Jan

18

The Submarines

By Rachel | Music Mix Up | 4 Comments 

I don’t normally post a track from an album that is not released yet but since it is a legal download to help promote their new album which is set to be released this year. And I currently have no more emusic downloads for this period (it doesn’t refresh until tomorrow) and nothing that has been released this year so far has really tickled my fancy; I figured what the hell!

You may have come across The Submarines on this blog before way back in the day, you can find that post HERE. But to refresh everyone’s memory The Submarines are a Los Angeles based band consisting of two members, John Dragonetti and Blake Hazard. They make wonderful music together and their new album, Honeysuckle Weeks comes out soon. I will keep you posted on the actual release date but for now enjoy their new song!

mp3: You, Me, and The Bourgeoise

The Submarines on myspace

Honeysuckle Weeks 2008 (Nettwerk Music)

Jan

16

Cat Power, Wild Is The Wind

By Rachel | Music Mix Up | 5 Comments 

Man, what a rough day…Just rough. And as I recover I thought what better to help wash away this day then Cat Power’s cover of Nina Simone’s, Wild Is The Wind. Cat Power’s new album Jukebox comes out next week, January 22nd and I can’t wait.

mp3: Wild Is The Wind – Cat Power

The Covers Record 2000 (Matador)

Album available HERE

Jan

15

There Will Be Awesome

By Pip | Album Picks, Film Box | 8 Comments 

There Will Be Blood: imdb / trailer

As some of you know, this ranked high in my top ten list for 2007, so I suppose it’s no surprise that I loved it. Even if I hadn’t written that list there really is no surprise because this film was crafted by, perhaps, my favorite working film maker: Paul Thomas Anderson. I know him well, I’ve watched all his films many times, listened to all of his commentary, seen all of his music videos. We’re practically on a first name basis.

I know PTA loved, absolutely loved, making this film. In many ways it’s the film he’s always wanted to make, building up to this moment bit by bit, while reinventing himself along the way. He could have easily sauntered on along his career of making Boogie Nights 2 through 5 and probably been quite successful at that, but no that’s not the way this cocaine-addled (only hearsay mind you) mind works! PTA was shaped by the elders in his life, firstly by his father and the world surrounding him, and of course by classic films of every era, along with personal relations with two of the greatest film makers who recently passed away. This boy was born to make the films he makes and tell them the way he wants to tell them. Some people are turned off by this… sometimes he’s just a little too melodramatic, over the top, long-winded, or all of the above. But for me, he is perfect. Twenty minutes without dialogue? I’m in!

As I was watching this film, the unsettling fear that pervades it got in the way of my enjoyment. It wasn’t until later after reflecting upon it, being haunted by it and seeing almost every frame of film together as a whole, did I truly understand how much I really loved it. That, I think, is the mark of a very good or even great film. One that will be remembered. Daniel Day Lewis’ portrayal of Mr. Plainview is awe inspiring. He’s a man for which his insanity is only quenched by destroying all others in an attempt to be the best. The best at what? The best of everything apparently. There are scenes of terror, poignancy, ruthlessness. Everything seems so awesome in scope that even when just two people sit down to talk it’s as if the world has stopped moving. I mustn’t forget everyone else around Lewis’ Plainview, for his life changed as much as theirs as he steamrolled them sometimes to death.

I dislike everything about Mr. Plainview, except the way he speaks, he’s not the type of bad guy you root for. So I ask for those that disliked the ending, how would he, or could he, do anything different?

Rachel here, for a little side note about the soundtrack, There Will Be Blood. An album composed by Radiohead’s own guitarist, Jonny Greenwood, who accompanied the dark bizarre vibe of the film with a soundtrack composed of mostly strings with the occasional delicate piano. The soundtrack really completes the film and brings it all together wonderfully, I believe.My favorite track from the album…

mp3: Prospector Arrives

Jonny Greenwood

There Will Be Blood 2007 (Nonesuch)

Jan

14

Stephen Lynch Comedy

By Rachel | Music Mix Up | 7 Comments 

Over the weekend I watched a Comedy Central stand-up special that cracked me up and I immediately thought I have to post this on the blog! Stephen Lynch combines music and comedy to make some funny stuff. Stop by his myspace and read his bio about himself, also quite amusing. And of course here is my favorite sketch…

Stephen Lynch – D & D

Jan

14

A New Year

By Rachel | News & Info. | 5 Comments 

I know that for the last 6 months there have been a serious lack of posts here at Untitled Records and for that I apologize but I thank my loyal readers who have stuck with me through these somewhat rocky times.

I got a new job that I like as a web content coordinator, it is a full time position and it is also located in LA’s West Side Village so it is about an hour commute for me every morning and evening. But I really want to post everyday because I have the content in my head I just need to get it out. Anyways the long and the short of it is that tonight will begin a new year of posts and regular content everyday. Thanks for sticking with us here at Untitled Records and I look forward to 2008. Stay tuned!

Jan

9

The Flying Club Cup Videos

By Rachel | News & Info. | 1 Comment 

Pip alerted me to the wonderful Flying Club Cup website where you will find a bunch of awesome videos created by La Blogothèque and The Take Away Shows team and directed by Vincent Moon. A video for each track off the The Flying Club Cup album; my favorite album of 2007. Check it!

Jan

5

Finishing 2006, beginning 2007.

By Pip | Film Box, The Lists | 3 Comments 

Yeah you read that right. Pip here, and it’s time for my film list. I’m not a professional critic, nor do I fancy myself an amateur critic, but I like talking about movies, so that’s what I do. That said, I don’t have the luxury of seeing every single film that comes out, I’m lucky if I get to see a few dozen. I tend to see the films that I know I’ll love, which is why I sometimes come off as loving everything I see. I’ve just come to know what to look for I suppose. This is why when I’m surprised or a film goes beyond my expectations, I transform into a film geek of epic proportions, girlish squeal and all.

My original list for 2006 is here, but at the time I hadn’t seen my favorite film that came out that year – along with a few others – so I will quickly and without explanation list my final Top 10 of 2006.

1. Children of Men

2. The Fountain

3. United 93

4. The Departed

5. Little Miss Sunshine

6. Pan’s Labyrinth

7. Marie Antoinette

8. Casino Royale

9. Superman Returns

10. Borat

So my 2007 list is stunted much like my 2006 list was before this correction. I foresee each of my yearly lists beginning with the year previous’ final tally, but that’s ok! I have yet to see many, many great films that came out in 2007, so I’m not going to do a top 10. Only seven films were really good enough to make my list that I’ve seen so far, and here they are.

7. The Bourne Ultimatum

A film trilogy that goes against all logic and gets better and better as they go. This is really how I wish all action films were. Smart, ruthless and relentless as hell. Unfortunately I did not get to see this in theaters, but my new home theater is just as good! Better even since it’s comfortable and there’s beer here. Anyway, yeah, great film and I hope it ends the trilogy. If they keep going I fear they’ll loose the magic.

6. Ratatouille

I’ll admit it, I’m a total Pixar fanboy. I love everything they do with such fervor, I wonder if it’s too late to become a brilliant genius animator to go work for them. Have you seen their company HQ? It’s like going to heaven… wonderful, geeky heaven. Anyway, even normal people loved this film. Not only did it keep a theater full of children quiet and in their seats the entire duration, but the adults left fulfilled which most grown-up flicks fail to do. Tis the magic of Pixar.

5. Darjeeling Limited

This was the year of fanboy love for me, I tell ya what – there’s much more to come! It’s almost heartbreaking seeing this film in the #5 slot, but man the flicks we’re about to get to are just that good. This films only failing was its hectic nature, which I’m sure was intentional, but it just felt… well like everyone was on cocaine. Am I the only one that felt that way? Probably… anyway, #5 on my list is no laughing matter, still an amazing film.

4. Into The Wild

This was the greatest surprise for me since I had almost no expectations walking into it. Still to this day triggered the longest post-theater conversation of any film I’ve seen this year. Many emotions still whirl around the characters and goings on in this film, the mark of a great one. Any other year and this could have made it into the first slot.

3. Juno

I knew I was going to love this film when I saw the trailer ages ago. I just didn’t realize how much. I’ve been telling everyone I know to go and catch it, it’s something just about anyone will like and that’s saying something. In fact, if you haven’t seen it, then go right now!

2. There Will Be Blood

I’m still working on the review for this masterful epic, and I was really conflicted between the first and second slot. I think I liked my favorite working filmmakers’ latest more as more time passed from my first viewing. I will be seeing it again, probably not in theaters, but when I do it may just take the first place mark for the year. Only time will tell.

1. No Country For Old Men

I think the Coen Bros. are perhaps my other favorite working filmmakers. It’s like choosing children! Anyway, this film is absolutely perfect in every way, shape and form. I could not have asked for more. Even though I was primed with what was hailed as the greatest Coen Bros. film, I was not disappointed. Bravo, you two, bravo.

So come next December I’ll update and tweak my list a bit more here and there. I have a lot of work cut out for me to catch up, that’s for sure. I suppose there are worse things in life.

Jan

1

Favorite Records of 2007

By Rachel | Album Picks, Music Mix Up, The Lists | 25 Comments 

So it is the end of 2007 and what a year it has been in the music world, so many great albums. The following list is a compilation of albums which I felt stood out the most in 2007. This year I really tried to concentrate on records in which I felt were filled with great songs all the way through from the first song to the last song. A list of music that varies containing everything from French chanson to R&B soul. I have really enjoyed writing for you all this year, it has been a rough transition into Word Press and I am still trying to find my bearings and I appreciate the constant support I receive from my readers; tis what keeps me going. Thank you to all and I look forward to sharing a new year of music in 2008 with you. Happy New Year!

1. Beirut, The Flying Club Cup

mp3: Nantes (Original Post)

2. Explosions In The Sky, All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone

mp3: Welcome Ghosts (Original Post)

3. Radiohead, In Rainbows

mp3: All I Need (Original Post)

4. Caribou, Andorra

mp3: Melody Day (Original Post)

5. Andrew Bird, Armchair Apocrypha

mp3: Sythian Empire (Original Post)

6. The Cinematic Orchestra, Ma Fleur

mp3: To Build A Home – Feat. Patrick Watson (Original Post)

7. Shannon Wright, Let In The Light

mp3: In The Morning (Original Post)

8. Sharon Jones & The Dapkings, 100 Days, 100 Nights

mp3: Let Them Knock (Original Post)

9. Arcade Fire, Neon Bible

mp3: My Body Is a Cage (Original Post)

10. Pela, Anytown Graffiti

mp3: Waiting On The Stairs (Original Post)

Dec

26

Juno the Junebug

By Pip | Film Box | 6 Comments 

Juno: imdb / trailer

Pip here and I finally got around to seeing this little jewel, and I really liked it. So if you don’t want to read any more there you have it. This one was penned by relative newcomer Diablo Cody and helmed by the Reitman boy (you may have heard of a few of his dad’s films) who impressed me with Thank You For Smoking, and has really impressed me with one of the more heartfelt, cute and cuddly films to come along in a while.

I will say that I was annoyed with the movie for about five seconds, and only about five seconds. It was just too well written, too witty for its own good, and too archetypal… but that only lasted for five seconds. It seems that I must grant an executive pardon for overwritten and too witty for their own good teenagers, because once you live in the world for just about six seconds, you really do fall in love with everything and pretty much stop worrying about it. On first glance all the characters are one dimensional, here we go again, type people. Actually, I think every time you meet a new character there’s a five second window of “ugh”. But I’m tellin’ ya, at six seconds, she’ll have you at “wizard”.

The wonderful thing about Juno are the characters, not necessarily their dialogue. They are all living and breathing people. When you meet them seem like people you’ve met a thousand times over, but they’re really not, that’s just the smiley exterior. Kinda like real life people in that way. Everyone gets their moment to shine, but it’s not really like that… you don’t know it’s happening when it’s happening. You really end up loving everyone in a different way. Some relationships in the film seem like something for one minute until you find out some other bit that takes it to a whole new level. There’s no black and white, if anyone is at fault it’s everyone.

I’ll admit something else, I’m a crier… yeah I cry in movies. And not just at… say the end of Braveheart or something. I cry at the end of Braveheart upon viewing it for the 48th time. I’ll cry while watching Amelie walk the blind guy down the street… or when the brother can’t fly because he’s colorblind. Really anything. I am at their mercy. That said, I actually haven’t cried in a film in a while… I don’t know if it’s just the type of film or what, but I haven’t. And we should take note of that. However, in this film, once I found out what was really happening and the sacrifice that was made and everyone’s reaction to it, coupled with everything that had happened in the film so far… I let ’em loose. Happy day, this is what I go to the theater for.

Not to cry really, just… well the whole thing… you… um… you get the point.

Dec

19

Silent Night

By Rachel | Music Mix Up | 5 Comments 

Well this will be the only Holiday song I will be posting this season…And who better to post then the one and only Alexi Murdoch with his version of Silent Night? I can think of no one better. Hopefully this will help some of you Scrooges out there to get into the holiday spirit. And even if it doesn’t help at least you could say that you heard a lovely acoustic version of this classic holiday song.

I have a final paper I am working on, which is due tomorrow evening and then after that I plan on posting my 2007 end of the year selections. Happy day everyone!

mp3: Silent Night

Alexi Murdoch on myspace 

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