ThunderAnt - Episode 1: "This Is Nice" (Stereogum Premiere)
We just told you Corin Tucker's been busy singing along with AT&T spokesman EdVed, but ever wonder what happened to Carrie Brownstein after Sleater-Kinney called it quits? Well, our favorite windmilling guitarist found a formidable partner of her own: SNL funny guy Fred Armisen. The duo, calling themselves ThunderAnt, are creating a series of videos they plan to unleash upon the world (some via Stereogum).
To mark the occasion, we asked ThunderAnt to comment. Armisen passed along the following, which he duly noted "Carrie approves/helped write":
For as long as Carrie and I have been friends we've talked about collaborating on some video projects. We found time in 2005 to film two shorts in Portland: "Boink!" and a piece about Portland bicycle activists that has yet to be released. We had such a great time working together that we wanted to write and shoot more. We had these ideas that didn't necessarily have punch lines or jokes, but they made us laugh, so we got our friends to help us put them together. There are more being written and edited right now and we'll eventually have a site for all the videos.What he doesn't mention: They also wrote the punchy theme music -- Fred on drums, Carrie on keyboards.
Ever the comedy/music hybrid, Armisen also appears on the new Les Savy Fav, has tracked bands at SXSW, directed a video for the Helio Sequence, and back in the day -- before imitating Prince or cymbal splashing as Fericito -- he was a monster drummer for Chicago punks Trenchmouth. Carrie? We all know about her guitar and vocal and etc. prowess, but check out her comic timing in ThunderAnt's first episode, "This Is Nice."
That's just the start. She especially shines in Episode 2, which comes straight to you from a Feminist Bookstore. It'll premiere on Stereogum in the near future. For now, dig this still.
Nice wig, Fred.
Armisen asked us to world premiere this new project for you discerning Stereogum readers, so bonus points if you keep your criticism constructive. If not, he's showing up at your place to take you on an awkward date.
Posted at 6:52 PM in Video
Tags: Carrie Brownstein | Fred Armisen | Sleater-Kinney
I thought it was nice!
Posted by: Tom at August 24, 2007 7:30 PM | ReplyScore = 0
That was nice.
Posted by: Sara at August 24, 2007 7:30 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Nice.
Posted by: Ben at August 24, 2007 8:06 PM | ReplyScore = 0
When they said "no punchline," they weren't kidding.
Posted by: Corey at August 24, 2007 8:23 PM | ReplyScore = 0
try and be nice.
Posted by: rastafarianlibrarian at August 24, 2007 8:40 PM | ReplyScore = 0
I like the theme song, it's like an old NES cartridge, and the video made me lol, which I don't often do when I'm alone. At the end I'm left imagining the whole thing taking place in a prozac-fueled anti-utopian world, too.
Posted by: tk. at August 24, 2007 8:41 PM | ReplyScore = 0
so why did sleater-kinney breakup? go!
Posted by: tom at August 24, 2007 9:03 PM | ReplyScore = 0
um...so guys - I started a thoughtful, homegrown internet radio station...it's kicking ass.
come hang out, stereogum/squarepusher picks run wild.
My best.
Seth
Posted by: KLOCradio.com at August 24, 2007 9:12 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Not bad, but I really wish Carrie was making new music.
Posted by: jljames at August 24, 2007 10:58 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Apologies to Fred, but he should stick to drums. I don't get him. Carrie Brownstein is still foxy as ever. Hooray!
Posted by: Christopher at August 25, 2007 1:44 AM | ReplyScore = 0
that was nice.
Posted by: Lauren at August 25, 2007 2:19 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Make it NICE brothers and sisters! Peace, Jason
Jason Frost
A&R Manager and Music Licensing Director
Posted by: Jason Frost of A Frosty J Productions (ASCAP) - http://FrostyJ.com at August 25, 2007 2:35 PM | ReplyA Frosty J Productions (ASCAP) - http://FrostyJ.com
- on Myspace our company's page - http://Myspace.com/FrostyJ
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Make it NICE brothers and sisters, and if you cannot at least make it NICE, then make it GOOD and BETTER. Peace, Jason Frost
Posted by: Jason Frost of A Frosty J Productions (ASCAP) - http://FrostyJ.com at August 25, 2007 2:38 PM | ReplyScore = 0
hah, awkward and funny...i've had a date where we both said this is nice, video made me laugh and cringe with recognition.. was lost for a second, though, when fred is first doing arm circles in front of carrie, but once it was clear was funny... loved her high five rebuff!!!
Posted by: monica at August 25, 2007 3:51 PM | ReplyScore = 0
I liked the first episode, the cuts were alittle too rapid in some areas in my opinion but overall I love the idea and the execution of it. Waiting in anticipation for Ep. 2
Posted by: Randy at August 25, 2007 4:16 PM | ReplyScore = 0
That was pleasant.
Posted by: Marla at August 25, 2007 8:43 PM | ReplyScore = 0
i looove you carrie!!!!
Posted by: yinsu at August 25, 2007 10:44 PM | ReplyScore = 0
You had me at the intro!
Posted by: GladGirl at August 26, 2007 12:55 AM | ReplyLoved the soundtrack and animation.
Of course Fred and Carrie can do no wrong in my book.
I'm a big fan of them both.
Keep up the fun and I can't wait for the next "Thunderant" project!
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randy i liked the cuts! i think they made it a little more awkward.
Posted by: mary at August 26, 2007 1:12 AM | Replydoes this remind any one else of the tv show spaced?
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no, but i do like spaced lots.
Posted by: jim at August 26, 2007 8:18 PM | ReplyScore = 0
oh fred. I think you are so neat. How can anyone not get you?
Posted by: mg at August 26, 2007 11:11 PM | ReplyScore = 0
That was needing to go somewhere. There needed to be more heightening of the stakes incorporating the "that's nice" with other activities of the date before Carrie's character just snaps or some other twist. That reminded me way too much of of an SNL sketch: one silly bit repeated until the laugh fades away.
Posted by: ImprovMFr at August 27, 2007 1:44 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Heh, love the theme music, and it's nice to see Carrie again. Looking forward to future episodes.
Posted by: wing at August 27, 2007 3:33 PM | ReplyScore = 0
This - is nice.
Posted by: Steven at August 30, 2007 1:56 AM | ReplyScore = 0
That was, in fact, not nice. Rather, it was not funny, and what's worse, boring. Also, the stop motion "moving around and hovering in a field" thing is getting a bit played out, and the Mates of State want their theme song back.
Posted by: I'm_Right at August 30, 2007 10:44 AM | ReplyScore = 0
um, oh well, you cant always be on point. but you realize that you and i and everyone else who watches this wont ever get there time back. so theres that.
Posted by: sarah at August 30, 2007 8:53 PM | ReplyScore = 0
It made me scared.
Posted by: JB at September 1, 2007 11:40 AM | ReplyScore = 0
I thought the concept of an awkward date was, well, nice, but felt the skit was missing something. Perhaps more facial expressions and body language (demonstrating awkwardness) could make up for the intentionally sparse dialogue. I liked the theme song! Would like to see more music video humor like Flight of the Concords. That is an awesome show, and I think there is room for more shows like that. I think Carrie and Fred have the music background to pull it off without it being too copycat.
Posted by: mesosoup at September 3, 2007 2:20 PM | ReplyScore = 0
we all get scared
Posted by: smoosie at September 5, 2007 2:47 PM | ReplyScore = 0
He was in Trenchmouth???? Really???? NO, Really???? I remember that band- do not remember him. No... Really?
Posted by: Zara at September 5, 2007 4:45 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Brilliant. Er, NICE!
Posted by: todd colby at September 27, 2007 9:14 PM | ReplyScore = 0
I worked at a feminist bookstore in Portland 10 yrs ago. This is totally not funny. Oh wait, yes it is.
Posted by: jEN at November 9, 2007 6:28 PM | ReplyScore = 0