Avatar Tomorrow!

It is going to be on tomorrow! I will go see “Avatar.” There is an extreme amount of buzz about the revolutionary process that this film has undergone. I will give a full feature post about the film tomorrow. I will go to the midnight showing. It is going to suck. Friday, I work at 5:00 AM. But, I just hope it will be worth it.

The Lo-Fi

So I would like to talk about an awesome band I discovered yesterday. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts ever “indiefeed!” If you are not suscribe to indiefeed on itunes, WTF are you waiting for? But anyway, “The Thermals” are from Portland, Oregon. Hutch Harris, and Kathy Foster originally formed the band in 2002. The genres they consider them self’s are quite funny. From “Indie Rock, Pop Punk, Post Pop Punk, Lo-Fi, Mid-Fi, Punk Post Pop(Jokingly). Unfortunately, I should have probably checked out all their albums, but I just couldn’t wait. I checked out the album “Now We Can See” And I fell in love with it. I would say “It’s like death cab but with some gut wrenching kick!” The albums are as follows: “More Parts per Million (2003),” “Fuckin A (2004),” “The Body, the Blood, The Machine (2006),” and the most recent “Now We Can See (2009).” On the album “Now We Can See” the songs just come bursting out, with joy. The most anthemic track on the album is a track called “I Let It Go.” A track that will make you roll your windows down and bang your head, while you enjoy the sunset. Then It’s followed another onslaught of rhythmic sensations with the track “Now We Can See.” The entire album is warm hearted, and will put you in a good mood. Now, that being said, if you are one of those people who enjoy the hardcore music scene, emo music, or just flat out depressing music, this isn’t for you! Notable mentions:

“Hutch And Kathy”

“Titus Andronicus”

“The Hold Steady”

and as if you didn’t already know “Built To Spill”

Alright, sorry for the short post. Like I said, I should have probably check out ALL their albums, but fuck it! This Album Rocks! Please check it out!

Them Crooked Vultures (Review)

Okay, so maybe I am late to the game. But, fuck it! I will still give my opinion about “Them Crooked Vultures.” Alright, for those of you like me who love music and don’t get a chance to keep your ear to the ground. “TCV” is a supergroup formed in L.A. earlier this year . The band is composed of Dave Grohl from “Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Probot, Queens of the Stone Age, Desert Sessions,” Josh Homme from “Queens of The Stone Age, Kyuss, Eagles Of Death Metal, Desert Sessions, and the legend John Paul Jones from “Led Zeppelin.” Their first album “Them Crooked Vultures” dropped November 17.

Okay then, now to the music. This band would sound exactly how you think. Queens of the Stone Age, mixed with awesome blues sound with a funky drum. The album starts with the track “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I.” At first I thought I was listening to QOTSA, up until mid song, whenever the bass and drums kicked my ass! The entire album is painted with the styling of Josh Hommes, but would you want it any different? And later on Dave Grohl really gets to put his drumming down on the track “New Fang.” It brought me back to those days where I would listen “My Hero” incessantly for days on end. Dave can play anything he wants, but if you ask me, he belongs on the drum set! Needless to say, when you have such an awesome drummer, you need an equally insane bassist. And who better than the guy who use to play bass for one of the greatest bands ever. I can only imagine this guy keeping up with John Bonham. Take the track “Elephants,” it feels as if it started with a good ol’ jam session. You can feel hints of that old Zeppelin sound infused with some awesome desert rock. It feels like they had a blast recording this album. One of my favorite things about this album, is the fact it feels classic and new at the same time. It carries awesome classic blues riffs, with new effects and pounding drums. If only other supergroups could get the hint. We don’t need a 2 disc set of a band trying to be the most awesome band in the world, playing music that is complex and dry. Keep it simple and have a good time.

Now. Is this album perfect? No. One of my small complains is that it goes up to 100 MPH and doesn’t slow down or show you a different side. Which is not a big deal, but it would have been awesome to see the other side of these giants of music. Perhaps something like “Make It Witchu” on the latest “Queens of the Stone Age album, something that would show more of a profound style of lyrics. We already can se a profound style of music. All in all if you’re a fan of “Queens of The Stone Age, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, The Dessert Session,” this is obviously a must!

Why will I always be a crook?

Okay, this following post has nothing to do with music or films. (Its been a slow month). This is about something that has been eating away at me. I know this is a country of laws. But, I still find it inherently wrong when the system is so unforgiving. They will label you furthermore until your dead. I understand how a current and consistent offender can be a detrimental danger to society. But, what about the people who were young and did something stupid? They often don’t have a choice but to suffer. They will probably work twice as hard to get to where they want to be, and very seldom get to reach that point in their lives. I wish there was a way to get a movement going to be a little less harsh on first time offenders. I know statures of limitations are in place, but it takes many years to take place. And, in my case it would take 5 years. But, my fear is that even after all that time, a thorough criminal background check will still be tainted with my felonious past. I am genuinely a good person, a good person who did something stupid as a kid. Are we not allowed to do stupid things as kids anymore? Why should we loose our chance for a good future? I am in no way defending people who time after time sell drugs or rape women or murders. I am defending those people who can’t do what they really want to do with their lives. Because, they have been labeled a felon FOR LIFE.

According to The U.S. Department of Justice(Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Statistics/ Criminal Offender Statistics) the lifetime chances of a person going to prison are:

Men (11.3 %)

Women (1.8 %)

Black males (18.6%)

Hispanics (10%)

Whites (3.4%)

Based on current rates of first incarceration, 32% of African-American will enter State or Federal Prison. 17% for Hispanics and 5.9% for Whites. There is an alarming annotation to it all. The rate of recidivism is quite disturbing, 67.5% in 1994 caught another case after their release. That only means that number might be higher now considering the criminal rates per state. But that still leaves 32.5 % that never caught another case. I belive it in my heart that something has to be done to untarnish our names. I want to be a computer programmer, journalist, lawyer, doctor, teacher, there should be nothing in our way. A mistake should be punishable, that is undinable. But after we pay our debt to society we should no longer be the red headed step child of society. I AM FOR ONE TIRED OF ALL THE SHIT THE LEGAL SYSTEM DOES!!!! ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE! I for one am going to write my congressmen. I know its not much but we have to start somewhere.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Well, it’s gobble gobble time everyone. I don’t know if I will post anytime soon. I am enjoying a four day weekend. I might post this weekend. I have a review comin up. Then maybe a movie that will for sure blow you away.

Say It Aint So!!!!!!!

 

Weezer : Ratitude (2009)

Well the album starts with the track “(If you’re Wondering If I Want You To) I want you to.” And I am guessing that is what is playing on the radio. Keep in mind that I don’t listen to the radio. Yeah, Its crazy. Right? But anyway, the track sounds like it came straight out of a Blink 182 album (Nothing against Blink 182). Its just I like music with real feeling. I can tell that they are trying new sounds, but techno keyboards and drum beats that sound like Gwen Stefani B-A-N-A-N-A-S track. Part of me is very sad that my old Weezer is non existent. Instead we get tracks like “Cant Stop Partying” that is aimed at the pop charts with lyrics like:

“I can’t stop partying, partying
I can’t stop partying, partying
I gotta have Patron, I gotta have the beat
I gotta have a lot of pretty girls around Me,

Oh, I can’t stop celebrations, partying
I can’t stop, partying, partying
I gotta have the cars, I gotta have the jewels
And if you was me, honey, you would do it too”

Oh yeah, did I mention its featuring Lil’ Wayne? I mean C’MON! How is this not an attempt to get on the billboards? SAY IT AINT SO! This new album might as well have been the new “Blink 182” album. Except, that it trys to be so much more than it is. From college party songs to,“Love Is The Answer” with an Indian backup vocalist and a sitar. One expects their favorite childhood bands to grow up with us, but unfortunately it seems that Weezer is saying F’ you old farts. And is aiming for the new generation.  There is nothing I would love to do more, than to say there are some good tracks. But, unfortuantly, that is not the case. The only track I found tolerable was “Run Over By A Truck.” Maybe its what I should do with the album. If anything this album makes me really sad. The good ol’ “Pinkerton,” “Maladriot,” “The Blue Album,” are a all albums of the past and will stay in the past. I remember listening to “Say It Aint So” like a MILLION times. It would cheer me up after an extremely crappy time in my life where the world was shit and people sucked! Goodbye Weezer. Man I’m sad now.

 

And If you are wondering JUDGE FOR YOURSELF!

 

 

The Real Weezer

 

 

 

Antichrist: (Review, Thoughts and Feelings)

I know I usually blog about music. But, I have to talk about my second love, films. This week I watched a film called “Antichrist.” Written and Directed by Lars Von Trier, starting Williem Dafoe and Charlotee Gainsbourg. I must have had it for a week, before I decided to watch it. Mostly, because I thought it would be one of those powerful films that affect your mood for the whole day. The film starts out with an over the top scene. Williem and Charlotee having sex in a very slow motion sequence. A sexual scene, and there are many of them, that can rival porn. There are many scenes in this film where I got the feeling, that Lars thought he was the best thing since sliced bread. Some scenes where to over the top. High-speed slow-mo capture scenes were extremely abundant. But some scenes especially the ones in the woods were captured brilliantly. Most of the photography was excellent. The overall cinematography was amazingly gorgeous at times. Unfortunately where it really lacked was in the MOST important aspect of a film. THE STORY.

Halfway through the film I found myself not caring about the character. I wanted to hit stop on my QuickTime ASAP. But, I stuck with it just so I could see some cinematic eye candy. But a film called “Antichrist” should bear one hell of a story. There are only two characters, so naturally there is not much to sink your teeth into. The people at the Canne Festival claimed that “it was a film done by a sick man.” One of the judges at Canne exclaimed “how do you excuse your film!” Lars exclaimed “I don’t have to explain myself to you. You are my guest and not the other way around.” It later went as far as Lars exclaiming “This is the hand of god. I am the best director alive, and I am not sure if god is the best god.” Apparently, Lars was clinically depressed while writing this script. And It defiantly shows. So bad that he could not operate the camera (as he usually does). I would go as far to say that it might have been a depression due to a woman.(judging by the overall story of the film). This film has served two purposes. One, to completely surround itself with controversy, so much so that in doing so has built up some hype. And in doing so receiving some box office succession. Two, a form of therapy from this depressed ego maniac.

In an interview with guardian.co.uk Lars claims “That he is the BEST director in the world.” He says he is the best director in the world because he uses it as his tool. He claims that in doing so, he can make the best film that he can. He also claims that he is only saying what every director out there thinks about himself. He also claims that he will never be cured from depression. It almost feels like he is trying to be the crazy eccentric artist. I would say AVOID “Antichrist.” It is not worth the price of the film, or even the time. It drags on way to long, even though its only 104 min. It’s a film that was made as some kind of therapy. It would be like watching the feature film “PROZAC!”

Review: Ghostland Observatory

 

Okay, someone I know told me to check out a band called “Ghostland Observatory.”  And Obviously they hated me. I had a headache the whole day. Ghostland Observatory is a duo band (Aaron Behrens/vocals and Thomas Ross/drums and synth) from Austin, TX. I would love nothing better than to give local band some love. But, unfortunately I cant do that with this band. I guess the biggest problem I have is the genre itself. Some have dubbed it “Electro Soul Rock.” The music itself is not to bad, there is no genuine feel of instruments here, but it still sounds good(at times). But what really kills it is the singer. Aaron Behrens, to me, seems as if he stepped right out of boogie nights. It would almost seem as if Justin Hawkins(The Darkness), became a flaming 1970’s transvestite and got rid of all his band except one other dude who would then, only do keyboard and synth drums. I might be a little harsh, its just I hate when people mix two things that DO NOT go together. Rock and Electro, should never, never, never, ever be mixed together. It would be like mixing the Mona Lisa with a Jackson Pollock painting. Now, I will stop being so harsh and let you be the judge.

 

The Unexpected Openers

In September I went to the Atmosphere show “god loves ugly tour.” It was quite a surprise to me that both the bands that were opening were a mystery for me. I had never heard of either one. Needless to say, I didnt give a FUCK, I was ready for a show. Work sucked, probation was a bitch, life in general was sucking. I was ready to completely disconnect and get into some good fuckin music!

The first band to open was “Attracted To Gods.” A rock/blues/country band that has a “White Stripes” set up. One drummer, one guitarist. Now this was kind of surprising, considering the fact that this was going to be a hip hop show. Of course, Nate Collins would later prove himself to be useful by playing guitar for both bands, including “Guarantees” by Atmosphere. Nate Collins is a wicked guitar player! It’s like “The Black Keys,” but better!

The second band that night, was a band that I INSTANTLY fell in love with. A sick DJ and amazing lyricist that made me close my eyes, and ride along this magnificent world that he was depicting. The band “Eyedea & Abilities” is made of of two: Michael Larson(Eyedea) and Gregory Keltgen(DJ Abilities). First known as Sixth Sence, later came out with “First Born” album under the name “Eyedea And Abilities.” Then in 2004, they arrived with my all time favorite album “E&A.” You never expect this scrony white dude, to have these wicked ass rhythms. Sometimes he delivers with such ferociousness, that you will just sit back in awe. And DJ Abilities, in my opinion, is quite appropriately named. The man has some of the most wicked skills I have seen! Can wax spin like that? Then they came out with the album “By The Throat” in 2009. I still favor “E&A”, but “By The Throat” delivers extremely well thought out lyrics.

 

ALL IN ALL AN AMAZING SHOW!!!!!

Smile

On By The Throat

“A prince can practice moans for the attention that he wants,

But most this town won’t even dignify his ignorance with a response,

Left to a crowded foster home by a fifteen year old mom,

Never been held in any one’s arms,

When you’ve never been moved, it’s really hard to move on,
A young saleswoman sets up shop on the sunset,

She’ll make your wildest dreams come true at a price you won’t forget,

But sadly Mary’d setup alibis,

no harm no regret,

Hoping they’d meet an angel in bed that could wrestle the devil right out of their heads,

The city burns fast, no one has time to sit with themselves,

Time to look into our pain or see the same despair in everyone else,
It’s here, it’s there, it’s everywhere – tears soak each card the dealer’s dealt,

Time taught me how to see every second as heaven even though they’re perfectly disguised as hell”

Songs That Blow Me Away

Once in a while, we will sometimes hear songs that totally blow us away. So, I am going to make it a weekly installment. I don’t know if it’s a weekly thing, but it does happen quite a bit nowadays. Thanks to the Internet, music is not what it use to be. It’s kind of like an explosion of music, and its awesome for the artist and for the fans, but for the music snob it kind of sucks, because we can no longer know it all.  Anyway, now that I got that out of the way, I am now going to talk about a song that I first heard in the film “A guide On Recognizing Your Saints.” The song is titled “Trouble” by Cat Stevens on the album “Mona Bone Jakon”. Obviously Cat Stevens is a far cry from being new music, and I am sure that all of you have heard of him. I avoided Cat Stevens, because of the whole “I had a tragic illness, so I will now be Muslim” thing.  But the song “Trouble” had me hooked. I just cannot stop listening to it, It’s the deep seeded connection I feel when I think about my past, and how fucked up it was. Cat Stevens wrote the song while he had been in convalescence for over a year, battling tuberculosis. I could only imagine him writing all these songs with a collapsed lung. The first time I heard this song, It honestly made my cry. Its this kind of art that I am eternally grateful. Give it a spin.