Photos: Nathan Fridley

There is something really romantic and independent about suffering to hear music. It feeds into our perceptions of the artist as martyr, of the devoted fan who is so into "the real" they'll will endure great extremes to obtain it. A lust for authenticity produces sneers from the crowd-- "Air conditioning? Whatever! All we need is THE MUSIC." But as every New York City July proves to be even hotter than the last, I have to ask myself... just how willing am I to suffer for art? On July 16th, at the un-air conditioned Market Hotel, I gained a crumb of an answer.

Hola, crime fans, and welcome back to the Crime Blotter! You know, with all the excitement this election year over the possibility of the United States having its first black or woman president - JUST THINK! - not too long ago, black people and women weren’t even allowed to vote. So we’ve come pretty damn far, folks. But sometimes I wonder if it’s enough. Maybe it’s time for a candidate who represents all races, and all genders. Oh yeah, you know who I’m talking about: Michael Jackson! How cool would that be? I predict that one of President Jacko’s fist actions in office would be to make Beat It the national anthem. Plus, every American citizen would be guaranteed his or her own troupe of dancing zombies. Epic win! Of course, no presidency is without it downsides. I can see how appointing Bubbles the Chimp as Secretary of Defense might raise a few eyebrows. And that whole “No Child Left Untouched Act” thing will definitely need a good reworking. On second thought, screw it, let’s just elect Oprah. She could buy off all the terrorists and dictators of the world with brand new convertibles! Hey, speaking of terror, the Crime Blotter is where each week, we take a look at Brooklyn’s villains, good guys, victims, dumb asses and straight up crazies. After the jump: Enjoy The Silence…

photos courtesy Dario Sbrana

Last Friday, the leaders of Brooklyn's DIY scene, kings of underground venues, invaded Music Hall of Williamsburg for the release of Ninjasonik's Tight Pants EP.  Oh, you bet your ass I was there.

For the current generation of people raised on video games, there is a new art in scoring soundtracks. They involve joysticks and interactivity. Man with a million side projects, Mike Patton, discusses the evolution. [A.V. Club]

How big are video games and music? Axl Rose might release the first single from the gazillion years in the making Chinese Democracy on one. Mr. Rose takes no responsibility in bankrupting the entire industry with his big, stupid record. He's going to blow everyone's head off and cut the concert early if you bitch. This is in the video game, of course. Axl Rose is pretty out of shape now. [Idolator]

Brett Michaels, of 80s pop mockers Poison, blasts more bimbos with STDs in his video game...um, show, Rock of Love. This time, he's taking them on tour. The apocalypse is upon us. Wheeee! [VH1]

Tonight, Brooklyn Radio returns to Brooklyn Bridge Park for their Movies With A View series. On the big screen: the sci-fi classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. On the turntables: DJ Oneman of the Trustus League  supplying the outer space soundtrack until sundown. Last week, we had over 5,000 people. Get there early to snag a spot on the lawn, a bite to eat from Rice, and a chance to win some cool prizes. Click here for the remaining July schedule.