[8/10 Re-Update] Done!
[8/10 Update] STILL still tryin'!
[8/4 Update] Still tryin'!
Keeping a blog about pop culture is like any chore. You're too lazy to do it, so you let it slip a day, and the next day it's even longer and more tiresome a task, so you let it slip and slip until... well, until a whole damn month passes.
And it doesn't help that I don't have the money to see the films or buy the albums I blog about. But that'll change soon, with any luck.
Here it goes.
MUSIC
Here comes trouble!
Holy shit... they captured Pirate Bay. It's a depressing day for all of us. Had you ever been to the Pirate Bay's "Legal" section? This is... augh. Tragedy.
The Heath Ledger-directed anti-whaling Modest Mouse video is not without its rough edges but is genuinely chilling, and I will stand behind any and all earnest animal rights statements.
Also, Drake's hard knocks (and I include the somewhat meh video as one of those knocks) keep on rolling. His recent leg injury and collapse can't be helping this stress.
Animal Collective is running this shit.
Sondre Lerche continues to be what I like about being alive.
New Kings on October 20th! Good day!
Everybody got in a fuss about the first new Muse single, which I didn't think was bad but was definitely not worth the epic puzzle/game nonsense required for a listen. It's as polemic as Bellamy has always been, and why are people surprised that the new direction is Queen-ish? Anyway, the second new single is kinda better anyway but still waaaaay overstays its welcome.
I'm kinda letting myself get really excited about The Big Pink's upcoming. Accuse single "Dominos" of being Time To Pretend Part II all you want, but there's a warm fullness to their sound that rounds out the catchiness. Also, have you heard "Velvet"? I mean, really? People are (rightfully) praising the Antlers for aiming high, so let's at least share some of that. Ya dig?
I'm really late to this Basement Jaxx party going on, but holy god damn it is a good party. What with Royksopp tearing shit up earlier and still promising another release, it is a good year to like dancing.
Oh TMT, I like the way you think.
The new Raekwon is wiiiiild.
Please Billy Corgan, please let me like you again.
M83 got kinda violent for no good reason. Guys... you're not Morrissey.
Weezer's new songs are only a few degrees separate from the vibe they used to go for, but those few degrees make a shit ton of difference.
Interpol's Paul Banks is pulling a Sasha Fierce.
Goddamn, I thought Drake was going to run away with my "favorite rapper of the year" award, but I just can't get over how ballsy TreaZon has been. He's referenced Dragonball Z, Sailor Moon, and I think Naruto, all in the last few months' worth of tracks. Referencing middle-school anime obsessions in your online leaks? Dude's letting it all hang out.
The indie world is stepping forward to support Chris Knox - including Jeff Mangum!
The new Raveonettes is actually really good.
Also, as far as finding a mixtape to succeed Drake's in terms of addictive listenability, lately the strongest contender has been Nero's new release. He can't work the 90stalgia angle forever, and that's one of the strongest selling points here, but I'm definitely getting used to his flow.
My crush on Bat For Lashes is goin' strong.
David Byrne is to U2 as Jarvis Cocker was to Michael Jackson (but evidently is no longer).
Big Sean needs some work, especially when it comes to swagger, but he's got the whole silky flow, addictive hook business locked down. Oh, and Kanye's hanging out back there or something. This and Day n' Nite as a double-feature? No-brainer. Other illRoots treats include Hova's new single, Cudi's new whatever-it-is-he-releases, and a guy named Gooz.
FILM
John Hughes is dead. Please don't underestimate the significance of those words.
Avatar is getting some wild hype. I have to admit that it's starting to grab me. They definitely owned Comic-Con, and with all the high profile stuff at Comic-Con, for an original plot to take the cake is saying something.
New York, I Love You looks fun.
Harmony Korine's next film is finished.
One of the best things about Austin is the Drafthouse, and, well, case in point.
Bad movies get sequels.
Lots of /Film Comic-Con blurbs. Where The Wild Things Are was dazzling. District 9 is apparently some kind of new religion. Kick-Ass surprised everybody with a gutpunch. Christmas Carol is going to scare you? Alice in Wonderland looks really fun. Secret Ninja Assassin screenings confirmed that the movie will feature blood. (Surprise!) Oh, and Tron Legacy is the movie I have been waiting for all these years.
Spielberg wants to stick some Elites.
Linklater is on his grind. Meanwhile, Duncan Jones is doing well.
Fantastic Mr. Fox doesn't have a great trailer, but I'm not nearly as displeased as everybody else seems to be. Flat, maybe. But not godawful.
I trust /Film, so I look forward to hearing more about Simple Machines.
Langella's joining the new Wall Street. This movie could end up pleasantly surprising me.
Definitely looking forward to Big Fan.
New Moon featuring music from Bon Iver and (gasp!) Thom Yorke? Now hear me out - what if Twilight was kinda the Pablo Honey of the film series? What if New Moon ends up being a The Bends, or even an OK Computer!? Yeah, probably not. Sigh. Oh, and Daft Punk are doing the new Tron, which makes a crapload more sense.
WEIRD
Minneapolis hates music or something. Honestly, as much as I feel for venues that'll buckle without 18+ hybrid shows, I've been offered beers at shows pretty much since I've been going to shows, and I can see the logic behind the potential laws. It's not a clean cut issue, and going all "up in arms" and pulling a Bill O'Reilly-esque "you're declaring war on Christmas!" rantfest is not going to solve an issue that requires a genuine compromise.
Lady Gaga is now confirmed to be a woman. Phew?
WORLD
I don't even know where to begin. Health care change is stuck in the mud and I doubt that any reform will pass. The real unemployment rate (the one including those who've ceased looking for work) is projected at 16.3 percent, which is beyond what I could have imagined. Typhoons pelt Asia while domestic pundits laugh off the global warming crisis. Is this the decline of U.S. dominance globally? What will that mean for my future, and the future of my friends and family? I don't have any other real facts to post in this section, just a large number of questions.
PERSONAL
The "world" section could get transplanted here.
Other things in my life seem normal. I'm working pretty hard to pull a short film together. I'm trying to stay productive. Oh, and the two bands I really want to get into: Sleater-Kinney and A Tribe Called Quest.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 23
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 969
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, chilling out at the apartment..
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
June 18th through July 6th, 2009 [COMPLETE]
[Final Edit] Damn it, I DECLARE THIS POST COMPLETE! [/Final Edit]
God, what a monster 2009 is. I get busy for a few days and it becomes insurmountable to catch up without spending hours and hours. Time to get back up to speed.
Phew. So much is happening all the time.
MUSIC
Only one thing can top out this section... Michael Jackson is dead.
Kamaal the Abstract is getting released, at last! But as the universe seems to work by karma, Vibe magazine has gone under.
Drake's video got released, and I'm sorta disappointed. Video's like 90% boob shots. Well, we'll let him just keep working and see what he does next.
Oh ho ho! Pitchfork don't care for the new Moby album? When has THAT ever happened before, huh? It always amuses me. Anyway, everybody else thinks it's great.
Mew is one of my favorite music outfits, so it should come as a surprise to nobody that their free MP3, "Repeaterbeater," is basically all I'm listening to.
Jigga's at war.
TMT sobers us with the good-and-bad vinyl sales news. Medium of kings... sounds distinguished.
Jens Lekman caught swine flu, and seems pretty okay.
Damn you, Dirty Projectors, and your tantalizingly good music video! When I get money again, I may just buy thirty copies of your album. Friggin' recession.
Idolator has a cool way of finding new music, and evidently it works.
Poor Crystal Castles. First they get in trouble for something as inconsequential as stealing people's music and calling it their own, and now when they throw equipment at security, they get restrained? It's so unfair! When will the hard knocks stop?
But I'll admit. As much as I loathe Crystal Castles, all of my loathing today goes towards the abomination of Millionaires. No words. Just... no words.
Let's round this out with a good-feelings chaser. Remember that awesome Conan performance with Jamie Foxx and Drake? Now you can have a nice, clean MP3 of the remix, courtesy of illRoots. Also making guest appearances, Kanye and Dream. This is one of the most addictive tracks of 2009.
FILM
Bit of a disaster over at /Film, but they handled it respectfully. It's their integrity in handling these situations - how receptive they are to reader criticism - that elevates them. That, and how they are willing to write potentially unpopular articles about mega-popular films. Oh, and they have kind words for Bruno.
But on the topic of the debacle that is Transformers 2's racism, I was going to "see it anyway," but you know what? Harry at AICN made a pretty passionate case, and while I don't even close to agree with all of his logic (from his anti-PC outlook to bandying about the word "retarded" like he was twelve) I agree that paying to see the movie, especially outside of opening weekend (i.e., helping to give the movie "legs") is not something I intend to do. So fuck it, it'll come out on television someday, and I'll yawn THEN instead. Word up, Knowles.
I'm not sold on Megan Fox, but count me in to see Jennifer's Body anyway.
I'm not usually impressed by viral marketing, but what they're doing for Funny People is damned brilliant. Warning - the link autoplays, and is NSFW off the bat. Also on the subject of funny people, Gervais has a new movie that will make us all pee laughing.
I'm curious about Buried. But not too curious.
The Box looks solid. Pull through, Richard Kelly!
Duncan Jones' new feature is well worth getting excited about, especially after his stellar freshman performance, Moon.
Not gonna lie, Deadgirl looks like a crappy Make-Out With Violence. I'm not saying ripoff because they've both been in underground development for ages, I'm just saying the premise is similar, Make-Out With Violence is exceptional, and Deadgirl looks like crap.
WEIRD
A dead body was found at Bonnaroo.
The Weather Channel says goodbye to smooth jazz and hello to Smiths b-sides.
Brad Pitt + Sumo Wrestler + Department of Eagles = Japanese Commercial.
The Terminator is REAL.
Perez Hilton got punched in the face. I'm honestly surprised that it took this long.
WORLD
Damn it, PETA... just when I was starting to be cool with you, too.
Other that, the situation in Iran is the big issue on my mind.
PERSONAL
I'm living in a new place, I'm without the cash to buy CDs, I'm working on more projects than I care to think about, and god damn if it isn't hard keeping up with popular culture. How's this for my closest summary: The king of pop has died under the reign of a newly (and conveniently) sympathetic media buzz, as the same people who danced on his publicity grave squeeze their eyes as tight as possible to make tears. Meanwhile, revolution rages in Iran, war continues to evolve in Iraq, and there's still a recession, still an environmental crisis, still animal rights abuses the world over, and damn it, still people fighting for something better.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 18
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 942
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, overworked with all this video editing.
God, what a monster 2009 is. I get busy for a few days and it becomes insurmountable to catch up without spending hours and hours. Time to get back up to speed.
Phew. So much is happening all the time.
MUSIC
Only one thing can top out this section... Michael Jackson is dead.
Kamaal the Abstract is getting released, at last! But as the universe seems to work by karma, Vibe magazine has gone under.
Drake's video got released, and I'm sorta disappointed. Video's like 90% boob shots. Well, we'll let him just keep working and see what he does next.
Oh ho ho! Pitchfork don't care for the new Moby album? When has THAT ever happened before, huh? It always amuses me. Anyway, everybody else thinks it's great.
Mew is one of my favorite music outfits, so it should come as a surprise to nobody that their free MP3, "Repeaterbeater," is basically all I'm listening to.
Jigga's at war.
TMT sobers us with the good-and-bad vinyl sales news. Medium of kings... sounds distinguished.
Jens Lekman caught swine flu, and seems pretty okay.
Damn you, Dirty Projectors, and your tantalizingly good music video! When I get money again, I may just buy thirty copies of your album. Friggin' recession.
Idolator has a cool way of finding new music, and evidently it works.
Poor Crystal Castles. First they get in trouble for something as inconsequential as stealing people's music and calling it their own, and now when they throw equipment at security, they get restrained? It's so unfair! When will the hard knocks stop?
But I'll admit. As much as I loathe Crystal Castles, all of my loathing today goes towards the abomination of Millionaires. No words. Just... no words.
Let's round this out with a good-feelings chaser. Remember that awesome Conan performance with Jamie Foxx and Drake? Now you can have a nice, clean MP3 of the remix, courtesy of illRoots. Also making guest appearances, Kanye and Dream. This is one of the most addictive tracks of 2009.
FILM
Bit of a disaster over at /Film, but they handled it respectfully. It's their integrity in handling these situations - how receptive they are to reader criticism - that elevates them. That, and how they are willing to write potentially unpopular articles about mega-popular films. Oh, and they have kind words for Bruno.
But on the topic of the debacle that is Transformers 2's racism, I was going to "see it anyway," but you know what? Harry at AICN made a pretty passionate case, and while I don't even close to agree with all of his logic (from his anti-PC outlook to bandying about the word "retarded" like he was twelve) I agree that paying to see the movie, especially outside of opening weekend (i.e., helping to give the movie "legs") is not something I intend to do. So fuck it, it'll come out on television someday, and I'll yawn THEN instead. Word up, Knowles.
I'm not sold on Megan Fox, but count me in to see Jennifer's Body anyway.
I'm not usually impressed by viral marketing, but what they're doing for Funny People is damned brilliant. Warning - the link autoplays, and is NSFW off the bat. Also on the subject of funny people, Gervais has a new movie that will make us all pee laughing.
I'm curious about Buried. But not too curious.
The Box looks solid. Pull through, Richard Kelly!
Duncan Jones' new feature is well worth getting excited about, especially after his stellar freshman performance, Moon.
Not gonna lie, Deadgirl looks like a crappy Make-Out With Violence. I'm not saying ripoff because they've both been in underground development for ages, I'm just saying the premise is similar, Make-Out With Violence is exceptional, and Deadgirl looks like crap.
WEIRD
A dead body was found at Bonnaroo.
The Weather Channel says goodbye to smooth jazz and hello to Smiths b-sides.
Brad Pitt + Sumo Wrestler + Department of Eagles = Japanese Commercial.
The Terminator is REAL.
Perez Hilton got punched in the face. I'm honestly surprised that it took this long.
WORLD
Damn it, PETA... just when I was starting to be cool with you, too.
Other that, the situation in Iran is the big issue on my mind.
PERSONAL
I'm living in a new place, I'm without the cash to buy CDs, I'm working on more projects than I care to think about, and god damn if it isn't hard keeping up with popular culture. How's this for my closest summary: The king of pop has died under the reign of a newly (and conveniently) sympathetic media buzz, as the same people who danced on his publicity grave squeeze their eyes as tight as possible to make tears. Meanwhile, revolution rages in Iran, war continues to evolve in Iraq, and there's still a recession, still an environmental crisis, still animal rights abuses the world over, and damn it, still people fighting for something better.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 18
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: 942
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, overworked with all this video editing.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
June 16th and 17th, 2009
MUSIC
Biggest news by far? The Very Best have finally announced an album! I've been waiting for this announcement since their mixtape dropped. Gonna be awesome!
Mos Def's new album is also somehow a t-shirt. Hey man. It's 2009.
Discodust is back! I hadn't checked enough to realize they were even gone, but they're back. And sure, I downloaded some of the Marina and the Diamonds tracks, but... my problem is, this is appealing and a fun listen, but aside from the solid remixes it's ground Spektor covered already, ages ago, which makes it incredible non-essential listening. Seriously Discodust, more cascading epic synths, please!
DiS seems arbitrarily skeptical and confused about a really rad project, deaf people using sign language to perform Joy Division. Seriously DiS, what's with the mindset you're spouting?
I enjoy this Tu Phace mp3.
FILM
Bruno is becoming a bit of a big old cultural moment. Also from /Film, Trek 2 inklings and a glimpse at some Aronofsky news.
There's a domestic trailer for Thirst! Definitely hyping the gross-out and horror elements. Oh, bottomlines...
WEIRD
DOUBLE TREE! It is what it sounds like.
WORLD
The Iran situation grows more and more complicated.
PERSONAL
So, this recession... right?
I wasn't even giving it much thought two months ago. Now I'm in Austin, trying to find a job, with a tight budget, and that's become the biggest impact on my culture at this point... I can't really afford to be going to the Drafthouse or buying new CDs 'til I get a job. But I have some good albums to be listening to from the year thus far, and hey, summer blockbusters have never been my exhileration. Maybe the enduring themes of this year won't be about media, but about everything else in my life? Who knows.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 18
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: A ways over 900 with a few albums to import
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, tired of Google maps and the Capital Metro bus planner page.
Biggest news by far? The Very Best have finally announced an album! I've been waiting for this announcement since their mixtape dropped. Gonna be awesome!
Mos Def's new album is also somehow a t-shirt. Hey man. It's 2009.
Discodust is back! I hadn't checked enough to realize they were even gone, but they're back. And sure, I downloaded some of the Marina and the Diamonds tracks, but... my problem is, this is appealing and a fun listen, but aside from the solid remixes it's ground Spektor covered already, ages ago, which makes it incredible non-essential listening. Seriously Discodust, more cascading epic synths, please!
DiS seems arbitrarily skeptical and confused about a really rad project, deaf people using sign language to perform Joy Division. Seriously DiS, what's with the mindset you're spouting?
I enjoy this Tu Phace mp3.
FILM
Bruno is becoming a bit of a big old cultural moment. Also from /Film, Trek 2 inklings and a glimpse at some Aronofsky news.
There's a domestic trailer for Thirst! Definitely hyping the gross-out and horror elements. Oh, bottomlines...
WEIRD
DOUBLE TREE! It is what it sounds like.
WORLD
The Iran situation grows more and more complicated.
PERSONAL
So, this recession... right?
I wasn't even giving it much thought two months ago. Now I'm in Austin, trying to find a job, with a tight budget, and that's become the biggest impact on my culture at this point... I can't really afford to be going to the Drafthouse or buying new CDs 'til I get a job. But I have some good albums to be listening to from the year thus far, and hey, summer blockbusters have never been my exhileration. Maybe the enduring themes of this year won't be about media, but about everything else in my life? Who knows.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 18
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: A ways over 900 with a few albums to import
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, tired of Google maps and the Capital Metro bus planner page.
Monday, June 15, 2009
June 15th, 2009, and a little bit from the week prior
Ah god let's do this thing.
MUSIC
Last time I was in my local record store for my two CDs, I thought of grabbing Mos Def's new one and the new Dirty Projectors one as well, but figured I'd wait to see what critics said before shelling out cash. (I hadn't had internet in a while) Well, egg on my face.
Anyway. It's been really hard to keep up with all this stuff because my new internet is a little on the slow side, but I managed to squeeze a few gems via illRoots through my bandwidth. Notably, Fabolous has dropped a cool new track. I had to search a little for the new Cudi single, Mr. Solo Dolo, but yeah, it was worth it. Oh, and Drake is having a big year; teaming with Jamie Foxx and getting his video shot by Kanye? Damn. But the biggest news? NEW JAY-Z, and he's at war with autotune, ringtones, and maybe also singalongs. Damn jigga, where's the love?
Blur are doing things again!
Micachu's new mixtape kind of scares me. That's a good thing. It also features perhaps the most unexpected Ne-Yo cover in maybe ever.
I am jonesing for the new BLK JKS album, pretty hardcore.
The new Animal Collective video is pretty odd... surprise! God I'm glad I saw them live. What an experience!
Charles Hamilton is just getting into a bigger and bigger mess, all the time.
FILM
Sad truths about George Lucas, damn.
Live-action Akira is dead. Mixed feelings there, because the movie woulda been wildly inferior, but could have brought attention to the fantastic original. Also at AICN, they love Moon (duh!) and hate on Eddie Murphy. (huh?)
Shutter Island looks really, really good. Kinda wanna see Creation too. And I am going to cry for the entire time The Time Traveller's Wife is being projected on the screen, I just know it.
I really need to see The Hangover before I see The Hangover 2.
Food Inc., looks pretty vital.
WEIRD
The Jonas Brothers roped Common into this travesty.
WORLD
The big news of the week is the scandal surrounding Iran's allegedly rigged elections.
PERSONAL
I'm enjoying the new apartment, but my refrigerator is disturbingly clear.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 18
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: A ways over 900 with a few albums to import
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, relaxing in the new room, annoyed that it didn't get to go on the plane earlier this summer.
MUSIC
Last time I was in my local record store for my two CDs, I thought of grabbing Mos Def's new one and the new Dirty Projectors one as well, but figured I'd wait to see what critics said before shelling out cash. (I hadn't had internet in a while) Well, egg on my face.
Anyway. It's been really hard to keep up with all this stuff because my new internet is a little on the slow side, but I managed to squeeze a few gems via illRoots through my bandwidth. Notably, Fabolous has dropped a cool new track. I had to search a little for the new Cudi single, Mr. Solo Dolo, but yeah, it was worth it. Oh, and Drake is having a big year; teaming with Jamie Foxx and getting his video shot by Kanye? Damn. But the biggest news? NEW JAY-Z, and he's at war with autotune, ringtones, and maybe also singalongs. Damn jigga, where's the love?
Blur are doing things again!
Micachu's new mixtape kind of scares me. That's a good thing. It also features perhaps the most unexpected Ne-Yo cover in maybe ever.
I am jonesing for the new BLK JKS album, pretty hardcore.
The new Animal Collective video is pretty odd... surprise! God I'm glad I saw them live. What an experience!
Charles Hamilton is just getting into a bigger and bigger mess, all the time.
FILM
Sad truths about George Lucas, damn.
Live-action Akira is dead. Mixed feelings there, because the movie woulda been wildly inferior, but could have brought attention to the fantastic original. Also at AICN, they love Moon (duh!) and hate on Eddie Murphy. (huh?)
Shutter Island looks really, really good. Kinda wanna see Creation too. And I am going to cry for the entire time The Time Traveller's Wife is being projected on the screen, I just know it.
I really need to see The Hangover before I see The Hangover 2.
Food Inc., looks pretty vital.
WEIRD
The Jonas Brothers roped Common into this travesty.
WORLD
The big news of the week is the scandal surrounding Iran's allegedly rigged elections.
PERSONAL
I'm enjoying the new apartment, but my refrigerator is disturbingly clear.
2009 FILMS SEEN: 18
2009 SONGS ON MY ITUNES: A ways over 900 with a few albums to import
Current Computer Situation: MacBook Pro, relaxing in the new room, annoyed that it didn't get to go on the plane earlier this summer.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
April and May, 2009: While I was out...
POST COMPLETE!
Well, it's not perfect. But it's as good as it'll be. And I need to catch back up.
Okay, so I left off... April 12th? Really? Dear god. I've missed goddamn pirates and pig diseases... are you kidding me? Okay, 2009, let's get back up to speed.
MUSIC: REVIEWS
I've bought a bunch of albums since mid-April. Quick reviews:
DOOM, Born Like This: Don't get me wrong, there's quality on this album. But from one of the most awkwardly homophobic songs of 2009 ("Batty Boyz") to the flimsy duration (the 40-odd minutes feel like a ten), half of which is basically samples of old cartoons... The good moments here (and there are some) are buried very, very deep. Maybe I just don't get it.
Junior Boys, Begone Dull Care: I don't know why basically no reviewers have called this album what it is. It's a straight-up soul seduction album. It's smooth, achingly romantic, and backed with a vaguely slutty kick. These aren't selling points exactly, but they're reference points handled deftly by Junior Boys; the production is almost neurotically detailed, and by combing some appealing and catchy first-listen highlights with some satisfying nuances that reward repeated listens, the album's a formidable one-two punch.
Bat For Lashes, Two Suns: "Daniel" sucked me into the Bat For Lashes goth-pop musical whirlpool, and I really love it here. It's not all as immediately addictive as "Daniel," but everything is thoughtfully textured and intricately gorgeous. This is an album that's really worth spending time with.
Micachu, Jewellery: This album knocked me flat. The track I'd already heard ("Calculator") was a little weird, sure, but it's really the most straightforward pop song Micachu provides. The bizarre, arch compositions here are really refreshing and invigorating, and the tricks don't grow old; you find yourself singing along to some mildly questionable lyrics, which is really kind of cool.
Camera Obscura, My Maudlin Career: Maybe I'm in the wrong state of mind, but after three tracks of the exact same sounds repeated ad infinatum, this got pretty grating. Which isn't to say it's bad; it's actually a really solid album. It's just something that rubs me the wrong way, for whatever reason. Maybe this will change.
Wavves, Wavvves: I really dig this album. I mean, sure, it's about 50% solid songcraft and 50% noodling, but the noodling is oddly pleasurable and the solid songcraft really connects.
The Thermals, Now We Can See: This album is probably the most accessible thing I've purchased, musically, in 2009. The chords are strong, the vocals are at the top of the mix, the hooks are catchy... a lot of fun.
I also bought Dan Deacon's album; initial reactions include "HOLY SHIT WHAT" and "WAIT WOAH AWESOME" but I'm going to give it more time before I say anything definite.
Okay, so that's where I've put my musical dollars. I've also been listening to TreaZon's mixtape, Drake's mixtape, the soundtrack to Make-Out With Violence (still my favorite film of 2009, somebody please distribute this so I can share it with friends?) and a lot of chiptunes. But now, on to some musical news...
MUSIC: NEWS
These are arranged in order of significance, and/or awesomeness.
Cuban Linx II is coming out for real! Radiohead is recording a new album! Kudi is finally releasing an album! This is all such great news, but music is on the karma payment plan, so... oh. The Lucksmiths broke up. Damn.
Muse named their new album.
My sister turned me on to Idolator, and I'm digging it. They, like me, think the new Mew song is rad. Maybe a little too angular and maybe a little confusingly mixed, sure, but when it takes off it has a wicked groove. Which got me on a Mew kick, and damn, that voice is one of the best things on the planet Earth.
Drake's coming out with a video for one of my favorite tracks off So Far Gone, "Best I Ever Had." Those orchestra hits in the beginning are like cocaine. Ear cocaine. My ears are high as shit. Anyway, the video's going to be about the ladies.
Also vindicating its absurdly high playcount, "Make Her Say" (formerly "I Poke Her Face") is Cudi's next single. Good call. For fun, check out the illroots comments; evidently, if your song leaked over a month ago and you're waiting for more than a month to release your album, you are a fool.
Oh, and R. City is fresh. Find that tape.
I'm going to announce it here, once and for all: Coldplay ripped off MY song! (Shh, it doesn't matter that they clearly didn't, jump onboard!)
M.I.A. is all up in the news.
All Camel did was use popular indie musicians, against their will, to sell addictive death sticks. Now the poor guys are getting sued to hell.
Sufjan Stevens wrote a simple one-off song about Sofia Coppola years ago. And it's still kick-ass.
It's kind of weird to say there's a new J Dilla album coming out, but it's weird in the raddest possible way.
So I was okay with Asher Roth at first, because a lot of respectable folks endorsed him, and I was down for some lazy, goof-off hip hop. But uh... nah. No. No way.
Swine flu reared its ugly, fictional head and prevented a rad tour from going down.
David Letterman became an indie venue somehow. Honestly, this is just an excuse to post a Bat For Lashes video, and to feed my raging, out-of-control crush on Natasha Khan.
Grizzly Bear's new video is like an uncanny alley manifesto. Watch at your own risk.
Flaming Lips vs. Arcade Fire... ish.
Crystal Castles were involved in another controversial catastrophe. Surprise! (Note: There's a lot of loathing in the chiptune community directed towards Crystal Castles. I side with the chiptune musicians, considering, y'know, Crystal Castles plagiarized them in "practice" songs and stuff.)
Okay, that's not the most diverse set of blogs, but I think I covered everything major. Phew, it's time for some film stuff.
FILM REVIEWS
Star Trek
I saw this movie three times total; once in a preview IMAX screening hosted by Harry Knowles, then on opening night at the Drafthouse, and then with my father. I loved it each time. I'm a fan of pretty much anything Abrams touches these days, and he really balanced everything so well in Trek that you forget how sensitive a property it is, and how intense that burden of pop culture is. There are a lot of genuinely breathtaking moments, and there's a lot of fun hijinx to throw wrenches in the way of the Enterprise. The actors are well cast, the story is self-contained enough to be fun but has enough room to breathe... Honestly, even while watching movies I love, I often end up wondering eventually when they're going to end, and it's a feat when I'm wrapped up enough in the brisk pacing not to notice that two hours have gone by. It's just... really good.
Up
I cried, and I am not ashamed of myself for it. The opening sequence covers a lot of ground in that very Pixar way, that say-a-lot-with-a-little precision that makes their films universal. And lately, it's been utilized to cover more treacherous ground than childhood fantasy, which is impressive. This particular outing, though, really hits home. It's mature in its sensibilities; we are spending a good deal of time with an elderly man and his confrontations with nostalgia and death. But there's jokes too. It works. And Up makes its point: dreams are vital, but letting go of them when the time is right, that's vital too. I mean, people, this is a movie distributed by Disney; challenging the power of dreams even slightly is a big deal. End of the day, the movie is poignant, beautiful, and solidly accessible. It's the kind of movie I want to raise my kids on when I've got some of my own.
FILM NEWS
Same order as before... all things in order of badassness.
Cannes went down! Lars Von Trier freaked people out. Tarantino divided everybody's opinions. The best news of all? Chan Wook-Park made a huge bloody splash with Thirst (duh!) and now the movie has been picked up for release at the end of this July! Awesome!
District 9 looks incredible.
I'm very hesitant to jump onboard for Avatar. Lots of cool stuff coming out in a slow trickle, sure, but the marketing suggests that this film is the big new incredible thing and that's always cause for a little suspicion.
This micro-short Last Day Dream is fantastic. Give it some of your time!
Duncan Jones, who blew me away with Moon, is getting a new project underway about WWII.
My skepticism of Thor keeps getting peeled back. I love Hiddleston from Wallander (which really deserves your attention as well) and the casting is solid so far. Damn you, Branagh! Getting my hopes up!
I'm very excited for The Road, but this trailer seems to mishandle the themes I understand the movie to deal with. In a similar vein, The Book of Eli looks pretty solid too.
Mr. Nobody looks pretty great.
Nine wasn't even on my radar, but now I'm really intrigued.
Emile Hirsch and some other people are working on a Hamlet adaptation.
Robot Chicken writer tackles one of the most sacred films of all time... Short Circuit.
Stretch Armstrong really is happening, unfortunately.
NEWS
Oh god we are all so screwed ahhhhhhh
WEIRD
The Hipster Grifter is our new folk hero? Are you goddamn kidding me?
Billy Corgan falls further down a Citizen Kane-style black hole of self-involved misery.
Charles Hamilton got punched in the face.
Gooby is frightening. And maybe also is Satan. But the bigger story here is that this is the ultimate lesson in how to make bad trailers.
Nobody - NOBODY - messes with Dolph Lundgren.
Publicity stunts aside, my favorite part of this MTV controversy is Quinto's bemusement.
Andy Samberg is known for odd and awesome cameos, but a JJ Abrams keyboard solo? I feel like it's too early for Christmas...
Elderly people don't like new music. That's not a surprise. They run a vlog about it. That's a glorious, hilarious surprise. Also vlogging about indie music, Brian Williams and Russ Feingold. Honestly? Real talk? They both pull it off.
The drummer from the Shins runs a taco cart now.
PERSONAL
Okay, I've been inconsistent at blogging. But it's not like I've been experiencing so much 2009, so much culture, and stowing it away in hiding. The truth is, my life went through a series of big reshuffles and I frankly didn't have time to consume much more culture than Scrubs reruns and the Stewart/Colbert block. (Neither of which I am knocking, both of which I love) I went from finals week to crashing at my family house in San Antonio to lots of transit to living in a new apartment in Austin, all within about a month.
But I'm back.
Well, it's not perfect. But it's as good as it'll be. And I need to catch back up.
Okay, so I left off... April 12th? Really? Dear god. I've missed goddamn pirates and pig diseases... are you kidding me? Okay, 2009, let's get back up to speed.
MUSIC: REVIEWS
I've bought a bunch of albums since mid-April. Quick reviews:
DOOM, Born Like This: Don't get me wrong, there's quality on this album. But from one of the most awkwardly homophobic songs of 2009 ("Batty Boyz") to the flimsy duration (the 40-odd minutes feel like a ten), half of which is basically samples of old cartoons... The good moments here (and there are some) are buried very, very deep. Maybe I just don't get it.
Junior Boys, Begone Dull Care: I don't know why basically no reviewers have called this album what it is. It's a straight-up soul seduction album. It's smooth, achingly romantic, and backed with a vaguely slutty kick. These aren't selling points exactly, but they're reference points handled deftly by Junior Boys; the production is almost neurotically detailed, and by combing some appealing and catchy first-listen highlights with some satisfying nuances that reward repeated listens, the album's a formidable one-two punch.
Bat For Lashes, Two Suns: "Daniel" sucked me into the Bat For Lashes goth-pop musical whirlpool, and I really love it here. It's not all as immediately addictive as "Daniel," but everything is thoughtfully textured and intricately gorgeous. This is an album that's really worth spending time with.
Micachu, Jewellery: This album knocked me flat. The track I'd already heard ("Calculator") was a little weird, sure, but it's really the most straightforward pop song Micachu provides. The bizarre, arch compositions here are really refreshing and invigorating, and the tricks don't grow old; you find yourself singing along to some mildly questionable lyrics, which is really kind of cool.
Camera Obscura, My Maudlin Career: Maybe I'm in the wrong state of mind, but after three tracks of the exact same sounds repeated ad infinatum, this got pretty grating. Which isn't to say it's bad; it's actually a really solid album. It's just something that rubs me the wrong way, for whatever reason. Maybe this will change.
Wavves, Wavvves: I really dig this album. I mean, sure, it's about 50% solid songcraft and 50% noodling, but the noodling is oddly pleasurable and the solid songcraft really connects.
The Thermals, Now We Can See: This album is probably the most accessible thing I've purchased, musically, in 2009. The chords are strong, the vocals are at the top of the mix, the hooks are catchy... a lot of fun.
I also bought Dan Deacon's album; initial reactions include "HOLY SHIT WHAT" and "WAIT WOAH AWESOME" but I'm going to give it more time before I say anything definite.
Okay, so that's where I've put my musical dollars. I've also been listening to TreaZon's mixtape, Drake's mixtape, the soundtrack to Make-Out With Violence (still my favorite film of 2009, somebody please distribute this so I can share it with friends?) and a lot of chiptunes. But now, on to some musical news...
MUSIC: NEWS
These are arranged in order of significance, and/or awesomeness.
Cuban Linx II is coming out for real! Radiohead is recording a new album! Kudi is finally releasing an album! This is all such great news, but music is on the karma payment plan, so... oh. The Lucksmiths broke up. Damn.
Muse named their new album.
My sister turned me on to Idolator, and I'm digging it. They, like me, think the new Mew song is rad. Maybe a little too angular and maybe a little confusingly mixed, sure, but when it takes off it has a wicked groove. Which got me on a Mew kick, and damn, that voice is one of the best things on the planet Earth.
Drake's coming out with a video for one of my favorite tracks off So Far Gone, "Best I Ever Had." Those orchestra hits in the beginning are like cocaine. Ear cocaine. My ears are high as shit. Anyway, the video's going to be about the ladies.
Also vindicating its absurdly high playcount, "Make Her Say" (formerly "I Poke Her Face") is Cudi's next single. Good call. For fun, check out the illroots comments; evidently, if your song leaked over a month ago and you're waiting for more than a month to release your album, you are a fool.
Oh, and R. City is fresh. Find that tape.
I'm going to announce it here, once and for all: Coldplay ripped off MY song! (Shh, it doesn't matter that they clearly didn't, jump onboard!)
M.I.A. is all up in the news.
All Camel did was use popular indie musicians, against their will, to sell addictive death sticks. Now the poor guys are getting sued to hell.
Sufjan Stevens wrote a simple one-off song about Sofia Coppola years ago. And it's still kick-ass.
It's kind of weird to say there's a new J Dilla album coming out, but it's weird in the raddest possible way.
So I was okay with Asher Roth at first, because a lot of respectable folks endorsed him, and I was down for some lazy, goof-off hip hop. But uh... nah. No. No way.
Swine flu reared its ugly, fictional head and prevented a rad tour from going down.
David Letterman became an indie venue somehow. Honestly, this is just an excuse to post a Bat For Lashes video, and to feed my raging, out-of-control crush on Natasha Khan.
Grizzly Bear's new video is like an uncanny alley manifesto. Watch at your own risk.
Flaming Lips vs. Arcade Fire... ish.
Crystal Castles were involved in another controversial catastrophe. Surprise! (Note: There's a lot of loathing in the chiptune community directed towards Crystal Castles. I side with the chiptune musicians, considering, y'know, Crystal Castles plagiarized them in "practice" songs and stuff.)
Okay, that's not the most diverse set of blogs, but I think I covered everything major. Phew, it's time for some film stuff.
FILM REVIEWS
Star Trek
I saw this movie three times total; once in a preview IMAX screening hosted by Harry Knowles, then on opening night at the Drafthouse, and then with my father. I loved it each time. I'm a fan of pretty much anything Abrams touches these days, and he really balanced everything so well in Trek that you forget how sensitive a property it is, and how intense that burden of pop culture is. There are a lot of genuinely breathtaking moments, and there's a lot of fun hijinx to throw wrenches in the way of the Enterprise. The actors are well cast, the story is self-contained enough to be fun but has enough room to breathe... Honestly, even while watching movies I love, I often end up wondering eventually when they're going to end, and it's a feat when I'm wrapped up enough in the brisk pacing not to notice that two hours have gone by. It's just... really good.
Up
I cried, and I am not ashamed of myself for it. The opening sequence covers a lot of ground in that very Pixar way, that say-a-lot-with-a-little precision that makes their films universal. And lately, it's been utilized to cover more treacherous ground than childhood fantasy, which is impressive. This particular outing, though, really hits home. It's mature in its sensibilities; we are spending a good deal of time with an elderly man and his confrontations with nostalgia and death. But there's jokes too. It works. And Up makes its point: dreams are vital, but letting go of them when the time is right, that's vital too. I mean, people, this is a movie distributed by Disney; challenging the power of dreams even slightly is a big deal. End of the day, the movie is poignant, beautiful, and solidly accessible. It's the kind of movie I want to raise my kids on when I've got some of my own.
FILM NEWS
Same order as before... all things in order of badassness.
Cannes went down! Lars Von Trier freaked people out. Tarantino divided everybody's opinions. The best news of all? Chan Wook-Park made a huge bloody splash with Thirst (duh!) and now the movie has been picked up for release at the end of this July! Awesome!
District 9 looks incredible.
I'm very hesitant to jump onboard for Avatar. Lots of cool stuff coming out in a slow trickle, sure, but the marketing suggests that this film is the big new incredible thing and that's always cause for a little suspicion.
This micro-short Last Day Dream is fantastic. Give it some of your time!
Duncan Jones, who blew me away with Moon, is getting a new project underway about WWII.
My skepticism of Thor keeps getting peeled back. I love Hiddleston from Wallander (which really deserves your attention as well) and the casting is solid so far. Damn you, Branagh! Getting my hopes up!
I'm very excited for The Road, but this trailer seems to mishandle the themes I understand the movie to deal with. In a similar vein, The Book of Eli looks pretty solid too.
Mr. Nobody looks pretty great.
Nine wasn't even on my radar, but now I'm really intrigued.
Emile Hirsch and some other people are working on a Hamlet adaptation.
Robot Chicken writer tackles one of the most sacred films of all time... Short Circuit.
Stretch Armstrong really is happening, unfortunately.
NEWS
Oh god we are all so screwed ahhhhhhh
WEIRD
The Hipster Grifter is our new folk hero? Are you goddamn kidding me?
Billy Corgan falls further down a Citizen Kane-style black hole of self-involved misery.
Charles Hamilton got punched in the face.
Gooby is frightening. And maybe also is Satan. But the bigger story here is that this is the ultimate lesson in how to make bad trailers.
Nobody - NOBODY - messes with Dolph Lundgren.
Publicity stunts aside, my favorite part of this MTV controversy is Quinto's bemusement.
Andy Samberg is known for odd and awesome cameos, but a JJ Abrams keyboard solo? I feel like it's too early for Christmas...
Elderly people don't like new music. That's not a surprise. They run a vlog about it. That's a glorious, hilarious surprise. Also vlogging about indie music, Brian Williams and Russ Feingold. Honestly? Real talk? They both pull it off.
The drummer from the Shins runs a taco cart now.
PERSONAL
Okay, I've been inconsistent at blogging. But it's not like I've been experiencing so much 2009, so much culture, and stowing it away in hiding. The truth is, my life went through a series of big reshuffles and I frankly didn't have time to consume much more culture than Scrubs reruns and the Stewart/Colbert block. (Neither of which I am knocking, both of which I love) I went from finals week to crashing at my family house in San Antonio to lots of transit to living in a new apartment in Austin, all within about a month.
But I'm back.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Want a comeback?
It's coming.
Massive post sometime after a week. I've still been following this damn year, and I've still got some things to say.
If you're wondering where I've been, go to college, enroll in film classes, and see how the last month of YOUR first year treats you.
Massive post sometime after a week. I've still been following this damn year, and I've still got some things to say.
If you're wondering where I've been, go to college, enroll in film classes, and see how the last month of YOUR first year treats you.
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