Elijah Wood stars as a man who has lost his arm and is none too happy about it. He reconstructs his arms with household objects, then trips out on pain medication.
Flying Lotus released Until the Quiet Come in October of this year.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
The Divine Fits at Deluxe
I didn't quite jump at my first chance to see the Divine Fits, when they came to Columbus, OH. I figured that I had other things to do on a Monday night (and, truth be told, I did), but I slightly regretted not going to one of their inaugural shows. That is, until they expanded their tour and added Indianapolis to the schedule! I bought my ticket as soon as they went sale and never looked back!
The show itself was as wonderful as I could have hoped it to be. The dark indie band Cold Cave opened for them. Having only seen them from afar at last year's Pitchfork Festival, I had a presumption of them as being broody performers, but they had a surprising level of energy.
The Divine Fits carried the energy on through their set. Both singers, Dan Boeckner and Britt Daniel are great performers. This has likely been honed from years in other bands (Daniel with Spoon and Boeckner with Wolf Parade and Handsome Furs). It was an incredible show, though I wish they had performed the cover of Frank Ocean's "Lost," like they did at a number of their other shows, but I'll try not to complain too much!
Mini setlist:
Cold Cave - "Underworld USA"
Cold Cave - "A Little Death to Laugh"
Divine Fits - "Would That Not Be Nice"
Divine Fits - "Shivers"
The show itself was as wonderful as I could have hoped it to be. The dark indie band Cold Cave opened for them. Having only seen them from afar at last year's Pitchfork Festival, I had a presumption of them as being broody performers, but they had a surprising level of energy.
The Divine Fits carried the energy on through their set. Both singers, Dan Boeckner and Britt Daniel are great performers. This has likely been honed from years in other bands (Daniel with Spoon and Boeckner with Wolf Parade and Handsome Furs). It was an incredible show, though I wish they had performed the cover of Frank Ocean's "Lost," like they did at a number of their other shows, but I'll try not to complain too much!
Mini setlist:
Cold Cave - "Underworld USA"
Cold Cave - "A Little Death to Laugh"
Divine Fits - "Would That Not Be Nice"
Divine Fits - "Shivers"
Saturday, November 24, 2012
R.I.P Larry Hagman
Iconic television actor Larry Hagman died yesterday at the age of 81.
While Hagman became best known for his role in the 1980s soap opera Dallas, I remember him most at the comic foil to Barbara Eden on the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. Back when TV Land and Nick at Nite actually aired old shows, his was one of my favorite shows on the networks.
Goodbye, Mr. Hagman!
I Dream of Jeannie - "One of Our Bottles is Missing" (Part 1)
I Dream of Jeannie - "One of Our Bottles is Missing" (Part 2)
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| philly.com |
While Hagman became best known for his role in the 1980s soap opera Dallas, I remember him most at the comic foil to Barbara Eden on the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. Back when TV Land and Nick at Nite actually aired old shows, his was one of my favorite shows on the networks.
Goodbye, Mr. Hagman!
I Dream of Jeannie - "One of Our Bottles is Missing" (Part 1)
I Dream of Jeannie - "One of Our Bottles is Missing" (Part 2)
Big Boi - "Mama Told Me"
I'm pretty picky when it comes to hip-hop, but Big Boi is one of those artists that managed to avoid my mental guillotine. Teaming up with Kelly Rowland, he's released a colorful video for the single "Mama Told Me."
Big Boi will release his second post-OutKast album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, in December.
Big Boi will release his second post-OutKast album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, in December.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Sinister
The horror movie genre can be fairly hit or miss, especially with more recent films. Sinister is one of those rare hits.
In the movie Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke) is a struggling crime writer trying to find inspiration for his next book. He'd had success years before, but found repetition to be a difficult game. In the pursuit of his next story, he has moved into the home (unbeknowst to his wife) that was the site of a mysterious families' murder and disappearance. He soon finds a box in the attic containing Super 8 footage of this and several other family murders. Following this, strange things being occurring in his home, affecting both him and his entire family. He believes the murders in the videos to be connected, but does not discover how-so until his own family moves from the house.
While it wasn't quite an earth-shattering plot, the movie managed to breathe some new life into the now-omnipresent "found footage" style by combining that footage with more traditional cinematography. While it easily could have felt like a the Paranormal Activity/Blair Witch knock-off, it still managed to feel fresh. Of course, it helped to have a known (and good) actor like Ethan Hawke in the film. The only thing that I didn't like about the film was that it showed the monster. I find that I tend to create a more fearsome creature when the specifics are left up to my own imagination.
In the movie Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke) is a struggling crime writer trying to find inspiration for his next book. He'd had success years before, but found repetition to be a difficult game. In the pursuit of his next story, he has moved into the home (unbeknowst to his wife) that was the site of a mysterious families' murder and disappearance. He soon finds a box in the attic containing Super 8 footage of this and several other family murders. Following this, strange things being occurring in his home, affecting both him and his entire family. He believes the murders in the videos to be connected, but does not discover how-so until his own family moves from the house.
While it wasn't quite an earth-shattering plot, the movie managed to breathe some new life into the now-omnipresent "found footage" style by combining that footage with more traditional cinematography. While it easily could have felt like a the Paranormal Activity/Blair Witch knock-off, it still managed to feel fresh. Of course, it helped to have a known (and good) actor like Ethan Hawke in the film. The only thing that I didn't like about the film was that it showed the monster. I find that I tend to create a more fearsome creature when the specifics are left up to my own imagination.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
New Music Tuesday - 11/20/2012
New Full-Length Releases
Tim Hecker & Daniel Lopatin - Instrumental Tourist
Tim Hecker and Daniel Lopatin, who performs as Oneohtrix Point Never, are both on their way to becoming as highly-regarded of ambient artists as residing king Brian Eno. This is their first collaboration together and should present an excellent meeting of these amazing minds!
"Uptown Psychedelia"
Other Releases
Atoms for Peace - "Default"/"What the Eyeballs Did"
Vinyl release, with b-side, of single released in September. An album in rumored for early next year!
"What the Eyeballs Did"
Björk - bastards
Remixes of her most recent original full-length, Biophilia. Includes remixes from Omar Souleyman, The Slips and Death Grips.
"Crystalline" (Omar Souleyman Remix)
Dinosaur Jr. - Chocomel Daze (Live 1987)
Live album recorded in 1987 (ok, that much is obvious from the title). The album was recorded at Doornroosje in The Netherlands during the band's first European tour.
"Severed Lips"
Flock of Dimes - "(This Is Why) I Can't Wear White"/"15"
Third single this year from Jenn Wasner's (of Wye Oak) side project.
"(This Is Why) I Can't Wear White"
Kate Nash - Death Proof EP
British singer drops the piano in favor of a bass guitar in anticipation for a new full-length in March.
"Death Proof"
The Silver Linings Playbook OST
Soundtrack for new film starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. Includes songs from alt-J, Alabama Shakes, Stevie Wonder and Bob Dylan.
"Buffalo" (featuring Mountain Man)
The Twilight Sad - No One Can Ever Know: The Remixes
Remix album for 2011 release from the band of the same name. Included tracks remixed by Warsnare, Com Truise and Liars.
"Nil" (Liars Remix)
Tim Hecker & Daniel Lopatin - Instrumental Tourist
Tim Hecker and Daniel Lopatin, who performs as Oneohtrix Point Never, are both on their way to becoming as highly-regarded of ambient artists as residing king Brian Eno. This is their first collaboration together and should present an excellent meeting of these amazing minds!
"Uptown Psychedelia"
Other Releases
Atoms for Peace - "Default"/"What the Eyeballs Did"
Vinyl release, with b-side, of single released in September. An album in rumored for early next year!
"What the Eyeballs Did"
Björk - bastards
Remixes of her most recent original full-length, Biophilia. Includes remixes from Omar Souleyman, The Slips and Death Grips.
"Crystalline" (Omar Souleyman Remix)
Dinosaur Jr. - Chocomel Daze (Live 1987)
Live album recorded in 1987 (ok, that much is obvious from the title). The album was recorded at Doornroosje in The Netherlands during the band's first European tour.
"Severed Lips"
Flock of Dimes - "(This Is Why) I Can't Wear White"/"15"
Third single this year from Jenn Wasner's (of Wye Oak) side project.
"(This Is Why) I Can't Wear White"
Kate Nash - Death Proof EP
British singer drops the piano in favor of a bass guitar in anticipation for a new full-length in March.
"Death Proof"
The Silver Linings Playbook OST
Soundtrack for new film starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. Includes songs from alt-J, Alabama Shakes, Stevie Wonder and Bob Dylan.
"Buffalo" (featuring Mountain Man)
The Twilight Sad - No One Can Ever Know: The Remixes
Remix album for 2011 release from the band of the same name. Included tracks remixed by Warsnare, Com Truise and Liars.
"Nil" (Liars Remix)
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Incredibox
This is a fun little web tool, good for wasting enormous amounts of time. It allows you to mix a variety of sounds and even to save and send your composition! Here's mine!
Make your own: http://www.incredibox.com/
Friday, November 16, 2012
Yo La Tengo - "Before We Run"
Yo La Tengo will be putting out a new album, Fade, in January of next year! This past week, they released the first single from the album, "Before We Run," with an accompanying music video. The video is almost a straight shot of a large tree with splashes of pastels projected upon it. Truth be told, I find the whole thing rather mesmerizing.
Monday, November 12, 2012
New Music Tuesday - November 13, 2012
New Full-Length Releases
The Babies - Our House on the Hill
The Babies is a collaboration between the Vivian Girls' Cassie Ramone and Kevin Morby of Woods. The band started as a side project for both artists, but has started to become a full band in its own right. Their first album called the Vivian Girls a bit more to mind, but on their second release, there is a more mature sound. It's becoming something that stands apart from either of their main acts.
"Get Lost"
Brian Eno - Lux
Eno is the master of ambient music. His lush arrangements make him one of the few true modern composers working outside of the orchestral realm. While his most recent releases have been more song-based, this album features longer composed pieces, just four tracks averaging about 20 minutes each.
Clinic - Free Reign
Because of the band's physical persona, it would be easy to label them as a gimmick. Each member wears a face mask similar to what one would wear is they worked in a clinic. They're never seen without these masks (or, at least, I've never seen a picture without them). They've maintained this appearance for the majority of their fifteen-year career, which belies some really great music featuring vintage instruments and abnormal chord progressions.
"Miss You"
Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles III
Perhaps this band is trying to go the way of Led Zeppelin or Scott Walker in the naming of their albums. Both artists named their first four albums for the number release it was for them. Same for Crystal Castles...this is their third album. They can only do this one more time, though! As the number gets higher, though, the more mature their sound becomes. They started with video game-esque electronic riffs, but have traveled towards more involved arrangements. That, however, does not make their music any less thrash-worthy.
"Plague"
El Perro del Mar - Pale Fire
An article in the most recent issue of Under the Radar tried to explore why Swedish musicians make such bright, sunny pop music. They determined that predilection for that sound was due to the country being so cold and dark. Sarah Assbring expertly highlights the preference towards this type of music. She's not, however, afraid to bring social commentary and personal struggles into the mix. This album has been teased for nearly a year, with non-album singles being released throughout 2012.
"Walk on By"
Guided By Voices - The Bears for Lunch
This band, and especially frontman Robert Pollard, have been especially prolific this year. Perhaps making up for a break taken between 2004 and 2012, they've released three albums this year. Pollard, in addition, has released two solo albums, though he's been releasing a steady stream of albums in the band's downtime. What's amazing is that, despite three fairly long releases, the songs on these albums are still great, nothing feels thrown in.
"Hang Up and Try Again"
Other Releases
Animal Collective - "Applesauce"/"Crimson"
The latest single for an excellent album released in September of this year.
"Crimson"
The Rolling Stones - GRRR!
Career-spanning compilation album (with a few new songs) from one of the longest-lasting rock bands.
School of Seven Bells - Put Your Sad Down EP
New EP brings an air of poppiness to established mystical sound.
"Secret Days"
Sharon van Etten - Tramp Deluxe Edition
Excellent young singer-songwriter accompanies latest album with 13 bonus demo tracks.
"Tell Me"
Sonic Youth - Smart Bar-Chicago 1985
Their status is still up in the air, but we've not been left for wanting for material from this band and its members.
"Intro"/"Brave Men Run (In My Family)"
Sufjan Stevens - Silver & Gold: Songs for Christmas, Volumes 6-10
Some more holiday cheer from Sufjan Stevens' second Christmas release.
"Mr. Frosty Man"
The Babies - Our House on the Hill
The Babies is a collaboration between the Vivian Girls' Cassie Ramone and Kevin Morby of Woods. The band started as a side project for both artists, but has started to become a full band in its own right. Their first album called the Vivian Girls a bit more to mind, but on their second release, there is a more mature sound. It's becoming something that stands apart from either of their main acts.
"Get Lost"
Brian Eno - Lux
Eno is the master of ambient music. His lush arrangements make him one of the few true modern composers working outside of the orchestral realm. While his most recent releases have been more song-based, this album features longer composed pieces, just four tracks averaging about 20 minutes each.
Clinic - Free Reign
Because of the band's physical persona, it would be easy to label them as a gimmick. Each member wears a face mask similar to what one would wear is they worked in a clinic. They're never seen without these masks (or, at least, I've never seen a picture without them). They've maintained this appearance for the majority of their fifteen-year career, which belies some really great music featuring vintage instruments and abnormal chord progressions.
"Miss You"
Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles III
Perhaps this band is trying to go the way of Led Zeppelin or Scott Walker in the naming of their albums. Both artists named their first four albums for the number release it was for them. Same for Crystal Castles...this is their third album. They can only do this one more time, though! As the number gets higher, though, the more mature their sound becomes. They started with video game-esque electronic riffs, but have traveled towards more involved arrangements. That, however, does not make their music any less thrash-worthy.
"Plague"
El Perro del Mar - Pale Fire
An article in the most recent issue of Under the Radar tried to explore why Swedish musicians make such bright, sunny pop music. They determined that predilection for that sound was due to the country being so cold and dark. Sarah Assbring expertly highlights the preference towards this type of music. She's not, however, afraid to bring social commentary and personal struggles into the mix. This album has been teased for nearly a year, with non-album singles being released throughout 2012.
"Walk on By"
Guided By Voices - The Bears for Lunch
This band, and especially frontman Robert Pollard, have been especially prolific this year. Perhaps making up for a break taken between 2004 and 2012, they've released three albums this year. Pollard, in addition, has released two solo albums, though he's been releasing a steady stream of albums in the band's downtime. What's amazing is that, despite three fairly long releases, the songs on these albums are still great, nothing feels thrown in.
"Hang Up and Try Again"
Other Releases
Animal Collective - "Applesauce"/"Crimson"
The latest single for an excellent album released in September of this year.
"Crimson"
The Rolling Stones - GRRR!
Career-spanning compilation album (with a few new songs) from one of the longest-lasting rock bands.
School of Seven Bells - Put Your Sad Down EP
New EP brings an air of poppiness to established mystical sound.
"Secret Days"
Sharon van Etten - Tramp Deluxe Edition
Excellent young singer-songwriter accompanies latest album with 13 bonus demo tracks.
"Tell Me"
Sonic Youth - Smart Bar-Chicago 1985
Their status is still up in the air, but we've not been left for wanting for material from this band and its members.
"Intro"/"Brave Men Run (In My Family)"
Sufjan Stevens - Silver & Gold: Songs for Christmas, Volumes 6-10
Some more holiday cheer from Sufjan Stevens' second Christmas release.
"Mr. Frosty Man"
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Band of Horses at Bogart's
These guys were supposed to come to Cincinnati in August of 2011 to open for the Kings of Leon. Sometime in July, however, KoL frontman Caleb Followill came down with a bad case of "exhaustion" (read: he was an alcoholic) and the remainder of the tour, including the Cincinnati date, was canceled. Band of Horses did their best to reschedule as many of the dates as possible, but Cincinnati was not among that group.
Fast forward more than a year and, finally, Band of Horses come to town! While there are many artists that I do not hesitate to buy tickets for, it seemed my wallet opened even faster for this gig.
The show was well worth the wait. While I haven't been crazy about their last two albums, the band played a good mix from all of their releases and their on-stage energy was strong enough to make all of the songs a treat to hear!
Mini setlist:
"The Great Salt Lake"
"Knock Knock"
"The General Specific"
Fast forward more than a year and, finally, Band of Horses come to town! While there are many artists that I do not hesitate to buy tickets for, it seemed my wallet opened even faster for this gig.
The show was well worth the wait. While I haven't been crazy about their last two albums, the band played a good mix from all of their releases and their on-stage energy was strong enough to make all of the songs a treat to hear!
Mini setlist:
"The Great Salt Lake"
"Knock Knock"
"The General Specific"
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Alt-J - "Fitzpleasure"
An awesome new video from my new favorite band. At first, it seems to hold many of the same urban aesthetics as their video for "Tessellate," but quickly turns into something completely different.
Alt-J released their debut album in September of this year (for North America, Europe got it way back in May...jerks).
Alt-J released their debut album in September of this year (for North America, Europe got it way back in May...jerks).
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The Dark Knight Rises
A while back, I caught this amazing third and (likely) final movie of Christopher Nolan's Batman films.
I'm sure most know the basis of the story, if not having seen the movie itself, but I will still provide my short synopsis. The movie picks up eight years after the events of The Dark Knight. Bruce Wayne has become a recluse, he is not acting as Batman, nor is he doing a very good job of running his company. Persuaded by Gordon to return to his crime-fighting duties, he faces one of his most difficult opponents yet, the superstrong and superintelligent Bane. Bane's actions eventually turn the city to chaos. The movie also introduced everyone's favorite Batman villain, Catwoman, though her role here turns out to be much more complex.
The movie was good and served as an excellent finish to Christopher Nolan's trilogy. While no one's performance in a Batman movie, I think, will ever exceed Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight, the movie overall was better executed and provided a much more uplifting ending than the previous two. While the ending hinted at a possible turn by Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Robin (which I would gladly watch), I would be quite satisfied for this installment of Batman to end here!
I'm sure most know the basis of the story, if not having seen the movie itself, but I will still provide my short synopsis. The movie picks up eight years after the events of The Dark Knight. Bruce Wayne has become a recluse, he is not acting as Batman, nor is he doing a very good job of running his company. Persuaded by Gordon to return to his crime-fighting duties, he faces one of his most difficult opponents yet, the superstrong and superintelligent Bane. Bane's actions eventually turn the city to chaos. The movie also introduced everyone's favorite Batman villain, Catwoman, though her role here turns out to be much more complex.
The movie was good and served as an excellent finish to Christopher Nolan's trilogy. While no one's performance in a Batman movie, I think, will ever exceed Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight, the movie overall was better executed and provided a much more uplifting ending than the previous two. While the ending hinted at a possible turn by Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Robin (which I would gladly watch), I would be quite satisfied for this installment of Batman to end here!
New Music Tuesday - 11/06/2012
New Full-Length Releases
Aerosmith - Music from Another Dimension
In reality, this band has seen much better days, they released much of their best work in the 1970s with a resurgence in the early 1990s. I'm rather surprised they're still together, given long-standing rumors of conflict, as well as Steven Tyler's ever-changing day jobs. Over the days preceding the release, Rolling Stone previewed each of the songs of the album. It's not great, but I think it could please some fans who were turned off by their last album, Honkin' on Bobo.
"What Could Have Been Love"
Prince Rama - Top Ten Hits of the End of the World
A weird ex introduced me to this band, yet I somehow ended up liking their music anyways. The band, too, is pretty weird and the concept behind this album proves that. It's envisioned as a "best of" album of music from just before the world ended, with the band taking on the personas of a myriad of fictional bands. Strange as it is, it's rather fitting, seeing as we have fewer than two months left here.
"No Way Back" (channeling Guns of Dubai)
Other Releases
Charli XCX - The Super Ultra Mixtape
This British female phenom seems to avoiding the release of a full-length. Her sound is pretty interesting though, so the EPs and mixtapes will suffice until that day comes.
"Cloud Aura" (featuring Brooke Candy)
Dirty Projectors - About to Die EP
They released what may be one of my favorite albums of the year so far, this EP supports a new single of same name.
"About to Die"
Friendly Fires - Late Night Tales
Last year, they released the incredible Pala, but I didn't realize how amazing it was until long after it came out. Now, they have joined up with LateNightTales for the 30th release of artist-curated compilations.
Junior Boys - "Under the Sun"
The Velvet Underground & Nico by Castle Face and Friends
A new tribute album to accompany 45th anniversary of iconic Velvet Underground album.
Thee Oh Sees - "European Son"
The Walkmen - "Dance with Your Partner"/"Vewrmeer '65"
They also released an incredible album this year, this release comprises two exclusive non-album tracks (you know my copy's already in the mail)!
"Dance with Your Partner"
Aerosmith - Music from Another Dimension
In reality, this band has seen much better days, they released much of their best work in the 1970s with a resurgence in the early 1990s. I'm rather surprised they're still together, given long-standing rumors of conflict, as well as Steven Tyler's ever-changing day jobs. Over the days preceding the release, Rolling Stone previewed each of the songs of the album. It's not great, but I think it could please some fans who were turned off by their last album, Honkin' on Bobo.
"What Could Have Been Love"
Prince Rama - Top Ten Hits of the End of the World
A weird ex introduced me to this band, yet I somehow ended up liking their music anyways. The band, too, is pretty weird and the concept behind this album proves that. It's envisioned as a "best of" album of music from just before the world ended, with the band taking on the personas of a myriad of fictional bands. Strange as it is, it's rather fitting, seeing as we have fewer than two months left here.
"No Way Back" (channeling Guns of Dubai)
Other Releases
Charli XCX - The Super Ultra Mixtape
This British female phenom seems to avoiding the release of a full-length. Her sound is pretty interesting though, so the EPs and mixtapes will suffice until that day comes.
"Cloud Aura" (featuring Brooke Candy)
Dirty Projectors - About to Die EP
They released what may be one of my favorite albums of the year so far, this EP supports a new single of same name.
"About to Die"
Friendly Fires - Late Night Tales
Last year, they released the incredible Pala, but I didn't realize how amazing it was until long after it came out. Now, they have joined up with LateNightTales for the 30th release of artist-curated compilations.
Junior Boys - "Under the Sun"
The Velvet Underground & Nico by Castle Face and Friends
A new tribute album to accompany 45th anniversary of iconic Velvet Underground album.
Thee Oh Sees - "European Son"
The Walkmen - "Dance with Your Partner"/"Vewrmeer '65"
They also released an incredible album this year, this release comprises two exclusive non-album tracks (you know my copy's already in the mail)!
"Dance with Your Partner"
Monday, November 5, 2012
Ben Gibbard - "Teardrop Windows"
Death Cab for Cutie frontman goes gangster, or as gangster as this man can possibly go...which isn't very gangster.
You would think a high-profile (-ish) divorce would be enough for a bad-boy image! I love entertainers who can laugh at themselves!
You would think a high-profile (-ish) divorce would be enough for a bad-boy image! I love entertainers who can laugh at themselves!
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