Biography of The Crystal Method
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L.A.'s Crystal Method have been referred to as America's answer to the Chemical Brothers. A dance-based electronic duo with a definite rock band feel, the comparison would seem appropriate, although it tends to erase what makes the group distinct: a solid base in American hip-hop, rock, soul, and pop. Formed in 1993 by Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, Crystal Method is the most recent stop in a string of projects that led them from their native Las Vegas (and some forgettable four-track stabs at vocal house music), to the early-'90s L.A. rave scene. Drawn in by its youthful idealism, Jordan and Kirkland became absorbed by L.A.'s underground club culture and began knocking out tracks inspired by their experiences. On the strength of one of their demos, Crystal Method signed to Steve Melrose and Justin King's City of Angels imprint in 1994, and their debut single, "Keep Hope Alive," appeared soon after. The title was in reference to L.A.'s waning rave scene (burdened by constant police pressure and a string of random violent incidents) and became something of an anthem due to the endless barrage of remixes and alternate versions that appeared. The pair's demand to be taken seriously as a band (as opposed to the enforced anonymity of most techno acts, and something of a new concept for American dance producers) extended to incessant live performances, and Crystal Method's increasing popularity both in the clubs and among radio jocks led to a deal with Geffen affiliate Outpost Recordings in 1996. The group's debut LP, Vegas -- an unabashed party record bathed in acid, funk, rock, and big beat hip-hop -- appeared in mid-1997 and sold very well. The follow-up Tweekend was released four years later, and the duo inaugurated a series of mix albums (Community Service) in 2002. Third album Legion of Boom followed in 2004. ~ Sean Cooper
Biography of Jack Black
No biography available
Biography of Robert Downey, Jr.
Actor Robert Downey Jr. was born on April 4, 1965, in New York City to underground filmmaker Robert Downey and Elsie Ford. Downey Jr. first acted at the age of five as a puppy in his father's film Pound and would go on to act in five of his father's features. He attended Santa Monica High School, but never graduated. Before he was a member of the Saturday Night live cast for the 1985-1986 season, Robert Downey Jr. worked as a waiter in New York City and claims to have once served peppermint tea to Sting. His early film work also included a role in 1972's Greaser's Palace. Downey rose to prominence in such 1980s films as Weird Science, Back to School, and Less Than Zero. It was on the set of his 1982 film Firstborn that he met Sarah Jessica Parker with whom he has a long-term relationship. Robert Downey Jr.'s breakthrough performance was his Oscar-nominated turn as Charles Chaplin in Sir Richard Attenborough's 1992 film Chaplin. His acting work has included an Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning guest-starring role on Fox's Ally McBeal and the films Wonder Boys, Bowfinger, and U.S. Marshalls. Robert Downey Jr.'s career as an actor is well-documented, as are his run-ins with the legal authorities and the judicial system. What is not well-known by those not among his die-hard fans, is that he has significant musical talent. Robert Downey Jr. has performed a large number of songs in his films, including "Star-Spangled Banner" from the Heart and Souls soundtrack, "You Don't Know Me" from Two Girls and a Guy, "Carla" from Friends and Lovers, "I'm Just a Lonely Boy" and "Blues Suede Shoes" from The Pick-up Artist, and "The Perfect Tree" from Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. His musical performances on Ally McBeal are among his best known: Bob Seger's "Chances Are" with Vonda Shepard, "White Christmas" with Calista Flockhart, and "Sherry Darling." Robert Downey Jr. has also written some original songs, including "Too Much Sun" from the film of the same name and "Snake" from Two Girls and a Guy. His only properly released musical material, aside from film and TV soundtracks, was a 1993 EP of "Smile" from the Chaplin soundtrack. The song "Smile" is an original composition by the legendary early filmmaker with lyrics written by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons. "Smile" had previously been a hit for Nat King Cole and can be found on Capitol's Nat King Cole retrospective box set. Robert Downey Jr.'s version is more of a reinterpretation than was Cole's, with more of a modern ambient, techno sound to it. A Very Ally Christmas includes his versions of "The River" and "White Christmas." Ally McBeal: For Once in My Life features Robert Downey Jr. on its cover and "Chances Are," a surprising cover of Downey's own "Snakes," and a fun duet of "Every Breath You Take" with former restaurant customer Sting (which appeared in an episode of the show). Downey Jr. performed with Sting at a benefit in Los Angeles shortly before his legal troubles. His work has shown more potential than accomplishment, in part because it has not received his full attention. It is easy to imagine a Robert Downey Jr. album being intriguing, if songs and a producer are chosen deliberately. ~ JT Griffith
Biography of Ben Stiller
No biography available
Biography of Steve Coogan
No biography available
Biography of Brandon Jackson
No biography available
Biography of Nick Nolte
No biography available
Biography of Danny McBride
No biography available
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