By Lyle Bateman
Contributing Writer, [GAS]

Geeks love music, and proof is in the incredible sales of games like Guitar Hero. But even then, it’s rare that a song comes along that is both eminently geeky and eminently musical, and I can’t think of a better way to describe “Code Monkey” by Jonathan Coulton. Anyone who has spent any time doing professional computer work will find something to relate to in this song, and more than just being a song with catchy lyrics, the whole thing really is a technical masterpiece. From the animation, through the music, the video for Code Monkey is incredibly well done. The use of the anime background, and the wonderfully precise cuts and rhythm are as impressive as the music that lays on top. In the classic world of copyright, a video like this is VERY hard to make, and its quality and relevance is a testament to the whole notion of an intellectual marketplace of ideas.

However, Coulton licenses all his music through Creative Commons to encourage sharing and derivative work – like the animation to this video. I dare you to listen to Code Monkey and NOT hum it to yourself later on in the day. I am writing this because, after a friend turned me on to this song the other day, I can’t get the darn thing out of my head, so I am hoping to share the misery. I only have one other thing to say to all the rest of you out there … “Code Monkey likes Fritos …”