The High Tech Low Life Podcast: A Cyberpunk Media Retrospective

We are back from a long Hiatus with Part 1 of our two-parter on William Gibson's Idoru, book 2 in the Bridge Trilogy.  This book delves into themes of celebrity, and how it effects those in it's orbit, while utilizing some classic gibson cyberpunk tropes and characters to tell a phenomenal story.  We are joined, once again, by Geoff from Astronomica to help us get into it.  

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Astronomica: http://www.astronomicapodcast.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Frustrating schedules remain in effect, but there was time this week to get together and bust out a tight 90 covering some current events, recommendos, and general podcast housekeeping, with a lot of digressions.  Were you curious what your hosts would talk about if their podcast had no structure whatsoever?  This is what you would get.  Hopefully some of you like it!

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

What is this a crossover episode? If you haven't  heard us talk about it on air, Creek of the Week is  basically Eric and Josh commenting over a randomly selected episode of Dawson's Creek, the infamous 90's WB sitcom.  We had limited time this week so we recorded a new one for funsies, and we are releasing it here because we think some of the subscribers to this feed might appreciate it.  If it isn't your bag, you can skip this one.  We still make a lot of 9/11 and handjob jokes either way.  Also a lot of Columbine in this one for some reason.

This week is a re release of one of our Patreon exclusive episodes in which we were joined by Geoff of Astronomica to watch the classic Japanese proto-cyberpunk film Burst City.  Recording it was a lot of fun, and I always wanted to get it out on the main feed, so no time like Summer Vacation to do just that.  It also has like 4 minutes of awkward solo-podcasting at the beginning to introduce it if you're into that.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Astronomica: http://astronomicapodcast.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This movie sucks.  Don't watch it. No matter how bad we are at podcasting, I can nearly guarantee that listening to us recap The Lawnmower Man is more entertaining (and shorter) than actually watching it.   We did our best to wring some joy out of that 122 minute slog.  Man, I'm really selling this one.  

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Escape from L.A. sure is something.  Is it something good?  Sort of.  Is it something bad?  Yeah, kinda that too.  You just have to take it for what it is, enjoy the ride, and check your uncanny valley at the door, because for all it's other faults and triumphs, the CGI is not pretty.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This week we return to the High Tech Low Life book club covering Halting State by Charles Stross.  In the near future a video game bank robbery opens an investigation into high financial crimes and international espionage.  Bit of a split decision on this one as one of us enjoyed the book and the other not so much.  We hash it out live to tape.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This week we continue recapping Blade Runner with our special Guest, Chris Mccoy.  Time for Deckard to start shooting some replicants, and time for Roy to start delivering some legendary monologues (and maybe break a few fingies).

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Astronomica: http://www.astronomicapodcast.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

What better way to celebrate 50 episodes than by finally covering one of cyberpunk's most revered properties?  If you are listening to this podcast you don't need me to summarize Blade Runner here, needless to say that Ridley Scott sure can make a movie.  I think that guy has a future in this town.  We are joined this week by actual professional movie critic, writer, musician and fellow podcaster Chris Mccoy to whom we are immeasurably thankful for donating so much of his time.  Thanks for 50 episodes!

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Astronomica: http://www.astronomicapodcast.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

How can a movie be cyberpunk, horror, buddy cop, comedy, and action movie all at once?  I don't know, but Split Second manages to pull it off.  Rutger Hauer gives an incredible performance as Harley Stone, the hard boiled cop living on chocolates, coffee, and anxiety, hunting his partner's killer: an Alien/Venom/Satan monster.  It's an insane movie, and it immediately captured the hearts of everyone at the High Tech Low Life podcast.  Please enjoy.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This week, Ben from the Pink Fohawk podcast sits down with us to discuss a movie that may have slipped under your radar but perhaps shouldn't: Cherry 2000.  Basically Cherry 2000 is a sex bot, Sam Treadwell's sex bot.  When a heated moment of passion in laundry water renders her body inoperable, Sam takes her memory chip, and sets out into the wastelands of the American Southwest to find a Cherry 2000 body and bring his beloved back to life.  Once he's in the desert stuff really starts to get wild.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Pink Fohawk: https://pinkfohawk.podbean.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Vibes.  Sometimes something just has cyberpunk vibes, even if it's really more of a whodunnit mystery in a Scandinavian winter.  We're gonna cover it anyway, what are you a cop?  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is both a good movie, and an incredibly uncomfortable movie.   It's simultaneously cozy and utterly revolting.  It's both fun to talk about on a podcast, and a minefield that two such as us probably would have been better off not crossing.  Nevertheless, here we stand amidst the unexploded ordinance, asking you the audience to simply listen, and attempt not to judge too harshly.  

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This week we are once again joined by Geoff from the Astronomica podcast to finish our deep dive into Virtual Light, William Gibson's first book in the acclaimed Bridge Trilogy.  If you need a recap of part 1, I really don't know what to tell you, you should probably go listen to that first.  If you are insistent in pushing on just know that there are some dudes, a lady, a bridge, and a pair of sunglasses. 

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Astronomica: http://astronomicapodcast.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Virtual Light is the first book of William Gibson's Bridge Trilogy.  A naive ex cop and a spikey-haired courier get into hijinks on the Golden Gate Bridge turned squatter's haven. Your hosts have read it, and plan to talk about it, with the help of Geoff from the Astronomica Podcast.  This first part will give our initial impressions and introduce the main characters, the full recap will happen in Part 2.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Astronomica: http://astronomicapodcast.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Willem Dafoe and Christopher Walken in a movie written by William Gibson?  It has to be amazing, right?  There's no way that trio wouldn't come up with a banger.  Well, unfortunately all that glitters is not necessarily gold as New Rose Hotel doesn't really deliver on anything.  A good short story and a few good performances do not, a movie, make.  We watched it, however, and we are going to give our many complaints, and maybe a little faint praise.  We also pad time with a whole mess of recommendos.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This week Sean Faust is back to help us dissect Tron: Legacy, and for possibly the first time ever on this podcast we have a house divided. Some of the hosts loved the movie, and some didn't care for it at all.  You won't know who is who unless you listen!  How do you like that clickbait, internet rubes?! 

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Sean Faust: https://linktr.ee/seanfaustmusic

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Charlize Theron is many wonderful things, but Aeon Flux, she is not.  The 2005 film adaption of the 90's animated series attempts to capture the magic, but falls short due to a number of things, including studio interferance.  This week we talk about what went so drastically wrong and what could have been done to at least make this thing watchable.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

In 1991 Peter Chung created an animated series for a late night MTV anthology series called Liquid Television.  It was artistic, weird, and most of all... super horny.  As young teens, your hosts of course were instantly enthralled.  Thirty some years later we have returned to watch it with adult eyes and as it turns out, we are still pretty enthralled.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This week we are recapping the iconic 60's sci-fi novel by Philip K. Dick.  Yeah, the one that Bladerunner is based on.  In an incredibly bleak dystopian future, Rick Deckard has to kill a bunch of androids so he can get himself a new farm animal.  First he just had to deal with this damn "empathy" thing that makes him feel bad about murder-copping his way through San Francisco.  

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

In the dystopian future the kids are so out of control that the only way to keep them from killing each other is with military grade robotic teachers.  When the teachers' AI goes berserk and starts killing students, it will be up to the kids to take back their school, if only they can put their own differences aside first.  Big thanks to Stardaddy Stan from the Astronomica podcast for riding shotgun and manning the mortar tubes as we drive this puppy to school.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Astronomica: http://astronomicapodcast.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Imagine a hotel for professional criminals.  Now imagine that hotel is actually a hospital.  Now imagine that hotel/hospital is staffed only by Jodie Foster and Dave Bautista.  That's basically Hotel Artemis.  A little cyberpunkish film from 2018 that really slipped through the cracks of all the huge summer blockbusters it was up against that year.  Turns out, it's kind of a good time. 

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Sometimes movies surprise you.  Sometimes you're sitting down expecting to watch a pile of garbage get set on fire on the screen, and instead you watch a pile of garbage animated into a beautiful dance that you can't take your eyes off of.  Nemesis is riddled with flaws, but despite them all, it's an incredibly enjoyable and fun film.  I won't bore you with a synopsis, just know that Thomas Jane is in this movie, and never once wears a stitch of clothing.  That should sell it.  Big thanks to Sean Faust for joining us on this one! 

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Sean Faust: https://linktr.ee/seanfaustmusic

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

In the year 20__, Theodore is a lonely man in a lonely world spending too much time on his computer.  Then he purchases Samantha, a new AI Operating System with a fun personality and a sexy voice, which leads to him spending too much time ON his computer.   It's a real situationship between Man & Machine, in a world without belts.  That's Spike Jone's Her.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Last week set the stage, this week we dive deep.  Ancient sumerian myths, the bicameral mind, sword fights, and some suuuuper problematic sex stuff.  We talk about it, we hash it out, some of it we really love, some of it we viscerally hate, but that's Snow Crash for ya.  Thanks, once again, to Geoff from the Astronomica podcast for joining us on this sleigh ride.  Get it?  Cuz snow?  You get it.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Astronomica: http://astronomicapodcast.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

I don't even know where to start on a summary of Snow Crash.  Basically imagine a book about what the world's biggest dork would think was cool.  That's a start.  This book contains multitudes, good and bad, so we are giving it two parts.  The first one sets the scene, describes the world, and introduces the characters.  The second one will get real weird. Also, we have a special guest! Geoff from the Astronomica podcast joins us to discuss the many highs and lows of Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Astronomica: http://astronomicapodcast.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This week's podcast starts with a pretty heavy intro discussion, then abruptly segues into our recap of one of the dumbest movies I've seen in years.  Cyborg is about a muscly man (who is not a cyborg), trying to protect a woman (who is a cyborg) so she can get to Atlanta and cure the plague ravaging the world.  The cyber is minimal, the punk is minimal, the plot is minimal, but there are a LOT of abs, pecs, and thighs.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

In the year 2058, a racially ambiguous mercenary (Vin Diesel) is hired by a very French sexual harrasser (Gerard Depardieu) to smuggle a young girl (Melanie Thierry) and her Warrior Nun bodyguard (Michelle Yeoh) across the Bering Strait and into America. Pretty cool setup, right?  I know I'm intrigued!  Surely this will payoff big time!  Spoiler alert:  They do not.  Another spoiler alert:  Things get really Jesusy.

This week ya boys watch and recap 2008's Babylon A.D.  A clustersuck of a film with a lot of good ideas that go absolutely nowhere.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

In the near future, a Tokyo slum is about to be bulldozed to make way for a Nuclear Power plant.  The wasted and forgotten gangs of mutants and youths that live there are the only thing that can stop local business interests and Yakuza from destroying their home.  Their strongest weapon: Punk Rock.

Burst City is a proto-cyberpunk art film from 1982 that is violent, offensive, and above all, very very loud.  It has been cited as inspiration from a number of western artists, and is pretty clearly an influence on the cyberpunk genre itself.  Love it or hate it, you won't forget it.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

We recorded this because the survivors no longer envy the dead.

This week's podcast is cruising into unknown territory with our first music review.  We picked Unicorn, the latest album by the popular synth-wave band: Gunship, and though it may have started out a little rocky, I think we found our stride and ended up making a pretty good episode.  If you're new to synth wave, maybe this will whet your whistle.  If you're a hardcore fan, well, feel free to tell us what we got wrong.  Either way, hope you enjoy something a little different.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

There's a slight possibility we bit off more than we could chew this week as we attempt to cover the 9 hour adaptation of the highly regarded manga: Pluto.  Join us as we recap what we understood about the show, and try to make sense of what we didn't, all while keeping it to a nice, tight 150.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

With the earth gets too polluted, and too full of poors, the rich fly off to their heaven-in-low-orbit: Elysium, to... do whatever rich people do in space.  Inject children's blood?  I don't know I'm broke as hell, but I do know that only robo Matt Damon can save us from this dystopia...  Matt Damon and Pablo Escobar.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

You've probably seen it, you probably love it, you don't need us to tell you how good it is, but maybe you need us to recap it scene by scene and make commentary on each little bit of it?  Yeah?  Sound like fun? Escape From New York may not be traditional cyberpunk, but the vibes and inspiration are very much there, and much of what the genre came to be might not exist without ol' Snake Plissken being a model post apocalyptic anti hero. 

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This episode we recap and review the novel Trouble And Her Friends by Melissa Scott.  Imagine what you thought the internet would be like in 2060, but you're imagining it in 1994.  The glorious dream that died a slow death throughout the mid aughts is alive and well in this book that, though it may not get everything right, does really capture a certain vibe that some of us dearly miss. Also, it's super gay!

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Through all the minutes of all the episodes of the Johnny Mnminute podcast, not one of them is actually dedicated to the source material that the movie was based on.  We rectify that situation this week with our in-depth recap of the original Johnny Mnemonic short fiction from the Burning Chrome anthology.  See the origin story of your buddies Johnny, Molly/Jane, Ralfi, Lewis (who?), Dog (wtf?), and the rest! Ascend with us through Nighttown and we'll see you on the killing floor.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

In the filthy, destitute future, crime runs rampant, and only the thin red X stands between the citizenry and criminal scum that seeks to exploit them.  The "thin red X" in this context being Judges, and one Judge in particular: Judge Dredd.  Dredd loves the law.  Like REALLY loves the law.  Sound problematic?  Yeah, we talk about all that.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

In post-climate disaster Miami, a memory-dealer hawks nostalgia to people too desperate for the past to look toward the future.  When one customer leaves her mark on his heart, and her earring on his machine, he falls down a rabbit hole of drugs, deception, and wet, wet, watery wetness, that can only end in well... probably water.   Anyway whether knowingly or not this movie lays the schmaltz on thick, some HTLL hosts kind of enjoy it, some really don't.  Tune in to find out which is which!

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

We set the stage last week, this week we make a valiant attempt to recap a very long novel in a tight 90 minutes.  Spoiler alert:  We fail.  But we do our best to bring you the tale of Marid Audran and his adventures in the Budayeen, and add our own thoughts, opinions, and insights into the story.  Once again with special guest, Mike the Sailing Guy!

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

It's another book episode!  When Gravity Fails tells the story of Marid Audran, a hustler trying to make it in the unforgiving streets of The Budayeen.   While just trying to make a buck, Marid finds himself witness to a murder, which sets him on his first steps down a rabbit hole leading to international espionage, sadistic murders, and hopefully a little cash if he plays his cards right.  In Part 1 we set the stage for the book, talk about the themes, and ask the immortal question: What IS cyberpunk?

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

We heard you liked goo, and lots of moist sucking and crunching sounds?  Baby we got you!  This week is David Cronenberg's weird 1999 biopunk film: Existenz.  Basically a celebrity video game designer is on the run through virtual reality worlds of her own creation, but that's not really an accurate synopsis.   It's weird, and gross, and pretty fun, if confusing.  So... enjoy!

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

After an Artificial Intelligence designed for a Police training simulation goes rogue, the only hope to capture him is an ex-cop turned convict named Parker Barnes, currently serving life... for murder. Sounds a lot cooler than it is.  This is a very standard, somewhat boring 90's action movie with a little bit of a cyberpunk skin wrapped around it.  We both remembered it with fondness, but that fondness was shot in the face upon revisiting it, much the same way Russel Crowe would shoot an activist for immigrant rights in the face for no reason.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Dade is a hacker with a notorious past, but all that is behind him as he moves across the country and starts school in NYC.  However, an online encounter with a mysterious hacker draws him into a world of intrigue, camraderie, and some of the craziest fashion choices you've ever seen.  Also Fisher Stevens spends a lot of time on a skateboard, which is pretty cool.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

The HTLL main feed remains on summer break, but so as not to leave our listeners completely high and dry, here is a taste of the many delights that await you on our Patreon.  This is our initial discovery and reaction to the film Cyber Vengeance, it is candid and relatively unedited, so if you aint into that, then feel free to take a pass on this one.  If, however, you want to witness the horrors unfold, then listen-on!

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

The exciting finale of the podcast covering the exciting finale of the book dictating the exciting finale of the Sprawl Trilogy is upon you!  Mona, Angie, Kumiko, and Slick Henry find themselves in a tight spot, will they get out?  How much blood will be shed in the process?  Will murderous robots be involved?  You might be surprised at the answers!  Or not, if you've read the book, which I kind of hope you have after coming this far.  

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This week we tackle the first half (ish) of the final novel in William Gibson's Sprawl trilogy: Mona Lisa Overdrive.  Mona is a down on her luck teenage prostitute looking to get out of her awful insect-infested life in Florida.  On the opposite end of the spectrum, Angela is the hottest sim star on the screen (?).  Kumiko is the daughter of a Yakuza boss, exiled to London while her father fights a gang war, and Slick Henry is an ex con with a special kind of PTSD, and a knack for building battle bots.  What do these characters have to do with each other?  Well, if you have 4 hours or so, we would be happy to tell you about it, starting with Part 1.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

In the mean streets of Night City, a kid can't survive on wits alone, he needs chrome.  And when David gets his hands on a military grade implant, he doesn't hesitate to start his new life as an Edgerunner.  Augmentation, however, is addictive, and if the road isn't travelled carefully it can have violent repercussions.  This week Josh and Eric watch, recap, and SPOIL THE CRAP out of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.  For real, spoiler alerts.  If this show is on your list and you don't like spoilies, maybe wait on this episode.  But otherwise, hop on in "choom".  Did I say that right?

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

In a dystopian future, private prison corporations merge with high tech virtual reality companies to form the ultimate in for-profit incarceration.  One man takes pity on the poor condemned inmates, and by combining his love of VR video games and his knowledge of history, will take on these corrupt powers, from inside the machine.  Sounds pretty cool when you write it out huh?  Unfortunately that's where the coolness ends.  Cyber Vengeance is a terrible straight-to-video movie from the 90's that we dug up and are here to review for the good of all mankind. 

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

After being discovered in a scrap pile and reassembled by a kindly cyberdoc, Alita, a super-sophisticated cyborg berserker, struggles to remember her origin, navigate new relationships, and combat various threats plaguing those she cares about.  All while motorballing her way to destiny.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Imagine a movie where a tanned and muscled man with a European accent and a robotic personality has to protect a young woman from an unstoppable killing machine from another time.  They travel across the American Southwest and engage in a series of gun fights and brawls, killing cops and civilians along the way.  No, it isn't that movie... it's Universal Soldier!  We talk about it.  For a long time.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

For our big tenth episode, we are watching an absolutely key piece of cyberpunk media: Ghost In The Shell.   Cyborg smoke show Major Kusanagi Motoko struggles with her humanity after witnessing a man's life be erased before his eyes.  Thankfully, the architect of that erasure is there to guide her down a new path that's not quite human, but not quite machine either.

We are excited to be joined this week by Geoff from the Astronomica podcast to help us break down this anime classic.  Check out his links below.

http://www.astronomicapodcast.com

http://twitter.com/astronomicapod

http://twitter.com/planx_constant 

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This week we continue our discussion on the second half of William Gibson's Count Zero.  Introductions of the main characters have been made, now it's time to dive deep into the sprawl, learn it's secrets, and hear our thoughts on how it all shakes out.  Obvious spoiler alert.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

Count Zero is the second book in William Gibson's sprawl trilogy, and it is our second attempt to cover a book on this podcast.  Turns out, it takes a little longer than a 2 hour movie, so we split this one in half.  This week, after some current events talk, we Introduce you to Turner, Marly, and the titular Count Zero, and recap their adventures in the first half of the novel.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

A Disney classic on High Tech Low Life? In the near... past?  A video arcade owner hacks into the mainframe of his ex-employer, looking for the paydata that proves he is the rightful creator of the world's most popular video game.  Unfortunately the artificial intelligence running security for the mega corp has other ideas, and transports our hero into the machine, where he discovers a world of programs being oppressed by the fascist A.I.  Sounds pretty cyberpunk when you put it that way, right?

Special guest: Sean Faust 

https://seanfaust.bandcamp.com/

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

In the near future, a technophobe and his wife find themselves the victims of a brutal attack that leaves him paralyzed, and his wife dead.  Soon, however, he is able to seek revenge after the gift of an incredible spinal implant that seems to have a mind of its own.  In this episode we break down the film Upgrade, and give our opinions on the choices, and lack of choices, made by the filmmaker.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

The thrilling conclusion of our dive into the 80's dystopia that was Max Headroom: 20 Minutes Into the Future has your hosts cramming two seasons of bonkers-insane television into 5 days, then attempting to record their thoughts amidst the worst technical difficulties of their 7 year podcasting careers.  Don't worry though, we powered through and delivered on a subject that we both went into fairly ignorant, and came out the other side as big fans.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This week we watch Max Headroom: 20 Minutes Into The Future, originally airing on the UK's Channel 4.  Hotshot reporter Edison Carter is pursuing a story that could get his own bosses in trouble.  However, an accident while on location renders him temporarily comatose, which gives the 14 year old mad scientist at his network a chance to upload his consciousness to a computer, and Max Headroom is born.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

This week we dive into the 1995's version of 1999 in the movie Strange Days directed by Kathryn Bigelow.  The movie follows an ex-cop turned memory-dealer, Lenny, who is sucked into a murder cover-up when a friend gives him the recording of a high-profile black musician being executed by a cop. Lenny attempts to get to the bottom of the situation while dealing with his own demons, all while the city of L.A. is a powder keg of racial tension and end-of-the-millennium fervor.  Unfortunately still relevant 28 years later.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

The second half of our deep dive into the world of Neuromancer talks about the origins of the author, how the book would go on to influence science fiction, and how the dystopia of Gibson's sprawl compares to our modern dystopia.  We also give the book a rating as if we have any authority to do so.  The audacity.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media. Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table. In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com

In this inaugural episode of High Tech Low Life, we begin with one of the most seminal works of cyberpunk fiction: Neuromancer.  In Part 1 we introduce ourselves before recapping the plot and characters of the book.

The High Tech Low Life Podcast is a retrospective of cyberpunk fiction across all forms of media.  Film, Television, Literature, Games, and Music are all on the table.  In each episode we will revisit the property, it's influences, it's prescience, and enshrine it in the chrome and neon halls of Neo Valhalla.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/johnny60seconds

Patreon: http://patreon.com/hightechlowlife

Theme music by http://www.nihilore.com