some of this is rather amusing.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Please Give (2010)
So I finally got around to seeing all but the 1st 5-10 minutes of this movie. Like The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, it ended up staying at the Uptown Theater for many weeks. Based on that, I probably had higher expectations for it than when I originally saw it was coming.
I 1st saw some stuff about it during the Sundance Film Festival coverage. The trailers looked good, and it had a cast I like with Catherine Keener, Oliver Platt, Rebecca Hall and Amanda Peet among others. The actress who plays the grandmother I recall liking in some interview she did at Sundance.
And the At-the-Movies and I think a few other sources gave it an endorsement.
Well, I was frankly underwhelmed. The acting was good. Keener pretty much couldn't miss with me with her work especially in the last 10 years. Where the Wild Things Are, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Synechdoche, NY and Being John Malkovich. And I do feel she was good in this movie. So was Platt and Rebecca Hall. But the story just didn't really go all that far.
I suppose you could call it a movie about a bunch of people who go through their lives, feeling guilty about things they do, like selling furniture for more than it's worth, infidelity, or looking forward to a neighbor dying for the chance to expand the size of your apartment. But they don't really learn a ton from them. Or even at the end when they do sort of, it's so subtle and downplayed, you don't really care too much that they do.
I also thought their would be more humor in this movie. There was a bit here and there, namely from the grandmother, played by Ann Morgan Guilbert. Even Lois Smith who recently has been quite good on True Blood, was worth seeing, but maybe not as involved in the story as much as I might have liked.
I would add this to a movie like The Joneses and TiMER in 2010 movies that looked potentially good on cast and previews, but overall didn't offer nearly as much promise as they seemed to.
54/100
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Warpaint reveal to NME they formed on Valentines Day 2004
embed code is disabled right now so click here
I sometimes can't get enough of watching these girls. Of course no details about that to-be-released-debut-album-in-August yet, lol.
I sometimes can't get enough of watching these girls. Of course no details about that to-be-released-debut-album-in-August yet, lol.
Painted in Exile - "Distanced by Dissonance" (live)
different/extended arrangement of this song, that I guess they've now added some to. This band continues to impress me a ton. Debut lp should be in 2011, if not sometime late in 2010.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Revere - "We Won't Be Here Tomorrow" on Best of Myspace Podcast
Revere myspace blog
If Gogol Bordello and Arcade Fire were to form a band with some of The Doves, this is pretty close to what they’d sound like.
Not that I care for Arcade Fire of course, but that description isn't awful. I'm not sure how much this actually means, but obviously some people are becoming aware of them.
Hey! Selim drops on August 2nd. It sure would be nice to see some artwork and a track list soon.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
New single featured on Best of MySpace podcast
Category: Music
Our new single - We Won't Be Here Tomorrow - opens the latest Best of MySpace podcast (No. 97) which features 'the best new music on MySpace as nominated by the listeners'.
The podcast is currently in the iTunes Top 100 and one of the tracks will make it onto Gill Mill's NME Radio Show on Sunday evening, 4-6pm. Lets hope it's ours!!
You can hear the podcast by clicking on either the link or the image below ...
http://www.bestofmyspace.uk.comM
If Gogol Bordello and Arcade Fire were to form a band with some of The Doves, this is pretty close to what they’d sound like.
Not that I care for Arcade Fire of course, but that description isn't awful. I'm not sure how much this actually means, but obviously some people are becoming aware of them.
Hey! Selim drops on August 2nd. It sure would be nice to see some artwork and a track list soon.
Gospel - New song "Tango" = awesomeness
bandcamp page
facebook page
This track is awesome. I did mention this band a few months back, but I haven't revisited their music since. This new song proves they are beyond a 1-album wonder.
A few weeks ago we got really fucked up at Colin Marston's place. This is part of the end result. The song describes a ritual suicide; A summer jam for the indoor kids. We are releasing it as a digital single, pay-what-you-wish.
facebook page
This track is awesome. I did mention this band a few months back, but I haven't revisited their music since. This new song proves they are beyond a 1-album wonder.
Bruce Peninsula - A Mountain is a Mouth (2009)
1. "Inside/Outside" – 5:14
2. "Steamroller" – 4:40
3. "2nd 4th World War" – 5:04
4. "Satisfied" – 1:08
5. "Shutters" – 5:32
6. "Weave Myself a Dress" – 4:51
7. "Crabapples" – 2:37
8. "Shanty Song" – 5:30
9. "Drinking All Day" – 4:14
10. "Northbound/Southbound" – 2:28
I've been rather impressed by this Canadian band's 2009 debut lp "A Mountain is a Mouth." It has wonderful drums and percussion, and what sounds like female-gang vocals in somewhat of a choir/gospel way, that doesn't come across as religious.
I should give this album a little more time before I know for certain, but I am finding myself wanting to go back to this as there's not a bad part of this record. It has a rich, warm, almost inspirational or therapeutic nature to it. Like healing wounds, or telling a great story that's been passed down through the generations.
There's definitely a lot to explore with this. But early on, the parts I enjoy most would probably be tracks like "Shanty Song," "Steamroller," and "Crabapples." Along with just the dynamics and presence of the vocalists and emphasis on rhythms.
The only downside to this album right now is I am unclear how easily I'll be able to track down a hard-copy for less than $20. Maybe I'll stumble upon one at Cheapo soon, or ebay perhaps.
I'd also love to see them live, as this style of music probably works even better live, just based on seeing some videos.
This is probably their best video, live playing "Shanty Song" but I can't find an embed code right now
http://www.bruce-peninsula.com/ this might be down, I'm not sure
myspace
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
No One Knows About Persian Cats (2010)
This is a limited distribution unfortunately, music-based film about 2 Iranian musicians trying to put together a band and soon after, go to London, England to play. That is a reasonable enough plan we are led to believe, at 1st. But of course those kinds of things, or logistics are far easier talked about, than actually realized. Especially in country such as Iran.
Okay, well what this movie really is about is the struggles and hurdles of these musicians and the underground music scene in Iran. The guy, whose character/real name is Ashkan, seems optimistic for most of the film, but the girl (whose character and real name is Negar) pretty much in every scene is paranoid. And rightfully so, as trying to get passports made, gigs, a place to rehearse, and even the right people to play with is more or less one headache after another for them.
I'm kind of on the fence on what this movie is trying to show/do and what it actually pulls off. It was compared to among others, the 2007 Oscar/IFP award winning music-based movie (which looks like, but actually is not a Documentary) Once. And in a lot of ways, that comparison is valid. Once was a movie about struggling musicians, in less than perfect circumstances. However, the clarity of what happens, the events, even just moving the story forward works much better in Once. At times in this movie you are not clear on where the two of them are at with anything in terms of progress with their band. Part of it could be the language and following subtitles, at least for me, can be a little bit of work. I kept thinking during this movie, how I'd like to see it a 2nd time just to follow the dialogue more clearly.
I will say, the characters were sold quite well. You do care about them and want to see them succeed. So in that respect, I really enjoyed this.
And there was some humor, within some dark moments, including the somewhat ambiguous last 10 minutes involving their promoter and a gig they were supposed to be at. But the guy making the passports was funny (the scene with him). There was one part where they get pulled over by a cop (in their car) and have to hand over their dog. That was a bit of a head-scratcher. Although they get their dog back I guess.
I also found some of the music references nice. One of the musicians mentioning wanting to go to Iceland because Sigur Rós is from there. The drummer they play with even mentions wanting to play with Bill Bruford and Danny Carey.
And the music itself I thought was at times, pretty good. "Indie Rock" which in some ways sounds more layered than that. They showed one band rehearsing outside, in a barn at times, which was kind of silly, right next to cows. They said the cows weren't giving milk or something as a result of the music, lol.
One of the guitarists they looked at was playing for children, he was quite good and charming in some ways.
Their promoter named Nader, talks a good, big game, but ends up showing his true colors in the end, whether that be clearly him or circumstance.
So overall, I got enough from this movie to recommend it and regard it as one of the better movies of 2010. But I would also suggest not expecting it to quite compare to Once or some others. It's a bit more political in exposure, and less about personal relationships.
75/100
Timbre - Little Flowers (2010)
I've been enjoying this album over the last few days from Tennessee-based musician Timbre Cierpke. It's been rather mesmerizing at times.
A few observations/highlights
2. The Wind May Be Beautiful "But pain can be beautiful my dear"? Very ironic lyric, but I follow it to a point.
4. Like Spinning Plates - This one is rather dreeeamy. There's a wonderful line"is floating down..a [insert word] river" It includes wonderful strings and chanting vocal harmonies.
5. Hope is a Blindfold, Hope is a Solace - soaring vocals, bassoon?
7. I Will Go Plant Little Flowers..I-will-go-plant-lihhtul-flowww-errrrrs" the repeated chorus is just gorgeous. The harmonies that include trumpet I really appreciate.
9. Dawn Awakes - This closing piece has this gradual, soaring melody that includes the wonderful trumpet and Timbre's simple yet lovely vocals "dawnnnn ahhhh wakes", that also includes some chanting harmonies.
The music on this album is incredibly soothing, gentle, and delicate. Much like "little flowers" may be described. It's rather dynamic. Very refined, tasteful, emotional, but not cheesy in any way. Timbre seems to have mastered her craft rather well, I think taking this album as an "album," rather than some individual compositions. In other words, it definitely works as the old cliché goes, greater than the sum of it's parts.
I'm not sure how addictive Little Flowers will be for me, but I suspect it would be hard for me to say there is much if anything that could have been different to make it better. For what it is, it's pretty much perfect.
I must add that I discovered Timbre a few months ago when she was on tour playing harp (and singing?) with fellow Tennessee musician Brooke Waggoner. I purchased her other lp Winter Comes to Wake You which I have played a couple of times when in the mood.
Her, and Brooke as well, are making music I wish more people knew about, instead of hipster darlings like Joanna Newsom. I really think there's no comparison. Their ability to sing, arrange, play and compose albums are so much more my taste, and I would think others, it's really unfair. But as long as Timbre and Brooke continue to make music, I suppose it shouldn't ultimately matter.
I also think it's neat to learn that Timbre's resume include the likes of groups I and many others enjoy like Anathallo and Umbrella Tree.
Timbre's bandcamp page (with more album info)
Timbre on facebook
Timbre on myspace
cdbaby link
Here's a recent video from Timbre from a song "Bringing Meaning to Winter" off her last album.
A few observations/highlights
2. The Wind May Be Beautiful "But pain can be beautiful my dear"? Very ironic lyric, but I follow it to a point.
4. Like Spinning Plates - This one is rather dreeeamy. There's a wonderful line"is floating down..a [insert word] river" It includes wonderful strings and chanting vocal harmonies.
5. Hope is a Blindfold, Hope is a Solace - soaring vocals, bassoon?
7. I Will Go Plant Little Flowers..I-will-go-plant-lihhtul-flowww-errrrrs" the repeated chorus is just gorgeous. The harmonies that include trumpet I really appreciate.
9. Dawn Awakes - This closing piece has this gradual, soaring melody that includes the wonderful trumpet and Timbre's simple yet lovely vocals "dawnnnn ahhhh wakes", that also includes some chanting harmonies.
The music on this album is incredibly soothing, gentle, and delicate. Much like "little flowers" may be described. It's rather dynamic. Very refined, tasteful, emotional, but not cheesy in any way. Timbre seems to have mastered her craft rather well, I think taking this album as an "album," rather than some individual compositions. In other words, it definitely works as the old cliché goes, greater than the sum of it's parts.
I'm not sure how addictive Little Flowers will be for me, but I suspect it would be hard for me to say there is much if anything that could have been different to make it better. For what it is, it's pretty much perfect.
I must add that I discovered Timbre a few months ago when she was on tour playing harp (and singing?) with fellow Tennessee musician Brooke Waggoner. I purchased her other lp Winter Comes to Wake You which I have played a couple of times when in the mood.
Her, and Brooke as well, are making music I wish more people knew about, instead of hipster darlings like Joanna Newsom. I really think there's no comparison. Their ability to sing, arrange, play and compose albums are so much more my taste, and I would think others, it's really unfair. But as long as Timbre and Brooke continue to make music, I suppose it shouldn't ultimately matter.
I also think it's neat to learn that Timbre's resume include the likes of groups I and many others enjoy like Anathallo and Umbrella Tree.
Timbre's bandcamp page (with more album info)
Timbre on facebook
Timbre on myspace
cdbaby link
Here's a recent video from Timbre from a song "Bringing Meaning to Winter" off her last album.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Breaking Bad Season 3 (thoughts/wrap-up)
When the 3rd season of this show began, I was a bit overwhelmed by Walt's actions. He just seemed to be losing his soul. The bad decisions, even for him, seemed to be a bit rash and extreme. However, now having seen the entire season, I like how Vince Gilligan has smoothed some of those things out. Also the way the show seemed to be going, it was cutting things close to the point where many of the secrets were finally being revealed to some characters. So much so, it seemed like this could be the final season. Or at least close to it.
But the entire plot with Gus, the cartel, Jesse, and even Hank's health. Heck, also add the 2 gang/dealers that Walt took out to save Jesse, along with what happened at the very end to cliffhanger it, I think the show has been opened up a fair amount.
Good writers find ways to breath new life into stories. They add new interesting characters (something I think TrueBlood
I am sensing really needs this season), or just explore more to characters than you'd expect. I think Breaking Bad is doing that. Sure, everything between Walt and Gus is now likely going to be changed for the rest of the show. The Gus
character, while one of the most interesting on the show, is maybe not quite as critical for the entire show's story arc, like say the Ben character became on Lost. In other words, he may not last and Gilligan could bring in someone
else in to focus on.
I guess the question has to be asked, will next season be the last? I'm really not sure depending on where they lead the story. I don't believe Walt's cancer is gone for good. I bet a large sum of the money he has will eventually be
used for the medical treatment he will need for that at some point.
Also eventually Hank will find out Walt's secret. I dunno if it'll be like a Shawn on Psych thing, where it's revealed on the last episode kind of thing. I think a Walt/Hank conflict will eventually come up, just as the Walt/Gus one has now been
introduced.
At any case, I think this show has now supplanted itself as the best current episodic/large story-arc show on TV, especially with Lost gone now. It's great to see. The only part about that sucks, of course, is how short and
how long between seasons. We have to wait nearly 10 months until we get to find out what happens next. Did Jesse shoot Gale? among many other questions to be answered next season of course. Damn, March 2011 can't come soon enough!
Now I just have to go on to their website and checkout things like interviews, webisodes and things.
Agalloch - 4th LP (2010 or 2011)
Agalloch myspace blog
really terrific news to find out this indeed will be released rather soon. The White EP from 2008 was wonderful. Their full lengths have been rather good, mostly for what they are; but given the time and coming off The White, I am rather optimistic about this album. It's also encouraging to hear John mention they have *neglected* touring the US. Which hopefully will lend them to playing more concerts in their native country soon.
Agalloch is proud to announce a renewed relationship with Profound Lore Records who will release our long-awaited 4th full length album. Profound Lore originally released our debut and sophomore albums on vinyl in 2005, including the amazing wooden sleeve edition of “Pale Folklore.” The artistic attitude and level of integrity from Profound Lore is why we are extremely pleased to have them represent Agalloch.
The new album will be recorded throughout June and July, but we do not wish to make any concrete statements regarding a release date at this time.
really terrific news to find out this indeed will be released rather soon. The White EP from 2008 was wonderful. Their full lengths have been rather good, mostly for what they are; but given the time and coming off The White, I am rather optimistic about this album. It's also encouraging to hear John mention they have *neglected* touring the US. Which hopefully will lend them to playing more concerts in their native country soon.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Gloria Morti - Anthems of Annihilation (2010)
blog
Anthems of Annihilation will be released through Cyclone-Empire on July 30th!
Tracklist:
01. Prelude
02. Solution Called War
03. Awakening of a Discordant Machine
04. Infiltration
05. Swallowed By Defeat
06. Obey
07. Cut From Gaia
08. The Final Framework
09. Redemption
10. Chaos Archetype
their last album was good. Loved the diversity of vocal styles. I'm curious about this album at least.
Anthems of Annihilation will be released through Cyclone-Empire on July 30th!
The song "Awakening of a Discordant Machine" will be uploaded to Gloria Morti's myspace player on June 30th
Tracklist:
01. Prelude
02. Solution Called War
03. Awakening of a Discordant Machine
04. Infiltration
05. Swallowed By Defeat
06. Obey
07. Cut From Gaia
08. The Final Framework
09. Redemption
10. Chaos Archetype
their last album was good. Loved the diversity of vocal styles. I'm curious about this album at least.
Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage Thursday 6/10 in Minneapolis!
6/11/10 1:36AM
So I just got back a bit ago.
Fun night. Very entertaining film.
The people interviewed and the depth of early footage are probably what stands out most from seeing it. The cast of people includes: Gene Simmons, Jack Black, Trent Reznor, Billy Corgan, Vinnie Paul, Sebastian Bach, Kirk Hammett, 1 of the guys from The Foo Fighters (not Dave Grohl thankfully) and 1 of the guys from Death Cab For Cutie. Of course Portnoy was in there, but actually he wasn't shown all that much. Not nearly as much as I figured/hoped. Perhaps more of his discussion will be included in the DVD.
Other industry people: Terry Brown, Ray Danniels, Kevin Shirley. Others I'm blanking on right now. And neat to see Ged, Alex and Neil's family. Plus among the early footage, a clip of Alex talking about not wanting to go to school. Vintage Alex Lifeson at 17 years old. It was kind of surreal to see that.
Some of the sarcastic comments and jokes, both in their lives today and going back really made this without many if any boring moments.
In fact, I'd say having seen the other 2 (known) documentaries Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen have made, I'd say this is their best in terms of flow, entertainment value, and focus. This was on RUSH and nothing else really.
That being said, and being a meticulous music fan and Rush fan specifically, I can't avoid citing at least off the top of my head, what was not included in this film.
-Nothing about 1991's "Roll the Bones." No music, nothing about how on the title track, they tried a rap. And (some-of) their fans turned on them. Was this lack of mention of that due to the positive, uncritical nature of the film? Maybe, or was it not researched? Less significant? I guess the dvd may add something to that. But that album was as significant a record to me, since really it was their 1st less than par (at the time) record going back to pre-Caress of Steel period.
-No mention of "Take Off" with Geddy recording/performing with Doug and Bob Mackenzie. Sam Dunn is from Toronto. Surely he knows about that. I also hoped to hear about them appearing (or being offered to appear) on SCTV, but that has always been a mild curiosity of mine, with no mention over the years, it's probably unlikely.
-Nothing about Alex's run-in with the Law a few years back in Florida. It made headlines of course, but obviously not the positive kind the band want to see. Still it's a bit surprising it wasn't even briefly mentioned. On the DVD maybe.
-Nothing about the biography "Rush Visions" which I brought to the movie tonight.
-Nothing about the solo projects
-Nothing even about how they got their name.
-They show footage from South Park (and they had 1 of the creators from SP talk about Rush), yet no mention (like on the "I Love You Man" dvd commentary) of the Freaks and Geeks with Rush and Neil Peart.
-No Guitar, Bass or Drum magazine polls/articles or even interviews from the editors.
-The way they talked about the 80's albums and the synths changing them. Making them less of a "rock band" and less of a "power trio." This has been a small issue I've had with many in their fan base over the years. I personally find the 80's Rush albums to be among their best work of their career. And I'm mostly referring to the Grace Under Pressure-Presto records. I would put those 4 albums up against the 2112-Signals records any day. Yeah, those mid-late 80's albums didn't lend them any really big *hits* like "Tom Sawyer" or even "Subdivisions," but the writing and textures really seemed to work on those albums. And they frequently get forgotten or overlooked. I also think among the 70's progressive rock groups still making music in the 80's, Rush were the only one who really effectively implemented the new 80's music elements into their sound. Yes, Genesis, Tull, Kansas, and yes, even Crimson, frankly have pretty much forgettable catalogs from the 1980's. Rush is the one group who managed to survive and make memorable and significant records past the heyday of progressive rock. And I have felt for a long time, the 80's Rush is a sadly unknown, uncredited, and overlooked mass of good music. And only a small portion of the really dedicated fans appreciate it. I actually would go for them someday doing a tour of songs JUST from that period. It won't happen, but maybe even a tribute band would consider that someday.
-The way Caress of Steel and the whole progressive rock period is portrayed; the fact they said they were done with music like Hemispheres on Permanent Waves, yet PW's includes 2 semi-epics in "Natural Science" and "Jacob's Ladder." Caress of Steel still remains an under-rated gem in their catalog. "The Necromancer" and "The Fountain of Lamneth" are both excellent and often overlooked, even by the progressive rock fans. At the same time, the way they make the post-Hemispheres period having so many "songs" that radio could play, yet on Hemispheres, A Farewell to Kings, 2112 and even Caress of Steel, they still include a number of shorter songs that were just as mature in ways and refined as normal-length rock and roll songs, it almost came across as a double standard way of looking at their history, just because they had more commercial success with the songs after Hemispheres.
Well, given my present situation, I'm gonna call this done for now. I am looking forward to seeing the DVD. There were a ton of laugh-out-loud moments. Jack Black was good, although given how much time they gave him and how little Portnoy, I was not as thrilled with that. The guys themselves, Geddy and Alex namely, were quite quote-able (of course I can't pass along any of those at this hour unfortunately). Just remembering, 1 scene with a waitress in a restaurant and Alex going "whoa, that's Geddy!" and the waitress then asking for Geddy's autograph for more than 1 person. And Geddy tries to have Alex sign too, but the waitress doesn't ask Alex for his autograph, lol. Also 1 story they told about taking the others tests in school. It was cool to see them, in their own personal element, telling stories. Something very rarely seen (Rush in Rio documentary?). It was also interesting to see some interviews with the late John Rutsey.
6/5/10 10:41PM
Thursday June 10th 9PM @ The Riverview Theater in South Minneapolis.
event link
I have my ticket purchased. $9 including fees. What I don't get is why they wouldn't screen it more than just the 1 time that evening/day or next week?..
as for the new single "Caravan" it's pretty good. Geddy's vocals still aren't as good as they used to be. But Alex's solo is one of the better things he's come up with in awhile.
So I just got back a bit ago.
Fun night. Very entertaining film.
The people interviewed and the depth of early footage are probably what stands out most from seeing it. The cast of people includes: Gene Simmons, Jack Black, Trent Reznor, Billy Corgan, Vinnie Paul, Sebastian Bach, Kirk Hammett, 1 of the guys from The Foo Fighters (not Dave Grohl thankfully) and 1 of the guys from Death Cab For Cutie. Of course Portnoy was in there, but actually he wasn't shown all that much. Not nearly as much as I figured/hoped. Perhaps more of his discussion will be included in the DVD.
Other industry people: Terry Brown, Ray Danniels, Kevin Shirley. Others I'm blanking on right now. And neat to see Ged, Alex and Neil's family. Plus among the early footage, a clip of Alex talking about not wanting to go to school. Vintage Alex Lifeson at 17 years old. It was kind of surreal to see that.
Some of the sarcastic comments and jokes, both in their lives today and going back really made this without many if any boring moments.
In fact, I'd say having seen the other 2 (known) documentaries Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen have made, I'd say this is their best in terms of flow, entertainment value, and focus. This was on RUSH and nothing else really.
That being said, and being a meticulous music fan and Rush fan specifically, I can't avoid citing at least off the top of my head, what was not included in this film.
-Nothing about 1991's "Roll the Bones." No music, nothing about how on the title track, they tried a rap. And (some-of) their fans turned on them. Was this lack of mention of that due to the positive, uncritical nature of the film? Maybe, or was it not researched? Less significant? I guess the dvd may add something to that. But that album was as significant a record to me, since really it was their 1st less than par (at the time) record going back to pre-Caress of Steel period.
-No mention of "Take Off" with Geddy recording/performing with Doug and Bob Mackenzie. Sam Dunn is from Toronto. Surely he knows about that. I also hoped to hear about them appearing (or being offered to appear) on SCTV, but that has always been a mild curiosity of mine, with no mention over the years, it's probably unlikely.
-Nothing about Alex's run-in with the Law a few years back in Florida. It made headlines of course, but obviously not the positive kind the band want to see. Still it's a bit surprising it wasn't even briefly mentioned. On the DVD maybe.
-Nothing about the biography "Rush Visions" which I brought to the movie tonight.
-Nothing about the solo projects
-Nothing even about how they got their name.
-They show footage from South Park (and they had 1 of the creators from SP talk about Rush), yet no mention (like on the "I Love You Man" dvd commentary) of the Freaks and Geeks with Rush and Neil Peart.
-No Guitar, Bass or Drum magazine polls/articles or even interviews from the editors.
-The way they talked about the 80's albums and the synths changing them. Making them less of a "rock band" and less of a "power trio." This has been a small issue I've had with many in their fan base over the years. I personally find the 80's Rush albums to be among their best work of their career. And I'm mostly referring to the Grace Under Pressure-Presto records. I would put those 4 albums up against the 2112-Signals records any day. Yeah, those mid-late 80's albums didn't lend them any really big *hits* like "Tom Sawyer" or even "Subdivisions," but the writing and textures really seemed to work on those albums. And they frequently get forgotten or overlooked. I also think among the 70's progressive rock groups still making music in the 80's, Rush were the only one who really effectively implemented the new 80's music elements into their sound. Yes, Genesis, Tull, Kansas, and yes, even Crimson, frankly have pretty much forgettable catalogs from the 1980's. Rush is the one group who managed to survive and make memorable and significant records past the heyday of progressive rock. And I have felt for a long time, the 80's Rush is a sadly unknown, uncredited, and overlooked mass of good music. And only a small portion of the really dedicated fans appreciate it. I actually would go for them someday doing a tour of songs JUST from that period. It won't happen, but maybe even a tribute band would consider that someday.
-The way Caress of Steel and the whole progressive rock period is portrayed; the fact they said they were done with music like Hemispheres on Permanent Waves, yet PW's includes 2 semi-epics in "Natural Science" and "Jacob's Ladder." Caress of Steel still remains an under-rated gem in their catalog. "The Necromancer" and "The Fountain of Lamneth" are both excellent and often overlooked, even by the progressive rock fans. At the same time, the way they make the post-Hemispheres period having so many "songs" that radio could play, yet on Hemispheres, A Farewell to Kings, 2112 and even Caress of Steel, they still include a number of shorter songs that were just as mature in ways and refined as normal-length rock and roll songs, it almost came across as a double standard way of looking at their history, just because they had more commercial success with the songs after Hemispheres.
Well, given my present situation, I'm gonna call this done for now. I am looking forward to seeing the DVD. There were a ton of laugh-out-loud moments. Jack Black was good, although given how much time they gave him and how little Portnoy, I was not as thrilled with that. The guys themselves, Geddy and Alex namely, were quite quote-able (of course I can't pass along any of those at this hour unfortunately). Just remembering, 1 scene with a waitress in a restaurant and Alex going "whoa, that's Geddy!" and the waitress then asking for Geddy's autograph for more than 1 person. And Geddy tries to have Alex sign too, but the waitress doesn't ask Alex for his autograph, lol. Also 1 story they told about taking the others tests in school. It was cool to see them, in their own personal element, telling stories. Something very rarely seen (Rush in Rio documentary?). It was also interesting to see some interviews with the late John Rutsey.
6/5/10 10:41PM
Thursday June 10th 9PM @ The Riverview Theater in South Minneapolis.
event link
I have my ticket purchased. $9 including fees. What I don't get is why they wouldn't screen it more than just the 1 time that evening/day or next week?..
as for the new single "Caravan" it's pretty good. Geddy's vocals still aren't as good as they used to be. But Alex's solo is one of the better things he's come up with in awhile.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
JON ANDERSON (of Yes) IS COMING to MINNEAPOLIS!!!!!
Monday August 16th at The Guthrie Theater. 7:30PM.
Guthrie Link
Tickets go on sale Friday (6/11) at 11AM.
Sue McLean is the promoter. Me= call her.
Jon NEVER COMES TO MINNESOTA. Holeee blue fuck. This is awesome. We have got to make sure this sucker sells!
Torchwood RETURNS Summer 2011 on the STARZ Network
1 of many reports
Summer 2011 on Starz. Filmed in some American Locations. And I'd presume it'll air in a 1st run in the States as well.
I have a write-up coming soon about "Party Down" from the Starz network, and along with TW now on their network, and possibly some other shows, Starz are starting to remind me of the USA Network in quality shows.
Now how different Torchwood will be, without 3 of the original cast and in new locations, who knows. I really thought the "Children of Earth" mini-series was done well.
It's funny since there were reports about the FOX network doing an American version of the show, with John Barrowman reprising his role. Odds are, if they had even aired it, it would have gone the way of Terminator, Dollhouse, TruCalling, only lasting 2 seasons or even less.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)