tv GEEK recaps Modern Family’s “The Musical Man”
This guy is awesome. I appreciate his tangential trains of thought and his broad scope of TV appreciation. Also he sings the El Pollo Loco jingle - something I can’t not do either.
Head over to tvgeekshow to check out a few more reviews and then follow it so you don’t miss the new ones. So far he’s stuck to sitcoms, but hopefully maybe he’ll move into some hour long drama reviews as well.
(via walpaper)
HANNA
Simply put, I fucking loved this film. I thought newcomer Seth Lochhead’s story was entertaining from start to finish, aided by David Farr in the screenplay phase. Hanna was interesting, action-packed, and surprisingly funny. Given director Joe Wright’s previous work (The Soloist, Pride & Prejudice, Atonement) I was prepared for good dramatic elements but he surprised with a great eye for action. Saoirse Ronan was phenomenal in the title role backed by Eric Bana and the always fantastic Cate Blanchett.
Behind the lens, Alwin Kuchler (Sunshine, Solitary Man) composed some beautiful shots which were assembled by editor Paul Tothill. But the real stars of Hanna were composers The Chemical Brothers and the whole sound department (designers Christopher Scarabosio and Craig Berkey, mixer Roland Winke to name a few). You should really see this in a good, loud theater if for no other reason than to have the opportunity to fully appreciate the art of sound in this film.
If you were thinking about seeing Hanna, I say do it. If you’ve never even heard of it (as I hadn’t until exactly one week ago) check out the trailers to get an idea. It opens next Friday, April 8.
There’s a remarkable sustained energy to this collection; its electronic textures thrum and shimmy, and wall after sonic wall is built up and torn down with impeccable precision. But there’s an odd tension throughout; Murphy sounds both all-in and like he’s keeping one eye on the exit—in no small part, surely, because he intends this album to be LCD Soundsystem’s last.
AVATAR review (short version):
It was actually very enjoyable & kind of awesome.
TL;DR version to come later.
“Your English Is Good” by Tokyo Police Club
Went to the Mint this early evening for an ASCAP showcase of Tokyo Police Club. I’m really glad I went - both because free live music with open bar and passed h’ordoueves is awesome - but also because it gave me a new appreciation for them.
I’ve had their EP for awhile and I spin it sometimes… just finally bought the LP after it sadly never came across my desk at work… but seeing them live made me realize a lot that i missed on unfocused listens to their recordings:
- every note or drum hit is very planned and intentional.
- they don’t have any typical structure.
- there are only 4 members of the band even when it sounds like 8.
- the keyboardist makes a lot of cool sounds. and is intense.
- the drummer has a 6-piece kit, including his 3 cymbals, and he never plays the same beat twice.
- they love the tambourine and they take turns playing it live.
- they also love hand claps and “hey!”s
- the guitarist doesn’t use power chords. ever.
- they are like 18 years old.
- they are from canada.
- they have a lot of energy live.
- they have great timing all around.
- they love to add and remove musical elements, to good effect.
Now, enjoy a track from their newest effort Elephant Shell which I think is a good reflection of many of my observations from the showcase.
Low Vs. Diamond - Low Vs. Diamond (2008)
After having followed the boys of LVD (once 1984, then Colored Shadows) for a couple years now, i must say they have grown so much and really come into a great sound. Though I am still in love with some of their first songs like “Rose Colour” and “Eyes” which are a little more atmospheric and spacey and moody, their more refined sound with more straight forward rock and higher energy really delivers. Due in part to the addition of newest (but at this point by no means new) members Anthony (lead guitar) and Jon (bass), the band is still rooted in the vision of founding members Lucas (vocals, guitar), Tad (keys), and Howie (drums).
Their debut LP released April 1st as a part of iTunes’ “Next Big Thing” with hard copies of the disc due in stores May 13th on Epic Records. A few songs had been previously released as parts of EPs and a single including “Heart Attack,” “This Is Your Life,” and “I’ll Be.” I honestly love all 11 tracks on “Low Vs. Diamond” making it an album to listen to from start to finish. But my favorite two tracks, which come back to back, are “Cinematic Tonight / Interlude” and “Actions are Actions.” The latter is a song written about Lucas’ brother; my first introduction to the song was at one of their free shows at the Viper Room. They closed a great set with it, pointing out Lucas’ brother in attendance. It was a great introduction to the song.
Low Vs Diamond are a band who can record a solid disc as well as put on a great live show. So please, after you pay for the record on iTunes, look for their next show and go see ‘em. You won’t be disappointed… and do it fast while they still play small intimate shows — because before you know it, they’ll blow up and be drawing major audiences to large venues (that’s not a bad thing! I’m not one of those fans who flips one day from loving them to resenting their popularity!)
© 2008, Andrew J Richards
