Suggested Listening: Bon Iver

If you haven't heard Bon Iver and you are a fan of heartfelt songwriting you need to check out For Emma, Forever Ago. This past year I've listened to mostly Bon Iver..every morning before school I'd pick them on my ipod and listen while I was getting ready. (My most recent obessions are: Creature Fear and For Emma--but nearly all of the songs have been my favorite at some point)

I suggest you listen to the entire album..but check out newer songs like Blood Bank or Beach Baby.

Suggested Listening: Pedro the Lion

Paste Magazine puts it better than I could.."David Bazan’s Seattle indie rock is well played, and his voice is perfectly restrained, but his most unique gift lies in storytelling—vivid images and a thoughtful perspective create a deep, dark feeling of sadness."

3 Songs to check out:
Bad Diary Days
*Criticism as Inspiration
Longer I Lay Here

(P.S Don't slash your wrists and blame me)

Recently Watched: Kinsey

It was aiiiight. I think I would have liked it more had it been focused on the research not Kinsey's life. (Flashbacks to his childhood..no thanks.) I also hated a montage of Kinsey and his researchers traveling around the U.S talking to Americans--- instead of exploring those moments, the director chose to have little talking heads on a map of the US speaking over each other telling their sexual histories. It felt lazy and CHEESY to me. At least it had a decent cast.

Recently Watched: Adventureland

I ordered Adventureland off of Comcast because sister Killon wanted to see it. It had some pretty funny parts, but it wasn't that good. I think the movie would have been better had it been shorter...by ..20 minutes. I liked the cast with the exception of Ryan Reynolds..I don't think he was right for the role. I just kept thinking oh there's Ryan Reynolds/the guy from Van Wilder. I think Jesse Eisenburg is pretty good...but Michael Cera and him are kind of interchangeable aren't they? You can only play the nervous guy so many times before people start to hate you(Ben Stiller.)

Recently Watched: There Will Be Blood

At first, I was like..damn this is going to be about oil--do I really want to watch a movie that is over 2 hours and about OIL? But I'm glad I kept watching because I got pretty into the film and ended up liking it. Daniel Day Lewis is a freak. I can see why he was awarded an Oscar--its scary how good he is in this part. Paul Dano played a good religious freak. The boy who played Lewis' son also gave a compelling performance. I liked the look of the film. It wasn't the happiest movie though...now I'm in need of a good comedy!

I'm liking this: Cold War Kids ep

Recently Watched: Beautiful Losers

I wanted to see this when it played at the Maryland Film Festival a couple of years ago, but I didn't get the chance to. So, I watched it on Netflix and I found it pretty interesting. The film documented a group of artists from the West Coast and East Coast that have known and worked together throughout the past few decades. I was familiar with the artists because of their designs for 2k tee shirts but with the exception of Harmony Korine I hadn't seen interviews with these specific artists.

It was an interesting look into the art world in the 90s. The artists all described themselves as outsiders---stating that skaters, artists, punks, & acid freaks all hung out together because they were the rejects. I found that pretty interesting because nowadays kids who skate are far from rejects. Maybe thats because so many more kids are skating these days---its not just the outsiders, getting a skateboard is like getting a bike.

I love anything that documents counter culture so I liked this film. One of my favorite parts happened while Korine was being interviewed at a park where he used to hang out (which had become a hang out for children.)

Korine: Hey, how you doing? you know they found my friend Samuel's head there back in 86.
little girl: COOL!

Recently Watched: Citizen Ruth

Citizen Ruth is a satirical look at the abortion issue. The film focuses on a small-town woman named Ruth that likes to huff stuff....this woman is played by Laura Dern.

Ruth has four children (none of which are under her care) and pretty soon into the film she finds out that she is pregnant with numero 5. Ruth gets arrested when the po po find her huffing paint in an alley--- and because she is pregnant she is charged with a felony for endangering her unborn child. The judge is all well bitch if you get an abortion we can just forget about it. Well, Ruth is supposed to be really stupid and she doesn't know what to do. So then in comes the pro baby killers and the anti baby killers who try to sway her different ways despite the fact that they don't really care about her as a person/ her situation (being a homeless huffer.)

Its pretty strange, its funny.. but if your mom is a drug addict you probably won't think its funny.

10 things I'll say about Twilight

I finally watched Twilight on Thursday night...so here are some of my thoughts..in list formation.

1) The film was entertaining.

2) Robert Pattinson is an attractive man-boy.

3) The film promotes co-dependence, stalking and obsessive behavior.

4) The special effects were terrrrrible.

5) The script wasn't AS bad as I thought it would be but it was still pretty bad.

6) Special points go out to the fact that there was almost a gang rape scene. (heavy sarcasm)

7) The acting wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I thought that some of the young actors and the actor that played the main girls dad were decent.

8)The evil vampires were kind of boring. The "fight" scene was completely ridiculous--- K.Stewart screaming in pain for 3 minutes, PLUS the sucking the poison out shit..yeah that was bad.

9) Film promoted dramatic relationships. Like its cool/interesting to want to kill people.

10) I'm not above NOT SEEING New Moon.

Recently Watched:

Recently Watched: Away We Go

Didn't like it.. most of the characters were annoying... the whole set up of them travelling around didn't really work. It was too here are some weird people..now here are some more weird people..oh man we better not turn into them when we become parents... there were a few funny parts, but it really wasn't very entertaining..

Brand New 11/11

Last night I saw Brand New play for what I think was the 10th time. The first time I saw them was at the Ottobar when I was in 9th grade---and now I'm a f*ing senior in college..JESUS CHRIST. This time was less exciting because I wasn't a fan of their recent release "Daisy." I didn't enjoy most of the new songs (with the exception of Bride)--although I probably would have if I was still in my 15 year old heavy Glassjaw "I hate life" phase. I enjoyed all the songs they played from YFW, Deja, and TDAGARIM--- and it was very cool to hear Jude Law because I didn't think I'd ever hear that one live again.

They ended the night with Play Crack the Sky which sounded pretty amazing.

Overall--- I liked hearing old stuff, didn't really like the new stuff and I think Sonar is a horrible venue---F**K STANDING ROOM ONLY! I need a ledge to sit on or a balcony to lean on-- I'm old now.

Recently Watched: Sugar

Last night I watched "Sugar," which was written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the writers and directors of "Half Nelson." I didn't think it was as good as "Half Nelson," but that's probably because I fell in love with "a crack headed teacher man." (see: Independent Spirit Awards)

The film was about a man, nicknamed Sugar, who is from the Dominican Republic and is trying to make it in American baseball. What I learned was WHITE AMERICAN COACHES ARE THE DEVIL, OLD WHITE LADIES WHO THINK THEY KNOW A LOT ABOUT BASEBALL ARE THE DEVIL and everyone takes roids. I kid. I kid.

good movie. The style reminded me of "Half Nelson"-- both films have some really honest moments in them and I look forward to seeing more work from Boden and Fleck.

Great Halloween Lantern Parade

I went to the Great Halloween Lantern Parade on Sunday---it was my 3rd year going and I have to say its one of my favorite events in Baltimore. The crowd was a great mix of families, students, and some straight up supa freaks. From weird costumes to stilt walkers the parade was fun to look at and I'll def. go again next year.

Quoteworthy: Jeff Lewis (from Bravo's Flipping Out)

from last weeks episode:

"I believe that these magicians that work the childrens party circuit are an organized ring of pedophiles...it's just my opinion"

"A Paper Life" ---sometimes I read things.

I recently read "A Paper Life" by Tatum O'Neal for my Personality class and dammmmmnnnn Ryan O'Neal doesn't get the father of the year award. Tatum's book covered her F*CKED up childhood which included a who's who of 70's/80's Hollywood. Bitch dropped some names. Ryan O'Neal is probably Satan if Satan is a bipolar blonde haired man in his 60's. ex. When he found out Tatum got nominated for an Oscar..he punched her. I once saw some of "Paper Moon" on tv and from what I saw I thought they were both acting pretty well. Maybe I'll rent it soon since I now know more about her childhood than my own---having applied pyschological theories to her personality.

Recently Watched: Rudo y Cursi

Rudo y Cursi is a comedy that explores the relationship between brothers on dueling soccer teams. The film also shows the popularity of soccer in Mexico City, as well as the corrupt business side of the game. I wanted to see this movie because I loved Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna in Y Tu Mama Tambien together.

I think that they were perfectly cast as brothers in the film--pulling off the strong love/hate sibling relationship. Bernal plays the younger brother who wants to be a singer, and Luna plays the older/angrier brother who wants to be a soccer goalie. Throughout the film the brothers are pitted against each other by their manager who is using them for $$$. (FUCK THAT SHIT)

The film made me want to check out more modern Spanish films because its been awhiiile.

Currently Listening to:

http://hypem.com/track/787737/Deer+Tick+-+Baltimore+Blues+No+1

http://hypem.com/track/897877/Lykke+Li+-+Dance+Dance+Dance

Recently Watched:

Zombieland

Went to the movies today and saw Zombieland....It was pretty funny/entertaining. But, I felt like there wasn't that strong of a plot..and I'm not really sure what the message of the film was..not that all movies need messages but Zombie movies are usually about capitalism and this one wasn't. (or was it?)

The laughs came pretty consistently so for what it was--- it was a good, funny movie ..about zombies. Plus Bill Murray was awesome. That wig he was wearing was great. It was pretty well acted. (but I still hate Abigail Breslin)

Finally watched Chungking Express.. its been on my list since I learned about Hong Kong cinema in film class last semester. I liked it. But damn they really pimped out the Mama's and the Papa's California Dreamin couldn't the girl at least listen to another one of their songs??

It reminded me of that Hilary Swank tv movie where she wanted to be in a sorority with her roommate (and then her roommate fell off of some tower because the other girls were hazing her forcing her to hang some flag.) Every time her and Zach from Save by the Bell were going to get it on they played "dammmmmmn I wish I was your loverrrr" ---They seriously used it like 4 times and it become comical when it was supposed to be "sexy."

Recently Watched: Deconstructing Harry

There is something hilarious but creepy about Woody Allen.. This movie had some great scenes and it was pretty inventive. In the film, Allen is a writer who has written a book about the different people in his life---all of whom aren't too happy to be featured/exploited. The film starred Kristie Alley, Demi Moore, Elizabeth Shue..among other bitches. The whole older men obsessed with young thangs is kinda gross to me--- like really Elizabeth Shue (Sam from Adventures in Babysitting) is gonna crush on Woody Allen?? But w/e.

Best moment...when Harry takes his son (who he kidnapped from school) and a prostitute as his guests to an awards ceremony. The whole car ride over was pretty great.

I love documentaries.

***** Stoked: The Rise and Fall of Gator---A really interesting film about 80's skater Mark "Gator" Rogowski. The director, Helen Stickler, compiled some great footage from competitions and old interviews with Rogowski and then conducted new interviews with skaters that used to know him.The film explores many issues---- fame, bipolar disorder, 80s vert skating vs 90s street skating, "throwaway culture", crime, and commercialization...to name a few.

****** DIG!--- A film about two bands, The Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre, who are both trying to make it on their own terms in the industry.It's a pretty good look into the relationship of these two bands as one reaches a level of success, while the other falls apart. The film is hilariously funny... mostly because the lead singer of BMJ is completely insane, but also because the film was put together amazingly well.
***** Dark Days--- A look into the very dark lives of some unfortunate New Yorkers that live underneath the subway system. The director Mark Singer actually lived with the people he filmed for the duration of the shoot---capturing some moving footage of people who ended up in a tough place. Their stories are pretty sad and their conditions are horrible but it ends up being a pretty uplifting film.

--Other films to check out: Capturing the Friedmans, Bus 174, The Bridge, Murderball, The Devil and Daniel Johnston, Children Underground and Murder on a Sunday Morning.

MGMT.

When I first heard "Time to Pretend", I thought how refreshing!!! MGMT really has a sound of their own--- and it's really fun. I've been listening to Weekend Wars ..here is a good performance, check it:


I also think KIDS is one of the best music videos of all time. I don't know how they tortured the baby to react the way he did but he ruled.

The September Issue

I just saw "The September Issue" downtown at The Charles and I thought it was pretty captivating. The high fashion world is completely crazy, but most of the people followed in the documentary were pretty likable. I didn't know that much about Vogue or Anna Wintour, but I've always loved people with reputations of being difficult (Wintour= Ice Queen.) It was fascinating to see that Wintour really has a say on everything that goes into the magazine, and you have to respect someone with a strong vision. I give it 2 thumbs up.

_new driving mix_

1. Lessons Learned
by Matt and Kim

2. Make It Take It
by Amanda Blank

3. Woman (MSTRKRFT Remix)
by Wolfmother

4. Vagabond
by Wolfmother

5. The Old Days
by Dr.Dog

6. Us
by Regina Spektor

7. Not Fair
by Lily Allen

8. Naive (Kooks cover)
by Lily Allen

9. Pursuit of Happiness
by Kid Cudi/Ratatat (LETTERMAN)

10. I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love(cover)
by Bon Iver

Dick Cavett is awesome.

I don't remember the first interview by Dick Cavett that I saw, but I've seen so many now and I always find them so interesting. He was a television host in the '70s and he interviewed all kinds of people, but his most famous interviews were with musicians.
Sometimes I watch interviews with actors or musicians that I'm not necessarily a fan of/or familiar with--because its really interesting to see who was big in the 70's and what they had to say. CHECK EM out on youtube! (I suggest Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, David Bowie, Muhammed Ali, Alain Delon, Mick Jagger or Sly Stone-- because he is really high on something...)

sleeveface!

Can't remember how I found out about Sleeveface but I heard there is a new book..here are some of my favs:

Currently Listening to:

Christian "that's fierce" Syriano

I just saw pictures from Christian's Spring 2010 collection and I am pretty impressed. I haven't been watching Project Runway this season.. (I can't get myself to tune into anything on LIFETIME) but it used to be one of my favorite shows.

My all time favs: Jay (season 1), Nora (season 1), Nick Verreos (season 2), Chloe Dao (season 2), Alison Kelly (season 3), Michael Knight (season 3), Christian (season 4), Leanne Marshall (season 5), Korto Momolu (season 5)

Deep Sharing w/ Chan Marshall (Cat Power) & Emily Haines (of Metric)

Here are two of my favorite interviews that I find incredibly honest.

TYSON

Last year I bought Interview magazine (the best mag ever) at the airport and I literally read every article in the magazine between the 5 hour flights to and from California. One interview was with James Toback, the director of the new Mike Tyson documentary, and he spoke a lot about Mike Tyson as well as the film, and ever since then I was interested in seeing it. I finally watched it last night and I have to say that it was pretty interesting. Mike Tyson is a lot more aware of peoples perceptions of him than I had thought..and he is also a lot smarter than I had expected. I'm not a fan of boxing..physical violence..convicted rapists..ear biting etc etc.. but I thought the film was pretty compelling.

Quoteworthy: Bradley Cooper

Recently Watched: Volver

The film is about a Spanish mother that comes back as a ghost to resolve some of her family's drama. Penelope Cruz who plays the daughter of the ghost, gave a really great performance. I haven't seen her in anything but Vicky Christina Barcelona (which she was also good in), but I still always thought of her as Tom Criuses random Spanish girlfriend..so I'm going to stop doing that now.

Almodovar has depicted mother/daughter relationships very well. I hear a lot about his films, but I have only seen Bad Education (due to my past mild obsession with Gael Garcia Bernal [see below]), but I'd like to see more.

Places I want to go. VOL 1

buenos aires

Paris..

Italy..

Recently Watched:

All I can say is child actors blow my mind. I couldn't remember how to spell 10 words for spelling tests when I was a kid, how the hell do these kids remember lines??

Recently Watched:

I finally watched Vivre sa vie, and I really liked it. I actually found it on myspace--- they didn't have it at Video Americain or on Netflix. I now hate watching movies online, but this film was easier because of its set up:(To Live Her Life: A Film in Twelve Scenes.) It is definitely one of my favorite Godard films. Anna Karina's look is so iconic in the film, and every scene is interesting.
I really liked it. The guy who played the teacher was a really good actor and the movie was well casted. It felt really real--the relationships between the students and the teacher in particular. yeah. its another French film. WHAT OF IT.

Charm City's Finest: PATISSERIE POUPON

Patisserie Poupon is a french bakery on Baltimore Street that rules. I've been going there once a week. The first thing I got was a Strawberry/Pistachio dessert ..which is amazing. Since then I've had a lot of the desserts and I think the mini cheesecake with fruit and the Strawberry/Pistachio are the best.



This week with Heather and Allison:

QUOTEworthy: Zach Galifianakis

"I'm working on a script for Hollywood, it's called 'Schindler's List 2: Let's Get This Party Started.'"

This time last year...

I was at the airport waiting to come home from San Francisco. Damn that place is awesome. It was beautiful, easy to get around and the people were really friendly. (Particularly our hotel maid that told us to come again and stay on the same floor. She was hilarous) That was my first plane trip without any parental guidance. I loved waking up every morning planning my day out and doing what I wanted to do. I'd like to go back soon but I'm also obsessed with the idea of going to Europe so we'll see about that.

Recently watched:

la Haine: Great movie about 3 friends who find a police officers gun in a Parisian ghetto.The movie has style, great acting and shows a different side of France. It's amazing how much movies although fictional can open me up to social issues in foreign countries that I really had no idea were going on. Although the movie is dealing with serious issues its actually pretty funny and worth seeing.

Irreversible: This movie is crazy! Def the most intense movie I've ever watched. I had to fastforward several times. The movie is about a woman who leaves a party without her boyfriend and friend/ex and gets raped in an underground subway. Her ex and her boyfriend then try to track the rapist down in order to get revenge. After you get passed the first 30 minutes the plot goes backwards to show the events that led up to this one horrible night that will forever change these characters lives. It has the title of being the most walked out film at the Cannes Film Festival where it caused people to vomit and pass out... so yea def. not for everyone but I actually liked it.

Things I'm currently liking too much:

Jean Luc Godard films from the 60's

Joseph Gordon Levitt & Vincent Cassel
Taharka Bros icecream & Patisserie Poupon

MSTRKRFT's remix of Woman by Wolfmother

QUOTEworthy with Morrissey

"When I'm lying in my bed I think about life and I think about death and neither one particularly appeals to me.”