Many of you know that music is very important to me. I am very picky.
I found the best radio station I've ever heard. NY Public Radio broadcasts their morning show, John in the Morning, from 9-1 EST. It's a Seattle station. They generally play independent/alternative/punk/new wave songs. Old and new. From 1977-now. I wholeheartedly endorse the John show. The DJs program their own playlists, and this man shares my musical brain. The rest of the time the station is good, but not as superlative.
Stream it here: http://kexp.org
It's a public station with no advertising, so they are having their Spring Drive this week. It's a little annoying, but you should contribute $ if you like the station and become a listener. The Senate will soon vote to cut all Federal funding of public broadcasting. So, they are all at risk.
Enjoy!
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
3.03.2011
5.03.2010
The Bunnymen afterward
The show was great, they put on a good performance and played for almost 2 hours, including 2 encores. I didn't notice the time pass, didn't want them to stop. No one else did either, despite it being past most of their bed times (the crowd was old.) I sang and danced and yelled, everything one should do at a pop/rock concert, (post-punk concert more precisely, as if there's a difference anymore).
Rather than boring the crowd by playing their new album in its entirety, as most of these 80s band do, they only played their new single,"Think I need it too", although they did play it twice. Ballsy move. They opened with the single and then played it again later. Mac (the singer) also included the chorus in some encore vamping. It's a beautiful song.
Download here:Think I Need It Too
They've maintained their dignity as aging rockers. They don't write songs that sound like a band still trying to be 25 years old. Their songs are appropriate, mature, and they're still good at what they've always been good at. It's unfortunate that now pop music has caught up to them, their resurgence hasn't been greaster, hasn't matched the weight of their influence. Especially on the current up-and-coming indie bands.
Speaking of oldies, there was an awesome ZZ Top biker looking dude. He had a long white beard down to his belly and wore sunglasses, inside a nightclub. First of all, he didn't look like a Bunnymen fan, more like the type of guy who would beat up Bunnymen fans in the 80s. Secondly, I haven't seen ANYONE in NYC that looked like that in all my 8 years of living here. To be THAT unique in THIS city is nothing short of spectacular. I wanted to shake his hand. I did help him out when he was asking the name of the opening act, "because this was just good old-timey rock". There was also some retro-pot lighted up inside, it smelled so skunky I think it may have been in someone's drawer since the Bunnymen tour in 1988.
Other than the obnoxious foursome to the left of me, I didn't see anyone under 30. I had wished the 20-something oily bull hunk was not there, or at least not right next to me. He tried to push himself and his girlfriend to the center of the crowd, by slowing pushing me out of the way, one inch at a time. I didn't think so. Everyone else in the crowd was nice and polite and no one pushed anyone except for these creeps.
The Bullhunk and I got into a bit of a pissing contest. He pushed on my shoulders with his shoulders non-stop for the first part of the show. It grossed me out and made me want to move. But the second I'd give way, he'd take up the space. I didn't want this 250 pound 6 foot something man in front of me,making out with his girlfriend, so I resisted his pushing. I had the same thing coming from the nerd on the other side of me too. Finally, I'd had enough and just wanted to enjoy the show. So I shoved myself forward displacing both of them from the advances they'd made. After that, they both stopped and gave me room. Then I could breathe, and relax. It made me very happy to be 5'9" with broad swimmer's shoulders. No man is going to push me out of his way.
Download here:The Cutter
, Mmmh.
As performed on a European TV show last year, it's a 25 year old song. The video shows what their performance was like, except we had no view because the stage had no lighting. "Mac likes to be in a cave", so said the guy in the opening act. The stage lights mostly shone on the audience. Unfortunately.
If you can listen to this and not think this is one of the best bands ever, then I don't know what else to say. A 2009 Coachella Festival reviewer (they played last year) said that this band and their music clearly still mattered. Amen.
Today I'm feeling mellow about my life. Not upset. Not happy, of course. Mostly just spent, emotionally. There's no anger or fear. It's all just quiet inside which is a good way to be, considering. I know I'll be okay. I've been through worse. I'm really, really, looking forward to the amazingly wonderful thing that's going to happen to me when this disaster ends. I don't know what it'll be, I just know it's there, it's coming my way. And I've earned it. [Last year, my reward for the summer 09 nightmare was meeting the Writer.]
5/02/10 Set list included (from what I remember): Think I need it too x2, Villiars Terrace, Nothing Lasts Forever, Bring on the Dancing Horses, Seven Seas, Never Stop, Zimbo, The Puppet, Silver, All That Jazz, Bedbugs and Ballyhoo, Killing Moon, The Cutter, (I think there was one song I didn't know...)
Encores: Do it Clean, Back of Love, Lips Like Sugar
Rather than boring the crowd by playing their new album in its entirety, as most of these 80s band do, they only played their new single,"Think I need it too", although they did play it twice. Ballsy move. They opened with the single and then played it again later. Mac (the singer) also included the chorus in some encore vamping. It's a beautiful song.
Download here:Think I Need It Too
They've maintained their dignity as aging rockers. They don't write songs that sound like a band still trying to be 25 years old. Their songs are appropriate, mature, and they're still good at what they've always been good at. It's unfortunate that now pop music has caught up to them, their resurgence hasn't been greaster, hasn't matched the weight of their influence. Especially on the current up-and-coming indie bands.
Speaking of oldies, there was an awesome ZZ Top biker looking dude. He had a long white beard down to his belly and wore sunglasses, inside a nightclub. First of all, he didn't look like a Bunnymen fan, more like the type of guy who would beat up Bunnymen fans in the 80s. Secondly, I haven't seen ANYONE in NYC that looked like that in all my 8 years of living here. To be THAT unique in THIS city is nothing short of spectacular. I wanted to shake his hand. I did help him out when he was asking the name of the opening act, "because this was just good old-timey rock". There was also some retro-pot lighted up inside, it smelled so skunky I think it may have been in someone's drawer since the Bunnymen tour in 1988.
Other than the obnoxious foursome to the left of me, I didn't see anyone under 30. I had wished the 20-something oily bull hunk was not there, or at least not right next to me. He tried to push himself and his girlfriend to the center of the crowd, by slowing pushing me out of the way, one inch at a time. I didn't think so. Everyone else in the crowd was nice and polite and no one pushed anyone except for these creeps.
The Bullhunk and I got into a bit of a pissing contest. He pushed on my shoulders with his shoulders non-stop for the first part of the show. It grossed me out and made me want to move. But the second I'd give way, he'd take up the space. I didn't want this 250 pound 6 foot something man in front of me,making out with his girlfriend, so I resisted his pushing. I had the same thing coming from the nerd on the other side of me too. Finally, I'd had enough and just wanted to enjoy the show. So I shoved myself forward displacing both of them from the advances they'd made. After that, they both stopped and gave me room. Then I could breathe, and relax. It made me very happy to be 5'9" with broad swimmer's shoulders. No man is going to push me out of his way.
Download here:The Cutter
, Mmmh. As performed on a European TV show last year, it's a 25 year old song. The video shows what their performance was like, except we had no view because the stage had no lighting. "Mac likes to be in a cave", so said the guy in the opening act. The stage lights mostly shone on the audience. Unfortunately.
If you can listen to this and not think this is one of the best bands ever, then I don't know what else to say. A 2009 Coachella Festival reviewer (they played last year) said that this band and their music clearly still mattered. Amen.
Today I'm feeling mellow about my life. Not upset. Not happy, of course. Mostly just spent, emotionally. There's no anger or fear. It's all just quiet inside which is a good way to be, considering. I know I'll be okay. I've been through worse. I'm really, really, looking forward to the amazingly wonderful thing that's going to happen to me when this disaster ends. I don't know what it'll be, I just know it's there, it's coming my way. And I've earned it. [Last year, my reward for the summer 09 nightmare was meeting the Writer.]
5/02/10 Set list included (from what I remember): Think I need it too x2, Villiars Terrace, Nothing Lasts Forever, Bring on the Dancing Horses, Seven Seas, Never Stop, Zimbo, The Puppet, Silver, All That Jazz, Bedbugs and Ballyhoo, Killing Moon, The Cutter, (I think there was one song I didn't know...)
Encores: Do it Clean, Back of Love, Lips Like Sugar
9.09.2008
In love again...
It is a whole new day. I am in love again. It happened when watching the Fashion Shows on TV this weekend [(NYC TV--ch. 25) or Fullfrontalfashion.com ] I noticed that the music was freaking awesome. Music I had never heard before, and yet it sounded so familiar. I had to know the names of these bands! What was going on!?!? I stayed up all night on the computer researching, from one url to another and another and another...and I am smitten.
The 'new' britpop is the unbelievably awesome amalgamation of 80s new wave and 90s shoe-gazer/britpop. Hallalujah! It makes me so excited, almost painfully so, that I no longer have the need for a man. I feel just like I did at age 13 when I discovered college radio. It's the music I've been waiting for my whole life. Think The Cure meets Blur or The Clash meets the Stone Roses...CAN IT GET ANY BETTER??? I think not.
[If you know the group 'Sparks' from late 70s/80s--this is what music would sound like if they took over the world. Holy Crap! Sparks released a new album this year. Ha hahhahaha How is it that this 40 year old band doesn't have the accolades they deserve? But I disgress...]
I should be working, but I can't. I can't even eat, my lunch arrived 90 minutes ago and I'm starving. But I just bought/downloaded my first MP3: Haunted by Cut Copy. I also bought a CD after class this morning: Boxer by The National.
Here are some other bands I'm checking out. (I'll put in links later. I suggest going to YouTube where you can hear the whole song.)I read one review where they called this Nu-Rave. Very appropriate name. Some of the songs from these bands need work, but they are very young. They have the time to master their skills. In the meantime, enjoy:
*Mystery Jets
*M83
*Black Kids
*MGMT
*The National
*Cut Copy
*Tokyo Police Club
*Laura Marling (runs the same show circuit in Britain with the other bands, but more folky like Suzanne Vega)
(If you know more bands of this genre, please let me know!)
10.24.2007
Why don't you go find out for yourself?
You didn't think I could go without blogging about his 5 night stint in the city, did you?
Je Suis Morrissey?! Only Moz himself would wear and/or sell a shirt like that. Such is the madness of a Morrissey concert! (No stage rushers could get past the security at the first show and only one or two made it to the stage the 2nd night. By the weekend, Morrissey must have told the guards to let the ones he touched get through. So if he took their hand and helped them up, the guards backed off. Quite a few made it onstage to hug Morrissey to the cheers of the crowd. --Photo on the right by Juan Miranda Pix. posted on Morrissey-solo.com Photo on the left by Eric M. Townsend: LoudPIX.com.
Still sporting the Pompadour. . .
Morrissey Week in the NYC has sadly ended. I went to 4 of the 5 shows. They were AWESOME. He played the best sets I have ever heard from him. He wasn't there to promote his newest album, Ringleader of the Tormenters.* He was there just to enjoy performing and to satiate the crowd. And that he did.
Each night he played slightly different sets. The highlights were new arrangements of "The Loop" and "Death of a Disco Dancer", some people were in tears. I got goosebumps. And of course, the crowd favorites, "Please, please, please, let me get what I want", and "How Soon is Now". He ended each night with How Soon. The other exciting thing was that he played some rarely performed songs, like "Interesting Drug", "National Front Disco", and (See the setlist for details below). Altogether, the sets oozed with somber emotion and unrequited love --that which Moz does best. Made even better by his new, exceptionally tight band, which backs him with 3 guitars, a gong(!), Keys/synth which simulate Marr's guitar on How Soon, and, of course, Boz Boorer.
I know, I know, his solo work isn't monumental and life-changing and/or influential,like The Smiths. But his performances are the best shows I have ever attended. EVER. And I have seen an awful lot of bands play live. Even the concerts of my favorite bands were not this fun. He is so engaging and enthralling that all the obsessions and ruminations in my mind go silent. What would I pay for 90 minutes of mental peace and the pleasure of being soaked in my favorite songs? I did pay $75 for one night, $55, and $35 twice. But I would pay a lot more.
Three of my best friends came up to go to the concerts and stayed with me. I had so much fun. We had dinner a very yummy dinner at Yaffa's in the East Village, went boutique shopping in Hoboken, watched movies at home, AND I got to drive to the Hammerstein for the last show with the 4 of us. We paid $34 to park in the garage right next to the venue. It took 30 minutes from door to door, only because of the tunnel traffic. It felt so incredibly decadent!
My friend Paul crossed to the other side, he was veclempt at the performance immediately. He even said "I'm having a sexual experience watching him." Steff replied: "I know. Why do you think we go to all of his shows?" Because, when Moz is in a good mood, his sexual charisma permeates the venue. It's a non-vulgar thrill for us celibates. He doesn't strip or get nasty (except for losing his shirt) he is just SEXY.
*Critics are calling Ringleaders Morrissey's best solo work. (Read the album review)
Here are his set lists from the shows I attended. Taken from Morrissey-solo.com
Oct 28th, Morrissey at Hammerstein Ballroom
NOTE: The Sunday show was cut short due to a wardrobe malfunction following a shirt change after Death of a Disco Dancer. Moz was so upset by it when he noticed, that he talked to his band and they skipped to the last song. Poor thing. He was horrified. I don't want to discuss it because the man brings so much pleasure into my life, that I don't want to further his humiliation.
Oct. 27th
Oct.23:
Oct. 22:
As a final note, the Hammerstein Ballroom is a fabulous venue. There are no bad seats, and it was so well air-conditioned, that we had to put on sweaters.
Goodbye until next time!
Je Suis Morrissey?! Only Moz himself would wear and/or sell a shirt like that. Such is the madness of a Morrissey concert! (No stage rushers could get past the security at the first show and only one or two made it to the stage the 2nd night. By the weekend, Morrissey must have told the guards to let the ones he touched get through. So if he took their hand and helped them up, the guards backed off. Quite a few made it onstage to hug Morrissey to the cheers of the crowd. --Photo on the right by Juan Miranda Pix. posted on Morrissey-solo.com Photo on the left by Eric M. Townsend: LoudPIX.com.
Still sporting the Pompadour. . .
Morrissey Week in the NYC has sadly ended. I went to 4 of the 5 shows. They were AWESOME. He played the best sets I have ever heard from him. He wasn't there to promote his newest album, Ringleader of the Tormenters.* He was there just to enjoy performing and to satiate the crowd. And that he did.
Each night he played slightly different sets. The highlights were new arrangements of "The Loop" and "Death of a Disco Dancer", some people were in tears. I got goosebumps. And of course, the crowd favorites, "Please, please, please, let me get what I want", and "How Soon is Now". He ended each night with How Soon. The other exciting thing was that he played some rarely performed songs, like "Interesting Drug", "National Front Disco", and (See the setlist for details below). Altogether, the sets oozed with somber emotion and unrequited love --that which Moz does best. Made even better by his new, exceptionally tight band, which backs him with 3 guitars, a gong(!), Keys/synth which simulate Marr's guitar on How Soon, and, of course, Boz Boorer.
I know, I know, his solo work isn't monumental and life-changing and/or influential,like The Smiths. But his performances are the best shows I have ever attended. EVER. And I have seen an awful lot of bands play live. Even the concerts of my favorite bands were not this fun. He is so engaging and enthralling that all the obsessions and ruminations in my mind go silent. What would I pay for 90 minutes of mental peace and the pleasure of being soaked in my favorite songs? I did pay $75 for one night, $55, and $35 twice. But I would pay a lot more.
Three of my best friends came up to go to the concerts and stayed with me. I had so much fun. We had dinner a very yummy dinner at Yaffa's in the East Village, went boutique shopping in Hoboken, watched movies at home, AND I got to drive to the Hammerstein for the last show with the 4 of us. We paid $34 to park in the garage right next to the venue. It took 30 minutes from door to door, only because of the tunnel traffic. It felt so incredibly decadent!
My friend Paul crossed to the other side, he was veclempt at the performance immediately. He even said "I'm having a sexual experience watching him." Steff replied: "I know. Why do you think we go to all of his shows?" Because, when Moz is in a good mood, his sexual charisma permeates the venue. It's a non-vulgar thrill for us celibates. He doesn't strip or get nasty (except for losing his shirt) he is just SEXY.
*Critics are calling Ringleaders Morrissey's best solo work. (Read the album review)
Morrissey has never sung better, not so much soulfully as with an emotional elegance that consistently snaps the icy, burning words to attention.
Visconti[the producer] treats him as a handsome Latino melodramatist suffering from a kitsch surfeit of imagination as much as a damp, exiled Mancunian miserabilist with a cold tendency to nostalgic self-obsession. Ultimately, Visconti helps transform Morrissey's dogged oddness and phenomenal fussiness into pure magic. Love him or hate him, there's no one better at loving and hating. --by Paul Morley
Here are his set lists from the shows I attended. Taken from Morrissey-solo.com
Oct 28th, Morrissey at Hammerstein Ballroom
Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before / Billy Budd / Interesting Drug / Shoplifters Of The World Unite / Irish Blood, English Heart / I Just Want To See The Boy Happy / Girlfriend In A Coma / The Last Of The Famous International Playboys / Human Being / I Like You / Jack The Ripper / Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself? / Stretch Out And Wait / The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores / Good Looking Man About Town / Sister, I'm A Poet / Death Of A Disco Dancer / I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris / You Have Killed Me / Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want / How Soon Is Now? // First Of The Gang To Die
setlist provided by Amsden
NOTE: The Sunday show was cut short due to a wardrobe malfunction following a shirt change after Death of a Disco Dancer. Moz was so upset by it when he noticed, that he talked to his band and they skipped to the last song. Poor thing. He was horrified. I don't want to discuss it because the man brings so much pleasure into my life, that I don't want to further his humiliation.
Oct. 27th
Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before / The Last Of The Famous International Playboys / You Have Killed Me / The Boy With The Thorn In His Side / Irish Blood, English Heart / I Like You / Jack The Ripper / I Just Want To See The Boy Happy / The National Front Disco / Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me / Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself? / All You Need Is Me / The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores / Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want / I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris / Sister, I'm A Poet / The Loop / Death Of A Disco Dancer / Stretch Out And Wait / Dear God, Please Help Me / How Soon Is Now? // First Of The Gang To DieNote: David Johanssen was in attendance and acknowledged by Moz on either Sunday or Saturday. The band played a rousing cover of the New York Dolls "Human Being".
setlist provided by Amsden
Oct.23:
Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before / Billy Budd / All You Need Is Me / Irish Blood, English Heart / The Boy With The Thorn In His Side / Human Being / I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris / Tomorrow / That's How People Grow Up / Jack The Ripper / One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell / The Loop / Sister, I'm A Poet / Stretch Out And Wait / The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores / Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want / Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself? / Death Of A Disco Dancer / Disappointed / Dear God, Please Help Me / How Soon Is Now? // First Of The Gang To DieTuesday's set was my favorite. But I think Saturday's performance was the best.
setlist provided by NYCWolf
Oct. 22:
Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before / Tomorrow / Sister, I'm A Poet / London / The Loop / That's How People Grow Up / Jack The Ripper / I Like You / Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself? / Stretch Out And Wait / The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores / Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me / Billy Budd / All You Need Is Me / Death Of A Disco Dancer / Irish Blood, English Heart / Shoplifters Of The World Unite / One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell / You Have Killed Me / How Soon Is Now? // First Of The Gang To Die
setlist provided by NYCWolf
As a final note, the Hammerstein Ballroom is a fabulous venue. There are no bad seats, and it was so well air-conditioned, that we had to put on sweaters.
Goodbye until next time!
10.08.2007
The Best Worst Movie Ever!: "Troll 2" and the Mormons
"Troll 2? Never heard of it, there was a Troll 1?"
"Yes, but this movie had nothing to do with the first one. And there are no trolls in it."
"Nice..."
While on one of our non-date movie outings, Farmer Ted asked if I wanted to see "Troll 2" at a special midnight showing. Sure.
Later, he mentioned that 'his girl' was going too. Excuse me? Did you just invite me on your date with your girlfriend? "Oh? Well, then I'm going to bring my friend Mike. I don't want to be a third wheel." He did not like this at all. Too bad.
The four of us met at the theater, but the tickets were sold out. Um, Troll 2 has sold out? Are you freaking kidding me? Nope. So, we scrounged up a plan and got in line anyway. These people make minimum wage, they don't care if you have the right tickets. Yes, my friends and I are a bunch of over-grown juvenile delinquents.
In the lobby, we saw a small movie crew. One of the actors from the 20 year old film was shooting a documentary about the cult status of 'Troll 2'. Some of the super-fans dressed in goblin costumes, some wore all green, one woman dressed like a crazy witch. It's been a long time since I've seen this kind of crowd. I remarked that we were definitely too sober to see this movie. (Visit the official site here for photos of the mad fans!)
Once inside, we had to split up our little group into two rows. I stayed with my friend, and Farmer Ted had to sit with his lady, who promptly draped herself all over him. He didn't respond in kind.
The movie. What a freaking good time!! My face hurt I laughed so much. It might be the funniest movie I've ever seen. The crowd added another element of fun by quoting the movie, shouting out wisecracks and even doing a synchronized 80s dance routine. But the movie does not need the extra entertainment. Every scene is worse than the previous one. I'd think that it couldn't possibly get any worse, but it did. This is the perfect bad movie: crappy effects, bad costumes, non-sensical plot, poor taste, horrible acting, comedic soundtrack, homo-erotic undertones, 80s cheese, green goo, a mini-van, anorexic sex-object, floating head dead grandpa... and the memorable line: "You can't piss on hospitality!" The use of which was literal, not metaphoric. And...... redneck Utahn Mormon extras!!!! The extras are the scariest thing in the movie. (That's right, folks! This little flick was filmed in the backwoods of Utah.) If you look at the scary sheriff's hands as he drives, you can see his CTR ring.
After the movie, some of the actors did a Q & A session with two comedians. You can imagine the questions asked by this cynical, mostly drunk, film-school drop-out filled audience: (I'll give you an example as soon as I remember one)
The dentist, whom I called 'Sexy Dad', explained how the tour got started. He called Blair up to the front, a nice boy from Provo. Blair is an RM-looking dude who told us his movie club watched Troll 2. A member of his club said he went to church with one of the actors. So, Blair decided to look up all the actors. He figured they still lived in Utah since they obviously weren't living large in L.A. due to their fame and success. He was right! He found most of them in the local phone books. He organized a screening in Salt Lake. The theater sold out. Then they took the movie and Q&A on tour. Good times.
Ted and his date wanted to leave right after the movie. She obviously didn't like it. He was either tired or in a bad mood. But my buddy wanted to stay. I told Ted he could leave without us. I had a great time, as did my friend and the strange guy sitting next to me named "Casper". We laughed together the whole time. (I unabashedly chatted up Casper for Farmer Ted's benefit. Isn't that evil? Maybe I'm from Nilbog too!)
Every B movie fan and obscure Mormon pop culturist must see Troll 2!
Collection:
International Playboy,
Reviews,
The City
4.19.2006
Celibate Cinema: 'Slither' Superb
Firstly, one must have an appreciation for the genre. If you do not enjoy movies dripping with fake blood and engorged entrails, then you should probably miss this one. But, even the occasional B-movie viewer, and definitely the aficionado, should see this film. "Slither" is a superb example of B-movies at their finest. It manages to please by sticking to the formula we know and love: monster infects dude, who transforms into carnivorous worm beast(zombie) and impregnates local girl as they attempt to take over the earth(turning everyone to zombies). However, it is not formulaic. The plot surprised me throughout. I didn't know who was going to win until the last 10 minutes, which is a good thing.
Another surprise is that the creators obviously wanted to have characters that broke the usual stereotypes. The teenage girl was not a slut but wasn't totally virginal either. The same goes for the main heroine, she oozes sex and every man in town lusts after her but she has madonnalike virtues as well. Her husband, the infectee, is in fact an obnoxious jerk who is faithful to his wife! Those twists alone break several rules for zombie movies. The other surprise is that these monsters share a single consciousness, they are all in love with the heroine. How creepy is that? As far as I know that has never been done before. Any zombie movie innovation is always cause for celebration!
I really loved the opening scene because we see teenage boys gazing at their sexy teacher. I have seen that look before and it made me laugh. When the opening makes you laugh it portends more to come. Which indeed did. It was funny without trying too hard, the pacing was perfect, the dialogue was good and authentic (unusual for B movies) and the gore wasn't overwhelming. There was just enough goo to make you squirm in your seat without getting boring.
Lastly, this picture was a love letter to classic horror and b-movies. The movie is replete with references: Toxic Avenger is playing on the TV, the name of the local honky tonk, and more. Play how many references can you find with your buddy. My only complaint is with the deer fighting scene. Our hero gets in a fight with a monster deer but you don't actually see the deer aside from some quick shots of the head. It looks like someone took a deer trophy, wiped it with fake blood and shook it over the guy being attacked. I suspect this was supposed to be a reference to another film, but it comes across like they ran out of money and was frustrating. I want to see the freaky deer.
Tip: Stay for the end of the credits. A bonus scene sets up the sequel.
Yes, I'm a megadork. My sister has already told me. Before you throw stones at me, ask yourself how you got to the end of this post, you're the one who is still reading.
Another surprise is that the creators obviously wanted to have characters that broke the usual stereotypes. The teenage girl was not a slut but wasn't totally virginal either. The same goes for the main heroine, she oozes sex and every man in town lusts after her but she has madonnalike virtues as well. Her husband, the infectee, is in fact an obnoxious jerk who is faithful to his wife! Those twists alone break several rules for zombie movies. The other surprise is that these monsters share a single consciousness, they are all in love with the heroine. How creepy is that? As far as I know that has never been done before. Any zombie movie innovation is always cause for celebration!
I really loved the opening scene because we see teenage boys gazing at their sexy teacher. I have seen that look before and it made me laugh. When the opening makes you laugh it portends more to come. Which indeed did. It was funny without trying too hard, the pacing was perfect, the dialogue was good and authentic (unusual for B movies) and the gore wasn't overwhelming. There was just enough goo to make you squirm in your seat without getting boring.
Lastly, this picture was a love letter to classic horror and b-movies. The movie is replete with references: Toxic Avenger is playing on the TV, the name of the local honky tonk, and more. Play how many references can you find with your buddy. My only complaint is with the deer fighting scene. Our hero gets in a fight with a monster deer but you don't actually see the deer aside from some quick shots of the head. It looks like someone took a deer trophy, wiped it with fake blood and shook it over the guy being attacked. I suspect this was supposed to be a reference to another film, but it comes across like they ran out of money and was frustrating. I want to see the freaky deer.
Tip: Stay for the end of the credits. A bonus scene sets up the sequel.
Yes, I'm a megadork. My sister has already told me. Before you throw stones at me, ask yourself how you got to the end of this post, you're the one who is still reading.
Collection:
Reviews
3.22.2006
A little V, a little that
I decided to try to ease back into regular blogging. And regular living. I'm finally rid of my kidney infection. I was sick from about Christmas until last week. It wasn't pretty. The only reason I got better is because my dear friend in Philly sent me some super expensive antibiotics. He's an intern/doctor and was appalled when I told him the treatment I received for my complicated upper UTI. So 10 days of that stuff, a severe cold and a 30th birthday later, things are looking up.
For my return post, I shall review the movie I saw last night, V for Vendetta. Good picture, entertaining, beautiful and moving. However, there were some spots when you just wanted the characters to shut up already and do something. The dialogue got heavy and boring in parts, reminiscent of the Matrix sequels, but the rest of the movie made up for the slow spots. The other beef I have with the flick concerns the kiss between V and Evey. Give me a break. She kissed his mask. Truly an eye-rolling moment which cheapened the relationship between them. They loved each other so I don't see why it had to be sexual. Can't people love each other without sex? Yes! That's what this blog is all about. But the kiss was unbelievable and distracted from the friendship. And not at all sexy either. Other than that I liked the movie a lot. I saw it on IMAX and at times it was breathtaking. It makes me less ashamed to be American. Yes, we voted that buffoon in office but we also make pictures like this one.
Before anyone gets up in arms about my 'ashamed to be american' comment, hold on to your horses. I love this country. I'm proud of what it stands for. But I'm not proud of our administration. The president's fumblings in front of the press and his insulting dependence on cheap rhetorical tricks to get out of answering questions horrifies and shames me. Because I'm partly at fault for his election. I didn't vote for him and I bribed my urban students to vote with extra credit but I probably could have done more. So could we all. That's all I'm saying, I'm ashamed of our leader and mea culpa.
Tomorrow I kind of have a date with someone I've never met before. He's coming in from out of town to see me. Don't worry we're meeting in public etc etc. I'm not sure what to make of this so I'll just try to enjoy myself. He seems like a good guy. I don't have any expectations, I'm going to try to be open to whatever life brings me. The past two years I have been running away from life. That hasn't given me what I wanted so it's time to stop.
One scene from the movie really struck me. Evey chose death over the alternative and was told "You aren't afraid of anything anymore. Now you have real freedom." Me too. Socially I'm there. In terms of my job and teaching, I'm there. I thought I had achieved that for my research but I'm not sure yet. I don't fear failure anymore, I've already failed and survived. Now I have to re-learn ambition and desire, but keep it in context. It won't destory me again.
For my return post, I shall review the movie I saw last night, V for Vendetta. Good picture, entertaining, beautiful and moving. However, there were some spots when you just wanted the characters to shut up already and do something. The dialogue got heavy and boring in parts, reminiscent of the Matrix sequels, but the rest of the movie made up for the slow spots. The other beef I have with the flick concerns the kiss between V and Evey. Give me a break. She kissed his mask. Truly an eye-rolling moment which cheapened the relationship between them. They loved each other so I don't see why it had to be sexual. Can't people love each other without sex? Yes! That's what this blog is all about. But the kiss was unbelievable and distracted from the friendship. And not at all sexy either. Other than that I liked the movie a lot. I saw it on IMAX and at times it was breathtaking. It makes me less ashamed to be American. Yes, we voted that buffoon in office but we also make pictures like this one.
Before anyone gets up in arms about my 'ashamed to be american' comment, hold on to your horses. I love this country. I'm proud of what it stands for. But I'm not proud of our administration. The president's fumblings in front of the press and his insulting dependence on cheap rhetorical tricks to get out of answering questions horrifies and shames me. Because I'm partly at fault for his election. I didn't vote for him and I bribed my urban students to vote with extra credit but I probably could have done more. So could we all. That's all I'm saying, I'm ashamed of our leader and mea culpa.
Tomorrow I kind of have a date with someone I've never met before. He's coming in from out of town to see me. Don't worry we're meeting in public etc etc. I'm not sure what to make of this so I'll just try to enjoy myself. He seems like a good guy. I don't have any expectations, I'm going to try to be open to whatever life brings me. The past two years I have been running away from life. That hasn't given me what I wanted so it's time to stop.
One scene from the movie really struck me. Evey chose death over the alternative and was told "You aren't afraid of anything anymore. Now you have real freedom." Me too. Socially I'm there. In terms of my job and teaching, I'm there. I thought I had achieved that for my research but I'm not sure yet. I don't fear failure anymore, I've already failed and survived. Now I have to re-learn ambition and desire, but keep it in context. It won't destory me again.
5.05.2004
A Love Letter to Morrissey, my fellow celibate
Dear Morrissey,
Now I understand. I spent years mocking your psycho-fans who like to call you 'the Moz' and dress like you and fix their hair like you. While I still think they are obsessive freaks, I can now empathize with them. I've never had anything against them (one of my best friends is one), but I didn't understand. I had never seen you play live.
I saw your show at the Apollo last night and it all makes sense. You are even better live: you sing better, you look better, and the dancing is most entertaining. Unlike the way you appear on video and in photographs, which can look rather silly, your performance was fabulous. Even the pink flowers hanging from your fly made sense, as did the way you caressed your own chest and swung the mic cord around like a whip in a suggestive manner.
Thank you for playing three Smiths songs. I especially enjoyed "There is a light that never goes out". The line, "if a double-decker bus kills the both us, to die by your side, the pleasure the privilege is mine' is one of the most romantic lyrics ever written. That's true love.
My best friend who flew up from Atlanta said she'd die if you sang "How Soon is now" but I'm relieved you didn't. No one but Johnny Marr can play that song. Can't be done. I'm glad you recognize that.
We had perfect seats on the first row of the first mezzanine. We didn't want orchestra seats with the weirdos rushing the stage, throwing flowers and crying (we couldn't afford them really). The crowd generally was very cool, and full of good-looking, stylish men with good taste in music. Except for the loser sitting next to my friend who stole her $30 T-shirt. He was not a real fan and did not deserve to see your show. He came late and sat there drinking beer the whole time while everyone else sang and danced and screamed. You should consider screening people before they're allowed in. Instead of getting a pat-down from security, they should give a Morrissey exam.
Thanks for adding the new guys to your band. They all looked so cute in their little mod-boy 80s suits with the skinny ties, especially the drummer with the little mohawk. The keyboardist and extra guitar added much to the sound that can no longer be called sissy.
We're sorry we missed meeting you. We understand you probably fear your fans and try to sneak away from the venue quickly. I would too if I were you. Your drummer was very sweet to us when we waited outside in the rain to talk to your band. We were the only people still out there when he poked his head out the door. I said, "you're the dummer!" because I am just so astute and erudite in such situations. He smiled and said "Yes, I am" then went back in. Later, when the band left the drummer thanked us for coming out.
Please don't cancel your tour before I get to see you play again Thursday night! That habit is the reason I haven't seen you before now. Although, now that I have seen you, I fear I may have crossed the line into freaky fanaticism. But I only have tickets to two of your shows, not all five. And I will never style my hair into a pompadour.
Love, JL the celibate
Come back for more TRUE stories of the strange, sad and pathetically hilarious exploits of me not having sex in the city.
Now I understand. I spent years mocking your psycho-fans who like to call you 'the Moz' and dress like you and fix their hair like you. While I still think they are obsessive freaks, I can now empathize with them. I've never had anything against them (one of my best friends is one), but I didn't understand. I had never seen you play live.
I saw your show at the Apollo last night and it all makes sense. You are even better live: you sing better, you look better, and the dancing is most entertaining. Unlike the way you appear on video and in photographs, which can look rather silly, your performance was fabulous. Even the pink flowers hanging from your fly made sense, as did the way you caressed your own chest and swung the mic cord around like a whip in a suggestive manner.
Thank you for playing three Smiths songs. I especially enjoyed "There is a light that never goes out". The line, "if a double-decker bus kills the both us, to die by your side, the pleasure the privilege is mine' is one of the most romantic lyrics ever written. That's true love.
My best friend who flew up from Atlanta said she'd die if you sang "How Soon is now" but I'm relieved you didn't. No one but Johnny Marr can play that song. Can't be done. I'm glad you recognize that.
We had perfect seats on the first row of the first mezzanine. We didn't want orchestra seats with the weirdos rushing the stage, throwing flowers and crying (we couldn't afford them really). The crowd generally was very cool, and full of good-looking, stylish men with good taste in music. Except for the loser sitting next to my friend who stole her $30 T-shirt. He was not a real fan and did not deserve to see your show. He came late and sat there drinking beer the whole time while everyone else sang and danced and screamed. You should consider screening people before they're allowed in. Instead of getting a pat-down from security, they should give a Morrissey exam.
Thanks for adding the new guys to your band. They all looked so cute in their little mod-boy 80s suits with the skinny ties, especially the drummer with the little mohawk. The keyboardist and extra guitar added much to the sound that can no longer be called sissy.
We're sorry we missed meeting you. We understand you probably fear your fans and try to sneak away from the venue quickly. I would too if I were you. Your drummer was very sweet to us when we waited outside in the rain to talk to your band. We were the only people still out there when he poked his head out the door. I said, "you're the dummer!" because I am just so astute and erudite in such situations. He smiled and said "Yes, I am" then went back in. Later, when the band left the drummer thanked us for coming out.
Please don't cancel your tour before I get to see you play again Thursday night! That habit is the reason I haven't seen you before now. Although, now that I have seen you, I fear I may have crossed the line into freaky fanaticism. But I only have tickets to two of your shows, not all five. And I will never style my hair into a pompadour.
Love, JL the celibate
Come back for more TRUE stories of the strange, sad and pathetically hilarious exploits of me not having sex in the city.
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