I'm ashamed to say I never gave Wilco a chance until last year, when they released "Sky Blue Sky." Since then I have been working my way through their back catalogue. "A Ghost Is Born", released in 2003, is the latest addition to my Wilco collection. For some reason I had never really gotten around to this album but after hearing songs off of it at the Wilco show I attended on Saturday, I had to give it some attention. This album displays Wilco at the peak of their experimentation with layered noise, loops and discord. The album is a great rock record and won a Grammy for Best Alternative Album, although there are a few times when the experimentation is taken a little too far, such as at the end of "Less Than You Think."
Even with all the experimentation, the old Wilco still makes appearances, with songs like "Hummingbird" and "Hell Is Chrome." Jeff Tweedy still comes through with great lyrics, such as:
"So he slept on a mountain
In a sleeping bag underneath the stars
He would lie awake and count them
And the gray fountain spray of the great Milky Way
Would never let him
Die alone"
and
" I looked like someone
I used to know
And if I ever was myself,
I wasn't that night
Oh it's okay for you to say
What you want from me
I believe that's the only
Way for me to be
Exactly what you want me to be
Exactly what do you want me to be?"
I feel like Wilco is one of those bands that anyone could fall in love with if given the right album. Although this is not the first Wilco album I would recommend to anyone unfamiliar with the band, it definitely needs to be heard at some point.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
What I'm Listening To: Wilco - A Ghost Is Born
Friday, February 22, 2008
OSCAR PICKS
Alright, I figured I would post my picks for this weekend's Oscar Ceremony. I decided that best way to do it would be to put what I want to win and what I think will win, because we know it never really works out like you want it to. I got Greg's and Steve's picks as well, so without further ado, here are our 2008 (for the 2007 year in Movies) Oscar Picks.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
What I'm Listening To: Chuck Ragan - Los Feliz
I'm going to attempt to post on a semi-regular basis from now on. I will mostly be concentrating on music and letting everyone know what is currently occupying my ipod, cd player, itunes, turntable, etc. The first installment of the series is Chuck Ragan's debut album "Los Feliz" which was released in May of last year. Ragan is best known as singer/guitarist of Hot Water Music (HWM). I never really got into HWM so this release flew under my radar until recently. Last month I saw one of my favorite singers, Ben Nichols of Lucero (more Lucero in a later post), open a show for Chuck. The plan was to leave after Ben to avoid getting home too late. The decision was made to stay and watch some of Chuck's set. I wish I could have stayed for the whole thing because I immediately fell in love with his music.
I picked up Chuck's debut release, not realizing it is a live album. I have also heard his debut studio album, "Feast or Famine" and must say that although he sounds great in the studio, the live setting is where he truly shines. Ragan constructs tails of the blue collar struggle of making it from day to day, using his gravelly delivery. He does it all with such emotion that you can't help but identify. The lyrics are reminiscent of bands like the Dropkick Murphys, documenting the hardships of the working class and at the same time creating hope. Chuck's voice is similar to the above mentioned Ben Nichols and may take some time to grow on people (it was one of the reasons I never got into HWM). The music is just Chuck on an acoustic guitar with a harmonica. It's obvious how much fun Chuck is having throughout the recording and it makes for a great listening experience. I highly recommend giving Chuck and/or Hot Water Music a listen.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Comics You HAVE to Read: Y The Last Man
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Movie Review - The Savages
The Savages marks the return to filmmaking by director Tamara Jenkins, whose ten year departure from the business took many by surprise after the critical acclaim that came for her last film, The Slums of Beverly Hills. She may have been disappeared for ten years, but it certainly doesn't seem like she missed a beat as she has come back stronger than ever with a brilliant tale of life, death, and all the moments in between. From a script written by herself, Jenkins directs two of the best actors in the business today (the incomparable Laura Linney and the man that doesn't seem to know how to pick a bad script lately... Mr. Philip Seymour Hoffman). The Savages tells the story of Jon and Wendy Savage, the products of a faulty marriage, who are faced with the decreasing health and impending death of their Dementia ridden father. While the advertisements for this film may have led viewers to believe they were going to see a dark comedy, they drastically understated just how serious this film turns out to be. A character piece, this wonderfully written story is unforgettably brought to life through the utterly brilliant performances of both Mr. Hoffman and Ms. Linney. In a role that quiet possibly could garnish a golden statue by the name of Oscar, Laura Linney shines are the eccentric Wendy, a struggling play-write, who fails to be able to accept the choices that need to be made when dealing with the failing heath of a loved one. Her work opposite Philip Seymour Hoffman just may be the best she has ever shown, which says a lot when one glances over her career resume that includes stellar performances in The Squid in the Whale, Kinsey, Love Actually and Mystic River. Ms. Linney's performance is wonderfully matched by that of her co-star, as Philip Seymour Hoffman stands tall, rivaling all of her on screen moments. Tamara Jenkins has touched on something that everyone goes through at one point in their life, and really drives the message home when she tells audiences that no matter what troubles you have, don't let them tear your family apart, because in the end it is that family that helps you to get through the worst of times.
Movie Review - Vantage Point
It seems like eons ago that the advertising campaign began for the political action-thriller Vantage Point. Boasting an ensemble cast of Hollywood heavyweights, including the likes of Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, William Hurt, Forest Whitaker, and Sigourney Weaver; Vantage Point tells the some cliched story of an assassination attempt on the President of the United States in a not-so-cliched way. What is the gimmick? Look no further than the title, as director Pete Travis tells this tale of intrigue through the vantage points of each of the movie's characters eyes. Dennis Quaid plays Thomas Barnes, a secret service agent assigned to President, who harbors the demons presented from a recent incident on the job. His friend and partner, Kent Taylor, is played by the highly underrated Matthew Fox whose recent success with the television show Lost has finally garnered him the movie offers he deserves. The movies strong points (acting wise), however, are given by all-star Oscar winners Forest Whitaker and William Hurt. The idea behind the multiple perceptions of this single event was no doubt inspired by the Akira Kurosawa classic Rashomon, but that certainly isn't a bad thing. In a day and age where theaters seem to be dominated with sequels and remakes, maybe using an old formula to inspire something new is a positive thing. From start to finish, the movie is a non-stop action thriller that lives up to the trailer that has been advertising the film for close to year now. This trailer, however, is what ultimately hurts this film the most. The trailer for Vantage Point pretty much tells the entire story in the short 2 and a half minutes that it runs, and for those who pay attention to details, even ruins plenty of twists and surprises. That having been said, Vantage Point is definitely a film worth seeing,even if it is only for the performances turned in by Hurt and Whitaker. It truly is exciting from start to finish, something that doesn't happen too often in film nowadays, but then again it did come from an unproduced script for a 24 movie and we all know Mr. Bauer loves his action.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Comics you HAVE to Read: The Walking Dead
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Comics You HAVE to Read: The Goon
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Movie Review - Atonement
Oscar-bait can be a funny thing. You know what I’m talking about, those movies that seem to exist for the purpose of having awards showered upon them. What is it about certain films and genres that even the most clueless moviegoer can say “Yeah, that’ll be winning some awards” after watching a two minute montage? What’s even more puzzling is that this phenomenon will often get people to watch movies they never would have otherwise (Hey, I’m just as guilty as any there). This year that honor is bestowed upon Atonement, which is already seeing some backlash, as voters don’t seem particularly pleased with the perceived inevitability of the film’s Oscar fate, which brings me to my take on the movie. Having seen the film, I can safely say that for good or ill, all of the earmarkings for a Best Picture nominee are there, but does that make it any good? The answer isn’t as easy as a simple “yes” or “no”. There’s certainly a lot to like about it. Director Joe Wright turns in some tremendously accomplished work including many sequences that are among the most memorable in any film of 2007. There’s a very classic quality to much of it that’s evocative of the golden age of cinema, particularly after the movie jumps ahead to World War 2. The film also delivers a nice little gut punch at the end that should cause even the toughest hearts in the audience to break just a little. There are however a few leaps of coincidence here and there that seem just a little too convenient, though nothing too egregious. The cast delivers strong performances across the board, especially lead actor James McAvoy. The films shifts its focus quite a bit, but it is always at its strongest when McAvoy is at the center. So if I have so many nice things to say about the film and so few complaints, why the reservation in my tone? Unfortunately such is the nature of the beast. I would love to watch this movie in a vacuum and tell people to check it out without any baggage, but in the real world of Hollywood award seasons, that just doesn’t happen. Like I said up front, Oscar-bait is a funny thing, because none of us would have heard of Atonement (much less seen it) if it wasn’t considered a likely Oscar contender, which is its greatest asset and greatest obstacle. It is virtually impossible to watch the movie and not think of every other likely Best Picture candidate and whether or not it stacks up. In my opinion Atonement is a very strong period epic, though I think it falls short of the level 2007’s top films are playing at. Now that’s an immensely unfair standard to hold a film to, but once the words “Academy Award” are whispered, the basis of a film’s evaluation is irrevocably altered regardless of how fair or unfair that may be.
Atonement
***
Directed by Joe Wright
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Movie Review - CLOVERFIELD
It all started with a trailer. A trailer that apparently most people saw, being as it was in front of Transformers which grossed about 320 million dollars in the United States alone. This trailer, however, sure left its mark on a lot of people. An enigmatic teaser spot, the preview revealed only minor details of a film that would become an internet sensation well before anyone really knew anything about it. Viewers were provided with the three clues: an attack on New York City, a name (J.J. Abrams - creator of Lost and Alias), and a date... 1-18-08. After doing some research, one would be able to find out that the movie was being directed by a man named Matt Reeves and that it was written by one Drew Goddard. For those of you who don't know, Matt Reeves was the man behind the camera, page and production of a little show called Felicity and Drew Goddard put pen to paper to come up with many episodes of a show called Alias (both nest eggs of the mind of J.J. Abrams). Well, after months of waiting, there is only one question that remains about the movie that would become Cloverfield...
Comics You HAVE to Read: DMZ
First up on the roster is DMZ. The book follows a young journalist in the de-militarized zone of Manhattan Island amid a fictional civil war. Imagine if the images of Baghdad you see on the nightly news had the Chrysler Building and Times Square in the background and you’ve got the basic idea. While that description may sound a little dry, I assure you it is anything but. DMZ is one of the most exciting reads on the stands, and though it is quite political, the constant urgency of the story entertains regardless of what your own politics are. The book also features one of the most interesting alternate visions of New York City I have ever seen. As anyone who knows me is well aware, I absolutely adore New York, and though the New York depicted in DMZ is one I would certainly not want to live in, it is an undeniably compelling and fascinating one. I cannot recommend this book enough. It is in this writer’s opinion, the very best comic series currently being published.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Steve's Top 10 Movies of the Year
I don't usually take the time to make a list of my favorite movies each year but I figured I would do one as my first post here (check my other blog for my albums list):
10. The Namesake
This was one of two movies this year that made me full on cry. It starts off slow but ends strong.
9. No Country for Old Men
I didn't feel as strongly about this movie as most but it was still one of the best of the year. Javier Bardem is one of the best villains in recent memory.
8. 300
Zach Snyder did an amazing job adapting this to the screen. I can't wait to see what he does with Watchmen.
7. Eastern Promises
This one really got me upon second viewing. Great performances all around.
6. Grindhouse
The most fun I've had at the theater in a long time. It's a shame they were split up for the dvd.
5. Juno
Ellen Page is fantastic in this movie. I got kinda teary eyed at the end of this movie as well.
4. Superbad/Knocked Up
I'm combining these and there's nothing you can do about it. I loved them both and think Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen are at the top of the comedy game right now.
3. Hot Fuzz
I thought this movie was absolutely hilarious. I hope these guys keep making movies together. Go check out "Spaced" if you haven't already.
2. Reign Over Me
This is the other movie that made me cry. Power house performances by Sandler and Cheadle take a great story to even greater heights.
1. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
This movie was fantastic. In a time when violence is constantly occurring, this movie was able to spread it out and make it so much more powerful. The tension that is felt any time someone has a gun creates an amazing movie experience.
Movie Review - The Orphanage (El Orfanato)
Adorned with the titled card, "Guillermo del Toro Present's", this fantastically creepy tale of love and horror tends to be mistaken for a new movie from the brilliant director of Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth. The Orphanage, however, is the feature film debut of Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona; but then again, you would never know it. From the moment it begins, the film has the feel of a chilling work done by those who have mastered the genre. In a day an age where horror is defined by how many loud noises and jump thrills you can put on the screen, Bayona reverts to the timeless tactic of building tension so thick you can cut it with a knife. The story is simple, a fact which leads to its success as a true thriller. Laura (played by the wonderful Belen Rueda), her husband Carlos and son Simon have moved into the childhood orphanage that Laura once resided in as a child. Their plan is to house special children while living a quite life on the coast. These plans, however, run into a hitch as their son Simon's apparent wild imagination shockingly becomes something more. The way that Bayona portrays this simple family's relationship is truly what ties this film together. Strong performances from the three leads certainly don't hurt either, as they truly make you feel for this family and their struggles. As the film progresses, the feeling that something bad is beginning to happen takes over and consumes every moment of the viewing experience. This idea is terrifying in its own right, but when Bayona decides to turn on the scares... well that is when the real horror begins. For a first time director, Bayona really seems to have hit the nail on the head with this. An instant classic, The Orphanage will soon find its place amongst classics such as The Birds, Poltergeist, and The Sixth Sense. Hopefully the talent that Juan Antonio Bayona has displayed will not be wasted on cheap horror remakes and other such nonsense, so that he may further provide us with refreshingly beautiful filmmaking in the years to come
Welcome to Our New Page!
Well, first I would like to thank everybody for coming to our fledgling little site here. The three of us have always tried to write some stuff here and there and I guess we're hoping that getting together on it will make us more consistent with our writing. You'll find a lot of stuff on this site, as we plan to review Movies, DVDs, Television Shows, and Music. We'll probably even end up throwing a little news on here, at least in regards to the things we really care about or are excited for. Anyhow, tell all your friends, especially if we don't know them. Hopefully we'll give you at least 30 minutes to waste at work each day.