I'm Glowing!

Jackie DeShannon Was Right All Along.

2009-02-25T22:43:00.007-05:00

Because the world needs love more than anything, man. There's just too little of it.

I had a weird day today. Weird in that, "Whoa...what the hell's happening to us people?" way.

So this morning a woman who works next to me comes into the restaurant talking about her sugar mama and how she's used to open relationships and how she's been burned and doesn't want to be in a relationship anymore and blah blah blah. I'm listening to what she has to say and I'm thinking to myself, "Damn. That's just not how I roll."

Of course, nothing she said was appalling. What's appalling is the fact that turning away from love has become part of our culture now. And I'm just going by a) statistics and b) eye-witness accounts.

A Peruvan woman named Isabella works with me at another job and every week she learns new ways to converse with me other than non-verbal communication. Yesterday we were holding a pretty long conversaton without confusion. She told me she likes me because I'm always happy and she isn't happy because she's away from the rest of her family in Peru.

She has two kids and a husband, so I had a, "Hey, at least you have them!" type approach. She said in broken English that she loves her kids. So I asked in broken Spanish, "You..ti quiero...senor?", meaning if she loved her husband. She shook her head and said, "No. No bueno."

I paused...then I asked if she knew what "husband" was, and then asked once more.
"No..he no bueno...no good."

And I'm like...man...where the hell's the love? What the hell's gotten into us, especially during these dark times filled with cynicism, embitterment and despair? Shouldn't that make us want to turn to love more than ever? Or am I just asking rhetorical questions to a faceless, nameless audience? (Yes)

Whatever may have you, the only way to stay sane in this cut-throat world is to spread the love. Pretty simple shit here. I keep telling people lately that we tend to think that challenges make things hard on us, but the actual challenge is recognizing the fact that everything's pretty simple if you just accept things for what they are. And I'm talking to myself more than anybody on this matter.

I remember my Calculus teacher in high school asked me and a couple of more people to go to the board to figure out a problem (forget which kind...high school was so long ago). I did this essay-style technique--I'm talking seven lines of just numbers mixed with letters here. She comes to my answer and says, "You got it right...but you made it harder on yourself when all you had to do was (insert Calc babble) and you'd had your answer in two lines."

"Oh," I replied.

Story of my life!

But I digress. Point is--love, people. Just love.

What The World Needs Now Is Love - Jackie DeShannon

I Really Love Neko's Album Cover

2009-02-11T13:20:00.003-05:00

I don't know what it is about Neko Case, but I think she is a total badass. Just look at the album cover. And, of course, her voice alone exudes badassness.

You can pretty much guarantee pure greatness from her.

Neko Case - People Got A Lotta Nerve

What????

2009-02-11T13:14:00.004-05:00

Get them kids!!!!

Y'all are way too young to be having domestic squabbles, not that you have to be a certain age to have those, anyway. Where's the love?

Tsk, tsk.

Jennifer Lancaster is Hysterical

2009-02-10T10:33:00.003-05:00

When I went home for Christmas a few weeks back, my dear friend Laurie lent me a book by this supreme sarcast (one who is sarcastic—I felt there needed to be a word for that) talking about the perils of being overweight andnarcissistic. Even though she turned her mashed potatoes yellow because of the loads of butter she stirred in there or the fact that being called a “fat bitch” was part of her everyday interaction with people (OK, maybe not everyday), she still felt good about herself and addressed the fact that she's still pretty despite having double chins (her words).

I can feel on that. I mean, being a big girl is the equivalent to be a witch these days. I guess the government decided that tying us by our wrists and ankles and throwing us in the river to see if we float would be moot—of course our big asses would float! Though, of course, that would mean we'd then be grabbed out of the river and back into the village to be burnt at the stake, because, y'know, witches float.

Anyway, long story short, after a regular checkup at the doctor, where she is scolded for not taking her eating habits seriously, Lancaster decided to make that change. She was like, “Allright, allright, DAYUM! I guess I'll lose this motherfucking weight (big fan of the “fucks” and “motherfuckers,” this lady), but I'm still pretty.”

I read that shit in six days! My mama kept noticing me reading it, and she was like, “Wow. Must be a good book.” Indeed.

It's a nice, quick read for a 300-page memoir. Her words really glide right out of her mouth, onto her keyboard and into the pages. I really respect her for that. Not many writers can actually write how they're feeling and convey it beautifully for the readers to get exactly what you're talking about. Even those like us who tend to be a little long-winded. What I love most about her is the fact that she had over 120 footnotes, including one that said, “An actual footnote that's a real footnote!”

I will say, read this book with a complete open mind. There are times where she goes rants about shit that wouldn't be far off what Ann Coulter would say.

Speaking of Ann Coulter—she, too, is hysterical. She has a new book out, and I couldn't help but notice it, since she likes for people to read the BIG RED LETTERS on her cover. Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder did the most hilarious parody of her facade—because that's all it is—by depicting her as a chick milking “redneck money,” but in actuality she's just another white person trying to be “down” and dates a deadbeat black man who she had to bail out of jail 10 times. Oh, that McGruder. I recommend buying the second season The Boondocks. When you take a break from watching a marathon of five episodes, take a break and read Lancaster's book. It'll be a nice contrast.

Just for Old Time's Sake

2009-02-06T12:06:00.001-05:00

Leslie Feist still rules.

When I first bought Let It Die back in college, I made sure all of Bowling Green, Ky., knew who the hell she was. She obviously doesn't need my help anymore. But I'm still introducing that album to a different crowd, and they like her. You just cannot argue with her voice. It's too pure.

I'd really like for she and Chrisete Michele to do a duet. Just for me. Please, ladies, please.

For the record—I'm just not that into Jazmine Sullivan. Don't get me wrong—I'm glad a young sista's making her rounds, but eh.

Baby's Growings Up! Part 1

2009-02-03T12:01:00.002-05:00

As I've previously mentioned, the reason for my hiatus was partly due to the fact of me realizing I need to grow up. Yeah, I'm only 24, but I feel “only” should never be involved during the development of being a human being. Honestly, I think that's a major problem the post-college demographic (roughly around ages 22-29) has: we think we have all the time in the world to get to where we're going, mainly coasting to wait for our grand opportunities to fall in our super-relaxed laps.

Not so, friendo.

Three weeks ago from today (Wed. Jan 28) a dear homie of mine's, John Henderson, was shot twice in the leg and once in the head while he and a co-worker were closing down a popular bar in Atlanta's “premier” neighborhood. And by premier, I mean super-gentrified. But that's another entry.

Yeah, he gave 'em all the money, yet they still decided to shoot at the door in the office where they were both at. He was only 27, man! Ahhhhh. Just thinking about it still pisses me off. He was such a great kid with a great spirit, too.

It reminded me of my brother's untimely end five years ago in March. And he died at my age. That shit woke me up quick.

It made me realize that you just never know how much time you have left in this crazy, topsy-turvy, wonderful life. I know, I know—another “come to Jesus moment” from another person who just got through reading The Secret. Well, just bits and pieces on my end, but for real—let's go get it.

B.T. Dubs, L.A. Fitness is the greatest thing that's happened to former athletes who want to get their athletic phsyique back. I mean, they have EVERYTHING! It's freakin' amazing! Exclamation points galore! The best part about it is they don't try to low-ball you. Nice prices (if you chum up the representatives right) and it's no contract. And you get to go to any one you want in the city. Brilliant. Highly recommended.

Aiight, Yeezy, You Got Me—Again

2009-01-31T11:52:00.000-05:00

I have a very interesting relationship with Kanye West. And by relationship, I just mean I have a complicated reaction to his music. At first I love it, then I dismiss it, then I love it even more.

With 808s and Heartbreaks, I just didn't even give it a chance. I mean, who the hell wants to listen to him do sing-song voice in that annoying robotic sound that should've stayed with Roger and Zapp in the 80s?

But on the way home from the gym a homie was listening to it on our way back to his crib before we went to hang out with another homie. That's besides the point. Point is—I was thoroughly impressed, just as I was with his last two albums. College Dropout did a reverse on me—I raved about it, then got over it.

Anyway, don't be a nay-sayer on this'n. Yeah, it's depressing, but after losing his mother and then his girlfriend dumping him, how could you go back to talking about material shit? I guess you can say it's the Sea Change of hip-hop, but just as Beck did during a performance on that tour where he flipped his acoustic guitar behind his back and started break-dancing in the middle of “Where It's At?,” Yeezy still got his floetic prowess.

Long story short—it's Amber-approved.*

Which is simply illustrated by two thumbs up—WAY UP!

Kanye West - Street Lights

What I've Been Doing

2009-01-30T11:45:00.002-05:00

I missed writing. I really did. But honestly, my life really wasn't that eventful other than the fact that I discovered the true meaning of love and all that good shit. Yeah, I became that person. I never thought I'd get there. I was preparing myself for a Samantha Jones-esque lifestyle. Hey, that's all I knew (minus the willy-nilly sex-capades—I ain't mad at her, though).

Apparently, there's life outside of going to every cool band's show or going to every indie movie opening or going to the coolest restaurants or spending all my money on thrifting and new music and DVDs, blah blah blah. Granted, I still enjoy that kind of life, but it's definitely not a priority like it used to be. To tell the truth, I'm OK with that. Some things are just meant to not matter as much to you anymore.

I've been working, constantly on the grind since this time last year. Eh. Nothing too special. Just ready to not work in restaurants ever again (that is an entirely different entry). Dealing with people on a regular basis—bleh. It's fun until you realize that there are more idiots out there than awesome ones.

I also discovered that not everyone is what they seem, man. That, too, is an entirely different entry. I can go on and on about that. I've learned that my gut instinct on someone is much more precious than continuing a friendship with a fucking nut-case. Ha.

Oh, the glory of growing up. I love it. I just wanna give life a great, big hug and call it my baby while kissing it on the cheek and finely stroking its hair.

I want a house soon, dammit! Gimme a three-bedroom quaint house with hardwood floors, excluding the bedrooms, right now! And a lawn! And a nice, cozy finished basement! And a den! And a big kitchen! And a nice yard in a nice neighborhood with well-developed infrastructure!

Can you feel the enthusiasm? As Glenn Frey said--the heat is on! Oh, yeah!

I'm ready. And hopefully, my darlings, you are, too.

Guess Who's Back?

2009-01-29T13:27:00.002-05:00

Hey, hey, hey—I'm what's happenin'! Or something along those lines.

So...yeah, been a long time, I know. It's been a full year since I kept this puppy updated on a regular basis. Life got in the way in Oh-Great Oh-Eight, but it's all fine in Oh-Nine. Steady on that grind in Oh-Nine. Keeping away from that swine in Oh-Nine...OK, you got it.

This year I told myself I'm gonna do a better job at keeping up with my creative juices. Now, now, I have been writing on a regular basis since you last saw me, but it's just been more for my private eyes. Growing up isn't so easy, now is it?

But hey—two tears in a bucket, mother...well, you know the rest.

*And the crowd screams, “Welcome back, Amber!”*

Awwww, thank you—you're far too kind!

Sheesh.

2008-05-19T14:45:00.002-04:00

Photo still from Disney's Song of the South, released in 1946.

The world of Disney keeps making this a brighter place with their gadgets and uplifting movies. Next in line are some necklaces promoting Pirates of the Caribbean's Dead Man's Chest.

This is my favorite (as well as Bossip's):

That would be perfect with my Curious George Obama Oh-Eight shirt. Right in the city (well, Marietta) where I stay. The pride in my voice is thick.

The dude who started American Apparel is a genius.

2008-04-28T12:36:00.002-04:00

Because while most blatant perverts catch cases and are banned from the book of being human, this summabitch becomes a multi-millionaire because he's a fan of pastel colors and snug tees. Really can't hate 'em for that.

But the consumers, on the other hand--well, that's another story. I'm not gonna sit here and bash all AA supporters, because you do what you want, but honestly, I'm a little (and by "a little," I mean "a lottle") over seeing half-naked chicks showing off their shapeless bodies with clothes that fails to make them appear they kinda have some sort of shape goin' on.

Yawn.

Where are we right now?

2008-03-31T10:41:00.002-04:00

While I do believe Oh-Eight will be our year--by "our," I mean those of us who have brains and like using them wisely--there are a handful of idiots who still want to live through an out-dated perspective.

Exhibit 90 trillion: Bossip posted an article about North Dakota State University students putting on a theatrical performance that includes one white kid in black face portraying Barack Obama receiving a lap dance from a stripper. Then you got two dudes in the background posing as cowboys simulating anal sex.

Yeaaaaaaaaah.

I'm gonna need for people to stop being stupid, wake the fuck up and be merry. Nobody has time for that shit. Except, of course, when you post a blog entry stating that fact. But that's besides the point.

Anyway, is racism the only card ignorant people can pull these days? You can't just clown people for being imbeciles anymore? Now, you gotta insert someone's race to try to cut deeper? Come now--smarten up, y'all.

So this is how I've been feeling in the past six weeks:

2008-03-25T14:56:00.002-04:00

Erykah Badu - Me

Just listen to it and you'll understand why I haven't been blogging as often as I used to in the past six weeks. I've been on a beautiful journey of self-discovery, and I'm loving it.

Love,
Amb

Video Vault: "Da Art of Storytellin" by Outkast ft. Slick Rick

2008-03-20T14:55:00.002-04:00

Uhhhh, how can you go wrong with this video? Man. It's so underrated, too. People didn't even give a damn about this video when it came out circa 1999. They were too busy trying to "Tear Da Roof Off" with Busta-Bus (and understandably so--that album was the shit).

Uh, yeah, The Kills? May I have my brains back please?

2008-03-19T01:13:00.003-04:00

Because you've blown them away. Three out of three ain't bad, babydolls. I was a little nervous because you graced the covers of Nylon magazine and was a featured artist on Myspace. Nope. The grit is still there. The sexiness is still there. The awesomeness is still there. I love this new album. I want to make silly, sweet love to it.

Listen:
Kills - Tape Song

Keith Olbermann, marry me.

2008-03-13T15:59:00.002-04:00

He kills it. He abso-fucking-lutely kills it. From his rippage on Geraldine Ferraro being a dumb, victimizing cunt to Hillary Clinton pretending like she didn't know what the hell was going on with her campaign to references to Ferraro's comments back in '88 during Jesse Jackson's run to--ahhh, everything. His references, his viewpoints and objectivity was outstanding. He literally revived journalism with his near 10-minute calm tirade. Go, Keith, go.

It's strange, because I used to watch this guy every night at 10 CST for Sportscenter. Damn.

I've been really on edge lately because of this unraveling of the shitstorm that the Democratic primaries have become. Obama, rise above it. Keep doing you, boo-boo.

For those of you who don't know Sir Mix-A-Lot:

2008-03-06T15:25:00.003-05:00

Yeah, yeah, he's a lame mutha now because of that lame-tastic "Baby Got Back," but he will always be remembered in my eyes for this song. The flow, the beat=flawless.

Girl, do you!

2008-03-04T14:15:00.004-05:00

Raven-Symoné, you are a brilliant lil lady. You were once touted the "400 Million Dollar Woman" back in March 2007 on the cover of Ebony. That's a whole lot of money, and yet she manages to stay out of the negative limelight and lives her life like a level-headed human being. And what I love most about her is that people constantly tried to find ways to clown her, mostly about her weight, and she still kills it.

Yes, my friend. Do.You.

Great songs, Vol. 5: Goodie Mob's "Cell Therapy"

2008-03-03T14:33:00.000-05:00

I had to add the video to this'n. You know how you love a song during your pre-adolescence because of something simple, like a hot beat or a wild video? "Cell Therapy" was that for me. I loved the video, loved the beat, loved the flows. But it wasn't until recently (check: yesterday), when I was doing my usual YouTube frenzy looking for old school hip-hop vids and noticed the heavy political tone of the song and video--I mean, on some for real New World Order shit.

AND THAT WAS JUST GOODIE MOB'S FIRST SINGLE!!!!

What I love most about this is that they weren't some Poindexter Negroes that could've been Carlton Banks' best friends, but some down home, Southern brothers dressed in Dickies and wife-beaters with grills. And that was their target in that song! They were saying, "Yo, I know you gotta stay on that grind, but if anything, don't become victims to the mind-controlling system that is our capitalistic society."

Prime example of that is during Big Gipp's part where he's in the convenient store and a woman in front of him buys a two-liter soda (sidebar: am I the only person in the world who grew up saying "cold drink" for sodas?), and that's acceptable, but when he goes to the counter with a newspaper, the attendant won't allow it, because that's the last thing America needs--an aware, knowledgeable black man.

Intelligence, my friends, comes in all kinds of packages.

And in the legendary words of Spike Lee a la Laurence Fishburn in School Daze: People...please wake up.

Let's get Texas and Ohio!

This is how I act on Karaoke Night:

2008-03-03T14:11:00.001-05:00

Me, essentially. While people are prepared for their numbers and can look through the song book without much browsing, I sit and theorize how I would sound and if I'm actually in the mood for it. There have been times where I've, literally, nursed the song book for 30 minutes on end just to make sure I got the right song to sing. I take it very seriously, dammit!

Song karaoke gems:
"Stay" by Lisa Loeb
"Fell on Black Days" by Soundgarden
"Real Love" by Mary J. Blige
"Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin
"I Feel Like A Woman" by Shanie Twain (and killed it--don't hate)
"Forever My Lady" by Jodeci
"Don't Speak" by No Doubt

Honey Owens loves me.

2008-03-03T13:54:00.001-05:00

Females in the drone/experimental/weirdness genre are automatic rules of the world. I went to so many stores Saturday trying to find Valet's newest album, Naked Acid, only to find out it drops tomorrow. I wept. Until, of course, I get it tomorrow. Shares the Kranky Records label with fellow weirdness/drone/awesomeness/experimental brother Bradford Cox of Atlas Sound and Deerhunter. Can't go wrong with that. Kranky's the new Jagjaguwar.

Check her Myspace.

Listen:
Valet - Kehaar

Since when was Jimmy Kimmel funny?

2008-02-27T00:22:00.003-05:00

Because he's been pretty fucking hysterical lately. This rebuttal to Sarah Silverman's claim to fucking Matt Damon is golden.

It's got Don Cheadle and Brad Pitt and Macy Gray and Robin Williams and Josh Groban, et al. It's fantastic.

I want to dress Devendra up in my love.

2008-02-26T12:32:00.004-05:00

When I saw this news item on Pitchfork, I had to jump on that shit pronto.

You can dress up Devendra Banhart! It's paper dolls online! And you get to see him in his underwear and his overwhelmingly bushy bush! *faints*

Check it out.

Then, of course, it gets old after 24 hours and you realize how you don't really have a life after that.

.........Yeah...........

Oh Mah Jeebus! Pt. 2

2008-02-26T11:57:00.004-05:00

Photo courtesy of Re-Up Gang Records

Re-Up Gang, which comprises of Clipse and other collabos, is collaborating with Joss Stone. The world has ended.

Joss Stone reminds me of that particular white girl from every junior high and high school who tried so hard to be down that she dyed her blonde hair really dark and talked with a "blackcent" and dated only black dudes and tried to wear tight Baby Phat jeans to show she has a "black girl booty." Yeah, we've seen it all before, Joss Stone. Yawn.

TV Vault: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Bell Biv Devoe.

2008-02-22T00:19:00.002-05:00

"I was trying to get to my room...Ty, what was you doin'?"
"I was tryin' to get in the video."

Classic.

Great songs, Vol. 4: Jay-Z's "The Takeover."

2008-02-21T22:20:00.002-05:00

Greatest.Diss.Song.Ever. Know why this diss song is so great? Because Jay-Z isn't that great a rapper. Allright, before I get stones thrown at me, lemme explain. You've got your great flowers, and you've got your great wordsmiths. You've got your great singers, and you've got your great voices. Very fine lines. Anyway, Shawn Carter falls in the "great wordsmiths" categories. He can't ride the beat that well, but what he's saying is so powerful that you don't even bother to get technical when you listen to 'em. Shit, Jimi Hendrix couldn't read a lick of music, according to Miles Davis who said so in a Hendrix biography, 'Scuse Me While I Kiss The Sky.

Anyway, so I didn't respect Jay-Z as much as I do now until he dissed Mobb Deep and Nas in The Blueprint's "Takeover." Nas did allright with his semi-entertaining "Ether," but Jay-Z went personal and did the most damage, at least to me. He got down. He took it to the heart. And even though Nas said some shit too, as I mentioned, it doesn't matter, because Jay-Z is still relevant without he and Beyoncé showing up at an award show with the word "Nigger" written on their tees and jackets.

With that being said, listen:

In Retrospect: The Virgin Suicides, 2000.

2008-02-21T13:27:00.002-05:00

I have an interesting viewer-director relationship with Sofia Coppola. I mean, I respect her as an artist, I truly do, but her movies tend to leave me with the same effect every time: I watch it, like it, get over it, then a few years later I get re-intrigued by it, then watch it, and absolutely love it.

That's how it was for Lost In Translation, I tried to sit through Marie Antoinette, but I'm sure I'll watch it again, and finally, with The Virgin Suicides.

I watched it for the first time in nearly four years last night and I was re-acquainted with Coppola's style that is oh-so simplistic yet oh-so profound. I mean, really, who couldn't help but cry "DADDY'S GIRL!" whenever you see her shit? But even with her short, Lick The Star, I enjoyed, and, again, had to watch twice to appreciate. That's true artistship right there. And for that, Sofia, I respect you for it.

The soundtrack of The Virgin Suicides is flawless. The film itself is impeccable, especially the above scene. Sofia Coppola is the only director to make Kirsten Dunst watchable and Giovanni Ribisi listenable.

Atlas Sound brings the good stuff.

2008-02-19T14:37:00.002-05:00

If you don't own this album yet, shame on you! And for those of you are in Atlanta and are not going to his album release party tonight, shame on you, too! Actually, that goes for me, for I will not be able to make it to that show tonight, due to me spending all my money on Liars and Black Mountain last weekend. Luckily, Bradford Cox is local and will play here a million more times.

In the meantime, listen:
Atlas Sound - Quarantined
Atlas Sound - Recent Bedroom

Video Vault: St. Ides commercials were so gangsta.

2008-02-16T14:22:00.004-05:00

Remember St. Ides? If so, I'm terribly sorry. During my short stint as a rebellious youth back in the sixth grade, I would go to the local supermarket and wreak all kinds of havoc. Everyday was like I was in the Smashing Pumpkins' “1979” video.

Anyway, I would go there and just open up cans of beer and feel like a badass and drink it and such. St. Ides was one of those beverages, and lemme tell ya—it was the worst damn liquor. As much as I hate saying the word, it literally was a “pussy-ass” drink. And the funny thing about it was the fact that they had all these rappers like Tupac and Snoop and Wu-Tang and shit doing the commercials.

I would catch these videos when I watched The Box all the time. Damn. The Box. Wow. That was for those like me growing up who didn't have cable at first so had to settle for The Box, and then forgot all about it when I graduated to Rap City. Ahhhh. It was a great channel, though. Wonder where it is now.

More:

Oh, West Coast rap. How I miss thee.

Black Mountain with Blood on the Wall, Feb. 15 @ The Earl

2008-02-16T14:11:00.006-05:00

Blood on the Wall

Black Mountain:

Thoughts:
Whoa.

OK, so here's the thing: I am a fan of Black Mountain. Ever since their self-titled debut in 2005, I've been on 'em. I was even more stoked to hear that their first single, “Tyrants” off their newest album, In the Future, was an impeccable seven-plus minutes. Can't ever go wrong with that.

Honestly, after seeing Liars, I didn't think I'd have any leftover energy to see Black Mountain. It was one of those things where I rocked out so hard at the previous show that I wasn't expecting BM to impress me as much. I mean, Liars is one of my favorite bands. Just a terribly hard act to follow, y'know?

But I'll be damned if those Canadian summabitches surprised the shit out of me last night when I saw their performance. I knew it was gonna be good, correct; but I did not expect it to reach the level of brilliance. I mean, they rocked hard. It's been a while since I've been to a good ol' fashioned, straight-up rock show. It's refreshing, man, because anything that sounds remotely like classic rock is gonna be up my alley. Goddam. I felt like I was in a time warp to 1971, man. Prog rock lives on!

Also: Blood on the Wall had a solid performance. I couldn't help but think Pixies influence—with a dabble of The Vaselines influence—while listening to them.

Liars with No Age, Feb. 14 @ The Earl

2008-02-16T13:58:00.005-05:00

No Age:

Liars:

Thoughts:
So as some of you may know, I have been looking forward to this show since November. It was definitely the most anticipated show of the year for me. And boy, did it not disappoint.

It's been a while since I've gone to a show where I caught the opening act. I used to go to shows all the time just so I could see the opening act, but then I grew super elitist and was like, “Bah, who cares—the opening act is probably gonna suck anyway. New music just doesn't strike me anymore.” And now, I have gotten over that 12-month slump of thought and have reverted to my original passion of going to shows and enjoying the possibility of knowing a new act.

No Age certainly isn't a new act with the hip kids out there, but during my elitist stupor, I overlooked 'em. Fortunately, I was presented an opportunity to get to know who the hell these kids were about and freakin' loved 'em! They knocked me out the box (Rick)! First off, I didn't even know they were a duo making all that noise, and second, they were the perfect opening act for Liars. So, yeah, thank you, No Age for that.

And of course, Liars. Oh, Liars. LiarsLiarsLiars. Need I say more? I mean, seriously—need I? Need I elaborate on the state of happiness I was in as soon as I saw Angus Andrews walk onstage, dressed in a magenta suit? I literally became a little girl when I saw him. Giggles galore. Freakin' loved it. Starting out a show with “Leather Prowler” is too much to bear.

People were saying it was gonna be a “tame” Liars show because Andrews blew out his back a few weeks back before they kicked off their tour. So for the most part, he was sitting in a chair, but then he'd feel the moment and just WAMMO! Out the chair he goes and up the air he went, as if possessed by his own band's genius. I couldn't help but think, “Hmmm. So this is how the kids who were lucky to see Frank Zappa live felt.”

While we're on the subject:You own my soul, JH.

2008-02-13T17:03:00.003-05:00

I've mentioned before that Jimi Hendrix, along with Isaac Brock as far as current musicians goes, is my all-time guy. My dude. My soul mate from another lifetime. Well, just about everything that is my favorite was done by him. My favorite song about life, favorite song about afterlife, favorite song about the stars, favorite song about drugs, favorite song about relationships, favorite song about love, etc.

So my favorite song to listen to that captures love so gently, perfectly, is "May This Be Love." One of my all-time favorite scenes from a movie is from Singles where Campbell Scott and Kyra Sedgewick are hanging out for the first time and they're going through Scott's records he collected during his DJ days and he puts on "May This Be Love" and Sedgewick goes, "Ohhhh, I LOVE this song!" And Scott looks at her as if he finally figured out what it feels like to be in love.

I know what you're thinking--for someone who embraces being single most of the time, I sure do talk about love so adoringly. Yeah, true. To be honest, I'm full of shit. Disregard everything I said in the previous post ('cept the part about Valentine's Day--I still think it's a crock of shit).

Listen:

My thoughts are loud: I have been single every Valentine's Day.

2008-02-13T16:50:00.003-05:00

I realized such a thought last night. And I must say, every year, that has been an interesting feat for me. I know, I know, everyone who is single or who isn't a typical female gripe about the lameness that is Valentine's Day, but frankly, I am really glad that I never had to deal with it. Not to say that I'll never have a bf during the holiday, just that I really find it odd that this is an actual holiday that people stress about. A dude at work today was talking about how he's stressed about it. Call me a natural single-ton, but that's just one thing I can't ever see myself stressing about.

But this is coming from someone who is a plant, or, in other words, asexual. Actually, no, wait...

Anyway, I will say I'm looking forward to Valentine's Day for once in my life. Liars are coming to town, and mama's got all the excitement in the world for 'em.

Listen:

It's good to see people care about history.

2008-02-12T15:19:00.000-05:00

As my homie Whitney said, this definitely looks like Richard Linklater's Waking Life meets documentary.

This is how a reenactment of a historical event should be. I am beyond stoked. What the world needs now is not love, Jackie DeShannon, but for people to be more in tune with history. And I'm not talking about history nuggets, I'm talking in-depth studies of history. Some people call them "conspiracy theories." That is not a bad thing.

Natalie Cole must've forgotten who she was.

2008-02-12T12:43:00.000-05:00

Apparently Natalie Cole is hating on Amy Winehouse for winning all those Grammys while still being a druggie. She tells People:
"I don't think she should have won. I think it sends a bad message to our young people who are trying to get into this business, the ones who are trying to do it right and really trying to keep themselves together," said Cole, 58. "We have to stop rewarding bad behavior."

Yo, Natalie. So I got two things I'm about to reveal. One is when my father told me how he saw you in concert back in the 70s and that you were so coked out that you were there for hours upon hours, not wanting to leave. And he was high himself and thought you were doing too much. Another thing, I recall a particular scene in your made-for-TV biopic where you and your honey were in your house getting high off coke while your young son almost drowned.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but you won several Grammys, most of 'em during your drugged-out heyday.

But now that you're clean and all, I guess you can go around pointing fingers, saying people who are talented don't deserve to win Grammys, which, if I'm not mistaken, rewards you specifically for your musical talents regardless of outside personal battles. I mean, if that wasn't the case, nobody would be award winners.

Oh, how easy people forget.

Great Songs, Vol. 3: "Everyday," by Yo La Tengo

2008-02-11T16:10:00.000-05:00

Whenever I express my love for YLT, I'm only speaking of them circa Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out. That album has some dream pop gems, including its intro track, "Everyday," one of the finest examples of experimental dream pop that actually isn't done by Stereolab.

This is the type of song you play in the background after you and your friends just got back from a crazy night of dancing and coming over to the crib to wind down and stay up until 7 a.m. talking. It's the kind of song that evokes trips to memory lane, remembering when you first heard this song and how it made you feel. Me, I first heard it Spring 2005 while walking to class and it was playing on my iPod. I literally stopped in my tracks and was thinking, "What the fuck is this song and why do I want to skip class just to listen to it all day?"

It's simply one of those songs, over six minutes of beauty.

Listen:
Yo La Tengo - Everyday

In the great words of Phil Elvrum, I Am Bored.

2008-02-11T16:01:00.000-05:00

I got nothing. The only thing that's somewhat newsworthy is last night's Grammys, and that was a huge snorefest. Kanye's performance was the only phenomenal performance, which was good. I love Feist to death, but her performance was way subdued.

Man. What a disappointing weekend.

Listen:

Video Vault: Montell Jordan's "What's On Tonight"

2008-02-11T11:04:00.000-05:00

It was until recently that I realized I was possibly the only person alive who followed Montell Jordan's career after "This Is How We Do It." I mean, I stuck with that brother single after single. I don't know why I loved him so much, but I did. Maybe it was his big, luscious lips. Or the fact he sampled Slick Rick for his first single. Or just because. This song here is a gem.

Naomi Campbell is the new Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.

2008-02-08T12:18:00.000-05:00

A couple of days ago, Naomi Campbell talked about how the fashion industry is more racist than ever. She said if it weren't for her white supermodel friends back in the day, her face wouldn't be as recognizable as it is today.

Of course, an industry that promotes unhealthy thinness doesn't shock me that they do not go after more curvaceous black and Latina models like that they should (sidebar: not to sound ignorant as hell, but is it me or there just ain't no damn Asian models?).

But I'd be damned if I sit here and listen to Naomi fucking Campbell gripe about this shit. Are you fuckin' kiddin' me, woman?! You are gracing the cover of Paris Vogue, after, like, eight years of irrelevance--well, make that two, because the last two years you were in the news for throwing phones and socking people in their jaws and shit, and--gasp!--you still got work! If you were a female rapper, your ass would be in jail right now, not sharing photo cover shoots for Paris Vogue--which she claims she only got because of Yves Saint Laurent. Girl, stop. So, again, another white person sticking up for you. Oh, and let's not forget being in a fucking Superbowl commercial last week showing off your non-existent dance moves.

Naomi, how can you even try to be the spokesperson of racism in the fashion industry? I know, I know, you probably do go through it, I'm sure, but seriously, you saying, in a nutshell, "The only reason why I was ever successful was because of my faithful white friends sticking up for me," is the dumbest thing I've ever heard from someone who pulls the race card.

I dunno about the rest of the black population, because I'm not trying to speak for 'em, but this is me: the whole race card is getting really played out, because it's being pulled by successful black people who supposedly overcame it. Instead, they're just riding its coattails to get more media attention. I never thought I'd say this, but I agree with Charles Barkley on this'n:

...[You] can’t always play the race card. Sometimes the race card is needed but not in every situation. We have to hold blacks more accountable for their actions.”

Oh Mah Jeebus!!!!

2008-02-08T12:08:00.000-05:00

Gaaaaaahhhh

Hayden PanitalkmlajbutImacheerleader is gonna be in a film adaptation of Daydream Nation! I dunno who this Michael Goldbach is, but he's destined to ruin the greatest album of all...ahhh...running out of energy.

Though good news is that Kieran Culkin may be in this joint. Bad news is he'll be turning 27 when the movie starts but still playing a teenage boy.

I miss: Lauryn Hill

2008-02-08T00:03:00.000-05:00

Still sick, still weak.*

Anyway, the pic above is an actual good recent photo of Lauryn, as opposed to those other ones where blogs are putting her on blast about her going crazy. Won't even dignify 'em by linking to the madness.

I miss her though. She just really hit rock bottom creatively, and from what I understand, personally, and I always sympathize with those who go through a rough time and struggle to overcome it, y'know? Damn. Just a sad scene. But it's OK, she'll come back real hard. Never lose the faith, girlfriend.

D'Angelo, that goes for you, too. Speaking of--Listen:

The "Closer I Get To You" of our generation.

*Speaking of madness, I'm a huge baby when it comes to being sick, so it's a big deal to me, thus me always feeling the need to disclaim such a fact. Also, because I'm delirious when I'm sick, not to mention being under the influence of Nighttime Robitussin. I wasted a lot of energy typing this long ass footnote. Dammit!

Covers: Atlas Sound vs. Liars

2008-02-07T18:03:00.000-05:00

Still sick, still struggling to type or function in any type of way. Hope this shit ain't the flu.

Anyway, this Atlas Sound cover of Liars' "Pure Unevil" has been chicken soup for the ears.

Listen (actually, this link will direct you to a site where you can download it onto your media player for free, which is even awesomer):
Atlas Sound - Pure Unevil (Liars Cover)

Also, when I'm back to 100 percent healthy, I'll elaborate on my like for Atlas Sound, side project of Deerhunter's lead singer Bradford Cox.

Pardon my lackage.

2008-02-06T13:10:00.000-05:00

Hey kids--

I'm sick. I don't like doing things when I'm sick. I sound like Darryl McDaniels, aka DMC, right now. Or Jonathan Richman a la "Hospital" and "I'm Straight" with the Modern Lovers. See--I'm not even making sense right now.

I know it's bad when I wake up and watch the end of Frasier, back-to-back episodes of Will & Grace, the bad years, and MAD.

You crazy for this one, Missy!

2008-02-05T22:58:00.001-05:00

Oh, Missy Elliott, how you make me move, girl! I've been a fan of her since her Sista days. She takes it back to when you know an album is good when the singles are hot. Here's the the best female in the hip-hop AND R&B game.

Listen:
Missy Elliott - Ching A Ling

Throwback:

Great songs, Vol. 2: "Stars Are Projectors," Modest Mouse.

2008-02-02T16:58:00.000-05:00

Lemme just tell it to ya straight--Jimi Hendrix and Isaac Brock are compacted tightly into my heart valves, and that's because everything they have ever written has hit me there directly. I've done my fair share of trying to "open" people's eyes and forcing them to listen to their stuff, but it's no use, because there are certain bands you really cannot express how you feel about them with just words. Honestly, I've had drafts on this here blog to discuss the illustrated history of Hendrix and Modest Mouse, but I realized how hard it would be for me to do that, not to mention how long the damn entry would be.

So I've given up on that, and all I do is just mention them briefly, as in, play one song from 'em and then keep it moving.

Like so:

Great songs, Vol. 1: "The Soft Parade," The Doors

2008-02-02T16:46:00.000-05:00

Listening to this song brings me to near tears, because it makes me long for a knowledge of a great era that seemed so pure for artists. They just don't make songs like this anymore. Well, actually...Stereolab does plenty of songs like this. And Modest Mouse. And Do Make Say Think and Godspeed You Black Emperor!, just without words.

Anyway, "The Soft Parade" alone provided great leadership for for experimental musicians of today. Life would be much grander if songs were made like this on every album.

Note: The video has lyrics to the song, so have fun trying to decipher what Jim Morrison's talking about. There's "This is the best part of the trip/This is the trip, the best part," filled with various connotations, the most obvious about acid; then there's "All our lives we sweat and save/Building for a shallow grave"--oh, the truth about life!

Man. Stuff like this is priceless.

Speaking of late night hilarity: Sarah Silverman is boinking Matt Damon.

2008-02-02T00:24:00.001-05:00

High.Class.Hilarity.

Honestly, I love Conan without the writers, too.

2008-02-01T23:42:00.000-05:00

I think it's good that he shows more of his personality and that they're free-forming it, which I think makes it even more hilarious. That bit where he sits in the back row audience last night was fucking hilarious. Free donuts? Camman, that's too funny. And that crazy ass performance with Les Savy Fav? It was too delicious that I turned the channel.

Yay, Conesy.

I'm boycotting Colin Meloy's decision to ruin lives.

2008-02-01T14:07:00.000-05:00

The bloody British wannabe bastard's gonna release Colin Meloy Sings Sam Cooke EP only during his solo tour. The alternative version of the EP will be titled Colin Meloy Destroys Soul Live EP. Y'know, I'm not against the whole "blue-eyed soul" phenomenon, but only if the shit's GOOD. I don't need some lame vanilla sombitch try to be ballsy by taking on one of the most soulful brothers on the planet. What the hell, Colin, what the hell?

Ahhhh. This environment is polluting our brains, too, apparently. I feel like I'm goddammithell Lewis Black or something. These people are killing me!

Listen:

The media makes good journalists look evil.

2008-02-01T09:33:00.000-05:00

See that guy? It's Harvey Levin, aka Head Asshole at TMZ.com. I recall an interview ET or Inside Edition or some lame ass entertainment news show that talked about the rise of TMZ and how they differ from other entertainment news outlets because they actually practice journalism.

Being a journalist since I was 15, I was really intrigued that someone still used that word in a positive manner. So I'd read some of their stuff, watch some of their videos just for laughs. Because, honestly, that's what celebrity gossip blogs and magazines and Web sites are good for: providing us laughs.

But goddam, it's getting out of hand. The whole "Hurricane Britney" thing is killing me. It went from a few laughs to just downright exploitation with that kid. Then you got asshole "friend" Sam Lufti text messaging blogs to update what's going on with Britney and how he's the good guy in this whole thing. Gimme a break, moron--you're just as hungry as the rest of these douchebags out there who claim to be these celebrities' friends.

And, oh, don't even get me started on Entertainment Tonight. Seriously, ET--you paid $200,000 to get the video of Heath Ledger at a party doing drugs? Really? Thankfully, that shit didn't air, because why would you do that? And they were also the ones who aired the naked photos of Anna Nicole Smith with her face covered in vomit.

It's a goddam leechefest out there! You'd think they'd pay respects for those who died, so they can actually rest in peace, but nah.

It's getting out of hand here. Remember when Star and The National Inquirer were the only ways to get silly celebrity gossip? Now it's just out of hand. There are some sites that just focus on the news and say their funny bit, but the rest are just ruthless. The paparazzi epidemic just keeps spreading.

Oh, corporate greed. It's lovely.

Random ruminations about No Country For Old Men.

2008-01-31T22:49:00.000-05:00

OK, finally saw this puppy, and must say I was thoroughly impressed. I shall now list some thoughts.

1. First and foremost, I cannot believe that the villain of this flick was some dude named Anton who sported the freshest Latino version of a press 'n curl and dressed like he was an old lady named Bea who owned a cleaners in Minnesota. It was parted and tucked under and everything! How can this guy be scary?!

2. Now that I think about it, most of the sickest villains appeared harmless. Who knew a dude who was 4'8" and had an upper lip flavor savor who got a band of other dudes wearing knee-high space boots to take part in a mass genocide?

3. Can I be really honest here? Good. So, how about I didn't know who the hell Josh Brolin was until Diane Lane was nominated for an Oscar in 2002 for her role in Unfaithful, and they had pictures of her and he was noted as her fiancé? So until I saw him in American Gangster, I only knew him as Diane Lane's husband. Ain't that some shit? He's fantastic.

4. I didn't know Tommy Lee Jones was 97. ...........*10 minutes later, after looking up his information on IMDB.Oh! They just made him look that old? Oops. My bad, brother. You did a good job.

5. OK, so who else thought of the awkward scene in Trainspotting where Renton found out that the girl he banged was a high school kid whenever Kelly MacDonald, aka Carla Jean Moss, was onscreen?

And most importantly:

6. Did Paramount Vantage have this pact where the only way the Coen Brothers and P.T. Anderson could come out of their hiatus was to film their movies at the same time, at the same location, and have the films focus on two totally different villains who went after the same thing, only to show that they actually are similar because they're both achieving their goals through relentless hatred and corruption?

7. Need elaboration? No worries. Exhibit A= Daniel Plainview. He's charming, good looking, eloquent, can be humorous and cares about his people. At least, on the surface. But beneath the physical attractiveness lies an embittered, ugly asshole who only likes one thing: getting rich, or die trying. A true gangsta. Even though Eli Sunday effortlessly tries to get Plainview to redeem himself from his deep-rooted evil, redemption is bye-bye. Who needs God when you've got dolla dolla bills, y'all? Seriously. Who needs friends when you've got workers to do all your dirty work in order to make you even richer in the end? Exhibit B= Anton Chigurh. He's not-so charming. Not that good-looking (only if you don't imagine sexy ass Javier Bardem portraying the role), not as eloquent for he has a thick Spanish accent, has absolutely no sense of humor and doesn't give a fuck about anybody. Can't say beneath the surface lies a sensitive, caring man. I'd be a lying mother if I said that. But, just like Plainview, he only cares about one thing: getting rich, or die trying. Again, a true gangsta. Know what we have here, folks? A tale of two brothers: The white collar criminal vs. the blue collar criminal. Who's the worst kind? The white collared crook certainly doesn't look like one, mainly because he has a clean-cut reputation to uphold, as opposed to the blue collared crook, who lives as if he has nothing to lose. But it doesn't matter, because in the end, they're the same person going after the same things with the same

8. I've heard some cats say that they still feel that No Country For Old Men is better than There Will Be Blood. Me, I think that you can't have one without the other. I mean, you can, but that is like wanting a fly ass grilled cheese sandwich without the bread. Together those movies makes one helluva mega-epic about American culture.

Under the Radar: Jennifer Gentle.

2008-01-31T13:09:00.001-05:00

I was first exposed to Italian psych-rockers Jennifer Gentle while browsing some records at Wax 'n Facts and they were playing the promo copy of their June release Midnight Room. It was one of those rare moments when I approach the clerks and ask, "Who is this?!" And they proudly smile and told me who it was. It was March at the time, which meant I had to wait three more months to have the full listening pleasure.

By the time that I bought it, I was sure everyone was gonna mutter their names any chance they got to spread the love, but strangely, that has not happened. They even got a deal in 2004 with the grandmother of all indie labels, Sub Pop, but still got nothing.

But then there's the influences: Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, Can and Captain Beefheart, to name a few. All three bands that no one appreciated until years later. Maybe that'll be the case for Jennifer Gentle, though that's unfortunate, because people need to know about them now.

That's a great thing, though, because that leaves musicians freer range to be themselves, and what Jennifer Gentle is doing is some straight up psychedelic garage gritty rock, man. Fasolo sounds like a mixture of Marc Bolan via electric T.Rex era and Ziggy Stardust David Bowie. Their first three albums were recorded in lead singer's Marco Fasolo's basement. They don't fuck around.

Listen:
Jennifer Gentle - Take My Hand

Fashion ads circa Winter 2005: Diesel

2008-01-31T11:34:00.000-05:00

I also loved this one. Reasons self-explanatory.

Needless to say, 2005 was a very good year for fashion ads.

Fashion ads circa Fall 2005: Chloé

2008-01-31T11:30:00.001-05:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

So here's the thing. I became an Interview magazine subscriber four years ago (after falling in love with it four years prior to that) and while I love the concept of celebrities interviewing their celeb friends, as well as living up to being the "Crystal Ball of Pop!," what I love most about it are the fashion ads and photo spreads. They have the most flattering photo shoots for the interviewees as well as nabbing the sexiest, artsiest fashion advertisements.

Anyway, so I'd tear out pages of Interview with pictures of a fun pic of Anthony Hamilton, an adorable pic of Amanda Peet, a hot pic of their mafia spread, yada, as well as sleek ads and post them on my wall. It was all the rage back in college; I kinda slipped a little bit, even though I still have the same level of fascination.

The above picture is possibly my all-time favorite ad I've ever seen. It's an ad that actually has something to do with the product: she's not half-naked, she doesn't have her pubes shaped like the "G" for Gucci, the focus isn't on her rail thin body. The focus is actually on the big, sexy Chloé bag, with the model out of focus as a silhouette. And as far as photography goes, it's wonderful because even though her face is hidden by the sun, you can tell she's feeling good about life just by looking at her body language: right arm swaying along with the wind that is blowing through her curly hair, wearing a carefree white skirt, which is "ballsy" because she's wearing white for a Fall campaign--gasp!

I'm so glad I found this online, because I threw out most of my pictures and posters when I was moving out of my apartment in college to move to Atlanta. I missed it.

Needless to say, I love this ad.

If you're a fashion ad nerd like me, check out Jozworld. It'll blow yer mind.

Covers: Kings of Convenience vs. Feist

2008-01-30T22:22:00.000-05:00

Kings of Convenience are the male equivalent to Feist, so it'd only make sense for them to pay homage to the woman they adore and collaborated with on their 2004 album, Riot on An Empty Street.

Listen (take note of their introduction of the song--it's really sweet):
Kings Of Convenience - Gatekeeper - Live @ Fabrik, Hamburg (Feist Cover)

And here's a song they did with Feist:
Kings Of Convenience - Know How (featuring Feist)

And how can you not feel good after seeing this video?:

Trailers: Be Kind Rewind.

2008-01-30T14:41:00.001-05:00

Dear Michel Gondry:

Did you happen to use your Science of Sleep methods to turn my comedic wet dream into reality? Otherwise, how else would you explain casting Mos Def and Jack Black to co-star in your next film? Oh. It's because you're a brilliant visionary? That makes sense.

Love,

Amber

p.s. Thanks for casting Danny Glover, too. It's good to see him in more artsy film roles.

Paul Westerberg warms my soul.

2008-01-30T13:43:00.000-05:00

Dunno why, but I always get a sense that everything in life is gonna be allright whenever I hear Paul Westerberg's gentle, raspy voice. Maybe that's why I (secretly) love The Goo Goo Dolls and love Jeff Tweedy, both of whom were heavily influenced by The Replacements. I mean, how can you not love Paul Westerberg?

Watch:

This video is the white people equivalent of a hip-hop video circa 1994.

Like so:

But my love for early '90s hip-hop is a whole different post. Stay tuned.

Uncertainty in the air: Vampire Weekend.

2008-01-29T23:29:00.000-05:00

Because nothing makes me more excited than seeing a bunch of squirrelly white dudes trying to sound Africana and get famous for that reason.

Then again, good music is good music. My homeboy Christian clowned me today asking if I bought their album, but then said,"Or are you gonna protest because you don't want to do that kind of thing?" Which is true, I usually protest a Vampire Weekend-esque band. But hey, I can't protest before I give the cats a listen, right? And shockingly, I wasn't anti- it. I tried to be, but then my roommate Eric made a good point by saying, "I like their direction. I could definitely see 'em live. This is like the Graceland for hipsters."

And after listening to some more tracks, I agree. Shit's not bad.

Listen:
Vampire Weekend - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
Vampire Weekend - M 79

UPDATE: Erykah Badu is still the shit.

2008-01-29T22:16:00.000-05:00

Erykah Badu - Honey [NEW]
Uploaded by keyzz

Ahhhh, now we have a video of her new greatness. E. Badu is E. Badu, so I don't want to have all these expectations of her new LP to be like Baduizm or Mama's Gun, or even Worldwide Underground. I want her to keep doing what she does, because I'm gonna love her anyway.

Also, a special treat (hint: listen to the first 20 seconds to hear who produced it):

When did Robyn get so hood?

2008-01-29T20:57:00.000-05:00

Remember this chick? No? OK, let's refresh yer memory:

Ain't that some shit? She showed a lil gully-ness with that side slick haircut and shaking her hips a little bit in videos, but now she's all "Fuck you, I'm the baddest bitch" mentality. Like so:

And now she's doing hooks with Snoop Dogg:

Girl, where you come from?

Such thoughtful words, Polly Jean.

2008-01-29T14:25:00.000-05:00

You said it, sister.

Listen:
PJ Harvey Featuring Thom Yorke - This Mess We're In

I miss: Sleater-Kinney.

2008-01-29T13:50:00.000-05:00

Look at that picture. I wish I was old enough to be hanging out with these cats circa 1996.

I feel like I'm a Bob Dylan fan whenever I tell some folks about my strong love for S-K. They'll say, "Ugh, I hate her whiney voice. And ugh, their guitar riffs are so simplistic, it sounds like a kindergartener playing." And I'm like, "Hey, whatever, dude, they're fantastic." Not that I'm comparing them to the apparent god that Dylan is, but still.

Anyway, sometimes you just need to rock out and dance along their groovy beats. I love Corin Tucker's vocals--because, what have I said in the last few posts? The horrible the vocals are, the more I love 'em. And what I even love about Sleater-Kinney's sound is Carrie Brownstein backs Tucker up with sweet, innocent and melodic vocals, meanwhile shredding the guitar in cock-rock fashion. It was hard for me to listen to their studio albums for the longest after seeing them in live action. And Janet Weiss completes the band with her fast-paced drumming. They complete each other--awww.

As you can see, it's hard to actually describe the true essence of the Olympia via Portland trio. I still cannot put a finger on why I feel that S-K are an essential collection to my favorite bands, but they are. Is it their energy? Possibly. Do I like their lyrics? Of course. Is it the music as a whole? Could be. If anything, I'd say I loved them simply for the fact that I could tell just by listening to their music that they were having a wonderful time in the studio. It just didn't seem as if they half-assed anything. And once again, who knew they would be so Sabbath-esque when they came out with The Woods in 2005?

Whatever the case may be, I sure as hell miss it. It's been a while since I've loved a band just because.

Corin, Carrie and Janet--come back to me.

Listen:

Thank you, Parenthetical Girls, for giving us one of the greatest songs ever.

2008-01-29T00:36:00.000-05:00

Parenthetical Girls - C-86 Is Killing My Life (Xiu Xiu Mix)

Stumbled across it while looking for mp3s off Xiu Xiu's new album, and my jaws dropped immediately. This song, literally, is one of the greatest songs ever (ish). What the world needs now is not love, Jackie DeShannon, a.k.a. Miss Know-It-All, but more songs to sound this delicious.

Xiu Xiu makes me happy that I'm not in their songs.

2008-01-29T00:04:00.001-05:00

Otherwise, I'd be a suicide case, a disgruntled war veteran at 18, a Lolita who threatens to tell of her affair with an older married man with kids, a drag queenl who falls for a straight guy and wants him to "cum on my lips, honey boy"--OK, you got it. On top of that, I do a killer Jamie Stewart impersonation by just sounding like I'm on a brink of tears while making noises similar to "singing." I love it. What did I say earlier today? I love unconventional vocalists.

But damn, the shit's real. Happens everywhere, all the time. For those of you who are musical extremists who hate to see their favorite indie rock band lend a song to a Chrysler commercial and would rather them be poor and hungry for the rest of their lives in order for them to have "indie cred," then you needn't to worry. Xiu Xiu doesn't seem to have it in 'em to go that route. They are straight gangsta and I cannot even imagine them polishing their sound.

Shit, even if they did, I'd be behind them 200 percent. Remember when Ethan Hawke's character in Great Expectations (which probably happened in the actual Dickens classic, but not gonna lie--never read the shit) got rich alluvasudden because Robert De Niro's character bought all of his paintings in the gallery? I'd be Xiu Xiu's De Niro.

Their new album, Women As Lovers, drops tomorrow, and after listening to only four tracks, I'm convinced that it's another brilliant album to add to the collection. Xiu Xiu is the type of band that I'd consider a gradual choice to be considered "one of my favorite bands of all time." You know the deal: you discover a band that you think is so amazing that you can only listen to them in snippets, otherwise it'll be too overwhelming. Then you forget about them, never buy a single album and let two, three new albums slip by until one day you're reunited with your initial, gut instinctual feelings: these babies are fucking incredible, and now that they're in my grasp again, I ain't lettin' go.

Listen:
Xiu Xiu - In Lust You Can Hear the Axe Fall
Xiu Xiu - I Do What I Want, When I Want

The Kills are so punk rock.

2008-01-28T14:27:00.000-05:00

At least, that's what they want you to perceive 'em as. Hey, go for the gold, I always say.

I didn't know who the hell The Kills were until 2005 when my dear friend Leigh gave me a mix of their songs from Keep On Your Mean Side and No Wow. I want to give her a big ole kiss for introducing me to them because I would've missed out on something fantastic.

I love Alison Mosshart's gritty vocals, which are reminiscent of Pylon's Vanessa Briscoe Hay's vocal style. I could seriously listen to both of them all night long without ever getting bored. It's like listening to an audio version of Magic Eye because there are so many emotions embedded in their singing. Don't worry, it'll make sense eventually.

Midnight Boom will be released in March 10 in the UK and March 18 in the U.S. on Domino Records. They also will play at The Earl May 28. This is gonna be a great year.

Listen:
The Kills - U.R.A. Fever

Destroy me, Dan Bejar, destroy me all night long.

2008-01-28T13:42:00.000-05:00

This is the 50th installment of my posts about upcoming releases I'm ecstatic about, and Destroyer's Trouble In Dreams, due March 18 on Merge and Rough Trade Records. The album will look like this:

And I will look like this when he comes to The Earl April 28:

Because I will feel like I'm 3 years-old all over again and my only reactions would be me giggling uncontrollably and drooling occasionally.

I'm one of those music nerds who actually love a musician more when they have bad vocals. I could give you a laundry list of artists I love who have unconventional vocal styles, and Dan Bejar's included. I gravitate towards them because they know they aren't the best singers, but they still sing their asses off, to the point of sometimes straining their vocals, because they want to express themselves until they pop their veins. And I've learned that where they lack in supreme vocal capabilities, they make up for it with beautiful music and lyrics. I'll take the latter, please and thanks.

Listen:
Destroyer - Foam Hands (via The Yellow Stereo)

Cat Power's album cover makes me almost forget I ever adored her.

2008-01-26T15:56:00.000-05:00

My gah, this album cover is horrific. What the hell is happening to Chan Marshall? Ever since Karl Lagerfield spotted her smoking a cigarette outside a NYC hotel, she went from talented musician to muse. Is she Nico now?

Don't get me wrong--I'm all about cultural versatility, but goddam, let's not bore me. I tried very hard to get into The Greatest, but I must say, I'm a hardcore You Are Free gal, so whenever I mention how much I adore Marshall's music, it'll only be in reference to that album. Well, I will say I enjoyed "Hate" off The Greatest, but that's really all I got. Don't get me wrong--the album's solid, but in order for me to consider adding an album to my collection, it has to be more than "solid."

Nevertheless, Cat Power will forever be remembered as the brilliant musician who brought us You Are Free. That album is--and I barely say this--flawless. Yes, flawless, as in, not a single mistake in the album. But it's kind of unfortunate because she was apparently battling alcoholism during this time period and beyond. But hey, great art is great art.

For old time's sake--listen:

Samples: Caribou vs. The Moments

2008-01-26T14:03:00.000-05:00

Dan Snaith of Caribou is a hard-working, bad mutha-shut-yo-mouff. Ever see this guy live in action? It's redonkulous! He'll rock out on the drums, then stands up to sing into the mic while struggling to straddle his guitar and then goes back to the drums--all under 60 seconds. Try imagining that.

Anyway, when he put out The Milk of Human Kindness in 2005, you all were in for a treat. My grandest gift was hearing him sample The Moments' Love on a Two Way Street.

Listen:

Basically, Sweden is for hustlahs.

2008-01-25T23:30:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking this for some time now, so I can now say I'm 100 percent ready to say what I'm about to say: Sweden rules, particularly Gothenburg. In the past three years alone, the damn country has trumped 'em all as the new home of not good, but GREAT independent rock. I even had this conversation with my homebody Whitney as we both pondered if there was ever a band we disliked from Sweden. Couldn't come up with one. Well, I'm not a huge fan of super twee as fuck pop group I'm From Barcelona!, but I don't dislike them, nonetheless.

I really would like to do a project on the music scene there. Any country that allows a huge artistic following, especially music, is fantastic.

Here are some of the artists I adore:

Boy, oh boy. Dungen, which is basically Gustav Ejstes doing all the instrumentation for the studio album but has a traveling band for tours, is the band that sparked my interest in the Swedish music scene. His second LP, Ta Det Lungt, which translates to "Take It Easy," transported me back to 1971 when psychedelia was pretty much dead but was turned into jam rock before jam rock got too hippie and repetitive. Anyway, I was super obsessed with Ta Det Lungt and deemed it a Top 3 fave album of 2005. To be honest, I've only heard a few tracks off his new album he put out late last year, but from what I've heard, it's pretty magnificent. I mean, it's Dungen. How can it be anything else?
Listen:

When I bought José Gonzalez's debut full length, Veneer, I was utterly amazed that music the he was putting out was actually from the 00s. When I listened to his soft, solemn vocals along with his basic acoustic chords, I immediately thought Nick Drake--not necessarily comparing Gonzalez with the late innovative slowcore folk musician, but the fact that his music put me in the same place that Drake's music does. Although The Knife's "Heartbeats" lyrically was a serious song, musically you overlooked them because you were too busy dancing to that hot beat. But once you got a hold of José's version, it became 100 times clearer: heartbreak is a bad motherfucker. I got the privilege to catch this homie live in fall 2006 and was beyond impressed, because I never know what to expect with a solo artist performing. He didn't say much to the crowd, but he killed it. He ended it with a cover of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" that was so fierce that I really couldn't listen to the real version again.
Listen:
Jose Gonzalez - Smalltown Boy

Oh, Jens. Jens, Jens, Jens, Jens, Jens. You know he means something to me if I chose him as my very first topic to inaugurate my blog, as well as he being my first Artist of the Week recipient. What can I say? He's the shit. Quite the charmer, that guy. I am glad that was just a hoax when he said he's never making another album until he finds his true love. I guess he realized he was only 23 when he said that silly shit. He's a special case, that guy.
Listen:
Jens Lekman - Pocketful Of Money

My post on the sweetness that is El Perro Del Mar was the inspiration of this entry. I still can't stop listening to her new joint, How Did We Forget?" I already embellished on my feelings towards Del Mar, so I'll just put up a link to one of her older hits.
Listen:
El Perro Del Mar - People

To be honest, I didn't think I'd like Peter, Bjorn and John because of "Young Folks" being everywhere--on the college radio, on VH1, yada. And I thought they were gonna join those I'm From Barcelona! cats into twee-dom. But I actually took the aforementioned Whitney's recommendation and said, "Why not?" Boy, was I pleased. It's kinda weird because I didn't want to admit I liked them for a while for some odd reason; maybe it's because they're so adorable and poppy and fun. Then I realized I was being ridiculous; on top of that, they've got some great lyrics to accompany their great sound. And man, seeing them live is a treat. I felt like I was at a Cheap Trick concert.
Listen:
Peter Bjorn And John - Start Making Sense

Honestly, I wasn't too into The Knife, either. I felt they were too techno-y, but then I realized that every fucking music genre known to man either was good before it got bad, or vice versa. That's a note to all genre snobs, myself included. Anyway, so I got into 'em spring 2007 and it's really hard for me to not groove to their beats. I mean, they've got some naaaaaaaaaaaasty beats. I'm sure their lyrics are meaningful, but I'm sorry, they're one of those bands where all I care about is the beat, and if I happen to stumble across some powerful lyrics, then that just makes 'em even more respectable. And Karen Dreijer Andersson's vocals are so emotive that you cannot help but feel her emotions in each song.
Listen (and groove):
The Knife - Silent Shout

So there you have it, folks: Six solid Swedish bands, guaranteed to blow yer mind. Anytime.

Covers: KT Tunstall vs. Missy Elliott

2008-01-25T23:07:00.000-05:00

I don't really consider myself a fan of KT Tunstall's, but I will give her full fledge props for not only bringing out Missy Elliott's classic jam "Get Ur Freak On" from the dead, but doing it justice with a spectacular cover.

Listen:
KT Tunstall - Get Your Freak On

Thanks, I Guess I'm Floating!

I need new shoes like the media needs new sources on Heath Ledger.

2008-01-25T14:05:00.000-05:00

Your first thought when seeing these shoes are, "Yikes. Is she serious?" And my reply to your initial thoughts would be, "You goddam right." Look at them! They're perfect! Since I first laid my eyes on them, I have envisioned them to be the perfect shoes to wear with nice, springy skirts or really short shorts. I even have a name for them. I love them, and they come out Feb. 1.

And because I can never have too many track jackets:

Oh, spring...how I long for thee.

Farewell, Betty, farewell.

2008-01-25T12:58:00.001-05:00

Photo courtesy of ABC

What can I say? Saying I "love" Ugly Betty is quite an understatement. For one, Thursday nights between 8 and 9 p.m. were off limits. I watch this show like those who watch Rocky Horror Picture Show during the midnight show. I throw bananas at the screen when I dislike a scene; I cry when the characters cry; I gush whenever the characters gush; I even dressed up! Boy, I can go on and on, but my sanity is at stake.

So seeing the premature season finale of one of my favorite shows in history was pretty heartbreaking, but luckily, I was prepared for this for some time now. I have accepted the fact that I'll never see this show again. Well, until the next season rolls around. I can say this, though: I can relax now for I am no longer fanatical about it, until, of course, next season.

I'm actually surprised the show had a really good run like it did. I thought it was gonna be really affected by the strike and be just total shit, but it was the direct opposite. The last show could've been tweaked a little bit, but at the state the entertainment industry's in, that's apparently asking for a lot.

I've seen people in message boards comparing this show to Will & Grace where the supporting cast makes the show and that they're tired of Betty and Henry's "cute" relationship, especially when our last glimpse of them together is them singing Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock's "It Takes Two." But then I realize that during the modern TV age, we've only seen a chase between two people who actually love each other but something's always in the way. Joanie and Chachi. Ross and Rachel. Ed and Carol (anybody watch Ed?). Jake and Dylan (anybody watch Good Morning Miami?). Pam and Jim. Gah, the list goes on and on and on and on and on until somebody gets bored watching these goddam love chases. Who has time for that? Why is that the only suspense of a sitcom?

That's why I love Ugly Betty because the love story is in the back-burner. They either conquered it or failed and continued to keep it moving. I guess people were hoping for Henry and Betty to have a meltdown and not be so "adorkable." It's like those people who believe that a relationship gets boring after you've got your guy or gal--it's the chase that brings them the adrenaline rush. Yawn. If I'm chasing somebody, I get real over it, real quick.

While I'm glad that Amanda finally discovers her father and that it is, in fact, Gene Simmons, I think the juiciest sub-plot is Christina eavesdropping any possible way she can to dig up the dirt on Wilhemina and her sister's, Rene, involvement with Daniel. That was the major cliffhanger that left not a single trace of clues as to what Rene could be keeping a secret as Willy warns her that he'll eventually find out who she "really is." Yowsah.

And Claire Meade starting a new magazine for mature woman called Hot Flash? Camman. Too classic.

I will say that I wish Alexis Meade's life would've played out more in the show, but with the show being cut in half, I'm sure they had something cooked up.

If anything, I'm definitely looking forward to a stronger comeback season in the fall, if everything works out with the strike. And seriously, it should. I'm getting bored of this dilly-dallying bullshit. Let's pay the chump change that the writers want and keep it moving, greedy studio execs. Damn.

Sidebar: Big ups to Caribou for lending their song "Melody Day" in the bar scene.

Let's add Persepolis to the "Best of" bunch.

2008-01-24T23:39:00.000-05:00

Either I just simply saw more movies this year or 2007 was a fine year for good films, I'm still deciding, but I thoroughly enjoyed Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel turn graphic feature length film, Persepolis.

The comic book/graphic novel adaptations have become way too trite for me in the past decade. It's either superheroes or live action films. Satrapi steered away from that element and actually stayed pretty true to the illustrations. Basically, they just became slow-walking illustrated characters, as opposed to being a straight up cartoon.

The political overtone in this film is thick. It focuses on the Iranian government right before the Iranian Revolution and the changes the occurred afterward when Islamic fundamentalists took over with a more tyrannical rule that forced the women to wear conservative clothing and long head coverings to keep men from being aroused, which I find interesting because it seems in order for American women to be considered feminine is to shed more clothing in order to keep men aroused. If anything, this would be a very important film to discuss in a women's studies course.

Anyway, along with the superb job in adapting the graphic novel, as well as having such a dynamic political overtone, is her portrayal of Westernized culture. With this, she has a comical contrast to the film's overall serious nature, like her love for the Bee Gees and punk rock and Iron Maiden and getting inspired by listening to "Eye of the Tiger." She hangs out with the Austrian punks when she is sent away to Vienna and the Austrian hippies when she grows tired of the punks. But despite her fascination with Western culture, she realizes that she is a stranger in both worlds. She felt out of place in Iran because of her fascination of this culture that was forbidden by the government, but her first-hand experiences with caricatures of the culture in Vienne does not add up to the media's depiction of it.

Satrapi was precocious as a kid and she plays out her curiosity throughout her life, which helps her grow as a person. It's always refreshing for me to hear stories of successful people who escapes a corrupt government and then dissect it in a creative way that reaches people on an international level. Well done, sister.

Sidebar: Although Persepolis should be a shoo-in for the Best Animated Feature category, I have already accepted the fact that Ratatouille's gonna win.

Oh, El Perro Del Mar.

2008-01-24T13:19:00.000-05:00

How you impress me so. Basically, I should just do an illustrated post about all the upcoming releases I'm stoked about, but then I wouldn't have much room to elaborate my excitement. If you haven't gotten into the Swedish retro pop sensation that is El Perro Del Mar (aka Sarah Assbring), then I suggest you do so. After I publish this post, I want to hear stories from readers telling me how she warmed your soul like chicken soup.

Her 2006 self-titled full length debut was one of my honorable mentioned faves, mainly because I really dug what I heard, but I know she has plenty of room to grow. Well, listening to her new track off her second LP, From the Valley to the Stars, has already convinced me that she has definitely matured. The album is set to be released on Feb. 27 in Scandinavia, April 22 in the U.S.

To listen to her first single, "How Did We Forget?", go here. It should be the first track playing.

OK, Wolf Parade--now I believe.

2008-01-24T12:36:00.000-05:00

So it's official that the Montreal-based quartet is releasing their second full length album in the spring, and it's gonna be titled Pardon My Blues. Sounds sexy. Here's an excerpt from Blender:

What's the Deal: Two of these four Montreal oddball rockers released side-project albums in 2007 (Sunset Rubdown’s Random Spirit Lover and the Handsome Furs’ Plague Park), but the separation brought them closer. Says singer-guitarist Dan Boeckner: “There’s more Marxist collective-style collaboration on this one.”

Why It's Better Than Their Last One: It’s definitely crazier, promises Boeckner, who says weeks of isolation made his band like a “man who lives in a cabin in the woods penning letters to God with dirt and tree sap.” To wit: the extended psych-jam “Crazy Horse,” which Boeckner describes as “a 12-minute song that sounds vaguely like Slayer.”

The Haters Will Say: “Um, that there’s a 12-minute song that sounds vaguely like Slayer?” Boeckner says.

Though at first I was annoyed that they took forever to put this one out, because it was slated to come out at the end of 2007, but then I realized that Dan Boeckner did a side project with Handsome Furs (which I need to get into, pronto), as well as Spencer Krug pulling out three albums on the side within a year: two with Sunset Rubdown and one with super-duper group Swan Lake with Destroyer's and New Pornos' Dan Bejar and Frog Eyes' Carey Mercer. So it's beyond understandable why this album needed some extra time.

Either way, I'm ready, baby.

Sneak listen:
Wolf Parade - Crazy Horse

Also back: Tapes 'n Tapes

2008-01-24T00:20:00.000-05:00

Actually, it's not really a comeback, because taking a year and a half to work on another album after a very impressive debut album is quite standard. Apparently these Minneapolis cats are putting out an album titled Walk It Off, set to be released April 8 on XL. Super producer David Fridmann produced this new joint, which could mean that this album will sound absolutely, positively nothing like The Loon, because that's how Fridmann rolls, which is a good thing. I mean, who knew Sleater-Kinney could be so gritty and Sabbath-esque when they came out with The Woods in 2005? All the more reason to be eager for more TNT.

Check out their interview with Pitchfork here.

Listen (all from The Loon):
Tapes 'N Tapes - Cowbell
Tapes 'N Tapes - Omaha
Tapes 'n Tapes - Crazy Eights

Steve Zahn, you're back!

2008-01-23T23:31:00.000-05:00

I've been wondering where Steve Zahn was since National Security came out in 2003. I didn't watch that travesty of a film mainly because I wanted to continue to respect Zahn as an artist. The guy pretty much was Jack Black before Jack Black was Jack Black (redundancy is sexy), but when they actually co-starred in 2001's underrated comedy Saving Silverman, Black's career took off while Zahn's took a step behind. Actually, I take that back--he did have that Oscar-worthy, or at least Golden Globe-worthy, performance as the irresponsible drug addict boyfriend/deadbeat father in Riding in Cars with Boys (another underrated film). Boy, did he kill that role. I'm surprised he didn't get more good role offers.

But 2008 looks like a nice comeback year for Brother Zahn. He was nominated for IFC's Spirit Awards for his supporting role in Rescue Dawn; and then you got Strange Wilderness coming out next Friday, which looks like a nice laugher, as well as a few more projects coming out later this year.

*******************************************************

In related news, remember Rob Brown, the homeboy who was most notably Sean Connery's BFF in Finding Forrester? Yeah, I'm also surprised his career didn't take off as fast as it could've, but then again, he was pretty young at the time. Anyway, it looks like this year he may have nabbed a good role in a possibly good movie titled Stop Loss, directed by Kimberly Peirce of Boys Don't Cry fame.

It's good to see some familiar faces getting on the acting market.

Hey, Diddy, how about I call you "Irrelevant"?

2008-01-23T22:33:00.000-05:00

Oh, my bad...I mean, "Sean John." Because you just keep wanting us to call you different bullshit names that no one really gives a damn about. C'mon, dude. Look at the above picture. It's all you ever had, man. Yes, you boosted Father MC's career who subsequently boosted Mary J. Blige's and Jodeci's career, but frankly, Biggie was all you had. Lil Kim and Junior M.A.F.I.A. were, too, the shit, but once again, that circles around Biggie.

I don't even wanna bring up Dream. Or how you only signed the super intelligent and talented Shyne because he was a skinny dude with a big--or shall I say, "Biggie"--voice, and then ditched the homeboy after he took the fall for your triflin' ass. And Makin' Da Band? 'Scuse me--I mean, D-A, B-A, N DDDDDDDD. I mean, really? OK, not gonna lie--that show with Babs and Chopper City and Sarah and crew was hilarious.

Remember when he hosted the 2005 VMAs and he did a tribute to Biggie, and it was a sure sign that he just ain't shit without him? Lame.

Don't get me wrong--I am always supportive of people being successful and doing their own thing, but honestly, Sean"Puffy"CombsPuffyPuffDaddyP-DiddyDiddySeanJohn is just too ridiculous.

Stop making me yawn, brother.

Video vault: Joe's "All The Things (Your Man Won't Do)

2008-01-23T15:35:00.000-05:00

A sheer classic, soulful R&B song from a sheer, classic brother named Joe. Lemme tell ya--I am a Joe fanatic. I mean, I was with him before he went bald and sported the high-top S-Curl fade circa 1993 when "All or Nothing" came through the airwaves. He's such an underrated talent. It's crazy because he had super hits in the 90s, especially karaoke favorite "I Wanna Know," but he never got the big head and kept doing his thing. I love you always, Joe. Always.

More:
Don't Wanna Be a Player
The Love Scene (I still say the quote "'69 was a very good year, if you know what I mean, my dear")
Treat Her Like A Lady
More & More

On a lighter note: I'll feed you, Angus Andrew.

2008-01-22T23:29:00.000-05:00

Eh, actually, it's still a pretty downer note, but Angus, thankfully, is still alive. His back, however, is a different story. According to Pitchfork, via their Myspace blog, the 6'6 sexy Aussie blew out his back by bending over the couch to fetch a pillow.

As one of the Liars homies said, they tour in a week and Andrew can't even feed himself. Yeah, and their shows are pretty intense. I'd hate to see them postpone their shows, but I'd really hate to see Andrew try to keep up the Liars' reputation on putting on an intense show with a blown back. I mean, I'd love for him to bounce back within a week so they could continue with the tour, but goddam, he needs to nurse that shit.

Hey, man, if you need a nurse I'd be the gal for you. I'd even assist you in the shower. I know, I'm very considerate.

Heath Ledger, now I REALLY didn't see it comin'.

2008-01-22T20:08:00.000-05:00

Image courtesy of E! Online

Damn. When I wrote my entry giving him props about overcoming the teenage slump well and being the most successful of the teenage class within the last 10 years, I really saw this brother going longer than 28 years in his life.

That is some for real James Dean shit, because there was no sign of depression or anything. I mean, I could tell he was a very private man, but wow. I really am concerned. I mean, I'm still shaken up about Brad Renfro's death!

Rest, brothers, rest.

Oscar snubs: Paul Dano and The Diving Bell and Butterfly

2008-01-22T17:25:00.000-05:00

Image courtesy of Paramount Vantage Films

Yeah, yeah, the bastards always leave something out, but goddam, there's no way they should've overlooked Paul Dano's impeccable supporting role performance in There Will Be Blood. I mean, it had "Oscar" written all over it! But I'm not surprised. Unfortunatey, Dano will probably be more recognized as Dwayne in critical darling Little Miss Sunshine than his gritty portrayal of a intelligent business man posed as a devout Christian minister. Either way, brother, you get my vote.

So The Diving Bell and Butterfly got nominated as Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director, but not even an easy shoo-in nomination for Best Foregin Film? Really? I had to have studied that category really hard to see if France already had a picture in there, because I was really trying to figure out why it wasn't nominated.

And congratulations to Cate Blanchett. She's just entered the league of Katharine Hepburn and Meryl Streep for being a perennial nominee, no matter how shitty the film is.*

Actually, I'll give props for the Academy because they did a fantastic job with selecting a diverse set of women, range-wise, in the Best Actress role with Julie Christie (Away From Her), Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose), Laura Linney (The Savages) and Ellen Page (Juno). Then again, the Oscars always like to have that one category that is unpredictable.

* If you were wondering, I was talking about her Best Actress nod playing the title character in the obvious shit-storm that is Elizabeth: The Golden Age, not her Best Supporting Actress role in the obvious brilliant acting-storm that is I'm Not There.

Jean Paul Belmondo, they just don't make 'em like you anymore.

2008-01-21T18:50:00.000-05:00

He was a nerd, yet suave. Scrawny and goofy, yet sexy. Sensitive, yet readily prepared to kick ass. Super masculine, for he did his own stunts, yet poured his heart out on-screen.

And, most importantly, he is the white doppelganger to Sammy Davis, Jr. How can you go wrong with that?

Watch:

I caught the last 30 minutes of this film last night on Turner Classic Movies. It's Francois Truffaut's Mississippi Mermaid (1969), starring Belmondo and Catherine Deneuve. Definitely an underrated film of his.

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In related news, I really like this guy:
Will Oldham has a great spirit about him. His music, usually under the moniker Bonnie "Prince" Billy, is something I cannot bear to listen to because it's way too slow for me, but boy, what I'd do to converse with him over a bagel and green chai tea.

Watch:

Picture story: I really miss Elliott Smith.

2008-01-18T16:11:00.000-05:00

Smith looks like he's a true apathetic badass, significantly similar to the guy he's bearing his chest of: James Dean (at least, that's who that pic looks like). For this picture, I dedicate:
Elliott Smith - Angeles

Because like Dean, Smith clearly doesn't see the sexy appeal about the ever popular city of California.

This photo is courtesy of Autumn De Wilde, the photographer/author of Elliott Smith. There's a heart on his right (left, facing us), which is no secret that Smith wails about the pains of heartaches in his songs, especially in the magnificent XO, my fave of his. Two songs can be dedicated for this one:
Elliott Smith - Pitseleh; as well as

Because we all know Elliott never "meant to hurt us" despite the fact that he thinks talking about love can be a "fucking joke."

Oh, but he gets over his love curse and turns it into a blessing. Even though he knows he'll fuck it up sooner or later because of his inability to allow himself to be emotionally vulnerable, he enjoys the thrill of this ride for this moment. I dedicate:
Elliott Smith - In the Lost and Found (Honky Bach)

Because this song conveys the happiness and sadness of love, but in the end, we're all OK and happy.

I can't help but think of Christina Aguilera in her "Xtina" days because she's all like, "This is me, stripped." But I like Elliott's version better. He's still himself, not giving a fuck, tats all exposed as well as bird chest. He's an alcoholic, drug addict and cigarette addict. And he knows people know that, but he's still being him and continues to do his thing. And so, I dedicate:
Elliot Smith - St. Ides Heaven

Because everyone has their vices, there's no such thing as a perfect human, so let's hold off on the judgment, please. Thanks.

And now, we have Elliott Smith in his lonesome, playing his solemn keys on the classic black and white instrument. Even though his music has touched millions of lives thanks to the reminder of how anyone can go from up to down and right back up to down to up to--OK, we got it. Some people conquer it, some people cannot handle it, and unfortunately, Elliott Smith couldn't handle it. Then again, there's the whole murder conspiracy thing, so you never know. Nevertheless, I wasn't there so I cannot go on pretending that I played hoops with the cat from time to time to talk about how deeply depressed he was or how he felt so inadequate to end his life, because, like everyone who only knew him through his Beatles-esque melodies and saccharine sweet crooning glossed over gruesome lyrics, I am unfortunately in the dark on this case. And so, I dedicate:
Elliott Smith - Between The Bars

Because you'll always feel like you cannot overcome, and so you may say to yourself, "You won't, but you might...either way, let's drown our sorrows in alcohol at a bar." But then you never know who will be your saint for the night and make you forget your sorrows just by someone simply saying, "Y'know...I like you. You're allright."

And boy, is Elliott Smith allright with me. Rest, brother, rest.

Also: There Will Be Blood is the best thing in town.

2008-01-17T23:38:00.000-05:00

Ever since I've graduated from college, it's been hard for me to not discuss films as if I'm writing a two-page film journal for my film studies course, despite the fact that those were a pain in the ass for me. Nonetheless, I can say I'm not a huge fan of writing long movie critiques because I personally dislike reading film reviews in its entirety. I'm all about the nugget reviews: just gimme two to three paragraphs.

But I have to say, it was already hard for me to not break that rule in my previous entry about The Diving Bell and Butterfly, but it's gonna be even harder for me to talk about Paul Thomas Anderson's genius-storm that is There Will Be Blood. Not a single scene was drawn out; not a single dialogue was boring; not a single soul was half-assing through their lines. Every single thing about that film was perfect.

Know what movie I kept thinking about when I watched this? Citizen Kane. Yeah, yeah, you either loved it or hated it, but as much as I hate popular critic choices for Greatest Films of All-Time bullshit lists, while I may not agree with that rank, mainly because I don't do ultimate lists like that, I still understand why Citizen Kane tops the list.

Anyway, if you have noticed on the right column, I don't have many films listed as my faves of 2007. That's mainly because I'm super-duper-trooper picky when it comes to film, even more so than music. Eh, let's be honest--I'm an elitist cunt. There I said it. So it's obvious it takes a lot to "woo" me, if you will. Maybe because I'm a writer myself. Whatever the case may be, the result is obvious: There Will Be Blood has turned me into a blathering fool. I can't even write about the damn thing without all of these sidebars because it has opened so many eyes in my curious creative mind that it makes me want to personally congratulate every single actor in that movie, because they were a part of something great.

Nothing--NOTHING--has hit the theaters in recent years that has left me speechless. I couldn't even think about the movie afterwards, so I went into the next viewing of The Diving Bell only to clear my mind of how brilliant it was and to focus on another really amazing film. I don't think my thoughts were ready for me to speak about Blood in complete sentences.

I'd really like to reiterate my comparison of this film and Citizen Kane. I'm not a bogus statement kinda gal, (unless, of course, if it's in jest), but Blood definitely is just as important as Orson Welles' 1941 classic because it not only focuses on what's going on in the film, but it also provokes the viewers to think about our American culture through the demonic characterizations of corporate greedy, manipulative and monopolizing powerful men.

Daniel Day-Lewis, my my my. No wonder why you don't take many roles, brother. You are a super method actor. Robert De Niro, my ass. Even his ass has taken some shitty roles. But you are an elite. I am convinced in everything you do. You are a true actor, a person who believes in actually becoming the person in your role, instead of taking the lazy way out and being "yourself."

Paul Dano, that goes for you, kiddo. I remember seeing you in Little Miss Sunshine as the pretentious Nietzsche-loving, "I wanna be mute because of him," kid and was kind of annoyed by your character, which obviously meant that you did a good job. But "good" would be an understatement in your performance in this'n, pal. Watching you perform alongside Day-Lewis made me forget all about Sunshine. Actually, the tension between Dano and Day-Lewis alone makes this film worthwhile. I wouldn't be surprised if Day-Lewis didn't force Dano to sleep with his wife in order to portray a very real hatred towards his character, it was that believable.

And so, I shall speak no more and go into My Oscar votes: Best Actor in a Leading Role: Daniel Day-Lewis (winner); Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Paul Dano (winner); Best Cinematography (nominee, only because I'm a bigger fan of French cinematography, which is why I chose Diving Bell); Best Adapted Screenplay: PTA (winner); Best Achievement in Direction: PTA (winner); Best Picture (winner)

Film brilliance: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

2008-01-17T22:41:00.000-05:00

Remember when Holly Hunter was all the rage when she took the challenging role of playing a mute pianist sold into marriage by her own father and her daughter's verbal translations are the only way she could actively participate in dialogue? And she wins the Best Actress Oscar and little Anna Paquin wins Best Supporting Actress and it's all lovely. Rightly so.

But I'll be honest, while the acting was quite superb, the movie itself was a bit of a snorefest. Having that in mind, when I saw The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, I had no idea how director Julian Schnabel would pull it off of telling the remarkable story of a man who could only communicate by blinking his left eye with occasional grunts. I was even more amazed by finding the right cast to pretend to be the actual patient people who helped Jean-Dominique Bauby, the famous French socialite and former editor of Elle, to be able to write his memoir through his one eye. It just utterly amazes me that Schnabel pulled that off so beautifully. I cannot stress that enough.

I tend to deviate from movies that is supposed to "inspire" us because in the end you realize that only a fourth of the film that was "based on a true story" was actually accurate. I guess you can say I'm a stickler of accuracy when it comes to those kinds of movies. And after a while, you will learn what separates fiction from reality in Hollywood, because the results are ridiculously dramatic.

Nevertheless, I didn't have any premeditated biases when I watched the film because if you hadn't noticed already, I was more so intrigued by the fact that someone actually tackled this incredible story and wanted to turn it into a film. It emphasized so greatly the power of holding on to your imagination and your memories and exploiting those key elements through life even in the slightest bit of communication that you are restricted to. It's been a long time since I saw a movie so--dare I say?--inspirational in the sense that makes you appreciate everything beautiful, whether it's big or small.

My Oscars vote: Best Foreign Film (winner); Best Actor in a Leading Role: Mathieu Almaric (nominee); Best Cinematography (winner); Best Achievement in Direction: Julian Schnabel (nominee); Best Adapted Screenplay: Ronald Harwood (nominee)

Attention, Atlanta showgoers: Greg Connors, 1.18 @ Kavarna

2008-01-17T19:52:00.000-05:00

I want to make sure this is fresh in yer brains when I promote this show, which is tomorrow at 9 p.m., located right in the heart of the Oakhurst district in Decatur at Kavarna. It's a really groovy place for people who wants to have yummy tapas and listen to some smooth singer-songwriters in an intimate spot.

About Greg Connors:
Connors released his latest album, Here, There and Anymore in 2006 and was produced by indie outcast singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur, a frequent collaborator for Connors.

My thoughts:
I've seen the guy and own the album and I'll say, it's pretty solid. I know I mention this damn guy a lot, but I get a sense of David Berman of the Silver Jews mixed with Stephen Malkmus and a dabble of Pixies' Frank Black. (Sidebar: So I've come to the conclusion that David Berman is a genius.) Listening to Connors' voice makes me sad that he didn't make the cut during the heyday of the '90s indie movement, but glad to know that something that wonderful is still being put out in the 21st century. His songs are filled with irony, cynicism and a little bit of angst--not the type of angst you grew up listening to as a kid during punk revolution, but more so the angst you have as the former punk who now realizes he lives in a different era and has to own up to his responsibilities as an adult. A nostalgic angst, if you will. And honestly, I can relate to the latter more than anything.

In short--go see him live. Or at least give the brother a listen:
Greg Connors @ Myspace

Speaking of pregnancy: Kimya Dawson's adorable.

2008-01-16T16:18:00.001-05:00

Thanks to a movie about a smartass, cynical 16-year-old Minneapolis white kid who is pregnant and wants to give her baby to an even whiter couple, the rest of the world who comfortably lived above the music underground now know who this female Seattle cat named Kimya Dawson who sings about love and being awkward. If you hadn't noticed by a) my blog title and b) my constant blabbings, I'm a huge fan of the K! Records posse, even those who aren't on the label. The Microphones, Mount Eerie, Karl Blau, Laura Veirs (on Nonesuch, actually, but are part of the posse), Modest Mouse during their youth, Mirah and Dawson are all wonderful people who provide wonderful music to me.

Funny story about Dawson. After I graduated college in May Oh-Six I went to meet up with my friend Mai in Seattle for our Northwestern excursion. Instead of getting a hotel, Mai thought it'd be a genius idea for me to shack up with a chick named Tiffany I never met who likes to have shows in her living room every Friday and was tight with some K! Records cats, Blau and Dawson included.

Anyway, the first thing she asks me when we talk about music is, "Do you know who Kimya Dawson is?" I said no, but I bet she's good if you like her. For some reason, Tiffany was shocked I didn't know her, but not in a judgmental way. Then later on into my stay somehow the fact that I'm black and like indie music is brought up (sigh--this topic is mentioned a lot, actually) and she laughs and says, "Yeah, that's why I was so shocked you didn't know who Kimya Dawson was, because she's black." I guess her point was that I needed to know every black musician involved with indie rock.

Well, it took me another two years to get into her stuff, and I'll say, why I do like it, I can't listen to it on a regular basis. Kinda like how I feel about the Silver Jews and Papa M. I dunno, the whole "words and acoustic guitar" vibe can be a little much at times, where you just focus solely on what the person's saying. I need distractions, which is why I'm not against solo artists working with several musicians, i.e. Phil Elvrum. But this all has a lot to do with my very short attention span.

ANYWAY, so long story short, I'm really happy Dawson's getting her due. She's a talented kid, that woman.

Listen:
Kimya Dawson - Loose Lips
Kimya Dawson - My Mom

Allright. Enough is Enough.

2008-01-16T15:11:00.000-05:00

Who the hell's that blonde sans bra you ask? Why it's former Playmate Jillian Grace, age 22. She's pregnant, and allegedly David Spade's the father. Yes, that David Spade.

UM?!

What's been going on in the past two years is a really poor attempt to re-create The Baby Boomer generation. I mean, are these female celebs' husbands/boyfriends/lovers coming back home from the war or some shit? Is this the only way to make a woman in the entertainment industry the talk of the town again?

No one knew who the hell this kid was (unless, of course, you're an avid reader of Playboy magazine) until this mess. I mean, if you aren't talking about Britney Spears, you're talking about another woman getting preggers, i.e. Nicole Kidman, Lily Allen, Jessica Alba, Matthew McConaughey's new lady, Halle Barry, Britney's 10-year-old sis, yada.

Then you got news of Christina Aguilera and Nicole Ritchie having babies on the same day. What the hell, is this mating season? It's like, "Well, since adopting babies from Africa has gone out of style, I guess I should use my own uterus to bring life into this world, even if I'm not ready for motherhood, but, hey, it'll boost my star ratings."

Man, our culture is slipping.

Mike Long makes Sufjan Stevens look like a punk-bitch.

2008-01-15T23:11:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy via Myspace page

First off, who's Mike Long, right? Right. Understandable question. I'd like to answer that in the typical Amber style of answering such complicated questions: with a story.

Remember when Sufjan Stevens made that ridiculous declaration of musical independence in 2005 by saying he's gonna make his next 50 albums about states, including his Michigan and Illinois project? And remember how everyone melted at his every word since then, not even caring about the fact that Illinois was mildly mediocre in comparison to his previous albums, yet it was his most famous and gained him mainstream recognition?

Yeah. That was so ambitious of him, until, of course, he was like, "Oh, guess what, kids? That was all a lie. Just needed some press. It gets kinda awkward performing onstage when there's nothing but Christian hipsters in the audience wearing 'No bing-bing until bling-bling!' tees and thinking I speak to them because I mention God in my songs, so I figured I could broaden my listeners to hipsters who like gossip." And, by George, he did a fantastic job. I'm glad he got the fame--I like the kid--but I still like reminding people that, once again, Illinois was mediocre-ish. Actually, I'll give him more credit than that. I really loved the album when he performed only the best songs live, and he's a good show.

In short, nobody will ever believe such bogus claims again. Unless, of course, you actually follow through with them and blow people's brains out with your brilliance.

Like the homeboy pictured above. I'd like to point out the fact that he is doing something that lets everyone know you're about the business: the Andy Warhol photo layout. Everyone does it when they've made a huge impact on someone's life. It's just standard artistic rule, man. You just gotta do it, no questions asked. And Mr. Long did touch someone's life: mine.

See, I've been in the pits lately. Everything's been boring me mainly because of the excessive, unhealthy coverage of an obvious mentally unstable Britney Spears, and it's like, "Well, shit, do I talk about how much I'm not interested because the bottom line is she needs help?" Nah. Snore-zone. Or I could talk about Amy Winehouse going blonde. Beh. Or I could post daily videos and mp3's, even though I've been too scatterbrained to even pinpoint which new or old discovery I'd want to bring to light. Just too damn many for me to even begin. So I decided to rest.

So my homeboy at The Look-See sent me a video of Detroit show The Scene shot in 1982 of people dancing to A Number of Names' "Sharevari." I then saw a related video, and that's where it all began.

Apparently this 26-year-old Canadian kid made a pact on May 4, 2007 (just by conjecture because he said he wants to finish by May 4 of this year) to the lucky underground YouTube/Internet world by declaring that he would spend the next 365 (actually, you're cheating us, buddy, because it's a leap year) days dancing to a difference song, on camera, every single day. And, believe it or not, he's done 80 percent that shit. He's done over 250 videos and lemme tell ya, I'm quite pleased. He's got some great selections, too, ranging from the rambunctious Van Morrisson during his Them days, Love, Serge Gainsbourg (as well as his daughter, Charlotte), to underground hip-hoppers J Dilla, Madvillain and Edan, to underground dance rockers The Knife to mainstream diva Kelis. The list goes on, actually. Even if he doesn't make it to 365(6), doing over some 250-odd videos on dancing is incredible. Don't stop believin', brother. I hate that I quoted Journey to encourage you.

Some favorites (don't worry, the song titles will pop up as soon as you hit Play):

He's dancing with his grandma in this'n. Sweet.

And the video that got me hooked:

In short, I like Mike. The greatest thing about this project is the fact that he does the same dance with slight variations of it to different tunes. That, my friends, is true dancing. If we ever cross paths in life, he'd definitely be my dance partner. Dancing is a fierce way of self-expression that too many people are too shallow to appreciate these days. It makes me weep inside. I need to throw a dance party now, as well as remove his balls from my mouth because they sure as hell have been kept warm in it.

If you want to see more of this cat, you can go here, here and that Myspace link under his photo.

Now the 'roids allegations are attacking entertainers?

2008-01-14T18:57:00.000-05:00

Man. The media will find any way to bring a successful person down, wouldn't they? And God forbid the successful entertainer has naturally tanned skin and is proud of it.

I understand the Steroids Witch Trials going on in the sports world, because, well, it's illegal, nevermind the fact that just about every motherfucker you see who went from scrawny outfielder or scrawny point guard or scrawny safety into buff macho cats within a six-month span. Yeah, it's pretty obvious. However, when you start attacking the entertainment industry with steroids allegations, it can get kinda dull, because, well, we've already been down that road that is now in need of new pavement.

The suspects? Mary J. Blige and 50 Cent (well, that wouldn't surprise me). Of course, let's attack these two because Blige's new album is killing the charts and with good reasoning--the shit's incredible--as well as 50 being the richest rapper of all time because of tapping into some clean, Vitamin water.

Also included is Wyclef Jean, Timbaland and Tyler Perry. Does anyone have time for this silly shit? I sure as hell don't.

I'm just really tired of this shit and it looks a little skewed to me seeing that the dominant suspects are all very successful black entertainers and athletes. I like how Barry Bonds was threatened to have his record-shattering 762 home runs with an asterisk by it, but it was all fun and games when Mark McGwire broke the single-season record in 1998 with 70. Yeah, they accused him of taking Androstenedione, a muscle-enhancer, in which he even admitted to taking the shit, it was swept under the rug. By the way--the more you enhance your muscles, the better you can hit, as well as the faster your big, muscle-laden ass can run. Y'know, kind of what steroids do.

And also notice that the people listed on the steroids suspect list: either they had a former drug problem and are clean now, or some just outright clean to begin with (marijuana doesn't count). Sure, these are just mere allegations, but as Village Voice stated on the case, it could just be another "PR nightmare."

Yeah, well, I'm already over it.

************************************************

In other news, as I stated before, Mary J. Blige's Growing Pains is a reallyreallyreallyreallyreallyreally solid album. As some of you may know, I'm a huge MJB fan, especially during her coked-out days, which is unfortunate to say because she was definitely struggling during those times, but let's be honest--she was making the best music of her life during 'em, too. Well, I think she was getting off that junk during Share My World, which I felt was the last great album she did.

Until this one. It took her 10 years to get back on the great status, even though she wasn't knocked down too hard with the albums in between--she still had really good hits on each of them, including Grammy-winning "Be Without You."

Anyway, my roomie and I were discussing that artists stop being awesome after they fall in love, which I agree at times, but MJB kills that theory with Growing Pains. She is so much stronger and has revealed the true her in this album. It's like My Life, Round 2. It's her version of Mariah Carey's Emancipation of Mimi. (Sidebar: MC's another bad bitch that I will always love no matter what.)

In short, MJB's great to me. Like most of my male friends who told me Nirvana's In Utero was the album that they grew up on, What's the 411 is easily mine's, hands down. So it would only make sense that I am always supportive of her success. Go 'head, girlfriend.

Subconscious mind: I think I'm falling for Zac Efron.

2008-01-14T11:51:00.000-05:00

OK, not really, but I had this really surreal (obviously) dream about him. We were BFFs and he was still dating Vanessa Hudgens and I was like, "Hey, Zac, thanks for coming over to spend the night. I have something I want to tell you." And alluvasudden I spilled out how I cannot stand Vanessa and alluded the last time I hung out with 'em both and how she lashed out in front of him over something stupid and I said how she wasn't the right girl for him and he said, "Really? Well, who do you think is right for me?" And instead of saying something, I just kissed him.

And the only conclusion I came to about this dream as I woke up this morning was: I should never in my life wake up to Nickelodeon (watching Fairly Odd Parents, a very underrated show) and fall asleep to it (watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air marathons, a ritual I do every night, which should probably cease if I continue to have dreams about teenyboppers).

Ugly Betty is for real women.

2008-01-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Ron Tom/ABC

Well, last night's fresh episode of Ugly Betty was something. It reminded me exactly why I hold all bets off between the one-hour slot of 8-9p.m. EST on Thursday nights, because the shit is that damn good.

Throughout the two seasons of the show, the topic of weight is always mentioned, but there's never anything done about it. So Betty Suarez, the ever-ambitious woman that she is, finally puts her foot down and says, "Listen, dammit, I'm happy with my weight and there are other women who are too, so why can't we showcase the real women who have curves (point)?" Yep, she said all that verbatim.

Anyhow, it really touched me, because as I said before, people talk about the same shit all the time--either a woman's too fat or too skinny, but of course, there's a time where a magazine puts the token "beautiful fat woman" on the cover that boasts that she's "Plus-sized and loving it!" Do you really need to point out the fact that she loves to eat and has big hips and thighs and tits and ass to show that, in spite of all those flaws, she loves herself? Why is that so impressive? That's like saying, "For once, there's a woman who's actually content with how she looks!" Yeah, let's congratulate someone who's doing what they're supposed to do if they want to live a happy, fulfilling life. Makes no sense to me.

Anyway, it was a great episode because Betty felt the need to put this show on because she wanted to show the young teenage girls whom she was giving a tour of Mode for earlier that day, and she saw how the girls were saying they didn't want to eat lunch like the Mode models because they wanted to look thin and emaciated like them "oh-so-badly." She couldn't stand to see such a negative influence on the girls, which sparks her "real woman" idea.

Unfortunately, no matter how repetitious people can be about the unfairness of women dealing with the battle against the media and their body image, the cruelty will continue. Honestly, the only way this could end is if women would fight against it and start realizing how wonderful they are no matter what size they are, because the real indicator of greatness is confidence in ourselves. That's all it takes, kids. Allright, the motivational speech portion of this entry is finito.

*********************************************************

In other Ugly Betty news:
Although it's been super-obvious since mid-Season One, it's definitely getting clearer and clearer each episode: Daniel Meade totally wants Betty. Betty admires him because she sees the good in him and values their friendship, and Daniel is falling for her because of that. I mean, she is the only person in his life who's supported him morally and challenges his intelligence. And besides, the only reason why he was anti- her getting back together with Henry is because he wanted a shot with her.

That, or, this is the first real platonic relationship between a heterosexual male and female ever put onscreen, which is also incredibly possible. Which means my long-winded theory above is void.

Questions to ask until the next episode:
Do you really believe Gene Simmons is Amanda father? That'd make for a juicy sub-plot, that's for damn sure.

Do you really believe Christina's gonna carry Bradford Meade's sperm that's inside of Wilhemina's eggs in order to receive the $100,000 she needs in order to save her husband from dying of liver cancer?

Why is David Blue who plays Cliff (Marc's boyfriend) in a Subway commercial? Eh, well, hey money is money. But I'd really like to see more lines from him because he's a good'un.

Will Wilhemina give it up? Actually, don't. You make the show really, really interesting.

When did Rebecca Romijn get so damn curvy? There's a back shot of her in the scene where she announces the "real women" models pitch to the press, and I just can't recall ever noticing her nice, firm ass and well-toned calves. OK, you got me--I got a female crush on her.

And why was it hot when Henry told Betty over the walkie-talkie that she should come over later and play with his black dragon, and even hotter when Daniel said, "Guys, we can all hear you on the radio!"?

Be sure to tune in next week, because it's looking scandalicious (whoa, did I just say...yikes):

In more serious news: I think I can hold off on watching new episodes of my fave shows.

2008-01-09T12:52:00.001-05:00

Jeff Garlin of Curb Your Enthusiasm, right, at a WGAW rally.

Because it doesn't look too pretty with the ongoing writers' strike. It's actually getting real ugly, and I'm starting to get worried for these kids. If going without watching fresh episodes of my favorite shows in the remainder of the season means justice for writer's getting real paid, then I'll really--as well as the rest of America, I hope--will support 'em, because I never want to get in the way of something getting that paycheck. As some wise men once said, you can't make a dollar out of 15 cents, and sometimes you gotta say, "Fuck a dollar and a dream." Don't worry, it's relevant.

Anyhow, Axium, one of the entertainment industry's largest providers in payroll and accounting services filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy yesterday, sending a lot of its employees with dour hopes and loose pockets. Ain't that some shit? The Enron disease is still contagious, I see.

An excerpt from Celebitchy:

Axium Intl., the entertainment industry’s third-largest provider of payroll and accounting services, has closed unexpectedly and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Axium shuttered operations Tuesday, a day after its lenders froze the company’s bank accounts. Immediate impact was unclear, but some of the frozen funds included paychecks for film projects.

Director Charlie Matthau told Daily Variety that much of the money he was owed on the recently completed indie drama “Baby O” was frozen Tuesday.

“I was supposed to go pick up a $75,000 check from the DGA, until they told me there was this problem, that Axium had gone out of business and all the accounts were frozen, ” said the helmer, son of the late Walter Matthau. “I feel totally violated, and I’m hoping that the Guild will be able to help me.”

Matthau said Axium notified him recently that the money had been wired into his account.

“In fact, they’d done no such thing, and they were hiding this 400-pound gorilla of bankruptcy,” he added. “Because of that memo, I hope that the City Attorney or District Attorney looks into this. It has affected me and likely a whole lot of other people.”

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing is designed to govern the liquidation of company assets. Axium reps were not available for comment Tuesday, and the headquarters offices on Wilshire Boulevard were shuttered.

Axium president Ruben Rodriguez had left the firm. Axium employees were told Monday not to come to work until further notice, and if in contact with their clients, to tell them that Axium could no longer process their business.

Read the rest of the post here.

Um, guys...I think I like Kings of Leon.

2008-01-09T11:51:00.000-05:00

OK, a little bit about myself before I explain the perplexing statement listed above.

I'm from Nashville, Tenn., born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my....wait, wait, that's not my song. Anyway, so it only makes sense that music is part of my life, being bred in the Music City and all. But the music that everyone associates Nashville which has always been the major drawback for me and one of the reason why I only stay for a few days whenever I visit my family. On top of that, my family resides in East Nashville, now the home of many "alt.country" artists and Hermitage, home of the Grand Ole Opry. So I can't escape the shit. The best I can do is to not say "y'all," which still slips out on rare occasions.

Having celebrate the CMTs every year as a kid and stomaching many mullets, cowboy boots and honky-tonks, it just was an uncomfortable background for me. I know, I know, most people escape the city they were raised in because of it was too rural or too metropolitan or too rich or too poor or too racist or too much crime, but I did it because I really hate how people still associate that place as the place where hairspray-laden, big-eyed aspiring country musicians go, or nowadays, alt.country musicians.

In the last few years people have recommended several artists that could possibly lie in the "alt.country" genre, and I'd immediately fight the urge to vomit and say, "Anything country is bad news." I mean, really, what's so "alternative" about it other than the fact that it has a groovier sound and more electric guitars?

But I eventually got over my initial period of instant rejection and let some alt.country music inside my earwaves (that's right). And although my alt.country taste is still limited, I'm gradually getting over the whole why-I-cannot-stand-Nashville-for-too-long-because-of-country-music syndrome. (Y'know, it's really a complicated situation, like my boys Black Rebel Motorcycle Club once said.) I even have a Wilco band tee, because I actually love them! And Loose Fur! And BRMC! And Tom Petty! Though, I sometimes confuse alt.country with straightforward rock.* For all I know, Springsteen's an alt.country artist.

With all that babbling said, I am starting to be a Kings of Leon fan, despite them being from the same city that started my skewed perception of alt.country, as well as being part of the genre that started my skewed perception of the city. It's a crazy world we live in.

I actually got into 'em one night after a homeboy was taking me home and he had a mix of all KoL tracks from various albums, and I was like, "Who the hell is this? This is sexy." And he told me it was them, and I got confused, because I thought I hated them, but deep down, it was the other way around. Caleb Followill's voice is ridiculous. I can listen to him sing for years--yes, years. He sounds like early Costello who had strep throat and and is now speaking for the first time in 10 years. If that doesn't sound enticing, I don't know what does.

Listen:
Kings of Leon - McFearless
Kings Of Leon - Charmer

*Any band/musician who is heavily or even subtly influenced by Southern rock is considered "alt.country" to me. The slightest bit of a "twangy" sound is flat-out alt.country to me. I know, I'm being discriminatory. Ain't right.

We should all move to California and smoke marijuana with Doug Benson, basically.

2008-01-08T19:31:00.000-05:00

Because he gets to chronicle 30 consecutive days of legal pot-smoking while onset for his documentary, Super High Me. I can't make this stuff up. Nor can I wait 'til this puppy comes out.

See for yerself:

Thanks, BWE.

Also read this nifty interview from Jan. 2007 with Gothamist.

What the hell is going on with The Boondocks?

2008-01-08T13:14:00.000-05:00

I was super-pumped to watch the new Boondocks episode last night, and I saw that Adult Swim instead showed an episode from the first season. What the hell? It took me to watch the bootleg snippet on YouTube to see what the episode, titled "The Hunger Strike," was actually about, and some of the commentors on the video said that the episode got banned because it was about BET and puts a terribly negative light on it and yada, and others say it's because of the writers' strike, which shouldn't have been the case because if it was already written and it's supposed to air on a particular date, then that's the deal, I'd imagine. But apparently not.

All I know is my ass is in the dark and I'd like to get some light, please. Otherwise, I guess I'll have to wait 'til that mother is on DVD. Hate to say it, but it looks like McGruder may get the Dave Chappelle treatment, especially if he's talking about going to the web to further his voice.

And besides, if Family Guy got canceled for two and a half years, as well as Arrested Development, you think they'll keep this baby on longer than those? Camman. I'd love to be positive for Aaron, because what he's doing is great, but if his episodes are already getting banned, I'm just not so sure anymore.

It's OK, Aaron. I'm behind you, bro.

Zach Galifianakis+Michael Cera=Uncontrollable good times.

2008-01-07T20:33:00.000-05:00

Can you imagine? No? Watch away. Minds will be blown.

Thanks, CCI!

Beck, you always know how to warm my soul.

2008-01-07T15:23:00.001-05:00

It's so beautiful outside here in A-town (68 degrees!), which shouldn't be anymore proof needed that there's a such thing as the big G.W. those pesky kids in the Red land are always dismissing as truth. But I digress.

I'm one of those music lovers who associates a song or an album or a video with everything that provides a strong memory, i.e. lovely spring or fall weather, good food, yada. As I walked outside today I had this rush of great feeling inside of me and I decided to listen to Beck's Guero, specifically "Missing" followed by "Earthquake Weather," unleashing some happy times in association with that song. It reminds me back in college when I'd be walking home from a long day of classes and digging out stewie to listen to some music to soothe my nerves. And all was good with the world, and my day, or possibly week, is set.

Thank you, Mr. Hansen.

Beck - Missing

I love it when hip-hop and indie rock merges.

2008-01-05T14:21:00.000-05:00

'Cos you end up with brilliance such as this. This was a perfect remix. One for the books. I wasn't too crazy about the album The Eraser, but the song of the same name, which is the song in this remix, is incredible enough to not disregard the entire album. And on top of that, it's like that Notorious B.I.G. "Sky's the Limit" video circa 1997. Have whatcha want, be whatcha waaaaaaaaant.

Um, anyway. You know, mix tapes were the shit back in the day and have obviously become obsolete, but I'm glad artists like Lil Wayne and Kayne are making waves with this old school phenomenon and bringing more widespread attention to it for those who really love music. Because mashups can be kinda stale at times.

However, here's a good example of an actual great, timeless mash-up from over a year ago:
Kryptonite vs. Cause=Time