MUSIC
I'm going to go ahead and dedicate the opening of this section to my sister:
Negative! Why always so negative, Pitchfork? If you've got problems, why don't you go solve them? I mean, I haven't bought the album yet, so maybe their criticisms come from a reasonable place, but when your criticism of "Lay It Down" is that the song's lyrics are a different tone than its music, you're dangerously close to Rolling Stone levels of not getting it.
They also inexplicably gave a really good song they seem to like a six out of ten. I do like their DD/MM/YYYY stream, to be fair. And they totally redeem themselves with word of a FREE Del album.
Fader loves Esau as much as I do.
Later on Fader, The Kiss My Ass mixtape didn't due much for me, but these new tracks are really solid. Also via Fader, woah, new Atlas Sound for free. Didn't see that coming. Mark this under distinctly pleasant "tuesdays are great for music" surprises.
Asher Roth seems really rad.
Discodust is back, and not a moment too soon. They accurately peg the Annie remix they're freeloading as swoon-worthy. Le sigh indeed.
FILM
/Film tries to convince you to see the Hannah Montana movie.
Lots of hip-hop biopics comin' soon. Hopefully they'll be better than Notorious.
Star Trek XII info if that's your thing.
Apatow slasher? Sounds... I don't know how that sounds.
WEIRD
Andre 3k is the new Speed Racer.
iTunes has awesomely put a silent song up as a featured download. First time the iTunes store has ever been awesome, really.
WORLD
Conflicker is spooky.
PERSONAL
GAhh itchy hair
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 603
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, scratching.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
March 30th, 2009
MUSIC
Kanye + Jonze + Wayne = Expectations.
Okkervil River helps kids. Damn my city kicks ass. Speaking of, Pitchfork has reservations about their new B-Side but I think it kicks a lot of ass. They do give Wave Machines deserved love.
Asher Roth seems like a really chill dude.
Over on DiS, Lipster continues to dissappoint me entirely. Sure, they give Dent May some deserved credit (the critical bashing he's received baffles me) but they go all lukewarm on Fever Ray and then play some bullshit this-high-art-is-below-us facetious smirk on Antony, which yeah, that's an easy way to draw my ire. They seem desperate to be elitist, and it's not an appealing pose.
Fader brings us a huge treat courtesy Sin Fang Bous. For the record, Fader, I still make mix cds.
FILM
Early buzz is, Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox is rad.
OMG Scott Pilgrim pictures!
Simon Pegg discusses the final installment in his Blood and Ice Cream trilogy. (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End)
WEIRD
The Cool Kids are the world's only cool kids, or at least, are trying to prove the aforementioned assertion in a court of law.
Courtney Love sucks.
The excessive fan-worshipping of the Joker has officially gone way too far.
WORLD
Via Reuters, Spain may open a probe on the policies of six Bush administration officials, specifically pertaining to Guantanamo Bay.
PERSONAL
The busy days just keep on comin'.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 601
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, bouncing.
Kanye + Jonze + Wayne = Expectations.
Okkervil River helps kids. Damn my city kicks ass. Speaking of, Pitchfork has reservations about their new B-Side but I think it kicks a lot of ass. They do give Wave Machines deserved love.
Asher Roth seems like a really chill dude.
Over on DiS, Lipster continues to dissappoint me entirely. Sure, they give Dent May some deserved credit (the critical bashing he's received baffles me) but they go all lukewarm on Fever Ray and then play some bullshit this-high-art-is-below-us facetious smirk on Antony, which yeah, that's an easy way to draw my ire. They seem desperate to be elitist, and it's not an appealing pose.
Fader brings us a huge treat courtesy Sin Fang Bous. For the record, Fader, I still make mix cds.
FILM
Early buzz is, Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox is rad.
OMG Scott Pilgrim pictures!
Simon Pegg discusses the final installment in his Blood and Ice Cream trilogy. (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End)
WEIRD
The Cool Kids are the world's only cool kids, or at least, are trying to prove the aforementioned assertion in a court of law.
Courtney Love sucks.
The excessive fan-worshipping of the Joker has officially gone way too far.
WORLD
Via Reuters, Spain may open a probe on the policies of six Bush administration officials, specifically pertaining to Guantanamo Bay.
PERSONAL
The busy days just keep on comin'.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 601
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, bouncing.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday-Saturday-Sunday All-in-One Bonanza Extravaganza Spectacular
Okay, first we've got:
FRIDAY
(Slowest News Day of 2009)
MUSIC
A Gorillaz doc comes out soon, which Pitchfork calls unwatchable for whatever reason. Looks lo-fi to be sure, but fun. Oh well, their CFCF review is pretty dead-on. I'm excited for more CFCF to drop.
New Weezy mixtape, new OJ Da Juiceman video... illroots knows how I do. G5 Clive's mixtape is also pretty kickass.
FILM
I'd officially love to see $9.99.
WEIRD
Dear Nicholas Cage: You look like a buffoon.
WORLD
The number of chronically hungry people has topped one billion.
The situation in Mexico is terrifying.
SATURDAY EDITORIAL
I'm in a bad period of life to be concerned about the apocalypse.
And sure, all signs are pointing to crisis (which seems, evidently, to be normal) but I just don't feel it. And I'm thankful for that, but also a little confused. Mexican drug cartels, environmental disaster, the possible collapse of our economy, yeah, it's all scary. But here, Wheatsville just opened its new extension, my film career looks bright, my apartment is on the horizon: I'm planning for the future despite all this angst and anxiety.
Am I on the right track? Is it good to avoid the terrified hype, or am I living in a dream world that's set up to collapse? I honestly can't be sure anymore. It's the oddest form of schizophrenia and I'm having trouble adapting.
Anyway, I guess I'll just keep moving forward. There's no use in getting swept up in doomcasting and frightened mentality. I'm just hoping things don't all blow up.
SUNDAY: MARCH IN REVIEW
Odd month to review.
Most Interesting, Music:
Anamanaguchi's new album is available entirely for free.
Most Interesting, Film:
SXSW went down, and was awesome.
Weirdest:
Water is on fire.
Biggest World Event:
With Clinton's trip to Mexico, the drug war against cartels is receiving lots of national attention.
Best Song:
Anamanaguchi, "Mermaid"
Best Film:
Make-Out with Violence
Reviews
First off, apologies for just how damn long it's been since I've reviewed anything at all.
Anamanaguchi, Dawn Metropolis
It's hard for me to review this in a "fair" way. You and I aren't going to see eye to eye on this album, that's for sure, unless "you" have been rabidly devouring chip music since halfway through high school. It's a genre that many are unfamiliar with, and it forces me to divide this review in half.
For chip music afficionados: This is exactly what you wanted from Anamanaguchi. It's as compositionally strong as anything they've ever done, it's orgasmically devoid of all the current hipster-electronica fashions plaguing some recent chiptunes releases, and ultimately it's just really good chip. Some have argued that it's inferior to Power Supply, but that's really not true - not to criticize Power Supply, but it's a niche album, where Dawn Metropolis maintains the sound and vibe but with enough variance in structure and style to land broader appeal. Wouldn't THAT be something?
For the chiptune-uninitiated: This is a solid, fun album from a band that's been developing their sound for quite a while. It's really fast-paced and really sunshiney (well, for the most part) which might throw you off at first - songs may sound too similar on first listen, but as you notice the nuances and changes, you'll find more and more rewarding depth. Standout closer "Mermaid" may be where you want to start, honestly: it's sort of a prog-rock epic if prog-rock epics happened in Gameboy games.
PERSONAL
Man, it has been a rollercoaster month. In like a lion, out like a lamb, right? I friggin' hope so, at least.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 601
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, bouncing.
FRIDAY
(Slowest News Day of 2009)
MUSIC
A Gorillaz doc comes out soon, which Pitchfork calls unwatchable for whatever reason. Looks lo-fi to be sure, but fun. Oh well, their CFCF review is pretty dead-on. I'm excited for more CFCF to drop.
New Weezy mixtape, new OJ Da Juiceman video... illroots knows how I do. G5 Clive's mixtape is also pretty kickass.
FILM
I'd officially love to see $9.99.
WEIRD
Dear Nicholas Cage: You look like a buffoon.
WORLD
The number of chronically hungry people has topped one billion.
The situation in Mexico is terrifying.
SATURDAY EDITORIAL
I'm in a bad period of life to be concerned about the apocalypse.
And sure, all signs are pointing to crisis (which seems, evidently, to be normal) but I just don't feel it. And I'm thankful for that, but also a little confused. Mexican drug cartels, environmental disaster, the possible collapse of our economy, yeah, it's all scary. But here, Wheatsville just opened its new extension, my film career looks bright, my apartment is on the horizon: I'm planning for the future despite all this angst and anxiety.
Am I on the right track? Is it good to avoid the terrified hype, or am I living in a dream world that's set up to collapse? I honestly can't be sure anymore. It's the oddest form of schizophrenia and I'm having trouble adapting.
Anyway, I guess I'll just keep moving forward. There's no use in getting swept up in doomcasting and frightened mentality. I'm just hoping things don't all blow up.
SUNDAY: MARCH IN REVIEW
Odd month to review.
Most Interesting, Music:
Anamanaguchi's new album is available entirely for free.
Most Interesting, Film:
SXSW went down, and was awesome.
Weirdest:
Water is on fire.
Biggest World Event:
With Clinton's trip to Mexico, the drug war against cartels is receiving lots of national attention.
Best Song:
Anamanaguchi, "Mermaid"
Best Film:
Make-Out with Violence
Reviews
First off, apologies for just how damn long it's been since I've reviewed anything at all.
Anamanaguchi, Dawn Metropolis
It's hard for me to review this in a "fair" way. You and I aren't going to see eye to eye on this album, that's for sure, unless "you" have been rabidly devouring chip music since halfway through high school. It's a genre that many are unfamiliar with, and it forces me to divide this review in half.
For chip music afficionados: This is exactly what you wanted from Anamanaguchi. It's as compositionally strong as anything they've ever done, it's orgasmically devoid of all the current hipster-electronica fashions plaguing some recent chiptunes releases, and ultimately it's just really good chip. Some have argued that it's inferior to Power Supply, but that's really not true - not to criticize Power Supply, but it's a niche album, where Dawn Metropolis maintains the sound and vibe but with enough variance in structure and style to land broader appeal. Wouldn't THAT be something?
For the chiptune-uninitiated: This is a solid, fun album from a band that's been developing their sound for quite a while. It's really fast-paced and really sunshiney (well, for the most part) which might throw you off at first - songs may sound too similar on first listen, but as you notice the nuances and changes, you'll find more and more rewarding depth. Standout closer "Mermaid" may be where you want to start, honestly: it's sort of a prog-rock epic if prog-rock epics happened in Gameboy games.
PERSONAL
Man, it has been a rollercoaster month. In like a lion, out like a lamb, right? I friggin' hope so, at least.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 601
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, bouncing.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
March 25th, 2009 / March 26th, 2009
Two days worth, but fortunately very, very slow ones: let's do this.
MUSIC:
Los Campesinos! are blogging the creation of their new album. It is now on my blogs-to-read-daily list.
Blender is deadish.
DiS gives one last impassioned defense of Radiohead-as-guitar-band, which ends up sort of being "hey we didn't know better."
Fader just had to go and inflame my crush on Keri Hilson. WTF is Ne-Yo doing, though?
FILM:
The new Where The Wild Things Are trailer is out and it's everywhere; find it and love it.
Ang Lee's got a Woodstock movie coming out.
There's huge unanimous praise for Goodbye Solo, which I ruefully missed and want to see soon.
WEIRD:
British people hate teenagers.
WORLD:
The U.S. and Israel are being accused of bombing Sudan for tactical reasons related to the conflict with Palestine.
PERSONAL:
Dude, I have missed chiptunes. So good to get back to 8bit pop.
Fun fact of the day: bitter almonds turn your blood into CYANIDE. Look it up.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 542
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, sipping on plant milk.
MUSIC:
Los Campesinos! are blogging the creation of their new album. It is now on my blogs-to-read-daily list.
Blender is deadish.
DiS gives one last impassioned defense of Radiohead-as-guitar-band, which ends up sort of being "hey we didn't know better."
Fader just had to go and inflame my crush on Keri Hilson. WTF is Ne-Yo doing, though?
FILM:
The new Where The Wild Things Are trailer is out and it's everywhere; find it and love it.
Ang Lee's got a Woodstock movie coming out.
There's huge unanimous praise for Goodbye Solo, which I ruefully missed and want to see soon.
WEIRD:
British people hate teenagers.
WORLD:
The U.S. and Israel are being accused of bombing Sudan for tactical reasons related to the conflict with Palestine.
PERSONAL:
Dude, I have missed chiptunes. So good to get back to 8bit pop.
Fun fact of the day: bitter almonds turn your blood into CYANIDE. Look it up.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 542
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, sipping on plant milk.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
ESSAYS
Blog postponed due to ESSAYS BEING DUE
Ahhhhhhh college
Will include Wednesday in the Thursday post
'cos you guys know I'm good for it
Ahhhhhhh college
Will include Wednesday in the Thursday post
'cos you guys know I'm good for it
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
March 24th, 2009
MUSIC:
I don't understand the track ratings at Pitchfork, at all, but the "6" rating they give to Passion Pit's new song at least fits their (unlinkable) review of the song. Hey, though, it's a fun tune. Also, the Pitchfork folks spent time talking about tattoos today.
Over on DiS, Lipster's all up on the week in singles. Dananananaykroyd's song kind of does nothing for me, and they seem pretty intent on proving how above Animal Collective they are, so that's two big strikes.
The audiovisual piece feels kind of like a fan video, but I won't look Fader's freeloadhorse of CFCF in the mouth. Oh, and they've got a couple of lonely stoners doing their live thing.
Not that Drake's mixtape was getting old, but this new TreaZon stuff is the same delectable mix of nerdy, spacey and smooth.
FILM:
Before you go out and nab the Let The Right One In DVD (which normally I'd recommend you do ASAP) read this cautionary message about the new subtitling job. It really is pretty ghastly.
Miyazaki's new film is coming stateside.
Via IFC's blogs, critics were pretty fair to my favorite film of the year so far and offer some interesting thoughts on the interesting doc Objectified.
WEIRD:
I read "mumblecore parody," I thought to myself "too early." I saw a mumblecore parody, and I thought "right on time."
Sing and dance erratically inside a french McDonalds and your ass is going to jail.
WORLD:
The New York Times reports on increasing tension along the U.S.-Mexico border.
PERSONAL:
Scripts to revise, rough drafts to perfect, essays to finish, and possibly a film to produce. Jesus.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 542
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, taking it easy.
I don't understand the track ratings at Pitchfork, at all, but the "6" rating they give to Passion Pit's new song at least fits their (unlinkable) review of the song. Hey, though, it's a fun tune. Also, the Pitchfork folks spent time talking about tattoos today.
Over on DiS, Lipster's all up on the week in singles. Dananananaykroyd's song kind of does nothing for me, and they seem pretty intent on proving how above Animal Collective they are, so that's two big strikes.
The audiovisual piece feels kind of like a fan video, but I won't look Fader's freeloadhorse of CFCF in the mouth. Oh, and they've got a couple of lonely stoners doing their live thing.
Not that Drake's mixtape was getting old, but this new TreaZon stuff is the same delectable mix of nerdy, spacey and smooth.
FILM:
Before you go out and nab the Let The Right One In DVD (which normally I'd recommend you do ASAP) read this cautionary message about the new subtitling job. It really is pretty ghastly.
Miyazaki's new film is coming stateside.
Via IFC's blogs, critics were pretty fair to my favorite film of the year so far and offer some interesting thoughts on the interesting doc Objectified.
WEIRD:
I read "mumblecore parody," I thought to myself "too early." I saw a mumblecore parody, and I thought "right on time."
Sing and dance erratically inside a french McDonalds and your ass is going to jail.
WORLD:
The New York Times reports on increasing tension along the U.S.-Mexico border.
PERSONAL:
Scripts to revise, rough drafts to perfect, essays to finish, and possibly a film to produce. Jesus.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 542
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, taking it easy.
Monday, March 23, 2009
March 23rd, 2009
It's good to be back.
MUSIC
Pitchfork doesn't like Hazards of Love. :( Maybe they're just pissy about the false Stone Roses rumors?
TMT reports on Billy Corgan's maniacal master plan. Crisis: Solo career faltering. Solution: Reform Smashing Pumpkins, kick out all non-Corgan members, co-opt "Smashing Pumpkins" name for solo career. Chamberlin, you beautiful fool! You're playing right into his schemes!
HipHopDX has the details on Kanye's SXSW-crashing antics. Oh yeah, and a Lupe Fiasco album that isn't fake british anime rock.
FILM
If you care at all about independent film, you should care about distribution for the seven-years-to-make Raiders of the Lost Ark remake.
Sit through the advertisement, ignore the shitty puns, and devour these awesome Where the Wild Things Are stills. God this looks great.
Via RT, Warner Bros. is doing some awesome shit and opening their vaults in what is for some reason being metaphorically compared to a pizzeria. Basically, order an old unreleased film, and they make you the DVD. This is the sort of inexplicably and unmistakably rad thing that makes me like film studios.
WEIRD
Welcome to 2009! Our water is on fire.
Rick Ross is evidently at his best when being a vaguely facetious hypocrite.
WORLD
Does money even matter anymore?
The New York Times reports on Mexican drug cartel violence spilling over the border.
The BBC reports on modest results from an environmental plan to spur algae growth by putting iron into the ocean.
PERSONAL
Well, break time is over. I have personal projects to get done, and the age-old ticking bomb (everybody will leave for summer!) is back. Damn you, time.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 528
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, rocking out to Anamanaguchi.
MUSIC
Pitchfork doesn't like Hazards of Love. :( Maybe they're just pissy about the false Stone Roses rumors?
TMT reports on Billy Corgan's maniacal master plan. Crisis: Solo career faltering. Solution: Reform Smashing Pumpkins, kick out all non-Corgan members, co-opt "Smashing Pumpkins" name for solo career. Chamberlin, you beautiful fool! You're playing right into his schemes!
HipHopDX has the details on Kanye's SXSW-crashing antics. Oh yeah, and a Lupe Fiasco album that isn't fake british anime rock.
FILM
If you care at all about independent film, you should care about distribution for the seven-years-to-make Raiders of the Lost Ark remake.
Sit through the advertisement, ignore the shitty puns, and devour these awesome Where the Wild Things Are stills. God this looks great.
Via RT, Warner Bros. is doing some awesome shit and opening their vaults in what is for some reason being metaphorically compared to a pizzeria. Basically, order an old unreleased film, and they make you the DVD. This is the sort of inexplicably and unmistakably rad thing that makes me like film studios.
WEIRD
Welcome to 2009! Our water is on fire.
Rick Ross is evidently at his best when being a vaguely facetious hypocrite.
WORLD
Does money even matter anymore?
The New York Times reports on Mexican drug cartel violence spilling over the border.
The BBC reports on modest results from an environmental plan to spur algae growth by putting iron into the ocean.
PERSONAL
Well, break time is over. I have personal projects to get done, and the age-old ticking bomb (everybody will leave for summer!) is back. Damn you, time.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 528
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, rocking out to Anamanaguchi.
Monday, March 16, 2009
MARCH: WHAT I MISSED
[UPDATE: Life just keeps throwing curveballs. I got a rough cold the other day and it kinda knocked me out of commission. But now, post is complete!]
Wow... wow. So yeah, my laptop died for some very stupid reasons. (Noodle spill) But it is back now, so it's time to reboot this blog as well.
For the record, if you live in Austin and have any computer trouble, Happy Mac is 100% the place to go.
Alright. I've missed so much of 2009, just in these two weeks! I've got a lot of ground to cover, and all of it during SXSW. Okay, let's get this started.
REVIEWS IN BRIEF:
UPDATE: THE NEW ANAMANAGUCHI ALBUM IS FANTASTIC!
Watchmen was really, really good. There's a lot of criticism about it - a LOT of criticism - especially leveled at length, accuracy in adaptation, and soundtrack. The movie doesn't feel long, the soundtrack FITS (sorry they left out [your favorite obscure band] but this is a movie about peering underneath massive pop culture icons, and that had to be represented musically as well) and as for adaptation, yeah, there's the big changes (for the better? oops not supposed to admit that) but overall I'm not sure what more you goddamn wanted. It's damn well acted and damn well made, and the hip kids will call it mainstream without understanding how fresh and unconventional the narrative is.
Phew.
Also quality: Two Lovers. It's a straightforward drama that's just done very well. Technology plays an interesting role. God, Joaquin, come back to us!
Dark Was The Night is the best possible compilation to match the musicscape of this year. Two good and doomed-to-be-underrated album to pick up: the new stuff by Say Hi and Gun Outfit. Both albums are quality and involving.
MUSIC:
Wow, here goes nothing.
Anamanaguchi released their album. You can listen to the entire thing for free. I strongly recommend giving it a listen; it's incredible chip glory.
I'll start with Pitchfork. Damn guys, way to redesign your entire page while I was out. Their album reviews continued pouring out. They loved the new Wavves album. They gave props to the Bell Orchestre album, suggesting that the group doesn't belong to the easy Montreal baroque-pop classification. More props for Extra Golden. The Mirah album sounds quality. They compare Marissa Nadler's album to Antony, so I now HAVE to buy it. I'd never heard of Cymbals Eat Guitars, but they, too, are now a necessity. Naturally, Pitchfork loved the Dan Deacon album. They seem to like Swan Lake's effort, although they reserve some criticisms. And they were actually a little hard on the Lotus Plaza album, I'll need to see if that's deserved. Oh, and they give Fever Ray the love she deserves.
The way Pitchfork is doing its track reviews is going to take some getting used to, but it's more logical; they're doing three a day now. (All the better for me - less to sort through!) They also seem to be offering up fewer free downloads. (Commense tears!) But I'll highlight tracks they're streaming that I really enjoy. Working backwards: The Wavves track is excellent, super washed-out shouting, and makes me excited for the album. The new and hella-catchy Junior Boys track suggests rad new things from that upcoming album. And speaking of getting pumped for new albums, damn, the Dan Deacon track is epic. Speaking of epic, the Röyksopp/Robyn collab they're streaming is one of the most addictive tracks of the year, and the new Bat for Lashes single reminds me of Fever Ray in all the right ways.
On to Fader! I'll work backwards again. I already adored the previous Fabolous track, so no surprise that this new one being freeloaded rubs me the right way too. They're also freeloading an immensely danceable remix of a Juan Maclean track. Next, (earlier?) things slow down with some Kurt Vile courtesy of RCRD LBL. Their Chip tha Rapper freeload is fun.
Okay, time for Drowned in Sound. Hey, you guys redesigned too! Damn, at least Fader stayed the same. They like Fever Ray, they like the Bat for Lashes album, they like the new Jeffrey Lewis, and they identify oddly with the new Gallows.
Tiny Mixtapes didn't change their format. Victory! They sort of had a midlife crisis over, but liked, Fever Ray. They've got me all intrigued about Baja. They praise the new Bell Orchestre.
Discodust really surprised me! They normally have legit stuff, but while I was out, they kicked it up by a few hundred notches! The Maethelvin track is dreamy and gorgeous. Same goes triple for Daroc. Jesus, I really, really like Daroc. And if you still need to keep your dance party going, check out the new Numero# track. They like Parallels, and now, I do too; sort of a violent revival of 80s pop, but I'll take it. Speaking of the 80s, Tesla Boy nails the sound; very fun listen. And holy shit, holy shit, they label the Peacefire remix as an epic masterpiece, which made me skeptical, but holy shit!
HipHopDX has no redesigns either, phew, and they really dig Brother Ali's new album. They also give Dashah and K'naan some love.
Okay, that's music. Next up is big, though...
FILM
And first up:
Edward's SXSW Write-Up!
I'd love to gush about the fantastic panels I attended (Richard Linklater and Todd Haynes discussed Imitation of Life right in front of me!) but I will highlight some micro-reviews of the ten films I saw. (Not counting Eggshells, a screening of a "lost" Hooper film)
I Love You, Man
This is the era of the bromantic comedy, and "I Love You, Man" is right on time. The gags range from intellectual/theoretical funny (dealing with bromance) to the just absurd funny. The audience reacted strongly; this is a clever crowd-pleaser and it's a shitload of fun. Rudd and Segel are pitch-perfect, and although 75% of the movie is just Rudd failing to be cool, that doesn't really get old. The movie also delivers running gags in spades. Good stuff.
Creative Nonfiction
Well...
I will congratulate the filmmaker for her brave attitude, being nude on camera and honest in her introspection. But the quality, on all fronts, is just so low. The story is trite and rehashed and bland, and the style's been done. Nothing pulled me in. But I like the filmmaker and I hope she keeps at it.
Objectified
Man, I kinda wish I had seen Helvetica first. But this doc was solid. A little dry, sure, but a good balance of information and quirk, and hella thorough to boot. It's smart enough - sharp enough - to be required viewing for the general public, and the production values are also nice here.
Moon
FANTASTIC!
My only complaint: there's a huge twist sprung a mere twenty minutes in, so I cant tell anybody why this film is so great. But Rockwell is perfect. What a daring role! Mansell's score is haunting, especially during the "secret room" scene. And the gorgeous aesthetic they squeezed from traditional methods and a tiny budget... its inspiring. Ultimately, the film's smart, raw, and hits a universally affecting chord. Damn fine feature.
Alexander the Last
The ending strikes a weird chord (pie in face, perhaps?) but I liked it a lot. It's a spry, thorough, honest, and charismatic picture. Swanberg is a master of his genre, and it's evidently because of solid output like this.
Artois the Goat
Definitely fun, definitely funny, and very wel shot. I love locally grown cinema, and this is a TEXAS flick. (Dig the Wheatsville scene!) Most of the comedy comes in visual punchlines, and they're done well. On the whole, it's a bit uneven and lags a few times, but it's still entertaining.
Overbrook Brothers
Disclaimer: I saw this film from the very front row, neck craned and screen awkwardly wide, so my complaints should be taken with a grain of salt. But aside from a few brazenly goofy set pieces and a few interesting quirks, there's little here, and the emotional aspect of the movie is way undercooked.
Me and Orson Welles
Aesthetically, the picture did little for me; it's an era I'm ambivalent towards. But the casting is solid - the actor playing Welles is pitch-perfect - and Linklater keeps the movie sharp and clever. It's an interesting perspective on Welles with a rewarding play-within-a-play and a tight narrative undercurrent.
Observe and Report
Wow.
It was uneven and uncomfortable but it had moments of blissful comic genius. All of the movie's ready-made quoatables land in exactly the right places. ("Why would I blow up Chik-Fil-A? Chik-Fil-A is fucking delicious!") And the last five minutes, I mean, rarely does a film make my jaw drop, and this one did. Were the emotional scenes hollow, painfully necessary stepping stones for the plot? Yeah. But it's rad, quotable, outrageous fun nonetheless. I didn't think I'd want to see it again, but when it hits theatres, I will probably rethink that notion.
Make-out With Violence
You could easily dissect the elements of this film. There's Rushmore here, there's Donnie Darko, there's magical realism, there's Hughes teen melodrama. And the use of music as a crutch by young filmmakers gets frustrating.
But I straight-up loved this movie. It's sweet, it's sad, it's oddly funny, and it's got genuine emotion that comes from a very real place. It gets a little incomprehensible as it winds to a close, sure, but as a work of suburban tragedy-fantasy, that's really not a drawback. And although there really aren't many moments without music pounding in the background, the soundtrack kicks ass. So I will tell my friends about this movie, and I will champion it throughout the year.
Note: The website has both a good trailer and a free EP with five of the film's kickass songs. Check it.
Okay, now, other film news.
Where the Wild Things Are has a poster. And it is good. It is the reason I'm going to end up seeing Monsters vs. Aliens.
IFC's blogs have a staggering amount of content. The reviews of I Love You, Man seem unfairly mixed. The critics enjoyed Duplicity but with a few reservations. They had fun during The Great Buck Howard, mostly because of Malkovich. Hunger wowed just about everybody. Same with Observe and Report. IFC makes me feel guilty for missing Pontypool.
Oh /Film, how I've missed thee! Too much content to summarize, so I'll just mention highlights. Their Year One trailer is fun. They snipe Sorority Row the way it deserves to be sniped. And they know how much I miss Colbert, so they've even given me a Colbert/Gaiman snippet! They even talk Tolkien. And I'm a HUGE Park Chan-Wook fan, so I am grateful to /Film for their Thirst trailer, which (sans English) seems to be a vampire film... sweet.
WEIRD
One of the Transformers will walk with a cane.
If you needed a shoestring-budget norse epic backed by weepy melodramatic metal, well, today is your day. From "Heathen Films," no less!
Kill Bill, volumes one and two, in one take and one minute.
WORLD
Obama's FCC chief is pro-Net Neutrality.
I don't need a link for this because it's everywhere: AIG is getting its ass kicked for massive, unjustified bonuses, and damn it, it deserves it.
PERSONAL
As you can guess, March has been a wild and crazy month for me. As they say, it was in like a lion: early on, I idiotically spilled noodles on my laptop, and nearly lost 'im entirely. Luckily, he proved resilient; two weeks and a few days later, he was back in action.
The loss of laptop threw me for one hell of a loop; it made me realize how vital the internet is for survival in the modern American paradigm. It's crucial for finances, education, culture, entertainment... damn. So it's good to have it back. Once again, shout out to Happy Mac - true local business, and they fixed my laptop quickly while walking me through the details in a way I could understand.
SXSW was excellent and worth the financial input, even though it was sliced in half by this rough cold.
Oh, and a personal note: I've pre-leased an excellent little single apartment, and I'm very, very excited.
I'm taking the weekend off because there's enough editorial and week-in-review to spare in here. On Monday, the blog returns to its normal form.
Rock on.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 509
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, smelling like noodles but glad to be back.
Wow... wow. So yeah, my laptop died for some very stupid reasons. (Noodle spill) But it is back now, so it's time to reboot this blog as well.
For the record, if you live in Austin and have any computer trouble, Happy Mac is 100% the place to go.
Alright. I've missed so much of 2009, just in these two weeks! I've got a lot of ground to cover, and all of it during SXSW. Okay, let's get this started.
REVIEWS IN BRIEF:
UPDATE: THE NEW ANAMANAGUCHI ALBUM IS FANTASTIC!
Watchmen was really, really good. There's a lot of criticism about it - a LOT of criticism - especially leveled at length, accuracy in adaptation, and soundtrack. The movie doesn't feel long, the soundtrack FITS (sorry they left out [your favorite obscure band] but this is a movie about peering underneath massive pop culture icons, and that had to be represented musically as well) and as for adaptation, yeah, there's the big changes (for the better? oops not supposed to admit that) but overall I'm not sure what more you goddamn wanted. It's damn well acted and damn well made, and the hip kids will call it mainstream without understanding how fresh and unconventional the narrative is.
Phew.
Also quality: Two Lovers. It's a straightforward drama that's just done very well. Technology plays an interesting role. God, Joaquin, come back to us!
Dark Was The Night is the best possible compilation to match the musicscape of this year. Two good and doomed-to-be-underrated album to pick up: the new stuff by Say Hi and Gun Outfit. Both albums are quality and involving.
MUSIC:
Wow, here goes nothing.
Anamanaguchi released their album. You can listen to the entire thing for free. I strongly recommend giving it a listen; it's incredible chip glory.
I'll start with Pitchfork. Damn guys, way to redesign your entire page while I was out. Their album reviews continued pouring out. They loved the new Wavves album. They gave props to the Bell Orchestre album, suggesting that the group doesn't belong to the easy Montreal baroque-pop classification. More props for Extra Golden. The Mirah album sounds quality. They compare Marissa Nadler's album to Antony, so I now HAVE to buy it. I'd never heard of Cymbals Eat Guitars, but they, too, are now a necessity. Naturally, Pitchfork loved the Dan Deacon album. They seem to like Swan Lake's effort, although they reserve some criticisms. And they were actually a little hard on the Lotus Plaza album, I'll need to see if that's deserved. Oh, and they give Fever Ray the love she deserves.
The way Pitchfork is doing its track reviews is going to take some getting used to, but it's more logical; they're doing three a day now. (All the better for me - less to sort through!) They also seem to be offering up fewer free downloads. (Commense tears!) But I'll highlight tracks they're streaming that I really enjoy. Working backwards: The Wavves track is excellent, super washed-out shouting, and makes me excited for the album. The new and hella-catchy Junior Boys track suggests rad new things from that upcoming album. And speaking of getting pumped for new albums, damn, the Dan Deacon track is epic. Speaking of epic, the Röyksopp/Robyn collab they're streaming is one of the most addictive tracks of the year, and the new Bat for Lashes single reminds me of Fever Ray in all the right ways.
On to Fader! I'll work backwards again. I already adored the previous Fabolous track, so no surprise that this new one being freeloaded rubs me the right way too. They're also freeloading an immensely danceable remix of a Juan Maclean track. Next, (earlier?) things slow down with some Kurt Vile courtesy of RCRD LBL. Their Chip tha Rapper freeload is fun.
Okay, time for Drowned in Sound. Hey, you guys redesigned too! Damn, at least Fader stayed the same. They like Fever Ray, they like the Bat for Lashes album, they like the new Jeffrey Lewis, and they identify oddly with the new Gallows.
Tiny Mixtapes didn't change their format. Victory! They sort of had a midlife crisis over, but liked, Fever Ray. They've got me all intrigued about Baja. They praise the new Bell Orchestre.
Discodust really surprised me! They normally have legit stuff, but while I was out, they kicked it up by a few hundred notches! The Maethelvin track is dreamy and gorgeous. Same goes triple for Daroc. Jesus, I really, really like Daroc. And if you still need to keep your dance party going, check out the new Numero# track. They like Parallels, and now, I do too; sort of a violent revival of 80s pop, but I'll take it. Speaking of the 80s, Tesla Boy nails the sound; very fun listen. And holy shit, holy shit, they label the Peacefire remix as an epic masterpiece, which made me skeptical, but holy shit!
HipHopDX has no redesigns either, phew, and they really dig Brother Ali's new album. They also give Dashah and K'naan some love.
Okay, that's music. Next up is big, though...
FILM
And first up:
Edward's SXSW Write-Up!
I'd love to gush about the fantastic panels I attended (Richard Linklater and Todd Haynes discussed Imitation of Life right in front of me!) but I will highlight some micro-reviews of the ten films I saw. (Not counting Eggshells, a screening of a "lost" Hooper film)
I Love You, Man
This is the era of the bromantic comedy, and "I Love You, Man" is right on time. The gags range from intellectual/theoretical funny (dealing with bromance) to the just absurd funny. The audience reacted strongly; this is a clever crowd-pleaser and it's a shitload of fun. Rudd and Segel are pitch-perfect, and although 75% of the movie is just Rudd failing to be cool, that doesn't really get old. The movie also delivers running gags in spades. Good stuff.
Creative Nonfiction
Well...
I will congratulate the filmmaker for her brave attitude, being nude on camera and honest in her introspection. But the quality, on all fronts, is just so low. The story is trite and rehashed and bland, and the style's been done. Nothing pulled me in. But I like the filmmaker and I hope she keeps at it.
Objectified
Man, I kinda wish I had seen Helvetica first. But this doc was solid. A little dry, sure, but a good balance of information and quirk, and hella thorough to boot. It's smart enough - sharp enough - to be required viewing for the general public, and the production values are also nice here.
Moon
FANTASTIC!
My only complaint: there's a huge twist sprung a mere twenty minutes in, so I cant tell anybody why this film is so great. But Rockwell is perfect. What a daring role! Mansell's score is haunting, especially during the "secret room" scene. And the gorgeous aesthetic they squeezed from traditional methods and a tiny budget... its inspiring. Ultimately, the film's smart, raw, and hits a universally affecting chord. Damn fine feature.
Alexander the Last
The ending strikes a weird chord (pie in face, perhaps?) but I liked it a lot. It's a spry, thorough, honest, and charismatic picture. Swanberg is a master of his genre, and it's evidently because of solid output like this.
Artois the Goat
Definitely fun, definitely funny, and very wel shot. I love locally grown cinema, and this is a TEXAS flick. (Dig the Wheatsville scene!) Most of the comedy comes in visual punchlines, and they're done well. On the whole, it's a bit uneven and lags a few times, but it's still entertaining.
Overbrook Brothers
Disclaimer: I saw this film from the very front row, neck craned and screen awkwardly wide, so my complaints should be taken with a grain of salt. But aside from a few brazenly goofy set pieces and a few interesting quirks, there's little here, and the emotional aspect of the movie is way undercooked.
Me and Orson Welles
Aesthetically, the picture did little for me; it's an era I'm ambivalent towards. But the casting is solid - the actor playing Welles is pitch-perfect - and Linklater keeps the movie sharp and clever. It's an interesting perspective on Welles with a rewarding play-within-a-play and a tight narrative undercurrent.
Observe and Report
Wow.
It was uneven and uncomfortable but it had moments of blissful comic genius. All of the movie's ready-made quoatables land in exactly the right places. ("Why would I blow up Chik-Fil-A? Chik-Fil-A is fucking delicious!") And the last five minutes, I mean, rarely does a film make my jaw drop, and this one did. Were the emotional scenes hollow, painfully necessary stepping stones for the plot? Yeah. But it's rad, quotable, outrageous fun nonetheless. I didn't think I'd want to see it again, but when it hits theatres, I will probably rethink that notion.
Make-out With Violence
You could easily dissect the elements of this film. There's Rushmore here, there's Donnie Darko, there's magical realism, there's Hughes teen melodrama. And the use of music as a crutch by young filmmakers gets frustrating.
But I straight-up loved this movie. It's sweet, it's sad, it's oddly funny, and it's got genuine emotion that comes from a very real place. It gets a little incomprehensible as it winds to a close, sure, but as a work of suburban tragedy-fantasy, that's really not a drawback. And although there really aren't many moments without music pounding in the background, the soundtrack kicks ass. So I will tell my friends about this movie, and I will champion it throughout the year.
Note: The website has both a good trailer and a free EP with five of the film's kickass songs. Check it.
Okay, now, other film news.
Where the Wild Things Are has a poster. And it is good. It is the reason I'm going to end up seeing Monsters vs. Aliens.
IFC's blogs have a staggering amount of content. The reviews of I Love You, Man seem unfairly mixed. The critics enjoyed Duplicity but with a few reservations. They had fun during The Great Buck Howard, mostly because of Malkovich. Hunger wowed just about everybody. Same with Observe and Report. IFC makes me feel guilty for missing Pontypool.
Oh /Film, how I've missed thee! Too much content to summarize, so I'll just mention highlights. Their Year One trailer is fun. They snipe Sorority Row the way it deserves to be sniped. And they know how much I miss Colbert, so they've even given me a Colbert/Gaiman snippet! They even talk Tolkien. And I'm a HUGE Park Chan-Wook fan, so I am grateful to /Film for their Thirst trailer, which (sans English) seems to be a vampire film... sweet.
WEIRD
One of the Transformers will walk with a cane.
If you needed a shoestring-budget norse epic backed by weepy melodramatic metal, well, today is your day. From "Heathen Films," no less!
Kill Bill, volumes one and two, in one take and one minute.
WORLD
Obama's FCC chief is pro-Net Neutrality.
I don't need a link for this because it's everywhere: AIG is getting its ass kicked for massive, unjustified bonuses, and damn it, it deserves it.
PERSONAL
As you can guess, March has been a wild and crazy month for me. As they say, it was in like a lion: early on, I idiotically spilled noodles on my laptop, and nearly lost 'im entirely. Luckily, he proved resilient; two weeks and a few days later, he was back in action.
The loss of laptop threw me for one hell of a loop; it made me realize how vital the internet is for survival in the modern American paradigm. It's crucial for finances, education, culture, entertainment... damn. So it's good to have it back. Once again, shout out to Happy Mac - true local business, and they fixed my laptop quickly while walking me through the details in a way I could understand.
SXSW was excellent and worth the financial input, even though it was sliced in half by this rough cold.
Oh, and a personal note: I've pre-leased an excellent little single apartment, and I'm very, very excited.
I'm taking the weekend off because there's enough editorial and week-in-review to spare in here. On Monday, the blog returns to its normal form.
Rock on.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 15
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 509
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, smelling like noodles but glad to be back.
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