Songbird
Jan
11
This Weekend of Mine…
By Rachel | Music Mix Up | 7 Comments
I got pulled over yesterday with my mom in the car… Yes, that is right, oh dear. My mom is a funny lady, but good god she is nuts! I knew he was going to pull me over as soon as I saw him behind me because my registration tags are expired. Fucking registration… It is going to be the death of me… Every year? Really? You would think my registration would be cheap by this point however, I think I am a parking ticket magnet. Actually, it is not really that bad but I had a short stint at this job in LA and well some of us had to park on the street and blah blah I forgot about them so add those to my registration and it is expensive. Anyways so there my mom is sitting next to me going, “OMG! Why is he pulling you over?” I tell her that my tags are expired… “Oh well you have to take care of that.” Thinking to myself, “no shit”. So my window goes down and I put on the charm and he didn’t give me a fix it ticket because I really could do without any more tickets in my life.
On another note… I am staying in tonight to watch the Golden Globe Awards… Yes, I am a little bit of a celebrity whore sometimes. But damn it so many good shows up for awards such as Californication, The Office, 30 Rock, Weeds. Speaking of television The Coral Sea was featured on last weeks new episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Santogold’s Lights Out was also featured (love it).
I missed this new album from The Coral Sea, it is pretty good. It has a handful of songs on it that made it on to the pod. Worth checking out.
mp3: Ah, Ah, Ah
mp3: Northern Crime
Firelight 2008 (Red Clover Records)
Tags: Grey's Anatomy Music, Music 2008Jan
6
The Wrestler
By Pip | Film Box | 2 Comments
The Wrestler
I remember Pi and watching it the first time vividly. When it became easy to find was right around the time I was beginning to take notice of these types of films. It had a profound impact on me and I consider it to be one of the experiences that molded the way I watch movies. Aronofsky followed up Pi with Requiem for a Dream, one I do not believe anyone walked away from unscathed. I made his third film, The Fountain, my almost favorite of 2006, one most would completely disagree with me on. Like all the small cadre of my favorite directors, I anticipate their future projects like a little boy on Christmas Eve. Sometimes my expectations are up so high that if Jesus Christ himself walked out of the screen and sat down next to me to share popcorn I would shrug my shoulders and yawn. It’s a curse. I was not disappointed with The Wrestler.
Aronofsky is starting to make this look easy. The story moves forward effortlessly through waters most other movies get bogged down in with sap and over-writing. Watching this film was more like watching a documentary or following him around. Much has already been written about Mr. Rourke’s performance, and I do hope he works some more and lays off the plastic surgery. He turned the role into something you couldn’t imagine anyone else doing, not even the real guy this story was loosely based on. Marissa Tomei has been showing off her body quite a lot lately, god bless her. But the beautiful thing is not her courage to show off her body, but to take the parts she’s taking as the characters are complicated and anything but the damsels we’re so used to.
This is a deeply touching story about a man so far down on his luck it’s almost painful to watch. The stuff that really stuck me was the estrangement with his daughter, something I have experienced in a way. Even though the man is alone, broken and a pauper, he does what he knows in his soul he was put on this earth to do. In spite of everything, getting to the end will make you smile with a sigh.
Tags: Darren Aronofsky, Film, Mickey Rourke, The WrestlerJan
4
Another Fav Song of 2008
By Rachel | Music Mix Up | 5 Comments
Along with my concern with my use of ellipses. This is an ellipsis (…) and I think I am addicted to using them. Just look at this page, I use them all the time! This is not a good thing. I need ellipsis rehab I think.
Benoît Pioulard released another album in 2008 entitled Temper, it contains another one of my favorite songs of 2008 that I have not yet shared here on Untitled Records. Enjoy!
mp3: Hesperus
Also available on emusic
Tags: Benoît Pioulard, Fav Song 2008, Music 2008Jan
2
Happy New Year
By Rachel | Music Mix Up, The Lists | 5 Comments
Rather than posting a long list of some of my favorite tracks I thought I would post one of my favorite songs of 2008 that I have not posted on Untitled Records this year. It is from the always beautiful Aimee Mann , since hearing her in Magnolia, I have had a sweet spot for her graceful intimate songs. This song is far too short and I never want it to end I could listen to it over and over again, and I do.
Happy New Year, even though I am a day late… Looking forward to 2009 and all the wonderful music and film that this new year will bring. Cheers!
@#%&*! Smilers 2008
Aimee Mann on myspace
Tags: Aimee Mann, Fav Song 2008, Happy New Year, Music 2008Dec
29
Two for one film reviews
By Pip | 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…
Tags: Film Reviews, MILK, The Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonDec
29
A Little Update
By Rachel | 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
By Rachel | 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!
Tags: Contrast Podcast, Devotchka, Festive Fifty, Music 2008Dec
19
Favorite Albums of 2008
By Rachel | 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…
By Rachel | 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)
Tags: Christmas, Frightened RabbitDec
15
Update
By Rachel | 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.
Disclaimer
Music found on this blog is for sampling only. If you like what you hear then support the artist. Buy their music, attend a show and spread the word. If you own the rights to any of the music featured here and you would like me to remove it contact me and I will remove the link immediately.
Click the
tag to listen, right click the song title to save. If you find that an mp3 is not playing chances are it has expired.
Contact
Rachel - Music, FilmAggregator Love
