Pop Culture Buzz

LISTEN TO A NON-STOP MIX OF OVER 50 NEW SONGS FROM U2, FRANZ FERDINAND, LILY ALLEN, EMINEM, MORRISSEY, KINGS OF LEON AND MORE!!

(SONG PLAYLIST IS SET ON RANDOM SHUFFLE AND ARE IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

PLOT:

Once the high school cheerleading captain who dated the quarterback, Rose Lorkowski (Academy Award nominee Amy Adams) now finds herself a thirty something single mother working as a maid. Desperate to get her son into a better school, Rose persuades her sister Norah (Emily Blunt) to go into the crime scene clean-up business with her to make some quick cash.

I am a sucker for quirky black independent comedies, and by the looks of this hilariously sweet trailer, “Sunshine Cleaners” has the potential to charm the socks off of film lovers. And with talent like Emily Blunt, Amy Adams and Alan Arkin how can you not be the slightestas bit amused by this little clip? Watch the cute trailer below:

I went to the recent Lykke Li live show at the historic Filmore concert hall not knowing what to expect. The 23 year old pop singer songwriter from Sweden released her debut album last November here in the US, but she hasn’t had much exposure other than making Spin & Rolling Stone magazine’s top albums of the year. I personally love her spunky dark pop sound but did not know if it would translate well into a live stage show. Man was I wrong.

Lykke Li came onto the stage like a tornado on fire. Her bubbly personality quickly won over the hyped up sold out crowd. As soon as she started playing one of her more catchy tunes like “I’m Good, I’m Gone” the place erupted into a full on dance hall. When the band started playing the first few chords of “Dance, Dance, Dance” the crowd squealed with anticipation. I soon found myself singing out the lyrics and dancing with dozens of trendy hipsters.

As Lykke Li played on she took a few moments to introduce herself and have some fun with the crowd. The audience was more than happy to play along as she belted out more signature tunes from her debut album “Youth Novels”. The catchy tracks “Little Bit” and “Complaint Department” instantly became part of a cheerful audience sing-a-long.

When Lykke Li brought out her megaphone to sing parts of her most familiar song, and the obvious fan favorite “Breaking It Up”, the venue burst into cheer. The hip-hop dance groove was in full effect at this point. I found this show to be much like a dance party, with a few cool down moments peppered through out. Even Lykke Li’s more slowed down ambient tracks played well as the crowd swayed to the hypnotic throbbing beats.

I was surprised to see how much stage presence and fun energy Lykke Li puts out in her shows. She has the quirky random energy of a pop star with the hard edge of more experimental artists like Bjork and The Knife. This show not only got me excited to see Lykke Li at Coachella, but it also confirmed my suspicions that she is one of the few new artists around today that has a sense of humor and appreciates great pop music.

(MAJOR PROPS GO OUT TO LYKKE LI FAN AND PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER GRETCHEN ROBINETTE FOR GIVING ME PERMISSION TO POST PICTURES FROM THE SHOW ON POP CULTURE BUZZ, THANK YOU!!!!)

VISIT THE GRETCHEN ROBINETTE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY WEB PAGE BY CLICKING HERE

Converse gives a nod to music and culture with their newest music sneaker collection. Look for them at Journeys. The music collection is to include designs for Grateful Dead, Black Sabbath, The Doors, The Who, Ozzy, and Pink Floyd. First up are Grateful Dead and Black Sabbath.

Converse Chuck Taylors are known as a favorite of rockers everywhere. This version pays tribute The Who. This shoe is an original canvas Chuck Taylor with a printed The Who logo on the tongue. The original Old School is still cool. Some things don’t change because they don’t need to. This All Star Hi-top features a canvas upper with music inspired Union Jack print for The Who.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT JOURNEYS.COM TO PURCHASE ROCK STAR CONVERSE!

Here is Oscar 2009 winners list:

BEST PICTURE: Slumdog Millionaire

BEST DIRECTOR: Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ACTOR: Sean Penn, Milk

BEST ACTRESS: Kate Winslet, The Reader

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Milk

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ORIGINAL SONG: A.R. Rahman and Gulzar — Jai Ho, Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: Wall-E

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: Departures

BEST ART DIRECTION: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Slumdog Millionaire

BEST COSTUME DESIGN: The Duchess

BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY: Man on a Wire

BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY: Smile Pinki

BEST EDITING: Slumdog Millionaire

BEST MAKEUP: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

BEST ANIMATED SHORT: La Maison en Petits Cubes

BEST LIVE-ACTION SHORT: Spielzeugland (Toyland)

BEST SOUND EDITING: The Dark Knight

BEST SOUND MIXING: Slumdog Millionaire

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Judd Apatow has been behind some of the most real to life and hilariously over the top comedies of the past few years; “Knocked Up”, “40 Year Old Virgin”, “Superbad”, “Pineapple Express”, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”. By the looks of the trailer for his latest film called “Funny People”, he may have another winner on his hands. The trailer below looks like another crowd pleaser!

I am a huge fan of Robin Thicke and his soothing R&B style. Not only is he a major dream boat but he has the voice to back it up. I would even say that he has bigger an dbetter singing chops than Justin Timberlake. The classic soulful sound of Thicke’s most recent album “Something Else” is the perfect CD for romantic nights and relaxing moments by yourself in the bath tub. Just check out the video for “Sweetest Love” below and you will know what I mean.

Every now and then I like to mix it up and give a “different” point of view of pop culture here on my blog. Below I have posted a review of Scott Weiland’s new CD “Happy in Golashes” by Adam Herling. Adam is from Baltimore, Maryland and he is a die hard rock and roll music fan who knows his shit! I’ve decided to call his segment; “A Straight Dude Review”". Let me know what you think, and rock on!

“Happy in Galoshes” is the second solo album by rock star bad boy Scott Weiland. Weiland, known for his roles as the lead singer in Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, released his first album, “12 Bar Blues” in 1998. Two versions have been released of “Happy”, a single disc and double disc deluxe version (the deluxe edition offers a second disc of 10 extra tracks). The album was released November 25, 2008 on Weiland’s own Softdrive Records. Produced by Doug Grean and Scott Weiland, with select tracks recorded by Steve Albini, the album features guest appearances by Paul Oakenfold and No Doubt members Adrian Young, Tony Kanal, and Tom Dumont.

SCOTT WEILAND - “HAPPY IN GALOSHES” (SOFTDRIVE RECORDS 2008)

1. MISSING CLEVELAND - A straight forward radio pop-rocker. Relying heavily on Scott’s sugar coated vocals and hooky guitar riffs wrapped around a tale’s of regret. The first song leaked off the record, it has begun to catch steam on radio stations across the country. **** (4 STARS)

2. TANGLE WITH YOUR MIND - A “Dylan-Esque”, acoustic number with banjo, bluesy leads, and a “Wilco-like”, chorus. A very catchy song upon your very first listen, bound to be one of the more popular tracks on the album. Extremely strong song all the way across the board. (Lyrics, music, production), This track help’s make’s a statement as to what type of ride you’re in for on this album - An exciting unpredictable one. **** (4 STARS)

3. BLIND CONFUSION - A new wave styled Rocker. “Ambient/Electronic Pop- Rock”, one of the more new-wave throwbacks. Shades of Elvis Costello can be heard on this track. I call these song’s slow builders. It doesn’t QUITE jump out at you immediately, but eventually it grab’s you “hook, line, & sinker”. Alternative “radio hit” sound (post Nirvana). *** (3 STARS)

4. PARALYSIS - I’ve loved this song since the very first listen, roughly a month and a half ago before the album’s release. I have listened to it constantly ever since, and I am still finding new way’s to appreciate it. It serves as a biography for me personally; it’s an EXTREMELY well written pop song that absolutely bleeds with “Passion”. The band “NO DOUBT” co-wrote the track with Weiland, (minus the “Queen G” of course) with only drummer, Adrian Young actually performing on the track. (Adrian Young, Tom Dumont, Tony Kanal of “No Doubt”, Co-Wrote). **** (4 STARS)

5. SHE SOLD HER SYSTEM - Definitely One of the more unique song’s on the record, (Which say’s a lot). Start’s out as very quiet and soft, relying on the vocals & piano to drive the song. Heavier on the “ambient electro rock” sound, that Scott has adopted as sort of a signature style. The song how-ever waste’s little time before morphing into a quirky stomp-er reminiscent of something you can imagine fitting in perfectly on, The Beatles “White Album”, or “The Magical Mystery Tour”. **** (4 STARS)

6. BLISTER ON MY SOUL - A song Scott has described as being influenced by former brit-rockers, “The Libertines”. An up-tempo Pop-Rocker with some shades of 90’s American Punk & 80’s new wave sprinkled in for flavor. A solid track, as with the entire record, it grows on you with each listen. Weiland has an “un-canny” knack of being able to turn any phrase into a chorus or hook. He even throw’s in a little “Yay Yay Yayyie Yayyie” almost as homage to Axl Rose. The bridge and end of the song even lean on a very Reggae/Ska like vibe. At time’s I hear bit’s of Paul Westerberg even. *** 1/2 (3.5 STARS)

7. FAME - (Written & Performed originally by David Bowie & John Lennon). A fairly straight forward and honest cover of the Bowie classic, choosing to basically “Karaoke” Bowie with the vocal’s rather than re-invent the song. The Oakenfold beat that drives the track definitely gives it the appropriately fresh twist. I personally love the “Break-Beat” where they sample the N.W.A. song, “Appetite for Destruction”. As someone familiar with Scott Weiland’s history, I can’t help but wonder if that’s a little semi-subliminal dig at his former Velvet Revolver band-mates: ex- Guns N Roses members, Slash, Duff, and Matt (The Rat) Sorum. Definitely a song for a good time, don’t think it would bring too many parties down. **** (4 STARS)

8. KILLING ME SWEETLY - An extremely strong acoustic ballad that ride’s on Scott’s silky smooth vocal’s, which ride over-top of a nice bosa nova styled beat and a sparse jazz sounding acoustic guitar. Driven with a strong melody that is VERY obvious upon your initial listen, I can see potential “Hit” on this one. Especially since it becomes familiar so rapidly, and has a gorgeous melody that is all but un-deniable. This is a nicely flowing acoustic ballad about lost love. This may be the strongest, of the “quiet” numbers on the album. **** (4 STARS)

9. BIG BLACK MONSTER - This song has long been anticipated by Weiland fans, as word of its existence surfaced initially at least 5 years ago. Well, to me it was worth the wait, as it’s absolutely one of my favorite tracks in a long time. It slinks along with a fuzzy rhythm line and organ’s that can’t help but make you think back to Beck’s “Ode-lay” and The Dust Brothers. With a little of Scott’s style and swagger for good measure, this song jumped out of the box at me. His, (At time’s), almost “Prince-like” vocal take only adds to the appeal and the intrigue of the song. **** (4 STARS)

10. BEAUTIFUL DAY - This track lean’s heavily on more of the sound that has become familiar among longtime Scott Weiland fan’s. A waltz-like tempo, Tuba’s, xylophone’s, accordion’s, abstract lyrics, a moog organ, complete with a hypnotic “John Lennon-Like” hook. The harmony during the “chorus”, is straight out of Brian Wilson’s playbook. Nice to see someone contemporary recognize him as an influence in even the slightest way. **** (4 STARS)

—-DISC 2——

1. CRASH - Another, “ambient electro-pop/rock” number. Weiland stretches his voice to the high reaches of the Ozark’s for parts of this song, but all with pleasant results. When I hear the chorus, it take’s me back to somewhere in the 80’s, just can’t pin-point exactly where (Which is part of the record’s appeal). That’s the vibe I get from the sound of the song. Sometimes I hear it as a more “abstract” update on Depeche Mode’s, “Black Celebration” era sound. Then other time’s I hear shade’s of Radiohead, though without the unnecessary eccentricities. *** 1/2 (3.5 STARS)

2. HYPER-FUZZ- FUNNY-CAR - The one song I’d say it seems a bit out of place on the album, though since there is NO rule-book with Scott Weiland, it somehow works! It’s a higher powered “FUZZED OUT” rocker in the vein of “The Butthole Surfers”. During the chorus, Weiland hit’s the hard deep baritone ala STP while the guitars grind and riff away ala Velvet Revolver. Maybe Scott just wanted one song to use his patented “Megaphone” on, and during the verses, that’s what you get. As he rattles off lyrics in a rapid fire style much like “Sucker Train Blues” from Velvet Revolvers, “Contraband”. *** ( 3 STARS)

3. THE MAN I DIDN’T KNOW - A song Scott wrote several year’s ago about his father. A live version played on, “The Carson Daly Show”, has been floating around on line for a couple of years, but needless to say the studio version has been HIGHLY anticipated. Weiland’s first “foray” into Country Music is an absolute success. He originally wrote the song with the intention of due-ting with Tim McGraw on the track, but that never came to fruition, and it’s just as well. This is what country music is meant to be. Written about Weiland’s father leaving him when he was a child, and his young memories of his early home life. As sincere a “Country” song as I’ve heard sung to the masses in quite some time. **** (4 STARS)

4. SOMETIMES CHICKEN SOUP - Another song consistent with the over-all, “mellower” theme of the second album, though the entire album is mellow. A partly quirky, partially straight forward acoustic guitar number. The Drum machine and soft vocal line’s create a very peaceful vibe, and a song of reflection. The Banjo makes a return appearance. (Along with subtle keyboard’s and electronically pulsed drum-beats & some “mellotron”.) I think the intrigue is fairly obvious just in hearing how he combine’s such vastly different instrumentation, and make’s it work so naturally. Definitely catchy at first and it’s weight grows heavier upon each listen. *** 1/2 (3.5 STARS)

5. SOMETHINGS MUST GO THIS WAY - (A Cover of the Paloalto song). Begins with a beautiful piano riff. VERY chill song. QUITE possibly in my heart of heart’s, my favorite song on the record. Weiland’s soft falsetto floating naturally above the trickling piano line, as he pour’s his heart out in this cry of from within. Don’t be fooled however he provides just the right amount of venom & edge to the song, in a sullen isolated way, there’s no mistaking the essence of this song. Proving once again to be an absolutely perfect song to cover for the album’s vibe and Weiland’s present state of mind. Definitely help’s drive home the point or theme of the album. **** (4 STARS)

6. PICTURES & COMPUTERS (I’m not Superman) - Start’s out with horn’s, trumpet’s and a marching drum-beat reminiscent of a circus band gone awry, while Scott paint’s some of his most poignant; yet straight forward lyrics. Opening the song with the lyrical refrain, “When I’m alone, the world’s at bay. Keeping them still as I drift away. But I’m not Superman. I’m not every man. Just doing the best that I can…”). More glimpses of Bowie & the Beatles in part’s, but to my ear, I hear more Scott Weiland than anything. Another song building off his complexly varied sound palate, rapidly becoming one of my absolute favorites tracks. Its abstract quirkiness lends it a sound only relatable in my opinion, to David Bowie’s “Young American’s” sound, but with a sinister twist! Another personal Favorite. **** (4 STARS)

7. SENTIMENTAL HALOS - A tender jazzy ballad that find’s Mr. Weiland crooning line’s like, “God I can’t stop living. Chemical existence, Feeling’s keep me on the ceiling. Please God, Save me from drowning. Please God, Keep me breathing” in an apparent recollection of one of his more negative experiences during his well documented, “rocky road”. A lot of very smooth falsetto in the chorus, to go along with subtle jazz drumming, and jazzy guitar lines with a hint of Weiland’s manic edge to them. The Floating ambiance that appears through-out the record make’s an appearance at the end of the track. *** 1/2 (3.5 STARS)

8. REEL AROUND THE FOUNTAIN (Cover of The Smith’s) - Generally it’d be un-heard of for someone to cover David Bowie and The Smith’s. On a double album? ABSOLUTE blasphemy. Well, as seems to be his forte’, Weiland has proven that his highly under-estimated talent’s are entirely capable of carrying this album on their own, but the cover’s are like the frosting on the cake. His rendition will most certainly do “The Moz” proud, though not sure what Non-Weiland liking Smith’s fans will think, and I am curious. I’d like to think his subtleness would be appreciated. Weiland delivers the vocals with the right amount of tenderness. Extremely well covered and an immediate favorite. **** (4 STARS)

9. ARCH ANGEL - Boss-a-Nova styling’s make their appearance again, along with some gentle acoustic guitar reminiscent of Chris Isaak some times. Harry Connick Jr. at others. The song has a nice up-tempo, as Scott croon’s tales of Holiday’s past. Actually an ode to his recently deceased brother, and the Christmas’ they spent together. Another very straight forward number, and another track that grows on you with every listen. (That seems to be the theme for me, the acoustic numbers grow on me after several listens, but grow rapidly. The “ambient/electronic”, numbers seem to jump out at you with heavy sugar coated hooks, while the more stripped down numbers need a chance to drive the passion into you after a few listens). *** 1/2 (3.5) STARS

10. BE NOT AFRAID (Hidden Track) - This is listed as a “Hidden Track”, and my immediate reaction to the song, was that it should’ve stayed that way. In the hundred’s of listen’s to the album since, I’ve learned to find a sincerity and a sensitivity that’s highly appealing, and wasn’t immediately detectable to me. Every other song that I had any initial doubt’s about, I’ve since found the beauty in, and have begun to grab me in one way or another & defying the odd’s, this track has won me over as well. The only song on the double album I’d skip initially is definitely a permanent part of the rotation now. I think that in itself is a fitting description of Scott Weiland and his new effort. He’s found his permanent place in “the rotation”, and if this album is the indication it appears to be, this talented musician, is no longer, “just a front man”. He’s an extremely diversified artist with Chameleon like tendencies that always make him an interesting personality & performer. I think songwriter can now be added to his resume. ** 1/2 (2.5 Stars)

My over-all rating for the album, is 3 1/2 our 4 stars. This album contains VERY few let-down’s. Even the song’s you think MAY be off the mark, sink their teeth into you if given the chance. It’s extremely rare to find a double disc without a bunch of filler. I’d without a DOUBT recommend the double disc over the single disc; because the song’s on Disc2 that you don’t get on the standard version are ABSOLUTE gems! Some of the most brilliant stuff on the album. So I consider this a double album, plain and simple and it has the honor of being the anomaly of double albums. Quality from top to bottom!!! Go get the double disc edition at BEST BUY NOW!

*NOTE - 2 Different version’s of this album were released. Best Buy having exclusive right’s to the entire 2 Disc set. Everywhere else a standard 13 track version is available. The 2 disc set is ABSOLUTELY the way to go, as some of most passionate, “gems”, on the album are on disc 2.

LISTEN TO 3 TRACKS FROM “HAPPY IN GOLASHES” BELOW:

Along with a pair of plumage pads, Brandon Feathers and his band of hairy Killers unveiled this new song for a nationally televised audience on SNL a few weeks ago. Like “Human,” the high energy synth anthem sounded better slightly stripped at 30 Rock than in the studio, but chalk that up to the band’s tendency toward manufactured importance via one-arrangement-trick-too-many. Watch the kick ass video for “Human” below:

*** STARS

“Doubt” is the film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning John Patrick Shanley stage play “Doubt: A Parable”. The movie version was written and directed by Shanley and produced by Scott Rudin, the film stars 2008 Best Actress Oscar Nominee Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Best Supporting Actress Nominees Amy Adams & Viola Davis. The whole cast of “Doubt” gives emotionally charged performances that are just plain riveting to watch. The recognition this film has received from the Academy this year in the acting categories is much deserved.

“Doubt” takes place in 1964 at St. Nicholas Catholic School in the Bronx, New York. Seymour Hoffman plays Father Flynn a charismatic priest who is trying to upend the schools’ strict customs. Streep plays the cold and hard edged Sister Aloysius who sets off on a personal crusade to expunge Flynn from the school. Sister Aloysius grows suspicious when Father Flynn begins taking too much interest in the life of a new young black student. Is she being overly protective or not protective enough? This is the main catalyst of the film, and it keeps you conflicted up until the films final moments.

Even though “Doubt” takes place in the late 60’s it’s themes and controversial subject matter is more relevant than ever. Like the title suggests this film is constantly making the viewers doubt their own instincts and question their own faith in what they believe to be true. We never get a clear cut picture of who is telling the truth and who is really the “bad guy” in this story. When the film finishes we are left with more questions than answers.

In the end I found “Doubt” to be an impressively directed drama with a gripping script and a pair of powerhouse performances from Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman, though the ending did prove to be very frustrating. The film does not make the most of what ought to be rather frightening and ultimately moving material. “Doubt” could have been a better film but I have absolutely no qualms about saying that it could not possibly have been better performed.

“Inglourious Basterds” is an upcoming ensemble war film/spaghetti western written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It has the largest cast of characters (with speaking roles) of any Tarantino film to date and is currently in production with several locations, among them Germany and France.

Tarantino plans to complete production of “Inglourious Basterds” in time for release at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2009. The title (and partial premise) of the upcoming film is inspired by Italian director Enzo Castellari’s 1978 movie “Inglorious Bastards” which follows two story lines: One follows a group of prisoners-turned-soldiers whose mission is to take down a group of Nazis, and the other follows a young Jewish woman who seeks to avenge the death of her parents by this Nazi group.

Two years ago Tarantino put out one of my favorite films of all time (and my favorite Tarantino film ever) “Death Proof”, which didn’t get the recognition it deserved as a smart hardcore action thriller. After watching the trailer below I can see that this film is going to really push the limits of a “war film” using his trademark gruesome images and real to life dialogue. I can hardly freakin’ wait!

GRADE: A

I know I am biased when it comes to Morrissey; I am one of those rabid fans who cannot get enough of his music or live stage shows (I already have my tickets to see him at this year’s Coachella festival). Over the past 10 years Morrissey has put out some of his best solo work ever. The trend continues with his latest album “Years of Refusal” which is full of more introspective song writing mixed with cunning guitar hooks.

With his 50th birthday coming up and tons of good reviews for “Refusal” coming out, fans need not get their hankies out yet. It’s clear, and has been for decades now, that Morrissey makes and breaks his own rules, and couldn’t care less about how we choose to classify him and his music (and, if that approach wasn’t evident enough, the “Years Of Refusal” title just drives the point home). To prove this point, the track “Something Is Squeezing My Head” shows off his trademark vocals and colorful dry wit that cover his favoured topics of loneliness and isolation.

I have no idea why the throbbing and cynical “All You Need Is Me” was put on this album because it is an old single that has already been featured on Morrissey’s Greatest Hits album. But with lyrics like; “There is so much destruction in the world, and all you can do is think about me….”, how can you not smile and rock out at the same time? Another winner is the haunting track “That’s How People Grow Up” which showcases Moz’s tortured soul with more classically depressing lines that are perfect for high school outcasts that love rainy days.

The momentum continues on the driving, propulsive “Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed” which features a gritty guitar solo that only emphasizes Morrissey’s “Life is nothing much to lose” chorus. Jeff Beck plays guitar on “Black Cloud,” which unfortunately is the most interesting part of the song. But the jewel of the record is the sprawling “It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore,” that is epic in every sense of the word. “All of the gifts that they gave can’t compare in any way to the love I am now giving to you, right here, right now, on the floor” could be the greatest set of hysterically confident lyrics ever penned by Morrissey or anyone else. It’s a big kiss-off, and a warning to those that think everyone means all of the nice things they say to you on your birthday.

As a huge fan (did I mention that I LOVE Moz?) of Morrissey’s I am grateful that he is still such an important figure in music and that his art is still able to attract a whole new legion of crazy fans. This album proves once again that Morrissey can not only rock still, but he can still articulate what so many people feel while keeping his charm and off kilter sarcasm in tact. For fans this album is another pitch perfect example of Morrissey’s talents, for those who are just now getting into his stuff, this is a fabulous addition to his discography.

LISTEN TO SONGS FROM “YEARS OF REFUSAL” BELOW!

L7 - “PRETEND DEAD” (1991)

LUCAS - “LUCAS WITH THE LID OFF” (1994)

LIVE - “OPERATION SPIRIT” (1991)

CANDLEBOX - “FAR BEHIND” (1990)

Daniel Merriweather’s 2007 collaboration with Mark Ronson (a version of The Smiths’ “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before”), had huge commercial success in the UK where it was released as the lead-off single for Ronson’s album “Version” (reaching #2) and mild success as a dance track here in the USA.

Daniel has completed what will be his first commercially released album “Love and War” and the first single titled “Change” is already climbing the UK charts as I write these words. I am an instant fan of Daniel’s and this spankin’ new funky track and music video that has not been released here in the states yet. I had no idea he was so freakin’ adorable, and man that white boy can sing!

DANIEL MERRIWEATHER & MARK RONSON @ THE MTV EUROPEAN MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

“CORALINE”

*** 1/2 STARS

MOVIE SYNOPSIS:
Adapted from the Hugo Award-winning, internationally best-selling novel, “Coraline” is a spine-tingling tale about a curious girl who unlocks a mysterious door in her family’s new home and enters into an adventure in a parallel reality. On the surface, this “Other World” eerily mimics her own life - though it is much more fantastical. In it, Coraline encounters different versions of her own life, including off-kilter neighbors and an Other Mother who attempts to keep her forever. Ultimately, Coraline must rely on her resourcefulness, determination and bravery to get back home.

As a fan of stop motion animated films such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Chicken Run” and “James and the Giant Peach” I could hardly wait to see Henry Selick’s newest film treat on the big screen. I am glad that I went into this film not knowing a single thing about the plot or characters. “Coraline” is an instant family classic chock full of originality, clever story telling and eye popping imagery that surprised the socks off of me with it’s twisted tone and dark humor.

This is not your average kiddie film with cutesy talking animals and Disney sing-a-long songs; “Coraline” provides some truly creepy images and tense moments towards its climax. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of the screen, every moody scene and fanciful image in this film crackles with originality and complex details. You notice right away that all of the clothing is hand stitched and the backgrounds and props have been meticulously created. I can already tell that I will need to see this movie more than once to appreciate all of the work that went into creating this intensely dark bedtime story. This movie is a “must see” on the big screen, in fact I plan on seeing this kooky treat aain but this time in 3D!

“DEFIANCE”

* 1/2 STARS

MOVIE SYNOPSIS:
“Defiance” is set in the eastern regions of German Nazi-occupied Poland (now western Belarus) during World War II, the film is an adaptation of Nechama Tec’s “Defiance: The Bielski Partisans”, which is based on a true story. Tec’s book told how Polish Jews came together for common protection and to oppose the German occupation of their homeland. “Defiance” stars Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell, and George MacKay as four Jewish brothers from Poland who escaped the Nazi persecution and fought back to rescue fellow Jews.

“Defiance” wants to be as moving and important as “Schindler’s List” but it can’t get past it’s glitzy Hollywood direction and “paint by numbers” script. Daniel Craig does a fine job as a defiant Jewish rebel but the amounts of flaws that are in this film outweigh anything worth recommending. This lavish war film suffers from too much Hollywood storytelling and doesn’t show enough true human emotions.

What was really hard for me to do was get past the terrible Russian accents to truly enjoy the film even as an action thriller. There were too many cheesy plot devices and unrealistic characters for me to believe that this story was based on something that actually took place. About a quarter of the way through I was comparing this film to the cheesy 80’s classic “Red Dawn”, that’s how bad it was. I say skip this film altogether!