The Strokes fourth studio album completed.
Second post in a day? WHAT! I know, but I was just too damn excited to not exclaim this somehow….
THE NEW STROKES ALBUM IS COMPLETED! It still needs to be mixed but a March release is on the horizon. Does that mean a spring tour? I hope so.
I remember hearing Julian talking somewhere about how the new album will sound a lot like the last album. However, according to various other articles I just read they scrapped all the work they had done without Julian… I’m REALLY hoping they go back to the Lo-Fi sound they used to have. I do like the last album, but I really miss the Lo-Fi sound that you cannot really find anywhere now. The Strokes brought it back in 2001, and now it’s somewhat disappeared. Whatever, I have faith that it will be a decent album. I wasn’t disappointed with the three previous albums or Albert Hammond Jr. and Julian Casablancas’ solo stuff.
Welcome back, The Strokes. Please don’t leave me again.
I’ve Been Neglectful – Love and Other drugs review
Like a drunken mother, I’ve been neglecting this blog. I apologize. School has been insane this semester, and I’ve found other ways to procrastinate. (Mainly watching shitty TV shows)
To make it up, I’m going to do a half-assed review of “Love and Other Drugs”
Love and Other Drugs (2010)
Director: Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond, Glory)
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Hank Azaria, Oliver Platt
Synopsis:
In 1996 a 20-something-would-be-doctor- Lothario, Jamie Randall, (Jake Gyllenhaal) gets fired from his job as a salesman at an electronics store, which is where the audience sees his art of seduction working well in sales. His younger brother who hit it big in the software industry sets Jamie up with a job as a Pfizer (pharmaceutical company) representative. After climbing the ladder there by utilizing his natural charm, he meets Maggie, a young woman with Parkinsons. (Anne Hathaway) This is where the plot loses it’s direction. Jamie is somewhat put in a quandary by trying to balance both of his worlds, the one he created with Maggie, and his desire to succeed in this field after he lands a new account he could sell like hotcakes, Viagra.
This movie left me bewildered; not because of the crazy plot turns, but because I had no idea what the movie was supposed to achieve. Perhaps it’s my own fault, maybe I was distracted by Jake Gyllenhaal being naked half the movie. I don’t think it’s the case, though. I feel we weren’t brought into either world enough to truly care what he decided to do in the end. Was this a movie about a charismatic salesman? Was this a movie about a Man-Whore who finally found someone he cares about? Was it a story about trying to find out what you want to do with your life? I really have no clue. I suppose a weak argument could be made for any one of those. The director needed to chose one to go with and create a more cohesive story with a linear plot. Strong acting by all characters, nice bit parts by Azaria and Oliver Platt. I felt bad that I wasn’t thrilled with the story, because I felt all of the actors put a lot into their respective roles.
See this movie when you’re not in the mood for a fast paced 2 hour movie, or if you truly want to see almost all of Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal.
6/10
Episode 1 Post-Punk music and rambling
If you’d like to hear my weird attempt at a podcast, feel free to give it a listen and give me feedback! My editing skills are something I need to work on, but it’s a first attempt.
I discuss The Pet Shop Boys, Joy Division, and The Smiths.
I’m Still Here: The Lost Year of Joaquin Phoenix
The teaser-trailer was released today for Casey Affleck’s “documentary” about Joaquin Phoenix’s transition from serious actor to a rapper. After looking at this, I still can’t decide if it’s serious or not. I’ve never thought it was, I always felt like it was another method actor move that somehow got lost in translation. I say that because Joaquin is obviously a method actor, and in this “role” he’s completely transformed his body even, not just his demeanor. My interpretation is that it IS a method acting endeavor, but perhaps with a message attached? I can’t really say what that message might be considering I’ve only seen one minute of the film; but perhaps that actors take themselves too seriously? Whatever it is, I’m intrigued.
Update
In case anyone reads this… I wanted to leave a bit of an update. No, I have not forgotten about this blog, I’ve been working full time for a while now and haven’t had time or the inspiration to write or review anything.
This upcoming Thursday I am leaving for Lollapalooza in Chicago. I am bringing a notebook, so that means I will try to review as many shows as possible! My forte is films, but I’m definitely going to give it a go. Especially with the bands in which I am very familiar. I am going to try to review The Strokes, The Softpack, Mumford and Sons, and Arcade Fire. If anymore tickle my fancy, I will try to get those as well. I might end up doing an overall review of Lollapalooza as I’ll be seeing some bands I’m not familiar with at all. I’ve never been to a major music festival before (except for Sweetstock 99, bitches!) so this will be quite a different experience for me! I’ll be joining 8 of my friends cramming into 2 hotel rooms so it will definitely be something else…
A few movies are opening that I want to see as well; Dinner for Schmucks being the one I’ll most likely be seeing next. I’m sort of bummed I decided not to do a review for Inception, but what can you do.
At any rate, I’ll be back after Lollapalooza with hopefully a lot to write about!
Grown ups
Synopsis: Lenny Fedder (Adam Sandler) grew up modestly in New England with his 4 buddies (played by: Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider and David Spade) basketball was supposedly a big part of their upbringing (Didn’t go too much into this in the film..) and when their coach dies 30 years later they all reunite back in their old town. Lenny is now a hot shot agent in Hollywood with a fashion designer wife (Salma Hayek) and 3 snotty kids while the rest still live quite modestly. The majority of this film takes place during their rendezvous at an old lake house they used to hang out at as children, only now this time with all of their families as a memorial of sorts to their fallen coach. Lenny tries to teach his children to be normal and not be stuck up hollywood brats, and shenanigans ensue.
Walking into the theatre I knew exactly what to expect, and Grown Ups delivered all of my expectations. To all my family and longtime friends it’s no secret I used to be obsessed with Adam Sandler. Hell, I’ll always have a soft spot for him, but this film was a followup to the same mediocre garbage that he’s been shoveling out for the past few years. If you are the type of person who enjoys bathroom humor, over use of physical comedy (Does Kevin James really fall or run into stuff that many times?) or creepy old men hitting on young chicks (A.K.A. David Spade playing himself) then this film is for you. I feel like Sandler just wanted to film a movie about him and his real friends just hanging out, like a home video of sorts. You know when you and your friends used to record yourself being “hilarious” and then you try to show it to other people and get a bit embarrassed because it’s one of those “Oh… you had to be there” deals? I feel like that’s what this movie was. There was really no character development, just buddies hanging out… which is fine.. but why should I care? Most of the lack of character development comes from the fact that every actor in this movie is a star, and many are left underutilized; especially Chris Rock’s character which you never really get a hold of. Lots of low brow humor; fart jokes, pee jokes, crotch jokes, boob jokes, sex jokes etc. and if that is something you would enjoy then see this film, otherwise I think it’s a skip. There are a few nice cameos as well by Steve Buscemi, Colin Quinn, and Sandler’s own wife and two daughters.
Rating: 4.5/10 – It was a nice way to spend a sunday morning, but for serious entertainment this is a skip. I’m still holding out for another quality film for Sandler, but it’s not realized in this one.
Guided by Voices
I’ve liked Guided by Voices for a few years now, but not actively “getting into them” until my cousin gave me their greatest hits. Since then I have been beating myself up for not getting into them earlier and possibly seeing them in concert when they actually existed. Since I’ve heard of GBV It’s boggled my mind why they have not been more famous? They have EVERYTHING to offer: Catchy melodies, good structure, Bob Pollard’s awesome voice etc. Lo-Fi sound never made it big during that time, I guess. It’s more authentic sounding to me, you can tell it hasn’t been modified by computers to make it sound the way it should, it’s just organic.
…and a newer one for shits and gigs.
Yikes…
Well, this is embarrassing… I have been SO caught up with school, finals are literally kicking my ass. I have not forgotten about what I was supposed to be doing for this blog, I do have writeups on MacGruber and on the TWO (Yes, TWO) Julian Casablancas shows I’ve seen, I don’t think I’m going to make a full review on them anymore considering so much time has already passed. I did not end up seeing Get Him To The Greek, it’s actually a really heart wrenching story of misccomunication. So I didn’t get to meet Jonah and Russell, which ruins my life slightly, but I think I’ll get over it somehow.
One full review I CAN promise will be the full review over the Flight of the Conchords show I will be seeing May 30th in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Bowl. I’ve seen them 3 times before, so I should have some good insights on how they’ve developed even within the last 3 years, who knows.
Anyway, I will be getting those blurbs on Julian (baaaaabe) and MacGruber up soon after finals, and I will be able to donate more of my time to this blog!
In the meantime enjoy this flashback of Guided by Voices and The Strokes hanging out and playing a nice ol’ game of Family Fued!
If you’re not from America (maybe N.America in general) you won’t be able to see it, I apologize because I realize that concerns like 1/2 (1 out of the 2) readers of this blog.
(Hopefully) exciting things happening…
I have been absolutely busy lately, stupidly so.
I saw Julian Casablancas in Kansas City, Missouri last weekend and it was AMAZING. I was going to write a review, but I was on medicine to help keep me awake and I had a weird reaction to it, so I didn’t really take any notes (mental or otherwise). GOOD NEWS: I’m seeing him again next week in Omaha! This means I will be able to write a review of the show to give to my blog readers (aka, I’ll be able to take notes for myself so I don’t forget it).
Further, I am seeing a sneak preview of “Get Him To The Greek” next week with appearences by Russell Brand and Jonah Hill. So I will also be reviewing that movie, as well as talking about seeing Brand and Hill. So hopefully all of these things work out and I will be able to put some good stuff up on this blog!
OH! Also, the week after next I am seeing a sneak preview of “MacGruber” which I will also be reviewing.
In the meantime, please enjoy this interview Brian Williams gave Julian Casablancas in late March. He is such a fan boy it’s ridiculous. All about the body language, my friends, it’s all about the body language.
Oh, dang… Kesha..
Yeah, I refuse to use the dollar sign… well, when I enter my tags I will.. but that’s the only time I’m selling out!!
She totally stole a line from this video at 2:37
I’m sorry, but it’s Jason Schwartzman who really brushes his teeth with a bottle of Jack.
