Songbird
Dec
29
Two for one film reviews
Filed Under Film Box | 2 Comments
I’ve been wholly neglectful of my reviews, and for that I apologize. Reading a film review so far late in the game doesn’t really help most people out there. I only hope maybe those that don’t see these in theaters will catch them on DVD in the near future. My first review, well both of them really, is fairly difficult as it needs a preface of sorts. I always try to take a movie on what it gives the audience. I try not to get wrapped up with outside forces or current events or how well it adapted a book I’ve read. I’m doing the same to these following reviews however much I might want to get up on my soapbox.
Milk
I love Gus Van Sant of course. He has this relaxed air about his films, the actors are definitely king on his set. This much is most likely obvious to even the average movie-goer. I discovered him without realizing who it was when I watched My Own Private Idaho, and of course again with Good Will Hunting. I was even along for the ride with the brilliant, yet difficult to watch, ‘death trilogy’. So, like all my favorite directors, when I realized he was going to direct my favorite asshole Mr. Penn, I was quite titillated.
I say Sean Penn is my favorite asshole because he is a gigantic asshole. Have you seen him in interviews? It’s actually funny. Damnit the man can act, though. I really don’t know anyone else that changes so much from role to role. This is the same guy that was in Dead Man Walking and Fast Times at Ridgemont High? As I said, the actor is king on Van Sant’s set, Penn is not the only that flourishes. Each and every one of the guys on screen so exuded the time and place, not to mention their character as a real life human being. I think aside from Milk himself, James Franco’s Scott Smith I felt the most connection with. Their relationship on screen was almost heartbreaking to see unfold, but the love between them was palpable which is something difficult when working with a beautiful member of the opposite sex let alone… well Franco is pretty damn hot. As method actors, were they gay during shooting? Am I gay?
Similar to the Titanic, I knew how this one was going to end. I didn’t mind, though. I really enjoyed getting to know Harvey Milk. I’m sorry to see that his battle was only the tip of the beginning, but what a beginning. This story, like other great men or women that changed history, show us how powerful we really are as individuals. We are truly greater than anything anyone else believes us to be, including the government of our local municipality, city, county, state and country. Harvey Milk is a hero in my book and definitely deserved to have his story told in the medium of the day. See it if, especially if man-flesh bothers you.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Damn you David Fincher. He’s the director for the uninitiated. Damn you for getting so much right. Damn you Brad Pitt. He’s the old guy that ages backward. Damn you for getting everything right.
I’m upset because I walked out of the film knowing I had enjoyed it, knowing I had attached myself to the characters, knowing I might have learned something, but also knowing it wasn’t quite as good as it thought it was. Let me start by saying it’s a seamless film, wonderfully executed by all parties. The script was smart, if a bit heavy, and didn’t take the audience for granted. It was long, but I didn’t really feel it. It had all these things going for it, so why didn’t I adoringly, unabashedly and other words that end in -ly love the dickens out of this?
The answer is: I’m not sure. It’s much like the infamous line, I love you, but I’m not in love with you. I think I would see this again, just to marvel at the many things I did love about it. The craft of the film is something to behold. And there were many sequences and people he meets that I did adoringly love. I think the closest thing I can compare it to I mentioned earlier – Titanic. All the parts are there: great crew, great cast, great story… but where is Titanic now? It’s a statistic unfortunately, forgotten. This is a really good film, and should be seen, but it will be forgotten and that is why I damn… that is why…
Dec
29
A Little Update
Filed Under News & Info. | 2 Comments
I enjoyed my 4 days off. It was glorious and I did nothing! It was awesome. Unfortunately the blog has been a little neglected. I will be back later tonight with some actual music. And maybe I can persuade Pip to post about some movies he saw over the weekend. Till then, have a great day!
Dec
23
Contrast Podcast Festive Fifty
Filed Under Music Mix Up | 2 Comments
I am compiling a list of some of my favorite songs of 2008 unfortunately it is taking me a little while… Plus I have so many I think I may have to do something different this year. We will see. Expect that over the Holidays.
I have not participated in the Contrast Podcast for quite some time but when I heard Tim was going to do the Festive Fifty I decided to jump on it. The Festive Fifty is awesome because quite frankly I had some catching up to do, it got me to sit down and listen to some tracks I had previously ignored or just had not gotten to yet. When Tim asked if I would be open to introducing one of the songs, I thought what the hell!
Then he told me what song it was… Devotchka. My first thought was, have I even heard their band name pronounced? No… Shit. Research time. It pretty much sounds just as it is spelled but it still got me nervous. Anyways, go wander over to the Contrast Podcast and check out Part 1 and then Part 2 of Festive Fifty. I know you will enjoy. :-)
#32 on the CP’s Festive Fifty List:
A Mad Faithful Telling 2008 (Anti)
P.S. Happy Hanukkah!
Dec
19
Favorite Albums of 2008
Filed Under Album Picks, The Lists | 6 Comments
I wasn’t sure I would get through it, there was some anguish and a little squirming but this is simply because I am terribly indecisive. This year was filled with some amazing debut albums and some solid albums from some of the great veterans. The following list is in no particular order and I do hope you enjoy. Thanks to Scott for helping me with the above image, he did in 10 min what I could do in 2 hours.
Santogold (Lizard King Records)
mp3: My Superman
Santogold’s debut was so diverse, each song adds yet another layer to the album. It was so difficult to choose a favorite song, there is something for everyone on this album. You can bet I will be enjoying it for years to come.
For Emma, Forever Ago (Jagjaguwar)
mp3:Â Flume
I realize Bon Iver will be present on many lists, it is no surprise. It should not be left out because it is popular. It is an awesome album and one worthy to be included on as many lists as possible. I fall in love with it a little more with each listen.
Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down (Cherry Tree Records)
mp3:Â Hold My Hand As I’m Lowered
I came to know Noah and the Whale last year around this time through fellow mp3 blogger To Die By Your Side. They will charm you with their dark acoustic folk. This album should definitely be heard from the beginning to the end, it was so difficult choosing a favorite to share, it is all so good.
Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust (Beggars XL)
mp3: Innà mér syngur vitleysingur
The majestic sounds of this amazing Icelandic band continue to inspire on this fifth full length album. Sigur Ros never seems to disappoint. There is no other word to describe it other than: beautiful.
The Midnight Organ Fight (Fat Cat Records)
mp3:Â The Modern Leper
I love The Midnight Organ Fight. Frightened Rabbit have a sound entirely their own with hazy rock accompanying singer Scott Hutchison belting out dark, honest lyrics. This album is so very well done.
mp3:Â Metal Heart
When I hear Chan Marshall sing I can’t function… She infuses so much soul into every one of her songs. This album is filled with Chan Marshall’s interpretation of some long loved songs and as always it is fantastic. ***I know I have posted this song before but unfortunately I can not post one of her covers without getting an email or threat from the Web Sheriff…
Parc Avenue (Secret City Records)
This Canadian born band definitely got my attention with their full length debut. This album is filled with 70’s rock inspired pop that you can’t help but dance to.
mp3: Lost Coastlines
The Stand Ins is the sequel to last years The Stage Names. This album really grew on me, at first I thought it had one or two great songs on it but upon further listen the album as a whole is memorable with creative novelistic lyrics and toe tapping indie rock.
House With No Home (Kill Rock Stars)
mp3:Â Â Curs In The Weeds
This second album from this brother and sister duo is brilliant. It is an album filled with hushed vocals and gorgeous acoustic melodies that are so delicate. It is really a pleasure all the way through.
Friendly Fires (XL Recordings)
mp3:Â Jump In The Pool
This album was another excellent surprise, this UK based band busted on the scene with their soaring pop and funky grooving debut. This album is brilliant from top to bottom.
Dec
17
Still Working…
Filed Under Music Mix Up | 3 Comments
I am halfway done with my fav list, but I still have some more work to do. I spent too much time fucking around with a graphic tonight… It was stupid, I will never get those couple of hours back. Meanwhile, I looked up and it is almost midnight so in the mean time listen to a little diddy from Frightened Rabbit.
mp3: It’s Christmas So We’ll Stop
Frightened Rabbit (Fat Cat Records)
Dec
15
Update
Filed Under News & Info. | Leave a Comment
Currently working on my Favorite of 2008 lists and trying to get through all the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season. Should be back tomorrow with something that I have pulled out of my hat!
Hope everyone here in LA is enjoying the winter rainy day! You know I am. :-)
***Edit***
I submitted my favorite albums list to the Hype Machine and I am half way done and almost ready for publication. It was not easy but for now I am ready for sleep, I will return tomorrow to finish. Good night.
Dec
10
Alexi Murdoch
Filed Under News & Info. | 4 Comments
***Edit***
Video has been removed. Sorry folks stay tuned for news on when this song will be available.
As you can see if you look over to the left of your screen Alexi Murdoch has returned to view… Although as many close to me know, Alexi is always on constant shuffle. But I must confess I have failed Alexi… *sniff sniff* I do not watch the TV show House and I have never seen the movie Gone Baby Gone (which after going to the imdb page I can see exactly why) I was unaware that Mr. Murdoch has debuted a new song… However, I did know that he was working on some new material before going on tour with Alanis Morissette (which is an odd pair but whatever the more exposure the better. Well, after I calmed down from the excitement I googled Through The Dark and found a little teaser from the end of House… And I can’t fucking wait.
Dec
9
Department of Eagles
Filed Under Album Picks | 1 Comment
Just listening tonight…
mp3: In Ear Park
In Ear Park 2008 (4AD)
Department of Eagles on myspace
Available at Amazon and eMusic
Dec
5
Another Bailout?
Filed Under News & Info. | 4 Comments
WTF?
What the hell are these car companies thinking? And how the hell did they get themselves into this mess? Talk about loosing faith in Americas car companies…
Dec
3
I Could Use A Little Magic…
Filed Under Album Picks | Leave a Comment
A magic carpet ride. *Sigh*
It was a rough day… My job would be great if all I did was check artwork for print and I didn’t have to worry about communicating with the clients. Trying to explain printing to someone who has no idea how it works is tiring, unfortunately that is about 95% of the population… Which is something I need to remind myself everyday. So in case you couldn’t tell I needed a little pick me up after work… The first thing I went for was the debut album from Ladyhawke, it is the perfect get off of work album as I go barreling down the highway singing along at the top of my lungs… It is awesome. I am not the biggest fan of the 80’s, but Ladyhawke manages to encompass all the things that were actually cool about that colorful decade. Unfortunately I have one major concern… Where is Pip Brown going to go from here? It will be hard to get too excited over another throw back to the 80’s album if she doesn’t give us her interpretation… Now that being said, damn it if this album doesn’t just make me want to get up and dance. It kicks some serious 80’s ass!
mp3: Magic
mp3:Â Crazy World
Ladyhawke 2008 (Modular)
Ladyhawke on myspace
Album also available at eMusic
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