest of the post! (Or watch on You Tube)



Movie Review

Predestination
Staring Ethan Hawke as a time-traveling Temporal Agent. His final assignment involves tracking down a criminal and bringing in a new recruit.
Where to begin? This movie is a total mind-mess. Think Memento and Looper. I can’t tell you much about the film without giving it away, and you need to discover the twists and turns for yourself.
It’s a quiet, slower-paced film. Reviews online are mixed, so it’s either a love it or hate it kind of film.
Ethan Hawke and the other leads do a fine job in their roles.
You want a film that will make you think, and possibly blow your mind, this is it.
Recommended!


Ninja News

Roland Yeomans has a new site - Return of the Last Shaman. If you’re into weird occurrences in the natural world, he offers some cool stuff.

Lisa at Flash Fiction posted her Annual List Of Possible Topics For the #AtoZChallenge. If you’re still searching for a topic, check out her suggestions.

Found a new website - Indie-Visible
We define “Indies” as those authors who independently publish books with skillful handling of all phases of the writing and publishing process. Our PubHub is where Indies can access expert advice and trustworthy freelancers, and ultimately build their dream teams to help them write, edit, proof, publish and market high quality books.
Thanks to Leandra J. Wallace for the tip!

New releases!

52 Likes by Medeia Sharif
Find Medeia – YA and MG Author
Blog   |   Twitter   |   Goodreads   |   Instagram   |   Amazon


The Anime Way by Nigel Mitchell
The next book in the TOONS series.
Find it on Amazon



 



What zombie things have influenced you? What are the Kargrandes – any clues yet? Have you seen Predestination? Need some topic ideas for the A to Z Challenge? And now you’ve finally heard me play – what did you think?

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227 comments:

1 – 200 of 227   Newer›   Newest»
Murees Dupè said...

You play beautifully! You did a lot more than Rock Into Mordor, you kicked Sauron's butt. Good job.

Li said...

Jealous - I always wanted to play an instrument, any instrument. But I'm tone deaf and just can't seem to learn to read music. Even my music teacher threw up her hands! Thanks for letting us listen. Also, thank you for the A to Z mention. :)
As far as zombies, I'm really not a fan but I thought "Warm Bodies", as a zombie Romeo + Juliet, worked well and was enjoyable.

Rhonda Albom said...

Alex, I love your music. You are so talented, I am surprised you haven't shared it with us earlier.

As for Zombies, Like Loni I have seen 10 Zombie movies - actually, I think I have only seen 4.
I scheduled out your tweets a few times for each one.

Ted Cross said...

No 'Shawn of the Dead'? Best zombie movie ever!

Huntress said...

It's not exactly in movie format but The Walking Dead is my all time fave. And I don't like zombies.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Loved hearing you play. It's beautiful. I could listen to something like that all day while I work. Thanks for sharing it.

Jemi Fraser said...

You play beautifully - that's a great song too!
The Reavers in Serenity are some of the best creepy villains!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Murees!

Lisa, I'm sorry. And you're welcome.

Big thanks, Rhonda!

Ted, that's a good one. I'd add Day of the Dead for over the top gore.

Natalie, thank you!

Thanks, Jemi - and I was stoked to see Serenity's Reavers on the list.

Christine Rains said...

Great movie list, Loni! Definitely add Shaun of the Dead to it. Awesome playing, Alex. And I tweeted for you. :) I've heard mixed things about Predestination too. I started to watch Divergent this weekend, but it was pretty boring, so I watched an episode of Castle instead!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Zombieland was a lot of fun.

I loved your playing. It was so beautiful.

mshatch said...

Left 4 Dead is wicked fun and if you like Zombies you have to see 28 Days Later.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Beautiful guitar playing, Alex!

I'm too much of a chicken to watch many zombie movies, but I did see and enjoy Zombieland. :)

I don't know if I can handle another movie that makes me think...ha! I *finally* watched "Shutter Island" this weekend and have been thinking about it since.

Bish Denham said...

Zombies don't interest me... However, Predestination sounds like something I'd enjoy watching.

LOVED your guitar work! Beautiful.

Will be tweeting your tweets. :)

Brian Miller said...

dude i love memento...but it is ethan hawke...ha....walking dead rocks...i know its not a movie but...i resisted it for a while but i am totally hooked now....enjoyed your playing as well man...

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

That was great, Alex!

Saw "A Walk Among the Tombstones" - Neeson was great as usual but the film felt disjointed or something overall.

Re: zombies - huge fan of the TV show The Walking Dead, especially the first couple of seasons. :)

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Very nice playing, Alex!

The Indie-Visible site might be a useful resource.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I doubt you're a slow typer - as you claim. You're very quick and skilled with your fingers, Alex. The music's great. Thanks for sharing more of you.

Yvonne Osborne said...

I started watching the first season of The Walking Dead. Ugh. A little too gory for me. I mean, I get it okay without having my head stuck into the innards and entrails. Even with closing my eyes during the worst scenes, the images were imprinted on my eyeballs when I tried to go to sleep. I must confess total ignorance of the Kargrandes.

Yvonne Osborne said...

But a thumbs up to your musical talents.

Pat Hatt said...

Left 4 dead is a great game. No game pissed me off more in recent years as I played it on hard for those achievements haha what, no Dawn of the Dead?

You did a terrific job playing indeed.

Predestination sounds interesting. I hope the ending wasn't like Looper though, I saw that coming a mile away. One big Butterfly Effect rip off ending.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

I triple-checked, and The Walking Dead is not on that list! Wha-a-a-at?

Arlee Bird said...

Your playing sounds good, but this was like a preview. C'mon, we want more!

No George Romero zombie films? The original Night of the Living Dead will probably always be my favorite, the one that sticks with me most, and the one I'll probably keep watching repeatedly.

Came up with my A to Z topics this week-end and started mapping them out.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Truedessa said...

Alex,

I enjoyed the snippet of guitar playing simply a beautiful way to start the day. I just loved the flow of the melody. A man of many talents. Wishing you a wonderful day.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Aww, your guitar playing is awesome! Love it.

Well you know how I feel about The Walking Dead, too gory, but great survival story. However, I still shouldn't be watching things that scare me. Not cool. What doesn't kill you will make you stronger. Right?

RaveAir said...

Predestination was an interesting movie. Strongly recommeneded for sci-fi fans. It wasn't as good as should be, but it wasn't bad eighter.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Great video. Loved the music.
I tweeted. Will do more later.
Have no idea what the Kargrandes is. Working on it.
Have a lovely week.

Sarah Foster said...

I love the music, Alex! I wanted to learn guitar when I was a teenager but my weak fingers had other ideas...
Congrats to Loni! I completely forgot about Plants vs. Zombies. I'm sure I used up several hours of my life playing that game.

A Beer for the Shower said...

Awesome guitar work. It sounds great. I tried for years to pick up the guitar, but I just suck at it. I'm better with piano. So the only thing I'll ever be rocking is a keytar.

Great list by Loni. I completely forgot about The Mummy. I bet Brendan Fraser is just happy to hear that someone remembers him... wherever he is.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Enjoyed your Ballad... thank you for sharing. Zombies are fun, influenced or overrated? Gotta love those zombies, seems like we all still have a little zombie in us all... I am trying to think of a version other than "Night of the Living Dead", which still serves as a disturbing look into the flesh eaters... so eat flesh.

Someday, would love to hear and see your group up on that stage... for several reasons, one get to meet you! second talent, hear it...

Have a great day and...

Jeremy

Helena said...

What a beautiful solo you played! I am most impressed because obviously you are a true musician. And I'm also impressed with the Kargrandes first clue for your Dragon of the Stars--very clever marketing which I will add to my blog posts.

Unknown said...

oh my gosh, so impressed right now! You're very talented. And yay for Loni! Loved seeing her here :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Christine, thanks! I thought Divergent was better than The Hunger Games or Twilight.

Elizabeth, that's a good one. And thanks.

Brian, see it despite Hawke.

Sandra, I think that site will be great for self-published authors.

Robyn, I am really slow...

Karen, need to keep my Ninja secrets.

Pat, you'll see it about ten minutes before it happens.

Lee, I'd say add the Romero films.

Zoltan, it was surprisingly good though.

Sarah, sorry about the weak fingers.

Brandon and Bryan, you do keyboards, I'll do guitar!

Jeremy, appreciate that.

And thanks everyone!! Glad you enjoyed my snippet and are sharing the Kargrandes site.

~Sia McKye~ said...

Very smooth and crisp. I'll confess, I wanted to hear more and was disappointed when it was over. I'm not at all suprised that you had several takes. Somehow, even when we know the music well there flub ups. Ethan Hawk is up for accademy award for Boyhood. Predestination sounds intriguing.

Sia McKye Over Coffee

Liza said...

I am not into zombies, but I AM into your guitar playing. That was simply beautiful and I could have listened to much, much more. Wonderful!

Hart Johnson said...

Picky on my zombies... I DO like Zombieland, because it was meant to be cheesy. And I really like I Am Legend and I watched World War Z this weekend and liked it. But I'd prefer to see the tension and survival of the people MUCH MORE than the direct battling of the zombies.

Karen Lange said...

It's nice to meet Loni! Lots happening on this chilly Monday in January!

StratPlayerCJF said...

Best Zombie movies? Well, it's not a movie, but I've been hooked on The Walking Dead for several seasons. I also recommend the old original "Night of the Living Dead" for a low-budget film that basically defined the genre for the next 50 years. And while it may not be quite the same, the Sam Raimi/Bruce Campbell "Evil
Dead" trilogy is a lot of fun, too.

And YEAH, ALEX!!! Glad to finally get to hear you caressin' those strings! Great job -- I really enjoyed it!

And I posted my "Create52" entry on my blog already for today, but I will for sure add a "What are the Kargrandes?" bit next week with a link. And I'm still not sure - we've ruled out any semblance to the Khardashians, so my next guess is interstellar dragon-like creatures that attack wayward ships. that's GOT to be closer than my Khardashian guess...

Leovi said...

I love him! A wonderful minute listening to your guitar! Very good Alex!

Annalisa Crawford said...

Loni - check out Shawn of the Dead, brilliant zombie film with a Westcountry (UK) touch!

Predestination sounds good. I haven't heard of it, but I loved Memento and Looper!

Anonymous said...

Love the guitar playing! Guitar and piano are my favorite instruments, though I've never been able to play either that well. Congrats to Loni! Thanks for the link to Indie-Visible. I will check it out.

H. R. Sinclair said...

I love Zombieland! You must see Shawn of the Dead if you haven't seen it yet.

Alex, those tweet are better than the one I sent out last week! They are more intriguing.

Beautifully place piece!

Anonymous said...

When you said rock, I was expecting something more fast paced. LOL Sounds awesome though. You have teh skillz. ;)

Stephanie Faris said...

I couldn't even make it through more than one episode of The Walking Dead! I think I'm too much of a wimp for zombie fiction.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I missed the music the first time round. Listened now, and sounds great!

Chrys Fey said...

Loni, you haven't seen the Resident Evil movies? :O Those are my favorite zombies movies! Plus Alice (Milla Jovovich) is awesome! I highly recommend them. :D

Loni Townsend said...

Thanks for having me on your blog today, Alex! I love your music. You rock in more ways than one.

(I posted a previous comment but it looks like my computer timed out when I was taking the kids to daycare. >_<)

Thank you all for the congratulations!

Stephanie, I'm a wimp too.

Normally I'm scared silly with horror movies, but I'm adding a few new movies to my list. Shaun of the Dead sounds like a good addition.

Loni Townsend said...

Ted, Christine, Annalisa, Southpaw - Totally going to watch it now.

Huntress, Brian, Madeline, Dianne, Chris - My sis-in-law is a huge fan of The Walking Dead. I might have to borrow the series from her.

Pat and Arlee - those sound like classics. Will add them to the list.

mshatch - I'll have to check it out.

shelly said...

Loved your guitar snippet, Alex! Toni. Yeah. Get The Walking Dead and 28 days and 28 weeks later.

Fundy Blue said...

Gorgeous guitar solo, Alex!
An interesting list of Zombie movies, Loni!
I have to admit that I can't watch them. My imagination is overwhelming, and I'd be down on the theatre floor or have a pillow pulled over my head at home. I saw "Night of the Living Dead" in 1968, my last zombie movie. When I went back to residence from the movie theatre, I found out that one of my friends, whom I had talked to while we were ironing our outfits to go out, well, she had been killed in a car accident. I had nightmares of her as a zombie for too many months. So I simply can't do zombies.
Have you seen the new 12 Monkeys series on SyFy? That I can handle!!! Have a good one!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Helena, appreciate that!

Sia, there were many, many takes...

Chris, Evil Dead - good suggestion! That you liked my piece means a lot. And it is closer than your Khardashian guess...

Holly, yours were fine!

Patricia, I know - I glided into Mordor instead.

Thanks, everyone!!!!

Empty Nest Insider said...

Excellent guitar playing, Alex! I definitely want to hear more! The Mummy was my favorite movie on Loni's list. It had just the right amount of zombies in it.

Julie

Loni Townsend said...

Fundy - I'm sorry to hear about your friend and the nightmares. But 12 Monkeys? Sounds like fun!

Donna K. Weaver said...

I'm not that into zombies but I had a bizarre dream that included them recently. Weird. I imagine, like vampires, they'll run their course. Makes me wonder what the new big thing will be.

Tonja Drecker said...

*applause* Well played!
Ugh! I don't have any ideas yet for A-Z. Guess, I'll have to take a peek at the suggestions.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I am so impressed with your playing. Lovely.
Reevers from Serenity definitely counts as zombie like creatures.
Predestination sounds interesting.

Unknown said...

congratulations Loni, I love that title! I recently read The Red King by Nick Cole, which is free on Amazon. I don't usually read zombie books but that one was really well written.

Charles Gramlich said...

Some very nice playing.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I love a film that makes me think while blowing my mind! Predestination is going on my list.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Loni, I would recommend PONTYPOOL, a psychological thriller in which a deadly virus infects a small Ontario town. You see only one zombie, but hear many more. It all occurs within a radio station. Fastforward to the end credits scene.

How bad can a movie be with TYPO within its title, right?

Alex, Arlee is right. That is just a sample. Your fans deserve the full treatment!

Thanks for pointing out my cyber-cobwebbed new blog. :-)

Robin said...

Alex, I apologize for taking so long to get here. If you'd asked me a month ago, I'd have said I just don't like zombies. Period. I don't get it. They're slow. How does anyone ever get eaten by one of those things? However, I know a ton of people who love The Walking Dead. So, I ordered the first couple seasons online during Black Friday. OMG. That show is incredible. And, of course, one zombie is easily escapable. A mob of zombies is another matter entirely. (I finally get it!)

Carrie-Anne said...

I've got my complete list of topics for this year's A to Z, but haven't written any of the posts yet. Though since I'm featuring some subjects which came up in last year's posts, a few of this year's posts are already partially written.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Love your sound!

Roland's post was amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Loni's zombie book is great. Some humor, some action, and some unique characters.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Fundy, you have a good reason to avoid them. I'm sorry. And no, I haven't watched the show yet.

Karen, think you'll be mind blown!

Roland, that was a trippy movie. That snippet is the best you'll get for now. And you're welcome.

Robin! Now you know.

Thanks everyone!

Loni Townsend said...

E.E. - I'll check out that book. Thanks for the suggestion!

Roland - Pontypool sounds creepy. Then again, it's usually the sounds more than the visuals that creep me out!

kjmckendry said...

I loved hearing you play! It was beautiful, thanks for sharing!

I don't normally like zombie movies, but I did like Warm Bodies.

Unknown said...

Very much enjoyed hearing you play. Your finger work is stellar and your guitar has a lovely intonation. I like the nice, clean sound you achieved.

I sincerely would like to hear a full piece from your band. If you've done any studio recording I'd like to hear that as well.

Loni Townsend said...

LOL, Alex. I just realized people probably think This World Bites is horror instead of humor. Yeah, I don't think there's much scary inside that. Unless you count Cera getting mad. That's pretty scary.

Sandra Cox said...

Just tweeted.

Lovely song.

mail4rosey said...

Nice music! I bet it's fun to play.

Sent out the Tweets, thanks for making it easy!

I have seen parts of two of those zombie movies. I don't like zombies but the kids do, ewww The teen watched Zombieland and Warm Bodies. Double eww. ;) Happy to meet your guest though (Hi Loni!!). :)

stephen Hayes said...

I never thought I could get into zombies but I was wrong; now I'm a big fan of The Walking Dead, although it does seem to be slowing down this season.

Elephant's Child said...

Flying fingers. Just beautiful. And precise.

Birgit said...

I'm at work(shhhh) so I will have to listen when i am home but I will. I am done with zombies but I like the old movie "I walked with a Zombie" and The Mummy is always fun although I hate it when the mummy has the beetle go into his mouth and he crunches down on it-ick

Yolanda Renée said...

I keep having Zombie nightmares (what I consider the worst dreams ever) even though I refuse to watch anything zombie. But I'm publishing a collection of short stories called When Zombies Attack. So where is my head! :)

Stephen Davenport said...

I like Ms. Townsend's zombie list, but "Walking Dead" was left out..hehe. She watch the show?

Theresa Milstein said...

This World Bites is an awesome title for a zombi book!

I'll have to come back to listen to you play. My son is studying.

Maurice Mitchell said...

I never thought of the Reavers as zombies, but it works Loni! I'll look for that movie since it sounds great Alex. You really do Rock!

Loni Townsend said...

mail4rosey - Hi! *waves*

Yolanda - Sounds like a fun collection.

Stephen - Nope, haven't seen the show. :) Then again, I don't get to watch much TV nowadays.

Theresa - Thanks!

mooderino said...

The trailer for Predestination was so confusing I don't think I'll be watching it. Time travel stories never make sense to me.

mood

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Anne. The band does covers of Christian music, so we haven't recorded anything.

Loni, I see the humor.

Yolanda, that's funny.

Stephen, I guess not.

Thanks everyone!

Liz A. said...

For A to Z I'm doing what I do every year...

Lori, Reavers definitely count as zombies. And have you seen Evil Dead?

dolorah said...

My zombie influences are mostly The Walking Dead.

Loved the guitar snippet Alex. Thanks :)

Unknown said...

Thank you for finally playing the guitar for us. You play awesome. I haven't heard the song before but you play it so nicely.

Anonymous said...

I love zombie fiction.

Thank you for posting about my book.

I keep trying to play your video, but my browser is being stubborn today and it won't play.

Jo said...

As you know, I linked your playing on my site today. I like it more every time I listen.

Gotta go to the other site now and see what the next clue is.

Loni Townsend said...

Liz - Nope, haven't seen Evil Dead. Is it recommended?

Ray Rousell said...

Cool guitar playing Alex, a man of many talents eh??
I do like the sound of the Ethan Hawke film!
Got a Kindle for Christmas, I've been looking at some Sci-fi books from a certain person, might have to buy a few books??

Holy Ghost Writer said...

Dawn of the dead, night of the living dead, day of the dead? Some great ones you missed

Mason Canyon said...

Alex, you're an amazing author and musician. Great song.

Gwen Gardner said...

Tweeted! Beautiful guitar work, Alex :)

Dixie@dcrelief said...

Really enoyed your music clip. thanks for link to Lisa and A-Z. Medeia's book is something!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Medeia, you're welcome, and sorry it won't play!

Jo, and I appreciate that!

Loni, I recommend Evil Dead II. Funnier.

Ray, that would be awesome - thanks!

Holy Ghost - yes!

Thanks everyone!

Andrew Leon said...

I already don't like Hawke, so... yeah.

farawayeyes said...

Just not that into Zombies. I have seen a few episodes of 'The Walking Dead' and thought they were pretty good in a 'Lord of the Flies' kind of way.

Loved, Loved, LOVED your music. Very soothing. Beautiful. Any original compositions. That's what I would like to hear next.

Oh, I almost forgot 'Predestination' sounds interesting. Believe it or not. I like to think. Thanks for the recommend. I had not heard of it before this.

Unknown said...

I too am a huge fan of the film Zombieland. I'm sure everyone would tell Loni but The Walking Dead is a great place to turn for Zombie entertainment.

Your band sounds really good!

Carol Kilgore said...

Great to see Loni's post here! Congrats to her and to Medeia!

Jenni said...

Loved hearing you play, Alex. Beautiful!
Congrats to Medeia, Nigel, and Loni!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Love your music, Alex. Want more! As for the zombie movies, can't think of any others. I loved Mummy and the classic Night of the Living Dead. I couldn't sleep with my light out for weeks.

Shell Flower said...

You are awesome on guitar and I love that piece. Great choice.

As for zombies, well, Zombieland is definitely in my top 5. I also love World War Z (the book, NOT the movie, ugh, Brad Pitt ruined the story). Dawn of the Dead is a classic (and Shaun of the Dead is hilarious), and the remake is super scary. Walking Dead rocks, too. Have you read Zombie Tag by Hannah Moskowitz? MG zombies, can't go wrong! Good luck!

Carol Kilgore said...

I forgot to say your solo is awesome :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Andrew, that's it?

Thanks, Faraway! And it will make you think.

Shell, good suggestions.

Carol, thanks!

Everyone, thanks! I know it was only a minute, but better than nothing.

Botanist said...

You are one multi-talented dude, Alex. Rock on!

Leandra Wallace said...

One- The Grudge sounds way too scary for me! Just my own imagining of that scene is enough. Two- Tweeted! And three- you're welcome! I'm really liking Indie-Visible, and hope one day I can submit as an indie author.

Denise Covey said...

Alex! You tube star! Go Ninja! Thanks for the informative post as always! I'm reading Roland's new book...

Al Diaz said...

Excellent playing. Glad to see it was a great success. You left people wanting for more. :) Thank you very much for complying to the request. Now promise something else so I can start haunting you again!

Unknown said...

Great picking!
I'll have to take a look into Predestination, I thought it was a movie on Calvinism. ;-)

Birgit said...

You have talent! Your playing was haunting and so peaceful to the ear-just lovely:)

Belle Wong said...

So lovely to hear you play, Alex! It sounded wonderful.

Trisha said...

Loved the musical snippet - beautiful sound! Well done Alex. I was never any good at the finger-picking side of guitar.

I found Predestination really creepy. Still not over it. ;) I think I remember putting my review up and you saying you hadn't seen it yet. ha.

Aldrea Alien said...

No suggestions, but ugh, the Grudge ... to this day, I can't stand it. My fiancé loves it though as he believes it played an incremental part in us getting together...


Of the rest, I've only been exposed to Pirates of the Caribbean, The Mummy (both of which I love) and that strange Plants vs Zombies game.

Aldrea Alien said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kaykuala said...

Seeing Zombies featured one thinks these are horrors. Not rightly so but it is humor. That's reassuring! Still wondering and wanting to see what are Kargrandes! Wonderful write Alex!

Hank

Anonymous said...

I think you're AWESOME!! Nice to hear from you in another way :-) I tweeted, but I still have no idea what the kargrandes are . . . very cool concept you have going on though. And zombies rock--just recently started watching The Walking Dead. Rick is my kind of guy!

Anonymous said...

Great playing, Alex. When does album come out? ;-) Where does your artistic talent end?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Al, not a chance! Wait - I promise you will finish Ninja versus Baldernot soon.

Trisha, it did have a creep factor.

Roland, I think it just ended there.

Thanks everyone! You guys rock.

Nicki Elson said...

Ooh, what a fund Kargrandes game! Thanks for the premade Tweets. :)

Awesome Zombie list. Shaun of the Dead would round it out nicely.

Loni Townsend said...

Carol, Jenni - Thank you!

Aldrea - The Grudge was my first date with my husband.

Kaykuala - Yeah, I realized that most people think horror when it comes to zombies. :)

Old Kitty said...

You, a guitar, strumming...

*swoon*

:-)

Take care
x

Patsy said...

I watched a zombie film once - not sure it had much influence on my life though!

Tamara Narayan said...

I wish I could play the guitar. Well done. Imagine hands clapping.

Loni, The Walking Dead!! I can't believe that didn't make your list. Plus World War Z the book, NOT the movie.

A to Z challenge. Hmmm. I'm releasing a short collection of short stories that month, so I will definitely join the melee, but I don't love blogs that focus solely on promotion. I need to think about it some more. Maybe a focus on short stories: We write short shorts! (or maybe not)

Anonymous said...

The Reavers most certainly do count as zombies!

I watched the prequel of the Resident Evil movies. It was really good. I can't do zombies on the regular, though. I think it's a subconscious fear of mine.

Leovi said...

Yes, Indie-Visible wonderful place!

Heather M. Gardner said...

Well. I can't say that I'm surprised you play so well, but I will say that your 'tease' was really awesome! I would LOVE to hear you play more. That was so enjoyable!

Thank you for sharing, ALEX!!

You know me, waiting to the last minute to figure out my A to Z theme. :)

Congrats on the book Loni. Best of luck.
I hate to do this, but being a long time Firefly fan, I have to tell you that it's Serenity and that Reavers are NOT zombies in any way, shape or form.

And, Shaun of the Dead is the funniest zombie movie I've ever seen.

Michelle Wallace said...

Alex, you are a star in more ways than one... a rock star, ninja star, cassa star etc.
Very soon you'll be a Youtube sensation!
Thanks for sharing your awesome guitar-skillz!

Congrats to everybody celebrating new releases and other wonderful things! Loni has a great cover!

I'm working on my A-to-Z theme... trying to combine two ideas...

Loni Townsend said...

Heather - Thank you. And I didn't think they were, but my friend insisted I could count them. Now I have someone else to back up me up!

Michelle - Thank you! I'm glad you like the cover.

Dean K Miller said...

Never been a big Zombie fan, but there's an old movie with a head in a box that's looking for it's body, helped by a zombie-like assistant that's forever stained my young mind.

Love the music segment, well worth the wait! and congrats to Loni on the book.

Dean K Miller said...

Never been a big Zombie fan, but there's an old movie with a head in a box that's looking for it's body, helped by a zombie-like assistant that's forever stained my young mind.

Love the music segment, well worth the wait! and congrats to Loni on the book.

JJ said...

Indie-Visible - terrific!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kitty! Thank you.

Tamara, I'm sure you will come up with something!

Heather! Thanks and you live dangerously.

Michelle, that would scare me. Two themes? Rock on.

Thanks, guys!

Stephen Tremp said...

Loni, my kids love Plants vs. Zombies. Good luck with The World Bites!

Lots of movies I need to catch up on. And Predestination is one.

And rock on Alex. Rock on.

Unknown said...

Adding Predestination onto my list. I've been meaning to catch Sniper which recently released as well.

To Loni - You might want to check out 28 Days Later. Now that is one heck of a zombie movie. Gave me nightmares. I must say, I also enjoyed I am Legend (with Will Smith). Both are really well done!

Melissa said...

I'm not really into zombies, but I LOVE This World Bites. Good stuff. :)

Patricia Stoltey said...

Your playing is excellent, Alex! I love guitar music, so will look forward to an album soon!

My new vampire interest is Anna Strong, a kick-ass heroine in a series by Jeanne C. Stein. That one definitely needs to be a movie (and no sparkles or glitter!).

Must check out Medeia Sharif's new book. I enjoy her stories a lot.

Angela Brown said...

My daughter got a guitar for Christmas. I really need to figure out how to help her learn to play it so maybe one day she can play something like what you shared today.
Oh, and yes, you ROCK!

I have not seen Predestination but it sounds like it should be added to my To Watch list.

Kristin Smith said...

Thank you for sharing your talent with us! That song was beautiful!

As far as zombies go, I'm a big Walking Dead fan but haven't seen too many zombie movies other than Warm Bodies and I am Legend.

I tweeted about the Kargrandes! Thanks for putting together those tweets—makes it so easy to share! :)

Loni Townsend said...

Dean, Stephen, Melissa - Thank you!

Anna - I will add 28 Days Later to my list. :)

Sherry Ellis said...

Really enjoyed listening to you play! Nice job!

Loni's new book looks cool. I'll have to check it out.

Jennie Bennett said...

So awesome that you have a new book coming out! And you thought you wouldn't write anymore ;)

Nick Wilford said...

Fantastic playing! Loni, I echo Shaun of the Dead - it lovingly references many classics too. Congrats on the new book.

Loni Townsend said...

Sherry - Yay! :)

Nick - Thank you. My sis-in-law has the movie, so I'm queuing it up for this weekend.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Predestination sounds like an intriguing movie. Put up a tweet for you!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Predestination sounds like an intriguing movie. Put up a tweet for you!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Enjoyed the music. Wanted to see a photo of the musician!!!

Cherie Reich said...

When I think of zombie movies, the first one that comes to mind is Night of the Living Dead.

Morgan said...

Alllllllexxxx… sigh. You're SO GOOD… seriously… your playing is SO beautiful. It makes my whole year so far!!!! I'm so glad you shared. You do realize now that I only want more, right??? ;-)

Cherie Colyer said...

You do play beautifully. I going hit keep hitting play while I hop around the blogphere.

Congrats to Loni on her book. You list some of my favorite zombie movies.

Loni Townsend said...

Thanks Cherie!

Everyone, be proud. I am watching Shaun of the Dead right now. :)

Unknown said...

Woohoo!! Great job! You play really well. Thank you so much for sharing.

I haven't really watched any zombie movies. I chickened out of watching Night of the Living Dead one Halloween but I did manage to sit through a History Channel Mock-u-mentary on "what a zombie apocalypse would really be like". I ate gummy brains and everything!

I FINALLY have my A-Z theme...now it's time to work on the posts. Thanks for the links to the two new sites. Off to visit now!

Cheers,
Jen

Sandra Cox said...

Congrats to Loni on This World Bites.

DiscConnected said...

Alex-

Had problems playing the Marillion cut yesterday and forgot to come back...

As you know, Los Marillos are one of my favorite bands-nice job with this track!

Have you heard Steve Rothery's solo album?

Larry

Toi Thomas said...

First off, your playing was amazing.
Glad the #whatarethekargrandes campaign is going well.
Love you review of Predestination. I will have to check that out.

Vanessa Morgan said...

Predestination definitely had some fun twists. Although, if you think of it, the concept is really sick.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Hi Alex!!! Predestination sounds pretty good. I shall check it out :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Patricia. Maybe they will make a movie.

Angela, find someone who can give her lessons. She can always go online and find tabs to get her started.

Kristin, thanks, and sorry I forgot last week.

JA, I know!

Mary, sorry, no photo.

Morgan, thanks - and no pressure!

Cherie, thank you.

Larry, really appreciate that. And no, I haven't.

Vanessa, it is twisted.

Thanks everyone!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

So glad you enjoyed Predestination, Alex! It exceeded my expectations big time, and blew my mind completely!

Crystal Collier said...

Nice playing!

Loni totally hit it on the head w/ her #1 zombie movie. Two words: Double tap. LOVE that movie. I can't think of any to add, but that might be the pregnancy addling the brain. =)

Leovi said...

If my mind fly with Predestination have to see it.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Hmm. I'm not sure I agree that the Resident Evil movies are required watching for anything really. Those are so terrible. Well they might be required watching for a "terrible film class." That's something to think on, isn't it?

Rachna Chhabria said...

You play very beautifully.That's one of the reasons I have accepted your offer to have my garden in your back yard, that way I can hear you play :)
I look forward to reading more about Kargrandes. They sound like some mysterious creatures that can destroy things!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Awesome music - you play beautifully!
Thanks for sharing that!

I have some ideas on the Kargrandes, but I'm going to wait to make my guess.

and I have two topics for the A to Z challenge . . . but I haven't decided yet.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

George, it blew my mind!

Crystal, can't beat double tap.

Michael, they are mindless fun.

Rachna, deal!!

Thanks, Tyrean, and you could do both. (Just wait until you see my theme...)

Scribbles From Jenn said...

As a teen, I loved all things Stephen King, but then they started to haunt me in my sleep. So, no Zombies or anything that goes bump in the night. As for the A to Z challenge...

Unknown said...

Love it!!

David P. King said...

You know I'm all about those zombies, Alex. I'll look into Loni's book. *rocking to Alex's mad guitar skills* "That's my jam!" :D

Julie Flanders said...

Your guitar playing is fantastic. Beautiful snippet!

Just did one of your tweets now - this is such a great promotion. And congrats to Loni!
Loni, I know you said movies, but still, you can't leave out The Walking Dead LOL. :D

LD Masterson said...

I'm surrounded my zombie lovers in my family but as yet I haven't been bitten. *grin*

Beautiful guitar work.

Loni Townsend said...

Crystal - Good rules for surviving the zombie apocalypse, huh?

Michael - I'm guessing my friend wasn't recommending them for the film quality. :)

David - Yay!

Julie - Thank you! It's on my list now!

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

Zombieland is one of my favorites too! And it's the only zombie movie my sister will watch. Lol.

Anonymous said...

So nice to hear your music, Alex. Twilight is the series that got me - vampires and such because my daughter enjoyed them so much, that she wanted me to read them too so we could talk about them. The best zombies I know of are the ones that come out on Halloween, especially the itty bitty ones that are so darned cute, even if they're supposed to be scary.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Sorry, I don't count Reavers as zombies. You rocked it Alex. My imaginary lighter is still waving. I love you balance an exciting post along with book promotion. Not a moment of boredom with you sir. Rock on Alex, rock on.

Kittie Howard said...

You play beautifully, Alex! Not into zombie stuff--in South LA that's for tourists. Not for lack of trying, it's taken me since you commented for your site to open.

Elana Johnson said...

Strangely enough, I don't really like zombie fiction, but I love the movies. World War Z is my favorite.

Congrats to Media!

And your song was awesome!

ilima said...

Alex, your music rocks. I seriously think you should post snippets of you playing more often!

Suze said...

I'm with Ilima! You should definitely post more snippets. And Marillion! What a great choice. That was truly nice--and impressive!

Liz Blocker said...

Love that clip - it's beautiful. It IS complex; I can hear it. Beautifully done. Thank you for sharing it!

Yes, Loni, those all count as far as I'm concerned!! :)

SpacerGuy said...

Zombies rock and your playing is awesome dude. The verdicts out on predestination but its on my to watch list.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Ha, your music is awesome!! So very awesome. Thanks so much for sharing it. It put a smile on my face.

And yes, Zombieland is my fav zombie movie too...that and Shawn of the Dead.

Ella said...

I, too was thinking Zombieland~ A new iZombie show will premiere on CW in March.

Gosh, Captain you play so beautifully!
I want more, please-

Yes, more snippets!!

You really do rock ;D

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jenn, join us!

Thanks, Julie!

Sheena-kay, thanks, and I will rock on!

Ilima and Suze, thanks - they are a favorite of mine.

Everyone, thank you! You guys are awesome.

L.G. Keltner said...

I'd say Reavers can count as zombies. I don't know if I'll love or hate Predestination, but I know I'll have to give it a try!

John Wiswell said...

Night of the Living Dead influenced me too much. I still feel like the cause should be crazy and impossible, and that zombies should slow and witless.

Kyra Lennon said...

Goodness me, you really are talented! Fantastic stuff!

TBM said...

Not sure I've seen too many Zombie movies. Only Zombieland is coming to mind. Loved the book, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Might have to check out the Hawke movie on DVD. I always like to know where I fall on the love/hate spectrum.

Cindy said...

I enjoyed your guitar playing. Maybe you could do your own background music for your book trailers.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

LG, give a try and see what you think.

Kyra, thanks!

TBM, check it out and let me know.

Cindy, I think my publisher might have something to say about that...

Loni Townsend said...

Rachel, Lynda, Ella, TBM - It's such a fun movie.

M.J. - I agree, those zombies are the cutest.

Sheena-kay - See, I thought so too! But still, when River starts kicking but, that's pretty badass.

Liz - Why thank you.

John - The slow and witless zombies remind me of Plants VS. Zombies.

SK Anthony said...

That was so cool, Alex!

The Indie-Visible site has my interest! Must go check it out. ;)

M Pax said...

I avoid all things zombie and have since seeing Night of the Living Dead. Firefly is a great influence for everything, though. All success to Loni.

Cool of you to share your music, Alex. Nice.

Nicola said...

May the music live forever. Even though we Brits don't often use this word - awesome, Alex!
For Loni: I am not really a zombie person but as my husband is, I have watched them all. My favourite has to be Shaun of the Dead with Simon Pegg. Very entertaining :)
All the best!

Mina Burrows said...

That was awesome! I totally enjoyed your tune!. Well done!

I'm sorry I missed the Kargrandes posting. :( I'll try to get something up this weekend. Have a great rest of the week.

Lori - The Walking Dead would be my first recommendation, then Legend and possibly World Z.

Mason T. Matchak said...

Excellent playing! I have no musical talent, so I love hearing some of the amazing stuff people do. Thank you for sharing that. ^_^

Also, and somewhat incongruously: Zombie Influences is the name of my next band. :P

T.F. Walsh said...

You were fantastic... loved it. You're very talented.

klahanie said...

Hey Alex,

Thanks for the email. I greatly appreciated that. Especially while I'm still having computer issues.

So much info and before my computer freezes up, yet again, I want to let you know that your guitar playing was sublime. Nicely done, good sir.

Gary, who makes no mention of that alphabet challenge!

Ava Quinn said...

Awesome playing, Alex. I really enjoyed it! I have your tweets scheduled a few times.

Loni. I love Zombieland, except for the very end where they do a complete 180 on the girls' characters. They handed the guys their asses the whole movie, then all the sudden they make stupid decisions and have to be rescued by the boys? GAH! Shaun of the Dead is DEFINITELY worth watching. Hilarious (Simon Pegg). Plus some good satire.

DMS said...

What beautiful music. Thanks for sharing it with us!

I hadn't heard of Predestination- but it sounds fascinating. I saw Memento- but not Looper, but I still have a good idea of the type of movie it based on that comparison. I definitely want to see it.
~Jess

Cathrina Constantine said...

Great guitar picking!!!!

Jennifer Lane said...

Roland's new site sounds great and so does Predestination. I'm at the gym so won't play your guitar piece but hopefully later!

Leovi said...

I do not like zombies LOL!

Yolanda Renée said...

Caught your playing over on Jo's feed, great stuff!

Zombies and I don't get along at all anymore, too many nightmares involving the beasts!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mina, appreciate that.

Mason, that's cool.

Gary, thanks, and we hope you are back with us soon.

Ava, thank you!

Jess, you will like it.

Thanks, everyone! Glad you enjoyed my playing.

Unknown said...

Put me to shame, memo to self, more music practice! And thanks for your constant support, if only I had time to write the books, write the poetry - eighty next year, another note - will have to live longer :0)

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